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Archive for the ‘States of West India’ Category

Juhu beach is one of the most attractive sea beaches of Mumbai. This flat beach is located almost at center of the Mumbai town. Located 18-km north of the city centre, it’s a major beach site on the shores of Arabian Sea and is one of the posh localities of Mumbai where one can find the bungalows of the famous film personalities of Bollywood. It’s also a favourite shooting site among the filmmakers as many film shootings are also held over here.

On the southern end of the Juhu beach one can find many Luxury hotels and apartments, which are regarded as a favourite haunt of Mumbai’s movers and shakers. The beach, which almost seems deserted during weekdays, always tends to get very crowded on weekends. One of the major attraction of Juhu beach is Sunset.

Juhu has the specialty of being the largest as well the most frequently visited beaches in India. Climate being uniform that is warm, except during monsoon rains from June to September, Juhu is a wonderful resort for the tourist. Juhu is the best place to bring the entire community (Mumbaikars – residents of Mumbai) on common social grounds and much interaction takes place amidst the natural ambience provided by the beach. Children, adults and aged, locals and tourists all make up the population that inhibits the beach especially on weekends.

The beach was in news in mid 2005 following the diamond rush. It is believed that high tides had brought with it colored crystals called Ámerican diamonds’ and people next day joined in great numbers for the treasure hunt. The American diamonds were for sure recovered but their worth goes no more than 10 rupees.

Porbandar was the last capital of the Jethwa Rajputs, who ruled this area for about 1200 years- shifting capitals from Ghumli, Ranpur and Chhaya. Present day Porbandar was established as a capital by Rana Sartanji in 1785 AD. Porbandar is situated along the Arabian Sea in the western Indian state of Gujarat. Famous as the birthplace of Mahatma Gandhi, the city is well connected to the other parts of the country by rail, road, and air. The most impressive feature of Porbandar is the city planning and the stone buildings with ashlar masonary and rich carving. The facades of the houses on either side of the streets, with series of windows, carved gateways, using eclectic architectural language, invites tourists to experience the streetscape on foot. The series of vistas enriched by a skyline of temples and beautiful public buildings and edifices overlooking the sea on Marine Drive puts Porbandar on the list of coastal heritage towns of Gujarat.

Kirti Mandir : It is built next to the birthplace of Mahatma Gandhi, who was born here in 1869 AD. Lacs of Indian tourists visit the house of the Mahatma and Kasturba, his wife. Kirti Mandir has a Gandhian library and a prayer hall.

Huzoor Palace : It is located at the end of Marine Drive, in a huge campus. The sprawling palace, built in the European style with sloping roofs is a horizontal structure with several wings and big windows, overlooking the sea. The wings are interspersed with the back and front yards, bringing nature and the building together by gardens and fountains. The semi-circular porticos with neo-classical pillars, decorated entrance gate and commanding view makes it a must for the visitor. Other such examples of Royal and Public heritage buildings from the colonial period are public library, old Raj Mahal (now a college), Victoria Jubilee Madresa, Collectorate, Bhavsinhji High School, Natwarsinhji Sports Club.

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.
 

Built around 1785, the history of this temple is supposedly connected with the building of the Hornby Vellard. It is said that when Britishers failed in their repeated attempts to connect Mahalakshmi area to Worli by building Breach Candy on account of ferocious tides, they had almost surrendered. The problem was fixed only by divine intervention when the goddess Lakshmi appeared in the dream of chief engineer and asked him to remove the three statues from the sea bed and establish them in a proper shrine.
A search operation was launched to recover the statues and a temple was built. After this, the work on the vellard could be completed without a hitch.

The Temple contains images of Goddess Mahalakshmi, Mahakali and Mahasaraswathi. All three images are adorned with nose rings, gold bangles and pearl necklaces. The image of Mahalakshmi is shown riding a tiger and a demon (Mahishasur) in a tandem. Beyond the ornate gate is the shrine wherein resides the buxom goddess of Lucre — Laxmi. The compound of this temple is abuzz with stalls selling flower garlands and pious paraphernalia.
 

The known history of the temple dates back to early nineteenth century. This temple has been renovated thoroughly in the late 1900s in order to accomodate the needs of the surging crowds of devotees that throng the temple during festive occasions.

The narrow lane outside the temple is the ‘Phool galli’ lined with innumerable stalls selling tulsi flower garlands, coconuts, an array of sweets including the pear shaped favourite yellow sweet of Lord Ganesha, the ‘modak’, and a range of religious paraphernalia. Here beggar men women and children alike, abound.

There are some people who earn their daily bread by guarding the footwear of the devotees while they are inside the temple. Security guards are present at the gates and inside the temple as well. There is a statue of a squatting nandi or the sacred cow, which is the mode of transport of Lord Shiva. Thousands throng the mandir everyday. Popular belief goes that Ganapati, as Lord Ganesha is
called, does not disappoint his devotees. The upper floors house the residential
quarters of the priests.

The sanctum here houses a small mandapam enshrining Siddhi Vinayak. The inner roof of the sanctum is plated with gold, and the wooden doors to the sanctum are carved with images of Ashta Vinayak. The most prominent landmark Prabhadevi attracts many devotees from all over the city. Tuesday is considered the most auspicious day and devotees stand for hours (even before the crack of dawn) in long winding queues to seek blessings of Lord Ganesha. On special days the line can be s long as 3000 people or more.
 

Mumbai is the center of India’s huge Hindi film industry, producing 120 feature films a year. Much of the glamour associated with the city stems from its celebrated position as the dream-factory of the nation. The local film industry is known as Bollywood. It’s a ragtag speculative trade, flush with
black money and low on innovation. The films it produces tend to be spectacular melodramatic fantasies. They are known disparagingly as ‘masala movies’ because they are made to an established formula that mixes a variety of ingredients – action, violence, music, dance, romance and moralizing – into one outrageous blend. While plenty of thought- provoking ‘artistic’ Indian films are appreciated in the west, masala movies are largely viewed with contempt. It’s
not hard to figure out why. Stock characters, exaggerated acting, self-conscious editing, implausible, narratives and heroines who burst into song every five minutes are just the beginning of a long list of unlikely features that you are going to have to accept at face value if you want to enjoy a Bollywood flick. Despite being dismissed as escapist claptrap, plenty of masala movies get their narrative drive from social issues like communalism, ethnicity and caste. Many also address the effects of modernization and urbanization on traditional Indian
institutes such as the family and marriage. As you’d expect from any vibrant cultural form, masala movies are a reflection of India’s social and political milieu. This doesn’t diminish their appeal or (thank goodness) unduly imbue them with profundity, but it does mean they have an astonishingly direct feed into the lives of their audiences that outsiders may find hard to fathom. On the surface it may be Rambo, Romeo and Robin Hood, but the subtext is likely to be
the Mahabharata, dharma, and social justice. In this context , it’s not surprising that masala movies have been one of the most potent forces shaping Indian ideas of nationhood.