Holy
Pilgrimage – Temples in Haryana State
Bhuteshwar Temple
The temple of Bhuteshvara is situated in Jind .Jind is prominent and famed for its countless temples that are devoted to Lord Shiva. The ruler of the district, Raghbir Singh, constructed a temple, which came to be known as the Bhuteshvara temple.[1] This temple is dedicated to Shiva. It has a large water tank all-around it and this is the reason that the Bhuteshvara temple is also recognized as Rani Talab. The word 'ta-lab' is a Hindia word, which means pond.The tourists almost all round the year visit this well-known temple. There are a lot more to see in Jind, like the Hari Kailash temples, Jawala Maleshvara tirath, Dhamtan Sahib Gurudwara and the Surya Kund tanks. One very famous temple, which holds much significance regarding the history of the district, is the Jayanti Devi Temple.
The other places of worship are the temples of Hari Kailash, tanks of Surya Kund, Jawala Malesh-vara tirath. A sacred gurdwara is also present in the town, which is built in memory of Guru Teg Bahadur
There is mythology behind the name Rani Talab that the Rani of Maharaja Ranbir singh take bath in this pond every night after crossing a "surang" remnants of which are still present. that's why this is called as Rani Talab. This is present on the Gohana road which is also called as the life line of this ancient city.. All the important destinations lies on this road like govt. hospital, city Jail, S.P residence, Police line, Defence colony, 4169 (KVMPHD)- cosmoRpolitan - the next generation of homeopathy Office, DC colony, University etc
General Information
Jind, which is an important district
headquarter, is an erstwhile princely state. In history it was known first as
Jayanti Nagri and then as Jayantpuri. With the passage of time, it came to be
called Jind. It is said that the Indra’s Lord Raja Jayant, worshipped the
Goddess Mother for her boon of victory in the Jayanti Devi temple, which is
situated on the bank of western bank of Yamuna canal in Jind . Because of that
temple, the city came to be called Jind.
It is said that the land of Jind
is sacred as well as impious. According to a legend , when the Pandavas reached
this land with their mother Kunti, after the Mahabharta War, Mata Kunti
expressed her desire to get married again. It was due to the impious effect of
this city on her.
On the way they came across a sadhu who
asked them to leave this city at once. As soon as the Pandavas left the
Jayantpuri, mata Kunti became calm and her desire to get married again left
her.
According to archaeologists, there are
hints that this city was ruined five times and them it flourished again. In the
Ramayana, Lord Rama passed from this city when he came to win Sita’s hand in
the Sawayamvar by breaking the Shiva’s Bow. In the Treta epoch, Bhagwan
Parshuram had fought his battle against injustice at this land. Even now
thousands of pilgrims converge at Ramrai , which is a place of pilgrimage about
eight kilometers from Jind.
In village Pindara, near Jind,
Dharamaraj Yudhishtra came to offer pinds for his relatives who were killed in
the Mahabharta war. During the War, Duryadhana hid himself inside a pond in the
Ikkas village near Jind, but Bhima found him out and killed him.
An important tourist as well as
pilgrimage centre of Jind is the Bhuteshwar
Temple or Rani Talab. It
is built on the pattern of the Golden Temple of Amritsar. It is said that the
king of Jind got it built so that his queen could take bath here. In the middle
of the talab, there is the temple
of Lord Shiva. The devout
persons converge here on auspicious days. The temple has in its premises
different idols of gods and goddesses which are unique in themselves
Religious
places in Jind include:
Asvini Kumara Tirtha
Bhuteshwara Temple
Ekahamsa
Jayanthi Devi Temple
Munjavata Tirtha
Pindara Tirtha
Pushkara Tirtha
Ramahrada Tirtha
Varaha Tirtha
Yakshini Tirtha
Location
Railways
Jind has a railway junction on Delhi-Rohtak-Jakhal section that connects Delhi to Punjab. Another railway line connects it to Panipat. A new railway line is being constructed from Jind to Gohana. Trains that stop at Jind railway station connect it to many Indian cities. Some of the trains are:
11449/11450 Durgavati Express
(Jabalpur - JammuTawi)
19315/19316 Ekta Express (Indore - Amritsar)
Jayanti Devi Temple, Jind
The name of Jind town comes from Jayanti, the goddess of victory. The Pandavas built a temple to Jayanti Devi around which came up the town of Jaintpuri. The name later morphed into Jind. The story of the temple of Mata Jayanti Devi is the story of such a precious gift. The story goes back about 550 years, when the Mughals were ruling the country. At that time, a small estate called Hathnaur was situated at the north of present day Chandigarh. The king of the estate had 22 brothers. One of the brother was married to the daughter of the king of Kangra in Himachal Pradesh. The girl was a great devotee of Mata Jayanti Devi — the mother goddess of the clan — since her childhood. Every morning she first used to worship the goddess and only after that she would perform other activities.When her marriage was fixed she was very anxious because it meant going far away from her deity and not being able to have darshan of the goddess. She prayed hard and conveyed her grief and remorse to the goddess. Mata Jayanti Devi was moved by the deep devotion of the girl. She appeared in her dreams and promised to accompany her wherever she went.
When the marriage party started back from Hathnaur with the bride’s doli, a miracle happened. Suddenly the doli turned very heavy. Neither the traditional kahars nor the king’s men could move it. At this, the bride told her father about her dream. The king, then, bowing to the desire of the divine arranged for another doli, kept the idol in it and sent the goddess with his daughter. The pujari and his family followed the goddess.
The king of Hathnaur, established a temple for the Devi on a hillock in his estate. First, the girl, and later succeeding generations of the family, worshipped the deity for 200 years
At that time, a robber called Garibu or Garibdas extended his influence on this part of the region, including Mullanpur (now in Ropar). Gradually, Garibu captured the Hathnaur estate and started his reign. However, Garibu was a friend of the poor and a great devotee of Mata. He renovated the temple and extended the premises to the present state.
Presently, the temple is located 15 km from Chandigarh in Ropar district of Punjab, on a hillock in the Shivalik ranges. At the foothill lies the village Jayanti Majri that owes its existence and name to the temple, on the left bank of a seasonal stream Jayanti Rao.
The metalled road leading to the temple is lined with wheat or rice fields, keekar, peepal and mango groves. As far as the vision goes, one can see numerous hues of green, the characteristic feature of the fertile lands of Punjab, small and large ponds with clear water reflecting the blue sky and tiny hamlets with agriculture-based life style. The undulating topography and hump-like hillocks give the place a mysterious character that is absent in the flat planes of Chandigarh.
The entrance to the temple is through a huge gate at the base of the hillock. From here about 100 or so easy steps lead up to the temple premises. As one climbs up, the first thing one encounters is a very large water tank, a traditional feature of Indian temples.
This tank was earlier in use. It is a concrete construction and steps lead down to it from two sides. The other two sides are bound by the rocky wall of the hillock. There are a few shops along the steps selling nicknacks — coconut, red net chunnies, fancy jewellery, cassettes of devotional songs, toys, photos of the idol etc. The temple is at the highest point of the hillock supported by massive pillars. This point gives a wide view of the lush green surroundings, the serpentine Jayanti Rao and the settlements beyond. Inside the sanctum sanctorum lies the stone idol of the goddess. In the niches outside there are idols of Shiva, Ganesha, Laxmi and local deities Lokda Dev and Balasundari in folk forms
The temple attracts visitors during a grand fair held here on full moon day in February and a small fair in August. At that time approximately 1.5 lakh people visit the temple from far and near places.
Devotees also visit it during Navratras, other auspicious days and on Sundays. Two committees run the management of the temple. One of them comprises the priest’s family and villagers of Jayanti Majri. It looks after construction work and expansion projects of the temple. The other committee consists of residents of Mullanpur. Both the committees hold langar every Sunday and also during the fair. There is no government-aid to the temple and the only source of income is contribution by the devotees. At present, there is a provision of night stay at the premises for a limited number of devotees. The committee has started work on the construction of a dharamshala for pilgrims who visit the temple from far-off places. The 11th generation of the pujari, who came originally from Kangra with the idol, now performs the sacred duties of the temple. The residence of the pujari is also within the premises.
There is only a single bus service from Chandigarh to Jayanti Majri. That too is erratic. Though the Chandigarh Administration arranges for buses during the February fair, for the convenience of the village residents and for visitors, a regular bus service is needed, especially on Sundays and holidays.
When the new Chandigarh project was conceived, Jayanti Majri was among the villages to be included in it because it lies at the periphery of Chandigarh. The Punjab Soil and Water Conservation Department has constructed a small dam — Jayanti Dam — in this area, that supports a reservoir for rain water collection. The water is then used for irrigation of fields. The place can be developed as a beautiful tourist-cum-religious spot and visitors to Chandigarh can be guided to visit the temple.
Jayanti Majri is just a 10-minute drive from Chandigarh but it’s an altogether different world. Silence prevails here. The only sounds that reach the ears are the rustling of leaves, the humming bees, fluttering wings of a butterfly and occasional clinking of a temple bell.
As more and more sacred places all over India fall prey to materialistic ways, it is a relief to find that this temple still retains a pious aura around it. Consumerism has still not been able to touch this sacred place with its polluting tentacles.
Jayanti Devi is considered to be a very sensitive and benevolent goddess who listens to the prayers of her devotees. She is one of the seven sisters, the seven goddesses of the Kangra valley — Naina Devi, Jwalaji, Chintpurni, Mansa Devi, Brajeshwari, Chamunda Devi and Jayanti Devi. As a sign of reverence to Mata Jayanti Devi, the villagers of Jayanti Majri restrict the construction of their houses to only a single storey. An ancient well at the base of the temple provides sweet water throughout the year. Temple has a large complex with park and Jayanti Archeological Museum.
Pindara Temple, Jind
Pindara Temple is situated about 6.5 km from town centre on Gohana road.According to a legend, the Pandavas offered here pinds to their forefathers and hence the popular name of the village is Pandu Pindara. A fair is held on Somavati Amavas.
Jawala Maleshwara Tirath, Jind
The Jawala Maleshwara Tirath of Haryana is found in the Jind district. Depicting the sacred bliss of Lord Jawala Maleshwara, the Tirath is considered one of the oldest shrines of north India. Attracting large number of tourists round the year, the place has become a subject of prime interest.The history of Jind goes back to the time of the historical epic of Mahabharata. The ancient archives speak of the Pandavas who had erected a holy temple here and worshipped Goddess Jayanti to win the upcoming battle with Kauravas. Previously called by the name of Jayantipuri, today's Jind district flaunts several ancient temple architectures that describe the brilliant construction skills and immense devotion of the past inhabitants.
As a famous pilgrimage centre, Jawala Maleshwara Tirath in Jind is visited by tourist from all over India. People of different faiths frequently come to the Tirath to enjoy the serene and sacred pleasure of the place. During major festivals of Punjab, devotees of Jind come to the Tirath to worship and gather the blessings of the presiding deity.
The journey to Jawala Maleshwara Tirath is one of the most convenient ones. Being facilitated by proper road infrastructure, Jind has direct link to Delhi, Chandigarh and Patiala. Located at a distance of 123 km away from Delhi, Jind is only 57 km from the nearby district of Rohtak. The place is also known to have road connectivity with all major places of Punjab.
As a symbol of heavenly delight, the Jawala Maleshwara Tirath stands tall on the holy contours of Haryana.
Hathi Khana Shiv Mandir, Ambala Cantonment
Bhawani Amba Temple, Ambala
Kali Mata Mandir, Ambala
These Temples are situated in Ambala, Haryana
Transport to Ambala
Ambala is connected to all of the other major cities of north India including Delhi, Chandigarh, Amritsar and Shimla. It is a big interchange for various commuters for all neighbouring states. The Ambala Cantt bus stand sees roughly 50,000 commuters daily.[citation needed]Apart from the Interstate service, Ambala also houses one of the oldest local bus service in Haryana, which is run by both Haryana roadways and private companies. Other means of local transportation include auto rickshaws and cycle rickshaws.
Railways
Ambala is a divisional headquarters of the Northern Railway Zone and is an important railway junction. The city is served by three railway stations:- Ambala Cantt [UMB] (Junction on Delhi-Amritsar-Meerut-Kalka lines)
- Ambala City [UBC] (On Ambala -Amritsar/Jammu line)
- Dhulkot [DKT] (on Ambala Chandigarh/Kalka line)
Shiv Temple, Parsaun Temple, Laxminarayana Temple
and Shirdi Sai Baba Temple are situated
in Faridabad
Transportation to Faridabad
Rail
Faridabad is on the broad gauge of New Delhi- Mumbai Line. New Delhi and Hazrat Nizammudin Railway Station is about 25 km away from Faridabad Station. The trains for big cities like Mumbai, Chennai, Hyderabad are easily accessible from here. Local Trains runs between New Delhi to Faridabad.There are three railway stations in the city viz. Faridabad (FDB), New Town Faridabad (FDN) and Ballabgarh (BVH). Earlier it was the last station of central railway, but now it has been included in Northern railway. It is a very high revenue generating source for railways as thousands of people move daily in local trains to and from Delhi for education/professions.
The Delhi Metro Rail Corporation is extending the metro rail service to the city as well. Currently the services terminate at Badarpur at the Delhi-Faridabad border. It will cover the town under Phase - III expansion of the Delhi Metro The fully elevated corridor, the longest Metro line in the NCR, will be constructed at an estimated cost of Rs 2,533 crore by 2016 when the Delhi Metro's Phase-III is expected to be completed.
Road
The National Highway-2 (Delhi-Mathura Road) passes through the city, and thus it is well connected to nearby states. Roadways services of Haryana (Haryana Roadways) and neighbouring states like Delhi Transport Corporation, Uttar Pardesh Transport Department, and Madhya Pradesh Transport Department are easily accessible.Air
Faridabad is served by Indira Gandhi International Airport, New Delhi.
Shirdi Sai Baba Temple
Society Popularly Known as Sai Dham Tigaon Road Faridabad
Shiva Temple
Kaleshwer Temple, Yamuna Nagar
Yamuna Nagar has the appreciable past record of not allowing the communalising tendencies to part people on the lines of religion, language or any other divisive forces. Different religion co exist harmoniously and is expected to take forward these trends. Prominent religious centre of the twin cities are:
Chitta Mandir
Panchmukhi Hanuman Mandir
Gita Bhawan
Santpura Gurudawara
Chandpur Masjid
Buria Sahib Gurudwara
Jodian Sahib gurudwara
Maa kali mandir
Dayalu hanuman mandir
Giri mandir
Dera Baba Chaa Wala
Shree Khera Mandir
Kapal Mochan(Bilaspur)
Gumthala Rao(Ganga-Dushara
mela)
Sahaja yoga Free meditation center at (MOHIYAL BHAWAN)
Shri Adi Badri & Saraswati Udgam Sthal
Brick Temples
The
marvelous architectural beauty of Brick Temples is found in the Kaithal district of Haryana. The origin of the Temples indicates their
association with one of the ancient rulers of the bygone era. Believed to have
been built by the King Shalivahana in the seventh century AD, the Temples are a major tourist
attraction today.
The folk history of the Brick Temples of Haryana tells a rather
interesting story which led to the formation of these holy shrines centuries
back. Once the ruler of Kaithal, Shalivahana, was cursed to death. Terrified by
the imminent danger, the King, at the tragic moment, somehow managed to touch
the soil of the spot where he was standing. Just after this event he was
relieved to find himself hail and hearty. Overwhelmed by the magical spell of
the earth, the King decided to erect five Brick Temples on the very spot.
While only two Temples still stands with élan at Kaithal, the rubbles of the
other three show the brilliant structural acumen of the past people who once
established these marvelous symbols of piousness.
Designed in sync with the famous Ajanta Ellora temples, the Brick
Temples
were believed to have been made up of specially carved Bricks that have added an
extra architectural elegance to the edifices. What sets apart the Brick
Temples
from other existing shrines of the place is the peak of the structures that are
made to join in the form of a beehive.
The local devotees are always found offering prayers to the deities of the two
remaining Brick Temples. The premises of the Temples are specially lit up
and embellished with flowers on special festive occasions.
Welcoming people of all religions, the Brick Temples of Kaithal successfully carve a
niche in the platform of sacred tourism in Haryana.
Pehowa
One of the
most sacred place among the "Hindus", the "Pehowa" lies at a
distance of 27 kilometer from "Thanesar". The ancient town of Pehowa
has a religious importance. The town of "Pehowa" was named after the
famous King "Prithu". The historicity of the place coupled
with its religious significance makes Pehowa one of the most sought after
tourist destination.
The ancient town of "Pehowa", is endowed with many Hindu temples
which draws several devotees through out the year. According to a historical
legend the famous and mighty King Prithu, on the death of his father was giving
water to all the people. Sitting on the banks of the sacred River Yamuna, the
King carried on with this humble activity so that the soul of his father rests
in peace. From that time onwards, the place came to be known as "Prithudaka". With the
passage of time, the original name of "Prithudaka" was altered to
"Pehowa".
Many "Hindus" flock to the holy land of "Pehowa" to worship
their death ancestors and offer "Pind Daan" in order to
release the soul of the deceased from the cycle of birth and re- birth. One can
experience death from a very close quarters in the holy land of
"Pehowa", where most of the tourist come to pay their last religious
offerings to their near and dear ones.
The town of "Pehowa" is blessed with a renowned and unique temple of
"Lord Shiva" and his eldest son "Lord
Kartikkya".
This ancient temple of Lord Shiva is dedicated to a "five faced"
beautiful statue of the "Supreme Being". The temple is thronged by
the visitors who offer prayer to seek divine blessings of "God".
Om Tat Sat
(Continued...)
(My
humble salutations to the great devotees
, wikisources and Pilgrimage tourist guide for the
collection )
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