HINDU TEMPLES OF INDIA

SIDDHARA BETTA NEAR TUMKUR

2011-04-19T19:40:00.000+05:30

SIDDARA BETTA
Siddara Betta near Tumkur is a preferred spot for caving.There is even a temple located inside a cave,right at the top of the hill.There are climbs and descents which make the entire trip enjoyable,one also needs to be prepared to get elbows and knees dirty as well.However one can clean up with a bath in herbal water,which is believed to possess medicinal qualities and has curative powers .The water has to be purchased,it is sold by the bucket.Surprisingly, explorers emerge dry from the cave despite the bath.

GOPALASWAMY BETTA GUNDLUPET-MYSORE

2011-04-06T16:44:00.001+05:30

The Gopalaswamy temple was built by king Chola Ballala during AD 1315.A lake is situated near the temple and is popularly called Hamsatirtha.It lies in the core area of the Bandipur National park and is frequented by wildlife including elephants.The place is also known for its picturesque views of the surrounding hills and valleys.Tourists are allowed in the hills only between 6 am to 5pm.Overnight stay is not allowed.There is a forest department guest house on the top of the hill,which can be reserved in advanced through the forest office in Mysore or Bandipur.The hill is located in Chamarajanagar district,70 km away from Mysore,at a height of 1454 km from the sea level
Nearby places are Nanjungud,Mysore,Ooty
our reader Praveen ram writes

Dearsir please correct the information in your blog about the timing entry is permitted between 8.30 Am to 4.30 Pm only apart ffrom religious significance it also an vital wildlife habitat

Regards
praveen ram

KARANJI ANJANEYA TEMPLE BASAVANGUDI BANGALORE

2011-01-21T20:49:00.001+05:30

KARANJI ANJANEYA TEMPLE BASAVANGUDI BANGALORE

Renuka yellamma temple, mahboobnagar, A.P

2010-12-12T14:10:00.002+05:30

Renuka yellamma temple, mahaboobnagar, andhrapradesh.

Its a small temple in mahboobnagar town, near hyderabad (90)kms,
The main deity is yellamma,,
but the interesting thing in this temple is a Tree in front of the main deity,
which has 4 four different types of tree in one single place,
which is a very unique kind, just seen here only

ASTHALAKSHMI TEMPLE, HYDERABAD

2010-12-12T14:03:00.002+05:30

ASTHALAKSHMI TEMPLE,HYDERABAD.

The temple is recently renovated and is being looked after by the kanchi kamakoti peetam of kanchipuram,
as the name suggests it is a lakshmi temple which houses the 8 different types of lakshmi.
The main idol is of the lord narayan and lakshmi.
This temple is on the way to ramoji film city in hyderabad

PURI JAGANNATH TEMPLE, HYDERABAD

2010-12-12T13:57:00.002+05:30

PURI JAGANNATH TEMPLE, HYDERABAD.

The temple is built on the lines of the famous jagannath temple of PURI in orissa,
even the main deity is done with wood as like in puri.

It also has other dieties like, shiv, lakshmi, ganesh, hanuman, and others.
It is beautifully built and is a new temple.
But will become one of the must visit temple of Hyderabad in the years to come.

PEDDAMMA TEMPLE, HYDERABAD

2010-12-12T13:52:00.002+05:30

PEDDAMMA TEMPLE, HYDERABAD
This temple is a very famous one in hyderabad,
Even the chiefminister, and other ministers come and take the blessings of the divine mother before taking on the mantle of leadership,
A very powerful Diety.

BIRLA MANDIR HYDERABAD

2010-12-12T13:34:00.003+05:30

This temple is in the heart of the city hyderabad, and is a must see,
The temple has a main deity of lord Venkateshwara.
and other gods are shirdi saibaba, hanuman, ganesh, etc.,
The view from the top of this small hill is really spectacular.

THIRIVUDANDAI TEMPLE, MAHABALIPURAM

2010-06-15T18:52:00.003+05:30

THIRIVUDANDAI TEMPLE, MAHABALIPURAM

This is one of the 108 divya desam temples of lord vishnu, and is situated around 25kms on the way to mahabalipuram from chennai
here there is a saying that those who are getting obstacles in marriage, they can visit this temple and request for a mala for marriage
and then their marriage will definetely will be over within 1 year.

STHALA PERUMAL TEMPLE, MAHABALIPURAM

2010-06-15T18:46:00.002+05:30

STHALA PERUMAL TEMPLE, MAHABALIPURAM

This temple is in mahabalipuram, near chennai or madras.
This is one of the 108 divyadesam temples of lord Vishnu

YOGA LAKSHMI NARASIMHA TEMPLE DEVARAYANADURGA

2010-04-24T19:09:00.001+05:30

YOGA LAKSHMI NARASIMHA TEMPLE DEVARAYANADURGA

BHOGA LAKSHMINARASIMHA TEMPLE DEVARAYANADURGA

2010-04-24T19:06:00.002+05:30

BASAVANA BAGEWADI, BIJAPUR

2009-12-30T20:52:00.003+05:30

YALAGUR Anjaneya (hanuman) TEMPLE

2009-12-30T20:45:00.002+05:30

TORAVI LAXMI NARASIMHA TEMPLE

2009-12-30T20:22:00.004+05:30

This temple is very near to Bijapur
contact; sri Vadirajacharya K. Pujar,
archakaru,
mob; 9880244648
landline; 08352-229186
08352-699532

,

KUDALASANGAMA, Bagalkot

2009-11-20T21:06:00.003+05:30

SRI LAKSHMINARASIMHA TEMPLE KADIRI

2009-11-20T20:58:00.001+05:30

TEMPLES FOR YOUR BIRTH RASI

2009-10-27T20:17:00.002+05:30

TEMPLES FOR YOUR BIRTH RASHI

Mesha Rashi : Rameswaram Ramanathaswamy Temple

House : Aries ( Mesha Rashi )Lord of the House : KujaBest Day to Visit the Temple : TuesdayPeople's whose star sign is Aries ( Mesha Rashi ) have to visit Rameswaram Ramanathaswamy Temple in Tamil Nadu twice in an year or atleast once in an year.

Vrishaba Rashi : Tirupati Balaji Temple

House : Taurus ( Vrishabha Rashi )Lord of the House : SukraBest Day to Visit the Temple : Monday or FridayPeople's whose star sign is Taurus ( Vrishaba Rashi ) have to visit Tirupati Balaji Temple in Andhra Pradesh twice in an year or atleast once in...

Mithuna Rashi : Arulmigu Dandayudhapani Swami Temple - Palani

House : Gemini ( Mithuna Rashi )Lord of the House : BuddhaBest Day to Visit the Temple : WednesdayPeople's whose star sign is Gemini ( Mithuna Rashi ) have to visit Arulmigu Dandayudhapani Swami Devasthanam - Palani in Tamil Nadu twice in an year or ...

Karkata Rashi : Nandanar Kovil in Rameswaram Ramanathaswamy Temple
House : Cancer ( Karkata Rashi )Lord of the House : ChandraBest Day to Visit the Temple : MondayPeople's whose star sign is Cancer ( Karkata Rashi ) have to visit Nandanar Kovil in Rameswaram Ramanathaswamy Temple in Tamil Nadu twice in an year or at...

Simha Rashi : Vaanchinathar Temple - Tiruvaanchiyam (Srivanchiyam)

House : Leo ( Simha Rashi )Lord of the House : SuryaBest Day to Visit the Temple : SundayPeople's whose star sign is Leo ( Simha Rashi ) have to visit Vaanchinathar Temple - Tiruvaanchiyam (Srivanchiyam) in Tamil Nadu twice in an year or atleast once...

Kanya Rashi : Thirukalikundram Veadagireswarar Temple

House : Virgo ( Kanya Rashi )Lord of the House : BuddhaBest Day to Visit the Temple : WednesdayPeople's whose star sign is Virgo ( Kanya Rashi ) have to visit Thirukalikundram Veadagireswarar Temple (Kancheepuram District) in Tamil Nadu twice in an y...

Tula Rashi : Subramanya Swami Temple - Tiruttani

House : Libra ( Tula Rashi )Lord of the House : SukraBest Day to Visit the Temple : Friday EveningPeople's whose star sign is Libra ( Tula Rashi ) have to visit Subramanya Swami Temple - Tiruttani in Tamil Nadu twice in an year or atleast once in an ...

Vrischika Rashi : Ekambareswarar Temple - Kanchipuram

House : Scorpio ( Vrischika Rashi )Lord of the House : KujaBest Day to Visit the Temple : TuesdayPeople's whose star sign is Scorpio ( Vrischika Rashi ) have to visit Ekambareswarar Temple - Kanchipuram in Tamil Nadu twice in an year or atleast once ..

Dhanu Rashi : Sri Mayuranathar Temple - Mayiladuthurai

House : Sagittarius ( Dhanu Rashi )Lord of the House : GuruBest Day to Visit the Temple : ThursdayPeople's whose star sign is Sagittarius ( Dhanu Rashi ) have to visit Sri Mayuranathar Temple - Mayiladuthurai in Tamil Nadu twice in an year or atleast..

Makara Rashi : Natarajar Temple - ChidambaraM

House : Capricorn ( Makara Rashi )Lord of the House : SaniBest Day to Visit the Temple : SaturdayPeople's whose star sign is Capricorn ( Makara Rashi ) have to visit Natarajar Temple - Chidambaram in Tamil Nadu twice in an year or atleast once in an ...

Kumbha Rashi : Devipattinam

House : Aquarius ( Kumbha Rashi )Lord of the House : SaniBest Day to Visit the Temple : SaturdayPeople's whose star sign is Aquarius ( Kumbha Rashi ) have to visit Devipattinam in Tamil Nadu twice in an year or atleast once in an year. Should stay ...

Meena Rashi : Vaitheeswaran Temple - Chidambaram

House : Pisces ( Kumbha Rashi )Lord of the House : GuruBest Day to Visit the Temple : ThursdayPeople's whose star sign is Pisces ( Kumbha Rashi ) have to visit Vaitheeswaran Temple in Tamil Nadu twice in an year or atleast once in an year. Should sta...

For People who doesn't know their Rashi & Nakshatra have to visit Sri Sarabeswarar Temple – Thirubhuvanam in Tamil Nadu twice in an year or atleast once in an year. Should stay in the temple or premises for two and half hours.

PADUBIDRI

2009-10-27T17:00:00.000+05:30

Padubidri Brahmasthana
Padubidri Brahmasthana, one of the most sacred places in the South Kanara region, is very close to Mangalore city. Amidst a dense forest the deity 'Khadgeshwari' or so called goddess Vanadurga resides. Dakkebali held once in every two years is one of the major events held in this region. Dakke, a small instrument, made of bronze and leather, is first placed in the holy place and then played
by the possessed pathri moving spherically. Devotees carry their offerings, called 'Pude' in Tulu language, from the famous Padubidri Maha Ganapathi temple to the Brahmasthana, in a long procession, spanning more than a Kilometer.
This kind of a bi-annual worship is held during the certain nights starting from usually 14th January to 2nd week of March, except during the year when ' Paryaya Utsava' at Udupi is held. People who come to view this kind of an event are served with tasty and traditional food. During 'Naga Mandala' if any of the attendees goes back to their places with some kind of dissatisfaction over the event, then the entire event is believed to be fruitless for those persons.This ritual always starts in the night and continues till dawn. At the end, the entire decoration around is pulled apart and everything on it, including tender coconut, flowers, fruits are offered to all the crowded devotees.
Dakkebali and Nagamandala celebration indicates a divine union of male and female Serpents. This is believed to make these snake gods happy and shower blessings to the people who conduct it.

CHICKA TIRUPATHI, MALUR, BANGALORE

2009-09-07T17:47:00.003+05:30

Chikka Thirupathi

Sri Prasanna Venkateshwara Temple

Sri Prasanna Venkateshwara Temple situated in Chikka Thirupathi place in between Bangalore and Malur in Kolar District and it is 40 Km from Bangalore.

The Sthala Puranams says that It is said that the main idol of Lord Prasanna Venkateshwara was installed by Lord Agni the god of fire. The temple is linked to the great epic Mahabharata's Kandava Dhana Kandam, at the end of Dwaparayuga Lord Agni developed severe stomach problems and indigestion after accepting "Havis" (offerings) from the various yagnas performed during those days. He then went to the Arjuna and Lord Sri Krishna for a solution.

Arjuna suggested that Lord Agni take advantage of the medicinal herbs present in the Kandava forest by eating it whole. Lord Agni did so and during the burning both Arjuna and Krishna guarded the forest so that no one could stop the forest fire. But unfortunately the King of snakes Takhsaka who was trapped in the forest got injured in the fire. An angry Takhsaka cursed Agni and therefore he lost his tejas (brightness).

Lord Agni then approached Lord Shiva from help. Shiva advised that he pray and invoke Lord Vishnu's blessings. As advised by Lord Shiva Agni prayed Lord Vishnu. And our Abhadbhandava Lord Vishnu was able to free him from the curse. A grateful Agni then did the Prathistai of the idol named Prasanna Venkateshwara and built a temple for the Bhagvan The main idol is made from Krishna shila (black rock), about three-and-a-half feet tall and is perched on padma peetam Here i remember a Tamil Proverb the Moorthy Serithu analum Keerthi Perithu that means Even thought the moorthy is small but its fame is great.

There are two unique features of this temple one is that the right hand of the lord is held in an upward mudra called ‘abhay hasta’ while the hand of the Lord in Tirumala is in a downward mudra called ‘Vaikuntha hasta.’ At Chikka Tirupathi the lord is standing with his consort Sri Devi and Bhoo Devi, and there are no separate sanidhi for Goddess Padmavati. The second unique feature is during the Rathotsava a seventy-feet tall wooden chariot is made every year. This similar system exists only in Jagannatha Temple situated at Puri in Orissa

Since the place is considered as an alternative to Tirupathi Thimmappa , the ritual of tonsuring the heads among the devotees is also held here and similar festivals are celebrated. The Brahmotsava or the annual festival is held in large scale as it is held in at Tirupathi. Similarly Rathotsava, Puspapalakki, Ashwavahana and Rathasaptami festivals are celebrated here. The Navaratri, Vaikunta Ekadasi and Dhanumasa are the other major festivals celebrated.

Inscriptions says that a Chola king named Janmajaya also visited the temple in 11th century.

To visit the temple one has to take the road to go to Airport , then to Marthahalli then Hope Farm cross near Whitefield and take a right turn at Channasandra ( Famous land mark is M V J College of Engineering) . Channasandra is on NH-207. One then has to travel toward Saniatamallasandra, Ettukodi and Kalkunte Agrahara to reach Chikka Tirupathi.

The Temple Timings are Daily Morning 8.00 Am to 12.00 Pm and Evening 5.30 Pm to 8.30 Pm.

Please contact anyone of the following for the sevas listed above.

Sri G Narasimha Murthy Bhattar,
Sri Prasanna Venkateshwara Temple
Chikka Thirupathi , Pin : 563 156 Kolar District,
Karnataka India

The temple's address is:
Sri Prasanna Venkateshwara Temple
Chikka Thirupathi , Pin : 563 156 Kolar District,
Karnataka India

Sri G Narasimha Murthy Bhattar Tel + 091 08151 238467 may be contacted here. If any Seva is to be conducted, a week's time should suffice to make arrangements.

SHRI TILBHANDESHWAR MAHADEV TEMPLE, KASHI

2009-09-01T20:04:00.001+05:30

Jagrit Temple "Shri TilBhandeshwar Mahadev" Kashi
Kashi,the oldest living city on this planet, the city is having many 'Jagrit' (live) temples where one can realise the power supreme.
Shri Tilbhandeshwar Mahadev is one of the many Jagrit temples of Kashi.The temle is situated at Pandey Haveli,near Bhelupur,Varanasi.
This is a temple of Lord Shiv.The Shiv Lingam of this temple is said to be shvambhu i.e. emerge by itself.
The Shiv Linga is said to emerge 2500 years ago.
It is mentioned in Shri Shiv Puran about the Shri Tilbhandeshwar Mahadev.The ShivLingam is said to increase by size of a 'til'.
This fact is proven scientifically and it is a miracle which can be seen by the eyes.Presently the visible part of the Shiv Ling is almost 3.5 ft. and the diameter of the base would be around 3 ft. (approx).
The exact height of whole Shiv Lingam is not known bt it must be around20 ft
There is a special silence in the temple unlike other temples ther is no 'panda' system so one can go to main GarbhGriah where the Shiv Ling is offer Jal and can sit and meditate in the feets of Lord.
Just go there aur BABA k charno me sir rakh do and feel the Power Supreme.....
Har Har Mahadev !!
Daily the Shringar is done after 3:30 pm and special shringar is done on every Monday which is a real beautiful thing to see and everyday around 10 am & 7PM the bhog and aarti is done .
The real delighment which can be felt there can't be expressed in words!!

SURENDRAPURI MYTHOLOGICAL MUSEUM, HYDERABAD

2009-08-30T20:53:00.002+05:30

A NEW TEMPLE MUSEUM COMPLEX RECENTLY BUILT

THEERTHAMS (WELLS) OF RAMESHWARAM

2009-08-25T17:27:00.002+05:30

Chakra Tīrtham Tirupullāni(Darbhaśayanam) Large Pond
Vetāla Varada Tīrtham south of Chakra Tirtham of Tirupullani
Pāpa Vināśa Tīrtham Gandhamādhana
Sītā Kuṇḍam near Thangachimadam Not accessible due to new habitation.
Maṅgala Tīrtham near Ekānta Rāma Temple Large Pond
Amṛta Vāpī near Ekānta Rāma Temple Well
Brahma Kuṇḍam
Hanūmān Kuṇḍam North of Rāmanāthasvāmī Temple Large Pond
Agastya Tīrtham North-east of Rāmanāthasvāmī Temple Small Pond
Lakṣmaṇa Tīrtham West of Rāmanāthasvāmī Temple beside the highway Large Pond
Jaḍa Tīrtham On the way to Dhanushkodi Large Pond
Lakṣmī Tīrtham Inside Rāmanāthasvāmī Temple Well
Agni Tīrtham Beach east of Rāmanāthasvāmī Temple Sea
Cakra Tīrtham of Ramanathaswamy Temple Inside Rāmanāthasvāmī Temple Well
Śiva Tīrtham Inside Rāmanāthasvāmī Temple Well
Śaṅkha Tīrtham Inside Rāmanāthasvāmī Temple Well
Yamunā Tīrtham Inside Rāmanāthasvāmī Temple Well
Gaṅgā Tīrtham Inside Rāmanāthasvāmī Temple Well
Gayā Tīrtham Inside Rāmanāthasvāmī Temple Well
Koṭi Tīrtham Inside Rāmanāthasvāmī Temple Well
Sādhyāmṛta Tīrtham Inside Rāmanāthasvāmī Temple Well
Mānasā Tīrtham
Dhanuṣkoḍī Tīrtham Dhanushkodi Sea
Nāga Tīrtham North-east of Rāmanāthasvāmī Temple Small Pond
Nakula Tīrtham On the way to Gandhamadana Small Pond
Sahadeva Tīrtham On the way to Gandhamadana Small Pond
Draupadī Tīrtham On the way to Gandhamadana Small Pond
Bhīma Tīrtham On the way to Gandhamadana Small Pond
Arjuna Tīrtham On the way to Gandhamadana Small Pond
Jāmbava Tīrtham Well
Aṅgada Tīrtham Well
Sugrīva Tīrtham On the way to Gandhamadana Large Pond
Rāma Tīrtham West of Rāmanāthasvāmī Temple beside the highway Large Pond
Sītā Tīrtham West of Rāmanāthasvāmī Temple beside the highway Small Pond
Ṛṇa Vimocana Tīrtham near Ekaanta Rama Temple Large Pond
Villundi Tīrtham near Thangachimadam Well In the middle of the ocean, a few metres away from the beach
Kapi Tīrtham Paamban
Bhairava Tīrtham Paamban
Amṛta Tīrtham On the way to Gandhamadana
Dharma Tīrtham
Gandhamādana Tīrtham
Pancha Pandava Tirtham near Ekaanta Rama Temple
Vaali Tirtham
Gaja Tirtham
Kumuda Tirtham
Saarada Tirtham
Parasurama Tirtham
Sarva Tīrtham Inside Rāmanāthasvāmī Temple Well
Candra Tīrtham Inside Rāmanāthasvāmī Temple Well
Sūrya Tīrtham Inside Rāmanāthasvāmī Temple Well
Brahmahatti Vimochana Tīrtham Inside Rāmanāthasvāmī Temple Well
Mādhava Tīrtham Inside Rāmanāthasvāmī Temple Well
Nala Tīrtham Inside Rāmanāthasvāmī Temple Well
Nīla Tīrtham Inside Rāmanāthasvāmī Temple Well
Gavaya Tīrtham Inside Rāmanāthasvāmī Temple Well
Gavākṣa Tīrtham Inside Rāmanāthasvāmī Temple Well
Gandhamādana Tīrtham Inside Rāmanāthasvāmī Temple Well
Sāvitrī Tīrtham Inside Rāmanāthasvāmī Temple Well
Sarasvatī Tīrtham Inside Rāmanāthasvāmī Temple Well
Gāyatrī Tīrtham Inside Rāmanāthasvāmī Temple Well

DWARKA

2009-08-24T13:23:00.001+05:30

DWARKA;
LORD KRISHNA'S PLACE.,
ONE OF THE SAPTHA KSHETRAS,
Ayodya, mathura, maya, kashi, kanchi, avanthika, puri and dwarka,
ONE OF THE CHAR DHAMS,
ONE OF THE PEETHAS OF SHANKARCHARYA.,
GOMATHI SAROVARA, THE PLACE TO HAVE BATH,

SIDDHAPUR (MATRUGAYA)

2009-08-24T13:21:00.000+05:30

SIDDHAPUR (BINDU SAROVAR)/ MATRUGAYA:
THIS PLACE IS ON THE BANKS OF RIVER SARASWATHI.
THE PLACE IS FAMOUS FOR THE SHRAD OF MOTHER (PITRU SHRAD IS IN GAYA,BIHAR)
PARASHAURAMA HAD KILLED HIS MOTHER AND IN THIS PLACE HE DID TARPAN OF HIS MOTHER TO RELIEVE HIM OF HIS MATRU SHAAP.
THERE ARE MANY TEMPLE IN THE AREA, PROMINENT AMONG THEM ARE SIDDESHWAR MAHADEV
THIS PLACE IS AROUND 150 KMS FROM AHMEDABAD

SOMNATH - GUJARAT

2009-08-24T13:18:00.001+05:30

SOMNATH;
THE FIRST JYOTHIRLINGA OF THE 12. (91KMS FROM JUNAGAD)
STHAPANE BY CHANDRA, IT IS IN THE CONFLUENCE OF THREE RIVERS, KAPILA,SARASWATI AND HIRANYA, BATHING HERE IS IMPORTANT.
THE MAIN LINGA IS A GOOD 20 STEPS DOWN IN THE TEMPLE. HISTORY HAS IT THAT GHAZANI TRIED TO PLUNDER IT, AND THEN THE PEOPLE OF THE AREA HID IT INSIDE THE GROUND.
ONE MORE LINGA IS ABOVE THAT.
IN1783 INDORE RANI AHALYABAI HOLKAR REBUILT THIS TEMPLE AFTER SHE HAD A DREAM WHEREIN LORD HIMSELF TOLD HER THE PLACE WHERE HE WAS HID, AND ASKED HER TO BUILD A TEMPLE.
LATER ON SARDAR VALLABBHAI PATEL REBUILT THIS TO ITS PRESENT STATE.

NEARBY PLACES:
BHALAK THIRTH; 6KMS FROM SOMNATH,
IN THIS PLACE, THERE IS ONE PEEPAL TREE, AND THIS IS THE TREE WHEREIN LORD KRISHNA WAS TAKING REST. AND A HUNTER HIT HIS TOE WITH AN ARROW. AND THE LORD LEFT THIS WORLD HERE.
HENCE TAKING A ROUND OF THE TREE IS BELIEVED TO RELIEVE MAN OF HIS REBIRTHS.

KAILASAGIRI TEMPLE

2009-06-23T20:13:00.007+05:30

KAILASAGIRI TEMPLE;
This place is famous for the newly man made cave temple.
This place is about 70kms from bangalore.
It is 7 kms from chintamani.
The main idol of shiva is 5 faced, which itself attracts many people to it.
Other gods are Ganapathi and Bhavani.
You can visit this place when u visit Kaivara.

SRI LAKSHMI NARASIMHA TEMPLE, KADIRI

2009-05-30T19:45:00.002+05:30

KADIRI LAKSHMI NARASIMHA TEMPLE.
THIS TEMPLE IS ABOUT 90KMS FROM ANANTHPUR IN ANDHRAPRADESH,

Lord Narasimha at Kadiri is swayambhu emerging from the roots of Khadri tree. The Moolavirat is that of Ashta Bahu Narasimha (having eight hands) cleaving Hiranyakasipu and transforming into a more protecting persona with Prahlada standing beside him with folded hands. Astonishingly, after the daily abhishekham is performed, the Murthy of the Lord oozes sweat even after being repeatedly wiped off by the Archakas here.
A famous event carried out every year is the Rathothsavam (Car Festival), on this holy day, a huge Rath (Chariot) with the Lord Lakshmi Narasimha's idol on it is pulled by hundreds of devotees are watched by thousands of people.
nearby places are puttaparthi, tadpatri etc.

KOLHAPUR MAHALAXMI TEMPLE

2009-05-26T19:58:00.003+05:30

KOLHAPUR MAHALAXMI TEMPLE.

The puranas, have listed 108 sites where Shakti (the goddess of power) is manifested. Amongst these, the Karveer area (the area where the present town of Kolhapur is located), is of special significance. This is one of the six abodes of Shakti, where one can achieve both fulfillment of desires as well as salvation from them. It is therefore considered to be of greater significance than Uttar Kashi. Shri Mahalakshmi is the consort of Shri Vishnu and it is said that they both reside in the Karveer area.

Mahalaxmi is mentioned in many Puranas. The idol of the Devi is made of precious stone, weighing about 40 Kgs. It contains mater mixed with Hirak bits. This throws lighton its ancientness. The form resembles the out-side of Shiva-Ling. It is standing on a stone square, in which Hirak & Sand are found. A lion stands behind. At the middle, there is a natural "Padma-Ragini" (Lotus). The idol is four handed bearing a cane sword & shield. Down the right hand holds "Mhalung" (A kind of fruit) and the left holds dish of "Pan". There is a crown on head, which is overshadowed by Sheshani (Mythological Cobra with hood, the bed of lord Vishnu). According to research it is 5-6 thousand years old.

The main idol is significant as it is one of the very few gods which face West.

The 'Aarati' ritual is most important. Daily at 4-30 a.m. when the Mandir is opened, Aarati is performed. This is called 'Kakadarati.'

At 8-30 a.m. Mahapooja occurs followed by 'Mangalarati.' At 11-30 a.m., worship with fragrant flowers & Kumkum is done for the devotees camphor is burnt and 'Naivedya' (Rich dishes) is offered. Then there is 'Pooja' with ornaments. In the interior of the Mandir, Vedic hymns are chanted. After 7-30 p.m., after ringing of bells, 'Aarati' is done. This is called 'Bhog -Arati.'

Every Friday, 'Naivedya' is offered to the Devi at night. After Aarati, ornarnents are taken off and returned to the treasury.
Shejarati' is done at 10 p.m., when milk with sugar is offered. Aarati is done in the bedroom and 'Nidra Vida' song is sung. Then the daily routine is closed along with main & sub gate. Thus Aarati is done 5 times daily. Mahakali, Matuling, Shree yantra, Maha Ganapati, Maha Saraswati are also offered Aarati &. Naidedya.

Aarati. Akarati, Pancharati, Kapurarti are different Aaratis used of which 2 are silver and the last is brass. Besides these Aratis in the Mandir an extra one is done at the festivals like Tryarnbuli Fair, Rathosava, Ashtami Jagar, Eclipse, Gokul Ashtami, Kiranotsava etc.. In the month of Kartik from Deepavali to Purnirna festival is celebrated. It is worth seeing as thousands of ladies and gentlemen attend it.

SRI DATTA MANDIR, DEVGARH

2009-05-04T17:34:00.005+05:30

THIS TEMPLE ON THE WAY TO AURANGABAD IS ONE OF ITS KIND.
IT HAS VERY BIG LAWNS AND THE TEMPLE IS RECENTLY REBUILT WITH BEAUTIFUL CARVINGS ETC.,
IT HAS ROOMS FOR REST AND FOOD IS ALSO SERVED

ELEPHANTA CAVES

2009-04-28T19:25:00.000+05:30

ELEPHANTA CAVES

Think of Mumbai and the first few images that come to your mind are commercial capital, sky scrapers, bollywood and even underworld. What is little known is that has a rich heritage of architecture located in different parts of the city. Thus thereis Elephanta caves, Jogeshwari caves, Kanheri caves, Mahakali caves and Mandapeshwar caves. The most prominent of them all is the Elephanta caves, designated as UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1987.
Part of the romance of the Elephanta caves is the fact that it is located on an island, off the coast of Mumbai, and to reach it you have to take a ferry. As you travel on a boat , you can see the Mumbai skyline in the backdrop and the naval dockyard on the side. It is a refreshing change from the hectic Mumbai lifestyle and crowd.
The boat berths at a jetty called Raj Bunder. The caves are located about two kilometers from here. There is a mini-train service from jetty of the island to the steps leading to the caves, but you may as well skip it and walk. You have to climb 120 steps to reach the cave temples. The broad steps are cut in the stone hill and gradually incline to a height of about 200 metres.
There are`palanquin` carriers ,who can be hired to carry you up the hill. I witnessed pathetic sight of a fashionable well-fed lady being carried by four skinny men in a `palanquin` (arm chair).
The island, which approximately covers an area of seven kilometres in circumference, was originally called Gharapuri Island and was renamed Elephanta Island by the Portuguese, after they found a large stone elephant near the landing area of the island. This elephant collapsed in 1814 and the British subsequently moved it to Victoria Gardens, now known as Jijamata Udyan in Byculla, where it can be still be seen. Most of the statues in Elephanta caves were defaced by the Portuguese, who used the sculptures as target practice.
Once you reach the caves , you enter a world of the past. The caves are surrounded by greenery scampering monkeys. There are three caves or rock cut temples of which one is dedicated to Shiva. Others are of no particular interest except for their majestic exteriors. They were probably finished some time between 450 and 750 AD.
It seems, different dynasties held their sway over this island, namely, the Konkan-Mauryas, Trikutas, Chalukyas of Badami, Silaharas, Rashtrakutas, Kalyani Chalukyas, Yadavas of Deogiri, Muslim rulers of Ahmedabad and then by the Portuguese followed by the Marathas and then from them it passed into the control of the british.
The main Cave 1, dedicated to Shiva, comprises of a pillared hall in which there is a small shrine with four entrance doors flanked by guardians, dwarapalas.
Monumental panels depicting Shiva in myriad forms and legends from Shiva Purana. One shows Shiva bringing the Ganges River down the Earth, letting it trickle thro his matted hair. He is also depicted as yogishwara, lord of yogis, seated on a lotus, and as shiva nataraja, the many armed cosmic dancer. The central recess holds the most famous and remarkable 18ft sculpture of this period known as the Maheshmurthi, 3 headed bust hewn from a single rock representing the 3 aspects fo Shiva, the creator, the preserver and the destroyer.
Left of the Maheshmurthi is Shiva as both male and female, ardhanareshwara. At the 4 corners of the main mantapa are wall panels showing Shiva in many moods. Across the width of the hall is a representation of Kalyanasundaram, the marriage of Shiva with Parvathi.
Right across the mantapa is a scene from the domestic life of Shiva and Parvathi. The circular pedestal in the open courtyard marks the seat of Nandi, the vehicle of Shiva. The side cave has a small shrine and pradakshina path. An interesting panel in this cave is that of Astamatrikas, 8 mother godesess, flanked by karthikeya and Ganesha.
The sculputres of Elephanta, executed with great artistic skill, belong to a mediaval period which flourished during the gupta period. The Gupta epoch was marked by the renaiansance of arts in India and the cultural and religious ferval never equalled before. Hindus sculpture was at its peak in that period. The Elephanta sculptures, despite vandalism, is a tribute to this era.

BAPPANADU DURGAPARAMESHWARI- MANGALORE

2009-04-18T17:03:00.000+05:30

BAPPANADU DURGAPARAMESHWARI

The temple, 29km from mangalore, on the udupi-mangalore highway,and situated on the banks of the Shambhavi river, is an excellent symbol of communal harmony. A Hindu temple built bya Jain king, as per the wishes of a muslim merchant!
History has it that Bappa Beary was responsible for the construction of this temple. Locals have an interesting story to tell about this merchant. When the merchant was travelling across the Shambhavi, his boat came to an abrupt halt in the middle of the river. While examining the cause, he found blood spread over the river water and felt a deep sense of fear. Local myth has it that he was then ordained to construct a temple with the help of Mulki Sawantha (a Jain king) and get Baila Udupa (the priest) to perform a pooja to the deity. And so, the Bappanadu Kshetra came into being
Even today,the temple prasada of the very first day of the annual festival is sent to the houde of Bappa Beary.
The beating of the drum during annual festival is another key aspect. The bappanadu dolu is well known across the state

KAIVARA-

2009-04-09T17:08:00.000+05:30

Kaivara

Kaivara is located in the Chintamani Taluk of Kolar district in Karnataka. It is about 65 km from Bangalore. This place is historically significant. It is said that the Pandavas of the great Indian epic Mahabharata lived here during the exile in the forest (Vanavasa).Bheema, the brother of Dharmaraja, has established a temple dedicated to Lord Shiva ( Bheemalingeswara temple). Bheema is said to have killed the demon Bakasura inside a cave above the hills, in this place.Hence Cave-war might have become Kaivara.
During the Dwaparayuga this town was known as Ekachakrapura.

The reigning deity is Sri YogiNareyana, born as Narayanappa in 1726
Lived a fruitful life for 110 years before he passed away in 1836.
Popularly known as Kaivara Thatayya in Kannada & Telugu language.

An Ashram that is dedicated to this famous saint is a pilgrimage and every year many thousands of pilgrims visit this place. It is fast becoming a tourist spot now.

This very beautiful town is situated in a picturesque valley.

MAJOR ATTRACTIONS

Amaranarayana Temple: This is a beautiful temple dedicated to Lord Vishnu. This temple is famous for its architecture. The temple has four sculpted stone pillars with exquisitely carved designs. This constitutes the Navranga Mandapa. The idol here was installed by King Vishnuvardhana who belonged to the Hoysala dynasty.

Aranya Rama Temple: Close to the Amaranarayana is another small shrine dedicated to Lord Rama, where he resides with Sita devi and Lakshmana.

Bheemeswara Temple:This is on a small hillock, Mythology has it that Bheema killed the Rakshasa Bakasura when the Pandavas were in exile here thereby relieving the citizens of this place of a tyrant. To honor this deed a temple was built here for Bheema which is the Bheemeswara Temple.

Narayanappa Mutt: A mutt/ashram dedicated to the famous Telugu/Kannada composer and writer Narayanappa (1730-1840 AD). It is said that this saint was initially a bangle seller. There after he got his call and dedicated his life to sainthood writing and composing many literary works some of which are the famous ‘Amaranarayana Shathaka and ‘Kaalagnana’.

Yoganarasimha Swamy Temple: This temple is at a distance of about a kilometer from the Mutt, on a small hillock called Vaikunta. This is the place where Narayanappa was on meditation for over three years. The statue of Narayanappa is installed here. A magnificent prayer hall is within the precincts of the temple which is huge and boasts of an excellent view of the surrounding hills and valleys. This is an ideal place for meditation.
Other places of interest near Kaivara

Ambaji Durga Cave Temple (kailasagiri): This place is about 7 km from Kaivara and is quick drive from Kaivara.

Lord Venkateswara Temple, Alamgiri: This is also within a 10km radius of Kaivar.

This town is famous for the saint called Narayanappa or popularly known as Kaivara Thatayya in Kannada & Telugu.He lived here during the last half of eighteenth century and first half of nineteenth century. Thatayya was a bilingual poet. Narayanappa has written number of prophecies about forthcoming events Kaala Jnana.He has also written Keertanas (poems in praise of the Lord in different forms) in praise of Amara Narayanaswamy, the incarnation of Lord Vishnu, both in Kannada and Telugu languages. The Keertanas are comparable to those of famous Keertanakaras of Karnataka like Purandaradasa and Kanakadasa. He also appears to have influenced by the Vemana Kavi and VeeraBramhendra swamy of present Andhra pradesh and also Sarvajna of the present Karnataka.

One of his valuable writings is Bramhanandpuri Shataka in which he has explained all the nuances of Yoga in depth and detail.

There is one unique poem in which half of the each line is in Kannada and the other half in Telugu language. (The same has been sung by Sri Balamurali krishna, one of the famous and versatile musicians of the present times. The music cassettes sung by the renowned musician was the result of the great efforts put by the Late Sri M S Ramaiah, Educationist and philanthropist of Bangalore.)

There is an Ashram dedicated to the Thatayya. Kaivara has become a pilgrimage and a tourist place because of the cave in which Thatayya meditated and attained the supreme spiritual enlightenment. The Ashram, the cave, Amara Narayanaswamy temple, Vaikunta (temple) by the side of the cave and the hillock (on which Bheema supposed to have killed the Bakasura) are the places worth visiting.

The bonus point is the beautiful park maintained by the forest department of Karnataka.

Kaivara is an ideal place to visit during the weekend as it is very near to Bangalore, the capital of Karnataka. Free boarding (prasada)and well maintained low cost accommodation are available at Ashram.

Best Time to Visit: The best time to visit this place would be between January to March and June to September. In fact from Bangalore you could visit there over a weekend
getting there:

By Air: Bangalore airport is the nearest airport from where a taxi can be hired to travel the 30 odd kilometers to Kaivara.

By Rail: Many trains from all over India run to Bangalore. From Bangalore a taxi or any other road transportation can be hired to go to Kaivara.

By Road: National Highways - NH4, NH7, NH212 and NH48 converge on Bangalore. Kolar where Kaivara is situated lies on NH4 to the East of Bangalore.

What to do?

* You should visit the Zoo, the snake park and the crocodile farm there which are being very well maintained by the forest department of Karnataka.
* If you are a naturalist, you must study sericulture and horticulture and this place is a host many exotic flora and fauna. The place has many small scale industries flourishing in the business of sericulture and horticulture.
* The hilly terrain would give ample opportunities for trekking and rock climbing. But please make sure you are there with an experienced trekker or rock climber. Do not undertake this adventure on your own. The rocks are and hills are deceptively dangerous.

SAHASRALINGA TEMPLE, SALEM

2009-03-18T11:41:00.000+05:30

THIS is a very new temple built on a small hillock by the vinayaka mission istitutions. The uniqness of this temple is that 1001 shivlings have been concrecated. Many of them are by donors and philontropists.
It houses a very big shivlinga,(next only to the brihadeshwara temple in Tanjavur in size.) and also has Sri RajaRajeshwari temple, which itself is very attractive and mind catching.
Other temples in the vincinity are sri Vishnu, Ganapathi, Hanuman etc.
With all these inside, you can just guess how big this complex is.

Sri Raja Rajeshwari Temple, Bangalore

2009-02-03T17:27:00.002+05:30

Sri Raja Rajeshwari Temple, Bangalore- tel no. 28600888

RAJARAJESHWARI TEMPLE:-
Less than 1km from the eye-catching Rajeshwari Entrance Arch on the Bangalore-Mysore highway.

In the early 1960’s His Holiness Sri Tiruchi Swamigal had established Kailas Ashram at Kenchanalli, a remote village close by the Vrushabhavathi river. The same village is now a posh locality, Rajeshwarinagar. Later, Swamiji built a temple dedicated to Goddess Sri Rajarajeshwari
Ashram seer had chosen Kenchanahalli for the temple and the ashram, as there are Puranic legends about the place, where Sage Athreya and his devout wife Anusuya are believed to have lived.

The eye-catching temple, built in the Dravidian style of architecture, has five Rajagopuras. However, the main attraction is the six-feet tall, inspring stone image of Divine Mother Sri Raja Rajeshwari, also worshipped as Mother Sri Gnanakshi.
Devotees from distant places can be seen in long queues at the temple, particularly on Tuesdays and Fridays. During the annual Brahmarathotsava and the Navarathri festival, the devotees offer special pujas, homas, rathotsavas. Cultural programmes are also held on all the nine days of Navarathri Utsav at the temple.
Later, Swamiji built a temple dedicated to Goddess Sri
RajaRajeshwari and SRI CHAKRA TEMPLE.

The Temple of Sri Jnanakshi Rajarajeshwari is a magnificent edifice in pure granite. Verily a masterpiece among the recent monuments in the whole of Karnataka. It is an excellent specimen of Dravidian religious architecture, and is built strictly in accordance with the agama prescriptions. With its finely carved pillars (Sthambha) and beautifully dressed walls (Bhitti) it presents a charming spectacle.

It is complete with an elevated sanctum (garbha griha), a porch (antarala), an open pillared hall (Mukha Mantapa), a wide circumambulatory path (Pradikshina patha) and an inner courtyard. In the sanctum sanctorum (garbha griha) can be seen the splendid stone image (six feet in height) of the Divine Mother Sri Jnanakshi Rajarajeshwari, seated on a throne with her right leg folded and placed across the seat, while her left leg is bent at the knee and stretched below to rest on a lotus in full bloom.

The worship is conducted in the Saivagama tradition, elaborately and meticulously, by competent and well trained priests (deekshitars).

STORY BEHIND THE TEMPLE :
Sri Kailash Ashrama Mahasamsthana in Kenchenahally (now called Sri Rajarajeshwarinagar) was founded by His Holiness Sri Sivaratnapuri Swamiji (popularly known as Sri Tiruchi Swamigal) in 1960. His Guru was Sri Sivapuribaba who lived in Katmandu. The Guru, after initiating him asked him to go south, where, he said there was much good work to be done. Before coming down South, Swamiji went to Mount Kailas. There, during intense meditation, he had a vision of the triple divinities of Durga, Lakshmi, Saraswathi; and a bodiless voice (Asarira vani) asked him to go to Karnataka. He came down to Bangalore via Bombay.

EEarly in the morning on 14.1.1960, the auspicious Sankranthi day, Sri Tiruchi Swamiji was proceeding to Mysore by a car for a Pada Pooja, along with two of his disciples. Just at about six miles South West of Bangalore City, he saw above him in the sky, three garudas (sacred eagles) circling. He saw in them the images of Durga, Lakshmi and Saraswathi who had appeared before him on Mount Kailas. Swamiji got down from the car, and saw a footpath leading to a tiny village Kenchenahally. He proceeded and spotted a tiny cottage amidst a grove of guava trees, the spot the eagles kept on encircling. He decided to have his Ashrama there and arranged to purchase the area. This area happens to be the ancient sacred Tap van of Athri Maharishi and Mahasathi Anasuya. The Foundation stone was laid there by Sri Sivaratnapuri Swamiji (now popularly known as Sri Tiruchi Mahaswamigal) between 5-30a.m. and 6.-15a.m. on 3rd April 1960.

From then onwards, the growth of the Ashram, has been phenomenally rapid. He has built an Ashram complex consisting of numerous building, established a Pathashala for Vedic and Aagamic studies, free school for academic education, branch Maths in several places, and most important of all, constructed the temple at the present spot which was divinely ordained.

On the 27th of March every year at sunrise, the rays of the sun fall directly, on the Devi’s forehead and travel down to her feet. This was not planned, but it happens that way. The temple is attracting more and more devotees everyday; and special mention should be made of the Navarathri Celebrations and Brahmotsavam, during which Chandi Homa is performed everyday and priests are specially recruited to recite the Vedas and the Saptashati.

There is also a Guru Parampara School where Vedas are taught.

Chowdeshwari Temple, shivanasamudra.

2009-02-01T14:03:00.000+05:30

This devi temple has become famous recently after it got shown in the famous TV serial HEEGU UNTE.
This temple is famous as there is a srichakra installed by Sri Adi shankara infront of the Devi.
Folklore says that for all of your problems, the solutions is here.
You have to visit this temple and tell the devi ur problems thro the pujari, who will cover the srichakra with kumkum and rubs a lemon over it.
Then wordings are seen over the srichakra which the pujari will deciper for you, and what must be done for warding off your problems.
Visit in weekdays are weekends have become too crowded.

You can reach this temple which is very near to shivanasamudra, near Mysore.

RAMNATHI TEMPLE, GOA

2009-01-24T19:55:00.000+05:30

Even though GOA is famous for its beaches, it has some beautiful,astonishing,important and very old temples.
The RAMNATHI temple is one of them.
This is very near to Margao, and it is famous all over Goa,
The temple is very well maintained and its surrounding is also very well kept.
It has some rooms for visitors,
It has a very beautiful tower in front.

GANGAMMA TEMPLE,BOYAKONDA. A.P

2009-01-21T17:11:00.001+05:30

ON a hillock just a few kilometers from madanapalle nests this gangamma devi temple.
There is a huge well below the temple, and the water is believed to cure many of your skin ailments.
You have to climb a few steep steps to reach the top.
Once in a year the temple festival brings in lakhs of people from all over India, particularly the south.

TALAKAVERI. KARNATAKA

2009-01-21T13:37:00.000+05:30

THIS is the birthplace of river kaveri,
To reach this place the nearest city is coorg or madekeri.
Every year there is a festival, when the river produces water, and lots of people converge just to watch and offer poojas.
The place is very cold and it will drizzing always.

SRIKANTESHWARA TEMPLE. KTK

2009-01-19T17:55:00.000+05:30

Nanjangud - History

The main temple at Nanjangud is dedicated to the Hindu god Shiva, whose another name is Nanjundeshwara. Nanjundeshwara means the God who drank poison. Hindu mythology quotes an interesting legend in which the Gods and demons churned the ocean in search of the nectar of immortality. During this churning, there were lots of artefacts that emanated out of the ocean, including poison. To prevent the poison from spreading across the universe and destroying it, Shiva came to the rescue and drank the poison. His wife Parvati then held his throat tightly to prevent the poison from spreading to the rest of his body. Nanjanagud literally means the place where Nanjundeshwara resides.

Nanjangud has been a major Shaiva centre since times immemorial. The original Nanjundeshwara temple is said to be of Ganga period (325 - 1000 CE). This temple has then been renovated by the Hoysala kings. Both Hyder Ali and Tipu Sultan had close associations with this temple. Wodeyar kings have provided various grants to renovate the temple.

Nanjundeshwara temple - Nanjangud, Mysore

The town is famous because of the huge temple dedicated to Lord Nanjundeswara also referred to as Srikanteswara. It is believed that sage Gauthama stayed here for some time and installed a Lingam, the idol form of Shiva. Nanjangud is also known as 'Dakshina Kashi' or Varanasi of the South.

The temple was originally built by the Ganga rulers in the 9th century during their occupation of this region. The residing deity of the temple was later called Hakim Nanjundeswara; a title given by the Great Tippu Sultan who had faith in the God. It is said and inscribed in the temple history that his favourite and beloved elephant was bestowed with eyesight by the Lord, after Tippu Sultan's vow with the local deity. The Sultan then had a Lingam made of jade along with an emerald necklace and donated it to the temple. The Vaidya Nanjundeswara, even today is said to be a healer for his believers, and one can see even today worshippers doing Urulu seve, a ritualistic practice after taking bath in the Kapila river.

Twice every year thousands of worshippers gather for the famous Chariot Festival locally known as the Dodda Jathre and the Chikka Jathre. Idols of Lord Srikanteshwara, Goddess Parvathi, Lord Ganapathi, Lord Subramanya and Lord Chandikeshwara are kept in five separate chariots and a traditional puja is performed to the idols early in the morning on the Jathre day. After the puja chariots are flagged off. Thousands of devotees pull the Chariots carved out of wood, across the streets of the old town. The town remains immersed in festivities on the Jathre days.

Parashurama Kshetra - Nanjungud, Mysore

Near Nanjangud is the sangam, where the Kapila and Kaundinya rivers meet. This place is termed as Parashurama Kshetra which is where the sage Parashurama is said to have cleansed himself from the sin of beheading his mother. A small rivulet called Suvarnavathy also joins the rivers here. There is a temple dedicated to Lord Parashurama here.

Nanjangud is famous for the Ayurveda medicines manufactured by the Late Sri. B.V.Pandit. The Sadvaidyashala established by him serves people very successfully. Ayurvedic medicenes produced here are marketed all over India. In earlier times (1950-70) a tooth powder brand made locally called 'Nanjangud Hallupudi' was also very famous all over Karnataka.

The temple was originally built by the Ganga rulers.The residing deity Nanjundeshwara was later given a title "Hakim Nanjundeshwara" by Tippu Sultan who had great faith in the lord. It is inscribed in the temple that Tippu's beloved Elephant was bestowed with eyesight by the lord after Tippu's vow with that deity. Tippu Sultan then had a linga made of Jade and Emerald necklace and donated it to the temple.

TALAKADU. KTK

2009-01-15T17:50:00.000+05:30

This place is famous for the temple which is submerged inside sand. And recently it is been excavated and thrown open to public.
There are altogether 5 important temples here which are around 20kms.
For one temple that is the sand temple you have to walk 2kms from the main temple, and just make it before noon or late in the evenings as the sand becomes hot at noon.

HARIDWAR. UTTARNCHAL

2009-01-14T20:03:00.000+05:30

THIS place is also a starting place for the char dham yatra.
There are many temples here including the chanda devi and mansi devi temples which are on different hills,
To visit this place you can take the ropeway or climb.
Be on guard here as there are lots of thieves who lift off your luggage etc, when you are bathing etc.,
The evening aarthi of the ganga is a must see.

Gateway to heaven

Haridwar is one of India's holiest cities. It is mentioned in ancient Hindu scriptures and has been a centre for spiritual and religious learning since time immemorial. Located on the banks of the river Ganga, at the foothills of the Shivalik range of the Himalayas, Haridwar is a city steeped in tradition.

Haridwar literally means a gateway to the abode of the gods. Some believe the city leads up to the home of Vishnu or Hari, one of the gods of the Hindu holy trinity, and hence the name as Hari- dwar. Others believe that the city is a gateway to the land of Shiva or Har, also a part of the holy trinity, and thus, Har-dwar.

Revered by both followers of Shiva and Vishnu the city finds itself on every pilgrim's itinerary and is teeming with temples, sadhus and devotees. It is the first stop on the journey to the four dhams or the four main centres of Hindu pilgrimage â€” Badrinath, Kedarnath, Gangotri and Yamunotri.

Haridwar exudes a mysticism that seems to defy both age and time. Tourists flock here, round the year, for its lush green surroundings and for a glimpse of the Ganga. They come here for a glimpse into India's rich religious and spiritual heritage and are impressed by its amazing

RISHIKESH. UTTARANCHAL

2009-01-14T19:55:00.000+05:30

RISHIKESH is the place where one starts his journey to the char dhams, and here you have ganga flowing beside it.
There are lots of temples and ashrams to visit here.
And the bridges LAXMAN JOOLA and RAM JHOOLA are here.

GANGOTHRI. UTTARANCHAL

2009-01-14T19:26:00.000+05:30

ALSO one of the char dhams of north India, Gangothri is the birth place of River GANGA,
You can reach directly by your own vehicle as a road has been created upto the temple.
The temple is also very nice.
But the river ganga is in full force here.

YAMNOTHRI. UTTARANCHAL

2009-01-14T19:18:00.000+05:30

THIS is also one of the char dhams of north India.
It is the birthplace of river Yamuna, and there is a temple of mother yamuna here.
To reach here you have to ride a pony or walk 7kms from janakichatti the base point.
There is also a hot water spring here.

BADRINATH. UTTARANCHAL

2009-01-13T11:19:00.001+05:30

This temple also one of the main Char dham temples, nests in the himalayas,
The good thing is you have a direct road route to this temple.
The temple is open during may to november only.
Here at Brahmakappal, pinda pradhan for your expired parents,brothers etc are done and one of the sacred spot for that programme.
The main idol of the LORD is in the shape of a round stone.
and beside him you have the lord of wealth SriKUBER..

KEDARNATH. UTTARANCHAL

2009-01-11T16:05:00.000+05:30

The abode of the gods, LORD shiva's place, one of the char dhams and one of the 12 jyothirlings,
Can be reached via walk and climb of 14kms.
Open only from May to November.(Diwali)
Will be very cold, sometimes below 0 degrees

SARNATH.U.P

2009-01-04T12:35:00.000+05:30

Sarnath is located 13 kilometres north-east of Varanasi, in
Uttar Pradesh.

Ashoka built the Sarnath pillar to commemorate the site of
the first preaching of Lord Buddha, where he taught the
Dharma to five monks.

After attaining enlightenment at Bodh Gaya the Buddha
went to Sarnath; and it was here that he preached his first
discourse in the deer park to set in motion the `Wheel of the
Dharma`.

A Monastic tradition flourished for over 1,500 years on the site of the deer park at Sarnath.

GHATS OF VARANASI

2009-01-04T12:31:00.000+05:30

Situated at Varanasi in Uttar Pradesh, the ghats are stretched for some 3 km along the west banks of holy river Ganges.

It is widely believed that a dip in the sacred river may bring salvation and free one from all sins.

Varanasi or Kashi is older than traditions.

For thousands of years people have been thronging these
Ghats to offer their morning prayers to the rising sun.

There are more than 100 ghats along side Ganga in Varanasi.

The Ghats typify the circle of life.

YOGINI TEMPLES, BHUBANESHWAR

2009-01-04T12:29:00.000+05:30

Located in Bhubaneswar, Orissa.

The Sixty Four Yoginis temple at Hirapur is a circular enclosure with a narrow doorway to the eastern side.

The diameter of the enclosure is 7.62 meters or 25 feet and height of the wall on the paved floor inside is 1.87 metres or 6 feet 2 inches.

Yogini was considered sacred, hence this temple was created.

Inside the temple there are 60 niches and in every niche there is a figure of a Yogini.

All the Yogini images stand and are carved on black chlorite stone.

SLEEPING VISHNU, BHIMKUND

2009-01-04T12:27:00.000+05:30

he sleeping statue of Lord Vishnu is situated in Bhimkund, at a distance of about 28 kilometres from Talch.

The sleeping image of Vishnu at Bhimkund is second only to
Gomateswar (Karnataka) in size.
It has the honour of being the largest sleeping image in India.

In spite of its magnanimity, image contains a natural softness. The period of its creation is believed to be 8th-9th century AD.

LINGARAJ TEMPLE, BHUBANESHWAR

2009-01-04T12:26:00.001+05:30

Located in Bhubaneswar, Orissa.

The Lingaraja temple is located in a spacious courtyard covering
over 250000 sq feet and is bounded by fortified walls.

Its tower rises up to 180 feet and is elaborately carved.

It is dedicated to Lord Shiva and the Lingam here is unique which is a harihara lingam -half Shiva and half Vishnu.

Built by Yayati Kesari in the 7th century.

This temple is dedicated to Tribhubaneshwar or the Lord of Three Worlds.

The Lingaraja temple is about 1000 years old.

SUN TEMPLE, KONARK

2009-01-04T12:22:00.000+05:30

Situated at a distance from the famous religious and tourist centre of Puri (35 Km.) and the capital city of Bhubaneswar (65 Km).

The entire temple was designed in the shape of a colossal
chariot with seven horses and twenty four wheels, each about 10 feet in diameter, with a set of spokes and elaborate carvings.

The Sun Temple of Konark marks the highest point of achievement of Kalinga architecture depicting the grace, the joy and the rhythm of
life all it`s wondrous variety.

It was built by King Raja Narasinghs Deva-I of the Ganga Dynasty in the thirteenth century.

It is a temple to Surya, the sun God.

MEENAKSHI TEMPLE, MADURAI

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Located in the second largest city of Tamil Nadu i.e Madurai.

The temple complex is within a high-walled enclosure, at the core of which are the two sanctums for Meenakshi and Sundareshwara, surrounded by a number of smaller shrines and grand pillared halls.

The original temple was built by Kulasekara Pandya, but the credit for making the temple as splendid as it is today goes to the Nayaks.

The Nayaks ruled Madurai from the 16th to the 18th century and left a majestic imprint of their rule in the Meenakshi - Sundareswarar Temple.

The enormous temple complex is dedicated to Shiva, known as
Sundareshvara and his consort Parvatior Meenakshi.

According to legend Madurai is the actual site where the wedding between Shiva and Meenakshi took place.

Their soaring towers rise from solid granite bases, and are covered with stucco figures of deities, mythical animals and monsters painted in vivid colours.

UCHAPULIYAR TEMPLE, TRICHY

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Located 320 km from Chennai and 150 km from Madurai.

Trichy is also known for the famous and the fascinating Rock Fort, an architectural marvel that is built on a 83 m high rock, rising amidst the plains.

The rock is one of the oldest in the world-approximately 3.800
million years, which makes it as old as the rocks of Greenland and older than the Himalayas.

344 steps hewn out of rock lead to the top where there are
inscriptions dating back to the 3rd century BC.

At the top of the rock is the Uchipillaiyar Koil, a temple dedicated to Lord Vinayaka from where one can enjoy a panoramic view of Tiruchirappalli.

A flight of steps leads to the Mathrubutheswarar of
Thayumanaswami temple, dedicated to Lord Siva where the
lingam is a projection of the rock itself.

The Rock is said to be 3800 million years old.

The materials like Quartz used in glass making and felspar used
in ceramic are found in this Rock formation.

BRIHADESHWARA TEMPLE TANJAVUR

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Located in Tamil Nadu.

The Brihadisvara temple at Thanjavur was built by the great
ruler Rajaraja Chola of the Chola dynasty.

The 10th century AD site is an example of Dravidian temple
architecture.

The central temple called the Periya Koyil, or big temple, stands inside a fort whose walls were built later on in the 16th
century.

The Great Living Chola Temples consist of the 11th century
Brihadisvara temple at Thanjavur, the 11th century Brihadisvara temple at Gangaikondacholisvaram, and the 12th century Airavateswara temple at Darasuram.

Temple consists of the garbhagriha, ardhamandapa,
mahamandapa and mukhamandapa and aligned on the east- west axis.

This site is recognised by UNESCO.

MAHABALIPURAM

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habalipuram is a temple town situated along the shores of the
Bay of Bengal about 60 kms from the south Indian city of Chennai.

Monolithic rock carved temples are refreshingly uncluttered, unlike later grandiose Dravidian architecture and tower over the waves behind a protective breakwater.

This group of sanctuaries, founded by the Pallava kings, was carved out of rock along the Coromandel coast in the 7th and 8th centuries.

It dates back to the 7th century when it was a thriving port of the
Pallava Empire.

There are eight rathas at Mahabalipuram, out of which five are named after the `Pandavas` (five brothers)of Mahabharata and one after Draupadi.

This site is also called Mamallapuram, named after the great wrestler Mamalla, the title of Pallava king Narasimha Varman I.

RAMESHWARAM

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Situated on an island off the Sethu coast of Rameswaram in Ramanathpuram district, Tamil Nadu.

Is an important pilgrimage site for the followers of Hinduism. It is believed that a visit to this temple washes away one`s sins and brings salvation (moksha).

Being situated in Rameshwaram, the Ramanathaswamy Mandir is popularly known as the Rameshwaram Temple.

The construction of this temple began in the 12th century; nonetheless it was completed much later, during the reign of various rulers.

Rameshwaram Temple is famous for embracing one of the twelve Jyotirlingas (lingam of light) of Lord Shiva. The temple is also accredited for being the southern most `jyotirlinga` of India.

The Lingam of Ramanathaswamy is the presiding deity of Rameswaram Temple. The religious significance of this shrine has made it, one of the most visited temples of India.

In the inner section of the Ramalingeshwara, Ramalingam and Vishvalingam are placed side by side. Preserving the words of Lord Rama, Vishvalingam is worshipped before Ramalingam. Maha Shivarathri, Thirukalyanam, Mahalaya Amavasai and Thai Amavasai are the major festivals that are celebrated with gusto and fervor.

Ramanathaswamy Temple is closely linked with the great epic Ramayana. Legend has it that Lord Rama worshipped Lord Shiva here, on his victorious return from Sri Lanka. As the legend goes, Sages (Rishis) counseled Lord Rama (along with Sita and Lakshmana) to install and worship the `Shivalingam` at this place, to compensate the sin of Brahmahatya (killing of a Brahmin). Lord Rama approved the idea and fixed a favorable time for the installation of Shivalingam. He sent Lord Hanuman (Anjaneya) to bring a `lingam` from Mount Kailash. Lord Hanuman could not return in time and it was getting late. Apprehending the situation, Sita herself made a `linga` of sand and Lord Rama installed the same. When Hanuman came back with the `linga`, the formal procedures of installation were over. Lord Rama consoled the disappointed Hanuman and installed his lingam (Visvalingam) next to Ramalinga. He enhanced the sanctity of lingam by ordaining that the rites would be made first to the Visvalingam.

It has twenty two wells in its complex, it being the main attraction of this temple.The wells have water of different taste, temperature, salinity and have curative properties as well. It is said that these wells were made by Lord Rama himself, when he fired arrows in the sand.

Stretched over a vast area of 15 acres, Rameswaram Temple is the typical specimen of Dravidian style of architecture with skyscraping gopurams (spires).

It is acknowledged for having the largest temple hallway in India. This pillared corridor extends to 4000 feet in length, embracing more than 4000 pillars. Erected on a raised plinth, granite pillars are intricately carved with beautiful images. A hard fact about this corridor reveals that the rock doesn`t belong to the island and it was imported from somewhere across the sea.

Encompassing nine levels, the eastern Rajgopuram (spire) soars to the height of 126 feet. However, the western `gopuram` is not as high as the eastern `gopuram`. The temple comprises numerous `mandaps` having small shrines, dedicated to other deities. The colossal image of Nandi (Lord Shiva`s Bull) captures the attention, due to its sheer size. It measures 12 feet in its length and 9 feet in its height. High fortifications encircle the temple, making a rectangle along with big pyramidal `gopura` doorways on every side.

VIVEKANANDA ROCKS

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Located at the southern most tip of the Indian Peninsula where the Arabian Sea, the
Indian Ocean and the Bay of Bengal meet, is Kanyakumari, the place famous for its spectacular sunrises and sunsets. Here out in the sea, about 400m from the shore, on
a rocky islet lies a magnificent monument, a memorial dedicated to Swami Vivekananda, the Bengali religious leader, philosopher and social reformer.

Was built in 1970 by the Vivekananda Rock Memorial Committee to commemorate the visit of Swami Vivekananda here in December 1892, for deep meditation and enlightenment.

Was designed by Sthapati Sri S.K. Achari.

Was consecrated by Srimad Swami Vireshwarananda, President of Ramakrishna mission and formally inaugurated by Sri.V.V. Giri, the then President of India in September 1970.

It has two main structures Vivekananda Mandapam and Sripada Mandapam, on two rocks standing adjacent to each other separated by about 70 metres.

The smaller rock known as `Sripada Parai` has been revered as a sacred place even from very ancient times. Legend has it that Goddess Kanya Kumari meditated on this rock and there is actually a projection on the rock similar in form to a human foot believed to be the `Sripadam` or the feet of the Goddess. It is now enclosed in a square shrine or Sripada Madapam. This shrine consists of the sanctum sanctorum, an inner compartment as well as outer compartment.

There is an outer platform all around.

Wide entrance steps lead to the main entrance.

Vivekananda Mandapam with a dimension of 534` x 426`, consists of a Meditation Hall(Dhyana Mandapam) with six adjacent rooms for meditation and an Assembly hall (Sabha Mandapam) with two rooms and a corridor; this hall has a statue of Swami Vivekananda in a standing posture.

The sacred Hindu Symbol `aum` or `om` is written above the main entrance of the memorial, in Tamil.

The cost of construction of the memorial came up to 1 crore 35 lakhs. The rock on which the memorial stands measures about 164 mtrs. x 130 mtrs. at the water level and has a spacious level top at an altitude of 17 mtrs.

In 1892 Swami Vivekananda came to Kanyakumari, swam in the ocean up to the Sripada rock, spending the whole night meditating; it is believed that he received enlightenment here which transformed him into one of the most charis

BHEMMKALI TEMPLE

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The five storey Bheemakali temple is situated on a hillock amongst beautiful scenery of gigantic deodar trees, in Sarhan.

Is an architectural wonder is one of the representative of 51 Shakti Peeths.

The style of architecture used to build it is a unique mixture of both Hinduism and Buddhism. It is built of wood and is no less than an architectural masterpiece.

It has six silver coated doors.

There are numerous other deities installed in the complex.

The origins of the temple is mentioned in the legends of “Markadya Purana and Durga Shaptshati. Legends say Goddess Durga had promised the Devas that she would save them from the atrocities of the Asuras by re-incarnation. True to her word, she decimated the asuras and became famous by the name of Bheema Devi. The temple has an interesting story behind it. Legend has it that long ago, there were many demons in the Himalayas who were proving to be a major distraction when the priests and saints used to meditate. They all prayed to the Gods above to send a powerful force to wipe the demons off. Hearing their pleas, the Gods decided to concentrate their powers on one point. A huge explosion took place and one could see a small girl child on that spot. This girl child grew up to be the force who destroyed all demons and was supposed to take repeated births to destroy any evil force on the face of the earth. The temple is dedicated to this great female power who was called Bheemakali.

In the year 1905, a powerful earthquake struck this place and the temple tilted to one side. However, it reclined back to its original shape after another tremor jolted the place!

It is heard that there is a secret tunnel inside the temple that was used to reach a nearby village by the priests.

LAXMINARAYAN TEMPLE

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Located in the Chamba District of Himachal Pradesh, also known
as Chamba Temples.

The Temple has been built in Shikara style.

The temple consist of Bimana i.e. Shikhara and Garbhgriha with
a small antralya.

The temple continued to be embellished by the Rajas who
succeeded to the throne of Chamba.

The temple was built by Sahil Varman in the honour of his
daughter Champavati who is worshipped as a goddess in
Chamba.

MASROOR TEMPLE

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Masroor is 32 kms from Kangra district in Himachal Pradesh.

It forms a group of 15 monolithic rock cut temples in the Indo
Aryan style and are richly carved.

The temple is built in the form of chariot driven by seven horses.

The temple is conspicuous for its remarkable wooden carvings
and wall paintings.

The temple was built by King Srikara Bhanja who ascended the
throne of Ghumusar in 1790 A.D.

The image of God Biranchinarayan which is housed in the sactum of the temple was recovered from the ruins of
Malatigarh.

JWALAMUKHI TEMPLE

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The temple is situated 30 km south of Kangra valley.

Recognised as one of the 51 Shaktipiths of India, the temple is dedicated to Goddess Jwalamukhi - the deity of flaming mouth, believed to be the manifestation of the Goddess Sati.

The priest of the temple lights a copper pipe in this temple through which natural gas comes out , and this flame is worshiped as a manifestation of the goddess Jwalamukhi.

The nine flames have been named after Goddesses - Mahakali, Unpurna, Chandi, Hinglaj, Bindhya Basni, Maha Lakshmi, Saraswati, Ambika and Anji Devi.

These flames burn continuously without any fuel or assistance and may be seen erupting from the side of a rock.

The temple is built in the Indo-Sikh style, and has a dome that was gilded by Mughal Emperor Akbar.

ANANDPUR SAHIB

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It is a holy city of Sikhs and a municipal council in Rupnagar
district in the state of Punjab.

Anandpur Sahib was founded in the year 1665by the ninth Sikh
Guru, Guru Tegh Bahadur, near the ruins of an ancient place,
Makhowal.

Anandpur Sahib is one of the most important shrines of the
Sikhs.

The historic Gurudwara witnessed the birth of the Khalsa 300 years ago and has continued to be the venue for significant
religious and political gatherings.

Anandpur Sahib comes to life every year on the occasion of
Hola Mohalla. This tradition dates back to the times of the 10th
Guru, Sri Guru Gobind Singh.

Each year Hola Mohalla marks the congregation of up to
100,000 devotees from all over the country for a festival of
colour and gaiety.

GOLDEN TEMPLE

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The Golden Temple is located in Amritsar, Punjab.

The door panes are decorated with artistic style. It opens on to
the bridge that leads to the main building of Sri Harmandir
Sahib. It is 202 feet in length and 21 feet in width.

Its architecture represents a unique harmony between the
Muslims and the Hindu architecture.

The fourth Guru of Sikhism, [Guru Ram Das], excavated a tank
in 1577 which subsequently became known as Amritsar
(meaning: Pool of the Nectar of Immortality), giving its name to
the city that grew around it.

In due course, a Sikh edifice, Harmandir Sahib ( Temple of
God), was constructed in the middle of this tank which became the supreme centre of Sikhism.

The Golden Temple or Darbar Sahib, is the most sacred temple
for Sikhs. It is a symbol of the magnificence and strength of the
Sikh people all over the world.

DAKSHINESHWAR TEMPLE

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Situated alongside the Vivekananda Bridge north of Kolkata.

The temple is a large elongated building standing on a high platform with a flight of stairs leading to the Ganga (Hooghly river) which flows beside the temple.

Has 12 shrines dedicated to the aspects of Shiva along the riverfront, a temple to Radha-Krishna and a shrine to Rani Rashmoni.

Apart from the nine-spired main temple, the compound contains a large courtyard with rooms along the boundary walls.

Has been built in conventional Nava-ratnastyle
Built by Rani Rasmaniin the 19th century.

Sri SriRamakrishna Paramahamsadevahad worshipped Goddess Kali at this place and had done his sadhana at the adjacent Panchavati Garden.

Dedicated to the goddess Kali, it is a world famous pilgrimage spot.

Is one of the largest temples in Kolkata.

BISHNUPUR

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Located in Bishnupur, West Bengal.

Crafted from the local laterite and brick.

The temples are covered with terracotta bricks depicting scenes from the epic Mahabharata and Ramayana.

The distinct style of temple architecture with a single tower resting on a square building with the curved roof of a Bengali hut has been the most characteristic feature of the temples.

Built by the Mala rulers in the 7th –18th century.

Built during a period when the region was witnessing a revival of Hinduism with particular focus on the cult of Krishna.

There is a snake festival in August, Ultorath and the Bishnupur fair in December.

AKSHRDHAM TEMPLE

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Located in Gandhinagar.

The monument enshrining the seven foot high gold-leafed Murti of Lord Ingenuity Swaminarayan, is a single-piece marble sculpture.

Built using 6000 tonnes of pink sandstone.

The structure is 108 feet high, 240 feet long and 131 feet wide.

The colonnade around the monument is 1,751 feet in length.

The building was inspired and moderated by PramukhSwami Maharaj, the spiritual head of the BochasanwasiShriAksharPurushottam SwaminarayanSanstha, whose 3,000 volunteers helped 7,000 artisans to construct Akshardham.

The Akshardham at Gandhinagar is a predecessor to the Akshardham at Delhi.

SUN TEMPLE

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Located in Modhera, Gujarat, it is situated on the bank of the river Pushpavati.

The temple comprises three separate but axially-aligned and integrated elements.

Religious gatherings are held in a magnificent pillared hall that is open from all sides and it has 52 intricately carved pillars.

108 miniature shrines are carved in between the steps inside the tank.

The carvings depict various scenes from the Hindu epics of Ramayan, Mahabharat and Krishna Lila.

It was built in 1026 AD by King Bhimdev of the Solanki dynasty.

It is dedicated to Lord Surya, the Sun God.

Modhera is now the site of several dance and cultural festivals.

PALITANA. GUJ

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It’s situated in Bhavnanagar district in Gujarat.

The temples are exquisitely carved in marble, veritable prayers in stone.

The temple covered Shetrunjaya hill, 2000 ft over Palitana town, believed to span 863 shrines in all.

It has some really exquisite marble temples of great religious and artistic importance, containing arches, carved pillars and bejeweled idols.

Palitana was the capital of a princely state of the Gohil Rajput clan.

The Palitana temples are considered the most sacred pilgrimage place by the Jain community.

Palitana houses perhaps the largest cluster of Jain temples anywhere.

MANGESHI TEMPLE

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Located in Goa.

The temple is a modern piece of architecture blended with traditional Hindu pattern.

The entrance to the temple bears an image, which wards off everything impure from the inner precincts of the temple and maintains its sanctity.

In 1560, anticipating the onslaught of the Portuguese, the devotees had moved Shri Mangesh Shivalinga from Kutthal to a safer place under a Hindu prince.

Surrounded by hillocks and covered by forests, the Shivalinga was kept at a place, which now is known as Mangeshi.

LAXMAN TEMPLE

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The Lakshamana temple (Lat 21° 25 N 82° 10 E Long) is located in the village Sirpur in Mahasmand dt of Chattisgarh at a distance of 90 km from the state capital of Raipur.

Sirpur is derived from the ancient name Sripura which was once the centre of power of South Kosalas during the rule of Sarabhapuriyas and Panduvamsis during 6th – 8th century AD.

The archaeological remains in and around Sirpur consists of both Hindu and Buddhist monuments in the form of temples and monasteries.

Among them, the most well preserved magnificent temple is the east facing Lakshmana temple built by Vasata, the mother of Mahasivagupta Balarjuna in 7th century AD.

Dedicated to Lord Vishnu, this brick temple stands on a high massive platform accessible by steps in the north and the south. The plan of the temple consists of a garbagriha, antarala and a mandapa. The mandapa now in ruins was originally upheld by stone pillars in rows. The exquisitely carved doorframe depicts figures of Seshasayi Vishnu along with his other incarnations.

This temple is one among the best examples of brick temples of ancient India.

BHORAM DEVI TEMPLE

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It is located in Chhattisgarh around 120 kms from Raipur district near village called Chhapri (district - Kawardha).

The entrance of the garbh-grah of the temple is made of shining
black stone with beautiful statues around it.

It rises to a height of 100 feet above the ground and is a fine
example of intricate and exquisite piece of sculpture.

The main idols in the temple are those of Uma-Maheshwar, Natraj, Narsimha, Vaman, Krishna, Surya, Kaal Bhairava, Nritya Ganesh, Kartikeye, Tandul, Shivgang, Chamunda, Ambika, Sapta-Matrika and Laxmi-Narayan.

Cunnigham had termed it as one of the most beautifully
decorated temple seen by him.

The Bhoramdeo temple has a resemblance with the Sun temple of Konark and The Khajuraho temple , and that is why it is also called the Khajuraho temples of Chhattisgarh.

KHAJURAO

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Khajuraho is a village in Madhya Pradesh, located in Chhatarpur District, about 620 kilometers southeast of Delhi.

The Khajuraho temples adhere to a northern Indian shikhara
temple style and often to a Panchayatana plan or layout.

Kandariya Mahadeva, comprises eighty-four shikharas, the
main being 116 feet from the ground level.

The Khajuraho temples were built over a span of a hundred
years, from 950A.D. to 1050A.D. They were rediscovered
during the late 19th century.

Khajuraho has the largest group of medieval Hindu and Jain
temples, famous for their everyday life sculpture.

MAHAKAL TEMPLE, UJJAIN

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Ujjain is situated on the right bank of River Shipra.

Ujjain, is among many other Indian sacred and holy cities.

According to ancient Hindu scriptures it was originally called Avantika. Later King Shiva of Avanti commemorating his triumph over the demon king of Tripuri, changed it to Ujjaiyini (one who conquers with pride).

It is one of the seven sacred cities of the Hindus, and the Kumbh Mela religious festival is held there every twelve years.

It was governed by the likes of Vikramaditya and Ashoka. Kalidas wrote his souls stirring poetry here.

The Mahakaleshwar Temple in Ujjain: Mahakal of Ujjayini is known among the twelve celebrated Jyotirlingas in India. The glory of Mahakaleshwar temple has been vividly described in various Purans. Starting with Kalidasa, many sanskrit poets have eulogized this temple in emotive terms. Ujjain used to be the central point for calculation of Indian time and Mahakala was considered as the distinctive presiding deity of Ujjain.

Ved Shala Observatory: The observatory was constructed by Maharaja Sawai Raja Jaisingh of Jaipur in 1719 when he was in Ujjain as the Governor of Malwa under the reign of king Muhammad Shah of Delhi. Besides being a brave fighter and a politician, Raja Jaisingh was exceptionally a scholar. He studied books on Astro-mathematics available in the Persian and Arabic languages at that time. He wrote books on astronomy himself.

Miraza Ulook Beg, the grandson of Temurlung and an expert on astronomy, built an observatory in Samarkund. Raja Jaisingh constructed observatories in Ujjain, Jaipur, Delhi, Mathura and Varanasi in India by permission of king Muhammad Shah. Raja Jaisingh set up new instruments in these observatories employing his skills. He made alterations in a number of main Astro-mathematical instruments by observing the activities of planets himself for eight years in Ujjain.

Thereafter the observatory remained uncared for two decades. Then as per suggestions of Siddhntavagish (Late) Shri Narayanji Vyas, Ganak Churamani and (Late) Shri G.S. Apte, the first Supreintendent of observatory, (Late) Maharaja Madhav Rao Scindia renovated the observatory and funded it for active use. Since then it has been continuously functioning.

The four instruments viz. Sun-Dial, Narivalaya, Digansha and Transit instruments are made by Raja Jaisingh in the observatory. The Shanku(Gnomon) Yantra has been prepared under the direction of (Late) Shri G.S.Apte. Having arrived at the last moments of its position, the Digansh Yantra was re-constructed in 1974 and the Shanku Yantra was re-built in 1982. Marble notice boards displaying information about the instruments were prepared, both in Hindi and English in 1983.

According to Indian astronomers, the Tropic of Cancer is supposed to pass through Ujjain. It is also the first meridian of longitude of the Hindu geographers. From about the 4th century B.C. Ujjain enjoyed the reputation of being India`s Greenwich.

Ujjain also hosts the Kalidasa Academy, built in the memory of the great poet dramatist, Kalidasa.

ELEPHANTA CAVES

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Located 10 km from the Gateway of India at Mumbai.

The entire cave temple complex covers an area of about 60,000 sq ft and consists of a main chamber and two lateral ones, courtyards and several subsidiary shrines.

The caves are hewed from solid rock.

Cave 1 represents the evolved Brahmanical rock-cut architecture.

The caves are thought to date back to the Silhara kings of the 9th through 13th centuries.

These rock cut temples dedicated to Shiva Mahadeva.

The Trimurti of Elephanta showing the three faces of Shiva is almost akin to the Trinity of Brahma, Vishnu, and Mahesh.

It was named Elephanta by the Portuguese after the statue of an elephant near the landing area of the island.

SNAKE TEMPLE, MANNARSALA

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Mannarshala covers an area of 16 acres of dense green forest grove devoted to serpent worship. The temple here is unique in that the holy rites are presided over by a priestess.

It is the largest Snake Temple in Kerala.

It is located 32 Kms south Of Alappuzha, in Kerala.

The grove is dotted with the granite idols of serpents. There are 2 main idols: `Nagaraja` or the serpent king and his consort, Sarpayakshini.

The priestess lives in the `Illam` on the north side of the temple. `Uruli Kamazhthal` or the placing of a bell metal vessel upside down in front of the deity is the most popular offering believed to restore fertility to childless couples.

Mannarshala temple at Harippad is reputed for having 30,000 images of snake-gods and this is the largest of its kind in the state. On the day of `Ayilliam` asterism in the Malayalam months of Kanni and Thulam (September and October), all the serpent idols in the grove and the temple are taken in procession to illam ( the house connected with the temple) where `Nurum Palum` (rice flour and milk), `Kuruthi` (a red liquid made of turmeric and lime), offerings are made. The procession is conducted with great pomp and gaiety in which the oldest female member of the family carries the Nagaraja idol.

During the festival days, thousands throng the temple to worship the hooded gods.

The offerings include coins and snake effigies made of gold, silver and copper, grains of all kinds, pepper, tender coconuts, plantains, melons and sandalwood.

PADMANABHA TEMPLE, TIRUVUANANTHAPURAM

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Padmanabhaswamy Temple, Trivandrum is an architectural wonder and a magnificent temple, situated in the heart of the city.

The massive structure has a staggering 100 feet high "Gopuram", the main temple tower.

It is dedicated to Lord Vishnu, one of the Gods of the Hindu trinity of Brahma, Shiva and Vishnu. The massive idol of the deity measures 18 feet in length and is covered with gold and other precious stones.

The idol is viewed through three different doors. The head and torso is visible through the first opening. The midriff and hands are visible through the second door and the feet are visible through the third door. The massive idol is seen resting gracefully on the Serpent Lord, Anantha.

The temple is famous for its Arattu festival, which is till date headed by the royal family of Travancore. The procession is worth seeing as it is a grand spectacle of beautifully decorated elephants and musicians chanting Lords name.

The temple is made beautifully with an amalgamation of Hindu and Kerala architecture.

The temple is spread over a vast area and is an important worship of Hindus in Kerala.

LOKNARKAVU TEMPLE

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Located in Vatakara, Kozikode in Kerala.

The three rock cut caves in the temple premises are artfully engraved with beautiful carvings and fascinating murals.

The main shrine is dedicated to Goddess Durga with two adjacent shrines dedicated to Vishnu and Shiva.

Thacholi Othenan, the legendary martial hero of Kerala, used to worship here every day.

Built by Aryan Brahmins who migrated here 1500 years back.

During the festival Poorakkali, it is thronged by devotees.

SRIRANGAPATNA

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Situated in the Mandya district in the state of Karnataka, South India was once the capital of Hyder Ali and his son Tipu Sultan, the ‘Tiger of Mysore’.

Situated on the River, this small island houses the imposing Srirangapatnam Fort built in 1454.

Tipu Sultan fought his last battle against the British from here and an obelisk marks the spot where he was killed.

Standing outside the eastern wall of the fortress is Daria Daulat bagh, a beautiful garden surrounding Tipu’s summer palace.

The personal belongings and souvenirs connected with the two rulers are at display here in a small museum.

HALEBEDU

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The ancient Hoysala capital houses the ornate Hoysaleswara and Kedareswara temples, and is one of the well visited tourist attractions of Karnataka.

It is located at a distance of 149 km from Mysore and 31 km from Hassan.

The Hoysaleswara temple is a masterpiece, studded with a profusion of carvings.

Thousands of figures appear on its walls. The basement of the temple has the most richly sculptured friezes. Horsemen charge, war elephants charge, all in stone.

Scenes from the Ramayana and the Mahabharata add to the grandeur.

The Kedareswara temple built by King Ballala II, at Halebidu now in ruins is considered to be a gem of architecture.

As with the Hoysaleswara temple, this temple has classic friezes, and scenes from the epics. There are a hundred and eighty images set under floral toranas in the upper parts of the walls.

SRINGERI

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Located in Sringeri, Karnataka

Twelve pillars in this temple mark the 12 zodiac signs, and the sun`s rays fall on each of them in the order of the solar months.

The temple has ruby images of Venugopala and Srinivasa and a Nandi made out of a large pearl.

This temple combines the Hoysala and Dravida architectural features. It stands on a richly sculptured basement. There are six doorways leading into the temple.

Vidyashankara of Vidyathirtha, who was the head of this Peetham for a period of 105 years from 1228 CE to 1333 CE is considered to be one of the greatest Gurus of this Peetham.

The temple features 61 images carved in bas relief, of various scenes from the puranas. Buddha is depicted as one of the incarnations of Vishnu here.

SRAVANABELAGOLA

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Situated in the Hassan District, 157 km from Bangalore.

The statue of Gomateshwara Bhagwaan Bahubali is located atop Vindhyagiri mountain.

At 57 feet, it is the tallest monolithic statue in the world.

There are 650 steps to the top of the platform.

Is the place where Chandragupta, the founder of the Mauryan dynasty, became a Jain ascetic after relinquishing his throne.

The statue of Gomateshwara is 1026 years old.

Shravanabelagola is the seat of the ancient Bhattaraka Math, belonging to the Desiya Gana lineage of Mula Sangh, from the Digambar monastic tradition.

Mahamastakabhisheka is held in Sravanbelagola once in 12 years and attracts a huge number of devout worshippers from all over the wo

BELUR

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Belur is a panchayat town in Hassan district in the state of Karnataka.

The main attraction in Belur is the Chennakesava temple complex which contains the Chennakesava Temple as the centre piece, surrounded by the Kappe Chennigraya temple built by Shantaladevi.

The temple is one of the finest examples of Hoysala architecture.

The facade of the temple is filled with intricate sculptures and friezes-with no portion left blank.

It was built by king Vishnuvardhana in commemoration of his victory over the Cholas at Talakad in 1117 CE.

SOMNATHPUR

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Located 40 km off Mysore.

The star shape of the Somnathpur temples have carved pinnacles.

Having 64 cells, the temple stand on a raised star shaped platform.

The Kesava temple is a fine example of Hoyasala architecture.

It is adorned with exquisite sculptures of Vishnu and there are other images.

The town derives its name from its founder Somnath, the chief commander of the Hoysala army.

PATTADAKAL

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A World Heritage Center, Pattadakkal is 29 km from Badami.

It is situated along the left bank of the river Malaprabha.

The golden period of Pattadakkal was under the Chalukya dynasty, in the 7th and 8th centuries. It was the third Chalukyan capital and served as the royal coronation site.

During this period, the temple architecture was at its peak. Pattadakkal has 10 major temples symbolizing Chalukyan architecture.

The prime attractions in the city are the Virupaksha temple and Banashankari temple. The Virupaksha temple is enclosed in a large quadrangle surrounded by small cells. It has a massive gateway and several inscriptions.

The temples of Jambulinga, Mallikarjuna and Papanath are the other attractions in the city.

There is also a Jain temple at Pattadakkal.

BADAMI

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Situated in the Bagalkot district of Karnataka.

Badami is famous for its four cave temples.

It is famous for rock cut and other structural temples.

One of the cave temples has eighteen-armed Nataraja striking 81 dance poses.

The cave temple dedicated to Vishnu is the largest and most ornamental.

Badami was the capital of the Chalukyas.

VIRUPAKSHA TEMPLE, HAMPI

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Located in 50 kms off Bellary, near Hospet.

The ruins of Hampi lies scattered in about 26 sq. km area, amidst giant boulders and vegetation.

Protected by the Tungabhadra river in the north and rocky granite ridges on the other three sides.

Was the seat of the Vijayanagara empire.

The first historical settlements in Hampi date back to 1 BC.

The Virupaksha Temple, the Hazari Rama Temple, the Vittala Temple and the ruins of the King’s Court and Queens’Bath are represent the history and culture of the Vijaynagar Empire.

The Hampi festival attracts multitudes of tourists every year.

There is a huge statue of Hanuman.

Originally the chariot was drawn by horses which have been replaced by elephants.

MARTAND TEMPLE

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Situated on top of a plateau, near the town of Anantnag.

It is the most memorable and beautiful work of King Lalitaditya which he built in honor of the Sun God or Bhaskar.

Lalitaditya was a Kshatriya of Surya (Solar) dynasty. The style of the construction of the temple and the skill exhibited in its construction is rare in the history of the world.

It has a colonnaded courtyard, with the shrine in its center. Built with 84 columns, the temple offers a magnificent view of the Kashmir valley.

Martand holds a very high place in the world`s great architectural designs and is considered to be an example of the Kashmiri architectural skill.

This temple has been built with strong and square limestones and exhibits the pillars of Greek pattern.

AMARNATH

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The holy Amarnath cave is located near the India-China border hundreds of kilometers away from Srinagar

Inside the Amarnath Cave lies the ice Shiva Linga which is visited by the Hindu pilgrims

The cylindrical ice formation resembling shiva-lingamelts during May to August and gradually wanes thereafter is a stalgamite.

This is a natural phenomenon and is believed to be a shrine of Lord Shiva.

Thousands of tourists visit the place which takes almost 2 days to cover the trip on feet from Baltal.

VAISHNODEVI

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Located near Katra in the Himalyan region at an altitude of 5200ft.

Shri Mata Vaishno Devi Ji resides in a Holy Cave located in the folds of the three peaked mountain named Trikuta (pronounced as Trikoot).

The Vaishno Devi Temple is considered to be one of the holiest Hindu Temples in the country.

At the culmination of their pilgrimage, the believer`s are blessed with the view of the Mother Goddess inside the Sanctum Sanctorum-the Holy Cave. These views are in the shape of three natural rock formations called the Pindies. There are no statues or idols inside the Cave

The Yatra begins at Katra and pilgrims have to cover 13 km. of terrain on foot to reach the Darbar.

The number of devotees visiting the Holy Shrine annually now exceeds 5 million.

DILWARA TEMPLE

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Located in Mount Abu in Rajasthan.

Dilwara Jain Temples are some of the finest Jain temples
known the world over for their extraordinary architecture.

These temples were built between 11th to 13th century AD.

The temples are also a popular Jain pilgrimage centre.

Dilwara Temple complex consist of five major sections or
temples devoted to five Jain trithankaras.

It was made at a time when no transport or roads were
available at a height of more than 1200 Mtrs in Mount Abu.

Huge blocks of marble stones were transported on elephant
backs from the Arasoori Hills at Ambaji to this remote hilly
region of Mount Abu.

RANAKPUR TEMPLE,

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Ranakpur is located in the mountain ranges of Pali district, 23 kms. away from the Phalna railway station.

An enormous basement covers 48,000 sq. feet area. There are
four subsidiary shrines, twenty four pillared halls and eligibly
domes supported by over four hundred columns.

The artistically carved nymphs playing the flute in various
dance postures at a height of 45 feet are an engrossing sight.

Light colored marble has been used for the construction of this
grand temple which occupies an area of approximately 60 x 62
meters.

The Ranakpur Jain Temples were built during the reign of the
liberal and gifted monarch Rana Kumbha in the 15th century.

Ranakpur is one of the five most important pilgrimage sites of
Jainism.

In the assembly hall, there are two big bells weighing 108 kgs.
whose sound echoes in the entire complex.

UNAKOTI HILLS

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Located 178 kms from Agartala, in the Kailashahar subdivision of North Tripura.

Has a 30 feet Shiva figure carved out of a single vertical rock face.

Has other rock-cut and stone images of Vishnu, Nandi, Narasimha, Ravana, Hanuman and several unidentified deities.

Sculptures influenced by several cults like Tantric, Shakti and Hatha yogis.

Dates back to the 7th –9th century.

Centre of Shaiba pilgrimage.

The Ashokastami Festival takes place in April when thousands of pilgrims flock here.

KAMAKYA TEMPLE

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Situated atop the Nilachal hill (blue mountain) in Guwahati, Assam.

The temple is structured like a beehive shikhara with sculptured panels and images of Hindu deities.

Consists of 3 major chambers, the middle chamber leading to an underground cave containing a natural spring symbolizing the ‘yoni’.

The main temple consists of the pitha of goddess Kamakhya and two shrines of Laksmi and Sarasvati nearby. The Kamakhya temple complex also consists of
Goddess Kali, Tara, Bagala, Chinnamasta, Bhuvanesvari, Bhairavi and Dhumavati.

Constructed in 1565 by Chilarai of the Koch dynasty.

It is a shaktipith.

Devoted to the Goddess Shakti.

Important pilgrimage centre for Hindu and tantric worshippers.

In the summers, when the spring water turns red, the Ambubasi festival is held.

Worshiping still includes sacrifices and every morning, a goat is offered to the goddess.

RAMAPPA TEMPLE,

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Located in the small town of Palampet which is at a distance of about 77 km from Warangal.

The temple is an excellent illustration of remarkable Kakatiya art.

It is referred to as the “brightest star in the galaxy of medieval temples in the Deccan”.

From an inscription in the temple itself, one comes to know, that the temple was constructed in the year 1213 during the reign of the Kakatiya ruler Ganapati Deva.

It has within some very exquisite sculptures.

The Ramappa Temple is perhaps the only temple in the whole of India which is named after its sculptor Ramappa.

The bricks that have been used to build the Ramappa Temple are so light that they can float on water. In spite of that the strength of the bricks should never be undermined for even after the passage of so many years the Ramappa Temple still stands strong.

Three shrines dedicated to Rudreswara, Kateswara and Kameswara are there in the Ramappa Temple but the latter two are in ruins. A shikhara crowns this temple which stands on a 6 ft high platform. There are umpteen beautifully carved pillars.

A nine feet high Nandi Bull greets one at the entrance of the temple premises, the walls and ceilings covered with intricate carvings that depict stories from the Puranas and Indian mythology.

LEPAKSHI TEMPLE. A.P

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Located in the Lepakshi village, 114 kms from Anantapur city.

Built in the 16th century, the Lepakshi Temple is a brilliant example of the Vijayanagar style of architecture.

Has a huge complex where three shrines dedicated to Lord Shiva, Lord Vishnu and Lord Virabhadra are to be found, Lord Virabhadra being the wrathful form of Shiva, the patron deity of the Nayak rulers.

Has a central pavilion, embracing all the three shrines. This pavilion is further connected with an intermediary hall and a hall for ritual dance. Surrounding the main hall is a large open court, accessible from the east.

Lepakshi Temple perhaps houses the largest monolithic structure of Nagalinga in India.

There is also another exquisite statue of Lord Ganesha in the second interior court.

The interiors consist of sculptures in half-relief on the granite pillars. The carvings represent dancers, drummers and divine musicians. Here, you can see Lord Brahma playing drums, celestial nymph Rambha dancing and Lord Shiva engaged in `Ananda Tandava`. In the intermediary hall, there is a frieze that depicts geese with lotus stalks in their beaks.

Most celebrated for its splendid paintings, the temple has a colossal painting of Virabhadra in the central hall. In the `Hall of Dance`, one can trace eight panels, depicting Puranic legends on the ceiling.

TIRUPATHI. A.P

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Located at Tirumala, Andhra Pradesh.

Located on the Venkatachalam hill that forms part of the seven hills of Tirumala.

The temple complex comprises of a smaller traditional temple building along with a number of modern queue and pilgrim lodging sites.

The presiding deity of the temple is Lord Venkateswara, also known as Balajior Srinivasa.

In Vaishnava tradition, the temple is considered one of the 108 Divya Desam sites.

As a tradition, pilgrims shave off their hair on visiting the temple.

Also known as Seshachala.

Is the most visited Hindu place of worship, and is the world`s second richest in terms of the offerings made by pilgrims to the God.

Is the second most visited holy place after the Vatican

KESARIA STUPA, BIHAR

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Located in Kesariya, about 55 km from Vaishali, in East Champaran District.

Is a terraced circular Buddhist stupa of bricks laid in a very thin layer of mud, mortar and capped by a large cylindrical drum of solid brick work.

Consists of five huge terraces, each enshrining life size images of Lord Buddha and 104 feet high.

A giant manadala can be seen at the top.

Life size images of Buddha found within the cells of the stupa representing Buddha’s various postures.

It commemorates the spot where Buddha rested on his final journey to Kushinagar from Vaishali.

It is considered the biggest Buddhist stupa in the world.

MAHABOODHI TEMPLE, BIHAR

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Located in Bodhgaya in Gaya District of Bihar.

Constructed of brick, the temple is surrounded on all four sides by stone railings, about two metres high.

The railings reveal two distinct types, both in style as well as the materials used.

Is the place where Buddha attained enlightenment.

Buddhist Emperor Asoka visited Bodh Gaya with the intention of
establishing a monastery and shrine.

As part of the temple he built, the diamond throne (called the
Vajrasana), attempting to mark the exact spot of the Buddha`s
enlightenment, was established.

It is one of the oldest brick structures to have survived in eastern India.