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TRAVEL & TEERTHA

Jyotirlinga Mahakala or Mahakaleshwar – Shiva Purana

8/5/2022

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Among the 12 Jyotirlingas, the Mahakal Jyotirlinga of Ujjain holds a special place in itself. The Mangala Aarti of Mahakaleshwar Temple is a unique type of aarti in the world. It anoints the Mahakal Jyotirlinga with bhasma. This aarti is performed every day in the Brahma Muhurta (about two hours before sunrise). is done. In this aarti, women join the veil. Here the makeup of the Jyotirlinga is also done from bhasma. Let's know why we do this?
According to the legend of Shiva Purana, Lord Shiva was very sad after the renunciation of Goddess Sati, in this sorrow he lost his well-being and took the body of Goddess Sati and started doing tandava. In order to disillusion Shiva, Lord Vishnu cut the body of Sati into several pieces from his chakra. In the disconnection of Sati, Lord Shiva Shankar took the form of Aughad and Digambar and sat on the cremation ground and applied pyre ash on his body. It is believed that since then bhasma also became the makeup of Lord Shiva and the makeup of Mahakaleshwar Jyotirlinga began to be done from bhasma.

Location:
Mahakaleshwar Temple One of the seven Moksha Puris, Ujjain is the abode of Mahakaleshwar, the Shiva who incarnated to protect his devotees from untimely death. Mahakaleshwar Jyotirlinga Temple is situated in the town of Ujjain. Ujjain is near Indore, and is reached by train via Ratlam or Bhopal.

Jyotirlinga:
The idol of Mahakaleshwar is known to be dakshinamurti, facing the South. This is a unique feature, upheld by tantric tradition to be found only in Mahakaleshwar among the 12 jyotirlingas. The idol of Omkareshwar Shiva is consecrated in the sanctum above the Mahakal shrine. The images of Ganesh, Parvati and Karttikeya are installed in the west, north and east of the sanctum sanctorum. To the south is the image of Nandi.
The idol of Nagchandreshwar on the third storey is open for darshan only on the day of Nagpanchami.

Temple:
The temple has five levels one of which is underground. The temple itself is located in a spacious courtyard surrounded by massive walls near a lake. The shikhara or the spire is adorned with sculptural finery. Brass lamps light the way to the underground sanctum. It is believed that prasada (holy offering) offered here to the deity can be re-offered unlike all other shrines.
This Jyotirlinga is situated on the banks of the Shipra River in Ujjain city in Madhya Pradesh which is one of the most important pilgrimage centres for Shiva devotees.

Spiritual Significance:
Mahakaleshwar Temple is One of the 12 Jyotirlingas Temples of Lord Shiva, the holiest of holy shrines of Lord Shivain the lingam at the Mahakal is believed to be swayambhu (born of itself), deriving currents of power (Shakti) from within itself as against the other images and lingams which are ritually established and invested with mantra-shakti.
Shiva remained in the auspicious chasm for the protection of his devotees after granting them the goal of the good. The brahmins attained salvation here.
 
Legend as per Shiva Purana:
There was a great Asura Duṣaṇa on the Ratnamala hill who hated virtue and virtuous rites. He defeated the gods and ousted from their places and positions. Then he went to the beautiful city, Avanti desiring to harm the brahmins staying in the city. He ordered brahmins there to abandon the rites of Shiva and the rituals of the Vedas.
However, the brahmins continued in meditating on Shiva. He harassed people who rushed to the brahmins. As per their advice, they performed the worship of Shiva’s earthen idol. They sat firmly engaged in meditation. On seeing them thus the mighty Dusana got angry. But the brahmins engrossed in meditation on Shiva. When the wicked Daitya desired to kill the brahmins, the spot near the Parthiva idol caved in and Shiva rose up assuming a hideous form. He became famous as Mahakala, the slayer of the wicked. Shiva reduced Duṣaṇa and his army, to ashes immediately with a mere sound of Hum.
Reference: Shiva Purana, Koṭirudra Saṃhita, Chapters - 16
 
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Jyotirlinga Mallikarjuna – Shiva Purana

7/29/2022

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DWADASA JYOTIRLINGA STOTRAM:
सौराष्ट्रे सोमनाधञ्च श्रीशैले मल्लिकार्जुनम् । उज्जयिन्यां महाकालम् ॐकारेत्वमामलेश्वरम् ॥
पर्ल्यां वैद्यनाधञ्च ढाकिन्यां भीम शङ्करम् । सेतुबन्धेतु रामेशं नागेशं दारुकावने ॥
वारणाश्यान्तु विश्वेशं त्रयम्बकं गौतमीतटे । हिमालयेतु केदारं घृष्णेशन्तु विशालके ॥
एतानि ज्योतिर्लिङ्गानि सायं प्रातः पठेन्नरः । सप्त जन्म कृतं पापं स्मरणेन विनश्यति ॥
 
Lord Shiva of the Srisailam hill is a Swayambulinga (self-manifested) and is revered as one of the 12 Jyothirlingas of India, the holiest of holy shrines of Lord Shiva. The unique feature of this kshetram is the combination of Jyothirlingam, Lord Mallikarjuna Swamy and Mahasakthi, Goddess Bhramaramba Devi in one campus, which is very rare and only one of its kind.
 
Location:
The shrine of Lord Mallikarjuna picturesquely situated on a flat top of Nallamalai Hills, Srisailam is reputed to be one of the most ancient kshetras in India. It is on the right side of the River Krishna in Kurnool District of Andhra Pradesh. This celebrated mountain is also named as Siridhan, Srigiri, Sirigiri, Sriparvatha and Srinagam. It has been a popular center of Saivite pilgrimage for centuries.
 
Temple:
Present temple is constructed around 1234 AD by the Hoysala King, Vira Narsimha.
The Srisailam hills are also sacred to the Buddhists. Saint Nagarjuna lived here in the first century AD. Chinese travellers Fahian and Hieun Tsang have described this pilgrim centre as Sri Parvatam and a Bhuddhist centre.

The Mallikarjuna Linga is accessible to each and every devotee and anybody can go into the sanctum sanctorum of Mallikarjuna, touch him and perform Abhishekam and Archana himself to recitation of Mantras by Archakas without caste or creed or religion.

Spiritual Significance:
The name of Srisailam kshetra is chanted with reverence in the sankalpa mantra during ritual bath in holy places. The devout believe that one can attain mukti by taking birth at Srisailam. The sanctity of the hill is extolled in Mahabharatha, Skanda Purana and many other religious scriptures.
 
Legend as per Shiva Purana:
When Kumara (Karthikeya) returned after circumambulating the earth and saw Ganesh, his younger son had gotten married before him, he was very upset and went to the mountain Kraunca though forbidden by his parents. Goddess Parvati was extremely distressed due to separation from her son. Shiva too was extremely miserable. Grief-stricken and distressed, they went to the place where their son was. Coming to know of the arrival of his parents, from the top of the mountain Kumara went thirty-six kilometres further out of disregard for their love. When he went further on the Kraunca hill, Shiva and Parvati stayed behind assuming the fiery form. That phallic image of Shiva born of Mallikarjuna Out of filial affection they used to visit Kumara on the concluding day of every fortnight. Shiva had visited there on Amavasya day and Parvati on the Full moon day. He who sees that phallic image becomes rid of all sins and attains all desires. Shiva in the form of the Linga, was worshipped with Mallika (Jasmine). Hence, the name, Mallikarjuna.
Reference: Shiva Purana, Koṭirudra Saṃhita, Chapters - 15
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Jyotirlinga Somnath – Shiva Purana

7/26/2022

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Jyotirlinga Somnath – Shiva Purana
 
Somnath Mahadev Temple is the first amongst 12 Jyotirlingas, the holiest of holy shrines of Lord Shiva.

Location:
One of the most celebrated pilgrimage sites, Somnath temple is located on the western coast of Saurashtra district, Gujarat. It is in Prabhas Patan near the town of Veraval in Western part of Gujarat. Veraval is reached from Rajkot.

Temple:
The temple's imposing architecture includes intricate carvings, silver doors, an impressive Nandi idol and the central shivalinga. In the vast courtyard stand the massive man.

In its external design the Somnath temple compares well with the temple of Rudramala at Siddhapur and is more or less of the same size in length. The dome, however, is as large as any other built in this period. The temple faces to east and once had an enormous central hall with three entrances, each protected by a lofty porch. The fragments that lie scattered at a short distance from the site give some idea of the sculpture decorating the temple. The richly carved doorways, the sculptured representations of Nandi, Shiva’s bull, and the figures of goddesses and their female attendants must once have presented a grand ensemble of great beauty. In the recesses of the balconied corridor, there is a mutilated form of Nataraja, the dancing Shiva. Although essentially a Brahmanical temple, the influence of Jain architecture is clearly discernible.

History:
Somnath’s first temple is said to have existed 2000 years ago. Is. In 649 AD, King Maitre of Vallabhini built a second temple in place of the temple and renovated it. In 725, the old ruler of Sindh took his army and attacked the temple and destroyed the temple. Pratishtha King Nag Bhatt II constructed the temple for the third time in 815 using a red stone (sandstone) stone. In 1026, Mahmud Ghaznavi attacked the Somnath temple in Gujarat in 10th century 17 times and even broke the idol. He lent the precious jewels and property of Somnath temple. After looting, slaughtering innumerable pilgrims of the temple and burning the temple and destroying it. During 1026-1042 Solanki Raja Bhimdev built the fourth temple of Bhoj and Anhilwad Patan, Parmar King of Malwa.Somnath was destroyed when Delhi Sultanate occupied Gujarat in 1299. In 1394 it was destroyed again. In 1706, Mughal ruler Aurangzeb again demolished the temple.
India’s Iron Man and First Deputy Prime Minister Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel on November 13, 1947 promised to rebuild the temple. When the temple was rebuilt on December 1, 1995, then the Indian President Dr. Shankar Dayal Sharma dedicated the temple to the country. In 1951, when India’s first President Dr. When Rajendra Prasad proposed to purify Jyotirlinga, he said, “This temple of Somnath is a symbol of victory over construction on destruction”. The temple is built under Shri Somnath Trust And this trust is now monitoring the temple.

Spiritual Significance:
By worshipping Shiva here devotee becomes the destroyer of ailments such as consumption, leprosy etc. A pious man attains the fruit of circumambulation of the earth, if he circumambulates Prabhasa. After death he is honoured in heaven by the gods. On seeing this Somalinga a person is relieved of all sins. After enjoying the fruits as desired, he attains heaven after death.
 
Legend as per Shiva Purana:
According to the Skanda Purana, Somdev or Chandra, the Moon God, was married to all the 27 daughters of Daksha Prajapati. But among all the wives, he had a special place in his heart for Rohini. He showered all his love upon her and neglected the rest of the wives. This angered Daksha and he cursed Chandra that he would lose all his beauty and radiance. When the moon lost all its beauty, the entire world became lifeless. A sad and disturbed Chandra, along with Rohini, came to Prabhasa and worshipped the Sparsa Linga of Somnath according to Mrtyunjaya rites for six months and repeated the Mrtyunjaya mantra a hundred million times with his mind unruffled.
Shiva then appeared before Chandra and blessed him that he would wane only for half a month and would grow and shine in the other bright half. As Chandra regained his light in this region, the town itself came to be known as Prabhasa. Shiva stayed there in the name- of Someshvara.
Reference: Shiva Purana, Koṭirudra Saṃhita, Chapters – 14
 

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Sacred Rivers in Bharat & Shiva Purana

6/10/2022

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Sacred Rivers in Bharat & Shiva Purana
Rivers are vital for economic growth and development. Rivers provide water for irrigation, domestic supply, power generation and industry as well as a range of other ecosystem services and intrinsic and biodiversity values. Now, rivers in India are gradually becoming important for transportation as waterways are cheaper than other modes. The ancient civilizations in India, China, Egypt and Mesopotamia have flourished due to large rivers. Harrapan & Mohenjo-Daro civilizations flourished on the banks of Sindhi river.

Sacredness of Saptanadi:
In Hinduism, rivers are sacred. The most significant rivers are the Saptanadi: the Ganges, Yamuna, Sindhu, Narmada, Godavari, Krishna, and Kaveri which are originated from Gangotri glacier Uttarakhand, Yamunotri glacier Uttarakhand, western Tibet, Amarkantak MP, Nashik Maharashtra, Satara district Maharashtra and Kodagi Karnataka respectively. Most rivers in Bharat are represented as female deities. A galaxy of saints & seers either meditated or built great institutions of spiritual research and teachings on their embankments.

On the banks of these rivers, several sacred cities have flourished.  Great cities like Haridwar, Rishikesh, Prayagraj and Varanasi were built on the banks of Ganges; Mathura & Prayagraj on the banks of Yamuna; Amarkantak, Omkareshwar & Maheshwar on the banks of Narmada, Nashik & Rajmundry on the banks of Godavari, Srisailam on the banks of Krishna and Tiruchirappalli on the banks of Kaveri.

The Vedas and Puranas mention Ganges as most sacred river. Ganga is perceived as mokshdayini and associated with Shiva. Yamuna is blue like Krishna. Like him, she represents romance (Shringar). The legendary Saraswati, white and elegant like a swan, is now extinct and is called the river of knowledge (Vidya), being associated with Brahma, the creator of the universe. The dark and elusive Narmada is often referred to as the virgin river associated with the quality of detachment and surrender (Vairagya). The Godavari is the saffron river of devotion (Bhakti), sanctified by the presence of Ram, Sita and Lakshman, who spent much of their exile years from Ayodhya in the forests along the river. Kaveri, the silvery river of wisdom (Gyan). The Krishna River represents courage and valour (Shourya).

Holiness of Rivers as per Shiva Purana:
In Chapter 12, shlokas 5-43, Vidhyeshwara Samhita (first Samhita) of Shiva Purana, the importance of holiness of Indian rivers has been highlighted as under:
  1. On the shores of ocean and in the confluence of hundreds of rivers, there are many holy centres and temples.
  2. There are many holy centres on the banks of Ganga, Sone (rises from Amarkantak, Chhattisgarh) Kaveri, etc. Their banks are highly sacred during the month of Margasheesh (November-December) or when the Jupiter is in the zodiac of Capricornus.
  3. The Ganga River is holy & have hundred mouths, Sone River is holy & have ten mouths, Narmada & Reva is holy & have twenty-four mouths, Tamsa river (rises from Budelkhand) is holy & have twelve mouths, Godavari River is holy & have twenty-one mouths, Tungabhadra, Pampa & Kanya rivers are holy & have ten mouths, Kaveri River is holy & have twenty-seven mouths.
  4. By ablutions (holy dip) in Sone River and observing fast, the devotee shall attain region of Ganesha; by dip in Narmada & residing on its banks, the devotee attains the region of Vishnu; Godavari quells the sins of killing Brahmin or slaughtering Cow; Tungabhadra accords Brahmaloka; Pampa & kanya accords Indraloka; Kaveri accords all cherished desires.
  5. When Jupiter and Sun are zodiac of Aries (Mesha), holy dip in Gomti in Naimisharnya, Sitapur UP and Badrinath (hermitage of Nar & Narayana in the neighbourhood of Gangodbheda, the source of Ganga) and worship thereafter accord Brahmaloka.
  6. When sun is in zodiac of Cancer (Karka) or Leo (Singha) and the day is of Sankranti, holy dip in Sindhi River and holy dip in Kadarnath & drinking water, accord perfect knowledge.
  7. When Jupiter is in zodiac of Leo (Singha) and day is of Sankranti and month is Bhadrapada, holy dip in Godavari, it accords Shiva loka.
  8. When Sun & Jupiter are in zodiac of Virgo (Kanya), holy dip in Yamuna & Sone River attains Dharamraja and Ganesha Loka respectively.
  9. When Sun and Jupiter are in Libra (Tula), holy dip in Kaveri attains cherished desires.
  10. When Sun and Jupiter are in Scorpius (Vrishik) in month of Margashirsha, holy dip in Narmada accords Vishnu loka.
  11. When Sun and Jupiter are in Sagittarius (Dhanu), holy dip in Swaranmukhri River accords Shiva loka.
  12. When Sun and Jupiter are in Pisces (Meen), holy dip in Krishnaveni River attains Indra post.        
  13. Pilgrimage in Ganga or Kaveri certainly destroys the sins.
  14. In the month of Magha when the sun is in zodiac of Kumbha, Shradha, offering of pinda and water is done, it raises the crores of manes of Paternal as well as maternal sides of family.  
  15. Only by good conduct, good predilections, good concepts and by being sympathetic, devotee derives benefits, otherwise not.
  16. A small meritorious deed done in holy place multiplies and likewise sin committed in a holy centre becomes very big.
  17. Meritorious deeds done in holy place, accords prosperity and quells physical, verbal and mental sins.
  18. The mental sins can be destroyed by meditation and not otherwise. The verbal sins can be wiped off by Japas and physical sins by forcibly causing the emaciation of the body (Tapas).
  19. Both merits and demerits have three aspects – the seed stage, flourishing stage and the enjoyment stage. It they are the seed stage that can be quelled by perfect knowledge; if it is flourishing stage that can be quelled by the pilgrimage and if it is the enjoyment stage that can be destroyed only by enjoying and experiencing their fruits and not otherwise though one might have performed crores of meritorious deeds. If one regularly performs worship of gods, make gifts to Brahmins and sufficient penance, enjoyment becomes unbearable. Hence those who wish for happiness must refrain from committing sins.           
Reference: Shiva Purana, Vidhyeshwara Samhita (first Samhita), Chapter 12, shlokas 5-43
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Ancient Hindu Temples in India

2/24/2022

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There was no idol worship during Vedic period. Agnihotra or Yajna were performed. In Yajna, God is worshiped by honouring fire and fire is the vehicle that takes the request to God. However, Vedas contain hymns (mantras) to worship deities who number around 33 koti including Indra, Agni, Varuna, surya, vaayu, Vishnu and Rudra (later became Shiva). Idol worship is the extension of Yagna which is allowed in Vedas. Earlier Hindus used to worship cave temples so there was no need to construct temples. The earliest example of this kind was a cave temple that was built in around 400 B.C. at Bhaje containing images of learned Parasurama with Indra and Surya.
 
Later, worship of Kubera, Rama, Kesava, Krsna, Vishnu, Mata and Shiva started. This led to image worshipping and building of temples. Hindu Temples are spread over entire Indian sub-continent. Many temples date back to thousands of years. Sri Adi Shankaracharya (8th century) - He went on to connect holy spots of India such as the 12 jyotirlingas, 18 shakti-peethas and four Vishnu-dhams to create pilgrim routes that defined India as a single land.
 
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.
 
Indian Express dated November 26, 2019 reported, A total 651 Hindu temples in India are designated as Centrally Protected Monuments under the Archaeological Survey of India (ASI). The largest number of Hindu temples under the ASI’s protection is in Karnataka, followed by Tamil Nadu, Madhya Pradesh, and Andhra Pradesh (Karnataka – 149, Tamil Nadu – 111, Madhya Pradesh – 96, Andhra Pradesh – 91, Maharashtra – 41, Kerala – 39, Rajasthan – 30, Uttar Pradesh – 24, Gujarat – 16, Odisha - 15, Bihar - 8, J & K – 8, Himachal Pradesh – 6, Chhattisgarh – 5, Uttarakhand - 5, Haryana – 2, West Bengal – 2, Delhi – 1, Goa – 1 and Jharkhand -1. (Source: Lok Sabha question)
 
Archaeological findings of temples date back to thousands of years. A few evidences of old temples are mentioned hereunder to highlight the grand heritage of oldest religion:
 
Popular Hindu Temples constructed before the birth of Buddhism & Christianity:     
  1. Times of India dated October 14, 2001 reported, discovery of 7000 years old Nandeeshwara temple at Malleswaram at 17th cross which was buried underneath. A Nandi was carved out in black stone with golden eyes. Clear water was flowing from the mouth of Nandi directly on the Shivalinga.
  2. Gudimallam, Srikalahasti, Chittor, Andhra Pradesh - The Shiva Temple in Gudimallam is considered to be the one of the oldest Shiva Temple in the world. It is even mentioned by the Priests there that that temple is the oldest temple in Asia. As mentioned by the priests there, the temple is 2300 years old.
  3. Dwarkadhish Temple, Dwarka, Gujarat – It is also known as the Jagat Mandir and is built in a Chalukya styled architecture, dedicated to Lord Krishna. The 2200-year-old architecture, is believed to be built by Vajranabha, who constructed it over the land reclaimed from the sea by Lord Krishna.
  4. Kashi Vishwanath temple, Varanasi, UP – It is believed to be built by Maharaja Vikramaditya about 2,050 years ago, but Mughal emperor Aurangzeb destroyed the temple in 1664. It is one of the 12 Jyotirlingas or temples dedicated to Lord Shiva. The main deity of Kashi Vishwanath Temple is Lord Shiva, also known as Vishwanatha or Vishweshwarar meaning 'the ruler of the universe'. The current existing Kashi Vishwanath temple has been built on an adjacent site by the Maratha ruler, Ahilya Bai Holkar of Indore in 1780.
 
Popular Hindu Temples constructed before the birth of Islam:
  1. Mundeshwari Devi Temple, Bihar – It is dedicated to Lord Shiva and his consort Shakti, this temple is considered the oldest functional temple in the world. Believed to have been built in the Saka era, the Archaeological Survey of India (ASI) dates it to 108 AD.
  2. Sri Venkateshwara Balaji Temple, Tirupati, Andhra Pradesh - It is the most revered and celebrated temple of Tirupati having tourists and pilgrims flooding in all year long. This is one of the holiest and the wealthiest temples in the world and millions of devotees’ flock here to pay their reverence. (3rd Century AD). Around 50,000 pilgrims visit the temple every day.
  3. Badami cave temples, Karnataka - The Cave Temples of Badami consist of four separate temples, each holding intricate carvings and depictions. These carvings depict Shiva and Vishnu in various avatars in the first 3 temples, representing the Brahmanical style. (6th century AD)
  4. Lingaraj Temple, Bhubaneshwar, Odisha - It is an ancient temple dedicated to Lord Shiva. The temple was built in the 7th century by the King Jajati Keshari. It is highly revered because of the fact that the Linga here, which is the phallic form of Lord Shiva, is believed to have appeared naturally. 
  5. Kanchi Kailasanathar – It is a Hindu temple dedicated to Lord Shiva. The temple was built from 685-705 AD by a Rajasimha ruler of the Pallava Dynasty. It is one of the earliest structural temples and the largest one built by the Pallavas.
  6. Adi Kumbeshwara Temple, Kumbakonam, Tamil Nadu - It is one of the grandest and the oldest Shiva temple in the town. The temple has a magnificent architecture with the trademark style of the Cholas. (7th Century AD)
  7. Badrinath, Chamoli district, Uttarakhand - It is dedicated to Lord Vishnu is one of the four Char Dham and Chota Char Dham pilgrimage yatras. It is situated at the height of 10,279 feet, originally established by the saint, Adi Shankaracharya in 7th Century, AD. The Temple remains closed for six months from November to April each year. On the day of the closure, an Akhanda Jyoti lamp is lit to last for six months and the image of Badrinath is transferred to Narasimha temple at Jyotirmath. Badrinath reopens on Akshaya Tritiya, an auspicious day in April every year.
  8. The Kamakshi Amman temple, Kanchipuram, Tamil Nadu - It was established under the auspice of the revered Indian guru Adi Shankaracharya, whose teachings are followed by the disciples of the Goddess till date. The Pallava kings who ruled the lands in that era probably built the temple, with the Chola and Vijaynagar kings. (7th Century AD). The Kamakshi Amman temple is one of the 51 Shakti Peethas.
  9. Kedarnath, Rudraprayag District, Uttarakhand – It is one of the most sacred temples and part of Chhota Char Dham Yatra. It is one of the most important among the 12 Jyotirlingas in India dedicated to Lord Shiva. During the winters from November to May, the deity is shifted from Kedarnath Temple to Ukhitmath and is worshipped there. The present Kedarnath Temple is believed to be re-constructed by Adi Shankaracharya, initially built by the Pandavas thousand years ago.  
 
Popular Temples constructed prior to Islamic invasion in India:
  1. Group of Monuments at Mahabalipuram, Dist. Kanchipuram Structural Temples - Among the structural temples, the Shore temple consisting of two graceful Siva temples – Kshatryasimhesvaram (east) and Rajasimhesvaram (west), built by Pallava King Rajasimha (AD 700-728).
  2. Mallikarjuna Temple, Pattadkkal - This temple, called Sri Trailokeswara Maha Saila Prasada in an inscription was built around 740 A.D. by one of the Queens, Trailokyamahadevi of Vikramaditya II (733-45 A.D.).
  3. Kailasha or Kailashanatha Temple – It is the largest monolithic rock-cut structure in the world located in cave 16 of Ellora Caves in Aurangabad, Maharashtra. Kailasa Temple is an engineering marvel perfect for history and architecture lovers. (8th century AD)
  4. Bhoganandeeshwara Temple, Chikballapur, Karnataka - It was constructed around 806 A.D. by Rathnavalli of Bana Dynasty in the Dravidian style.
  5. Sri Ranganathaswamy Temple, Srirangapatna, Karnataka – It is a beautifully carved temple complex dedicated to Lord Ranganatha who is an avatar of Lord Vishnu in Hindu religion. The idol of Lord Ranganatha is seen in a reclining posture over the Sheshanaga. An inscription in the temple premises indicates that the shrine was first sanctified around 984 AD.
  6. Sri Jagannath Puri Temple, Puri, Odisha – It was built in the 11th century by King Indradyumna. This glorious temple is the abode of Lord Jagannath who is a form of Lord Vishnu. It is the most revered pilgrimage site for Hindus and is included in the pious Char Dham Yatra with Badrinath, Dwarka and Rameswaram.
  7. Ambarnath Temple, Mathern, Maharashtra - It is dedicated to Lord Shiva and was built in 1060. The temple complex has a stark resemblance to the Dilwara Temples located in Mount Abu.
Dr. S. Balakrishna of NASA, USA; Dr. B. N. Narahari Achar, Department of Physics, Memphis University, USA; Dr. R. N. Iyengar, Department of Civil Engineering, Bangalore; Dr. S. Kalyanaraman, Saraswati River Research Centre, Chennai and others submitted papers on the date of Mahabharata war based on Astronomical data with the use of Planetarium software at the two-day seminar in Bangalore, India between fifth and sixth January 2003 and agreed that there does not exist any contradiction between any two descriptions of planetary configurations given in
the Mahabharata . 

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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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