Location : Jammu, India
Highlight : A very famous temple dedicated to Goddess Shakti
How to Reach : Jammu can be reached via flight, train and roads from any nearby city. From there one has to take a bus to Katra, which is the starting point of Vaishno Devi.
Located in the mighty Trikuta Mountains at a distance of 60 kilometers from Jammu, is the famous Vaishno Devi Temple. One of the most visited and worshipped pilgrimages in India; the Vaishno Devi shrine is the epitome of devotion and belief in the Almighty. Situated at a height of 5200 feet above sea level, the Vaishno Devi Mata pilgrimage is visited all through the year. It is better to avoid visiting this pilgrimage during severe winters as the path becomes very dangerous due to snowfall and sleet. Read on to know the legend behind the famous Vaishno Devi temple.
It is believed that more than 700 years back, a selfish demon known as Bhairon Nath came to know about a young girl named Vaishno Devi, who was the ardent devotee of Lord Shiva and supposedly the incarnation of Goddess Devi. In order to attain salvation easily, the selfish demon chased her while she was going towards the Trikuta Mountains. She quenched her thirst at a stream, which is now known as Banganga, located right at the start of the Trikuta Mountains. It is said that Vaishno Devi meditated in a cave to acquire divine powers to slay the demon. It took Bhairon Nath nine months to locate her and hence the cave is known as "Garbha Joon".
She emerged out of the cave after intense meditation and fought the demon. She assumed the form of Goddess Kali and separated the head of the demon with one powerful blow. The head landed at a distance of 2 kilometers above the holy temple. During his last moments, Bhairon Nath pleaded to be given salvation. Since Vaishno Devi knew that he was chasing her for attaining salvation, she granted him not only salvation but also granted him a boon that devotees will not go back without visiting his temple. That is why till date, anyone visiting Vaishno Devi travels further upwards and visits the Bhairon Temple to finish the holy journey.
Devotees have to climb up the mountain for a distance of 13 kilometers to reach the Vaishno Devi Temple. The path is cobbled and narrow and has the steep valley on one side. Devotees tread along this uneven path with full devotion and get the strength from the sheer belief in God. The air over here is always alive with the cries of "Jai Mata Di" in the praise of the Goddess. The Garbha Joon is located halfway and devotees have to pass through the cave that Vaishno Devi meditated in. On reaching the temple, one has to pass through another cave to get the "darshan" of the Goddess who assumed the form of three small rocks known "Pindi". The three rocks resemble her three heads
Thursday, January 3, 2008
Tirupati Balaji
Location : Andhra Pradesh, India
Highlight : Famous temple dedicated to Lord Venkateswara, which attracts tourists from all over the world
How to Reach : Andhra Pradesh can be reached from any major city in India via flights, trains and roads. Tirupati can be reached by taking a bus from anywhere in Andhra Pradesh.
Located in a small district called Chittoor in southern Andhra Pradesh, is the famous Tirupati Balaji Temple of India. This temple is supposed to be the richest temple in India. After the Vatican, Tirumala Tirupati pilgrimage is the most visited shrine in the world. This temple is dedicated to Lord Venkateswara and thus is also known as Sri Venkateswara Temple. The name Tirupati Balaji actually means "Lord of Goddess Lakshmi". A tour to South India is incomplete if you don't visit Tirupati Balaji Temple.
The pilgrimage is the richest temple in India and is visited by high profile celebrities as well as the poorest of all. The temple is located on a series of seven hills, which are located at a height of 853 meters above sea level. The temple has a vibrant charitable and cultural heritage. The institution that manages the temple as well as other educational institutions run by the same name is called Tirumala Tirupati Devasthanam. Most devotees who come here have their heads shaved as it is considered very auspicious.
The architecture of the temple is very grand and the style is predominantly Dravidian. The dome shaped roof over the main sanctorum is entirely covered with gold. It is known as "Ananda Nilayam". There are three "Prakarams" (enclosures) in the shrine. The annual festival of the temple is known as "Brahmotsavam", which is celebrated grandly on a huge scale for nine continuous days during the month of September. Thousands of devotees gather to take part in the festival and seek blessings of the almighty.
Highlight : Famous temple dedicated to Lord Venkateswara, which attracts tourists from all over the world
How to Reach : Andhra Pradesh can be reached from any major city in India via flights, trains and roads. Tirupati can be reached by taking a bus from anywhere in Andhra Pradesh.
Located in a small district called Chittoor in southern Andhra Pradesh, is the famous Tirupati Balaji Temple of India. This temple is supposed to be the richest temple in India. After the Vatican, Tirumala Tirupati pilgrimage is the most visited shrine in the world. This temple is dedicated to Lord Venkateswara and thus is also known as Sri Venkateswara Temple. The name Tirupati Balaji actually means "Lord of Goddess Lakshmi". A tour to South India is incomplete if you don't visit Tirupati Balaji Temple.
The pilgrimage is the richest temple in India and is visited by high profile celebrities as well as the poorest of all. The temple is located on a series of seven hills, which are located at a height of 853 meters above sea level. The temple has a vibrant charitable and cultural heritage. The institution that manages the temple as well as other educational institutions run by the same name is called Tirumala Tirupati Devasthanam. Most devotees who come here have their heads shaved as it is considered very auspicious.
The architecture of the temple is very grand and the style is predominantly Dravidian. The dome shaped roof over the main sanctorum is entirely covered with gold. It is known as "Ananda Nilayam". There are three "Prakarams" (enclosures) in the shrine. The annual festival of the temple is known as "Brahmotsavam", which is celebrated grandly on a huge scale for nine continuous days during the month of September. Thousands of devotees gather to take part in the festival and seek blessings of the almighty.
Somnath Temple
Location : Gujarat, India
Highlights : A very famous and holy pilgrimage of Lord Shiva
How to Reach : The nearest railway station is located at a distance of 5 kilometers from Somnath. One can take a flight to Keshod, which is the nearest airport to Somnath at a distance of 47 kilometers.
Located in the state of Gujarat in India, the famous Somnath Temple is a very sacred Hindu pilgrimage site. It is dedicated to Lord Shiva and is considered to be one of the twelve "Jyotirlingas" (lighted lingas), which is a symbol of Lord Shiva. The temple of Somnath has existed since times immemorial and it is also mentioned in the oldest holy scriptures, Rig Veda. An interesting fact about Somnath temple is that though it has been destroyed a number of times; it has always been rebuilt. Read the legend behind the Somnatha pilgrimage.
It is said that the Somnath temple was built by the moon God himself in gold, then by the demon king Ravana in silver, in sandalwood by Lord Krishna and in stone by the one of the rulers of Gujarat, Bhimdeva. It is said that the moon was very proud because of his beauty. Angered by his arrogance, his father-in-law cursed him to decrease and ultimately vanish. He pleaded for mercy and then was told to worship Lord Shiva. His curse was removed partially and he thus built the temple for Lord Shiva.
The architecture of the present temple reflects the Chalukya style of construction. The intricate and flawless carvings speak volumes about the skilled artisans of Gujarat. An inscription on the Arrow Pillar on the sea protection wall states that there is no piece of land between the point where the temple stands and Antarctica. The first President of India, Dr. Rajendra Prasad commented that the Somnath temple symbolizes the fact that the power of creation is always more than the power of destruction.
Highlights : A very famous and holy pilgrimage of Lord Shiva
How to Reach : The nearest railway station is located at a distance of 5 kilometers from Somnath. One can take a flight to Keshod, which is the nearest airport to Somnath at a distance of 47 kilometers.
Located in the state of Gujarat in India, the famous Somnath Temple is a very sacred Hindu pilgrimage site. It is dedicated to Lord Shiva and is considered to be one of the twelve "Jyotirlingas" (lighted lingas), which is a symbol of Lord Shiva. The temple of Somnath has existed since times immemorial and it is also mentioned in the oldest holy scriptures, Rig Veda. An interesting fact about Somnath temple is that though it has been destroyed a number of times; it has always been rebuilt. Read the legend behind the Somnatha pilgrimage.
It is said that the Somnath temple was built by the moon God himself in gold, then by the demon king Ravana in silver, in sandalwood by Lord Krishna and in stone by the one of the rulers of Gujarat, Bhimdeva. It is said that the moon was very proud because of his beauty. Angered by his arrogance, his father-in-law cursed him to decrease and ultimately vanish. He pleaded for mercy and then was told to worship Lord Shiva. His curse was removed partially and he thus built the temple for Lord Shiva.
The architecture of the present temple reflects the Chalukya style of construction. The intricate and flawless carvings speak volumes about the skilled artisans of Gujarat. An inscription on the Arrow Pillar on the sea protection wall states that there is no piece of land between the point where the temple stands and Antarctica. The first President of India, Dr. Rajendra Prasad commented that the Somnath temple symbolizes the fact that the power of creation is always more than the power of destruction.
Siddhivinayak Temple
Location : Mumbai, Maharashtra
Highlights : A very famous temple dedicated to Lord Ganesha
How to Reach : Mumbai is a major metropolitan city, which can be reached from anywhere in India. Once in Mumbai, you can hire an auto or a cab and reach Siddhivinayak Temple.
Regarded as one of the most popular and religious temples in India, Siddhivinayak Temple located in Prabhadevi, Mumbai, is visited by devout believers from all walks of life. Built in the year 1801 by Lakshman Vithu and Deubai Patil, this temple has earned international acclaim. Shree Sidhi Vinayaka temple was renovated some years back to accommodate the ever-increasing number of devotees. The name Siddhivinayak means "Ganesha who grants your wishes". The temple is often visited by high profile celebrities like Sachin Tendulkar, Amitabh Bachchan, Bal Thackeray, etc.
The architecture of Siddhivinayak temple is worth seeing. The inner roof of the main sanctorum is gold plated and there are magnificently carved wooden doors that lead to the main sanctorum. There are beautiful carvings on the doors depicting the eight holy forms of Lord Ganesha, known as "Ashta Vinayak". The main idol of Lord Ganesha is shown having four hands carrying a lotus, an axe, modakas (sweet deep-fried dumplings) and a garland of beads. Unlike other Ganesha idols, this idol has its trunk pointing towards the right instead left. His two wives, Riddhi and Siddhi are shown as his escorts.
Every Tuesday, Sidhi Vinayaka Temple is thronged by thousands of devotees, as Tuesday is an auspicious day for visiting Lord Ganesha's temple. According to the Hindu tradition, Lord Ganesha is always worshipped before beginning any new work or project. Thus, it is considered very auspicious to visit this temple before beginning anything new. It is one of the oldest temples in Mumbai and the festival of Ganesha Chaturthi is celebrated very grandly over here.
Highlights : A very famous temple dedicated to Lord Ganesha
How to Reach : Mumbai is a major metropolitan city, which can be reached from anywhere in India. Once in Mumbai, you can hire an auto or a cab and reach Siddhivinayak Temple.
Regarded as one of the most popular and religious temples in India, Siddhivinayak Temple located in Prabhadevi, Mumbai, is visited by devout believers from all walks of life. Built in the year 1801 by Lakshman Vithu and Deubai Patil, this temple has earned international acclaim. Shree Sidhi Vinayaka temple was renovated some years back to accommodate the ever-increasing number of devotees. The name Siddhivinayak means "Ganesha who grants your wishes". The temple is often visited by high profile celebrities like Sachin Tendulkar, Amitabh Bachchan, Bal Thackeray, etc.
The architecture of Siddhivinayak temple is worth seeing. The inner roof of the main sanctorum is gold plated and there are magnificently carved wooden doors that lead to the main sanctorum. There are beautiful carvings on the doors depicting the eight holy forms of Lord Ganesha, known as "Ashta Vinayak". The main idol of Lord Ganesha is shown having four hands carrying a lotus, an axe, modakas (sweet deep-fried dumplings) and a garland of beads. Unlike other Ganesha idols, this idol has its trunk pointing towards the right instead left. His two wives, Riddhi and Siddhi are shown as his escorts.
Every Tuesday, Sidhi Vinayaka Temple is thronged by thousands of devotees, as Tuesday is an auspicious day for visiting Lord Ganesha's temple. According to the Hindu tradition, Lord Ganesha is always worshipped before beginning any new work or project. Thus, it is considered very auspicious to visit this temple before beginning anything new. It is one of the oldest temples in Mumbai and the festival of Ganesha Chaturthi is celebrated very grandly over here.
Shirdi
Location : Shirdi, Maharashtra
Highlight : Temple of the famous Shirdi Sai Baba
How to Reach : One can reach Maharashtra from any major city in India. Thereafter, take a bus or private cab to Shirdi.
There is nothing dandy or gaudy about Shirdi Sai Temple. The small temple is located in a sleepy little town called Shirdi in the state of Maharashtra in India. Don't expect to see commercialization or fast paced life found in the metro cities. A small temple located in the middle of a dusty town may not seem like the perfect tourist attraction. This is where the Shirdi Sai Baba pilgrimage scores. This ordinary looking town is home to one of the most famous and celebrated spiritual leaders of India, Sai Baba.
Considered to be the incarnation of God, Sai Baba was an ordinary Fakir (beggar) who preached the true and meaningful teachings of God. He showed extraordinary miracles at a very young age and lived a very simple life. The incidents increased day by day and soon Sai Baba was famous all over India. He had followers from the lowest and the highest strata of the society. He was worshipped as God and till date continues to be worshipped so. The place where the temple is built is supposed to be the place where he attained enlightenment.
Every evening at 6:30, the main Aarti for Shirdi Sai Baba starts. Devotees from near and far come here and sing verses and hymns in the praise of Sai Baba. The Aarti looks no less than a festival with abundant flower decorations and lighted lamps everywhere. More than God, he is treated as a fatherly figure who gets royal treatment from his children (read devotees). In fact, after the evening aarti, he is wrapped with a blanket in winters and in summers he gets a mosquito net! The sacred ash of Sai Baba known as "Vibhuti" is distributed among the devotees along with other offerings.
Other places near Shirdi Pilgrimage that are worth the visit are:
Dwarkamayee Masjid
The Dwarkamayee Masjid is an old mosque where Sai Baba used to sit all day long. The stone that he used as his seat is still preserved along with a portrait of Sai Baba that was painted during his lifetime.
Chavadi
Situated at the east of Dwarkamayee, it was at this place that Sai Baba used to rest every alternate night. There are a number of portraits of deities over here. A wooden plank used by Baba is still preserved and kept over here.
Khandoba Temple
This small temple dedicated to Lord Shiva is situated on the Ahmednagar road. It is said that Sai Baba was first addressed as "Ya Sai" over here by the Mahalsapati (chief priest in Shirdi).
Mahadev, Shani and Ganesh Temples
These three temples are situated in a line, one after the other. The Mahadev Temple is the oldest of all and is dedicated to Lord Shiva. The Shani Temple is dedicated to the Saturn God and the Ganesha Temple is also said to have existed since a long time.
Highlight : Temple of the famous Shirdi Sai Baba
How to Reach : One can reach Maharashtra from any major city in India. Thereafter, take a bus or private cab to Shirdi.
There is nothing dandy or gaudy about Shirdi Sai Temple. The small temple is located in a sleepy little town called Shirdi in the state of Maharashtra in India. Don't expect to see commercialization or fast paced life found in the metro cities. A small temple located in the middle of a dusty town may not seem like the perfect tourist attraction. This is where the Shirdi Sai Baba pilgrimage scores. This ordinary looking town is home to one of the most famous and celebrated spiritual leaders of India, Sai Baba.
Considered to be the incarnation of God, Sai Baba was an ordinary Fakir (beggar) who preached the true and meaningful teachings of God. He showed extraordinary miracles at a very young age and lived a very simple life. The incidents increased day by day and soon Sai Baba was famous all over India. He had followers from the lowest and the highest strata of the society. He was worshipped as God and till date continues to be worshipped so. The place where the temple is built is supposed to be the place where he attained enlightenment.
Every evening at 6:30, the main Aarti for Shirdi Sai Baba starts. Devotees from near and far come here and sing verses and hymns in the praise of Sai Baba. The Aarti looks no less than a festival with abundant flower decorations and lighted lamps everywhere. More than God, he is treated as a fatherly figure who gets royal treatment from his children (read devotees). In fact, after the evening aarti, he is wrapped with a blanket in winters and in summers he gets a mosquito net! The sacred ash of Sai Baba known as "Vibhuti" is distributed among the devotees along with other offerings.
Other places near Shirdi Pilgrimage that are worth the visit are:
Dwarkamayee Masjid
The Dwarkamayee Masjid is an old mosque where Sai Baba used to sit all day long. The stone that he used as his seat is still preserved along with a portrait of Sai Baba that was painted during his lifetime.
Chavadi
Situated at the east of Dwarkamayee, it was at this place that Sai Baba used to rest every alternate night. There are a number of portraits of deities over here. A wooden plank used by Baba is still preserved and kept over here.
Khandoba Temple
This small temple dedicated to Lord Shiva is situated on the Ahmednagar road. It is said that Sai Baba was first addressed as "Ya Sai" over here by the Mahalsapati (chief priest in Shirdi).
Mahadev, Shani and Ganesh Temples
These three temples are situated in a line, one after the other. The Mahadev Temple is the oldest of all and is dedicated to Lord Shiva. The Shani Temple is dedicated to the Saturn God and the Ganesha Temple is also said to have existed since a long time.
Puttaparthi
Location : Anantapur district, Andhra Pradesh
Highlight : Puttaparthi is the birthplace of one of the greatest saints of India, Sri Sathya Sai Baba.
How to Reach : Puttaparthy has an airport and is connected to Mumbai and Chennai via flights. Trains from major cities of India can also reach the place.
Puttaparthi is a small dusty village located in Anantapur district in the state of Andhra Pradesh in India. It has now attained international as well as national fame because of the glory of Bhagvan Shri Sathya Sai Baba. In Puttaparthy, Sai Baba Ashram was built by his ardent devotees and is called as "Prashanti Nilayam", which means abode of peace. It is one of the most popular pilgrimages in India and devotees from all over the world come to this sleepy little village to seek the blessings of the great Sai Baba. Once a tiny unheard hamlet in India, Puttaparthi now has an airport and a super specialty hospital among famous educational institutions.
Everyday thousands of devotees come to Prashanti Nilayam to seek the blessings of Sai Baba. A specially trained staff sings hymns in the praise of Sai Baba and then he gives a religious discourse. His teachings are based on the principles that make the very foundation of life. These are truth, righteousness, peace, universal love and non-violence. The ashram has educational institutions, museums, space centers, etc. Every year on the 23rd of November, Prashanti Nilayam is decorated beautifully as it is the birthday of Sai Baba.
A trip to south India is literally incomplete without visiting the Sai Baba ashram of Puttaparthi. There are many interesting places in Puttaparthi that should be visited like Satyabhama Temple, Shiva Temple where Sai Baba was born, Chitravati River, "Kalpavruksha" or the wish fulfilling tamarind tree from which Baba miraculously produced exotic fruits, Sathya Sai super specialty hospital, etc.
Highlight : Puttaparthi is the birthplace of one of the greatest saints of India, Sri Sathya Sai Baba.
How to Reach : Puttaparthy has an airport and is connected to Mumbai and Chennai via flights. Trains from major cities of India can also reach the place.
Puttaparthi is a small dusty village located in Anantapur district in the state of Andhra Pradesh in India. It has now attained international as well as national fame because of the glory of Bhagvan Shri Sathya Sai Baba. In Puttaparthy, Sai Baba Ashram was built by his ardent devotees and is called as "Prashanti Nilayam", which means abode of peace. It is one of the most popular pilgrimages in India and devotees from all over the world come to this sleepy little village to seek the blessings of the great Sai Baba. Once a tiny unheard hamlet in India, Puttaparthi now has an airport and a super specialty hospital among famous educational institutions.
Everyday thousands of devotees come to Prashanti Nilayam to seek the blessings of Sai Baba. A specially trained staff sings hymns in the praise of Sai Baba and then he gives a religious discourse. His teachings are based on the principles that make the very foundation of life. These are truth, righteousness, peace, universal love and non-violence. The ashram has educational institutions, museums, space centers, etc. Every year on the 23rd of November, Prashanti Nilayam is decorated beautifully as it is the birthday of Sai Baba.
A trip to south India is literally incomplete without visiting the Sai Baba ashram of Puttaparthi. There are many interesting places in Puttaparthi that should be visited like Satyabhama Temple, Shiva Temple where Sai Baba was born, Chitravati River, "Kalpavruksha" or the wish fulfilling tamarind tree from which Baba miraculously produced exotic fruits, Sathya Sai super specialty hospital, etc.
Pushkar
Location : Rajasthan, India
Highlight : A very important pilgrimage that has the only temple dedicated to Lord Brahma
How to Reach : The nearest airport is at the capital city Jaipur and the nearest railway station is at Ajmer. From here, Pushkar can be reached in a bus as it is well connected by roads.
Located in the state of Rajasthan in India, Pushkar pilgrimage site is one of the holiest in India. This small town has around 500 temples and is considered to be very sacred by the Hindus. The town of Pushkar is also called as "City of Temples". One of the most important Hindu temples in Pushkar is the Brahma Temple, which is one of its kinds in India. The small quiet town springs to life and buzzing activity every year during the famous Camel Fair that is held in Pushkar usually in the month of October. To know more about Pushkar temples, read further.
Brahma Temple
Brahma Temple located in Pushkar is the only temple in India that is devoted to the creator of the universe, Lord Brahma. It is said that Lord Brahma had performed a religious ritual over here along with other Gods and hence is considered to be a very sacred place. It is said that the beautiful lake at Pushkar was created miraculously when a lotus fell down from the hands of Lord Brahma and fell at Pushkar.
Savitri Temple
This temple is dedicated to Goddess Savitri, the wife of Lord Brahma. The temple is located at the top of a hillock and the views of the surrounding landscape from here are said to be splendid. The temple can be reached by a long series of stairs.
Waraha Temple
A very famous temple in Pushkar, this temple is dedicated to the third incarnation of Lord Vishnu, which was in the form of a boar. It is said that Lord Vishnu as Waraha killed the demon Hiranyaksha, recovered a stolen Veda and saved the earth from drowning in the ocean.
Rangji Temple
The Rangji Temple of Pushkar is unique because of its architectural style. It is constructed in the Dravidian style with a typical "Gopuram" (main temple dome) rising at the top. One can also see some influences of Rajput style of architecture. The temple was constructed in the year 1823 by Seth Puranmal Ganeriwal of Hyderabad.
Highlight : A very important pilgrimage that has the only temple dedicated to Lord Brahma
How to Reach : The nearest airport is at the capital city Jaipur and the nearest railway station is at Ajmer. From here, Pushkar can be reached in a bus as it is well connected by roads.
Located in the state of Rajasthan in India, Pushkar pilgrimage site is one of the holiest in India. This small town has around 500 temples and is considered to be very sacred by the Hindus. The town of Pushkar is also called as "City of Temples". One of the most important Hindu temples in Pushkar is the Brahma Temple, which is one of its kinds in India. The small quiet town springs to life and buzzing activity every year during the famous Camel Fair that is held in Pushkar usually in the month of October. To know more about Pushkar temples, read further.
Brahma Temple
Brahma Temple located in Pushkar is the only temple in India that is devoted to the creator of the universe, Lord Brahma. It is said that Lord Brahma had performed a religious ritual over here along with other Gods and hence is considered to be a very sacred place. It is said that the beautiful lake at Pushkar was created miraculously when a lotus fell down from the hands of Lord Brahma and fell at Pushkar.
Savitri Temple
This temple is dedicated to Goddess Savitri, the wife of Lord Brahma. The temple is located at the top of a hillock and the views of the surrounding landscape from here are said to be splendid. The temple can be reached by a long series of stairs.
Waraha Temple
A very famous temple in Pushkar, this temple is dedicated to the third incarnation of Lord Vishnu, which was in the form of a boar. It is said that Lord Vishnu as Waraha killed the demon Hiranyaksha, recovered a stolen Veda and saved the earth from drowning in the ocean.
Rangji Temple
The Rangji Temple of Pushkar is unique because of its architectural style. It is constructed in the Dravidian style with a typical "Gopuram" (main temple dome) rising at the top. One can also see some influences of Rajput style of architecture. The temple was constructed in the year 1823 by Seth Puranmal Ganeriwal of Hyderabad.
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