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Chidambaram Temple

2011-12-29T13:56:00.000+05:30

Chidambaram Temple is about 200 kilometers south of Chennai in Tamil Nadu, South India. Nataraja temple is located in the centre of the town of Chidambaram and covers an area of 40 acres.

It is one of the ancient temples of Tamil Nadu. The roof of the sanctum sanctrorum is covered with gold plates. The Eastern tower rises to a height of 40.8 metres. 108 Bharatha Natyam Dance gesture can be seen on the Eastern tower as well as on Western tower. The Northern tower rises to height of 42.4 metres.The Sivakamiamman temple, the Sivaganga tank, the thousand pillar hall are other important features of the Temple.

Chidambaram is associated with Nataraja, or Shiva in his Ananda Tandava pose (the Cosmic Dance of bliss) in the cosmic golden hall and the hall of consciousness (Chit Sabha). The word "Koyil" or temple in the Tamil Saivaite tradition refers to none other than the Chidambaram Nataraja temple.

Chidambaram is one of the Panchabhoota Stalams signifying the five elements of wind (Kalahasti), water (Tiruvanaikka), fire (Tiruvannamalai), earth (Kanchipuram) and space (Chidambaram).

Four most revered Saivaite Saints (Appar, Sundarar, Sambandar and Manikkavachakar) have worshipped at Chidambaram, and the bulk of Manikkavachakar's work is in praise of Shiva at Chidambaram. Accordingly, their images are placed in the temple entrances corresponding to their points of entry into the temple. (Sambandar - South, Appar - West, Sundarar - North and Manikkavachakar - East).

This temple is home to Chidambara Rahasyam, concept of nothingness (aroopam). Shiva is said to have revealed a vision of his cosmic dance to Patanjali, Vyagrapadar and to all the Devas here. In terms of its antiquity, richness in terms of worship & festival traditions, in architectural & sculptural splendour, in its association with music & dance, Chidambaram is a center second to none in truly representing the rich Indian cultural heritage.

PLACES OF INTEREST

Kali Temple: The Thillaikaliamman temple is on the northern end of the town. It was built by Kopperunjingan, who ruled between 1229 AD and 1278 AD.

Annamalai University: It is a residential University founded by the Raja Sir Annamalai Chettiar. It is a great centre of Tamil learning and carnatic music; now offers educational facilities in various disciplines including Medicine, Agriculture, Engineering etc.

Pichavaram: Pichavaram, 16 kms. east of Chidambaram, ranks among the most exquisite scenic spot with abundant and varied tourism resources. The backwaters which are interconnected by the Vellar and Kollidam system offer abundant scope for water sports - parasailing, rowing and canoeing.

Neyveli: It is about 30 kms. from Chidambaram via Vadalur. It is one of the biggest industrial complexes in the country. The lignite mined here is used for thermal power generation. Apart from fertilisers ceramic wares and Leco (cooking coal), a number of by-products are also produced from lignite.

Kalvarayan Hills: The Kalvarayan hills are situated 150 kms north west of Chidambaram on the western side of Kallakurichi Taluk. Spread over an area of 600 sq. kms. approximately with the height ranging from 315 mts. to 1190 mts. these hills offer a temperate climate and quiet solititude. There is a botanical garden on the hills. There are two waterfalls here. The area is ideal for trekking. A summer Festival is also held every year in May.

Tarangambadi: Once the site of a Danish settlement, Tarangambadi has the remains of the Dansborg fort built by Ore Gedde, the commander of the Royal Dutch Navy, in the 17th century. The fort constructed in 1620 with two storeys was the most important building which housed the top echelons of the Danish officials. Apart from the ramparts, the rest of the buildings are in good condition.

Arunachaleswara Temple in Tiruvannamalai is dedicated to Lord Siva

2011-12-29T13:54:00.002+05:30

Arunachaleswara Temple in Tiruvannamalai is dedicated to Lord Siva and it is one of the largest temples in India . Arunachaleswara temple is one of the "Panch Boodha Sthalams" and it is "Agni" Sthalam. It has also the importance as "Padal Petra Sthalam". That is the four famous 'Saiva Saints and Poets' such Appar, Sundarar, Manichkavasakar and Thirugnana Sambandar made several poems on Lord Arunachaleswara.

Tiruvannamalai is one of the greatest Saivite shrines in India, on a sprawling 24 acre temple campus, drawing hundreds of thousands of pilgrims every full moon. The hill here is considered to be a manifestation of Shiva. Tiruvannamalai is one of the Panchabhoota Stalams signifying the 5 elements of wind (Kalahasti), water (Tiruvanaikka), fire (Tiruvannamalai), earth (Kanchipuram) and space (Chidambaram). Kartikai Deepam festival here is of great significance. Manikkavacakar composed his Tiruvempavai here.The Paatala Linga shrine is connected with the spritual savant Ramana Maharishi. Arunagiri Nathar began composing his Tiruppukazh here at this temple.

Legend here goes that Shiva assumed the form of a huge column of fire, whose origins Bhramma and Vishnu failed to trace.

When we observe the general structure of the temple, we notice that there are five small gopurams on the inner boundary and four big gopurams on the outer boundary. The inner gopurams are known as Kitti gopurams. There are two gopurams in the East and one gopuram each for the other three directions. The first of the two Eastern gopurams is called Kili gopuram. There are indications that this was built in the 11th century. The gopurams built during this period have no more than five stories. The Kili gopuram was built by Veera Rajendra Chozhan around 1063 A.D. He is referred to as Maharaja Thiribuvana Chakravarthigal in the inscription.This name was also given to the gopuram. The Kitti (smaller) gopurams, except the top of the western one, were built by the Hoysala King Vallala Maharaja III. His name is given to the biggest Kitti gopuram which is in the East.

In the outer gopurams, historians say the western gopuram is the oldest. The base was built by Vallala Maharaja. The top belongs to a later style. Inscriptions attribute this to Krishna Deva Raya of Vijayanagar. This king had undertaken important construction work in this temple. It is said, he built the base of the other three gopurams. But the architectural style of the base of the Western gopuram was constructed first and then those of the South, East and North. Though the Eastern gopuram, known as the Rajagopuram looks older, it was built after the Western one. This was constructed by Krishna Deva Raya and renovated by king Sevappa Naicker of Tanjore. There is another view that this was completely built by Sevappa Naicker. Tamil and Sanskrit inscriptions on the Western gopuram dated 1690 A.D. bear witness to this. Krishna Deva Rayer of Vijayanagar also constructed the hundred pillared and thousand pillared halls in the temple. He dug the Sivagangai Thirtham in front of the thousand pillared hall. As mentioned earlier, he built the base of the three gopurams and either began or finished the Eastern Rajagopuram with eleven stories.

All the kings mentioned above and chieftains like Kadava Raya, Sambuvaraya and Banas expressed their devotion to Arunachaleswara by building small temples inside the Arunachaleswara temple as well as around the mountain and elsewhere in the town. These kings were also responsible for digging many ponds in this region. To the devotees visiting the town and the temple, its architectural splendor and sculptured beauty, its rich lands and ponds, its jewels and appurtenances, the inscriptions and the wealth of literature praising the glory of Arunachaleswara are glowing evidence of the love that the lord has commanded in the minds of kings and commoners through the centuries. Critics may take exception to the absence of continuity in the architectural style but there is no lack of continuity in the depth of piety of the kings who built it.

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SiddhiVinayak temple at Prabhadevi in Mumbai.

2011-12-27T12:36:00.000+05:30

The temple was first consecrated on Thursday 19'h November 1801. The idol made of black stone was placed in a small structure; the existing temple was rebuilt on the site of a 200-year old temple. The narrow lane outside the temple is the 'Phool galli' lined with innumerable stalls selling tulsi flower garlands, coconuts, an array of sweets including the pear shaped favourite yellow sweet of Lord Ganesha, the 'modak', and a range of religious paraphernalia.

SiddhiVinayak temple at Prabhadevi in Mumbai. This Vinayak temple in Mumbai is one of the oldest temples of the city. On Tuesdays, the serpentine queue of worshippers is almost over 2kms long. There are a lot of pujas performed in the temple, as the lord here is believed to remove obstacles in every ones way. Sankata Chathurhi, and Ganesh Chathurthi are celebrated with a lot of pomp here. An estimated 1.5-to 2-lakh people visit this temple every Tuesday.

The sanctum here houses a small mandapam enshrining Siddhi Vinayak. The inner roof of the sanctum is plated with gold, and the wooden doors to the sanctum are carved with images of Ashta Vinayak.
The idol of Ganpati has four arms therefore He is also called Chaturbhuj. A lotus is held in the upper right hand and a small axe in the upper left, holy beads are held in the lower right and a bowl full of Modaks (a delicacy which is a perennial favorite with Sri Siddhivinayak) in the lower left. Flanking the deity on both sides are Riddhi and Siddhi, goddesses signifying sanctity, fulfilment, prosperity and riches. On the forehead of the deity there is an eye, which resembles the third eye of Lord Shiva. Most icons of Ganapati depict the elephant faced God with his trunk curled towards his left. Siddhi Vinayak in Mumbai, Siddhi Vinayak at Siddhatek in Maharashtra as well as Karpaka Vinayakar at Pillayarpatti in Tamilnadu are depicted with a trunk pointing to the right (Valampuri).

The temple as it stands now was re-constructed five years ago after deliberations with experts on Hindu religion and customs, so as to maintain the sanctity of the idol as per the Hindu Shastras. The temple has a Kalash, which is a pointed dome of 12 feet high Gabhara (sanctum sanctorum) weighing 1500Kgs and plated in gold. The Kalash, which adorned the earlier temple was lowered with proper rituals and is kept as an exhibit within the temple premises. The devotees earn the satisfaction of seeking the blessing of The Lord by taking a devoted look at the Kalash. The idol has not been touched in the process of rebuilding the temple, so as to ensure that there is no human transgression in the area from the point at which the idol is situated. The Gabhara of the new temple structure has been designed with an aim to attain maximum convenience and comfort for the devotees. It is a spacious enclosure with 3 main doors of about 13 feet height. This facilitates the 'Darshan' of Sri Siddhivinayak from either the area surrounding the Gabhara or the stage (Sabha Mandap) constructed to conduct pujas and festivities.

The area surrounding the Gabhara has been designed as a sitting area and the stage adjoining the same is utilised as a platform for common Darshan sought by the devotees who are unable to spend hours in serpentine queues to go inside the Gabhara. It is an octagonal enclosure, about 10 feet wide consisting of a silver plated Makhar (a smaller structure within the Gabhara housing the idol of The Lord). The dome inside the Gabhara is gold plated - designed to enhance the beauty of the idol. An exquisite chandelier lights up the Gabhara, making it a sight never to be forgotten. The three main doors, which are used for entry and exit by the devotees, are made of perforated wood, depicting Ashta Ganapati, Ashta Laxmi and Dashavatar.

Amarnath Cave Temple

2011-12-26T18:23:00.000+05:30

Amarnath Temple is a highly revered Cave Temple dedicated to Lord Shiva situated around 141 km from Srinagar in Jammu and Kashmir, India. Situated at an altitude of 3,888 m above the sea level, the Amarnath Caves stand at the end of Lidder Valley. The main Amarnath Cave Temple is the abode of Lord Shiva who is formed naturally of an ice – stalagmite. This Lingam is believed to grow and disappear with the phases of the moon. As such, the lingam excels on the full moon day and slowly diminishes and disappears on the new moon day. According to Hindu mythology, Amarnath is the cave used by Lord Shiva to explain the secret of life and eternity to his divine consort Goddess Parvati Devi. On the left side of the Shivling is an ice formation of Lord Ganesha and on the right are ice formations of Parvati and Bhairava.

Amarnath Yatra – Pilgrimage to Amarnath Temple

Amarnath Yatra is an important pilgrimage for Hindus. According to Hindu belief, the Amarnath Cave Temple Yatra begins on Ashadha Purnima (Full Moon day in the month of Ashadha) and ends on Shravana Purnima (Full Moon day in the Hindu month of Shravana). That is, the annual yatra is performed during July and August. This year, the Amarnath Yatra 2011 begins on 29th June 2011 and concludes on 13th August 2011 on Raksha Bandhan festival day.

Amarnath Pilgrimage Journey

The pilgrimage generally starts from the 42 km travel on foot from the town of Pahalgam, (about 96 km from Srinagar) and lasts for four to five days. The traditional trek route is Pahalgam – Chandanwari – Pissu Top – Sheshnag – Panchtarni – Amarnath Cave. The Amarnath Cave is reached on the full moon day and the pilgrimage is complete. Another route is the shorter route from the town of Baltal.

About 400,000 people visit the Amarnath Cave Temple, during the 45 days Amarnath Yatra pilgrimage season.

History of Amarnath Temple

Amarnath Cave Temple is believed to be of 5,000 years old. Legend says that a Muslim shepherd named Buta Malik discovered this Holy Cave. He was given a bag full of coal by a saint. The shepherd went home and opened the bag. He found that the bag was full of gold coins which made him happy. He went back to thank the Saint. But he found that the Saint had disappeared and noticed The Holy Cave. Thereafter this has become the holy place of pilgrimage.

Another legend about Amarnath Cave Temple says that the valley of Kashmir was beneath water and it was the sage Kashyap who drained the water through rivers and rivulets. Bhrigu Rishi who was on his way to The Himalyas was the first person to have found this Holy Cave and the Lingam.

According to Hindu Myth, Lord Shiva was looking for a secret isolated place to tell the "Amar Katha" to Goddess Parvathi and thus he selected the Amarnath Cave. He left his vehicle Nandi, the celestial bull, in Pahalgam, released the moon from his hair at Chandanwari and on the banks of Lake Sheshnag, he released the snakes. He left his son, Lord Ganesh, at Mahagunas Parvat and at Panjitarni, he left Five Elements of life - earth, water, air, fire and sky. At last he created Rudra named Kalagni and ordered him to fire up and remove every living thing in and around the holy cave. Then the Lord took Goddess Parvathi inside the cave to narrate the Amar Katha.

How to reach Amarnath Temple

By Air

The nearest airport is at Srinagar, around 141 km away from Amarnath Temple.

Jammu (300 km) serves as the nearest railhead and bus station. Jammu and Srinagar are connected through road services.

By Train / Bus

Jammu (300 km) serves as the nearest railhead and bus station. Jammu and Srinagar are connected through road services.

Maa Durga Aarti

2011-10-15T18:04:00.000+05:30

Maa Durga Aarti

Goddess Durga Maa Photo

Goddess Durga Maa Aarti
Jai Ambe Gauri maiya, jaa Shyama Gauri
Nishdin tumko dhyavat, Hari Brahma Shivji,
Jai Ambe....

Mang sindur birajat, tiko mrigmadko,
ujjvalse dou naina, chandravadan niko,
Jai Ambe....

Kanak saman kalevar, raktambar raje,
Raktapushp galmala, kanthhar saje,
Jai Ambe....

Kehari vahan rajat, khadg khappar dhari
sur nar munijan sevat, tinke dukhahari,
Jai Ambe....

Kanan kundal shobhit, nasagre moti
Kotik chandra divakar, samrajat jyoti,
Jai Ambe....

Shumbh- nishumbh vidare, MahishaSur ghatia
Dhumra-vilochan naina, nishdin madmati
Jai Ambe....

Brahmani, Rudrani tum Kamala Rani,
Agam-nigam bakhani. turn Shiv patrani,
Jai Ambe....

Chaunsath yogini gavat, nritya karat Bhairon,
Bajat tab mridanga, aur bajat damru,
Jai Ambe...

Tum ho jag ki mata, tum hi ho bharta,
Bhaktan ki dukh harta, sukh sampati karta,
Jai Ambe....

Bhuja char ati shobhit, var mudra dhari,
Manvanchhit phal pavat, sevat nar nari,
Jai Ambe....

kanchan thal virajat, agaru kapur bati
Malketu men rajat, kotiratan jyoti,
Jai Ambe....

Kali Maa Aarti

2011-10-15T17:52:00.000+05:30

Kali Maa Aarti

Goddess Kali Maa Photo

Goddess Kali Maa Aarti

Ambe Tu he Jagad Ambe Kaali
Jai Durge Gabbar waali
Tere hi gun gaaye Bhaarti
O Maiyaa hum sab utaren Teri Aarti

Tere bhaktjano par Mata
ghir padi hai bhaari
Daanav dal par tut pado
Maa kar ke sinha sawaari

So So sinho se hai balsaali
Hai Das bhujaa waali
dukhiyon ke dukh nivaarti
O Maiyaa ............

Maa bete ka hai is jag main
Badaa hi nirmal naataa
pUt kapoot sune hai par naa
Maata suni Kumaataa

Sab pe karunaa barsaane waali
Amrit barsaane waali
dukhiyon ke dukh nivaarti
O Maiyaa ............

Naa mange hum dhan aur daulat
naa chaandi naa sonaa
hum to mange Maa Tere man main
Ek chotaa saa kaunaa
sabki bigdi banane waali
laaj bachaane waali
Sation ke sat ko sanwaarti
O Maiyaa .........................

Other Aarti of Maa Kali

Prema Sahitaa Nita Karun Aarti
Mahaakaalii Maiyaa Ki

Ari Dala Daranii Mangalaa Bharanii
Dukhaaharinii Sukhadaiyaa Ki

Tuma Hii Agama Bhava Bharane Waali
Tuma Hii Jagataa Laya Karane Waali

Tuma Hii Kashta Lakhi Nija Bhaktana Para
Aakara Turata Sahaiyaa Ki

Tumhin Prabala Ho Hari Kii Shakti
Rudra Bhava Shankaraa Kii Bhakti

Tumhin Janani Patavaara Banii

Laxmi Maa Aarti

2011-10-15T17:46:00.000+05:30

Laxmi Maa Aarti

Goddess Kali Maa Photo

Goddess Lakshmi Maa Aarti
Jai lakshmi maataa, Maiyaa jaya lakshmi maataa
Tumako nishadina dhyaavata, Hara vishnu vidhaataa
Om Jai Laxmi Mata

Brahmaanii, rudraanii, kamalaa, Tuuhii hai jaga maataa
Suurya chandramaa dhyaavata, Naarada rishi gaataa
Om Jai Laxmi Mata

Durgaa ruupa nirantara, sukha sampati daataa
Jo koi tumako dhyaavata, riddhi siddhi dhana paataa
Om Jai Laxmi Mata

Tuuhii hai paataala basantii, Tuuhii shubha daataa
Karma prabhaava prakaashaka, Jaganidhi ke traataa
Om Jai Laxmi Mata

Jisa ghara mein tuma rahatii, saba sadaguna aataa
Kara sake koii kara le, mana nahin ghabaraataa
Om Jai Laxmi Mata

Tuma bina yagya na hove, Vastra na koii paataa
Khaana paana kaa vaibhava, Saba tumase hii aataa
Om Jai Laxmi Mata

Shubha guna mandira sundara, Kshirodadhi jaataa
Ratana chaturdasha tuma hii, Koii nahiin paataa
Om Jai Laxmi Mata

Aartii lakshmii jii kii, Jo koii nara gaataa
Ura aananda umanga ati, Paapa utara jaataa
Om Jai Laxmi Mata

Saraswati Maa Aarti

2011-10-15T17:43:00.000+05:30

Saraswati Maa Aarti

Goddess Saraswati Mata Photo

Goddess Saraswati Maa Aarti

Jai Sarasvati mata, jai he Sarasvati mata
Sadgun vaibhav shalini, tribhuvan vikhyata,
Jai Sarasvati....

Chandravadani padmasini dyuti mangalakare,
Sohe shub hansa savare, atul tejdhari,
Jai Sarasvati....

Baen kar men vina, daen kar mala,
Shish mukut mani sohe, gal motiyan mala,
Jai Sarasvati....

Devi sharan jo ae, unka uddhar kiya,
Paithi Manthra dasi, Ravan sanhar kiya,
Jai Sarasvati....

Vidya gyan pradayini, jag men gyan prakash bharo,
Moh aur agyan timir ka jag se nash karo,
Jai Sarasvati....

Dhup dip phal meva, man svikar karo,
Gyanchakshu de mata, jag nistar karo,
Jai Sarasvati..,.

Man Sarasvati ki arti jo koi jan gave,
Hitkari sukhkari, gyan bhakti pave,
Jai Sarasvati....

51 Shakti peethas

2011-08-08T17:53:00.000+05:30

51 Shakti peethas

51 Shakti Peeths are very important and ancient Hindu religious pilgrims. The story of formation of these shakti peeths comes in Purans as

Devi Parvati in her last birth as the daughter of Daksha was married to Lord shiva. Once her father daksha was promoted to head of Prajapati by lord Brahaman ( his father). He got too much pride and hosted a Yagya, in which he didn’t invite his daughter Sati and Lord Shiva as he was having grievences with Lord Shiva. When Sati saw the Planes going in the sky she asked her husband Lord Shiva about the planes. Lord Shiva told her all the story.

She became very happy and sought his permission to attend the yagya. Lord shiva refused and said, “He has not invited us; so we must not go. Although we can go to our parents home with out invitation,yet if some one has rivalery or grievences with us , we must not go there.

Sati was not satisfied with all this and was adamond to go there. Seeing her so much interest Lord Shiva allowed her to go and sent her ganas with her.

When Sati reached there she saw that there is no part of lord shiva in the Yagya and she was greeted by anyone except mother. Her sisters met her very tauntingly laughing. She felt very much insulted not seeing the part of Lord shiva in the Yagya and left her Prana (died by Yoga). The ganas of Lord Shiva started destroying the yagya. The purodha of the yagya Rishi Bhirigu saved the yagya by creating Kritika, and kritika shunted out all the ganas of lord Shiva and they went to lord shiva and told him the whole story.

Lord Shiva became very violent and took his Mahakal posture. He destroyed the whole Yagya and slaughtered the head of Daksha. But his anger was not still pacified. He lifted the dead body of Devi Parvati on his shoulder and started Tandav.

The whole of the world became terrified and all the gods went to Lord Vishnu and sought his help. Vishnu went there and he was also not able to pacify Lord Shiva. He then ordered His Chakra and chakra started chopping the parts of the dead body of Sati one by one.

When nothing was left on the shoulder of Lord Shiva he was also pacified. There were 51 parts in total made of the dead body and the places where these parts of body fell are recognized as the Shakti Peeths.

"Shakti" refers to the Goddess worshipped at each location, all being manifestations of Dakshayani, Parvati or Durga;

"Bhairava" refers to the corresponding consort, each a manifestation of Shiva;

"Body Part or Ornament" refers to the body part or piece of jewellery that fell to earth, at the location on which the respective temple is built.

Sr. No.	Place	Body Part or Ornament	Shakti	Bhairava
1	Kanchipuram, Kamakshi temple, Kamakoti Peetam mentioned in Lalita Sahasram, Trishati, Astothram etc.	Ottiyana (Ornament covering stomach)	Kamakshi	Kaal Bhairav
2	Sri Lanka, in Nainativu, Jaffna	Anklets	Indrakshi (more commonly known as Nagapooshani in Tamil)	Rakshaseshwar (Nagathambiran)
3	Shivaharkaray, a little distance from Sukkur Station from Karachi, Pakistan	Eyes	Mahishmardini	Krodhish
4	Sugandha, situated in Shikarpur, Gournadi, about 20 km from Barisal town, Bangladesh, on the banks of Sonda river.	Nose	Sugandha	Trayambak
5	Amarnath in Kashmir, India from Srinagar through Pahalgam 94 km by Bus, Chandanwari 16 km by walk	Throat	Mahamaya	Trisandhyeshwar
6	Jwalamukhi, Kangra, India from Pathankot alight at Jwalamukhi Road Station from there 20 km	Tongue	Siddhida (Ambika)	Unmatta Bhairav
7	Ambaji, at Anart, Gujarat, India	Heart	Ambaji
8	Nepal, near Pashupatinath Temple at Guhyeshwari Temple	Both knees	Mahashira	Kapali
9	Manas, under Tibet at the foot of Mount Kailash in Lake Mansarovar, a piece of Stone	Right hand	Dakshayani	Amar
10	Bardhaman in West Bengal, India	Navel	Mata Sarbamangala Devi	Bhagwan Shiv/Mahadev
11	Gandaki in Pokhara, Nepal about 125 km on the banks of Gandaki river where Muktinath temple is situated	Temple	Gandaki Chandi	Chakrapani
12	Bahula, on the banks of Ajay river at Ketugram, 8 km from Katwa, Burdwan, West Bengal, India	Left arm	Goddess Bahula	Bhiruk
13	Ujaani, 16 km from Guskara station under Burdwan district of West Bengal, India	Right wrist	Mangal Chandika	Kapilambar
14	Udaipur, Tripura, at the top of the hills known as Tripura Sundari temple near Radhakishorepur village, a little distance away from Udaipur town of Tripura, India	Right leg	Tripura Sundari	Tripuresh
15	On Chandranath hill near Sitakunda station of Chittagong District, Bangladesh. The famous Chandranath Temple on the top of the hill is the Bhairav temple of this Shakti Peetha, not the Shakti Peeth itself.	Right arm	Bhawani	Chandrashekhar
16	Locally known as Bhramari Devi. Behind a rice mill, near Jalpesh Temple in Jalpaiguri, West Bengal, India.	Left leg	Bhraamari	Ambar
17	Kamgiri, Kamakhya, in the Neelachal hills near Guwahati, capital of Assam, India	Genitals	Kamakhya	Umanand
18	yoga adya at Khirgram under Burdwan district, West Bengal, India	Big Toe (Right)	Jugaadya	Ksheer Khandak
19	Kalipeeth, (Kalighat, Kolkata), India	Right Toes	Kalika	Nakuleshwar
20	Prayag near Sangam at Allahabad, Uttar Pradesh, India	Finger	Alopi Devi Mandir or Madhaveswari	Bhava
21	Jayanti at Kalajore Baurbhag village of Falzur Pargana under Jayantia Thana of Sylhet district, Bangladesh. This Shakti Peetha is locally known as Falizur Kalibari.	Left thigh	Jayanti	Kramadishwar
22	Kireet at Kireetkona village, 3 km from Lalbag Court Road station under district Murshidabad, West Bengal, India	Crown	Vimla	Sanwart
23	Varanasi at Manikarnika Ghat on banks of the Ganges at Kashi, Uttar Pradesh, India	Earring	Vishalakshi & Manikarni	Kalbhairav
24	Kanyashram, Kanyakumari the Bhadrakali temple within the precincts of Kumari temple, Tamil Nadu, India (also thought to be situated in Chittagong, Bangladesh)	Back	Sarvani	Nimish
25	Present day Kurukshetra town or Thanesar ancient Sthaneshwar, at Haryana, India	Ankle bone	Savitri	Sthanu
26	Manibandh, at Gayatri hills near Pushkar 11 km north-west of Ajmer, Rajasthan, India	Two Bracelets	Gayatri	Sarvanand
27	Shri Shail, at Joinpur village, Dakshin Surma, near Gotatikar, 3 km north-east of Sylhet town, Bangladesh	Neck	Mahalaxmi	Sambaranand
28	Kankalitala, on the banks of Kopai River 10 km north-east of Bolpur station in Birbhum district, Devi locally known as Kankaleshwari West Bengal, India	Bone	Devgarbha	Ruru
29	Kalmadhav on the banks of Shon river in a cave over hills near to Amarkantak, Madhya Pradesh, India	Left buttock	Kali	Asitang
30	Shondesh, at the source point of Narmada River in Amarkantak, Madhya Pradesh, India	Right buttock	Narmada	Bhadrasen
31	Ramgiri, at Chitrakuta on the Jhansi Manikpur railway line in Uttar Pradesh, India	Right breast	Shivani	Chanda
32	Vrindavan, near new bus stand on Bhuteshwar road within Bhuteshwar Mahadev Temple, Vrindavan, Uttar Pradesh, India http://www.katyayanipeeth.org.in/	Ringlets of hair	Uma	Bhutesh
33	Shuchi, in a Shiva temple at Suchindrum 11 km on Kanyakumari Trivandrum road, Tamil Nadu, India	Upper teeth	Narayani	Sanhar
34	Panchsagar exact location not known (thought to be near Haridwar)	Bottom teeth	Varahi	Maharudra
35	Bhabanipur union, at Karatoyatat, 28 km distance from interior Sherpur upazila, Bogra District, Bangladesh	Left anklet (ornament)	Arpana	Vaman
36	Shri Parvat, near Ladak, Kashmir, India. Another belief: at Srisailam in Shriparvat hills under Kurnool district, Andhra Pradesh, India	Right anklet (ornament)	Shrisundari	Sundaranand
37	Vibhash, at Tamluk under district Purba Medinipur, West Bengal, India	Left ankle	Kapalini (Bhimarupa)	Sarvanand
38	Prabhas, 4 km from Veraval station near Somnath temple in Junagadh district of Gujarat, India	Stomach	Chandrabhaga	Vakratund
39	Bhairavparvat, at Bhairav hills on the banks of Shipra river a little distance from Ujjaini town, Madhya Pradesh, India	Upper lips	Avanti	Lambkarna
40	Goddess Saptashrungi (Goddess with seven arms), at Vani in Nasik, Maharashtra, India	Chin (2 parts)	Bhramari	Vikritaksh
41	Sarvashail or Godavaritir, at Kotilingeswar temple on the banks of Godavari river near Rajamundry, Andhra Pradesh, India	Cheeks	Rakini or Vishweshwari	Vatsnabh or Dandpani
42	Birat, near Bharatpur, Rajasthan, India	Left toes	Ambika	Amriteshwar
43	Locally known as Anandamayee Temple. Ratnavali, on the banks of Ratnakar river at Khanakul-Krishnanagar, district Hooghly, West Bengal, India	Right Shoulder	Kumari	Shiva
44	Mithila, near Janakpur railway station on the border of India and Nepal	Left shoulder	Uma	Mahodar
45	Nalhati, known as "Nalateshwari Temple" near Nalhati station of Birbhum district, West Bengal, India	Vocal chord with part of the tracheae	Kalika Devi	Yogesh
46	Karnat, Kangra, himachalpradesh.	Both ears	Jayadurga	Abhiru
47	Bakreshwar, on the banks of Paaphara river, 24 km distance from Siuri Town, district Birbhum, 7 km from Dubrajpur Rly. Station West Bengal, India	Portion between the eyebrows	Mahishmardini	Vakranath
48	Jessoreswari, situated at Ishwaripur, Shyamnagar, district Satkhira, Bangladesh. The temple complex was built by Maharaja Pratapaditya, whose capital was Ishwaripur.	Palms of hands and soles of the feet	Jashoreshwari	Chanda
49	Attahas village of Dakshindihi in the district of Bardhaman, near the Katwa railway station, in West Bengal, India	Lips	Phullara	Vishvesh
50	Sainthia, locally Known as "Nandikeshwari" temple. Only 1.5 km from the railway station under a banyan tree within a boundary wall, Birbhum district, West Bengal, India	Necklace	Nandini	Nandikeshwar
51	Hinglaj (Or Hingula), southern Baluchistan a few hours North-east of Gawadar and about 125 km towards North-west from Karachi, Pakistan	Bramharandhra (Part of the head)	Kottari	Bhimlochan
52	Danestwari (Kuldevi Of Bastar state ), Dantewada 80 km from Jagdalpur Tehsil, Chhattisgarh	Daant (teeth)	Danteshwari	Kapalbhairv
53	Vajreshwari , Kangra 18 km from Dharamshala Tehsil, Kangra	left Breast (teeth)	Vajreshwari	Kalbhairv
53	[Padmavati Devi] (Padmavatipuri Dham), Panns 80 km from Satna Madhya Pradesh	Padm	Padmavati Devi	Kapalbhairv
54	Tarapith, on the banks of Dwarka river, about 6 km from Rampurhat sub-division, Birbhum district, West Bengal, India	Third eye or spiritual eye (Tara)

Char Dham

2011-08-08T17:44:00.000+05:30

In the top of the list are Char Dhams.

1. Badrinath dham

2. Dwarika Puri Dham

3. Jaggannath Puri Dham
4. Rameshwaram

Adi guru Shankaracharya revived Hindu religion and grouped four sacred places as Char dham related to Lord Visnu avatar (Incarnation). These Char hams make a perfect square as two of them Badrinath and Rameshwaram falls in the same longitude and Puri and Dwarika falls In the same latitude representing farthest north, east, west and south points.

Badrinath Dham is in the uttarakhan state garhwal hills on the bank of Alaknanda River. It is between nar and narayan hills.

Badri means Berri and nath means lord. Here berry is found very abundantly naturally. It is said adi shankracharya found a black stone image of Lord Badri Narayan made of Shaligram stone in Alaknanda river and established in a cave which was later on shifted to present temple by King of Garhwal in the sixteenth century.

Dwarika is in the west in the Gujarat state.dwarika derived its name from the Sanskrit word dvar which means Gate. Here Gomti river enters the gulf of Kuch nearby.

It is the wetern most state of India. Dwarika is said to be the dwelling place of Lord krishana. It is said that Dwarika was damaged six times by the sea water and the today’s Dwarika is the seventh.

Puri in the east is in the state of Orissa and is one of the oldest city of India. it is situated on the bay of Bengal.

It is dedicated to Lord Krishana and called Jaggannath. It is the only place in India Where Lord Krishana Is worshiped with her sister Subhadra and elder brother Balbhadra or Lord Balrama. The temple is believed to be 1000 years old and was constructed by Raja Choda Ganga Deva and Raja Tritiya Ananga Bhima Deva

Rameshwaram in the south is in the Indian state of Tamilnadu and is the southern most point of India and is situated on the Gulf of Mannar. It is the place where Lord Rama made bridge Ram Setu to Lanka in the war with Ravana. The Ramanatha Swamy Temple occupies the most area of Rameshwaram and is dedicated to Lord Shiva and is believed to be consecrated by Lord Rama. It is believed that pilgrimage to Banaras is incomplete without the Pilrimage of Rameshwaram.

One thing is common in all the four Dhams that all the four are related to Lord Vishnu.

In Rameshwaram although the Place is dedicated to Lord Shiva and temple of Lord Shiva is there. But that place is more famous for Lord Rama And the Shiva Linga Statue of Lord Shiva was consecrated by Lord Rama Himself.

Three of the Dhams are on sea shore and the forth that is Badrinath Dham which is in the North and couldnot have been on the sea shore is on the bank of river Alaknanda a very sacred River in Hindu Religion. A great importance was given to water or god of water which is one of the most important means for life.

Gangotri Temple

Char Dham in the Himalayas or Chota Char Dham these dhams as the name suggests are in the north and situated in Mountains of Himalayas and are:-

Badrinath, Kedarnath, gangotri and Yamunotri.

Ekaveera Devi

2011-08-08T17:42:00.000+05:30

The Koli goddess, Ekaveera Devi

Goddess Ekaveera is an incarnation of Goddess Shakti. The popular belief is that Goddess Ekaveera appeared at the spot where the right hand of Goddess Sati fell. This spot is located at Heure, which is around 19 km from Mahur, in Nanded District in Maharashtra. Goddess Ekaveera is also known as Ekavenika Devi. Goddess Ekavira is counted among the Ashta Dasa Peetahs – the 18 holy shrines dedicated to Goddess Shakti.

Shri Manasa Devi

2011-08-08T17:41:00.000+05:30

Shri Manasa Devi: Shri Manasa devi is considered as the Serpent Goddess or the Queen of Serpent Gods. She was the daughter of Kasyapa muni and Kadru, the sister of the serpent King Sesha. She is also considered as the goddess of fertility. Some people say that she is a pre-Aryan goddess. She is is worshipped mostly in the eastern parts of India.
Shri Manasa devi is associated with earth and higher knowledge of nature. She is said to have special powers that can fulfill the wishes of her devotees and protects them against snakebite. She cures infectious diseases and showers the devotee with wealth and prosperity. She is worshiped with rituals and sacrifices in the rainy season, as this is the time when snakes are most active in this season.

Shri Ballaleshvara Ashtavinayak

2011-05-09T19:02:00.005+05:30

Ballaleshvara at Pali is one among the Ashtavinayak (Eight temples of Lord Ganesha in Maharashtra). Ballaleshwar idol is 3 feet high and it faces east and its trunk turns towards the left. The navel and eyes of the idol are studded with precious stones. Lord Ganesh in this aspect appeared as a Brahmin and so this is one of those rare statues where Ganesh is shown wearing clothes as Brahmins do. On both sides of the idol are statues of Riddhi and Siddhi.

Shri Vighneshwara’s Ashtavinayak

2011-05-09T19:02:00.004+05:30

Vighneshwara’s temple is situated on the banks of river Kukadi. Among Ashtavinayak places, Ozhar Vighneshwara Temple is the only temple with golden dome and pinnacle.

Shri Varad AshtaVinayak

2011-05-09T19:00:00.001+05:30

Shri Varad Vinayak, one of the Ashtavinayak temple is in Mahad village set in the hilly region of Konkan in the Raigarh district and the Khalapur Taluka of Maharastra.

Shri Siddhivinayak Ashtavinayak

2011-05-09T18:59:00.001+05:30

Shri Siddhivinayak Ashtavinayak Temple is at Siddhtek a remote little village along the river Bhima in the Ahmednagar district and Karjat tehsil in Maharashtra. The deity of this temple is swayambhu, three feet high and two and a half feet wide, facing north. The trunk of the deity is turned towards the right. A Ganpati with the trunk turned to the right is considered to be the dynamic form of Ganpati. The statue is in one corner of a hillock.

Shri Mayureshvara Ashtavinayak

2011-05-09T18:57:00.001+05:30

Shri Mayureshvara ( also called as Moreshwara) Ashtavinayak temple is at Morgaon. Morgaon is at the distance of 64 kms from Pune, Maharashtra, next to the river Karha in the village of Moregaon.

The idol of Lord Ganesha, riding a peacock, in the form of Mayureshwara is believed to have slain the demon Sindhu at this spot. The idol, with its trunk turned to the left, has a cobra (Nagaraja) poised over it protecting it. This form of Ganesha also has two other murtis of Siddhi (Capability) and Buddhi (Intelligence).

However, this is not the original idol which is said to have been consecrated twice by Brahma, once before and once after being destroyed by the asura Sindhurasur. The original murti, smaller in size and made of atoms of sand, iron, and diamonds, was supposedly enclosed in a copper sheet by the Pandavas and placed behind the one that is currently worshiped.

Shri Chintamani AshtaVinayak

2011-05-09T18:55:00.001+05:30

Shri Chintamani Vinayak, one of the Ashtavinayak is in Tehur in the Haveli Taluka of Pune district in Maharashtra. The idol of Chintamani is purvabhimukha (facing east) and its eyes are studded with precious stones.

Shri Girijatmaj AshtaVinayak

2011-05-09T18:54:00.001+05:30

Shri Girijatmaj Vinayak refers to the Ganesh as the son of Parvati. Girija is another name for Parvati and Atamaj means son. This is the only temple of the Ashtavinayak which is on a mountain and is set in a Buddhist cave-temple (also known as known as Ganesh Gufa).

The idol faces north with its trunk to the left, and has to be worshiped from the rear of the temple. This idol can be worshiped by anyone. There is no electric bulb in the temple. The temple is constructed such that during the day it is always lighted up by the sun-rays!

The temple is situated 12 km from Narayangaon, which is about 94 km from Pune on the Pune-Nashik highway. Nearest railway station is Talegaon.

Shri Mahaganapati AshtaVinayak

2011-05-09T18:52:00.001+05:30

Shri Mahaganapati Vinayak temple is in Ranjangao. Ranjangao is 50km from Pune, Maharashtra on the Pune-Ahmednagar highway.

The idol faces the east, is seated in a cross-legged position with a broad forehead, with its trunk pointing to the left.

12 Jyothirlinga Grishneshvar Temple - Maharashtra

2011-04-30T17:04:00.001+05:30

Grishneshwar jyotirlinga location

“Blessed by VerulNagar, there is no other place like it on this earth, where Lord Grishneswara resides, the best palce on this earth.” – Madhwamunishwar
On this holy pilgrimage of the JyotirLingas of Lord Shankara, the last one, with out which the pilgrimage will not be considered as complete, is the twelfth JyotirLinga, of Grishneshwar.
About 30 km towards the west side of Aurangabad, there is a village called Verul. In this village there is a place of pilgrimage called Shivalay, when the great Holy Trilinga of Ghrishneshwar is located. The stories associated with Verul, Shivalay and Ghrishneswar are like this:
This was originally a settlement of the Naga tribes. The place of the Nagas is Bambi, which is known as “Varul” in Marathi “Varul” gradually changed into “Verul” and is known by this name only. River Yelaganga flows here. The name “Verul” is derived from Yelaganga, on whose banks the village is located. There was a king by the name “Yela” here. The capital of his kingdom was Yelapar, or Yelur or Verul.

Sthala purana of Grishneshwar Jyotirlinga

Once the king went hunting. While hunting, the king killed the animals living with the Rishis and munis too. Seeing this, the irate Saints cursed the king, as a result of which, his entire body was infested with insects.
Now, smitten by this curse, the king began to wander in the forest. His throat was parched because he was very thirsty. There was, alas, no water to be found anywhere. At last he found a water hole made by the hooves of a horse. Just as the king started to drink water a miracle occurred. The king’s body was rid of all the insects. The king did severe penance (Tapa) there. Lord Brahma was pleased and appeared before him and installed Parashta Teerth there. He also created a huge and holy lake near by.
This Brahma sarovar later came to be known as Shivalay.
There is a story about Shivalay also:
Once Shiva and Parvati were playing chess on Mount Kailasa. Paravti checkmated Shiva. Shankara played to be angry at this and went away southward. He went and stayed at a place on the Sahyadri range, where there is cool breeze. This place was given the name of Maheshamauli Bhainsmal. Parvati came there looking for Shankar. She won the heart of Shiva in the form of a hill mountain tribal girl. They both spent some time there happily.
This forest came to be known as Kamyakavana. Lord Mahesha forbade crows from entering the area of Maheshamouli or Bhainsmal. One day, Paravti was very thirsty. Shankara pierced earth with his trident and got the water of Bhogavati from the Patal (Nether world). This is the Shivalay.
The Shivalay expands a little ahead where Shivanadi (Shivanand) meets it and a little more further, Yelaganga also flows just near it. When Shiva and Parvati were staying here pleasently, a hunter by the name Sudhanwa came there looking for a prey. A miracle happened and Sudhanwa turned into a woman. At this he did a severe Tapa there. Shankara was pleased and appeared. Actually, Sudhanwa was a woman by birth in his previous life. Thus, Shankara from that very curse of becoming a woman turned Sudhanwa into Yelaganga river. Thus, Punya Sarita Yelaganga was born in the Kamyawana. Later, it was to become the bathing place called Dhara Teerth or ‘Sita’s Snangriha’ and flow from a higher place and goes through Verul village.
Once Parvati, was about to fill her hair parting with vermillion and saffron, in Kamyavana. She kept them in her left palm and mixed the water of Shivalay in it. With the right thumb she started mixing them both. Then a miracle occurred, vermillion turned into a ShivaLinga and a great light appeared in it. Parvati was awe struck at this. Then Lord Shankara said: “This Linga was hidden in the Patala.” And removed it with his trident.
Then a bubble emerged from the earth with water (Kashikhand).
Parvati kept that glorious light in stone Linga and installed it there. This Purna (complete) JyotirLinga is called Kunkumeshwar. But since Dakshayani created this Linga with the function of her thumb. She gave it the name of Grishneshwara (Grishna means friction).
On the southern mountain called Deva Parvata, a great scholar Brahmin Sudhama of Bharadwaja gotra, used to live with his beautiful, devout wife called Sudeha. They had no children. They were very unhappy because of this. They were harassed and tortured by the sly remarks of their neighbours. But Sudhama, an intelligent person, did not care about these. One day, Sudeha threatened to commit suicide and sister Dushma, married her husband. Both of them promised that there would be no jealousy between them.
After sometime, Dushma gave birth to a son. And eventually even that son married. Both Sudhama and Dushma, were nice to Sudeha. But jealousy did get the better of Sudeha. Once she picked up Dushma’s son who was sleeping by her side and killed him. She threw the body into the lake near by.
In the morning there was a big hue and cry. Dushma’s grief knew no bounds. Even then, she went to the river to do her routine worship. She made her usual hundred Lingas and began worship she saw her son standing near the lake. Shiva was pleased with her worship and revealed the truth about Sudhas forgiveness of Sudha’s sin. She indeed requested Shiva to remain there itself for the welfare of the humanity.
Shiva acceded to her request and remained there with the name of Dhushamesha.

Grishneshvar Temple

The very devout Shiva devotee, Bhosale (The Patel or chief of Verul) once found a treasure hidden in the snake pit (ant hill) by the grace of Lord Grishneshwar. He spent that money to renovate the temple and built a lake in Shikharshinganapur.
Later on, Goutamibal (Bayajabai) and Ahilyadevi Holkar renovated the Grishneshwar temple. This 240ft x 185 ft temple is still there strong and beautiful as ever. Halfway up the temple, Dashavataras are carved in red stone. These are beautiful to look at. There are also other beautiful statutes carved out. A court hall is built on 24 pillars. On these pillars there are wonderful carvings. The scenes and paintings are beautiful. The Garbhagriha measures 17ft x 17 ft. The Lingamurty faces eastward. There is a gorgeous Nandikeshwara in the court hall.

11 Jyothirlinga Kashi Vishvanath - U.P.

2011-04-30T16:43:00.001+05:30

Kashi Vishvanath Jyothirlinga

Where the Varana and Asi rivers join the Ganges, a beautiful city was built there in the ancient times. It was named Varanasi. Varanasi, a prime place of pilgrimage, a tribe called kasha used to live. Therefore, Varanasi was also known as Kashi. Near Kashi, Ganga flows in the shape of a bow. Hence it acquired special importance. A king called Deivodas expanded this area.
Varanasi is located in Uttarpradesh, in the Gangetic plains.

Purana of kashi vishwanath jyotirlinga

Nirvikar cahitanya and Sanatan Brahma have assumed the form of Saguna Vishwarupa from the initial Nirgun Roopa or form. The Shiva Shakti roopa became the Purusha (man) and Stree (the woman) again. Prakriti and Purusha (Nature and man) (Shiva-Shakti) were once ordained by Shiva to do tapas in the universe in order to create the best being. He specified the best place for this purpose. When a prayer was held, Nirgun Shiva, with His own powers and aura, created a wonderful city called Panchakoshi. Vishnu, who resided there, spent a lot of time praying to Shiva after which several watersprings originated there. Vishnu was amazed at this wonderous event, and even as he tilled his head, a gemstone fell from his ear. Because of this place, it was also called Manikarnika. The entire Panch Koshi area of Manikarnika waters were then gathered into the Trident by Shiva. Then from the navel of Vishnu was born a lotus flower with Brahma in it. Brahma was ordained by Shiva to create a world, at which Brahma created this wonderful world. It had fifty crore Yojanas of area and fourteen lokas. In order to save the lives of these who are bound by their own actions or karma. Shiva kept panchakoshi city away from the entire universe. In this city, Shiva Himself established the saviour Muktidayak JyotirLinga, which He can never leave. Shiva removed this very Kashi from His Trident and set it in this mortal world. It was not to be destroyed when Brahma’s day ends, but during Pralay i.e., final destruction of the world, Shiva saved it by keeping it safe in his trident. So the kashi is called avimukta kshetra. In Kashi, the Avimukteshwar Linga is there forever. Those who can never hope for salvation, attain Moksha here.
This holiest city of Panchakoshi, with its capacity to destroy every conceivable sin, is the vehicle of a special Moksha by the name “Samyugha”. That is the reason why this city which is ruled by Brahma, Vishnu and Mahesha, is the place, where even divines want to die. Sarwaguna from inside and Tamoguna from outside, are the qualities of Rudra here. When prayed to, Vishwanatha Bahagavan Sri Shankar made this abode and resided there with Parvati.

Glory of Kashi

Kashi city is the place for Moksha and Ganga. Those who live here attain Mukti or Salvation, even without having to travel to any place of pilgrimage. Any one, be it a man, woman, young, old, Sahava, pure or impure, Prasuta, Aprasuta, Swadesh, Andaja, Udibhaja, of whatever caste, all attain Moksha. There is not an iota of doubt in this. Whatever a person may be doing, eat, sleep or anything else, if he departs from this world from Avimukteshwar, he definitely attains Moksha. Any small act of goodness or Punyakarya, takes away all the sins. Good as well as bad people are born on this earth. But by living in Kashi, both attain Moksha. Later, several people came forward to build this temple. A king by the name Banar developed this city of pilgrimage. About one and half thousand beautiful temples were built here. The tower of the Vishweshwara temple is a hundred feet high.
Kashi nagar is so great that even if the universe is to be destroyed in Pralaya, it would remain intact. Dandapani and Kalabhairav guard this city. They stay there forever. On the Ganga banks eighty four bathing ghats are located. There are also several teerthkundas. They have been there right from the times of Vedas.

History of the Vishwanath Temple

Varanasi, which was a pious place of pilgrimage for the hindus, soon became an eyesore and source of jealousy for the Muslims. From 1033 to 1669 AD Kashi came under several destructive attacks. Temples were demolished and Masjids built there instead. But due to the dedication of the Hindu devotees, the JyotirLinag pilgrimage place continued to develop. During the reign of the British and the Marathas, this place really developed well. Even the Jaina and Boudha monks helped to keep the place of the city intact.
The Kashi Vishweshwar temple as we see it now was built by Ahalya Devi Holkar in 1777 AD. In 1785 AD, the then King of Kashi, Mansaram and his son Belvant Singh built many more temples near Varanasi. In 1755 AD, the Avadh pantof pratinidhi (representative) got the old temple of Bindumadhava repaired and renovated it beautifully. The kalabhairava temple was built by Srimant Baji Rao Peshwa in 1852 AD.
King Ranjit Singh had the Kashi Vishwanath temple towers covered in gold. A huge bell hangs in the temple. It was donated by the King of Nepal. Surrounding Saranath, there are many Budhhist stupas, Viharas and Chaitra grihas. In 1931 AD the mahabodhi society had built a very beautiful Buddha temple in Saranath.
The Hindu devotees visit Kashi to make offering. Here they perform many rituals and consider themselves blessed. Along side, several foreign tourists visit this place regularly. Places worth seeing include Ghats, temples, tapobhoomi and the scenic beauty of the surroundings. Kashi Kshetra and Sri Vishweswara JyotirLinga are connected as the holiest shrines in the world. The Ganga water here is considered as the nectar of the earth. Dying in Kashi or performing the final rites is considered as the way to the Heavens. Kashi - Rameshwar(1) yatra is the prime pilgrimage for the Hindus.
Jaya Ganga, Jaya Vishwanath, Om Namah Shivaya. The entire area echoes with these chantings. The Gods in Varanasi are described in Sanskrit in the following way:

“Varanasitu Bhuvantrya sarabhoota’
Ramya Nrinaam Sugatidakhil Sevyamana”
Atragata Vividha dushkritkarinopi’
Papakshaye virajasaha sumanaprakashah”
- Narada Puran

10 Bimashankar Jyothirlingam - maharashtra

2011-04-30T16:39:00.001+05:30

Bimashankar Jyothirlingam

On the banks of the River Chandrabhaga (Bhima) on the expansive meadows, a large number of devotees can be seen dancing as if they are in a trance. This is a constant scene in Pandharpur. Bheemamayya (mother Bhima) is equated with Ganga-Bhagirathi and people take a holy dip in this river. In Pandharpur, river Bhima came to be known as Chandrabhaga, because it is here that Bhima curves towards Chandrakor.
River Ganga came jumping down from the Jata (Hair) of Lord Shankar, straight through Swarg (Heaven), to the earth. Bhimamayya is the perspiration of Lord Shankara. The origin of River Bhima is BhimaShankar, which is one of the twelve JyotirLingas. In Maharashtra, in Pune District in the Tehsil of Rajguru nagar (Khed) ahead of Ghodegaon, there is Sahyadri mountain range. Bhavargiri, Rathachal and Bhima Shankar mountains are located here. On the Bhima Shankar mountains, the holy shrine of Bhima Shankar is situated. Although it is a very windy palce, one does not experience any cold winds here.
There are lions in the forests here. In these thick forests there are other wild lives too. It is a treasure of various medicinal herbs. It is now quite easy to reach BhimaShankar. Direct and easy roadways are laid that take the pilgrims right up to the shrine. Reaching here from Kokanpradesh is a little difficult because of the mountain terrain.
Many years ago, Shakini and Dakini used to live in these forests. The settlements were far and few in between. But on the festival of Shivaratri, there is a huge gathering of crowds, which brightens up the entire area. The devotees reach here in time and take a Darshan of Lord BhimaShankar. A lot of improvements made here. There is a Government guest-house also. It is said that the lions from these forests come to the shrine every night to get a Darshan of the Lord. Here are some of the stories attached to the JyotirLinga here.

Purana of Bhimshankar Temple

In the ancient times demons by the name Tripurasura become drunk with power. They harassed every resident of Swarg (Heavens), Narak (Hell) and Patal (Nether world). The divines were very scared. Then Lord Mahadev Himself came to destroy Tripurasur. Lord Shankar assumed colossal proportions. Tripurasur feared when they saw this Rudravatar. The fight went on. In the end, Lord Shiva killed the wicked demon and set the there worlds, Tribhuvan, free. Lord Shankar in the form of a huge hunk (Virat) was very tired. In order to get some rest, He settled here on the high area of the Sahyadri mountains sweat started pouring down from His huge body in thousands of streams. It all joined together and collected in a pond or Kund. The river that started from there is known as Bhima, which can be seen even today. Devotees then prayed to Bhimakaya Rudra thus: “In order to save the good people, reside here forever”. Bholenath listened to the devotees and stayed there as a JyotirLinga forever.
There was once a demon called Bhima, whose parents were Kumbhakarna and Karkati. Demon Bhima was harassing and torturing one and all. He was hell bent in the path of destruction of Dharma. Once he asked his mother about the details of his father. His mother told him that his father Kumbhakaran is the younger brother of Ravana, the king of Lanka, who was slain by Sri Ramchandra.
“I am yet to see Lanka; I met your father on some mountains near by, and after you were born, I continued to stay here itself. After my husband was killed, only my parental place became a refuge of sorts for me. My parents are Pushkasi and Karkat. When they went to eat up Agastya the saint, he burned them to ashes with the power of his meditation and Tapas”.
When he heard the story, he was at once eager to take revenge against all the divines along with Hari. He began a severe penance or Tapas, and a pleased Brahma granted him the bon of becoming a very strong man. With this new strength, he captured all the divines including Vishnu and Indra. They were in his control. After this he won a victory over the great Shiva devotee Kamarupeshwar. Kamarupeshwar did not stop his worship of Shiva even when in prison. He performed the Puja with the same devotion, observing all the procedures his wife also joined him in this.
On the other hand, Brahma and Vishnu along with all the other divines started praying Shankara and of asking for deliverance from the wicked Demon King. Shiva assured the divines and sent them home after pacifying them.
Bheema learnt from someone that Kamarupeshwar was making preparations to kill him. On hearing about this, he went straight to the prison and started inquiring into the process and aim of his worship. When he learnt the truth from the king, the wicked Demon called Lord Shiva names and insulted Him and ordered the king to worship Bheema himself instead. When Kamarupeshwar resisted, Bhemma attached the Linga with his sword. Before he could strike, Shiva appeared there. A severe fight ensued in which bows, arrows, swords, axe, the disc and trident etc. were used. In the end, at the request of Narada , Lord Shankar blew a fire and burned the wicked Demon Bheema to ashes. Thus the Devas were released from their sorrows. After this, the divines who were present there, and the saints together pleaded with Lord Shankara to remain there. In view of the welfare of the world, Shiva decided to stay there in the incarnation of Bheema Shankar JyotirLinga.
Self-emanating Mahadev, in the shape of a chariot, the mountains have become the abode of BheemaShankara. It is also known as Rathachala. One Bhatirao Lakadhara (wood-cutter) used to live here. Once he was cutting some wood. Just as he struck the tree with his axe, blood started to flow from the earth. Bhatirao got scared and ran away. Soon, a crowd had gathered there. Someone brought a milk cow and made it stand there. The milk that came from the cow’s udders stopped the bleeding of the earth. Surprising everyone, a glowing JyotirLinga of Shankara, emanated from the earth. People built a temple there and installed the JyotirLinga in the temple. This temple eventually came to be known as Bhima Shankara temple.

Glories of Bhimashankar

In some classics like Shiva Leelamrit, Gurucharitra, Stotraratnakar etc., BheemaShankara is described as a woman. Gangadhar Pandit, Ramdas, Sridhar swamy, narahari Malo, Gnaneshwar, and other saints describe BheemaShankara as JyotirLinga.
Historical figures like Chatrapati Shivaji and Rajaram Maharaj were known to visit this shrine. This was a favourite palce for Peshwa Balaji Vishwanath and Raghunath, Raghunath Peswa had a well dug up here. The Diwan of the Peshwar, Nana Phadanvis renovated this temple. A court hall was built by a Pune trader or Sahukar by the name Chimanji Antaji Nayik Bhinde in 1437 AD.
The temple of Bhima Shankara is built in Hemadpanthi style. It is decorated with the Dashavatar statues. These are very beautiful to look at. The Nandi temple is close to the main temple. A huge bell weighing 5 mans(1 man=40 seens) is located close to the temple. It has 1721 AD inscribed on it. When this bell is rung, the entire echoes with its sound.
The worship of BhimaShankar is done, with Rudrabhishek, Panchamrit snan, everyday. The Lord is praised in rich words. On Mondays as well as other days, lot of devotees flock here for Darshan. A big fete (mela) takes place on Maha Shivaratri festival. The natural scenic beauty of this place is wonderful to look at.
There are many places of tourist interest near BheemShankar temple. Among these are Mokshakund, Gyankund, Gupta Bhumeshwar, SarvaAteerth, Papanasini, akhya Teerth, Vyaghrapada Teerth, Sakshi Vinayaka, Gorakhnath Ashram, Daityasamharini Kamalaja devi’s place, Kamalaja lake, Hanuman lake, etc are worth seeing. The Kokan Kagar or Nagphan is a very dangerous palce located at a height or approximately three thousand feet, from were the entire Talahati Kokan area can be seen. It feels like we are being air-borne. It is very difficult to see this “Kokan kagar” sanding. One has to lie down on the ground, near Kagar and then only it can be seen. A person who is seeing this in a prostrate position has to be kept steady by holding his feet firmly. While watching this is frightening, yet beautiful scene one has to chant “Jaya Bheema Shankar Jaya Bheema Shankar”.

“Panjara Bhimarathyacha Krishnaveni Brihannadi
Malapaharinee Yotra sata loka Vishruta”.
- Someshwar Dev

“Bheemabani Chandrabhaga Vithala Charan ki Ganga”

9 jyothirlinga Rameshwaram temple -tamilnadu

2011-04-30T16:33:00.001+05:30

Rameshwaram

Taking the Ganga water to Rameshwar, is considered as a very auspicious and pious thing to do after the pilgrimage of the four holy shrines. After taking a holy bath in Ganga water, the holy water is carried and offered to Lord shiva of Rameshwaram. After this a little sand from here is carried to Ganga and immersed there. Completing this ritual is believed to make one’s pilgrimage complete and successful.
On the southern seaside of India, Rameshwar sea shrine is located.
In classics like the Skandha Purana, Shivapurana etc., Rameshwar is shown as a very important place. The story of Rameshwara goes like this:

Puranam of Rameshwar Jyothirlingam

After Sita’s abduction, Ram wandered in the jungles looking for her. While doing so, he met Sugriva and made friends with him. Later with the help of special messenger Sri Hanuman, he found out where Sita was taken. Then Rama prepared an army to invade Ravana’s empire and reached the southern seashore. He did not have any means of crossing the sea. Lakshman and Sugriva saw Rama, who is a Shiva devotee in great anguish and could do nothing. But Ravana received some special boons from Lord Shiva. Rama was aware of this and therefore, his fears could not be set at rest. In the mean time, Rama was full thirsty. Just as he was about to drink water, he remembered that he was yet to perform Shiva pooja. He immediately made a Prathiv Linga and worshipped it with sixteen methods, i.e., Shodasopachar Vidhis.
Ramji prayed to Lord Shiva ardently and soulfully, and sang songs of Lord Shiva’s praise in a loud voice. He danced and made the sounds of “Aagad bam bam”. This pleased Lord Shiva immediately and instantly appeared before Rama and told him that could ask for any boons and that he would grant them. Ram showed a lot of care, affection and love to Lord Shiva and prayed and paid obeisance. Rama said “If You want to grant me my wishes, please stay on this earth for the sake of all make it holy” Shiva granted the same by saying “Evamastu” meaning “so be it”. He thus stayed there and came to be known as Rameshwara, in the form of a Shiva Linga and became popular.
With the blessings of Lord Shiva, Rama killed all the demons including Ravana and became victorious. Any one who takes a Darshan of the JyotirLinga at Rameshwar and sprinkles the holy water of Ganga, attains salvation, Kaivalya Moksha or Nirvana.

Specialities of Rameswaram

The place where the JyotirLinga is located, a large and expansive temple has been built. It is famous in the world as a typical architectural example. In the Ramnad district of Tamilnadu, this temple is situated on a big island of sand. It is worth seeing and is a wonderful experience. The main entrance of the temple tower has many storeys and stands tall. Its structure carvings, statutes and the peaks make people dumb founded. The grandeur of the Lord is really felt here. The human weakness for being narrow-minded is automatically removed and they feel their horizons broadened.
On the tall stone pillars of temple, beautiful carvings can be seen. Elephants with their trunks raised are seen. The four sides of the temple are enclosed by strong stone walls. They are 650 ft. and 12ft. wide and tall respectively. This wonderful temple built on the sand island, is a work of great art and very impressive.
Near to a gold plated pillar, a river is carved on a monolithic stone of 13 feet high and a foot wide. This indeed is a typical example of beautiful sculpting.
Near the main temple of Rameshwar, there is a separate temple for Parvati known as Parvatavardhini temple. Besides this, there are temples of Santana Ganapati, Veerabhadra Hanuman, navagrahas, etc., At a distance of about nearly 2 kilometers from the main temple, there is Gandhamaadhan mountain. In spite of being a sandy area, it is very green with a variety of flora. This is the Nandanavan of Rameshwar.
This island shrine consists of 24 odd holy water sources like Rama teerth, Sita Kund, Jata Teerth, Lakshman Teerth, Kapi Teerthas, Brahmakund, Galawa teerth, Mangala teerth, Kodandaram teerth, Pandav teerth etc., The waters at all these places is sweet and has a taste of its own. Every teerth has a typical story attached to it. Devotees take Darshan and feel purged by doing so.
Everyday, right from 4am till 10pm devotees keep coming to the temple and prayers go on. After the Harati at night, the Lord is made to sleep in a Golden swing i.e., the Bhoga statutes of Shankara and Parvati put to bed.
During Mahashivaratri and on the 15th day in the month of Ashadha (Rainy season) a Badatra mela/fete takes place, with great festivity. Devotees flock here on these days and at all times right from Nepal and entire India. People in a variety of dresses, attired differently come here.
sambandhar, and appar have sung padhikam (1) on the Lord of Rameshwaram.

8 Tryambakeshwar Jyothirlinga - maharashtra

2011-04-30T16:27:00.001+05:30

Tryambakeshwar Jyothirlinga

Of the twelve JyotirLingas of Lord Shankara, the tenth one is known as Tryambakeshwara. Tryambak is near Nasik in Maharashtra. This great JyotirLinga on the banks of Gautami has a unique form. The Lord in this temple’s Grabhagriha is not worshipped with Abhisheka with water (Jalahari) unlike others. There is just a bottom part of the pounding stone (Ukhali), instead, like a hole.
In that hole there are three Lingas shaped like the Thumbs. Hence Tryambakeshwara. Of these three Lingas, the Linga of Mahesha has a constant shower of water from an orifice above. It is a natural source of water coming down as Abhisheka for the Lord.

Purana of Tryambakeshwar Temple

Ahalya’s husband, Gautama was doing Tapas or penance on the Dakshina Mountain. It did not rain there for a hundred years and the land was drying up and life forms disappearing. Seeing these conditions of drought, the residents, the saints, and all the birds and animals fled from there. Saint Gautam did a great Mangalik tapas through Pranayama for six long months. Varuna, the deva of rains, was pleased and appeared before Gautama, who inturn asked for water. At the behest of Varuna, Gautam dug a hole on his hand. With the help of Varuna’s miraculous power, it filled with water. Varuna said, “Due to the power of your penance, this hole would be an unending source of water “Akshya”. It will become famous by your name. It will augment all holy rituals like Yagna, Dana, Tapa, Homa Shraadha, and worship of Gods. After this water was thus acquired, the saints started making preparations for the Yagna and the production of “Breehika”.
Once when the disciples of Gautama went to fetch some water, from that waterhole, just then some of the saints wives were also there for the same purpose. They insisted on taking water first. The disciples of Gautama called Gautama’s wife. She intervened and allowed her husband’s disciples to fetch water. The wives of the Rishis felt insulted at this and complained to their husbands and while doing so added a few lies here and there. The great saints at once started the worship of Ganesha as an intial Puja in sheer scheme of vendetta. When Ganesha appeared before them and granted some boons, they asked for the power of being able to insult and chase away Gautama, as an indesirable person from there. Ganesha understood that Gautama was very helpful by nature, tried to persuade the saints from getting their way. He knew that, but for Gautama’s efforts, the saints would be craving for even a drop of water. But the saints would have none of it. Reluctantly, Ganesha had to accode to the request of the adamant Rishis, but warned them to be ready to face the consequences of angering a great saint like Gautama.
One day, when Gautama went to get some “Breehi”, he saw a thin, starving cow there. Just when he lifted a little twig to show away the cow, the cow fell dead. The other Rishis caught the opportunity and accused Gautama of slaying a cow “Gohatya”. They insulted him and said that he must leave that palce immediately in order to save it from the aftermath of Gohaty. Gautama became very sad and left feeling greatly depressed.
Gautama wanted to absolve himself of the sin of Gohatya “Cow slaughter”. He thus resorted to the method of Tapas recommended by great saints. He began the difficult task of bringing Ganga water with the power of his Tapas, take bath with that water and chant Shiva mantras a crore times and worship the Parthiva Linga. Shiva was pleased and told him that he is indeed a pure soul and a great Mahatma. A great injustice was done to him, Shiva told him that he could ask for some boons. Gautama asked for Ganga, which would be of great help to the humanity. Shiva gave Ganga to Gautama, in the form of Tatwarupa Avishishta Jal. After taking the water, Gautama requested Shiva to absolve him of the sin of cow slaughter. Shiva purified Gautama and wanted to go back to His abode after that. But he told the Lord to remain on the earth till the end of Kaliyuga. Ganga prayed to him and requested him to stay on the earth, along with his consort Parvati. For the welfare of the world, Lord Shiva granted Ganga her wish.
Ganga wanted to know from Lord Shiva, how people will know about her greatness. The Rishis said that until Brihaspati stays on the Simha Rashi (Leo), we will stay here on your banks and will take a holy dip in your waters thrice a day before taking the Darshan of Shiva. Only by doing so, would we able to war our sins. On hearing this Lord Shiva and Ganga stayed there. Ganga has also come to be known as Gautami and the Linga came to be known as Tryambaka.
The river which gave away cows as Go-Daan became Godavari. Ganga who came on the request of Gautama became Gautam Ganga. That was the auspicious time of Brahmagiri, the time in between, when the Kurmavatar was over and before the assumption of Varahavatar, the Sanghiparva. The planet Guru (Jupiter) was in the sign of Simha (Leo), Magha Shuddha Dashami, Thursday after noon, when Gautami Ganga was born. The area of Brahmagiri too looks like the Lingamurthyy. From the tip, the water of Gautami Ganga flows.

Other speicialities of Tryambak zone

The spring at Brahmagiri from where Godavari comes out, is known as Gangadwar. The Ganga water flows from a rock shaped like a cow face, constantly. The temple of Godavari mata is located here. The idol looks happy and peaceful. The Varaha Teertha is close by.
After emanating from Gangadwar, the river Godavari thins down and almost disappears, only to appear again at Tahalhati. In order to prevent it from disappearing, Gautam Rishi threw Darbhas on all four sides. Because of this, Godavari flows in Kushavarti. The Kushavarti Maha Teerth is a circle of 27 meters. It is built very strong. There are steps on all four sides to facilitate going down to the waters.
At the time of Simhasta (in Leo), every 12 years, a Kumbhmela is held here. Lakhs of people take a holy dip in Kushavarta. On all the four sides of Kushavartha corridors are built. Beautiful statues are also carved here in the Brahmagiri Talhati, near Kushavarti, there is a big lake called Ganga Sagar.
On the parikrama path, there are beautiful places like Ram Teerth. Prayag Teerth and Nrisimha Teerth etc, The Peshwa kings planted trees at every 25 hand distance. During the reign of the Peshwas, criminals were asked to do the Parikrama (circumbulation) of Brahmagiri as punishment.
The Tryambakeshwar JyotirLinga is unique, great, holy and wonderful place of pilgrimage.