o Amarnath
Amarnath Temple
(Jammu and Kashmir)
Amarnath cave is a famous shrine in
Hinduism
located in the Indian state of Jammu and Kashmir.
It is dedicated to Shiva.
The cave is situated at an altitude of 3,888 m (12,756 ft),[1]
about 141 km (88 mi) from Srinagar,
the capital of Jammu and Kashmir
and reached through Pahalgam town. The shrine forms an important part of Hinduism,[2]
and is considered to be one of the holiest shrines in Hinduism.[3]
The cave is surrounded by snowy mountains. The cave itself is covered with snow
most time of the year except for a short period of time in summer when it is
open for pilgrims. An annual pilgrimage is made to the Amarnath cave by lakhs
of Hindu devotees on challenging mountainous terrain to see an ice stalagmite
formed inside the cave
The Lingam
Inside the 40 m (130 ft) high Amarnath cave, an ice stalagmite gets formed due to freezing of water drops that fall from the roof of the cave on to the floor and grows up vertically from the cave floor.[4] It is considered to be a Shiva Linga by devout Hindus. It waxes during May to August as snow melts in the Himalayas above the cave and the resultant water seeps into the rocks that form the cave and gradually wanes thereafter.[1] As per the religious beliefs, it has been claimed that the lingam grows and shrinks with the phases of the moon reaching its height during the summer festival. Although there are no scientific evidence for this belief[5]According a Hindu legend, this is the cave where Shiva explained the secret of life and eternity to his divine consort Parvati.[6][7] Two other ice formations represent Parvati and Shiva's son, Ganesha.
The main purpose of the annual pilgrimage to the cave is to see the ice stalagmite Lingam.
History
The Amarnath cave has been a place of worship since times immemorial. There are references to one Aryaraja (32BCE-17CE) who used to worship a lingam formed of ice in Kashmir. The book Rajatarangini (Book VII v.183) refers to Amareshwara or Amarnath. It is believed that Queen Suryamathi in the 11th century AD gifted trishuls, banalingas and other sacred emblems to this temple.[8] Rajavalipataka, begun by Prjayabhatta has detailed references to the pilgrimage to Amarnath Cave. Other than this, there are further references to this pilgrimage in many other ancient texts.Discovery of Holy Cave
It is believed that after the Middle Ages, this cave was forgotten by people and it was once again discovered by a shepherd in the 15th century. However, there are many stories about the discovery of this cave. One story states that once a Gujjar (Shepherd) named Buta Malik was given a bag full of coal by a holy man. When he reached home, he found that the bag contained not coal, but gold coins. Overjoyed he ran back to the place where the he had met the Holy man. However the holy man had disappeared and Buta Malik instead discovered the cave and the Lingam.[8]Yatra
The temple is a popular yatra destination for some Hindus. In 2011 it received about 634,000 persons, the highest recorded number for the site.[9] The number was 622,000 in 2012. Pilgrims visit the holy site during the 45-day season around the festival of Shravani Mela in July–August, coinciding with the Hindu holy month of Shraavana.The beginning of the annual pilgrimage, called Amarnath Yatra[10] is marked by 'pratham pujan' to invoke the blessings of Shri Amarnathji.
Route
Devotees travel on foot, either from Srinagar or from Pahalgam.[3] The latter journey takes approximately 5 days.[3]The State Road Transport Corporation and Private Transport Operators provide the regular services from Jammu to Pahalgam and Baltal. Also privately hired taxis are available from Jammu.
The shorter northern route is just about 16 km long, but has a very steep gradient and is quite difficult to climb. It starts from Baltal and passes through Domial, Barari, and Sangam to reach the cave. The northern route is along the Amarnath valley and all along the route one can see the river Amaravathy (It is more like a tributary of Chenab) which originates from Amarnath Glacier.
It is believed that Lord Shiva left Nandi, The Bull, at Pahalgam (Bail Gaon). At Chandanwari, he released the Moon from his hair (Jataon). On the banks of Lake Sheshnag, he released his snakes. At Mahagunas Parvat (Mahaganesh Mountain), he left his son Lord Ganesha. At Panjtarni, Lord Shiva left behind the five elements - Earth, Water, Air, Fire and Sky. As a symbol of sacrificing the earthly world, Lord Shiva performed the Tandava Dance. Then, finally, Lord Shiva entered the Holy Amarnath Cave along with Parvati.[12]
Facilities
En route to the cave, various non-profit organizations set up food supply and resting tents called pandals which are available for free to the pilgrims. Near the shrine, hundreds of tents which are erected by locals can be hired for a night's stay. Helicopter services from base camp to Panjtarni (6 km from the cave) are also available from various private operators.[13]Security
Every year, thousands of central police and state police personnel are deployed to provide security to pilgrims from potential terror threats. The forces position at various halts and also in the perimeter of the shrine.[14]Deaths
Of the 622,000 yatra pilgrims in 2012, one hundred thirty died during the yatra. The major cause is that persons who are not physically fit for the arduous climb, high elevations and adverse weather also undertake the yatra. Some also die in road accidents before reaching the base camp from where the yatra starts. A total of 130 pilgrims died; 88 due to purported health reasons and 42 in road accidents in 2012 pilgrimage that ended on Shravana Purnima (Raksha Bandan) day on 2 August 2012.[15]Organisers
Officially, the Yatra is organised by the State Government in collaboration with the Shree Amarnath Yatra trust. The Government agencies provide necessary facilities all along the route during the Yatra period, which includes provision of ponies, supply of power, telecommunication facilities, firewood and setting up of fair price shops.2008 Land transfer controversy
See also: Amarnath land transfer controversy
On 26 May 2008, the Government of India and the state government
of Jammu and Kashmir reached an agreement to
transfer 100 acres (0.40 km2) of forest land to the Shri
Amarnathji Shrine Board (SASB)[22]
to set up temporary shelters and facilities for Hindu pilgrims. Kashmiri
separatists opposed the move citing reasons that it will jeopardize the article
370 that gives separate identity to the people of Jammu and Kashmir and
prevents any Indian citizen to settle in Kashmir. People in Kashmir staged
widespread protests against this decision by government of India.[23]
Due to the protests, the J&K State government relented and reversed the
decision to transfer land. As a result, Hindus in the Jammu region launched
counter-agitations against this roll back. Environmental destruction
Environmentalists have expressed concern that the number of people participating in the Amarnath Yatra is having a negative impact on the area's ecology and some have expressed support for government regulated limits on the number of pilgrims permitted to make the trek.Popular culture
Famous Santoor artist Rahul Sharma named a track after Amarnath temple as "Shiva Linga: The Amarnath Caveo Amarnath
Amarnath Temple
(Jammu and Kashmir)
Amarnath cave is a famous shrine in
Hinduism
located in the Indian state of Jammu and Kashmir.
It is dedicated to Shiva.
The cave is situated at an altitude of 3,888 m (12,756 ft),[1]
about 141 km (88 mi) from Srinagar,
the capital of Jammu and Kashmir and reached through Pahalgam
town. The shrine forms an important part of Hinduism,[2]
and is considered to be one of the holiest shrines in Hinduism.[3]
The cave is surrounded by snowy mountains. The cave itself is covered with snow
most time of the year except for a short period of time in summer when it is
open for pilgrims. An annual pilgrimage is made to the Amarnath cave by lakhs
of Hindu devotees on challenging mountainous terrain to see an ice stalagmite
formed inside the cave
The Lingam
Inside the 40 m (130 ft) high Amarnath cave, an ice stalagmite gets formed due to freezing of water drops that fall from the roof of the cave on to the floor and grows up vertically from the cave floor.[4] It is considered to be a Shiva Linga by devout Hindus. It waxes during May to August as snow melts in the Himalayas above the cave and the resultant water seeps into the rocks that form the cave and gradually wanes thereafter.[1] As per the religious beliefs, it has been claimed that the lingam grows and shrinks with the phases of the moon reaching its height during the summer festival. Although there are no scientific evidence for this belief[5]According a Hindu legend, this is the cave where Shiva explained the secret of life and eternity to his divine consort Parvati.[6][7] Two other ice formations represent Parvati and Shiva's son, Ganesha.
The main purpose of the annual pilgrimage to the cave is to see the ice stalagmite Lingam.
History
The Amarnath cave has been a place of worship since times immemorial. There are references to one Aryaraja (32BCE-17CE) who used to worship a lingam formed of ice in Kashmir. The book Rajatarangini (Book VII v.183) refers to Amareshwara or Amarnath. It is believed that Queen Suryamathi in the 11th century AD gifted trishuls, banalingas and other sacred emblems to this temple.[8] Rajavalipataka, begun by Prjayabhatta has detailed references to the pilgrimage to Amarnath Cave. Other than this, there are further references to this pilgrimage in many other ancient texts.Discovery of Holy Cave
It is believed that after the Middle Ages, this cave was forgotten by people and it was once again discovered by a shepherd in the 15th century. However, there are many stories about the discovery of this cave. One story states that once a Gujjar (Shepherd) named Buta Malik was given a bag full of coal by a holy man. When he reached home, he found that the bag contained not coal, but gold coins. Overjoyed he ran back to the place where the he had met the Holy man. However the holy man had disappeared and Buta Malik instead discovered the cave and the Lingam.[8]Yatra
The temple is a popular yatra destination for some Hindus. In 2011 it received about 634,000 persons, the highest recorded number for the site.[9] The number was 622,000 in 2012. Pilgrims visit the holy site during the 45-day season around the festival of Shravani Mela in July–August, coinciding with the Hindu holy month of Shraavana.The beginning of the annual pilgrimage, called Amarnath Yatra[10] is marked by 'pratham pujan' to invoke the blessings of Shri Amarnathji.
Route
Devotees travel on foot, either from Srinagar or from Pahalgam.[3] The latter journey takes approximately 5 days.[3]The State Road Transport Corporation and Private Transport Operators provide the regular services from Jammu to Pahalgam and Baltal. Also privately hired taxis are available from Jammu.
The shorter northern route is just about 16 km long, but has a very steep gradient and is quite difficult to climb. It starts from Baltal and passes through Domial, Barari, and Sangam to reach the cave. The northern route is along the Amarnath valley and all along the route one can see the river Amaravathy (It is more like a tributary of Chenab) which originates from Amarnath Glacier.
It is believed that Lord Shiva left Nandi, The Bull, at Pahalgam (Bail Gaon). At Chandanwari, he released the Moon from his hair (Jataon). On the banks of Lake Sheshnag, he released his snakes. At Mahagunas Parvat (Mahaganesh Mountain), he left his son Lord Ganesha. At Panjtarni, Lord Shiva left behind the five elements - Earth, Water, Air, Fire and Sky. As a symbol of sacrificing the earthly world, Lord Shiva performed the Tandava Dance. Then, finally, Lord Shiva entered the Holy Amarnath Cave along with Parvati.[12]
Facilities
En route to the cave, various non-profit organizations set up food supply and resting tents called pandals which are available for free to the pilgrims. Near the shrine, hundreds of tents which are erected by locals can be hired for a night's stay. Helicopter services from base camp to Panjtarni (6 km from the cave) are also available from various private operators.[13]Security
Every year, thousands of central police and state police personnel are deployed to provide security to pilgrims from potential terror threats. The forces position at various halts and also in the perimeter of the shrine.[14]Deaths
Of the 622,000 yatra pilgrims in 2012, one hundred thirty died during the yatra. The major cause is that persons who are not physically fit for the arduous climb, high elevations and adverse weather also undertake the yatra. Some also die in road accidents before reaching the base camp from where the yatra starts. A total of 130 pilgrims died; 88 due to purported health reasons and 42 in road accidents in 2012 pilgrimage that ended on Shravana Purnima (Raksha Bandan) day on 2 August 2012.[15]Organisers
Officially, the Yatra is organised by the State Government in collaboration with the Shree Amarnath Yatra trust. The Government agencies provide necessary facilities all along the route during the Yatra period, which includes provision of ponies, supply of power, telecommunication facilities, firewood and setting up of fair price shops.2008 Land transfer controversy
See also: Amarnath land transfer controversy
On 26 May 2008, the Government of India and the state government
of Jammu and Kashmir reached an agreement to
transfer 100 acres (0.40 km2) of forest land to the Shri
Amarnathji Shrine Board (SASB)[22]
to set up temporary shelters and facilities for Hindu pilgrims. Kashmiri
separatists opposed the move citing reasons that it will jeopardize the article
370 that gives separate identity to the people of Jammu and Kashmir and
prevents any Indian citizen to settle in Kashmir. People in Kashmir staged
widespread protests against this decision by government of India.[23]
Due to the protests, the J&K State government relented and reversed the
decision to transfer land. As a result, Hindus in the Jammu region launched
counter-agitations against this roll back. Environmental destruction
Environmentalists have expressed concern that the number of people participating in the Amarnath Yatra is having a negative impact on the area's ecology and some have expressed support for government regulated limits on the number of pilgrims permitted to make the trek.Popular culture
Famous Santoor artist Rahul Sharma named a track after Amarnath temple as "Shiva Linga: The Amarnath Cave3. Ambajogai
The town has a heritage temple dedicated to the goddess Yogeshwari, which is visited by people all over Maharashtra, largely from the Konkan region. The town has other heritage temples like Kholeshwar, Mukundraj and Dasopant, Kashivishwanath, Amruteshwar.
In the 13th century Swami Mukundraj wrote, in Ambajogai, what is known to be first Marathi poetry 'Viveksindhu' [meaning 'Sea of reason or logic']. This work is widely acclaimed for its literary quality as well as the philosophical content. It remains not only the first but among the best literary works ever produced in Marathi.
Demographics
As of 2001 India census,[1] Ambajogai had a population of 69,277. Males constitute 52% of the population and females 48%. Ambajogai has an average literacy rate of 71%, higher than the national average of 59.5%; with 58% of the males and 42% of females literate. 13% of the population is under 6 years of age.Ambajogai, is a city located in Marathwada region of the western Indian state of Maharashtra. Ambajogai is widely considered the educational and cultural capital of Marathwada. In Nijam regime, it was known as Mominabad.
Marathi Adhykavi Mukundraj and Sant Dasopant spent their life at this place. It has famous Yogeshwari Temple, which is considered as 1 of 3½ peeths in Maharashtra. It is located 25 kilometres from Parali Vaijanath.
Amabajogai has a reputation for its several esteemed colleges and educational institutions[citation needed]. Ambajogai also has a Medical College "Swami Ramanand Teerth Medical College"which is the first rural medical college in Asia. and Yogeshwari College of Art,Science and Commerce,which was started by Swami Ramanand Teerth.The Primary aim of this College[2] has been, since then patriotism, building up of nation, education, democracy, secularism and development of the poverty ridden sections of the society, and One Engeeniering College is also there. Ambajogai is also known as Educational Hub after Pune in Maharastra.There are also a lot of English, Urdu and Marathi medium schools.
Yogeshwari
Yogeshwari, a Sanskrit
origin name which means Goddess Durga. Shri
Yogeshwari (Devanagari: is an
ancient temple
of goddess Durga,
located at Ambejogai.
8. Arunachala
Arunachala refers to the holy
hill at Thiruvannamalai in Tamil Nadu,
where the Annamalaiyar Temple, a temple of Lord Shiva is located. Every
year in the Tamil month of Karthigai (October–November),
the Karthigai Deepam (Light) is lit atop the hill. This place is also
known by the names Arunagiri, Annamalai Hill, Arunachalam, Arunai, Sonagiri
and Sonachalam. It is the most
important holy place for people practicing Atma vichara
(self enquiry) and one of the 5 main shaivite holy places in South India. The ashram of Sri Ramana Maharishi, Sri Ramana Ashram
is also situated at its foothills.
References to Arunachala in religious texts
According to the legend, associated with the Temple, a dispute occurred between Brahma the creator, and Vishnu the preserver, over which of them was superior. In order to settle the argument, Lord Shiva is said to have manifested as a column of light, and then the form of Arunachala.[1]In the Maheswara Khanda of Skanda Purana, sage Veda Vyasa describes in great detail the wonder of Arunachala.[2]
Over the centuries, many saints and sages have been drawn to Arunachala. The Saivite saints Manickavachagar, Appar, Sambandar and Sundarar are four examples. In the fifteenth century, Guhai Namasivaya, Guru Namasivaya and Virupaksha Deva came from Karnataka and settled on Arunachala.[1] Saint Namasivaya lived in one of Arunachala's caves which is still known by his name. Virupaksha Deva lived in an OM-shaped cave higher up on the Hill, and this cave too still bears his name.[3] Located on the south-east slope of Arunachala, this was the cave that Sri Ramana Maharshi lived in from 1899 to 1916.[4]
Arunachala Mahatmyam says,
"By
seeing Chidambaram, by being born in Tiruvarur, by dying in Kasi, or by merely
thinking of Arunachala, one will surely attain Liberation."
Another verse in the Arunachala Mahatmyam,
translated from Sanskrit into Tamil by Sri Ramana Maharshi
says:
"Arunachala
is truly the holy place. Of all holy places it is the most sacred! Know that it
is the heart of the world. It is truly Siva himself! It is his heart-abode, a
secret kshetra. In that place the Lord ever abides the hill of light named
Arunachala."[5]
Asked about the special sanctity of
Arunachala, Ramana Maharshi said that other holy places
such as Kailas, Kasi and Chidambaram
are sacred because they are the abodes of Lord Siva
whereas Arunachala is Lord Siva himself.[6][7]
However, as the above verse of Arunachala Mahatmyam says, Arunachala is
a secret kshetra. It is this place that bestows jnana (Self-knowledge)
and because most people have so many other desires and do not truly want jnana, Arunachala has
always remained comparatively little known. But to those few who seek jnana,
Arunachala always makes itself known through some means or other
All stones in that
place [Arunachala] are lingams. It is
indeed the abode of Lord Siva. All trees are the wish-granting trees of Indra's
heaven. Its rippling waters are the Ganges, flowing through our Lord's matted
locks. The food eaten there is the ambrosia of the Gods. When men move about in
that place it is the earth performing pradakshina around it. Words
spoken there are holy scripture, and to fall asleep there is to be absorbed in
samadhi, beyond the mind's delusion. Could there be any other place which is
its equal?"
-source:
Arunachala Puranam,[ ]
Giri Pradakshina/Giri Valam
The circumambulation of Arunachala is known as Giri Pradakshina in Sanskrit and Giri Valam in Tamil. Performing pradakshina of Arunachala is considered to be beneficial in all ways.[10] Typically, pradakshina is done in bare feet, with the Hill on the right. Sri Ramana Maharshi once explained the meaning of the word pradakshina and how it should be done by a devotee: "The letter "Pra" stands for removal of all kinds of sins; "da" stands for fulfilling the desires; "kshi" stands for freedom from future births; "na" stands for giving deliverance through jnana. If by way of Pradakshina you walk one step it gives happiness in this world, two steps, it gives happiness in heaven, three steps, it gives bliss of Satyaloka which can be attained. One should go round either in mouna (silence) or dhyana (meditation) or japa (repetition of Lord's name) or sankeertana (bhajan) and thereby think of God all the time. One should walk slowly like a woman who is in the ninth month of pregnancy."[11]Throughout the year, pilgrims engage in a practise called giri valam(circumambulation of Annamalaiyar temple and Annamalai hill 14 km in circumference), considered to be a simple and effective form of yoga. The circumambulation is started from the temple with barefoot and is considered a sacred act.[12] The central government of India asked the Tamil Nadu government through the supreme court to direct the path of girivalam under the provision of the proposed Tamil Nadu Hertiage Conservation Act.[13] There are 8 small shrines of lingams located in the 14 km circumference of the hill, each one associated with the 12 moon signs. These are collectively termed as Ashta Lingam(meaning 8 lingams) and is considered one of the rituals of worship during the girivalam(circumbulation of the hill)
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Lingam
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Moon Sign
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Indra Lingam
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Agni Lingam
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Simha(Leo)
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Yama Lingam
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Vrichiga(Scorpio)
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Niruthi Lingam
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Varuna Lingam
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Vayu Lingam
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Kubera Lingam
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Eesaniya Lingam
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Karthigai Deepam
Every year, on the tenth day of the celebration of Karthikai, devotees take embers in pots from the sacred fire lit in the Arunachaleswara temple and carry them to the top of Arunachala, along with cloth wicks. An enormous cauldron is placed on the highest of Arunachala's five peaks and filled with hundreds of gallons of ghee mixed with camphor. At precisely six o'clock, as the sun sets and the full moon rises, lights are lit on the top of the Hill, on a flagstaff in the temple, and at Sri Ramanasramam, accompanied by chants of Arunachala Siva by the vast crowds.[1] The fire on top of Arunachala can be seen for miles around. Sri Ramana Maharshi described the meaning of this event in this way:
"Getting
rid of the `I am the body' idea and merging the mind into the Heart to realize
the Self as non-dual being and the light of all is the real significance of
darshan of the beacon of light on Annamalai, the centre of the universe."[15]"
Temple
The temple is famous for its massive gopurams, some of which reach as high as 66m. It is made up of three nested rectangular walls each of which was built during different periods; the innermost could have been built as early as the 11th century. It was later refurbished by the kings of the Vijayanagara empire from 14th through the 17th century. The temple is renowned for some of the remarkable carvings on the walls. In one particular carving Lord Shiva is shown as dancing in an elephant's skin.
Arunachalam Map :
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Arunachalam Circumambulation :
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9. Arasavalli
Arasavalli (Telugu: (Oriya: an
ancient Hindu
temple dedicated to the sun god Surya,
located near the Srikakulam town of Andhra Pradesh,
India.
The original name Harshavalli means abode of joy.
Deity
It has Surya Narayana Swamy (Sun God) as the presiding deity.History
The temple is believed to have been built in the 7th Century AD by the Kalinga rulers Devendra Varma of Orissa.Arasavalli is home to an ancient temple to the Sun (Suryanarayana) - said to have been built originally by the Kalinga rulers of Orissa around the 7th century CE. Arasavalli is located at Srikakulam near Vishakapatnam in Andhra Pradesh.. Also near Srikakulam are the Mukhalingam temples built in the Orissa temple idiom, and Sree Kurmam bearing a shrine to Vishnu depicting his Kurma avataram.
Legend has it that Indra the king of Gods attempted to force his entry into the temple of Koteeshwara - Shiva and was thrown away by the gatekeeper Nandi. Repentful of his arrogance in attempting to force his entry, Indra enshrined Surya the Sun God in a temple and performed worship services, at Arasavalli.
A black granite image of Surya about 5 feet in height bearing lotus buds (hence the name Padma Paani), flanked by his consorts Padma, Usha and Chhaaya, on a 7 horse driven chariot is the object of worship here. At the base of the image are the gate keepers Pingala and Danda and the saints Sanaka and Sananda. Surya's charioteer Aruna (Anoora) is also depicted in the image.
The Arasavalli teemple was built by the Eastern Kalinga Kings who ruled over the Kalinga region from the 4th through the 14th century CE. Inscriptions reveal grants made by Aditya Vishnu Sarma and Bhanu Sarma of the Kalinga clan. The present structure is largely a result of 18th century renovations.
The Temple is a Panchayatana temple with Aditya in the center, with Ganesha, Shiva, Parvati and Vishnu in four corners of the quadrangle. An image of Indra is also enshrined in this temple.
Transport
Arasavalli can be reached by road transport from Visakhapatnam which is nearer.
Festivals
Ratha Saptami is the most important festival which is celebrated in this temple. People suffering with eye and skin diseases are believed to be cured by the god at this temple.Architecture
This temple is a testimonial for the architectural skills of Vishwakarma sculptors. It is believed that the Orissa Vishwakarma Brahmin sculptors also called as Maharanas in Orissa have planned the architecture and sculpted this engineering master piece. The temple is built in such a way that the Sun rays fall on the feet of the God twice a year in the months of February and June during the early hours of the day. The rays fall on the feet of idol for a few minutes through the five entrance gates of the temple remin closed. the five idols installed in one place in the temple viz., 1.Aditya 2.Ambica, 3.Vishnu, 4.Ganesha, 5.Maheswara are worshiped by different devotees.The Sun God is depicted as riding on a Chariot drawn by seven horses driven by Aruna. All these figures are exquisitely carved out of a single black granite stone. Sundays during the five months from Magha masam are considered sacred. Every Sunday people from different places from Andhra & Orissa come here for worshiping the Sun God. This temple was built in the Orissa style of temple architecture. A pillar was set up by Jakkamsetti Venkanna in the year 1929. The whole base was filled with jewels as an offeringPanchayatana (temple)
An hindu temple is a Panchayatana one when the main shrine is surrounded by four subsidiary shrines.[1] The origine of the name are the sanskrit words Pancha (=five) et Yatana (=god).Generally, the hindu temple are built along a west-east axis. So the four subsidiary shrines are at the north-east, south-east, south-west, north-west.
Examples of Panchayatana temples
- Kandariya Mahadeva Temple in Khajuraho
- Brahmeswara Temple in Bhubaneswar
- Lakshmana Temple in Khajuraho
- Lingaraja Temple in Bhubaneswar
- Arasavalli Temple near Bhubaneswar. Main shrine dedicated to Aditya. Subsidiary shrines dedicated to Ganesh, Shiva, Parvati and Vishnu.[2]
- Dashavatara Temple in Deogarh, Uttar Pradesh. It should be the oldes panchayatana temple in India.
- Nabaratna Temple in Pantchupi
- Shiva Panchayatana Temple in Tumbadi. Subsidiary shrines dedicated to Lakshmi Narasimha, Vinaya, Parvati et Surya.
- Gondeshvara temple, in Sinnar, Maharashtra
1. Attukal
The Attukal Bhagavathy Temple, one of the ancient temples of South India, is popularly described as Sabarimala of the Women, as women form the major portion of devotees is located at Attukal. The Goddess in the temple of Attukal is worshipped as the Supreme Mother, creator of all living beings and the mighty preserver as well as destroyer of them all. The pilgrims from all over the country, who visit Sree Padmanabha Swamy Temple and worship the Lord, do not consider their visits complete without the visit to the shrine of the supreme Mother Attukalamma.
According to mythology, Attukal Bhagavathy is supposed to be the divinised form of Kannaki, the famous heroine of Chilapathikaram, written by Elenkovadikal, the Tamil Poet. The story goes that after the destruction of ancient city of Madurai, Kannaki left the city and reached Kerala via Kanyakumari and on the way to Kodungalloor took a sojourn at Attukal. Kannaki is supposed to be the incarnation of Parvathy, the consort of Paramasiva. The all powerful and benign Attukal Bhagavathy reigns eternally supreme at Attukal and nurses devotees as a mother does her children. Thousands of devotees from far and near flock to the Temple to bend before the Goddess with awe and reverence to prostrate and redress their affliction and agony.
The Pongala Mahotsavam is the most important festival of Attukal Bhagavathy Temple. This festival at Aatukal has been entered into the Guinness book of world records as the largest congregation of women in the world.[1][2] The offering of Pongala is a special temple practice prevalent in the southern part of Kerala and some parts of Tamil Nadu. It is a ten-day programme commencing on the Karthika star of the Malayalam month of Makaram-Kumbham (February–March) and closing with the sacrificial offering known as Kuruthitharpanam at night. On the ninth day of the festival the world famous Attukal Pongala Mahotsavam takes place. The entire area of about 5 kilometre radius around temple with premises of houses of people of all caste, creed and religion, open fields, roads, commercial institutions, premises of Government offices etc. emerges as a consecrated ground for observing Pongala rituals for more than 2.5 million women devotees assembling from different parts of Kerala and outside. The ceremony is exclusively confined to women folk and the enormous crowd, which gathers in Thiruvananthapuram on this auspicious day is reminiscent of the Kumbhamela Festival of North India.
The Attukal Bhagavathy Temple is a shrine in Kerala, India. The temple is renowned for the annual Attukal Pongala festival, in which over a million women participate.[1] Attukal Temple is situated within 2 kilometres of the Sree Padmanabhaswamy Temple in Thiruvananthapuram.
The Goddess Kannaki (Parvathi) is the main deity in this temple. The mythology behind the temple, relates to the story of Kannagi who was married to Kovalan, son of a wealthy merchant. After marriage, Kovalan met a dancer and spent all his riches on her forgetting his wife. But when he was penniless, he went back to Kannagi. The only precious thing left to be sold was Kannagi's pair of anklets. They went with it to the king of Madurai to sell it. But an anklet was stolen from the Queen which looked similar to Kannagi's. When he tried to sell it, he was mistaken for the thief and beheaded by the king's soldiers.
Kannagi got infuriated when she heard the news and rushed to the King with the second pair of anklet. She broke one of the anklets and it contained rubies while the Queen's contained pearls. She cursed the city of Madurai, and it is said that due to her chastity, the curse came true. Kannagi is said to have attained salvation after the Goddess of the city appeared before her.
It is said that on her way to Kodungalloor, Kannagi passed Attukal. She took the form of a little girl. An old man was sitting on the banks of a stream, when the girl went to him and asked him whether he could help her cross it. Surprised to find the young girl alone, he took her home. But she disappeared. She came back in his sleep and asked him to build a temple where he found 3 golden lines in his grove. He went ahead and did the same, and it is said that this is at the location of the present Attukal temple
Pongala festival
Attukal Pongala is the main festival of this temple. Millions of women gather every year in the month of Kumbham around this temple and prepare Pongala (rice cooked with jaggery, ghee, coconut as well as other ingredients) in the open in small pots to please the Goddess Kannaki.The other festivals in this temple are:
- Mandala Vratham - Festival in connection with the annual Utsavam of Sabarimala
- Vinayaka Chathurthi - Pooja to the Lord Ganapathy
- Pooja Vaypu - Identical to Dussera festival (Saraswathy Pooja and Vidyarambham)
- Sivarathri - Siva Pooja
- Karthika - Karthika Deepa
- Ayilya Pooja - Milk, flowers etc. offered to serpent God and special rites
- Aiswarya Pooia - On all full moon (Pournami) days
- Nirayum Puthariyum (Ramayana Parayanam) - During the month of Karkadakam
- Akhandanama Japam - 4th Sunday of every month
11. Avittathur
Avittathur is a small village in
Thrissur
district of Kerala
state, India.
It was one of the 64 original Brahmin settlement in the Kerala state. It is
famous for an ancient shiva
temple, where 4 very old inscriptions have been discovered. According to
legend, the temple was consecrated by sage agastya and the name of the village
was originally agastyaputtur but it seems to be just the sanskritization of the
word. Legendary Chakyar Koothu and Koodiyattam
maestro Nātyāchārya Vidūshakaratnam Padma Shri
Māni Mādhava Chākyār used to perform here for
decades.
Thrissur
Thrissur city is built around a 65-acre (26 ha) hillock called the Thekkinkadu Maidan which seats the Vadakkumnathan temple. Thrissur was once the capital of the Kingdom of Cochin. It is located 300 kilometres (186 mi) towards north-west of the state capital Thiruvananthapuram.Thrissur is also known as the Cultural Capital of Kerala because of its cultural, spiritual and religious leanings throughout history.[5] It houses the Kerala Sangeetha Nadaka Academy, Kerala Lalita Kala Akademi and Kerala Sahitya Academy.[6] The city hosts the Thrissur Pooram festival, the most colourful and spectacular temple festival in Kerala.[7][8] The festival is held at the Thekkinkadu Maidan in April or May.[5] Thrissur has a large number of well-known temples including the Vadakkumnathan temple,Thiruvambadi Sri Krishna Temple and Paramekkavu temple
Etymology
The name Thrissur is a shortened form of Thrishivaperur or Thirushivaperur. Thiru-Shiva-Perur (Malayalam: തിരു-ശിവ-പേരൂര്) literally translates to 'The Land, Place, City or Village with the name of the "Lord Siva"' means शम्भु Shambhu (Shiv Shambhu Bhola) + ल or ले (of) + ग्राम Grama (Community/Village) Shambhala village or Shambal gram. (The Lord Kalki will come from Shambal gram of South India). The name owes itself to the most prominent feature of the city, that is the Vadakkumnathan Kshetram or temple, which has Shiva as its presiding deity.[24] Alternately, Thri-Shiva-Perur (Malayalam: ത്രി-ശിവ-പേരൂര്) means the place with three famous Shiva temples which are said to be — the Vadakkunnathan Temple, Kottapuram Shiva temple and the Poonkunnam Siva Temple.[25] or 1. First Jewish Synagogue in INDIA 2. First Christian Church in INDIA 3. First Muslim Mosque in INDIA. Thrissur was also known as "Vrishabhadripuram" and then "Kailasam" (Kailasam of the South) in ancient days.
Transport
Road
Thrissur City is connected to the North-South Corridor National Highway System via the four-laned National Highway 47.[85] The highway traverses through the entire length and breadth of the City from different points and provides access to the nearby cities such of Kochi, Palakkad and Coimbatore. NH 47 provides two main exit points at Mannuthy and Thalore to the Thrissur City. The City is largely dependent on private buses, Taxis and auto rickshaws (called autos) for public transport. State-owned Kerala State Road Transport Corporation (KSRTC) runs inter-state, inter-district and city services. Thrissur has three bus stations, the Shaktan Thampuran Private Bus Stand, Thrissur in Sakthan Thampuran Nagar (S.T.Nagar); the Vadakke Stand (Northern Bus Stand) and the Thrissur KSRTC Bus Station near the Thrissur Railway Station. State Highway (SH 69) Thrissur-Kuttippuram Road, SH 22 Kodungallur - Shornur Road, SH 75 Thrissur - Kanjani - Vadanappally Road are the three state highways which connect city with its suburbs and municipalities.Railway
The Southern Railway Zone of the Indian Railways operates the main rail transport system in Thrissur. There are four railway stations in Thrissur City. Thrissur Railway Station, one of the busiest stations in Kerala provides trains to three directions and lies on the busy Shoranur-Cochin Harbour section. It has a satellite station, Poonkunnam Railway Station[86] and two minor stations, Ollur Railway Station and Mulankunnathukavu Railway Station. Thrissur Railway Station also connects to the temple town of Guruvayur by Thrissur-Guruvayur Section. In addition, Southern Railways are planning a suburban railway system connecting Thrissur to Kochi and Palakkad using Mainline Electrical Multiple Unit services (MEMU), with the first services are expected to begin in late 2010 or early 2011 for which works are underway.[87]Air
Thrissur City is served by Cochin International Airport (Nedumbassery), which is about 55 kilometers away. Direct domestic flights are available to major Indian cities like Chennai, New Delhi, Mumbai, Bangalore and Kolkata. International flights to Middle East cities like Bahrain, Muscat, Sharjah, Jeddah, Riyadh, Doha and to Southeast Asian cities Singapore and Kuala Lumpur are available here. It has a dedicated Heli-taxi service and Chartered flights. Calicut International Airport at Karipur, is 80 kilometers from the city and Coimbatore Airport, which is 114 kilometers from the city also can be used by travelers.Temples
The Vadakkunnathan temple believed to have been
founded by the legendary saint Parasurama, is a classic example of the Kerala style of
architecture and houses several sacred shrines and with beautiful murals
delineating graphically, various episodes from the Mahabharata.
Thiruvambadi Sri Krishna Temple, one of
the largest Sree Krishna
temples in Kerala
and Paramekkavu Bagavathi Temple which is one
of the largest Bagavathi temples in Kerala is also
situated in the city.
12. Ayodhya
Ayodhya 
pronunciation (help·info)
(Sanskrit: अयोध्या, Urdu: ایودھیا, IAST Ayodhyā), also
known as Saket (Sanskrit:
साकेत, Urdu: ساکیت ) is an ancient city of India adjacent to Faizabad
city in Faizabad district of Uttar Pradesh.
As a result of rapid settlement and development Ayodhya has been merged to Faizabad
city. Ayodhya is the birthplace of the Hindu deity Rama. It used to be the
capital of the ancient Kosala Kingdom. This Hindu holy city is
described as early as in the Hindu Epics. Ayodhya has an average elevation
of 93 metres (305 feet).
pronunciation (help·info)
(Sanskrit: अयोध्या, Urdu: ایودھیا, IAST Ayodhyā), also
known as Saket (Sanskrit:
साकेत, Urdu: ساکیت ) is an ancient city of India adjacent to Faizabad
city in Faizabad district of Uttar Pradesh.
As a result of rapid settlement and development Ayodhya has been merged to Faizabad
city. Ayodhya is the birthplace of the Hindu deity Rama. It used to be the
capital of the ancient Kosala Kingdom. This Hindu holy city is
described as early as in the Hindu Epics. Ayodhya has an average elevation
of 93 metres (305 feet).Background
Ayodhya is located on the right bank of the river Saryu, as it is called within sacred precincts. Just 6 km from Faizabad, Ayodhya is a popular pilgrim centre. This town is closely associated with Lord Rama, the seventh incarnation of Lord Vishnu. The ancient city of Ayodhya, according to the Ramayana, was founded by Manu, the law-giver of the Hindus. For centuries, it was the capital of the descendants of the Surya dynasty of which Lord Rama was the most celebrated king. Ayodhya during ancient times was the capital of the Rama Empire and known as Kaushaldesa.Skanda and some other Puranas mention Ayodhya as one of the seven most sacred cities of India. It was the venue of many events in Hindu mythology. Today pre-eminently a temple town, Ayodhya is famous for its close association with the epic Ramayana. It is a city of immense antiquity full of historical significance and sacred temples. The Atharvaveda described Ayodhya as "a city built by Gods and being prosperous as paradise itself."
The first ruling dynasty of this region were the Ikshvakus of the solar clan (Suryavansa). According to tradition, Ikshvaku was the eldest son of Vaivasvata Manu, who established himself at Ayodhya. The word for earth `Prithivi’ found in many Indian languages is supposed to have been derived from Prithu, the sixth king of the line. A few generations later came Mandhatri, in whose line the 31st king was Harischandra, known widely for his truthfulness(Sathya-sandhata) which he accepted as his life-style. He is also famous for his other good acts as king which were followed by the other kings of the Surya Vamsa also. Raja Sagar of the same clan performed the Asvamedha Yajna and his great grandson Bhagiratha is reputed to have brought the river Ganges on to the earth by virtue of his penance. Later in the time came the great Raghu, after whom the family came to be called as Raghuvamsa. His grandson was Raja Dasaratha, the father of Rama with whom the glory of the Kausala dynasty reached its highest point. The story of this epic has been immortalised by Valmiki in the Ramayana.
Ayodhya is a city of many places of worship. Several religions have grown and prospered simultaneously and at different periods. Remnants of Hinduism, Buddhism, Jainism and Islam can still be found in Ayodhya. According to Jainism, five Tirthankaras were born at Ayodhya, including Adinath (first Tirthankar),[1] Ajitnath (second Tirthankar),[2] Abhinandanath (fourth Tirthankar),[3] Sumatinath (fifth Tirthankar)[4] and Anantnath (fourteenth Tirthankar).[5] According to Jain Agams, it is the 2nd eternal city after Shikharji, which never vanishes or disappears during change of eras.
Etymology
The city is considered to be named after its founder, King Ayudh mentioned in the ancient Hindu scriptures as one of the forefathers of Lord Rama. The name comes from the Sanskrit root yudh, meaning "fight" or "wage war," and it translates to either "not to be fought" or, less literally, "unconquerable." During the time of Gautama Buddha the city was called Ayojjhā in Pali and Ayodhyā in Sanskrit, though this city was said to be on the River Ganges (Pheṇāpiṇḍūpama Sutta – SN 22.95).In the first few centuries of the Common Era it was called Saketa. Śāketa or 沙奇 (Pinyin: Shāqí) was conquered by the Kushan/Yuezhi Emperor Kanishka c. 127 CE, who made it the administrative centre of his eastern territories.[6][7] The name occurs again in Faxian as 沙祗 (Pinyin: Shāzhī) in the early 5th century. It is not clear when the name changed, but by the time of the visit of the Chinese pilgrim monk, Xuanzang, c. 636 CE, it was known as Ayodhya.
Under Mughal rule, it was the seat of the governor of Awadh. During the British Raj the city was known as Ajodhya or Ajodhia and was part of the United Provinces of Agra and Oudh; it was also the seat of a small 'talukdari' state.[8][9]
The cities of Ayutthaya, Thailand, and Yogyakarta, Indonesia, are named after Ayodhya.
Geography and climate
Ayodhya has a warm humid subtropical climate, typical of the Indian heartland. Summers are long, dry and extremely hot, lasting from late March to mid-June, with average daily temperatures near 32 °C (90 °F) . They are followed by the monsoon season which lasts till early October, with a total precipitation of about 1067 mm (42 inches) and average temperatures around 28 °C (84 °F). Winter starts in early November and lasts till the end of January, followed by a short spring in February and early March. Average temperatures are mild, near 16 °C (60 °F), but nights can be chilly to cold
History of Ayodhya
Ayodhya is said to be one of the most ancient, magnificent and holy of Hindu cities. According to the ancient Hindu Scriptures, it is said to have covered an area of 250 km2 (97 sq mi)[citation needed], and was the capital of the powerful Hindu kingdom of Kosala (Kaushal). It is on the banks of the Ganga or Ganges river, bathing in which is supposed to destroy even the deadliest of sins. It stands on the right bank of the river Ghagra (or Saryu, as it is called within sacred precincts). The illustrious Ikshvaku of the solar clan (suryavansha) was the ruling dynasty of this region.[citation needed] This city was the court of the great Dasharatha, the 63rd monarch of the Solar line. King Dasaratha's son Rama, born in Ayodhya, was believed to be the incarnation of Vishnu. In the Atharvaveda, this place was described as a city made by gods and as prosperous as Heaven itself.[citation needed]Valmiki is said to have begun the writing of his famous devotional poem Valmiki Ramayana, also called the Ramayana in Ayodhya. The opening chapters recount the magnificence of the city, the glories of the monarch and the virtues, wealth and loyalty of his people. Other sages like Kamban and Tulsidas also wrote versions of the Ramayana praising of Rama and the magnificent city of Ayodhya. Tulsidas' Ramayana is popularly known as Ramacharitamanasa and is one of the most revered scriptures of Hinduism. Several Tamil Alvars mention the city of Ayodhya. Ayodhya is also said to be the birthplace of Jadabharata (the first Chakravartin), Bahubali, Brahmi, Sundari, Padaliptasurisvarji, Harishchandra and Achalbharata.
Ayodhya has a historical significance for the Jain community too. This is the birthplace of two important tirthankaras who were born in the early centuries CE. The Jain agamas also stand testimony to the visit of Mahavira, Jainism's last tirthankara, to this city. Ayodhya is also the birthplace of five Tirthankaras, including the first, Rishabha as well as that of Mahavira's ninth Ganadhara.
The city is also important in the history and heritage of Buddhism in India, with several Buddhist temples, monuments and centres of learning having been established here during the age of the Mauryan Empire and the Gupta Dynasty. Ayodhya reached its glorious peak as known to history during the reign of the Guptas over India.[citation needed]
This city was also a significant trade centre in 600 BCE.[citation needed] Historians have identified this place as Saketa, a key Buddhist centre during the 5th century BCE (it is a widely held belief[citation needed] that Buddha visited Ayodhya on several occasions) which it remained till the 5th century CE. In fact, Faxian, the Chinese monk, recorded several Buddhist monasteries that he saw here.
Swaminarayan, founder of the Swaminarayan sect of Hinduism lived here during his childhood years. It was from Ayodhya that Swaminarayan started his seven-year journey across India as a 'Neelkanth'.
Amongst the 'Mokshdayani Puris' of the world meaning "the lands of spiritual bliss and liberation from the karma-bandhan," Ayodhya city holds a leading place, along with cities such as Varanasi, Dwarka and others. Ramcharitmanas and other respected Hindu scriptures like the Vishnu Purana, Shrimad Bhagvat Mahapuran and others emphasise the importance of living and visiting such religious places. According to them, these spiritually charged cities increase the Punya (or 'fruits of virtuous and righteous actions') and Paap ('fruits of a person's wrong doings') of an individual many times over. Therefore people visiting and living in such holy cities are found doing noble and virtuous deeds.[citation needed]
Today people from various religious faiths of Hinduism, Buddhism, Islam and Jainism live together united, making it a place of enormous sacred importance.
Among seven holy cities of India
Moreover, Ayodhya is one of seven most holy places for Hindus in India where Varanasi is considered as Holiest of holy cities.
Ayodhyā Mathurā Māyā
Kāsi Kāñchī Avantikā I
Purī
Dvārāvatī chaiva saptaitā moksadāyikāh II – Garuḍa Purāṇa I XVI .14 A Kṣetra is a sacred ground, a field of active power, a place where Moksha, final release can be obtained. The Garuda Purana enumerates seven cities as giver of Moksha, They are Ayodhya, Mathura, Māyā (Haridwar), Kāsi (Varanasi), Kāñchī, Avantikā (Ujjain), and Dvārāvatī (Dvārakā).[10]
Historical events
The Atharva Veda called Ayodhya "a city built by gods and being as prosperous as paradise itself".According to an 11th-century Korean chronicle the Samguk Yusa, the wife of King Suro of the ancient Korean kingdom of Geumgwan Gaya was a princess who travelled by boat from a faraway land called Ayuta to Korea in 48 CE. It is commonly thought that Ayodhya is the foreign land referred to in the Korean chronicles, but some scholars believe that the foreign land may have been Ayutthaya of Thailand. However, the local government of Ayodhya and the South Korean government validated and acknowledged the legitimacy of the connection and held a ceremony between the two governments to raise a statue of the princess on the banks of the Saryu River. The princess's adopted Korean name is Heo Hwang-ok, who was the first queen of Geumgwan Gaya Dynasty and is the ancestor of the Korean Kim family of Kimhae and the Heo surname lineages. 2,000 years ago, a princess of Ayodhya had been shipped off as a bride to Suro. They had ten children, of whom nine became Buddhist monks. His descendants now form the 10 million-strong Kim Kimhae clan and Heo Gimhae clan
In the 7th century CE, Xuanzang (Hiuen Tsang), the Chinese monk, recorded spotting many Hindu temples in Ayodhya. In the epic Ramayana, the city of Ayodhya is cited as the birthplace of Lord Sri Rama, a Hindu deity who was worshipped as Lord Vishnu's seventh incarnation. Ayodhya became a famous pilgrimage destination in the 15th century when Ramananda, the Hindu mystic, established a devotional sect of Sri Rama.
The Thai kingdom and city of Ayutthaya, and the Indonesian sultanate of Yogyakarta, were named after Ayodhya, reflecting the common Southeast Asian practice of adopting place names from Hindu kingdoms.[citation needed]
Ayodhya, like other Indian cities, came under Mughal rule. With Muslim rulers established around the city under Mohammed of Ghor, it lost its strategic and economic importance to Lucknow and Kanpur.
The 16th century witnessed a shift in power with Ayodhya coming under the rule of the Mughal Empire.
Saadat Ali Khan, Nawab of Awadh, bestowed the riyasat of Ayodhya on his loyal Brahmin soldier Dwijdeo Mishra of the Kasyapa gotra, for quelling revenue rebels in Mehendauna in Eastern UP. The Hanumangarhi temple was built by the Nawab of Awadh
Ayodhya was annexed in 1856 by the British rulers. Between 1857 and 1859, this place was one of the main centres where the sparks of the first war of Indian Independence originated. These sparks later led to a nationwide revolt of the Indian soldiers in opposition to the British East India Company that began in Calcutta.[15]
Culture
Ayodhya is example of Ganga-Jamuni culture where the Hanumangarhi temple was built by the Nawab of Awadh. And Sundar Bhavan, the famous Ramji temple, had a devoted caretaker, Munne Mian, who looked after it for fifty years until his death in 2004Archaeology of Ayodhya
The archaeology of Ayodhya concerns the excavations and findings in the Indian city of Ayodhya in the state of Uttar Pradesh. Much of this surrounds the Babri Mosque location.Archaeological studies in the 1970s: Project "Archaeology of the Ramayana Sites"
Though results were not reported in that period,[citation needed] between 1975 and 1985 an archaeological project was carried out in Ayodhya to examine some sites that were connected to the Ramayana story. The Babri Mosque site was one of the fourteen sites examined during this project. After a gap of many years since the excavation, an article in the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) magazine Manthan in October 1990 by the BB Lal- led Archaeological Survey of India (ASI) team claimed to have found the pillar-bases of what may have been a temple at the site which must have belonged to a larger building than the Babri Mosque.The team of archaeologists of the ASI, led by B.B. Lal, found rows of pillar-bases which must have belonged to a larger building than the Babri Mosque.
Accordingly, archaeological findings of burnt bases of pillars made of brick, a few metres from the mosque, indicated that a large temple stood in alignment with the Babri Mosque since the 11th century.[1] In a trench at a distance of four metres south of the mosque, parallel rows of pillar-foundations made of brick-bats and stones were found.[2]
Professor Gupta later commented on the findings made before 1990: "Several of the temple pillars existing in the mosque and pillar-bases unearthed in the excavations conducted in the south of the mosque (although in the adjoining plot of land) show the same directional alignment. This will convince any student of architecture that two sets of material remains belong to one and the same complex
Places of Interest
The Hanuman GarhiSituated in the centre of the town, this temple is approachable by a flight of 76 steps. Legend has it that Hanuman lived here in a cave and guarded the Janambhoomi or Ramkot. The main temple contains the statue of Maa Anjani, with Bal Hanuman seated on her lap. The faithful believe that all their wishes are granted with a visit to this holy shrine.
A massive structure in the shape of a four sided fort with circular bastions at each corner houses a temple of Hanuman and is the most popular shrine in Ayodhya.
Kanak Bhawan
This is famous temple of Ayodhya. As per mythology it is gifted to Sita by mother Kaikai after marriege. This is private palace of lord SitaRam, here all statue of SitaRam.
Ramkot
The chief place of worship in Ayodhya is the site of the ancient citadel of Ramkot which stands on an elevated ground in the western part of the city. Although visited by pilgrims throughout the year, this sacred place attracts devotees from all over India and abroad, on `Ram Navami’, the day of Lord’s birth, which is celebrated with great pomp and show, in the Hindu month of Chaitra (March–April).
Swarg Dwar
According to mythology, Lord Rama is said to have been cremated here.
Mani Parbat and Sugriv Parbat
The first of these ancient earth mounds is identified with a stupa built by the Emperor Ashoka, while the second is believed to be an ancient monastery.
Treta ke Thakur
This temple stands at the place where Rama is said to have performed the Ashvamedha Yajnya. About 300 years ago the Raja of kulu built a new temple here, which was improved by Ahilyabai Holkar of Indore during 1784, at the same time the adjoining Ghats were also built. The initial idols in black sandstone were recovered from Saryu and placed in the new temple, famous as Kaleram-ka-Mandir.
Nageshwarnath Temple
The temple of Nageshwarnath is said to have been established by Kush the son of Rama. Legend has it that Kush lost his armlet, while bathing in the Saryu, which was picked up by a Nag-Kanya, who fell in love with him. As she was a devotee of Shiva, Kush erected this temple for her. It is said that this has been the only temple to have survived till the time of Vikramaditya, the rest of city had fallen into ruins and was covered by dense forests. It was by means of this temple that Vikramaditya was able to locate Ayodhya and the sites of different shrines here. The festival of Shivratri is celebrated here with great pomp and splendour.
Chhoti Devkali Mandir
This is the temple of goddess Ishani (Durga). As per mythalogy she is Kuldevi of Sita.
Other places of interest
Angad Tila, Shri Rama Janaki Birla Temple, Tulsi Smarak Bhawan, Ram ki Paidi, Kaleramji ka Mandir, Datuvan Kund,Janki Mahal, Gurudwara Brahma Kund,Rishabhadeo Jain Temple, Brahma Kund, Amawan Temple, Tulsi Chaura, Laxman Quila, Ram Katha Museum, Valmiki Ramayan Bhawan, Mandir Sunder Sadan (in front of controversial site) are among other places of interest in Ayodhya.
Accessibility
AirFor Ayodhya the nearest airports are Faizabad Airport (5 km), Amausi Airport (Lucknow-134 km), Allahabad Airport (Allahabad – 166 km)
Rail
Ayodhya is situated on the broad gauge Northern Railway line on Mughal Sarai – Lucknow main route. Ayodhya junction and Faizabad Railway Station are connected to various parts of the country.
Road
Connected by road to several major cities and towns. Some of the major road distances are: Lucknow (134 km), Gorakhpur (132 km), Jhansi (441 km), Allahabad (166 km), Sravasti (109 km), Varanasi (209 km) and Gonda (51 km).
Ramcharitmanas
Shri Ramcharitmanas (Devanāgarī: श्रीरामचरितमानस, IAST: Śrīrāmacaritamānasa), also spelt Shri Ramcharitamanasa, is an epic poem in Awadhi, composed by the 16th-century Indian poet, Goswami Tulsidas (c.1532–1623). Ramcharitmanas literally means the "lake of the deeds of Rama."[1] Tulsidas compared the seven Kāndas (literally 'books', cognate with cantos[citation needed]) of the epic to seven steps leading into the holy waters of a Himalayan lake (Mānasa, as in Lake Mansarovar) which "which purifies the body and the soul at once."[2][3] The core of the work is a poetic retelling of the events of the Sanskrit epic Ramayana, centered on the narrative of Rama, the crown prince of Ayodhya. The poem is also called Tulsikrit Ramayan (literally, The Ramayan composed by Tulsi or, loosely, The Ramayan of Tulsidas)ulsidas (sometimes simply referred to as Tulsi) began writing the scripture in Vikram Samvat 1631 (1574 CE) in Avadhpuri, Ayodhya.[5] The exact date is stated within the poem as being the ninth day of the month of Chaitra, which is the birthday of Ram, Ram Navami.[5] A large portion of the poem was composed at Varanasi, where the poet spent most of his later life.
Today, it is considered one of the greatest works of Hindu literature. Its composition marks the first time the story of Ramayana was made available to the common man for song and performance.[citation needed] The text is associated with the beginning of the tradition of Ramlila, the dramatic enactment of the text. It was Tulsidas' aim to make the story of Ramlila accessible to the masses.[citation needed] Sanskrit was seen as a very complicated language to master, at his time, and so for this reason the Shrī Rāmcharitmānas was written in Avadhi,[6] which belongs to the Eastern Hindi language family
Hanumangarhi
Hanumangarhi is a temple of Lord Hanuman in Ayodhya. More than 70 steps lead to the main Hanuman temple which is one of the most popular temples of Lord Hanuman in North IndiaHistory
This temple was built by the Nawab of Awadh.[1]Access
The twin cities of Ayodhya and Faizabad are well connected with Lucknow, Varanasi, Gorakhpur and Allahabad.- Air: The nearest airports are those of Lucknow (135 km) and Varanasi (200 km).
- Road: Ayodhya is 6 km (4 mi) from Faizabad. Ayodhya has good road connectivity with Lucknow (135 km), Varanasi (200 km), Allahabad (165 km) and Gorakhpur (175 km).
- Rail: A good rail network connects Ayodhya directly with Lucknow (three hours) and Varanasi (four hours).
Climate
Summer (March to July) temperatures can range from 35 to 45 degrees Celsius. Winters (November to January) temperatures can range from 6 to 25 degrees Celsius. Rains during monsoon season (July to September).Hanumangarhi, Nainital
The hill station of Nainital also has famous temple by the name Hanumangarhi, often visited by local saint, Neem Karoli Baba. Located at an altitude 1,951 m (6,401 ft), the temple complex is about 3.5 km (2 mi) from the Tallital (South End) bus stop. The presiding deity of the temple is Lord Hanuman, the vanara god of the Ramayana, and he is depicted tearing open his chest to reveal Rama and Sita in his heart. Hanuman Garhi is also known for its spectacular views of the setting sun.Swaminarayan
Swaminarayan was born Ghanshyam Pande in Chhapaiya, near Ayodhya , Uttar Pradesh, India in 1781. In 1792, he began a seven-year pilgrimage across India, adopting the name Nilkanth Varni. He settled in the state of Gujarat around 1799. In 1800, he was initiated into the Uddhav Sampraday by his guru, Ramanand Swami, and was given the name Sahajanand Swami. In 1802, his guru handed over the leadership of the Uddhav Sampraday to him before his death. Sahajanand Swami held a gathering and taught the Swaminarayan mantra. From this point onwards, he was known as Swaminarayan and regarded as an incarnation of God by his followers. The Uddhav Sampraday became known as the Swaminarayan Sampraday.Swaminarayan developed a good relationship with the British Imperial Government. He had followers not only from Hindu denominations, but also from Islam and Zoroastrianism. He built six temples in his lifetime and appointed 500 paramhansas to spread his philosophy. In 1826, Swaminarayan wrote the Shikshapatri, a book of social principles. He died on 1 June 1830 and was cremated according to Hindu rites in Gadhada, Gujarat. Before his death, Swaminarayan appointed his nephews as acharyas to head the two dioceses of Swaminarayan Sampraday.
Swaminarayan is also remembered within the faith for undertaking reforms for women and the poor, performing yagnas or fire sacrifices on a large scale as well as performing miracles. He has, however, been criticised by religious leaders such as Swami Dayananda who questioned the acceptance of Swaminarayan as God. Swaminarayan had an estimated 1.8 million followers when he died. Currently, his following is estimated between 5 and 20 million.
13. Baba Dhansar
The holy place of Baba Dhansar is located at Karua Jheel (Pond) near village Karua, 17 km from Reasi towards Katra in Reasi district of Jammu & Kashmir State, India.[1] The approach involves a walk of 200 metres from the road. It is a mythological belief that when Lord Shiva went to the Amarnath cave to tell Parvati the story of his immortality, he left his serpent king, Sheshnag at Anantnag. Shesh Nag came in the human form as Vasudev. One of the sons of Vasudev was Dhansar who was a saintly person.
As the local belief goes, in the ancient times there was a demon who lived near Karua Jheel(lake) and committed atrocities on the people of village Karua. The villagers sought help of Baba Dhansar to get rid of the Demon. It is believed that Baba Dhansar prayed to Lord Shiva for help. Lord Shiva arrived and helped in killing the Demon. The temple of Baba Dhansar and a cave of Lord Shiva near Karua Jheel has become a place of worship. Karua Jheel is considered sacred where bathing is not permitted. However, the devotees may take a bath downstream. People believe that their wishes are fulfilled if they take bath in the stream and pray with complete faith. A large number of devotees visit the place every year on the day of Mahashivratri when an annual fete (mela) is organized.
Reasi
Reasi is a town and a notified area committee, tehsil and now a
district in the Indian
administered state of Jammu and Kashmir.
It is situated at the bank of River Chenab. Reasi
derived its name from its old name "RASYAL".In the eighth century
Reasi was called Bhimgarh state,established by Bhim Dev.
Geography
Reasi is located at 33.08°N 74.83°E.[1] It has an average elevation of 466 metres (1,529 feet).Reasi area
Reasi is a District, located 64 km from Jammu. The population of 10,000 is predominantly Hindu. Majority of the population ekes out its livelihood from small business ventures, govt jobs and agriculture. Of the 12293 hectares of agricultural land in the area, 1011 hectares is irrigated. Important crops are Maize, Wheat, Paddy and Bajra. Vegetables are also grown. Climatically, most parts of the area falls in the sub tropical zone and the rest in the temperate zone. Summers are generally warm and winters are cold with snowfall on the higher reachesBrief history
The erstwhile Bhimgarh State now called Reasi was established by Bhim Dev in the eighth century. Brief account of the successive rulers is known from 1652, when Hari Dev was the king of Jammu. In 1810, during the rule of Diwan Singh, Jammu was under turmoil. Palace intrigues and mutinies shook the administration. It was at this time that Maharaja Ranjit Singh sent Gulab Singh to take control. Gulab Singh came down heavily on the rebels and established the rule of law. After defeating the rebels in the Reasi area he handed over the administration to his trusted commander, General Zorawar Singh, when he became the King of Jammu in 1822. In 2005, the first municipal election was held and Mr.Kuldeep Mengi elected as a first chairman of municipal corporation REASI.Historical places
Mata Vaishnodevi [2], Bhumika Temple, Deva Mai, Nau Pindian, Baba Dhansar, Siar Baba, Bhimgarh Fort, Kalika Temple, Sula Park, Sihar Baba & Shivkhori are few of the attractions of Reasi besides its picturesque locale and surroundingsTransporrt
Reasi is 64 km from Jammu and can be reached by Road, Rail or Air. Nearest Airport is 80 km and railway station 26 km. In 2010 rail link is expected to reach Reasi.World's First in Reasi
Reasi is looking forward to have the World's tallest bridge by December 2009. Chenab Bridge (359 meters) being built by Konkan Railways will overtake The Millau Viaduct (323 meters) in southern France.Katra
(Jammu and Kashmir)
Katra or Katra Vaishno
Devi, as it is popularly known, is a small town in Reasi district
of the Indian state of Jammu and Kashmir
situated in the foothills of the Trikuta Mountains, where the holy shrine of Vaishno Devi
is located. It is located 42 km from the city of Jammu. Shri Mata Vaishno Devi University, one of
the leading technical university of India is also located here.
Geography
Katra is located at 32.98°N 74.95°E.[1] It has an average elevation of 754 metres (2,474 feet). There also been reports of possible oil reserves in the areaTourism
Katra serves as the base camp for pilgrims who visit Vaishno Devi. It has a thriving tourism industry that offers plenty of hotels, guest houses, restaurants, dhabas, fast-food joints that fit all kinds of budgets. Free accommodation is provided by some registered trusts in the form of Sarais for the poor. The number of pilgrims that visit the shrine every year has increased from 1.4 million in 1986 to 8.2 million in 2009. Over the years, a lot has changed, but one should not miss the opportunity to walk through the main bazaar (market) for buying (do not forget/hesitate to negotiate a bit) souvenirs, dryfruits, woolen garments, hosiery, leather jackets, etc.To reach Vaishno Devi temple the pilgrims have to register at the Katra before starting the trek. By registering, the pilgrims get accidental insurance while on the trek for 1 lakh INR. It is a trek of 10.5 km.
There is another trek (1.5 km) from Vaishno Devi temple for Baba Bhaironnath. It is said that the pilgrimage is not complete until you visit this temple at last. The scenery throughout the trek is picturesque.
Environment-friendly auto rickshaws and helicopter services also have started now-a-days to make the journey a pleasant one
Om Tat Sat
(Continued...)
(My
humble salutations to the great devotees
, wikisources and Pilgrimage tourist guide for the collection
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