Indian Religious Temples

St. Francis of Assisi Church Goa, India

noreply@blogger.com (Anonymous) — Mon, 14 Jan 2013 20:29:00 +0000

St. Francis of Assisi Church

St. Francis of Assisi Church Goa, India

To the west of the Se Cathedral is the former palace of the Archbishop that connects the Se Cathedral to the Convent and Church of St. Francis of Assisi. The structure is built of laterite blocks and is lime-plastered.

The church faces west and has a nave with three chapels on either side, a choir, two altars in the transept and a main altar. To the north of the main altar is a belfry and a sacristy. The convent, which forms an annexure to the church, now houses the Archaeological Museum.

The exterior of the Church is of the Tuscan Order while the main entrance is in Manuline style. The main altar is Baroque with Corinthian features. There are no aisles but only a nave, which is rib-vaulted.

The internal buttress walls, separating the chapels and supporting the gallery on top, have frescoes showing intricate floral designs.

St. Francis of Assisi Church

In a niche on the façade, stands a statue of our lady of miracles brought from Jaffna in Sri Lanka. A wooden statue of St. Francis of Assisi adorns a pedestal bearing the insignia of the Franciscans. A wooden pulpit, richly carved with floral designs is to the left as one enters.

Beneath a ribbed vault with frescoes showing floral decorations, is the main altar, which is gilded and has a richly carved niche with a tabernacle supported by the four evangelists.

The tabernacle was used for displaying the holy sacrament. Above the tabernacle, in the main altar, is a large statue of St. Francis of Assisi and an equally large statue of Jesus on the cross. Beneath the two figures are inscribed the three vows of the Saint - poverty, humility and obedience. On either side of the main altar, in the nave, are beautiful large paintings on wood, depicting scenes from the life of St. Francis of Assai.

St. Francis of Assisi Church

The origin of this church and the attached convent can be traced to the humble beginnings made by eight Franciscan friars, who, on their arrival in 1517, secured from the then Governor a few houses that belonged to a deceased Thanadar. By their persistent efforts they constructed a small chapel with three altars and a choir.

A church consecrated to the Holy Ghost was built in 1521 and was later pulled down and the present church was built on the same spot in 1661 retaining only the entrance of the earlier church.

Where to stay :

The Kenilworth Beach Resort & Spa
Utorda , Salcete
08326698888
08322754183
kenilworthgoa@kenilworthhotels.com

Heritage Village Club
Arossim Beach, Arossim
Cansaulim , Goa
08326694444
08322754324
goa@sresorts.com

How to reach St. Francis of Assisi Church

AIR
Dabolim airport of Goa is well connected by flight with major cities in India.

RAIL
Madgaon, Vasco-da-Gama, Tivim and Karmali railway stations of Goa are well connected by trains with major cities and places in India.

ROAD
Panaji, Mapusa, Margao, and other main cities of Goa are well connected by motorable roads with different cities and places in India.

Tourism Office Details :

Department of Tourism
Government of Goa
Purshottam Bhagwan Building
Dr. Atmaram Borkar Road, Opp. Hotel Nova Goa,
Panaji, Goa- 403 001
Tel: 0832 - 2438750/51/52
Email: goatourism @ dataone.in

(a) Branch Office-North Tourist Shopping Complex, Mapusa. Tel: 2262390

(b) Branch Office - South, Margao Residency, Margao. Tel. 2715204

(c) Tourist Information Counter, Interstate Bus Terminus, Panaji.

(d) Tourist Information Counter, Vasco Residency, Vasco-da-Gama. Tel. 2512673

(e) Tourist Information Counter, Goa Airport, Dabolim Tel. 2541644/2542476

(f) Tourist Information Counter, Railway Station, Margao. Tel: 2702298.

Goa Tourism Development Corporation Ltd.
Trionora Apartments,
Dr. Alvares Costa Road,
Panaji.

Tel. 2226515, 2224132, 2226728.
Fax: 091-832-2423926;

Central Reservation Office

Tel Nos. 091-832-2424001-3, 2436666,

E-mail: reservations@goa-tourism.com
Website : www.goa-tourism.com

Facilitation counter at Goa Airport, Dabolim, Tel: 091-832-2540829/2540031

The Reis Magos Church, Goa, India

noreply@blogger.com (Anonymous) — Mon, 14 Jan 2013 19:20:00 +0000

The Reis Magos Church

Reis Magos Church, Goa, India

The small hamlet of Reis Magos lies on banks of the Mandovi river and is home to two famous landmarks of Goa - the Reis Magos fort and the Reis Magos Church. It is also one of only three places in Goa, where the unique Feast of the Three Wise Men is held.

Reis Magos lies off the main road, which passes through the fishing and boat-building villages of Betim and Verem on the way to the more famous tourist spots of Calangute and Candolim beaches. At the Verem Bazar, a turning past a Hindu tree shrine takes the traveller to Reis Magos.

The Church, whose whitewashed gabled facade is visible from across the river in Panaji, was built in 1555. Fransiscan friars, who were in charge of missionary work for the area, took over the church and founded a small seminary here.

The church, which was built shortly after the fort above it, was dedicated to St Jerome. Historians have found evidence to support the fact that the Church was built on the ruins of an old Hindu temple. Two typical symbols of the Hindu Vijayanagar temple architecture - bas-relief lion figures can be seen on the flanks, at the start of the steps going up to the Church.

Not long after its construction, the Church and the Seminary became a well established site for learning and its prominence can be gauged from the fact that the Portuguese royal coat of arms is imprinted below the crucifix at the top of the gable. Two of Goa´s former Viceroys are actually buried here, their tombstone inscriptions in Por4tuguese and Latin still clearly legible.

One of the tombs is that of Dom Luis de Ataide, who gained fame all over the Portuguese empire for his spirited defense of the colony of Goa, when just with a force of 700 men, he managed to keep at bay 10,000 Muslim attackers supported by 2000 elephants for a period of ten long months.

The Church interiors are quite colourful and impressive, with the highlight being the multi-coloured wood relief showing the Three Wise Men (Reis Magos) bearing gifts to the baby Jesus, which is the centerpiece of the elaborately carved and painted reredos behind the high altar.

Every year on the 6th of January, Reis Magos comes alive with the colourful Festa dos Reis Magos, when the story of the three Kings is re-enacted by local youth playing the parts of the Magi. The locals celebrate the journey of the three kings who went to worship the holy Infant Child with a procession which starts from the Church and goes around the village.

Where to stay :

Hotels

Nanutel Margao
Padre Miranda Road , Margao
08326722222
nanutelmrg@nanuindia.com

Marquis Beach Resort
Dando, Sinquerim Beach,
08322479120
08322479752
simon@marquishotels.in

How to reach Reis Magos Church :

Tourism Office Details :

Church of St. Augustine Goa | St. Augustine's Tower Goa

noreply@blogger.com (Anonymous) — Sat, 12 Jan 2013 18:54:00 +0000

Church of St. Augustine Goa | St. Augustine's Tower Goa

Church of St. Augustine Goa

One of the most spectacular of all monuments in Goa, reproduced on innumerable travel brochures and advertisements is the St Augustine tower in Old Goa. This highly visible landmark, a 46m-high tower served as a belfry and formed part of the facade of a magnificent Church.

Out of the more than twenty fabulous churches which once existed in the old city of Velha Goa, only ten remain today. And of these four are actually chapels. The churches were located on and between seven hills around the Velha Goa region.

The Monte Santo (Holy Hill) at Velha Goa was the site for the the monastery of the Augustinian order, attached to which was the enormous church of Nossa Senhora da Graca (Our Lady of Grace). The Tower and Church were built in 1602 by the Augustinian friars who arrived in Goa in 1587.

The tower is one of the four towers of St. Augustine Church that once stood at the site. Initially built of laterite and colossal in size, almost forty-six metres high, it had four storeys. The Tower was meant to serve as a belfry and the Church had eight richly adorned chapels and four altars and a convent with numerous cells attached to it.

The construction of the building began more than 400 years ago and was finished between the years 1597 to 1602. The name of the designer of this magnificent piece of construction is not known, but he is thought to have been Italian.

Church of St. Augustin

Incidentally, the construction was begun in the same year as the arrival in Goa of Julio Simao (1565-1641) who was himself influenced by the great Spanish architect Juan de Herrera (1530-1597). Simao was the chief architect of the Indian colonies of Portugal having been appointed by Philip II, ruler of Spain and Portugal between 1580-1598.

When it was completed in the 16th century, the grand Nossa Senhora da Graca Church was recognised as one of the three great Augustinian churches in the Iberian world, the other two being the Basilica of the Escorial in Spain, St. Vincente de Fora in Lisbon.

On entering the church, the visitor would have a glimpse of the grand retable of the high altar, with its large gilt tabernacle sheltered within an arch, through a screen of arched piers. Vestiges of most of these piers were visible until recently; they supported a spacious choir which could have accommodated a large number of Augustinian monks.

The nave of the Church now lies open to the sky, under whose broken arches locals sometimes gather and talk. Covering the vast nave was a barrel vault, whose enormous weight unfortunately hastened its collapse.

St. Augustine Goa

The church was abandoned in 1835 due to the repressive policies of the Portuguese government, which resulted in the eviction of many religious orders from Goa.

The church fell into neglect and the vault collapsed in 1842. The church's demise began with the collapse of this vault. The body of the church was soon destroyed, but the facade remained intact.

The tower's huge bell was moved in 1871 to the Church of our Lady of the Immaculate Conception in Panjim, where it remains and can be seen and heard today. In 1931, the facade and half the tower fell down, followed by more sections in 1938 leaving only half the tower that is seen and visited by thousands of tourists today.
This remnant, the renowned St. Augustine's tower is all that remains of what was once one of the largest buildings in Goa -- The Augustinian Monastery.

How to reach :

Where to stay:

Hotels

Aaldeia Santa Rita
Dando-Condolim Sinquerim, Bardez.
08322479356
aaldeia@sify.com

Nanutel Margao
Padre Miranda Road , Margao
08326722222

Tourism Office Details:

Department of Tourism
Government of Goa
Purshottam Bhagwan Building
Dr. Atmaram Borkar Road, Opp. Hotel Nova Goa,
Panaji, Goa- 403 001
Tel: 0832 - 2438750/51/52
Email: goatourism @ dataone.in

(a) Branch Office-North Tourist Shopping Complex, Mapusa. Tel: 2262390

(b) Branch Office - South, Margao Residency, Margao. Tel. 2715204

(c) Tourist Information Counter, Interstate Bus Terminus, Panaji.

(d) Tourist Information Counter, Vasco Residency, Vasco-da-Gama. Tel. 2512673

(e) Tourist Information Counter, Goa Airport, Dabolim Tel. 2541644/2542476

(f) Tourist Information Counter, Railway Station, Margao. Tel: 2702298.

Goa Tourism Development Corporation Ltd.

Trionora Apartments,
Dr. Alvares Costa Road,
Panaji.

Tel. 2226515, 2224132, 2226728.
Fax: 091-832-2423926;

Central Reservation Office

Tel Nos. 091-832-2424001-3, 2436666,

E-mail: reservations@goa-tourism.com
Website : www.goa-tourism.com

Facilitation counter at Goa Airport, Dabolim, Tel: 091-832-2540829/2540031

St. Cajetan Church Goa | The Convent of St. Cajetan and Church of Divine Providence

noreply@blogger.com (Anonymous) — Fri, 11 Jan 2013 20:16:00 +0000

St. Cajetan Church Goa | The Convent of St. Cajetan and Church of Divine Providence

St. Cajetan Church Goa

The large and beautiful Church of St. Cajetan, lies about half a kilometer away to the north east of the Se Cathedral, and quite near the ruins of the Viceregal Palace. This church, which is said to have been modeled on the original design of the Basilica of St.Peter in Rome, is architecturally Corinthian both externally and internally while the gilded altars with rich carvings are in rich Baroque style. The Church building itself is built of laterite blocks which are lime plastered.

The Church of St. Cajetan as it is popularly known, (originally called The Church of Our Lady of Divine Providence) and the Convent of St. Cajetan were built by Italian friars of the Order of Theatines, (known in Portuguese as Clérigos Regulares da Divina Providência). Although the church altar is dedicated to Our Lady of Divine Providence, the church is named after the founder of the Theatine order, St. Cajetan, a contemporary of St Francis Xavier.

In 1639, three Italians of the Order of Theatines were sent by Pope Urban VIII to the kingdom of Golconda (near Hyderbad) to preach Christianity. They were D. Pedro Avitabili, D. Francisco Marci and D. Antonio Maria Ardizone. The friars were not permitted to work in Golconda, so they came to Goa on 25th October 1640.

St. Cajetan Church Goa Interior

In their new abode, they began the construction of a hospital but the local Viceroy stopped their activities in 1643 and asked them to leave Goa in 1645. However, D. Pedro Avitabili, their courageous leader went all the way to Portugal to explain to the King, Dom João IV, that it would be in the interest of Christian religion if they were allowed to work in Goa together with the Portuguese priests.

Impressed by the determination of the Italian friar, the King gave permission to build the hospital in 1650. In 1655, the Theatines managed to obtain permission to build the Church and also a Convent. The construction of the Church was completed in 1661. Although built around the same time, the Convent was much smaller in size and was enlarged only later.

The grand façade of the Church, has two towers on either side to serve as belfry. There are Corinthian columns and pilasters supporting a pediment, and four niches in which are kept the statues of the apostles.

Inside a clever use of internal buttresses and four huge pillars has turned the interior into a cruciform. The main body of the church forms a Greek cross on plan internally and oblong externally, with a nave ending in an apse and aisles marked by four massive piers faced by Corinthian pilasters. These piers also form the base for supporting, at the crossing, a circular dome that rests on a drum and was crowned by a lantern. The inscription around the inside of the base of the dome is a verse from St Matthew's gospel.

The ribbed vaults of the nave and aisles are of varying height and are coffered with different floral designs. Two-ocatgonal rooms with domed roofs on either side of the main altar serve as the sacristy.

There are six altars besides the main one dedicated to Our Lady of Divine Providence. Profusely carved and gilded in Baroque style, these altars have twisted shafts dominated by figures of angels. The altars also have Italian school paintings on canvas, some depicting scenes from the life of St. Cajetan. The niches running along the sides of the vault have wooden statues of saints.

St. Cajetan Church Goa

The the composition of baroque reredos is different from those of the neighbouring churches since it tapers gracefully towards the ceiling, with large carvings of angelic figures near the base and the whole crowned with a symbolic sun.

As one enters the Church, there are three altars on the left side dedicated to the Holy family, Our Lady of Piety and St. Clare, while to the right are those of St. John, St. Cajetan and St. Agnes. The largest of the altars on the right hand side of the church is dedicated to St Cajetan himself.

There is a decorated wooden pulpit projecting from one of the piers. In the crossing is a square raised platform, which serves as a pulpit. Underneath the beautiful cupola, in the middle of the nave, there is a well which remains covered. The presence of the well has led to the conjecture that the site was once the setting of a Hindu temple.

The building which housed the Theatine Monastery near the Church, is currently the setting for Diocesan Pastoral Centre. In the grounds of the Church are the remains of the doorway that once was the entrance to an Islamic palace belonging to Adil Shah, the ruler of Goa before the Portuguese took control.

How to reach St. Cajetan Church Goa

Where to stay :

Hotels

Hoilday Inn Resort
Mobor Beach Cavelossim
Salcete,Goa , Goa
08322871303
08322871333
hirg@holidayinngoa.in

Hotel Neo Majestic
Plot No. 104/1A, Porvorim , North Goa
08322410378
08322415715
neomajestic@neomajestic.com

Tourism Office Details :

St. Paul Church Goa | The Church and College of St. Paul

noreply@blogger.com (Anonymous) — Fri, 11 Jan 2013 19:46:00 +0000

St. Paul Church Goa | The Church and College of St. Paul

St. Paul Church Goa

Unfortunately all that remains today of this once massive structure is the facade of the Church built in Doric style. By the year 1827 the College and the Church were already in a pretty devastated state. This was finally completely demolished in 1829 by the Goverment except for the facade and the material was taken to Panjim to be utilized for new constructions. The remaining arch of the façade of the Church lies on the road from Old Goa to Ponda just a short distance from the Gandhi Circle, on the left side of the road among a cluster of trees.

It was started as a seminary of the Holy Faith for training young converts by two priests Diogo de Borba and Miguel Vaz who had established the Santa Fé confraternity. The construction began in November 1541 and completed on January 25, 1543, the day of feast of Conversion of St. Paul to whom the church was dedicated.

The College of St Paul was among the largest in India. Beside elementary instruction, higher education in Music, Latin, Arts and sciences was also imparted, capped with lectures in Philosophy and theology. Even the degree of Master of Arts and the Doctorate were conferred here.

In 1548, when Fr Borba passed away, the seminary was handed over to St. Francis Xavier who had recently arrived in Goa and was residing at the Hospital Real (Royal Hospital). The College of St. Paul's was the first house of the Jesuit Order in Goa. After some years, the old college buidling was demolished and the two separate buildings were constructed, Both connected to each other by a passage. Seminário de Santa Fé was for the students and the other building called Colégio de São Paulo was for the residence of the Jesuits.

St. Paul Church

In 1556, King Dom João III issued an ordinance by which the College was opened for secular studies. By 1568 around three thousand students from India and other parts of Asia were enrolled at the college.

Besides the Seminary of Santa Fé, the following institutions were attached to the College: a novitiate, a professed house, a hospital and a house for the newly converts. The College had a large library and the first printing press in Asia was set up in this College, through which came the first printed publications.

In 1560 the Church was demolished on account of its weak condition and the foundation stone for a larger Church with three naves was laid on 25th January, 1560. It was twenty years later that one of the walls developed cracks and three arches of magnificent dimensions covering the existing road were built as support under the supervision of Jesuit João de Faria. As such it was popularly known as São Paulo dos Arcos (St. Paul of Arches).

It was for the first time that Santos Passos (dramatic representation of Passion of Christ) were introduced in Asia in this institution. The penitential procession was characterized by public self-flogging. There were booths erected in different places to provide first aid. The tradition of spreading or throwing flowers on the occasion of the feast of Our Lady of Mount originated here. Above all, the greatest honour that this institution received was the presence of Francis Xavier whenever he was in Goa and the first public exposition of his incorrupt body after his death. The martyrs of Cuncolim were also buried here.

In 1570 there was an epidemic and the Jesuits acquired some houses belonging to Pedro de Faria on the hill of Nossa Senhora do Rosário in 1578 for the residence of the Convalescents. The complex was named as Colégio de São Roque (1580). All the departments of studies from College of S. Paul were transferred to College of S. Roque which was also known as Colégio de São Paulo-o-Novo (St. Paul, the New).

The construction of a new building in this place met with a stiff opposition of Augustinians and nuns from Santa Mónica. The Jesuits had some other enemies too, who set fire to the building four times between 1591 and 1675. Once, the Rector of the Colégio de Dom Jerónimo Xavier, a relation of Francis Xavier was the victim of these flames. There was a surplice of Francis Xavier deposited in a silver box in this College which was later taken to Basilica of Bom Jesus.

The printing press from the old college was also transferred to College of St. Paul the New and the third edition of Purana of Fr. Thomas Stephen was printed here, in 1654. The Hospital Real functioned here from 1760 to 1764 after the closure of the college. Today there is nothing left for the visitor to admire, not even the stones.

How to reach St. Paul Church Goa :

Where to stay :

Hotels:

Colonia Santa Maria
Cobra Vaddo, Calangute ,
08322276107
08322415535
gillgoa@sancharnet.in

Santiago Resorts
Cobra Waddo, Calangute,
0832276564
0832276684
santiagoresorts@rediffmail.com

Tourism Office Details

Banashankari Temple, Karnataka, India

noreply@blogger.com (Anonymous) — Wed, 09 Jan 2013 19:45:00 +0000

Banashankari Temple, Karnataka

Banashankari Temple

The Banashankari Temple is located in Amargol town in Dharwad district, Karnataka. Banashankari is a form of the Goddess Parvati. This form of the Goddess is very popular in Karnataka. There are many famous temples dedicated to Devi Banashankari in Karnataka. The most famous one is probably the Banashankari Amma Temple in Cholachagudd. There is also a temple to this Goddess in the city of Bangalore. This temple is so popular that the area itself is called Banashankari.

The reason why Parvati took up this form is explained In the Skanda Purana. When people on earth were being tormented by an Asura named Durgamasura, the Devas prayed to Goddess Parvati to relieve them of this menace. So, the Goddess came down to earth and killed the Asura. She was known as Vana Shankari, the Goddess of the forest. This later became Banashankari.
The Banashankari Temple in Amargol is a fine architectural marvel and is located near the Unkal Lake and the Chandramouleshwara Temple. The temples built in this area in the 13th century exhibit northern influence. They have the Nagara style incorporated into them. This temple is no exception.

Architecture - Banashankari Temple

Banashankari Temple

The Banashankari temple in Amargol is a Dvikuta -a two shrine/two tower temple. Like most temples in this region of this period, this temple also exhibits Nagara influence. This temple has two shrines topped with Vimanas, one in the stepped-diamond shaped Nagara style and the other in the Dravida style.
One shrine houses the main deity, Devi Banashankari, and the other houses a Shiva Linga. The main Banashankari shrine is built in the Nagara Style. This shrine has been fully renovated. The restoration work on the other shrine is ongoing.
The Navaranga Mandapa in this temple has beautiful pillars decorated with figures of Shiva, Parvati, Vishnu, Narasimha, Ganapathi, Brahma and other Gods.
The Banashankari Temple, Amargol, Dharwad is a protected monument under the Ancient Monuments and Archaeological Sites and Remains Act, 1958. It is maintained by the Archaeological Survey of India (ASI).

Location

Hubli - 110
Hospet - 126
Bangalore - 436

Nearby Places:

Badami
Pattadakal
Aihole
Hampi

How to reach to Banashankari Temple

Road :
Gadag is well connected by road from all District headquarters of Karnataka. Upon reaching Gadag, one can take local transport or KSRTC Rural service to reach Lakkundi

Rail :
Badami is the nearest railway station

Airport :
The nearest Airport is at Hubli. International Airport is at Bangalore

Where to stay:

Vijayshree Heritage Village
VR Bhurat Nagari, Hospet-Hampi Road, Malpangudi, Hospet 583 239
Tel: : 08394-225 890-93
Fax: 08394-225 894
Email: md@vijayshreeresort.com
Website: www.vijayshreeheritagevillage.com

Krishna Palace
Railway Station Road, Near Bus Stand, Hospet, Bellary 583 201
Fax: 08394-294 231
Email: contact@krishnapalacehospet.com
Website: www.krishnapalacehospet.com

Royal Orchid Central, Kireeti
Railway Station Road, Hospet 583 201
Email: rooms@royalorchidhotels.com
Website: www.royalorchidhotels.com

Veera Narayana Temple Belavadi, Karnataka, India

noreply@blogger.com (Anonymous) — Sun, 30 Dec 2012 21:48:00 +0000

Veera Narayana Temple Belavadi, Karnataka, India

Belavadi - Veera Narayana Temple

This is a beautiful Hoysala style temple located 28 km south of Chikmagalur town in Chikmagalur district of Karnataka. Belavadi, also known as Ekachakranagara, is very near to the famous temple towns of Belur and Halebid. This temple was built in the 13th century by Veera Ballala II. While Belur and Halebid are famous for their intricate sculpture, this temple is one of the best examples of Hoysala architecture.

Architecture : Veera Narayana Temple

Veera Narayana temple Belavadi - Karnataka

Built in the Trikuta style –with three vimanas – this temple is huge and spacious. The entrance of the temple is at the center, with slanting roofs. The few steps leading up to inside of the temple are flanked by an elephant on either side.
The older shrine is in the center, while the two other shrines face each other across a long Mandapa. The older shrine has one closed Mandapa and one open Mandapa, one with 13 bays and one with nine bays. The vimana of this shrine is beautifully decorated. The outer walls of the temple have running pilasters with decorative towers on top. These pilasters are beautifully carved.
The two newer shrines are connected by an open Mandapa with 37 bays. These two shrines have different plans. One is square while the other is star shaped. The vimanas, the Sukanasi and the walls are covered in bold sculptures. The figures that stand out are the ones of Krishna dancing on Kaliya, and of Garuda. The central shrine has an idol of Veera Narayana, with four arms, standing on a lotus. This figure is eight foot tall. This is the central shrine, and the oldest.
The northern shrine has a seven foot tall idol of Yoganarasimha in a sitting posture, holding the Shanka and Chakra, with Sridevi and Bhoodevi standing on either side. The Prabhavati is carved with the ten avatars of Vishnu.
The southern shrine has an enchanting eight foot image of Venugopala Krishna. Krishna, standing with his right leg in front of his left leg, leaning against a tree, is blissfully playing his flute. He is surrounded by various figures – Shravan Kumaras with folded hands, Gopikas, who are so lost in the music that one has forgotten to cover herself properly, a cow feeding her calf, lost in the music, Gopalas who are dancing to the Venu Gana. On either side of Venu Gopala stand Rukmini and Satyabhama.

How to Get to Veer Narayana Temple

Road :
Belavadi is about 10 kms from Halebeedu. It is enroute between Halebeedu and Javagal.
One can also reach Belavadi via Bangalore - Arsikere Road on NH 206 and then take diversion onto State Highway upto Javagal.

Rail :
Alight at Arsikere Junction or Birur Junction if your are travelling in Fast Express Trains and then take road to Belavadi.
If you are travelling by Express or Passenger trains alight at Banavara and then head by road.

Once the Kadur-Chikmagalur Railway Line is completed, alighting at Chikmagalur station would be more nearest point.

Airport :
The nearest Airport is at Devanahalli and then either head by road or rail.
A new domestic airport is being constructed at Shimoga/Hassan, which would act as nearest airports.

Where to stay:

The Serai
Mugthihalli Post, KM Road, Chikmagalur 577 133
Tel: 08262-224 903-14
Fax: 08262-224 915
Email: enquiries@theserai.in
Website: www.theserai.in

Flameback Lodges
Billur Post, Pattadur Village, Mudigere Taluk, Chikamagalur 577 132
Email: : info@flameback.in
Website: : www.flameback.in

The Gateway Hotel (Taj Group)
KM Road, Jyothinagar, Chikmagalur 571 102
Tel: 08262-220 202
Fax: 08262-220 222
Email: tgrgm.chk@tajhotels.com
Website: www.tajhotels.com

Silent Valley Corporate Resorts
Thodlu, Kalasa, Kudremukh Road, Chikmagalur 577 124
Email: silentvalley@vsnl.com
Website: www.silentvalley.net

Address:

Veera Narayana Temple
District: Chikmagalur
Town: Belavadi
State:Karnataka

Jumma Masjid Bangalore, India

noreply@blogger.com (Anonymous) — Sun, 30 Dec 2012 20:54:00 +0000

Jumma Masjid Bangalore, India

Completed in 1367, this grand mosque inside the Fort is a delightful monument that is still well-preserved. Resembling the mosque at Cordoba in Spain, the Jumma Masjid covers an area of over 38,000 sq.ft. Five large domes and 250 arches add to the beauty of this mosque, which displays a strong Persian touch in its architecture.

Jumma Masjid was earlier known as Sangian Jamia Masjid. Situated in the busy K.R. Market area, the mosque is renowned for its beautiful architecture. The prayer hall of the Jumma Masjid stands on an elevated ground and stands adorned with soaring, ornate granite pillars. The brick and mortar structure of the masjid has an impressive facade, embellished with elaborate jali-work and floral motifs.

There are magnificent twin minarets inside the masjid that stretch upto the spherical domes above the balconies. These minarets have been ornamented with a graceful assembly of a large number of pigeonholes. A few years back, a delicate pattern, previously concealed under successive layers of white paint, was discovered inside the Jumma Masjid of Bangalore. The festive season sees the minars as well as the entire edifice of the masjid getting beautifully decorated with lights, adding to its beauty.

Hours: Open all days 5:30 am to 10:30 pm

Dedicated to: Mosque

Interesting facts: The oldest mosque of Bengaluru

Nearby Places:

Bannerghatta National Park
Nandi Hills
ISKCON Temple
Infant Jesus Church, Bangalore
Bangalore Palace
Tipu's Palace, Bangalore

How to reach Jumma Masjid:

By Auto: Metered Autos are available for the Masjid. From Shivajinagar Bus Stop, the auto fare would be Rs. 20-40.

By Bus: The closest bus stop to Jumma Masjid is the Shivajinagar Bus Stop; the bus stop is 2 km from the Masjid .

By Taxi: There are taxis for hire that can take you to the Masjid.

Where to stay:

The Taj West End
23, Race Course Road, Bangalore 560 001
Tel: 080-6660 5660
Fax: 080-6660 5700
Email: westend.bangalore@tajhotels.com
Website: www.tajhotels.com

The Oberoi
39, MG Road, Bangalore 560 001
Fax: 080-2558 5960
Email: reservations.bangalore@oberoihotels.com
Website: www.oberoihotels.com

The Leela Palace Kempinski
23, Old Airport Road, Kodihalli, Bangalore 560 008
Tel: 080-2521 1234
Fax: 080-252 17234
Email: reservations.bangalore@theleela.com
Website: www.theleela.com

Address:

Dodapete, Nagarpeth, KR Road
Jumma Masjid Road, Ballapurpet,
Nagarathpet, Bangalore, Karnataka, India

Saint Philomena Cathedral in Mysore, India

noreply@blogger.com (Anonymous) — Sun, 30 Dec 2012 19:30:00 +0000

Saint Philomena Cathedral in Mysore, India

Saint Philomena's Church in Mysore

Saint Philomena Cathedral in Mysore, India.This beautiful Cathedral was built in 1956 and is one of the largest churches in the country. It has been built in the Gothic style with beautiful stain glass windows and lofty towers. The illuminated church in the evening is a wonderful site not to be missed.

A priceless French statue of a celebrated Greek saint in a German cathedral located in the heart of India, is how some have described Mysore’s famous Saint Philomena’s Cathedral. Saint Philomena Cathedral in Mysore, India.Located in the north of the city, on Cathedral Road, is Saint Philomena’s Cathedral, among the most majestic churches in India. Drawing inspiration from Germany’s Cologne Cathedral, this colossal church built in the neo-Gothic style was designed by the Reverend Rene Feuge.

The twin spires of the Cathedral, 175 feet in height, are seen from miles around making it a distinctive city landmark. The main hall or nave of the cathedral can seat up to 800 people and is as exquisitely conceived as the ornately crafted exterior with beautiful stained glass windows depicting scenes from the birth of Christ, the Last Supper, the Crucifixion, the Resurrection and the Ascension of Christ.

Saint Philomena's Church

The cathedral has a crypt that houses a beautiful statue, acquired from France, of Saint Philomena, a 3rd century saint from Greece.
Saint Philomena Cathedral in Mysore, India.The Saint Philomena's Church in Mysore is one of the oldest churches in India. It is over 200 years old. Initially over 250 years ago there was a small church in its place. When the capital of Mysore state was move from Srirangapatnam to Mysore city in 1799, many British officers and soldiers came and settled down in Mysore. The Maharaja Krishnaraja Wodeyar III realized the need for a Christian church for these people. So the Maharaja gave them a small plot of land on the Mysore-Bangalore Road and a little church came up there. As the city expanded and the Christian population of the city increased there was a need for a larger church.

Saint Philomena Cathedral in Mysore, India.So plans for made to build a larger church and thus came into existence the famous Saint Philomena Church of Mysore. Maharaja Krishnaraja Wodeyar IV laid the foundation of the new church on October 28th, 1933 that was to be built in the place of the small church built by his grandfather. A Frenchman named Daly designed the church. The floor plan of the cathedral is in the form of a cross. The long part of the cross is the 'nave', which is the congregation hall. The two arms of the cross are the 'transepts'. The fourth part containing the altar and the choir is the 'crossing'.

Saint Philomena Cathedral in Mysore, India.The Holy Mass is performed daily in Kannada, Tamil and English at the table in the sanctum sanctorum. Behind this is an exquisite marble altar on which the statue of Saint Philomena is placed. There is also an idol of Christ lying in his sacred wounds. Above the sanctum there are lovely stained glass windows from France with painting depicting the birth of Jesus Christ, the Last Supper, the Crucifixion and the Resurrection. The part of the church that is most attractive is the towers or spires. These towers resemble that of a cathedral in Cologne in Germany and those of St. Patrick's Church in New York. The two spires are 175 feet tall.

The entire church is built in the Gothic style is one of the largest Cathedrals in South Asia. The Church has the relic of the 3rd century Saint Philomena that is in a beautiful catacomb that is below the main altar. The construction of the church was completed under Bishop Rene Fuga's supervision. At that time Thamboo Chetty, was the Huzur Secretary to the Maharaja of Mysore, heard about the greatness of Saint Philomena and obtained a relic of the saint from Peter Pisani, Apostolic Delegate of the East Indies in 1926. After obtaining the relic it was handed over to Fr. Cochet. The next year a new state of Saint Philomena was brought from France.

The story of Saint Philomena dates back to the 3rd century A.D. Philomena was the daughter of the monarch of a small state in Greece. Her parents were childless. They prayed to God and asked Him to bless them with a child and promised to convert to Christianity if their wish was granted. The next year Philomena was born to them. Even in her childhood Philomena showed signs of piety. When Philomena was 13 years' old her father took her to Rome to obtain the favour of Emperor Diocletion. The Emperor was enthralled by her beauty and wanted to marry her. But she refused and vowed to give herself to God. As she refused to marry the Emperor she was tortured and beheaded in Rome.

Saint Philomena Cathedral in Mysore, India.But people's devotion for her spread near and far and she was given sainthood. There are a number of churches dedicated to her all over the world. Today the church stands as a monument to the secular outlook of the Mysore rulers. It is no longer just a religious place but has become a major tourist attraction in Mysore. There is an orphanage on the premises of the church that is run by the church. The church is located at a distance of 3kms from the city bus stand 2km from the Palace. The church is open from 8am to 6pm. Holy Mass is held in the morning and evening. Special masses are held on Sundays and on festivals. An Annual Feast is held on August 11th each year

St.Philomena's Church Timings

05.00 am - 06.00 pm

St.Philomena's Church Entry Charges

Free Entrance

How to Reach St.Philomena's Church

St.Philomena's Church is 3kms from Mysore city bus stand and 2km from the Mysore Palace.
You can hire auto-rickshaw or Jataka Gaadi (Horse carts) from Mysore palace or Mysore zoo.

Nearby Places

Mysore Palace
Ranganathittu Bird Sanctuary
Srirangapatna
Talakad
Somnathpur
Cauvery Wildlife Sanctuary
Shivanasamudra Falls

Where to stay :

Hotel Regaalis
13-14, Vinoba Road, Mysore 570 005
Tel: 0821-242 6426
Fax: 0821-242 1689
Email: reservations@ushalexushotels.com
Website: www.ushalexushotels.com

Royal Orchid Metropole
5, Jhansi Lakshmibai Road, Mysore 570 005
Email: rooms@royalorchidhotels.com
Website: www.royalorchidhotels.com

Royal Orchid Brindavan Gardens
Krishna Raja Sagar, Mysore 571 607
Tel: 0823-625 7257
Email: gm.brindavan@royalorchidhotels.com
Website: www.royalorchidhotels.com

The Green Hotel
2270, Vinoba Road, Jayalakshmipuram, Mysore 570 012
Email: thegreenhotel@airtelmail.in
Website: www.greenhotelindia.com

Contact:

Patti Melvin, Director
Universal Living Rosary Association
P.O. Box 1303, Dickinson, Texas 77539, U.S.A.
Phone : 0821.2563148
Fax: (281) 337-3722 / (281) 309-9821
E-Mail: Filomena@Philomena.org
Web: Philomena.org

Yamunotri Temple - The Cradle of Yamuna | Chardham Yatra, Uttarakhand, India

noreply@blogger.com (Anonymous) — Thu, 27 Dec 2012 00:54:00 +0000

Yamunotri - The Cradle of Yamuna

Yamunotri Temple

The Yamunotri shrine is a figurative source of River Yamuna. Perched atop a flank of the Bandarpoonch peak (3615 meters), it is the westernmost shrine in the Garhwal Himalayas. It is situated directly opposite to Gangotri. The definitive source of the river is a frozen lake and a glacier (Champasar Glacier) is located on the Kalind mountain at the height of 4421 meters. To reach this point one would have to climb one more steep kilometer further. As such this path is not easily accessible; therefore the existing shrine was built at the foot of the mountain. Yamuna is a very tiny stream here with icy cold water and her absolute innocence and the infantile purity overwhelms the devotees with reverence.

As narrated in myths, this place was the chosen retreat of Sage Asit Muni. Taking daily baths in both the sacred rivers i.e. Ganga and Yamuna, was a mandatory chore in the routine of the pious soul. As the sage grew older it became more and more difficult for him to go to Gangotri and maintain his routine. To assist the avid worshipper, it is said that a tiny stream of Ganga appeared opposite Yamunotri. From then on, a thin stream coming out of the rocks nearby is regarded and worshipped as Ganga by the devotees.

Yamunotri

According to another Hindu myth, Surya, the sun god is the father of Yamuna, and Yama, the god of death. It is said that since Yamuna is the sister of Yama, anyone who bathes in the river is spared a painful death.

The Yamuna temple was constructed by Maharaja Partap Shah of Tehri Garhwal. Inside the temple there is an idol of Goddess Yamuna made of black marble. Generations of Hindus have elevated Yamuna, like Ganga to the status of divine mother of the Indian civilization.

Close to the temple are several thermal springs which flow into numerous pools. The most important of these is Suraj Kund known for its very high temperature. Devotees prepare rice and potatoes tied in Muslin cloth, to offer at the shrine by dipping them in these hot water springs. Rice thus cooked is taken back home as prasad. Near Suraj Kund there is a slab of stone known as Divya Shila or the slab of divine light. This slab is worshipped before any puja is offered to Yamuna.

The trek to Yamunotri is truly spectacular, dominated by a panorama of rugged peaks and dense forest. From Rishikesh, a 220 kilometers journey by road takes one to Janki Chatti. From here it is a 5 kilometers trek to Yamunotri. The trek can be covered on foot or on ponies. Palanquins and porters are also available on hire.

Sights to See

Yamunotri

Yamunotri, the western most shrine in the Garhwal region, is situated at an altitude of 3,322 m. The shrine is reached by a trek of 14 km from Hanuman Chatti, the nearest roadhead. The temple is dedicated to Goddess Yamuna. The origin of the river Yamuna is at the Champasar Glacier, near Yamunotri.

Temple of Yamuna
The temple is a simple structure and the idol of Goddess Yamuna is in black marble. The temple was built between 1892 and 1893 and was destroyed twice due to earthquake after which it was re-built.

Divya Shila: A rock pillar, worshipped before entering the Yamunotri temple.

Surya-Kund: Near the temple of Goddess Yamuna there are number of hot springs. The most important of these is Surya Kund.

On route Rishikesh - Yamunotri
Route from Rishikesh to Chamba (same as in Rishikesh - Gangotri route) Dharasu:
The road bifurcates here for Gangotri and Yamunotri.

Barkot:
For the nature lovers, Barkot offers every charm in its forests, mountains and valleys. Accom: Tourist Rest House (GMVN), Tel: 01375 224236.

Syanachatti:
A small village nestling in a forest on the banks of the Yamuna. Accom: Tourist Rest House (GMVN), Sayanchatti.

Hanuman Chatti:
Set in very beautiful surroundings, at the confluence of the Hanuman Ganga and Yamuna rivers. The 14 km trek to Yamunotri starts from here. Accom: (GMVN) 01375 2233371.

Jankichatti:
This is the last halting place on the Yamunotri route. Accommodation is very limited at Yamunotri, hence pilgrims return to Jankichatti, which is just 7 km from Yamunotri. Jankichatti is also famous for thermal springs. Accom: Tourist Bungalow (GMVN).

How to Reach Yamunotri

By Air: Jolly Grant is located about 96 km from Yamunotri, the nearest railhead.

By Rail: Dehradun is located at a distance of 172 km and Rishikesh at a distance of 213 km from Yamunotri, the closest railhead

ByRoad: From Dharasu, Tehri, Rishikesh and Dehradun you can easily reach Yamunotri.

Tourism Office:

Uttaranchal Tourism
103 Indra Prakash Building
21 Barakhamba Road
New Delhi.
Tel: 011 23350481/23712246
Fax: 23320109.
Website: www.gmvnl.com

Badrinath Temple - The Lord Vishnu Lok | Chardham Yatra, Uttarakhand, India

noreply@blogger.com (Anonymous) — Thu, 27 Dec 2012 00:40:00 +0000

Badrinath - The Lord Vishnu Lok

Badrinath Temple

Counted among the national Char Dham of the country, the Badrinath Dham is one of the most ancient Hindu shrines. The sacred shrine lies on the right bank of the River Alaknanda, perched at an altitude of 3133 meters above sea level, guarded on either side by the two mountains Nar and Narayan, with the towering peak of Neelkanth providing a splendid backdrop. Also known as the Vishal Badri, the largest among the five Badris,
it is revered by all as the apt tribute to Lord Vishnu.

Badrinath Temple

Established by Adi Guru Shankaracharya, the philosopher-saint of the 8th century, the temple has been renovated several times due to damage by avalanches and was finally restored in the 19th century by the royal houses of Scindias and Holkars. The main entrance gate is colorful and imposing. It is popularly known as Singh Dwar. A large brass gong hangs at the centre of the gate. A flight of steps takes pilgrims to the main gate and further into the temple which has two parts - the Garbh Griha , where the deity is seated and the Mandapam, where pilgrims assemble for Darshan. The temple is approximately 50 ft tall with the small cupola on top, covered with the gold gilt roof. The facade is built of stones, with arched windows. The architecture resembles a Buddhist vihara, with the brightly painted facade also most typical of Buddhist temples. The temple complex has 15 idols. Main attraction is the one meter high image of Lord Badrinath, finally sculpted in black stone. It represents Lord Vishnu seated in a meditative pose flanked by the idols of Nar and Narayan on the right and Kubera and Narad on the left. The other important idols are those of Uddhava, Garuda, Laxmi, Ghantakaran, Hanuman and Ganesha.

Sights to See

Badrinath Temple
Dedicated to Lord Vishnu, the temple contains the main idol is carved in Shalagram stone and represents Vishnu seated in meditation, flanked by NarNarayan. The present temple was built two centuries ago by the Garhwal Kings. During the period when the temple remains closed, the idols are taken to Pandukeshwar. The other important Badris are Bhavishye Badri, Yogadhyan Badri, Vrudh Badri and Adi Badri located near the main Badrinath Shrine which is known as ‘Panch Badri’.

Nar and Narayan

Tapt Kund or Surya Kund
The famous hot springs are located just below the temple

Neelkanth:
A majestic peak of the Himalayas, towering to a height of 6,600 m. Other places of interest are the Mata Murti, Sesh Netra and Urvashi temples & Charanapaduka

Mana Village (4 km):
Considered as the last village on the Indo-Tibet border. Further 4 km from Mana village are the Vasundhara waterfalls, one of the biggest in India.

Satopanth Lake (18 km):
A natural lake situated amidst high mountains. On Route Rishikesh-Badrinath

Kaudiyala:
At an altitude of 480 m, the mighty waters of the River Ganga here are ideal for white water rafting. Rock climbing can also be arranged. GMVN conducts river-rafting courses at Kaudiyala. Accom: Rest Tent Colony (GMVN) Kaudiyala, Dist Tehri, Tel 01378 262911.

Deoprayag:
Situated at the confluence of the rivers Alakananda and Bhagirathi, it is an important pilgrim centre with its Shiva and Ragunath temples. Accom: Tourist Rest House (GMVN), Deoprayag, Tehri Dist., Tel: (01378) 266013

Srinagar (Garhwal):
The old capital of Garhwal. Places of interest here are the Kamleshwar and Kalpaveshwar temples and the Shankar Math. Accom: Tourist Rest House (GMVN), Srinagar, Dist. Pauri, Tel: 01346 252199, 257109

Rudraprayag:
Situated at the confluence of the Alaknanda and Mandakini. The temples that dot this region are those of Rudranath and Chamunda Devi. Accom: Tourist Rest House (GMVN), Rudraprayag, Dist. Pauri, Tel: 01364 233347.

Gauchar:
A beautiful valley. Accom:Tourist Rest House (GMVN), Gauchar, Dist. Chamoli, Tel: 01363 240611.

Karnaprayag:
The base for treks to Roopkund and Bedni Bugyal. Accom: Tourist Rest House (GMVN) , Dist. Chamoli, Tel: 01363 244210.

Nandaprayag: An important pilgrim centre with a temple of Gopalji. Accom: Tourist Rest House (GMVN), Nandprayag. Tel: 01372 261215

Pipalkoti:
Known for its scenic beauty. Accom: Tourist Rest House (GMVN), Chamoli Dist. Tel: 01372 266237.

Joshimath:
It is believed that Adi Shankaracharya performed penance here. After enlightenment, he established a religious centre (Math) here, which he called ‘Jyotirmath’. Joshimath has temples dedicated to Goddess Durga and Ugra Narsimha, the lion incarnation of Lord Vishnu. Accom: (1) New Tourist Rest House (GMVN), Dist. Chamoli, Tel: 01389 222226 : (2) Old Tourist Rest House (GMVN), Joshimath, Dist. Chamoli, Tel: 01389 222118; (3) Badri-Kedar Temple Trust Dharamshala.(4) Birla Guest House. (5) Forest Rest House. (6) The Camp Chardham. www.theleisurehotels.com.

Govindghat:
Govindghat is the starting point of the trek to the Valley of Flowers and Hemkund. Accommodation is available at the Gurudwara in Govindghat.

Pandukeshwar:
Famous for the temple of Yogdhyan Badri, one of the Panch Badris. The other four are Vishal Badri (Badrinath), Adi Badri (17 km from Karnaprayag), Bhavishya or future Badri and Vridha or old Badri (Joshimath). Pandukeshwar houses the idol of the Badrinath temple during the winter months.

Hemkund Sahib:
(20 km from Govind Ghat by foot). This sacred Sikh shrine is situated on the shores of the Hemkund Lake (4,320 m). It marks the place where Guru Gobind Singh, the tenth and the last Guru unified with God after meditation.

Valley of Flowers:
(19 km trekking from Govind Ghat:): A beautiful scenic valley in the Himalayas, flowers blooms from July till end of August. (Trekking route: Govindghat-Pulna-Bhyunder-Ghangaria-Valley of Flowers-Hemkund).

How to Reach Badrinath:

How to Reach Badrinath by Air : Badrinath does not have any airport. The Jolly Grant Airport is the nearest airport in Dehradun. Plenty of airlines operate regular flights to Dehradun linking it to several cities in northern India.

How to Reach Badrinath by Road : Though Badrinath is situated in the remote Garhwal Himalayas, the place has good road link.The road link between Rishikesh and Badrinath has good access with Delhi.

How to Reach Badrinath by Rail : Badrinath does not have any railway station. Rishikesh is the nearest rail station only 300kms. There are plenty of good trains that link Rishikesh to various cities like Kolkata (Howrah),Delhi, Mumbai and Lucknow.

Tourism Office:

The Manager, Tourist Rest House
GMVN, Badrinath,
Tel: 01381 222212;

Gangotri Temple - Ganga River Descended on Earth | Chardham Yatra, Uttarakhand, India

noreply@blogger.com (Anonymous) — Thu, 27 Dec 2012 00:27:00 +0000

Gangotri - Where Ganga Descended on Earth

Gangotri Temple

This picturesque location in the hinterlands of the Himalayas is a highly sacred pilgrimage - spot where Ganga, the river of life, descended upon earth for the first time. According to mythology, Goddess Ganga, the daughter of heaven, took the form of a river to exonerate the wrongs of king Bhagirath's predecessors. This generosity was on the part of Ganga was a result of the king’s relentless penance for more than five centuries. Lord Shiva received the river into his matted locks to minimize the impact of her fall. As a consequence of this mythological association, she came to be known as Bhagirathi here. Situated 100 kilometers from Uttarkashi, Gangotri is at a height of 3048 meters, amidst mesmerizing surroundings, along the right bank of Bhagirathi.

Gangotri Temple

The temple was constructed in the early 18th century by a Gorkha Commander, Amar Singh Thapa. The existing temple is said to be the one reconstructed by the Jaipur dynasty.

Legend has it that King Bhagirath worshipped Lord Shiva, standing on a sacred stone. The stone lies near the temple. Another legend associates this stone with the Pandavas, who offered Dev Yajna to atone for the deaths of their own kinsfolk in the battle of Mahabharata. The temple is an exquisite 20ft high structure made of white granite.

Sights to See :

Gaumukh

Gangotri in Uttarkashi District is situated at the confluence of the rivers, Kedar Ganga and Bhagirathi Ganga. According to legend, Gangotri is the place where Goddess Ganga descended on earth as a reward for King Bhagirath's severe penance. The source of the river is at Gaumukh, 18 km south east of Gangotri along the Gangotri glacier.

Gangotri Temple:
The 20 feet high temple is made of white granite. It was built in the early 18th century by a Gorkha commander and later renovated in the 20th century. Accom:Shikhar Nature Resort (5 km from Uttarkashi on the way to Gangotri. Resvn: Tel: 01377 222221.

Kedar Ganga

Submerged Shivling:
A natural rock Shivling which, according to legend, is where Lord Shiva sat to receive the Ganga in his matted locks.

Chirbasa (9 km):
It is an excellent site for camping and the best viewpoint before Gaumukh. Accom: Dharamshalas and PWD Rest Sheds are available.

Bhojwasa (16 km):
Bhojbasa, 3 km from Gaumukh is situated at an altitude of 3,792 m. There are a few ashrams in Bhojbasa. Accom: Tourist Rest House (GMVN), Bhojbasa, Dist. Uttarkashi.

Kedar Tal (18 km):
This enchanting lake is situated south of Gangotri at an altitude of 5065 m and it is a 18 km trek from Gangotri. Kedar Tal is also a base camp for treks.

Gaumukh (19 km):
At a height of 3892 m, Gaumukh is the source of the river Ganga. The trek from Gangotri to Gaumukh is gradual but beyond Gaumukh, one should venture only with proper gear and an experienced guide.

Nandavan/ Tapovan (25 km):
A difficult 6 km trek from Gaumukh along the glacier. Nandavan is the base camp for the Bhagirath peaks and offers a stunning view of the Shivling Peak, Tapovan is known for its exquisite meadows.

On Route Rishikesh-Gangotri

Narendra Nagar:
It commands a panoramic view of the Doon Valley and the river Ganga. Accommodation in the form of budget hotels available.

Chamba:
A picturesque place. The road bifurcates here for Mussoorie, New Tehri and Rishikesh. Accom: Tourist Rest House (GMVN), Chamba, Dist. Tehri, Tel: 01376 255245.

New Tehri:
New headquarters of the district of Tehri Garhwal, lying on the confluence of the Bhagirathi and Bhilangana rivers.

Uttarkashi:
An important pilgrim centre often equated with Varanasi or Kashi. Uttarkashi is connected by bus services with all major centres in the region. Accom: Tourist Rest House (GMVN), Uttarkashi, Tel: 01374 222222, 222271. Shikhar Nature Resort, Garam Pani, Gawana.

Gangnani:
Noted for its thermal springs and a close up view of the Himalayas.

Harsil:
Starting point for various treks in the region. Accom: Tourist Rest House (GMVN), Harsil, Dist. Uttarkashi. Tel: 013773 232210

Bhaironghati:
At an elevation of 2650 m and famous for the temple of Bhairavnath. Accom: Tourist Rest House (GMVN), Bhaironghati.

How to reach Gangotri. :

By Air: Jolly Grant at Dehradun, 226 km away, is the nearest airport. Taxis, private cars, state road transport buses are available from the airport to Gangotri via Rishikesh.

By Rail: The nearest railway station is Rishikesh, which is well connected to Dehradun and Delhi.

By Road: There are daily bus services from Gangotri to Rishikesh, Haridwar and Dehradun. Jeeps and tempos are available from Rishikesh to Gangotri.

Tourism Office:

Uttaranchal Tourism
103 Indra Prakash Building
21 Barakhamba Road
New Delhi.
Tel: 011 23350481/23712246
Fax: 23320109.
Website: www.gmvnl.com

Kedarnath Temple - Lord Shiva | Chardham Yatra, Uttarakhand, India

noreply@blogger.com (Anonymous) — Thu, 27 Dec 2012 00:08:00 +0000

Kedarnath Temple - Lord Shiva

Kedarnath Temple

Having thoroughly cleansed their bodies and souls at Yamunotri and Gangotri, the journey to Sri Kedarnath Ji for the pilgrims becomes most rewarding.Kedarnath is the seat of Lord Shiva. It is one of the twelve Jyotirlingas of Lord Shiva. Situated at the head of river Mandakini, at an altitude of 3581 meters, the shrine of Lord Kedarnath is amongst the holiest pilgrimage for the Hindus. It is no wonder that Adi Guru Shankaracharya choose to enshrine Lord Shiva in this land where unholy things become holy and the holy ones become holier. Fortunate are those who find good weather, but doubly blessed are those who are at Kedarnath on a moonlit night when the snow peaks gleam like a hundred silver pinnacles a top the glittering mountains.

The temple was built in the 8th century AD by Adi Guru Shankaracharya. It stands adjacent to the site of an ancient temple said to have been built by the Pandavas. It is magnificent in its style and architecture, and to construct such a temple at this height over a millennium ago must have been quite a feat. The temple has a Mandapam and a Garbh Griha built of extremely large, evenly cut, grey slabs of stones on a rectangular platform.

Kedarnath Temple

Puja timings are in the morning and evening. Morning puja is called Nirvana Darshan, when the Shiva pinda (conical rock) is worshipped in the natural form i.e without any ornamentation, floral or otherwise. Ghee and water are the main offerings. Evening puja is called Sringar Darshan, when the Shiva pinda is adorned with ornaments and flowers. The pinda is graced with a golden umbrella suspended from above.
It is the place where Lord Shiva absolved Pandavas from the sin of killing their own cousins Kauravas in the battle of Kurukshetra. The origin of the revered temple can be found in the great epic Mahabharata.

Sights to See :

Kedarnath

Kedarnath Temple
Located at an altitude of 3,581 metres, one of the 12 Jyotirlingas of Lord Shiva, Kedarnath, is among the most revered pilgrim centres in the country. Dedicated to Lord Shiva, the temple according to legend was first built and venerated by the Pandava brothers, to atone for their sins after the battle of Mahabharat.

Bhairavnath Temple:
To the south of the main temple stands the temple of Bhairav, the deity who guards Kedarnath in winter, when it is closed for worship.

Chorabari (Gandhi Sarovar):
Situated 1 km from Kedarnath, it is usually referred to as Gandhi Sarovar, because the ashes of Mahatma Gandhi were immersed in the lake.

Samadhi of Adi Shankaracharaya:
Behind the Kedarnath temple is the samadhi where Adi Shankaracharya, the saint and philosopher gave up his life.

Vasuki Tal:
This Lake with its crystal clear water is located at an altitude of 14,200 ft. The other Kedars are: Madmaheshwar, Tungnath, Rudranath and Kalpeshwar.

On Route Rishikesh-Kedarnath
(Route from Rishikesh to Rudraprayag same as in Rishikesh - Badrinath Route) Agastamuni:
Agastamuni is very scenic with its rich green forests.

Kund: From Kund one can visit Ukhimath (8 km), the winter seat of Lord Kedarnath and three of the Panch Kedars namely Tunganath, Rudranath and Kalpeshwar. Accom: Tourist Rest House (GMVN), Ukhimath, Tel: 01364 264236.

Guptkashi:
An important pilgrim centre, with the Chandrasekhar and Ardhanarishwar temples. GMVN Accomodation Tel: 01364 267221, Accom: Tourist Rest House (GMVN), Guptkashi, Dist. Chamoli, Tel: 01364 26721. The Chardham Camp www.theleisurehotels.com.

Soneprayag:
Situated at the confluence of the Sone Ganga and Mandakini rivers. Accom: Tourist Rest House (GMVN), Rampur (20 km before Soneprayag) 01364-262114

Gaurikund:
This is the last motor head and from here one has to trek 14 km to Kedarnath via Garurchatti and Rambara. Horses, dandies, ponies and coolies for luggage are available. Accom: Tourist Bungalow (GMVN), Tel: 01364 269202.

How to reach kedarnath :

How to Reach Kedarnath by Airways
The nearest airport is that of the Jolly Grant airport at Dehradun.

How to Reach Kedarnath by Railways
The nearest railway stations to reach Kedarnath are that of Rishikesh which is at a distance of 234 kms and Kotdwar at a distance of 260 kms.

How to Reach Kedarnath by Roads
There is a 14 km trek by foot on a paved path from Gaurikund that has to be covered. There is however options for people to take on rent horses or palanquins also.

Tourism Office:

The Manager, Tourist Rest House
GMVN, Kedarnath,
Tel: 01364 263228;

Chardham Yatra | Yamunotri Temple | Gangotri Temple | Kedarnath Temple | Badrinath Temple

noreply@blogger.com (Anonymous) — Wed, 26 Dec 2012 23:05:00 +0000

Chardham Yatra

Yamunotri

Nestled among the serene heights of the great Himalayas are four pilgrim-destinations namely Yamunotri, Gangotri, Kedarnath and Badrinath, known collectively as Char Dham. These pilgrimage centres draw the maximum numbers of pilgrims each year, thus becoming the most important hubs of religious travel in whole of Northern India. Traditionally, the pilgimage is begins from West and ends in the East. Thus, the Char Dham Yatra commences from Yamunotri, then proceeding to Gangotri and finally to Kedarnath and Badrinath. In accordance with the Hindu conventions, thousands of devotees take up this pious pilgrimage in the hope to experience bliss and successfully purge their souls of all worldly demons.

Gangotri

Each of these four sites is devoted to a specific deity. Yamunotri is dedicated to the Goddess Yamuna who goes along the pilgrims to the high altitudes of the picturesque Rawai Valley. Yamunotri stands high up in the deep left on the western face of the Bunderpunch Peak. The most sacred area of Yamunotri is a dark rock from where the hot springs emerge, called the Divya Shila. Here at the origin of the Yamuna pilgrims offer their first prayer. It is believed that a bath in the waters of the Yamuna protects the devotee from untimely death that could hinder one’s chances of achieving eternal emancipation.

Gangotri is dedicated to the Goddess Ganga. The shrine overlooks the River Bhagirathi, another name of River Ganga - the name having been derived from the myth of the ancient King Bhagirath’s penance that succeeded in bringing her upon the earth from the heavens. It is said that King Bhagirath meditated here in Gangotri on a rock called Bhagirath Shila, near the temple

Kedarnath

Kedarnath is dedicated to Lord Shiva and is also a part of the Panch Kedar. It is the northernmost Jyotirlinga and is close to the source of the holy River Mandakini. Adi Shankaracharya is said to have attained samadhi at very young age adjacent to the Kedarnath Temple.

Set against the awe-inspiring backdrop of the Neelkanth Peak between the Nar and Narayan mountains, Badrinath is dedicated to Lord Vishnu. It is situated on the bank of the River Alaknanda at an altitude of 3133 meters. According to legend, Lord Vishnu meditated here while his consort Lakshmi took the form of a berry (badri) tree to offer him shade.

Before embarking on this journey, one has to be prepared to experience physical and mental hardships on the Himalayan roads. The Char Dham Yatra is one of the quite accessible yet most arduous journeys. The Yatra route in the state is usually bustling with activity, especially during the summer. The scenic beauty of the mountains solemnly provides strength to the pilgrims, moving towards their destination.

Badrinath

Season:

May to June and September to October (Temples remain closed from November, i.e., after Diwali till the end of April due to inclement weather)

Languages spoken:

Gujarati, Hindi and English

STD Code:

Badrinath: 01381
Kedarnath: 01364
Gangotri: 01377
Yamunotri: 01375

How to reach Chardham

AIR
The nearest airport is Jolly Grant at Dehradun (315 km from Badrinath, 240 km from Kedarnath, 298 km from Gangotri and 177 km from Yamunotri) and is connected to Delhi. However, this sector is discontinued for time being. (Indian Airlines operates smaller aircrafts between Delhi and Dehradun). Delhi is the most convenient airport.

RAIL
The nearest railhead is Rishikesh (297 km from Badrinath, 229 km from Kedarnath, 251 km from Gangotri and 223 km from Yamunotri), which is connected via Haridwar with major cities and towns in India.

Tourism Office:

The Manager, Tourist Rest House

GMVN, Badrinath,
Tel: 01381 222212;

The Manager, Tourist Rest House
GMVN, Kedarnath,
Tel: 01364 263228;

Asst. General Manager (Tourism)
Yatra Office, GMVN Ltd., Shail Vihar
Haridwar Bye Pass Road
Rishikesh 249201
Tel: 0135 2431793/ 2648/1783
Fax: 2430372
E-mail: yatra@gmvnl.com & yatraoffice@sancharnet.in.
Website: www.gmvnl.com & www.uttaranchaltourism.gov.in

Uttaranchal Tourism
103 Indra Prakash Building
21 Barakhamba Road
New Delhi.
Tel: 011 23350481/23712246
Fax: 23320109.
Website: www.gmvnl.com

India Tourism,
Government of India,
88 Janpath,
New Delhi
Tel: 011 23320005/23320008
Fax: 23320109
E-mail: goitodelhi@nic.in
website: www.incredibleindia.org

ISKCON Temple Bangalore,India

noreply@blogger.com (Anonymous) — Sun, 23 Dec 2012 21:29:00 +0000

ISKCON Temple Bangalore

ISKCON Temple Bangalore,India

Sri Radha Krishna-chandra

Sri Krishna and Balarama

Temple Architecture & History

In September 1987, ISKCON Bangalore was operating from a rented house in the city with a handful of devotees. Under the leadership of the Temple President, Sri Madhu Pandit Dasa, ISKCON Bangalore applied for a 7-acre hillock from the Bangalore Development Authority (BDA). The BDA had described it as “karaab land” (waste land) as it was a huge piece of monolithic rock and could not be converted into sites. The BDA sanctioned the land at a cost of Rs. 11 lakhs to be paid in 90 days. With practically no resources in hand, the team of devotees managed to collect the sum partly with the help of some donors and partly through loan.
On Lord Balarama’s appearance day of September 1988, the Deities of Krishna Balarama moved to a temporary shed on this land.

Sri Nitai & Gauranga

Primary concept

The master plan of the project on the Hare Krishna Hill was conceived by Sri Madhu Pandit Dasa, who is a qualified civil engineer from IIT (Mumbai). The initial concept as it stood from outside was conceived by Sri Jagat Chandra Dasa who is an architect as well as product engineer from IIT (Mumbai). The unique combination of glass and gopuram, blended modern and traditional elements. Considering the nature of the sloping rocky hillock, this unique concept was further developed architecturally into the present design as it stands by Sri Madhu Pandit Dasa and Bhakti Lata Devi.

The whole construction was carried out by the ISKCON Construction Department. Between 1990 and 1997 a total of 10 million man-hours were put by 600 skilled craftsmen, 32,000 cubic meters of stone, 131,250 tons of cement and 1,900 tons of steel were used.

Sri Prahalad Narasimha

Garbhagriha

The Deities The Deities in the main sanctum sanctorum are standing on complete piece of stone column of about 90 feet height.
The gopurams were made with special technology using Ferro cement. It was for the first time that this technology was used for temples. The basic structure is a main frame of steel and wire mesh covered with cement and concrete of around 6 inch that adds to the dynamics of the structure.

The 36 feet high and 18 feet base, intricately designed and gold plated kalasham was placed on top by a chain pulley from the floor level to the top about 150 feet high. This was an engineering feat considering the risk of lifting 1.5 tons of gold plated kalasham going over a glass canopy to a height of 150 feet.

Sri Srinivasa Govinda

Deity installation

The original simple temple design started in 1990 and estimated to cost Rs.10 crore gave way to a more stunning, unique architectural model that cost Rs.32 crores and that today represents a fusion between majestic traditional styles and bold new aesthetics.

The prathistha ceremonies or Deity installation ceremonies was conducted in the month of April 1997. Yajnas were held for continuous 45 days non-stop. On 31st May 1997, the President of India, Dr. Shankar Dayal Sharma inaugurated the Sri Radha Krishna Chandra Temple and Sri Chaitanya Mahaprabhu Cultural Complex.

Dr Shankar Dayal Sharma said, “It gives me immense pleasure to associate myself with the inauguration of this Center For Advancement of Culture of International Society for Krishna Consciousness (ISKCON) here in Bangalore. This magnificent complex, a blend of tradition and modernity, is a symbol of the dedication and devotion of ISKCON to the cause of bhakti and service. It is an architectural landmark.

Srila Prabhupada

How To Reach

This holy shrine of ISKCON, Sri Radha Krishna Chandra Temple is located in North Bangalore. It is well connected to the rest of the city through various modes of transports. Visitors may access the details below, on how to reach the sanctum sanctorum from major bus stands, railway stations and the Bengaluru International Airport.

Contact

Mailing address :    ISKCON Sri Radha Krishna-Chandra Temple,
Hare Krishna Hill,
Chord Road,
Bangalore 560010,
Karnataka,
India.
Telephone :    91-80-23471956, 23578346
Fax :    91-80-23578625

Maha kumbh Mela 2013 | Maha Kumbh 2013 Allahabad | Bathing Date Maha Kumbh Mela 2013

noreply@blogger.com (Anonymous) — Fri, 21 Dec 2012 20:59:00 +0000

Maha kumbh Mela 2013 | Maha Kumbh 2013 Allahabad | Bathing Dates of Maha Kumbh Mela 2013

Kumbh's history originates from the beginning of the Creation. All devtas were under the influence of a curse that made them weak and coward, Brahma, (the creator God) advised them to churn the ocean for Amrit (Nectar), intake of which will make them immortal, devtas sough the help of demons for the purpose. gods and demons made a temporary agreement to work together in obtaining amrita (the nectar of immortality) from the Milky Ocean, and to share this equally.The Mandara Mountain was used as a churning rod, and Vasuki, the king of serpents, became the rope for churning. With the demigods at Vasuki's tail and the demons at his head, they churned the ocean for a 1,000 years. Eventually, Dhanwantari, the divine healer, appeared with the "Kumbh" containing nectar in his palms, when the Kumbha (pot) containing the amrita appeared, the demons ran away with the pot and were chased by the gods. By their joint churning Amrit was one of the resultants, found in the last. A battle ensured.For twelve days and twelve nights (equivalent to twelve human years) the gods and demons fought in the sky for the possession of this pot of amrita. It is said that during the battle, drops of amrita fell on to four places : Prayag, Haridwar, Ujjain and Nasik. Kumbha mela is observed at these four locations where the nectar fell.

Maha Kumbh is held after every twelve years, which is once in life time event, if somehow you have missed Maha Kumbh, then other option of similar significance is Ardh Kumbh which held after every 6 years.

Kumbh is held at four places.

Prayag (near the city of Allahabad, in the state of Uttar Pradesh) at the confluence of three rivers Ganga (Ganges), Yamuna and Saraswati.

Haridwar (in the state of Uttarakhand) where the river Ganga enters the plains from Himalayas.

Ujjain (in Madhya Pradesh), on the banks of Ksipra river, and

Nasik (in Maharashtra) on the banks of Godavari river.

In the year 2013, Maha Kumbh is to be held at Prayag (Allahabad).

The combined sanctity of the three holy rivers, coupled with the spiritual powers obtained from the pot of nectar of immortality has earned Prayag (Allahabad) as tirtharaja ( the king of holy places). The confluence of India's three most sacred rivers at Allahabad , Besides the Ganges, there are also two other sacred rivers located at Allahabad, the Yamuna and the Saraswati . Ganges & Yamuna has its earthly origin in the Himalayas. Whereas Saraswati, is a mystical river which has no physical form. Its is believed that the Saraswati exists only on the spiritual plane and is not visible to the human eye.

Kumbha Mela is "the world's most massive act of faith' – the largest congregation of devotees at one place. It is believed that by bathing in the Ganges during Kumbh, one is freed from one's past sins (karma), and thus becomes eligible for liberation from the cycle of birth and death.

According to astrological calculations, the Kumbha Mela is held every twelve years and begins on Makar Sankranti, the day when the sun and moon enter Capricorn and Jupiter enters Aries. The astrological configuration on Makar Sankranti is called " Kumbhasnanayoga" and is considered to be especially auspicious, as it is said that the passage from Earth to the higher planets is open at that time, thus allowing the soul to easily attain the celestial world.

This year Makar Sankranti falls on 14th January 2013 and the Maha Kumbh Mela shall begin with all the pomp and glory for which it is famous.

It is impossible to capture the festival. Indeed, it is the festival that captures us. Words, film, print, and paper can not do justice to the event — it is the one which has to be experienced personally.

Other Attractions to visit in Allahabad

Sangam: It's the place where the confluence of three holy rivers-Ganga, Yamuna, and Saraswati takes place. Center of attraction for hundreds and thousands of religious travelers

Allahabad Fort: Built by Akbar in AD 1583, this fort exhibits fine depictions of art, design, architecture, and craftsmanship of the fort

Patalpuri Temple and Akshaya Vat: Located inside the Allahabad Fort, this is actually an underground temple dedicated to Lord Rama.

Anand Bhawan: the ancestral home of the Nehru's, the Anand Bhawan now becomes one of the excellent museums of India.

Allahabad Museum: the Allahabad Museum preserves the paintings of Nicholas Roerich, terracotta figurines, Rajasthani miniatures, coins and stone sculptures from the 2nd century BC till date.

St. Mary’s Basilica in Bangalore, India

noreply@blogger.com (Anonymous) — Fri, 21 Dec 2012 10:47:00 +0000

St. Mary’s Basilica in Bangalore, India

St. Mary’s Basilica in Bangalore, India

St. Mary’s Shrine

St. Mary’s Basilica

History:
The formation of the city of Bangalore and the formation of St. Mary’s Church are found to be interlinked with the history of Karnataka. During the 17th Century, few Christians came from Ginjee, of Tamil Nadu, found that the land was fertile to sow white rice and began to settle down and built a small village. This village took the name ‘Bili akki palli’ because it is said that the rice they cultivated was white and also because a number of white birds were found in those rice fields. The people in order to practice their religion built a thatched hut and named it as ‘CHAPEL OF KANIKKAI MADHA’. The Italian Jesuits of the Malabar Mission, were the founders of the Mysore Mission in the 17th Century, who were succeeded by the FrenchJesuits from Madura and Carnatic Missions in the 18th Century. In 1799, Fr. Jean Dubois came in lay dress with the English troops at the siege of Seringapatam and only when he said the Mass in the Church, people did recognize him as a Catholic Priest. When the Cantonment was established in Bangalore, the Christians, both Europeans and Indians attended the Mass said by Fr. Jean Dubois. In 1811, he built a small chapel with a residence for priests. Later on, Rev. Fr. Andreas an Indian priest from Pondicherry succeeded him and he expanded the Church building in the shape of Cross, with a hall facing East and West and with two aisles North and South. In 1832, due to some communal riots, the church was pulled and pillaged. Fr. Beauchaton, the Parish Priest, narrowly escaped death by the tactful handling of the situation by the Christian people. Troops arrived to restore peace and the government had the Church guarded first by the European soldiers and later by Indian sepoys for many months. After some years great plague had spread through out the Blackpalli and people sought the intercession of Mother Mary to relieve them from the clutches of disastrous death. Mother Mary interceded the victims’ prayers and the plague vanished from the vicinity. Since she cured the people from the dreadful disease and gave them good health, she was also called as ‘Annai Arokiamarie’ (Our Lady of Good Health).

In June 1875, the construction of the present Church began. It was during the time of then Parish Priest, Rev. Fr. E.L. Kleiner, who later became the Bishop of Mysore. In view of the historic importance of St. Mary’s Church, the then British authorities from Delhi paid a grant for the maintenance of the Church, every year till 1948. The present Church of St. Mary’s built by Rev. Fr. Kleiner was solemnly consecrated on 8th September 1882 by Msgr. Joannes Maria Y. Coadou, Vicar Apostolic of Mysore, in the presence of 35 priests and about 4000 Catholics of Bangalore. It is interesting to note that, all the other parishes of Bangalore were born out of this ancient parish of St. Mary’s Church. It was during the tenure of Most. Rev. Dr. P. Arokiaswamy, the then Archbishop of Bangalore and Rev. Fr. Paul Kinatukara, then Parish Priest of St. Mary’s Church, with the strenuous efforts of the Archbishop Most Rev. Dr. D.S. Lourdusamy, the then Secretary General for the Sacred Congregations for Evangelization of Peoples at Rome, Holy Father Pope Paul VI, elevated St. Mary’s Church to the title of ‘ANNAI AROCKIAMARIE BASILICA’ (St. Mary’s Basilica) on 26th September 1973, which was officially announced and celebrated on 26th January 1974.Since then, every year this day stands as a remarkable significance of God’s grace. For several years, a grand car procession carrying the Eucharist was held and the Archbishop administered solemn blessing of the Blessed Sacrament. Due to an increase in the population, and more devotees flooding to visit the Shrine of Our Lady, the space that was available for the devotees to stand and pray was found to be very congested. At this juncture, the then Parish Priest, Rev. Fr. T. Jabamalai, successor of Rev. Fr. Paul Kinatukara constructed a hall like structure facing east and placed the statue of Our Lady in a prominent place. This enabled thousands of devotees to see her without any hindrance and pray to her more devotedly. The statue of Infant Jesus was placed where the Our Lady’s statue remained originally. During the year 2004, a new exquisite altar with tabernacle was erected by Msgr. T. Jabamalai, Parish Priest, who was also then Vicar General of the Bangalore Archdiocese. During the year 2005 – 2007, the church was completely renovated by him and was rededicated on 29th August 2006 by the present Archbishop of Bangalore. In the year 2007 (1882 - 2007) St. Mary’s Basilica celebrated the 125th year of its consecration. During the month of June 2007, the Church and Shrine was bifurcated and His Grace the Archbishop of Bangalore appointed Rev. Fr. A.S. Anthony Swamy as he Parish Priest and Rev. Fr. L. Arulappa as the Rector of the Shrine. On 8th of September 2007, Annual feast day and birthday of Blessed Virgin Mary, His Grace the Archbishop officially declared and honoured this Basilica as the Diocesan Shrine. DESCRIPTION OF THE CHURCH St. Mary’s Basilica is a spacious gothic Church, designed by a French architect and built in the form of a Cross. It is 172 feet long and 50 feet broad. The imposing and magnificent tower forming the façade of the Church is 160 feet high. A beautiful statue of Mother Mary holding Child Jesus in her arms, 6 feet in height, set up in an attractive shrine just outside the Church building, is the chief object of veneration and source of inspiration for the people. Every day, Our Mother Mary is draped in a ‘Saree’ the typical dress of the Indian lady. It is said that in 1875 when the new Church was built, people tried to remove this statue in order to install it on a prominent altar inside the Church, but they failed in their effort since the statue remained immovable. This strange happening is considered even today as a sign of Our Lady’s miraculous power. MIRACULOUS STATUE OF OUR LADY At the main entrance of the Shrine you will find another Statue of Our Lady, a smaller one, which has a story behind it. It is believed to have happened in the year 1832, when the Church was attacked by some miscreants and every thing was destroyed except this small statue. It is also said that when they attempted to pull it down, they were struck blind.Soon police and military contingents arrived on the scene and restored just when the mob had set fire to the Church. The statue thus miraculously saved, is the one that is placed in an imposing, flower decked, illuminated palanquin taken in procession during the important days of Marian devotion. It is true that for several years even Muslims were in the habit of taking out in stolemn procession, the same statue of Our Lady. THE ANNUAL FEAST The Main feast is celebrated with all grandeur on the 8th of September, the Feast day of the Nativity of Blessed Virgin Mary, every year. This feast is considered by the people, not only as the Feast of the Parish, but also for the whole of the Archdiocese and State of Karnataka. In preparation to the Feast, nine days novena is observed, wherein Holy Masses are celebrated through out the day, in which thousands of people participate with ardent devotion. Throughout the Feast the devotees are found to be dressed in ‘Saffron’ clothing. Archbishop blesses the flag and joins the Chief Guests in hoisting the flag. This hoisting of the flag symbolizes that our hearts too are to be raised towards the Almighty God with the perpetual help of Our Lady. Thousands of people gathered around the flag post, join in singing the praise of Mary Our Mother – ‘Ave Maria’ (Praise to Mary) and the song fills the air. As per tradition, the flag is hoisted everyday, beginning from the Flag Hoisting day till the ninth day of Novena. On the Feast day, September 8th people gather in Lakhs, without any distinction of caste, creed or religion, not only from all parts of Bangalore, but also from all over India to pay their homage to Our Lady. The whole city embraces the festive mood on that day. Through out the day people flock in with lighted candles and flowers to pray and thank Mother Mary. In the evening, around 5.00 p.m., a grand car procession – a chariot carrying the 6 feet statue of Mother Mary, draped in a wonderful silk saree, with spectacular illuminations and decorations, is carried on the streets of Shivajinagar. Mary, Mother of God is the mother of all generations, and she embraces everyone, without any discrimination of caste, creed, religion and language. While we approach her, all that we need to possess, is true faith and selfless love in her and her son Jesus. She is not the end of our lives, rather she is the one who will lead us safe, just like a mother who will lead her child by holding its little hands, to the eternal kingdom of God.

Contact

Rev. Fr. A.S. Anthony Swamy Parish Priest
Rev. Fr. Arulappa Rector

St. MARY’S BASILICA
Msgr. F. Noronha Road Shivajinagar
Phone No : (91)080-22865434/22868627/28
Bangalore India - 560051

Infant Jesus Shrine Church, Bangalore, India

noreply@blogger.com (Anonymous) — Thu, 20 Dec 2012 22:37:00 +0000

Infant Jesus Shrine Church, Bangalore, India

Infant Jesus Church, Bangalore

Established in the year 1979 by Rev Dr. Lourduswamy, the then Archbishop of Bangalore, the church is dedicated to Infant Jesus. Devotees flock to this church to offer prayers, request miracles and seek forgiveness.

History:

Infant Jesus Shrine Church

In the mid sixties, the Sacred Heart Parish of Bangalore extended to areas like Sonyanahalli, now known as Viveknagar which were faraway for pastoral care. So, Rev. Fr.Paul Kinatukara, the parish priest of the Sacred Heart Church felt the need for a separate parish for areas around Sonyanahalli and undertook a vigorous unsuccessful search for a suitable land.

One day as the Parish Priest was walking, he entered a garden in Sonyanahalli. It was a well maintained rose garden. He was impressed. "If only I could get this land for the Church" he wondered. "Oh! How nice it could be". But then, he felt that it was impossible, because over a lakh of roses were exported per week from there.

However he felt a mysterious power overcoming him and made him resolve on the spot to buy this land at any cost. With this frame of mind, he returned home. As days rolled by, on suggestion, he prayed to the Infant Jesus of Prague [Nine hour Novena] for two months for help in his quest for land. His prayers were immediately answered and the rose garden was brought for a windfall price. 18th April, 1969, the foundation for a new church was laid by Most Rev. Dr.S.Lourduswamy, the then Archbishop of Bangalore. 1971, Rev.Fr. L.Peter was appointed as the first parish priest of the new church, who took steps to celebrate the holy mass on the newly acquired land, brought the Infant Jesus statue from Sacred Heart church and installed it in an improvised old tent and thus began the "Tent Church" which lasted for over eight years.

MayThe newly acquired land, popularly known as the "Rose garden" surrounded by thick vegetation was infested with snakes and poisonous reptiles and with no street lights was plunged in darkness at night. All this did not deter the faithful who flocked to the church. 1972, this new parish was canonically erected by the Most Rev. Dr.P.Arokiaswamy, the then Archbishop of Bangalore. 1974, the local authorities turned down the plan for the new Church for want of the approval of the Bangalore Development Authority, but Fr.Peter patiently toiled on. 26th October 1977, the powerful and miraculous intervention of Infant Jesus finally enabled him to get the approval and the entire development charges of Rs.50,000 was completely waived off, which was the first ever waiver in the history of the Bangalore development authority.

Since all the events occurred on Thursday, the day was dedicated to Infant Jesus. 29th June 1979, the Most Rev. Dr.D.S.Lourduswamy, Secretary of the Sacred Congregation for the Evangelisation of the people, came from Rome, blessed and opened the new Infant Jesus Church in the presence of a very large gathering of devotees of different faiths. [A new church is being built in place of the existing one and is expected to be completed by December 2003. Click here for more ] June 22nd 1989, Infant Jesus Shrine, adjacent to the church, was blessed by His Grace, the Most Rev. Dr.Alphonsus Mathias, Archbishop of Bangalore and opened to the faithful to honour and glorify the divine Infant Jesus of Prague. The Little King has been enthroned as the Great King of the world to assist His subjects in their trials, difficulties, and crosses.

He Who Himself has suffered so much desires to assist those who come to Him. He wishes to attract all hearts to His own through the attractiveness and simplicity of His Divine Infancy. The devotion to Infant Jesus has become widespread and the Infant Jesus Shrine is now known as the place of pilgrimage, miracles and Divine solace not only in this state, but across the country.

Infant Jesus Church Entrance

Novena :

Our Mother Mary & Infant Jesus

Infant Jesus Church

INFANT JESUS OF PRAGUE NOVENA PRAYER
[Every hour for nine successive hours per day] O Jesus, Who has said, "Ask and you shall receive, seek and you shall find, knock and it shall be opened," through the intercession of Mary, Your Most Holy Mother, I knock, I seek, I ask that my prayer be granted. (Make your request) O Jesus, Who has said, "All that you ask of the Father in My Name, He will grant you," through the intercession of Mary Your Most Holy Mother, I humbly and urgently ask your Father in your name that my prayer will be granted. (Make your request) O Jesus, Who has said, "Heaven and earth shall pass away but My word shall not pass away," through the intercession of Mary Your Most Holy Mother, I feel confident that my prayer will be granted. (Make your request)

NOVENA PRAYER
O Miraculous Infant Jesus, we prostrate before Your Image and beseech You to cast your merciful look on our troubled hearts. Let Your tender Heart, so inclined to pity, be softened by our prayers and grant us that grace for which we ardently implore You. [Mention your request] Take from us all despair, all trials and misfortunes with which we are laden. For Your Sacred Infancy's sake, hear our prayers and send us consolation and aid that we may praise You, with the Father and the Holy Spirit, for ever and ever. Amen.

PETITIONS
O Holy Infant Jesus, through your life on earth, you revealed to us by many marvels your hidden power. So now bless us abundantly with your uplifted hand and graciously deign to hear the petitions of those who call upon you in faith and trust. Amen. Our Father ... And the Word became Man And dwelt among us - [3] Hail Mary....... And the Word became Man And dwelt among us Hail Mary - [11] Glory be.....O Infant Jesus bless us and hear our prayers - [3]

PRAYER TO INFANT JESUS
O miraculous Infant Jesus . We prostrate before you to cast a merciful look on our troubled hearts. Let your tender heart, So inclined to pity, be softened by out prayers, and grant us the grace for which we ardently implore you. (Mention your prayer) Take from us all afflictions adn despair, all trials and misforunes by which we are laden. Four your sacred Infancy's sake hear our prayers and send us consalation and aid, that we may praise you with the Father and the Holy Spirit, for ever and ever.Amen

THANKS FOR FAVOURS RECEIVED...
O most generous Infant Jesus, we, on our knees before your Sacred Image, have come to express our deep thankfulness to you for all the favours we have received at your hands. We believe, Jesus, that together with the father and Holy Spirit you are our Creator and Saviour. Henceforth , we place all our trust in you. Through this miraculous statue, may your devotion be spread throughout the world and may all Christians pay homage to your Holy Childhood and gain thereby untold divine blessings and favours. All praise and honour be to the Infant Jesus. Amen

BLESSINGS
May the Lord Jesus be with you to defend you; may He be with you to sustain you ;may He go before you to show you the way; may He follow you to guard you; from above may He bless you with the Father and the Holy Spirit who lives and reigns for ever and ever, Amen. May the Almighty God bless you, in the name of the father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit. Amen.

Services

Piligrim Centre
Located in the Church campus, it has 10 rooms
(2/3 bedrooms) and Halls (for large groups).
Advance booking facility is for Halls, only.
Contact Info (see Below "contact us")

Free Bible course
In Tamil and English on every Saturday,
by Rev Fr Stanislaus, Professor from
St. Peter's Pontifical Seminary, Bangalore
at Hall No. 3, in the Pilgrim Centre.
2009 program: Gospels & St. Pauls Letters.

Where to stay:

Hotels

Novotel Bengaluru Techpark
Opposite Intel Campus, Sarjapur Outer Ring Road, Bangalore 560103
Tel: 080-6670 5000
Fax: 080-6670 5001
Email: h6453-re@accor.com
Website: www.novotelbengalurutechpark.com

Royal Orchid Central
47/1 Dickenson Road, Manipal Centre, Bangalore 560 042
Fax: 080-2558 8594
Email: gm.central@royalorchidhotels.com
Website: www.royalorchidhotels.com

The Grand Magrath
30, Magrath Road, Bangalore 560 025
Tel: 080-2555 1555
Fax: 080-2554 3994
Email: enquiry@thegrandmagrath.com, reservations@thegrandmagrath.com
Website: www.thegrandmagrath.com

Hotel Regaalis
40/2, Lavelle Road, Bangalore 560 001
Fax: 080-2221 4857
Email: reservations@ushalexushotels.com
Website: www.ushalexushotels.com

Contact:

Rev. Fr Roys, The Rector (Shrine)
Infant Jesus Shrine, PO No. 4712, Vivek Nagar
Bangalore
91-080-25567351
India
ijsvnagarblr47@yahoo/rediffmail.com

Rev. Fr Balraj. R., Parish Priest (Church)
Infant Jesus Church, PO No. 4712, Vivek Nagar
Bangalore
91-080-25301206
India
ijsvnagarblr47@yahoo/rediffmail.com

Rev. Fr Michael Y, The Asistant Rector (Shrine)
Infant Jesus Shrine, PO No. 4712, Viveknagar
Bangalore
India
91-080-25301206
ijsvnagarblr47@yahoo/rediffmail.com

Rev. Fr Vincent Santhosh, The Asistant Parish Priest (Parish)
Infant Jesus Church, PO No. 4712, Viveknagar
Bangalore
91-080-25301206
India
ijsvnagarblr47@yahoo/rediffmail.com

Gurudwara Nanak Jhira Sahib Bidar, Karnataka, India

noreply@blogger.com (Anonymous) — Wed, 19 Dec 2012 19:57:00 +0000

Gurudwara Nanak Jhira Sahib

Gurudwara Nanak Jhira Sahib

Gurudwara Nanak Jhira Saheb Bidar, Karnataka, India is situated at the Hill foot of the Bidar. It is 2 K.M. away from the Railway Station of Bidar and ¼ K.M. from Bus Stand. Beautiful Cristal clear sweet water is flowing from within the Hill. This Gurudwara came into existence after the independence of India in 1948.

The Gurudwara consists of Darbar Sahib with beautiful Paalki (palanquin) of Marble (Sang Marmar) , adjacent to it a big Diwan Hall and Langar Hall is situated. Also Sukhaasan Room (Rest room for Guru Granth Sahib Ji) and Likhari Room, where all donations are accepted and receipts are issued, has been constructed.

In front of Gurudwara stairs a beautiful Sarover (Sacred Tank) for Gents and ladies separately has been built, in which water of Sri Nanak Jhira (Water Spring) has been directed for pilgrims to have a holy dip and excess water is released for agriculture Purposes

History

Gurudwara Nanak Jhira Sahib

As and when this world is infested with sins, injustice and tyranny, cruelty and evil, God Almighty has sent some pious soul to this world to destroy the above forces, so that righteousness and truth may prevail. In other words, God himself takes Birth in the form of some saintly person. It is believed that Guru Nanak Dev Ji, the first Guru of Sikh was the incarnation of God. Before his birth all kind of evil forces were rampant in India and World as well.

The situation in Punjab was even worst in those days. There was no sense of unity among Punjabis then. The invader used to rock the country by looting, robbing and by taking away the abducted Girls and Booty. The Indians had become weak and cowardly. At such dark period, Guru Nanak appeared in this burning Globe to preach love, equality, harmony and righteousness, service to humanity and truth.

Guru Nanak Devji was born on Kartik Purnima 1526 Bikrami (i.e. 1469 A.D.) at Talwandi Rai Bhoe, now known as Sri Nankana Sahib (now in Pakistan) at the house of Sri Mehta Kalu ji, an Accountant, & Mata Triptaji.

GURUJI'S LIFE SKETCH IN BRIEF IS AS FOLLOWS
BIRTH : Kartik Purnima 1526 Bikrami (i.e. 1469 A.D)

BIRTH PLACE : Sri Nankana Sahib (Talwandi Rai Bhoe now in Pakistan)

PARENTS : Father - Mehta Kaluji , Mother - Mata Triptaji.

MARRIAGE : With Bibi Sulakhaniji D/o Sri Mool Chand ji at Village Pakhoke Randhawa in 1545 Bikrami.

CHILDREN : Baba Sri Chandji and Baba Lakhmi Chandji.

MISSIONARY TOURS : First Eastward in (1554 B) i.e 1501-1510 A.D
                                 second Southwards in (1567 B) 1510-1514 A.D
                                 Third Northwards in (1571 B) 1514-1517 A.D
                                 Fourth Westwards in (1575 B) 1517-1522 A.D
HEAVENLY ABODE : At Kartarpur (Ravi) District,Gurdaspur in 1596 B (1539 A.D) in Pakistan

There are numerous popular stories, miracles about the super Natural events & happenings during the childhood and youth of Guruji, due to which the pandits, Mullah, Physicians and Scholars of that period became stunned and answerless.
Guruji was married at the age of 19 with the daughter of Sri Mool Chand ji and got two children named Baba Sri Chand ji and Baba Lakhmi Chand ji.

On the persuasion of his brother in law, Bhai Jai ram ji (Husband of Guruji's Sister bibi Nanaki), Guruji accepted vocational employment as a Modi (Store- keeper) at sultanpur Lodhi under Nawab Daulat Khan Lodhi, in his Modi Khana. At that time due to scarcity of currency (coins) the farmers used to pay revenue in kind only. Thus the post of Modi was considered to be very important one and only the honest, experienced, intelligent and able persons were appointed to such posts. During his tenure as Modi, Guru Nanak helped the poor generousely and liberally.

As per old chronicles, the Guruji , one morning , as usual went for a bath to nearby stream called Vaeen, which was in spate. He was disappeared and did not come out for three days continuously. The people thought that Guruji had drowned, but in fact it was a miracle where he was absorbed in Prayers and had become one reappeared Almighty.

After attaining immaculate divinity Guruji decided to dedicate his life for the service to people & to preach humanism ,egalitarianism,righteousness love for humanity, equality & probity etc., The Guru emancipate the people from the onslaught of Brahmins, Yogis Sadhus, Syeds and Fakirs perpetrated in the name of Religion. He had to awaken the fear stricken masses.

Guru Nanak Dev ji chalked out his Tour Programme divided into four missionary tours called " Udasees" in Sikh Chronicles. In all his tours Bhai Bala ji and Bhai were always his companions. Mardana ji used to Play Rabab and the Guru used to sing the divine music daily at dawn and evening (Sun-Set).

Guruji was well aware at the outset of these tours that if he was to defend the poor and distressed he will have to part with his family and keep his infant sons under others protection. He will have to experience untold unimaginable difficulties during his travel of thousands of miles on foot without any arrangement for his food and shelter. He was also aware that he will have to go through the burning deserts, dense Jungles, severities of weather without adequate clothes on body coupled with other numerous difficulties.

After preparing himself to face all kinds of difficulties. Guruji commence his first Missionary tour eastward in 1554 Bikrami from Sultanpur. After visiting many nearby places. Dharamkot, Bhatner, Bhatinda, Bikaner, Sirsa, Marwad, he reached Ajmer the center of Muslims Sufi Faqir, from Ajmer he left to Mount Abu via Sarohi, where a religious temple of Jain sect. exist. At Mount Abu he had a religious discourse with Jainees. In 1567 Guruji commenced his Second Missionary " Udasee". Guruji preached towards south & he reached Indore. After crossing river Narmada he entered C.P ( now in M.P.). Then he reached Onkareshwar, which is situated on the bank of Narmada via: Hoshangabad, Narsingpur, Panchwati and Khandawa. Onkareshwar is the place where Guruji composed the verses of 'Dakhani Onkar'. There after visited Burhanpur, Narsi (Brahmani) place of Bhagat Namadev ji Akola, Hingoli, then Hounda, Basmatnagar,& Guru ji reached Maal Tekdi at Nanded.

Nanded is a Historic place where now stands one of the most sacred shrines of the Sikhs Called Takhat Sachkand Sri Hazur Sahib ( Spritual and Temporal seat of authority). It is a holy place, which is well known as "Deccan desh hari ka wasa". Internationally famous for last resting place of Guru Gobind Singh Ji, the tenth Guru of Sikhs is always spiritually present. At Maal Tekdi, one Mohammedan Saint Lakkar Shah was anxiously waiting for the arrival of Guru Nanak dev ji . When Guru ji appeared there, blessed the saint saying LakKar Shah, your prayers have been answered and fulfilled; due to your prayers this place has become sacred. Linked with service of spiritual events (catena) and therefore people from all corners of the globe visit this shrine to pay their homage, "you have become very old" Guruji adviced the saint for brooming the place and will receive one ashrafi daily. At this place now stands a beautiful Gurudwara known as Gurudwara Maal Tekdi Sahib. Throughout his life the said Faqir continued his brooming service daily. His tomb is situated on the rear side of the Gurudwara. From here, after visited the places of Nanakpuri, Kandhar, Medak, Kailash, etc. Guruji reached Bidar, which is now a district in the state of Karnataka.

In those olden days, Bidar was small village on a hilly track, Guruji's stayed at the outskirt of the village on the foot of a Hill, being a Scenic beauty.

No greenery was visible throughout the area for lack of water sources and the inhabitants were longing for clean sweet drinking water.

Guruji instructed Mardana to play Rabab and himself started singing divinely songs. Quite near the place, there was a monastery of Muslim ascetics Pir Jalaluddin & Jaicab. His followers heard the divine music and came there. After some deliberations, the Pir was impressed and ravished with the holy personality of the Guru ji and made obeisance. The Pir also narrated the woeful condition of the local people due to the scarcity of the drinking water. The water at the Bidar was Saland was not fit for the drinking purpose. Due to the worst condition no person from the surrounding area was prepared to give their daughter in marriages to a boy residing at Bidar. The local people who thronged to Guru ji to seek his blessings also complained about the hardship they were facing for want of clean sweet drinking water. On hearing the extremely painful plight and prayers of the people, the compassionate and merciful Guruji was very much moved & uttering 'Sat Kartar' touched his wooden sandal, which he was wearing from a nearby hillock, and removed a stone. To the surprised and delight of all, unrest rain of clean sweet drinking water started gushing out. The water from that place is flowing with pomp and pride since last 500 years. This place has become internationally famous as 'Nanak Jhira' means a spring of water. This spiritual event took place around march/April 1512 A.D. Since then, clean and sweet drinking water is continuosly flowing from this spring and by the Grace of Guru Nanak, it will continue to flow forever. This water is good for health from hydropath point of view and cures many incurable ailments. A magnificent Gurudwara has been built at this place.

Thousands of pilgrims from all corners of the Globe visit this sacred shrine every year to pay their homage and receive blessings of Guru Nanak Dev ji.

As topographical features, Bidar town is the Head - Quarters of Bidar District located in south of India, further precisely, it is situated at " North west at Karnataka at height of 2010 feet (618.7 meters) above sea level and purely rocky soil known as " Deccan Plateau". The climate is always cool and very favorable for health from medical point of view. This town of Bidar is famous for Bidar Silver Work through out India and Global basis.

Bidar is located at a distance of 200 Kms from Nanded ( Huzur Sahib) & 140 Kms from Hyderabad, & well connected with the south central Railways and Bus Routes.

Birthday of Guru Nanak Dev ji is celebrated with great enthusiasm every year in the month of November. The procession carrying Nishan Sahib is taken on this auspicious occasion. A great number of devotees also visit to participate in this sacred place on the eve of Dassera and Holi Festival as well.

In respect of Gurudwara Sri Nanak Jhira Sahib, It will not be out of place to mention here that this Gurudwara is second super natural occurrences of Sri Nanak Dev ji, whereas, the first one was " Sri Punja Sahib (Now in Pakistan & strictly prohibited for free visits), Hence Gurudwara Sri Nanak Jhira Sahib is " Second Punja Sahib" of India.

The spiritually excellent view of this Gurudwara Sahib is very pleasant and highly attractive which certainly ravish every one with its beauty.

After visiting Bidar, Guru Nanak Dev ji proceeded to Sri Lanka to bless the then Raja Shivnabh who became devotee on account of Mansukh, Indian National Businessman, and a disciple of Guruji who had been to Sri Lanka for Bussiness via Rameshwaram, Gulbarga, Golkonda, Hyderabad, Vijaywada, Kurnool, Ananthapur, Cuddapha, Tirupathi, Madras, Arcot, Pondicherry, Tanjaur, Tirchanapally, etc. At Rameshvarm, there is an excellent monument built in memory of the Great Guru's visit.

How to Get to Nanak Jhira Bidar Gurudwara

Every year, pilgrims visit this Gurudwara en mass and they may employ the use of roadways, railways and airways to reach this temple.

Air – The nearest airport is Begumpet International Airport at Hyderabad. You have to take a bus from here to reach Bidar in Karnataka.

Road – On the Bangalore–Hyderabad route luxury buses are operated daily, and these run to Bidar. The journey takes nearly sixteen hours.

Train – The nearest railhead is at Bidar. There are various trains connecting Bidar from Bangalore and Hyderabad. People can also take a train up to Gulbarga and then take a bus to Bidar. Gulbarga to Bidar by bus is around one and a half hours.

Nanak Jhira Bidar Gurudwara – Facts:

Free food is provided for all pilgrims who visit this gurudwara. A Sikh museum is also present here in memory of the Sikh Guru and houses important historical events in the history of Sikhism in the form of paintings and pictures. An engineering college, a free hospital, a college, a polytechnic institution and two schools are now run by the management of the Nanak Jhira Bidar Gurudwara. Nearly four to five lakh pilgrims visit this gurudwara every year. Major festivals like Holi, Dussehra and Guru Nanak’s birthday attracts as many as 30000 visitors per day.

Where to stay:

Hotels

Blackbuck Resort
Near Khanapur, Vilaspur Tank, Vilaspur Post, Bidar 585 402
Tel: 080-4055 4055, 094495 99774
Email: info@junglelodges.com
Website: www.junglelodges.com

Hotel Sapna International
Udgir Road, Bidar 585 401
Fax: 08482-226 824

Hotel Mayura
Opp. Central Bus Stand, Bidar 585 401
Tel: 08482-228 142/ 143,094494 58840

Murudeshwara Temple, Karnataka, India

noreply@blogger.com (Anonymous) — Wed, 19 Dec 2012 19:20:00 +0000

Murudeshwara Temple

Murudeshwara Karnataka Lord Shiva Statue

Murudeshwar

Murudeshwar, the temple town with a vibrant scenic beauty and golden history, is located on the Arabian seafront in North Kanara Dist, Karnataka. It is situated on the NH-17, about 160 kms north of the port city of Mangalore.

The nearest airport is also at Mangalore. Daily flights operate from Bangalore to Mangalore. Murudeshwar is well connected by road and most buses plying on the NH-17 between Mangalore and Mumbai stop at Murudeshwar. There are overnight buses also from Bangalore to Murudeshwar.

But the most picturesque and memorable experience would be to reach Murudeshwar from Mangalore or Goa by Konkan Railway and alight at Murudeshwar railway station adjoining the National Highway. Many trains stop at this station.

Murudeshwar can be visited throughout the year. Each season brings out a different hue of the coastal town.

History of Murudeshwara Temple

Murudeshwara Temple

The legend of Murudeshwar goes back to the age of Ramayana.
Ravana, the asura king of Lanka, wished to have the all powerful Atmalinga of Shiva, so that he can become invincible and immortal by worshipping it. Pleased by his severe penance, Lord Shiva gave him the Atmalinga but warned him not to place it on the ground till he reached his destination.

Upset by the thought that Ravana would become more powerful by worshipping the Atmalinga, the Gods devised a plan to take it away from Ravana. The Gods knew that Ravana being a pious devotee of Lord Shiva was punctual in performing the periodical rites everyday.

As Ravana approached Gokarna, Lord Vishnu blotted the sun with his Sudharshana Chakra. Thinking that it was evening, Ravana was in two minds whether to put down the Atmalinga or skip his evening rites. Just then, Lord Ganesh came to that place in the guise of a brahmin boy. Ravana called the boy and asked him to hold the linga until he completed his evening rites. The boy agreed on the condition that he'd keep the linga down if Ravana didn't return before the boy called out his name thrice. Ravana agreed and went about his rituals, but by then the boy called out his name thrice and place the Atmalinga on the earth, and it got firmly entrenched in the earth.

When Vishnu withdrew his Sudharshan chakra, Ravana saw bright sunlight and understood that he was tricked by the Gods. He became furious. He came to the Linga and tried to uproot it with all his might. But the idol did not budge even a liitle. The idol's shape now looked like a cow's ear. Hence, the place is known as Gokarna. [Go means Cow and karna means Ear in sanskrit.] The crest fallen Ravana was deeply upset and beat the boy on his head. In anger he pulled and threw the case of linga, which fell 23 miles away at Sajjeshwar. He threw the lid to the south 27 miles away at Guneshwara in the form of “Vamdev Linga”. He threw the cloth wrapped to the idol to south, 32 miles away at Kanduka hills on shore of sea. It took the form of “Aghora”at Murudeshwar. The thread winding the idol was flung to south at Dhareshwara, came to known as “Tathpurusha Linga”.

Shiva learnt all this from wind god Vayu. He came on earth along with Parvathi and Ganesha and visited all these five places and worshipped the linga. He declared that these would be his Panchakshetras and those who worshipped lingas at those places would be free from all sins and their wishes would be fulfilled and ultimately reach the abode of Shiva.

Pilgrimage Destination

Murudeshwar is a pilgrim's paradise. Right from the monumental entrance arch, the divinity of the place envelops the pilgrim.

The Rajagopura at the entrance of the Temple is the world's tallest, standing at 249 feet. Inaugurated in May 2008, this mammoth structure is the latest addition to the Temple. The Gopura has 22 floors and is the only Gopura to be fitted with elevators.

Besides the temple, the pilgrim finds himself in the midst of numerous sculptures on the Kanduka hill. The Geetopadesha, Sun chariot, the sculpture of Lord Ganesh receiving the Atmalinga from Ravana in the form of a young boy, and others dot the landscape of the hill. On the very top is the Shiva statue. Beneath the statue is a cavern with impressive life-size sculptures depicting the story of Murudeshwar narrated through an impressive sound and light show.

Vacationer Destination

Sun and Horse in Murudeshwara Temple

Not just the Temple, Murudeshwar has a plentiful to appeal to the visitor. The scenic beauty of this coastal town is sure to relax and rejuvenate you!
The calm and wide sea soothes the senses even before you enter the water. A stroll along the seaside pathway with green landscape on one side and the sea on the other is the ultimate relaxation.

There's more for the children, and the child in the vacationer. There's a wavepool and waterpark also nestled on the hillock.

Definitely not to be missed on a trip to Murudeshwar, is the spectacular sunset across the sea on a clear evening. The best view would be from the Sunset Point next to the wavepool.

How to Reach

Road: Murdeshwar is one km deviated from the NH17 from Mangalore and 220 kms from Goa. There are private and state transport buses operating between Bengalaru and Bhatkal from Majestic.

Train: Murdeshwar lies in the Konkan stretch and many trains stop at this station, including express trains.

Air: Nearest airport is at Mangalore (127km).

Hotels

Sai Vishram Beach Resort
Dombe Village, Paduvari, Byndoor, Udupi 576 214
Tel:
Fax: 08254-32 3902
Email: enquiry@saivishram.com
Website: www.saivishram.com
Tariff: 2000.00 to 7000.00

Akuna Matata
Mahalingeshwar Temple Road, Vchil, Udupi
Email: akunamatata@live.in
Website: www.akunamatata-beach.com
Tariff: 1500.00 to 3000.00

Paradise Isle Beach Resort
Malpe Beach, Udupi 576 108
Tel: 0820-253 8666
Fax: 0820-253 8035
Email: info@theparadiseisle.com
Website: www.theparadiseisle.com
Tariff: 1320.00 to 9350.00

Hotel Century-Executive
Mosque Road, Next to Swarna Jewellers, Off Udupi District Bus Stand, Udupi 576 101
Email: info@centurycomforts.com
Website: www.centurycomforts.com
Tariff: 1299.00 to

Palm Grove Beach Resort
Fisheries Road, Yermalbada, Udupi 574 119
Tel: 0820-257 7115
Email:
Website:
Tariff: 1200.00 to 2000.00

Hotel Shaan
Near City Bus Stand, Mosque Road, Udupi 576 101
Email:
Website:
Tariff: 800.00 to 1000.00

Nearby Places

Jog Falls
Kodachadri
Kollur Mookambika Temple
Gokarna Temple
Gokarna
Karwar
Someshwara Wildlife Sanctuary
Udupi
Suratkal
St. Mary's Island
Malpe
Karkala

Contacts

Mhatobar Sri Murudeshwar Temple
Murudeshwar
NH - 17, Bhatkal Taluk
North Kanara Dist.
Karnataka.
Phone: 08385 - 268524, 268972

Mahabodhi Temple Bodhgaya | World Famous Buddhist Pilgrimage Center

noreply@blogger.com (Anonymous) — Tue, 18 Dec 2012 19:53:00 +0000

Mahabodhi Temple Bodhgaya | World Famous Buddhist Pilgrimage Center

Gautam Buddha

Mahabodhi Temple Bodhgaya

Bodhgaya is one of the most important and sacred Buddhist pilgrimage center in the world. It was here under a banyan tree, the Bodhi Tree, Gautama attained supreme knowledge to become Buddha,the Enlightened One. Born; in the foothills of the Himalayas as a Sakya prince of Kapilvastu (now in Nepal), most of the major events of his life, like enlightenment and last sermon, happened in Bihar. Buddhism as a religion was really born in Bihar and evolved here through his preaching and the example of his lifestyle of great simplicity, renunciation and empathy for everything living. Significantly, the state's name of 'Bihar' originated from 'Vihara' meaning monasteries which abounded in Bihar. Several centuries after Buddha's passing away, the Maurya Emperor Ashoka (234-198 BC) contributed tremendously towards the revival, consolidation and spread of the original religion. It is the monasteries, Ashoka built for the Buddhist monks and the pillars known as Ashokan Pillars erected to commemorate innumerable historical sites associated with the Buddha's life, mostly intact to this day, that helped scholars and pilgrims alike to trace the life events and preaching of a truly extraordinary man. There is a magnificent Mahabodhi temple and the Tree from the original sapling still stands in the temple premises. The temple is an architectural amalgamation of many centuries, cultures and heritages. While its architecture has a distinct stamp of the Gupta era, it has later ages inscriptions describing visits of pilgrims from Sri Lanka, Myanmar and China between 7th and 10th century AD. It is perhaps still the same temple Hieuen Tsang visited in 7th century.

General Information :

    Temperature (Max./Min.) Deg C: Summer 47/28 Winter-28/4
    Rainfall:186 cms (Mid-June to Mid-September)
    Altitude:113 Meters
    Best Season: October to March.

What to See :

Mahabodhi Tree

Mahabodhi Temple: The temple stands in the east to the Bodhi Tree. Its architectural effect is superb. Its basement is 48 square feet and it rises in the form of a slender Pyramid till it reaches its neck, which is cylindrical in shape. The total height of the temple is 170 ft. and on the top of the temple are Chatras which symbolize sovereignty of religion. Four towers on its corners rise gracefully giving the holy structure a poise balance. This sacred edifice is like a grand banner unfurled by time to proclaim to the world the pious efforts of the Buddha to solve the knots of human miseries, to ascend above worldly problems and to attain transcendental peace through wisdom, good conduct and disciplined life.

Inside the temple, in the main sanctum, there is a colossal image of the Buddha in sitting posture touching the earth by his right hand. In this posture the Buddha accomplished the supreme enlightenment. The statue is of black stone but it has been guilder by the devotees. The entire courtyard of the temple is studded with large number of votive stupas. These stupas are of all sizes built during the past 2500 years ago. Most of them are extremely elegant in structural beauty. The ancient railings, which surround the temple, are of the first century BC and are among the very interesting monuments of the century.

Animesh Lochan Chaitya: It is believed that the Buddha spent one week here looking towards the great Bodhi tree out of gratitude, without twinkling his eyes.

Bodhi Tree: The present Bodhi Tree is probably the fifth succession of the original tree under which the Buddha had attained enlightenment. Vajrasana, the seat of stability, is a stone platform on which the Buddha is supposed to have sat in meditation gazing east, under the Bodhi tree.

Chankramana: This marks the sacred spot of the Buddha's meditative perambulations during the third week after pious enlightenment. It is believed that wherever the Buddha put his feet lotus sprang up.

Ratnagarh: The Buddha spent one week here, where it is believed that five colors came out of his body.

Other Treasures of Bodhgaya: 80 ft Statue of the Buddha, Lotus Tank, Buddha Kund, Rajayatana, Brahm Yoni, Chinese Temple & Monastery, Burmese Temple, Buddhist Monastery of Bhutan, International Buddhist House & Japanese Temple, Thai Temple & Monastery, Tibetan Monastery, Archaeological Museum. Sujata village (2 kms), Dungeshwari Hill (Prag bodhi) (22 kms by road), Maitraya Project (3 kms).

Temple Timings:

Mahabodhi Temple: 5 AM to 9 PM

Other Monastries: 5 AM to 12 Noon and 2 PM to 6 PM

How to Reach:

Air: The nearest airport is at Gaya 7 Kms and Patna 135 kms. Indian Airlines and Sahara Airlines connect Patna to Calcutta, Bombay, Delhi, Ranchi, Lucknow and various other cities.

Rail: The nearest railway station is Gaya (17km).

Road: Bodhgaya is well connected by road to Gaya (17km), Nalanda (101 km), Rajgir (78 km), Patna (135km), Varanasi (252 km), Calcutta (495km)

Local Transport: Taxis, Tongas, Auto Rickshaws, Cycle Rickshaws are available.

Bus : Regular direct bus services are available from Gaya, Patna, Nalanda, Rajgir, Varanasi. Bihar State Tourism Development Corporation run buses from Patna- Bodhgaya route twice a day.

Conducted Tour : Chartered buses or taxis are arranged from Ranchi and Patna by Bihar State Tourism Development Corporation.

Where to Stay:

Bihar State Tourism Development Corporation runs three hotels - Siddhartha Vihar, Buddha Vihar and Sujata Vihar and has a Tourist Information Centre in its sprawling tourist complex campus. There is Hotel Bodhgaya Ashok run by Indian Tourism development Corporation and there are several other private hotels in the town.

    Tourist Bungalows:

    Siddharth Vihar, Bodhgaya, Gaya-824231
    Phone: 0631-2200445, 2200127.
    Rooms available: AC Rooms, Non-AC Rooms

    Sujata Vihar, Bodhgaya, Gaya-824231
    Phone: 0631-2200445, 2200127.
    Rooms available: Dormitory Beds available only

    Buddha Vihar, Bodhgaya, Gaya-824231.
    Phone: 0631-2200445, 2200127.
    Facility Available: Restaurant, CTV, Conference Hall, Coach/Car Parking.
    Rooms available: Dormitory Beds and Conference Hall is available.

Excursions:

Sun Temple (32 km): It is a famous temple of the Sun God at Deo and has a beautiful architecture similar to the Konark Temple in Orissa. This place is famous for the 'Chhat' festival which is held in the month of October-November.

Pretshila Hill (12 km, Gaya): This hill adds to the beauty of Gaya. It is about 10 kms from the Ramshila hill. Just below the hill is the Brahma Kund. After taking bath in this pond people go for the 'Pind Dan' which involves performance of religious rites and offering donations and charity for the peace of souls of one's parents and ancestors. On top of the hill the Queen of Indore, Ahilya Bai, built a temple in 1787popularly known as Ahilya Bai Temple. This temple has always been an attraction for the tourists due to its unique architecture and magnificent sculptures.

Vishnupad Temple (12km, at Gaya): In 1787 Queen Ahilya Bai built the Vishnu temple on the banks of river Falgu. The temple has some great architecture and design which attracts devotees and tourists alike. A 30-meter high octagonal tower overshadows this temple.

Barabar Caves (41 km): It is an important archaeological site. The caves carved out from solid rocks bear details of the life of the Buddha. The interior of these caves is chiseled to a wonderful polish. The carvings in the caves reflect the skill with which these caves were carved out. These caves were built in the 3rd century and are fine examples of the skill which the Indian mansion had attained at that time. These caves of Mauryan period are rightly considered to be the origin of Indian cave architecture. It was here in these caves where the Buddha had meditated for some time and concluded that the ultimate knowledge can not be attained through mortification of the flesh.

Other Excursions: Dungeshwari (12 km), Muchalinda Lake (3 km), Gaya (12 km), Rajgir (80 km), Nalanda (96 km), Pawapuri (114 km).

International Buddhist Youth Convention(Shivir)-2013 | National Network of Buddhist Youth | NNBY

noreply@blogger.com (Anonymous) — Tue, 18 Dec 2012 18:39:00 +0000

International Buddhist Youth Convention(Shivir)-2013 | National Network of Buddhist Youth | NNBY

National Network of Buddhist Youth (NNBY) is an initiative of Indian Buddhist youth to support each other and underprivileged youth in India to develop their lives and serve society

It is run by youth.
It is Autonomous, Independent and Creative.
It is beyond all Caste Identities.

Teachings of Lord Buddha are its Values.
It is motivated by Dr. B. R. Ambedkar's Vision of Ideal Society.

It’s a youth organization, started by youth and belonging to youth. It is a network of young people who connect with each other in meaningful and creative ways. Through networking ones own available resources, it’s members support each other and the society around. It is based on the principle of mutual giving. Most of the people involved in this network are coming from the deprived communities who are in great need of intellectual and material resources.

It is a ‘Network’ because it is a net of youth connected to each other through their groups. They take initiative and organize their own activities. They are autonomous and independent.

It is a network of ‘Buddhist’ youth because the youth involved find “Buddhist” as an identity that unites them beyond all caste identities. We call Buddhist to all those who left the caste identity behind and engaged themselves in transforming oneself and the world following the Buddha’s path as taught by Dr. B. R. Ambedkar.
What do we do?

Groups of our members across India organize their own activities like workshops, seminars, debates, discussion groups and so many creative programs that would enable youth to learn through interactive ways of sharing and learning.

To the Youth of India We offer-

Ethical perspective for life
Networking of learning resources
Peer support
Friendship
Development of personality
Social responsibility
Care for deprived.
Fun & Play

Our members offer their skills and talent for the benefit of many. If you are a youth and want to learn more just choose and invite one of our members to area or write us for more information.

To find local connections in your area call our office at
Nagpur-   09011094490

Nashik-   09922362326

Pune -     09595959500

Mumbai - 09867269877

Amravati - 09561234503

NNBY Office Address

183 Dixit Nagar, Nari Road,

Nagpur, Maharashtra 440 026

Phone : +91 9922143599,

+91-712-2655850

Email indiannby@gmail.com

Bylakuppe Temple In Mysore, Karnataka | Golden Temple In Bylakuppe | Tibetan Buddhism center

noreply@blogger.com (Anonymous) — Sun, 16 Dec 2012 21:40:00 +0000

Monastrey, Bylakuppe

Bylakuppe Temple In Mysore, Karnataka

Bylakuppe is the Tibetitan Refugee resettlement, location of “Lugsum Samdupling” (established in 1961) and “Dickyi Larsoe” (established in 1969), in the west of Mysore district. The nearest town is Kushalnagar in Kodagu in the State of Karnataka.
The Golden Temple in Bylakuppe, Karnataka, is a home for thousands of Tibetans living in exile and a center for Tibetan Buddhism in South India.
The Tibetian refugees make up a population of about 10,000. It consists of a number of small camps/agricultural settlements close to each other, and has a number of monasteries, nunneries and temples in all the major Tibetan Buddhist traditions. Most notable among them are the large educational monastic institution Sera, the smaller Tashilunpo monastery (both in the Gelukpa tradition) and Namdroling monastery (in the Nyingma tradition). The spectacular Golden Temple which is also a major tourist spot in the area.

bylakuppe Temple

How to reach :

Location

Mysore - 50
Mangalore - 175
Bangalore - 250

Nearest Town : Kushalnagar

Nearest Railway : Mysore

Nearest Airport : Mysore Airport.

Best Time to Visit:

    September to May is Losar.
    Tibetan New Year is celebrated in February/March
    Sagadawa the holy festival is celebrated in May/june
    Buddha Jayanthi in June.
    Dalai Lama’s birthday on July 6

Sight To See:

Golden Temple

Bylakuppe

Golden Temple is the main tourist attraction in Bylakuppe. Stepping inside the temple feels like walking into another world, and the noisy streets of South India suddenly seem to be very far away. Three beautiful golden Buddha statues each of 40 Feet namely Padmasambhava, Buddha and Amitayus look down at visitors above the altar.

The walls are adorned with colourful paintings depicting gods and demons from Tibetan Buddhist mythology. The altar is decorated with flowers, candles and incense, and small birds nesting amongst the golden statues fly happily around the temple.

This place is very calm and majestic sight, surrounded by its landscaped gardens. During festivals, the main courtyard becomes an open stage where masked dancers twirl in colorful costumes to the sound of gongs and massive ceremonial trumpets.

Tourists are welcomed to visit the monasteries and temples. Photography is allowed even inside the temple.

Sera Je MonasterySera Je Monastery keeps Tibetan Buddhist culture alive in Bylakuppe. It is modeled after the original Sera University in Tibet. Sera belongs to the Yellow-Hat Gelugpa sect of Buddhism and is the local seat of education. More than 5,000 Buddhists studying here to become monks.

There are also several stores around the temple area that sell Tibetan jewellery, handicrafts, incense and souvenirs.

Sakya MonasterySakya Monastery is a double story maroon colored structure just off the road as you enter Bylakuppe.

Tashi Lhunpo Monastery
This is one of the four great monastries of central Tibet and the origianl seat of the Panchen Lama. This was re-established in Bylakuppe in 1972. There are 250 resident monks who study sutra and tantra.

Nearby Places:

Rajiv Gandhi National Park
Abbey Falls
Kukke Subrahmanya Temple
Dubare Elephant Camp
Talacauvery

Where to stay:

Hotels

Royal Orchid Brindavan Gardens
Krishna Raja Sagar, Mysore 571 607
Tel: 0823-625 7257
Email: gm.brindavan@royalorchidhotels.com
Website: www.royalorchidhotels.com

Royal Orchid Metropole
5, Jhansi Lakshmibai Road, Mysore 570 005
Email: rooms@royalorchidhotels.com
Website: www.royalorchidhotels.com

Kings Kourt
1294/B, Jhansi Lakshmibai Road, Mysore 570 005
Tel: 0821-242 1142
Email: sales@vivekhotels.com
Website: www.vivekhotels.com

Hotel Siddharta
73/1, Guest House Road, Nazarabad, Mysore 570 010
Email: siddhartahotel@hotmail.com
Website: www.hotelsiddharta.com

Contacts:

Tourist Information
Representative, Tibetan Government in Exile
Camp 1, Bylakuppe, Coorg 571101
Phone: (08223) 253476, 253633

Bhimashankar Temple, Pune, India

noreply@blogger.com (Anonymous) — Sun, 16 Dec 2012 20:14:00 +0000

Bhimashankar Temple, Pune, India

Bhimashankar Temple

Bhimashankar is an ancient shrine situated in the Sahyadri hills in the state of Maharashtra. It is one of the well known Jyotirlinga, amongst the twelve jyotirlingas situated all over India. Bhimashankar is located in the village of Bhorgiri 50 km north west of Khed, near Pune. It is located 125 km away from Pune in the ghat region of the Sahyadri hills.

In recent times it has gained tremendous significance since it was declared as "WILD LIFE SANCTUARY".
It is also becoming one of the attractive and well known religious places in Maharashtra as well as in India.
Bhimashankar is the source of the river Bhima, which is known as Chandrabhaga in Padharpur.

History :

Bhimashankar

There was a demon Tripurasura who did penance in the jungle of Bhimashankar very long ago i.e. in Tretayug, to please Lord Shiva in order to achieve the gift of immortality.

Lord shiva, who is specially known for his kindness towards his devotees, was pleased with Tripurasura's commitment towards him. So as usual, he blessed him with the power of immortality with a condition that, "He should strive in the best interest of people, or he may be sued permanently for violating the condition. "

With the flow of time, Tripurasura forgot the condition to which he was abided, and eventually started harassing people as well as other deities. There was a chaos for which all the deities approached Lord Shiva for remedy.

Thus in order to sue Tripurasura, Lord Shiv prayed to Goddess Parvati (Kamalaja Mata) in order to help him to accomplish this task. Accordingly Lord Shiva and Goddess Parvati underwent a new form which is popularly known as "Ardha-Narya-Nateshwar" and killed Tripurasura on Kartik Pournima which is known as "Tripurari Pornima".

After the death of Tripurasura his wives (Dakini and Shakini) went to Lord Shiva with a question of their existence without Tripurasura. Thus Lord Shiva blessed both of them, with the power of immortality which he did to Tripurasura. Henceforth the realm Bhimashankar is known as "Dakinyam Bhimashankaram".

Bhimashankar Big Bell

Best time to visit :

The best period to visit Bhimashankar in between September to February.
If you like monsoon and trekking the you can visit in June, July also.
In the rainy season there is heavy rain in Bhimashankar.

Climates in various Seasons :

    Summer : Not so hot.
    Rainy Season : Very heavy rain.
    Winter : Very Cold at night and early in the morning

- Bhimashankar Temple Schedule -
4.30 AM              Kakada Aarti
5.00 AM    Nijarup Darshan
5.30 AM    Regular Pooja,Abhishek starts
12.00 PM    Naivedya Pooja (No Abhishek inside)
12.30 PM                          Regular Pooja,Abhishek starts
3.00 PM    Madhyan Aarti (No Darshan for 45min)
4.00 PM to 9.30 PM       Shringar darshan (No Abhishek inside)
7.30 PM    Aarti
9.30 PM    Mandir Closed

Note :-

- Except Monday, Pradosh, Shravan Mass, Mahashivratri - Present Abhisheka (Abhishek inside temple ) till 2.00 PM.

- On Monday, Pradosh, Shravan Mass, Mahashivratri - Present Abhisheka (Abhishek inside temple ) till 6.00 PM

How to reach Bhimashankar Temple:

Bhimashankar Water Fall

AIR
The nearest airport is Pune connected with different cities in India.

RAIL
The nearest railhead is Pune that is well-connected to various cities of Maharashtra and other places of India.

ROAD
Good motorable roads connect Bhimashankar with various cities and places in Maharashtra.
Bhimashankaram is:

    265 km from Mumbai
    95 km from Pune
    151 km from Ahmednagar
    191 km from Nashik

Where to Stay:

Hotels:

Govt Rest HouseKhed Rajgurunagar
Tel: 02135-222028,
Reservation: Executive Engineer,
PW North Division,
New Admn Building,
Pune.
Tel: 020-26123305.

Govt Rest House,
Narayangaon, Tal. Junnar,
Tel: 02132-242074,
Reservation: Executive Engineer,
National Highway Division no: 5,
Pune,
Tel: 020-26121485.

Sights to See

Bhimashankar Temple
One of the twelve Jyotirlingas in India, Bhimashankar Temple is built in Nagara style. This is the place where lord Shiva is believed to have taken rest after slaying the notorious demon Tripurasura. The Shiva Lingam which is enshrined inside the complex of the shrine, measures around one and a half feet and is quite narrow. Goddess Kamalaja is also enshrined here. Two idols of Nandideva can also be found here.

Datta Mandir
Kamalaja Mata Mandir
Ram Mandir

Contact:

M.T.D.C,
‘I’ Block, Central Building,
Sassoon Hospital Rd, Pune
Tel: 26126867, 26128169.

M.T. D. C. Counter,
Pune Rly. Station,
Tel: 26111720;

MTDC,
CDO Hutments,
Madam Cama Road,
Mumbai.
Tel: 22845678
Website: www.maharashtratourism.gov.in
Tourist Office:

Hiranya Keshi Temple At Amboli | Waterfall At Amboli | Amboli Hill Station

noreply@blogger.com (Anonymous) — Sun, 16 Dec 2012 19:40:00 +0000

Hiranya Keshi Temple, Amboli

Hiranyakeshi Temple At Amboli

The Hiranya Keshi Temple in Amboli sees a lot of pilgrim activity throughout the year. Goddess Parvati is fondly called Hiranya Keshi and the temple, which goes by the same name, is dedicated to her. The shrine also houses an idol of Lord Shiva, Goddess Parvati’s husband.The temple is situated by the river site of the River Hiranya Keshi and is an apt place to indulge in some fishing activities or simply meditate. The natural beauty of the surrounding locale will leave you stunned.

If you are looking for peace and solitude, Amboli is the answer - a tranquil hill station on the Western Ghats, surrounded by thick forests and tree canopied hills. On the coastal side, Amboli peers over the tree lined sandy ribbon of the Konkan coast; on the other three sides, you are rewarded by a magnificent panorama of the sweeping valley.

Not only does Amboli prove to be the ideal weekend getaway, but also makes for a romantic honeymoon destination. For couples on their honeymoon, Amboli has all the privacy and beauty they need. A honeymoon in Amboli is sure to make their marriage vows meaningful. Whether you are on a honeymoon or just vacationing, Amboli offers a pleasant and refreshing change of pace.

History of Amboli:

Way to Hiranyakeshi Temple

The British, declared Amboli a hill station by the 1880s. Even before them, Amboli's potential had already been discovered by the Sawants of neighbouring Wadi. But the sky above this village in the Sahyadris continuously dripped for a good four months, if not the entire year, making it the wettest place in Maharashtra. The surrounding forests were so thick with trees and tigers at the time of the Raj, and because Matheran was so much closer, Amboli remained unchecked on maps for a very long time after.

Where to stay in Amboli would not be a problem as the place offers a range of accommodation from hotels, motels, tourist guesthouses and an MTDC resort. Hotel JRD International offers rooms in the moderate range (about Rs. 4000) and is well suited to families.

The Whistling Wood Resort has a great location and well suited for couples and families on vacation.

Best Time to Visit Amboli:

Amboli's bracing climate makes it a year round destination. The hill station is at its rain-washed best just after the monsoons. The peak tourist season in Amboli is from June to September and its the best time to visit Amboli.

Sightseeing in Amboli:

Amboli Ghats DabDaba Waterfall

Spend your days in Amboli meandering through scenic hillscapes and misty forests or simply pack a picnic and relax under the shady trees. For the best views in Amboli, get to Sunset Point, Parikshit Point, Kavelsad Point and Shirgoankar Point for the most amazing views. Amboli is particularly charming in winter when the rains have stopped and there are a thousand waterfalls gushing down the hills. Nothing can be more romantic than the misty spray of the waterfalls in Amboli. There are two waterfalls on opposite sides of Amboli. The Nangartas Waterfalls are situated 10 kms from the town. These Falls are scenic and the gushing waters drop into a deep ravine.

On the opposite side of town are the other more popular waterfalls - simply called Waterfalls. Here one can actually frolic on the rocks and water below.

How to Reach Amboli:

How to Reach Amboli by Air:

The nearest airport would be Dabolim, Goa (127 km/ 2 1/2 hrs) that is served by a host of airlines like Indian Airlines, Kingfisher and Jetite. From Goa take a taxi to get to Amboli via Sawantwadi.

Waterfall Of Sawantwadi Near Amboli

How to Reach Amboli by Rail:
The nearest railhead is Sawantwadi which is 28 kms from Amboli. Regular buses ply on the route.

How to Reach Amboli by Bus:

From Goa it will be a pleasant drive of 2 hours. If you are coming from Mumbai drive all the way down NH17 till you get to Kudal. Just 3 km short of Sawantwadi is Akheri Road Junction, from where you take a left onto the curving SH121 that leads to Amboli. It will take you 11 hours to drive from Mumbai.

You can also drive to Amboli from Pune which is a 9 hours drive. Take NH 4 out of Pune and head towards Satara and Kolhapur till Nipani. Just after Nipani, take the right turn on SH 135 for Amboli.