TEMPLES OF INDIA

Ekambareswarar temple, Kanchipuram, Tamilnadu

2015-04-12T18:01:00.001-07:00

Ekambareswarar temple is located at the northern part of city (Shiva kanchi) Kanchipuram. The gopuram of the temple is tallest one (59 m long) and sculpture is very finest. Main deity of the temple is Lord shiva. Shiva worshiped as linga in this temple. This temple is one of the PanchaBoothaSthalams which represents five elements Earth, air, water, sky and fire that’s why the Shiva linga also called as PRITHIVI linga representing Earth.

The temple was built by ParanthakaChola around 600 AD in 23 acers of land. Ekambareswarar temple is very ancient and powerful temple in India. The temple is very big one and also famous for sculpture.

EKAMBARESWARAR TEMPLE HISTORY :

One day, goddess parvathi closed lord shiva eyes for fun. At the time of lord shiva’s eyes were closed the universe became dark because sun and moon are the two eyes of Shiva and life of all creatures became stagnant. Immediately, Lord Shiva opened his third eye hence saved the universe. MaaParvathi felt sorry about what she did. Then Shiva said to penance to washout the mistake. Then GodessParvathi born on earth with name Katyayani and started penance at kanchipuram (also known as Kanchi). Later on Shiva wants to test Katyayani (Parvathi) and sent Ganga as flood. At the time Katyayani worshipping sand shivalinga and scared that the linga may flood, Immidiately she hugged the linga to protect it. At the time of hug the linga got marked by her bangles and Kuchas. Even still you can see the marks on the shivaliga at Ekambareswarar temple. Shiva pleased with her devotion and married goddess Parvathi. Still we can see the Kalyana idols under the mango tree in the temple.

3000 YEARS OLD MANGO TREE AT KAILASANATHAR TEMPLE:The mango tree has high importance; it is 3000 years old and still green. Lord shiva and parvathi get married under the mango tree in presence of Lord Vishnu and others. When you visit Ekambareswarar temple doesn’t miss to visit ancient mango tree.Local people believe that anyone with a wish should tie a holy thread to the tree and after fulfilling the wish they untie the holy thread. People who are seeking health, wealth, children, career and other needs will tie holy thread.
SPECIALITY OF EKAMBARESWARAR TEMPLE :
The sun rays will fall directly on the main shivalinga every 19, 20 and 21 of Panguni month (March-April).
At the inner corridor of the Ekambareswarar temple there are 10 pillars they produce different musical sounds if we tap them with a stick.
The kubera(gant riches) idol in the temple got very much importance. He will grant riches if we worship seriously.
The most important thing is we can see all 12 zodiac signs on the roof of the temple. It is believed by many people that we need to pray to our zodiac sign at the temple to get rid of horoscopic defects (Jatakadosha).
Godessparvathi created the Shivalinga herself in the temple.
Festivals at Temple:

January – February: Brahmotsavam along with Thaipoosam celebrated in the temple. Thaipoosam means lord shiva procession in the water. During festival Lord shiva procession takes place in a golden car around the temple streets and within city kanchipuram.
February – march :Sivarathri festival – this is dedicated to lord shiva. At shivaratri festival thousands of devotees visit the temple to gain blessings from lord Shiva.
March–April: PanguniUthiram will take place which is the most famous festival in Kanchipuram. According to ancient Indian vedic culture this festival is very important one.
July-August: Aadipooram festival.
August-September: Vinayakachavithi festival which is most important festival in Indian culture. The whole India celebrates Vinayakachaviti but, at Ekambareswarar temple the festival will be celebrated with high importance.
September-October: Navarathri festival will commence at the temple. This festival is related to Goddess parvathi who fight with dangerous demon about 9 days and killed him. At this time the temple celebrates the navaratri for 9 days.
October-November: Ekambareswarar temple also popular for celebrating Diwali (deepavali) festival. This is the festival of night. The whole city kanchipuram glows like a diamond with crackers in the night.
November-December: Tirukarthikai.
TEMPLE OPENING TIME :
The temple is open from 6.00 a.m. to 11.00 a.m. and 5.00 p.m. to 8.00 p.m.
How to reach :

Rail Station : Ariyalur Railway Stations
AirPort : Trichy
Bus : There are plenty of busses from Chennai to Kanchipuram. It takes 1:30 hr – 2:00 hr for travelling to Chennai to Kanchipuram.

Temple Adress :

Sri Kanchi Ekambareswarar Temple, Kancheepuram-631 501, Tamil nadu, India.

Map

20 Amazing Scientific Reasons Behind Hindu Traditions

2014-10-22T22:13:00.001-07:00

1. Joining Both Palms Together To Greet

In Hindu culture, people greet each other by joining their palms – termed as “Namaskar.” The general reason behind this tradition is that greeting by joining both the palms means respect. However, scientifically speaking, joining both hands ensures joining the tips of all the fingers together; which are denoted to the pressure points of eyes, ears, and mind. Pressing them together is said to activate the pressure points which helps us remember that person for a long time. And, no germs since we don’t make any physical contact!

2. Why Do Indian Women Wear Toe Ring

image courtesy

Wearing toe rings is not just the significance of married women but there is science behind it. Normally toe rings are worn on the second toe. A particular nerve from the second toe connects the uterus and passes to heart. Wearing toe ring on this finger strengthens the uterus. It will keep it healthy by regulating the blood flow to it and menstrual cycle will be regularized. As Silver is a good conductor, it also absorbs polar energies from the earth and passes it to the body.

3. Throwing Coins Into A River

The general reasoning given for this act is that it brings Good Luck. However, scientifically speaking, in the ancient times, most of the currency used was made of copper unlike the stainless steel coins of today. Copper is a vital metal very useful to the human body. Throwing coins in the river was one way our fore-fathers ensured we intake sufficient copper as part of the water as rivers were the only source of drinking water. Making it a custom ensured that all of us follow the practice.

4. Applying Tilak/KumKum On The Forehead

On the forehead, between the two eyebrows, is a spot that is considered as a major nerve point in human body since ancient times. The Tilak is believed to prevent the loss of “energy”, the red ‘kumkum’ between the eyebrows is said to retain energy in the human body and control the various levels of concentration. While applying kumkum the points on the mid-brow region and Adnya-chakra are automatically pressed. This also facilitates the blood supply to the face muscles.

5. Why Do Temples Have Bells

People who are visiting the temple should and will Ring the bell before entering the inner sanctum (Garbhagudi or Garbha Gruha or womb-chamber) where the main idol is placed. According to Agama Sastra, the bell is used to give sound for keeping evil forces away and the ring of the bell is pleasant to God. However, the scientific reason behind bells is that their ring clears our mind and helps us stay sharp and keep our full concentration on devotional purpose. These bells are made in such a way that when they produce a sound it creates a unity in the Left and Right parts of our brains. The moment we ring the bell, it produces a sharp and enduring sound which lasts for minimum of 7 seconds in echo mode. The duration of echo is good enough to activate all the seven healing centres in our body. This results in emptying our brain from all negative thoughts.

6. Why We Start With Spice & End With Sweet:

Our ancestors have stressed on the fact that our meals should be started off with something spicy and sweet dishes should be taken towards the end. The significance of this eating practice is that while spicy things activate the digestive juices and acids and ensure that the digestion process goes on smoothly and efficiently, sweets or carbohydrates pulls down the digestive process. Hence, sweets were always recommended to be taken as a last item.

7. Why Do We Applying Mehendi/Henna On The Hand And Feet

Besides lending color to the hands, mehndi is a very powerful medicinal herb. Weddings are stressful, and often, the stress causes headaches and fevers. As the wedding day approaches, the excitement mixed with nervous anticipation can take its toll on the bride and groom. Application of mehndi can prevent too much stress because it cools the body and keeps the nerves from becoming tense. This is the reason why mehndi is applied on the hands and feet, which house nerve endings in the body.

8. Sitting On The Floor & Eating

This tradition is not just about sitting on floor and eating, it is regarding sitting in the “Sukhasan” position and then eating. Sukhasan is the position we normally use for Yoga asanas. When you sit on the floor, you usually sit cross legged – In sukhasana or a half padmasana (half lotus), which are poses that instantly bring a sense of calm and help in digestion, it is believed to automatically trigger the signals to your brain to prepare the stomach for digestion.

9. Why You Should Not To Sleep With Your Head Towards North

Myth is that it invites ghost or death but science says that it is because human body has its own magnetic field (Also known as hearts magnetic field, because the flow of blood) and Earth is a giant magnet. When we sleep with head towards north, our body’s magnetic field become completely asymmetrical to the Earth’s Magnetic field. That cause problems related to blood pressure and our heart needs to work harder in order to overcome this asymmetry of Magnetic fields. Apart from this another reason is that Our body have significant amount of iron in our blood. When we sleep in this position, iron from the whole body starts to congregate in brain. This can cause headache, Alzheimer’s Disease, Cognitive Decline, Parkinson disease and brain degeneration.

10. Why We Pierce Ear

Piercing the ears has a great importance in Indian ethos. Indian physicians and philosophers believe that piercing the ears helps in the development of intellect, power of thinking and decision making faculties. Talkativeness fritters away life energy. Ear piercing helps in speech-restraint. It helps to reduce impertinent behavior and the ear-channels become free from disorders. This idea appeals to the Western world as well, and so they are getting their ears pierced to wear fancy earrings as a mark of fashion.

11. Surya Namaskar

Hindus have a tradition of paying regards to Sun God early in the morning by their water offering ritual. It was mainly because looking at Sun rays through water or directly at that time of the day is good for eyes and also by waking up to follow this routine, we become prone to a morning lifestyle and mornings are proven to be the most effective part of the day.

12. Choti On The Male Head

Sushrut rishi, the foremost surgeon of Ayurveda, describes the master sensitive spot on the head as Adhipati Marma, where there is a nexus of all nerves. The shikha protects this spot. Below, in the brain, occurs the Brahmarandhra, where the sushumnã (nerve) arrives from the lower part of the body. In Yog, Brahmarandhra is the highest, seventh chakra, with the thousand-petalled lotus. It is the centre of wisdom. The knotted shikhã helps boost this centre and conserve its subtle energy known as ojas.

13. Why Do We Fast

The underlying principle behind fasting is to be found in Ayurveda. This ancient Indian medical system sees the basic cause of many diseases as the accumulation of toxic materials in the digestive system. Regular cleansing of toxic materials keeps one healthy. By fasting, the digestive organs get rest and all body mechanisms are cleansed and corrected. A complete fast is good for heath, and the occasional intake of warm lemon juice during the period of fasting prevents the flatulence. Since the human body, as explained by Ayurveda, is composed of 80% liquid and 20% solid, like the earth, the gravitational force of the moon affects the fluid contents of the body. It causes emotional imbalances in the body, making some people tense, irritable and violent. Fasting acts as antidote, for it lowers the acid content in the body which helps people to retain their sanity. Research suggests there are major health benefits to caloric restriction like reduced risks of cancer, cardiovascular diseases, diabetes, immune disorders etc.

14. The Scientific Explanation Of Touching Feet (Charan Sparsh)

Usually, the person of whose feet you are touching is either old or pious. When they accept your respect which came from your reduced ego (and is called your shraddha) their hearts emit positive thoughts and energy (which is called their karuna) which reaches you through their hands and toes. In essence, the completed circuit enables flow of energy and increases cosmic energy, switching on a quick connect between two minds and hearts. To an extent, the same is achieved through handshakes and hugs. The nerves that start from our brain spread across all your body. These nerves or wires end in the fingertips of your hand and feet. When you join the fingertips of your hand to those of their opposite feet, a circuit is immediately formed and the energies of two bodies are connected. Your fingers and palms become the ‘receptor’ of energy and the feet of other person become the ‘giver’ of energy.

15. Why Married Women Apply Sindoor Or Vermillion

It is interesting to note that that the application of sindoor by married women carries a physiological significance. This is so because Sindoor is prepared by mixing turmeric-lime and the metal mercury. Due to its intrinsic properties, mercury, besides controlling blood pressure also activates sexual drive. This also explains why Sindoor is prohibited for the widows. For best results, Sindoor should be applied right upto the pituitary gland where all our feelings are centered. Mercury is also known for removing stress and strain.

16. Why Do We Worship Peepal Tree

‘Peepal’ tree is almost useless for an ordinary person, except for its shadow. ‘Peepal’ does not a have a delicious fruit, its wood is not strong enough for any purpose then why should a common villager or person worship it or even care for it? Our ancestors knew that ‘Peepal’ is one of the very few trees (or probably the only tree) which produces oxygen even at night. So in order to save this tree because of its unique property they related it to God/religion.

17. Why Do We Worship Tulsi Plant

Hindu religion has bestowed ‘Tulsi’, with the status of mother. Also known as ‘Sacred or Holy Basil’, Tulsi, has been recognized as a religious and spiritual devout in many parts of the world. The vedic sages knew the benefits of Tulsi and that is why they personified it as a Goddess and gave a clear message to the entire community that it needs to be taken care of by the people, literate or illiterate. We try to protect it because it is like Sanjeevani for the mankind. Tulsi has great medicinal properties. It is a remarkable antibiotic. Taking Tulsi everyday in tea or otherwise increases immunity and help the drinker prevent diseases, stabilize his or her health condition, balance his or her body system and most important of all, prolong his or her life. Keeping Tulsi plant at home prevents insects and mosquitoes from entering the house. It is said that snakes do not dare to go near a Tulsi plant. Maybe that is why ancient people would grow lots of Tulsi near their houses.

18. Why Do We Worship Idol

Hinduism propagates idol worship more than any other religion. Researchers say that this was initiated for the purpose of increasing concentration during prayers. According to psychiatrists, a man will shape his thoughts as per what he sees. If you have 3 different objects in front of you, your thinking will change according to the object you are viewing. Similarly, in ancient India, idol worship was established so that when people view idols it is easy for them to concentrate to gain spiritual energy and meditate without mental diversion

19. Why Do Indian Women Wear Bangles

Normally the wrist portion is in constant activation on any human. Also the pulse beat in this portion is mostly checked for all sorts of ailments. The Bangles used by women are normally in the wrist part of ones hand and its constant friction increases the blood circulation level. Further more the electricity passing out through outer skin is again reverted to one’s own body because of the ring shaped bangles, which has no ends to pass the energy outside but to send it back to the body.

20. Why Should We Visit Temple?

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. The main idol is placed in the core center of the temple, known as “*Garbhagriha*” or *Moolasthanam*. In fact, the temple structure is built after the idol has been placed. This *Moolasthanam* is where earth’s magnetic waves are found to be maximum. We know that there are some copper plates, inscribed with Vedic scripts, buried beneath the Main Idol. What are they really? No, they are not God’s / priests’ flash cards when they forget the *shlokas*. The copper plate absorbs earth’s magnetic waves and radiates it to the surroundings. Thus a person regularly visiting a temple and walking clockwise around the Main Idol receives the beamed magnetic waves and his body absorbs it. This is a very slow process and a regular visit will let him absorb more of this positive energy. Scientifically, it is the positive energy that we all require to have a healthy life.

Lodi mallayya

2014-07-15T22:22:00.000-07:00

1. ఇది తెలంగాణా లోని ఒక అద్భుత పుణ్యక్షేత్రం

2. ఈ గుడి, మహబూబ్ నగర్ జిల్లా అమ్రాబాద్ మండలం అచ్చంపేట గ్రామం లో ఉంది.

3. హైదరాబాద్ నుండి శ్రీశైలం వెళ్ళే దారి లో కట్టి పడేసే ఆహ్లాదకర వాతావరణ జలపాతం

4. జలపాతం కింద ఉండే గుహ లో అమరనాథ్ క్షేత్రాన్ని తలపించే శివాలయం

5. ఇక్కడికి వెళ్ళడానికి అచ్చంపేట నుండి 5-6 కిలోమీటర్ ల అడవి మార్గ ప్రయాణం

6. ప్రతి ఏట తొలి ఏకాదశి రోజు భక్తుల దర్శనం

7. ఈ గుడి కి నల్లమల అడవి చెంచులు పూజారులు

8. హైదరాబాద్ రంగారెడ్డి నల్గోండ జిల్లా లతో పాటు కర్ణాటక నుండి ఎక్కువగా భక్తులు

9. ఈ ప్రాంతాన్ని పర్యాటక కేంద్రం గా మార్చాలి అంటున్న ప్రజలు

అచ్చంపేట, తెలంగాణ రాష్ట్రములోని మహబూబ్ నగర్ జిల్లాకు చెందిన ఒక మండలము. మరియు అదే పేరు కల ఒక పట్టణము.
ఈ పట్టణము నల్లమల అడవులకు సమీపంలో ఉంది. హైదరాబాదు, శ్రీశైలం, మహబూబ్ నగర్‌ల నుంచి ఇది సుమారు 100 కిలోమీటర్ల దూరంలో ఉంది. రవాణాపరంగా ఈ పట్టణం మంచి సౌకర్యాలను కలిగిఉంది. వ్యాపారంలో కూడా ఈ పట్టణము అభివృద్ధిలో ఉంది. బస్సు డీపో కూడ ఈ పట్టణంలో ఉంది. విద్యాపరంగా మంచి పాఠశాలలు, కళాశాలలు డిగ్రీ వరకు బోధన సాగిస్తున్నాయి.

Chaya Someswara Swamy temple, Panagal, Nalgonda, Telangana

2014-07-02T20:46:00.003-07:00

Chaya Someswara Swamy temple, also known by the name Thrikutalayam, is a Hindu temple located in Panagal, Nalgonda district, Telangana, India.It is a popular site during Sivarathri.

Panagal of Nalgonda was also an important religious place during Kakatiya period. An inscription mentioning the name of Kakatiya's greatest king Pratap Rudra on Pachala Someswara temple supports the claim that these temples were erected for the greater glory of the Kakatiya ruler's favorite god, Shiva.There are two famous Shiva temples, Chaya Someswara Swamy temple and Pachala Someswara temple. The Shiva lingam of Chaya Someswara (chaya means "shadow" in Telugu) is, when daylight is present, straddled by a permanent shadow of a pillar. The pillars of the temple are decorated in great detail with relief sculpture of episodes from the two great Epics of India, the Ramayana and the Mahabharata.

Statues and sculptures of Hindu gods and goddesses dating back to Ikshvaku dynasty of 1st century AD are preserved and protected at the museum constructed in the compound of Pachala Someswara Swamy temple. Some of the ancient shiv lingas preserved in the museum were collected from a village called Yelleswaram (a shivaite centre), which was submerged during the construction of Nagarjuna Sagar dam.

During late 14th Century and early 15th century, there was an equilibrium of sorts between Recherla Padmanayaks in Central Telangana, Panta Kapus (Reddis) in Coastal Andhra, Bahmani Sultans of Gulbarga in Western Telangana and Eastern Gangas of Kalinga in the North East (modern Srikakulam and Vijayanagaram). In the south were Vijayanagara kings, in Udayagiri fort (operating from Udayagiri, with base in Vijayanagara).

Recherla Padmanayaks, operating from Rachakonda (Samsathan Narayanpur, near Choutuppal) and Devarakonda, were regional adversaries of Panta Reddis.

The Panta Reddis had established their bases in two places - Kondaveedu and Rajahmundry, the ones from the latter being the juniors. A fratricidal war broke out between Kondaveedu Reddis and Reddis of Rajahmundry. The Kondaveedu Reddis who were in allegiance with Vijayanagara Kings for fending off Recherla Padmanayaks, swtiched their allegiance to Bahmanis as Vijayanagara kings started reaching out to Rajahmundry Reddis. This inturn angered Recherla kings who till then were in allegiance with Bahmanis to fend off Viyanagara push into the Recherla territories, shifted their allegiance to Vijayanagara kingdom out of pure realpolitik.

A major battle was fought in 1419 at Panagal that led to the victory of Vijayanagara-Rajahmundry Reddi-Recherla Padmanayaks. After this battle, the Kondaveedu Reddi dynasty gradually got extinct.

50 సంవత్సరాల నాటి వేంకటేశ్వరుని నిజరూప దర్శనం

2014-06-23T23:05:00.000-07:00

క్రింద పేర్కొన్న వీడియో 50 సంవత్సరాలకు పూర్వం తిరుమల శ్రీ వేంకటేశ్వర స్వామి మూల విగ్రహానికి అభిషేకం

చేస్తున్నపుడు తీసినట్లుగా చెప్పబడుతోంది. దీనిలో నిజానిజాలేంటో నాకు తెలీదుకానీ మీరు

కూడా చూడాలనుకుంటే క్రింది వీడియోను చూడండి.

Sri Raja Rajeshwara Swamy Devasthanam, Karimnagar, Telangana

2014-06-08T16:26:00.001-07:00

Vemulawada (or Vemulavada) is a town 35 km from Karimnagar, in the Telangana state, India. It is chiefly notable for the Sri Raja Rajeshwara Swamy Temple complex, a site of pilgrimage for Hinduworshippers (particularly devotees of Vishnu and Shiva) . It is the major pilgrim destination in northern Telangana. The temple god is famous as Rajanna.

The city has a population of more than 60,000. The city serves as a business capital for the neighbouring villages. Being a pilgrimage, the city has visitors from all over India.

The temple is one of the very old and powerful ones devoted to Lord Siva, popularly known as Dakshina Kashi (Benaras of South India). Built by Chalukya kings between AD 750 and 975, the complex is named for its presiding deity Sri Raja Rajeswara Swamy, an incarnation of Shiva. It houses several temples dedicated to other deities including Rama, Lakshmana, Lakshmi, Ganapathy, Lord Padmanabha Swamy and Lord Bhimeshwara. Architectural features include its open galleries (such as the Mirror Gallery Addala Mantapa and a corridor with a number of Shiva idols) and a Dharma Gundam, a holy tank where pilgrims bathe then proceed for darshan and whose water is believed to have curative properties. Every year at the time of Maha Shiva Rathri, more than 500,000 people visit Vemulavada.

During August, Sravana Masa, which is auspicious for Hindus, the temple is crowded and the temple provides accommodation for pilgrims

Sri Raja Rajeshwara Temple in Vemulawada on lunar eclipse

Shri Ramachandraswamy temple, Bhadrachalam, Andhra Pradesh

2014-06-03T09:58:00.001-07:00

Shri Ramachandraswamy temple, Bhadrachalam, Andhra Pradesh
Lord Sree Sita Ramachandra Swamy Temple in Bhadrachalam (Telugu: శ్రీ భద్రాచలం సీతారామచంద్ర స్వామి వారి దేవస్థానము) is a Hindu temple of Lord Rama located in Andhra Pradesh, India. The area is called as Bhadrachalam and is the venue of grand celebrations on Rama Navami day, when the wedding anniversary of Lord Rama and his consort Sita takes place with much fanfare.
A sacred place that attracts lakhs of devotees from all over the world, it is the abode of Lord Rama (The seventh incarnation of SriMahavishnu). This hill place which is encircled by holy river Godavari flowing towards southern direction is the famous shrine Bhadrachalam-The name derived from Bhadragiri (Mountain of Bhadra-a boon child of Meru and Menaka). According to a Ithihasas, the significance of this shrine dates back to the Ramayana Era. This coherent hill place existed in "Dandakaranya" Of Ramayana period where Rama with his consort Sita and brother Laxmana had spent their vanavasa- and Parnashaala(the place connected to the famous Golden Deer and the place from where Sita was abducted by Ravana.) is also in the vicinity of this temple site. It is at this Mandir site that, long after Ramavatara, Bhagawan Mahavishnu manifested Himself as Rama again to fulfil a promise He made to His Bhakta Bhadra, who continued his Tapas through Yugas, praying for the grace of the Bhagawan Sri Ramachandra murthy.
Exigency of Incarnation
The history depicts that the need emerged the incarnation of Vykuntha Rama was that to fulfill a long desire of his ardent devotee Bhadra.
Maharshi Bhadra
Bhadra performed penance at the bank of river Godavari in this " Dandakaranya " to get grace of lord Rama and in countenance of his beloved God - The exulted "Rishi" implored Rama to be seated on his head ,but Rama who was in search of his consort Sita gave promise to his Bhakta that his desire would be fulfilled on his way back , after finding Sita and accomplishing the process of punishing the wicked Ravana and establish 'Dharma' . Thus the sage had been in continuation of the frightened penance as Rama could not accomplish the promise in Ramavatara . Then Sri Mahavishnu manifested himself as Vykuntha Rama and rushed to his devotee Bhadra , signaling hisarrival by blowing 'Shanku',accompanied by his consort Sita and brother Laxmana , resembling that of 'Gajendra Moksham ' - Thus , the moorthies of Rama ( having four hands ) - Shanku on the right , Chakra at his left and Dhanurbhana ( Bow and Arrow in the rest two hands ) , Sita had condescended on the left lap of Rama and brother ( at Rama's left ) are existed . And the hill place where the Deities were seated on , was the head place of Bhadra - achalam ( hill ) ,thus this shrine was transformed into Bhadrachalam .

The idols of Vykuntha Rama, Laxmana and Sita were found by Pokala Dhammakka. Pokala Dhammakka, an ardent devotee of Rama lived in the 17th century and was an inhabitant of Bhadrireddypalem, a mile away from this holy place. On one fine night, she had darshan of Rama in her dream who said "the saints and sages are worshiping my embodied moorthy settled on Bhadragiri" and asked her to trace them, perform pooja and attain salvation. On the very next day morning she started searching for the idols-peeped into an ant-hill and found the idols hidden in it. She poured hundreds of pots of Godavari water on the ant-hill which tardily dissolved and gave way for the appearance of the hidden Deities. Since then, she used to perform pooja daily and offer 'naivedyam' with fruits fallen from near palmyra tree and constructed a mandapam of thatch hut with the help of local villagers. Bhagawan Rama told Dhammakka that at a later date, one of his devotees would construct a Mandir at this site. Dhammakka waited patiently for the devotee. The devotee turned out to be Bhakta Ramadas.
Bhakta Ramadas and construction of temple
Bhadrachalarama temple was constructed by Kancharla Gopanna popularly known as Bhakta Ramadas in the year 1674 A.D.

Kancharla Gopanna, popularly known as "Bhakta Ramdas", a fervent devotee of Rama, was born to Linganna Murthy and Kamamba in Nelakondapalli village of Khammamett Taluk in 17th century (1620 AD). He was nephew of Akkannna, the administrative head in the court of Nawab Abul Hussan shah known as 'Taneshah' of Golkonda (he was the last ruler of Golconda before Aurangazeb captured it in 1687A.D.) and was appointed by him as Tahsildar of 'Palvoncha Paragana'. Thus he was discharging his official duties earnestly and collecting revenues due to the Nawabs in continuation of daily preaches -Chanting of 'Ramanama' and the feeding the poor at his house. Ramadasa, who heard the news that the villagers of palvoncha paragana were proceeding to witness a Jatara at Bhadrachalam , became curios and he too visited Bhadrachalam. He found the deities in an amazing appearance. Ramadas, then asked the villagers to contribute liberally for the construction of the temple. After the contributions were found to be insufficient, the villagers appealed him to spend the revenue collections for the construction of the temple with a promise to repay the amount after harvesting the crops. Accordingly, Ramadas constructed the temple with an amount of Rs 6 Lakhs collected from the land revenues with out the permission of the Nizam Nawab.
When the temple reached to the nearing completion, he had a problem of fixing 'Sudarshana Chakra' at the crest of the main temple. He was deeply distressed and fell into sleep. On the same night, Rama in his dream asked him to have a holy dip in river Godavari where he will find that-accordingly. On the next day morning Gopanna did so and found holy Sudarshana Chakra in the river with out much difficulty. He presumed that Sudarshana Chakra itself was shaped up with the divine power of his beloved God Rama. Soon after the construction, his miseries started. He was dismissed from service for mis-utilisation of revenue for constructing the temple and was kept in jail for 12 long years in Golkonda Fort and was tortured. Unable to withstand the miseries, Ramadas implored Rama to relieve him by singing many praising and emotional songs which got popularized from the stanzas of 'Dasaradhi Sathakam' and 'Keertanas' of Bhakta Ramadasa.

The Nizam Nawab Tanishah, the then ruler of Nizam's territory became a devotee of Rama who realised the devotion spirit of Ramadas after his imprisonment and took over the charge of temple administration. This resembles the communal harmony amongst the Hindus and Muslims. The Nizam Nawab realised Ramadas'devotional spirit and dedication towards Rama, when Rama and Laxmana repaid 6 lakh Mohurs exposing themselves as Ramoji and Laxmoji, the servants of Bhakta Ramadas to get release of their devotee from the imprisonment. Thanisha gave voucher to these divine looking persons who approached him at his house during late night. Then they kept the voucher under the pillow of Gopanna where he was jailed. Tanishah who woke up on the very next day morning realised that those divine looking persons were none other than Rama and Laxmana and made arrangements to get release of Gopanna and prayed to forgive him by placing all the Gold Mohurs received last night at the feet of Gopanna. But, he refused to take back those mohurs except two as a mark of divine significance. (Those two can still be seen kept in Bhadrachala Sri Sita Ramachandra Swamy vaari Devasthanam).

Influenced by the majesty of Lord Rama, Golkonda Ruler Tanishah earmarked the income derived from the said Palwoncha paragana which came to Rs 20,000 and odd for the maintenance of the temple which was continued during Nizam's reign and offering Pearls (Mutyala Talambralu) on the occasion of kalyana mahotsavam (Sri Rama Navami) to Deities on an elephant through a specially sent messenger. That procedure of sending pearls to the Deities is still followed by present state Government and continues to offer during Sri Rama Navami Festival (Kalyana mahotsavam). Tumu Narsimha Dasa,Tahasildar of Palwoncha paragana,along with his associate Varada Ramadasa came here from Guntur and took over the charge of Bhadrachalarama temple after Ramadas made inscripted the performance of Nitya Poojas and sevas right from early morning "Suprabhata Seva" till night "Pavalimpu Seva" before closure of the temple as "Silaasaasanaalu" on these two pillars. This inscription gives details of daily dictum and daily rituals also.

Krishna temple , Mathura, Uttar pradesh

2014-06-03T09:46:00.000-07:00

VRINDAVAN
Vrindavan is a town in the Mathura district of Uttar Pradesh, India. It is the site of an ancient forest which is the region where, according to the Mahabharata, the Supreme Lord Krishna spent his childhood days.
Vrindavan, just 15 km from Mathura, is another major place of pilgrimage. It is noted for its numerous temples - both old and modern. The name Vrindavan evokes the playfulness and lovable characteristics of Shri Krishna. This is the wood where he frolicked with the gopis and tenderly wooed Radha.

Vrindavan today, is noted for its numerous temples. The most important are:

The Madan Mohan Temple located near the Kali Ghat which was built by Kapur Ram Das of Multan. This is the oldest existent temple in Vrindavan today. The temple is closely associated with the saint Chaitanya. The original idol of Lord Madan Gopal was shifted from the shrine to Karauli in Rajasthan for safe keeping, during Aurangzeb's rule. Today, a replica of the image is worshipped at the temple.

The Banke-Bihari Temple built in 1864 is the most popular shrine at Vrindavan. The image of Banke-Bihari was discovered in Nidhi Vana by Swami Haridas, the great Krishna devotee, belonging to the Nimbarka sect.

The famous Radha Vallabh Temple set up by the Radha - Vallabh sect, has the crown of Radha-Rani placed next to the Shri Krishna idol in the sanctum.

The Jaipur Temple which was built by Sawai Madhav Singh, the Maharaja of Jaipur in 1917, is a richly embellished and opulent temple. The fine hand - carved sandstone is of unparalleled workmanship. The temple is dedicated to Shri Radha Madhav.

The Shahji Temple, another popular temple at Vrindavan, was designed and built in 1876 by a wealthy jeweller, Shah Kundan Lal of Lucknow. The deities at the temple are popularly known as the Chhote Radha Raman.
Noted for its magnificent architecture and beautiful marble sculpture, the temple has twelve spiral columns each 15 feet high. The `Basanti Kamra' - the darbar hall is famed for its Belgian glass chandeliers and fine paintings.

MATHURA
The city of Mathura, in Uttar Pradesh, the nucleus of Brajbhoomi, is located at a distance of 145 km south-east of Delhi and 58 km north-west of Agra. Covering an area of about 3,800 sq. km., today, Brajbhoomi can be divided into two distinct units - the eastern part in the trans-Yamuna tract with places like Gokul, Mahavan, Baldeo, Mat and Bajna and the western side of the Yamuna covering the Mathura region that encompasses Vrindavan, Govardhan, Kusum Sarovar, Barsana and Nandgaon.

The land of Braj starts from Kotban near Hodel about 95 km from Delhi and ends at Runakuta which is known specially for its association with the poet Surdas, an ardent Krishna devotee.

A long line of picturesque ghats - with their steps leading to the water's edge, arched gateways and temple spires extending along the right bank of the River Yamuna, emphasise the sacred character of the town of Mathura. The birth place of Lord Krishna, "the best known, best loved and most complex of Lord Vishnu's manifestations" - Mathura is today an important place of pilgrimage.

An ancient city whose origins fade into the mists of history, Mathura's strategic location at the cross roads of various trade routes - that went westwards to West Asia and the Roman Empire; northwards, via Taxila, Pushkalavati and Purushapur to Central Asia and the Silk Route and eastwards to China - ensured its position as a centre of trade and a meeting point for varied cultures.

By the fifth century BC, during the time of Buddha, it was a major metropolis and the capital of the Surasena Kingdom - one of the 16 Mahajanapadas of the period. Mathura saw its `golden age' during the rule of the Kushanas and the able governance of rulers like Kanishka, Huvishka, and Vasishka, when the arts flourished and economic wealth grew. It remained a centre of power during the Mauryan period, through the enlightened rule of Emperor Ashoka (3rd century BC) to the Gupta era (4th century AD).

Sringeri Sharada Peetham, Sringeri, Karnataka

2014-04-27T21:03:00.001-07:00

Jagadguru Sri Adi Shankara Bhagavatpada established the first of the four Amnaya Peethams¹ at Sringeri more than twelve centuries ago to foster the sacred tradition of Sanatana Dharma.

Hallowed for all times by Sage Rishyashringa who stayed and performed Tapas here, Sringeri attracted the great Acharya with a remarkable sight.

A contemporary painting of Sringeri

Tradition has it that after the Acharya had dispersed all the non-Vedic creeds prevailing in the country, He was on the look-out for a convenient and holy place where he could establish an institution to spread the truths of Advaita Vedanta. When the Acharya came to Sringeri, he saw an unusual sight on the banks of the Tunga. A cobra was seen spreading out its hood over a frog in labour pains, to give it shadow from the scorching mid-day sun. Struck with the sanctity of the place, which could infuse love between natural adversaries, the Acharya chose this very location to establish His first Math.

Sri Kappe Shankara - A Shrine on the banks of the Holy Tunga river in memory to the
glorious sight witnessed by Sri Adi Shankaracharya; A serpent giving shade from the
scorching sun to a pregnant frog in labour pains

The Madhaviya Shankara Digvijayam describes that the Acharya came across many virtuous people at Sringeri and taught them the doctrine of Advaita. He then invoked the Divinity of Knowledge, Goddess Sharada and consecrated an icon of the Goddess. Thus the Peetham He founded at Sringeri in South India for fostering the Vedas and the sacred tradition of Sanatana Dharma came to be known as the Dakshinamnaya Sri Sharada Peetham.

The Acharya appointed his prime disciple, Sri Sureshwaracharya as the first Acharya of the Peetham. Since then, the Peetham has been blessed with an unbroken Guru Parampara, a garland of spiritual masters and Jivanmuktas representing Sri Adi Shankaracharya. The succeeding Acharyas have led a life of such austere penance that it has led disciples to adore in them the radiance of Sri Adi Shankara Himself.

Besides being a centre of spiritual power, Sringeri also came to be known as a great place of traditional learning owing to the presence of Goddess Sharada and the erudition of the Acharyas of the Peetham. The Acharyas were instrumental in bringing forth commentaries on the Vedas and in further expounding the Bhashyas of Sri Adi Shankaracharya. The Acharyas also wrote a number of independent works related to Advaita besides producing a number of hymns underlining their ardent devotion to the non-dual Supreme worshipped in multifarious forms. The Peetham thus came to be regarded as the Vyakhyana Simhasana, The Throne of Transcendental Wisdom. Consequently, the Birudavali hails the Acharya as the occupier of this throne. Many regard Goddess Sharada Herself to be moving in the form of the presiding Acharya of the Peetham.

In the 14th century, royal patronage to the Peetham began with the founding of the famous Vijayanagar empire under the divine guidance of the 12th Acharya, Jagadguru Sri Vidyaranya. The austerity of the Acharya influenced the rulers to such an extent that they began ruling in the name of the Acharya and granted the Peetham the rights over secular administration of the land. At the rulers’ request, the Acharya began conducting a Durbar during the Navaratri festival - an occasion deemed by the rulers to honour their Guru. Subsequently, the Acharya came to be known as the Karnataka Simhasana Prathisthapanacharya and the Peetham became a mighty institution - a Samsthanam and is known to this day as the Jagadguru Shankaracharya Mahasamsthanam, Dakshinamnaya Sri Sharada Peetham at Sringeri. Over the succeeding centuries, a number of empires and rulers including the Mysore Maharajahs Hyder Ali and Tipu Sultan, the Nizam of Hyderabad, the Peshwas and the Keladi rulers and Travancore Rajas were drawn towards the Peetham and respected the Acharya as their Guru.

Sri Vidyaranya Mahaswami being accorded royal honour in the Adda-Pallaki by the
Vijayanagara Emperors, Harihara and Bukkaraya. A 17th century painting based on the
mural at Virupaksha temple at Hampi. This tradition has continued
since then and is followed even today.

In the recent past, the Sharada Peetham has shone through the lives of the Acharyas - Jagadguru Sri Sacchidananda Shivabhinava Nrisimha Bharati Mahaswamigal, the re-discoverer of Sri Adi Shankara’s birthplace at Kalady and the founder of the famous Pathashala at Sringeri; followed by the renowned Jivanmukta, Jagadguru Sri Chandrasekhara Bharati Mahaswamigal; succeeded by the crest jewel of Yogis, Jagadguru Sri Abhinava Vidyatirtha Mahaswamigal. They have all left indelible impressions in the hearts of the disciples.

With such a rich history associated with Sri Adi Shankaracharya’s first and foremost Peetham, many wonder at the aptness of the Acharya’s choice of locating the Peetham at Sringeri, a spot replete with a hoary past, and bountiful with natural splendour and serenity.

Today, the Sringeri Sharada Peetham bedecked with an unbroken chain of Acharyas continues to uphold the principles of Sanatana Dharma with the 36th Acharya Jagadguru Shankaracharya Sri Sri Bharati Tirtha Mahaswamiji acting as a treasure of spiritual wisdom and peace for all seekers.

Kamakhya Temple, Assam

2014-04-27T20:52:00.000-07:00

The Kamakhya TempleAssamese: কামাখ্যা মন্দিৰ) is a Hindu temple dedicated to the mother goddess Kamakhya, one of the oldest of the 51 Shakti Pithas, situated on the Nilachal Hill in western part of Guwahati city in Assam, India. It is the main temple, dedicated to Kamakhya, in a complex of individual temples dedicated to the ten Mahavidyas: Bhuvaneshvari, Bagalamukhi,Chinnamasta, Tripura Sundari, Tara, Kali, Bhairavi, Dhumavati, Matangi and Kamala. Among these, Tripurasundari, Matangi and Kamala reside inside the main temple whereas the other seven reside in individual temples. It is an important pilgrimage destination for general Hindu and especially for Tantric worshipers.

Kamakhya Temple, which is situated at the top of the Nilachal Hill at about 800 feet above the sea level. The entire temple complex not only comprises of many other temples but also a whole set of people connected with them. Apart from the main devi temple, it also comprises of some other major temples of devi Kali, Tara, Bagala, Chinnamasta, Bhuvanesvari, Bhairavi and Dhumavati.

There are some other temples of various goddess can be seen in the complex. They are the Sitala Temple, the Lalita Kanta Temple, The jaya Durga Temple, the Vana Durga Temple, the Rajarajesvari Temple, the Smasanakali temple, the kail temple of Abhayananda dharmashala and the Sankhesvari temple. There are five temples of Lord Shiva in the Kamakhya complex. They belongs to different forms of Lord Shiva like Kamesvara (Umananda), Siddhesvara, Amratokesvara (Heruka), Aghpra, and kotilinga (Tatpurusa).

The complex also contains three temples of Lord Visnu. They are as the Kedara (Kamalesvara), situated near the northern side of the main temple, as the Gadadhara, situated in the north-western direction of the Kamakhya temple, and as Pandunath, which is situated in the eastern foothills of Nilachal also kinown as Pandu.

LEGEND OF KAMAKHYA

Once Naraka, motivated by his carnal desire, wanted to marry Devi Kamakhya. When proposed, the goddess playfully put a condition before him. If Naraka would be able to build a staircase from the bottom of the Nilachal hill to the temple within one night, then she would surely marry him.

Naraka took it as a challenge and tried all with his might to do this marathon task. He was almost about to accomplish the job when the Devi, panic-stricken as she was to see this, played a trick on him. She strangled a cock and made it crow untimely to give the impression of dawn to Naraka. Duped by the trick even Naraka thought that it was a futile job and left it half way through. Later he chased the cock and killed it in a place which is now known as Kukurakata, situated in the district of Darrang. The incomplete staircase is known as Mekhelauja path.

How to reach

The Kamakhya temple is situated at the center of the city. Buses and cabs runs almost all the time right from the morning to the night. The kamakhya temple is about 20 km from the airport. It is about 6 km from the railway station. From the airport as well as from the railway station cars are easily available for rent. So, devotees can hire cars for a trip to kamakhya temple. There are two well maintained staircase from the bottom of the hill to the Kamakhya temple made up of stones is also there, which can also be used to climb to the Kamakhya temple.

https://www.google.com/maps/place/Kamakhya+Temple/@26.166469,91.705194,17z/data=!3m1!4b1!4m2!3m1!1s0x0:0xaaad40304c7d3d1d

60 Telugu Year Names

2014-03-31T13:08:00.002-07:00

Telugu Years

తెలుగు సంవత్సరములు

క్రమ సంఖ్య	సంవత్సరము పేరు	సంవత్సరము యొక్క ఫలితము
1	ప్రభవ	యజ్ఞములు ఎక్కువగా జరుగును
2	విభవ	ప్రజలు సుఖంగా జీవించెదరు
3	శుక్ల	సర్వ శస్యములు సమృధిగా ఉండును
4	ప్రమోద్యూత	అందరికీ ఆనందానిచ్చును
5	ప్రజోత్పత్తి	అన్నిటిలోనూ అభివృద్ది
6	అంగీరస	భోగములు కలుగును
7	శ్రీముఖ	లోకములన్నీ సమృధ్దిగా ఉండును
8	భావ	ఉన్నత భావాలు కలిగించును
9	యువ	ఇంద్రుడు వర్షాలు కురిపించి సమృద్దిగా పండించును
10	ధాత	అన్ని ఓషధులు ఫలించును
11	ఈశ్వర	క్షేమము - అరోగ్యాన్నిచ్చును
12	బహుధాన్య	దెశము సుభీక్షముగా ఉండును
13	ప్రమాది	వర్షములు మధ్యస్తముగా కురియును
14	విక్రమ	సశ్యములు సమృద్దిగా పండును
15	వృష	వర్షములు సమృద్దిగా కురియును
16	చిత్రభాను	చిత్ర విచిత్ర అలంకారాలిచ్చును
17	స్వభాను	క్షేమము,ఆరోగ్యానిచ్చును
18	తారణ	మేఘములు సరైన సమయములో వర్షించి సమృద్దిగా ఉండును
19	పార్ధివ	సంపదలు వృద్ది అగును
20	వ్యయ	అతి వృష్టి కలుగును
21	సర్వజిత్తు	ప్రజలు సంతోషించునట్టు వర్షాలు కురియును
22	సర్వధారి	సుభీక్షంగా ఉండును
23	విరోధి	మేఘములు హరించి వర్షములు లేకుండా చేయును
24	వికృతి	భయంకరంగా ఉండును
25	ఖర	పుషులు వీరులగుదురు
26	నందన	ప్రజలు ఆనందంతో ఉండును
27	విజయ	శత్రువులను సం హరించును
28	జయ	శత్రువులపైనా,రోగములపైనా విజయం సాధిస్తారు.
29	మన్మధ	జ్వరాది భాదలు తొలిగిపోవును
30	దుర్ముఖి	ప్రజలు దుఖర్మలు చేయువారగుదురు

31	హేవళంబి	ప్రజలు సంతోషంగా ఉండును
32	విళంబి	సుభీక్షముగా ఉండును
33	వికారి	శత్రువులకు చాలా కోపం కలింగించును
34	శార్వరి	అక్కడక్కడా సశ్యములు ఫలించును
35	ప్లవ	నీరు సమృద్దిగా ఫలించును
36	శుభకృతు	ప్రజలు సుఖంగా ఉండును
37	శోభకృతు	ప్రజలు సుఖంగా ఉండును
38	క్రోధి	కోప స్వభావం పెరుగును
39	విశ్వావసు	ధనం సమృద్దిగా ఉండును
40	పరాభవ	ప్రజలు పరాభవాలకు గురి అగుదురు
41	ప్లవంగ	నీరు సమృద్దిగా ఉండును
42	కీలక	సశ్యం సమృద్దిగా ఉండును
43	సౌమ్య	శుభములు కలుగును
44	సాధారణ	సామాన్య శుభాలు కలుగును
45	విరోధికృతు	ప్రజల్లో విరోధములు కలుగును
46	పరీధావి	ప్రజల్లో భయం కలిగించును
47	ప్రమాదీచ	ప్రామాదములు ఎక్కువగా కలుగును
48	ఆనంద	ఆనందము కలిగించును
49	రాక్షస	ప్రజలు కఠిణ హృదయిలై ఉండెదరు
50	నల	సశ్యం సమృద్దిగా ఉండును
51	పింగళ	సామాన్య శుభములు కలుగును
52	కాళయుక్తి	కాలయిక్తమయునది
53	సిద్ధార్ధి	అన్ని కార్యములు సిద్దించును
54	రౌద్రి	ప్రజలకు భాద కలిగించును
55	దుర్మతి	వర్షములు సామాన్యముగా ఉండును
56	దుందుభి	క్షేమము,ధాన్యాన్నిచ్చును
57	రుధిరోద్గారి	రక్త ధారలు ప్రవహించును
58	రక్తాక్షి	రక్త ధారలు ప్రవహించును
59	క్రోధన	జయమును కలిగించును
60	అక్షయ	లోకములో ధనం క్షీణించును

VIRUPAKSHA TEMPLE HAMPI, Karnataka

2014-03-29T13:27:00.004-07:00

Hampi (Kannada: ಹಂಪೆ Hampe) is a village in northern Karnataka state, India. It is located within the ruins of Vijayanagara, the former capital of the Vijayanagara Empire. Predating the city of Vijayanagara, it continues to be an important religious centre, housing the Virupaksha Temple, as well as several other monuments belonging to the old city.
Virupaksha Temple is located in Hampi 350 km from Bangalore, in the state of Karnataka in southern India. It is part of the Group of Monuments at Hampi, designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Virupaksha is a form of Shiva and has other temples dedicated to him, notably at the Group of Monuments at Pattadakal, another World Heritage Site.
Hampi sits on the banks of the Tungabhadra River in the ruins of the ancient city of Vijayanagar, capital of the Vijayanagara empire. Virupaksha Temple is the main center of pilgrimage at Hampi and has been considered the most sacred sanctuary over the centuries. It is fully intact among the surrounding ruins and is still used in worship. The temple is dedicated to Lord Shiva, known here as Virupaksha, as the consort of the local goddess Pampa who is associated with the Tungabhadra River. There is also a powerful Virupakshini amma temple (mother goddess) in a village called Nalagamapalle, Chittoor district, Andhra Pradesh, approximately 100 km from Tirupati.
The famous miracle of Sri Sathya Sai Baba's childhood where Sai Baba was seen inside the sanctum sanctorum whilst He was sitting outside the temple also happened at the Virupaksha temple.

Varanasi ,Uttar Pradesh

2014-03-29T13:06:00.001-07:00

Varanasi also known as Benares, Banaras or Kashi , is a city on the banks of the Ganges (Ganga) in Uttar Pradesh, 320 kilometres (200 mi) southeast of the state capital, Lucknow. It is the holiest of the seven sacred cities (Sapta Puri) in Hinduism and Jainism, and played an important role in the development of Buddhism. Some Hindus believe that death at Varanasi brings salvation. It is one of the oldest continuously inhabited cities in the world. Varanasi is also known as the favourite city of the Hindu deity Lord Shiva as it has been mentioned in the Rigveda that this city at older times was known as Kashi or "Shiv ki Nagri".

Many of its temples were plundered and destroyed by Mohammad Ghauri in the 12th century. The temples and religious institutions in the city now are dated to the 18th century.

The Kashi Naresh (Maharaja of Kashi) is the chief cultural patron of Varanasi, and an essential part of all religious celebrations. The culture of Varanasi is closely associated with the Ganges. The city has been a cultural center of North India for several thousand years, and has a history that is older than most of the major world religions. The Benares Gharana form of Hindustani classical music was developed in Varanasi, and many prominent Indian philosophers, poets, writers, and musicians live or have lived in Varanasi. Gautama Buddha gave his first sermon at Sarnath located near Varanasi.

Varanasi is the spiritual capital of India. Scholarly books have been written in the city, including the Ramcharitmanas of Tulsidas. Today there is a temple of his namesake in the city, the Tulsi Manas Mandir. One of the largest residential universities of Asia the Banaras Hindu University is located here. Varanasi is often referred to as "the city of temples", "the holy city of India", "the religious capital of India",

"The city of shiva", and "the city of learning".

JYOTHIRLINGAS

2014-03-28T14:15:00.001-07:00

As per ShivMahapuran , once Brahma (the Hindu God of creation) and Vishnu (the Hindu God of preservation) had an argument in terms of supremacy of creation. To test them, Shiva pierced the three worlds as a huge endless pillar of light, the jyotirlinga. Vishnu and Brahma split their ways to downwards and upwards respectively to find the end of the light in either directions. Brahma lied that he found out the end, while Vishnu conceded his defeat. Shiva appeared as a second pillar of light and cursed Brahma that he would have no place in ceremonies while Vishnu would be worshipped till the end of eternity. The jyotirlinga is the supreme partless reality, out of which Shiva partly appears. Thejyothirlinga shrines, thus are places where Shiva appeared as a fiery column of light. Originally there were believed to be 64 jyothirlingas while 12 of them are considered to be very auspicious and holy. Each of the twelve jyothirlinga sites take the name of the presiding deity - each considered different manifestation of Shiva. At all these sites, the primary image is lingam representing the beginningless and endless Stambha pillar, symbolizing the infinite nature of Shiva. The twelve jyothirlinga are

Ø Somnath in Gujarat,

Ø Mallikarjuna at Srisailam in Andra Pradesh

Ø Mahakaleswar at Ujjain in Madhya Pradesh

Ø Omkareshwar in Madhya Pradesh

Ø Kedarnath in Himalayas

Ø Bhimashankar inMaharastra

Ø Viswanath at Varanasi in Uttar Pradesh

Ø Triambakeshwar in Maharastra

Ø Vaidyanath at Deoghar in Jharkand

Ø Nageswar atDwarka in Gujarat

Ø Rameshwar at Rameswaram in Tamil Nadu

Ø Grishneshwar at Aurangabad in Maharastra

Trimbakeshwar ,Maharastra

2014-03-28T14:11:00.005-07:00

Trimbakeshwar (Marathi: त्र्यंबकेश्वर) or Trambakeshwar is an ancient Hindu temple in the town of Trimbak, in the Trimbakeshwar tehsil in the Nashik District of Maharashtra, India, 28 km from the city of Nasik . It is dedicated to Lord Shiva and is one of the twelve Jyotirlingas.

It is located at the source of the Godavari River, the longest river in peninsular India. The Godavari River, which is considered sacred within Hinduism, originates from Bramhagiri mountains and meets the sea near Rajahmudry. Kusavarta, a kund is considered the symbolic origin of the river Godavari, and revered by Hindus as a sacred bathing place. The current temple was built by Peshwa Balaji Baji Rao (a.k.a Nanasaheb).

Location of Trimbakeshwar

About 38 kms away from Nashik Road Railway Station, it is connected by bus and taxi service. There are modern Dharmashalas (caravansary). Besides, there are big houses of Kshetropadhyays (the priest), where lodging and boarding is made available on request.

Getting there

By Air : Nearest airport is Nashik 39 kms.

By Rail : Nearest railway station is Nashik Road 40 kms on Central Railway.

By Road :

Bombay - Trimbakeshwar 180 kms.

Vaishno Devi Temple Kashmir

2014-03-24T01:23:00.001-07:00

A pilgrimage to the Holy Shrine of Shri Mata Vaishno Devi Ji is considered to be one of the holiest pilgrimages of our times. Popular the world over as Moonh Maangi Muradein Poori Karne Wali Mata, which means, the Mother who fulfills whatever Her children wish for, Shri Mata Vaishno Devi Ji resides in a Holy Cave located in the folds of the three peaked mountain named Trikuta (pronounced as Trikoot). The Holy Cave attracts millions of devotees every year. In fact, the number of Yatris visiting the Holy Shrine annually now exceeds one crore. This is due to the unflinching faith of the devotees who throng the Shrine from all parts of India and abroad.

The Holy Cave of the Mother is situated at an altitude of 5200 ft. The Yatris have to undertake a trek of nearly 12 km from the base camp at Katra. At the culmination of their pilgrimage, the yatries are blessed with the Darshans of the Mother Goddess inside the Sanctum Sanctorum- the Holy Cave. These Darshans are in the shape of three natural rock formations called the Pindies. There are no statues or idols inside the Cave.

Sree Padmanabhaswamy temple ,Kerala

2014-03-09T14:31:00.000-07:00

Sree Padmanabhaswamy temple is a Vedic temple dedicated to Lord Vishnu located in Thiruvananthapuram, India, in the state of Kerala. The shrine is run by a trust headed by the royal family of Travancore. The temple is one of 108 Divya Desams (Holy Abodes of Vishnu) – principal centres of worship of the deity in Vaishnavism. Lord Balarama, according to Srimad Bhagavatam (10.79.18), visited Phalgunam (now known as Thiruvananthapuram) as part of his teerthyatra, took bath in Panchapsaras (Padmatirtham) and made a gift of ten thousand cows to holy men. The temple is glorified in the Divya Prabandha, the early medieval Tamil literature canon of the Tamil Alvar saints (6th–9th centuries AD), with structural additions made to it throughout the 16th century, when its ornate Gopuram was constructed. The Temple is a replica of the famous Sri Adikesavaperumal Temple at Thiruvattar. Sri Padmanabhaswamy Temple gave its name to Kerala’s state capital Thiruvananthapuram. ‘Thiru’ ‘Anantha’ ‘Puram’ means Sacred Abode of Lord Anantha Padmanabha. The city was also known as Anandapuram (City of Bliss) and Syananduram (Where Bliss is not far off). Ananda refers to Sree Padmanabha Himself. Hindu scriptures refer to the Supreme Being as 'Sachidananda' (Absolute Truth, Absolute Consciousness and Absolute Bliss).

The Principal Deity, Padmanabhaswamy, is enshrined in the "Anantha-sayanam" posture (in the eternal sleep of Yoga-nidra on theserpent Anantha). The Maharajah of Travancore bears the title, "Sree Padmanabhadasa’ (Servant of Lord Padmanabha).

In line with the Temple Entry Proclamation, only those who profess the Hindu faith are permitted entry to the temple. Devotees have to strictly follow the dress code.

10 Popular Buddhist Temples Around The World

2013-07-18T03:01:00.004-07:00

10 Popular Buddhist Temples Around The World

Buddhism is a major world religion and philosophy founded in northeastern India in the 5th century AD. It is based on the teachings of Siddhartha Gautama, commonly known as “The Buddha”, who was born in what is today Nepal. Buddhism takes as its goal the escape from suffering and from the cycle of rebirth: the attainment of nirvana. There are between 230 million and 500 million Buddhists worldwide. An overview of the most famous Buddhist temples in the world.

Haeinsa

Haeinsa (Temple of Reflection on a Smooth Sea) is one of the most important Buddhist temples in South Korea. The temple was first built in 802 and rebuilt in the 19th century after Haiensa was burned down in a fire in 1817. The temple’s greatest treasure however, a complete copy of the Buddhist scriptures (he Tripitaka Koreana) written on 81,258 woodblocks, survived the fire

Borobudur

Located on the Indonesian island of Java, 40 km (25 miles) northwest of Yogyakarta, the Borobudur is the largest and most famous Buddhist temple in the world. The Borobudur was built over a period of some 75 years in the 8th and 9th centuries by the kingdom of Sailendra, out of an estimated 2 million blocks of stone. It was abandoned in the 14th century for reasons that still remain a mystery and for centuries lay hidden in the jungle under layers of volcanic ash.

Bagan

Bagan, also spelled Pagan, on the banks of the Ayerwaddy River, is home to the largest area of Buddhist temples, pagodas, stupas and ruins in the world. It was the capital of several ancient kings of Burma who built perhaps as many as 4,400 temples during the height of the kingdom (between 1000 and 1200 AD). In 1287, the kingdom fell to the Mongols, after refusing to pay tribute to Kublai Khan and Bagan quickly declined as a political center, but continued to flourish as a place of Buddhist scholarship — in Bagan, Mandalay

Shwedagon Pagoda

The Shwedagon Pagoda (or Golden Pagoda) in Yangon, is the holiest Buddhist shrine in Burma. The origins of Shwedagon are lost in antiquity but it is estimated that the Pagoda was first built by the Mon during the Bagan period, sometime between the 6th and 10th century AD. The temple complex is full of glittering, colorful stupas but the center of attention is the 99 meter high (326 feet) high main stupa that is completely covered in gold

Mahabodhi Temple

The Mahabodhi (Great Enlightenment) Temple is a Buddhist stupa located in Bodh Gaya, India. The main complex contains a descendant of the original Bodhi Tree under which Gautama Buddha gained enlightenment and is the most sacred place in Buddhism. About 250 years after the Buddha attained Enlightenment, Emperor Asoka built a temple at the spot. The present temple dates from the 5th-6th century.

Boudhanath

Located in a suburb of Kathmandu, Boudhanath is one of the largest stupas in the world. It is the center of Tibetan Buddhism in Nepal and many refugees from Tibet have settled here in the last few decades. It is probably best known for the Buddha eyes that are featured on all four sides of the tower. The present stupa is said to date from the 14th century, after the previous one was destroyed by Mughal invaders.

Todaiji Temple

Todaiji (“Great Eastern Temple”) in Nara is one of the most historically significant and famous Buddhist temples in Japan. The temple was built in the 8th century by Emperor Shomu as the head temple of all provincial Buddhist temples of Japan. Today little remains of the original buildings of Todaiji. The Daibutsuden (“Great Buddha Hall”), dates for the most part from 1709. It houses one of the largest Budha statues in Japan and is the worlds largest wooden building, even though it is only two-thirds the size of the original structure.

Jokhang

The Jokhang Temple in Lhasa is the most important sacred site in Tibetan Buddhism attracting thousands of pilgrims each year. The temple was constructed by King Songtsän Gampo in the 7th century. The Mongols sacked the Jokhang temple several times but the building survived. Today the temple complex covers an area of about 25,000 square meters.

Pha That Luang

Located in Vientiane, Pha That Luang (“Great Stupa in Lao”) is one of the most important monument in Laos. The stupa has several terraces with each level representing a different stage of Buddhist enlightenment. The lowest level represents the material world; the highest level represents the world of nothingness. Pha That Luang was built in the 16th century on the ruins of an earlier Khmer temple. The temple was destroyed by a Siamese invasion in 1828, then later reconstructed by the French in 1931.

Wat Arun

Situated on the Thonburi side of the Chao Phraya River , Wat Arun (“Temple of Dawn”) is one of the oldest and best known landmarks in Bangkok, Thailand. The temple is an architectural representation of Mount Meru, the center of the universe in Buddhist cosmology. Despite it’s name, the best views of Wat Arun are in the evening with the sun setting behind it.

KANCHI KAMAKSHI

2013-07-17T03:14:00.003-07:00

Kanchi Kamakshi Temple

Kanchi Kamakshi temple is situated at about 5 acres of land and has four entrances. The main entrance of the temple has a Kalabhairavar deity on its left and the Mahishasura Mardini deity on the right. On the centre of the entrance you can see a hugeDwajasthampa. Moving further to the entrance of the Kamakshi deity you can see a Vinayaga deity. Moving on a straight line further, Goddess Kamakshi is visible. Goddess Kamakshi is surrounded by deities of Ayyapan, Saraswati, Annaporani and Adisankaracharya on its outer prakaram. The Goddess also has Varahi, Arupalakshmi Kalvarperumal (one of the 108 Divya Desam of Vaishanavities), Roopalakshmi and Arthanariswarar deities surrounding the sanctorum of Goddess on its Gayatri Mandapam. There is Santhanasthampam inside the prakaram of Goddess which is called the Nabisthan of the Goddess. There is a Srichakra Yantra (Sri Kamakoti Peetam) established by Jagadguru Sri Adisankaracharya in front of the Goddess deity. There is also a temple tank inside the premises. Kamakshi temple has a close relation with the Sri Kanchi Kamakoti Peetam and its successive Sankarcharyas. The temple has a gallery of Adisankarcharya's Life history inside the temple premises itself. Goddess Kamakshi is the main deity and the temple is one of the fifty one Shakti peetas. The temple is spelled as Nabisthana - Ottiyana peetam. The temple also has a golden Gopuram on the sanctorum of the Goddess Kamakshi deity which is visible to all devotees.

SCIENTIFIC REASON WHY VISIT TEMPLES ?

2012-10-07T21:28:00.001-07:00

WHY TO VISIT TEMPLES ?

(Scientific Reason)

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. Generally, a temple should be located at a place where earth's magnetic wave path passes through densely. It can be in the outskirts of a town/village or city, or in middle of the dwelling place, or on a hilltop. The essence of visiting a temple is discussed here.

Now, these 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. The main idol is placed in the core center of the temple, known as "Garbhagriha" or Moolasthanam. In fact, the temple structure is built after the idol has been placed. This Moolasthanam is where earth’s magnetic waves are found to be maximum. We know that there are some copper plates, inscribed with Vedic scripts, buried beneath the Main Idol. What are they really? No, they are not God’s / priests’ flash cards when they forget the shlokas. The copper plate absorbs earth’s magnetic waves and radiates it to the surroundings. Thus a person regularly visiting a temple and walking clockwise around the Main Idol receives the beamed magnetic waves and his body absorbs it. This is a very slow process and a regular visit will let him absorb more of this positive energy. Scientifically, it is the positive energy that we all require to have a healthy life.

Further, the Sanctum is closed on three sides. This increases the effect of all energies. The lamp that is lit radiates heat energy and also provides light inside the sanctum to the priests or poojaris performing the pooja. 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. The fragrance from the flowers, the burning of camphor give out the chemical energy further aiding in a different good aura. The effect of all these energies is supplemented by the positive energy from the idol, the copper plates and utensils in the Moolasthanam / Garbagraham. Theertham, the “holy” water used during the pooja to wash the idol is notplain water cleaning the dust off an idol. It is a concoction of Cardamom,Karpura (Benzoin), zaffron / saffron, Tulsi (Holy Basil), Clove, etc...Washing the idol is to charge the water with the magnetic radiations thus increasing its medicinal values. Three spoons of this holy water is distributed to devotees. Again, this water is mainly a source of magneto-therapy. Besides, the clove essence protects one from tooth decay, the saffron & Tulsi leafs protects one from common cold and cough, cardamom and Pachha Karpuram (benzoin), act as mouth fresheners. It is proved that Theertham is a very good blood purifier, as it is highly energized. Hence it is given as prasadam to the devotees. This way, one can claim to remain healthy by regularly visiting the Temples. This is why our elders used to suggest us to offer prayers at the temple so that you will be cured of many ailments. They were not always superstitious. Yes, in a few cases they did go overboard when due to ignorance they hoped many serious diseases could be cured at temples by deities. When people go to a temple for the Deepaaraadhana, and when the doors open up, the positive energy gushes out onto the persons who are there. The water that is sprinkled onto the assemblages passes on the energy to all. This also explains why men are not allowed to wear shirts at a few temples and women are requested to wear more ornaments during temple visits. It is through these jewels (metal) that positive energy is absorbed by the women. Also, it is a practice to leave newly purchased jewels at an idol’s feet and then wear them with the idol’s blessings. This act is now justified after reading this article. This act of “seeking divine blessings” before using any new article, like books or pens or automobiles may have stemmed from this through mere observation.

Energy lost in a day’s work is regained through a temple visit and one is refreshed slightly. The positive energy that is spread out in the entire temple and especially around where the main idol is placed, are simply absorbed by one's body and mind. Did you know, every Vaishnava(Vishnu devotees), “must” visit a Vishnu temple twice every day in their location. Our practices are NOT some hard and fast rules framed by 1 man and his followers or God’s words in somebody’s dreams. All the rituals, all the practices are, in reality, well researched, studied and scientifically backed thesis which form the ways of nature to lead a good healthy life.

The scientific and research part of the practices are well camouflaged as “elder’s instructions” or “granny’s teaching’s” which should be obeyed as a mark of respect so as to once again, avoid stress to the mediocre brains

KAILASANATHAR TEMPLE (One of the Finest Pallava Architechture)

2012-02-27T09:59:00.005-08:00

The Kailashnath temple situated at Putleri Street 1.5 km from Kanchipuram. is an ancient temple fine specimen of the Pallava architecture. The Pallava king Rajasimha started the temple in the 7th century AD and was completed by his son Mahendra. It is the oldest structure in Kanchipuram and the finest example of Pallava architecture in South India. The foundation of the temple is made of granite while the superstructure is carved out of sandstone.

The circumambulatory path around the sanctum is made in such a manner that it requires visitors to climb the up and down a flight of seven stairs and to crawl through narrow ways.

The temple is adorned with the sculptures of the Lord Shiva in 64 poses, which presents a picture of different aspects of mythology. The fresco paintings embellish the inner walls of the shrine. The temple is unique in its architecture and is viewed more as an architectural wonder than as a holy place.

It is not a major pilgrimage center. Pujas are offered regularly here to the Lord Shiva-Kailashanatha. The festival of Shivaratri is held here once every year.The Innumerable Forms Of Lord Shiva
Of all the temples in India, no other edifice has been so elaborately filled with all the 64 aspects of Lord Shiva and something else. Two circuits, one outer and another around the sanctum adorn this temple. It is not mere walls that fringe the corridor. Small shrine-like cells have been constructed along the entire length of both sides and filled with the various exploits of Lord Shiva, not found anywhere else.

Shiva Lilarnavam, Sambu Nadaname and such other literatures have exquisitely described the dances of Lord Shiva. Come straight to this temple and walk around the corridor. The cells on the periphery are small, while on the inner wall they are big with big images.

Lord Shiva's leg outstretched and piercing the high heavens; Gajantaka who attired himself with the torn skin of the elephant Asura, with Uma standing coyly nearby; Bhikasadana who with his comely figure disturbed the hearts of the wives of the sages, and as a charming Mohini lured the sages from their rituals; "Ardanari", a half blended with Uma; "Sandya Thandava Shiva who danced at dusk wielding a Trisula (also spelt as Trishula); Gangadara who stemmed the force of Ganga in his locks; Brahma-Chiracheda murthi who clipped off the fifth head of Brahma by his nail; "Vishapaharana" who arrested the poison Alahala in his throat; Gowriprasada who changed the colour from black to a golden hue; "Chanda Thandavan" with "Rowdram" (anger), "Karunai" (mercy), "Sringar" (amour), "Bayam" (fear), "Nagai" (Smile) and "Veeryam" (Valour) exhibited in his face.

Thiripurantakan who without a single weapon destroyed the Asuras (demons) with his mere smile, Kritarjunamurti in the guise of a hunter, Chandesvara Anugraha, LinGodbavar, Bairava, Harihara are some the innumerable forms of Lord Shiva that can be witnessed here.

SOMANATH TEMPLE,GUJARAT

2012-01-21T10:46:00.004-08:00

Significance

According to the legend, Soma or the Moon God built the temple in gold, Ravana in silver, and Shri Krishna in wood. Soma was cursed by his father-in-law Daksha to wane because Soma loved only one of his wives, all of whom happened to be Daksha's daughters. His other wives complained about this negligent behavior of Soma to their father Daksha, and thus the curse. He then built a Shivlinga at the Prabhas tirth (a Hindu pilgrimage) and prayed to Lord Shiva who removed the curse partially because asked upon by Soma's one wife (the one that he loved more than others). Thus, causing the periodic waning of moon.Pleased by the prayers Soma (Moon god), Lord Shiva decided to rest in that Lingam till eternity, and thus the Jyotirlingam.

Timeline

The first temple of Somnath is said to have existed before the beginning of the common era.

The second temple, built by the Yadava kings of Vallabhi in Gujarat, replaced the first one on the same site around 649 CE.

In 725 CE Junayad, the Arab governor of Sind, sent his armies to destroy the second temple.The Gurjara Pratihara kingNagabhata II constructed the third temple in 815, a large structure of red sandstone.

Somnath temple, 1869

In 1024 CE, the temple was once again destroyed by Mahmud of Ghazni who raided the temple from across the Thar Desert. The temple was rebuilt by the Gujjar ParamaraKing Bhoj of Malwa and the Solanki king Bhimadev I of Anhilwara, Gujrat (present dayPatan) between 1026 and 1042. The wooden structure was replaced by Kumarpal (r.1143-72), who built the temple of stone.

In 1296 CE, the temple was once again destroyed by Sultan Allauddin Khilji's army.According to Taj-ul-Ma'sir of Hasan Nizami, Raja Karan of Gujarat was defeated and forced to flee, "fifty thousand infidels were dispatched to hell by the sword" and "more than twenty thousand slaves, and cattle beyond all calculation fell into the hands of the victors". The temple was rebuilt by Mahipala Deva, the Chudasama king of Saurashtra in 1308 AD and the Linga was installed by his son Khengar sometime between 1326 and 1351 AD.

In 1375 CE, the temple was once again destroyed by Muzaffar Shah I, the Sultan of Gujarat.

In 1451 CE, the temple was once again destroyed by Mahmud Begda, the Sultan of Gujarat.

In 1701 CE, the temple was once again destroyed by Mughal Emperor Aurangzeb. Aurangzeb built a mosque on the site of the Somnath temple, using some columns from the temple, whose Hindu sculptural motifs remained visible.

Later on a joint effort of Peshwa of Pune, Raja Bhonsle of Nagpur, Chhatrapati Bhonsle of Kolhapur, Queen Ahilyabai Holkar of Indore & Shrimant Patilbuwa Shinde of Gwalior rebuilt the temple in 1783 AD at a site adjacent to the ruined temple which was already converted to a mosque.

Konark Sun Temple , Odisha

2012-01-11T06:35:00.002-08:00

Konark Sun Temple

Peek into the past:
The most notable marvel of Orissan art is the stately Sun Temple of Konark, Built in AD 1250, during the reign of the Eastern Ganga King Narasimhadeva-I. The temple was built with the intent to enshrine the image of Sun ("Arka"), the patron deity of the place. The temple was built is an interesting fashion, in the shape of a colossal chariot, carrying the sun God, Surya, across the heavens.

Crowning Glory of Orissa- Konark Sun Temple:
The exquisite Sun temple is a living monument of Orissa's glorious past, frozen on the sands of time. The Sun Temple of Konark is regarded as the peak of art and architecture in the ancient Kalinga era. The entire temple complex in Konark was designed in the form of a huge chariot drawn by seven spirited horses on twelve pairs of exquisitely carved wheels. The sanctum symbolises the majestic parade of the Sun God and marks the apex of the Orissan architectural style.

Prime attractions:

Konark dance festival:
The three-day cultural extravaganza, held every year in the month of December, captivates the audience from world over. Various Indian classical dance forms like Bharatnatyam, Kathak, Odisi, Kathakali etc perform here. Besides the classical dance forms, Chau-Orissa's own folk dance form is also performed during the festival.

Konark beach: This beach Offers spectacular views of sunrise and sunset. One of the finest beaches of the east coast is the the sprawling beach of Konark known as Chanrabhaga. Thousands of pilgrims assemble here on Kartik Purima and Magha Saptami to take a holy dip in the sea.

Visit Konark Temples ! Contact Us

» Ramachandi Temple:
About 10 km along the beach is the famous Ramachandi Temple on the banks of the river Kushabhadra. It is an ideal picnic spot.

» Balighai: 20 kms from Konark the unspoiled beach is girdled by casurina forests.It has a Sea Turtle Research Center.

» Beleswar(20 km): Saiva Shrine and Sea Beach

Chariot Temple:
The main temple complex consists of a sanctuary, its attached porch(jagamohan) and an isolated pillared edifice. The whole fabric was designed as the celestial chariot of the Sun God who is believed to course across the sky in a chariot of seven horses. The twelve pairs of wheel, which possibly symbolise the twelve months, are carved against the three sides of the platform and two side, of the front(east) staircase.

Sailors once called this Sun Temple of Konarak the Black Pagoda because it was supposed to draw ships into the shore and cause shipwrecks. The nata mandir in front of the Jagamohan is also intricately carved.There are carvings in the erotic style adorning the base and the ceiling of the temple. There are three images of the Sun God, positioned to catch the rays of the sun at dawn, noon and sunset. The beauty of Konark cannot be expressed in words. It has to be visited, seen and savoured again and again.

Plan Your Trip:
The grandeur of the Sun temple can be witnessed in one day. However the surrounding areas require you to spend some more time. Climate: The climate of Konark is suitable for tourists to visit throughout the year. The pkush greenery in the surrounding area attracts heavy monsoons in Konark. The best season to visit Konark is between October and March.

Wheels To Konark:
» By Air: Nearest airport Bhubaneshwar- 64 kms is connected with Calcutta, Delhi, Hyderabad, Madras and Nagpur.

» By Rail: Nearest railheads Puri- 31 kms and Bhubaneshwar- 64 kms are connected with the major places.

» By Road: Konark is well-connected with Bhubaneshwar as well as the major places.

PHOTOS OF TIRUPATHI

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TIRUPATI, ANDHRA PRADESH

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Tirumala Venkateswara Temple (Tamil: திருமலை திருப்பதி கோவில்,Telugu: తిరుమల వెంకటేశ్వర దేవాలయము), is aHindu temple in the hill town of Tirumala, near Tirupati in the Chittoor district of Andhra Pradesh, earlier Tamil Nadu South India. It is around 150 km (93 mi) from Chennai, 500 km (310 mi) from Hyderabad, and 250 km (160 mi) from Bangalore.

The Tirumala Hill is 853m above sea level and is about 10.33 square miles (27 km2) in area. It comprises seven peaks, representing the seven heads of Adisesha, thus earning the name Seshachalam. The seven peaks are called Seshadri, Neeladri, Garudadri, Anjanadri, Vrushabadri, Narayanadri, and Venkatadri. The temple is on Venkatadri (also known as Venkatachala or Venkata Hill), the seventh peak, and is also known as the "Temple of Seven Hills" (Saptagiri सप्तगिरी in Sanskrit,Ezhumalai ஏழுமலை in Tamil). The presiding deity of the temple is Lord Venkateswara, a form of the Hindu god Vishnu. Venkateswara is known by other names: Balaji, Govinda, and Srinivasa The temple lies on the southern banks of Sri Swami Pushkarini, a holy water tank. The temple complex comprises a traditional temple building, with a number of modern queue and pilgrim lodging sites.

The temple is the richest pilgrimage center, after the Sree Padmanabhaswamy Temple in Thiruvananthapuram, Kerala, of any faith (at more than INR 50,000 crore) and the most-visited place of worship in the world.The temple is visited by about 50,000 to 100,000 pilgrims daily (30 to 40 million people annually on average), while on special occasions and festivals, like the annualBrahmotsavam, the number of pilgrims shoots up to 500,000, making it the most-visited holy place in the world.

There are several legends associated with the manifestation of the Lord in Tirumala. According to one legend, the temple has a murti(deity) of Lord Venkateswara, which it is believed shall remain here for the entire duration of the present Kali Yuga. Tirumala has remained a highly frequented pilgrimage site in Tamilakam throughout most of its history and was a principle temple in the country of Tondai Nadu before the territory was transferred to Andhra Pradesh in the 20th century CE. Almost all the epigraphs of the temple are in Tamil and interspersed with Grantha characters and 50 inscriptions are in Kannada and Telugu,thanks toKrishnadevaraya in 16th century.

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The scientific and research part of the practices are well camouflaged as “elder’s instructions” or “granny’s teaching’s” which should be obeyed as a mark of respect so as to once again, avoid stress to the mediocre brains

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PHOTOS OF TIRUPATHI

TIRUPATI, ANDHRA PRADESH