SwapnilJirageTravelPost: November 2024

Yameshwar Temple, Bhubaneswar, Odisha

Yameshwar Temple is a Hindu Temple dedicated to Lord Shiva located in Bhubaneswar, the state capital of Odisha, India. The Temple is situated near Bharati Matha, in Jameshwar Patna. The Temple is famously called as Jameshwar Temple among Odia People. The temple is under the control of ASI.

Legends

It is believed that Lord Yama, god of death worshipped Lord Shiva here.

History

Yamesvara Temple was built by the Eastern Ganga during 13^th or 14^th century CE.

The Temple

This is a huge temple. Presiding Deity is called as Yameshwar. He is housed in the sanctum in the form of Lingam. The Vimana follows Rekha Deula style and Jagamohana follows Pidha Deula style. There are two Parvati idols and one unidentified idol is found in the jagamohana. There is Mandapam in the front side of the shrine. It is not connected to the main shrine. The Mandapam has lot of pillars but the ceiling is completely lost.

Nandi can be found in raised Mandapam similar to the one found in the south Indian temple. There are two stone Deepa Sthambams can be found near Nandi mandapam. Sculptures and reliefs of Dikpalas, Amorous couple, Nayikas, Vidalas, Erotics, elephant procession can be found around the shrine.

The interior walls are plain. But the exterior walls as well as the vimana are intricately decorated with sculptures and reliefs like dancing girls, amorous couples, ladies riding lions, elephant procession, Nagas, etc. The typical Kalingan style lions with the first two legs raised and lions on top of elephants heads are found in various places across the temple walls and vimana. There are damaged Ganesha and Kartikeya idols are found as the niche images.

The entrance has Navagraha Panel and Lakshmi relief image. There are four small shrines located in the prakara. Some of them are located partially underground. Few Shiva Lingas are found in the prakara. There is a small temple can be found in Yamesvara Temple compound. This small temple is situated below ground. It faces northeast.

Temple Opening Time

The Temple remains open from 06:00 am to 12:30 pm and 03:00 pm to 08:30 pm.

Festivals

Some of the notable festival commemorated in the temple are- the Jiuntia festival (Puajiutia festival), Dwitvahana osha, Kartik Purnima, Bharani Nakshatra Shivaratri and Dev Diwali. All Mondays and Sankramana days are important in this temple. People who visit this temple during Bharani nakshatra are said to be free from all miseries.

Connectivity

Location

Vimaleshwar Temple, Rivona, Goa

Vimaleshwar Temple is a Hindu Temple dedicated to Lord Shiva located in Rivona village of Sanguem Taluk in the state of Goa, India. He is worshipped here in the form of Shiva Ling and it is considered that Shiva Linga is self-originated i.e. Swayambhu Linga. There are also shrines for Kamaleshwar, Mahalakshmi, Hanuman, Purush and Ravalnath in the Temple premises. The Prabhu Dessai family of Rivona (GSBs) and the Daivajna Brahmins with surname 'Rivonkar' or 'Revankar' are Mahajans of the temple.

Dasara, Kalo, Pindikaotsav, Shigmo and Shivrathri are the famous festivals celebrated here. The Temple is situated adjacent to Rivona Bus Stop. The Temple is located at about 12 Kms from Sanguem, 13 Kms from Balli Railway Station, 17 Kms from Chandar Railway Station, 24 Kms from Margao, 58 Kms from Panaji and 51 Kms from Goa International Airport.

Location

Vijaya Durga Temple, Keri, Ponda, Goa

Vijaya Durga Temple is a Hindu Temple dedicated to Goddess Durga, located in Keri near Ponda in South Goa District of Goa State, India. Vijaya Durga is considered as family deity as well as Pallavi of many Brahmins.

Legends

According to local legends, it was said that once Shanta Durga of Keloshi who is now worshiped in Kavlem wanted to venture out in the Arabian sea. She went to Colva to meet her sister Mahalakshmi which was then located in Colva, now in (Bandivade / Bandora). Then, Goddess sought permission from her husband Shri Mangesh Maharudra, (which was then located in Kushasthali, now in Mangeshi) and took her leave. In order to reach the sea, the Goddess had to cross Murgaon - Sankwal (modern day Mormugoa -Sancoale).

On her way, the Goddess witnessed a very gruesome scene, a demon (asura) named Kaal-Antak / Kalantakasura was harassing the Saraswat Brahmins – impeding their rituals and causing great catastrophe to Sancoale. The Saraswat brahmins from sancoale had their Kuladevi as Shanta Durga of Keloshi and Lakshmi Narasimha as their Kuladev. One of the Brahmin peasant who was troubled witnessed the Goddess and knelt before her and prayed to save Sankwal and its inhabitants.

He promised to build a temple in her honour. Shanta Durga of Sankhavali is never seated on a carnivore (tiger or lion), but instead an elephant which is associated and assumed to be her vahana. Shanta Durga with her divine powers transformed herself into a Mahisasuramardini mounted on an elephant and commanded the demon to stop. A fierce war was fought between the demon and the Goddess.

Shanta Durga was victorious, the inhabitants of sancoale graced the Goddess and called her 'Vijaya'. Hence a temple in her honour was built which was called Vijay Shanta Durga or Vijaya Durga. The Vijaya Durga temple was once located in close proximity to Shri Shankleshwari Shanta Durga and Shri Lakshmi Narsimha in Sancoale but had to be shifted to Kerim, Ponda Taluk in Goa.

History

Shanta Durga Sankhwaleshwari is located in present-day Velinga, Gothana (Goa) and Vijaya Durga is located in Curti, Kerim (Goa). These Deities were once located in modern-day Sancoale (Sankwal), Salcette Taluk. The humongous Pipal tree marked the territory of the two prominent temples in Sancoale (Narcinva and Shanta Durga). Due to the forceful Portuguese inquisition and mass destruction of temples in Sancoale by Diogo Rodrigues, the Captain of Rachol Fort in the year 1567, the deities were shifted from their present locations.

The temple of Narcinva along with Shanta Durga were burnt down on 15 March 1567. Days later the Vijaya Durga temple suffered the same fate. The immovable deities were axed and powdered for the construction of churches. It is said that the Saraswats who migrated with the idol of the Goddess from Sancoale, halted at the Mahadev/Maddhava temple in Agapur - Durbhat which is located on the banks of Zuari (Aghnashini). They had decided on to build a temple in the vicinity, but due to the predictions divined by the oracle, the idol had to be shifted to Kerim, Shiva its present location.

As it is quite common amongst the Konkani Saraswats to refer their deities colloquially, subsequently these goddesses too have a pen name bestowed upon them, for instance 'Sateri' as referred to Shanta Durga all over Goa and 'Vaijari' specifically to Vijaya Durga. Hence at times the Kanarite Saraswats often refer their Kuladevatha as "Santeri" Vaijari Narasimha". The temple has recently banned entry of foreigners into the temple citing objectionable dressing and conduct as the reason.

Pooja Timings

8.00 a.m. to 9.30 a.m.	Abhishek
1.00 p.m.	Aarti
8.30 p.m.	Evening Aarti
8.30 p.m.	Palakhi: Fortnightly on Dashami day

Connectivity

The Temple is located at about 300 meters from Keri Vijaya Durga Temple Bus Stop, 500 meters from Keri Hanuman Temple Bus Stop, 10 Kms from Ponda, 10 Kms from Ponda Old Bus Stand, 10 Kms from Ponda New Bus Stand, 17 Kms from Karmali Railway Station, 27 Kms from Panaji and 28 Kms from Goa International Airport, Panaji. Public bus transport is available from Ponda Bus Stand on weekdays at an interval of 1 hour from 8.00 am in the morning till 7.00 p.m. in the evening. One must board a bus going to Savoi-Verem or Volvoi from Ponda Bus Stand and get down at Keri Hanuman Temple Bus Stop. The temple is at about 500 metres from this bus stop. Taxi and rickshaw services are also available from Ponda city.

Location

Damodar Temple, Zambaulim, Goa

Damodar Temple is a Hindu Temple dedicated to Lord Shiva located on the banks of Kushawati River near the Zambaulim Village in southern Goa, India. Shri Damodar is the Grama Devata or the village god of the entire village of Loliem. The Temple follows the rules set by The Gokarna Partagali Jeevottam Math. The Damodar temple, belongs to GSB community (Gowda Saraswath Brahmins).

History

The temple was established by the Prabhudesais, who arrived in the hamlet of Loliem in 1500A.D. History says that the Prabhudesais once ruled the kingdom of Kudal, a village located in the present day Maharashtra. The deity was originally based in a temple where the Holy Spirit Church in Margao now stands and was moved to escape from the Portuguese inquisition in 1567 when the temple was destroyed, and the church was built on its site. Both Hindus as well as the Catholics alike revere it. And it was originally founded in Mathagram, later known as Madgaon.

The Mahajans from Madgaon shifted the local deities, Ramnath, Damodar, Laxmi-Narayan, Chamundeshwari, Mahakali, Mahesh, etc. to Zambaulim. The Desais of Rivona helped the Mahajans and gave them land for the construction of temples as well as Vatan which is being paid even today. And records about the date of construction of the original Damodar temple at Zambaulim and the dates of posterior extensions or reconstructions of the temples therein up to 1885, are not, so far, available. In the year 1910, the small temple was replaced by a huge one, which stands today in the present place.

The Temple

Presiding Deity is Shri Damodar. Sanctum houses the presiding deity along with Shri Kshetri and Shri Raudri. There is a huge Sabha Mandap outside the sanctum. Special sangamarvari chowk has been created for pradakshina around the sanctum. Deepa Sthamba (Lamp Tower) can be found facing the sanctum. There is also an idol of Lakshmi Narayana inside the sanctum. There are shrines for Goddess Chamundeshwari and Shiva on either side of the sanctum. The enchanting idol of Lord Shiva was consecrated at the present site after the Portuguese demolished the original temple in 1567.

There is a Tulsi Vrindavan in the Temple premises. There is a Shrine for Lord Venkatesh in the Temple premises. It was installed in the year 1910. A Saligrama is kept before the Lord Venkatesh. The walls and pillars of the temple have beautiful carvings as well as inscriptions from Bhagavat Gita. Some pillars depict scenes from the Mahabharata as well as paintings of the other Hindu Gods. The Mahajans of this temple are the Prabhudesais. Accommodation facilities are available in the temple complex for the community members.

Festivals

The temple celebrates festivals like Rathotsava, Diwali, Vanabhojan and Shigmo. The main festival celebrated in Shri Damodar Temple is called Shigmo. This is a Goa Hindu spring festival of colors, which lasts for one week only. During the festival the Panair takes place and the folkloric show within which all participants are exchanging gulals (powders of different colors) with each other and organize various feasts.

Prayers

Hindus believe that the Kushawati River is a sacred one place and that its healing powers help to get rid of various body ailments.

Connectivity

The Temple is located at about 500 meters from Zambaulim Bus Stop, 5 Kms from Rivona, 14 Kms from Chandar Railway Station, 16 Kms from Balli Railway Station, 17 Kms from Cuncolim, 18 Kms from Fatorpa, 21 Kms from Margao, 22 Kms from Margao City Bus Stand, 55 Kms from Panaji and 48 Kms from Goa International Airport, Panaji. To reach this Temple, Devotees need to drive from Panaji on NH 66 Highway (Kanyakumari – Panavel Road) and then take a left turn at Cuncolim before BP Petrol Bunk. The Temple is about 17 Kms from this Junction. You can take buses from Margao City Bus Stand to reach this Temple. Also, pre-paid taxis can be taken from Margao to this Temple as well. Chandar Railway Station and Balli Railway Station are the nearest Railway Stations to this Temple. Nearest Airport is located at Panaji.

Location

Shrinkala Devi Temple, Pandua, West Bengal

Shrinkala Devi Temple is a Hindu Temple dedicated to Goddess Sati located in Pandua Town in Hooghly District in West Bengal, India. There is no Temple at present but only remains of the Temple can be seen near the Minar of Bari Masjid. This temple is considered as one of Shakti Peethas in Indian Subcontinent. Being one of the 51 Shakti Peethas of Hindu Mythology, this temple is one of the holiest sites for devotees of the Shakti sect of Hinduism.

Legends

For brief details, please refer below link;

History

This Temple was destroyed by the Muslim invader and a minar was built in its place. The Temple remains are found near the Minar and currently it is under the custody of Archeological Survey of India.

The Temple

There is no Temple at present but only remains of the Temple can be seen near the Minar of Bari Masjid. The Temple was completely destroyed by Muslim invasion. The entry to the temple is barred for security reasons. The temple is maintained by the Archaeological survey of India. There is another temple dedicated to Hanseshwari Devi near Shrinkala Devi Temple.

Festivals

Every year during Magha Masa (around February), 30 days Mela Taala festival is celebrated in the premises of the minar.

Connectivity

The Temple is located at about 2 Kms from Pandua Bus Depot, 2.5 Kms from Pandua Railway Station, 50 Kms from Bardhaman, 66 Kms from Howrah Railway Station, 67 Kms from Howrah, 67 Kms from Kolkata Airport and 75 Kms from Kolkata. The Temple is situated on Grand Trunk Road.

Shrinkala Devi Temple, Pandua – Legends

Sakthi Peethas:

In Hindu mythology, Daksha Yajna or Daksha-Yaga is an important event, which is narrated in various Hindu scriptures. It refers to a yajna (sacrifice) organized by Daksha, where his daughter Sati immolated herself. The wrath of god Shiva, Sati's husband, thereafter destroyed the sacrifice. The tale is also called Daksha-Yajna-Nasha (destruction of Daksha's sacrifice). The story forms the basis of the establishment of the Shakti Peethas, temples of the Hindu Divine Mother. It is also becoming a prelude to the story of Parvati, Sati's reincarnation who later marries Shiva. The mythology is mainly told in the Vayu Purana. It is also mentioned in the Kasi Kanda of the Skanda Purana, the Kurma Purana, Harivamsa Purana and Padma Purana. Linga Purana, Shiva Purana, and Matsya Purana also detail the incident.

Sati-Shiva marriage:

Daksha was one of the Prajapati, son of Brahma, and among his foremost creations. The name Daksha means "skilled one". Daksha had two wives: Prasoothi and Panchajani (Virini). Sati (also known as ‘‘Uma’’) was his youngest daughter; born from Prasoothi (the daughter of the Prajapati Manu), she was the pet child of Daksha and he always carried her with him. Sati (meaning truth) is also called Dakshayani as she followed Daksha’s path; this is derived from the Sanskrit words Daksha and Ayana (walk or path).

Sati, the youngest daughter of Daksha, was deeply in love with the god Shiva and wished to become his wife. Her worship and devotion of Shiva strengthened her immense desire to become his wife. However, Daksha did not like his daughter’s yearning for Shiva, mainly because he was a Prajapati and the son of the god Brahma; his daughter Sati was a royal princess. They were wealthy nobility and their imperial royal lifestyle was entirely different from that of Shiva.

As an emperor, Daksha wanted to increase his influence and power by making marriage alliances with powerful empires and influential sages and gods. Shiva on the other hand led a very modest life. He lived among the downtrodden, wore a tiger skin, smeared ashes on his body, had thick locks of matted hair, and begged with a skull as bowl. His abode was Mount Kailash in the Himalayas. He embraced all kinds of living beings and did not make any distinction between good souls and bad souls.

The Bhutaganas, his followers, consisted of all kinds of ghosts, demons, ghouls and goblins. He wandered through garden and graveyard alike. As a consequence, Daksha had aversion towards Shiva being his daughter’s companion. However, unlike Daksha, Sati loved Shiva as she had the revelation that Shiva was the Supreme God. Sati won Shiva as her husband by undergoing severe austerities (tapas). Despite Daksha's disappointment, Sati married Shiva.

Brahma's Yajna:

Once Brahma conducted a huge yajna (sacrifice), where all the Prajapatis, gods and kings of the world were invited. Shiva and Sati were also called on to participate in the yajna. All of them came for the yajna and sat in the ceremonial place. Daksha came last. When he arrived, everyone in the yajna, with the exception of Brahma, Shiva and Sati, stood up showing reverence for him. Brahma being Daksha's father and Shiva being Daksha's son-in-law were considered superior in stature to Daksha. Daksha misunderstood Shiva’s gesture and considered Shiva's gesture as an insult. Daksha vowed to take revenge on the insult in the same manner.

Daksha Yaga:

Daksha’s grudge towards Shiva grew after Brahma's yajna. With the prime motive of insulting Shiva, Daksha initiated a great yajna, similar to that of Brahma. The yajna was to be presided over by the sage Bhrigu. He invited all the gods, Prajapatis and kings to attend the yajna and intentionally avoided inviting Shiva and Sati.

Dadhichi – Daksha argument:

The Kurma Purana discusses the dialogues between the sage Dadhichi and Daksha. After the sacrifice and hymns where offered to the twelve Aditya gods; Dadhichi noticed that there was no sacrificial portion (Havvis) allotted to Shiva and his wife, and no Vedic hymns were used in the yajna addressing Shiva which were part of Vedic hymns. He warned Daksha that he should not alter the Holy Vedas for personal reasons; the priests and sages supported this. Daksha replied to Dadhichi that he would not do so and insulted Shiva. Dadhichi left the yajna because of this argument.

Sati's Death:

Sati came to know about the grand yajna organized by her father and asked Shiva to attend the yajna. Shiva refused her request, saying that it was inappropriate to attend a function without being invited. He reminded her that she was now his wife more than Daksha’s daughter and, after marriage, is a member of Shiva’s family rather than Daksha’s. The feeling of her bond to her parents overpowered the social etiquette she had to follow. She even had a notion that there was no need to have received an invitation in order to attend as she was Daksha’s favourite daughter and no formality existed between them.

She constantly pleaded and urged Shiva to let her attend the ceremony and became adamant in her demands without listening to the reasons Shiva provided for not attending the function. He allowed Sati to go to her parents' home, along with his followers including Nandi, and attend the ceremony, but refused to accompany with her. Upon arriving, Sati tried to meet her parents and sisters; Daksha was arrogant and avoided interacting with Sati. He repeatedly snubbed her in front of all the dignitaries, but Sati maintained her composure.

Because of Sati’s persistence in trying to meet him, Daksha reacted vehemently, insulting her in front of all the other guests at the ceremony to which she had not been invited. He called Shiva an atheist and cremation ground dweller. As planned, he took advantage of the situation and continued shouting repugnant words against Shiva. Sati felt deep remorse for not listening to her beloved husband. Daksha’s disdain towards her, and especially her husband Shiva, in front of all the guests was growing each moment she stood there. The shameless insult and humiliation of her and her beloved, eventually became too much to bear.

She cursed Daksha for acting so atrociously toward her and Shiva and reminded him that his haughty behaviour had blinded his intellect. She cursed him and warned that the wrath of Shiva would destroy him and his empire. Unable to bear further humiliation, Sati committed suicide by jumping into the sacrificial fire. The onlookers tried to save her, but it was too late. They were only able to retrieve the half-burnt body of Sati.

Daksha's pride in being a Prajapati and his prejudice against his son-in-law created a mass hatred within himself, which resulted in the death of his daughter. The Nandi and the accompanying Bhootaganas left the yajna place after the incident. Nandi cursed the participants and Bhrigu reacted by cursing the Bhootaganas back.

Destruction of the Yajna by Lord Shiva:

Lord Shiva was deeply pained upon hearing of his wife's death. His grief grew into a terrible anger when he realized how Daksha had viciously plotted a treachery against him; but it was his innocent wife who fell into the trap instead of him. Shiva learned of Daksha’s callous behaviour towards Sati. Shiva's rage became so intense that he plucked a lock of hair from his head and smashed it on the ground, breaking it into two with his leg. Armed and frightening, two fearsome beings Virabhadra and Bhadrakali (Rudrakali) emerged. Lord Shiva ordered them to kill Daksha and destroy the yajna.

The ferocious Virabhadra and Bhadrakali, along with the Bhutaganas, reached the yajna spot. The invitees renounced the yajna and started running away from the turmoil. Sage Bhrigu created an army with his divine penance powers to resist Shiva’s attack and protect the yajna. Bhrigu’s army was demolished and the entire premises were ravaged. All those who participated, even the other Prajapatis and the gods, were mercilessly beaten, wounded or even slaughtered.

The Vayu Purana mentions the attack of Bhutaganas: the nose of some goddesses were cut, Yama's staff bone was broken, Mitra's eyes were pulled out, Indra was trampled by Virabhadra and Bhutaganas, Pushan's teeth were knocked out, Chandra was beaten heavily, all of the Prajapatis' were beaten, the hands of Vahini were cut off, and Bhrigu's beard was cut off. Daksha was caught and decapitated, the attack culminated when the Bhutaganas started plucking out Bhrigu’s white beard as a victory souvenir.

The Vayu Purana do not mention the decapitation of Daksha, instead it says Yagna, the personification of yajna took the form of an antelope and jumped towards the sky. Virabhadra captured it and decapitated Yagna. Daksha begs mercy from the Parabrahmam (the Supreme Almighty who is formless), who rose from the yajna fire and forgives Daksha. The Parabrahmam informs Daksha that Shiva is in fact a manifestation of Parabrahmam. Daksha then becomes a great devotee of Shiva. The Linga Purana and Bhagavatha Purana mention the decapitation of Daksha.

Certain other puranas like Harivamsa, Kurma, and Skanda narrate the story from the perspective of the Vaishnava-Shaiva community feud prevalent in ancient times. In these puranas, there are fights between Vishnu and Shiva or Virabhadra, with various victors throughout. The story of Daksha Yaga in Vaishnava and Shaiva puranas end with the surrendering of Daksha to the Parabrahmam or with the destruction of yajna and decapitation of Daksha.

Aftermath:

As the obstruction of the yajna will create havoc and severe ill effects on the nature, Brahma and the god Vishnu went to the grief-stricken Lord Shiva. They comforted and showed their sympathy towards Shiva. They requested him to come to the yajna location and pacify the Bhutaganas and allow the Yaga to be completed; Shiva agreed. Shiva found the burnt body of Sati. Shiva gave permission to continue yajna. Daksha was absolved by Shiva and the head of a ram (Male goat) meant for yajna was fixed on the decapitated body of Daksha and gave his life back. The yajna was completed successfully.

The later story is an epilogue to the story of Daksha yajna mentioned in Shakta Puranas like Devi Bhagavata Purana, Kalika Purana and the folklores of various regions. Shiva was so distressed and could not part from his beloved wife. He took the corpse of Sati and wandered around the universe. To reduce Shiva's grief, Vishnu cuts Sati's corpse as per Vaishnava Puranas; whose parts fell on the places Shiva wandered. The Shaiva version says that her body disintegrated on its own and the parts fell while Shiva was carrying Sati's corpse in various places. It is believed that stomach or eye or breast of Goddess Sati fell here. It is unclear which part had fell here.

These places commemorating each body part came to be known as the Shakti Peethas. Shakti Peethas are holy abode of the Mother Goddess. Each temple have shrines for Shakti and Kalabhairava. There are 51 Shakti Peethas, representing the 51 letters of Sanskrit. Some of the puranas which came in later ages gave more importance to their supreme deity (depending on Vaishnava, Shaiva, and Shakta sects) in their literature. Shiva went to isolation and solitude for ages and wandered all around until Sati reincarnated as Parvati, the daughter of the King Himavan. Like Sati, Parvati took severe austerities and gave away all her royal privileges and went to forest. Shiva tested her affection and devotion in disguise. He eventually realized Parvati is Sati herself. Shiva later on married Parvati.

Rishyasringa:

It is said that Sage Rishyasringa was grown up by his father from his childhood without exposure to the external world. He was kept away from everyone except his father himself in the forest. This sage was pure at heart that he had a soul of an infant who does not get into the worldly joy. This made him a devotee of Shrinkala Devi. It is believed that this sage had conducted Putrakameshti Yaga for king Dasharatha.

King Romapada, a friend of Dasharatha adopted Santha Devi, sister of Sri Rama. He requested this sage to conduct a yagna to get relief of very long famine which was relieved after the yagna. On the request of the king this sage married Santha Devi and conducted the above mentioned Yagna. Once, he received a divine order from the goddess and went to Sringeri in Karnataka. Shrinkala Mata also came with the Sage. Later, Sage Rishyasringa established the power of Shrinkala in and around the Sringeri hill.

Shrinkala:

The word Shrinkala has two meanings. The first one being, a Binding thread or Binding chain, second one is, a cloth which is used by the postnatal women to tie their abdomen tightly. According to the first meaning the goddess is in bounded form. Universal Mother is bound only to the Lord Shiva. She removes all bonds attached to her devotees. In the second meaning the goddess is in postnatal stage (Mother of a new born baby), in this form, she will see the entire universe as her child. The devotees imagine him/ her as a new born baby of Shrinkala Mata.

Lakhamandal Temple, Uttarakhand

Lakhamandal Temple is an ancient Hindu Temple Complex dedicated to Lord Shiva, situated in the Jaunsar – Bawar region of Dehradun district in the state of Uttarakhand, India. Lakhamandal gets its name from the two words: Lakha (Lakh) meaning many and Mandals meaning temples or lingam. The Temple is situated on the banks of Yamuna River. This temple is popular among the Shakti Cult, who believe that a visit to this temple shrine will end their misfortunes. The Temple is maintained by the Archaeological Survey of India.

Legends

Relationship with Pandavas:

According to Hindu mythology, Lakhamandal (Lakh or Lac means resin and Mandal means region in Hindi) is the place where Duryodhana was planning to kill Pandavas but fortunately, Pandavas ran from the Laksha Griha (the house made of wax), where they were supposed to kill. However, with the grace of Shakti, Pandavas escaped to a nearby cave called Dhundhi Odaari.

A beautiful temple dedicated to Goddess Sakthi, can be found inside the temple complex in memory of this event. Dhundi or Dhund means misty or foggy and odaar or odaari means cave or hidden place in in the local Jaunsari language. The local people think that the Pandava took refuge in this cave to save themselves from Duryodhana. It was here Bhima, one of the Pandava Brother, married Hidimba, a demoness and fathered Ghatotkacha.

Danav and Manav:

Twin statues of Danav and Manav are located beside the main shrine. The statues are the Dvarapalas of the temple. Few believe these statues are Pandava brothers Bhima and Arjuna. Other believe, they were Jaya and Vijaya, the doormen of Lord Vishnu. It is believed that if you bring someone in the brink of death or had just died, in front of this dvarapalas, returns them briefly to life before finally expiring. The power of Manav will keep the person alive, while Danav will take the person soul to Lord Vishnu's abode, Vaikunda.

History

The earliest evidence of structural activity at Lakhamandal goes back to circa 5^th - 8^th Century A.D. An inscription dated to 6^th century A.D of the records the construction of Shiva Temple at Lakhamandal by princess Ishwara, belongs to the royal race of Singhpura, for the spiritual welfare of her late husband Chandragupta, the son of the king of Jalandhara. The temple was reconstructed in 12^th – 13^th in Nagara style. A large number of sculptures and architectural remains are spread in the vicinity suggest the remains of more shrines of the same cult in the past but presently only this temple is survived.

The Temple

For brief details, please refer below link;

Connectivity

The Temple is located at about 26 Kms from Barkot, 61 Kms from Chakrata, 75 Kms from Mussoorie, 109 Kms from Dehradun Railway Station, 119 Kms from Dehradun, 135 Kms from Dehradun Airport and 369 Kms from New Delhi Airport. The Temple is situated on Mussoorie to Yamunotri Road.

Lakhamandal Temple – The Temple

The Temple was built in Nagara style architecture. The Temple is situated on the banks of Yamuna River. This Temple is the oldest Temple in the region. There is a graphite lingam in the temple which is the main attraction of this shrine. When water is poured in it, it shines and reflects its surrounding. The temple complex houses temples and shrines of Lord Shiva, the five Pandavas, Goddess Sakthi and Parshuram.

The temple walls have intricately carved inscriptions. Many dilapidated sculptures are found scattered in the temple premises. All these sculptures are dated to the 8^th century AD. Some idols have been shifted to a temporary museum for safety reasons by the archaeological department. There is a natural cave, called Dhundhi Odaari, located near to this Temple. Dhundi or Dhund means misty or foggy and odaar or odaari means cave or hidden place in in the local Jaunsari language. The local people think that the Pandava took refuge in this cave to save themselves from Duryodhana.

Naina Devi Temple, Nainital, Uttarakhand

Naina Devi Temple is a Hindu Temple dedicated to Goddess Shakti located in Nainital, a popular hill station, in the state of Uttarakhand, India. The Temple is believed to be one of the 51 Shakti Peethas. Being one of the 51 Shakti Peethas of Hindu Mythology, this temple is one of the holiest sites for devotees of the Shakti sect of Hinduism. The Temple is situated on northern end of the Nainital Lake near the Nainital Boat House Club in Nainital. The word "Naina" means 'Eyes' and 'Tal' means 'Lake'. The perimeter of the Naini Tal lake is of nearly 2 miles.

Legends

For brief details, please refer below link;

History

The Temple history can be traced back to Kushan period. Moti Ram Shah, a devotee of Naina Devi built this Temple in 1842 AD and it got completely destroyed in the landslide happened in 1880 AD. The locals rebuilt the temple in 1883 AD.

The Temple

The presiding deity of the temple is Goddess Naina Devi represented by two eyes. She is housed in the sanctum flanked by Kali on the left and Lord Ganesha on the right. The entrance of the sanctum is guarded by two lion statues. There is a big Peepal tree on the left side in the temple premises immediately after the main entrance. There is an idol of Lord Hanuman and Ganesha on the right side of the temple premises. There is a big lake found behind the temple premises.

Temple Opening Time

The temple remains open from 05.00 am to 12.00 pm and 04.00 pm to 09:00 pm.

Festivals

Nanda Ashtami is a grand festival, runs for eight days in the premises of Naina Devi temple. A ceremony of statue immersion of Goddess Nanda Devi with her sister Naini Devi is celebrated on last day of the fair. Navratri, Shravana Mela and Chaitra Mela are the other festivals celebrated here with much fanfare.

Connectivity

The Temple is located at about 2 Kms from Nainital Bus Stand, 36 Kms from Kathgodam Railway Station, 65 Kms from Ramnagar Railway Station, 65 Kms from Almora and 70 Kms from Pantnagar Airport. The Temple is situated on northern end of the Nainital Lake near the Nainital Boat House Club in Nainital. Kathgodam Railway Station is the last terminus of broad-gauge line of North East Railways connecting Nainital with Delhi, Dehradun & Howrah. Nainital is connected to National Highway No. 87 which make it easy reachable from any places of Uttarakhand & other states.

Neelkanth Mahadev Temple, Rishikesh, Uttarakhand

Neelkanth Mahadev Temple is a Hindu Temple dedicated to Lord Shiva, located near Rishikesh City in the Pauri Garhwal district of Uttarakhand, India. The temple is situated at a height of 1675 meters, on a hill above Swarga Ashram. It stands adjacent to the mountain ranges of Nar-Narayan. The 12 Km stretch from Swarga Ashram to Neelkanth is also an ideal place for trekkers.

Legends

According to Hindu mythology, the place where the Neelkanth Mahadev Temple currently stands is the sacred location where Lord Shiva consumed the poison that originated from the sea when Devas (Gods) and Asuras (Demons) churned the ocean in order to obtain Amrita. This poison that emanated during the Samudramanthan (churning of ocean) made his throat blue in color. Thus, Lord Shiva is also known as Neelkanth, literally meaning The Blue Throated One.

The Temple

The temple is situated at a height of 1675 meters on a hill above Swarga Ashram. The temple is surrounded by dense forests and is adjacent to the mountain ranges of Nar-Narayan. It is enveloped between the valleys of Manikoot, Brahmakoot and Vishnukoot and is located at the confluence of the rivers Pankaja and Madhumati. The Temple tower follows Dravidian style architecture.

Stucco images of Samudra Manthan (churning of milky ocean) can be found at the entrance. Presiding Deity is called as Neelkanth Mahadev. He is housed in the sanctum in the form of Shiva Linga. The temple complex also has a natural spring where devotees usually take a holy bath before entering the premises of surrounded by dense forests.

Festivals

The temple observes two fairs that are held annually on the occasions of Maha Shivrathri (Feb-Mar) and Shivrathri of Shraavana (month of Hindu calendar) (July-Aug) during which the devotees trek from Haridwar to Neelkanth Mahadev Temple.

Connectivity

The Temple is located at about 26 Kms from Rishikesh Bus Stand, 27 Kms from Rishikesh Railway Station, 29 Kms from Rishikesh, 44 Kms from Dehradun Airport, 56 Kms from Haridwar and 271 Kms from New Delhi Airport. Rishikesh is well connected with all major north Indian cities like Delhi, Gurgaon and Noida via bus.

Purnagiri Devi Temple, Tanakpur, Uttarakhand

Purnagiri Devi Temple is a Hindu Temple dedicated to Goddess Shakti located near Tanakpur City in Champawat District in the state of Uttarakhand, India. The Temple is situated at an altitude of 3000 feet on Annapurna peak. The Temple is situated on the right bank of the river kali. The Temple is believed to be one of the 51 Shakti Peethas. Being one of the 51 Shakti Peethas of Hindu Mythology, this temple is one of the holiest sites for devotees of the Shakti sect of Hinduism.

Legends

For brief details, please refer below link;

The Temple

The Temple is situated at an altitude of 3000 feet on Annapurna peak. The Temple is situated on the right bank of the river kali. River Kali is running between Purnagiri, housing the Shakthi Peeth and another mountain, housing a temple of Baba Siddh Nath. The view from the top of Purnagiri mountain is breathtaking. Distant Nepali villages, rivers, streams, townships can be viewed from the top. Tourists and devotees can enjoy this beautiful view from the top of Purnagiri.

Temple Opening Time

The Temple remains open from 06.00 AM to 12.00 Noon and from 04.00 PM to 08.00 PM.

Festivals

During Navratri, in the Chaitra month of the Indian calendar (in the month of March - April), the temple of Purnagiri organizes Purnagiri Mela. After worshipping Mata Purnagiri, people also pay their tributes to her loyal devotee Bada Sidth Nath at Brahmadev and Mahendra Nagar in Nepal. Every year, a fair is organized on Vishuwat Sankranti, which continues for about forty days. Next to the Holi festival, the longest fair of Kumaon.

Prayers

During the Navaratri, devotees tie a thread to take a wish. If their wish gets fulfilled, the pilgrims come back and untie the threads. It is also said that about the Purnagiri Temple, child will gain long life and intelligence due to the Mundan ceremony of the temple.

Connectivity

The Temple is located at about 22 Kms from Tanakpur, 23 Kms from Tanakpur Railway Station, 23 Kms from Tanakpur Bus Stand, 39 Kms from Nepal Mahendra Nagar Airport, 93 Kms from Champawat and 119 Kms from Pantnagar Airport. The Temple is located close to the Nepal border. Devotees has to reach Tunyas via Thulligarh from Tanakpur. This temple is located on the top of the mountain. A trek about 3km is needed to reach the top of the mountain (temple). It is not advisable to visit here during rainy season as there are frequent landslides in the hills and the path to temple is not well maintained during this season.

Purnagiri Devi Temple, Tanakpur – Legends

Sakthi Peethas:

Sati-Shiva marriage:

Brahma's Yajna:

Daksha Yaga:

Dadhichi – Daksha argument:

Sati's Death:

Destruction of the Yajna by Lord Shiva:

Aftermath:

Punyagiri:

Purnagiri Temple is also known as Punyagiri refers as the mountain of good deeds.

Rudranath Temple, Chamoli, Uttarakhand

Rudranath Temple is a Hindu Temple dedicated to Lord Shiva, located in the Garhwal Himalayan mountains in Chamoli District in Uttarakhand, India. It is located at 3,600 metres (11,800 ft) above sea level. This natural cave temple is situated within a dense forest of rhododendron dwarfs and Alpine pastures. The mountain peaks of Trisul, Nanda Devi, Devasthan, Hathi Parbat and Nanda Ghunti are visible from Rudranath. The name "Rudranath", literally means, "Him who is Angry."

The temple is the third temple to be visited in the Panch Kedar pilgrimage circuit, comprising five Shiva temples in the Garhwal region. The other temples in the circuit includes: Kedarnath and Tungnath to be visited before Rudranath and Madhyamaheshwar or Madmaheshwar and Kalpeshwar to be visited after Rudranath. Rudranath is the toughest of the famous Panch Kedar pilgrimage treks. The priests at the Rudranath temple are Bhatts and Tiwaris of Gopeshwar village.

Legends

For brief details, please refer below link;

The Temple

For brief details, please refer below link;

Festivals

The temple celebrates an annual fair on the full moon day in the Hindu month of Sravan (July–August) that is mostly on the day of Rakshabhandan. The fair is attended mainly by locals.

Religious Significance

Winter Seat:

In winter, a utsava idol of Rudranath is brought to Gopeshwar for worship. The return journey commences from Gopeshwar through Sagar, Lyuti bugyal, Panar and finally reach Pitradhar. After passing through Dhalabani Maidan, it reaches to Rudranath. Here first the Vandevi is worshipped. The local belief is that Vandevi protects the area. Vandevi is paid respect and it is believed that Vandevi takes care of the place.

Rudra Ganga:

The Rudraganga river is identified with the river of salvation, where souls of the dead cross to reach the other world. Thus, devotees visit Rudranath to perform rituals of the dead, such as performing a Pind offering. Some believe that offering a Pind to ancestors here equals offering a hundred million at the holy city of Gaya.

Accommodation

Home stay accommodation options are available at Rudranath. You can also stay at the temple Dharamshala. Accommodation options are available at Sagar, Lyuti Bugyal, Panar and Urgam. The best time to visit this place is from September to October.

For brief details, please refer below link;

Rudranath Temple, Chamoli – The Temple

Rudranath Temple is a cave temple. The face (mukha) of god Shiva is worshipped as Neelkanth Mahadeva here. The deity is a Swaymbhu (self-manifested) Shivalinga shaped like a human face formed by the projection of a huge rock. Devotees worship old historic swords protruding from the rocks, believed to be of Pandavas at Nandi Kund (2,439 m or 8,002 ft), on the trekking route to Rudranath (if coming via Madmaheshwar).

There are numerous sacred water tanks (Kund) near the temple. These include Surya Kund, Chandra Kund, Tara Kund, Mana Kund etc. Nanda Devi, Trishul and Nanda Ghunti are the famous mountain peaks, forms the backdrop to the temple. The holy river Vaitarani or Baitarani or Rudraganga flows near the temple, which has a grey stone idol of Rudranath.

Saraswathi Kund is located at a very beautiful location near Rudranath Temple. It is a high-altitude small pond at a height of approx. 3000 m from sea level. The temple committee has a guesthouse where devotees can spend the night. The temple opens every year in the month of April / May and closes in the mid of November. During the winters the idol of the temple is moved to Gopeshwar and later returned on the opening of the temple.

Triyuginarayan Temple, Rudraprayag, Uttarakhand

Triyuginarayan Temple is a Hindu Temple dedicated to Lord Vishnu, located in the Triyuginarayan village in Rudraprayag District in Uttarakhand, India. The Temple is situated at an altitude of 1,980 metres (6,500 ft). The temple remains in accessible during the winter months due to the thick snow cover in the area. It is believed to have been built by Adi Shankaracharya. Adi Shankaracharya is credited with building many temples in the Uttarakhand region. It is believed that Lord Shiva’s marriage to Goddess Parvati was solemnized at this Temple and witnessed by Lord Vishnu. Another unique aspect of this temple is a perpetual fire, burning in front of this temple. It is believed that this fire has been burning since that celestial marriage.

Legends

For brief details, please refer below link;

The Temple

For brief details, please refer below link;

Festivals

The annual mela is held on the Shukla Paksha Dwadasi, 12^th day in the Hindu month of Bhadrapada (Aug/Sep).

Prayers

Pilgrims who visit this temple consider the ashes from the burning fire as holy and carry it with them. It is also believed that ashes from this fire are supposed to promote conjugal bliss.

The Temple is located at about 8 Kms from Sonprayag, 12 Kms from Sitapur, 15 Kms from Gaurikund, 38 Kms from Guptkashi, 31 Kms from Kedarnath, 216 Kms from Rishikesh Railway Station, 231 Kms from Dehradun Airport and 445 Kms from New Delhi Airport. The Temple can be accessed from Sonprayag on motorable road till the temple. There are also trekking routes also available to reach this Temple.

Trek Route 1:

A short trek of 5 Kms via Sonprayag on the Ghuttur – Kedarnath bridle path that passes through thick forest area is involved to reach the temple precincts.

Trek Route 2:

There is a trek route available from Kedarnath, situated to the south of this temple. The total trekking distance is about 25 Kms.

Trek Route 3:

Triyugi is also accessible from the main road by a 7 Kms trek from Sitapur village.

Triyuginarayan Temple, Rudraprayag – The Temple

The Triyuginarayan Temple is similar to Kedarnath Temple in architecture. The present shrine is also called as Akhand Dhuni Temple. It is believed to have been built by Adi Shankaracharya. Adi Shankaracharya is credited with building many temples in the Uttarakhand region. The temple remains in accessible during the winter months due to the thick snow cover in the area. The shrine houses a silver idol of Lord Vishnu (Narayana). He is about 2 foot high. He is gracing the devotees along with his consorts Sridevi and Bhoodevi.

A stone called the Brahma Shila, is situated in front of temple. It is regarded as the exact spot of the divine marriage of Lord Shiva and Mother Parvathi. There is a Saligrama shila of Lord Vishnu in sleeping posture with goddess Lakshmi and Ganesha in the Temple premises. Idols of Badrinarayan, Sita Ramachandra and Kubera can be found in the temple premises.

There is a Havana Kund with the eternal flame (the witness of the wedding of Lord Shiva and Parvati) is situated in front of the temple. The flame is believed to burn from the times of the divine marriage. Thus, the temple is also known as Akhand Dhuni temple. Devotees add samidha (sacrificial offerings of wood) to the flame and collect the ashes as blessings. There is an idol of Lord Shiva and Parvati blessing devotees in newly wed form in front of this Havana Kund. The idols are of recent origin.

A water stream called Saraswathi Ganga originates in the courtyard of the temple. It fills all the holy ponds in the vicinity. The ponds of Rudra Kund, Vishnu Kund, Brahma Kund and Saraswathi Kund are holy spots situated near the temple. Rudra Kund is for bathing, Vishnu for cleansing, Brahma for sipping and Saraswathi for offering libations.

There is a small temple dedicated to Panchayatana Deities; Ishaneshwar, Annapoorneshwari, Hanuman, Lord Shiva and Dwara Ganapathy, located outside the temple premises. There is also a cave dedicated to Gauri at a distance of 2 Kms from Triyugi Narayan Temple.

Tungnath Temple, Rudraprayag, Uttarakhand

Tungnath Temple is a Hindu Temple dedicated to Lord Shiva, located in the mountain range of Tunganath in Rudraprayag district, in the Indian state of Uttarakhand. Tungnath is the highest Shiva Temple in the world and is the highest of the five Panch Kedar Temples. The temple is believed to be around 1000 years old and is the third (Tritiya Kedar) in the pecking order of the Panch Kedars. Tungnath is located close to hill station of Chopta. Tungnath is reached through a path that wends through alpine meadows & rhododendron thickets. Further, a steep trek from Tungnath Temple leads to Chandrashila, a mountain peak, known for its panoramic views.

Legends

For brief details, please refer below link;

The Temple

Tungnath Temple is the highest Shiva Temple in the world and is the highest of the five Panch Kedar Temples. It is located on the Chandranath Parbat at an altitude of 3,460 m (11,352 ft), and just below the peak of Chandrashila. Tungnath is at the top of the ridge dividing the waters of the Mandakini River (raising from Kedarnath) from those of the Alaknanda River (raising above Badrinath). The Tungnath peak on this ridge is the source of three springs, which form the Akashkamini River.

The valley between Chopta and Tunganath temple has wooded hills with rich alpine meadows with rhododendron coppices and also agricultural fields. The rhododendrons, when they are in full bloom during March, display dazzling colours ranging from crimson to pink. A high-altitude botanical station of the Garhwal University is located here. Nearing the top of the temple, there is a forest rest house at Duggalbitha, just opposite to the Kedarnath range of hills.

The Kedarnath Wild Life Sanctuary, also called the Kedarnath Musk Deer Sanctuary, set up in 1972 to preserve the endangered musk deer, which lies in the region, also has a musk deer breeding centre at Kharchula Kharak near Chopta. From the top of the Chandrashila peak, picturesque views of the Himalayan range comprising snow peaks of Nanda Devi, Panch Chuli, Banderpoonch, Kedarnath, Chaukhamba and Neelkanth on one side, and the Garhwal valley on the opposite side could be witnessed.

Chandrashila Peak:

For brief details, please refer below link;

Tungnath Opening & Closing Timings

Tungnath temple opens with the opening of Char Dhams of Uttarakhand, during April or May each year on Vaisakh Panchami and auspicious date is decided by Badri Kedar Temple Committee on Baisakhi. During the winter season, the temple is closed, and the symbolic image of the deity and the temple priests are moved to Makkumath, which is 19 Kms (12 mi) from here. It is near Duggalbitha 10 Kms (6 mi) before Chopta towards Ukhimath.

Priests

The priest at this temple is a local Brahmin from Ukhimath village, unlike the other Kedar temples where the priests are from South India, a tradition set by the eighth century Hindu seer Sankaracharya. It is also said that the Maithani Brahmins officiate as priests at this temple.

Climate

Climate of Tungnath is generally cool throughout the year. Summers are very pleasant with average temperature hovering around 16 degrees Celsius during the day time. Winters are very chilly, and temperature drops below the freezing point very frequently. Due to heavy snowfall, Tungnath temple remains closed for around 6 months during winter. The best season to visit Tunganath is from April to November.

For brief details, please refer below link;

Chandrashila Peak, Tunganath, Uttarakhand

Chandrashila Peak is a mountain peak of Tunganath Mountain ranges in Rudraprayag district, in the Indian state of Uttarakhand. Chandrashila is summit of the Tungnath. It literally means Moon Rock. It is located at a height of about 4,100 metres (13,500 ft) above sea level. Chandrashila Peak is one of the most beautiful and picturesque spots in the whole Garhwal region, and owing to its isolated location, it is one of the unspoiled spots in the region.

Legends

As per the legend, Lord Rama meditated here after defeating the demon-king Ravana. Another legend says that moon-god Chandra spent time here in penance.

The Peak

Chandrashila Peak is located at a height of about 4,100 metres (13,500 ft) above sea level. Chandrashila is a steep 1.5 Kms trek from Tungnath temple which is again a 4 Kms trek from Chopta. Chandrashila and Tungnath are covered with snow during the winters. This peak provides panoramic 360 degree views of the Himalayas, including Nanda Devi, Trisul, Kedar Peak, Bandarpunch and Chaukhamba peaks. A temple dedicated to goddess Ganga and Pancha Mugha Linga are situated atop Chandrashila Peak.

Trekking & Connectivity

For brief details, please refer below link;

Omkareshwar Temple, Ukhimath, Uttarakhand

Omkareshwar Temple is a Hindu Temple dedicated to Lord Shiva located in Ukhimath Town, a Hindu pilgrimage site in Rudraprayag District of Uttarakhand, India. Ukhimath is situated at an elevation of 1,317 mts above sea level. Ukhimath is also written as Okhimath sometimes. Ukhimath is the home of Lord Kedarnath and other Pancha Kedar deities during winters. Worship is performed at the Omkareshwar Temple here during winters, when the temple of Kedarnath remains closed. Ukhimath is mainly inhabited by the Rawal's who are the head priests (pundits) of Kedarnath. It is a part of the Char Dham Yatra tour destinations within Uttarakhand. Ukhimath is situated on the road connecting Guptkashi with Gopeshwar.

Legends

Omkareshwar:

According to the legend, Emperor Mandhadha, the ancestor of Lord Ram, during his last years gave up everything including his empire and came to Ukhimath and did penance for 12 years by standing on one leg. At the end of his penance Lord Shiva appeared before him in the form of Omkar and blessed him. Hence, Lord Shiva came to be called as Omkareshwar.

Ukhimath:

As per the legend, the wedding of Aniruddha, grandson of Lord Krishna and Usha, the daughter of Banasura took place here. The place came to be called as Usha Math after her. Later, it got corrupted to Ukhimath.

The Temple

The Temple is situated at an elevation of 1317 metres above mean sea level. Presiding Deity is called as Omkareswarar. He is housed in the sanctum in the form of Lingam. The Temple houses the utsava (festival) deities of Kedarnath and Panch Kedar Deities during winters (November- April), when the temples of Kedarnath and other Pancha Kedar shrines remain closed. The idols of the deities are brought to Omkareshwar Temple after Diwali, and priests worship them for six months. These deities are taken back in a procession to their original temples in mid-May.

There is a stone idol of Mandhata, an emperor from Ikshvaku dynasty and ancestor of Lord Ram, in the temple premises. The temple courtyard is surrounded by a double storeyed building, used for priests quarters and store rooms. Ukhimath Town houses shrines and temples Usha, Shiva, Aniruddha, Parvati and Mandhata. From Ukhimath, Devotees can have a beautiful view of Kedarnath peak, Chaukhamba & the surrounding Valley on clear sunny day.

Connectivity

The Temple is located at about 11 Kms from Guptkashi Bus Stand, 13 Kms from Guptkashi, 41 Kms from Rudraprayag, 70 Kms from Gopeshwar, 177 Kms from Rishikesh Railway Station, 194 Kms from Dehradun Airport, 204 Kms from Haridwar and 423 Kms from New Delhi Airport. Ukhimath is situated on the road connecting Guptkashi with Gopeshwar. Ukhimath is connected by direct bus service with Rudraprayag Gaurikund, Guptkashi & Srinagar.

Umra Narayan Temple, Rudraprayag, Uttarakhand

Umra Narayan Temple is a Hindu Temple dedicated to Lord Vishnu, located very close to Rudraprayag Town in Rudraprayag district, in the Indian state of Uttarakhand. The Temple is situated on the banks of Alaknanda River. This temple was believed to be built by Adi Shankaracharya when he was on his way to Badri Dham. The Temple houses idols of Lakshmi Narayana, Lord Shiva and infant Krishna in the Temple premises.

It is said that in the year 1958, the golden crown and canopy (chhatra) were stolen. There is a mandap, housing two footmarks made on a stone. The Temple is located at about 6 Kms from Rudraprayag Bus Stand, 7 Kms from Rudraprayag, 38 Kms from Karnaprayag, 48 Kms from Ukhimath, 145 Kms from Rishikesh Railway Station, 162 Kms from Dehradun Airport and 391 Kms from New Delhi Airport.

Vriddha Badri, Joshimath, Uttarakhand

Vriddha Badri is a Hindu Temple dedicated to Lord Vishnu located near Joshimath at the elevation of 1,380 metres (4,530 ft) above mean sea level, on the Rishikesh – Joshimath – Badrinath road. Vriddha Badri is situated at Animath in Chamoli district in Uttarakhand state of India. It is also called as Briddha Badri. Vriddha Badri is part of famous Panch Badri and Saptha Badri Temples of Uttarakhand. The Vriddha Badri Temple dates back to Gupta Period.

Legends

Vriddha Badri:

As per legend, Lord Vishnu appeared in the form of a Vriddha or old man before sage Narada who performed penance here. Thus, the idol installed at this temple is in the form of an old man. Hence, the place came to be called as Vriddha Badri.

Association with Shankaracharya:

According to legend, the image of Badrinath was carved by the divine craftsman Vishwakarma and worshipped here. At the advent of Kali yuga, Vishnu chose to remove himself from this place, later Adi Shankara found the partly damaged image in Narad Kund pond and established it at the central Badrinath shrine. It is believed that Badrinath was worshipped here by Adi Shankara, before his enshrinement at the Badrinath temple.

The Temple

The Temple follows Nagara Style architecture. Presiding Deity Badrinath, is housed in the sanctum in the form of old man. There is no other idol found in this temple. The chief priests of the temple are from Southern India. The temple is open throughout the year.

Festivals

Krishna Janmashtami and Makar Sankranti are the famous festivals celebrated here.

Religious Significance

Pancha Badri:

As this temple was the first one of the five Badri temple of Uttarakhand, where the worship been started first, so the temple is called as "Adi Badri". These five Badris are - Adi Badri, Bhavishya Badri, Yogadhyan Badri, Vriddha Badri & Badri Vishal of Badrinath. Some people omit Vriddha Badri and instead include Narasinga Badri.

Saptha Badri:

The seven temples of Badri in and around Badrinath are called as Sapta Badri temples. They are Badrinath, Adi Badri, Vriddha Badri, Dhyan Badri, Ardha Badri, Bhavishya Badri and Yogadhyan Badri. Hence, Adi Badri is one of the Sapta Badri sites. Some people include Narasinga Badri as one of the Sapta Badri sites.

Best time to Visit

The ideal time or peak season to go for a Char Dham Yatra is from May to October, except monsoons. This is because; all the four sacred sites are perched in Garhwal Himalayas, which is prone to heavy snowfall. As a result, all the passage leading to the shrines are blocked. Moreover, during the monsoon season, there is undue threat of having landslides, which can further disrupt the journey. For safety reasons, the gates of the temples are also closed for this period of time and the idols are shifted to nearby pilgrim points.

Connectivity

The Temple is located at about 3 Kms from Joshimath Bus Stand, 28 Kms from Kalpeshwar, 82 Kms from Karnaprayag, 255 Kms from Rishikesh, 275 Kms from Haridwar Railway Station, 279 Kms from Haridwar, 269 Kms from Dehradun Airport and 497 Kms from New Delhi Airport. The Temple is situated near to Joshimath at the elevation of 1,380 metres (4,530 ft) above mean sea level, on the Rishikesh – Joshimath – Badrinath road. It is situated ahead of the Kalpeshwar Mahadev Temple, ahead of Helang. The temple is located in a secluded place in the hilly area, which can be reached by trekking for about one and half kms.

Yamunotri Temple, Uttarkashi, Uttarakhand

Yamunotri Temple is a Hindu Temple dedicated to river goddess Yamuna, situated in the western region of Garhwal Himalayas at an altitude of 3,291 metres (10,797 ft) in Uttarkashi District in Uttarakhand, India. Yamunotri is the source of the Yamuna River and the seat of the Goddess Yamuna in Hinduism. It is located on the backdrop of Bandar Poonch. It is one of the four sites in India's Chota Char Dham pilgrimage. The temple is part of the revered Char Dham pilgrimage circuit.

The River Yamuna originates from the Yamunotri glacier, which rises up to 6,315 meters above sea level, and lies against a steep slope just below the top of the Kalind peak. From here, Yamuna comes down into Saptarishi Kund and from there gushes southwards in a series of waterfalls. To the west of the Kalind Parbat is located Bandar Poonch, which is a dominant mountain in central Himalayan area of Garhwal and divides the watershed of Yamuna from that of the Ganges. Coming out from Kalind Parbat, Yamuna is also known as Kalindi.

Legends

For brief details, please refer below link;

History

The original temple was built by Maharani Guleria of Jaipur in the 19^th century. The temple has been destroyed twice by snow and floods before being rebuilt. The current temple is of recent origin as earlier constructions have been destroyed by weather and the elements. There seems to be a confusion as to who built the temple of Yamunotri. However, according to sources, the temple was originally constructed by Maharaja Pratap Shah of Tehri Garhwal.

The Temple

For brief details, please refer below link;

Temple Opening Time

The Temple remains open from 06.00 am to 08.00 pm from 1^st week of May till Diwali (October-November).

Connectivity

The Temple is located at about 5 Kms from Janki Chatti, 14 Kms from Hanuman Chatti, 77 Kms from Tehri Garhwal, 129 Kms from Uttarkashi, 171 Kms from Dehradun Railway Station, 196 Kms from Dehradun Airport, 215 Kms from Rishikesh, 224 Kms from Haridwar and 431 Kms from Delhi Airport. The Journey to Yamunotri Temple is a full day's journey from Uttarakhand's main towns; Rishikesh, Haridwar and Dehradun. The actual temple is only accessible by a 14 Kms trek from the town of Hanuman Chatti or a 6 Kms trek from Janki Chatti.

For disabled and elder people, horses or palanquins are available for rent. The hike from Hanuman Chatti to Yamunotri is very picturesque with beautiful views of a number of waterfalls. There are two trekking routes from Hanuman Chatti to Yamunotri, the one along the right bank proceeds via the Markandeya Tirth, where the sage Markandeya wrote the Markandeya Purana, the other route which lies on the left bank of the river goes via Kharsali, from where Yamunotri is a five or six hours climb away.

Yamunotri Temple, Uttarkashi – The Temple

The sacred shrine of Yamunotri, source of the river Yamuna, is the western most shrine in the Garhwal Himalayas, perched atop a flank of Bandar Poonch Parvat. It is situated near the foot of Kalind Parbat (peak) and on a side of Bandar Poonch Parbat. The chief attraction at Yamunotri is the temple devoted to the Goddess Yamuna and the holy thermal springs at Janki Chatti (7 Kms away). The deity is made of black marble.

The Yamuna, like the Ganges, has been elevated to the status of a divine mother for the Hindus and has been held responsible for nurturing and developing the Indian civilization. The temple opens on Akshaya Tritiya (May) and closes on Yama Dwitiya (the second day after Diwali, November) for the winter. Devi's winter address is Kharsali village where she reaches in a palanquin and will remain for the entire period of winters.

The temple staff return to their villages and for the rest of the time the valley is gripped in no-man silence and covered with a white sheet of snow. With the melting of the snow next summer, the temple re-opens. The actual source, a frozen lake of ice and glacier (Champasar Glacier) located on the Kalind Mountain at a height of 4,421 meters (14,505 ft) above sea level, about 1 Km further up, is not frequented generally as it is not accessible; hence the shrine has been located on the foot of the hill. The approach is extremely difficult, and pilgrims therefore offer puja at the temple itself.

Lodging at the temple itself is limited to a few small ashrams and guest-houses. Ritual duties such as the making and distribution of prasad (sanctified offerings) and the supervision of pujas (ritual venerations) are performed by the Uniyal family of pujaris (priests). Unique aspects of ritual practice at the site include hot springs where raw rice is cooked and made into prasad.

Hot Springs:

Two hot springs, Surya Kund and Gauri Kund, are found near Yamunotri Temple. These Hot Springs offers relief to tired devotees / hikers at a height of 3,292 metres (10,801 ft),

Surya Kund is a hot spring, situated close to Yamunotri Temple. It holds the boiling-hot water as it emerges from the crevices in the mountain. This thermal spring gets its name from Yamuna river which is considered to be the offspring of Surya or the God as per Hindu mythology. The presence of this thermal spring bordered by snow-covered mountain peaks adds to the divine significance of the place.

The temperature of Surya Kund is estimated to be around 88°C. Pilgrims prepares Prasad out of potatoes or rice mixed with salt and ties it in a cloth. Then it is dipped into the hot spring where it gets boiled. This Prasad is offered to the temple deity after which the remaining is taken back home by the devotees.

Gauri Kund is a hot spring, situated close to Yamunotri Temple. This Hot Spring is suitable for bathing.

Divya Shila:

It is a reddish-brown rock near the Surya Kund which needs to be worshipped before offering reverence to the main deity, Mother Yamuna. According to Skanda Purana, with a mere touch of the sacred rock one can attain spiritual liberation.

Janki Chatti:

Janki Chatti is a small town located on the way to Yamunotri Temple in Uttarkashi district of Uttarakhand. Janki Chatti is perched at an elevation of about 2650 m above the sea level and is famous for its many hot water springs. Taking a dip in the hot water from these springs is considered very sacred, before visiting the Yamunotri. This area encompasses the last village in the region and the pilgrims are provided with moderate accommodation facilities here.

The town is surrounded by mountains offering scenic views. It is very famous among tourists who travel to the region of Yamunotri during Char Dham Yatra and most pilgrims take a night halt. Previously the starting point of the trek to reach Yamunotri was Hanuman Chatti but now jeeps are available up to Janki Chatti. Ponies and palanquins are available at Janki Chatti.

Hanuman Chatti:

Hanuman Chatti is located at the confluence of the Hanuman Ganga and Yamuna rivers. Hanuman Chatti is situated at about 2,400 meters above mean sea level. It is a serene place offering ample amount of accommodation facilities. Hanuman Chatti is also a popular trekking spot among the travelers. There are many minor temples in the region, the most noteworthy temple is the one dedicated to Hanuman. Within the interiors of the temple there is an impressive image of Lord Hanuman carrying a mountain.

To the left of the temple there is a Samadhi of Himalaya Giri, a saint who lived and meditated in Hanuman Chatti. On top of the shrine there is a Shiva Linga. In earlier times, Hanuman Chatti used to be the starting point of the trek to reach Yamunotri but now motorable roads are available up to Janki Chatti. The hike from Hanuman Chatti to Yamunotri is very popular among the travelers. Apart from Yamunotri, the best trekking excursion of Hanuman Chatti is towards Darwa Top and Dodi Tal.

Ratnavali Shakti Peeth, Radhanagar, Khanakul, West Bengal

Ratnavali Shakti Peeth is a Hindu Temple dedicated to Goddess Sakthi, located in Radhanagar in Khanakul in Hooghly District of West Bengal, India. This Sakthi Peeth is situated on the banks of Ratnakar River. This temple is considered as one of Shakti Peethas in Indian Subcontinent. Being one of the 51 Shakti Peethas of Hindu Mythology, this temple is one of the holiest sites for devotees of the Shakti sect of Hinduism. It is locally known as Anandamayee Sakthi Peetha.

Legends

For brief details, please refer below link;

The Temple

This Temple might be the smallest of all Shaktipeeths in India. The Sanctum houses the idol of Sati. The Idol of Sati is called as Anandamayee / Kumari. Goat sacrifice is done here, as is prevalent in many Shakti shrines of East India. Lord Shiva is worshipped as Bhairava.

Festivals

Navaratri is celebrated two times in a year - one in the month of March or April and other in the September or October month depending on the Hindu calendar. It lasts for over 9 days, with some people not eating any type of food that is derived from the soil for these nine days. Special ceremonies and rituals are carried during these days. Durga Puja and Shivaratri are the other festivals celebrated here.

Connectivity

The Temple is located at about 4 Kms from Khanakul Bus Stop, 24 Kms from Arambagh, 26 Kms from Arambagh Railway Station, 26 Kms from Arambagh Bus Stand, 62 Kms from Howrah, 72 Kms from Howrah Railway Station, 76 Kms from Kolkata and 79 Kms from Kolkata Airport. Pilgrims can get down Arambagh Railway Station and from there hire an auto rickshaw to reach this place.

Koteshwar Mahadev Temple, Rudraprayag, Uttarakhand

Koteshwar Mahadev Temple is a Hindu Temple dedicated to Lord Shiva, located near Rudraprayag Town in Rudraprayag district, in the Indian state of Uttarakhand. It is one of the famous Shiva temples in the state of Uttarakhand, situated in a cave and attracts thousands of tourists every year. One of the unique aspects of this temple is that devotees believe the idols worshipped here were formed naturally after Lord Shiva meditated here.

Legends

For brief details, please refer below link;

The Temple

This is a cave temple, situated on the banks of Alaknanda River. The idols present in the cave are Lord Shiva, Parvati, Hanuman, Ganesha and Durga. The most unique aspect of this cave temple is that the cave houses many idols and it is believed that all these idols are formed naturally. Drops of water seeping through the cave drop on the Lingam. Unlike the custom followed by most of the other temples in the region, the idols are not brought out frequently or even annually. It is taken out in a procession only once in four years.

Festivals

Mahashivaratri is one of the most important festival in this Temple. The idol of Koteshwar Mahadev is brought out once every four years in a palanquin; decorated with colorful flowers, dazzling ornaments and a golden crown. The idol is provided shade under an attractive and strikingly designed golden umbrella.

Prayers

It is believed that Koteshwar Mahadev is famous for granting boons to the childless couples.

Connectivity

The Temple is located at about 5 Kms from Rudraprayag, 5 Kms from Rudraprayag Bus Stand, 36 Kms from Karnaprayag, 46 Kms from Ukhimath, 143 Kms from Rishikesh Railway Station, 160 Kms from Dehradun Airport and 388 Kms from New Delhi Airport. The Temple is situated on Rudraprayag to Karnaprayag Route.

Kasar Devi Temple, Almora, Uttarakhand

Kasar Devi Temple is a Hindu Temple dedicated to Goddess Sakthi, located in the Kasar Devi Village near Almora Town in Almora district, in the Indian state of Uttarakhand. This Temple is situated on top of a hillock at an altitude of 2,116 metres above sea level, overlooking the toy town of Almora. This Temple is situated on a hilltop, on the edge of a ridge off the Almora – Bageshwar highway on the Kaashay hills of Kumaon Himalayas.

History

The temple itself, dates back to the 2^nd century CE. The temple finds mention in the second chapter of the Skanda Purana. Kasar Devi first became known when in the 1890s, Swami Vivekananda visited and meditated here. He has mentioned his experience in his diaries. Walter Evans-Wentz, a pioneer in the study of Tibetan Buddhism, who later translated “The Tibetan Book of the Dead”, stayed here for some time. Then in the 1930s, Danish mystic Sunyata Baba (Alfred Sorensen) came here and lived here the over three decades, as did Ernst Hoffman, who became Tibetan Buddhist Lama Anagarika Govinda and Li Goutami. This led to a series of spiritual seekers from the west, visiting them.

In 1961, Govinda was visited by Beat poets, Allen Ginsberg, Peter Orlovsky and Gary Snyder. In later history, at the peak of the Hippie movement, the area also became a part of the Hippie trail. Crank's Ridge, colloquially known as Hippie Hill, which lies ahead of Kasar Devi became a popular destination. It became home to several bohemian artists, writers and western Tibetan Buddhists, and even visited by mystic-saint Anandamayi Ma.

The ridge got its name amongst hippy circles, after American psychologist Timothy Leary streaked here in the 1960s. Leary wrote majority of his psychedelic prayers here. Thus, through the 1960 and 1970s, the area was visited by personalities of the counter-culture, Bob Dylan, George Harrison and Cat Stevens, Western Buddhist Robert Thurman, and writer D. H. Lawrence, who spent two summers here.

The Temple

Kasar Devi Temple is situated on top of a hillock at an altitude of 2,116 metres above sea level, overlooking the toy town of Almora. The place derives its name from Kasar Devi, the main deity of the temple. The Temple at the top of the hill can be accessed by climbing a long flight of stairs from the main road. It is originally a cave temple. The temple premises provide a fabulous view of the setting sun.

The serene location of the Devi’s shrine makes it a great place for meditation. It also provides views not just of Almora and the Hawabagh Valley, but also of the panoramic view of the Himalayas from Bandarpunch peak on the Himachal Pradesh border to Api Himal in Nepal. The area is home to deodar and pine forests.

Festivals

A large fair, known as Kasar Devi Fair, is held at the Kasar Devi temple on the occasion of Kartik Poornima in the Hindu calendar, corresponding to November and December.

Connectivity

The Temple is located at about 9 Kms from Almora, 9 Kms from Almora Bus Stand, 36 Kms from Jageshwar, 66 Kms from Bageshwar, 72 Kms from Nainital, 89 Kms from Kathgodam Railway Station, 123 Kms from Pantnagar Airport and 373 Kms from New Delhi Airport. This Temple is situated on a hilltop, on the edge of a ridge off the Almora – Bageshwar highway on the Kaashay hills of Kumaon Himalayas. As it is situated above the ridge of Almora town, it is accessible through 8 Kms hike from Almora or 9 Kms by road.

Kartik Swami, Rudraprayag, Uttarakhand

Kartik Swami Temple is a Hindu Temple dedicated to Lord Shiva’s son Kartikeya, located near Kanak Chauri Village in Rudraprayag District of Uttarakhand, India. The Temple is perched on a hilltop at an elevation of 3050 mts above sea level. The main attraction of this Temple is the mighty Chaukhamba peak which appears in the temple background.

Legends

Once Lord Shiva told his sons Lord Ganesha and Lord Murugan that between them who will be the first to take seven rounds of the universe will have the privilege of being worshiped first. Lord Kartik obeyed his father and moved with his carrier to complete the job. In the meantime, Ganesha took seven rounds around Lord Shiva and Parvati saying he sees the whole universe in his parents, in Lord Shiva and Parvati. Lord Shiva was amazed at Ganesha’s wisdom and honoured him with being worshiped first before any one.

In the meantime, Lord Kartik came back and heard about the incident. Angered by this, Kartikeya sacrificed his body and gave his bones to Lord Shiva and flesh to Mother Parvati as reverence. This is the spot where Lord Kartik sacrificed himself. So, the idol of Kartik in this Temple depicts the bones here. This Story is similar to famous Palani Murugan Temple in Tamil Nadu. The only difference is here the fight is for being worshipped first but in Tamil Nadu, the fight is for divine mango.

The Temple

Kartik Swami Temple is located at the end of a narrow ridge with deep valley all around, at an altitude of 3050 mts above sea level. The temple can be reached after taking a flight of 80 stairs from the main road. The Sanctum houses the idol of Lord Kartik Swami, carved on a marble rock. The main attraction of this Temple is the mighty Chaukhamba peak which appears in the temple background.

Hundreds of bells can be found hanging in the temple complex. These come in different sizes and shapes. The musical cadence produced by their ringing when wind blows across the temple compound is noteworthy. There is an interesting ritual behind the many bells hanging in there. It is believed that carrying a bell to the temple on the occasion of Kartik Purnima would render one’s wish true.

From the temple, tourists can have a mesmerizing view of snow-clad Himalayan peaks of Bandarpoonch, Kedarnath Dome, Meru & Sumeru, Chaukhamba Peak, Neelkanth, Dronagiri, Nanda Ghunti, Trishul and Nanda Devi group of peaks. It is also renowned for offering the magnificent sunrise and heart-melting sunset views.

Festivals

Kartik Poornima and 11 days Kalash Yatra are observed in this temple with much fanfare.

Connectivity

The Temple is located at about 3 Kms from Kanak Chauri Bus Station, 18 Kms from Chopta, 18 Kms from Pokhari, 42 Kms from Rudraprayag, 44 Kms from Karnaprayag, 177 Kms from Rishikesh Railway Station, 197 Kms from Dehradun Airport and 425 Kms from New Delhi Airport. The Temple can be accessed through a 3 Kms trek from Kanak Chauri Bus Station. The Kanak Chauri Village is situated on Rudraprayag – Pokhari route.

Hariyali Devi Temple, Jasoli, Uttarakhand

Hariyali Devi Temple is a Hindu Temple dedicated to Goddess Shakthi, located in Jasoli Village in Rudraprayag District of Uttarakhand, India. The Temple is situated at an elevation of around 1,400 m surrounded by Himalayan peaks.

Legends

According to the Hindu mythology, when Mahamaya was conceived as the seventh issue of Devaki, Kansa threw Mahamaya violently on the ground. Mahamaya's body split into multiple parts and these were scattered all over the earth. It is believed that one among those parts, the hand, fell at Hariyali Kantha.

The Temple

The Temple is situated on top of a hillock. The Temple is situated at an elevation of around 1,400 m surrounded by Himalayan peaks. The temple is a simple structure made of brick and mortar. Presiding Deity is called as Hariyali Devi / Sitla Mata / Bala Devi / Vaishno Devi. The idol of the goddess is dressed in yellow, sitting on the back of a lion carrying a child. Idols of Kshetrapal and Heet Devi can also be found in the temple premises.

Festivals

Dhanteras, Rakshabhandan, Navratri and Deepavali are the festivals celebrated here.

Connectivity

The Temple is located at about 13 Kms from Jasoli, 26 Kms from Nagrasu, 33 Kms from Gauchar, 42 Kms from Karnaprayag, 45 Kms from Rudraprayag, 182 Kms from Rishikesh Railway Station, 199 Kms from Dehradun Airport, 209 Kms from Haridwar and 429 Kms from New Delhi Airport. The Temple is situated on Rudraprayag to Karnaprayag Route. Take a diversion at Nagrasu and travel for about 26 Kms to reach this Temple.

Kasi Viswanath Temple, Guptkashi, Uttarakhand

Kasi Viswanath Temple is a Hindu Temple dedicated to Lord Shiva, located in Guptkashi Town in Rudraprayag district, in the Indian state of Uttarakhand. Guptkashi is located at an elevation of 1,319 metres (4,327 ft) in the Kedar-Khanda, in Garhwal Himalayas. The temple town is located on the way to the Kedarnath. The Temple is considered equivalent to Varanasi, believed to be the most pious of all Hindu pilgrimage places. It is also a part of the Char Dham Yatra destinations within Uttarakhand. It has the scenic backdrop of the snow-covered peaks of Chaukhamba and enjoys a salubrious weather throughout the year.

Legends

For brief details, please refer below link;

The Temple

For brief details, please refer below link;

Festivals

Mahashivaratri and Dussehra are the festivals celebrated here with much fanfare.

Connectivity

The Temple is located at about 3 Kms from Guptkashi Bus Stand, 18 Kms from Ukhimath, 45 Kms from Rudraprayag, 181 Kms from Rishikesh Railway Station, 198 Kms from Dehradun Airport, 208 Kms from Haridwar and 428 Kms from New Delhi Airport. It is approachable from Rudraprayag by road. Rudraprayag is approached from Haridwar or Rishikesh by the National Highway, which goes to Badrinath and beyond.

Kasi Viswanath Temple, Guptkashi – The Temple

The architectural style of this temple is similar to other temples in Uttarakhand, such as Kedarnath, built in stone with a high tower over the sanctum and a wooden frame and sloping roof in typical architectural style of the region, at the top of the tower. There are Dvarapalas guarding the sanctum. There is an image of Bhairava, a form of Lord Shiva at the top of the entrance of sanctum.

The exterior facade is painted with lotuses. The temple priests of Kedarnath stay at Guptkashi during the winter period. There are large number of Lingas, seen in and around Guptkashi, which has resulted in the popular terminology ‘jitney pathar utne shankar’ meaning "as many stones, those many Shiva's".

Ardhanariswara Temple:

Ardhanariswara Temple is situated to the left of Vishwanath Temple. It is dedicated to Ardhanariswara representing half man and half woman. It depicts Lord Shiva and Parvathi are one. Nandi can be found facing the sanctum. This statue has a Swastika, a typical Hindu symbol, painted on its side, with its arms aligned in a clockwise direction, considered as an auspicious direction.

Manikarnika Kund:

Manikarnika Kund is a small pond (Kund) in front of the Vishwanath Temple. A Shiva Linga is bathed by two springs, representing the rivers Ganges (Bhagirathi) and Yamuna. The Yamuna spring water emanates from a Gaumukh (spout in the shape of a cow’s mouth) and the Bhagirathi spring flows through trunks of two elephants strategically placed above the Linga.

Katyayini Shakthi Peeth, Vrindavan, Uttar Pradesh

Katyayini Shakthi Peeth is a Hindu Temple dedicated to Goddess Sakthi located in Vrindavan City in Madhura District in the state of Uttar Pradesh, India. Vrindavan also known as Vraj, situated on the banks of the river Yamuna. The Temple is considered as one of the 51 Shakti Peethas. Being one of the Shakti Peethas of Hindu Mythology, this temple is one of the holiest sites for devotees of the Shakti sect of Hinduism. Vrindavan is considered as birth place of Lord Krishna. Vrindavan is considered as one of the most sacred places in Vaishnavism.

Legends

For brief details, please refer below link;

History

The Katyayini Temple at Vrindavan was consecrated on the full moon day of Magh as per Hindu calendar which falls in February, in the year 1923. The temple was constructed by Yogiraj Swami Keshvanand Brahmachari on the spot that was marked by Chaitanya Mahaprabhu, a Krishna devotee from Bengal.

The Temple

The exterior of the temple was built using white marble and huge pillars support the temple. Two golden colored lions stands guard at the steps leading to the sanctum. The most significant thing about this temple is that here five separate deities of the five sects, or sampradayas are worshipped. Each idol is worshipped by the sampradaya’s different worship methodology. Presiding Deity is Goddess Katyayini representing Shakta sampradaya. The idol of Goddess Shakti is made of an alloy of eight different metals. It depicts the Goddess in a sitting position.

Other four idols are Lord Shiva (Shaiva sampradaya), Lord Lakshmi Narayana (Vaishnav sampradaya), Lord Ganesh (Ganpataya sampradaya), Lord Surya (Surya Sampradaya). Along with these five main deities, Jagatdhatri Devi is also worshipped here. There is a sword of Devi in the temple which is popularly known as Uchawal Chandrahaas.

Temple Opening Time

The Temple remains open from 06.00 am to 12.00 Noon and 05.30 pm to 08.00 pm.

Festivals

Holi, Basant Panchami, Krishna Janmashtami, Katyayini Vrata and Navratri are the festivals celebrated here.

Prayers

According to the belief of local people, girls worship Goddess Katyayini to get Sri Krishna as their husband.

Contact

Katyayini Shakthi Peeth,

Vrindavan – 281 121

Uttar Pradesh, India

Phone: +91 565 244 2386

Connectivity

The Temple is located at about 600 meters from Vrindavan Bus Stand, 1.5 Kms from Vrindavan Railway Station, 11 Kms from Vrindavan Road Railway Station, 12 Kms from Mathura, 14 Kms from Mathura Junction Railway Station, 70 Kms from Agra, 158 Kms from New Delhi and 164 Kms from New Delhi Airport. Vrindavan is well connected by roads and is connected to Delhi by National Highway (NH) 44 of the Golden Quadrilateral network.

Visalakshi Temple, Varanasi, Uttar Pradesh

Visalakshi Temple is a Hindu Temple dedicated to Goddess Shakti located in Varanasi (Kasi) City in the state of Uttar Pradesh, India. Visalakshi means she who has large eyes. The Temple is also known as the Visalakshi Gauri Temple. This Temple is part of the famous triad of temples – Kanchi Kamakshi, Madurai Meenakshi and Kashi Visalakshi.

The Temple is considered as one of the Ashta Dasa Maha Shaktipeeth. Being one of the Shakti Peethas of Hindu Mythology, this temple is one of the holiest sites for devotees of the Shakti sect of Hinduism. The Temple is located at Meer Ghat on the bank of the holy River Ganges in the City of Varanasi. The temple is situated by side of the famous cremation grounds of Manikarnika.

Legends

For brief details, please refer below link;

The Temple

For brief details, please refer below link;

Temple Opening Time

The Temple remains open from 03.00 AM to 11.00 AM and 05.00 PM to 10.00 PM.

Festivals

Two most important festivals in the temple, as well as all other goddess temples in Varanasi, is two Navaratris (nine nights). The Ashwin Navratri or simply called Navaratri, culminating in Vijayadashami, falls in the waxing fortnight of the Hindu month of Ashwin (October) and celebrates the victory of the goddess Durga on the buffalo-demon Mahishasura. The other Navaratri is in the waxing fortnight of Chaitra (March). On each of nine days, one of Varanasi's goddess temples – corresponding to one of the Nava Durga (nine Durgas) or nine Gauris (Parvatis) – is recommended to be visited.

The nine-temple circuit is described in various Kashi Mahatmya (texts narrating the greatness of the holy city of Varanasi/Kashi). Devotees flock to the temple in the evening of the fifth day of Navratri. The yearly temple festival of Visalakshi Temple is celebrated on Kajali Tij (Black Third), the third lunar day (Tij) of the waning fortnight in Bhadrapada, the last month of the Indian rainy season. Women sing amorous rainy season songs called Kajali (black) around this time. The holy day is observed especially for the welfare of brothers by women.

Prayers

Devotees often bathe in the holy Ganges nearby before offering worship at the temple. The puja (worship), offerings, recitation of hymns to the goddess and charity at the temple is considered highly fruitful because of the power of the presiding goddess. The goddess is especially worshipped by unmarried girls for a groom, childless couples for progeny and unfortunate women for the turn of their fortune.

Connectivity

For brief details, please refer below link;

Visalakshi Temple, Varanasi – The Temple

The Temple has an intricate gopuram above the main entrance. The gopuram follows south Indian Dravidian architecture. The Sanctum is enclosed by a concrete wall. The concrete wall has a protruding shelf like area displaying collections of Shiva lingams, Nagas (divine serpents), and unique Ganesha sculpture. There is a marble statue of Adi Shankaracharya, seated cross-legged behind the the sanctum.

When Adi Shankaracharya visited the temple, he performed prayers to replenish the powers of the temple, which had borne the brunt of several invasions. He also installed a Sri Yantram and pooja is performed to this Yantram only. Kumkum Archana to this Sri Yantram is considered very auspicious and can be performed by asking the pujari there.

There is a room on the right side of the temple with two gated areas which respectively house a sculpted horse and an alternative image of the goddess Visalakshi. These are occasionally brought out during special festival processions when Visalakshi, seated upon the horse, is wheeled about for a small procession. Within this room is a smaller shrine dedicated to Shiva and housing a large lingam. Navagrahas can be found on an altar in this room.

The verandah directly in front of the main shrine is the most adorned area inside the temple. It has four concrete pillars with floral designs, yantras, and protective figures. The ceiling is designed to produce a canopy-like effect and is painted with a framework of 12 squares each containing a different image from a zodiacal house. Above the main shrine is the depiction of Shiva and Meenakshi’s wedding.

Two goddess images are housed side-by-side in the sanctum: a smaller black stone image called Adi Visalakshi on left back side and another taller black stone image installed at a later date. Devotees often visit the Vishwanath and Annapurna shrines with this temple. The sanctum contains a marble shrine which itself contains an even smaller shrine housing the image.

The original idol and its accompanying shrine were placed in the larger shrine and the current structure was erected around it. Her upraised right arm holds a lotus, while the palm of her left, downturned hand is empty and faces away. However, this stone sculpture is not the original depiction of Visalakshi. It was, in fact, carved from stone in 1971 when the temple was renovated with Tamil patronage.

Kedareshwar Temple, Varanasi, Uttar Pradesh

Kedareshwar Temple is a Hindu Temple dedicated to Lord Shiva located in Varanasi (Kasi) City in the state of Uttar Pradesh, India. Kedareshwar of Kasi is said to be equivalent to the Kedareshwar of Himalayas. The Temple is situated at Kedar Ghat in the banks of Ganges River. Kashi is one of the seven cities, considered by the Hindu's as Mokshadayikas or the cities leading to salvation. The poojas at the temple are performed by Kumaraswamy Mutt of Tamil Nadu. The Temple is considered as Thirupugazh Sthalam as Lord Murugan of this temple had been praised in Thirupugazh Hymns of Saint Arunagirinathar.

Legends

For brief details, please refer below link;

The Temple

The Temple is situated in Kedar ghat on the banks of river Ganga. The facade of the temple is distinguished by its vertical yellow and red stripes at the top of an impressive ghat. The temple is more popular among locals than the outside devotees. This is one of the Ghat temple at Varanasi. Presiding Deity is called as Kedareshwar. He is housed in the sanctum in the form of Lingam. This Temple has all Dwadasa Jyotirlingas and Lord Badrinath. There is lift facility to those who cannot climb steps.

Temple Opening Time

The temple remains open from 03.00 a.m. to 11.00 p.m.

Pooja Timings

Mangala Aarti is performed at 03.15 a.m., 2nd Aarti at 10.00 a.m., 3rd Aarti at 05.30 p.m. and Shayan Aarti at 10.30 p.m.

Festivals

Ekadasi, Pradosham and Poornima days are observed here. Anna Abhishek is performed once in a year. In this ritual, the Shiv Ling is covered with cooked rice.

Prayers

Taking bath in Ganges on every Monday and performing pooja/Abhishek of Lord Kedareshwar is very auspicious. Much importance to attached to poojas on Mondays during Shravan month (July 23 to August 20) and most importantly on last Monday of that month. It is believed that performing Shraddha ceremony on Amavasya which falls on Tuesday at Kedar Ghat is very auspicious.

Contact

Kedareshwar Temple,

Kumaraswamy Mutt,

Kedar Ghat, Varanasi

Uttar Pradesh – 221 001

Phone: +91 542 245 4064

Connectivity

For brief details, please refer below link;

Kaal Bhairav Temple, Varanasi, Uttar Pradesh

Kaal Bhairav Temple is a Hindu Temple dedicated to Bhairava, a form of Lord Shiva located in Varanasi (Kasi) City in the state of Uttar Pradesh, India. The temple is dedicated to Bhairava (Kaal Bhairav), a fierce form of Shiva and wears a garland of skulls and carries a club of peacock feathers. It is one of the oldest Shiva temples in Varanasi. Kaal Bhairav is widely known as the Kotwal, the police chief, of Kashi, and the section of the city in which his temple stands is known as Kotwalpuri. There are nine other Bhairav temples in the city. The Temple is located at K-32/22 Bhaironath, Vishweshwarganj, Varanasi.

Legends

For brief details, please refer below link;

History

The Shrine was present here from time immemorial and got destroyed by Muslim invaders. The current structure was built in 17^th Century AD.

The Temple

The temple entrance is narrow, and one can see the deity from the entrance. Presiding Deity is called as Kal Bhairav. He is housed in the sanctum. He is a silver faced idol, seated on his vahana (vehicle), a dog and is holding a trident. Only, the face of the icon decorated (with garlands) is visible to the visitors through the doorway. Rest of the icon is covered with a piece of cloth.

There is an icon of Kshetrapal Bhairav, another aspect of Bhairava on the rear door of the temple. The entry to the inner sanctum of the temple is on the backside of the temple and only priests can enter. It is a famous activity to buy sesame oil and flowers for the deity but, not mandatory. There are shops outside the temple to buy the flowers and other items. Unlike many other temples, alcohol is offered to the God.

Temple Opening Time

The temple remains open from 05.00 am to 01.30 pm and from 4.30 pm to 9.30 pm. There will be heavy rush of devotees on Sundays and Tuesdays.

Festivals

Ashtami day (eighth day after Poornima) in the month of Margashirsha is an important day for worshipping Kaal Bhairav. Besides Sundays, Tuesdays, Ashtami and Chaturdasi days are very important for worshipping Kaal Bhairav. Annakut (fourth day from Diwali) and Shringar are the other important festivals celebrated in this temple.

Religious Significance

Kaal Bhairav is believed to be the Kotwal (Chief police officer) of Varanasi. It is said that Kal Bhairav decides who has to stay in Varanasi and who should not. People of Varanasi get permission from the deity before leaving the town for any reason. Anyone visiting Varanasi should visit the temple first and get permission to enter into Varanasi, according to folklore. Kaal Bhairav is also believed to be the Kotwal of Sati Pind and without his permission, no one can touch the Sati Pind. Kaal Bhairav protects the devotees from all the problems.

This temple was a spiritual center in Kashi for the most severe of Shiva ascetics, the Kapalis or Skull-Bearers, and their later descendants, the Gorakhnathis. Today, however, the temple is no longer the exclusive domain of such extremist yogis and is, rather patronized by ordinary householders for his protective blessings. This temple is popular and beloved among those who live under its influence in the surrounding Kotwalpuri section of the city.

Prayers

A person who circumambulates Lord Kaal Bhairav 8 times will be absolved of all the sins committed by him. It is also believed that a devotee who worships Kaal Bhairav for 6 months will attain all types of Siddhi (as mentioned in Kashi Khand Chapter 31). Old timers in Kashi believe whenever residents of Kashi leave the city for short journeys, they worship Kaal Bhairav (taking his permission) and on return back to Kashi, they again worship Kaal Bhairav. It is said that those living in or visiting Kashi, must worship Kaal Bhairav and he in turn, grants protection/shelter to all his devotees. This is the temple where Kasi thread (Black) is available. Kala (Black) Bhairavar (Form of Lord Shiva) is the significance of the name.

Connectivity

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Jwala Devi Temple, Shakti Nagar, Uttar Pradesh

Jwala Devi Temple is a Hindu Temple dedicated to Goddess Shakti located in Shakti Nagar Town in Sonbhadra District of Uttar Pradesh, India. The Temple is believed to be one of the 51 Shakti Peethas. Being one of the 51 Shakti Peethas of Hindu Mythology, this temple is one of the holiest sites for devotees of the Shakti sect of Hinduism.

Legends

For brief details, please refer below link;

History

The temple was believed to be around 1000 years old. It was constructed by Raja Udit Narayan Singh of Gaharwal village. Current structure is of recent origin.

The Temple

Presiding Deity is called as Jwala Ji. She is housed in the sanctum. The old black stone idol which was in the old temple has been installed along with other deities surrounding the main idol. Jwalamukhi cave is situated at about 1 Km from the temple. It is said that the cave had three openings earlier but presently the cave is filled with water of a spring and has only a single opening.

Priests

The Puja of the temple is being regularly performed by the priests whose family has been doing it for last 12 generations. Presently there are 12 priests involved in performing the routine puja at this temple.

Prayers

It is believed that people offer their tongue as offerings here after their wishes are fulfilled.

Connectivity

The Temple is located at about 1.5 Kms from Shakti Nagar Railway Station, 2 Kms from Shakti Nagar Bus Stand, 52 Kms from Renukoot, 118 Kms from Robertsganj, 203 Kms from Varanasi, 221 Kms from Varanasi Airport and 441 Kms from Lucknow. Shakti Nagar is fully connected by road to various cities through NH 75, SH 5A and is also connected directly via Trains like: Triveni Express (Bareilly-Shakti Nagar), Singrauli-Varanasi Intercity (Singrauli to Varanasi), Singrauli-Jabalpur Intercity (Singrauli to Jabalpur) and Shakti Nagar Passenger (Shakti Nagar-Chopan).

Alopi Devi Temple, Prayagraj, Uttar Pradesh

Alopi Devi Temple is a Hindu Temple dedicated to Goddess Sakthi located in Prayagraj City in the state of Uttar Pradesh, India. The Temple is considered as one of the Ashta Dasa Maha Shaktipeeth. Being one of the Shakti Peethas of Hindu Mythology, this temple is one of the holiest sites for devotees of the Shakti sect of Hinduism. It is situated in Alopi Bagh in Prayagraj, near to the holy Sangam, or confluence, where the rivers Ganges, Yamuna and the legendary Sarasvati meet.

Legends

For brief details, please refer below link;

History

As per some historical evidences, Great Maratha Warrior Srinath Mahadji Shinde had developed the Sangam place during his stay at Allahabad in 1772 AD. Maharani Bayzabai Scindia had renovated few Sangam Ghats and temples at Prayagraj. Though it was always a prominent temple in the neighborhood, its reach and following has seen a significant rise since the 1990s leading to large-scale renovation of the surrounding area.

The Temple

There is no statue of any deity in this temple, rather, there is a wooden carriage or doli which is worshipped. It is very unique to find a doli in the sanctum. The doli is placed on top of Marble platform. The shrine is a simple with a conical roof.

Festivals

Maha Shivaratri, Chaitra Navratri, Ashwin Navratri, Dussehra, Durga puja and Deepavali are the festivals celebrated here in a grand manner.

Connectivity

The Temple is located at about 4 Kms from Prayagraj Bus Stand, 5 Kms from Allahabad Junction Railway Station, 19 Kms from Prayagraj Airport and 200 Kms from Lucknow. The temple is well connected by roads. Buses, taxis and auto-rickshaws are available to reach the temple. Allahabad is well connected to all the major cities and towns by roads.

Hinglaj Mata Temple, Balochistan, Pakistan

Hinglaj Mata Temple is a Hindu Temple dedicated to Goddess Sati, located in Hinglaj, a town on the Makran coast in the Lasbela district of Balochistan in Pakistan. Hinglaj Mata is said to be very powerful deity who bestows good to all her devotees. While Hinglaj is her main temple, temples dedicated to her exist in neighbouring Indian states Gujarat and Rajasthan. The Temple is also called as Nani Mandir. The name of Hinglaj lends itself to the Hingol river, the largest in Balochistan and the Hingol National Park which at 6,200 square Kms is the largest in Pakistan.

It is situated in the middle of the Hingol National Park in a mountain cavern on the banks of the Hingol River. It is one of the 51 Shakti Peethas of the Hindu goddess Sati. It is one of the two Shakti Peethas in Pakistan, other being Shivaharkaray. This place has become a unifying point of reference for Pakistan's many Hindu communities. Hinglaj Yatra is the largest Hindu pilgrimage in Pakistan. More than 250,000 people take part in the Hinglaj Yathra during the spring.

Legends

For brief details, please refer below link;

History

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The Temple

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Hinglaj Yatra

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Religious Significance

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Connectivity

The Temple is located at about 243 Kms from Karachi and 264 Kms from Karachi Airport. The cave temple of Hinglaj Mata is in a narrow gorge in the remote, hilly area of Lyari Tehsil in Pakistan's Balochistan province. It is 243 Kms to the northwest of Karachi, 20 Kms inland from the Arabian Sea and 130 Kms to the west of the mouth of the Indus. It is at the end of a range of Kirthar Mountains, in the Makran desert stretch, on the west bank of Hingol River. The area is under the Hingol National Park. The Makran Coastal Highway linking Karachi with Gwadar runs parallel to Balochistan's Arabian Sea coast. It was built by Frontier Works Organisation and follows the same path which Alexander the Great took when he ended his campaign. The highway has made the pilgrimage and visiting the shrine very convenient.

Hinglaj Mata Temple, Balochistan – The Temple

The shrine is in a small natural cave. The entrance to the cave is around 50 feet in height. At the end of the cave is the sanctum sanctorum. There is a low mud altar. There is no man made image of the goddess. A small shapeless stone is worshiped as Hinglaj Mata. The stone is smeared with Sindoor (vermilion), which possibly gives the location its Sanskrit name Hingula, which is the root of the present-day name Hinglaj. There are two entrances to the sanctum. One has to crawl into the sanctum, take the darshan and leave through the other opening.

The walls and roof of the cave are encrusted with colourful stones and semi-precious veins. The floor is also multi-hued. The shrine is recognised by a mark which resembles the sun and the moon. This mark is upon a giant boulder at the top of the hill containing the cave. It is believed that the Hindu god Lord Ram created this mark with the strike of his arrow after his penance ended.

Baba Chandragup:

The mud volcano Chandragup is considered holy by Hindus and is an important stop for pilgrims on their way to the shrine of Hinglaj Mata. Devotees throw coconuts into the craters to make wishes and thank the gods for answering their prayers. The Chandragup mud volcano is worshipped as an embodiment of Lord Shiva and hence called Baba Chandragup.

Many pilgrims believe that Hinglaj’s temple may only be entered only after paying homage to Baba Chandrakup. Traditionally, the pilgrims stay awake all the night fasting and meditating on the sins they will confess at the rim of the crater next day and bake roti made out of ingredients contributed by all the pilgrims. On the next day they ascend the slope of Chandrakup.

The roti is then served as an offering to Baba Chandrakup. Nowadays, coconuts, betel nut and dal are also offered. At the top of the Volcano, the pilgrims first have to introduce themselves with their full name and place of origin and then call out their sins in front of the group. According to the bubbling of the mud and the reaction of the wind, the charidar is able to tell if the pilgrim’s sins are forgiven.

Sacred Valley of Hinglaj:

The Valley of Hinglaj is considered as Hinglaj Mata herself and hence is considered Sacred. This is the Swayambhu concept in Hinduism which implies a divine presence in natural manifestations such as particular landscapes or, on a smaller scale. Here the concept of Swayambhu not only relates to the major shrine but also can be linked to whole areas of the Hinglaj Valley, the area surrounding Chandragup volcano, or even the whole desert is considered the home of the Devi.

The point at which the Hinglaj Valley begins is clearly marked by a wall built by the Hinglaj Sheva Mandali (HSM) in 1996. However, traditional travelogues and of pilgrims coming to the shrine generally demonstrate that the Goddess’s sacred geography more extended than this, the disappearance of the old pilgrimage paths led to the elimination of many stops en route. Due to the divinity of the Goddess’s sacred geography commercial activities including shops and tea stalls are not allowed to be set up in the valley.

Samadhishvara Temple, Chittorgarh, Rajasthan

Samadhishvara Temple is a Hindu Temple dedicated to Lord Shiva located in Chittor Fort in Chittorgarh in Rajasthan, India. Presiding Deity is called as Samadhishvara (Lord of Samadhi). Epigraphic evidence suggests that the temple was constructed in the 11^th century and was further renovated in the 13^th and the 15^th centuries.

Etymology

Samadhishvara (Lord of Samadhi) is an aspect of the Hindu god Shiva. The temple is also known as "Samadhishwar" in Hindi, because of schwa deletion. It is sometimes erroneously called Samiddheshvara, but multiple historical records establish that Samadhishvara (also known as Samadhisha) is the correct name of the temple's deity. In modern times, the temple's deity is also known as "Adbhut-ji" or "Adbad-ji", a name also used for the deity of a 15^th century Shiva temple near Surajpole. The name "Adbhut-ji" seems to be a local name for the three-faced aspect of Shiva; both the temples contain a three-faced idol of Shiva.

History

Origins:

One theory identifies Samadhishvara temple as the Tri-bhuvana Narayana or Bhoja-svamin temple referred to in historical records. According to the 1273 CE Chirawa inscription, Madana, an official who bore the designation talaraksha, used to worship Shiva at the Tri-bhuvana Narayana temple constructed by Bhoja in Chittor. This temple was also known as the Bhoja-svamin-jagati, as attested by a 1301 CE inscription. The 11^th century Paramara king Bhoja is referred to by the epithet "Tri-loka-Narayana" ("Lord of the three worlds") in the Sanskrit text 12^th century text Gana-Ratna-Mahodadhi. Because "Tri-bhuvana" and "Tri-loka" are synonyms (both meaning "three worlds"), historian G. H. Ojha theorized that the Tri-bhuvana Narayana temple at Chittor was built by the Paramara king Bhoja. Ojha further identified this temple as the present-day Samadhishvara temple.

Ram Vallabh Somani, a scholar who wrote on history of Mewar under the patronage of the descendants of the Sisodia royal family, disputes Ojha's identification. Based on a 984 CE (1041 VS) pillar inscription, Somani concludes that the Samadhishvara temple pre-dates Bhoja, and was built in the 10^th century. Somani theorizes that the Tri-bhuvana Narayana temple referred to in the historical records was a different temple, which may have been destroyed during the Khalji conquest of Chittor in 1303. Art historian R. Nath disputes Somani's theory, pointing out that the alleged 984 CE pillar inscription is not available to any scholar except Somani, whose research contains several errors. Somani has not made available the original inscription or its full text, citing "administrative reasons", which Nath dismisses as a flimsy excuse.

According to Nath, Somani's reading of the year could be wrong: the veracity of Somani's other writings on the inscriptions of Rajasthan has often been questioned by other scholars, including historian Dasharatha Sharma. Nath supports Ojha's identification, based on two historical prashastis (eulogistic inscriptions) composed by Veda Sharman. A 1274 CE stone slab inscription at Chittor records the restoration of Gaumukha Tirthasthala area (in which the temple is located) by the Guhila king Samarasimha. A verse in this inscription invokes Shiva as Samadhishvara, and also refers to a second slab which is now lost. A 1285 CE stone slab inscription discovered in a Shaivite matha at the Achaleshwar temple of Abu records that the previous prashasti composed by Veda Sharman at Chittor was related to two famous temples: one of Samadhisha (that is, Samadhishvara), which was famous as Tri-bhuvana; and the other of Chakrasvamin (an aspect of Vishnu).

According to the Chirawa inscription, Madana used to worship the Sadashiva aspect of Shiva at the temple: the Sadashiva is depicted as having five faces and ten hands. However, the main idol of Shiva at the Samadhishvara temple has only three faces and six hands. Nath explains this discrepancy by theorizing that the original idol of the temple was destroyed during the Khalji conquest, and was later restored by the 15^th century king Mokala-simha. The current idol is a relatively modern one, and post-dates Mokala-simha.

Jain Temple:

A 1150 CE Sanskrit prashasti inscription discovered at the Samadhishvara temple records the visit of the Chalukya king Kumarapala to the temple, which it calls "Samadhisha-Maheshvara". It states that Kumarapala made donations to the temple. Interestingly, the prashasti was composed by a Digambara Jain monk. Based on this, and the fact that Kumarapala patronized Jainism, art historian M. A. Dhaky theorized that the Samadhishvara temple was originally a Jain shrine. In his support, Dhaky also cited the presence of several images of Jain tirthankaras and yaksha-yakshinis in the temple. R. Nath disputes this theory, pointing out that the inscription clearly states that Kumarapala worshipped Shiva and Parvati during his visit to the temple. Moreover, according to the Moha-Parajaya-Nataka composed by Kumarapala's minister Yashahpala, the king converted to Jainism only at a later date, in 1159 CE.

Nath explains that the Jain imagery does not have any religious connotation: it is one of the several scenes depicting life of the general public of Chittor, which included the Jains. He points out that other motifs at the temple depict women in erotic postures, battles, and hunting: these are not in line with the non-violence and celibacy themes of the Jain monasticism. In addition, he cites the 12^th century CE text Aparajitaprccha, which recommends that the Jain icons should be depicted on the jamgha (middle wall) of a temple along with Shaivite and Vaishnavite icons.

Renovations:

The temple has been renovated several times. Based on the 1150 CE inscription which records the visit of and donations by the Chalukya king Kumarapala to the temple, R. Nath theorizes that Kumarapala restored the temple, which may explain some Gujarati influence on the art and architecture of the temple. As mentioned above, according to a 1274 CE stone slab inscription, the area around the temple was restored by the Guhila king Samarasimha (also known as Rawal Samar Singh). This is further corroborated by the 1285 CE Achaleshwar inscription.

A 1428 CE black marble slab inscription discovered at the temple records its restoration by king Mokala-simha (also known as Rana Mokal Singh). It uses the words "Samadhisha" and "Samadhishvara" to describe the temple's deity. The 1460 Kumbhalgarh prashasti inscription also refers to Mokala's restoration of the temple. The temple is also referred to in the 1460 CE Kirtti-stambha prashasti inscription. Two short inscriptions, dated 1442 CE and 1458 CE, record architects paying obeisance to Samadhishvara. Since 1956, the temple has been administered by the Government of India's Archaeological Survey of India.

The Temple

The temple is located within the Chittor Fort, at the Gaumukha Tirthasthala, on the northern bank of the Gaumukh Kund reservoir. Since it was built and restored over a period of five centuries (11^th - 15^th century), it features several sculptural styles. The building comprises a sanctum (garbhagriha) located in the east, an antechamber (antarala), and an entrance hall (gudha-mandapa). It has three entrance porches (mukha-chatushki), on its northern, western, and southern sides. The sanctum is located at a lower level than the general floor level of the temple, with six stairs descending from the antechamber to the sanctum.

The sanctum contains an image of Shiva. The image depicts Shiva as having three heads, all of which are shown wearing jata-mukutas (crowns of dreadlocks). Each of the three faces has a third eye; the right face bears a terrifying expression, while the centre and the left faces bear a peaceful expression. The right head shows the Aghora aspect of Shiva, it features a ringlet of snakes and a skull on the jata-mukuta. Shiva's body is shown having six hands: one hand is raised in the sarpa-mudra (snake gesture); other hands bear objects such as akshamala (rosary), citron (matulunga), skull-cup (kapala), and snake (sarpa).

The nara-thara (raised platform depicting humans) of the temple features several scenes from public life: Hunting, a historically popular pastime, Battles, Royal processions and courts, Religious themes, including worship of stupas, lingas, jinas, and other deities; religious discourses; and ascetics, Devanganas (celestial women) in dancing and erotic postures and Other scenes from common life, such as bullock-carts, camel-carts, and artisans at work. You only need to pay the entry price for the fort.

Connectivity

The Temple is located at about 5 Kms from Chittorgarh Bus Station, 8 Kms from Chittorgarh Railway Junction, 65 Kms from Bhilwara, 100 Kms from Udaipur Airport, 118 Kms from Udaipur, 174 Kms from Kota, 311 Kms from Jaipur and 294 Kms from Jaipur Airport. The temple is located within the Chittor Fort, at the Gaumukha Tirthasthala, on the northern bank of the Gaumukh Kund reservoir.

By Road:

The Golden Quadrilateral highway system passes through Chittorgarh, connecting it to much of the rest of India. The East West Corridor (Express Highway) also crosses it. Chittorgarh is situated on National Highway No. 76 & 79. National Highway 76 connects to Kota with a driving time of 2 hours. The bus stand (bus depot) of Chittorgarh is located between the old and new cities. There are good bus services (private as well as state-owned) available for Delhi, Mumbai, Ahmedabad, Ajmer, Bundi, Kota, Udaipur and other major cities. Rajasthan Roadways (RSRTC) provides a service for visiting areas around Chittorgarh. Rajasthan Roadways also has premier services called Pink Line, Silver line and Sleeper Coaches (Grey Line).

By Train:

Chittorgarh Junction is a busy junction of Western Railway of Indian Railways, Ratlam Division. It has direct rail links with all major Indian cities including Ajmer, Udaipur, Jaipur, Delhi, Mumbai, Hyderabad, Surat, Pune, Kota, Kolkata, Chennai, Rameswaram, Yeshwantpur, Ahmadabad, Indore, Ratlam, Gwalior, Bhopal, Nagpur, Bilaspur and Mysore.

By Air:

The nearest airport is located at Udaipur. The airport is linked by daily air service from New Delhi, Jaipur, Jodhpur, Ahmedabad, Chennai and Mumbai.

Bahula Shakti Peeth, Ketugram, West Bengal

Bahula Shakti Peeth is a Hindu Temple dedicated to Goddess Sati located in Ketugram village in Katwa subdivision of Purba Bardhaman District in the state of West Bengal, India. The Temple is situated on the banks of the Ajay River. This temple is considered as one of the 51 Shakti Peethas in Indian Subcontinent. Being one of the Shakti Peethas of Hindu Mythology, this temple is one of the holiest sites for devotees of the Shakti sect of Hinduism.

Legends

For brief details, please refer below link;

History

It is claimed that Ketugram was the birthplace of 14^th century lyric poet Chandidas of Vaishnava Padavali fame. It is said that the people of Ketugram were furious with Chandidas for marrying a low-caste widow. He went away to Nanoor in adjoining Birbhum district, along with the idol of Bisalakshi that he used to worship. Later, when hostilities subsided, Chandidas was even accepted back in Ketugram as the priest of Bahulakshi temple.

The place in the northern part of Ketugram, which is believed to be the birth-place of Chandidas, is even today referred to by the locals as “Chandibhita”. It is said that Ketugram was named after Chandraketu, son of king Bhopal. The earlier name of Ketugram was Bahula. The stone image of Bahula, along with those of Kartikeya and Ganesha, was established by Raja Chandraketu.

The Temple

The temple has a large courtyard right in the front of the garbhagriha and the flooring has been done in red stone. Presiding Deity is called as Bahula and associated Bhairava is called as Bhiruk / Sarvasiddhidayak. The Sanctum houses the stone image of Bahula. The stone image of Bahula, along with those of Kartikeya and Ganesha, was established by Raja Chandraketu.

Festivals

The most important festivals observed in Bahula Shakti Peeth are Durga Puja (around October), Kali Puja (in Ashwin), Navratri and Mahashivaratri. Two fairs called the Navratri fair (in Chaitra) and the Shivrathri fair are also celebrated amidst great pomp and splendour. Devotees fast on Shivrathri and make an offering of fruits, milk and Bilwa leaves to Lord Shiva.

Prayers

It is said that the Bahula Shakti Peetha is one from where devotees have never left empty-handed. She is said to grant the wishes of all those who approach her with genuine longing in their hearts. Instances of miracles are rampant here. Bahula Devi is seen accompanied by her sons Karthikeya and Ganesha. Karthik is the god of fertility and war whereas Ganesh is the one who brings a note of auspicious elements into the world.

Connectivity

The Temple is located at about 500 meters from Ketugram Bus Stand, 4 Kms from Pachandi Railway Station, 8 Kms from Ambalgram Railway Station, 15 Kms from Katwa Junction Railway Station, 16 Kms from Katwa, 68 Kms from Bardhaman, 159 Kms from Kolkata and 159 Kms from Kolkata Airport. The State Highway 6, running from Rajnagar (in Birbhum district) to Alampur (in (Howrah district), passes through Ketugram.

Attahas Shaktipeeth, Dakshindihi, West Bengal

Attahas Shaktipeeth is a Hindu Temple dedicated to Goddess Sati, located in Dakshindihi in Nirol Gram Panchayat in Katwa subdivision of Purba Bardhaman District of West Bengal, India. The Temple is situated on the banks of Ishani river (locally known as Kandor river). The Temple is also known as Fullora Attahas, is believed to be one of the 51 Shakti Peethas. Being one of the 51 Shakti Peethas of Hindu Mythology, this temple is one of the holiest sites for devotees of the Shakti sect of Hinduism.

Legends

For brief details, please refer below link;

History

It is believed that the statue of the temple was in the temple till 1915. After that, original Idol was kept in the Museum of 'Bangiya Sahitya Parishad'. This statue was made of metal. After the re-installation of the statue, the idol was robbed. An inscription of Terracotta (Shila Lippi) was also found in the place. Research on the script of this inscription is still going on. It is expected that if this inscription is properly read, the correct information about the Attahas Temple can be obtained.

The Temple

This temple is located on the banks of the river Ishani, situated between the forest with different species of birds and trees. The older temple was destroyed, and the new temple has been built in its place. The temple complex has a paved courtyard surrounding it. The temple has three arches and a flat roof. Nat Mandir with a mosaic floor and pillars on either side can be found facing the sanctum.

Presiding Deity is called as Mother Phullora and the Bhairava associated is called as Vishwesh. The presiding deity housed in the sanctum is about 15 to 18 feet wide, symbolizes the lower lip of the goddess. The temple of Bhairav is beside the temple of Fullora or Phullara. An idol of Mahadev sitting on a lotus is created adjacent to the temple complex. A natural pond that has now gone into disuse sits right adjacent to the temple complex.

Festivals

A major festival is held here during Maghi Purnima. The Maghi Purnima is observed as the day Krishnanda Giri came to Attahas. Shivrathri, Durga Puja and Navaratri are the famous festivals celebrated here. An annual fair is held during the festival of Holi. On every Amavasya priests perform Yagna in the temple premises.

Connectivity

The Temple is located at about 4 Kms from Nirol Bus Stand, 7 Kms from Nirol Railway Station, 23 Kms from Katwa, 73 Kms from Bardhaman, 166 Kms from Kolkata and 167 Kms from Kolkata Airport. The temple is situated on the Katwa to Ahmedpur Road.

Attahas Shaktipeeth, Dakshindihi – Legends

Sakthi Peethas:

Sati-Shiva marriage:

Brahma's Yajna:

Daksha Yaga:

Dadhichi – Daksha argument:

Sati's Death:

Destruction of the Yajna by Lord Shiva:

Aftermath:

Attahas:

Attahas is derived from Sanskrit words Atta Hasa means extreme loud laughter.

Temple Pond:

A natural pond that has now gone into disuse sits right adjacent to the temple complex. It is believed that Lord Hanuman was said to have collected a hundred and eight lotuses from this very pond when Lord Rama needed them for worship of the Goddess Durga.

Talesvara Temple, Bhubaneswar, Odisha

Talesvara Temple is a Hindu Temple dedicated to Lord Shiva located in Bhubaneswar, the state capital of Odisha, India. This Temple is situated inside the Bharati Mata Temple. It is owned by Bharti Matha. It is surrounded by the burials of the Matha Mahantas in the east and Matha entrance in the north.

History

The temple is believed to be built in 11^th century CE by the Somavanshi Kings.

The Temple

Talesvara Temple is situated inside the Bharati Mata Temple Complex. This is a small west facing temple. It is a living temple. It has only sanctum. The Vimana over the sanctum follows Rekha Deula style. There is no Jagamohana. Presiding Deity is called as Talesvara. He is housed in the sanctum in the form of Lingam. Navagraha Panel can be found at the lintel of entrance. The temple is partially buried up to the pabhaga portion. The western side is partly damaged. The carvings in the temple walls are largely eroded.

Connectivity

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Bharati Matha Temple, Bhubaneswar, Odisha

Bharati Matha Temple is a Hindu Temple dedicated to Lord Shiva located in Bhubaneswar, the state capital of Odisha, India. Though, it is dedicated to Lord Shiva, the primary deity installed in the temple is of Lord Vishnu. Hence people from both the sects of Hinduism worship in the temple. The temple is a Hindu monastery with three stories. It is one of the oldest Hindu monasteries of Bhubaneswar. The Matha is surrounded by Ratha road in east, Jamesvara Patna road in south, private buildings in north and Bhrukutesvara temple in west.

History

The monastery was believed to be established by Yajati Kesari, the builder of the Lingaraja Temple, and the Matha was initially used to house the artisans who were engaged in the construction of Lingaraja Temple.

The Temple

The Matha is square on a plan. The Matha stands on a high platform and it has seven mouldings. The Matha is a three storied building. The central courtyard is flanked by three living rooms in each side of the Matha. The Matha is enclosed by a massive compound wall. Pipal trees and Asoka trees are found on the outer wall of the Matha on the northern and southern sides.

There is a cluster of nine small temples and a few broken sculptures & temple fragments kept within a small compound in the southern side of the entrance behind the Talesvara Temple located within Matha premises. These nine temples are of Pidha order. Each shrine houses a Shiva Lingam in the sanctum. It is believed that all these shrines are burial shrines of Mahantas.

Talesvara Temple:

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Festivals

Kartika Purnima, Prathamastami and Durga puja are celebrated in this Temple with much fanfare. During Prathamastami, Lord Lingaraja comes here to visit his uncle in the Matha.

Connectivity

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Satrughnesvara Temple, Bhubaneswar, Odisha

Satrughnesvara Temple is a Hindu Temple dedicated to Lord Shiva located in Bhubaneswar, the state capital of Odisha, India. The Temple is considered as one of the oldest temples in Bhubaneshwar. The Temple was believed to be built in 6^th Century CE. Satrughnesvara Temple is one of three temples located in the same complex and they are all located opposite to Ramesvara Temple. The other two temples located in the complex are Lakshmanesvara Temple and Bharatesvara Temple.

This group of temples along with Ramesvara Temple completes the set of four temples named after the four main heroes of Ramayana. This Temple is situated on the left side of the road leading from Kalpana chowk to Lingaraja temple and just opposite to the Ramesvara temple. This group of Temples are maintained by Archeological Survey of India.

Legends

It is said that Lord Rama along with his wife Sita, while he was returning to Ayodhya after his victory over Ravana, in Lanka, was passing over Ekamra Kshetra. Sage Vashishta advised Lord Rama to worship Lord Shiva. Lord Rama decided to worship Lord Shiva in Ekamra Kshetra (Bhubaneswar) itself. He installed a Shiva Linga, in the name of Ramesvara and worshipped. His brothers Lakshmana, Bharata and Shatrugna also installed Shiva Linga in a row opposite to the one installed by Lord Rama. Temples were built for these Shiva Lingas at later period. Subsequently, the Lingas installed by Lakshmana, Bharata and Shatrugna came to be called as Lakshmanesvara, Bharatesvara and Satrughnesvara.

History

It is believed that this group of three temples were built by the Shailodbhavas in the later part of 6^th century CE. This group represents the earliest extant temples in Bhubaneswar and is an example of earliest Kalingan temple architecture style.

The Temple

This group of temples were in complete ruins and had been restored utilizing ancient materials. In due course, some of the sculptures and stones got interchanged between these shrines. Lakshmanesvara is restored without its crowing member and facing stones, Bharatesvara base was restored with plain blocks of stone, and Satrughnesvara is the only shrine in good state of preservation among the three temples.

This temple shares the same campus with Lakshmanesvara Temple and Bharatesvara temple. These temples are constructed in a line on north-south axis. All these Temples are enclosed within a compound wall. This is a west facing temple. It is the third temple in the group of temples and located in the southern most corner in the premises. This is the most beautiful temple in the complex as it was the only temple retained most of its original architecture features.

It is located in the middle among the three temples. This temple is a living temple. Presiding Deity is called as Satrughnesvara. He is housed in the sanctum in the form of Shiva Linga. Nandi can be found facing the sanctum. The main entrance door, in all the temples, is in T-shape design, reminiscent of the Gupta period temples. The temple is triratha on plan and triangabada in elevation. The temple has a rekha vimana of early Kalingan order.

The inscribed graha lintel in Satrughnesvara temple can be dated prior to Parasurameswara temple based on paleographic ground. Thus, placing Satrughnesvara temple to the latter half of the sixth century CE, around 575 CE. This graha lintel was found on a niche in the southern eave and has an inscriptions naming these planets. This block has now been moved to Odisha State Museum. Dvarapalas and ornate scroll works can be found at the doorjambs.

The lintel above the doorjambs does not have Lakshmi or Navagraha panel like other temples. Instead, it has a panel showing Shiva-Parvati in the center. Below them are their mounts, Nandi and lion. They are both seated opposite to each other, separated by a trident which is placed in between. The front side of the Vimana has the sculpture of Ravana trying to lift Kailasa mountain (Ravana Anugraha Murti) where Shiva and Parvati are seated. Kartikeya and Ganesha are present on either side, while a lion and a bull are below Shiva-Parvati. Ravana is shown with five heads and ten arms.

Above the sculpture of Ravana Anugraha Murti, a sculpture of twelve armed Nataraja is found in the front side of Vimana. He is shown holding a serpent in his two upper hands, spread across his body above his head. His mount, Nandi, is shown seated near his feet on his right. Above the Nataraja image, an image of Lakulisa is present suggesting the affiliation to the Pasupatha sect.

The Vimana have many sculptures and scroll works like Lakulisa, Nataraja along with a Kartikeya on peacock, rare dancing Ardhanareeswarar, Harihara, Ganesha, marriage scene of Parvati and Shiva, Linga pooja by devotees, royal procession, fighting scenes, amorous couples, hamsa motif, makara motif, etc. Only Kartikeya is found as the niche image and the other niches are empty without any idols.

Connectivity

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Lakshmanesvara Temple, Bhubaneswar, Odisha

Lakshmanesvara Temple is a Hindu Temple dedicated to Lord Shiva located in Bhubaneswar, the state capital of Odisha, India. The Temple is considered as one of the oldest temples in Bhubaneshwar. The Temple was believed to be built in 6^th Century CE. Lakshmanesvara Temple is one of three temples located in the same complex and they are all located opposite to Ramesvara Temple. The other two temples located in the complex are Bharatesvara Temple and Satrughnesvara Temple. This group of temples along with Ramesvara Temple completes the set of four temples named after the four main heroes of Ramayana. This Temple is situated on the left side of the road leading from Kalpana chowk to Lingaraja temple and just opposite to the Ramesvara temple. This group of Temples are maintained by Archeological Survey of India.

Legends

History

The Temple

This temple shares the same campus with Bharatesvara Temple and Satrughnesvara temple. These temples are constructed in a line on north-south axis. All these Temples are enclosed within a compound wall. This is a west facing temple. Only the lower part of this temple had survived and the temple in current form is reconstruction. It is the first temple in the group of temples and located in the northern most corner of the complex.

This temple is a living temple. Presiding Deity is called as Lakshmanesvara. He is housed in the sanctum in the form of Shiva Linga. Nandi can be found facing the sanctum. The main entrance door, in all the temples, is in T-shape design, reminiscent of the Gupta period temples. Dvarapalas and ornate scroll works can be found at the doorjambs. An image of Surya is found above the lintel over the main entrance. The temple is triratha on plan and triangabada in elevation.

The temple has a rekha vimana of early Kalingan order. The interior is plain. Remains of a rectangular plinth in front of the temple suggests presence of a jagamohana (hall). A single pillar is found lying inside the sanctum suggesting that the jagamohana was a pillared hall. The exterior wall is decorated with varieties of motifs, amorous couples, flying Vidyadharas, hamsa, makara motifs etc. Some scattered architectural fragments are found near the temple.

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Bharatesvara Temple, Bhubaneswar, Odisha

Bharatesvara Temple is a Hindu Temple dedicated to Lord Shiva located in Bhubaneswar, the state capital of Odisha, India. The Temple is considered as one of the oldest temples in Bhubaneshwar. The Temple was believed to be built in 6^th Century CE. Bharatesvara Temple is one of three temples located in the same complex and they are all located opposite to Ramesvara Temple. The other two temples located in the complex are Lakshmanesvara Temple and Satrughnesvara Temple. This group of temples along with Ramesvara Temple completes the set of four temples named after the four main heroes of Ramayana. This Temple is situated on the left side of the road leading from Kalpana chowk to Lingaraja temple and just opposite to the Ramesvara temple. This group of Temples are maintained by Archeological Survey of India.

Legends

History

The Temple

This temple shares the same campus with Lakshmanesvara Temple and Satrughnesvara temple. These temples are constructed in a line on north-south axis. All these Temples are enclosed within a compound wall. This is a west facing temple. It is located in the middle among the three temples. This temple is a living temple. Presiding Deity is called as Bharatesvara. He is housed in the sanctum in the form of Shiva Linga. Nandi can be found facing the sanctum.

The main entrance door, in all the temples, is in T-shape design, reminiscent of the Gupta period temples. The temple is triratha on plan and triangabada in elevation. The temple has a rekha vimana of early Kalingan order. Dvarapalas and ornate scroll works can be found at the doorjambs. The lintel above the doorjambs is decorated with a frieze depicting the capture of wild elephants. Sculpture of Lakulisa can be found in the current structure of the temple.

Connectivity

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Bakresvara Temple, Bhubaneswar, Odisha

Bakresvara Temple is a Hindu Temple dedicated to Lord Shiva located in Bhubaneswar, the state capital of Odisha, India. The temple is situated very close to Papanasini Pond. This is not a living temple and is being maintained by ASI. This Temple is located very close to Yamesvara Temple and Bharati Matha.

History

The Temple was built in 14^th Century CE by the Ganga Kings.

The Temple

This is an east facing Temple and it is not living temple. There is no deity found in the sanctorum. The consists of sanctum and Jagamohana. The Sanctum follows Rekha deula style and Saptha ratha on plan. The jagamohana follows Pidha Deula style and Nava ratha on plan. The Jagamohana has Gaja Lakshmi on Lalatabimba and Navagrahas over the lintel. There are no sculptures on the temple walls.

Connectivity

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Baitala Deula, Bhubaneswar, Odisha

Baitala Deula is a Hindu Temple dedicated to Goddess Chamunda located in Bhubaneswar, the state capital of Odisha, India. It is considered as one of the oldest temples in Bhubaneswar. It is also locally known as Tini Mundia deula due to the three spires on top of it, a very distinct and unusual feature. The three spires are believed to represent the three powers of the goddess Chamunda - Mahasaraswati, Mahalakshmi and Mahakali. The actual name of the temple is Kapalini temple. It is a Tantric temple worshiped by Kapalikas and Tantriks.

This temple is situated in the same compound of the Sisireswarar Temple. Vaital temple is the earliest and most interesting Sakta shrine in Orissa. This Temple is considered as an important temple among the Tantric shrines. The temple was called as Vaital temple by the locals, which was probably derived from the word 'Vetal' which means spirit. The temple is situated on the left side of the Rath road leading from Gosagaresvar chowk to Badehibanka chowk near Bindu Sagar Lake.

History

It might have been built by the Bhaumakara queen Tribhuvana Mahadevi during 8^th Century AD. This temple is situated in the same compound of the Sisireswarar Temple. Based on the architectural style, Baitala Deula might have been built little later than the Sisireswara temple.

The Temple

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Connectivity

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Baitala Deula, Bhubaneswar – The Temple

Baitala Deula is popularly known as Tini Mundiya Mandira (the three headed temple). The temple complex is below the ground level. The temple is dedicated to goddess Chamunda. The three projecting spires are said to represent Mahasaraswati, Mahalaxmi and Mahashakti. The temple based on its architecture can be traced to the transitional phase of Kalinga School of Architecture. The east facing Baitala Deula temple has a rectangular vimana with semi-cylindrical shape roof and Jagamohana enclosed by an irregular compound wall.

It shares the compound wall with a nearby Sisireswarar temple. Its vimana is a good example for Khakhara order, an order that was specially devoted to the tantric cults. This vimana slightly resembles the Dravidian Gopuram style. The Jagamohana is flat roofed and has miniature rekha shrine at each corner of the four sides. The temple is triangabada in elevation. The plan of the deula is oblong and the jagamohana is a rectangular structure, but embedded in each angle is a small subsidiary shrine.

Another unusual feature is that its narrow entrance door on the eastern side has no room left for dvarapalas. The Naga now housed inside was originally planned to be placed at the entrance serving dvarapalas. There are five idols of Ganesha, Narasimha, Parvati, Mahishasuramardhini and Naga inside the jagamohana. Parvati, Mahishasuramardhini and Ardhanariswara are the niche idols around the shrine.

The presiding deity, Chamunda or Charchika, locally known as Kapalini is housed in the sanctum. She sits on a corpse flanked by a jackal and an owl and decorated with a garland of skulls. She has emaciated body (literally skeleton) with sunken belly, sunken eyes and open mouth. She wears garland of skull and has serpent on her head. She has eight arms and holds snake, bow, shield, sword, trident, thunderbolt and arrows. The neck of a Rakshasa is pierced in the arrow. She is in a terrifying form. The idol is actually a relief image carved in the central niche inside the main shrine.

The carvings of Shiva and Parvati in the seated posture are found in the back side of Chamunda. A small carving of Lakshmi is found above Chamunda. The Chamunda is surrounded by a host of other smaller size allied deities carved in the lower parts of the walls, each within a niche separate by a pilaster. The figure on the east wall, to the right of the door, is a skeleton form of Bhairava forming the counterpart of Chamunda.

The other, carved on the north wall, rises from ground, having filled his skull-cup with the blood of a person whose severed head lies on the right. On the pedestal is an offering of two more heads on a tray resting on a tripod, flanked by a jackal feasting on the decapitated body on the right and a woman holding a head on the left. The tantric character of the temple is also marked by the stone post, to which sacrificial offerings were tethered, just in front of the jagamohana. Artificial light is needed to see in the darkness of the interior, though early morning sun lights up the interior.

The sanctum doorway has female dvarapalas. This sanctum differ from others in the manner that it has various images installed around its internal sides. Idols of Ganesha, Sapta Matas (the seven female deities), Veerabhadra, Bhairava, Shivaduti, Mahakala, Gaja Samhara Moorthy, Varaha, Abhalakapeswara and Kubera are found in its internal side of the sanctum. All these deities are found in the sitting posture and their respective mounts are found along with them. Shivaduti is a female deity. It is rare to find eight female deities together (along with Sapta Matas).

Chamunda is one of the seven Matas. She is found in the central niche whereas the other six Sapta Matas are in the side walls. Bhairav is not in his usual posture. Similar to Chamunda, his body is also emaciated with sunken belly and is looking ferocious. Abhalakapeswara is a form of Shiva. He is found under the serpent and is in the sitting posture. More than Shiva, he resembles Jain Tirthankara. Mahakala is another form of Shiva who is found seated on a corpse.

The outer walls of temple have many panels of deities mostly related to Shiva and Shakti in different forms. Some sculptures depict the erotic couples and few scenes like hunting processions or capturing the wild elephants. Also, so many Nayikas are found in different postures all over the outer wall. The facade of the deula above the left of the jagamohana is dominated by two chaitya windows. The lower one having a beautifully carved figure of Surya, the Sun God noted for its facial expression, with Usha (Dawn) and Pratyusha shooting arrows on either side and with Aruna in front, driving a chariot of seven horses.

The medallion in the upper Chaitya window houses a 10-armed Nataraja or dancing Shiva. In front of the flat roofed Jagamohana is a stone post relieved with two Buddha like figures seated in Dharma-Chakra-Pravartana mudra. One more important sculpture found in the outer wall is Mahisasuramardini. Mahisasuramardini has eight arms. She holds sword, trident, thunder bolt, Trisula, shield, bow and snake. The buffalo headed demon Mahisha is lying down under her feet. The mount lion bites the right elbow of the demon whereas the snake in the arms of Goddess draws out the tongue from the mouth of the demon.

Another important sculpture found in the outer wall is of Durga. Durga has four arms and holds Japamala, trident, khadga (a type of sword) and a vase in her arms. Above her head, two flying Vidyadharas are found. Two female attendants flank her. Some of the other designs and sculptures on the outer walls of the main shrine and Jagamohana include Jali pattern, scroll works, elephants, lions, Ardhanareeswarar, Lakulisa, Vidyadharas and Mithuna figures.

Arjunesvara Temple, Bhubaneshwar, Odisha

Arjunesvara Temple is a Hindu Temple dedicated to Lord Shiva located in Bhubaneswar, the state capital of Odisha, India. The Temple is situated on the southern embankment of the Bindu Sagar tank.

History

This temple was believed to be built in the 12^th - 13^th Century C.E by Ganga Kings. The temple was repaired by Orissa State Archaeology.

The Temple

This is a west facing temple and currently not in worship. The temple has a square vimana with a frontal porch on plan. The vimana is of rekha order on elevation and saptaratha in plan. All the niches are empty.

Connectivity

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Jagannath Temple, Puri, Odisha

Jagannath Temple is a Hindu Temple dedicated to Lord Vishnu, located on the eastern coast of India at Puri, a famous pilgrimage town in the state of Odisha, India. The temple is an important pilgrimage destination. It is considered by many Hindus to be one of the four holiest places (dhams) and is particularly revered by Vaishnavas as the home of Krishna in his form of Jagannatha, Lord of the Universe. It is strictly forbidden for non-Hindus to enter the Jagannatha temple.

The Puri temple is famous for its annual Ratha yatra, or chariot festival, in which the three principal deities are pulled on huge and elaborately decorated temple cars. These gave their name to the English term Juggernaut. Unlike the stone and metal icons found in most Hindu temples, the image of Jagannath is made of wood and is ceremoniously replaced every twelve or nineteen years by an exact replica. The temple is sacred to all Hindus and especially in those of the Vaishnava traditions.

Many great saints, such as Ramananda and Ramanuja were closely associated with the temple. Ramanuja established the Emar Mutt near the temple and the Govardhan Mutt, which is the seat of one of the four Shankaracharyas. It is also of particular significance to the followers of the Gaudiya Vaishnavism whose founder Chaitanya Mahaprabhu, was attracted to the deity, Jagannath, and lived in Puri for many years. Odisha has Konark as the Surya Kshetra, Puri as the Vishnu kshetra, Bhubaneshwar as the Hara Kshetra and Jaipur as the Parvati Kshetra.

Bhubaneshwar, Konarak and Puri constitute the Golden triangle of Orissa, visited in large numbers by pilgrims and tourists. Puri is also known as Sri Purusottama Dhama or Martya Vaikuntha, the abode of Lord Vishnu on earth. Other names are Srikshetra (best of all sacred centers), Purusottama Kshetra (the abode of the supreme being), Nilachal, Nalagiri, Sankha Kshetra, and Jagannatha Dhama. The Temple is located at about 2 Kms from Puri Bus Stand and 3 Kms from Puri Railway Station.

Legends

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History

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The Temple

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Pooja Timings

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Entry & Darshan

Only Hindus and Buddhist and Jain groups able to prove their Indian ancestry are permitted to enter the temple. Visitors not allowed to enter may view the temple and precinct from the roof of the nearby Raghunandan Library. There is some evidence that this policy came into force following a series of invasions by foreigners into the temple and surrounding area. The temple is open from 5:00 am to midnight.

Unlike in many other temples devotees, can go around and behind the idols. During the special darshan, or parimanik darshan, devotees pay a small fee to go right up to the statues. All devotees are allowed to go right up to the deities during the Sahana mela (general appearance) 7-8:00am without paying any fees. Non-Hindus can walk within the walls and see the beautiful garden, but they are not allowed in the temple building.

Festivals

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Religious Significance

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Veshas

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Food Offerings

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Sevayats

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Contact

Jagannath Temple,

Puri – 752001

Odisha, India

Phone: +91 6752 223 002 / 222 002 / 222 033 / 222 034

Fax: +91 6752 223 939

Connectivity

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Jagannath Temple, Puri – The Temple

The Jagannatha Temple at Puri is one of the major Hindu temples built in the Kalinga style of architecture. The temple faces the east. The huge temple complex is built on an elevated platform covers an area of about 420,000 square feet (39,000 m2) area) above the adjacent area. The temple complex is enclosed by two rectangular walls. The outer enclosure is called Meghanada Prachira, 200m (665 ft) by 192m (640 ft). The walls are 6m (20 feet) high. The inner wall is called Kurmabedha, 126m (420 ft) by 95m (315 ft). The walls were built during the 15^th or 16^th century.

This 20 feet (6.1 m) high wall is known as Meghanada Pacheri. The reverberating, roaring noise of the sea which is well heard till the entrance of the Singha dwara will eventually dies as the devotees climb up the Baisi Pahacha. It is believed that the noise of the sea disturbed the Lord and hence he built the great Meghanada Pacheri (wall that surrounds the temple premises) to act as an acoustic against the noise of the waves. Although, physics would deny an open-air restriction but somehow, the theorems have fallen short of giving a firm explanation to afore mentioned phenomena.

Another wall known as Kurma Bedha surrounds the main temple. It contains at least 120 shrines. Among the existing temples in Orissa, the temple of Shri Jagannath is the highest. The shikhara of the Jagannath temple towers to a height of 214 feet (65 meters). The Vimana and the pyramidal roofs of the surrounding temples and adjoining halls, or mandapas, rise in steps toward the tower like a ridge of mountain peaks.

The temple consists of four structures namely; Sanctum Sanctorum, Jagamohan or Mukhasala (the porch), Natamandir (the audience hall) and the Bhogamandapa (the hall for residuary offerings) built in a row in an axial alignment in east-west direction. Non-Hindus are not allowed inside the shrine. Non-Hindus can have a fair view of the inside of the temple from the nearby roof of the Raghunandan library, opposite the main gate of the shrine.

Entrance Gates:

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Baisi Pahacha:

There are flight of steps immediately after the main entrance (Sinhadwara / Eastern Gate / Lion Gate). These steps are locally called as Baisi Pahacha (literally means, twenty-two steps). It is interesting to note that great reverence is shown to this flight of twenty-two steps. The parents bring their children & make them slowly roll over the steps from the top to the bottom ones in expectation of spiritual bliss in as much as countless devotees have walked on the steps which are believed to be throbbing with spiritual animation.

Rosaighara (Temple Kitchen):

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Hanuman Shrines:

Nata Mandir (Dancing Hall):

Nata Mandir is also known known as Natamandapa (Dancing Hall). This is a spacious hall, 21m (65 ft) in length and 20m (61 ft) wide. Garuda Stambha is situated in Nata Mandir. It is the place where Chaitanya Mahaprabhu used to stand. It is believed that the potency of a devotee’s prayers to the Lord is increased when he stands near this sacred pillar.

Bhoga Mandapa (Offerings Hall):

It is situated next to Nata Mandir. It is a spacious hall, 18m (60 ft) in length and 17m (56 ft) wide. There are sculptures and paintings about Lord Krishna’s pastimes and other stories in this hall. Food offerings are made to the Lord in the Mandapa.

Mukhasala (Audience Hall):

Mukhasala is considered as Jagamohana (Audience Hall) of the temple. Mukhasala is situated before the sanctum. It is the hall for audience where devotees gather for worship. There are four doors. The Kalaghata dwara door leads to the sanctorum. The southern door leads out of the temple and the northern door to the Ratna Bhandar (Treasury house).

Sanctum:

The Sanctum houses the triad of Jagannath, Balarama and Subhadra. Sister Subhadra is in between the two brothers and smaller in size. The inner sanctum contains statues of these three Gods carved from sacred neem logs known as Daru sitting on the bejeweled platform or ratnabedi (Throne of Pearls), along with statues of Sudarsana Chakra, Madan Mohan, Sridevi and Vishwadhatri. The deities are adorned with different clothing and jewels according to the season. Worship of these deities pre-dates the building of the temple and may have originated in an ancient tribal shrine.

The Vimana is constructed in Pancharatha (temple containing five Pagas or segments) Rekha order. The sanctum is a curvilinear structure and the top is crowned with Sri Chakra (an eight spoked wheel) of Vishnu. The temple tower was built on a raised platform of stone and, rising to 214 feet (65 m) above the inner sanctum where the deities reside, dominates the surrounding landscape. Devotee can circumambulate the deities between 8:30 am and 9:30 am.

Vimala Temple (Bimala Temple):

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Madana Mohana Shrine:

It is situated to the west of the south gate of Jagamohana. It is adjacent to the sanctum. Madana Mohana is the utsava deity of Lord Jagannath.

Ganesha Shrine:

This Shrine is situated in front of Bimala Temple. It houses a beautiful image of Ganesha made of black granite. He is dancing on the mouse, his vehicle.

Maha Lakshmi Shrine:

Mahalakshmi Shrine is situated behind the sanctum to the right-hand side. The Shrine consists of Sanctum, Jagamohana, Nata Mandir and Bhoga Mandapa. Mahalakshmi Shrine has an important role in rituals of the main temple. It is said that preparation of Naivedhya as offering for Jagannath is supervised by Mahalakshmi.

Bhubaneswari Shrine:

Bhubaneswari Shrine houses five principal Shakthi (Mothers) in the shrine. Hence, the shrine came to be called as Pancha Sakthi Shrine. Pancha Sakthi housed in the shrine are Saraswathi, Gayatri, Savitri, Sasthi and Bhubaneswari. It is customary to worship in this shrine before worshipping Lord Jagannath.

Bhanda Ganesh Shrine:

This shrine houses Bhanda Ganesh, a tantric deity. The idol of Bhanda Ganesh is believed to have been brought from Karnataka and installed in the temple premises by King Kapilendradeva during 15^th Century AD. Sculptural designs on the image stand testimony to its origin

Kanchi Ganesh Shrine:

This Shrine is situated right next to the Kalpa Bata Vriksha. Kanchi Ganesh Shrine is dedicated to Uchchhishta Ganapati. Tradition says the King of Kanchipuram (Kanchi) in ancient times gifted the idol, when Gajapati Purushottama Deva married Padmavati, the Kanchi princess. He is also called as Nata Ganesh. There is a small idol of Mushika (mouse), vehicle of Lord Ganesha can be seen in front of the shrine. The idol has a thorny and prickly surface from the day it got installed. Devotees do not forget to touch the idol of the Mushika to get a sense its peculiar thorny surface. It is almost become a ritual nowadays.

Sakshi Gopal Shrine:

After defeating Kanchi King, victorious Purusottam, on his way back from Kanchi, had brought the deity of Sakshi Gopala and installed in sanctum. Later Sakshi Gopala was shifted to Satyapadi on the request of Lord Jagannath.

Bajreswari Shrine:

This Shrine houses Bajreswari, the Sakti of Indra. She is popularly known as Indrani.

Kuttam Chandi Shrine:

This Shrine houses a peculiar deity called Kuttam Chandi. The image of Kuttam Chandi is depicted with the body of a dog and head of human. She is believed to be Mother of Bhairavi, the chief Tantric / Shakti deity. Followers of Shakti cult claims that it was this image that adorned the main sanctum of the temple and since the offerings made to the Mother after invocation were given to a dog, she has assumed this form.

Kalpa Ganesh Shrine:

Kalpa Ganesh Shrine is situated just under the Kalpavata. The image carved in white marble stone is popularly believed to be the fulfiller of wishes of those devotees who chant the Bija Mantra of Ganesh for 108 times here.

Khirachora Gopinath Shrine:

This Shrine houses a black marble image of Child Krishna. He is called as Khirachora Gopinath.

Narasimha Shrine:

Narasimha Shrine is situated adjacent to the western side of the Mukti Mandapa. It is said to have been constructed before Jagannatha Temple. He is called as Yajnya Narasingha or Mukta Narasingha. This temple faces towards east. During the Nabakalebara, Narasingha is recognized as the presiding deity for the time being

Pataleswari Shrine:

Pataleswari Shrine is situated to the west of the north gate of the Kurma Prachira. Some portion of the temple lies under ground. King Ananga Bhima Deva had built this temple.

Isanesvara Shrine:

Isanesvara Shrine is situated near the elephant gate. Most portion of the temple is buried underground.

Nilachal Upabana:

It is situated towards the southern and western quarters of the outer enclosure. This garden supplies daily worship requirements of the Lord like Tulsi, Flowers etc. Visitors are allowed here on payment of a minimal fees.

Ananta Vasudeva Shrine:

This Shrine is one of the oldest shrine in the temple complex. It is situated to the west of Kurma Prachira. Frontal porch or Mukha Sala is bigger than the Vimana.

Surya Yantra Shrine:

This Shrine houses an engraving of Yantra (drawing) of Sun-God.

Kshetrapal Shrine:

Kshetrapal Shrine houses the guardian deity of the Jagannatha Temple Complex.

Kashi Viswanath Shrine:

Kashi Viswanath Shrine is situated to the left of Baisipahacha (twenty-two slips). It is customary to visit Lord Shiva first before visiting Lord Jagannath.

Ramachandra Shrine:

This is a small shrine situated adjacent to Kashi Viswanath Shrine. This shrine houses the idols of Lord Rama, Lakshmana, Sita and Hanuman. Abhaya Narasimha and Siddha Vinayak can be found in a minor shrine adjacent to Ramachandra Shrine.

Agneyswar Shrine:

Agneyswar Shrine is situated to the left side of the inner enclosure. The Lord is popularly believed to be the guardian deity of Kurma Bedha (the inner enclosure/wall).

Satya Narayana Shrine:

Satya Narayana Shrine houses the beautiful image of Lord Vishnu in white clad and having four arms made of black granite. During the sandal past offering to the deities, their ornaments are kept here.

Bahar Bedha:

The area between Meghanada Pacheri (the outer wall) and Kurma Bedha (the inner wall) or the inner enclosure of the Jagannath temple is known as Bahar Bedha or Outer courtyard. There are various idols and shrines in this outer courtyard. They are Baikuntheswara, Radhakrishna (also called Bardhaman), Tapasyi, Hanuman, Uttarayani, Sitala, Bedha Lokanath, Aisanyesvara, Dakshinadwar Mahadeva, Sri Rama Chandra, Shadabhuja, Gouranga, Hiranya Vidaram, Narasimha, Barabhai, Hanuman, Ladu Gopal, Budhi Maa, Paschimadwar Hanuman, Chakra Narayan Deva, Niladri Bihar, Saraghar Ganesh and Annapurna.

It is located in the western portion of the temple between the outer and inner walls and approachable from the northern gate (Elephant Gate). During ‘Nava-Kalevara’ (new incarnation ceremony), when Lord Jagannatha, Baladeva, and Subhadra are newly carved, the old images are buried here.

Snanavedi:

It is the bathing platform meant for the deities. It is situated to the north-east of Ananda Bazar and besides the Meghanada Pacheri. The length and breadth of this bathing platform is 76 feet. On the day of Snana yatra (bathing festival) the deities are brought here for a ceremonial bathing.

Niladri Vihara:

Niladri Vihara is an art gallery, situated near the western gate of Jagannath temple complex. It houses artforms of life history of Lord Jagannatha and various incarnations of Lord Vishnu.

Sona Kua:

Sona Kua or the Golden Well is situated near the northern gate (Elephant gate). The water of this well is used in bathing of Lord Jagannatha during Snana Yatra.

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Kalpavata:

Three Banyan trees can be found in the vicinity of Mukti Mandapa. The Banyan Tree situated to the west of Satya Narayana and to the north of Hari Sahadeva is the real Kalpavata. The others are its off shoots and branches. This tree is also known as Devanashan Vata, Akhayavata, Banchhavata and Vansivata. During the great deluge (Mahapralaya), the Kalpavata was not submerged under water. Lord Vishnu was floating over water while slipping on one of its leaves. The spiritual belief of devotees is that the tree has special powers and fulfils desires. It is ritualistically believed that one's wish turns true and asked desire is realized if one ties a strand of sacred thread on the branch of the Kalpa Vata Vriksha. This custom continues till date and the Kalpa Vata Vriksha (tree) is covered with millions of sacred thread all over itself.

Pancha Tirthas:

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Pancha Tirthas, Puri, Odisha

Pancha Tirthas are a group of sacred Tirthas, located in Puri, a famous pilgrimage town in the state of Odisha, India. Hindus consider it essential to bathe in the Pancha Tirtha or the five sacred bathing spots of Puri, India, to complete a pilgrimage to Puri. By visiting Lord Jagannath and bathing in the Pancha Tirthas the pilgrims gets Salvation.

The five sacred water bodies are:

Indradyumna Tank:

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Mahodadhi:

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Markandeya Tank:

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Rohini Kunda:

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Sweta Ganga Tank:

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Sweta Ganga Tank, Puri, Odisha

Sweta Ganga Tank is one of the sacred Tirthas, located in Puri, a famous pilgrimage town in the state of Odisha, India. Sweta Ganga Tank is one of the five Panchatirthas in Puri Dham, situated on the western side of the Jagannath Temple, midway between the Lions Gate and Swargadwar, the cremation ghat. Sweta Ganga Tank is located at about 500 meters from Puri Jagannatha Temple, 2 Kms from Puri Bus Stand and 3 Kms from Puri Railway Station. This sacred bathing tank is located just opposite Ganga Mata Math.

Legends

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The Tank

Swetaganga is a small sacred tank situated to the west of the Jagannath Temple in Puri. The Swetaganga is situated in between Lions gate and Swargadwar. There are two small temples, dedicated to Sweta Madhava and Matsya Madhava on the banks of Sweta Ganga Tank. Devotees visit these Vishnu temples to perform sraddha ceremonies, and after the burning of bodies at the cremation ghat they come to Swetaganga for purifying bath. Pilgrims coming to get darshan of Lord Jagannath often bathe first in the Sea (Mahodadhi), then in Swetaganga and the other three tanks before visiting Lord Jagannath.

Connectivity

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Markandeya Tank, Puri, Odisha

Markandeya Tank is one of the sacred Tirthas, located in Puri, a famous pilgrimage town in the state of Odisha, India. Markandeya Tank is one of the five Panchatirthas in Puri Dham, is located on the north side of Jagannatha Temple. Markandeya Tank is considered the starting point of pilgrimage, for pilgrims to Puri.

Markandeya tank is located at about 1.5 Kms from Puri Jagannatha Temple, 2 Kms from Puri Bus Stand and 3.5 Kms from Puri Railway Station. Markandeya tank is located behind the Markandesvara Temple across the compound wall, in upara Markandesvara Sahi, Puri. One can approach the site from the right side of the Markandesvara road leading from upara Markandesvara chowk to Brahmagiri.

Legends

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History

The Tank was excavated in 12^th Century by Ganga Kings.

The Tank

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Inscriptions

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Festivals

This tank is also important as it is connected with a lot of rituals associated with Lord Jagannatha, the most important being Chandan yatra. Rituals like obsequies, Pindadana, Tarpan and Mundana Kriya are observed at the steps of the tank.

Prayers

Bathing first in the Markandeya Tank, then worshipping Lord Shiva of Markandesvara Temple is said to be equivalent in performing both Rajasuya and Ashvamedha Yagnas.

Connectivity

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Markandeya Tank, Puri – Legends

Purusottama Kshetra:

After the Mahapralaya, Markandeya alone survived because he was blessed to be immortal by Lord Shiva. However, Markandeya was floating in the deluge looking for shelter. Suddenly he saw an island with a banyan tree. To his great surprise, Markandeya observed that a sapphire blue baby lying on a leaf playfully sucking his toe. When Markandeya approached the child to learn his identity, the baby inhaled and forcefully drew the sage into his body. Within that baby's belly, he saw the fourteen planetary systems and all the ruling demigods. Markandeya traveled toward the end of creation but failed to reach it.

As Markandeya marveled at the unprecedented display, the baby exhaled and threw the sage out. Now Markandeya realized that the infant was none other than Lord Krishna. Awestruck Markandeya enquired why this particular tract of land was unaffected by the pralaya. Lord Krishna responded that this is my abode called Purusottama Kshetra (Jagannatha Puri). On hearing this astonishing fact, Markandeya stayed here in Puri. The sage Markandeya is also said to have meditated at this place after the Lord saved him from drowning in the sea. The Sage performed a yagna here, and also built a temple.

Four Ashrams:

There are four prominent Ashrams or hermitages in Puri connected with Puri Jagannath Temple rituals and Markandeya Ashram is one among them. The other three Ashrams are Bhrigu Ashram, Angira Ashram and Kandu Ashram. Markandeya Ashram is situated on the banks of Markandeya Theertham.

Pancha Pandava Temples:

Jameswar Temple is one of the Pancha Pandava Temple of Puri. As per the legend, Pancha Pandavas (Yudhishthira, Bhima, Arjuna, Nakula and Sahadeva) during their exile visited Puri and stayed here for one day. They worshipped Lord Vishnu for the safety of their journey. As a symbol of their visit, five Shiva temples were built at Puri in memory of their stay at this holy place. These famous five Shiva temples are Lokanatha, Jameswara, Kapalamochana, Markandeswarar and Nilakanthesvara. Together, these temples are called as Pancha Pandava Temples. Yamesvara Temple is associated with Arjuna, one of the brother among the Pancha Pandavas. Markandeswarar Temple is situated on the banks of Markandeya Theertham.

Ashta Shambhus:

As per Skanda Purana Purusottama Mahatmya, Puri is called as Shankha Kshetra as it is conch shaped. Puri Jagannath Temple stands at the centre. lt is surrounded and protected by eight shrines called Ashta Shambhus. Markandeswar is one among them. The others are Kapalamochana, Kshetrapal, Yameshwar, lshaneswar, Bilweswar and Neelakantha. Markandeswarar Temple is situated on the banks of Markandeya Theertham.

Panchatirthas:

As per Brahma purana, the sage Markandeya founded this Shaiva shrines in Vishnu Kshetra in order to close the rivalry between Shaivas and Vaishnavas. Sri Jagannath directed Sudarsana Chakra to dig a pond for Markandeya. That pond was named after Markandeya and became the Adya Tirtha among the Panchatirthas viz. Markandeya tank, Swetaganga, Rohini Kunda, Mahodadhi and Indradyumna tank.

Location in Sixth fold of Shankha Kshetra:

The Markandeya tirtha is located in the sixth fold of Shankha Kshetra. Markanda Tank, the ancient hermitage and Markandeswar Temple reside here together at Puri Dham.

Kaliya Mardana Lila:

Sri Madana Mohan, Lord Jagannatha's utsava Murti, enacts his Kaliya Mardana Lila in this holy Markandeya Tank.

Markandeya Tank, Puri – The Tank

Markandeya Tank is an open structure which is enclosed within stone walls made of laterite blocks. The tank is irregular in shape and 8.5 meters below the present road level. Its sides measure 106.68 m. (350 ft) on the northern side, 154.8385 m. (508 ft) on the eastern side, 117.348 m. (385 ft) in the southern side and 165.2026 m. (542 ft) on the western side. The tank covers an area of nearly 1.6187 hectares (4.598 Acres). Bathing Ghats are provided for the tourists in southern side of the tank.

The tank is fed by a natural spring from the underground. The excess and waste water is discharged through an outlet channel in the north-eastern wall. As a result, the water level of the tank remains constant throughout the year. An inlet channel in west side is found in dilapidated condition. The specialty of the tank is that there is a sacrificial altar at the centre of the tank. Markandeswar Temple can be found on the south side of the Tank.

In the north eastern corner of the compound wall there is a niche. In the northern wall there are fifteen niches. In the western wall there are thirty four niches. In two of these niches detached sculptures are there. It appears that originally these niches of the tank house various cult images. Two detached sculptures of female figure and Hanuman are noticed in the north eastern compound wall of the tank.

Previously at the northern side of the tank, there are seven stone images, each four feet high, kept over a platform representing the Sapta Matrikas or seven sacred mothers (Brahmi, Maheshwari, Kaumari, Vaishnavi, Varahi, Indrani and Chamunda). These Seven Mothers are also accompanied by images of Lord Ganesha and Lord Virabhadra. Each idol is about four feet high kept over a platform. These idols are flanked by idols of Ganesh and Virabhadra at each side. Each mother except Chamunda has her child in her lap. A new shrine by the side of Gamha Vedi has been built to house all the idols.

Mahodadhi, Puri, Odisha

Mahodadhi, Puri, Odisha

Mahodadhi is one of the sacred Tirthas, located in Puri, a famous pilgrimage town in the state of Odisha, India. The sacred bathing spot of sea in the Swargadwar area is called as Mahodadhi. It is one of the five Panchatirthas in Puri Dham. Mahodadhi is located at about 1.5 Kms from Puri Jagannatha Temple, 3 Kms from Puri Railway Station and 3.5 Kms from Puri Bus Stand.

The Sea

Puri Beach is known for being a tourist attraction and a Hindu sacred place. The beach here is not just a pilgrimage place; it is a Maha tirtha, a great pilgrimage site. The beach is the site of the annual Puri Beach Festival, which is co-sponsored by the Indian Ministry of Tourism, the city of Odisha, the Development Commissioner of Handicrafts, and the Eastern Zonal Cultural Center, Kolkata. The beach hosts sand art displays, including work by international award-winning local sand artist Sudarshan Patnaik.

Rituals

The Samudra arati is a daily tradition started by the present Shankaracharya 9 years ago. The daily practice includes prayer and fire offering to the sea at Swargadwar in Puri by disciples of the matha. On Paush Purnima of every year the Shankaracharya himself comes out to offer prayers to the sea.

Prayers

It is a belief that the pilgrims attain Salvation by visiting Lord Jagannath and bathing in the Pancha Tirthas.

Connectivity

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Indradyumna Tank, Puri, Odisha

Indradyumna Tank is one of the sacred Tirthas, located in Puri, a famous pilgrimage town in the state of Odisha, India. It is one of the five Panchatirthas in Puri Dham, located to the northwest of Gundicha Temple. Indradyumna Tank is renowned for its spiritual significance and its relationship with Lord Sri Krishna. Indradyumna Tank is located behind the Nilakanthesvara and Radha Krishna temple, Matiapara, Puri. The Tank is located at about 1.5 Kms from Puri Bus Stand, 2 Kms from Puri Railway Station and 4 Kms from Puri Jagannatha Temple.

Legends

Indradyumna Tank:

During the period of the Mahabharata, King Indradyumna had undertaken a thousand Ashvamedha Yajnas and had donated millions of cows to the Brahmins. A huge depression was thus created by the movement of cattle and was filled up by water used during the yajna. Indradyumna Tank was thus formed. The statue of Lord Jagannath, Balabhadra and Goddess Subhadra being constructed by Vishwakarma is located near this Yanga kunda (Indradyumna Tank).

Tortoises:

The Tank contains several big old tortoises, which came to the pilgrims when called for food. Tradition has it that the laborers who carried stone for the construction of the great temple were, because of hard work, turned into tortoises and remained here ever since.

Sri Chaitanya Mahaprabhu:

Sri Chaitanya Mahaprabhu is believed to have engaged in water sports (Jala Krida) with his associates in the tank.

History

The tank can be dated to the 12^th century AD in Ganga Period.

The Tank

The Indradyumna Tank is 396 feet wide and 485 feet long, covering four and a half acres. The tank is square on plan. Bathing Ghats are provided in all sides. The tank has embankments on all the four sides, the temple of Radha Krishna, Indradyumna, Gopinath, Hanuman and Nilakanthesvara stands on its southern embankment, Ambika temple is in northern side across the road.

Festivals

The tank is used for rituals and normal bathing. This tank is associated with the festival like Kartika Purnima, Chandana Yatra, Sitalasasti, Sankranti, Sradha and Mundan Kriya.

Prayers

It is believed that those who take a holy dip in this tank are redeemed of their sins.

Connectivity

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Sugandha Shaktipeeth, Bangladesh

Sugandha Shaktipeeth is a Hindu Temple dedicated to Goddess Sunanda, located in the village of Shikarpur Barisal District in Bangladesh. This Sakthi Peeth is situated on the banks of Sunanda River. This Temple is considered as one of the Sakthi Peethas. Being one of the Shakti Peethas of Hindu Mythology, this temple is one of the holiest sites for devotees of the Shakti sect of Hinduism. This Temple was famously called as Shikarpur Tarabari by locals.

Legends

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History

There is no exact information available about the construction or establishment of Sugandha Shakti Peeth. This Temple would have existed from ancient times, but it was destroyed multiple times and undergone extensive renovations. Hence, the current temple did not retain its original architecture.

The Temple

This temple is dedicated to Goddess Sunanda and the Bhairav associated with this Temple is lord Triambak. The Bhairav Temple is situated in Ponabalia, located 5 miles south of Jhalkati Railway station. Ponabalia is under the village Shamrail situated on the bank of the river Sunanda. Generally, the Shadow of the temple is not expected to fall on running Water, according to the Agama Shastra. This is one of the rare Temples where the Shadow of The Temple Falls on the River Sunanda.

Temple Opening Time

The Temple remains open from 06.00 AM in the mornings to 6.00 06.00 PM in the evenings.

Festivals

Shiva Chaturdashi festival celebrated in the month of March is the most famous festival celebrated here. Apart from this festival, Navratri is also celebrated with same energy and devotion.

Connectivity

The Temple is located at about 1.5 Kms from Esladi Bus Stop, 19 Kms from Nathullahbad Central Bus Terminal, 20 Kms from Barisal, 145 Kms from Dhaka and 151 Kms from Dhaka Airport. Take bus from Nathullahbad Central Bus Terminal in Barisal City and get down at Esladi Bus Stop. The Temple is about 1.5 Kms from this Bus Stop.

Sharada Peeth, Azad Kashmir, Pakistan

Sharada Peeth is an abandoned Hindu temple and ancient centre of learning in the Pakistani administered territory of Azad Kashmir. It is dedicated to the Hindu goddess of learning, Sharada. The Temple is situated at about 1,981 metres above sea level, along the Neelam River in the village of Sharda, in the valley of Mount Harmukh, which is believed by Kashmiri Pandits to be the abode of Shiva. The Temple is situated in the confluence of Kishen Ganga and Madhumati rivers.

It is situated in a picturesque location; the site is surrounded by snow clad peaks of Sharda and Narada hills of Nanga Parbat range. It is one of the three famous tirthas, or holy sites, for Kashmiri Pandits, the other two being the Martand Sun Temple and the Amarnath Temple. Sharada Peeth is one of 18 Maha Shakti Peethas, or "Grand Shakti Peethas" – highly revered temples throughout South Asia that commemorate the location of fallen body parts of the Hindu deity Sati.

Legends

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History

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The Temple

The Temple is situated at about 1,981 metres above sea level, along the Neelam River in the village of Sharda, in the valley of Mount Harmukh, which is believed by Kashmiri Pandits to be the abode of Shiva. This temple is currently not in worship. Only ruins are found in these places. Its ruins are situated near the Line of Control (LOC) between the Indian and Pakistani-controlled portions of the former princely state of Kashmir and Jammu.

The length of the temple in classical Kashmir style, is 142 feet and width is 94.6 feet. The outer walls of the temple are 6 ft. wide and 11 ft long. And there are arches with 8 ft. height. The structure is damaged, and it is likely that a significant part of the material has been reused in nearby residential buildings.

It is believed that image in the sanctum was a wooden image, later replaced by a stone statue that looked like the Sharada image brought to Sringeri, Karnataka, by Adi Shankaracharya. In this image, the goddess has four arms where she holds a parrot (symbol of Parvati), a pot (symbol of Lakshmi), a book (symbol of Saraswathi) and the gesture indicating transmission of knowledge in the fourth hand.

Religious Significance

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Connectivity

Sharada Peeth is located at about 210 Kms from Muzaffarabad, 124 Kms from Muzaffarabad Airport, 333 Kms from Islamabad and 361 Kms from Islamabad Airport. Sharada Peeth is about 210 Kms from Muzaffarabad, the capital of Pakistan-administered Kashmir and 130 Kms from Srinagar, the capital of Indian-administered Jammu and Kashmir. It is about 10 Kms from the Line of Control, which divides the Pakistani and Indian-controlled areas of the former princely state of Jammu and Kashmir. Sharada Peeth is accessible by Neelam road from Muzaffarabad. Buses run daily between Muzaffarabad and Sharda in good weather. The town has a rest house and a youth hostel of AJK Tourism and Archeology Department for tourists stay. Few private hotels are also located here.

Nainativu Nagapooshani Amman Temple, Srilanka

Nainativu Nagapooshani Amman Temple is an ancient and historic Hindu temple dedicated to Goddess Sakthi and Lord Shiva, located amidst the Palk Strait on the island of Nainativu in Sri Lanka. Presiding Deity is called as Rakshaseshwar / Nayinar and Mother is called as Nagapooshani or Bhuvaneswari. The name of the island alludes to the folklore inhabitants, the Naga people.

This Temple is considered as one of the prominent 64 Shakti Peethas. Being one of the Shakti Peethas of Hindu Mythology, this temple is one of the holiest sites for devotees of the Shakti sect of Hinduism. The temple is a significant symbol for the Tamil people, and has been mentioned since antiquity in Tamil literature, such as Manimekalai, Silapathikaram and Kundalakesi.

Legends

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History

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The Temple

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Temple Opening Time

The Temple remains open from 06.00 AM in the mornings till 06.00 PM in the evenings.

Worship Practices & Festivals

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Connectivity

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Nainativu Nagapooshani Amman Temple – The Temple

This is an east facing Temple. Presiding Deity is called as Rakshaseshwar / Nayinar and Mother is called as Nagapooshani or Bhuvaneswari. The temple complex houses four gopurams (gateway towers) ranging from 20 – 108 feet in height, to the tallest being the eastern Raja Gopuram soaring at 108 feet high. There is an estimated 10,000 sculptures in this newly renovated temple.

Gopurams:

Nainativu Nagapooshani Amman Temple has four decorative and colourful gopurams.

The Raja Gopuram is the largest of the three gopurams that adorn this temple. The largest of its kind in Sri Lanka, it soars to the height of 108 feet. It has over 2000 beautiful stucco images on all four sides. It has 9 tiers with 9 golden Kalasams on its top. The construction started in 2010 and got completed in 2012 with help of artists from Tamil Nadu, India. The consecration ceremony was held in late January 2012. This event was attended by 200,000 devotees from various cities and towns as far as India, Europe, Australia, and North America.

East Gopuram is the oldest of the three gopurams on the modern-day structure. As the name implies it faces east. It rises to the height of 54 feet from the base. This gopuram originally had few stucco images but during the renovation, large number of stucco images have been added to match the Rajagopuram. Sanctum is facing this Gopuram.

The South Gopuram as a fairly new structure built in the early 1970s. As the name implies it faces South. It rises to the height of 54 feet from the base. Shrine housing the Utsava Idols face this Gopuram. On the right side of the South Gopuram entrance is a large life saver-shaped stone - an ancient anchor. Arab ships used to carry such anchors.

The South East Gopuram is a new addition to the temple. Although this gopuram is in the South-East corner of the temple complex, it faces South. Built in December 2011, its primary purpose is to welcome those coming from within the island to worship the Goddess, and visitors from the nearby Naga Vihara (Buddhist Temple). It reaches the height of about 20–25 feet. It is the smallest gopuram and has the fewest number of sculptures.

Ambala Veedhi:

Ambala Veedhi is the street, situated outside of the temple structure and forms the outer pradakshina (path) around the temple.

Nandi:

Nandi can be found facing the sanctum immediately after the Eastern Gopuram. This statue is approximately 8 feet high. It is undoubtedly the only large sized Nandi of its kind in Sri Lanka.

Dwajastambam:

There is a brass plated Dhwaja Sthambam, can be found near Nandi, facing the sanctum.

Sanctum Sanctorum:

The Sanctum Sanctorum follows traditional Dravidian Hindu architecture. The inner wall of the temple together with the outer wall of the central shrine create a pradakshina (path) around the garbhagriha. The entrance is extensively decorated with paintings, sculptures and oil lamps. There is 10 feet high vimana (tower) over the sanctum. The garbhagriha has two entrances; the main entrance facing East, from which the presiding deities can be viewed and one facing South, from which the Utsava Murtis (festival deities) can be viewed. A unique feature of this temple is that Nayinar Swami and Nagapooshani Amman are installed together as if they are one; granting darshanam to devotees as Shiva-Shakti.

Mandapams:

This mandapam is used for special poojas during festivals and fasting days to house to Utsava Murtis (festival deities). It can directly be viewed from outside through a newly constructed archway on the Southern wall of the temple.

This mandapam houses the various vehicles of Utsava Murtis (processional deities). It is located on the North wall of the temple. It houses nearly 50 different vehicles. The most impressive being Ravana-Kailasa Vahanam. This vehicle depicts the demon King of Lanka and ardent devotee of Lord Shiva; Ravana lifting Mount Kailasa while peacefully playing a makeshift veena created from one of his heads and arms by plucking the veins and arteries to soothe Lord Rakshaseshwara (who is the Lord of the Rakshas (of which Ravana is one), Sri Kailasa-Nayinar Swami).

It is believed that Ravana resides within this vehicle and hence it always attracts thousands of devotees when in use. It has become an indisputable icon of this temple due to the myths that surround the visit of Ravana to the island to offer poojas to Lord Rakshaseshwara (who is the Lord of the Rakshas, Sri Kailasa-Nayinar Swami).

This mandapam is used for conducting marriage ceremonies. It is located on the Northern side of the Temple premises.

Annapoorneshwari Annadhana Mandapam:

This mandapam is used for the distribution of free food during festivals and social events. It is located on the Northern side of the Temple premises, nearby the Kalayana Mandapam. Oftentimes this venue is used to serve wedding feasts after wedding ceremonies which are held at the Kalayana Mandapam. It houses Annapoorneshwari Amman, the Hindu Goddess of nourishment, however regular poojas are not offered here.

Amuthasurabi Annadhana Mandapam:

This mandapam is used for the distribution of free food every day to all those who visit the temple. It is located on the southern end of the Temple premises. This mandapam serves to validate the values that are mentioned in the ancient Tamil epic of Manimekalai. The epic is set in both the harbour town of Kaveripoompattinam, the modern town of Puhar in Tamil Nadu, and in Nainativu, a small sandy island of the Jaffna Peninsula.

The story follows the following plot: The dancer-courtesan Manimekalai is pursued by the amorous Chola prince Udyakumaran, but rather wants to dedicate herself to a religious celibate life. The sea goddess Manimekala Theivam (Manimekalai Devi) puts her to sleep and takes her to the island Manipallavam (Nainativu). After waking up and wandering about the island Manimekalai comes across the Dharma-seat, which was placed there by Lord Indra, on which Buddha had taught and appeased two warring Naga princes.

Those who worship it miraculously know their previous life. Manimekalai automatically worshiped it and recollects what has happened in her previous life. She then meets the guardian goddess of the Dharma seat, Deeva-Teelakai (Dvipa Tilaka) who explains her the significance of the Dharma seat and lets her acquire the magic never-failing begging bowl (cornucopia) called Amurta Surabhi (”cow of abundance”), which will always provide food to alleviate hunger. As such, devotees and visitors are welcomed to enjoy a traditional meal after visiting the temple.

Sri Bhuvaneswari Kalai Aranga Mandapam:

This mandapam is used for various performances in dance, music and art. It was recently renovated and repainted in 2011 to suit the design of the newly constructed Raja Gopuram. Bharatanatyam, mridangam, Nadaswaram and Sankirthana performances are conducted in this Mandapam.

Temple Tanks:

This temple tank is located on the Southern premises of the temple. It was recently renovated in 2011 and has a 15 feet high sculpture of Sri Nagapooshani Amman embracing Sri Kailasa-Nayinar Swami atop the famous Ravana-Kailasa Vahanam. A unique feature about this sculpture is that the cobras with their open hoods, spit water resembling a fountain. Since the renovation, visitors are prohibited from entering its waters.

Amrutha Gangadharani Theertham:

This temple tank is located approximately 1 km from the temple on the western shore of the island of Nainativu. It was built by Muthukumara Swamiyar (a resident saint of Nainativu) in the early 1940s. It is nearby the Nainai Siva-Gangai Temple and is accessed by flights of stone steps leading from the small stone shrine.

Temple Chariot:

The Nainativu Nagapooshani Amman Temple chariot is, perhaps, the most beautiful and exquisitely sculpted example of a temple chariot in all of Tamilakam. This chariot is used to carry the Utsava Murtis (processional deities). The chariot is usually used only once a year for the festival Ther Thiruvizha (chariot festival), which is drawn by several thousand devotees around the outer pradakshina (path) of the temple.

It reaches the height of 35 feet and is covered with various sculptures depicting the history of the temple. Two other slightly smaller (30 feet) chariots for Ganapathi and Lord Murugan with his consorts Valli & Deivanai always accompany the main chariot. The main chariot is unique and has become an iconic figure of this temple. It is one of the largest chariots in Sri Lanka.

Jeshoreshwari Kali Temple, Ishwaripur, Bangladesh

Jeshoreshwari Kali Temple is a Hindu Temple dedicated to Goddess Sakthi located in Ishwaripur, a village in Shyamnagar upazila of Satkhira. The name "Jeshoreshwari" means "Goddess of Jeshore". This temple is considered as one of Shakti Peethas in Indian Subcontinent. Being one of the 51 Shakti Peethas of Hindu Mythology, this temple is one of the holiest sites for devotees of the Shakti sect of Hinduism.

Legends

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History

It is believed the temple was built by a brahman named Anari. He created a 100-door temple for the Jeshoreshwari Peeth. But exact date of construction is not known. The Temple was extensively renovated by Lakshman Sen and Pratapaditya in their reigning periods in the late 13^th Century AD. After 1971, the structure got crumbled. Now only the pillars of the original temple remain.

The Temple

The original Temple has been completely destroyed. Now only few pillars from the original temple can be seen. There is a large rectangular covered platform called Natmandir has been erected adjacent to the main temple, from where the face of the goddess can be seen.

Worship & Rituals

The temple is visited by pilgrims from all over, irrespective of sectarian differences. Worship is done by the priest every Saturday and Tuesday at noon time. But before 1971, there was a daily routine of worship. Every year on the day of Kali puja, the present Caretakers of the temple conduct a ceremony. There is also a Mela taking place around the temple compound.

Connectivity

The Temple is located at about 1 Km from Ishwaripur Bus Stop, 4 Kms from Shyamnagar, 5 Kms from Shyamnagar Bus Stand, 56 Kms from Satkhira, 126 Kms from Jessore Airport, 129 Kms from Jessore and 317 Kms from Dhaka. The Temple is situated on Satkhira to Kalaroa Road.

Dhakeshwari Temple, Dhaka, Bangladesh

Dhakeshwari Temple is a Hindu Temple dedicated to Goddess Sati, located in Dhaka, Capital City of Bangladesh. It is state-owned, giving it the distinction of being Bangladesh's National Temple. The name Dhakeshwari means "Goddess of Dhaka". The Goddess Dhakeshwari is considered as Dhaka city’s presiding deity. Since the destruction of Ramna Kali Mandir in 1971 by the Pakistan Army during the Bangladesh Liberation War, the Dhakeshwari Temple has assumed status as the most important Hindu place of worship in Bangladesh. This temple is considered as one of Shakti Peethas in Indian Subcontinent. Being one of the 51 Shakti Peethas of Hindu Mythology, this temple is one of the holiest sites for devotees of the Shakti sect of Hinduism.

Legends

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History

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The Temple

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Temple Opening Time

The Temple remains open from 09.00 am to 02.50 pm and from 04.00 to 09.00 pm.

Religious & Socio-Cultural Activities

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Connectivity

The Temple is located at about 350 meters from Dhakeshwari Bus Stop, 6 Kms from Dhaka Sayedabad Bus Terminal, 6 Kms from Kamalapur Railway Station and 18 Kms from Dhaka Airport. The temple is located in Old Dhaka, behind the campus of Bangladesh University of Engineering and Technology, on Orphanage Road near Bakshi Bazar area.

Dhakeshwari Temple, Dhaka – Legends

Sakthi Peethas:

Sati-Shiva marriage:

Brahma's Yajna:

Daksha Yaga:

Dadhichi – Daksha argument:

Sati's Death:

She cursed Daksha for acting so atrociously toward her and Shiva and reminded him that his haughty behavior had blinded his intellect. She cursed him and warned that the wrath of Shiva would destroy him and his empire. Unable to bear further humiliation, Sati committed suicide by jumping into the sacrificial fire. The onlookers tried to save her, but it was too late. They were only able to retrieve the half-burnt body of Sati.

Destruction of the Yajna by Lord Shiva:

Aftermath:

Ballal Sen, builder of this Temple:

It is widely believed that the Queen, wife of King Bijoy Sen went to Langolbond for bathing. On her way back, she gave birth to a son, known to historians as Ballal Sen. After ascending to the throne, Ballal Sen built this temple to glorify his birthplace. Legends say that Ballal Sen once dreamt of the deity covered under the jungle. Ballal Sen uncovered the deity from there and built a temple, named for Dhakeshwari.

Dhakeshwari Temple, Dhaka – The Temple

The Dhakeshwari Temple is a complex of several shrines and ancillary buildings. There is a permanent altar outside the main temple premises. It hosts the Annual Puja (worship) of Goddess Durga, the greatest Bengali Hindu festival held in October. The complex has an inner-quarter on the east and an outer-quarter on the west. The main temple is situated in the inner quarter on the east. A wall separates this quarter from the outer wall and entered through a monumental gateway, known as the Nahabatkhana gateway, a bell adorns its top.

A marble altar for puja-offerings can be found in the ground of the inner quarter. The Nat-mandir stands in front (or to the south) of the main temple and in its centre there is a place for Bali. To its south stands the yajna mandir with a yajna-Kunda. To the north of the Nat-mandir stands the main temple facing south. It is a three-roomed structure with a veranda in front having beautiful wooden doors with carving of different motifs, both sculptural and floral.

Three slightly pointed multi-cusped arches enter the veranda in front of the central room, which is rectangular, on three heavy pillars. The veranda in this section has marble floor and is covered over by a vaulted roof. The veranda in front of the eastern room, square in shape, is entered through semi-circular arched entrances, while the western veranda, also square, is entered by a simple doorway. The central room has a vaulted roof, while the side rooms are covered with flat roof on wooden beams.

The spandrel of the arch in the central room is decorated with six lions. Merlion decorations are placed above the curved cornice. The three rooms of the main temple are crowned with domical-sikhara roof; the sikhara over the central room is much higher and bigger than the flanking ones. The roof over each room is constructed in four gradually receding tiers, the lowest tier has a somewhat Chau-chala look, and the upper three appear to be in the shape of north-Indian canopies.

The two side-rooms of the central temple contain black basalt Shiva Linga, one in each and the male four-armed (Vasudeva) and the female ten-armed (Dhakeshwari or Durga) deities adorn the central room. It is said that earlier the female deity was made of pure gold. There is a large tank with north - south elongation with walking-path all around on the western side. A very old banyan tree stands on the southeastern corner of the tank. There are a few tombs of sadhus to the east of the rest rooms and the tank.

There are four small temples of same size and shape on the northeastern corner of the tank, which stand one after another from east to west. These Temples are unique in having a fusion of the classical sloping Bengal roof (char-chala in Bengali, made to resemble the roof of a thatched hut) and shikhara, spire, more common across other parts of the subcontinent. Each of them is built on a high plinth and approached by a flight of steps.

The stairs of the eastern-most temple is made of marble. These temples with shikhara are square in plan and their roof was constructed in six gradually receding tiers with lotus and kalasa finials on top. Each of these is entered through narrow arched openings, one each on all sides except the north. There exists a projected band on linear decoration, and in between this band and the domical roof the walls are decorated with panels of semi-circular cusped arches. Each of the temples has a Shiva Linga inside.

Chandranath Temple, Sita Kunda, Bangladesh

Chandranath Temple is a Hindu Temple dedicated to Lord Shiva, located on top of the Chandranath Hill near Sita Kunda in Bangladesh. This Temple is considered as one Shakti Peethas. Being one of the 51 Shakti Peethas of Hindu Mythology, this temple is one of the holiest sites for devotees of the Shakti sect of Hinduism. The Temple is situated at about 1,020 feet (310 m) above sea level.

Legends

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History

The Rajmala states that about 800 years ago, Raja Biswambhar Sur, a descendant of the famous Adisur of Gaur, tried to reach Chandranath by sea. The Nigamkalpataru refers to the poet Jayadev living for a time in Chandranath. By the time of Dhanya Manikya, ruler of Tripura, Chandranath received numerous endowments. Dhanya Manikya attempted to remove the idol of Shiva from the temple to his kingdom but failed.

The Temple

The Temple is situated at about 1,020 feet (310 m) above sea level in Chandranath Hill. The Temple consists of two major shrines. One is dedicated to Goddess Sakthi and other dedicated to Lord Shiva, called as Chandrashekhar. Chandrashekhar means one who got moon as the crown in top of their head. As per the belief of locals, Lord Shiva himself has committed to visit Chandrasekhar Mountain during Kali Yuga. The temple commands a panoramic view and its surroundings are enchanting. The temple’s ancient chariot is well known for its wood carvings. There is also Buddhist Temple having a footprint of Lord Buddha. There is also a hot-water spring 5 Kms to the north of Sitakunda.

Temple Opening Time

The Temple remains open from 06.00 a.m. in the mornings to 06:00 p.m. in the evenings.

Festivals

Shiva Chaturdashi festival is held every year in February when thousands of pilgrims assemble which lasts for ten days.

Connectivity

The Temple is located at about 2.5 Kms from Sitakunda Railway Station, 4 Kms from Sitakunda Bus Stand, 38 Kms from Chittagong, 54 Kms from Chittagong and 220 Kms from Dhaka. The Temple is situated on Dhaka to Chittagong Route. Sitakunda can be reached from Chittagong by Bus. Then one has to go Sitakunda Bazar. Chandranath hill stands east from Sitakunda Bazar. Devotees can go to Chandranath hill side on a rickshaw or on foot.

Bhabanipur Shaktipeeth, Bangladesh

Bhabanipur Shaktipeeth is a Hindu Temple dedicated to Goddess Sakthi located in Bhabanipur near Sherpur Town in Bogra District, Rajshahi Division, Bangladesh. This Sakthi Peeth is situated on the banks of Karatoya River. Being one of the 51 Shakti Peethas of Hindu Mythology, this temple is one of the holiest sites for devotees of the Shakti sect of Hinduism.

Legends

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History

The Bhabanipur Temple Renovation, Development and Management Committee had been successfully supervising the temple activities and Ma Bhabani's properties from 1991 up until 2010. On 13 February 2007, Combined Forces of that time (Special law enforcement forces) destroyed the Guest House which was under construction by the committee for the devotees. Because of the misapplication of a black law named Enemy Property Act or 'Debottor' or Vested Property Act, promulgated during the Pakistani period before the gain of the independence of Bangladesh on the 16^th December 1971 through a liberation war, a large portion of Ma Bhabani's properties (Most of which were donated by the Maharani of Natore) are being illegally occupied by miscreants and those properties need to be repossessed by the committee.

Besides former publicity and publication editor of the committee, Journalist Diponkar Chakrabarty was assassinated on 02/10/2004 during the regime of the BNP-Jamaat coalition government for being active and vocal for the retrieval of about 500 acres of Debottor properties belonging to Ma Bhabani and for the protection of Bhabanipur Temple, but instead of arresting and punishing his murderers, a mockery of justice has been made / is being made all along in these 14 years. The murder of Dipankar was a great loss for the Bhabanipur Temple Committee and exemplary punishment of the criminals is being demanded. Moreover, on 13/02/2007 during the regime of the caretaker government, violating a court order and assaulting the treasurer of the committee, Combined Forces illegally destroyed the Guest House which was being built for the devotees by the committee.

The Temple Complex

The Temple complex covers an area of about four acres. The Temple complex consists of Main Sakthi Shrine, Belbaran Tala, four Shiva Shrines, Gopal Shrine, Patal Bhairava Shrine, Gopal Shrine, Basudev Shrine and Nat Mandir. The Bhabanipur Shrine is consecrated to the goddess Bhabani, a powerful form of Goddess Durga. The form of Shakti is called Arpana and the stone worshipped in the sanctum is symbolic of Goddess Sati’s left anklet. The Bhairav who protects the anklet is Vaman and is said to be a manifestation of Shiva. Sheba Angan, Shakha-Pukur (conch-bangles pond), two bathing Ghats and four minor Shiva Shrines can be found on the northern side outside the temple complex.

Festivals

Festivals celebrated in this Temple are;

· Maghi Purnima in the Bengali month of Magh/Falgun

· Ram Nabomi in the month of Chaitra/Baisakhi

· Durgotshov in autumn

· Dipannita Shyama Puja

· Nabanna in the month of Aghrahoyon

Rituals

Pravati and Balya Bhog worship and Anna Bhog at noon, and Arati and Bhog at evening. Devotees can offer Bhog to the divine mother "Tara" (Ma Bhabani) every day and the prasad is distributed after every Bhog.

Connectivity

The Temple is located at about 34 Kms from Sirajganj Railway Station, 35 Kms from Bogra, 153 Kms from Dhaka Airport and 158 Kms from Dhaka. Devotees can go to Bhabanipur from Dhaka via Jamuna Bridge and after passing Chandaikona in Sirajganj District, they can reach Ghoga Bot-tola bus stoppage on the same highway from where they can reach the Bhabanipur Temple premises by availing themselves of van or scooter. Pilgrims from the districts located to the North of Bogra can reach the Bhabanipur Temple premises by passing through Sherpur, Mirzapur and Ghoga Bot-tola (bus stoppage) of Bogra District.

Kalighat Kali Temple, Kolkata, West Bengal

Kalighat Kali Temple is a Hindu Temple dedicated to Goddess Kali located in the City of Kolkata in West Bengal, India. The Goddess is worshipped here as Kalika and the Lord as Nakuleshwar Bhairav. The Kalighat temple in its present form is only about 200 years old. The name Calcutta is said to have been derived from the word Kalighat. This temple is considered as one of the four Adi Sakthi Peethas and part of 51 Shakti Peethas in Indian Subcontinent. Being one of the 51 Shakti Peethas of Hindu Mythology, this temple is one of the holiest sites for devotees of the Shakti sect of Hinduism.

Kalighat was a Ghat (landing stage) sacred to Kali on the old course of the Hooghly river (Bhagirathi) in the city of Calcutta. The river over a period of time has moved away from the temple. The temple is now on the banks of a small canal called Adi Ganga which connects to the Hooghly. The Adi Ganga was the original course of the river Hooghly. Hence the name Adi (original) Ganga. The temple is associated with the Nath/Siddha tradition. Chowringee Natha is said to have founded the Kali temple of Kalighat.

Legends

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History

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The Temple

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Temple Opening Time

The temple remains open from 5.00 A.M. to 2.00 P.M and 5.00 P.M to 10.30 P.M. It is closed from 2.00 P.M to 5.00 P.M. for Bhog. There are Aarthis in the morning and evening.

Pooja Timings

Poojas	Sun/Sat/Tue	Weekdays
Opening Time (For Mangal Aarti)	4.00 A.M	4.00 A.M
Opening Time (For Public)	5.00 A.M	5.00 A.M
Nitya Puja	5.30 A.M to 7.00 A.M	5.30 A.M to 7.00 A.M
Bhog Rag	2.30 P.M. to 3.30 P.M.	2.00 P.M. to 3.00 P.M.
Sandhya Aarti	6.30 P.M. to 7.00 P.M.	6.30 P.M. to 7.00 P.M.
Closing of Temple	11.30 P.M.	10.30 P.M.

Festivals

Snan Jatra (Jatra same as the Hindi word Yatra) — can be translated as the Bath Festival. This is also observed in the Bengali month of Aashad. The toes of Goddess Kali (in stone) are usually kept under lock and key under the main idol. On the appointed day, the officiating priest, blindfolded, opens the box and washes the holy toes thoroughly, using plenty of scented water. The main idol which devotees worship is not exposed to any abishek at all. Saris offered to the Goddess in the earlier year, are removed and new clothes put on. The colours preferred are red, black and blue. Pieces of the old saris are distributed to devotees — mar pid vastra. These can be kept either in one's puja or placed in an amulet and worn. This is supposed to be beneficial. The temple is crowded during Kali Puja, Durga Puja, Poila Boishakh, the Bengali New Year day and Sankranti.

Religious Significance

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Useful Information

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Connectivity

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Kalighat Kali Temple, Kolkata – Legends

Sakthi Peethas:

Sati-Shiva marriage:

Brahma's Yajna:

Daksha Yaga:

Dadhichi – Daksha argument:

Sati's Death:

Destruction of the Yajna by Lord Shiva:

Aftermath:

Chowringee Natha:

The temple is associated with the Nath/Siddha tradition. Chowringee Natha is said to have founded the Kali temple of Kalighat. Chowringee Natha was a Nath Siddha and a disciple of Gorakshaknatha also known as Goraknatha. Legends say that Chowringee Natha was the son of King Devapala of Bengal. Devapala`s first wife died while Chowringee Natha was still a child, and his father married a woman who resorted to deception in order to place her own son on the throne.

Chowringee Natha was taken to a forest clearing where his arms and legs were cut off. Here Chowringee Natha met Matsyendranatha who instructed Goraknatha to care for the limbless youth. Goraknatha taught him Yoga and after twelve years of this practice his limbs were unbelievably restored by the power of his own realization.

His name Chowringee Natha probably is derived from "Four Limbs (anga)", and the shape of his torso as a bulb. This shape of his body possibly refers to his practice of Khanda Manda yoga. The main north-south thoroughfare across the city of Calcutta is now known after his name as Chowringee.

Stone Carving in the form of human toe:

Legend has it that a devotee found a luminant ray of light coming from the Bhagirathi River. He observed that the source came from a piece of stone carved in the form of a human toe. A Swayambhu Lingam of Nakuleshwar Bhairav was also found nearby and the devotee started worshipping Kali in the deep forest.

Kalighat Kali Temple, Kolkata – The Temple

The Temple is situated on the banks of Adi Ganga, the temple has a sanctum sanctorum in the company of a huge hall by the name of Nat Mandir. The Goddess is worshipped here as Kalika and the Lord as Nakuleshwar Bhairav. The image of Kali in this temple is unique. It does not follow the pattern of other Kali images in Bengal. The present idol of touchstone was created by two saints - Atmaram Brahmachari and Brahmananda Giri. Presently, the three huge eyes, long protruding tongue made of gold and four hands, which all are made of gold too.

Two of these hands holding a scimitar and a severed head of the asura king 'Shumbha'. The scimitar signifies Divine Knowledge and the asura (or, human) head signifies human Ego which must be slain by Divine Knowledge in order to attain Moksha. The other two hands are in the abhaya and varada mudras or blessings, which means her initiated devotees (or anyone worshiping her with a true heart) will be saved as she will guide them here and hereafter.

Shoshti Tala:

This is a rectangular altar about three feet high bearing a small cactus plant. Beneath the tree, on an altar three stones are placed side by side - left to right representing the goddesses Shashthi (Shoshti), Shitala and Mangal Chandi. This sacred spot is known as Shoshti Tala or Monosha Tala. This altar was constructed by Gobinda Das Mondal in 1880. The place of the altar is the Samadhi of Brahmananda Giri. Here all the priests are female. No daily worship or offering of Bhog (food offering) is done here. The goddesses here are considered as part of Kali.

Natmandir:

A large rectangular covered platform called Natmandir has been erected adjacent to the main temple, from where the face of the image can be seen. This was originally built by Zamindar Kasinath Roy in 1835. It has been subsequently renovated often.

Jor Bangla:

The spacious verandah of the main temple facing the image is known as Jor Bangla. Rituals occurring inside the sanctum sanctorum are visible from the Natmandir through the Jor Bangla.

Harkath Tala:

This is the spot adjacent to the Natmandir, southwards meant for Bali (sacrifice). There are two Sacrificial altars for animal sacrifices side by side. These are known as Hari – Kath. The bigger one is for buffalo sacrifices and the smaller one for goats and sheep. The animals are sacrificed with a single stroke of the knife and there is very little cruelty to animals when compared to the professional abattoirs.

Radha Krishna Temple:

This temple is known as Shyamaraya temple and is situated inside the temple at the west side of the main temple. In 1723, a settlement officer of Murshidabad district first erected a separate temple for Radha Krishna. In 1843, a Zamindar called Udoy Narayan Mondal erected the present temple in the same spot. The Dolmancha was founded in 1858 by Madan Koley of Saha Nagar. There is a separate kitchen for preparation of vegetarian Bhog (food offering) for Radha Krishna.

Kundupukur:

This is the sacred tank situated in the south-east of the temple outside the boundary walls. Present area of the tank is approximately 10 cottahs. In the past it was bigger and called 'Kaku-Kunda'. The 'Sati-Anga' (the right toe of Sati) was discovered from this tank. It is believed that taking a dip in this small pond/ tank can bestow one with the boon of a child. The water from this tank is regarded as sacred as that of the Ganges. There had been futile efforts in the past of draining the water from the tank for cleaning, which creates a strong possibility of a subterranean link with the Adi Ganga.

Nakuleshwar Bhairav Temple:

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Four Shiva Temples:

The four Shiva temples inside the Kalighat temple compound were constructed by the different sevayet families who have retained control over them.

Nakuleshwar Temple, Kalighat, Kolkata, West Bengal

Nakuleshwar Temple is a Hindu Temple dedicated to Bhairav, a form Lord Shiva located in Kalighat in Kolkata City in the Indian State of West Bengal. The Bhairav associated with Kalighat is Nakulish or Nakuleshwar Bhairav. This Bhairav Temple is protector of Kalighat Kali Temple. It is situated in Haldar Para Lane on the opposite side of the Kalighat Temple behind the Kalighat Police Station.

History

It is said that the same Natha saint (Chowranga Giri) who founded the ancient Kali Kshetra (the temple which pre-dates current Kalighat) in the 15^th century AD, found the Swayambhu Linga of Nakuleshwar Bhairav. For a long time, his shrine was only a thatched hut. The Kalighat Temple was developed magnificently by the Sabarna Roy Choudhury family in 1809, but her consort had to wait for some more time for a temple. In 1854, a Punjabi merchant named Tara Singh, erected the present stone temple. At that time, there were no walls and the roof was supported by pillars.

The Temple

The current temple is small one, compared to the Kalighat Temple. It is the same temple built around 175 years ago, with some modifications having developed over the years. The Swayambhu Shivalinga is present in the center of the temple and is surrounded by a marble alter. Deities of Nandi and Ganesh are there and an image of Mount Kailash.

Religious Significance

Kalighat in Kolkata is one of the four Adi (ancient) Shakti Peeth, the others being Bimala (inside Jagannath temple of Puri, Odisha), Tara Tarini (Near Berhampur, Orissa), Kamakhya Temple (Near Guwahati, Assam) as per Kalika Purana. It is also one of the 51 Shakti Peeth recognised by other religious text. Kalighat is the temple of Goddess Kali, who is one of the ten Mahavidyas, and destroyer of evil. Nakuleshwar Bhairav, a form of Lord Shiva, is guarding the Goddess here.

Festivals

Every Monday, Full Moon, New Moon and Ekadashi or eleventh day of each lunar phase) special puja and Bhog is organised here.

Connectivity

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Ananta Vasudeva Temple, Bhubaneswar, Odisha

Ananta Vasudeva Temple is a Hindu Temple dedicated to Lord Vishnu located in Bhubaneswar, the state capital of Odisha, India. The temple was constructed in the 13^th Century. Locally, the temple is pronounced as Ananta Basudeva Temple. The temple is dedicated to Krishna, his brother Balarama and his sister Subhadra. Ananta is another name of Balarama and Krishna is called as Basudeva (Vasudeva). It is a notable temple as this is the only popular Vaishnavite temple in this city, which is called as Ekamra Kshetra and has lot of temples dedicated to Shiva and Shakti. The Temple is located on the eastern banks of Bindu Sagar lake, which is a well-known landmark in Bhubaneswar.

History

The temple was built in 1278 CE by Chandrika Devi, the daughter of Anangabhima III, during the reign of the king Bhanudeva of Eastern Ganga dynasty. It appears that the original image of Vishnu was worshipped on the spot where the great temple of Ananta Vasudeva was built in the 13^th century A.D. There is a possibility that the site originally had an ancient temple of Vishnu before 13^th century CE. The Marathas were responsible for renovating the Vishnu temple at Bhubaneswar in late 17^th Century since they extended their reign till Mahanadi river. The nata mandapa and bhoga mandapa appear to be later additions to this temple.

The Temple

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Temple Opening Time

The Temple remains open from 06.30 AM in the mornings to 07.00 PM in the evenings

Festivals

Janmashtami is the most famous festival celebrated in the Ananta Vasudeva Temple. Thousands of devotees visit the temple to worship Lord Krishna. Devotees offer sweet, butter, milk, curd, incense, new clothes and flowers to the Lord.

Connectivity

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Location

Ananta Vasudeva Temple, Bhubaneswar – The Temple

Ananta Vasudeva Temple is the second biggest temple of Bhubaneswar after the famous Lingaraja Temple. The temple is definitely one of the most beautiful temples in Bhubaneswar. The temple resembles the Lingaraj temple in architecture but dedicated to Vishnu. The temple has longitudinal bands of miniature shikharas (shrines), exactly like those in Lingaraj temple, with the minor difference that the number of the shikharas forming one longitudinal band in its case is only three. The sculpture in the exterior walls varies in character in each temple in Bhubaneswar. Most of the female sculptures in the temple walls are overly ornamanted and lack originality.

The Temple is facing west. Most of the temples in Bhubaneswar have only Garbha Griha (sanctum Sanctorum) and Jagmohana. However, this temple has Nata mandapam and bhoga mandapam. It is almost a reduced copy of the Lingaraja temple, but the grouping of the four component parts, with their roofs presenting the appearance of ascending peaks culminating in the highest 'Mastaka' of the 'Deul' at a height of 18.29m, is more effective. It is further distinguished by an ornamental platform, relieved with 'Khakhara-Mundis', carved pilasters, 'Nagas', 'Nagis' and 'Vidalas' between two sets of three mouldings each.

Though the 'Deul' is 'Pancha-Ratha' on plan, a new feature is introduced in the division of the corner 'Ratha' of the 'Bada' in two equal parts, both on the same plane; the inner one is crowned by a miniature 'Rekha' above the mouldings of the 'veranda'. The facets of the 'Rathas' are richly imprinted with fine scrollwork, 'Jali', creepers and flower-shaped motifs, the central facets of the corner 'Ratha' having female figures. The 'Khakhara-Mundis' on the intermediary 'Rathas' of the lower 'Jangha' contain the eight 'Dikpalas', seated on their respective mounts, while the corresponding spaces on the upper 'Jangha' have their female counterparts.

The 'Parsva-Devatas' are three of the ten incarnations of Vishnu, of which the four-armed "Varaha and Trivikrama", both mutilated, now exist in the south and north niches respectively. As in the Lingaraja temple, there were porches in front of the 'Parsva-Devatas', only the eastern one now standing. In the decoration of the 'Bada', the 'Jagamohana' closely follows the 'Deul'. The 'Dikpalas' and their female counterparts are also depicted here in the 'Khakhara' and 'Pidha-Mundis' of the lower and upper 'Janghas' between the corner and intermediary 'Rathas'. The carvings on the central projections containing a banister window are neatly done. The banisters of the north window have the figures of Rama, Lakshmana, Sita, Hanuman and a monkey-attendant.

The sanctum sanctorum has rekha type vimana. All other parts of the temple have pidha order. All the parts of the temple are pancha ratha on plan and pancha anga bada in elevation. The idols of Balarama (Ananta), Krishna (Basudeva) and Subhadra are enshrined in the sanctum. This is similar to the popular Puri Jagannath temple. However, unlike the Puri temple where the deities are made up of wood, these deities are made of black granite stone. Because of this feature only, the city gains its name as Chakra kshetra (circular place), whereas Puri is named Shankha kshetra (curved place). Here, Krishna holds mace, discus, lotus and conch. Subhadra holds lotus and jewels pot and her left foot is placed over another jewel pot. Balarama stands under a seven hooded serpent.

The biggest kitchen of Bhubaneswar is present in this temple. The food prepared here is considered as holy (prasad). Even people of Bhubaneswar buy prasad from this temple for the functions and rituals at their home. An inscription, originally belonging to this temple but now in the hall of the Royal Asiatic Society of Great Britain, London, the temple was built in A.D. 1278 at the instance of 'Chandra-Devi', daughter of 'Anangabhima' III, during the reign of the latter's grandson 'Bhanudeva' on the bank of 'Bindu-Saras' for 'Baladeva' ('Ananta'), 'Subhadra' and Krishna ('Vasudeva') and proving thereby the existence of the tank before that date.

Akhadachandi Temple, Bhubaneswar, Odisha

Akhadachandi Temple is a Hindu Temple dedicated to Goddess Durga located in Bhubaneswar, the capital of Odisha, India. The Akhadachandi Temple is among the few temples dedicated to Goddess Chandi / Mahisasuramardini / Durga. At present, the temple is taken care by Bhubaneswar Municipal Corporation. The temple was renovated by the Odisha State Archaeology.

History

The Akhadachandi temple is small temple built in the 10th century AD. The Kings reigning during the 10^th century AD were ardent devotee of Mahisasuramardini as she is considered as Goddess of victory and war.

The Temple

Akhadachandi Temple houses the idol of Goddess Durga who is worshipped here in the name of Mahisasuramardini. The temple is facing towards south while the temple idol is facing towards the east. This temple also features the common Kalinga architecture seen in the temples of Orissa. The temple is built facing the south. The material used to build the temple is coarse grained sandstone. The temple shows a Khakhara plan and is rectangle in shape which measures 1.28 by 1.83 meters.

The main part of the temple is the vimana housing the sanctum sanctorum. The sanctum consists of an idol of Mahisasuramardini and is placed facing towards the east. The vimana is 42.94 meters high from the inside. The included Rekha order features bada with a height of 1.74 meters, a gandi comprising of a semicircular roof consisting of tiers and mastaka comprising a Kalasa or a sacred golden vase having gajakranta on each sides of the kalasa.

The bada further has the pabhaga 0.26 meters high, jangha 0.52 meters high, Bandhana 0.08 meters high and the veranda of 0.26 meters. The only piece of decoration in the surface of the temple walls in on the doorjambs with designs of 1.10 metres by 0.65 metres. There are three entrances in the temple. The walls of the temples are devoid of any kind of decorations or carvings.

Festivals

Apart from daily puja and rituals, various religious sacraments like Navratri, Durga Pooja, Diwali and Balabhoga are performed in the temple. The most important festival celebrated in the temple is the Durga Puja one of the biggest festivals celebrated in Orissa. The span of Durga Puja is ten days and is called the festival of Dashami. On the tenth day Durga attains victory and hence is celebrated as a day of rejoice, valor and power of Durga.

Offerings

The temple is open for worship to all Hindus and devotes offer their articles such as bangles, vermillion powder, mirror, ear rings, black kajal and many other decorative articles for shringar of the mother. Balabhoga is also performed here because one of the basic ritual while worshipping Goddess Durga is animal sacrifice. These animals are considered as beasts and demons at war with Goddess Durga.

Connectivity

For brief details, please refer below link;

Location

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