Archive for the ‘Religious Places In India’ Category
February 1st, 2012 | 
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Location : Elephanta Island, near Mumbai
Acclaimed as : World Heritage Site
Attractions : Rock-cut Temples, exquisite architectural designs
How to Reach : One can easily reach Elephanta Caves by taking Motorboats from Apollo Bunder near the Gateway of India in Mumbai.
Elephanta caves are in the magnificent Elephanta Island, which is 11 km from Mumbai. It has beautiful carvings, sculptures, and a temple of the Hindu God, Lord Shiva. This UNESCO World Heritage Site has been a commercial, military and religions centre for centuries having traces of early Buddhist culture.
The Elephanta caves date back to 9th – 12th centuries. 
With the Brahminical resurgence during the reign of Gupta dynasty in 3rd century AD, these great cave dedicated to Lord Shiva exploded into existence at Elephanta. According to legends and historians, great warrior prince of Chalukya dynasty Pulkesin ll raised the shrine to celebrate his victory. Some historians also suggest that the Kalchuri King Krishnaraja built these caves in 6th century AD.
It seems that the same craftsmen and sculptors who had worked on the Kailasa Temple and other adjoining Buddhist caves at Ellora were employed at Elephanta. It is believed that the caves were used as target practice after they constructed a fort and put a flag to ward off pirates.
It represents the three-headed Lord Shiva, and renders Him as the Creator, the Preserver, and the Destroyer of the universe. The incredible sense of creativity of the architects and sculptors is noticeable in the serried of sculpted panels, set like tableaux on the walls. Each panel depicts Lord Shiva’s unpredictable nature, and miraculous interplay of light and shade, adds to the overall effect. Another colossal idol stands for Panchamukha Shiva and here the Lord is represented as the savior and bestower of blessings. This image is estimated to have been stood at the same place for possibly a thousand years and is regarded as the masterwork of Indian art.
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How To Get There
By Air - Nearest airport is Indore- 77 Km.
By Rail - The nearest railway station is Omkareshwar Road- 12 Km on the Ratlam-Khandwa section of the Western Railway.
By Road - Omkareshwar is connected to Indore, Ujjain , Khandwa and Omkareshwar Road by regular bus services.
Situated on the banks of the Narmada, Omkareshwar is one of the 12 revered Jyotirlinga shrines of Shiva. It is located at a distance of about 12 miles from Mortakka in Madhya Pradesh. The river Narmada spits into two and forms an island Mandhata or Shivapuri in the center. The shape of the island resembles that of the visual representation of the Omkara sound, Om. There are two temples here, one to Omkareshwar and one to Amareshwar.
Legend has it that the Vindhya mountain prayed to Shiva – Omkareshwara and was blessed here. Legend also has it that upon the request of the Devas, the Shivalinga split into two, one half being Omkareshwara and the other Amaleshwara or Amareshwar. King Mandhatha of the Ishvaku clan is believed to have worshiped Shiva here. The Omkareshawar temple is built in the North Indian style of architecture, with high spires. Devotees consider worship to Panchamuga Ganesha, to be very auspicious.
Not only the name but the existence of these two are also thoroughly different. The temple of Maleshwar is situated south of the river Narmada, but both the forms of Shiva have been counted as one.It is said that once upon a time Vidhya Parvat practiced severe penances and worshipped Parthivarchana along with Lord Omkareshwar for nearly six months. As a result Lord Shiva was pleased and blessed him with the desire boon. On the sincere request of all the gods and the sages Lord Shiva made two parts of the lings. In one he resided as the Pranav or Omkar and assumed the form of Omkareshwar and Bhagwan Sadashiva, Parameshwar, Amareshwar or Amaleshwar assumed form from the Partivlinga.
Story Behind The Yatra
There is a mythological story famous about the Jagannath Puri Rath yarta. Once in Dwarka, queens of lord Krishna asked Mata Rohini to tell them something about Krishna’s Brij lila, Gopi and their affairs.
Mother tried avoiding at first, but on excessive request of queens, she told them. Then, Subhadra was asked to stand at the gates to house and not to let anyone come inside. Coincidentally, lord Krishna and Balram came there. Subhadra followed the orders of Rohini and did not let them go in.
Standing on the doors, all the three of them heard the narration of Brij love affairs. Dev Rish Narad also heard this and requested lord to reside here in the same love form. Lord agreed to the wish of Narad. The temple here has the idols of lord Jagannath, Balram and Subhadra.
These idols don’t have legs, they have shoulders but no hands. 
And, the idols are made of wood. They are replaced in every 12 years. This Rath Yatra is carried on from the 12th century. This yatra is carried up to the Gundicha temple. On the way, lord is offered Khichdi in the Mausima temple.
How the Festival is Celebrated
The festival begins with the Ratha Prathistha or invoking ceremony in the morning, but the Ratha Tana or chariot pulling is the most exciting part of the festival, which begins in the late afternoon when the chariots of Jagannath, Balabhadra and Subhdra start rolling. Each of these carriages have different specifications: The chariot of Lord Jagannath is called Nandighosa, has 18 wheels and is 23 cubits high; the chariot of Balabhadra, called Taladhvaja has 16 wheels and is 22 cubits high; Devadalana, the chariot of Subhadra has 14 wheels and is 21 cubits high.
Each year these wooden chariots are constructed anew in accordance with religious specifications. The idols of these three deities are also made of wood and they are religiously replaced by new ones every after 12 years. After a nine-day sojourn of the deities at the country temple amidst festivities, the divine summer vacation gets over and the three return to the city temple of Lord Jagannath.
Location : At a distance of 16 km from Palampur in the Beas valley
Built by : Ahuka and Manyuka
Built in : 1204 A.D
Dedicated to : Lord Shiva
Significance : Water of this temple has medicinal properties
How to reach : One can easily reach Baijnath Temple by taking regular Buses or by hiring taxis from anywhere in Himachal Pradesh
Baijnath is located at a distance of 16 km from the town of Kausani, in the Katyuri Valley. Lying in the ancient town of Baijnath, the town is historically and religiously significant. Once known as Kartikyapura, 
Baijnath was the capital of the Katyuri dynasty of kings who ruled Uttaranchal during 12th and 13th centuries. Constructed in the 12th century, the Baijnath Temple holds significance. This is because, according to Hindu mythology, Lord Shiva and Parvati were married at the confluence of River Gomati and Garur Ganga.
Located at an elevation of 1,125 m above sea level, the town is famous for its temples of Shiva, Ganesh and Parvati, along with those of Chandika, Kuber, Surya and Brahma. Temple of Maheshsur Mardini portrays the slaying of the bull-headed deon by the Goddess Kali. On the banks of the Gomti River, in the Garur Valley, Baijnath Temple is located. At a distance of 3 km from the town, Kote-ke-mai temple is located. This temple is famous for the sculpted statue of Vishnu, who is the presiding deity of the temple.
History Of Baijnath Temple
Lord Shiva is commemorated here as Vaidyanath (the Lord of Physician) and is placed in the form of ‘Lingam’ (phallic form of Lord Shiva). The main sanctum comprises five projections on every side and a tall curved shikhar (spire). The history of Baijnath temple is inscribed on the stone slabs inside the complex. As per the beliefs, Ravana (King of Lanka) had worshipped Lord Shiva in this temple.
The water of this temple is believed to contain medicinal properties, 
which can cure diseases of people. Due to this reason too, Baijnath Temple receives thousands of people every year. Shivratri is the major festival that is observed at this temple with full gusto and fervor. Devotees visit the temple during this time to seek the blessings from the God.
Besides the shrine of Lord Shiva, there are many other small shrines dedicated to Gods and Goddesses. In the early 20th century, the temple was suffered from an earthquake. Raja Sansar Chand made an effort to renovate the temple after the calamity. The temple complex acquires lush green gardens, which makes a perfect foreground to the ancient and unique structure of this temple. Baijnath temple is considered as a part of Indian Heritage, so security arrangements are made here to avoid any unwanted element.
How to get there :
Air - The nearest airport is at Hyderabad , 157-km away.
Rail - Warangal has a railway station and is well connected by rail to important cities of India.
Road – APSTRC and Private buses connect Warangal with Hyderabad, Vijayawada, Karimnagar, Khammam and some other districts.
Description :
This is a large granite temple built in 1430 A.D. The main entrance of the thousand pillar temple, which faces the east, opens onto a wonderful 15 meter tall monolithic pillar called Mahastamba in front of the doorway.
The 2.5 meter tall bronze idol of Lord Chandranatha Swami in the sanctum hall is considered to be very sacred. The pillars of this basadi are decorated with carvings typical of Vijayanagara style.
The temple boasts of a valuable collection of jewel-encrusted metallic images of Jain tirthankaras, and superb monolithic columns in the Jain tradition, each with a different carving.
The Jain Mutt near the main temple entrance has a library protecting some beautiful 12th and 13th century palm leaf manuscripts.
The temple is in shape of a star and has three shrines dedicated to Lord Shiva, Vishnu and Surya. The temple is built on a 1m high platform on the slopes of the Hanumakonda hill, and has a majestic monolithic Nandi. The black basalt Nandi, a monolith, has a lovely polished finish.
There are many small lingam shrines surrounding the gardens. The temple is famous for its richly carved pillars, screens and detailed sculpture. The atmosphere is calm and serene with the sonorous ringing of the puja bells, gentle chirping of the birds and the soothing cool breeze.
About Shirdi
Location : Ahmednagar district, Maharashatra
Climate : Dry Climate
Temperature : Max – 40 C, Min – 70 C
Languages : Marathi, Hindi and English
Best Time to Visit : June to August (Monsoons)
Special Day : Every Thursday
Attractions : Samadhi Mandir, Guru Sthan, Khandoba Temple
Nearest Airport : Aurangabad (144km)
STD Code : 02423
History Of Shirdi
Shirdi, mostly known for the great saint Shirdi Sai Baba, is situated in the Ahmednagar District of Maharashtra. Shirdi, also known as the Land of Sai, is a popular destination of pilgrims throughout the year. The earlier history of Shirdi is not known but Shirdi shot to fame during the earlier 20th Century.
The name ‘Shirdi’ is interconnected with the life of Shirdi Sai Baba. Shirdi Sai Baba visited Shirdi when he was sixteen years old and stayed there until his death in 1918. Through Shirdi Sai Baba, Shirdi has earned a significant place among the pilgrimage destinations of India.
Shirdi is a small town in Maharashtra that comprises an area of about 3 sq. km. Shirdi is located at a distance of about 297 km from Mumbai, 82 km from Ahmednagar and 80 km from the religious city of Nasik and 16 km from Kopargaon.
The State Government of Maharashtra along with the Shirdi municipal council & Shri Sai Baba Sansthan are planning for infrastructure development in Shirdi, keeping in mind the 100th anniversary of Shri Sai Baba Punyatithi on the day of Dusshera in 2018. Another project for the integrated development of Shirdi and its surrounding villages has given boost to the thriving hospitality industry in the area.
Places Of Interest In Shirdi
Located in Ahmednagar District of Maharashtra, Shirdi is home to many sites that stand testimony to the time when it was the home of Sai Baba, the great saint of the 20th century. Near the Shri Sainath Hospital, Shri Khandoba Mandir is located. 
This temple is revered for its idol of Khandoba, along with those of Banai and Mhalsai. Legend states that when Sai Baba set his foot in Shirdi for the second time, Khandoba was the first place where he was welcomed.
It is believed that when Sai Baba appeared in Shirdi for the first time, as a boy of 16 years, he was first seen at Gurusthan. In Sai Sat-Charitra, Neem (Margosa) tree situated here, finds its reference. A garden where Sai Baba used to go daily, for watering the plants, Lendi Baug contains a Neem tree. Beneath the shade of this tree, Sai Baba used to rest every morning and afternoon.
Samadhi of Abdul Baba contains the mortal remains of the man who used to read Quran to Sai Baba. At a few minutes’ distance from the cottage of Abdul Baba, Maruti Mandir is located. It is believed that Sai Baba had a special devotion for the temple and used to visit it on a regular basis. At the temple, Sai Baba used to conduct satsangs.
Gurudwara Manji Sahib Alamgir is situated in Alamgir Village near Ludhiana Distt. Guru Gobind Singh Ji reached Alamgir village after the martyrdom of his mother & four sons by Mughals and stayed here for few days. On reaching Alamgir, one of the horse trader of the Village named Bhai Nigahia Singh, gifted a horse to Guru Ji. Bhai Nabi Khan & Bhai Gani Khan provided a bed (manji) to Guru Ji. Guru Ji asked an old lady who was picking cowdung whether he could get some water from somewhere to take bath to which the old lady replied that
“Pir Ji this is a place of ruins, there is no water here”.
There is a well far away but there is a big python that lives there, no one goes there. On listening this, Guru Ji hit the python with an arrow & gave it ” Mukti ” ( exemption from further transmigration ) & the python fell into the well. When the people went to take water from the well, they found that the water is not clean, Guru Ji, then hit one more arrow & there was a water spring that came out & all had a bath. On seeing this miracle, the old lady fell into Guru Sajib’s feet & said
“Peer Ji you are a wonderful Peer, I have a request. I have leprosy & i have gone to various places to get the treatment done but it has not been cured, kindly cure my disease & help me to get rid of this disease”.
Guru Ji said that whoever takes a bath under this water spring with belief, GOD will cure all his sadness. Then Guru Ji sat on the horse given by Bhai Nigahia Singh & went towards Raikot. The old lady had a bath in that water spring & was cured. She went back to the village & told about the whole story. The place where Bhai Nabi Khan & Bhai Gani Khan kept GURU SAHIB’s bed, today at that place exists a beautiful Gurudwara known as Manji Sahib Alamgir.
Haridwar is located in the state of Uttrakhand and is an important pilgrimage city for Hindus. The River Ganges (Ganga) flowing 253 km from its source in Gaumukh enters the Indo Gangetic plains for the first time in Haridwar, due to which this city was initially called Gangadwara. Regarded as one of Hinduism’s most sacred cities, thousands of pilgrim’s flock here year after year to bathe in the holy Ganges that at this point is crystal clear and very clean. Every evening at dusk the river comes alive with the flickering of lamps as floating offerings that are released into the River Ganges. Every 12 years, Haridwar is the venue of the popular Kumbh Mela, which is believed to be the largest religious gathering in the world and attracts millions of people. The Kumbh takes place every three years consecutively at Allahabad, Nasik, Ujjain and Haridwar.
Plaes To Visit In Haridwar
Har Ki Pauri: Literally translated means “The Footstep of God” is supposed to be the precise spot where the Ganges leaves the mountains and enters the plains. Hindu’s believe that the River Ganges has the power to wash away their sins and this fact is enforced by a footstep Vishnu left in stone here. This Ghat sits on the west bank of the Ganges Canal and every evening at sunset priests perform the Ganga Aarti (The river worship ceremony) here, where floating lamps are set out on the water to drift downstream.
Chandi Devi Temple: This temple dedicated to the Goddess Chandi is situated on the eastern banks of the river Ganges and was built in 1929 by Suchat Singh, the king of Kashmir.
Mansa Devi Temple: Situated atop Bilwa Parwat, the temple of Goddess Mansa Devi (the goddess who fulfils desires) is a popular tourist destination, because of the cable cars that offer a beautiful view of the valley.
Neel Dhara Pakshi Vihar: This bird sanctuary is situated on the main River Ganges at the Bhimgoda barrage and is a paradise for bird watchers and home to many migratory birds during the winters.
Weather Of Haridwar
Haridwar’s weather is affected by its close proximity to the Himalayan Range and the city experiences an extreme climate, being too hot in the summers and too cold in the winters. The summer season in Haridwar, that lasts from April to July can be rather uncomfortable, though summer nights can be quite pleasant. Winter months in Haridwar last from October to Feburary and can be very cold. The best time to visit Haridwar is from September to June as the summer months are uncomfortably hot and the monsoons can make commuting difficult.