Holy
Pilgrimage – Temples in Rajasthan
State
Ambika Mata Temple, Jagat, Rajasthan
Ambika Mata Mandir is a Hindu temple located in the village of Jagat, about 50 km southeast of Udaipur in the state of Rajasthan, India. mbika Devi, a form of Goddess Durga is the presiding deity of the temple. The temple, located in a cleft of rock possesses a number of inscriptions. The earliest one, dated 961 AD, refers to a repair made to it. oday, the temple is preserved by the State Department of Archaeology and Museum, Rajasthan.
The Temple
This is a little-known temple, dating back to the tenth century with images of Durga and many other female divinities. Ambika, a form of the Hindu Goddess Durga, is the principal image in the shrine and worshipped as Shakti, a primeval source of energy. he is associated with Durga through her lion mount and is connected to the Jains through a vision advising Vimala about building his Adinath temple at Mount Abu.Architecture
The temple is also known as the Khajuraho of Rajasthan. here are many fine sculptures in the temple which have been excellently preserved. This pentagonal temple, enclosed by a massive rampart wall, has 17 turrets and a pagoda-like gabled roof. Exquisite details appear high on the exterior walls of the temple, above larger sculptures of gods or goddesses, with musicians, ancers, and singers of the heavenly court, as well as countless beautiful women. The richess and arrangement of the carving often has a curling vegetal motif. The theme is of a mountain palace, a heavenly abode of the gods. The tower is covered with intricate motifs, including clouds, and is surrounded by small shikhara towers which echo the surrounding mountain peaks. The architecture of the mountain palace, as the heavenly abode of the gods, echoes the temple which is their earthly residence.Birla Mandir, Jaipur
Birla Mandir, Jaipur is a Hindu temple located in Jaipur, India and is part of one of the several Birla mandirs located all around the country. The grand temple is located on an elevated ground at the base of Moti Dungari hill in Rajasthan. The temple is sometimes also referred to as the Laxmi Narayan Temple.Gallery
Birla Temple, Jaipur At the foot of Moti Dungri fort is the Birla Temple. This temple forms one of the major attractions of Jaipur. Birla Temple of Jaipur looks stunning, when it is brightly lit in the night. The enormous temple was built during the year 1988, by Birla Group of Industries, one of the business tycoons of India. The Temple is dedicated to Lord Vishnu (Narayan), the preserver and his consort Lakshmi, the Goddess of wealth. Due to this reason, Birla Temple is also known as Laxmi Narayan Temple. Birla Mandir is constructed in the finest quality of white marble. The three huge domes of the temple represent three different approaches to the religion. The beautiful white marble temple mesmerizes the onlookers, when it glows at night. Stained glass widows depict the scenes from Hindu scriptures. Ganesh the protector of households, is above the lintel, and the fine quality of marble is evident when you enter the temple and look back at the entrance way. The images of Lakshmi and Narayan attract the attention, being made out from one piece of marble. Many of the deities of the Hindu pantheon are depicted inside the temple, and on the outside walls great historical personages and figures from all religions are shown, including Socrates, Zarathustra, Christ, Budhda, and Confucius. The Laxmi Narayan Mandir is a modern architectural marvel, surrounded by lush green gardens. The fascinating exteriors of the temple are carved splendidly with beautiful sculptures based of mythological themes, while the interiors have a large marble panel portraying mythological events.Brahma Temple at Pushkar, Rajasthan
Jagatpita Brahma Mandir (Hindi: जगत्-पिता ब्रह्मा मंदिर) is a Hindu temple situated at Pushkar in the Indian state of Rajasthan, close to the sacred Pushkar Lake to which its legend has an indelible link. The temple is one of very few existing temples dedicated to the Hindu creator-god Brahma in India and remains the most prominent among them.
Although the present temple structure dates to the 14th century, the temple is believed to be 2000 years old. The temple is mainly built of marble and stone stabs. It has a distinct red pinnacle (shikhara) and a hamsa bird motif. The temple sanctum sanctorum holds the central images of Brahma and his second consort Gayatri.
The temple is governed by the Sanyasi (ascetic) sect priesthood. On Kartik Poornima, a festival dedicated to Brahma is held when large number of pilgrims visit the temple, after bathing in the sacred lake.
Legend
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, 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".Brahma then decided to perform a yajna (fire-sacrifice) at the main Pushkar Lake. To perform his yajna peacefully without being attacked by the demons, he created the hills around the Pushkar — Ratnagiri in the south, Nilgiri in the north, Sanchoora in the west and Suryagiri in the east — and positioned gods there to protect the yajna performance. However, while performing the yajna, his wife Savitri (or Sarasvati in some versions) could not be present at the designated time to perform the essential part of the yajna as she was waiting for her companion goddesses Lakshmi, Parvati and Indrani. Annoyed, Brahma requested god Indra (the king of heaven) to find a suitable girl for him to wed to complete the yajna.
Indra could find only a Gujar's daughter (in some legends, a milkmaid) who was sanctified by passing her through the body of a cow. Gods Vishnu, Shiva and the priests certified her purity; it was her second birth and she was named Gayatri. Brahma then married Gayatri and completed the yajna with his new consort sitting beside him, holding the pot of amrita (elixir of life) on her head and giving ahuti (offering to the sacrificial fire).
When Savitri finally arrived at the venue she found Gayatri sitting next to Brahma which was her rightful place. Agitated, she cursed Brahma that he would be never worshipped, but then reduced the curse permitting his worship in Pushkar. Savitri also cursed Indra to be easily defeated in battles, Vishnu to suffer the separation from his wife as a human, the fire-god Agni who was offered the yajna to be all-devouring and the priests officiating the yajna to be poor. Endowed by the powers of yajna, Gayatri diluted Savitri's curse, blessing Pushkar to be the king of pilgrimages, Indra would always retain his heaven, Vishnu would be born as the human Rama and finally unite with his consort and the priests would become scholars and be venerated. Thus, the Pushkar temple is regarded the only temple dedicated to Brahma. Savitri, thereafter, moved into the Ratnagiri hill and became a part of it by emerging as a spring known as the Savitri Jharna (stream); a temple in her honour exists here.
History
Pushkar is said to have over 500 temples (80 are large and the rest are small); of these many are old that were destroyed or desecrated by Muslim depredations during Mughal emperor Aurangzeb's rule (1658–1707) but were re-built subsequently; of these the most important is the Brahma temple. Though the current structure dates to the 14th century, the original temple is believed to be 2000 years old The temple is described to have been built by sage Vishwamitra after Brahma's yagna. t is also believed that Brahma himself chose the location for his temple. The 8th century Hindu philosopher Adi Shankara renovated this temple, while the current medieval structure dates to Maharaja Jawat Raj of Ratlam, who made additions and repairs, though the original temple design is retained.Pushkar is often described in the scriptures as the only Brahma temple in the world, owing to the curse of Savitri, and as the "King of the sacred places of the Hindus". lthough 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 and the most prominent one dedicated to BrahmaInternational Business Times has identified Pushkar Lake and the Brahma temple as one of the ten most religious places in the world and one of the five sacred pilgrimage places for the Hindus, in India
Architecture
The temple, which is set on high plinth, is approached through a number of marble steps leading to an entrance gate archway, decorated with pillared canopies. The entry from the gate leads to a pillared outdoor hall (Mandapa) and then the sanctum sanctorum (Garbhagriha). The temple is built with stone slabs and blocks, joined together with molten lead. The red shikara (spire) of the temple and symbol of a hamsa (a swan or goose) - the mount of Brahma – are distinct features of the temple. The shikara is about 700 feet (210 m) in height. The hamsa motif decorates the main entry gate. Marble floor (in black and white checks) and walls inside the temple have been inlaid with hundreds of silver coins by devotees (with their names inscribed), as mark of offering to Brahma. There is a silver turtle in the mandap that is displayed on the floor of the temple facing the Garbhagriha, which is also built in marble. The marble flooring has been replaced from time-to-time.Brahma's central icon (murti) made of marble was deified in the garbhagriha in 718 AD by Adi Shankara. The icon depicts Brahma, seated in a crossed leg position in the aspect of creation of the universe (the Vishvakarma form). The central image is called the chaumurti ("four-faced idol"). It is of life size with four hands, four faces, each oriented in a cardinal direction. The four arms hold the akshamala (rosary), the pustaka (book), the kurka (kusha grass) and the kamandalu (water pot). Brahma is riding on his mount, the hamsa. The four symbols held by Brahma in his arms: the rosary, Kamandalu, book and the sacrificial implement kusha grass represent time, the causal waters from which the universe emerged, knowledge and the system of sacrifices to be adopted for sustenance of various life-forms in the universe. Gayatri's image sits along with Brahma's in centre to his left. Savatri alias Sarasvati sits to the right of Brahma, along with other deities of the Hindu pantheon. Images of the peacock, Sarasvati's mount, also decorate the temple walls. Images of the preserver-god Vishnu, life-sized dvarapalas (gate-keepers) and a gilded Garuda (eagle-man, mount of Vishnu) are also seen in the temple.
Worship
The temple is visited by pilgrims and also by the holy men and sages, after taking a ceremonial sacred bath in the Pushkar lake. It is also a practice that visit to the Brahma temple is followed by worship of his consort Gayatri, followed by visits to other temples as convenient.The temple is open for worship between 6:30 am and 8:30 pm during winter and 6:00 am to 9:00 pm during summer, with an interval in afternoon between 1:30 pm to 3:00 pm when the temple is closed. Three aratis are held in the temple: Sandhya arati in the evening about 40 minutes after sunset, Ratri Shayan arati (night-sleep arati) about 5 hours past sunset and Mangala arati in the morning, about 2 hours before sunrise.
The priests at the Brahma temple refer to a strictly followed religious practice. House-holders (married men) are not allowed to enter the sanctum sanctorum to worship the deity. Only ascetics (sanyasis) can perform the puja to the deity. Hence, all offerings by pilgrims are given, from the outer hall of the temple, through a priest who is a sanyasi. The priests of the temple, in general in Puskkar, belong to the Parashar gotra (lineage).
Once a year, on Kartik Poornima, the full moon night of the Hindu lunar month of Kartik (October – November), a religious festival is held in Brahma's honour. Thousands of pilgrims come to bathe in the holy Pushkar Lake adjacent to the temple. Various rites are also held at the temple during the fair. The day also marks the famous Pushkar Camel Fair, held nearby. Special rites are performed on all poornimas (full moon days) and amavasyas (new moon days).
Other related temples
Temples of consorts
Brahma's two
consorts Savitri and Gayatri mentioned in the legend also have separate temples
erected for them in Pushkar, but on hills at opposite ends of the lake. The
first consort Savitri, who cursed Brahma, is described to be still seating
annoyed and enraged in her shrine on the highest hill in Pushkar, while Gayatri
afraid of Savatri's wrath sits at a lower hill at the other end, the eastern
side of the lake. Savitri temple located on the top of Ratnagiri hill, behind the Brahma temple, overlooks the Pushkar Lake and the sand dunes on its western side. It is reached by one hour's trek over a series of steps on the hill. The temple (also made of marble) houses a statue of goddess Savitri. An early morning visit to the temple provides a good view of the lake.
The Gayatri temple or Pap Mochani temple is accessible by a 30-minute climb from a track behind Marwar bus stand.
Atpateshwar or Apteshwar temple
The
Atpateshwar temple, which is situated in a cave next to the Brahma temple, is
dedicated to Shiva. This temple was built by Brahma after he found that Shiva
attended the Yagna performed by him in the garb of a Tantric mendicant
holding a skull. When Shiva was accosted for this appearance, he was piqued and
filled the entire area of the yagna site with skulls. The agitated Brahma
meditated to know the reason for such a situation, then he realised that the
mendicant was none other than Shiva. Realising his folly, Brahma requested
Shiva to attend the yagna. Shiva then attended the yagna holding the skull and
Brahma in appreciation erected a temple in honour of Shiva as 'Atpateshwar',
next to his own temple. The Linga
of Shiva is large and is encircled by a snake made of copper. Shivaratri
festival is a special occasion to visit this temple.Places to see
- The Sri Sawai Bhoj Temple
- 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.
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.
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 CochinCharbhuja, Garhbor, Rajasthan
Charbhuja is a famous temple of the lord Vishnu in the Garhbor village in the Kumbhalgarh tehsil of Rajsamand district in the state of Rajasthan, India.
Geography and Location
Charbhuja is another name of the lord Vishnu due to his four hands. The temple is located in the village Garhbor of Rajsamand district. This village is situated in Aravalli ranges. It is 38 km from the district headquarters Rajsamand. Desuri in the Pali district is a nearby village, through which it is connected to the Pali district. Gomati river flows nearby this temple.The village name Garhbor is due to the fort made by Bor Rajputs. Fort is called Garh in Hindi. As it is dedicated to the lord, so it is also called as Charbhuja. To reach the village, there is a railway station named as Charbhuja Road.
About the temple
The temple was built in 1444AD. According to the inscription inside the temple, village name was Badri, therefore, the idol is considered as BadriNath. The deity of Charbhuja Nath is considered to be miraculous.The idol of Shri Charbhuja Ji is 85 centimeters high. The four arms of the idol hold conch, discus, mace and a lotus flowers. The discus and the mace symbolize dynamic power, energy and prowess. Some casts like Rajputs and the Gurjars hold a special reverence for this temple. Rajputs attribute a sword and shield as symbol of Rajput chivalry in every darshan.
The temple is made by mirrors, Lime mortars and Marble. The excellent work of the mirror is done in the original temple. The shutters of the inner temple are made of gold while outer shutters are made of silver. Garud ji is installed in the other courtyard. Stone elephants are placed on the both sides of the entrance. Temple is in the open space. The temple is visited by thousands of pilgrims.
History
Then the king Shri Gang Dev got divine instruction in his to install the idol to be recovered from water. Then he installed this idol in his garh (fort). It is said the Pandavas also worshiped this idol. To protect this temple about 125 battles has been taken place. Many times idol also was submerged in the water for its safety.Fair on Jhaljhoolni Gyaras
A large fair is held in the village on Jhaljhoolni Gyaras every year. Thousands of devotees come here for worship of lord Charbhuja and get blessings from all over the India.Jhaljhoolni Gyaras (Ekadashi) is the eleventh day of the bright fortnight of the Bhadrapad month (August/September). This day is specially celebrated in the Charbhuja. Pilgrims come by walking and other means for this day to the village and they get together and take the Lord to the lake nearby for the religious bath with a grand procession. After that they also perform special pooja of the lord. This great procession have many people and used to be welcomed with perfume and flowers.
The festivals of colours, Holi is also celebrated here on a big scale. Similarly some other festivals like Navratris, Janmashtami and Ramanavami.
Dadhimati Mata Temple, Rajasthan
Dadhimati Mata Temple of the goddess Dadhimati is located in Nagaur district, Rajasthan, India. It is one of the oldest surviving temples in northern India. It was built in the 4th century and is of the Gupta era.
Dadhimati is said to be the sister of Rishi (sage) Dadhichi, and born on magh (Indian month) shukl 7 (rath saptami) due to the churning of the sky. Dadhimati killed Detya Vikatasur on magh shukl 8 (jaya ashtami) in Dadhi Sagar. Dadhimati is the Avatar Of Goddess Lamxi. The temple has the oldest depictions of 'Devi mahamatya', which are even older than Mahalaxmi temple of Kolhapur, Maharastra. It has a depiction of Valimiki ramyana in interiors.
Parashar Brahmins are the priest in this temple. Dadhimati is Kul Devi and Kul Mata of Dadhich Brahmins as well as Dantuslia the Jat gotra and Gelda the Baniya gotra. The goddess is very powerful, and followers quickly get their wishes fulfilled.
Jai Dadhimathi
Jai Dadhimathi is a historical palace of Rajasthan. It is one Shaktipith out of 52 shaktipiths.References
- Dadhimati-mata Temple, ritual in sanctum (Image) Pennsylvania University
How to Reach Dadhimati Mata Temple
AirPort 1) Jaipur (250 Km) Route Jaipur Sikar Salasar Ladnun Nimbi Khinayala Jayal Dadhimati Mata Temple
2) Jaipur (246 Km) Route Jaipur Sikar Didwana Jayal Dadhimati Mata Temple
3) Jaipur (231 Km) Route Jaipur – Bagru – Sambhar - Nawa – Kuchaman – Molasar – Didwana – Jayal - Dadhimati Mata Temple
Railway Station : Nagour Didwana Degana Ajmer Jodhpur, Jaipur
1) Nagour (38 Km ) Route Nagour – Roll - Dadhimati Mata Temple
2) Nagour (56 Km ) Route Nagour - Roll – Jayal - Dadhimati Mata Temple
3) Didwana (56 Km ) Route Didwana Jayal Dadhimati Mata Temple
4) Degana (60 Km ) Route Degana Tarnau Jayal Dadhimati Mata Temple
5) Ajmer (192 Km) Route Ajmer Puskar Merta Nagour Deh Dadhimati Mata Temple
6) Ajmer (196 Km) Route Ajmer Parbatsar Didwana Jayal Dadhimati Mata Temple
7) Jodhpur (196 Km) Route Jodhpur Nagour Deh Dadhimati Mata Temple
8) Jaipur (231 Km) Route Jaipur – Bagru – Sambhar - Nawa – Kuchaman – Molasar – Didwana – Jayal - Dadhimati Mata Temple
9) Jaipur (246 Km) Route Jaipur Sikar Didwana Jayal Dadhimati Mata Temple
10) Jaipur (250 Km) Route Jaipur Sikar Salasar Ladnun Nimbi Khinayala Jayal Dadhimati Mata Temple
About Dadhich Rishi
The Nature of helping others is a great virtue. There are many who gave away their wealth, flesh & energy to up hold this great virtue. But perhaps no one has done as much as Dadhichi Maharshi, who gave away his life for this great cause. The following is the story of Dadhichi.
Dadhichi waited for a long time for Devatas to return and collect their ammunitions. Finally, one day, with his divine powers, he put all the weapons in his sacred water pot and mixed them in the water and drank it. He was now free and could continue his regular penance undisturbed.
A short while after this, the Devatas returned and asked Dadhichi for their weapons. The Maharshi said "I waited for so long. I reckoned that you would never turn up. So I drank them away. They are all in my body as bones and flesh. To get them out now is very difficult."
Dadhichi's wife Swarcha was watching all this from a distance. Dadhichi sent her away in to their house on some pretext. He then created a huge fire by his will power and entered into it and reduced himself to ashes, leaving behind only his bones.
Much before Devatas realised what was happening, Lord Brahma suddenly appeared and converted each of the bones into various powerful weapons and gave them to the Devatas. Dadhihi's back bone was given as Vajrayudha to Indra with which he brought an end to the most powerful Rakshasas like Vruthasura. Devatas went on pleading "Maharshi, we are now in a position to fight with Rakshasas. If we do not have our weapons, we will not be in a position to fight with them and to save Dharma and the universe". Dadhichi thought about it calmly and was convinced that Devatas deserved help. Their weapons were now more powerful than before. He said to Devatas "Alright, take your weapons back by killing me . They are presently in the form of my bones". Devatas refused to do so and said "We certainly do not want to commit the sin of killing a great Rishi like you. We can not afford to do this cruel thing" Dadhichi could not reply them as well. Determination to make a great sacrifice is one of the qualities of great saints like Dadhichi. Dadhichi not only protected the weapons of the Devatas, but also, enhanced their power by converting them into lethal weapons with the power of his penance. He also saw to it that Devatas did not commit the sin of killing the saint by reducing himself to ashes.
Aarti
जय जय जनक सुनन्दिनि, हरि वनन्दिनि हे । दुष्ट निकन्दिनि मात, जय जय विष्णु प्रिये ॥Jai Jai Janak Sunandini, Hari Vnandini.He Dust Nikndini maat, Jai Jai Vishnu Priye.
सकल मनोरथ दोहिनी, जग सोहिनी हे । पशुपति मोहिनी मात, जय जय विष्णु प्रिये ॥
Sakal Manorath Dohini, Jug Sohini He. Pashupati Mohini Maat, Jai Jai Vishnu Priye.
विकट निशाचर कुन्थिनि, दधिमन्थिनि हे । त्रिभुवन ग्रन्थिनी मात, जय जय विष्णु प्रिये ॥
Bikat Nisachar Kunthini, Dadhimanthini He. Tribhuvan Granthini Maat, Jai Jai Vishnu Priye.
दिवानाथ सम भासिनी, सुख हासिनि हे । मरुधर वासिनि मात, जय जय विष्णु प्रिये ॥
Diwanath Sam Bhasini, Sukh Hansini He. Marudhar Wasini Maat , Jai Jai Vishnu Priye.
जग्दम्बे जय कारिणि, खल हारिणि हे । म्रगरिपु चारिणि मात, जय जय विष्णु प्रिये ॥
Jagdmbe Jai Karini Khal Harini He. Mrgripu Charini Maat, Jai Jai Vishnu Priye.
पिप्प्लाद मुनि पालिनी, वपु शालिनि हे । खल दल दालिनि मात, जय जय विष्णु प्रिये ॥
Pipplad Muni Palini, vpu Shalini he Khal Dal Dalini Maat, Jai Jai Vishnu Priye.
तेज विजित सौदामिनि, हरि भामिनि हे । अयि गज गामिनि मात, जय जय विष्णु प्रिये ॥ Tej Vijit Sudamani Hari Bhamini He Ayi Gaja Gamini Maat, Jai Jai Vishnu Priye.
धरणी धर सुसहायिनि, श्रुति गायिनि हे । वांछित दायिनि मात, जय जय विष्नु प्रिये ॥
Dharani Dhar Sushayini, Shruti Gayini He. Vaanchit Dayini Maat,Jai Jai Vishnu Priye.
Dadheech Brahmins
he Dadhich Brahmins are a subgroup of Brahmins who are the descendants of Rishi Dadhichi, who is said to have given his bones for making of the vajra , the mythological weapon created to kill the demon vritra/virtrasur. It was Dadhichi's father Atharvan who along with Angiras composed the Atharvaveda . A temple of Dadhichi's sister Dadhimati is found in the village Goth Manglod, Nagaur, Rajasthan. They are most ancient among Brahmins of the Marwad region and elsewhere.Sage Dadhich is a legend in the 1st mandala of rigveda, and there are references of him visiting the sindu, sarswati area. Some section of Sarswat brahmins also trace their origin from him.
They are mostly found in Rajasthan region; a large part of the society has even migrated to other parts of world. They can have surnames like Dadheech, Dayama, Joshi, dahima, sharma, mishra, tiwari, Vyas, Bheda, Palod, Trivedi(kakra) (Sunthwal) etc.
They belong to six groups of Brahmins.
- Dadheech Brahmins
- Pareek Brahmins
- Sikhwal or Sukhwal Brahmins, also called Shringi Brahmins
- Saraswat Brahmins
- Gujar Gaud Brahmins
- Khandelwal Brahmins
List of common gotras
1. Gautam -patodhya,palod,nawal,kumbhya,kanth,budadhara,khatod,budsuna,bagadiya,vedvant,
vanansidara,lelodhya,kakda,gangvani,bhuwal,bhabhda
1. Vatsa-ratava,koliwal,baldawa,rolanya,cholsankhya,jopat,itodhya,polgala,nosara,namawal,
ajmera,kukda,taranwa,avadig,didel,musya,mang- Bhardwaj-pedwal,shukl,karesya,malodya,asopa,lyali,barmota,indorwal,harsodiya,bhataly,gadiya,solyani
- Bhargav - inaniya,jajhodiya,prathanya,kasalya,shilnodhya,kuradya,khebar,bisawa,ladanwa,badagana,kapdodya
- Kotchs-didwanya,mandodya,dhavdodya,jatalya,doba,mundel,manajwal,sosi,gothecha,kudal,tetrawal,
- Kashyapa - borayada,derolya,namwal,shirgota,rajthala,badawa,balaya,cholakhya
- Shandilya- rinwa,bediya,bahad,gothwal,dahwal
- Atrey -sunthwal,jujnodya,dubanya,sukalya,
- Parasar-bheda,parasar,
- Kapil-chipada
- Garg- tulachhya
- Mamm - anachar se mlechh(apavitra) ho gaye
Dev Dham Jodhpuriya, Rajasthan
Dev Dham Jodhpuriya is a temple of God Shri Devnarayan.It is situated in Newai municipality of Tonk district, Rajasthan.The place is 75 km away from Jaipur on jaipur-kota national highway (NH-12). It is situated near Mashi dam, Manoharpura in Newai municipality of Tonk district.Shri devnarayan is worshiped as incarnation of lord Vishnu.As tradition tells, He got incarnated in Vikram Samvat 968 as Son of Gurjar warrior Shri Sawai Bhoj Bagaravat and Saadu Maata Gurjari.
Festivals
Every year two fairs are organised in memory of Lord Dev-Maharaj (Devnarayan Bhagawan).Statues
Aarati and night vigils
Devnarayan bhagawan is worshiped almost by every section in rajasthan, specially Gurjars as being heirs and priests of lord Devnarayan.
The following quote can be observed on every image of Sri Devnarayan:
"Samvat 968 ke aansh, janam liya Gurjar ke vansh
Sadhu sati ke vachno dwara,kamal phool Dev liya avatar."
That means he incarnated in Gurjar dynasty in vikram samvat 968 (911 A.D.) to fulfill the promise he gave to Saadu maata Gurjari.
sheetla Mata Temple, Dhanop, Rajasthan
hanop (Hindi: धनोप) is an ancient village in Bhilwara district on Shahpur-Vijaypur state highway at a distance of 85 km from Bhilwara city in Rajasthan. Its PIN code is 311030. Dhanop village is in Shahpura tehsil. It has a population of 3592 as of 2001 census, out of them 616 are Scheduled Caste and 30 Scheduled tribe people. It is known for Dhanop Sheetla Mata Temple.
Sheetla Mata Temple
Sheetla Mata Temple shaktipith is situated at Dhanop. Dhanop is a little village near Bhilwara with only the Sheetla Mata Temple to boast of. But it makes for an interesting visit as it’s the most colourful temple around. The walls and pillars are bright red while the roof is sparkling white. The floor is of marble, and a checkered one at that. In the complex is a neem (Azadirachta indica) tree which looks more like a Christmas tree. This is because of the hundreds of colourful pieces of cloth which devotees have tied around its branches in the belief that it will fulfill their wishes. Anyway, the main idol of the goddess Sheetla (a form of Durga) is of black stone with patches of sindoor (vermilion) on it. Same is the case with the stone walls in the inner sanctum. The ceiling, too, has some bright floral paintings.History
Sheetla Mata shaktipith at Dhanop is believed to be about 1100 years old. Local tradition tells that in vikram samvat 1150 Raja Dhundhmar camped here on navaratra with his army while coming from Hadauti. He worshiped the goddess here. Earlier the name of this place was Tambavati which was changed to Dhanop by Raja Dhundhmar.The place is now famous for Dhanop Mata Temple. There are statues of goddess in five forms: Annapurna, Ashtbhuja, Chamunda, Bisbhuja and Kalika. There are six gumbadas and a big shikhara on the top of the temple. There is one statue of lion. On the right side is aughadnath, on left is Shiva-Parvati, Kartikeya, rddhi-siddhi Ganesha, and chausath joganis. The sabhamandapa of the temple is believed to be constructed during the rule of Prithvi Raj Chauhan. It is said that after war with Jaychand, the ruler of Kanauj, the treaty took place at this spot. A huge fair is organized here during navaratra. A large number of devotees come from far-off places. The priests are appointed in rotation for two months. The serving priest can not visit his home during this period
Connectivity to Bhilware
Road
National Highway No. 79, part of the Golden Quardrilateral (four lane), and another National Highway No. 76 part of the East West Corridor (four lane) pass through the district. The total length of both section is 120 km.National Highway No. 758 (Kota-Ladpura-Bhilwara-Gangapur-Rajsamand-Udaipur) passes through the district. The length of this highway is 146 km. and other NH 148D (Bhim-Gulabpura-Uniara).
The total road length in the district was 3,883 km on 31 March 2000.
With a government bus depot in the heart of the city, Bhilwara is connected to all the important cities of Rajasthan and other states. Many private service providers are available.
Rail transport
A broad gauge railway line connecting Ajmer, Jodhpur, Jaipur, Kota, Ujjain, Delhi, Bharatpur, Agra, Gwalior, Lucknow, Kanpur, Allahabad, Patna, Kolkata, Chittorgarh, Udaipur City, Mavli Jn., Ratlam, Vadodara, Surat, Mumbai and Hyderabad passes through the district. Kota (160 km) is the convenient railway station to provide connectivity to the southern states of Karnataka, Andhra Pradesh, Tamil Nadu and Kerala.Air transport
The nearest airport is at Udaipur (165 km) — approximately 2.5 hours, by road. The other nearest airport is at Jaipur (251 km) which takes about 4 hours by road. The nearest international airports are in Jaipur, New Delhi, Mumbai, and Ahmedabad.Eklingji, Rajasthan
Eklingji is a Hindu temple complex in Udaipur District of Rajasthan in western India. Eklingji is believed to be the ruling deity of Mewar Princely State and the Ruler Maharana rules as his Dewan.
Begun in 971, the temple complex was built by the Guhila (later called Sesodia) dynasty of Mewar, in honor of their presiding deity Eklingji, a form of Lord Shiva. The beautifully sculpted temple complex includes 108 temples within its high walls. The main temple, which dates to the 15th century, was rebuilt from the ruins of an earlier destroyed temple. The walled complex is made of marble and granite and has an enormous double-storied, elaborately pillared hall or "mandap" under a vast pyramidal roof, with a four-faced image of Lord Shiva in black marble. Another temple in the complex is the Lakulish Temple; built in 971, it is the only temple of the Lakulish sect in the whole of India.
Located 22 km north of Udaipur, Eklingji is conveniently reached by bus and car. Tourists can access to this place from RSTC buses that runs from Udaipur to Eklingji and other major destinations of Rajasthan. It hardly takes an hour (60 Minutes) to reach Eklingji from Udaipur. The Eklingji temple is surrounded by long walls of hard rock. This fascinating temple was built in 734 A.D. It consists of 108 temples chiseled out of sandstone and marble. The Maharana of Udaipur pays a private visit to the temple on Monday evening.
Eklingji is a revered place of devotion for Hindu tourists in India. Most of the faithful pilgrims visit the temple on Monday to seek the special blessings of Lord Shiva. On other days of the week the temple is relatively crowd free.
There are other ancient temples near Eklingji, such another Shiva Temple that was built in the time of Maharana Raimal between 1473 and 1509.
The Temple is very grand and magnificent in conception and perfect in execution. The 50 ft. high Shikhar of the temple has a circumference of 60 ft. The sanctum sanctorum has four doors in all the four directions and the door steps are jutted with gems. On each gate there is Nandi (bull) statue facing the idol.
About 1 km from Eklingji, Nagda town is famous for its Sas-bahu and Adbudji temples. The Sas-Bahu Temple is widely known for its exquisite stone carvings, which are related to incidents in the great Indian epic the Ramayana.
Religious aspects of Temple:
The Glorious narrative of Shri Eklingji tells us that Shri Eklingaji has been in existence since Sat yuga. In that age Indra , the King of Goddess Nandini worshiped Eklingaji. In the Treta age, the Kamdhenu came running to Shri Eklingji as she was afraid of Vishwamitra. She Prayed to Eklingji and the armies of Vishwamitra were defeated to the delight of Guru Vashistha. In the Dwapar age when Janamejaya performed the sacrifice of snakes, the Takshaka serpent was mortally afraid and he came to the shoulder
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Morning Time:
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4.30 am to 7.00 am and 10.30 am to 1.30 pm
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Evening Time:
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5.00 pm to 7.30 pm
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Custom and Traditions of Temple
It has been said above that Shri Ekling Ji is the god of the Maharanas. This temple belongs to the Maharanas and it is not a public temple. Over the centuries, the pooja of this temple is performed in a royal way and no change is possible. According to this , only the Maharana of Mewar land can perform the Pooja of Shri Ekling ji. Daily Pooja, however, is performed by the Pujaries appointed by the Maharanas. Even these Pujaries first make a voluntary declaration that they are performing the Pooja in the name of Maharana and at the end of the Pooja , the Pujari receives the deities Aashirwad for the Maharana. The Maharana meet all the expenses of the temple.No gifts or monetary help can be accepted there, However , if any devotee out of his emotional sentiments wants to give a donation, it is dropped in to the safe maintained by Mewar Shiva Shakti Peetha. This Money is not spent for the temple of Shri Eklingaji but for other religious and charitable activities. The Poor and Needy are also helped with this amount. A separate account of this is maintained.
Om Tat Sat
(Continued...)
(My
humble salutations to the great devotees
, wikisources and Pilgrimage tourist guide for the
collection )
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