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Archive for the ‘Madhya Pradesh’ Category

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.

Chitrakut is one of the most sacred pilgrim sites of north India. It covers a vast area comprising five villages: Sitapur, Karvi, Nayagaon, Kamta, and Khohi. The mountain ranges of the Vindhya surround the area. Mixed forests spread in all directions. An aura of sanctity surrounds the place. The countryside seems to exert a peculiar power over the residents and visitors alike. Today, the main pilgrim center, Ram Ghat, on the banks of the river Mandakini is synonymous with Chitrakut.The district is bordered by Kaushambi in the North, Satna and Rewa of Madhya Pradesh in the South, Prayagraj of Allahabad in the East and Banda in the West. Chitrakoot is located in the Northern Vindhya Range, which consists of Madfa Pahar, Chitrakoot Parvat Mala and Balmiki Pahar. The district is located on the bank of the Mandakini River, which is also known as the Paishwani River.

Chitrakoot is believed to be the dwelling place of Lord Rama, his wife Sita and his brother Lakshman, during their exile of eleven and a half years. It is also believed that all the gods and goddesses came to Chitrakoot when Lord Rama performed the ‘shraddha’ ceremony of his father. The gods and goddesses were so impressed by the beauty of the place that they were unwilling to depart.

Tourists Attractions

Chitrakoot is a popular tourist destination, which is known for its natural beauty and religious landmarks. The most important religious place in Chitrakoot is Kamadgiri. This hollow, bow-shaped mountain houses numerous caves and a big lake inside. Ram Ghat is another important sightseeing attraction, located on the bank of River Mandakini and has many temples. Sati Anusuya Ashrama, Valmiki Ashrama and Sutikshna Ashrama are few other places that tourists visit. Tourists with a flair for natural attractions can visit Mayurdhwaj Ashrama and Pramod Van. Janaki Kund is the serene stretch of river Mandakini with crystal clear greenish blue water, which is believed to be the bathing place of Sita.

Most of the spots of tourist importance are along the river Mandakini. Janaki Kund is a straight stretch of river and a series of steps on the left bank descended to the water, almost greenish-blue in color. According to a legend, it was the favorite bathing spot of Sita. Beyond Janaki Kund, the river is enchantingly beautiful. Ram Ghat is a long stretch of steps cut into the banks where pilgrims perform religious ablutions and rituals. Many compare its hallowed sanctity to Rishikesh and Benaras.

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.

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.