Archive for the ‘Religious Places In India’ Category
March 1st, 2012 | 
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One of the first public buildings built by the East India Company is the St. John’s Church of Kolkata which was built in 1787 and is also known as ‘The Stone Church.’ It is close to BBD Bagh.
This church is the first Anglican Church in India. Its design is similar to the famous St. Martin-in-the-Fields Church in London which is regarded as the most beautiful church in the world.
In the internal works of St. John’s Church, the Grecian architectural features are evident and there is a beautiful mixing of steeple and portico that has columns. There is an altar inside and many rare drawings of late archbishops of Canterbury.
The cynosure is a painting of ‘The Last Supper’ which is drawn by Johann Zoffani, the noted German painter. There is also a cemetery in the church, where there are graveyards of Julius Imhoff, Admiral Watson and Job Charnock, the founder of Kolkata.
The tranquillity of this church offers a feeling of eternal bliss and hence people from different corners of the world come to view the beauty and grandeur of the place.
St John’s cathedral, built in 1787, was designed by Lieutenant James Agg of the Bengal Engineers and based on the design of St Martin-in-the-Fields in London. A ramp had been built by the side of the Cathedral to allow easy access for palanquins. To the right of the cathedral is the monument to the Rohilla campaign of 1794.
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The area around this temple has been named after the Bull temple (Basavanagudi, meaning Temple of the Bull). Dedicated to Nandi, the mount of Lord Shiva, the Bull temple located within Bugle Rock park is said to be the biggest temple to Nandi in the world. Nandi faces the temple and there are also sculptures of Surya and Chandra on their horse-drawn chariots.
The majestic monolithic structure of Nandi, over 15-foot tall and 20-foot long, has a rather interesting legend behind it. Apparently, the area surrounding the temple was an expanse of groundnut fields. One day, a farmer saw a bull making a meal of the crops and was so enraged that he hit it with a club. The bull sat down and was transformed into stone. What’s more, it kept growing bigger. Worried farmers turned to Lord Shiva who told them about a trident buried a few feet away from the bull. He asked them to place the trident on the bull’s forehead to stop it from growing – that explains the trident on the bull’s forehead even today. According to a 17th century inscription at the base of the structure, the river Vishwa Bharathi is believed to have originated here.
According to another legend, Kempe Gowda visited the temple and learnt about the story. He prayed for the welfare of the farmers there and had a vision of a treasure. Later he discovered the treasure and used it to build a temple modeled on the architectural Hampi temple in Vijayanagar.
The story of Basava is also what’s behind the Kadlekai (groundnut) Parishe (fair) that’s held every year near the temple premises in November. This is the time when over 100,000 lamps are lit and farmers from Tamill Nadu, Andhra Pradesh and locals offer their first crop to Lord Basava.
The popular legend regarding the Bull Temple is that, the farmers used the nearby area of the temple called as Sunkenahalli to grow groundnut. One day a farmer was enraged to see a bull grazing on his fully-grown crop and hit it. The bull sat in the middle of the field and was transformed into a stone. As a penance the farmer built a temple. To thank God, every year the farmers hold a Groundnut Fair (kadalekayi parishe) and offer groundnut from their harvest. There is no entry fee for the Bull Temple and the visiting hours for devotees are from 6a.m. to 8 p.m.
4 km away from Janpath to the N-East of Feroz Shah near Delhi Gate at Ring Rd on the bank of Jamuna situated Rajghat. Jawaharlal Nehru Rd also ends opp. Rajghat. On 31st Jan. 1948, Mahatma Gandhi’s last rites was performed here. The memorial stone of Gandhi is square in shape made of black stone. His last ward- ‘Hey Ram’ is inscribed on it.
Ordinary people, VIPs, foreign tourists all come here at Rajghat to pay their homage to him. On every Friday (the day of his death) a prayer is being held. Except Monday, a regular feature of projecting Gandhi philosophy in picture, sculpture and photos from 10-00 to 17-00 is being performed at Rajghat. Besides, there is Gandhi Memorial Museum projecting his life and the philosophy of Sarvodaya Movement in film from 9-30 to 17-30 except Thursday and on Sunday at 16-00 in Hindi and 17-00 in English.
Another Gandhi memorial is Gandhi Balidansthal or assassinated spot at Tis January Marg of the city. On 30 Jan. 1948 on his way to prayer at Biral Bhawan , he was assassinated by bullets. Hence, this memorial.
Tourist Attractions Of Raj Ghat
Gandhi’s Memorial
Set in the midst of deep green lawns, Raj Ghat is the place where Mahatma Gandhi was cremated. 
A memorial to the father of the nation, Rajghat is a simple square platform with a black memorial stone with “Hey Ram” engraved on it, and a flame burning perpetually. “Hey Ram” were the words uttered by the Mahatma before collapsing, after being shot at.
Gardens and Pathways
Located on the west bank of the River Yamuna, Raj Ghat is surrounded by a wooded area and several exotic shrubs that give the area a serene ambience. Walk along the ornate stone pathways as you relax on your tour to the samadhi of one of the greatest leaders, statesman and humanist ever born. Pay your respects at Rajghat and feel an indescribable peace as you approach the resting place of one of the greatest proponents of non-violence.
Other memorials
Along with Gandhi’s memorial, several other Indian leaders, have been honored with a memorial for them. Some of these leaders belong to the Mahatma’s time, while others were his successors. A list of these people include, Jawaharlal Nehru, whose memorial is called Shantivan, Rajiv Gandhi’s Vir Bhumi and Indira Gandhi’s Shakti Sthal. Though the site is named after Mahatma’s memorial itself, it is quite a big area with other memorials to greet as well.
About The Place
Place : Mumbai, Maharashtra
Significance : Tomb of Muslim saint Haji Ali
Best Season : Throughout the year
How to Go To Haji Ali
Air : Bombay’s International Terminal is at Sahar, 30 kms (Ph: 8366700) and Domestic Terminal at Santacruz, 26 km (Ph: 6116009) respectively from downtown Mumbai. Most of the International Airlines, Indian Airlines Vayudoot & many other private airlines touch Bombay and connect it with the major cities of India and the world. There are domestic flights to all the major cities of the country.
Rail: Mumbai has trains connecting it to all the major cities of the country. Bombay is the headquarters for both western & Central Railways. Central Railways handles services to the east and south, plus a few trains to the north. Western Railways has services to the north from Churchgate and Central stations. Central Railways operates from the VT Railway Station (Chhatrapati Shivaji Terminal) located in the Fort area (ph: 2623535). Other railway stations are Dadar, Churchgate and Kurla. Regular train services connect Bombay with all major towns and cities in India. Intra city trains in Mumbai are very good, and are the fastest and cheapest way to move around in Mumbai.
Road: Mumbai is connected by good motorable road to Pune 163 km, 
Nasik 185 km, Mahabaleshwar 239 km, Shirdi 307 km, Aurangabad 392 km, Vadodara 432 km, Ahmedabad 545 kms, Panaji 597 kms, Hyderabad 711 kms, Bangalore 998 kms. Intra city bus services are also very good. The Maharashtra State Transport Bus Terminal (Ph: 3076622, 3074272), J B Behran Marg, is directly opposite the Central Train Station.
Local Transport: Metered black & yellow top taxies, Auto rickshaws, B.E.S.T. city buses, Electric trains are available
Tourist Attraction
Situated at the end of a 500m causeway protruding into the Arabian Sea is the whitewashed Haji Ali Mosque, containing the tomb of a Muslim saint Haji Ali who is believed to have meditated on these very shores.
It is said that Haji Ali was a wealthy Muslim merchant who renounced all his worldly belongings before embarking on a pilgrimage to Mecca. He died in Mecca and the casket miraculously drifted and came to the spot where the mosque and tomb were built by his devotes in the early 19th century. The Mosque lies opposite to the famous Mahalakshmi temple and can be approached from Lala Rajpatrai Marg.
Haji Ali is a handsome example of Islamic architecture standing on an island. In fact, this holy place is visited by many devotees as well as visitors who are attracted by the beauty of the site. The widespread belief is that whoever prays to the deity here is never disappointed. A number of pilgrims come here for thanksgiving. Haji Ali’s sister also followed her brother’s footsteps and became his companion in ascetic suffering. There is a mausoleum built for her a little distance away on Worli Bay.
How To Reach Shirdi
Nearest airports are Mumbai (260 km), Pune (185 km), and Aurangabad (125 km). Flights for all the major cities in India and abroad can be taken from Mumbai. The nearest railway station is Manmad (60 km) on the Central Railway, which is connected to many parts of the country with express trains. Most of the trains touching Nasik Road railway station also touch Manmad. Shirdi has railway reservation office for trains from Manmad. Taxis and buses are easily available at Manmad railway station for transfer to Shirdi. Regular taxi service also operates between Manmad railway station and bus stand. State Transport Corporation and private operators run coaches to Shirdi from Mumbai. The easiest way to get to Shirdi is by bus.
If you fly into the Mumbai airport, hire a taxi (the ones that are in lines at the very front of the airport) to take you to the Dadar Bus Stand. The cost is about Rs.-150 to Rs.-175 (make sure they turn the meter on). There are also people who will try to redirect you to their own “private” taxis. These “private” taxis charge between Rs. 400 to Rs. 600 to take you to the Dadar Bus Stand.
At the Dadar Bus Stand, there are long lines of small ticket counters that sell bus tickets to Shirdi. Preferably, try to get an A/C direct bus (Rs.-300). If you are not able to get an A/C direct bus, get a non-A/C direct bus (Rs.-150). Buses leave almost every 3 hours from Mumbai to Shirdi. So your wait will not be long. The buses make about 2 stops for food. The restaurants are non-vegetarian. So make sure you pack some snacks and bottled water for the trip. Keep an eye on your luggage! Try to get a bus that departs before 11am so you will not arrive too late at Shirdi.
Special About The Temple
Once you go inside the Temple for Darshan, you can expect long lines if it is a Holy Day. Otherwise, you will not have to wait long at all. Avoid Holy Days (the lines are extremely long and the wait can easily exceed 5 hours). You can expect police officers and Temple workers to be screaming loudly at people to hurry up and move forward. I would suggest you get in the furthest left-hand side line. In that line, you can touch Sai Baba’s actual samadhi and the silver chappals that are located there. You can offer flowers and there are places where you can offer money. As soon as you offer your flowers and touch his samadhi, kindly leave the area. Winters are the best season to visit Shirdi. The months from September to April being the ideal period. The daytime temperature is pleasant during this period, making the days excellent for visiting the tourist attractions of the town. The summers can get very hot (May-August). Make sure you drink bottled water.
Special Teaching By Sai Baba
ll religions preach that God is Almighty and He is omnipresent. The omnipresence of God is clearly manifested in the various experiences that Sai Baba has given to his devotees— anywhere, anytime. He once said, “He who thinks that I am only at Shirdi has never known me. I am omnipresent—-anywhere, everywhere, all the time and in all creation. I am at Shirdi and everywhere. I am formless and everywhere! I am everything and beyond. All the Universe is in Me. Wherever you see, whatever you see, I am there.” He not only preached this, but he demonstrated the truth through his deeds (Leelas).
The omnipresence of Shri Sai Baba demonstrated that he knows everything that has happened, happening and will happen in the lives of all creatures in the world. In addition to this, he also demonstrated that omnipresence of God is also manifested in the non-living things. This provides an effective check on the evil propensities of devotees. But still, he always said, “I am the slave of God”; “Allah Malik”.
Main Tourist Attraction
Gurusthan Mandir
This is the place where Baba first appeared to the world as a boy of 16 years & this place is supposed to be Baba’s Gurusthan. the famous Margosa (Neem) tree is here. it has a reference in Shri Sai Sat-charita. Devotees claim that their ailments are cured by burning incense here on Thursday & Friday.
Samadhi Mandir
Samadhi Mandir of Shri Sai Baba was actually owned by a millionaire from Nagpur,
a famous Sai devotee Shreemant Gopalrao. Gopalrao wanted to keep an idol of Murlidhar here. However, Baba himself became Murlidhar and the Mandir became the Samadhi Mandir of Baba.
The Mandir is built with stones and Baba’s Samadhi is built with white marble stones. A railing is built in marble around the Samadhi and is full of ornamental decorations. In front of the Samadhi are two silver pillars full of decorative designs. Just behind the Samadhi is Sai Baba’s marvelous statue made of Italian marble which shows him seated on a throne. This idol was made by late Balaji Vasant.
Chawdi Mandir
On every alternate day Baba used to proceed in procession from Dwarkamai to this place at night & halt & sleep here. Now also on every Thursday Palanquin procession of Baba’s Photo. Holy Padukas & Satka is taken to this place between 9.15 p.m. & 10.00 p.m. The Chavadi is divided into two parts. One part of the Chavadi has a large portrait of Baba along with a wooden bed and a white chair belonging to him.
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.
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.