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TRAVEL & TEERTHA

Popular Temples in Hindustan

8/9/2019

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Popular Temples in Hindustan
Hindu Temples are spread over entire Indian sub-continent. Many temples date back to thousands of years. A large number of ancient temples are found in southern and Far East countries such as Cambodia, Thailand, Malaysia, Indonesia, Nepal, Sri Lanka, Bangladesh and Pakistan.

It is interesting to know that Hindu temples are spread over now in over 43 countries viz.     Australia, Bangladesh, Brazil,     Botswana, Myanmar,  Cambodia,         Canada,     Fiji Islands,       Ghana,      Germany, Guyana,     Hong Kong,         Indonesia,         Kenya,       Kingdom of Bahrain,   Japan,      Laos, Republic of Macedonia,        Madagascar,      Malawi,     Malaysia, Mauritius,   Nepal,       Nigeria,         Netherlands,     New Zealand,    Pakistan,   Poland,      Singapore,         South Africa,      South Korea,     Sri Lanka,         Sultanate of Oman,   Suriname, Switzerland,      Tanzania, Thailand,   Trinidad and Tobago,         Uganda,    United Arab Emirates, United Kingdom,        United States, Vietnam etc.

A Hindu temple is meant to encourage reflection, facilitate purification of one’s mind, and trigger the process of inner realization within the devotee.
There is large number of temples all over India, only a few temples, state-wise are mentioned below:

 
  1. Andhra Pradesh –
    1. Tirupati Balaji Temple is located in Chittoor district. The Temple is dedicated to Lord Sri Venkateswara, an incarnation of Vishnu, who is believed to have appeared here to save mankind in Kali Yuga.
    2. Lakshmi Narasimha, Panakala Narasimha and Gandala Narasimha Temples - These vaishnavite temples are  located in Mangalagiri of Guntur district.
    3. Sri Jagan Mohini (Sri Maha Vishnu) temple – It is located in Ryali, East Godavari district. The idol looks like Sri Vishnu from front side and as Mohini (female) from rear side. Raja Vikrama Deva originally constructed a small temple during 11th century and later renovated.
    4. Sri Varaha Narasimhaswamy Temple – It is located on Simhachalam (the lion hill), stands just north of Visakhapatnam.
    5. Srikurmam Kurmanathaswamy Temple - It is located in the Gara mandal of the Srikakulam district. It is only temple in the Kurma avatar of the Hindu god Vishnu.
    6. Kanaka Durga Temple – It is located Vijayawada. It has been described the deity as Swayambhu, (self-manifested) in Triteeya kalpa.
  2. Bihar - Vishnupada Mandir is located in Gaya. It is a Hindu temple, dedicated to Lord Vishnu. It is marked by a footprint of Lord Vishnu known as Dharmasila, incised into a block of basalt.
  3. Chandigarh – Chandigarh city is named after goddess Chandi. Temple of goddess Chandi is located about 15 km from the city of Chandigarh.
  4. Chhattisgarh –
    1. Bambleshwari Devi Temple is located at Dongargarh in Rajnandgaon district on the hilltop of 1600 feet.
    2. Bhoramdeo Temple is located in Kawardha district. It is dedicated to the god Shiva. The architectural structures are depicted by erotic sculptures like the Khajuraho temple in MP and the Konarak Sun Temple in Odisha.
  5. Delhi –
    1. Hanuman Temple in Connaught Place, New Delhi, is an ancient    Hindu temple and is claimed to be one of the five temples of Mahabharata days in Delhi.
    2. Shri Aadya Katyayani Shakti Peetham, established in 1974 by Sant Nagpalji, is located in Chhatarpur. This temple is one of the biggest temples in world, dedicated to Goddess, Katyayani. The entire complex of the temple is spread over a wide area of 70 acres.
  6. Gujarat –
    1. Ambaji Mata temple is located 65 km from Palanpur, in Banaskatha district. It is believed that the Heart of Sati Devi has fallen here.
    2. Shri Hanuman Mandir, Sarangpur is located in Bhavnagar district. The temple comes under the Vadtal Gadi of the Swaminarayan Sampraday. It is dedicated to Hanuman in the form of Kastbhanjan (Crusher of sorrows).
    3. Shamlaji temple is located off national highway from Ahmedabad. It is dedicated to Vishnu or Krishna.
    4. The Sun Temple is located at Modhera village of Mehsana district, dedicated Surya. No worship is offered now.
    5. Umiya Mata Temple is located in Unjha, Mehsana district, Gujarat, India, where thousands of visitors visit every day. It is about 1200 years old but it was rebuilt around a century ago.
    6. Dakor Ranchhodraiji (a form of Shri Krishna) temple is located Kheda district. The present temple was constructed by Shri Gopalrao Jagannath Tambwekar in 1772 A.D. at the cost of rupees one lakh. It is prominent for its grand temple of Shree Ranchhodraiji.
  7. Haryana –
    1. Brahma Sarovar – It is sacred water pool located in Kurukshetra. According to Hindu scriptures, Lord Brahma created the universe from the land of Kurukshetra after a huge yajna. The Brahma Sarovar here is believed to be the cradle of civilization.
    2. Agroha Dham – Agroha is located in Hissar district. Acording to "Bhavishya Puran; Ke Agravansh" "Vanishanukirtnam" and "Uru Charitam" Maharaja Agrasen ruled some 5000 years back over Agroha  around the time of Mahabharat.  Maharaj Agrasen, the king of Agroha, born to king Vallabh of Pratapnagar some 5182 years back. Equality, Nationalism, Socialism and Non-Violence were the principles which formed the backbone of his kingship. Maharaj Agrasen established the republican state of Agroha. Agroha consisted of 18 state units. The head of each state unit was given a Gotra. All the residents of that particular state unit were identified by that Gotra. During the excavation by the Archaeological Department of Haryana Govt. in 1978-79, Coins of silver & bronze, Seals, Artifacts etc. were found.  
  8. Himachal Pradesh
    1. Baijnath Temple – Baijnath temple is located in Kangra District which was construction in 1204 A.D. by two local merchants. It is dedicated to Lord Shiva as Vaidyanath (God of Physician).
    2. Chintpurni, Jwalamukhi and Naina Devi Shakti Peeth – Chintpurni, Jwalamukhi and Naina Devi temples are located Una district, in Kangra district and in Bilaspur district respectively.
  9. Jammu and Kashmir - Kheer Bhawani Mata temple is located in village Tul Mul near Srinagar.
  10. Karnataka –
    1. Sri Krishna Matha is located in Udupi. Surrounding the Sri Krishna Matha are several temples namely the Udupi Anantheshwara Temple which is over a 1,000 years old. It was founded by the Vaishnavite saint Jagadguru Shri Madhwacharya in the 13th century.
    2. Shiva temple in Dharmsthala - Dharmasthala Temple houses the shrine of Shiva, Manjunatha, Ammanavaru, Chandranath and the Dharma Daivas (guardian spirits of Dharma) — Kalarahu, Kalarkayi, Kumaraswamy and Kanyakumari. The temple is run by a Jain administration and poojas are conducted by Hindu priests of the Madhva order.
    3. Kollur Mookambika Temple – It is located at Kollur, Udupi District. It is believed to be created by sage Parashurama.
  11. Kerala –
    1. Guruvayur Temple, Aranmula Parthasarathy Temple (Pathanamthitta District), Trichambaram Temple, Tiruvarppu and Ambalappuzha Temple (Alapuzha district) are Sri Krishna Temples. Parthasarathy is the other name of Krishna on account of his role as Arjuna's Charioteer in the Mahabharata war.
    2. Chakkulathu Kavu Durga Temple - It is located in Alappuzha District.
    3. Thiruvanchikulam Siva Temple – It is located in Kodungallur in Thrissur district. The presiding deity is revered in the 7th century Tamil Saiva canonical work, the Tevaram, written by Tamil saint poets known as the Nayanmars. One of the four great saints in Tamil Shivism ascented to heaven from this place.
    4. Ananthapadmanabhaswamy Lake Temple – It is located in Kasaragod District. This is the only lake temple in Kerala and is believed to be the original seat of Ananthapadmanabha Swami (Padmanabhaswamy temple Thiruvananthapuram).
    5. The Rajarajeswara Shiva temple – It is located at Taliparamba in the Kannur district. The temple is regarded as one of the existing 108 ancient Shiva Temples of ancient Kerala.
    6. Mannarasala Sri Nagaraja Temple - It is located at Haripad, in Alappuzha district. It is famous for serpent god (Nagaraja). Women seeking fertility come to worship here. A special turmeric paste which is available at the temple is credited with curative powers.
    7. Thriprayar Shri Ramaswami Temple - It is located in Triprayar in Thrissur district. The deity is Lord Rama. It is believed that the idol here was worshipped by Lord Krishna.
    8. Thirumoozhikulam Sri Lakshmanaperumal Temple – It is located in Ernakulam district. The temple finds mention in some of verses of ancient Tamil Dravida Vedam (Naalaayira Divyaprabhandham) sung by ShriVaishnava Alwars, particularly Nammalvar and Thirumangai Azhwar.
    9. Koodalmanikyam Temple –It is located Trissur district. Koodalmanikyam Temple is the only ancient temple in India dedicated to the worship of Bharata, the third brother of Sri Rama.
    10. Payammal Sri Shathruknha Temple – It is located close to village Aripalam, Thrissur district.
    11. Kadampuzha Devi Temple – It is at Kadampuzha in Malappuram district. There is no idol of Goddess in this temple, and she is worshipped in a pit.
    12. Tirunavaya Navamukunda (Vishnu) Temple – It is located at Tirunavaya, Mallapuram district. The temple is glorified in Divya Prabandha, an early medieval Tamil collection of hymns by the Vaishnava Alvars. It is one of the 108 temples dedicated to god Vishnu.
    13. Sree Poornathrayesa (Vishnu) temple – It is located in Tripunithura, Kochi. The deity was also considered as National deity of Cochin and protector guardian of Tripunithura. The temple is famous for its yearly Utsavams or festivals. It is well believed that childless couples will be blessed with children on praying Poornathrayesan.
  12. Madhya Pradesh –
    1. Ram Raja Temple - It is located in Orchha. Armed salutation is provided to Lord Ram every day. The specialty of this temple is that Lord Ram has a sword in his right hand and a shield in the other. Shri Ram is sitting in Padmasan, with the left leg crossed over the right thigh.
    2. Maihar Maa Sharda Temple – It is located in Satna district. As per the story, Shiva was carrying the dead body of the Sati, her necklace (har in Hindi) fell at this place and hence the name "Maihar".
    3. Kal Bhairav temple – It is located in the Ujjain. Liquor is one of the offerings made to the temple deity.
    4. Kankali Devi Temple – It is located in Tigawa about 4 km north of Bahuriband between Katni and Jabalpur. It is one of the oldest surviving north Indian style temples dates back of 400-425 CE.
    5. Khajuraho Group of Temples – It is located in Chhatarpur, about 175 km from Jhansi. They are one of the UNESCO World Heritage Sites in India. Most Khajuraho temples were built between 950 and 1050 by the Chandela dynasty. Kandariya Mahadeva Temple, Chausath Yogini Temple, Matangeshwar Temple, Devi Jagadambi Temple, etc. are among a few surviving temples.
  13. Maharashtra
    1. Babulnath Shiva temple – It is located on a small hillock near Girgaum Chowpatty.
    2. Bhuleshwar Shiva Temple – It is located around 45 km from Pune. According to mythology, the temple was built by Pandavas. It is said that Parvati danced for Shiva and from here they went to Kailash and got married.
    3. Shri Vitthal-Rukmini Temple, Pandharpur It is located in Pandharpur. It is the main centre of worship for Vithoba, a form of the god Vishnu or Krishna, and his consort Rakhumai. It is the most visited temple in Maharashtra.
    4. Shirdi Temple – It is located in Rahata Taluka in Ahmednagar District. It is famous as the home of the late 19th century saint Sri Sai Baba. The Sri Saibaba Sansthan Trust is one of the richest temple organizations.
    5. Shani Shingnapur- It is located in Nevasa taluka in Ahmednagar district. It is famous temple of Shani, Saturn.
    6. Shree Siddhivinayak Ganesh Temple – It is located in Prabhadevi, Mumbai. It was originally built by Laxman Vithu and Deubai Patil on 19 November 1801. It is one of the richest temples in Mumbai.
    7. Tuljabhavani Temple - It is located in Tuljapur in Osmanabad district. It is considered as one of the 51 Shakti Peethas.
  14. Odisha –
    1. Konark Sun Temple – It located at Konark about 35 km northeast from Puri. It was built from stone in the form of a giant ornamented chariot drawn by seven horses.
    2. Lingaraja Shiva Temple - It is located in Bhubaneswar.
    3. Taratarini Adi Shakti Temple – It is located near Brahmapur city in Ganjam District. It is worshiped as the Breast Shrine as of 51 Shakti Peethas.
  15. Rajasthan –
    1. Karni Mata Temple – It is located 30 km from Bikaner. The temple is famous for black rats that live, and are revered, in the temple. These holy rats are called kabbas.
    2. Salasar Balaji Temple - It is located in the town of Salasar, in Churu district. Hanuman ji is the deity at Salasar Balaji who is unique because it has a round face with moustache and beard. Rani Sati Temple, Jeen Mata and Khatushyamji Temples are located close to it.
    3. Shrinathji Temple – It is located in Nathdwara, 48 km from Udaipur. Shrinathji is the central presiding deity of the Vaishnava sect known as the Vallabh Sampradaya. 
    4. Pushkar – It is located near Ajmer. Pushkar is famous for the only temple of Brahma ji. 
  16. Tamil Nadu –
  • Brihadishvara Shiva Temple- It is located in Thanjavur. It was built by Raja Raja Chola (1003 and 1010 AD). The temple is a part of the UNESCO World Heritage.
  • Kapaleeshwarar Shiva Temple – It is located in Mylapore, Chennai. The form of Shiva's consort Parvati worshipped at this temple is called Karpagambal is from Tamil ("Goddess of the Wish-Yielding Tree").
  • Vriddhagiriswarar Temple is a Hindu temple in the town of Vriddhachalam, Cuddalore district of Tamil Nadu, India. The presiding deity Vriddhagiriswarar is revered in Tevaram. Number five has significance in this temple viz. five idols (Vinayaka, Muruga, Shiva, Shakthi and Chandikeswara), prayer by five names, five Vinayakas, five Rishis had the darshan of God, five towers, five prakaras, five flag post with five Nandhis and five inner Mandaps.
  • Nageswaraswamy Shiva Temple – It is located in Kumbakonam. Shiva in the guise of Nagaraja, the serpent king, is located here.
  • Shri Mariamman Hanuman Temple - It is situated in Periyakulam Village, Theni District. Shri Bhaktha Anjaneyar is installed with a big Gada on his left hand.
  • Meenakshi (Parvati) Temple – It is located in Madurai. The temple finds mention in the Tamil Sangam literature (6th century CE texts).
  • Sri Ranganathaswamy Vishnu Temple – It is located in Thiruvarangam, an island and a part of the city of Tiruchirappalli It is the largest temple complex in India.
Telangana –
  1. Gnana Saraswati Temple – It is located on the banks of Godavari River at Basar, 34.8 km from Nizamabad. It is one of the two famous Saraswati temples in India, the other being in Jammu & Kashmir. Children are brought to the temple for the learning ceremony called as Akshara abyasam.
  2. Sri Lakshmi Narasimha Temple – It is located on a hillock in Yadagirigutta of Yadadri Bhuvanagiri district, 62 km from Hyderabad.
  3. Rudreshwara Swamy Temple – It is located in Hanamakonda. It is dedicated to Lord Shiva, Vishnu and Surya. It has thousand Pillars.
    1. Shri Rama temple – It is located in Bhadrachalam. According to the legend, Vishnu appeared to Meru's son Bhadra as Rama to answer the latter's prayers. As per legend, Vishnu forgot that Rama was a mortal human and appeared as Vaikuntha Rama with four hands. The self-manifested moolavar was discovered in the 17th century by Pokala Dhammakka, a tribal woman living in Bhadrareddypalem, who she built a mandapam for the idols. Temple was built later by the tehsildar.
Uttarakhand –
  1. Chandi Devi Temple – It is located in Haridwar. The Temple was built in 1929 by Suchat Singh in his reign as the King of Kashmir. However, the main murti of Chandi Devi at the temple is said to have been installed in the 8th century by Adi Shankaracharya. The temple also known as Neel Parvat Teerth is one of the Panch Tirth (Five Pilgrimages) located within Haridwar. The other four teeraths are Har ki Pauri, Kushaavart Ghat, Kankhal and Mansa Devi Temple.
  2. Daksheswara Mahadev Temple – It is located in Kankhal, about 4 km from Haridwar. It is named after King Daksha Prajapati, the father of Sati.
  3. Neelkanth Mahadev Temple – It is located about 32 km from Rishikesh in the Pauri Garhwal district. According to mythology, this is the place where Shiva consumed the poison that originated during Samundramanthan.
Uttar Pradesh –
  1. Ram Janmabhoomi – It is located in Ayodhya near Faizabad. The Ramayana, a Hindu epic whose earliest portions date back to 1st millennium BC, states that the capital of Rama was Ayodhya.
  2. Hanumangarhi Temple – It is a temple of Lord Hanuman, located in Ayodhya. More than 70 steps lead to the main Hanuman temple which is one of the most popular temples of Lord Hanuman.
  3. The Gorakhnath Math – It is located in Gorakhpur. It is a temple of the Nath monastic group of the Nath tradition, founded by guru Matsyendranath.
  4. Prem Mandir – It is located near Vrindavan. It is dedicated to Lord Radha Krishna and Sita Ram. The temple structure was established by the fifth Jagadguru, Kripalu Maharaj.
  5. Shri Bankey Bihari Mandir, Shri Radha Vallabh Ji, Shri Govind Dev Ji, Shri Radha Raman Ji, Shri Radha Madhav Ji, Shri Madan Mohan Ji and Shri Gopinath Ji – These are Shri Krishna temples located in Vrindavan.
  6. Sri Dwarkadheesh Mandir – It is located in Mathura. Its current structure was built up by Seth Gokul Das Parikh, the treasurer of then Gwalior State(Scindia) in 1814.
  7. The Krishna Janmasthan Temple – It is located in Mallapura, Mathura. Shri Krishna is said to have been born here. The place holds religious significance since the 6th century BC.
  8. Maa Vindhyachal Temple – It is located in Mirzapur District. Maa Vindhyavasini Devi is believed to be the instant bestower of benediction.
  9. Sankat Mochan Hanuman Temple - It is located in Varanasi. The temple was established by saint Sri Goswami Tulsidas in the early 1500s. Sankat Mochan means the "reliever from troubles".
West Bengal
  1. Kalighat Kali Temple – It is located in Kolkata on the bank of a canal called Adi Ganga. It is believed to be one of the 51 Shakti Peethas. The name Calcutta is said to have been derived from the word Kalighat.
  2. Dakshineswar Kali Temple - It is located in Dakshineswar near Kolkata on the eastern bank of the Hooghly River. The temple was built in 1855 by Rani Rashmoni, a philanthropist and a devotee of Kali. The temple is famous for its association with Ramakrishna, a mystic of 19th Century Bengal. There are twelve shrines dedicated to Shiva.
  3. Belur Math – It is the headquarters of the Ramakrishna Math and Mission, founded by Swami Vivekananda, the chief disciple of Ramakrishna Paramahamsa.
 
 
 

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Teerath or Pilgrimage in Hinduism & Divinity

6/7/2019

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Teerath or Pilgrimage in Hinduism & Divinity
Hindustan is birth place of many religions such as Snatana Dharma including its many sacts, Buddhism, Jainism and Sikhism.  It is a general belief that a journey to pilgrim locations will wash away one’s sins and one can attain moksha. Pilgrimage includes both inward as well outward journeys. Even thought of travelling to pilgrim locations brings positive change in state of mind. During travel to teeraths, one gets close connection on constant chanting of name or mantra of the deity to be visited mentally, doing charity, listening the praise of the deity and avoiding   Kama Vasana, Krodha, Lobha, Madsara, Ahankara, Amanavta, Anyaaya, Adamber, Swartha etc. negative impulses.
The Sanskrit word tirtha means river ford, steps to a river, or place of pilgrimage. The ancient notion of pilgrimage tour symbolizes the sacred place where one experience spiritual force, the route to the sacred place and a water body to take holy dip. Such places are sacred mostly due to divine happening historically. Teerath are the places where sages and siddhas have performed Sadhna. These places are the great spiritual and the tenacity: the renewable centers of power.

Adi Shankara, the great Hindu philosopher & reviver of Hinduism in 8th century, is credited with unifying Bharat. He established Char Dhams in four directions and four mathas in those four places. Pashu Pati Nath in Nepal was also re-established by him.

The most popular Teerath Yatras are as under:
  1. Bhagwan Shree Rama visited many places during 14 years exile of Vanvasa Yatra viz. Ayodhya (state-UP), Prayagraj (state-UP), Chitrakoot (state-UP), Ramtek Nagpur (state-Maharastra), Panchavati (state-Maharastra), Nashik (state-Maharastra), Tuljapur (state-Maharastra), Ramdurg Belgam (state-Karnataka), Hampi (state-Karnataka), Tiruchallapalli (state-Tamilnadu), Rampad Kodaikarai Vedaranyam (state-Tamilnadu), Ramanadhapuram (state-Tamilnadu), Rameshwaram (state-Tamilnadu), Dhanuskoti (state-Tamilnadu), etc. which are now pilgrimage centers.
  2. Braj Chaurasi Kos Yatra - Braj area is where the childhood of Bhagwan Sri Krishna and his power Radha Rani, was spent. Chaurasi Kos means 252 Kilometer which comprises Vrindavan, 24 upvanas (groves), the sacred hill Govardhan, Barsana, Gokul, the divine River Yamuna and numerous holy places along its banks. The yatra is completed in seven days. The participants have to strictly adhere to the 36 rules per day, which include sleeping on the ground, daily bath, celibacy, truthfulness, forgiveness, not to wear footwear, daily worship, Bhajan-kirtan, foods permitted in fasting, renunciation of bad qualities (such as  anger, greed, attachment, etc.) etc..
  3. Char Dhams (four abodes) Yatra – Char Dhams are Badrinath in farthest north (state-Uttrakhand), Jagannath puri in east (State-Odisha), Dwarka puri in west (state-Gujarat) and Rameshwaram in south (state-Tamilnadu).  Geographically the Char Dham makes a perfect square with Badrinath and Rameswaram falling on the same longitude and Dwarka and Puri on the same latitude. It is a common Hindu belief that Lord Vishnu takes his bath at Rameswaram (in Treta Yug), meditates at Badrinath (in Satya Yug), dines at Puri (in Kali Yug) and retires at Dwarika (in Dwapara Yug). Char Dham Yatra washes away a person’s sins. These sites are widely revered by the Hindus.
  4. Four mathas – Four mathas are Dwaraka Pitha (state-Gujarat), the Govardhana matha (State-Odisha), Badri or Joshi (state-Uttrakhand) and the Sringeri Peetham (state-Karnataka). These four mathas are dedicated to the research and preservation of four Vedas. Jyotir Matha at Badrinath, was assigned the task of maintaining and preserving of Atharv Veda. Sharada Matha at Dwaraka was assigned the task of maintaining and preserving the Sam Veda. Govardhan Matha at Puri was assigned the task of Rig Veda and Sringeri Matha at Sringeri hills in the South India was assigned the task of Yajur Veda.
  5. Chhota Char Dham in state of Uttrakhand: Badrinath Temple, Kedarnath Temple, Gangotri Temple, Yamunotri Temple.
  6. Panch Kedar in state of Uttrakhand: Kedar Nath-Tung Nath, Rudr Nath, Madhy Maheshwar, Kalpeshwar.
  7. Twelve Jyotirmay Ling - Each of the twelve Jyotirmay Ling are considered different manifestation of Bhagwan Shiv. Lingam represents the beginning less and endless, symbolizing the infinite nature of Shiv. The twelve Jyotir Ling are Somnath in Gujarat, Mallikarjun at Srisailam in Andhra Pradesh, Mahakaleshwar at Ujjain in Madhya Pradesh, Omkareshwar in Madhya Pradesh, Kedarnath in Himalayas, Bhimashankar in Maharashtra, Vishwa Nath at Varanasi in Uttar Pradesh, Trayambkeshwar in Maharashtra, Vaidyanath at Deoghar in Jharkhand, Nageshwar at Dwarka in Gujarat, Rameshwar at Rameshwaram in Tamil Nadu and Grashneshwar at Aurangabad, Maharashtra.
  8. Amarnath Yatra – Amarnath cave is located in state of Jammu & Kashmir. Inside the cave, a Lingam is formed due to freezing of water drops that fall from the roof of the cave. According to a Hindu scriptures, this is the place where Shiva explained the secret of life and eternity to his divine consort, Parvati.
  9. Kailash Mansarovar Yatra – Mount Kailash is in Tibet (China). Two big lakes, Lake Manasarovar and Lake Rakshastal are located near the mountain. The mountain range is the source of some of the longest Asian rivers: the Indus, Sutlej, Brahmaputra, and Karnali also known as Ghaghara (a tributary of the Ganges) in India. Mount Kailash is considered to be sacred in four religions: Bon, Buddhism, Hinduism and Jainism. In Hinduism, it is considered the abode of Shiva.
  10. Six abodes of Murugan - Bhagwan Kartikey in Tamil Nadu: Palani (Dindigul District), Swamimalai (Thanjavur District), Thiruthani (Thiruvallur District), Pazhamudircholai (Madurai District), Thiruchendur (Thiruchendur District), Tiruparankunram (Madurai District).
  11. Asht Vinayak in Maharashtra:  Moreshwar (Moregaon district), Girijatmaj (Lenyadri, Pune district), Ballaleshwar (Pali, Raigad district), Varadavinayak (Mahad, Raigad district), Maha Ganpati (Ranjangaon, Pune district), Siddhivinayak (Siddhatek, Ahmednagar district), Ozar-Vighneshwar (Ozar, Pune district), Chintamani (Theur, Pune district).
  12. Panch Bhoot Ling: Pancha Bhoota Ling refers to five temples dedicated to Shiva, each representing a manifestation of the five prime elements of nature: land, water, air, sky, and fire. Shri Kalhasti Temple (Vayu lingam at Kalhasti, Andhra Pradesh), Thillai Natraj Temple (Akasha Lingam at Chidambaram, Tamilnadu), Arunachaleswara or Annamalaiyar Temple (Agni Lingam at Tiruvannamalai, Tamilnadu), Ekambareswarar Temple (Prithvi Lingam at Kanchipuram, Tamilnadu),  Jambukeswarar Temple (water Lingam, atThiruvanaikaval near Trichi, Tamilnadu).
  13. Sabarimala Yatra – Sabarimala temple is located in Pathanamthitta district, Kerala.  The temple is dedicated to the deity Ayyappan, who according to belief is the son of Shiva and Mohini, the feminine incarnation of Vishnu. The temple is open for worship only during the prescribed days. The devotees are expected to follow 41-day austerity period prior to the pilgrimage.
  14. Saptapuri – Seven holy places are Ayodhya (Shri Rama), Haridwar or Mayapuri (Bhagwan Shiva & Bhagwan Vishnu), Kashi (Bhagwan Shiva), Mathura (Shri Krishna), Dwarkapuri (Shri Krishna), Kanchipuram (Mata Durga) and Ujjain or Avantikapuri (Bhagwan Shiva). These places are called Saptapuri where Gods descended. According to Hindu scriptures, by visiting these places, Moksha is attained.
  15. Naimisharanya – Naimisharanya is located in district Sitapur, UP.  Almost all puranas talk of Naimisharanya its significance and importance.  Lot of importance and significance is given for taking bath in Naimisharanya during Mahakumbha when Sun is in Mesha Raasi which happens once in 12 years. Holy Places to be seen at Naimisharanya are Chakra Theertha, Sri Lalitha Devi Temple (presiding female deity of Naimisharanya), Vyasa Gaddhi/Vyasa Vatika/Vyasa Dham, Manu - Satrupa Tapasthala, Hanuman Garhi (18 feet self-manifested Lord Hanuman), Balaji Temple (Lord Venkateswara) etc.
  16. Shakti Peeth - The Shakti Peeth are the temples of Adi Shakti. These are places where the body parts of the Sati Devi fell, when Lord Shiva carried it and wandered throughout Grand Bharat. There are 51 or 108 Shakti peeth by various accounts, of which between 4 and 18 are named as Maha (major) in medieval Hindu texts viz. Goddess Shankari in Sri Lanka, Kamakshi in Kanchipuram (Tamilnadu),  Shrinkala in Pandua, Hoogly district (West Bengal), Chamunda in Mysore (Karnataka), Jogulamba in Alampur, Gadwal district (Telangana), Goddess Brhamarambika in Sri Sailam (Andhra Pradesh), Maha Lakshmi in Kolhapur (Maharashtra),  Eka Veera in Mahur (Maharashtra), Maha Kali in Mahakaleshwar Jyotirlinga, Ujjain (MP),      Kukkuteswara Swamy Temple in Pithikapuram (Andhra Pradesh), Girija in Jaipur (Odisha), part of Kumararama Bhimeswara Temple      in Draksharamam (Andhra Pradesh), Kamakhya in Guwahati (Assam), Alopi Devi in Prayag (UP), Jwalamukhi in Himachal,  Mangala Gowri in Gaya (Bihar), Vishalakshi in Varanasi (UP) and Sharda peeth in Pakistan.
  17. 108 Vaishnava Temples - 108 Vishnu temples are mentioned in the works of the Alvars (saints) of Tamil Nadu. In India, they are spread over states of Tamil Nadu (85), Kerala (11), Andhra Pradesh (2), Gujarat (1), Uttar Pradesh (4), Uttarakhand (3). Muktinath, Saligramam is the only Divya Desam in Nepal.
  18. Vaishno Devi Yatra - Vaishno Devi Temple is located in Katra, Jammu and Kashmir. The temple is dedicated to Mata Vaishno Devi, manifestation of Adi Shakti. 

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Temples of Shree Hanuman

4/12/2019

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Hanuman ji is one of the most revered deities in modern times as he is soon pleased by devotees. He is symbol of the all types of strengths including intelligence, volition, devotion and physical power.  Hanuman has many names like Maruti, Anjaneya, Pavanasuta, Bajrang Bali, Manojavam, Marutatulyavegam, Vatatmajam, Vanarayuthamukhyam, Shreeramdutam, Raghupati Priya Bhaktam, Sankat Mochan, etc. As temples of Hanuman ji is built across entire Bharat, he is symbol of nationalism.
 
A few famous temples of Hanuman ji are mentioned below:

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Hanuman Garhi temple, Ayodhya, UP:
  1. Built in the year - The temple was built by the Nawab in the 10th century,
  2. Famous for - Hanumangarhi temple of Lord Hanuman has more than 70 steps lead to the main Hanuman temple. A massive four-sided fort with circular bastions at each corner and a temple of Hanuman inside is the most popular shrine in Ayodhya. Its legend is that Hanuman lived here in a cave and guarded the Janambhoomi, or Ramkot. The main temple contains the statue of Maa Anjani with Bal Hanuman seated on her lap. The faithful believe wishes are granted with a visit to the shrine.
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Sankat Mochan temple, on the banks of the Assi river, Varanasi, UP:
  1. Built in the year - in the early 1500s,
  2. Famous for - The temple was established by famous Hindu preacher and poet saint Sri Goswami Tulsidas. The deity was named "Sankat Mochan" meaning the "reliever from troubles". It is believed that the temple has been built on the very spot where Tulsidas had a vision of Hanuman ji.
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Bade Hanuman Temple, Prayagraj, UP.
  1. Built in the year – Prior 1119 AD,
  2. Famous for - It has a large 20 feet long and 8 feet wide idol of Lord Hanuman in a reclining position. As the water level rises in the Monsoon season it is believed that the river rises to touch Lord Hanuman's feet. The legend goes that Hanuman rested here after burning Lanka. Saint Balgiriji established a temple for the Lord at the very same site. During the year 1119AD the then rulers had allotted three Isra of land in the same area.
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Sankat Mochan Hanuman Temple, near Gomti River, Lucknow:
  1.     Built in the year – 1967 by Holi Baba Neeb Karauri,
  2. Famous for - The devotees write letters to the Lord describing their problems and all the letters are read out in the temple and the devotees receive blessings from Hanuman ji. 
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Jakhu temple on Jakhu Hill, Shimla's highest peak in HP:
  1.           Built in the year - A giant 108-feet-high idol of Hanuman was built in the year - 2010,
  2. Famous for - According to the Ramayana, Hanuman stopped at the location to rest while searching for the Sanjivni Booti to revive Lakshmana. 
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Hanuman Temple in Connaught Place, New Delhi,
  1. Built in the year – Claimed to be one of the five temples of Mahabharata days in Delhi. Reportedly, it was built originally by Maharaja Man Singh I of Amber (1540–1614) during Emperor Akbar’s (1542-1605) reign. It was reconstructed by Maharaja Jai Singh (1688-1743) in 1724.
  2. Famous for - A self-manifest idol of Hanuman, has an unusual feature fixed in the spire (Shikhara) in the form of a crescent moon (an Islamic symbol) instead of the Hindu symbol of Aum or Sun. As the idol of Hanuman faces the southern direction, devotees can discern only one eye of the idol. 
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Mahavir Mandir or Patna, Bihar, India,
  1. Built in the year - 1730,
  2. Famous for - second highest earning temple in north India after Mata Vaishno Devi.
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Ultey Hanuman ji Mandir Indore, MP.
It is believed that this was the place from where Hanuman went to Patal Lok. At that time, Hanuman ji's feet were toward the sky and towards the Mother Earth, due to which their reverse form is worshiped.
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Hanuman Dhara Temple, Chitrakoot, MP.
  1. Built in the year – 19th Century,
  2. Famous for - This is a hill where there are 3 main spots. Trimukhi Hanuman mandir, Panchmukhi hanuman mandir (Main) and Seeta Rasoi at the top. There is a continuous stream of water that falls on hanuman idol and the source of water is not known. It is believed to have been created by Rama to assuage Hanuman when the latter returned after setting Lanka afire.
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Salasar Balaji on NH-65 near Sujangarh in Churu district, Rajasthan:
  1. Built in the year – 1754 AD,
  2. Famous for - The temple of Balaji founded by a farmer who found the idol while ploughing his field. It is situated in the middle of Salasar and attracts innumerable worshippers throughout the year. Salasar Balaji is unique because it has a round face with moustache and beard.
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Mehandipur Balaji Mandir, Dausa district of Rajasthan:
  1. Built in the year – 20th century,
  2. Famous for - Ritualistic healing and exorcism of evil spirits attracts many pilgrims from Rajasthan and elsewhere. 
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Sri Hanuman Temple, Sarangpur, Jamnagar, Gujarat:
  1. Built in the year - 1848,
  2. Famous for - It comes under the Vadtal Gadi of the Swaminarayan Sampraday and is dedicated to Hanuman in the form of Kastbhanjan (Crusher of sorrows). The idol of Hanuman here is a stout figure with a handlebar moustache, crushing a female demon under his foot and baring his teeth, standing among sculpted foliage full of fruit bearing monkey attendants. According to author Raymond Williams, it is reported that when Sadguru Gopalanand Swami installed the idol of Hanuman in 1848 AD, he touched it with a rod and the idol came alive and moved. The image of this temple is said to be so powerful that a mere look at it will drive the evil spirits out of the people affected by them.
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Paritala Anjaneya Temple,  on NH-9, Vijaywada, Andhra Pradesh:
  1.          Built in the year - 2003,
  2. Famous for - The statue is 135 feet (41 metres) tall being the tallest one dedicated to Lord Hanuman.  
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Ragigudda Anjaneya temple, Bengaluru, Karnataka.
  1. Built in the year - 1969,
  2. Famous for - It is believed that the hillock that hosts the main deity Sri Prasanna Anjaneya Swamy was formed from a heap of ragi (millet) and hence was termed "Ragigudda". During this period, the holy trinity Brahma, Vishnu and Shiva expressed their will to remain near the hillock and turned themselves into stones nearby. These three stones now bear engravings of the trinity. 
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Namakkal Anjaneyar Temple in Nakakhal, Tamil Nadu.
  1. Built in the year - 1500 years ago,
  2. Famous for - Pallava kingdom built many halls, compound walls and numerous stone sculptures in this temple, but couldn’t build a roof for Sri Hanuman. It is constructed in the Dravidian style of architecture. The legend of the temple is associated with Narasimha, an avatar of Hindu god Vishnu appearing for Hanuman and Lakshmi. The image of Anjaneyar is 18 ft (5.5 m) tall. Hanuman (locally called Anjaneyar) was carrying an image made of Saligrama and Lakshmi requested him to get her a view of Vishnu in the form of Narasimha. Hanuman entrusted the saligrama to her and asked her to hold it until he returns. Lakshmi placed the image at this place, which grew into a mount before Hanuman could return. Narasimha appeared before both of them and set his abode at this place. The Narasimhaswamy temple, located right at the foot hills is also associated with this legend and Hanuman is believed to have worshipped him in standing posture form a distance axial to the temple.
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Ashtamsa Varadha Anjaneyar Temple, Tamil Nadu:
  1. Built in the year – 500 ago,
  2. Famous for - The idol of the deity is made of Salagrama stone. In the temple, Goddess Lakshmi graces the devotees from the right palm of Hanuman who tail faces north, direction of Kubera, God of wealth. The main deity faces west, is seen posing Abhaya Mudra with his right hand and holding a club with the other hand. During the Tamil New Year, an offering of 10,008 fruits is made to the deity. 
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Panchmukh Aanjanayar Swami Ji Kumbhkonam, Tamil Nadu:
​Five-faced form of Hanuman is now known as Panchamukhi. Five heads are that of Hayagriva, Narasimha, Hanuman, Varaha and Garuda. Every Face of Sri Panchamukha Hanuman has significance — Sri Hanuman faces east. He grants purity of mind and success. The Narasimha faces south. He grants victory and fearlessness. The west facing Garuda removes black magic and poisons. The north facing Varaha, showers prosperity, wealth. The Hayagriva mukha faces the Sky. He gives Knowledge and good children. Out of these, Hayagriva, Narasimha and Varaha are incarnations of Lord Vishnu. Hence, Panchmukhi Hanuman is also known as the combined avatar of Lord Vishnu and Lord Hanuman. 
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Alathiyur Hanuman Temple, near Tirur, Malappuram district, Kerala:
​According to local myths, the "Purumthrikkovil idol" of the deity Hanuman was consecrated 3000 years ago by Vasistha, one of the Saptarishis. 
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​Sankat Mochan Hanuman Temple, Mount Madonna Center in the USA
  1. Built in the year - 2003,
  2. Famous for - Bābā Hari Dāss from the Kumaon region of northern India lived in the United States for nearly forty years. Through his practice of selfless service or Karma Yoga, he helped to build and maintain the Center as well as develop the Temple complex.
Reference:
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hanuman_Temple,_Connaught_Place
https://www.templepurohit.com/famous-hanuman-temples-india/
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Hindu Temples – The Charging Stations

2/21/2018

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Ancient Hindu Temples are the place that contains pure vibrations of magnetic and electric fields with positive energy. These temples are basically charging stations where the visitors enters into meditative state and human chakras (energy centres) are activated. A Hindu temple is meant to encourage reflection, facilitate purification of one’s mind, and trigger the process of inner realization within the devotee.

Hindu temples come in many styles, are situated in diverse locations, deploy different construction methods and are adapted to different deities and regional beliefs, yet almost all of them share certain core ideas, symbolism and themes. 
The selection of location, design, purpose and significance of ancient Hindu temples are explained briefly hereunder.

What is the significance of Temples

1.    It is a link between man, deities, and the Universal Purusa in a sacred space.
2.   A temple is a miniature cosmos comprised of the five elements and a presiding deity.
3.   Most ancient temples were created to address a particular aspect of life, and were thus consecrated to activate one or two particular chakras, the main energy centres within the human system. There are thousands of temples all over India in different size, shape and locations but not all of them are considered to be built the Vedic way.

What are the aspects of Temples

1.    Temples were designed to be spaces where the mind spontaneously moves within and meditation happens effortlessly.
2.   Far from being a place of prayer or worship, temples were created as powerful spaces where an individual could imbibe the enshrined energies. When people go to a temple for evening Aartis and when the doors open up, the positive energy gushes out onto everyone present there.
3.   The lamp that is lit radiates heat energy and also provides light inside the sanctum to the priests.
4.   The ringing of the bells and the chanting of prayers takes a worshipper into trance, thus not letting his mind waver. When done in groups, this helps people forget personal problems for a while and relieve their stress.
A Temple bell is another scientific phenomena; it is not just your ordinary metal. It is made of various metals including cadmium, lead, copper, zinc, nickel, chromium and. manganese. The proportion at which each one of them mixed is real science behind a bell. Each of these bells is made to produce such a distinct sound that it can create unity of your left and right brain. The moment you ring that bell, bell produces sharp but lasting sound which lasts for minimum of seven seconds in echo mode good enough to touch your seven healing centres or chakras in your body. The moment bell sound happens your brain is emptied of all thoughts.
5.   The fragrance from the flowers and the burning of camphor give out the chemical energy that creates a good aura. The effect of all these energies is supplemented by the positive energy from the idol, the copper plates and the utensils used while worshiping the God.
6.   Ancient temples were built in such a way that the floor at the centre of the temple were good conductors of the positive vibrations allowing them to pass through our feet to the body. Hence it is necessary to walk bare footed while you enter the core centre of the temple.
7.   The idol inside the chamber absorbs all the energy from the bell sound, camphor heat and vibrates the positive energy within the chamber for certain duration of time. When you do the circumambulation at this point of time, you tend to absorb all these positive vibrations once your five senses are activated.

Where ancient Temples are built

1.    Ancient Temples are located strategically at a place where the positive energy is abundantly available from the magnetic and electric wave distributions of north/south pole thrust.

Why Hindu visits the Temples

In Bhagwat Gita, Shree Krishna declared as under:
“chatur-vidha bhajante mam, janah sukritino’rjuna
       arto jijnasur artharthi, jnani cha bharatarsabha”
  1. People who are in distress.
  2. People who want to know about the God.
  3. People who want to gain wealth in life.
  4. People who are in search of true knowledge and want to reach the supreme goal.

How the Temples are designed


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Popular ancient Temples of Shree Vishnu & its Avatars

2/9/2018

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Popular ancient Temples of Shree Vishnu & its Avatars
During medieval period, Adi Shankaraacharya, Sri Ramanujacharaya, Sri Nimbarkacharaya and Sri Madhvacharaya were conferred title of Jagat guru as they defeated all others based on knowledge and logic. Jagat gurus re-established the Sanatan Dharma and established glory of various temples across India.
Thousands of temples all over India are dedicated to Shree Vishnu and his avatars, Shree Rama, Shree Krishna & Shree Narasimha.

Adi Shankaracharya during his travels across the length and breadth of India established (about 700 AD) in four different corners of India places of pilgrimage viz. Puri, Rameswaram, Dwarka and Badrinath and maths (ashrams at Sringeri, Sarda math – at Dwarka, Jyotir math – at Badrinath and Goverdhan math - Puri), school of Hinduism, to unify the scattered and diverse groups of Sannyasis and preserving four vedas.

Jagatguru Ramanujacharya consecrated Shree Govindrajaswamy Temple, Tirupati, Andhra Pradesh in the year 1130 AD. Shri Gopal Singhji Bhati chief of Khejarli and Shri Sheoji founded Nimbark Peeth and temple of Sarweshwar Prabhu on behest of Jagatguru Nimarkacharya at Salemabad, Ajmer. Jagadguru Shri Madhwacharya, in the 13th century founded Shree Krishna Temple in Udupi, Karnataka. Shree Dwarkadhish temple (Mathura, UP) management is under the followers of Vallabhacharya.

Bankey Bihari Temple in Vrindavan, UP was established by Swami Haridas, guru of the famous singer Tansen.
Details of locations of select popular temples of Shree Vishnu and its avatars, construction done by, its significance and popular events are mentioned hereinafter.

Pictures pasted below: 
1. Row L to R - First two pictures of Shree Badrinarayan Temple; Uttrakhand; Bankey Bihari Temple
2. Row L to R - Chennakesawa, Belur; Shree Ranchodrai Temple, Dakor, Gujarat;
Dwarkadhish Krishna Temple, Dwarka Gujarat
3. Row L to R - Dwarkadhish Krishna Temple, Dwarka Gujarat; Shree Govindrajswamy Temple, Tirupati AP;
Shree Krisanjanambhoomi, Mathura
4. Row L to R - Shree Krishna Temple Udup, Karnataka; Lord Ayyappan Temple, Sabrimala, Kerala;
Shree Dwarkadhish Temple, Mathura, UP
5. Row L to R - Shree Rangnathswamy Temple, Mysore, Karnataka; Shree Parthasarthi Temple, Chennai TN;
Shree Jagannath Puri, Orissa
6. Row L to R - Shri Rameshwaram Temple, Tamil Nadu; 2 & 3 - Shabrimala, Kerala
7. Row L to R - Shabrimala, Kerala; Shree Narasimha Temple, Nalgonda, Telangana;
Shree Ram janambhoomi, Ayodhaya, UP
8. Row L to R - Shree Krishna Temple Shamlaji, Gujarat; Shri Nathdwara, Rajasthan;
Shri Ram Temple Thiruporiyar, Kerala
9. Row L to R - All three pictures of Tirupati Balaji Temple at Tirumala, AP
10 Row L to R - Shree Padmanabhaswamy Temple Trivandrum, Kerala; Shree Guruvayur Krishna Temple, Kerala 


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SHIV DHAM – A WAY TO MOKSHA

10/8/2017

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​
Shiv Dhams and their significance [1]:

  1. In the Sanskrit Shloka in Shiva Puran (सौराष्ट्रे सोमनाथं च श्रीशैले मल्लिकार्जुनम्। उज्जयिन्यां महाकालमोङ्कारममलेश्वरम्॥ परल्यां वैद्यनाथं च डाकिन्यां भीमशङ्करम्। सेतुबन्धे तु रामेशं नागेशं दारुकावने॥ वाराणस्यां तु विश्वेशं त्र्यम्बकं गौतमीतटे। हिमालये तु केदारं घुश्मेशं च शिवालये॥ एतानि ज्योतिर्लिङ्गानि सायं प्रातः पठेन्नरः। सप्तजन्मकृतं पापं स्मरणेन विनश्यति॥ एतेशां दर्शनादेव पातकं नैव तिष्ठति। कर्मक्षयो भवेत्तस्य यस्य तुष्टो महेश्वराः॥), the places and importance of dwadasha jyotirmaylinga are described.
  2. The shloka mentions about 12 jyotirmaylinga.
  3. Shiva manifested as fiery column of light at jyotirmaylinga.
  4. The shloka mentions that who recites these Jyotirmaylingas every evening and morning, he is relieved of all sins committed in past seven lives and one who visits these, gets all his wishes fulfilled and one’s karma gets eliminated as Maheshwara gets satisfied to the worship.

The details of 12 jyotirmaylinga are as under:​

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