Vithoba:Pandharpur

Vithoba:Pandharpur

[Vithoba Che Navane Chang Bhala]

In the Aashad [usually July] it common scene in the Maharashtra , Pandharpur bound roads are filled with walkers called “Varkari” and this procession of human ocean is called “Dindi”. If we go southwards from solapur towards the Vidharbha area of Maharashtra at the distance of about 70 km. a small town on the bank of river chandarbhaga is located “Pandharpur” the abode of Lord Vishnu [Vithoba] . Pandharpur along with the Shridi is the most visited pilgrimage city of Maharashtra. There is a Hindi movie song

“Ye to sach hai ki Bhagwan Hai, Hai Magar Phir Bhi Anjaan Hai

Dharti Pe Roop Maa Baap Ka Us Vidhata Ki Pehchan Hai”

[It is true God is there though be are not aware of his presence but fact is that on the earth Mother and Father are not only the form of the God but in fact are the identification mark of presence of God]

Pandharpur’s Vithoba Temple is the living illustration of it. There was a young boy named Pundlik lived there, as to serve his old age mother and father he decided to give up his whole life. Lord Vishnu become pleased with obedience and devotion of boy towards the mother and father so decided to bless and appreciate the boy in person, he appeared in the city as “Vithoba”. The word about incarnation spread over the city and everybody went to see this but as the mother and father were ill so Pundlik prefer to stay at home. Days went by and some one asks Pundlik that Vithoba is waiting for him and is standing since so many days. Listening to this Pundlik took a brick laying near by him and throw it in the direction of Vithoba with the words “Take this and rest on it till I get free from serving my old aged mother and father.” The place where the brick landed is the present temple and Vithoba is waiting for Pundlik, the dutiful son, to find time for him.

Since the centuries wait is on and so is the worship. Many saint-poets of Maharashtra have sung in praise of Vithal. The compositions of Sant Gyaneshwar, Sant Eknath, Sant Namdev, Sant Tukaram and the poetess Mukta Bai, though written hundreds of years ago, are current even now. These compositions guide one to the path of piety, truthfulness, devotion and dedication.

Temple here is with the six gates, the entrance is the Namdev gate or payari [Steps] named after saint Namdev, in between this and exit known as Pachhim Dwar there lies as many as 25 small temples in the same premises. These temples includes Ganesh Mandir, Garud Mandir, Ekmukh Dattatraya Mandir, Satyabhama Mandir and Kanhopatra Mandir.

Vithoba Temple is the only temple where on behalf of Government of Maharshtra a special worship ritual is organized and usually chief Minister of state remains present for this. Though Kartik Ekadasi [11^th day of Kartik Month] is also celebrated with same devotion of Aashad Ekadshi but it is Aashad Ekadashi on which more than 15 Lakhs of devotees not only from Maharashtra but all over the world present for the blessing from Vithoba and Rukma. The daily worship ritual at temple includes

Kakad Arati (Early Morning Prayers)

Mahapuja (Mega-Worship)

Mahanaivedya (Food offering)

Poshakh (putting the robe)

Dhoop Arati

Padya Pooja .

On the Aashad Ekadashi day [This year on 26^th July 2007] atmosphere at Pandharpur is always filled with sounds of “Vithoba Che Navane Chang Bhala.”

Hindu Temples- Kashi Vishwanath

Hindu Temples- Kashi Vishwanath
"Kashi Karvat" it the faith of Hindus all over the world that one of dies in the city of Kashi will directly go to heaven, hence old age people come to the city for a stay till the death, this is known as the "Kashi Karvat." Kashi is also synonymous for the terminator of the universe Lord Shiva. The city is also have the fame of being first of tweleve "Jyotirlings" .Kashi now known as Varanasi and Vishavnath temple are the identification mark for each other. On the banks of holly river Ganga, is situated , temple of Lord Shiva " Vishavnath Temple" according to epic the original shiva Ling is lying hiden in the well of knowledge situated next to temple. The temple is open only to Hindus. Other religion followers are not allowed to enter the temple, though they can take an outside view of the temple. The building of temple has been constructed and destructed many times. The last known invasion was by Aurangzeb, who destroyed the temple heavily. He constructed a mosque, called Gyanwapi Mosque, in the same compound. The mosque shares same wall with the temple. In 1776, Maharani Ahilyabai of Indore, donated heavily to re-construct the buildings of temple. Maharaj Ranjit Singh of Lahore is said to have donated 1000 Kg of gold to construct the 16 mt high spire of the temple. Beside the Ayodhya's Ram Janam Bhoomi dispute about this land also comes to surface from time to time. the Dashashwamedh Ghat one of the most famous ghat got its name from the epic that When Lord Shiva decided to stay in the city , Brahama welcomed him by sending his 10 10 horses chariot. City and temple are true representative of the timeless cultural traditions and highest spiritual values.

Hindu, Temples - II

Kailash Temple,Ellora Caves

Among the prime tourist attraction of Maharashtra tourism one is Ellora caves. The nearest Air port is Aurangabad , vigrously growing city of the Maharashtra state. There are about 34 caves and the most famous one is kown as the Kailash Temple.It is believed that it was constructed under the guidance of King Krishna around 750 and about 200,000 tones of rock were used for the two story construction. This is probably the world's largest monolithic structure. Representing Shiva's Himalayan home, the temple is exquisitely sculpted and is considered as one of the most astonishing 'buildings' in the history of architecture. A crowning glory of the art, Kailash temple at Ellora is indeed unique. Instead of carving down into the face of a cliff and creating underground halls which had been the practice, the sculptors/architects set aside all convention and created a full temple, identical in every detail to a structural, 'built-up' example, by carving vertically down into the living rock. Along with Ajantha caves [situated near Jalgaon, the work place of present President of India, Pritibha Tai Patil and upcoming Metro of the state], Ellora caves were included in the UNESCO World Heritage list in the year 1983. Though the human interference is forcing deshaping of stone craved statues and clours but still the caves are worth to visit for a look in the history. Ellora caves are also part of Buddhism travel of India.

Jwalamukhi Temple

In India there is ample space for religious tourism. It is common faith that Hindus have 33 Karores of Devi and Devtasa.This huge number of Deities has added numerously in the number of temples in India. Among one of the 51 Shaktipeeths of India, the Jwalamukhi Devi Temple, tended by the followers of Goraknath, is set against a cliff. The picturesque temple, built in the Indo-Sikh style, is a modern building whose dome is of gilt, gold and pinnacles and possesses a beautiful folding door of silver plates, presented by the Sikh Raja Kharak Singh.
Dedicated to the "Goddess of Light", the Jwalamukhi temple is one of the most popular Hindu temples in Northern India. The temple located on a small spur on the Dharamshala-Shimla road at a distance of about 20-kms from the Jwalamukhi Road Railway Station attracts lakhs of pilgrims every year. In this temple there is a copper pipe through which natural gas comes out.
After Daksha Yoga Bhagna, Lord Shiva placed the burnt dead body of Sati on his shoulders and started wandering about in a state of madness. To save the world from the destructive wrath of Lord Shiva, Lord Vishnu started cutting the limbs of the dead Goddess Parvati one by one. The places where they fell became sacred centers for the worship of Shakti. The tongue of Sati fell at the place where the temple of Jwalamukhi is situated. The flames that come out of the openings in the earth?s surface are regarded as the manifestations of the fallen tongue of Sati and are worshipped as "Jwalamukhi Devi" (Goddess, who emits flames from her mouth).

This place is also famous for the natural beauty of mountains. Dharamshala is in the Kangada district of the Himachal Pradesh and have many attractions for the buddhists .Presence of oak and and conifer trees in the bacground of snow capped mountains give the feeling of Haven to tourist.

Abode of Lord Krishana : Jaganathpuri

Abode of Lord Krishana : Jaganathpuri

[World Famous Chariot Procession]

India, the piece of land from the globe, is most famous for the religious rituals and is known as the birth palce of many incarnations of the God. No other piece of land on earth can match the salvation properties hold by this land, the unique way of religious life style attracts millions and billions from other parts of the world towards India with a hopefull look of guiding them on the path of spirituality. On this land you will find every day and every walk of human life is related with one or other religious/spiritual ritual. Every socio religious celebration has a specific colobration with a particular God/ Goddess and is a step forward towards the salvation, the ultimate destination of human life. Some places of this land are have fame of being abode of God like Kailash is the abode of Lord Shiva, so is the Puri [Orissa] is the abode of Lord Krishna and is famous for "Rath Yatra" [Chariot Procession] This year this Rath Yatra is taking place on 16th July.
Puri or Jaganathpuri is famous as the city of temples some of famous temples of the city are:

Gundicha Temple

Astasambhu Temple

Astachandi Temple

Panchatirtha Temple

Loknath Temple

Chakratirtha Temple

Chakranarayan Temple

Daria Mahabir Temple

Ardhasani Temple

Siddha Mahavir Temple

Jameswara Temple

Alabukeswara Temple

Kapalamochana Temple / Manikarnika

Daksinakali Temple

Syamakali Temple

Dasavatara Temple

The Temple of Seven Mother Goddesses

Mausima Temple

A religious festival in a city with so many temples is just as the walk of day to day life hence visitors always get a chance to witness one or other socio religious celebration, but annual Rath Yatra has not only is specific in this arena but also attracts some milloins from all part of the country. Reports says that budget of this Rath Yatra goes over the US$ 10 millions as the preprations goes on through out the year, This Rath Yatra is specific in the way that chariots are pulled neither by animals nor the mechanical power but the devotees, which takes many hours to cover the distance of about 1.5 km from the Sinh Dwar [lion gate] of main temple to Janakpur, where Lord Krishna [Jagananth Ji] takes rest for three days and meet with Godess Laxmi [Godess of wealth] before returning back main temple. According to Sikand Puran the frist chariot for this journey was constructed by the Vishawkarma, the ever first architect and designer of human beings and modern chronologist dates writing of Puranas to the seventh century, it means this Rath Yatra is a centuries old tradition.

Hindu Temples

Ganpatiphule

Ganapatiphule is an important pligrimage centre. The temple of the 'Swayambhu Ganapati' is known for its unique idol of Lord Ganapati and its magnificient temple ('Swayambhu' or self originated, not manmade, 'Ganapati' or the lord of 'ganas' or army. 'Pule' or sand dune. That's how the name Ganapatiphule). The temple is 400 years old and is at the foot of a hillock. [Ratnagiri District Maharashtra State]

Guruvayoor Temple
Located 29 km north-west of Thrissur District in God's Own Kerala, Guruvayur is one of the most important pilgrimage centers of South India. Guruvayur is also called the Bhoolokavaikunta - the heaven on Earth! The square Sreekovil is the sacred sanctum Sanctorum of the temple, housing the main deity of Lord Krishna, an incarnation of Lord MahaVishnu.

Amarkantak: Pilgrimage in nature

Amarkantak: Pilgrimage in nature

India is the only country where rivers are worshiped, respected as mother and treated as the source of providing salvation. Among the Holly Rivers of India, river Ganga, Yamuna and Saraswati are the front runners. It is said for attaining purification one has to take a dip in Ganga and make prayers on the banks of Yamuna [for seven days] and Saraswati [For three days], where as due to boon of Lord Shiva river Narmada’s only sight is capable of the same. The origin of this sacred river Narmada lies at Maical Mountain in the mountain series of Vindh and Satupuda at Amarkantak.

This area of Maical Mountain is, the natural habituate of dense forest of teak and Mahua trees at the height of 3500 feet, with four rivers in all four directions, river Sone [Shone] in east, river Narmada in west, river Mahanadi in south and river Jawalawati [Juhala] in the north. The music of many waterfalls present in the area and singing birds of these evergreen forests are producing the most wonderful natural concert that leaves the tourist spellbound.

In the Ramayan era this mountain Maical [Maikal] was known as the “Hriuksh Paravat” according to famous epics King Ravana enjoyed the vision of beauty of this place from his aero plan “Pushpak”. In the Mahabharat era King Yudhistar visited mountain to worship Maha Muni Markandey in his aashram. Origin of the river Narmada is near this Aashram. Almost about 2,500 years of Mahabharat Adiguru Shankaracharya came to this place, in search of spiritual master at that time river Narmada was under the influence of floods which was about to disturb meditation of Swami Govindpad, Aacharya with the help of his kamandal constructed “Narmada Ashtak” to control the flood and after getting the guidance of spirituality from swami ji established “Shivlinga” there, which is at present is known as “Pataleshwar Mahadev”. Temples here are constructed from the black stones and are unique in architect though at some places a thinner similarity with the world heritage site Ellora caves is visible. Some of the places from the area which holds tourist attraction are

1.Narmada Mandir (group of temples) : Narmdeshwar temple which has a holy kund made at the source of river Narmada is the most important temple at Amarkantak. There are about twenty small temples in the premises of the Narmada Mandir each one of which is important in its own way. There is the Sati temple, which is, devoted to Parvati. The protected site of the ASI is close to the main Narmada temple.
2. Mai Ka Bagiya : About one Km. from the main temple, there is a garden, which lies in a densely forested area. It is popularly believed that the Narmada devi used to pluck flowers in this garden.
3. Sonmuda : The point of origin of the Sone river. It is also a “sunrise” point.
4. Bhrigumandal: It is around 3 Kms. from Amarkantak on a difficult forest trek route. It is believed that Bhrigu Rishi meditated here. The Parasvinayak and Chandi caves are on this route.
5. Kabir Chabutra: Saint Kabir spent time here in meditation.
6. Jwaleshwar Mahadev :The origin of river Johilla. There is a temple deep in the forest of Jwaleshwar Mahadev . There is a 'sunset point' close to this temple.
7. Kapildhara: At a distance of 8 Kms. from the origin of river Narmada, the river falls from a height of 100 feet creating a waterfall known as Kapildhara. It is believed that the Kapil rishi meditated here.
8. Dudhdhara: At a distance of 1 Km. from Kapildhara there is another beautiful waterfall on the river Narmada called Dudhdhara.
9. Shambhudhara & Durgadhara :Two other extremely beautiful waterfalls are situated deep in the forest. One has to walk a few Kms. to see these breathtaking waterfalls.
10. Sarvodya Jain Temple: This temple is under construction. It is considered a construction marvel. Cement and iron have not been used in this temple and the weight of the idol to be placed in the temple is around 24 Tones.

You can reach Amarkantak from the Jabalpur [M.P.] or From the Khajurahoo, it is almost in the mid of Bandhavgad and Kanha reserve forest so you can stay here while visiting these. Amarkantak is indeed blessed by Nature. Holy ponds, lofty hills, forested surroundings, marvelous waterfalls and an ever-pervading air of serenity make Amarkantak a much sought-after destination for the religious-minded as well as for the nature-lover.

Sea Shore Planet: Tourist Paradise: GOA [Part 2]

Sea Shore Planet: Tourist Paradise: GOA
[Goa Part II]

When in America or Europe or in UK people talk about Indian tourism the first word that is most probably pronounced is GOA and with the word everybody goes in the visualization and virtual feeling of calm and cool sea winds, lush green palms and coconuts, speeding boats on blue aqua and silvery sand. This is what GOA remains in the minds of tourist.

The fact remains undisputed, sea shores are the prime attraction of the GOA, but it is a hard truth GOA is much more worth for tourists than the beaches, even after a considerable long Portuguese rule you will find here many temples along with churches with the best of illustration for the outstanding and exemplary cases of Christian architecture , this makes GOA a place to be visited again and again.

Hindu Temples

History says that during the long Portuguese rule attempts were made for destroying Hindu Temples, however many Hindu temples mainly present in “Ponda” or “Phonda” taluka are reflecting the glimpses of Old Hindu divine light present in the area. Some of the most prominent temples are

Mangeshi Temple: one of the oldest Saraswat temple dedicated to Lord Shiva is just about 20 km from the capital city Panaji , at the Pirol.

Shri Shantadurga temple: This is yet another temple that is included in the schedule of most of the tour operators. Goddess Shantadurga, Goddess of peace, dedicated this temple is with a pagoda like outer shape.

Shri Bhagavati Temple: It is said that temple is old over than 500 years. The Parenem taluka situated temple [about 28 km from Panaji] is famous for the Dushera celebrations. Goddess Bhagavat Ashtabhuja is in the standing position and the entrance of the temple have two elephants craved in black stone.

Shri Ramnath Panchayatan: Yet another temple from Phonda [about 35 km from Panaji] is in fact cluster of five temples beside the temple of main deity Ramnath, four other small temples are dedicated to Shri Laxminarayan, Shri Shantadurga (Sateri), Shri Betal and Shri Sidhanath .


Other significant temples includes the Ganapati temple at Khandole, the Maha Laxmi temple at Bandewade and the Sri Nagesh Maharudra Temple at Bandora, Shri Mahalsa - At Mardol, Shri Gomanteshwar Devasthan at Brahmapuri, Shri Kamakshi Sausthan at Shiroda, Temple of Shri Mahadeva at Tambdi Surla, Shri Navdurga at Madkai, Sapteshwar-Bhagvati Temple at Mandrem, Shri Shantadurga - Kavlem and many more.

Churches of GOA

Though for GOA you can say also that it is a land of churches because when we compare the number of churches with the area of the land, GOA is among the densest population of churches in India. Prominent churches include:

BASILICA OF BOM JESUS
The most famous church of Roman Catholic world was built in 1605, is the tomb and place for the mortal remains of patron saint of GOA, St. Francis Xavier [in near future I will post about his life]. This church is famous for miraculous phenomenon, St. Francis Xavier died in china [December 2, 1552] and as per his will, when after one year of death his remains were being transferred to GOA , it was observed that time has not affected his body. After every Ten years body is kept for an Exposition or public viewing.

SE CATHEDRAL
Church is dedicated to Saint Catherine and among the biggest tourist attractions at GOA. Tuscan style architect and the Cross of Miracles are the prime attractions, it is said that cross of Miracles is growing in size and according to faith of Goans, healing properties of the cross are unique on the earth.

Other churches of GOA are The Church of St. Francis of Assisi, The Church of St. Cajatan, the Church of Our Lady of Rosary, The Reis Magos Church, Church of Mae de Dens or Mother of God, and The Church of St. Alex.

Beaches and how to have a real vision of GOA will be published in the third and concluding article of the series.

Part I of the Article if you have missed it.

Red Fort - Delhi - India

Red Fort - Delhi - India
Among the recent addition to world heritage sites of UNESCO, India's contribution is the magnificence architectural wonder of the Mugal era, Red Fort from the capital city Delhi. It was around the 1638 that King Shahjahan decided to shift the capital from Agra to Delhi and started construction for the architectural beauty craved in the Red sandstone on banks of river Yamuna, after almost 10 years of work this huge fort came in the existence on 16th April 1648. This, one of most significant architect of the Mugal era covers an area of almost 2 km. Though king Nadir Shah has taken many precious stones from the interiors of the fort along with famous "Peacock Throne" 1739 but still construction is true expression for the famous Persian couplet inscribed on its wall reminds us of its former magnificence: "If on earth be an eden on bliss, it is this, it is this, none but this."

The interiors of the fort includes

The Lahore Gate : The Lahore Gate of the palace is veiled by the Babar added by Aurangzeb, a Mughal emperor. The gate is from where the Prime Minister addresses the nation and unfurls the National Flag on August 15, Independence Day.

Chatta Chowk : The entrance of the Gate leads through a long covered bazaar called the Chatta Chowk. From Chatta Chowk follows the Naqqar Khana(Drum Room) also called Naubat Khana or the Welcome Room, which earlier formed part of a square enclosure with apartments for the umrah (Nobles) on duty. It was at this point that everyone other than the Emperor had to dismount from their elephants and walk towards the magnificent Diwan-e-Am(hall of public audience) where the Emperor used to listen to the grievances of the common man.

Naqqar Khana : The Naqqar Khana is 49 feet high with an open arched hall at the top which served as a music gallery from where the strains of music filtered down to welcome the Emperor or to bid him a safe journey. The War Memorial Museum is housed on the first floor. The Diwan-e-Am is built of red sandstone and is set atop an impressive plinth. The southwest and northwest corners of the pavilion are articulated by small chhattris.

Diwan-i-Am : The Fort also houses the Diwan-i-Am or "the Hall of Public Audiences", where the Emperor would sit and hear complaints of the common folk. His alcove in the wall was marble-paneled, and was set with precious stones, many of which were looted, after the Mutiny of 1857.

Diwan-i-Khas : The Diwan-i-Khas is "the Hall of Private Audiences", where the Emperor held private meetings. This hall is made of marble, and its center-piece used to be the "Peacock Throne", which was carried away to Iran by Nadir Shah in 1739. Today, the Diwan-i-Khas is only a pale shadow of its original glory, yet the famous Persian couplet inscribed on its wall reminds us of its former magnificence: "If on earth be an eden on bliss, it is this, it is this, none but this."

Hammam : On the north of the Diwan-i-Khas lies the bathroom set or Hammam, consisting of three apartments separated by corridors. The floors and dados of these apartments are built with marble, inlaid with floral patterns of multicoloured stones. The two rooms on either side of the present entrance were used.

Moti - Masjid : To the west of the Hammam lies the small mosque, called the Moti-Masjid (Pearl Mosque), built by Aurangzeb for his personal use. The prayer-hall of the mosque is inlaid with outlines of 'Musallas' (small carpets for prayers) in black marble, and it stands at a higher level than the courtyard.

Rang Mahal : Rang Mahal or the 'Palace of Colours' as it is known, holds a spectacular Lotus shaped fountain, made out of a single piece of marble, and housed the Emperor's wives and mistresses. The palace was decorated with excellent paintings, gold bordered projections, mosaics of mirrors and the ceiling was made with gold and silver which wonderfully reflected in a central pool in the marble floor.

Lal Quila is now a busy market place called the 'Meena Bazaar'. This bazaar has an excellent collection of antiques, miniature paintings and skillfully crafted fake ivory jewellery. The bazaar also sells some fabulous carpets beautifully woven. Just beyond the Lahori gate, is the heart of the fort called Naubat Khana, or the Drum House. Musicians used to play for the emperor from the Naubat Khana, and the arrival of princes and royalty was heralded from here.

Sound and light shows or son et lumiere as it is better known, highlighting particular phases of history are held here. The shows are in Hindi and English available at the Fort in the evening.