Archive for the ‘Madhya Pradesh’ Category
January 10th, 2009 | 
Author: Sati Anusuya Ashrama
Sati Anusuya ashrama is in Chitrakuta, located further upstreams the Mandakini, 16 km from the town, set amidst thick forests that round to the melody of birdsong all day. It was here that sage Atri, his wife Anusuya and their three sons ( who were the three incarnations of Brahma, Vishnu and Mahesh), lived and are said to have meditated. Sati Anusuya ashrama at present is a very peaceful place where various streams from the hills converge and form the Mandakini River. It is said that Rama along with Sita had visited this place to meet Maharishi Atri and Sati Anusuya. It is here Sati Anusuya explained to Sita the grandeur and importance of satitva.
Ramghat
Ramghat is the most important pilgrimage site of Chitrakoot located on the banks of River Mandakini. A lot of religious activities take place at the Ramghat . A large number of devotees throng the area to offer their prayers. You can also take a boat ride in the rippling waters of the River Mandakini. The view of the banks of the river from the boats is lovely and is sure to impress you. The activity builds up in a crescendo of colour and spontaneous expressions of faith through the day, past high noon, gently diminishing as the setting sun picks out the bright colours of flower petals floating down the river, while the evening ‘arti’ lends its melodious cadences to the deepening dusk. At all times, Ramghat witnesses a deep and abiding faith which finds expression in the rituals which honour the sanctity of chitrakoot.
Janaki Kund
Janaki Kund is a beautiful stretch of the river Mandakini. The blue water of the river well compliments the crystal clear sky. Everything seems to be in absolute harmony with nature. There is not a chord which is out of place. You will surely be impressed by the tranquil surroundings of this place. There are two approaches to janaki kund: 2 km up from Ramghat by boat, or by road along a foliagelined drive. Certainly, this quiet spot seems to have been specially blessed, for an aura of total harmony and quietitude haloes it, seting it apart from the bustle of the everyday world.
Gupt-Godavari
Gupt-Godavari is situated at a distance of 18 km from town. Here is a pair of caves, one high and wide with an entrance through which one can barely pass, and the other long and narrow with stream of water running along its base. It is believed that lord Rama and Lakshmana held court in latter cave, which has two natural throne-like rocks.
Hanuman Dhara
Hanuman Dhara is a spring located on a steep hillside in Chitrakut. On foot one has to climb a steep flight of 360 steps to reach this place. There is a big statue of Lord Hanuman, on which the water of this spring tumbles over. It is believed that, Hanuman Dhara was created by Ram to assuage Hanuman when he returned after setting Lanka on fire. A couple of temples commemorate this spot which offers a panoramic view of Chitrakoot. There is an open, paved area here in the shade of a massive peepul tree, a lovely halting place after the long climb up.
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Here are some more places to see in Gwalior, Madhya Pradesh.
Tomb of Mohammad Ghaus
Ghaus’ tomb is built in the shape of a large square with hexagonal towers at its corners. The walls of the building have elaborate carved-stone latticework. The whole building is surmounted by a large dome, which was earlier covered with blue glazed tiles. The tomb of Mohammad Ghaus, a saint of the Islamic faith of the 16th century. Associating hardly any importance from a historical point of view, the tomb exudes sheer beauty. The stone carvings in the panels of screen work create a magical charm.
Memorial of Tansen
Next to the tomb of Ghaus is located another small tomb – the Memorial of Tansen. This is the memorial built to commemorate Tansen, the great musician and one of the nine gems of Akbar’s court. It is here that the annual Tansen Sangeet Samaroh, a world-renowned music festival, is held. This pillar of Hindustani classical music is built in the early Mughal architectural style. More than a monument, the tomb is part of Gwalior’s living cultural heritage. It is the venue of the annual Tansen Music Festival.
Kala Vithika
Located near the Gwalior Railway Station, Kala Vithika bears a major part of the town’s history and culture. Kala Vithika is one of the treasure houses of arts in Gwalior. It remains closed on Sundays and public holidays. The tourists can get a glimpse of the history and culture of Gwalior at Kala Vithika. The museum offers a delightful experience to the tourists coming to Gwalior.
Surya Mandir
The Surya Mandir (Sun Temple), a replica of the famed Sun Temple at Konark in Orissa is one of the important tourist attractions of Gwalior. It was built by G. D. Birla, the famous Indian industrialist. The Surya Mandir, Madhya Pradesh is one of the new entrants into the list of the places of interest in Gwalior. The temple is one of the architectural wonders and has a beautiful sculpture of Lord Surya in the temple premises.Surya Temple, Gwalior has captivating exteriors which has been built of red sand stone.The temple interior has white marble and this adds to the exotic beauty of this marvelous creation.
Teli-ka-Mandir
The ninth century temple of Teli-ka-Mandir, built in Dravidian form, is believed to be the oldest in the fort. The sculptures are particularly North Indian. Devoted to Lord Vishnu, a figure of garuda (mythical bird) resides on top of the 10-metre-high doorway. A figure of Garuda crowns the high doorway, which is the highest structure in the fort.
Here are some places to visit in Gwalior, Madhya Pradesh.
Gujari Mahal and Archaeological Museum
Gujari Mahal Archaeological Museum is a place where you can find the rare and atypical antiquities. The most striking and prominent feature of Gujari Mahal is the precious stones and jewels in the crown.The place has wide collection of unique variety sculptures fitting in the 1st Century AD. It speaks of Man Singh’s love for his ninth Gujar wife, Mrignayni, in loving memory of whom this special palace was built. It now serves as a museum housing a large collection of stone carvings.
Suraj Kund
Constructed in the 15th century, the Suraj Kund complex dates back to as early as AD 425. This is considered to be the place where Sage Gwalipa healed Suraj Sen of leprosy with the waters of this pool. The myth behind this legendary pond is very fascinating. It says that the chronic illness of Suraj Sen was cured after he had tasted the water of the pond. The king as a token of his gratitude towards the saint, who had cured his disease, built a tank and the mighty fort and named the city after the sage. The pond that can be seen in the fort drags the attention of the people because of its great historical value and sumptuousness.
Sas-Bahu Temples
The temple has a rare quality of architectural skill displayed in it, it has all the qualities of a fabulous worship. There are two temples, which are conjointly known as the Sas Bahu Temple. One of the temples is bigger than the other, and perhaps for that reason, one is considered as the Mother-in Law whiles the other as the Daughter-in-Law. Graceful figures are in scripted on the wall of the temple and there are pillars that are also display architectural skills.
Man Mandir Palace
Built by Man Singh Tomar between 1486 and 1516, the Man Mandir is a huge palace. It is supposedly the fort’s prized possession. Also known as the Chitra Mandir or the Palace of Paintings, it exhibits tiled and painted decorations of peacocks and several other birds. The only fascinating feature in this palace is the nicely carved stonewalls of the vast chambers. One among the important spot in this palace is the Jauhar Pond, where the Rajput ladies committed sati. The circular prison in the palace had witnessed the brutal murder of Murad by the hands of his own brother.
Chitrakoot is located in the northern spurs of the Vindhyas. It is also known as ‘the hill of many wonders. The place holds spritual significance.Accoding to hindu mythology,Lord Rama along with his brother and wife Sita spent eleven out of fourteen years of exile in these forest , Sage Atri and Sati Anusuya meditated on this ground and the principal trinity of the Hindu pantheon, Brahma, Vishnu and Mahesh, took their incarnations. Sufferers and seekers, poets and visionaries, princes and noblemen have, through the ages, sought and founds solace in Chitrakoot. The place also serves as a pilgrim centre.
Best Time To Visit
The best time to visit the place is from October to March.The time is most suitable as the place experience moderate climate during this time of the year.
Gwalior is a city in Madhya Pradesh in India. It lies 122 km south of Agra with a population of 690,342. 
At the heart of Gwalior is its fortress (Gwalior Fort), built by Raja Man Singh Tomar, of the Tomar dynasty. There are many impressive sculptures, which were defaced by Babur’s forces and renovated later. The images are in five main groups. Teli Ka Mandir has distinct pattern which integrates a Dravidian roof with Indo-Aryan decorations. Sculptures adorn the utmost part of temple. Man Singh Palace also known as the Chit Mandir or Painted Palace is ornated by paintings of ducks, peacocks and elephants. The other palaces are Karan Palace or Kirti Mandir, Jehangir Mahal and Shan Jahan Mahal. The palace has a large tank Jauhar Kund where the Rajput women of the harem carried out mass sati or self-immolation after the Raja was defeated in battle in 1232.
Madhya Pradesh is often called the Heart of India as it occupies the central position of India. Its capital is Bhopal. Madhya Pradesh was originally the largest state in India until November 1, 2000 when the southeastern portion of the state split off to form the new state of Chhattisgarh, Chhattisgarh, Maharashtra, Gujarat and Rajasthan. Madhya Pradesh was created in 1950 from the former British Central Provinces and Berar and the princely states of Makrai and Chhattisgarh, with Nagpur as the capital of the state. The State is made up of 48 districts.
Known for its archetecturial style and scenic beauty, Madhya Pradesh’s three sites have been declared World Heritage Sites by UNESCO. They are the Khajuraho Group of Monuments (1986) including Devi Jagadambi temple, Buddhist Monuments at Sanchi (1989) and the Rock Shelters of Bhimbetka (2003).