62. Pushkar
Pushkar is one of the oldest existing cities of India. It lies on the shore of Pushkar Lake. The date of its actual origin is not known, but legend associates Lord Brahma with its creation.
Pushkar has many temples. Most of the temples are not very old because many temples were destroyed during Muslim conquests in the area.[citation needed] Subsequently, the destroyed temples were rebuilt. The most famous among all is the Brahma Temple built during the 14th century CE. Very few temples to Lord Brahma exist anywhere in the world. Other temples of Brahma include Bithoor in Uttar Pradesh, India; village Asotra near Balotra city of Barmer district in Rajasthan; Uttamar Kovil (one of the Divya Desams) near Srirangam, Tamil Nadu; Mother Temple of Besakih in Bali, Indonesia; and Prambanan in Yogyakarta, Indonesia. The Pushkar lake has 52 ghats where pilgrims descend to the lake to bathe in the sacred waters.
Pushkar is also famous for its annual fair (Pushkar Camel Fair) held in November.
The natural environment of Pushkar and the sacred lake has become increasingly degraded in the last few decades. The problems stem mainly from overdevelopment of tourist facilities and the deforestation of the surrounding area.[
Etymology
Pushkar in Sanskrit means blue lotus flower.[2] Hindus believe that the gods released a swan with a lotus in its beak and let it fall on earth where Brahma would perform a grand yagna. The place where the lotus fell was called Pushkar. Pushkar word may be derived from word 'Pushkarni'means- lake.It may be derived from word Pushpa means flower and Kar means hand.History
Pushkar is one of the oldest cities of India. The date of its actual founding is not known, but legend associates Lord Brahma with its creation.According to legend, Brahma was in search of a place for Mahayagna and he found this place suitable. After a long time, Brahma came to known that a demon, Vajranash, was killing people here so the Lord intoned a mantra on a lotus flower and killed the demon. During this process the parts of flower fell on three places which were later known as Jyaistha, Madhya and Kanistha Pushkar. After this Brahma performed a yagna to protect this place from demons. The consort of Brahma, Saraswati, were needed to offer Ahuti for the yagna but she was not there that time so Gayatri, a Gurjar girl, was married to brahma and performned yagna. This act made first wife of Brahma, Saraswati, angry and she cursed Brahma saying that he would be worshiped in Pushkar only.[3] From that day the priests in Brahma temple are from Gurjar community.[4]
The Mahabharata says that while laying down a programme for Maharaja Yudhishthara’s travel, “Maharaja after entering the Jungles of Sind and crossing the small rivers on the way should bathe in Pushkara". And, as per Vaman Purana, Prahlada on his pilgrimage to holy places visited Pushkarayana.
A Gurjara Pratihara (Gurjar) ruler of Mandore, Nahadarava, restored this tirtha in the seventh century. He got the place cleared and the lake restored by making an embankment on the side of the river Luni. He rebuilt old palaces and built twelve dharmashalas (resting places) and ghats on three sides of the lake.
According to Rajputana Gazetteer Pushkar was held by Chechi Gurjars (Gujjars) till about 700 years ago.Later Some shrines were occupied by Kanphati Jogis.[5]
There are still priests from Gujar community in Pushkar temple, known as Bhopas.[6]
The sage Parasara is said to have been born here. His descendants, called Parasara Brahamanas, are found in Pushkar and the surrounding area. The famous temple of Jeenmata has been cared for by Parasara Brahmans for the last 1,000 years. Pushkarana Brahamanas may also have originated here.
It is also the venue of the annual Pushkar Camel Fair. In 1901, the town was part of the Rajputana Agency had a population of 3,831
Places to see
- The Sri Sawai Bhoj Temple[8]
- Jagat Pita Shri Brahma temple
- Varaha temple
- Apteshwar Mahadev temple
- Savitri temple
- Baba the Cosmic Barber
- Temple of Rangji (New and Old) or Shri Vaikunthnathji
- Man Mahal
- Gurudwara Singh Sabha (Patrons: Jaswinder Singh & Harmeet Bhatti)
- Varah Temple. This temple is to God Vishnu. It is one of the most visited temples in Pushkar city. It is said that Lord Vishnu gave a visit to this area to kill an atrocious demon Hirnayaksha.
- Nagaur Fair
- Pushkar Fair
- Tejaji fair
Pushkar Fair
Pushkar fair continues for five days and these five days are a period of relaxation and merry-making for the villagers. This fair time is the most busy time for them, as this is one of the largest cattle fairs in the country. Animals, including over 50,000 camels, are brought from miles around to be traded and sold. Trading is brisk as several thousand heads of cattle exchange hands. All the camels are cleaned, washed, adorned, some are interestingly shorn to form patterns, and special stalls are set up selling finery and jewellery for the camels. Camels at the Pushkar fair are decorated with great care. They wear jewellery of silver and beads. There are silver bells and bangles around their ankles that jangle when they walk. An interesting ritual is the piercing of a camel's nose. It has more than 400 temples including the only one temple in India dedicated to the Hindu God Lord Brahma, the Creator of the Universe.According to Indian mythology, after visiting all the Hindu pilgrim towns and temples (Four Dhams), if Pushkar is not visited for worship, then salvation is not achieved. According to the Hindu calendar Pushkar Fair commences in Nawami (ninth day of fortnightly phases of moon) and ends in Purnima (Full Moon) in the month of Kartika (October or November according to the lunar calendar). In Pushkar, one of the biggest Cattle Fair is also held for trading purposes and the best cattle in all categories are awarded. Countless people in their colourful attire gather to take a dip in the Holy Lake and pray to the deities. The whole town comes alive with vibrant folk music and dances, magic shows, horse and camel races and various other traditional entertainment competitions.Pushkar, with more than 12 local fairs and festivals of 10–15 days duration is a year round destination. It is a mellow town by the great lake of Pushkar amidst the perfume of jasmine and rose flowers. About 4,000 to 6,000 visitors from all over the world come to Pushkar everyday.[citation needed]
Camel Safari in Pushkar
Tourists can explore the rugged terrain of the Great Indian Desert of Thar using camels. The Aravalli Range here is one of the world's oldest mountain ranges, and has sandy fields, small dunes, beautiful hills and mesmerizing sunrises and sunsets.The camel safaris in Pushkar will take Tourists to destinations where they will witnesses small villages along the way and during crop harvesting, the views are exceptionally enticing.
Other attractions
A visit to Bhandarej, Bhangarh and Fort Madhopur from Jaipur via Dausa Town by an Indica or Ambassador taxi . Expect rates to go up considerably in the high season.Ajmer is the nearest tourist attraction that lies outside the city boundaries of Pushkar.
Located 27 kilometres away from Ajmer, there is Kishangarh, famous for its miniature paintings, more popularly known as Bani Thani.
Pushkar Lake – The prime attraction of Pushkar is the Pushkar Lake which is considered sacred like the Mansarovar Lake in Tibet. Pushkar has become a place of Hindu pilgrimage because of this holy lake. Legend has it that this lake was consecrated to Lord Brahma, the creator of the universe when a lotus dropped from his hand into the vale and a lake emerged in that place.
Brahma Temple – The most important temple in Pushkar is the Temple of Lord Brahma, one of the holy trinity of Hinduism. In fact it is the only Hindu shrine in the world where Lord Brahma is worshipped. The temple enshrines a life-size idol of Lord Brahma.
Savitri Temple- This temple that is located at the top of the Ratnagiri Hill is dedicated to Savitri, the wife of Lord Brahma. The temple houses a statue of Goddess Savitri.
Old Pushkar- Old Pushkar lake is rebuilt and is located around 5 km from Pushkar lake. According to the ancient texts, Old Pushkar has equal cultural and religious significance for the pilgrims.
Demographics
As of 2001 India census,[9] Pushkar had a population of 14,789. Males constitute 54% of the population and females 46%. Pushkar has an average literacy rate of 69%, higher than the national average of 59.5%: male literacy is 77%, and female literacy is 60%. In Pushkar, 14% of the population is under 6 years of age.Transport
Air
The nearest airport from Pushkar is Sanganer Airport at Jaipur at distance of 146 km (91 mi). Jaipur is well connected with all the major cities in India.Road
Pushkar is 11 km (6.8 mi) from main Ajmer bus stand. Rajasthan Roadways run very comfortable deluxe buses from Jaipur. There are buses from Jaipur to Ajmer, Indore, Nagda every 15 minutes. Pushkar is about 2:30 hour drive from Jaipur.Rail
Pushkar has a railway station that started operations in January 2012 and connects to the nearest large railway station, Ajmer. Ajmer railway junction is connected to almost all cities of India such as Delhi, Mumbai, Kolkata, Chennai, Hyderabad, Bengaluru, Ahmedabad, Indore, Kanpur, Lucknow, Patna, Bhopal, Trivandrum and Cochin.Pushkar Lake
Pushkar Lake or Pushkar Sarovar (Sanskrit: पुष्कर-सरोवर) is located in the town of Pushkar in Ajmer district of the Rajasthan state of western India. Pushkar Lake is a sacred lake of the Hindus. The Hindu scriptures describe as it as "Tirtha-Raj" – the king of pilgrimage sites related to a water-body and relate it to the mythology of the creator-god Brahma, whose most prominent temple stands in Pushkar. The Pushkar Lake finds mention on coins as early as the 4th century BC.Pushkar Lake is surrounded by 52 bathing ghats (a series of steps leading to the lake), where pilgrims throng in large numbers to take a sacred bath, especially around Kartik Poornima (October–November) when the Pushkar Fair is held. A dip in the sacred lake is believed to cleanse sins and cure skin diseases. Over 500 Hindu temples are situated around the lake precincts.
Tourism and deforestation in the surroundings have taken a heavy toll on the lake, adversely affecting its water quality, reducing the water levels and destroying the fish population. As part of conservation measures, the government is undertaking de-silting, de-weeding, water treatment, and afforestation as well as mass awareness programme.
History
Pushkar Lake's history dates back to the 4th century BC. Numismatics, in the form of punched Greek and Kushan coins date the lake back to this time. The inscriptions found at Sanchi attest to the lake's existence to the 2nd Century BC. This suggests that Pushkar was a pilgrimage centre even if it did not lie on the trade route.[10]In the fifth century AD, Chinese traveller Fa Xian made reference to the number of visitors to Pushkar Lake.[11]
A story tells of a ninth century Rajput king, Nahar Rao Parikar of Mandore, chasing a white boar to the lake shore on a hunting expedition. In order to quench his thirst, he dipped his hand into the lake and was astonished to see that the Leukoderma marks on his hand had disappeared. Impressed with the sacred curative nature of the lake, he got the lake restored to its glory. After discovering the curative characteristics of the lake water, people have since visited the lake to take a holy dip and cure themselves of skin problems.[12][13]
The creation of Pushkar Lake, as an artificial lake, is also credited to the 12th century when a dam was built across the headwaters of the Luni River. The 10th Sikh guru, Guru Govind Singh (1666–1708), is said to have recited the Sikh sacred text Guru Granth Sahib on the banks of the lake.[14]
During the Mughal rule, there was a short break in the lake's importance due to the levy of a pilgrim tax and a ban on religious processions. In 1615–16, the Mughal emperor Jahangir (1569–1627) built his hunting lodge (seen now in total ruins) on the shores of the Pushkar Lake to celebrate his victory over the local Rajput Rana (king). He came to this lodge 16 times for hunting during his stay in Ajmer, about 23 kilometres (14 mi) from Pushkar. This act violated the local tradition of not killing any animals in the precincts of the sacred lake. He also committed an idolatrous act by breaking the image of Varaha – the boar Avatar of the god Vishnu, as it resembled a pig and symbolically hurt Islamic sensitivity. Thereafter, Jahangir's grandson emperor Aurangzeb (1618–1707) destroyed and desecrated several temples, which were later rebuilt.[11][15] However, during the rule of Jahangir's father, Emperor Akbar (1542–1605), there was a revival of not only the lake but also the Ajmer's Dargah dedicated to sufi saint Moinuddin Chishti, of whom Akbar was a devout follower.[10]
The Rajput rulers of Amber, Bundi, Bikaner and Jaisalmer made great efforts to restore the importance of the lake and its surrounding temples. Credits given for modern additions to the building of ghats and the renovation/construction of temples go to Maharaja Man Singh I of Amber for the Raj Ghat and Man temple; Rana Pratap for the Varaha temple; Daulat Rao Scindia for Kot Tirth Ghat, the Marathas-Anaji Scindia to the Koteshwar Mahadev temple and Govind Rao, the Maratha governor of Ajmer for Shiva Ghat; to the British rule for combining the religious pilgrimage with a cattle fair to generate taxes for improving the lake and its surroundings; and gifting of the Jaipur Ghat and the Main Palace on the ghat in 1956 by the Maharaja of Jaipur.[16]
Religious significance
There are various legends from Hindu epics Ramayana and Mahabharata and the Puranic scriptures which mention the Pushar Lake and the town of Pushkar surrounding it.According to the Hindu scripture Padma Purana, Brahma saw the demon Vajranabha (Vajranash in another version) trying to kill his children and harassing people. He immediately slew the demon with his weapon, the lotus-flower. In this process, the lotus petals fell on the ground at three places, where springs emerged creating three lakes: the Pushkar Lake or Jyeshta Pushkar (greatest or first Pushkar), the Madya Pushkar (middle Pushkar) Lake, and Kanishta Pushkar (lowest or youngest Pushkar) lake. When Brahma came down to the earth, he named the place where the flower ("pushpa") fell from Brahma's hand ("kar") as "Pushkar".[10][17] It is also said that the sacred Sarasvati River emerged at Pushkar as five streams.[1][12] The three lakes were assigned their presiding deities as the Hindu Trinity Brahma, Vishnu and Shiva, respectively. When Brahma came down to the earth, he named the place where the lotus fell as 'Pushkar'. Brahma then decided to perform a yagna at the place, at the main Pushkar Lake. However, his wife Savitri (called Sarasvati in some versions) could not be present at the designated time to perform the essential part of the yagna. Brahma, therefore, married a Gujjar,a dominant agricultural race named Gayatri and completed the yagna with his new consort sitting beside him. However, when Savitri finally arrived at the venue, she found Gayatri sitting next to Brahma in her rightful place. Agitated, she cursed Brahma that he would be worshipped only in Pushkar. As a result of this, yagna performed in the presence of all the gods, it is said that a dip in the lake created at this place is credited with holiness, assuring salvation from all sins. It is now one of the five holiest centres of pilgrimage for Hindus.[10][11][18][19][20]
Ramayana and Mahabharata refer to Pushkar Lake as Adi Tirtha, or the "original sacred water-body". The famous Sanskrit poet and play-writer Kalidasa also referred to this lake in his poem Abhijñānaśākuntalam.[18] The Ramayana mentions that Vishwamitra performed penance at Pushkar Lake for a thousand years. In spite of Brahma appearing before him and granting him the higher status of a rishi instead of a royal-sage (rajarishi), Vishwamitra continued his penance, but, the celestial nymph apsara, Menaka came to the lake to take a bath. Vishwamitra was enamoured by her beauty and they decided to live together in pursuit of pleasure for ten years. Then, Vishwamitra realized that his main activity of penance was disturbed. He, therefore, took leave of Menaka and went away to the north to continue his meditation.[21] Vishwamitra was also described as building the Brahma temple at Pushkar after Brahma's yagna.[22] Mahabharata mentions that Pushkar is a holy place of the god Vishnu, considered as the Adi Tirtha where millions of tirthas united during sunrise and sunset, and visiting the lake and taking a holy bath in the lake would wash off all sins
According to Hindu theology, there are five sacred lakes collectively called Panch-Sarovar ('Sarovar' means "lake"). Namely, Mansarovar, Bindu Sarovar, Narayan Sarovar, Pampa Sarovar and Pushkar Sarovar; hence, Pushkar is considered one of the most sacred places in India. It is also the belief of devotees that a dip in the waters of the lake on Kartik Poornima would equal the benefits that would accrue by performing yagnas (fire-sacrifices) for several centuries.[23] Pushkar is often called "Tirtha-Raj" – the king of pilgrimage sites related to water-bodies.[1][2] The scriptures also mention that doing parikrama (circumambulation) of the three lakes (the main Pushkar, Madya Pushkar where there is a Hanuman temple and an old Banyan tree, and Kanistha Pushkar where a Krishna temple exists), which cover a distance of 16 kilometres (9.9 mi), during the Kartik Poornima day would be highly auspicious.[17] International Business Times has identified Pushkar as one of the ten most religious places in the world and one of the five sacred pilgrimage places for the Hindus, in India.[19]
Cultural attractions
Pushkar Lake and its precincts offer a plethora of monuments of national importance, such as the Pushkar city, the Brahma temple at Pushkar and the ghats on the periphery of the lakes. The lake is the central divine theme for the popularity of all the monuments seen in the town and the fairs held here.
Pushkar city
Pushkar city, with a population of 14,791 as of the 2001 census,[24] is one of the oldest cities in India. The city lies on the shore of Pushkar Lake. The date of its actual origin is not known, but legend associates Brahma with its creation concurrent with the lake; Brahma is said to have performed penance here for a darshan (sight) of god Vishnu. Thus, its uniqueness lies in the fact of its historic-religious-cultural background, and as a result it attracts approximately 100,000 visitors every month, apart from the very large congregation that occurs during the annual Pushkar Fair. However, the Pushkar Lake is central to its sustenance as a religious centre.[25] The tourist arrivals during 2005 were reported to be about 16.12 million (said to be the maximum among all tourist attractions in Rajasthan), out of which the foreign tourists were about 63,000Temples
Further information:
Brahma temple at Pushkar
Apart from the sacred Lake, Pushkar is said to
have over 500 temples (80 are large and the rest are small); of these many old
temples were destroyed or desecrated by Muslim depredations
during Aurangzeb's
rule (1658–1707) but were re-built subsequently. The most important of these is
the Brahma temple. Though the current structure dates to the 14th century, the
original temple is believed to be 2000 years old.[27]
Pushkar is often described in the scriptures as the only Brahma temple in the
world, owing to the curse of Savitri, but also as the "King of the sacred
places of the Hindus".[17][28]
Although now the Pushkar temple does not remain the only Brahma temple, it is
still one of very few existing temples dedicated to Brahma in India as well as
the most prominent.[11][22]
Hindu pilgrims, including holy men and sages visit this temple after taking a
ceremonial sacred bath in the Pushkar
Lake.[13]
Other notable temples around the lake include Varaha temple – dedicated to Varaha (the boar
incarnation of god Vishnu), Savitri temple and Gayatri temple, dedicated to the
consorts of Brahma.Ghats
Ghats (stone steps laid on a gradual bank slope to descend to the lake edge) at Pushkar are integral to the lake. Ghats are also used for sacred bathing and rites, such as ancestor worship. Out of 52 ghats used by pilgrims to take a holy bath in the lake, ten important ghats on the periphery of the lake, which have other contiguous ghats adjoining them, have also been declared as 'Monuments of National Importance'. These ghats are: the Varaha Ghat, the Dadhich Ghat, Saptarishi Ghats, Gwalior Ghat, Kota Ghat, Gau ghat, Yag Ghat, Jaipur Ghat, Karni Ghat and Gangaur Ghat. These ghats as well as the sacred Pushkar Lake (which is also a declared heritage monument) have been refurbished over the centuries by the Royal families of Rajasthan and by the Maratha kings. These are now undergoing further improvements as part of a heritage improvement programme launched with funds provided by the Government of Rajasthan and several departments of the Government of India. There are strict codes to be followed while taking a bath in the ghats, such as removing shoes away from the ghats and avoiding the passing of unwarranted comments about Hindu religious beliefs by non-Hindus, since the ghats and the temples are linked to the divine lake. The sacred water of the lake is said to be curative of many skin diseases. Local belief is that water around each ghat has a special curative power.[29] While many ghats have been named after the Rajas who built them, some ghats have particular importance. Varaha ghat is so named since Vishnu appeared here in his incarnation of a boar (Varaha). Brahma Ghat is so named since Brahma bathed here. The Gau Ghat was renamed as Gandhi Ghat after Mahatma Gandhi's ashes were immersed at this ghat.[20][23] Nart Singh Ghat, close to Varaha Ghat, has a stuffed crocodile on display.[9]A coinage known as "Puskar Passport" used by visitors to the lake and the ghats denotes the red thread that is tied on the wrists of pilgrims by the priests (for a dakshina – an unspecified fee). This indicates that the pilgrim has visited Pushkar Lake and is usually not approached by priests again for further rites and fees.
Pushkar Fair
Pushkar Lake and its precincts become very heavily populated during the annual Pushkar Fair or Pushkar mela, which has both a religious as well as an economic aspect. During the fair, a very large gathering of pilgrims takes a holy dip in the lake and the camel fair is an adjunct celebration. Pushkar Fair commences on Prabodhini Ekadashi, the 11th lunar day in the bright fortnight and ends on Kartik Poornima – the full Moon day in the month of Kartik (October–November), the latter being the most important day of the fair. This fair is held in the honour of god Brahma. A ritual bath on Kartik Poornima in the Pushkar Lake is considered to lead one to salvation. It is believed circling the three Pushkars on Kartik Poornima is highly meritorious. Sadhus, Hindu holy men, gather here and stay from the Ekadashi to full moon day in caves. The Pushkar fair is also Asia's largest camel fair.[27][31] The colourful and lively Camel Fair reportedly attracts 2 lakh people and 50,000 camels.[32] In this fair held on the banks of the lake, camels are very colourfully decorated and paraded in the sand dunes on the southern part of the lake. Tribes from several neighbouring villages are seen in their traditional colourful costumes. The fair on Kartik Poornima, the day when Brahma is believed to have concluded his Yagna establishing the lake. It is organized by the Rajasthan Tourism Development Corporation (RTDC), Pushkar Municipal Board and the Animal Husbandry Department of Rajasthan.[33] The fair is a colourful cultural event also with folk dances, music, camel races and the cattle fair.[13][34] The tug of war is a popular entertaining sport held during the fair. This event is held between the Rajasthanis and foreigners; locals invariably win the event
63. Puttaparthi
The town's main attraction is Baba's Prasanthi Nilayam ashram, the presence of which has given a huge boost to the local economy, in the form of hotels, lodges, restaurants and shops which are largely frequented by visitors to Prasanthi Nilayam.
The common languages spoken in Puttaparthi are Telugu, Tamil, Kannada, English and Hindi.
Prasanthi Nilayam
Prasanthi Nilayam (14°9.91′N 77°48.70′E, 800 meters (2624 feet) above sea level[1]) is the main ashram of Sathya Sai Baba. The "township of Prasanthi Nilayam is located in the village of Puttaparthi, the hamlet where Sathya Sai Baba was born. This area is part of the Anantapur district in the state of Andhra Pradesh, in South India"Prasanthi Nilayam" means literally "Abode of the Highest Peace."[1][2] Sathya Sai Baba gave daily darshan to his thousands of devotees in this ashram. Sathya Sai Baba was "usually present in Prasanthi Nilayam from early June to the middle of March.
History
At the age of seventeen, Sathya Sai Baba told one devotee, "The Sai Pravesh (the advent of Sai) will transform that region into Prasanthi Pradesh (a region of highest peace). There will rise a bhavan (mansion)! Lakhs of people from all over India, why only India, from all over the world, will come and wait there for Sai darshan!"[3]In 1944 a mandir was built to facilitate the growing number of Sai Baba devotees.[4] It is now commonly referred to as the "old mandir."[5][6] Prasanti Nilayam was "inaugurated on November 23, 1950, the twenty-fourth birthday of Bhagavan Sri Sathya Sai Baba. It took about two years to build."[4] "Sathya Sai Baba can be said to be the architect and engineer who directed the entire work for construction",[4] says Narayana Kasturi. Sathya Sai Baba "supervised the construction, acquiring of equipment, and watched over the devotees who, standing in long queues along the slope of the hill, passed from hand to hand metal, stones, bricks, water, mud, mortar, and everything needed for the structure that dominates the landscape today."[4]
There are stories of the problems faced in trying to "transport huge heavy girders for the central prayer hall," as they had to come "from near Trichinopoly by train to Penukonda ... (and then had to be) brought over the District Board Road, sixteen miles long with a sandy stream at the seventh mile."[4]
The mandir was painted blue, yellow, and pink "communicating the message of the harmony of spirit, intellect, and heart respectively; for blue stands for spirit, yellow for intellect, and pink for heart (love). The rich harmony of the three does result in santhi (peace) and Prasanthi (supreme peace); and that really is the message of the Prasanthi mandir."[3]
"In October 1957 a hospital was inaugurated on the hill behind the Nilayam."[4]
Poornachandra Auditorium was built in 1973. "It is the venue for conducting cultural programmes, conferences and yagnas during Dasara."[7] It can seat around 15,000 people in the 60 x 40 metre area.[7] Sathya Sai Baba's "simple living quarters are upstairs above the stage."
The Sarva Dharma Stupa, "a 50 ft high pillar celebrating the unity of all religions, was built in November 1975 to mark the advent of the Avatar."[9]
Sai Kulwant Hall is where daily darshan took place.[9] "It is a spacious enclosure"[8] with a seating capacity of about 20,000.[8][9] Sai Kulwant Hall is between Sathya Sai Baba's residence (Yajur Mandir) and the Prasanti Mandir. The "carved icons of Sri Rama, Sita, Lakshmana and Hanuman were blessed" by Sathya Sai Baba on 30 September 1999
The Prasanti Nilayam ashram hosts mandirs: a Ganesha Mandir, Subramanya Mandir, Gayatri Mandir,[7] a meditation tree (planted by Sai Baba in 1950),[8][9] two museums (the Eternal Heritage Museum and the Chaitanya Jyothi Museum[9][10]), North and South Indian canteens, a Western canteen[11] and the administration buildings for the Sri Sathya Sai Institute of Higher Learning (Sri Sathya Sai University).[9]
"There is a branch office of the State Bank of India in Prasanthi Nilayam itself.
Sri Satya Sai Baba attained His Mahaniryana in April, 2011.
Ashram policies
Certain guidelines and codes of conduct have been laid down for devotees while in the ashram.[13] Devotees are asked to "dress in modest, clean and sober clothing at all times." [13] As far as socializing, "men and women are not expected to mix for the sake of passing time either outside or inside the rooms."[13] Other ashram rules include,- maintaining silence
- restricting behavior that will cause a disturbance to others, e.g., not playing radios loudly, no loud singing of bhajans by groups or individuals, keeping children under control, etc.
- smoking, gambling, consumption of alcoholic beverages or non-vegetarian food (including eggs), and drugs are strictly forbidden
- devotees are asked not to "associate with strangers"[13] and to "beware of cheats and persons collecting funds."[13] The ashram explicitly warns people to be wary of "those who claim close association with Sai Baba or claim to have inner messages or special blessings of Sathya Sai Baba."[13]
- additional guidelines for safety and cleanliness
Ashram schedule (as of May 3, 2011)
5:00 AM Temple bell rings 9 times5:10 AM Temple bell rings 5 times
5:20 AM Temple bell rings once, followed by 21 Aumkars then Suprabhatham
5:40 AM Veda chanting around the ashram, then Nagarsankirtan
8:00 AM Veda chanting in Sai Kulwant Hall
9:00 AM Bhajan singing in Sai Kulwant Hall
9:30 AM Mangala Arati in Sai Kulwant Hall
4:30 PM (5:00PM in the summer) Veda chanting in Sai Kulwant Hall
5:30 PM (6:00PM in the summer) Bhajan singing in Sai Kulwant Hall
6:00 PM (6:30PM in the summer) Mangala Arati in Sai Kulwant Hall
All lights out by 9 PM
Transportation
Bus
Puttaparthi is well connected by road to Hyderabad (state capital) (472 kilometres (293 mi)), Ananthapur (district headquarters) (84 kilometres (52 mi)), Bangalore (154 kilometres (96 mi)), Hindupur (65 kilometres (40 mi)), Kadiri (70 kilometres (43 mi)), Penukonda (40 kilometres (25 mi)) and Chennai (375 kilometres (233 mi)), by state-run APSRTC buses. KSRTC buses also ply from Bangalore. Puttaparthi Bus InfoTaxi / Car Rental
Puttaparthi can be reached from Bangalore, Chennai and Hyderabad by a taxi or car rental. There are operators who can provide car rental and taxi service from these cities.Rail
Puttaparthi has a railway station SSSPN (Sri Satya Sai Prasanthi Nilayam) which started functioning from 23 November 2000. It is about 8 kilometres (5.0 mi) from the ashram. This station falls under South Western Railway, Bangalore Division and lies on the Bangalore-Guntakal railway line. It is easy to reach the town from the railway station, in 20 - 25 mins, through various modes of transport like cabs, autorickshaws etc. and APSRTC buses. It is connected to Chennai, Bangalore, Hyderabad, Coimbatore, Mumbai and New Delhi directly. The nearest major railway station is 45 kilometres (28 mi) away at Dharmavaram, where one can board a train to many of the major cities in India. Dharmavaram railway station itself is connected to Puttaparthi by APSRTC buses. Puttaparthi Train TimingsAir
Puttaparthi has an airport which is connected to Mumbai and Chennai by Indian Airlines as a stopover for their Hyderabad-Visakhapatnam services. The services are run only seasonally and on a need base; flights are not scheduled regularly. Passengers desiring to travel here should check the flight schedule before planning their trip. The airport is 6 kilometres (3.7 mi) from the ashram.[4] It is owned by the Sri Sathya Sai Central Trust and is spread over 450 acres (1.8 km2) of land, housing a runway that is 2,230 metres long.[5] Puttaparthi Air SchedulesThe airport's future is in doubt as several news sources have reported a proposal for sale at a price of 600 crores. Sources have also reported that one of India's leading private airliner based out of Bangalore has shown interest in the deal.[4]
The nearest major airport is the Bengaluru International Airport at Devanahalli, about 119 kilometres (74 mi) from Puttaparthi.
Other attractions
Apart from the main Ashram, Puttaparthi has other places of interest like a Hanuman temple, a village mosque and Sathyabhama temple. Sathyabhama is well known locally as 'Sathyamma' and the temple was built by Late Kondama Raju, grandfather of Sri Sathya Sai Baba.Initially on the outskirts, it is now in the heart of the much grown town of Puttaparthi. Incidentally, another Sathyamma temple was recently constructed by Baba's elder brother Seshama Raju's son on the Bangalore route (10 km from the Ashram) next to the Gantla Maremma temple.
Other major tourist attractions:
- The Shiva temple constructed on the site where Baba was born. This is further down in to the village from the Sathyamma Temple.
- The 'Kalpa Vriksha' or the Wish Fulfilling Tree that has a prominent place in the childhood life of Baba. It is on the banks of the Chitravathi river.
- The meditation tree on the hillock on the way to the university.
The main attraction at Puttaparthi remained Sathya Sai Baba till his death on 24 April 2011. Visitors can get a good idea of Indian village life by hiring an auto-rickshaw and touring the lake and surrounding villages and by interacting with the villagers.
64. Ramatheertham
Ramatheertham is a village panchayat in Nellimarla mandal of Vizianagaram district in Andhra Pradesh in South India.It is about 12 kilometers from Vizianagaram city. It is a famous Pilgrimage and also Ancient Historical Site since 3rd Century BCE There is a post office at Ramatheertham. The PIN code is 535 218
Ramatheertham is one of the places made sacred by a traditional connection with Rama. The temple and village at the base of a chain of hills of solid rock on which are some perennial springs of water, and various places each in a way associated with the name of Rama. The Jains have also had a residence here, their remains consisting chiefly of natural caves with slab sculptures set in them, and some small ruined brick temples. It is one of the few places in this direction where Jaina remains exist. The only notice of buried remains here is in Sewel's Lists (Vol. I, page 15) where mention is made of great heaps of broken bricks and cut stones on a hill which is difficult of access. It was hitherto unknown that these remains were Buddhist, and this I only discovered last season. Since that time, excavations have been conducted and resulted in the unearthing of an extensive part of what has undoubtedly been a large and important Buddhist monastery.
Buddhism and Jainism
The Black Granite hills on which you can find the ruins of some Buddhist and Jain structures known as Bodhikonda. Apart from it there are two other hills by name Gurabaktakonda (Gurubhakthulakonda) and Ghani konda (also known as Durga Konda) on which you can find a 3rd century BC Buddhist Monastic complex Remains and Rock-cut caves with Jain Tirthankara images on the walls of the caves.This Place has a Historical Importance as both the religions of Buddhism and jainism Flourished Contemporarly over here. At this place also the Buddhists are shown to have had a prior settlement in a place now sacred to the Hindus.Bodhikonda
At Ramatheertham there are three lines of hills standing parallel east and west, and each separated from the other by a narrow valley. The southernmost is known as the Bodhikonda, and on it are the spots connected with Rama, and Jaina remains consisting of natural caves, images and a ruined brick temple.Durgakonda (Ghanikonda)
The northern hill is the Durgakonda, so named from an image of that goddess which stands in a natural cave at its western base. In front of this cave and on the rock above it are some mounds. They contain both Buddhist and Jaina remains.Gurabaktakonda
The central hill is known as the Gurabaktakonda (Gurubhakthulakonda) and it is high up on its northern side that the ruined Buddhist monastery stands. The hill is formed of precipitous bare solid rock, rounded on the top and about 500 feet in height. Near its south summit, under a vertical wall of rock is a perennial spring, beside which are a ruined brick mound and some Jaina images. On the rooky summit are some brick mounds. On the north face of the hill at a height of about 400 feet from the base is a long irregular rooky platform 903 feet in length and averaging more than 100 feet in breadth. The hill above it extends throughout its whole length in a vertical wall of rook about 100 feet high. Natural irregularities in the northern face of the platform have been made up by retaining walls of stone masonry. Along the whole platform is a series of brick mounds which were covered with dense jungle.The excavation so far as it has proceeded has resulted in the unearthing of the following buildings noted consecutively from west to east. The base of a brick stupa at the western extremity 65 feet in diameter, and a tank beside it which was doubtless kept filled with water from the perennial spring on the hill top. Adjoining it on the east is a detached mass of heaped rocks on the east summit of which stands a chaitya 55 feet in length. In its apse is a stone *dagoba* in good preservation except a part of the dome. It contained the stone lid of a relic casket. On the north and south lower sides of the mass of rock are two rows of brick cells each terminated by a small stupa or dagoba. East from this again is a pillared hall 77 feet square with rows of massive stone piers all fallen or broken.
Two other large chaitya with walls still standing for a considerable height adjoin this on the east, and north of them on the outer face of the platform is a long row of cells and other buildings. The other mounds at the east extremity of the platform are as yet only partly explored. A stone statue of Buddha with the graceful flowing robes of the Amaravati sculptures is the only one of the kind as yet found. The chaityas are irregular in their orientation probably indicating different periods of construction on the hill.
Post Independence Excavations
Excavations by the Archeological Survey of India yielded some more Remnants along these Ramatheertham hills comprising Buddhist Relics and jaina Figures.This site is now under the maintenance of Archeological Survey of India, Hyderabad circle.Rama Temple
The famous ancient temple of Ramachandra Swamy can be found over here. The beautiful idols of Lord Ramachandra Swamy, Sita Devi and Lakshmana in Silver kavachas can be seen at this temple. There is a beautiful lake in vicinity of the temple. One has to visit this temple for its serenity. The festivals of Sri Ramanavami and Vaikunta Ekadasi are celebrated with pomp and fervour here. You can see many tortoises with Vishnu Namams on their backs, roaming around in the temple. There is also a Rama Stambham installed by Pedda Jeeyar.Next to Ramatemple there is a siva temple constructed in 2007. The priest in the siva temple known as Guruvugaru or rejeti mallibabu is very spiritual and famous person as an astrologer.He is famous for curing many problems of health, family problems and uses tantric way to solve everybody's problems.Goddess SriKamakshi in the siva temple is must see for everybody.There are a lot of religious activities which takes place in the siva temple for every full moon and during navaratri celebrations.Many devotees visit both the temples during important days.This place has lot of importance as a religious place as well historial site.
Transport
By Rail and Road also the Vizanagaram (AP) can be reached. From there by buses are avalable to Ramatheertham
65. Rameswaram
According to legend, this is the place from where the Hindu god Rama built a bridge,across the sea to Lanka to rescue his consort Sita from her abductor Ravana. The Ramanathaswamy Temple dedicated to the Hindu god Shiva is located at the centre of the town and is closely associated with Rama.[1] The temple along with the town is considered a holy pilgrimage site for both Shaivites and Vaishnavites.[2][3]
Rameswaram is the closest point to reach Sri Lanka and geological evidence suggests that the Adam's bridge was a former land connection between India and Sri Lanka. The town is in news over alleged attack by Sri Lankan navy for alleged cross border activities by fishermen, Sethusamudram Shipping Canal Project, Kachchatheevu and Sri Lankan Tamil refugees.[4] Rameswaram is administered by a municipality established in 1994. The town covers an area of 53 km2 and had a population of 37,968 as of 2001.[5] Tourism and fishery employ the majority of workforce in Rameswaram.
Legend
History
The history of Rameswaram is centred around the island being a transit point to reach Sri Lanka (Ceylon historically) and the presence of Ramanathaswamy Temple. Tevaram, the 7th–8th century Tamil compositions on Shiva by the three prominent Nayanars (Saivites) namely Appar,[14] Sundarar and Thirugnanasambandar.[15] The Chola king Rajendra Chola I (1012 – 1040 CE) had a control of the town for a short period.[16] The Jaffna kingdom (1215–1624 CE) had close connections with the island and claimed the title Setukavalan meaning custodians of the Rameswaram.[17] Hinduism was their state religion and they made generous contribution to the temple.[17] Setu was used in their coins as well as in inscriptions as marker of the dynasty.[17]According to Firishta, Malik Kafur, the head general of Alauddin Khilji, the ruler of Delhi Sultanate, reached Rameswaram during his political campaign in spite of stiff resistance from the Pandyan princes in the early 14th century.[18][19][20] He erected a mosque by name Alia al-Din Khaldji in honour of victory of Islam.[18][19] During the early 15th century, the present day Ramanathapuram, Kamuthi and Rameswaram were included in the Pandya dynasty.[16] In 1520 CE, the town came under the rule of Vijayanagara Empire.[16] The Sethupathis, the breakaway from Madurai Nayaks, ruled Ramanathapuram and contributed to the Ramanathaswamy temple.[16][3] The most notable of them are the contributions of Muthu Kumara Ragunatha and Muttu Ramalinga, who transformed the temple to an architectural ensemble.[21] The region was repeatedly captured several times by Chanda Sahib (1740 – 1754 CE), Arcot Nawab and Muhammed Yusuf Khan (1725 – 1764 CE) in the middle of 18th century.[22] In 1795 CE, Rameswaram came under the direct control of the British East India Company and was annexed to the Madras Presidency. After 1947, the town became a part of Independent India
Adam's Bridge is a chain of limestone shoals, between Rameswaram and Mannar Island, off the northwestern coast of Sri Lanka. Geological evidence suggests that this bridge is a former land connection between India and Sri Lanka.[26] The bridge is 18 miles (30 km) long and separates the Gulf of Mannar (South West) from the Palk Strait (North East). It was reportedly passable on foot up to the 15th century until storms deepened the channel. The temple records record that Rama’s Bridge was completely above sea level until it broke in a cyclone in 1480 CE.[27] The bridge was first mentioned in the ancient Indian Sanskrit epic Ramayana of Valmiki.[28] The name Rama's Bridge or Rama Setu (Sanskrit; setu: bridge) refers to the bridge built by the Vanara (ape men) army of Rama in Hindu mythology, which he used to reach Lanka and rescue his wife Sita from the demon king Ravana.[28] The Ramayana attributes the building of this bridge to Rama in verse 2-22-76, naming it as Setubandhanam.[29] The sea separating India and Sri Lanka is called Sethusamudram meaning "Sea of the Bridge". Maps prepared by a Dutch cartographer in 1747 CE, available at the Tanjore Saraswathi Mahal Library show this area as Ramancoil, a colloquial form of the Tamil Raman Kovil (or Rama's Temple).[30] Many other maps in Schwartzberg's historical atlas[31] and other sources such as travel texts by Marco Polo call this area by various names such as Sethubandha and Sethubandha Rameswaram
Transportation
Pamban Bridge (Tamil: பாம்பன் பாலம்) is a cantilever bridge on the Palk Strait that connects Rameswaram to mainland India. The railway bridge is 6,776 ft (2,065 m)[48] and was opened to traffic in 1914. The railroad bridge is a double-leaf bascule bridge section that can be raised to let ships pass under it . The railway bridge historically carried metre-gauge trains on it, but Indian Railways upgraded the bridge to carry broad-gauge trains in a project that finished on 12 August 2007. Historically, the two leaves of the bridge were opened manually using levers by workers.[48] About 10 ships — cargo carriers, coast guard ships, fishing vessels and oil tankers pass through the bridge every month. After completion of bridge, metre-gauge lines were laid from Mandapam up to Pamban Station, from where the railway lines bifurcated into two directions, one towards Rameswaram about 6.25 miles (10.06 km) up and another branch line of 15 miles (24 km) terminating at Dhanushkodi. The noted Boat Mail ran on this track between 1915 and 1964 from Chennai Egmore up to Dhanushkodi, from where the passengers were ferried to Talaimannar in Ceylon. The metre-gauge branch line from Pamban Junction to Dhanushkodi was abandoned after it was destroyed in a cyclone in 1964.[49]
There are daily express trains connecting major cities in Tamil Nadu like Chennai, Madurai, Trichy and Coimbatore.[50] There are weekly express trains connecting Coimbatore, Varanasi and Bhubaneswar.[50] Passenger trains ply to Madurai and Trichy daily making railways as the majore mode of transportation.[50] The Ramanathapuram – Rameswaram National Highway is the main connecting link to Rameswaram to the mainland.[51] Prior to the 1914 train service linking the mainland with Rameswaram, boats were the only mode of transport to ship the pilgrims to Rameswaram island.[51][52]
The National highway NH 49 connects Madurai to Dhanushkodi, linking major towns like Manamadurai, Paramakkudi, and Ramanathapuram in the Ramanathapuram district.[53] The Rameswaram municipality covers a total road length of 52 km and 20 km of national highway covering about 80 percent of the town.[54] The Tamil Nadu State Transport Corporation runs daily services connecting various cities to Rameswaram and operates a computerised reservation centre in the municipal bus stand of Rameswaram.[55]
Rameswaram is the important port among all the ports in the district, having a ferry service to Talaimannar of Sri Lanka, though not operational throughout the year.[53] Limited foreign trade is conducted with Jaffna, Kaits, Talaimannar and Colombo
Ramanathaswamy Temple
The Ramanathaswamy Temple is the most notable historic landmark of the town. Located in the centre of town, Ramanathaswamy Temple is a famous Hindu temple dedicated to the god Shiva. The temple is one of the 12 Jyotirlinga shrines, where Shiva is worshipped in the form of a Jyotirlinga meaning "pillar of light".[67] It is also one of the 275 Paadal Petra Sthalam temples and is glorified in hymns by the three of the most revered Nayanar saints (7th century Saivite saints), Appar, Sundarar and Tirugnana Sambandar. The temple in its current structure was built during the 12th century by Pandya Dynasty.[68] The temple has the longest corridor among all Hindu temples in India.[1] The breadth of these columned corridors varies from 17 to 21 feet with a height of 25 feet.[13] Each pillar is sculpted in Nayak style as in Madurai Meenakshi Amman Temple.[13] The contribution of the kings of the Sethupathy dynasty (17th century) to the temple was considerable.[69][13] Large amount of money was spent during the tenure of Pradani Muthirulappa Pillai towards the restoration of the pagodas which were falling into ruins – the Chockattan Mantapam or the cloistered precincts of the temple was reconstructed by him. The rulers of Sri Lanka contributed to the temple – Parakrama Bahu (1153–1186 CE) was involved in the construction of the sanctum sanctorum of the temple.[69][13] The eastern tower and shrine of Nataraja were built by Dalavai Sethupathy in 1649 CE.[13] The second enclosure is ascribed to Chinna Udayar Sethupathy and his son Ragunatha Thirumalai (1500–1540 CE).[13] The third enclosure was constructed by Muthu Ramalinga Sethupathy (1725–1771 CE) – his statue is located in the entrance of the corridor.[13]Temple Tanks
Main article: Tirthas of Rameswaram
There are sixty-four Tīrthas or Theerthams (holy water
bodies) in and around Rameswaram. According to the Skanda Purana,
twenty-four of them are important. Of the 24, 14 are in the form of tanks and
wells within the precincts of the temple.[3]
Bathing in these tanks is a major aspect of the pilgrimage to Rameswaram and is
considered equivalent to penance. Twenty-two of the tanks are within the Ramanathaswamy Temple. The foremost one is called Agni
Theertham, the sea (Bay of Bengal).[1]
Jatayu,
King of the Birds, who fought in vain with the demon-king Ravana to save Sita,
is said to have fallen down at Jadayu Theertham as his wings were severed.[70]
Villoondi Theertham literally translates to ‘buried bow’, is located around 7
kilometres from the main temple on the way to Pamban.[70]
It is believed to be the place where Rama quenched the thirst of Sita by
dipping the bow into the sea water.[70]
Other major holy bodies are Hanuman Theertham, Sugreeva Theertham and Lakshmana
TheerthamGandhamathana Parvatham
Gandhamathan Parvatham, a hillock situated 3 km to the north of the temple is the highest point in the island[70]. There is a two storeyed hall, where Rama's feet is found as an imprint on a chakra (wheel)[70]. The Ramarpatham Temple is located on the hillock[Dhanushkodi
Dhanushkodi is the southern most tip of the island and houses the Kothandaramasamy Temple dedicated to Rama[70]. Though Dhanushkodi was washed away during the 1964 cyclone, the temple alone remained intact[70]. It is 18 km way from the centre of the town and can be reached by road[70]. A popular belief is that, Dhanushkodi is where Vibishana, a brother of Ravana surrendered before Rama in the epic Ramayana. Hindu Pilgrimage
Rameswaram is significant for many Hindus as a pilgrimage to Varanasi is considered to be incomplete without a pilgrimage to Rameswaram. The town along with the Ramanathaswamy temple is one of the holiest Hindu Char Dham (four divine sites) sites comprising Badrinath, Puri and Dwarka.[71] Though the origins are not clearly known, the Advaita school of Hinduism established by Sankaracharya, attributes the origin of Char Dham to the seer.[72] The four monasteries are located across the four corners of India and their attendant temples are Badrinath Temple at Badrinath in the North, Jagannath Temple at Puri in the East, Dwarakadheesh Temple at Dwarka in the West and Ramanathaswamy Temple at Rameswaram in the South. Though ideologically the temples are divided between the sects of Hinduism, namely Saivism and Vaishnavism, the Char Dham pilgrimage is an all Hindu affair.[73] The journey across the four cardinal points in India is considered sacred by Hindus who aspire to visit these temples once in their lifetime.[74] Traditionally the trip starts at the eastern end from Puri, proceeding in clockwise direction in a manner typically followed for circuambulation in Hindu temples.[74] The temple is one of the famous pilgrimage sites historically – the Maratha kings who ruled Thanjavur established chatrams or rest houses all through Mayiladuthurai and Rameswaram between 1745 and 1837 CE and donated them to the temple66. Rishikesh
Rishikesh is a city and a municipal board
in Dehradun district now in the Indian state of Uttarakhand.
Located in the foothills of the Himalayas in northern India, it is known as The
Gateway to the Himalayas. Rishikesh is surrounded by three other districts
namely Tehri Garhwal, Pauri Garhwal and Haridwar.
It is located around 25 km north of holy city, Haridwar.
Rishikesh has a permanent population of around 75,000
Etymology
"Hṛṣīkeśa" (Sanskrit: हृषीकेश) is a name of Vishnu that means 'lord of the senses'.[1][2] The root words Hrishik and ish join together to make Hrishikesh. Hrishik means Senses and ish means master or Lord. Hence the word means Lord of Senses or Lord Vishnu. The place gets its name after Lord Vishnu who appeared to 'Raibhya Rishi',[3] as a result of his tapasya (austerities), as Lord Hrishikesh.[4] In Skanda Purana, this area is known as 'Kubjamrak' as Lord Vishnu appeared, under a mango tree.[2] Another legend says that fierce fire broke out here. Lord Shankar was angry with Lord Agni and cursed him. Then Lord Agni prayed here for the expiation of his sins. Hence it is also known as Agni Tirth - The holy place to penance of Lord Agni or Fire God.[5]The name Rishikesh is loosely applied to an association of five distinct sections encompassing not only the town but also Kevin de Geus. These include Rishikesh itself, the commercial and communication hub; the sprawling suburb Muni-ki-Reti or the "sands of the sages"; Shivananda Nagar the home of Sivananda Ashram and the Divine Life Society founded by Swami Sivananda, north of Rishikesh; the temple section of Lakshman Jhula, a little further north; and the assorted Ashrams around Swarg Ashram on the east bank. One can reach the famous Neelakanta Maha Deva Temple from here. The Ganga Aarti performed at dusk at the Triveni Ghat is popular with visitors. 'Neelkanth Mahadev Temple', situated 28 km from Rishikesh, amidst forest is also a popular local pilgrimage, along with 'Vasishtha Guha', (Cave of sage Vasishtha), 21 km up from the town by the Ganges.
History
Rishikesh has been a part of the legendary 'Kedarkhand' (the present day Garhwal).[6] Legends state that Lord Rama did penance here for killing Ravana, the demon king of Lanka; and Lakshmana, his younger brother, crossed the river Ganges, at a point, where the present 'Lakshman Jhula' bridge stands today, using a jute rope bridge.[7]The 'Kedar Khand' of Skanda Purana, also mentions the existence of Indrakund at this very point. The jute-rope bridge was replaced by iron-rope suspension bridge in 1889, and after it was washed away in the 1924 floods, it was replaced by a stronger present bridge.The sacred river Ganges flows through Rishikesh. It is here that the river leaves the Shivalik mountains in the Himalayas and flows out into the plains of northern India. Several temples, ancient as well as new, can be found along the banks of the Ganges in Rishikesh.
Hrishikesh is the most ancient pilgrim place. It is an abode of Gods, a place of worship and penance of the sages and saints. The celestial stream of Ganges decends down here from the Himalayas. Hence it regarded as the most pious pilgrim place. The mystical powers of the earth and water of this place, the penance of the sages and gods make it spritual holy pilgrim place.
The root words Hrishik and ish join together to make Hrishikesh (हृषीकेश). Hrishik means Senses and ish means master or Lord. Hence the word means Lord of Senses or Lord Vishnu. The sage Raibhya conquered his senses and attained Vishnu, the conqueror of senses. Hence the place is known as Hrishikesh (हृषीकेश). However, later on it was pronounced as Rishikesh (ऋषिकेश).
Another legend says that fierce fire broke out here. Lord Shankar was angry with Lord Agni and cursed him. Then Lord Agni prayed here for the expiation of his sins. Hence it is also known as Agni Tirth - The holy place to penance of Lord Agni or Fire God.
In Medieval period very few people lived here. The pilgrim visited here during pilgrimage session. Only few poets and sages lived here. It was surrounded by mango groves and shurbs of bamboo. Many temples were here during the eighth century. The floods in Ganges, earthquackes and iconoclasts demolished many of them.
Yoga Center
Rishikesh, sometimes nicknamed "the world capital of Yoga", has numerous yoga centres that also attract tourists. It is believed that meditation in Rishikesh brings one closer to attainment of moksha, as does a dip in the holy river that flows through it. Rishikesh is world famous for Rafting and Adventure. Rafting season starts from the month of March and ends in September.Rishikesh is also home to the 120-year old Kailas Ashram Brahmavidyapeetham, an institution dedicated to preserve and promote the traditional Vedantic Studies. Prominent personalities such as Swami Vivekananda, Swami Rama Tirtha and Swami Shivananda have studied in this institution.
In February 1968, The Beatles visited the now-closed[citation needed] Maharishi Mahesh Yogi's ashram in Rishikesh.[8] John Lennon recorded a song titled, 'The Happy Rishikesh Song'.[9][dead link][10] The Beatles composed nearly 48 songs during their time at the Maharishi's ashram,[citation needed] many of which appear on the White Album.[citation needed] Several other artists, including Mike Love and Donovan, visited the site to contemplate and meditate.[11] Former royal palace of the Maharaja of Tehri Garhwal at near by Narendra Nagar, now houses the Ananda–In the Himalayas destination spa and yoga retreat, estb. 2000.
Geography
Rishikesh is located at 30.103368°N 78.294754°E. It has an average elevation of 372 metres (1,745 feet).[citation needed]The Tehri Dam is just 80 km uphill on the way to Gangotri. Rishikesh is the starting point for travelling to the four Chota Char Dham pilgrimage places — Badrinath, Kedarnath, Gangotri, and Yamunotri. Rishikesh is also famous for ayurvedic treatments. Many ayurveda centre are run where ayurvedic classes are given by ayurvedic doctors.
Climate data for
Rishikesh
|
|||||||||||||
Month
|
Jan
|
Feb
|
Mar
|
Apr
|
May
|
Jun
|
Jul
|
Aug
|
Sep
|
Oct
|
Nov
|
Dec
|
Year
|
Average high °C (°F)
|
20
(68) |
23
(73) |
29
(84) |
35
(95) |
35
(95) |
33
(91) |
32
(90) |
32
(90) |
32
(90) |
30
(86) |
26
(79) |
22
(72) |
29
(84.3) |
Average low °C (°F)
|
7
(45) |
9
(48) |
14
(57) |
18
(64) |
23
(73) |
25
(77) |
25
(77) |
24
(75) |
23
(73) |
17
(63) |
11
(52) |
8
(46) |
17.0
(62.6) |
Precipitation mm (inches)
|
51
(2.01) |
33
(1.3) |
34
(1.34) |
9
(0.35) |
20
(0.79) |
94
(3.7) |
482
(18.98) |
495
(19.49) |
219
(8.62) |
76
(2.99) |
9
(0.35) |
17
(0.67) |
1,539
(60.59) |
Adventure sports
Rishikesh is becoming a popular spot for white water rafting enthusiasts, both from India and abroad, as the Ganges offers medium to rough rapids rated class 3 and class 4.[15] It is also a center for hiking and backpacking.[16] Recently, bungee jumping has also been introduced in Rishikesh, the first and only bungee jumping camp in IndiaPauri Garhwal district
Pauri Garhwal is a district in Uttarakhand state of India. Its headquarters is at Pauri. Pauri Garhwal district is ringed by Haridwar, Dehradun, Tehri Garhwal, Rudraprayag, Chamoli, Almora and Nainital districts from three sides. The southern boundary of Pauri Garhwal district touches with the Bijnor district of Uttar Pradesh. This district falls partly in the Gangetic plains and a major part in the Himalayan North.
History
Pauri Garhwal district was a part of the erstwhile Garhwal Kingdom ruled by the Pal (Shah) dynasty. The throne of the King was at Srinagar. In 1803 Gurkhas, after many unsuccessful attempts, finally succeeded in capturing Garhwal by defeating the army of King Pradyumna Shah. In 1816, the British defeated the Gurkhas in the Anglo-Nepalese War, and the Garhwal Kingdom was re-established from Tehri.Village andkil is the smallest village in pauri garhwal.The present king of Kumaon kingdom is Raja Mahendra Chand of Lamakhet, he is married to Rani Gita Chand of Rina and has three children. (Rajkumari Aakanksha Chand, Rajkumari Mallika Chand, Rajkumar Aryan Chand)
History of Pauri Garhwal District suggests that through the ages, the evolution of human civilization in this region of Garhwal Himalaya has been parallel to the rest of Indian sub-continent. Katyuri was the first historical dynasty, which ruled over unified Uttarakhand and left some important records in the form of inscriptions and temples. In the later period after the downfall of the Katyuris, it is believed that the Garhwal region was fragmented in more than sixty-four principalities ruled by a chieftain, one of the principal chieftainship was Chandpurgarh. In the mid of 15th century A.D. Chandpurgarh emerged as a powerful principality under the rule of King Jagatpal (1455 A.D to 1493 A.D.), who was a descendent of Kanakpal. Towards the end of 15th century AD King Ajaypal enthroned Chandpurgarh and ruled the region. Subsequently, his kingdom came to be known as Garhwal and he transferred his capital from Chandpur to Devalgarh before 1506 AD and later on to Srinagar during 1506 to 1519 A.D.
King Ajaypal and his successors ruled the region of Garhwal for nearly three hundred years even during this period they had faced a number of attacks from Kumaon, Mughals, Sikhs and Rohillas. An important event in the history of Pauri Garhwal District was Gorkha invasion. It was marked by extreme brutality. After conquering Doti and Kumaon, Gorkhas attacked Garhwal despite stiff resistance put up by the Garhwali forces. But in the meantime, news came of a Chinese invasion and the Gorkhas were forced to lift the siege. However, in 1803, they again mounted an invasion. After capturing Kumaon, they attacked Garhwal in three columns. Eventually, the Gorkhas became the masters of entire Garhwal in 1804 and ruled the territory for twelve years.
The rule of Gorkhas in Garhwal area ended in 1815 after the British invasion in the region. After the defeat of Gorkha army, the British rulers on 21 April 1815, decided to establish their rule over the eastern, half of Garhwal region, which lies east of Alaknanda River and Mandakini river. The remaining part of Garhwal in the west was restored to King Sudarshan Shah who established his capital at Tehri. Initially the administration was entrusted to the commissioner of Kumaon and Garhwal with headquarters at Nainital, but later Garhwal was separated and formed into a separate district in the year 1840 under an assistant commissioner with his headquarter at Pauri. In early 1960, Pauri Garhwal District and Chamoli District was curved out of Garhwal district.
Villages
After independence it was known as Garhwal district and further divided into Pauri Garhwal and Chamoli districts in 1960. In 1997 an additional area was carved out of the Pauri Garhwal and merged with parts of Chamoli and Tehri Garhwal districts to form a new district named Rudraprayag.Ransi ground situated in pauri is the highest ground in Asia.Pauri Garhwal, a district of Uttarakhand state encompasses an area of 5230 km2 and situated between 29° 45’ to 30°15’ Latitude and 78° 24’ to 79° 23’ E Longitude.The District is administratively divided into nine tehsils, viz., Pauri, Lansdown, Kotdwar, Thalisain, Dhumakot, Srinagar, Satpuli, Dhumakot & Yamkeshwar and fifteen developmental blocks, viz., Kot, Kaljikhal, Pauri, Pabo, Thalisain, Bironkhal, Dwarikhal, Dugadda, Jaihrikhal, Ekeshwer,bangarh, Rikhnikhal,Basda,Yamkeswar, Nainidanda, Pokhra & Khirsu. Layara,Village - Kandai Post Sanglakoti near about is Pokhra, Satpuli, Rithakhal ,Ira Malla, Shrikotkhal,(Lat..29,54"53'N And Lan78,46"46') Ekeswar, Chobattakhal etc. andGaurav
Climate
The climate of Pauri Garhwal is very cold in winter and pleasant in summer. In rainy season the climate is very cool & full of greenness. However, in Kotdwar and the adjoining Bhabar area it is quite hot reaching high 40s Celsius during the summer.and in winter session it remained heavy snow fall most part of the pauri district.Transport
The most common mode of transport is either bus or taxi. Bus services are provided by the state-run Uttarakhand Roadways, Garhwal Motor Owner Union (GMOU) Ltd. and Garhwal Mandal Vikas Nigam (GMVN) Ltd. Operations of the Uttarakhand Roadways are limited mainly to Inter-state routes and major cities/towns of the district/state. GMOU Ltd. is the largest bus service provider of the district, providing services to almost all places of the district. The services of GMU Ltd. are limited to comparatively smaller area adjoining the Kumaon division. Also there are a number of Taxi Unions in many towns of the district, providing services for almost every stretch of the road.The only railway station of the district is at Kotdwara, which was established by the British as early as 1889. As Pauri Garhwal district is situated at the Shiwalik range, the outermost range of the Himalayas, its hills are very inconsistent. As a result it is not considered feasible to extend the railways network.
Pauri Garhwal district does not have any regular air services. The nearest airport is Jollygrant, Dehradun, about 155 km from Pauri and about 120 km from Kotdwara.
Tourism
Tourism in Pauri Garhwal District includes a number of exploring options.Pauri Garhwal is considered as nature's paradise and it attracts people through its charm and magnificence.The beautiful valleys,snow clad mountain peaks and the amazing vies of the nature are the key components that attract the travellers.Moreover,tourism in Pauri will bw considered incomplete without paying a visit to its ancient temples.Some of the main places of interest in Pauri are as follows.Jai Danda Nagraja Mandir
The holy shrine of Danda Nagraja is a very popular pilgrimage among the Garhwali people. Devotees from around the country throng to the shrine everyday. It is located in the Banelsyun Patti, District Pauri (lap of Mountains).Alighting the bus at Marodagarha distance of 15 km run from Devparyag, the traveler treks on foot on uphill way up to 10 km.
is one of the most famous temples in the Pauri Garhwal district of Uttrakhand. The temple is situated in the Patty Kandwalsyon. Every year thousands of pilgrims from across the country visit this holy shrine, especially people from villages who have a lot of belief in the healing powers of this deity.
The famous Kauthig festival is celebrated on a very grand scale every year in 13-14April. The shrine is now well connected from Pauri City and other districts of the State by regular bus services. The best seasons to visit this Krishna temple is from November to March.
“Legend has it that when Lord Krishna came here for the first time, he came in the form of a snake and crawled all the way up the ridge to reach the spot where the temple now stands. Hence this temple is called Temple.” a regular pilgrim to this shrine, PUJARI OF TEMPLE'S said.
Localites have a strong belief that Lord Krishna still stays here and has done so over many centuries. They say they have special blessings of Danda Nagraja. Popular faith is that Danda Nagraja has the power to foresee any ill coming to the area and always informs them about any mishap that is about to occur. Not just that, locals say the Lord also gives them the solution to the problem.
The temple’s high priest tells you with conviction that if any devotee prays sincerely, Danda Nagraja always fulfills his wishes.
The temple is situated at the top of a hill with ample space around the structure for the pilgrims to relax. Another unique feature of this temple is that thousands of bells are tied in the temple premises by devotees after their wish is fulfilled. Apart from this, there is also a custom of devotees offering jaggery (gur) as prasad to the reigning deity. After a darshan of the pilgrims take a parikarma of the temple to get the blessings of the God.
“The temple not only attracts local people but, every year, many foreigners come visiting and they donate bells with their names written all over. The main visitors are from the US and UK,” the priest tells you.
People who lives in villages they have sacred belief in Danda Nagraza Temple. It is said that there are so many folk stories behind the establishment of temple. Jai Danda Nagraza Temple has been healing the grieves of Millions of devotees in many magical and holy way and that is what tied those devotees into a bond of love between God and Pilgrims since ages. With the help of this temple Pauri Garhwal known as a "Land of Miracles".
The State Government is doing its best to bring this temple into the world tourist map. The condition of roads has improved, dharamshalas and other tourists shelters are coming up and transportation and other basic facilities are being introduced.....
Location:- Village kota,silsu,Lasera & Ree, Devprayag, Pauri Garhwal, U.k., Pauri Garhwal, India(vicky tariyal)+919873623349
Jwalpa Devi Temple
This is a famous shaktipeeth of garhwal dedicated to Goddess Jwalpa. It is situated on the Right Bank of the Nawalika River, 34 km from Pauri, on the main Pauri- Kotdwar road. According to a legend in Skandha Puraan, Sachi(daughter of the demon king Pulom) wanted to marry devraj Indra so she worshipped The Supreme mother Goddess 'Shakti' here at this place. The Goddess then appeared in the form of Deeptimaan Jwalehwari and her wish was fulfilled. This name then gradually as the time passed was cut short and moduled to Jwalpa Devi. Adi Guru Shankaracharya visited and prayed in this temple and it is said that The Goddess appeared to him. Every year Navratri fair is held twice, on the occasion of Chitra and Shardiya Navratri. Anthwals are the traditional priests and care-takers of this temple as the present temple was constructed by Late Pt Shri Dutta Ram Anthwal(Anthwals being the zameendaar of the area, originally from village Aneth). Every year thousands of people visit this temple, specially unmarried girls as it is said that the girls get fine grooms just like Indraani(sachi) got Lord Indra by the grace of The Goddess.Kandoliya Devta
The main temples of the city are Kandoliya Devta, Laxmi Narayan, Kyunkaleshwar Mahadev and Hanuman mandir. Every year, a ‘Bhandara‘ is organized in the premises of the Temple of the Kandoliya Devta and thousands of people from Pauri and near by villages participate in it. The city is blessed with a number of picnic spots surrounded by ‘Deodar‘ forests and filled with natural beauty viz. Ransi, Kandoliya, Nag Dev, Jhandi Dhar etc. Every year ‘Sharadotsav’ is celebrated in the city since 1974.Shoonya Shikhar Ashram
This is one of the prime spiritual centers near Kotdwara. One can reach there after 7 km trekking from a village Balli, around 35 km up the hill from Kotdwara. Shoonya Shikar Ashram is known for the meditation cave of Sadguru Sadafaldeo Ji Maharaj [1]. It attracts people from all over the world, in particular the followers of Vihangam Yoga, seeking high level meditation. This is the place where 'Swarved' was created. [2]Kyunkaleshwar Mahadev
It is an 8th century temple dedicated to Lord Shiva offering astonishing views of the snow laden Himalayas.The temple is situated in the suburbs of the main town Pauri.The presiding deity of the temple is Lord Shiva accompanied by Goddess Parvati,Ganesha and Karthikeyan.Chaukhamba View Point
Situated only 4 km from Pauri.Chaukhamba View Point ridge overlooks the splendid idwal valley and Chaukhamba Peaks.It is one of the prominent places of Pauri because of its mesmerizing scenic vistas.Khirsu
The snow-covered mountains of Khirsu offer a panoramic view of the Central Himalayas and attract a large number of tourists. From here one can get a clear view of many named & unnamed peaks. Located 19 km away from Pauri at an altitude of 1,700 m, khirsu is a peaceful spot, free from pollution. Only the chirping of birds breaks the tranquility of the adjoining thick Oak and Deodar forests and apple orchards. The ancient temple of Ghandiyal Devta in the vicinity is well worth a visit. Accommodation is available at the Tourist Rest House and Forest Rest House.Binsar Mahadev
Amidst the dense forest of Birch, Rhododendron and Deodar, is located the temple of Binsar Mahadev at an altitude of 2480 m and is at a distance of 114 km from Pauri. Sanctorum of temple consists of deities, Hargauri, Ganesh and Mahisasurmardini. Temple is believed to be constructed by Maharaja Prithu in memory of his father Bindu. This temple is also known as Bindeshwar temple. A big fair takes place here on the occasion of Baikunth Chaturdashi every year.===EKESHWER MAHADEV ===
Doodhatoli
Doodhatoli, Situated at an altitude of 3100 m, is covered withdense mixed forest. Thalisain is the last bus terminal (104 km. from Pauri) from where Doodhatoli is at a distance of 24 km. by trek. It is one of the most picturesque places and offers a panaromic view of the Himalayan ranges and the surrounding areas.Tara Kund
Situated at a height of 2200 m. Tarakund is a small picturesque spot amidst lofty mountains in the Chariserh Development Area. A small lake and an ancient temple adorn the place. The Teej festival is celebrated with great gaiety when the local people come here to worship and pay homage to God.Kanvashram
According to a famous believe this is the place where the great sage Swami Vishwamitra meditated and the beautiful heavenly damsel Menka disturbed him. This place is situated at a distance of about 14 km from Kotdwar, and has a great historical and archaeological importance.t this moment, Mohini became Vishnu again, resulting the composite deity Harihara, whose right side of the body is Shiva and left side is Vishnu in his male form.[40][41] In the temple in Sankarnayinarkovil near Kalugumalai is one of the rarest exceptions to iconography of Harihara (Sankara-Narayana). The deity is depicted similar to the Ardhanari, the composite form of Shiva-Parvati, where right side of the body is the male Shiva and left side is female.
Om Tat Sat
(Continued...)
(My
humble salutations to the great devotees
, wikisources and Pilgrimage tourist guide for the
collection
1 comments:
HKB Travel and HKB Tours is one of the most respected bus operators. HKB Tours and Travels is a pioneer in the online reservation in India which utilizes the advantages of the internet to provide the clients with the best in bus transportation services from the comforts of the offices and homes. Ticketgoose is trusted brand in Online Bus Reservation since 2007. Ticketgoose.com Launched in August 2007 has been a leader in Ticketing Web Portal for Book Bus Tickets Online.They operate over 3000 Destinations in South India and have collaboration with more than 250 Travel Agents.
Post a Comment