Holy Pilgrimage – 13( Kumbakonam, Kurukshetra, Kukke Subrahmanyeswara temple) at 3:17 AM

41. Kukke Subramanya Temple

Kukke Subramanya (Tulu:   Kannada: ಕುಕ್ಕೆ ಸುಬ್ರಹ್ಮಣ್ಯ) is a Hindu temple located in the village of Subramanya in the Sullia taluk of Dakshina Kannada District near Mangalore, Karnataka, India. The temple is one of the pristine pilgrimage locations in India. Here Lord Subrahmanya is worshipped as the lord of all serpents. The epics relate that the divine serpent Vasuki and other serpents found refuge under Lord Subrahmanya when threatened by Garuda.

Geography

Latitude 12.66 North and Longitude 75.61 East. The Kukke Subramanya Temple is located in the beautiful Western Ghats range of Karnataka. Overlooking the temple is the famous mountain of Kumara Parvatha, a popular hiking destination for trekkers from across South India. Kumara Parvatha forms a picture-perfect backdrop to the temple entrance and the Shesha Parvatha (a mountain shaped like a six-headed mythological serpent, adjacent to Kumara Parvatha) looks like a cobra with its open hood, as if protecting the temple shrine of Lord Subramanya. The temple is situated on the western slopes of the Ghats and is covered with dense evergreen forests. The region receives ample rainfall from the Monsoon and has numerous rivers and streams crisscrossing the jungle. The place is blessed with scenic beauty and a train journey from Sakleshpur (on the eastern slopes of the Ghats) to Subramanya Road / Nettana (on the western slopes of the Ghats) is one of the most memorable train journeys in India. As expected in the Western Ghats, greenery coupled with innumerable waterfalls form the constant scenery throughout the train journey from Sakleshpur to Subramanya Road that includes 90 major bridges and 57 tunnels, covering a total distance of almost 55 kilometers! The Kumaradhaara River, originating from the Kumara Parvatha peak, snakes its way towards the Kukke Subramanya temple, where most pilgrims take a holy dip that supposedly washes away ones’ sins. The town of Subramanya also contains areca nut and rubber plantations, which add to the greenery of the landscape. The weather of Subramanya can be quite hot and humid in summer due to its proximity to the Arabian Sea (around 100 km). But, during the rainy season, although the weather is pleasant, it is accompanied by a deluge of water pouring down from the mountains, creating spectacular waterfalls that can be a treat to watch. am murali ^[1]

Temple

Pilgrims going to the temple have to cross the Kumaradhara River and take a holy dip in the river before entering the temple for their darshan holy viewing of the Lord.
The devotees enter the courtyard from the doorway at the back, and walk around to go before the deity. Between the sanctorum and the portico entrance, there is the Garuda pillar covered with silver. Devotees circumambulate this pillar. It is believed that this pillar was charmed and planted there to shield devotees from the poisonous flames streaming from the breath of Vasuki who resides inside. Beyond the pillar is the outer hall, the inner hall, and then the sanctorum of Sri Subrahmanya. At the center of sanctorum is a pedestal. On the upper dais stands the deity of Sri Subrahmanya and the deity of Vasuki and, at a somewhat lower level, the deity of Shesha. Ritual worship is offered to these deities every day.People from all over India visit with great devotion. ^[2]

Puja Activities

Ashlesha Bali Pooja & Sarpa Samskara are two important Sarpa Dosha Poojas are done at Kukke Subramanya Temple.

Ashlesha Bali

Ashlesha Bali Puja or Aslesha Bali pooja is one of the important Kaalasarpa dosha pujas performed at Kukke Subramanya temple near Mangalore in Karnataka. Lord Subramanya is known as the protector from Kaalasarpa dosha and Kuja dosha. Kukke Sri Kshetra temple is the most popular for Sarpadosha puja. Aslesha Bali puja is performed on Aslesha nakshatra in each month. It is believed that if this puja is performed on other days it has no power.
Aslesha Bali puja in Kukke Subramaya temple will be performed in two shifts – 7:00 am and 9.15 am. Those who want to perform this puja need to report for sankalpa with Purohita inside the temple either at 7:00 am or 9.15 am. After the completion of Homa Poornahuthi Puja, devotees will get prasadam. Devotees believe Shravana masa, Karthika masa, and Margashira masa are the most auspicious months to perform Aslesha bali puja at Kukke temple. ^[3]

Sarpa Samskara / Sarpa Dosha

Sarpa Samskara / Sarpa Dosha is one of the poojas performed by devotees at this temple to get rid of the sarpa dosha (according to belief, a person, either in this birth or in any of his previous births, could be afflicted by the sarpa (serpent) dosha (curse) either knowingly or unknowingly, through many ways). Persons who are afflicted with this dosha are advised by astrologers / horoscope writers to perform this pooja for their own wellbeing. Pooja can be done either by the afflicted person himself if he is male and married, or through a priest. This is because the pooja involves rituals similar to those done while performing shrartham (funeral rites). Sarpa Samskara seva devotees are required to be present for two days. The seva is performed during the daytime, with no particular poojas in the evening. Food arrangements will be made for these devotees by the temple devasthanam, for up to four persons per seva.
Due to the widespread belief in the snake god in Tulunad region of Karnataka and Kerala, this pooja is performed by people of all faiths.

Transportation

Kukke Subrahmanya can be reached by road from Mangalore and from Bangalore. KSRTC operates buses on a daily basis from these two places. The nearest airport is the Mangalore International Airport (Bajpe Airport), at a distance of 115 km. The nearest railway station is Subrahmanya Road (SBHR) Railway Station on Mangalore-Bangalore railway route, which is 7 km from Kukke Subrahmanya. There is a daily passenger train service from Mangalore (Train No. 0651/0652), which leaves Mangalore at 10:30 a.m. and reaches Subrahmanya Road Railway Station by 1:00 p.m. One can then catch local transport from the station for a 15-minute trip to the temple. Train services have been introduced between Bangalore and Mangalore that pass through Kukke Subrahmanya (train numbers: 6515/6516 and 6517/6518).

42. Kumbakonam

Kumbakonam, also spelt as Coombaconum in the records of British India, is a town and a special grade municipality in the Thanjavur district in the southeast Indian state of Tamil Nadu. It is located 40 km (25 mi) from Thanjavur and 273 km (170 mi) from Chennai and is the headquarters of the Kumbakonam taluk of Thanjavur district. The town is bounded by two rivers, the Kaveri River to the north and Arasalar River to the south. According to the 2001 census, Kumbakonam has a population of 140,021 and has a strong Hindu majority; but it also has sizeable Muslim and Christian populations.
Kumbakonam dates back to the Sangam period and was ruled by the Early Cholas, Pallavas, Medieval Cholas, Later Cholas, Pandyas, the Vijayanagar Empire, Madurai Nayaks, Thanjavur Nayaks and the Thanjavur Marathas. It rose to be a prominent city between the 7th and 9th centuries AD, when it served as a capital of the Medieval Cholas. The town reached the zenith of its prosperity during the British Raj when it was a prominent centre of European education and Hindu culture; and it acquired the cultural name, the "Cambridge of South India". In 1866, Kumbakonam was officially constituted as a municipality, which today comprises 45 wards, making it the second largest municipality in Thanjavur district.
Kumbakonam is known as the "temple town" due to the prevalence of a number of temples here and is noted for its Mahamaham festival which attracts people from all over the globe. The main products produced are brass, bronze, copper and lead vessels, silk and cotton cloths, pottery, sugar, indigo and rice.

Etymology

The name "Kumbakonam", roughly translated in English as the "Jug's Corner",^[2] is believed to be an allusion to the mythical pot, the Sanskrit kumbha of the Hindu god Brahma, which according to Hindu legend, contained the seed of all living beings on earth. The kumbha is believed to have been displaced by a pralaya or deluge and ultimately came to rest at the spot where the town of Kumbakonam now stands. This event is now commemorated in the Mahamaham festival held every 12 years. Kumbakonam is also known as Baskarashetram^[3] and Kumbam^[4] from time immemorial and as Kudanthai in ancient times.^[5] Kumbakonam is also spelt as Coombaconum in the records of British India.^[6] Kumbakonam was also formerly known by the Tamil name of Kudamukku.^[7]
Kumbakonam is also identified with the Sangam age settlement of Kudavayil.^[8] Winslow, in his 1862 Tamil-English dictionary, associates negative connotations with Kumbakonam.^[4] However, Winslow later apologized for his erroneous claim

Temples

Kumbakonam is known for its temples and mathas. There are around 188 Hindu temples within the municipal limits of Kumbakonam.^[27] Apart from these, there several thousand temples around the town thereby giving the town the sobriquets temple town and City of temples.^[50] The most important temples present in Kumbakonam are the Sarangapani temple, the Kumbeswara temple and the Ramaswamy temple.
The Sarangapani temple was constructed by Nayak kings in the 15th century and is twelve storeys high. The Ramaswamy temple, which has scenes from the Hindu epic Ramayana depicted on its walls, was constructed by the Nayak ruler Raghunatha Nayak in the 16th century.^[51] Its principal idol of Lord Rama is made from a single piece of saligrama. The Kumbeswara temple is considered to be the oldest Saivite shrine in the town.^[52] It was constructed by the Medieval Cholas in the 7th century AD.^[53] Pilgrims from all parts of India take a holy dip once every 12 years during the Mahamaham festival in the Mahamaham tank.^[27][52] The Nageswaraswamy Temple has a separate shrine for the Sun god Surya who is believed to have worshipped the Hindu god Shiva at this place.^[54] Kumbakonam has one of the few temples dedicated to the Hindu god Brahma.
Kumbakonam also has a number of Hindu monastic institutions or mathas. The Sri Sankara matha of Kanchipuram was moved to Kumbakonam during the reign of Pratap Singh^[23] and remained in Kumbakonam until the 1960s. There are also two Vellalar mathas in the nearby towns of Dharmapuram and Thiruppanandal^[55] and a Raghavendra matha in Kumbakonam.^[56] There is also a branch of the Vaishnavite Ahobila mutt in Kumbakonam.^[57]
The Thenupuriswarar Temple at Patteeswaram,^[58] the Oppliyappan Sannadhi,^[58] the Swamimalai Murugan temple^[58] and the Airavateswarar temple at Darasuram^[59] are located in the vicinity of Kumbakonam

Hindu temples of Kumbakonam

Kumbakonam (Tamil: கும்பகோணம்) (kumpakōṇam), is a city and a special grade municipality in the Thanjavur district in the Indian state of Tamil Nadu. It is located 40 kilometres from Thanjavur and 273 kilometres from Chennai. It is the headquarters of the Kumbakonam taluk of Thanjavur district.
Kumbakonam is a temple town^[1] with many Hindu temples located in and around it. Majority of the temples are dedicated to Lord Vishnu and Lord Shiva.

Adi Kumbeswara Temple

Adi Kumbeswarar temple is the major one among the Saivite temples and located in the centre of Kumbakonam at Big Bazaar Street. Shri Adhi Kumbeswara is the presiding deity of Kumbakonam and Manthrapeeteswari Mangalambika is the lord's Consort. The temple complex is huge and has beautiful artwork. This temple covers an area of 30,181 sq ft (2,803.9 m²). with a length and breadth of 750 feet (230 m), and 252 feet (77 m) respectively. This temple comprises three Praharas and three Gopurams in the eastern, northern and western directions. It is believed that Govinda Theeksithan, the Chieftain of Achutha Nayakar of Thanjavur, renovated this oldest temple during 16th century. The East Gopuram consists of 9 stories with a height of 128 ft (39 m). Mangala Theertham, Marriage hall and small temples for Muruga, Ganapathi and Mangalambigai are other major constituents of this temple.

Thirucherai

Thirucherai is a beautiful village which is 15 km from Kumbakonam, this temple has a historical background, this temple has a historical deatials of more than 2000years Lord vishnu is the main god he is name as Saranatahan.Thirucherai

Goddess Saraswathi Temple

In Koothanur village which is very near to Nannilam, an extremely rare temple for Saraswathi exists. During examination times, many students come to worship Goddess Sarashwathi, the goddess of Wisdom. Reaching the temple is convenient because of ample transport facilities from Kumbakonam, about 30 km away.

Ramaswamy Temple

The Ramaswamy Temple which depicts the paintings of Ramayana is another important Vaishanavite temple in Kumbakonam. The greatness of Ramaswamy Temple is said to be the only temple where Lord Rama, Goddess Sita are in the same platform and Lord Hanuman is playing the veena instead of reading the Ramayana. The entire deity is said to be made from Saligrama monolith. The Temple is filled with intricate carvings in its pillars.

Chakrapani Temple

Chakrapani Temple is situated about 1.5 km North of Ramaswamy Temple. Here the main deity is Chakraraja. The Sudharshana Chakra is also here. The temple is also an exquisite exponent of the early temple architecture. The important and peculiar point about this temple is that Vilva (Bilwa) archana which is normally performed in Shiva temples is also performed here for the Perumal (Lord Vishnu).

Kasi Viswanathar Temple

Kasi Viswanathar Temple is situated very close to the Mahamaham tank and another one temple is placed in Solaiyappan street. Here the main deity is Kasi Viswanathar/Visalakshi. The important and peculiar point about this temple is the navakanniyar, which are the 9 holy rivers. It is believed that the mahamaham function is closely associated with the 9 presiding deities namely Ganga, Yamuna, Narmada, Saraswati, Kaveri, Godavari, Tungabhatra, Krishna and Sarayu. Another important part is the stala lingam present in the southern part of the temple. It was worshipped by Ravana and is believed to grow with ages. The temple can be accessed by alighting at the Head post office bus stop.

Nageswaran Temple

Nageswaran Temple, is dedicated to Shiva in the guise of Nagaraja, the serpent king. Also known as "Koothandavar Kovil", it is located near the Kumbakonam old bus stand. Aditya Chola constructed this temple during the 12th century. It stands as a great marvel of Chola architecture, building technology and astronomy. The design and orientation are structured in such a way that it allows sunlight inside the temple only during the Tamil month of Chithirai (April/May), therefore, it bears another name called Surya Kottam or Keel Kottam. The Karuvarai (Sanctum Sanctorum) of Nageswaran temple is similar to that of Sarangapani Temple, as it is made in the form of a Chariot. The temple consists of three gopurams in the eastern western and southern directions.
This vast temple known is for its shrine to Rahu, one of the nine celestial bodies in the Navagraha. A legend has it that the mythological serpents Adiseshan, Dakshan and Kaarkotakan worshipped Shiva here. Legend also has it that King Nala worshipped Shiva here as in Thirunallar

Sarangapani Temple

Of the many temples in Kumbakonam, the most striking is the Lord Sarangapani Temple, a Vaishnavite temple. This famous pancharanga kshetram is in the midst of the busy market place. Before the Sri Rangam Temple gopuram (tower) was built, this temple used to hold the place for the tallest Temple Tower in South Asia. This twelve storied 147 feet (45 m) high temple was built by the Nayak Kings during 15th century.

Someswar Temple

Someswar Temple is situated in the southern portion of Sri Sarangapani temple. This temple faces east with a 5-tier Gopuram at the entrance. It also has an entrance in the south. The architectural style and element of this temple resembles the Dravidian Architecture of 13th century of the Chola period. Arumugam and Thenar Mozhi Ammal are the other deities located in this temple complex.

The temples at Thirunageswaram

Thirunageswaram is located 8 km east of Kumbakonam. There are two major temples at Thirunageswaram. One the famous Vaishnavaite temple of Oppliyappan (Oppliyappan Sannadhi) (the Venkatesh Perumal of Tirupathi), the other the ThiruNageswarar or NagaNathaswami (Naga in Tamil/Sanskrit means Snake and Natha means God) temple for Shaivaites. An important rite of this temple is that of Rahu bhagawan sannathi where milk abhishekham is performed daily during Rahukaalam. At this time, milk that is poured on the statue is supposed to turn blue when it passes over the body, and back to white after it reaches the floor. This is watched by many daily during the raahu kaalam. This is also the only place wherein one can view Rahu bhagawan with his consorts.

Pateeswaram temple

Sri Thenupureeswarar temple at Pateeswaram, 5 km south-east of Kumbakonam, was constructed during the 16th century by Govinda Dikshithar, a Minister of Nayak King Acchathappa.

Airavatesvara Temple

The temple at Darasuram, 4 km west of Kumbakonam is Airvatesvara (Airavat is the holy white elephant) Temple, constructed by Rajaraja Chola II (1146–63), is a superb example of 12th-century Chola architecture. Many statues were removed to the art gallery in the Thanjavur Palace, but have since been returned. The remarkable structures depict, among other things, Shiva as Kankala-murti - the mendicant. Stories from epics and Hindu mythology are depicted. Adjoining the Airavatesvara temple is the Deiva Nayaki Ambal temple.
In 2004 the Archaeological Survey of India (ASI) excavated and restored the temple.

Navagraha Temples

The area surrounding Kumbakonam is home to a set of Navagraha temples dating from the Chola period.

Swamimalai temple

The Lord Murugan temple is located in Swami Malai, which is around 10 km from kumbakonam. It is located on the main road connecting Kumbakonam and Thanjavur. It is one among the six famous temples (Arupadai Veedu) of Lord Muruga. This is the place where the Lord murugan in childhood taught the meaning of mandra "OM" to his father Lord Siva. Lord Murugas Fourth home.

Thiruvalanjuzhi Vinayakar Temple

Main article: Thiruvalanjuli Kabardeeshwarar Temple (Vellai Vinayagar Temple)

This siva temple is famous for vinayakar sculpture which has been carved from white foam while churning the milky sea. So the name of the god in Tamil is "Vellai pillayar" meaning that "White vinayakar". This temple is located in small village "Thiruvalansuzi" which is 4 km from Kumbakonam and 2 km from Swamimalai. The name "Thiruvalansuzi" has come because the Cauvery river prayed the lord Siva by doing pradhaksana from right hand side to left hand side. (Usually it will be left to right). The name for lord Siva in this temple is "Sadai mudi nathar".

Sri Vijayeendra Tirtha Moola Brindavanam

We can find the moola brindavanam of Sri Vijayeendra Tirtha (Raghavendra Swamy guru's guru) here. It is in Solaiyappan Street. The great Vijayeendra Tirtha's Aradhana falls on Jyeshta Trayodashi. He was one of the greatest scholar what India has produced. He was a staunch Vishnu bhakta and a great philosopher. He was an exponent of 64 vidyas.

Sri Sitaram Bhavani Sankarar Temple

We can find this temple in Solaiyappan street on the banks of the Cavery river (Nangam Thirunal Padithurai). This private temple is supposed to be more than 200 years old built by Shri.Subbarao Dravid(A) Subramaniya Iyer in order to get blessed with a child. In this temple the deities Sri Rama, Shiva (sankara) in the form of Bhana lingam and Parvathi (Bhavani) are in separate sannithis. Rama, lakshmana, sita and hanuman are made of marbles. This ramar (called Solaiappan Agraharam Ramaswamy) is one of the twelve deities in the Akshya thirthi celebrations in Kumbakonam.

Sri Rama Bhajanai Sabha

Sri Rama Bhajanai Sabha founded and nurtured by Venuganam Sri Sarabha Sastri about 125 years ago. It is in Solaiappan Street. Every year sabha celebrates Sri Rama Navami Utasavam and Sri Radha Kalyana Mahotsavam and committed to its various cultural and religious needs of the Hindu society with the grace of Lord Rama.

Thirbuvanan Sarabeswarer Temple

Sri.Kambakareswarar is the main deity,Sarabeswarer, a form of Shiva is the presiding deity of the temple. Particularly worshiping at 4.30-6.00 pm[RAHU KAALAM] on Sundays is special

Transport, communication and utility services

Kumbakonam is well-connected by road and rail with the rest of India. The nearest international airport is at Tiruchirapalli, which is 91 km (57 mi) from Kumbakonam.^[116] The nearest seaport is located at Nagapattinam whch is about 50 km (31 mi) away. The town has around 141 km (88 mi) of roads, 544 municipal roads^[80] making up 122.29 km (75.99 mi).^[117] There are also around 18.71 km (11.63 mi) of state highways running through Kumbakonam.^[117] Over 87% of the municipal roads are paved.^[117] There are regular government and private bus services to Chennai,^[59][100] Thanjavur, Tiruchirapalli,^[100] Chidambaram,^[59] Nagapattinam,^[59] Coimbatore,^[59] Madurai,^[59] Pondicherry,^[59][100] and Tirunelveli.^[80] The Karnataka State Road Transport Corporation (KSRTC) operates daily services from Bangalore and mysore to Kumbakonam.  On March 1, 1972, the Cholan Roadways Corporation was established by the Government of Tamil Nadu^[120] with its headquarters in Kumbakonam in order to improve transportation facilities in the districts of central Tamil Nadu.^[121] The organisation acquired the fleets of buses earlier owned by private operators - Sri Ramavilas Service, Raman and Raman Limited and Sathi Vilas.^[120] On July 1, 1997, the organization was renamed Tamil Nadu State Transport Corporation, Kumbakonam and presently forms division no. 1 of the Tamil Nadu State Transport Corporation.  The corporation runs a reconditioning unit and a tyre re-threading unit in Kumbakonam.^[121] Kumbakonam is connected by rail with most important towns and cities in South India.^[100] The Mysore-Kumbakonam Express which has been recently extended to Mayiladuthurai connects Kumbakonam with Mysore.^[122] The train also halts at Bangalore on its way to Mysore and back.^[123] The Tiruchirapalli-Kumbakonam passenger train connects Kumbakonam with Tiruchirapalli^{[ ]} while the Chidambaram passenger train runs regular services between Kumbakonam and Chidambaram.

Shalagram

Sila (murti)

Shila, (शिला in Devanagari, śila in IAST refers to a Vaishnava (Hindu) aniconic representation of Vishnu, in the form of a spherical, usually black-coloured fossil found in the sacred river Gandaki.^{[1] [2]} They are more often referred to as Shaligram Shilas, with Shila being the shortened version. The word Shila translates simply to 'stone' and Shaligram is a less well-known name of Vishnu. The origin of the name is traced to a remote village in Nepal where Vishnu is known by the name of Shaligraman. Shaligram in Hinduism is also known as Salagrama. The name Salagrama refers to the name of the village on the bank of Gandaki where the holy stones are picked up. The name is derived from the hut (sala) of the sage Salankayana, who beheld the form of Vishnu in a tree outside his hut (cf. Varaha-purana). This hut was on the banks of the Gandaki, and it was in that particular spot that these sacred stones were found in abundance. The stones were therefore called Salagrama.
The episode relates to Varaha Purana which says that once there was a sage by the name Shalankayana, who was performing austerities and devotional meditation in many holy places with the view to gain a great devotee of Lord Vihsnu as his son. He visited the sacred tirtha (holy place) of Muktinatha in present day Northern Nepal, high in the Himalayas, and took his bath in the icy waters of the Kali Gantaki at the back of Annapurna mountain. Extremely tired from his climb in the high altitude, he finally took rest under a sala tree. Fast asleep on the eastern side of the tree, he didn't notice that the Lord Krishna had come and stood before him. Then by the Lord's mercy the sage awoke and saw his Lord standing there and immediately propitiated him with melodious Vedic mantras. The Lord then fulfilled the desire of the sage and gave him a son on the spot, and being pleased with his devotional attitude, gave another boon. Krishna informed that from that day (the dwadasi in the sukla paksa of the month of Vaisaka) He would eternally stay on the area of that mountain in the form of the Salagrama stone. Actually there was no sala tree there at that time - it was a special self-manifesting mercy incarnation of the Lord appearing for His devotee. So in the same way, the Lord continued to tell the sage that in the self-manifesting form of the Salagrama Shila, He will reside there, and the devotees can take Him in this form and worship Him, and He will reciprocate their love in that way. This is confirmed in the Mahabharata (Vana Parva Ch 84, 123-125), where it is said the name Salagram is given to Lord Vishnu who resides in the Salagrama at the Salagram Tirtha.

Use

Although Hinduism is commonly represented by such anthropomorphic religious murtis, aniconism is equally represented with such abstract symbols of God such as the saligrama.^[3] Furthermore, Hindus have found it easier to focus on anthropomorphic icons, as Lord Krishna said in the Bhagavad Gita, Chapter 12, Verse 5,
It is much more difficult to focus on God as the unmanifested than God with form, due to human beings having the need to perceive via the senses

Worship

The Shilas (Ammonite fossils) are worshipped as manifestations of Vishnu Himself, identifiable from other stones by special markings, believed to resemble Vishnu's paraphernalia such as mace, conch, lotus and disc (chakra). Narasimhadeva, Varahadeva and Vamanadeva are popular forms of worship. They are either black, red, or mixed in colour and are usually kept closed in a box and are only brought out for daily worship (puja). The Shilas are usually hereditary and are passed down through many generations, never being purchased or sold.
According to Vaishnava belief, the worshipper of a Shaligram Shila must adhere to strict rules, such as not touching the shaligrama without bathing, never placing the shaligrama on the ground, eating only prasad, and not indulging in bad practices. In most Vaishnava temples the main deity is usually decorated with a 'garland' mala, specifically an Akshamala, of 108 Saligrama Shilas.

Legend

Tulsi, also known as Holy Basil is closely associated with the origins of Shila worship.Once in anger Sarasvati cursed Lakshmi. Sarasvati's curse changed Lakshmi into a tulsi plant and forced her to live on earth forever. Vishnu, however, intervened and modified the curse, saying that Lakshmi would remain on earth as tulasi until the river Gandaki flowed from her body. In the meantime, He would wait by the riverside in the form of a stone to take her back to His abode. This stone was the shaligram shila, which thus remained on earth as a representative of Vishnu. The shila deities and the tulsi plant are thus always worshipped together as Vishnu and Lakshmi.

History

Historically, the use of shaligrama (or salagrama) shilas in worship can be traced to the time of Adi Shankara through the latter's works. Specifically, his commentary to the verse 1.6.1 in Taittiriya Upanishad ^[5][6] and his commentary to the verse 1.3.14 of the Brahma Sutras ^[7] suggest that the use of Saligrama in the worship of Vishnu has been a well-known Hindu practice.
The largest and heaviest shaligrama can be seen at the Jagannath Temple, dedicated to Vishnu, at Puri in Orissa. The main ISKCON temple in Scotland, called 'Karuna Bhavan' is famous for housing the largest number of Shaligram Shilas outside of India.

Puranic quotes on Shalagram

With Keshava in the form of Salagrama shila reside all the devatas, asuaras, yaksas and the fourteen worlds.--- Padma Purana^[8]
The Lord resides in many places in which he may be worshipped, but of all the places Salagrama is the best.---Garuda Purana
Any person who has seen Salagram Shila, paid obeisances to Him, bathed and worshipped Him, has achieved the results of performing ten million sacrifices and giving ten million cows in charity.--- Skanda Purana – Hari-bhakti-vilas
“Any shila from the place of shalagrams can never be inauspicious though cracked, chipped, split in two though still in one piece, or even broken asunder.”--- Brahm Puran
“Merely by touching a shalagrama one becomes freed from the sins of millions of births, so what to speak of worshiping Him! By Shalagrama puja one gains the association of Lord Hari.”--- Gautamiya Tantr
“Shalagramas do not require installation ceremony. When one begins the worship of shalagrama, however he should start with elaborate puja using all articles. The worship of shalagrama is the best form of worship, better than the worship of the sun.”--- Skand Puran
"Devotees should take the charanamrita mixed with Tulasi leaves from the shalagrama in their hand and sip it, sprinkling the balance on their heads.“---Gautamiya Tantr
“All those holy rivers awarding moksha, such as the Ganga, Godavari and others, reside in the caranamrita (bath water) of shalagrama.”--- Padm Puran
“Shalagrama should not be placed on the earth or ground and worshiped.”---Sammohan Tantr
“In puja of shalagrama it is unnecessary to call the Lord for worship or request Him to return His abode upon completion.”--- Bhagavata Purana
“It is impossible to fully explain the importance of Tulsi leaves (Holy Basil) in the worship of shalagrama, as Tulsi is the most beloved consort of Hari in the form of shalagrama.”--- Brihan-naradiya Purana
“He who takes the charanamrita of shalagrama destroys all sinful reactions at their roots, even the killing of a brahmana.”--- Skand Puran
“By taking the remnants of foodstuffs offered to shalagrama, one will get the result of performing many sacrifices.”--- Skand Puran^[9]
"One who has dranked the water that bathes a Shaligram at least once in life time won't have to suck his mother's breast for the second time. He has attained Moksha (liberation)" --- Skanda puran

Sale and purchase of Shalagrama-shilas prohibited

The Skanda Purana warns that no one should buy or sell shalagrama-shilas. One who puts a price on a shalagrama-shilas, sells a shalagrama-shila, gives his opinion on its value, or examines one with a view to estimate its sale value, all such people will live in hell until the time of universal destruction.

Benefits

The marks made by the shell of the ammonite give a Shaligram its characteristic appearance, with the pattern often resembling and representing the 'Sudarshan Chakra' or the discus with a sharp-toothed edge which rests on the index finger of Lord Vishnu. Shaligram stones come in dfferent colors such as red, blue, yellow, green and black. Of these, the yellow, blue and black varieties are considered more sacred. The yellow and golden-colored Shaligrams are considered most auspicious and are believed to bestow great wealth and prosperity on its worshippers. Some Tips and Importance of Shaligram Shila's are given below:
1.Worship Shree Shaligram for six values of life:Righteous living, Wealth, Protection, good health, pleasures and Spiritual .
2.The Shaligram is the most sacred stone worshipped by the Vaishnavas and is used to worship Vishnu in an abstract form i.e., God without form as a 'Saligrama'. The use of the Shaligram is similar to the use of 'Lingam' as abstract symbol of Lord Shiva.The Shaligram is found in river Gandaki near Muktinath in Nepal.
3.There are numerous popular beliefs concerning salagrama. Salagrama alongside Tulasi leaves and conch (samkha), placed in one plate is regarded as most meritorious.
4.Any religious observance, gift, consecration, obsequies, and worship should preferably be done in association with a salagrama.
5.Regarding the obsequies or the last rites (sraddha), it is usual to conduct such ceremonies in front of a salagrama. For that would ensure the departed spirit reaching Vishnu’s abode directly: and subsequent death ceremonies would become unnecessary.
6.When the dying person is made to sip a little of the water in which the salagrama-stone is bathed, he will be freed from all sins, and will reach the heavenly abode of Vishnu. And death itself when it occurs in the presence of a salagrama-stone will pave the way for Vishnu’s realm, for Vishnu is present in that stone.
7.The rites of expiation of sins (prayaschitta) becomes effective more by drinking the water in which these stones are washed than by gifts or fasting or by observances of various kinds.
8.In times of solar or lunar eclipse, whatever ritual is undertaken becomes all the more effective when done in front of a salagrama-stone so says Hemadri.
9.It was practice in the olden days to ask the witness to hold a salagrama in hand while testifying in a court of law; if he uttered utter falsehood, he was believed to suffer immensely and long as a punishment.
10.Merely looking at a salagrama stone would wash away the sins of the beholder, even as the mere sight of a lion would make the antelopes run for their lives in the forest.

Configurations

A shaligrama - which has the marks of a shankha, Chakra, gada and padma arranged in a particular order - is worshiped as Keshava. With the change in the order of the four symbols, the name of the shaligrama stone is also different and the images of such deities also have similar setting of the four symbols. The various orders and names are given for the twenty four permutations. These are well known names, which are the different names by which Lord Vishnu is known in the Hindu pantheon. The various versions of the saligrama shilas or stones vis-a-vis the order of the four symbols are:

1. Shanka, chakra, gada and padma - Keshava
2. Padma, gada, chakra, shanka - Narayana
3. Chakra, shanka, padma and gada - Madhava
4. Gada, Padma, Shanka and Chakra - Govinda
5. Padma, shanka, chakra and gada – Vishnu
6. Shanka, padma, gada, chakra – Madusudhana
7. Gada, chakra, shanka and padma – Trivikrama
8. Chakra, gada, padma, shanka - Vamana
9. Chakra, padma, shanka, gada - Shridhara
10. Padma, gada, shanka, charka - Hrishikesh
11. Padma, chakra,gada, shanka - Padmanabha
12. Shanka, chakra, gada, padma - Damodara
13. Chakra, shanka, gada, padma - Sankarshana
14. Shanka, chakra, padma, gada - Pradyumna
15. Gada, shanka, padma, charka - Aniruddha
16. Padma, shanka, gada, chakra - Purushottama
17. Gadha, shanka, chakra, padma - Adhokshaja
18. Padma, gada, shanka, charka - Narasimha
19. Padma, chakra, shanka, gada – Achyuta
20. Shanka, chakra, padma, gada - Janardana
21. Gada, padma, shanka, chakra - Upendra
22. Chakra, padma, gada and shanka – Hari
23. Gada, padma, chakra and shanka - Krishna
24. Shanka, charka, padma, gada – Vasudeva

43. Kurukshetra

Kurukshetra  pronunciation (help·info) (Hindi: कुरुक्षेत्र) is a land of historical and religious importance. Historically the land belonged to Punjab, but now it is a district in Haryana state of India. It is a holy place and is also known as Dharmakshetra ("Holy City"). According to the Puranas, Kurukshetra is named after King Kuru, the ancestor of Kauravas and Pandavas, as depicted in epic Mahabharata. The importance of the place is attributed to the fact that the Kurukshetra War of the Mahabharata was fought on this land and the Bhagavad Gita was preached on this land during the war when Lord Krishna found Arjuna in a terrible dilemma.^[1]
Thanesar or Sthaneswar is a historical town located adjacent to what is now the newly created Kurukshetra city. Thanesar derives its name from the word "Sthaneshwar", which means "Place of God". The Sthaneshwar Mahadev Temple, whose presiding deity is Lord Shiva, is believed to be the oldest temple in the vicinity. Local hearsay identifies the legendary "Kurukshetra" with a nearby place known as Thanesar. A few kilometers from Kurukshetra is the village known as Amin, where there are remnants of a fort which is believed to be Abhimanyu's fort.
In some ancient Hindu texts, the boundaries of Kurukshetra correspond roughly to the state of Haryana. Thus according to the Taittiriya Aranyaka 5.1.1., the Kurukshetra region is south of Turghna (Srughna/Sugh in Sirhind, Punjab), north of Khandava (Delhi and Mewat region), east of Maru (desert) and west of Parin

History of Kurukshetra

It is written in Puranas that Kurukshetra is named after King Kuru of the Bharata Dynasty, ancestor of Pandavas and Kauravas.
The Vamana Purana tells how King Kuru came to settle on this land. He chose this land at the banks of Sarasvati River(since dried up before 1900BCE^[3]) for embedding spirituality with 8 virtues: austerity (tapas), truth (satya), forgiveness (kshama), kindness (daya), purity (sucha), charity (dana), yagya and brahmacharya. Lord Vishnu was impressed with the act of King Kuru and blessed him. God gave him two boons, one that this land forever will be known as a Holy Land after his name as Kurukshetra (the land of Kuru) and the other that anyone dying on this land will be going to heaven. The land of Kurukshetra was situated between two rivers — the Sarasvati and the Drishadvati.
This land has been known as Uttravedi, Brahmavedi, Dharamkshetra and Kurukshetra at different periods. When King Kuru came on this land it was called Uttarvedi. Over the period this land has been ruled by many empires. The Bharata Dynasty came and settled on this land.
Later the Battle of Mahabharata(3102 BCE) was fought on this land, during which Lord Krishna preached Bhagavad Gita to Arjuna.
It reached the zenith of its progress during the reign of King Harsha, during which Chinese scholar Hieun Tsang visited this land at Thanesar. By the archaeological grounds it has been proved that Ashoka the Great made Kurukshetra a centre of learning for people from all over the world.

Places of interest

• Brahma Sarovar: Every year lakhs of people come to take a holy bath at Brahma Sarovar on the occasion of "Somavati Amavasya" (Sacred No-Moon Day that happens on a Monday) and on solar eclipse believing that a bath in holy sarovar frees all sins and cycle of birth-death.
• Sannihit Sarovar: This sarovar is believed to be the meeting point of seven sacred Saraswatis. The sarovar, according to popular belief, contains sacred water. Bathing in the waters of the tank on the day of Amavasya (night of complete darkness) or on the day of an eclipse bestows blessings equivalent to performing the ashvamedh yajna.

  Jyotisar: The famous site where Bhagavad Gita was delivered to Arjuna

  Krishna Museum has some historical artifacts and paintings depicting the Mahabharata war.

  Kurukshetra Panorama and Science Centre: A world-class panorama depicting the Mahabharata war with scientific explanations justifying every episode in the war. There are also several scientific exhibits designed to kindle a curiosity for science.

  Kalpana Chawla Planetarium

  Kessel Mall: A shopping mall cum multiplex at sector 17 for food, shopping and entertainment.

  Light and Sound Show: A newly built tourist attraction which highlights some aspects of Geeta Saar through lights and sound.balle balle

  Dharohar: A must visit to know the tradition and culture of Haryana; located in Kurukshetra University.

  Bhishma Kund at Naraktari: The place where Arjuna shot an arrow towards the earth to quench Bhisma Pitamah's thirst.

  Saraswati Forest Reserve: It is a large reserved forest area with rich flora and fauna in Kurukshetra district.

  Sheikh Chehli ka makbara (tomb): This monument is maintained by the Archeological Survey of India. It was built during the Mughal era in remembrance of Sufi Saint Sheikh Chehli, believed to be the spiritual teacher of Mughal Prince Dara Shikoh. However, this is an erroneous belief, since the Prince's main 'Murshid' or 'Sheikh' (Spiritual Guide) is historically known to have been Hazrat Sheikh Mian Mir Sahib, of Lahore,^[4] although Sheikh Chehli might have been an additional/minor guide. There is another theory that the site of the supposed 'makbara' or tomb was one of the meditative 'Chillas' or sites of Hazrat Mian Mir Sahib, who might have visited the area during his wanderings.^[5] It is possible that a later caretaker, some disciple of the Hazrat/Sheikh lies buried here, at the place sanctified by his 'Chilla'.

  Sthaneshwar Mahadev

  Kamal Nabhi
Valmiki Ashram

  Birla Mandir

  Gurdwara Raj Ghat Patshahi Dasvin

  Gurdwara Teesari Patshahi

  Gurdwara Chhevin Patshahi

  Gurdwara Siddh Bati Patshahi Pahili

  Pehowa

  Ban Ganga in village: A temple that is one of the 52 Shakti Peethas. As per the story in Hindu mythology, the goddess Sati killed herself by entering the Yagna of Raja Daksha as a protest against the insult of Lord Shiva. Remorseful Lord Shiva wandered across the whole universe with the corpse of his beloved Sati on his shoulder. To bring him back to the original mood, it was necessary to destroy the corpse of Sati. Lord Vishnu hence cut the corpse in 52 pieces with his Sudarshana Chakra. The parts fell at different places where the temples of the goddess were later built by the devotees. Collectively, these are known as the 52 Shakti Peethas. One of them is in Kurukhsetra, where the ankle of the goddess fell.

  There is state famous Didar nagar and Shanti nagar.These are most religious places in kurukshetra.
Climate - Climate of the district is very hot in summer (up to 47°C) and cold in winter (down to 1°C) with rains in July and August.
Access - Kurukshetra is well connected with NH1 and has much access by Road, Rail and Air. The journey is comfortable with various facilities provided enroute.
By Road: Buses of Haryana Roadways and other State Corporations ply through Kurukshetra and connect it to Delhi, Chandigarh and other important places.
By Air: The Airports close to Kurukshetra are at Delhi and Chandigarh, which are well connected by road and rail. Taxi service is also available.
By Rail: Kurukshetra is a railway junction, well connected with all important towns and cities of the country. The Shatabadi Express halts here.
Rashtrakavi Ramdhari Singh 'Dinkar' has written an epic poem by the title of Kurukshetra. It is a narrative poem based on the Santi Parva of the Mahabharata.^[6] It was written at a time when the memories of the Second World War were fresh on the mind of the poe

Brahma Sarovar

Brahma Sarovar is a water tank sacred to the Dharmic religions in Thanesar, in the state of Haryana in North India. Dharmic religions lay emphasis on taking bath for internal and external purity. Most religious sites have water tanks or sarovar in or near the temple/gurdwara.

History

According to stories of myths, Lord Brahma created the universe from the land of Kurukshetra after a huge yajna. The Brahma Sarovar here is believed to be the cradle of civilization. The sarovar is also mentioned in the eleventh century AD memoirs of Al Beruni, called ‘Kitab-ul-Hind’.
A sacred shrine dedicated to Lord Shiva stands within the sarovar, accessible by a small bridge. According to scriptures, bathing in this sarovar increases the sanctity of performing the ‘ashvamedh yajna’. The tank offers a breath-taking sight during the Gita Jayanti celebrations held in the last week of November and early December every year when there will be ‘deep daan’ and ‘aarti’. This also happens to be the time when migratory birds from distant places wing it to the sarovar. The Birla Gita Mandir and Baba Nath’s haveli and temple are the neighbouring attractions.

At Present

Today Brahma Sarovar has been renovated. It is 1800 feet long and 1400 feet broad. The tanks are especially crowded during solar eclipse because it is believed that a dip there during the solar eclipse absolves one of all sins. One of the most delightful occasions is the Gita Jyanti celebrations held in the last week of November or the first week of December. The tank presents breath-taking spectacle of Deep daan (ceremony of floating lamps in water) and Aarti organized on this occasion. All around the world participates at this occasion. We can see a big crowd at these occasions.

Sannihit Sarovar

Sannihit Sarovar is believed to be the meeting point of seven sacred Saraswatis. The sarovar, according to popular belief, contains sacred water. Bathing in the waters of the tank on the day of Amavasya (night of complete darkness) or on the day of an eclipse bestows blessings equivalent to performing the ashvamedh yajna.
Bathing in this sarovar is believed to offer peace to wandering and unhappy souls. Prayers and pind daan, a memorial service for the dead, is performed here. Alongside the sarovar are small shrines dedicated to Lord Vishnu, Dhruv Narayan, Laxmi Narayan, Dhruv Bhagat, Sri Hanuman and Goddess Durga. The Sannihit Sarovar is believed to be the abode of Lord Vishnu

Jyotisar

Jyotisar is a town on the Kurukshetra-Pehowa road, 5 km west of Thanesar in the Kurukshetra district of Haryana. 'Jyoti' means light and 'Sar' means the core meaning. Hence the name of place is a reference to the 'core meaning of light' or ultimately of God. It is one of the most revered holy sites of the holy city of Kurukshetra. A Vat (Banyan tree) stands on a raised plinth. Local traditions say that this tree is an offshoot of the holy Banyan tree under which Lord Krishna delivered the sermon of Bhagavad Gita, the doctrine of Karma and Dharma to his wavering friend Arjuna. It is here that He showed his Virat rupa (Universal form).
A marble chariot depicting Lord Krishna delivering the sermon to Arjuna marks the site of the Srimad Bhagwad Gita. In one secluded section of this center, an old Shiva temple can also be seen. Hundreds of years ago, a holy water tank was present here and it can still be seen in the rainy season. The Kurukshetra Development Board has renovated the site in recent times. A mango shaped lake has been constructed here with covered bathing ghats for ladies. Cement parapets and enclosures have been built for protection. A light and music show is organized by the tourism department at the site, on a regular basis, which recreates episodes from Mahabharta. A restaurant and accommodation wing for Yatrees have been built and the entire area has been landscaped with flowering bushes and eucalyptus trees.

Sthaneshwar Mahadev Temple

The ancient Sthaneshwar Mahadev Temple, dedicated to Lord Shiva is situated in Thanesar, a holy town in the Kurukshetra district of Haryana. It was here that the Pandavas prayed to Lord Shiva and received his blessings for victory in the battle of Mahabharata. The ninth Guru, Shri Tegh Bahadur stayed at a spot near the Sthaneshwar Tirtha that is marked by a gurdwara just besides this temple.

Legend

Legend has it that the waters of the tank adjoining the temple are holy. A few drops of water cured the King Ban of leprosy. No pilgrimage of Kurukshetra is believed to be complete without a visit to this ancient, holy temple. The tank and temple lie a short distance from the Thanesar town, which gets its name from this temple. It is also believed that Lord Shiva was first worshipped here in the form of a lingam. The ancestor of the Mahabharata heroes, Kuru, performed penance on the banks of the Yamuna and Parshuram, the great warrior sage killed many Kshatriyas her

About the deity

The temple of Sthaneshwar is the abode of Lord Shiva and this town served as the capital of Emperor Harshavardhana. The temple with a dome-shaped roof follows a regional type of architecture. The facade of the roof is shaped like an 'amla' along with a tall pinnacle. The Lingam is ancient and still venerated by the local people

Pehowa

Pehowa is a city and a municipal committee in Kurukshetra district in the Indian state of Haryana.

Mythic History

This site was called 'Prithudaka' in the epics of Mahabharat named after the King Prithu who prayed for the salvation of his fathers soul here. This site is where the tradition of Shraddha to fathers is offered. It is located 27 km west of Thanesar. The place boasts of existence from AD 882 but an inscription written on it states that it was actually built in AD 895. Legend has it that when the father of King Prithu was nearing his death, he wanted his son to fulfill just one wish of his. He wanted to breathe his last near the river Yamuna Prithudak.
The obedient son arranged for the same, where his father departed the world of the mortals. Filled with remorse, Prithu sat staring at the river for many days at a stretch and made innumerable offerings to God and observed fast too. The place where he is believed to have observed the fast for several days has been named Prithudak Teertha. Many ghats and temples have now been constructed in respect to the honour of the king's sacrifice.
The Lord Kartikay temple at the ghat is built at the site (as quoted by the temple priest) where Lord kartikay upon reaching back after going around the universe as per directions from Lord Shiva and Parvati removed his skin and left it with Maa Parvati. The temple has 2 rock blocks and an image of Lord Kartikay in marble flanked by 2 oil lamps. Shri Krishna made Yudhishtir light those two lamps for the 18,00,000 people who perished in mahabharat. the said lamps have been burning since the day. Oil is offered to the stone blocks, the marble image and the lamps for relieving pain of Lord Kartikay and of the souls of ancestors. If the story is true then by the most conservative estimates, the temple would be at least 4500 years old.
Pehowa Near to Shalihotra tirtha, Sarsa This tirath is located 26 kilometres from Kurukshetra in Pehowa town. Sarsa Village HolyTrith since the time of Mahabharata,So people should visit this great place once in a life Every person all over the world . Be KARMA YOGI. Form :-GITA (HINDU HOLY BOOK)
The most interesting thing to be observed at the place is the record of families kept since mahabharat. The purohits(priest) who sit around the place in small shops have been keeping records of families visiting the place since mahabharat (as per my family purohit). I quote " the records were being maintained since mahabharat of all the people visiting to get the rites performed. These were partly burnt by the islamic rulers, when massive conversions were made forcibly, to remove any track of the family tree". Still one can find records of at least past 400 years and get the entire family tree.

Om Tat Sat

                                                        

(Continued...)                                                                                                                              

(My humble  salutations to the great devotees ,  wikisources  and Pilgrimage tourist guide for the collection