SwapnilJirageTravelPost: https://hindutemples-india.blogspot.com blog back up ( part 3)

Dhari Devi Temple, Kalyasaur, Uttarakhand

Dhari Devi Temple is a Hindu Temple dedicated to Goddess Sakthi located in Kalyasaur along the Srinagar – Badrinath Highway on the banks of the Alaknanda River in the Garhwal Region of Uttarakhand state, India. She is considered to be the guardian deity of Uttarakhand and is revered as the protector of the Char Dham’s. The temple contains the upper half of the idol of the goddess, while the lower half is present in Kalimath. In Kalimath, devotees worship her as a form of Goddess Kali. Her shrine is one of 108 Shakti Sthals in India, as numbered by Srimad Devi Bhagwat.

Legends

For brief details, please refer below link;

The Temple

The Temple is perched atop a 20 metres high rock, the temple of Dhari Devi is situated on the banks of river Alaknanda. The temple has Northern Indian style of architecture. The temple houses the upper half of a deity of goddess Kali specifically called Dhari Devi, while the lower half of the idol is located in Kalimath, where she is worshipped as a manifestation of the Goddess Kali.

According to local lore, changes in appearance during the day from a girl, to a woman, and then to an old lady. The Dhari Devi Mandir now has been raised from its original position in the middle of the river due to the construction of the Hydro Power Plant in the year of 2013. The devotees of Dhari Devi said that 2013 Kedarnath disaster occurred because of relocation of the Dhari Devi Temple.

The Temple is decorated with numerous bells and give very divine feeling. It is believed that the deity of Dhari Devi shall not be put under a roof. For the same reason, the deities in Dhari Devi Temple are put under open sky. Taking photographs of the Dhari Devi deities are strictly prohibited. The village near the temple is named after goddess Dhari and known as Dhari Village. A hanging bridge over Alaknanda river connects the Dhari Devi temple to Dhari Village.

Festivals

Durga Puja and Navratri are the famous festivals celebrated here with much fanfare.

Connectivity

The Temple is located at about 14 Kms from Srinagar, 20 Kms from Rudraprayag, 49 Kms from Devaprayag, 120 Kms from Rishikesh Railway Station, 143 Kms from Haridwar Railway Junction, 137 Kms from Dehradun Jolly Grant Airport and 373 Kms from New Delhi Airport. The Temple is situated on Srinagar-Badrinath highway upto Kaliya Saur, then trek down for half a kilometer towards Alaknanda River.

Location

Daksheswara Mahadev Temple, Kankhal, Haridwar, Uttarakhand

Daksheswara Mahadev Temple is a Hindu Temple dedicated to Lord Shiva located at Kankhal Town very close to the holy city of Haridwar in Uttarakhand state of India. The Temple is named after King Daksha Prajapati, the father of Sati. Daksha is one of the fourteen Prajapatis, creator deities, who preside over procreation and are the protector of life in Hindu mythology. The place where the temple stands today was once the place where King Daksha Prajapati performed the Yajna and Sati self-immolated herself in the Yagna Kund.

Legends

For brief details, please refer below link;

History

The present temple was built by Queen Dhankaur in 1810 and this temple was renovated in 1963 by the Mahanirvan Akharas Kankhal, which now looks after the management of the temple.

The Temple

The Daksha Temple carries more significance due to the fact that it occupies a place in the list of five sacred sites in the town of Haridwar in Uttarakhand. The Daksheswara Temple, along with some other temples in the precinct, such as Hanuman Temple, Das Mahavidya temple, stands on the banks of River Ganges at the foothills of the Shivalik Ranges. One part of the Temple consists of the Yajna Kund where the Daksha Yagna took place, while in the other part, a Shiva Linga has been installed, which is worshipped by devotees by the offering of water.

The entire story of the yajna of King Daksh and the following episodes have been vividly depicted on the walls of the temple. A very old banyan tree, which is said to be thousands of years old and is considered sacred, is present in the precincts of the temple. The tree is located opposite to the Yajna Kund of the temple. Standing next to the main temple is the Das Mahavidya temple, dedicated to the Mahavidyas. It is a venue for devotees of Devi to congregate for special pujas during the Navratri celebrations.

There is also a temple in the complex dedicated to Ganga river. Next to the temple is the Daksha Ghat on the Ganges and close by is the Nileshwar Mahadev Temple. In front of the main temple Shri Maa Anandamayi temple is located and another temple of Lord Shiva housing Shiva Linga made up of mercury is can be found near the temple. Also, the Rudraksha tree is also an attraction among the nearby celebrated places of Daksheswara Mahadeva temple.

Festivals

This temple throngs with devotees in the month of August (Sawan). This month is also known as the month of Lord Shiva, according to the Hindu calendar. Special rituals are also performed here on the Shivaratri, the marriage day of Shiva and Shakti.

Prayers

On Shivaratri, a large number of devotees congregate here to pay obeisance to the Lord and seek his blessings and benediction.

Connectivity

The Temple is located at about 4 Kms from Haridwar, 4 Kms from Haridwar Railway Junction, 4 Kms from Haridwar Bus Stand, 5 Kms from Har Ki Pauri, 23 Kms from Rishikesh, 42 Kms from Dehradun Jolly Grant Airport, 57 Kms from Dehradun and 221 Kms from New Delhi Airport. Haridwar is situated on highway No. 45 and is connected to all major centers in the region and other parts of the country by well-maintained roads. One can easily reach the Temple by taking local Buses, Rickshaws, Tongas or by hiring Taxis from Haridwar.

Location

Chandrabadani Devi Temple, Tehri Garhwal, Uttarakhand

Chandrabadani Devi Temple is a Hindu Temple dedicated to Goddess Sakthi located in the Tehri Garhwal district of Uttarakhand. The Temple is situated on top of Chandrabadani Mountain, lies on the border of Devprayag and Pratapnagar. It is located at an altitude of 2,277m above sea-level.

Legends

According to the legends, Lord Shiva while carrying torso of his consort Sati, accidentally dropped it here and her weapons got scattered all around the place. Thus, even today huge number of iron Trishuls (tridents) and some old statues can be seen lying around the revered temple of Chandrabadani.

The Temple

This temple is consecrated to Goddess Shakti. The devotees are supposed to climb to the top of the mountain to offer prayers. The temple is very small. The Temple has a Shri-Yantra engraved on the flat stone for worshipping. Unlike other Devi temples in Uttarakhand, the deity is worshipped here in the form of Shri Yantra engraved on a flat stone surface instead of any idols. Huge number of iron Trishuls (tridents) and some old statues can be seen lying around the revered temple of Chandrabadani. An impressive view of Kedarnath and Badrinath can be enjoyed from the temple. During annual puja, as per the tradition, a cloth canopy is tied to the ceiling over the Shri-yantra and the Brahman priest does it blindfolded.

Festivals

The festival of Chaitra Navratri, Ashwin Navratri, Dussehra and Deepavali is celebrated with great devotion. A special annual puja is performed for Shri yantra by the priest of the temple. During this puja, the priest is blindfolded.

Connectivity

The Temple is located at about 8 Kms from Jamnikhal, 33 Kms from Devaprayag, 105 Kms from Rishikesh Railway Station, 107 Kms from Rishikesh, 127 Kms from Haridwar, 128 Kms from Haridwar Railway Junction, 122 Kms from Dehradun Jolly Grant Airport and 350 Kms from New Delhi Airport. Devotees can reach Jamnikhal from Devprayag by road. From Jamnikhal it is a 7 km plus one km trek uphill to Chandrabadani Temple. Nearest Railway Stations are located at Rishikesh and Haridwar. Nearest Airport is Jolly Grant Airport of Dehradun.

Location

Jwalamukhi Devi Temple, Kangra, Himachal Pradesh

Jwalamukhi Devi Temple is a Hindu Temple dedicated to Goddess Sakthi, located in the lower Himalayan town of Jwalamukhi in Kangra district of Himachal Pradesh, India. The temple is situated overlooking the Dhauladhar range and set amidst undulating hills. Jwalamukhi Temple is built on a wooden platform in the Indo-Sikh style of architecture. The temple is amazingly perched on the ridge known as Kali Dhar. The building is modern with a gilt dome and pinnacles and possesses a beautiful folding door of silver plates. The structural design of the temple is simple, but the religious aura makes it undoubtedly divine.

Unlike any other temple, Jwala Ji temple doesn’t have a statue or an image, but a constantly burning blue flame that seems to come from the rocks. The flame can be seen at various places in the temple and it is burning continuously since first date of its known history. Despite many scientific researches, the reason behind these natural flames couldn’t be found out. The scientists say there is a sleeping volcano under Jwala Ji temple and the natural gas coming out of that volcano is burning as flames, which Hindus revere as Goddess.

The Temple is situated at an altitude of 1,737m. Jwala Devi is one of the major 'Shakti Peethas' of India. The temple is dedicated to Jwala Devi (form of goddess), who is the presiding in the form of flames. Due to this fact, the goddess is also referred as the 'Flaming Goddess'. Being an important pilgrimage of the Hindus, devotees come to this temple in large numbers. During the days of Navaratri, the temple is thronged by countless number of devotees. Colorful fairs are also organized for the period of Navaratri in March-April and Sep-October.

Legends

For brief details, please refer below link;

History

Raja Bhumi Chand Katoch of Kangra, a staunch devotee of Mother Shakti, was ruling this region. It is believed that he built the temple. Later, Hang, the King of Nepal extended the temple with a vast Mandapa and donated a big bronze bell, according to records. In the year 1009, the temple was robbed by Ghazni Mohmed. Mughal King Akbar, hearing about the flames here, ordered his men to extinguish the fire but they could not despite their best firefighting skills. Knowing the glory of the place, Akbar donated a golden umbrella to the temple and prayed to Mother Devi to realize a wish. But Mother Devi turned down his prayer. His golden umbrella changed into one of ordinary metal. There are such political incidents linked with the history of the temple.

In the year 1813, King of Punjab, Ranjit Singh visited the place, renovated the temple and covered the tower with gold. He also donated silver doors to the temple. The modern building of temple is with a gilt dome and pinnacles and possesses a beautiful folding door of silver plates, presented by Maharaja Kharak Singh. His father, Maharaja Ranjit Singh also presented the gilt roof in 1815 AD. During 70s a foreign company was appointed by Government of India to explore possibilities of big reservoirs of natural gas there. They worked for some years but left saying they could not find any gas.

The Temple

For brief details, please refer below link;

Temple & Aarti Timings

Five Aartis are performed by Pujaris in worship of Goddess. One aarti is performed in early morning, one at sun rise, one at mid noon, one in the evening and one at the bed time of the Goddess. The names of the Aartis and the Jwala Devi Temple Timings are: -

Aartis	Summer	Winter
Temple Opening Time	5 AM	6 AM
Mangal Aarti	5 AM to 6 AM	6 AM to 7 AM
Panjupchaar Pujan	After Mangal Aarti	After Mangal Aarti
Bhog Ki Aarti	11 AM to 12 PM	11 AM to 12 PM
Evening Aarti	7 PM to 8 PM	6 PM to 7 PM
Shaiyan Ki Aarti	9 PM to 10 PM	8 PM to 9 PM
Temple Closing Time	10 PM	9 PM

However, the Shaiyan Aarti Performed at Jwala Ji before bed time is unique. The bed of Goddess is decked up with rich dresses and ornaments during aarti. First part of it is done in the main temple of Goddess and the second part is done in the “Sejabhawan” shlokas from ‘Soundarya Lahiri’ by Shri Shankaracharya are recited.

Festivals

During the days of Navaratri, the temple is thronged by countless number of devotees. Colorful fairs are also organized for the period of Navaratri in March-April and Sep-October.

Religious Significance

For brief details, please refer below link;

Prayers

Those afflicted with the evil effects of witchcrafts and black magic pray here for relief and for mental peace. Tantriks perform Yantra pujas in the temple to drive away such evil effects. Devotees offer milk and water to Mother as their prayer commitment.

Contact

Jwalamukhi Devi Temple,

Jwalamukhi, Kangra,

Himachal Pradesh – 176 031

Phone: +91 1970 222 223 / 222 137

Email: admin@ jawalaji.in

Connectivity

The Temple is located at about 500 meters from Jwalamukhi Bus Stand, 21 Kms from Jwalamukhi Road Railway Station, 35 Kms from Kangra, 40 Kms from Amb Andaura Railway Station, 47 Kms from Kangra Airport, 54 Kms from Dharamshala, 184 Kms from Shimla and 191 Kms from Shimla Airport. Jwala Devi Temple is easily accessible by the regular buses from both Kangra and Dharamshala. For a convenient journey, one can opt for private taxis that are available throughout the state.

Location

Jwalamukhi Devi Temple, Kangra – The Temple

The temple is situated overlooking the Dhauladhar range and set amidst undulating hills. Jwalamukhi Temple is built on a wooden platform in the Indo-Sikh style of architecture. The temple is amazingly perched on the ridge known as Kali Dhar. The building is modern with a gilt dome and pinnacles and possesses a beautiful folding door of silver plates. The structural design of the temple is simple, but the religious aura makes it undoubtedly divine.

The dome and spire of this temple are covered with Gold. The main door of the shrine is plated with silver. The interior of the temple consists of a square pit about 3 feet deep with a pathway all around. There is a small platform in front of the sanctum and a big mandapa where a huge brass bell presented by the King of Nepal is hung. No idol is located in the temple.

An eternally burning flame that come out from the crevices of the rock in the sanctum is considered the manifestation of the goddess Devi. Usually milk and water are offered and the ahutis or oblations are offered to the sacred flames in the pit, situated in the centre of the temple in between the floor pillars supporting the roof.

The deity is offered Bhog of Rabri or thickened milk, Misri or candy, seasonal fruits, milk. There is a mystic Yantra or diagram of the goddess, which is covered with, shawls, ornaments and mantras are recited. The puja has different 'phases' and goes on practically the whole day. Aarti is performed five times in the day, havan is performed once daily and portions of Durga Saptasati are recited. For Aarti, the temple remains closed from 11.30 A.M. to 12.30 P.M. and from 06.00 P.M. to 07.00 P.M.

This Temple has nine ceaseless natural flames in the temple which are worshipped as a manifestation of the nine Goddesses - Mahakali, Annapurna, Chandi, Hinglaj, Bindhya Basni, Maha Lakshmi, Saraswathi, Ambika and Anji Devi. These flames burn continuously without any fuel or assistance and may be seen erupting from a rock-side.

The Bhairava associated here is Unmatta Bhairava. Just a few feet above the Jwalamukhi temple there is a six-feet deep pit with a circumference of about three-feet. At the bottom of this pit there is another small pit about one and a half feet deep with hot water bubbling all the time. In the temple complex, there are several small shrines including Gorakh Dibbi and Chaturbhuj Temple.

Hidimba Devi Temple, Manali, Himachal Pradesh

Hidimba Devi Temple is a Hindu Temple dedicated to Hidimbi Devi, wife of Bhima, a figure in the Indian epic Mahabharata, is located in Manali, a hill station in the State of Himachal Pradesh, India. Hidimba Devi Temple is locally known as Dhungari Temple. It is also known as Hadimba Temple.

Legends

The temple is built around a cave where Devi Hidimba performed meditation. Hidimbi was supposed to have lived there with her brother Hidimba, and not much is known about their parents. Born into a Rakshasa family, Hidimba vowed to marry one who would defeat her brother Hidimba, who was supposed to be very brave and fearless. During the Pandava's exile, when they visited Manali; Bhima, one of the five Pandavas, killed Hidimba.

Thereafter, Hidimba married Bhima and gave birth to their son Ghatotkacha (who later proved to be a great warrior in the war against Kauravas). When Bhima and his brothers returned from exile, Hidimbi did not accompany him, but stayed back and did Tapasya (a combination of meditation, prayer, and penance) so as to eventually attain the status of a goddess.

History

The Hidimba Devi temple was built in 1553 AD by Maharaja Bahadur Singh.

The Temple

This four-story wooden temple is dedicated to Hidimbi Devi, wife of Bhima, a figure in the Indian epic Mahabharata. The temple is surrounded by a cedar forest called Dhungiri Van Vihar at the foot of the Himalayas. The sanctuary is built over a huge rock jutting out of the ground which was worshiped as an image of the deity. The Hidimba Devi Temple has intricately carved wooden doors and a 24 meters tall wooden "shikhara" or tower above the sanctuary.

The tower consists of three-square roofs covered with timber tiles and a fourth brass cone-shaped roof at the top. Goddess Durga, forms the theme of the main door carvings. Also depicted are animals, foliate designs, dancers, scenes from Lord Krishna’s life and Navagrahas. The temple base is made out of whitewashed, mud-covered stonework. An enormous rock occupies the inside of the temple, only a 7.5 cm (3 inch) tall brass image representing goddess Hidimba Devi.

A Foot print carved on this rock is worshipped. A rope hangs down in front of the rock, and according to a legend, in bygone days religious zealots would tie the hands of "sinners" by the rope and then swing them against the rock. About seventy metres away from the temple, there is a shrine dedicated to Goddess Hidimba's son, Ghatotkacha, who was born after she married Bhima.

Worship of Hidimba Devi

People in Manali worship Hidimba Devi as a deity. During Navaratri all Hindus across the nation worship goddess Durga, but people in Manali worship Hidimba Devi. Queues of people can be seen outside the temple, but the crowd increases during Navaratri.

Festivals

The Temple is also known for a fair held every year in Hindi month of Sravan in memory of Raja Bahadur Singh who built the temple. There is another fair too which is held on 14^th May every year in the celebration of the birthday Hadimba Devi. Women around and from surrounding villages come and celebrates the fair with music and dance.

Connectivity

The Temple is located at about 3 Kms from Manali Bus Stand, 43 Kms from Kullu, 53 Kms from Bhuntar Kullu Manali Airport, 248 Kms from Una Railway Station, 250 Kms from Shimla and 556 Kms from New Delhi Airport.

By Road:

Manali can be reached from Delhi by national highway NH 1 up to Ambala and from there NH 22 to Chandigarh and from there by national highway NH21 that passes through Bilaspur, Sundernagar, Mandi and Kullu towns. Luxury buses (including Volvos) usually ply overnight on this route and are available from all major bus terminals. Besides 12 Non-AC services, HRTC (Himachal Road Transport Corporation) runs five daily Volvo and AC buses on Delhi-Manali route and two separate Volvos by HPTDC (Himachal Tourism Development Corporation).

By Train:

There is no close railhead available close to Manali. The nearest broad gauge railheads are at Una (248 Kms), Kiratpur Sahib (268 Kms), Kalka (275 Kms), Chandigarh (310 Kms), and Pathankot (325 Kms). The nearest narrow gauge railhead is at Joginder Nagar (175 Kms). The Kalka–Shimla Railway is nostalgic narrow gauge route culminating at the state capital of Shimla wherefrom one has to travel by road to Manali.

By Air:

The nearest airport Bhuntar Airport is at Bhuntar town, situated on NH 21 about 53 Kms south of Manali and 10 Kms south of Kullu town. The airport is also known as Kullu-Manali airport. Air India has regular flights to the airport from New Delhi.

Location

Baijnath Temple, Kangra, Himachal Pradesh

Baijnath Temple is a Hindu Temple dedicated to Lord Shiva located in a small town of Baijnath located in Kangra District, Himachal Pradesh, India. The Temple is built in Nagara style. It is dedicated to Lord Shiva as Vaidyanath, ‘the Lord of physicians’. According to the inscriptions on the present day Baijnath temple structure, a temple of Lord Shiva had existed before construction of present-day structure.

Baijnath is originally known as Kiragrama, lies on the Pathankot-Mandi highway (National Highway No. 20) almost midway between Kangra and Mandi. The present name Baijnath became popular after the name of the temple. The village is located on the left bank of the river Binwa, a corrupt form of ancient Binduka, a tributary of river Beas. Another interesting thing about the town of Baijnath is that there are no shops of goldsmiths here.

Legends

For brief details, please refer below link;

History

For brief details, please refer below link;

The Temple

For brief details, please refer below link;

Festivals

For brief details, please refer below link;

Contact

Baijnath Temple,

Kangra, Himachal Pradesh – 176 125

Phone: +91 1892 222 103 / 224 950 / 263 126

Phone: +91 1894 263 656 / 263 737

Connectivity

The Temple is located at about 700 meters from Baijnath Bus Stand, 1.5 Kms from Baijnath Railway Station, 51 Kms from Dharamshala, 53 Kms from Kangra, 53 Kms from Kangra Railway Station, 55 Kms from Kangra Airport, 119 Kms from Chakki, 129 Kms from Pathankot Railway Station, 130 Kms from Pathankot, 134 Kms from Pathankot Airport, 183 Kms from Manali and 215 Kms from Shimla. Baijnath lies on the Pathankot-Chakki-Manali National Highway No. 20, half way between Kangra and Mandi. Baijnath is very well connected by all-weather roads to Delhi via Chandigarh and to Manali via Mandi.

The nearest railway station is at Kangra, connected to Pathankot through narrow gauge line. There is also available a toy train from Pathankot to Paprola-Baijnath which runs on narrow gauge from Pathankot to Joginder Nagar. And the nearest broad-gauge railway station is located at Pathankot. The nearest Airport is Kangra Airport located at Gaggal. The schedule of Jagson Airlines flights are on every Tuesday, Thursday, Saturday & Sunday by route Gaggal-Bhuntar-Delhi.

Location

Baijnath Temple, Kangra – The Temple

The present temple is a beautiful example of the early medieval north Indian Temple architecture known as Nagara style of temples. The Temple is facing west, on the northern side of the mountain with the river Binduka flowing about one hundred meters below, the temple, with its curvilinear sikhara joined through a vestibule (antarala) with a square mandapa having beautiful balconies in the north and south and an entrance-portico (mukha-mandapa) preceded by a Nandi-shrine, is a treat to watch. The entire complex surrounded by a wall measures 36.5 mt. in length from east to west, 21.10 mt. in width in the east and 19.55 mt. in the west.

Entrances:

The main entrance, through stairs, is on the southern side with two shrines having the images of Ganapati and Hanuman on either side. There is another entrance in the western corner of the northern side. A doorway in the northern corner of the eastern wall, that may have been a later addition, is kept locked at present.

Standing Nandi:

A very conspicuous figure is that of a standing Nandi, some distance behind the Nandi shrine, that was placed at a later period.

Nandi Mandapam:

The Nandi-mandapa in front of the entrance porch has a seven-tiered pyramidal roof topped by an amalaka and a kalasa supported by four pillars and brackets of the same style as those of the entrance porch. It measures 116 cm. x 120 cm. With the pedestal of the Nandi measuring 36 cm. x 100 cm. The image of Nandi enshrined in it appears to be the original one of the 13^th century.

Mukha Mandapam:

Next to it is the entrance porch (mukha-mandapa) measuring 3.10 x 2.31 mt. having beautiful pillars of classical order in front with a square base on which is cushion like circular mouldings above which are the slender plain circular shafts crowned by ghatapallava motifs and square abaci and ornamental sridhara brackets. The roof supported on lintels above the brackets has receding three tiers with an amalaka and a kalasa on the top.

Mandapam:

The mandapa, almost a square, measuring 8.50 x 8.30 mt. has the three usual limbs bhadra, pratibhadra and karna. It is joined to the entrance porch through a doorway and has two massive balconies on the north and south respectively. The plinth and the vedibandha have the same characteristics as those of the garbhagriha viz. the pitha consisting of a bhitta and jadyakumbha and vedibandha with mouldings – khura, kumbha, purnaratna, kalasa, pattika and kapotali.

The jangha has bhadrikas (niches on the bhadras) supporting images (infra). In the four corners are buttresses with niches in the shape of shrines with sikhara rising to almost two third of the mandapa’s height. The roof of the mandapa has six horizontal receding tiers, giving it a pyramidal shape and is topped with an amalaka and a kalasa. At the entrance of the mandapa are two pillars each with a square base having each side 42 cm. topped by circular shafts and purnaghata with foliage capitals.

Four massive pillars support the lantern type ceiling of the mandapa, measuring 5.40 x 5.10 mt with their square bases measuring 53 cm. across. The round shafts are topped by octagonal bands and purnaghata capitals. The architraves on these pillars divide the ceiling of the mandapa into nine square and oblong sections.

The center of the ceiling is reduced to a quarter of the original and beautifully decorated by swirling foliage by way of concentric circles. The most important part in the mandapa is the two balconies. With their different type of sculptures and mouldings that do not go with those of the rest of the mandapa and the garbhagriha. However, the balconies are not a new addition but only renovated at a later date.

Antarala:

Next to the mandapa is the antarala or vestibule. It has two pillars at the entrance with a square base, 28 cm. above floor, each side measuring 32 cm. The ceiling of the antarala has three round lotus motifs carved on it. The highly ornate doorway to the garbhagriha attracts the visitors.

Sanctum:

The garbhagriha forms the most important feature of the temple and is intact in its original form. Pancharatha in plan, it measures 5.00 mt across and rises to the height of 14.20 mt. from the base to the finial. The bhadra niches on its outer walls have circular columns on both sides resting on plinth and topped with capitals and abaci. Besides the niches (rathikas), the walls have various motifs for decoration. The sikhara above the jangha consists of nine storeys each marked by a karnandaka and artistically decorated with intertwined gavaksha arches.

On the top are amalaka and kalasa above that is finial with a trident. In the front of the sikhara is a beautiful round medallion in the center depicting three faces of Siva. Inside the garbhagriha measures 2.30 mt. across. The ceiling of the sanctum is also of lantern pattern with a lotus rosette in the center. It has a Swayambhu Shiva Linga in the center, which is believed to be an Ardhanarishvara form of Siva, probably the only Lingam known as such.

At the floor level is made a white marble yonipitha around the Shiva Linga with a design of a serpent around it. It leads to the sacred water outlet (pranala) going out in the northern wall. A beautiful image of snake, made of silver, with raised hood is placed around the Lingam. The Swayambhu form of Shiva Linga is enshrined in the sanctum of the temple that has five projections on each side and is surmounted with a tall curvilinear Shikhara.

Sculptures:

The outer walls of the temple have several niches with images of gods and goddesses. Numerous images are also fixed or carved in the walls. The outer doorway in the porch as also the inner doorway leading to the sanctum of the temple are also studded with a large number of images of great beauty and iconographic importance. Some of them are very rare to be found elsewhere. The walls of Siva Temple Baijnath are anointed with beautiful carvings and numerous idols of grey stone some of them dating prior to the temple.

This idol of dancing Ganesha is fixed on the base of the left panel of the porch at entrance. The unique features of the image are that the Ganesha is shown with six arms and with lion and mouse as vahanas. The panel in the base of the idol has three figures, each shown beating the drum.

This is a unique composite image of lord Siva and Vishnu with right side depicted as Har (Siva) and left as Hari (Vishnu). The image is three faced; the central image has Krita Mukuta on the left side and Jata Mukuta on the right side. Vishnu bears round karanphool (earings) and the lord Siva has diamond shaped earings. Of the two hands of Vishnu, the upper one has a chakra and the lower one holds a mace resting on the both knees of the image. On the left of Vishnu is shown Laxmi riding on the garuda. Of her four hands she holds a lotus in upper hand. The objects in other hands are not clear.

Of the two hands of Siva, he holds a trident in the upper hand and the scepter in the lower one. The right side of the figure has other face in Soumya form of lord Siva bearing a crown of Jatamudi. On the right side of the figure, there is a four handed image of Parvati riding on Nandi. She holds mirror in upper left hand and a book like object in lower left hand. The right hands are not clear. There are two attendant figures on each side at the top of the figure. There is a foliated hallow on the back of the head of the idol. The figure is shown bearing yogpat.

This image depicts the marriage of Siva with Parvati. Siva bearing a crown of jattajoot with a crescent moon, Yagnopavita of snake, holding both the hands of Parvati is shown standing in Vivah-mandap. Parvati is shown standing on the left of Siva in graceful attire, ornaments and manner. There is a fire altar in the centre of the scene. Four headed Brahma is shown seated on the right side and on the left Nandi with human body.

In the centre of the sculpture a tall figure of Vishnu is shown performing kanyadaan. On the both sides of Siva and Parvati at the base are depicted Ganesha and Karthikeya in dancing postures. On the top of the sculpture from the left are shown Vishnu on garuda, Laxmi on lotus, Parvati and Siva seated on Nandi.

This sculpture shows four headed and sixteen handed virat roop of lord Siva picking up the demon Andhkasur on his trident, who was otherwise believed to be invincible on earth and in sky. The blind demon was killed by the lord Siva on his trident in the air. Eight hands on the right-side hold objects: 1. trident 2. snake 3. chakra 4. indistinct 5. axe 6. arrow 7. rosary 8. kharag. Objects in the left hands are: 1. rested on chest 2. shool 3. khatak 4. indistinct 5. bow 6. trident 7. shield 8. khatwang.

This is most beautiful and expressive idol kept in the niche on the northern face of the temple. Six headed Karthikeya is shown seated on the peacock in lalitasana with a blissful main face. Of the two hands on the side upper one has shakti (partly broken) and lower hand has matuling. The lower right-hand has an indistinct object and the upper right hand has a chakra.

Four handed, potbellied and bearded Brahma is shown seated in lalitasana bearing a turban. The lower left hand has a pot and the upper left hand holds a book. The upper right hand holds an umbrella like object and the lower right hand is in varada mudra with a rosary.

Idol of Surya Dev sitting on a chariot driven by seven horses is placed on the rear side niche of the temple in the eastern side. Surya Dev is shown holding lotus flowers in both the hands and bearing a Kirit Mukut, kanthahar, kundals and vaijyantimala.

Chamunda:

This is a rare idol of goddess Chamunda. The ten handed Devi is shown in rage killing a demon while standing on the body of kaal. On the right is shown another under her dagger. The goddess is depicted in usual manner in Skelton form, with drooping breasts, bearing mundmala, having a mund in her crown and also bearing a row of munds on her forehead. Her rough thorn like hairs are shown in erected form to express the state of aggression. The posture of her left hand with a little finger resting on her chin in vismay mudra is strange. From the face expressions, goddess appears to be ecstatic of her act. The objects on the five right hands are: 1. trident 2. khapper 3. kharag 4. damru 5. sword. Her left five holds: 1. hand in vismay mudra 2. khatwang 3. shool 4. ganta 5. mund.

Ardh Lakshmi Narayana:

This unique image in northern India depicts composite form of Vishnu with his female counterpart, seated on garuda which is shown ten handed with humane face and body. The right-side depicting Vishnu has a Kirit Mukut and karanphool. Of his four hands Vishnu is holding usual attributes lotus, mace, couch and discuss. However, it is the left side of the image which is unusual and makes it very important and different.

It shows female form with a low round crown, round earrings and hair-do in the background. In her four hands she holds a book in front hand, a lotus in the second, a pot in the third and a mirror in the upper hand. Of these book is an attribute of Sarasvati and mirror is an attribute of Parvati. It means the artist has combined the attributes of two goddesses with that of Laxmi. There is a foliated hallow behind the head of image.

Other Shrines:

Besides this temple there are other ancient shrines in and around the place such as Mahakala temple complex that has recently been renovated, the Sidhanath temple, Mukutanath temple etc. Besides the serene surroundings and salubrious climate of middle range hills of Baijnath, tourists interested in adventure can also enjoy paragliding at nearby (about 10 Kms) Bir and go for trekking in the region.

Garjiya Devi Temple, Ramnagar, Uttarakhand

Garjiya Devi Temple is a Hindu Temple dedicated to Goddess Sakthi located in the Garjiya village near Ramnagar, Uttarakhand, India, on the outskirts of the Corbett National Park. The temple is situated over a large rock in the Kosi River and is one of the most famous temples of the Nainital district. The first priest was Pt. Keshav Dutt Pandey who began worship of Devi Girija. Being one of the sacred Shakti peetha of the region, Garjiya Devi temple is closely connected with the ancient royal families like Katyuri, Kuru etc.

Legends

For brief details, please refer below link;

The Temple

The temple is situated over a large rock in the Kosi River, was not known by many till 1940 but in recent years, it has been protected and reconstructed many times by the temple management and pulls a crowd that increases every year. However, the temple, which is over 150 years old, is not only a hotspot for devotees but also an attraction for bird watchers who visit the area to spot some rare species including the Himalayan kingfisher.

Though the temple is actually a Shiva Temple but importance is given to Sakthi. A Shivalinga can be found in this Temple to attest this fact. Garjiya Devi is the presiding deity, with idols of goddess Saraswathi, Lord Ganesha and Girija Devi, standing at a height of 4.5 feet.

There is also a temple of Laxmi-Narayan of 9^th century in the same temple premises. The idols of this temple were found during excavation here. It is believed that the prayers here are not complete until the devotee worships Bhairava after worshipping Girija Devi.

Temple Opening Time

The Temple remains open from 06.00 AM to 12.00 Noon and from 04.00 PM to 08.00 PM. The Temple is open for tourists all-round the year except for the monsoon season since the water level in river Kosi increases.

Festivals

On the day of Kartik Poornima, a big fair is organized at the temple. It is attended by thousands of devotees. It is a holy day celebrated on the fifteenth lunar day of the Kartik month i.e. November- December. Kartik Purnima also coincides with Guru Nanak Jayanti.

Connectivity

For brief details, please refer below link;

Location

Garjiya Devi Temple, Ramnagar – Legends

Garjiya Devi married Kosi River:

Another myth is that in order to control the over-flooded river Kosi, Lord Bhairava asked Garjiya, his sister to marry Kosi and reside there itself to control the anger of the river. Obeying his order, his sister Garjiya married Kosi and start residing in the rock located in the Kosi river. Garjiya, being one of the avatar of Goddess Parvati, blessed the entire place divine with her presence and it is believed that after Garjiya Devi resided at the rock, river Kosi never flooded again.

Garjiya Temple:

One night before a flood that hit this area 150-200 years ago, a saint saw a dream that something along with water will come flowing in this region and he has to stop it. The next day, the area was hit with the flood and the saint saw a big mountain of clay and mud that was constantly getting collected in one place with the flow of water. He then meditated to stop the mountain on that place itself. Since then, the mountain is standing there at 100-metre-tall, where people established effigies of idols – that later came to be known as the Garjiya Temple.

Goddess Parvati, daughter of King of Himalayas:

Legends believe that Garjiya Devi is the incarnation of Goddess Parvati, daughter of King of Himalayas, Himavan or Giriraj.

Madhyamaheshwar Temple, Garhwal, Uttarakhand

Madhyamaheshwar Temple is a Hindu Temple dedicated to Lord Shiva located in Mansoona village of Garhwal Himalayas in Uttarakhand, India. Madhyamaheshwar Temple is also called as Madmaheshwar Temple. The Temple is situated at an elevation of 3,497 m (11,473.1 ft). At Madhyamaheshwar Temple entire village shows their presence at the evening aarti performed at the temple and the guests are greeted. One can feel the spiritual vibes in the proximity of the temple. The locals refer Madhyamaheshwar to as Madhamaheshwar which literally means the Drunken god.

This temple is the fourth temple to be visited in the Panch Kedar pilgrimage circuit, comprising five Shiva temples in the Garhwal region. The other temples in the circuit include: Kedarnath, Tungnath and Rudranath to be visited before Madmaheshwar and Kalpeshwar to be visited after Madmaheshwar. The middle (Madhya) or belly part or navel (Nabhi) of the bull, considered a divine form of Shiva, is worshipped at this temple, believed to be built by the Pandavas, the heroes of the Hindu epic Mahabharata.

The temple is in a green valley surrounded by snow peaks of Chaukhamba (literal meaning is four pillars or peaks), Neel Kanth and Kedarnath in high Himalayan hill ranges. The Kedar hills, called the Kedar Massif, gives a view of the mountain formation with a number of glaciers which include the source of the Mandakini River. The region has rich flora and fauna, particularly the endangered species of Himalayan Monal pheasant and Himalayan musk deer (locally called Kasturi deer) in the Kedarnath Wild Life Sanctuary.

Legends

For brief details, please refer below link;

The Temple

For brief details, please refer below link;

Religious Significance

The water from the temple precincts is considered so highly sacred that even a few drops are stated to be adequate for ablution. The worship at this temple starts with a specified time period from the beginning of the summer months after the winter and lasts till October/November from start of the winter season when the temple precincts are not accessible due to snow conditions. During the winter period, the symbolic idol of the god is shifted with religious formalities to Ukhimath for continued worship. Priests at this temple, as in many other temples in the state, are from South India and at this particular temple they are called Jangamas of the Lingayat cast who hail from Mysore in Karnataka state. This induction of priests from outside the state enhances the cultural communications from one part of the country to the other, with language becoming no barrier.

It is one of an important sacred pilgrimage centers of Shastrik (textual) importance categorized as Panchasthali (five places) doctrine. This doctrine has been determined on the basis of sectarian association, fairs and festivals, offerings to the deity, sacred declarations made by devotees and specific blessings sought from the god through prayers at different temples. 2 Kms away is a small temple called Bura Madhyamaheshwar. One has to trek 2 Kms up the steep ways through large moors and valleys and then would reach in a small lake, where a full Panoramic range of Himalayas consisting of the peaks, Chaukhamba, Kedarnath, Neelkanth, Trishul, Kamet, Panchulli, etc. can be seen.

Best Time to Visit

For worship, the holy portals of the temple remain open for a specific time period during the year, i.e., from the month of early summer till October/November. In winter, the place remains inaccessible due to the heavy snowfall in the region, and thus, during these months the temple authority shifts the idol of the god to Ukhimath with all the religious customs and formalities. As far as climate is concerned, the region witnesses cool and cold climate conditions throughout the year because of the high elevation. Being an eminent religious place in the Himalayas, the weather of the region remains cold and chilly throughout the seasons. However, summers are very much pleasant as compared to other seasons. During the months of summer, the average temperature ranges around 14°C, and thus, the season is considered as the best time for sightseeing and to adore the beauty of the place.

Monsoon (September to October) is about moderate rainfall and the temperature also drops down to 12°C. Despite this, the temple remains open during these months. Moreover, the moderate rainfall doesn’t stop pilgrims to visit the temple. On the other hand, winter, which starts in the month of November and lasts till April, receives a heavy snowfall. As a result of which, the portals of the temple remain closed for these months. Therefore, May to October are the months in which one can enjoy their time at Madhyamaheshwar Temple to its full. The cool and pleasant climate condition let visitors to spend the most relaxing time in the outdoors, and thus become the best time to visit Madhyamaheshwar.

Accommodation

There are not so much choices regarding accommodation. Only accommodation available at this remote part is home stay. The people here are helpful, warm and honest. The lodging is obviously not luxurious but comfortable.

Connectivity

For brief details, please refer below link;

Location

Madhyamaheshwar Temple, Garhwal – The Temple

The temple is constructed in the north Indian style of architecture. It is situated in a lush meadow, just below a high ridge. The older, so-called 'Vriddh-Madmaheshwar', temple is a tiny blackened shrine on the ridge, which looks straight up at the commanding Chaukhamba peaks. In the current temple, a navel-shaped Shiva-lingam, made of black stone, is enshrined in the sanctum. There are two other smaller shrines, one for Shiva’s consort Parvati and the other dedicated to the Ardhanarishwara, a half-Shiva half-Parvati image.

Bhima, the second Pandava brother is believed to have built this temple and worshipped Shiva here. To the right of the main temple there is a small temple where the image of Saraswathi, the Hindu goddess of learning, made of marble is installed in the sanctum. Madhyamaheshwar and Rudranath are supposedly toughest pilgrimage site to travel to among the Panch Kedar temples as devotees have to travel 30 Kms and 21 Kms respectively on foot to reach there.

Other than being a religious destination, Madhyamaheshwar is also a well-known trekking destination. It is a paradise for trekkers through the beautiful meadows and mountains. Madhyamaheshwar is mystically covered by the snow-capped Himalayas and lush green alpine meadows and dense forest acts as its backdrop. The region has rich flora and fauna, particularly the endangered species of Himalayan Monal pheasant and Himalayan Musk Deer in the Kedarnath Wild Life Sanctuary.

Mahasu Devta Temple, Hanol, Uttarakhand

Mahasu Devta Temple is a Hindu Temple dedicated to local deity, Mahasu Devta in Hanol Village in Uttarakhand State, India. Mahasu Devta Temple is on the eastern bank of Tons River (Tamas) on the Tuini-Mori road at Hanol village. Hanol is at an altitude of 1,050 m above M.S.L. This temple is a sort of pilgrimage place for people living in vast areas in the mountainous parts of Uttarakhand, west of Yamuna River, The trans Giri area of Sirmaur district and major part of Shimla district of Himachal Pradesh.

Legends

For brief details, please refer below link;

The Temple

For brief details, please refer below link;

Festivals

For brief details, please refer below link;

Best Time to Visit

In summer (March to May), the climate is very pleasant. Most of the pilgrims visit temple during this time. In the rainy season (July to September), there is mild rainfall. Most of the roads are slippery during this season. In winter (November to February) the weather is chilly.

Accommodation

The Garhwal Mandal Vikas Nigam guest house is the reasonable and comfortable accommodation option at Hanol. It has five rooms and a dormitory. Accommodation is also available on the premises of the temple.

Connectivity

The Temple is located at about 15 Kms from Tiuni, 49 Kms from Purola, 67 Kms from Naugaon, 77 Kms from Barkot, 94 Kms from Chakrata, 141 Kms from Shimla, 147 Kms from Mussoorie, 172 Kms from Dehradun, 201 Kms from Dehradun Airport and 404 Kms from New Delhi Airport. Mahasu Devta Temple is situated on the eastern bank of Tons River (Tamas) at Hanol village. Hanol is approachable from Tiuni, a well-known trijunction of roads on the Pabbar River after covering a distance of 15 km on an all-weather motorable road which meanders smoothly through the pine clad mountain slopes. Although the terrain through which the road passes is very narrow and by another side of road one can see the river tons.

The Mahasu Devta Temple is about 172 Kms from Dehradun via Chakrata. It takes about seven hours to reach this Temple. The road is narrow and difficult during rainy season. Another route to reach this temple is via Mussoorie, Purola, Naugaon. This route is much better than the former one and takes approximately the same time to reach. The temple is also connected to Shimla via Chaupal and via Jubbal. The nearest airport is the Jolly Grant Airport, Dehradun. The nearest railway terminus is also at Dehradun.

Location

Mahasu Devta Temple, Hanol – The Temple

Mahasu Devta Temple at Hanol is one of the rarest examples of perfect and harmonious blend of stone and wooden structure to form one composite grand edifice. Lord Mahasu is the chief deity of this area and is worshiped in Mahasu Devta Temple by the people of Hanol and nearby villages. It is the ancient temple of Mahasu Devta built in the 9^th century. The temple was constructed in Huna architectural style initially but, over the ages, acquired a mixed style. It is included in the Archaeological Survey of India list of ancient temple in Dehradun circle, Uttarakhand.

The sanctum proper is a pure stone shikhara in classical nagara style. The whole wooden structure is covered with a high pitched slated pent roof surmounted by a two-tiered conical canopy over it on which a gracefully tapered kalash pinnacle stands. The roof ends and the projection of balcony are ornamented with dangling fringes a pendent corner bells which sway with the slightest movement of breeze.

The stone built classical sanctum sanctorum enshrines many mohras and one bronze image. Those in front row from left to right are Chalda Mahasu (the Mahasu who keeps on moving), Devladli Devi (mother of Mahasu Devta), Kapala Bir (one of the four birs (attendants) of Mahasu Devta), and Shedkuliya (the attendant who emits the whistling sound). Behind them in the preceding order are Pavasi Devta, Kailu (a bir), Natari (polyandrous wife of four Mahasu brothers). All the face images are seated in a middle a small bronze image which is regarded as Botha Mahasu.

Entry to sanctum is restricted strictly for others except the pujari. Even he is required to undergo ritual ablution every time he enters the celestial realms; the tradition pujari of temple is a Brahmin. He is not supposed to eat meat, only eat food once a day, avoid proximity with other persons during the term of his deity as pujari. In front of sanctum is a large room which functions as an extension to the sanctum where sacramental objects are stored. This room is called Bhandar. Entry to this room is restricted to Brahmins only.

The gilded door of the Bhandar is very interesting. Its surface is profusely embossed with human and animal figures in a very bold manner depicting the episodes associated with the birth of Mahasu Devta. The door frame is intensively covered with coins nailed over one another through years but none of them are of numismatic interest and range from recent past. The lion head is fitted with a gold brass ring that serves as a handle. In front of the vestibule is a Sabha mandap followed by an open frontal portico.

All the four apartments of this temple are roofed separately. Vestibule and Bhandar have a combined three-tiered pent roof with pyramid canopy. The frontal porch has a gable roof over it supported by two wooden pillars with an intermediate ornamental arch. The most unusual aspect of the temple is the two spherical rocks about one foot in diameter. The fun part is to lift these rocks on your shoulder and head and then throw them to the ground. It is believed that only a pious-hearted person can only lift up these rocks.

The hanging of trophies on the temple wall is another unique aspect. Matches are played between teams of local gods. On winning, the trophy is awarded and hanged on the interior walls. On the premises one can notice numerous sheep roaming. It is believed that whatever one wishes in this temple, Mahasu Devta fulfills it, provided that on the fulfillment one has to bring a certain number of sheep to Mahasu Devta Temple. After prayers the sheep are set free to roam on the premises.

Palanquins:

The palanquins of Mahasu Devta is generally of roof type-Box type design. In roof type-box type palanquins, the deity's image (Murti or Muharas) is hidden inside the box. Usually made up of silver and sometimes inlaid with gold, both the box and the roof are typically ornamented with repousse images of Shiva, Ganesha, Krishna, The Pandavas and Kauravas and Gopis. The placement of silver parasol at the peak of the roof and the four ball at each of the corner of the box reproduces the mandallic geometry of center and four directions, the visual signature of world-ordering sovereignty gives visual form to Mahasu's paramount status as "king of the gods". A woven silver cummerbund tied around the box, through which the deity's sword is slung, indicates the palanquin's anthropomorphic construction as the martial body of a demon-slaying ruler.

Pavasi Devata Temple:

Pavasi Devta is the second brother of Mahasu Devta. The Pavasi Devta Temple is just across the River Tons on a hillock. The temple is about 2 Kms from Mahasu Devta Temple. A road from Mahasu Devta Temple goes one Km downward toward the suspension bridge at the river. On crossing, one enters Thadiyar, a small village in Uttarkashi district. Then footpath goes up the hill about 1 Km to reach Pavasi Devta Temple.

Other Temples:

Besides this ancient and principal temple at Hanol, Mahasu Devta has number of temples scattered in his deitydom. Besides Hanol, temples situated at villages namely Thaina, Basoi and Gabela are regarded as Thans (Abode) of Mahasu. Also, the temples dedicated to Mahasu Devta birs (His two deputies) Kaulo and Shedkulia has exclusive temples for them in Tiuni and Raaigi.

Mansa Devi Temple, Haridwar, Uttarakhand

Mansa Devi Temple is a Hindu Temple dedicated to Goddess Sakthi located in the holy city of Haridwar in Uttarakhand state of India. The temple is located atop the Bilwa Parvat on the Shivalik Hills, the southernmost mountain chain of the Himalayas. The temple, also known as Bilwa Tirth is one of the Panch Tirth (Five Pilgrimages) within Haridwar. Mansa Devi Temple is highly revered by devotees as a Siddh Peetha which is a place of worship where desires get fulfilled. It is one of three such Peethas located in Haridwar, the other two being Chandi Devi Temple and Maya Devi Temple. This temple along with the nearly located Chandi Devi Temple is visited by thousands of devotees from various parts of the country.

Legends

The temple is known for being the holy abode of Mansa Devi, a form of Shakti and is said to have emerged from the mind of the Lord Shiva. Mansa is regarded as the sister of the Naga (serpent) Vasuki. She is also believed to be the daughter of Lord Shiva in his human incarnate. The term Mansa means wish and it is believed that the goddess fulfils all the wishes of a sincere devotee.

There is a folk tale about this, once Mansa, a common girl who was unaware about her complete truth from her guardians decided to meet Lord Shiva and ask him about her truth. To meet Lord Shiva, she sat for Sadhana and after years of spiritual exercise, she got the fortune to meet Lord Shiva and clarify her truth from him. After learning her truth, she attained the powers of goddess of welfare for the world.

History

The Temple was built by Maharaja Gopal Singh of Mani Majra during 1811-1815 A.D.

The Temple

The Temple is located atop the Bilwa Parvat on the Shivalik Hills, the southernmost mountain chain of the Himalayas. The inner shrine has two deities, one with eight arms and the other one with three heads and five arms. It is said that Devi Mansa and Chandi, the two forms of goddess Parvati always reside close to each other. This belief can also be found true in other case since near to the Mata Mansa Devi Mandir in Panchkula, Haryana, there is a Chandi Mandir located nearby in Chandigarh. The Temple offers views of the River Ganges and the plains of Haridwar.

Temple Opening Time

On a normal day, the temple is open between 5.00 am and 9.00 pm, except for lunch closings of 12.00 Noon to 2.00 pm.

Festivals

Navratri and Kumbha Mela are the famous festivals celebrated here with much fanfare.

Prayers

Devotees who want their wishes to be fulfilled by Mansa tie threads to the branches of a tree located in the temple. Once their wishes are fulfilled, people come back again to the temple to untie the thread from the tree. Mansa is also offered coconuts, fruits, garlands and incense sticks in order to appease her.

Connectivity

The Temple is located at about 3 Kms from Haridwar, 3 Kms from Haridwar Railway Junction, 3 Kms from Haridwar Bus Stand, 5 Kms from Har Ki Pauri, 23 Kms from Rishikesh, 41 Kms from Dehradun Jolly Grant Airport, 56 Kms from Dehradun and 227 Kms from New Delhi Airport. Haridwar is situated on highway No. 45 and is connected to all major centers in the region and other parts of the country by well-maintained roads. One can easily reach Chandi Devi Temple by taking local Buses, Rickshaws, Tongas or by hiring Taxis from Haridwar.

To reach the temple one has to either follow 1.5 Kms trekking route or take the recently introduced rope-way (cable car) service. Though it is a wonderful experience to trek up to the temple, visitors also have the option of using the ropeway to reach there. If you enjoy steep climbs, you will take 30 minutes to reach the temple of Mansa Devi in Haridwar. However, you can cut short the travelling time by choosing the ropeway; reaching the temple by ropeway takes up just 5-10 minutes. The first cable car starts running at 7 a.m. during April to October, and 8 a.m. the rest of the year. Tickets cost 48 rupees per person, return. The departure point is centrally located in town.

Location

Mathiyana Devi Temple, Rudraprayag, Uttarakhand

Mathiyana Devi Temple is a Hindu Temple dedicated to Goddess Sakthi, located near to Rudraprayag in Uttarakhand State, India. The Temple is located in Bhardhar Patti above the village of Mathiyana Khal near Tilwara. This temple is considered as one of the popular 51 Siddh / Shakti Peeth. This temple is maintained by the Gram Panchayat Jakholi Bhramans. Mathiyana Devi is the clan deity of Bhardari Dynasty. The temple premises offer beautiful views of Himalaya ranges. Navaratri is celebrated here with much fanfare.

Legends

Sakthi Peetha:

Lord Vishnu cut the dead body of Goddess Sati with his Sudarshan to free Lord Shiva from the grief caused by her death. Parts of the dead body of Goddess Sati were scattered to fifty-one different places, which were consecrated as Shakti Pithas. The Mathiyana Devi Temple is one among them. But this story can also be a myth because Mathiyana Devi Temple is not mentioned in the list of Siddh Peeth.

Mathiyana Devi:

According to the ancient folk tale, Mathiyana Devi was the Dhyani of Sirwadi Garh Dynasty. She married to the prince of Tibet. Her husband is murdered with the help of her stepmother by the help of some rebels. In the sorrow of her husband’s death, she goes to Suraj Prayag for suicide. Goddess appears in front of her in Suraj Prayag. Then Goddess punishes all the culprits responsible for her husband death. She settles there for public welfare. Jagara is organized in this temple every 3 years in which the saga of the goddess is mentioned.

Prayers

It is believed that the devotees who go to this temple with the empty stomach, their desire is fulfilled. And on completion of the wish, the devotee raises a bell in this temple.

Connectivity

The Temple is located at about 2 Kms from Saunda, 26 Kms from Dangi Bhardar, 36 Kms from Rudraprayag, 66 Kms from Srinagar, 66 Kms from Karnaprayag, 99 Kms from Pauri, 174 Kms from Rishikesh, 171 Kms from Rishikesh Railway Station, 194 Kms from Haridwar, 195 Haridwar Railway Junction, 189 Kms from Dehradun Airport and 421 Kms from New Delhi Airport. Mathiyana Devi Temple is easy to access. Devotees can reach the temple, by taking bus or taxi. Devotees have to trek around 2 Kms from main road to reach this Temple.

There are two ways to reach the temple. The first way is from Srinagar from where the visitors have to come via Tilbada and Saunda village. From Saunda village, the visitors have to walk about 2 Kms to reach the temple. The second way is from Kirti Nagar from which the visitors have to travel via Badyargad, Saurakhal village. Nearest Railway Stations are located at Rishikesh and Haridwar. Nearest Airport is Jolly Grant Airport of Dehradun.

Location

Maya Devi Temple, Haridwar, Uttarakhand

Maya Devi Temple is a Hindu Temple dedicated to Goddess Sakthi located in the holy city of Haridwar in Uttarakhand state of India. The presiding deity, goddess Maya is an incarnation of goddess Shakti. Goddess Maya is the Adhisthatri deity of Haridwar. She is a three-headed and four-armed deity who is believed to be an incarnation of Shakti. Haridwar was previously known as Mayapuri in reverence to this deity. This temple is also among the Chota Char Dham Yatra package within Uttarakhand.

The history of the Maya Devi temple dates back to the 11^th century. The temple is a Siddh Peetha which are the places of worship where desires get fulfilled. It is one of three such Peethas located in Haridwar, the other two being Chandi Devi Temple and Mansa Devi Temple. It is believed that the heart and navel of goddess Sati fell in the region where the temple stands today and thus it is sometimes referred to as a Shakti Peetha.

Legends

As per a legend, when Daksha (Sati’s father) organized a Yagna, he did not invite Sati and Shiva. But Sati still went to meet her father and mother. However, Daksha, who loathed Shiva, did not receive her warmly and said disrespectful things. This angered Sati and she committed self-immolation in the fire pit of yagna Kund, due to an insult committed by her father Daksha towards her consort Lord Shiva during the Yaga. Raged by the death of Sati, Lord Shiva destroyed the Yaga of Daksha and with the body of Sati in his hands started to do 'Tandava'. Lord Vishnu cut the dead body of Goddess Sati with his Sudarshan to free Lord Shiva from the grief caused by her death. Parts of the dead body of Goddess Sati were scattered to fifty-two different places, which were consecrated as Shakti Pithas. Devotees believe that her navel and heart fell at the place where Maya Devi temple stands today.

The Temple

Maya Devi temple is one of the three ancient temples of Haridwar which are still intact, the other two being Narayana-Shila and Bhairava Temple. The inner shrine consists of idols of goddesses Maya in the centre, Kali on the left, Kamakhya on the right. There are also two other goddesses who are also forms of Shakti, present in the inner shrine. The significance of Maya Devi Temple Haridwar is that the main deity, goddess Maya has four arms and three heads. The temple is located to the east of Har ki Pauri.

Festivals

Navratri and Kumbha Mela are the festivals celebrated here with much fanfare.

Connectivity

The Temple is located at about 600 meters from Haridwar, 700 meters from Haridwar Railway Junction, 1 Km from Haridwar Bus Stand, 2 Kms from Har Ki Pauri, 21 Kms from Rishikesh, 39 Kms from Dehradun Jolly Grant Airport, 54 Kms from Dehradun and 228 Kms from New Delhi Airport. Haridwar is situated on highway No. 45 and is connected to all major centers in the region and other parts of the country by well-maintained roads. One can easily reach Maya Devi Temple by taking local Buses, Rickshaws, Tongas or by hiring Taxis from Haridwar.

Location

Moteshwar Mahadev Temple, Kashipur, Uttarakhand

Moteshwar Mahadev Temple is a Hindu Temple dedicated to Lord Shiva located in Kashipur in Uttarakhand State, India. Presiding Deity is called as Moteshwar Mahadev / Bheem Shankar Mahadev. This place was known as the Dakini State in ancient days. Kashipur is a historic place in Nainital district.

Legends

According to the Shiv Purana, Bhima Shankar Jyotirlinga is in Kamroop. It is believed that this place is Kamroop. In Mahabharata time, this place was also known as Dakini. Adi Shankaracharya has illustrated the place by saying "Dakiniyam Bhimashankaram". Its existence is also described by Kalidas in his Raghuvansh. Dakini was named after Hidimba, which took birth in Dakini Yoni and got married to Bhima.

History

Kashipur was known as Govishan or Govisana during the time of Harsha (606–647 AD), when Xuanzang (631–641 AD) visited this region. The ruins of the large settlement of those days can be seen near the city. Kashipur is named after Kashinath Adhikari, the founder of the township and governor of the pargana, one of the officers of the Chand Kings of Kumaon in the 16^th – 17^th century. Poet Gumani wrote a poem on this town.

The Temple

Presiding Deity is called as Moteshwar Mahadev / Bheem Shankar Mahadev. He is housed in the sanctum in the form of Lingam. The Lingam of this temple is very large and embracing the whole lingam with two human hands is impossible. This kind of lingam is not present in any other part of the country. It is believed that it rises and till now it has reached second floor.

There are shrines for Bhairava, Kartikeya, Ganesha Hanuman and Kali in the Temple premises. Teertha of this Temple is Shiva Ganga Kund. Kosi River flows near this Temple. There is a Temple dedicated to Goddess, Jagadamba Bhagwati Balasundari, situated to the west of Moteshwar Mahadev Temple.

Temple Opening Time

The Temple remains open from 6:00 AM to 12:00 Noon and 4:00 PM to 8:00 PM.

Festivals

Maha Shivaratri, Chaiti Mela and Shrawan Mela are the festivals celebrated here.

Religious Significance

Moteshwar (Bheema Shankar) Mahadev is regarded as one of the 12 Jyotirlinga of Lord Shiva. There is a Bhimshankar Temple near Pune in Maharashtra, which was also referred to as Dakini country and considered as one of the Jyotirlinga. Bhimshankar temple near Guwahati, Assam is the jyotirlinga according to Sivapuran. According to "Linga Purana", Bhimshankar Temple at Bhimpur near Gunupur of Rayagada District in South Orissa is debated as one of the Jyotirlinga, which is at the western part of the holy Mahendragiri mountains and at the river.

Connectivity

The Temple is located at about 3 Kms from Kashipur Bus Station, 3 Kms from Kashipur Railway Junction, 28 Kms from Jim Corbett National Park, 60 Kms from Pantnagar Airport, 176 Kms from Dehradun Airport, 190 Kms from Dehradun and 252 Kms from New Delhi Airport. The Temple is situated in the Ujjanak area of Kashipur. Kashipur is well connected by road with all major cities of North India and is linked to Delhi, Lucknow, Moradabad, Ramnagar and Varanasi by train. Nearest Airports are located at Pantnagar and Dehradun.

Location

Rudreshwar Mahadev Temple, Uttarakhand

Rudreshwar Mahadev Temple is a Hindu Temple dedicated to Lord Shiva located in Uttarakhand State, India. It is one of the historic temples of Lord Shiva in Kumaon region in Uttarakhand and situated near the bank of the river Ram Ganga. Panoramic views of Ramganga River can be viewed from Temple Hall. The Temple is located at about 10 Kms from Masi, 11 Kms from Bhikiyasan, 22 Kms from Chaukhutiya, 63 Kms from Ranikhet, 93 Kms from Ramnagar, 95 Kms from Ramnagar Railway Station, 106 Kms from Nainital, 160 Kms from Pantnagar Airport, 286 Kms from Dehradun Airport and 370 Kms from New Delhi Airport. The Temple is situated on Bhikiyasan – Chaukhutiya Road along the banks of Ram Ganga River. You can reach the temple via Kumaon Motor Owners Union KMOU buses.

Location

Surkanda Devi Temple, Dhanaulti, Uttarakhand

Surkanda Devi Temple is a Hindu Temple dedicated to Goddess Sakthi, located in Dhanaulti in the village Uniyal Gaon of Tehri District of Uttarakhand State, India. The Temple is situated at an altitude of about 3,030 metres, or 9976 ft lies close to nearby hill stations of Dhanaulti and Chamba. The Temple is surrounded by dense forests and affords a scenic view of the surrounding region including the Himalayas to the north, and certain cities to the south (e.g., Dehradun, Rishikesh).

This temple is a part of the Devi Darshan triangle, which also includes Chandrabadani and Kunjapuri. Atop the hill where Surkanda Devi temple is located, the tourists can get a 360-degree view of the Garhwal region of the Himalayas, the Dehradun valley and other peaks. Tourists usually trek along the route to the temple, but, those who cannot; there are ponies and horse rides available. The place is situated is placed in the midst of an apple growing region.

Legends

Lord Vishnu cut the dead body of Goddess Sati with his Sudarshan to free Lord Shiva from the grief caused by her death. Parts of the dead body of Goddess Sati were scattered to fifty-two different places, which were consecrated as Shakti Pithas. Devotees believe that her head fell at the place where Surkanda Devi Temple stands today and due to which the temple's got its name as Sirkhanda which in the passage of time is now called Surkanda.

Festivals

The Ganga Dushera festival is celebrated every year between May and June and attracts a lot of people.

Connectivity

The Temple is located at about 7 Kms from Dhanaulti, 23 Kms from Chamba, 33 Kms from Landour, 34 Kms from Mussoorie, 34 Kms from New Tehri, 67 Kms from Narendra Nagar, 84 Kms from Rishikesh Railway Station, 88 Kms from Rishikesh, 89 Kms from Dehradun Airport, 98 Kms from Devaprayag, 122 Kms from Haridwar, 123 Kms from Haridwar Railway Junction and 323 Kms from New Delhi Airport.

Surkanda Devi Temple is situated on the motorable road running from Mussoorie to Chamba and is connected with Narendra Nagar and Tehri by motorable roads. It is located on a hill and one reaches there after a steep 2 Kms trek, from village Kaddukhal, on the Dhanaulti - Chamba road.

Rishikesh is the major starting point for road journey to this place. Regular buses operate from Rishikesh Bus Station to Yogadhyan via Karnaprayag. The nearest railway station is at Rishikesh, which has a small railway terminal. Haridwar Railway junction, 24 Kms farther from Rishikesh, has train connections to most of the major cities in India. Nearest Airport is Jolly Grant Airport, Dehradun.

Location

Tapkeshwar Temple, Dehradun, Uttarakhand

Tapkeshwar Temple is a Hindu Temple dedicated to Lord Shiva located in Dehradun in Uttarakhand State, India. The Temple is also known as Tapkeshwar Mahadev Temple. The Temple is situated by the forest side, the main Shivalinga at the temple is inside a natural cave. Water drops from the ceiling of the cave trickle down over the Shivalinga in a continuous downpour, making for an interesting spectacle.

Legends

It is believed that this temple dates back to the era of Mahabharata. It is believed that, the guru of Pandavas and Kauravas, Drona, meditated in this cave to gain the knowledge and expertise in military arts such as archery with the blessings of Lord Shiva. It was here that Guru Dronacharya and his wife, Kripi, were blessed with a son, Ashwathama, and milk started dripping from this cave owing to the powers of Lord Shiva for Ashwathama who needed this milk. The cave is thus named Drona Cave after his name.

The Temple

Tapkeshwar Mahadev temple is widely popular as a pilgrimage site in Dehradun. The beautiful temple of Lord Shiva established between the two hills attracts hundreds of tourists from inside and around Dehradun all-round the year. The Tapkeshwar Mahadev temple houses two Shivalingas. Both these Shivalingas are not man-made and have come into existence naturally.

The Shiva Linga in Drona cave nearby where the river enters and water droplets drip down on the Shivalinga, is a spectacular sight. The water that drops down vanishes underground and can be seen few yards away in the form of a stream. There are Sulphur water springs inside the Temple premises, where devoted pilgrims take bath before entering the temple.

Festivals

A large festival is held on Shivaratri day around the Tapkeshwar temple.

Contact

Tapkeshwar Mahadev Temple,

Garhi Cantt, Dehradun,

Uttarakhand – 248 001

Phone: +91 135 255 7837

Mobile: +91 97191 41214

Connectivity

The Temple is located at about 7 Kms from Dehradun, 7 Kms from Dehradun Railway Station, 10 Kms from Dehradun Bus Stand, 51 Kms from Rishikesh, 50 Kms from Rishikesh Railway Station, 60 Kms from Haridwar Railway Junction, 59 Kms from Haridwar and 262 Kms from New Delhi Airport. The temple is situated on the Garhi Cantt Road.

Yogadhyan Badri, Pandukeshwar, Uttarakhand

Yogadhyan Badri is a Hindu Temple dedicated to Lord Vishnu located at Pandukeshwar at the elevation of 1,829 metres (6,001 ft), close to Govind Ghat in the state of Uttarakhand, India. Yogadhyan Badri is also called Yoga Badri and is as ancient as the main Badrinath Temple. The temple is situated en route to Badrinath from Joshimath. Yogadhyan Badri is part of famous Panch Badri and Saptha Badri Temples of Uttarakhand. It is also considered as the winter abode for the Utsava-Murti (festival-image) of Badrinath, when the temple of Badrinath is closed.

Legends

For brief details, please refer below link;

History

Copper plate inscriptions found here indicate that the region was ruled by early Katyuri Kings and the region was known as Panchal Desh, now officially designated as Uttarakhand. One inscription extols the grant of land given by King Nimbarana.

The Temple

The image housed in the sanctum is in a meditative posture and thus the image is called Yoga-Dhyan (meditative) Badri. The idol is life size and has been carved from Shaligram stone. The idol of Udhava, Kuber and Lord Vishnu is worshiped in this temple. Another historic location is the Suryakund, on top of Milam glacier, is a hot water spring, where Kunti - mother of Pandavas gave birth to her illegitimate son Karna, fathered by the sun-god Surya.

Yogadhyan Badri is also considered the winter abode for the Utsava-Murti (festival-image) of Badrinath, when the temple of Badrinath is closed. Hence, it is religiously ordained that a pilgrimage will not be complete without offering prayers at this place. Bhatts (priests) from South India serve as chief priests in the temple.

Connectivity

Yogadhyan Badri is located at about 100 meters from Pandukeshwar Bus Stop, 2 Kms from Govind Ghat, 11 Kms from Hanuman Chatti, 23 Kms from Badrinath, 23 Kms from Joshimath, 100 Kms from Karnaprayag, 132 Kms from Rudraprayag, 272 Kms from Rishikesh, 270 Kms from Rishikesh Railway Station, 293 Kms from Haridwar Railway Junction, 292 Kms from Haridwar, 287 Kms from Dehradun Jolly Grant Airport and 520 Kms from New Delhi Airport. Yogadhyan Badri is situated in Pandukeshwar, located en route from Govind Ghat to Hanuman Chatti.

Suka Sari Temple, Bhubaneswar, Odisha

Suka Sari Temple is a Hindu Temple dedicated to Lord Shiva located in Bhubaneswar, the state capital of Odisha, India. Suka Sari temple shares the compound wall with the beautiful Sari temple. This ASI maintained temple is not a living temple. Suka Sari Temple is abandoned and not in use. The Temple has been renovated by Odisha State Archaeology Department.

History

Similar to Sari temple, it was also built by the Ganga Kings in the 13^th century CE.

The Temple

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Connectivity

Location

Suka Sari Temple, Bhubaneswar – The Temple

The west facing Suka Sari temple shares the compound wall with the beautiful Sari temple. Compared to Sari temple, this temple is smaller and has lesser architectural features. The temple is not in use but sculptural embellishments on the exterior walls of the temple suggest that the temple was originally dedicated to Lord Siva. The temple is small but architecturally beautiful. The sanctum sanctorum has rekha type vimana and there is no Jagmohana. The temple is devoted to saptaratha and the presence of female counterparts of the Dikpalas in the upara jangha.

The exterior walls do not have big sculptures and the niches are also empty. The decorative motifs, the mythological Gaja Vyala images and scroll works are found on the walls. Though the temple is architecturally and sculpturally sound, it is abandoned and not in use. The temple is 1.80 metres below the present ground level. On plan, the temple has a vimana and a renovated frontal porch. The vimana is saptaratha having a central raha which is flanked by pairs of anuraha, anuratha and kanika pagas on either sides.

The vimana measures 5.80 square metres and the frontal porch measures 0.90 metres in length. The cella measures 2.40 square metres. On elevation, the vimana is in rekha order that measures 11 metres in height from bottom to the top. With fivefold divisions, the bada measures 3.50 metres. At the base the pabhaga, measuring 0.87 metres in height has five base mouldings of khura, kumbha, pata, kani and basanta.

Tala jangha and upara jangha measure 0.72 metres each is being separated by three moulded bandhana measuring 0.32 metres. The baranda comprising ten mouldings measures 0.87 metres. The gandi and mastaka measures 5.00 metres and 2.50 meters respectively. As usual in the temples of mature phase, raha niches are located in the tala jangha on three sides, which are now empty. The empty niches measure 0.90 metres in height x 0.45 metres in width and 0.23 metres in depth.

At the base of the gandi, there is a bigger rekha angasikhara whose mastaka is almost touching to the udyota Simha in the raha paga. The gandi is decorated with chaitya motifs and scroll designs. In conjunction between Raha and anuratha paga, lotus designs are found in succession from baranda to beki. The temple is ten storied as distinguished by the ten bhumi-amlas in the kanika paga. Each bhumi has four bhumi barandis. Khura is decorated with stylized chaitya motifs and the other four mouldings of pabhaga are carved with scroll works. Beneath the raha niche tala garbhika of khakhara design are found which is flanked by naga-nagi pilasters on either sides.

The raha niches are decorated with floral designs and two female figures on either sides of the niche. In the lintel niche, Gaja Lakshmi is seated in lalitasana. Architrave of the niche is decorated with a series of ducks. The raha niche is surmounted by a khakahra mundi which is decorated with series of elephants and scroll works. Kalasa above the khakhara mundi is crowned by a Gajakranta. Gandi is decorated with tiers and scroll work design. Tala jangha and upara jangha are decorated in the mundi niches.

Bandhana has three mouldings and is decorated with scroll works and jali motifs. Gaja vyalas are found in the paga conjunctions of tala jangha. While in the tala jangha Dikpalas are found on their respective mounts and attributes in the upara jangha their female counterparts are depicted with usual iconographic features. Jagrata motifs are also found in the conjunction of vimana and frontal porch. In the beki, bekibhairavas are found right above the raha and do-pichha lions in the corners.

The doorjambs measuring 2.00 metres x 1.45 metres have three vertical bands of puspa sakha, nara sakha and lata sakha from exterior to interior. At the Lalatabimba, Gajalakshmi is seated on padmasana. The dvarapala niches at the base of the jambs measuring 0.35 metres x 0.16 metres house Saivite dvarapalas holding trident in their left hand and right hand in varada mudra. The architrave above the doorjambs measuring 2.13 metres in length is carved with the Navagrahas. Ravi is holding lotus in his both hands, Rahu holding half-moon and Ketu in serpent tail.

Nachna Hindu Temples, Madhya Pradesh

Nachna Hindu Temples, also referred to as Nachana temples or Hindu temples at Nachna-Kuthara, are some of the earliest surviving stone temples in central India along with those at Bhumara and Deogarh. Their dating is uncertain, but comparing their style to structures that can be dated, some of the Nachna temples are variously dated to the 5^th or 6^th century Gupta Empire era. The Chaturmukha temple is dated to the 9th-century. These temples illustrate a North Indian style of Hindu temple architecture.

Most of the temples in the area are in ruins. The best preserved and most studied monument is the Parvati temple at Nachna. The temples are built on a raised and moulded plinth, a square plan, a square sanctum that is surrounded by a circumambulation passage with perforated screen stone windows. The entrance into the sanctum is flanked by goddess Ganga and Yamuna. The Parvati temple has an upper storey with a doorway.

The temple includes both religious motifs and secular scenes such as amorous Mithuna couples. The temples are notable for some of the earliest known stone friezes narrating several scenes from the Hindu epic Ramayana. The temples are near the Panna National Forest, are now a pilgrimage site. These Temples are located at Nachna Village in the State of Madhya Pradesh, India.

History

For brief details, please refer below link;

The Temples

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Connectivity

The Temple is located at about 8 Kms from Saleha, 29 Kms from Devendra Nagar, 31 Kms from Nagod, 55 Kms from Panna, 56 Kms from Satna Railway Junction, 59 Kms from Satna, 92 Kms from Khajuraho, 92 Kms from Khajuraho Railway Station, 95 Kms from Khajuraho Airport, 105 Kms from Katni, 202 Kms from Jabalpur and 403 Kms from Bhopal. Nachna can be reached by a taxi from main towns. If you plan by public transport, then take a bus from Panna going to Satna and get down at Devendranagar, which is 26 Kms from Panna. From Devendranagar, take a bus to Saleha, which is 21 km from Devendranagar. From Saleha, Nachna is about 8 Kms. However, there is no public transport available to reach this village. You can either try a taxi from Saleha or try some hitchhiking. Public transport frequency is not very good, so plan accordingly. Khajuraho and Satna are the nearest railheads. Khajuraho is the nearest airport.

Nachna Temples – The Temples

The two most important temples of Nachna are Parvati Temple and Chaumukhnath Temple. Both the Temples are located close to each other. The Chaumukhnath Temple (translated as 'man with four faces') is dedicated to God Shiva and a Linga with four faces is in its sanctum. It stands in front of the 'Parvati Temple', but its sanctum image is missing. The stone-based architecture and artwork at the temple site has survived, while the brick temples have not.

Parvati Temple:

For brief details, please refer below link;

Chaumukhnath Temple:

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Stone Reliefs:

Among the stone reliefs are some of the earliest known Ramayana friezes, such as the scene where Ravana appears in front of Sita pretending to be a recluse monk begging for food, while in reality seeking that she cross the protective Lakshmana Rekha so that he can kidnap her. Other Ramayana scenes depicted in Nachna site panels are among the most sustained ancient visual narratives of the epic, comparable in significance to those found in the Vishnu temple in Deogarh. However, these are not the oldest known Ramayana depiction such as those found in Bharhut site dated to the 2nd century BCE, and at the Sanchi site generally dated to 1^st century BCE to 1^st century CE.

Other Temples:

Kumara Matha and Rupni ka Mandir (15^th century) are two later structures are notable for the Gupta doorways and columns incorporated into their brick work. The ruins around the site suggest that in Nachna there were formerly several more temples from the Gupta-era. An old stone window from the 5^th Century with horseshoe-shaped keyhole openings and several sculptures found were set up in the immediate vicinity of the Main Zone.

Chaumukhnath Temple, Nachna, Madhya Pradesh

Chaumukhnath Temple is a Hindu Temple dedicated to Lord Shiva located in Nachna Village in the Indian state Madhya Pradesh. The temple is also referred to as the Chaturmukh Mahadeva temple, is named after the colossal Linga inside the temple whose surface is carved with four faces on the four cardinal directions. The five faces are believed to express the five aspects of Shiva, namely, creation (Vamadeva), maintenance (Tatpurusha), destruction (Aghora), beyond space (Isana) and introspection (Saytajota).

History

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The Temple

Chaumukhnath Temple is similar to the Parvati temple in ground plan and dimensions. The temple also has a square plan and has a door design similar to the Parvati temple, but otherwise it very different in style. The building is concentric squares, 16.75 feet (5.11 m) outside and 11.75 feet (3.58 m) inside. It does not have the two-storey structure of the Parvati temple, but presents another style in the form of a spire (shikhara) instead symbolically mimicking Shiva's Kailash mountain. The Shikhara is slightly curved as it rises towards the sky, with the total height of about 40 feet (12 m).

This temple too stands on a jagati platform, but unlike the Parvati temple it has stairs to enter the temple from multiple directions. Offset from the Parvati temple, it opens towards the east, toward the rising sun. The architectural history of the temple is unusual and complex. It is likely that there was a Shiva temple here with its Linga, but the temple was largely rebuilt in the 9^th century on the original 5^th century platform and it reused as many parts as it could, such as the windows of the late 5^th century temple.

The outer wall of the temple is divided in several places with the rich architectural decoration consisting of trellises, figures (mithunas), niches and decorative panels (udgamas) of the Pratihara style being attached at various levels, which lends the temple an unusual and interesting appearance. Visually and architecturally separated by a peripheral ledge of the outer wall sanctum, its tower was set up shortly afterwards. The walls of the temple have images of divine attendants and each corner has the image of Dikpalaka. There are five storeys with images of carvings of ganas and river goddess on windows and doors.

Lingam:

The interior of the small sanctum (garbhagriha) holds an approximately 4.67 feet (1.42 m) high Shiva-lingam with four faces (mukhalinga) with elaborate hair style, three of which exude calm with meditating closed eye, smiling posture. The fourth face of Shiva is shown as energized and in action, with wide open mouth, raised nostrils and slightly bulging open eyes likely the terrible aspect in his form as Bhairava.

The faces of the mukhalinga represent the Pancha Mukha aspects of Shiva iconography, where Tatpurusha, Aghora (Bhairava, Rudra), Vamadeva and Satyojatha face the four cardinal directions, while Ishana the fifth is beyond space, all directions and time as the formless absolute in Hindu theology. They symbolize the creation (Vamadeva), maintenance (Tatpurusha), destruction (Aghora), and introspective subtle reflective Satyojatha aspects of Shiva as the metaphysical Brahman.

Windows:

Three Jali windows, which let little light into the dark sanctum, are among the temple's attractions. Its multi-layered composition and decorative figures are significantly more elaborate than the Jalis at Parvati Temple and more representative of the local adornments artistically-speaking. The actual window panel consists of two shells with rich profiled reminiscent of wooden model – lattices inside and three small arcades in the exterior, formed as horseshoe arches.

The polygonal broken pillars standing on a cubic base have a pumpkin-shaped pinnacle (amalaka) and end in a block-like attachment with abacus panel. All three windows display music playing and dancing Ganas at the bottom, with symmetrically arranged river goddesses Ganga and Yamuna appearing in addition to their vahanas, in this case, each a river monster (Makara). The recessed frame mounts (shakhas) are richly decorated.

Connectivity

Location

Parvathi Temple, Nachna, Madhya Pradesh

Parvathi Temple is a Hindu Temple dedicated to Goddess Sakthi located in Nachna Village in the Indian state Madhya Pradesh. The temple of Parvati is one of the oldest temple of India belongs to Gupta Period. This temple is one of the prototypal Hindu temple styles that has survived from ancient India. It includes the cubical sanctum, narrates spiritual legends with carvings of divine legends and secular themes in a certain sequence both outside and inside the temple.

History

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The Temple

The Parvati Temple is a two-storey building with almost perfect square plan thick-walled sanctum of 15 feet (4.6 m) side on the outside and is 8 feet (2.4 m) sided square inside (the garbhagriha is a cube). The temple opens to the west and stands on a jagati (platform) that is 4.5 feet (1.4 m) above the ground. The pilgrim reaches its sanctum using a stairway, and after passing through a mandapa that is 12 feet (3.7 m) square. The sanctum is surrounded by a roofed pradakshina patha (circumambulation pathway) that is 33 feet (10 m) on the outside and 26 feet (7.9 m) on the inside.

The outer walls have perforated stone windows (trellises) to allow natural light in. The upper-story is relatively plain. It lacks a roof or tower, but the structure suggests that it was likely a flat roof temple. This style of construction is seen in a few early temples (such as Sanchi, Temple No. 45; Deogarh, Kuraiya-Bir Temple, Lad Khan Temple in Aihole). The entrance to the sanctum (garbhagriha) has multiple columns, each decorated with carvings, with none monolithic. At their base is a (Kalasha).

The lintel are also intricately carved. The doorway is flanked by guard figures in the lower part with Ganga with river crocodile and Yamuna with river turtle. Beside them towards the inside are symmetrically placed graceful Shaiva dvarapalas (door guardians), each holding the trident. Each is relatively larger than the river goddesses, but about 1 foot (0.30 m) in height. Concentric to the entrance are panels of intricate carvings. The first panel has floral and geometric motifs from the 5th century. Concentric to these are 10 friezes, 5 on each side above the river goddesses. These carvings show courtship and love making scenes (mithunas).

On top of the lintel of the doorway are seated men and women miniatures shown as if they are leaning in and peering into the center of the sanctum. The style of sanctum door has stylistic similarities with those found in the Lakshmana Temple in the Sirpur Group of Monuments in Chhattisgarh. Two of the oldest trellises (Jalis, perforated windows) of the Parvati temple show Ganas playing music, dancing or abstract decor. These probably date back to the third period of the 5^th century.

In the 'rocky landscape' of the platform walls several small animal reliefs (resting gazelles etc.) were created, of which only a few have been preserved. The figures on the outer walls and on the doorway have the figures of the Ganges and Jamuna standing on their respective symbols, the crocodile and tortoise. All the roofs are flat, like those of known Gupta temples at Sanchi, Eran and Tigowa.

Connectivity

Chausath Yogini Temple, Morena, Madhya Pradesh

Chausath Yogini Temple is a Hindu Temple dedicated to 64 Yoginis, located in Mitaoli Village Morena district in the Indian state of Madhya Pradesh. The Temple is also known as Ekattarso Mahadeva Temple. It is one of the few such Yogini temples in the country which is in a good condition. The temple is formed by a circular wall with 64 chambers and an open mandapa in the centre, separated by a courtyard which is circular in shape, where Shiva is deified. It is believed that the Parliament House, known as Sansad Bhavan, built in Delhi in the 1920s, has been patterned on the lines of this circular-shaped Chausath Yogini Temple. The temple has been declared an ancient historical monument by the Archaeological Survey of India.

History

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The Temple

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Inscriptions

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Connectivity

The Temple is located at about 10 Kms from Malanpur Railway Station, 17 Kms from Rayat Pura Railway Station, 29 Kms from Morena Railway Station, 33 Kms from Morena, 33 Kms from Morena Bus Stand, 38 Kms from Gwalior, 49 Kms from Ambah, 30 Kms from Gwalior Airport, 36 Kms from Gwalior Railway Station, 113 Kms from Agra, 339 Kms from Delhi Airport and 462 Kms from Bhopal.

Location

Chausath Yogini Temple, Morena – The Temple

The temple is located on a hill which is about 100 feet (30 m) in height and there are 100 steps to climb leading to the entrance of the temple. It is often stated that Delhi's Parliament House which was built in the 1920s has been patterned on the lines of this circular-shaped temple. There is, however, no reliable basis for this. This circular temple commands a splendid view of the cultivated fields below. The Temple is also called as Ekattatso Mahadeva Temple. This temple is so named because of the presence of multitude of Shiva Lingas inside its cells.

The temple consists of a circular peripheral wall which shows different courses of constructions in different times. The topmost course of the wall, composed of bricks and limestone, was the addition during the conservation activities taken up by the Gwalior Archaeological Department. On this outer wall are placed various small niches, at regular intervals, many of which are empty now and few are equipped with couples in different poses.

It is externally circular in shape with a radius of 170 feet (52 m) and within its interior part it has 64 small chambers, each with a mandapa which is open and a facia of pilasters and pillars. The roof of the entire structure is flat including that of another east facing circular temple within the outer circular wall. A large passage or courtyard lies between the outer enclosure and the central temple which is dedicated to Lord Shiva. There is an open porch entrance to this temple. The exterior surface of the outer wall has carvings of Hindu deities.

Each of the 64 chambers in the outer circle has an image of Shiva deified in it. However, recent investigations have confirmed that originally these had a Yogini image deified in them and hence the temple is known as Chausath Yogini Temple ('Chausath' here means "Sixty-four"). It is said that the roof over the 64 chambers and the central shrine had towers or shikharas which were probably removed during later modifications. Within the main central shrine there are slab coverings which have perforations in them to drain rainwater to a large underground storage. The pipe lines from the roof lead the rain water to the storage are also visible.

The design of the temple has withstood earthquake shocks, without any damage to its circular structural features, in the past several centuries. The temple is in the Seismic Zone III. This fact was cited when the issue of safety from earthquake effect of the Parliament House which is also a circular structure, similar to the Chausath Yogini Temple, was debated in the Indian Parliament. The temple needs conservation measures to preserve the ancient monument in good shape.

This circular temple is one among the very few such temples in India. This is a yogini temple dedicated to sixty-four yoginis. Other prominent yogini temples in India are located at Bhedaghat near Jabalpur and Khajuraho in Madhya Pradesh, Hirapur and Jharial in Odisha. The yogini cult was a secretive practice confined to few groups and individuals. Its secrets are very securely guarded by its proponents and practitioners that if you are an outsider then it is very hard to know its rituals and practices. One can know and understand this cult only after becoming one and joining their community. But the trick is that when one becomes a part of that community, one also takes an oath to guard its secrets as others.

Chausath Yogini Temple, Jabalpur, Madhya Pradesh

Chausath Yogini Temple is a Hindu Temple dedicated to 64 Yoginis and Lord Shiva with his consort Parvathi, situated on a hilltop near Jabalpur Town in the state of Madhya Pradesh, India. It is one of the oldest heritage sites in India. It was built in the 10^th Century AD by the Kalachuri kingdom and has a distinct resemblance to the temples of Khajuraho in structure. Though the temple has been partially damaged, it speaks greatly of the ancient dynasties that ruled in Jabalpur. It is located near the river Narmada and the famous Marble Rocks in Bhedaghat.

The temple’s name is derived from the Hindi word ‘Chausath’, which means ’64’. This temple is dedicated to 64 Yoginis, who are considered as the incarnations of the Mother Goddess, Shakti. Currently, there are 4 Chausath yogini temples in India, two of which are in Orissa at Hirapur and Ranipur and remaining two are in Madhya Pradesh state. Madhya Pradesh Yogini temples are at Khajuraho and the other at Jabalpur. The 64 Yogini temples at Jabalpur is considered to be the largest one among the four.

Legends

Yoginis:

"Yogini" formally means a female practitioner of Yoga or a term used for modern enlightened female spiritual teachers in both Hinduism and Buddhism. Alternatively, a "Yogini" is also considered to be the sacred feminine force as a sacred incarnation of Goddess Parvati. They are revered in yogini temples of India as the eight Matrikas or the sixty-four yoginis. At some places, the yoginis are considered to be followers of a secret cult. Considered very powerful, yoginis were often considered to be sorceress capable of causing destruction.

Association with Aurangzeb:

There is an interesting story behind this temple linked to Aurangzeb. When Aurangzeb was destroying the temples of Indian Continent, he reached Jabalpur and started destroying this temple due to his religious faith. He destroyed all the Yogini's Statues. When he went to the central shrine of Shankar and Parvati sitting on Nandi Bull to destroy. He was unable to destroy due to honey bees attack as a miracle. Then he realized the power of God and he went away from here.

History

The temple was constructed during the reign of Kalachuri Dynasty at 10^th century CE and was mainly made with local granite. Mughal invaders, later on, destroyed and deformed most of the temple. Though the temple has been partially damaged, it speaks greatly of the ancient dynasties that ruled in Jabalpur. The Gond Rulers of Central India were regular visitors to the complex during their rule, the proof of this being the inscription describing the visit of Gond Queen Durgavati.

The Temple

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Connectivity

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Chausath Yogini Temple, Jabalpur – The Temple

The Chausath Yogini Temple is placed on a hill top. One has to climb 150 plus steps to reach the temple. The temple is the abode of Goddess Durga along with 64 yoginis or Shaktis considered to be the different forms of the Goddess. The temple was constructed during the reign of Kalachuri Dynasty and was mainly made with local granite. Though the temple has been partially damaged, it speaks greatly of the ancient dynasties that ruled in Jabalpur.

The temple consists of a circular structure with an inner diameter of 116 feet and an outer diameter of 131 feet having a commanding view of the neighboring river Narmada. The temple cloister consists of 84 square pillars and has an arrangement of 81 cells and 3 entrances, two on the west and one on the south-east. It is said that this temple has 81 and not 64 yogini statues. The statues of the Yoginis stood in the cells around the periphery of the temple.

The statues have all borne the ravages of time with some of the statues completely defaced and, in some others, a large part of the statues were missing. The Temple had the Gauri Shankar temple at the center. The Gauri-Shankar temple was constructed about two centuries later; probably by queen Alhanadevi in 1155 (an inscription is found on a slab). The temple contains the stone idol of Shiva and Parvati riding a bull. Generally, in the Shiva temples, Shiva Linga is worshipped but here one will find Shiva – Shakti in statue form which is very rarely seen.

The design of the temple has been kept simple, but the idols of yoginis are exquisitely carved, each one depicting a unique posture. It is the only temple where one will find Ganeshani or Vinayaki, the feminine form of Ganesha. She is one among Chausath Yoginis. The courtyard of the Chausath Yogini Temple offers a scenic view of the Gorge at River Narmada and the surrounding landscape.

Chengannur Mahadeva Temple, Alappuzha, Kerala

Chengannur Mahadeva Temple is a prominent Hindu Temple, dedicated to Lord Shiva, located in the town of Chengannur in the South Indian state of Kerala. It is also called as Chengannur Bhagavathy Amman Temple. The temple is located in the heart of Chengannur Town on the southern banks of Pamba River. This temple is considered as one of the major Shiva temples in Kerala counted along with the Ettumanoor Mahadevar Temple, Kaduthruthy Mahadeva Temple, Vaikom Temple, Ernakulam Shiva Temple and Vadakkunathan temple. This Temple is considered as Avathara Sthalam of Viralminda Nayanar, one of the celebrated 63 Nayanmars.

The temple is popularly counted as one of the major Bhagavathy temples in Kerala. The temple celebrates a rare menstruation festival for Bhagavathy, called Thriputharattu, during when the temple is closed for three days during the irregular menstruation of the deity. It is believed that the temple is also associated with the great epic Mahabharata. Chengannur has been derived from the word Tiruchenkunroor. The temple was built according to the architectural design developed by Perumthachan.

There are five daily poojas done in temple, three Sarabalis for Lord Shiva and three for Bhagavathy. Tantric worship is done by Thazhaman. The yearly festival is celebrated during the December–January which lasts 28 days. Chengannur is considered one of the 32 Namboothiri villages in Kerala. Chengannur, is also known as the Gateway to Sabarimala Temple. The temple is presently administered by Travancore Devasom Board.

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History

The temple is considered as one of the oldest Temples in Kerala. It is believed to be built in 300 A.D. It is also believed to have been designed by a legendary figure in Kerala’s folklore, master architect Perumthachan. A large portion of the temple was reduced to ashes in a fire in the 18^th century, rebuilt later by Sthapathis from Thanjavur.

The Temple

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Temple Opening Time

The Temple opens daily at 3:50 AM. Worship timings are from 04:30 AM to 11:30 AM in the morning and from 5:00 PM to 8:00 PM in the evening.

Poojas

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Festivals

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Prayers

Many people are believed to have been cured of problems of infertility, marital issues and even irregular periods, by praying to the Bhagwathi (Goddess Parvathi) during Thripputhu Aarattu.

Contact

Sree Mahadeva Temple,

Chengannur – 689 121

Alappuzha District, Kerala

Phone: +91 479 245 0555

Connectivity

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Chengannur Mahadeva Temple, Alappuzha – The Temple

The temple is located in the heart of Chengannur town. It is situated on the southern banks of Pamba River. The temple is built in Kerala style architecture, which is common in all temples in the South Indian state of Kerala. It is one of the oldest and famous temples and has a sprawling temple complex with a circular Sanctum. The temple has a two storeyed gopuram or a gateway tower, with the upper storey having wooden trails covering the Kottupura (a hall of drum beating during festivals).

A rectangular wall around the temple, called Kshetra-Mahilika pierced by the gateways, encloses all the shrines of the temple. The golden plated flag post or Dwajastambam is located axial to the temple tower leading to the central sanctum and there is a Deepastambam, which is the light post. Chuttambalam is the outer pavilion within the temple walls. The central shrine and the associated hall is located in a rectangular structure called Naalambalam.

Between the entrance of Naalambalam to the sanctum, there is a raised square platform called Namaskara Mandapa which has a pyramidal roof. Thevapura, the kitchen used to cook offering to the deity is located on the left of Namaskara Mandapa from the entrance. Balithara is an altar is used for making ritualistic offering to demi-gods and the festive deities.

The central shrine called Sree Kovil houses the image of the presiding deity. It is on an elevated platform with a single door reached through a flight of five steps. Either sides of the doors have images of guardian deities called Dwarapalakas. As per Kerala rituals, only the main priest called Thantri and the second priest called Mel Shanthi alone can enter the Sree Kovil.

The central shrine has a circular plan with the base built of granite, superstructure built of laterite and conical roof made of terracotta tile supported from inside by a wooden structure. The lower half of Sree Kovil consists of the basement, the pillar or the wall, called stambha or bhithi and the entablature called prastara in the ratio 1:2:1, in height. Similarly, the upper half is divided into the neck called griva, the roof tower called shikhara and the finial kalasam (made of copper) in the same ratio.

The roof projects in two levels to protect the inner structure from heavy rains during monsoon. The roof of the temple and some of the pillars have lavish wood and stucco carvings depicting various stories of ancient epics, Ramayana and Mahabharata. The presiding deity is Mahadeva, in the form of Lingam faces east, while the image of his consort, Bhagavathy is located exactly behind facing West. The image of Bhagavathy is made of Panchaloka, an alloy of five metals. It is believed that Perumthachan brought the image to the temple.

The Shivalingam, is covered with a gold plate bearing an image of Ardhanareeswarar (Shiva-Shakti manifestation of Shiva). There are shrines for Ganapathy, Sastha, Chandikeswarar, Ganga, Nagas and Neela Greevan in the Temple premises. There is also a shrine of Krishna nearby. The Mukhamandapam in front of the temple and other mandapams in this temple are full of exquisite woodwork. The performance hall or the Koothambalam in the temple complex is an unfinished structure conceived in a manner such that if lamps were lit on each of the posts, the performer's shadow would not fall on the stage.

Mangala Devi Temple, Kagpur, Vidisha, Madhya Pradesh

Mangala Devi Temple is a ruined Hindu Temple, located in the Kagpur village of Vidisha District, Madhya Pradesh, India.

History

The temple was constructed in the Paramara period during the 10 – 11^th century CE. The installation of the image of Mangala Devi dates back to 1306.

The Temple

The temple faces east, and its front portion has a decorated doorjamb. The lintel-piece is occupied by a goddess. On the left and right doorjambs there is an image of Nag Kanya in tribhanga mudra and another goddess is carved in sthanak sampad mudra near it. Three human figures each are depicted in alingan mudra at four levels on the top of the atlantes. The other decorations include vines, leaf, stalked lotus and various other patterns. There are niche-like formations in the front portion of the temple while the exterior decorations are now almost gone. There is a mandapa with flat roof supported by twelve pillars near the temple.

Connectivity

The Temple is located at about 500 meters from Kagpur Bus Stop, 29 Kms from Vidisha, 31 Kms from Vidisha Railway Station, 29 Kms from Vidisha Bus Station, 85 Kms from Bhopal and 91 Kms from Bhopal Airport. The Temple is located on the State Highway 19, 29 Kms from Vidisha.

Location

Bharkuleswar Temple, Bhumara, Satna, Madhya Pradesh

Bharkuleswar Temple is a Hindu Temple dedicated to Lord Shiva located in Bhumara Village near Satna, in the Indian state Madhya Pradesh. Bharkuleswar Temple is also called as Bhumara Temple / Bhumra Temple / Bhubhara Temple. The Temple is believed to be built during 5^th or 6^th century and belongs to Gupta Dynasty. The temple site is at an altitude of 1,500 feet, midst forests.

History

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The Temple

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Connectivity

The Temple is located at about 30 Kms from Unchehara, 31 Kms from Unchehara Bus Stand, 30 Kms from Unchehra Railway Station, 32 Kms from Satna Railway Junction, 34 Kms from Nagod, 39 Kms from Satna, 39 Kms from Satna Airport, 42 Kms from Nachna Hindu Temple Complex, 80 Kms from Panna, 95 Kms from Katni, 189 Kms from Jabalpur and 443 Kms from Bhopal Airport. The village and temple site of Bhumara rest on a largely shrubby hill plateau to the northwest-west of the town of Unchehra, near the hills of Khamha and Mohnna. The Temple is located to the southwest of the city of Satna.

Location

Bharkuleswar Temple, Bhumara, Satna – The Temple

The temple has a square plan with a sanctum and mandapa. While much of it is in ruins, enough of the temple structure and artwork has survived for scholarly studies. The temple is notable as one of the early examples of an architecture that included an enclosed concentric pradakshina-patha (circumambulation path). Like other early Gupta era Hindu temples, it includes a decorated entrance to the sanctum flanked by Ganga and Yamuna goddesses, and intricately carved sculptures. The temple's Ekamukha Linga is a much-studied example of Gupta art. The temple reliefs include those for Mahisasuramardini (Durga), Ganesha, Brahma, Vishnu, Yama, Kubera, Kartikeya, Surya, Kama and others.

The sculpture found midst Bhumara temple ruins are significant in being one of the few archaeological evidence that help set a floruit of 5^th century to the importance of Ganesha in Hindu theology. This Temple stands on an approximately 1.4 metres (4 ft 7 in) high platform (Jagati), which is comparable in dimensions to the two temples of Nachna. Stairs lead to the platform, and the steps are 11.25 feet (3.43 m) long and 8.43 feet (2.57 m) in breadth. On top of the platform are two concentric chambers with a square plan. The smaller inner square is a windowless garbhagriha with a 15.17 feet (4.62 m) side. The outer square has a 35 feet (11 m) side.

The space between the inner sanctum chamber and the outer one served as an enclosed space for circumambulation. It is unclear whether the walls of the outer square had any trellis windows like the Nachna temple, as the excavations did not yield the complete temple. The steps leading to the sanctum are flanked by two smaller platforms about 8.17 feet (2.49 m) by 5.67 feet (1.73 m), each with a small shrine. The collected ruins suggest that the temple likely had three entrances.

A pillared open porch (mandapa) is set before it, so the initial impression of the temple appears roughly similar to ones in Tigawa and Sanchi. The mandapa was 29.83 feet (9.09 m) by 13 feet (4.0 m). The ruined structure that has been viewable since early 20th-century is the inner sanctum with its intricate carvings, the platform, the stairs and remnant walls. The roof of the temple was simple and consisted of huge flat slabs. The three outer walls of the sanctum lack any decoration. They are smooth red sandstone. The side with an entrance into the sanctum is intricately carved and decorated.

The sanctum door consists of a carved lintel, two carved jambs and a sill. To the right is goddess Ganga standing on her vahana – the makara (crocodile-like mythical creature), on the left is Yamuna goddess standing on her vahana - a tortoise. They have attendants standing with them, but their images are too mutilated. Above these goddesses are three parallel bands of carvings. The outermost band shows blooming lotus one giving rise to the other above it. The middle band on both sides each consists of four niches with human figures. The inner band converges towards the center of the lintel where Shiva is carved. The sculpture has been defaced, but its forehead remains intact where the third eye survives. Additionally, his ear rings, necklace and pearl jewelry is still discernible.

Among the most important artefacts of Bhumara is a Shiva-lingam with a bust relief of the deity which occupies almost the entire height of the lingam. Lingas with faces are called a mukhalinga, those with one face are called Ekamukha Linga. The Indian archaeologists visiting Bhumara temple around 1920 discovered a somewhat damaged Ekamukha Linga embedded within a stone pavement in the sanctum. It is 6.08 feet (1.85 m) high set on rough square block at the bottom with 3.08 feet (0.94 m) side. The Linga is a smooth cylinder with Shiva's face carved over the cylindrical length on one side. This face matches the one on the lintel top at the sanctum doorway.

The Bhumara Shiva Linga wears a jeweled crown, necklace and pearl ornaments. He is shown with matted hair, some locks on his shoulders. His hair is tied up into a bun at top, where there is a thin crescent moon. His forehead has a third eye. His nose is broken, likely intentionally damaged. The Shiva face on the lingam is well proportioned but it is not as "beautiful as the face on sanctum door lintel" or the ancient Ekamukha Linga found in Khoh, Madhya Pradesh.

The Bhumara excavations have yielded numerous sculpture, broken pieces of walls and statues, as well as ruined parts of the mandapas. The recovered pieces included parts of another intricately carved doorway, larger than the one on the sanctum. It had river goddesses Yamuna (reasonably preserved) and Ganga (broken), but to their immediate vicinity the stone was smooth, unlike the sanctum doorway. The recovered portions of this broken doorway show that it also had three bands of carvings above the head of the goddess. This doorway likely was a part of the mandapa. Portions of broken lintels found lying around the site show figures of erotic, in the same style as one finds in the ancient Khoh temples.

The recovered fragments in the ruins when put together show that they are incomplete, and parts have been lost. Other ruins found at the site included pilaster and pillar parts. These were square, hexagonal, octagonal or dodecagonal in cross section. The largest of these had square bases. Some were smooth, some carved. Pieces recovered show that the top and bottom portions had carvings. Many show foliage and designs that are now called the arabesque style. Lotus motifs are common. Some pillar shafts include huge kirtimukhas on each face. Some kirtimukhas are depicted with garlands hanging out of their mouths.

Extensive slab ruins were also found near the mandapa platform. These are carved with various motifs and figures. They show people in their daily lives, warriors, ganas (dwarfs) holding various items such as sword in one hand and lotus in the other, some people with clean shaven heads and others with elaborate hairdos. Musicians, dancers, seated groups of men or women, animals, flowers and other scenes are set in medallions. Recovered wall panels of the Bhumara Shiva temple show Vishnu's Narasimha avatar blowing a conch shell, Krishna and others.

Other significant finds include those of Nataraja, Ganesha, single face Kartikeya, Surya, Durga in her Mahishasura-Mardini form, Brahma, Indra, Yama, Kubera, Kama and others. Many of the ruined parts of the Bhumara temple have been relocated to museums such as the Kolkata Museum and the Allahabad Museum. The much studied Bhumara icon of Ganesha with Sakti sitting is his lap was acquired by the Boston Museum of Fine Arts in 1920s and is hosted there.

The Bhumara temple is, except for some major differences, quite similar in its plan to the Nachna temple, located at about 42 Kms to the west of Bhumara. The differences are that Bhumara lacked the second storey found in the Nachna temple and it featured two small shrines near the steps of the main temple. The similarities include a square sanctum surrounded by a circumambulation path enclosed with a concentric masonry chamber. Both were built on a raised platform, had staired entrances, had a pillared mandapa in front. The size and enclosed area in the sanctum and the outer chamber were similar. The material of construction in both was red sandstone, neither used mortar and each relied on ashlar masonry.

The Gupta temple of Bhumara is an important Gupta era Shaivism temple from ancient India. It is the earliest known temple that shows "Ganesha and Shakti" together, where the goddess Vinayaki sits in his lap and he holds a bowl of batasas or modakas (sweets) in his left hand. It also portrayed Ganesha in various forms, along with other Vedic and Puranic gods and goddesses of Hinduism. This has been a part of the evidence that sets a floruit of 5^th century to the importance of Ganesha in Hindu theology.

The Bhumara temple is notable for being an early illustration of Shaivism iconography and its inclusion of Vaishnavism and Shaktism themes. The Bhumara reliefs include an early Nataraja and Kartikeya seated on a peacock. Taken together with other Gupta era temples and artwork for Vaishnavism and Shaktism, the Bhumara temple attests to the sophistication of artisans by the 4th and 5th-century ancient India. More recent similar discoveries such as the temple ruins discovered with inscriptions dated to 448 CE at the Dinajpur site in ancient Bengal (now in Bangladesh) suggest that arts and temples were flourishing by the 5^th century.

Gadh Kalika Mata Temple, Ujjain, Madhya Pradesh

Gadh Kalika Mata Temple is a Hindu Temple dedicated to Goddess Sakthi located at Ujjain City in Ujjain District in Madhya Pradesh State of India. The Temple is also known as Bhairav Parvat Sakthi Peeth. It is located on the Bhairav Hills on the banks of the River Shipra in the city of Ujjain. Locals call this temple as Gadh Kalika Mata Temple. This Temple is considered as one among the revered 51 Shakthi Peeth.

Legends

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History

The constructional history of the Temple is buried in times. This temple was renovated by Harshvardhan in the 7^th century AD, and again during the Paramara period. The temple has been rebuilt in the modern times by the erstwhile Gwalior State.

The Temple

The structure of the temple is made with the use of unique colourful stones. The Temple is dedicated to Maa Avanti / Avantika. The idol of Devi Avanti is always adorned with a red sari as the colour red is considered sacred by married women in India. Bhairava associated with this Temple is Lambkarna.

Festivals

Ujjain is famous for many festivals and the Kumbha mela. Shri Avanti Devi temple is also part of the celebration that is carried on in Ujjain. Specific to this temple, Shivaratri and Navratri are celebrated with great devotion and enthusiasm.

Prayers

People pray to the Goddess for fulfilment their wishes and to gain prosperity.

Connectivity

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Location

Sarveshwar Mahadev Temple, Kurukshetra, Haryana

Sarveshwar Mahadev Temple is a Hindu temple dedicated to Lord Shiva located at Kurukshetra City in Haryana State, India. Sarveshwar Mahadev Temple is also commonly known as Brahma Sarovar Temple. The Temple is considered as Thevara Vaippu Sthalam as Devaram hymns had a mention about this Temple.

Legends

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History

It is believed that 18 days Kurukshetra war between Pandavas and Kauravas of Mahabharata fame happened in this place. Kurukshetra reached the zenith of its progress during the reign of King Harsha, during which Chinese scholar Xuanzang visited Thanesar. Mughal emperors ruined it during their supremacy and later, Hari Giri Gosai Jee renovated it in the 18^th century.

The Temple

Sarveshwar Mahadev Temple is located within Brahma Sarovar accessible by a small concrete arch bridge. The Temple is constructed with sandstones along with marble in some parts. There are three entrance doors to the temple from the compound with carved floral designs at each door. There are shrines for Lord Hanuman and Lord Garuda in this temple. The temple is viewed best from Krishna Ghat during sunset. Setting sun's reddish golden colour reflects into the pond making the image of the temple in water look saintly. This temple is also the favourite photo shoot spot of visitors at Brahma Sarovar.

Brahma Sarovar:

Brahma Sarovar is an ancient water pool spread over 11 acres. According to stories of myths, Lord Brahma created the universe from the land of Kurukshetra after a huge yajna. The Brahma Sarovar here is believed to be the cradle of civilization. The Sarovar is also mentioned in the eleventh century AD memoirs of Al Beruni, called ‘Kitab-ul-Hind’. The Sarovar also has a mention in Mahabharata citing its use by Duryodhana to hide himself underwater on the concluding day of the war.

According to scriptures, bathing in this Sarovar increases the sanctity of performing the ‘Ashvamedha Yajna’. The pool offers a breath-taking sight during the Gita Jayanti celebrations held each year in the last week of November and early December when a ‘deep daan’ ceremony of floating lamps in water and Aarti occurs. This also happens to be the time when migratory birds from distant places arrive at the Sarovar.

The pools are especially crowded during solar eclipses because it is believed that bathing there during the solar eclipse is an ablution of sin. On 29 March 2006, a solar eclipse was visible in the region and it drew an estimated one million people to the site. Whenever an eclipse is visible from the Sarovar, hundreds of thousands gather in the pools.

Literary Mention

The Temple is considered as Thevara Vaippu Sthalam as Devaram hymns sung by Appar had a mention about this Temple. The Temple is mentioned in 7^th Thirumurai in 78^th Patikam in 6^th Song.

தளிசாலைகள் தவமாவது

தம்மைப்பெறி லன்றே

குளியீருளங் குருக்கேத்திரங்

கோதாவிரி குமரி

தெளியீருளஞ் சீபர்ப்பதந்

தெற்குவடக் காகக்

கிளிவாழையொண் கனிகீறியுண்

கேதாரமெ னீரே

Connectivity

The Temple is located at about 500 meters from Birla Mandir Bus Stop, 750 meters from Thanesar City Railway Station, 2.5 Kms from Thanesar Old Bus Stand, 3 Kms from Kurukshetra Junction Railway Station, 5 Kms from Kurukshetra New Bus Stand, 57 Kms from Ambala, 100 Kms from Chandigarh, 177 Kms from New Delhi and 177 Kms from New Delhi Airport. Kurukshetra is situated on New Delhi – Ambala – Chandigarh Route. Kurukshetra is well connected to New Delhi and other parts of Haryana by Road & Railways.

Location

Udayamangalam Mahadeva Temple, Kodungallur, Kerala

Udayamangalam Mahadeva Temple is a Hindu temple dedicated to Lord Shiva located at the outskirts of Kodungallur Town in Thrissur District of Kerala, India. The Temple is situated on western side of the Town. The Temple is considered as Thevara Vaippu Sthalam as Devaram hymns had a mention about this Temple. The place was called as Gunavayil in ancient times. The place is believed to be Gunavayil Kottam of Silapathikaram fame.

The Temple

This Temple is situated outside the main wall of Thrikkulasekharapuram temple, at the north eastern corner. Lord Shiva is housed in the sanctum in the form of Lingam.

Literary Mention

The Temple is considered as Thevara Vaippu Sthalam as Devaram hymns sung by Appar and Sambandar had a mention about this Temple. The Temple is mentioned in 2^nd Thirumurai in 39^th Patikam in 7^th Song by Sambandar and 6^th Thirumurai in 71^st Patikam in 7^th Song.

2-39-7:

மாட்டூர்மட ப்பாச்சி லாச்சிராமம்

முண்டீச்சரம் வாதவூர் வாரணாசி

காட்டூர்கடம் பூர்படம் பக்கங் கொட்டுங்

கடலொற்றியூர்மற் றுறையூ ரவையும்

கோட்டூர் திருவாமாத் தூர்கோ ழம்பமுங்

கொடுங்கோவலூர் திருக்குண வாயில்

6-71-7:

கடுவாயர் தமைநீக்கி யென்னை யாட்கொள்

கண்ணுதலோன் நண்ணுமிடம் அண்ணல் வாயில்

நெடுவாயில் நிறைவயல்சூழ் நெய்தல் வாயில்

நிகழ்முல்லை வாயிலொடு ஞாழல் வாயில்

மடுவார்தென் மதுரைநகர் ஆல வாயில்

மறிகடல்சூழ் புனவாயில் மாடம் நீடு

குடவாயில் குணவாயி லான வெல்லாம்

புகுவாரைக் கொடுவினைகள் கூடா வன்றே

Connectivity

The Temple is located at about 750 meters from Kottapuram Bus Stop, 1.5 Kms from Keetholi Bus Stop, 2 Kms from Kodungallur KSRTC Bus Station, 3 Kms from Kodungallur, 6 Kms from Kodungallur Private Bus Stand, 25 Kms from Irinjalakuda Railway Station, 25 Kms from Chalakudy Railway Station, 29 Kms from Cochin International Airport, 42 Kms from Cochin and 44 Kms from Thrissur. Kodungallur is connected with all major cities of India through road. The coastal highway NH17 connecting Ernakulam and Mumbai is passing through Kodungallur.

Location

Pampapati Temple, Kampli, Bellary, Karnataka

Pampapati Temple is a Hindu temple dedicated to Lord Shiva located at the outskirts of Kampli Town in Bellary District of Karnataka, India. Presiding Deity is called as Pampapati / Virupaksheeswarar and Mother is called as Kembambal. The Temple is situated on the banks of Tungabhadra River. The Temple is considered as Thevara Vaippu Sthalam as Devaram hymns had a mention about this Temple. The Temple is also considered as Avathara and Mukthi Sthalam of Nesa Nayanar. Kampli is famous for Vijayanagar Era Temples.

Legends

Nesa Nayanar, also known as Sivanesa Nayanar, Nesanar, Nesar and Nesan, was a Nayanar saint, venerated in the Hindu sect of Shaivism. He is generally counted as the fifty-ninth in the list of 63 Nayanmars. Nesa Nayanar is described to be a weaver, who was always engrossed in remembering his patron god Shiva and gifting clothes he knit to devotees of the deity. The life of Nesa Nayanar is described in the Periya Puranam by Sekkizhar (12th century), which is a hagiography of the 63 Nayanmars. Sekkizhar devotes five stanzas describing the life of the Nayanar saint.

Nesa Nayanar was born in Kampili (Kambili). Kambili is now situated in Bellary district of the Indian state of Karnataka. Nesa Nayanar is said to have been born in Kampili, but shifted to Koorai Nadu in modern-day Mayiladuthurai, now situated in state of Tamil Nadu. Nesa Nayanar was a Saliyar, a member of the Saliya caste. His family as well as Nesa Nayanar practised the traditional occupation of weaving. He was a devout devotee of Shiva, the patron god of Shaivism. His mind is said to always be concentrated on Shiva.

Nesa Nayanar used to continuously chant the Panchakshara mantra in honour of Shiva. He wove clothes, cut-pieces as well as Kowpeenams (loin-cloth). Though he was not wealthy, Nesa Nayanar used to generously donate clothes to devotees of Shiva. His deeds resulted in the favour of Shiva. By his grace, Nesa Nayanar reached Kailash, the abode of the god after death.

One of the most prominent Nayanmars, Sundarar (8th century) venerates Nesa Nayanar in the Thiruthondar Thogai, a hymn to Nayanar saints. Nesa Nayanar is worshipped specially in the Tamil month of Panguni, when the moon enters the Rohini nakshatra (lunar mansion). Weavers of Koorai Nadu in Mayiladuthurai especially worship him on this day. A temple in Koorai Nadu is said to have images of Shiva's sons Ganesha and Kartikeya, which were brought by Nesa Nayanar to the place.

In depictions as part as of the Nayanmars, Nesa Nayanar is depicted with folded hands. In individual depictions of his life, the Nayanar is depicted distributing garments to devotees of Shiva or as engrossed in weaving. He receives collective worship as part of the 63 Nayanmars. Their icons and brief accounts of his deeds are found in many Shiva temples in Tamil Nadu. Their images are taken out in procession in festivals.

Festivals

Nesa Nayanar Guru Pooja is conducted on Rohini Nakshatra Day in Tamil Month of Panguni.

Literary Mention

The Temple is considered as Thevara Vaippu Sthalam as Devaram hymns sung by Appar had a mention about this Temple. The Temple is mentioned in 6^th Thirumurai in 70^th Patikam in 2^nd Song.

ஆரூர்மூ லத்தானம் ஆனைக் காவும்

ஆக்கூரில் தான்தோன்றி மாடம் ஆவூர்

பேரூர் பிரமபுரம் பேரா வூரும்

பெருந்துறை காம்பீலி பிடவூர் பேணுங்

கூரார் குறுக்கைவீ ரட்டா னமுங்

கோட்டூர் குடமூக்கு கோழம் பமுங்

காரார் கழுக்குன்றுங் கானப் பேருங்

கயிலாய நாதனையே காண லாமே

Connectivity

The temple is located at about 8 Kms from Gangavathi, 26 Kms from Hampi, 31 Kms from Kurugodu, 33 Kms from Hosapete, 34 Kms from Hosapete Junction Railway Station, 49 Kms from Jindal Vijayanagar Airport, 50 Kms from Siruguppa, 54 Kms from Ballari, 178 Kms from Hubballi Airport and 363 Kms from Bengaluru. Kampli is well connected by road to Gangavati, Hosapete, Siruguppa, Kurugodu and Bellary. North East Karnataka Road Transport Corporation (NEKRTC) runs a bus service to other cities and villages. There are also various private bus services.

Location

Ettumanoor Mahadeva Temple, Kottayam, Kerala

Ettumanoor Mahadeva Temple is a Hindu Temple dedicated to Lord Shiva located in Ettumanoor near Kottayam in the state of Kerala, India. The name of the place has its origin from the word 'manoor', which means the land of deer. The Temple is considered as Thevara Vaippu Sthalam as Devaram hymns had a mention about this Temple. The temple is one of the major Shiva temples in Kerala counted along with the Shiva temples of Vaikom Temple, Chengannur Mahadeva Temple, Kaduthruthy Mahadeva Temple, Ernakulam Shiva Temple, Vazhappally Maha Siva Temple and Vadakkunathan Temple.

Legends

For brief details, please refer below link;

History

The present temple building, with its gopuram and the fortress around it, was reconstructed in 717 ME (1542 AD). It is said that the statue of the temple was donated by a Travancore Maharaja. Inscriptions informs about renovations carried out in the 16^th century CE here. It is believed that the great philosopher, Adi Sankaracharya wrote 'Soundarya Lahiri' while staying in the temple.

The Temple

For brief details, please refer below link;

Temple Timings

The Ettumanoor Mahadeva Temple opens early in the morning with the first rays of the sun.

1. At 4.00 am Sree Kovil sanctum temple opens.

2. Within 4.00 to 4.30 am Nirmalya takes place.

3. From 4.30 am to 5.00 am Abhishekam takes place.

4. Madhavippalli Pooja, also you can call as Usha Pooja, is between 5.00 am to 6.00 am.

5. Ethruthu Pooja takes place within 6.00 am to 6.30 am.

6. Pantheeradi worship takes place between 8.00 am to 8.30 am.

7. At 10.00 to 10.30, Dhaara and Navakom rituals takes place.

8. Ucha Pooja takes place between 11.00 am and 11.30 am.

9. From 11.30 am to 12.00 pm Ucha Sree Bali worship takes place.

10. The temple closes during afternoon.

11. The temple again opens at 17.00 pm.

12. Deepa Aradhana is between 18.30 pm and 19.00 pm.

13. Athaazha Pooja takes place between 19.30 pm to 20.00 pm.

14. Athaazha Sree Bali worship is the last phase of ritual which takes place on a day. This is performed between 20.00 pm and 20.30 pm. The temple closes after this worship.

Festivals

For brief details, please refer below link;

Literary Mention

The Temple is considered as Thevara Vaippu Sthalam as Devaram hymns sung by Sundarar had a mention about this Temple. The Temple is mentioned in 7th Thirumurai in 31st Patikam in 9th Song.

பேறனூர் பிறைச்சென்

னியினான் பெருவேளூர்

தேறனூர் திருமா

மகள்கோன் றிருமாலோர்

கூறனூர் குரங்காடு

துறைதிருக் கோவல்

ஏறனூர் எய்தமான்

இடையா றிடைமருதே.

Prayers

Many devotees testify that any incurable disease will be cured, and any desire will be fulfilled by performing a pilgrimage to this temple. They take a vow to offer Thulabharam, the weight in rice or any other product to Agoramurthi Siva. They also eat a few red rice grains taken from the belly of the giant bronze bull that is believed to cure any stomach diseases. The soot that accumulates on the under surface of the shade over the Valiyavilakku is believed to cure many eye diseases.

Contact

Ettumanoor Mahadeva Temple,

Ettumanoor, Kottayam District,

Kerala – 686 631

Phone: +91 481 271 9375

Connectivity

The Temple is located at about 200 meters from Ettumanoor Temple Bus Stop, 300 meters from Ettumanoor Central Bus Stop, 400 meters from Peroor Junction Bus Stop, 1 Km from Ettumanoor KSRTC Bus Station, 2 Kms from Ettumanoor Railway Station, 11 Kms from Kottayam, 11 Kms from Kottayam Railway Station, 45 Kms from Alappuzha, 57 Kms from Kochi, 76 Kms from Kochi Airport and 157 Kms from Thiruvananthapuram. The Temple is well connected to Kottayam. Ettumanoor is well connected to Kerala by Buses and Trains.

Ettumanoor Mahadeva Temple, Kottayam – The Temple

The present temple building, with its gopuram and the fortress around it, was reconstructed in 717 ME (1542 AD). The temple is built in the traditional Kerala style. The main gopura is at the western side. The west facing temple here has a circular sanctum covered with a conical copper plated roof crowned with a kalasam. The idol of Lord Shiva is 3 feet tall. Lord Shiva is worshipped in three forms. In the morning, he is worshipped as Ardhanareeshwara. In the afternoon, he is worshipped as Kirathamurthy and in the evening, he is worshipped as Samhararudra.

The sanctum bears wood carvings of superior workmanship portraying legends from the Ramayana and the Bhagavata Puranam. Some of the carvings found were Ashtaaavakra Maharshi, Lord Ganesha with his wife, Raasaleela, Aditya, Vamana, Lord Vishnu, Lord Shiva in Tandava pose and Sree Rama’s coronation ceremony. Though the Utsava idol of Shiva is an eight handed figure and is in a Rudra Bhava (appearing in a very angry posture) the devotees only see him as a merciful form.

The temple roofs are covered with copper sheets and it has 14 ornamental tops. The Muhamandapam in front of the temple bears two images of Nandi, one of stone and another of metal. Although there is no shrine to Parvati, the rear of the sanctum is revered as Parvati's shrine. A rectangular circumambulatory passage surrounds the sanctum. There is a golden flag staff inside the temple. On the top of it is the idol of a bull surrounded by small bells and metal leaves of the banyan tree.

Valiyavilakku:

A unique feature of this temple is the eternal flame lamp called Valiyavilakku (big lamp) that can be seen at the entrance to sanctum. It has a little story behind it. When the Ettumanoor Siva Temple was rebuilt in 1540 CE, one evening an unknown devotee brought a big oil lamp to the temple. Somebody had doubts about how such a large Iamp could be lit as it would need lots of oil. The devotee replied that even if there was no oil in the lamp, it would remain alight.

He disappeared after placing the lamp in its present position in the area called Balickalpura (a sacrificial platform where food offerings are placed). It is believed that when this lamp was fixed, there was a streak of lightning that lit the lamp for the first time. This lamp has always been burning since then. A main offering by devotees here is sesame oil. The soot that accumulates on the under surface of the shade over the lamp is believed to cure many eye diseases.

Akhoramoorthi:

The temple has a golden idol of Akhoramoorthi. This idol is placed before Lord Shiva every morning and is removed from the place the next day, after Nirmalya Pooja. The idol of Akhoramoorthi is two and a half feet tall.

Mural Paintings:

There are Dravidian mural paintings on the walls inside and outside of the main entrance. Also, of great workmanship are the murals on the western entrance to the temple; mention must be made of the painting of the dance of Shiva. The Ezharaponnana painting is also famous. This painting shows seven and half elephants finished in gold. The other mural paintings of the temple exhibit Anantasayana on the northern wall. The Agoramurthi and Pradosha Thandava paintings decorate the southern part of the sanctum. The fresco of Pradosha Nritham (Dance of Shiva) is one of the finest Wall painting in India.

The Thandava painting represents Lord Shiva in a dancing pose. This mural represents Lord Shiva with River Ganges and crescent moon on his coppery, matted hair. He also holds a bow and drum in the right hand. While the bow is known as Pinaka, the attached drum is named as Udukkai. There is a sword and arrow in another hand. The sword is Khatwanga in local language and the arrow is Varunapaasa. There are bells, fire and a blazing mace in the other hands. This idol depicts the courageous and angry Lord Shiva. This painting is present in the main sanctum.

Other Shrines:

There are shrines for Bhagavati, Sastha, Dakshinamurthy (very rare in Kerala), Ganapathy and Yakshi in the Temple premises. There is a separate temple for Lord Krishna in the Temple premises.

Holy Tank:

There is also a holy tank on the northern side of the shrine which is oval in shape.

Mula Virupaksha Temple, Hemakuta Hill, Hampi, Karnataka

Mula Virupaksha Temple is a Hindu temple dedicated to Lord Shiva located on Hemakuta Hill in Hampi in Bellary District of Karnataka. Moola Virupaksha is situated towards the northern side of the slope of Hemakuta Hill that overlooks the Virupaksha Temple complex. The Temple is considered as Thevara Vaippu Sthalam as Devaram hymns had a mention about this Temple.

History

The temple was constructed in 1119 A.D by Immadi Rachamalla of Sindhas of Kurugodu. The Moola Virupaksha temple, exists on the slopes of the Hemakuta Hills predates the Virupaksha Temple. The name itself (moola means origin or base) suggests of its antiquity.

The Temple

The temple is located near a small natural pond on the Hemakuta Hill, facing east. The temple consists of Garbhagriha, an antarala and a Sabha mandapa. The Garbhagriha is square in plan and enshrines a Shiva Linga. Its door way has three sakhas up to lintel, its door jambs depicted with Purnakumbhas. The Sikhara over the Garbhagriha is of Kadamba Nagara style having 4 stepped ties. The ceiling has 2 rotated squares and a flat slab which is decorated with lotus in centre.

The Antarala is square in plan, having Nandi. Its doorway has pancha sakhas, its door jambs depict Purnakumbhas and the Lalatabimba depicts Gajalakshmi. The ceiling has features like the Garbhagriha. The Sabha mandapa is square in plan and stands on four pillars in centre set on a raised floor; corresponding 12 pillars are on sides. The mandapa is partly covered and partly open at the front. It has niches at north and south which are empty now, once used for keeping sculptures.

The ceiling is similar to the Garbhagriha and the antarala, remaining ceilings are flat and plain. The outer walls of the Garbhagriha and antarala are plain. The Adhisthana and the Sikhara of Mula Virupaksha temple are similar to Kurugodu temples which belong to 12^th century A.D. There is a natural water spring (pond) right in front of this shrine.

Literary Mention

The Temple is considered as Thevara Vaippu Sthalam as Devaram hymns sung by Appar had a mention about this Temple. The Temple is mentioned in 6^th Thirumurai in 71^st Patikam in 9^th Song and 6^th Thirumurai in 7^th Patikam in 8^th Song.

6-7-8:

தெள்ளும் புனற்கெடில வீரட்டமுந்

திண்டீச் சரமுந் திருப்புகலூர்

எள்ளும் படையான் இடைத்தானமும்

ஏயீச் சரமுநல் லேமங்கூடல்

கொள்ளு மிலயத்தார் கோடிகாவுங்

குரங்கணில் முட்டமுங் குறும்பலாவுங்

கள்ளருந்தத் தெள்ளியா ருள்கியேத்துங்

காரோணந் தம்முடைய காப்புக்களே.

6-71-9:

கந்தமா தனங்கயிலை மலை கேதாரங்

காளத்தி கழுக்குன்றங் கண்ணார் அண்ணா

மந்தமாம் பொழிற்சாரல் வடபர்ப் பதம்

மகேந்திரமா மலைநீலம் ஏம கூடம்

விந்தமா மலைவேதஞ் சைய மிக்க

வியன் பொதியின் மலைமேரு வுதய மத்தம்

இந்துசே கரனுறையும் மலைகள் மற்றும்

ஏத்துவோம் இடர்கெடநின் றேத்து வோமே.

Connectivity

The Temple is located at about 500 meters from Hampi Bus Stop, 12 Kms from Hosapete, 13 Kms from Hosapete Junction Railway Station, 62 Kms from Ballari, 138 Kms from Aihole, 140 Kms from Badami, 163 Kms from Hubli, 167 Kms from Hubli Airport, 342 Kms from Bengaluru and 350 Kms from Bengaluru Airport. Hampi is situated on the banks of the Tungabhadra River in the eastern part of central Karnataka near the state border with Andhra Pradesh.

Location

Madangopal Jiu Temple, Mellock, Samta, West Bengal

Madangopal Jiu Temple is a Hindu Temple dedicated to Lord Vishnu, located in the village of Mellock, near Samta, in the Indian state of West Bengal. The temple is also locally known as Gopaler Mondir, the temple of Gopala. Madan Mohan Jiu temple is also one of the largest Achala (roof with 8 slopes) temple in Bengal.

History

It was built in 1651AD by a wrestler known as Mukundaprasad Roy Choudhury, who was a family member of the Roy Zamindars, who then ruled the village of Samta. Then, the Rup Narayan River used to flow alongside the temple. However, now the river has changed its course and moved farther away. Mukundaprasad was reputed to be very strong and muscular. In those days, the road to the temple was connected to the barrage of the village by a small wooden bridge.

Mukundaprasad would carry two heavy stone dumbbells in his arms and would carry it to the temple crossing the wooden bridge. Neither did he use to get tired nor did the wooden bridge ever break. One of the stones is kept in the vicinity of the temple. The temple is in ruins and reconstruction work was started in early 2010s. The idols of the deity are made of eight metals (ashtadhatu). But since the reconstruction started, the deities have been shifted to a nearby house.

The Temple

The temple is a terracotta ornamented temple and its roof has eight slopes. The main entrance with three arches faces the south. One additional entrance is on the east side. The east entrance leads to a small room, adjacent to the garbhagriha, or the main room. The temple is approximately 40 feet high. The temple has number of sculptures and designs on it. The deity worshipped in the temple is Radha and Madangopal. The idol of Radha is much shorter than the idol of Madangopal. However, now as the temple is in ruins the idols have been kept in a nearby house.

Temple Opening Time

The Temple remains open from 06.00 am in the morning to 08.00 pm in the night.

Festivals

Local Holi and Dol Yatra in Samta is held every year a day after Dol Purnima (full moon day) and on the day of Holi the idols are carried to the nearby house of the Mukherjees by an ancient wooden palanquin. Special rituals are performed and at evening it is brought back to the temple following traditions, in which burning bonfires are placed alongside the whole road, starting from the house of the Mukherjees till the temple. The people must make their way through the road and carry the palanquin with idols to the temple. On the day of Janmashtami (the birthday of Lord Krishna) also special pujas are held.

Connectivity

The Temple is located at about 2.5 Kms from Deulti Railway Station, 9 Kms from Kolaghat, 13 Kms from Bagnan, 53 Kms from Howrah, 68 Kms from Kolkata, 77 Kms from Kharagpur and 76 Kms from Kolkata Airport. The Temple is situated off Kolkata Mumbai National Highway between Kolkata and Kharagpur near Mellock Village.

Location

Ardhagiri Veera Anjaneya Temple, Aragonda, Andhra Pradesh

Veera Anjaneya Temple is a Hindu Temple dedicated to Lord Hanuman, located on the hill of Ardhagiri in Aragonda Village of Chittoor district in the Indian state of Andhra Pradesh. The temple is about 300 years old. The temple tank is called as Sanjeeviraya Pushkarini. It is believed that the water has the divine Sanjeevini elements infused into it.

Legends

The origin of the temple dates back to Treta Yuga and has an interesting legend that associates it with the Ramayana. During the battle with Ravana, Laxmana got injured and fell unconscious. Anjaneya, at the behest of Jambava, assumed a gigantic form and bounded for the Himalayas to procure herbs from the Sanjeevini Hill to revive an unconscious Lakshmana. Unable to identify the herbs in quick time, he uprooted the entire hill and flew back to Lanka, carrying it on his left shoulder.

It is believed that, a part of the Hill (carried by Hanuman) was dropped at this place and called as Ardhagiri (half hill). From then, people started worshipping hanuman in the name of Veera Anjaneya Swamy. Many people, till today, come from all the world to collect the medicated water in the pond, besides to the temple. The clay in the mountain contains many medicinal properties and has a power to cure many types of skin problems. The water in the pond comes from different place from the mountain, touching many roots of medicinal plants.

The Temple

For brief details, please refer below link;

Temple Opening Time

The Temple remains open from 05.30 am to 1.30 pm and 01.30 pm to 9.00 pm. On full moon days, it's open until 11.00 pm.

Festivals

Full moon day is special here as it was on this day that Anjaneya flew to get the Sanjeevini herb. Cultural programmes are held and the temple remains open at night. Hanuman Jayanthi is also celebrated in a grand manner.

Prayers

Devotees believe the water from Sanjeeviraya Pushkarini will heal diseases like cancer and asthma. They carry water from temple pond and distribute it to their kin. It's said that prayers offered in the dark on a full moon day provide immense power, peace and happiness. Garlands made from betel leaves, Marigolds, and Tulasi (Indian Basil), and different flowers are offered to Lord.

Contact

Ardhagiri Veera Anjaneya Swamy Temple,

Aragonda Village, Thavanam Palli Mandal,

Chittoor District,

Andhra Pradesh – 517 129

Phone: +91 8573 283 687 / 283 689 / 283 690

Connectivity

The Temple is located at about 2 Kms from Aragonda, 14 Kms from Kanipakam, 23 Kms from Chittoor, 22 Kms from Chittoor Railway Station, 82 Kms from Tirupati, 97 Kms from Tirupati Airport, 184 Kms from Chennai and 175 Kms from Chennai Airport. There are direct buses from Chittoor and Kanipakkam to Aragonda.

Ardhagiri Veera Anjaneya Temple, Aragonda – The Temple

Veera Anjaneya Temple is situated on the foothill of Ardhagiri. The shrine is a modest structure, nestles in the midst of lush hills about 300 feet high. The temple’s tiled courtyard serves as the circumambulatory route. A structured path takes you to the sanctum sanctorum. The temple is built on Dravidian Style Architecture. Presiding Deity is called as Veera Anjaneya. He is housed in the sanctum. He is about 3 feet high, covered with copper plate.

He is facing North. The deity’s right hand is in abhaya mudra, and his left hand is seen holding the Sowgandhika flower. His enormous tail, raised above his head, holds aloft at the end, a small bell, characteristic of Anjaneya idols that are made in Andhra. His ears are embellished with beautifully sculpted earrings or kundalam.

The Temple was constructed in such a way that the sun rays will fall only on the feet of the Lord Anjaneya in the early morning. As the day progresses the sun rays strike each and every portion of the head, but finally disappearing beyond the head region. According to folklore, Sun god who was overwhelmed by Anjaneya’s courage and devotion to Rama, pays his tribute in this manner.

The temple tank is called as Sanjeeviraya Pushkarini. It is believed that the water has the divine Sanjeevini elements infused into it. Sanjeeviraya Pushkarini is perennial. It is situated on the right side of the Temple. In the centre of the Pushkarini (tank), is a statue of Anjaneya in meditation. To maintain sanctity and cleanliness, a wall has been built around the tank and there’s a gate that remains locked. A pipe from the tank carries the water to an adjoining room for the sake of the devotees, many of whom carry this water back home.

The temple walls have sculptures of several god and goddesses. Ayyapan Swamy Shrine can be found in the hills. One need to climb at least 300 rock cut stairs to reach here. The Ayyapan Swamy shrine is not open always but you can enjoy the view from the hill top. There is a shrine for Lord Shiva in mid of hills. Many devotees come to visit this temple and specifically on a full moon day as it is believed that it was on a full moon day when Hanuman brought the Sanjeevini Mountain from Himalayas.

Varadaraja Swamy Temple, Kanipakam, Andhra Pradesh

Varadaraja Swamy Temple is a Hindu Temple dedicated to Lord Vishnu located in Kanipakam Village near Chittoor City in Andhra Pradesh, India. The Temple is situated very close to Kanipakam Vinayagar Temple.

History

The temple was constructed in the early 11^th century CE by the Chola Emperor Kulothunga Chola I and was expanded further in 1336 by the Kings of Vijayanagara dynasty.

The Temple

The temple faces east and is surrounded by a prakara wall. The entrance into the temple is through a gopura in the east. On plan, the temple consists of garbhagriha, antarala, Muhamandapam and Mahamandapam. The Garuda Shrine is situated in front of the Mahamandapam. Behind this shrine are the Balipitha and dhvajastambha. The main shrine of Varadaraja faces east and contains garbhagriha and antarala. The adhisthana is of padabandha type. It contains the mouldings of upana, tripatta-kumuda, gala, patta, gala and alingapattika with lotus design.

The outer walls of the garbhagriha contain empty niches which are flanked by pilasters and surmounted by makara torana. Above the walls, the cornice is decorated with simhalalata gables. The vimana above the garbhagriha is of an ekatala type with the series of kuta, panjara and Sala elements. The niches of the griva contain deity figures like Matysavatara on the north, Narasimha on the west, Vamana on the south and Sri Rama on the east.

The griva and sikhara are circular and belong to the vesara order. The garbhagriha houses the stone image of Varadaraja and his consorts Sridevi and Bhoodevi. The Outer Walls of the antarala contain empty niches which are flanked by pilasters. In the interior of the antarala there is an image of Andal. The door jambs are adorned with floral design. The Muhamandapam is rectangular and has four pillars with Chola capitals. In the interior of the mandapa, there is a vedi which contains nine loose stone images of Alvars.

There is a stone image of Vishnu in one corner of the mandapa. The ceiling of the mandapa has the Padmasila. There are Dwarapalakas on either side of the entrance of this mandapa. The Muhamandapam contains sixteen pillars with two square sections and one rectangular block alternating with two octagonal shafts in between. The pillar capitals are in Chola style. The rectangular and square blocks of the pillars are adorned with deity sculptures.

Garuda Shrine is situated to the east of the Mahamandapam. It is a square structure with plain walls. It has an ekatala vimana with circular griva and sikhara. Inside the shrine, Garuda stands in samabhanga with his hands in Anjali pose. The Varadaraja temple, as evidenced by its architectural features, was built during the later Chola period i.e., 12^th - 13^th Centuries A.D. The loose stone images of alvars, Vishnu and Andal may be dated to 14^th - 15^th century A.D.

Prayers

People believe that if newly married couples perform Satyanarayana Vrata in this temple their life will be happy.

Connectivity

For brief details, please refer below link;

Location

Siddheswara Swamy Temple, Talakona, Andhra Pradesh

Siddheswara Swamy Temple is a Hindu Temple dedicated to Lord Shiva located at Talakona in the Sri Venkateshwara National Park of Chittoor District in Andhra Pradesh, India. The temple is located in the deep forest of the Sri Venkateshwara National Park (just 20 minute’s walk from the well-known Talakona Waterfall). Presiding Deity is called as Siddheswara Swamy.

History

As per the local people, the temple was built some 140 years ago. The Shiva Linga in the temple was brought from the ruined temple of Rayavaripalli, a village in Pulicherla Mandal, On olden days there was a custom that if any new temple is constructed, instead of making a new Siva Linga, can install old one which lies without Pooja in ruined Temples. Based on this custom the Shiva Linga was brought from Rayavaripalli ruined temple. The relics of the ruined temple can be seen today also in the agricultural fields of Rayavaripalli and field is called as "Lingaakaaram kaada kayya", till today, which means a piece of agricultural field near Siva Lingam.

Festivals

Maha Shivrathri is the most famous festival celebrated here. Locals also gather to celebrate Holi.

Connectivity

The Temple is located at about 24 Kms from Bhakarapeta, 24 Kms from Bhakarapeta Bus Stop, 56 Kms from Tirupati, 56 Kms from Tirupati Railway Station, 69 Kms from Renigunta Railway Junction, 89 Kms from Chittoor, 188 Kms from Chennai and 206 Kms from Chennai Airport. From Tirupati you can hire a private cab / car / jeep and you can reach Talakona or You can take a local bus which goes till Bhakarapeta and from there you can hire a jeep which will take you to Siddheswara Swamy Temple.

Location

Vadakkunnathan Temple, Thrissur – The Temple

The temple is situated in an elevated hillock in the centre of Thrissur City and is surrounded by a massive stone wall enclosing an area of nearly 9 acres (36,000 m2). Inside this fortification, there are four gopurams facing four cardinal directions. Between the inner temple and the outer walls, there is a spacious compound, the entrance to which is through gopurams. Of these, the gopurams on the south and north are not open to the public. The public enter either through the east or west gopuram. The inner temple is separated from the outer temple by a broad circular granite wall enclosing a broad corridor called Chuttambalam.

Entrance into the inner temple is through a passage through the corridor. This temple is a classic example of the Kerala style of architecture with beautiful murals of the seventeenth century delineating graphically the story of Mahabharata. The shrines and the Koothambalam display exquisite vignettes carved in wood. It is said that Tipu Sultan camped near this temple during his raid on northern Kerala. But this fact is disputed by a number of historians.

Gopurams:

For brief details, please refer below link;

Sanctum:

The main deity of this temple, Lord Shiva, is worshipped in the form of a huge lingam, which is covered under a mound of ghee, formed by the daily abhishekam (ablution) with ghee over the years. A devotee looking into the sanctum can now see only a 16-foot-high (4.9 m) mound of ghee embellished with thirteen cascading crescents of gold and three serpent hoods on top. According to traditional belief, this represents the snow-clad Mount Kailash, the abode of Shiva. This is the only temple where the lingam is not visible. It is said that the ghee offered here for centuries does not have any foul odour and it does not melt even during summer.

Nandikeswara Shrine:

Located on the verandah of the Naalambalam is a large white bull Nandikeswara.

Rama Shrine:

The two-storied rectangular shrine of the god Rama facing west is located in the south.

Sankaranarayana Shrine:

Between the sanctums (Srikoils) of Shiva and Rama, stands a third one, circular and double-storied in shape, which is dedicated to Sankara Narayana, the combined form of Shiva and Vishnu, facing west. Lord Sankaranarayana is also called Madhyanathan (Lord of center - may be because it is in the center of Rama & Siva temple). As per the rule we have to pay dharshan 4 times to both Siva and Rama temple. But to Sankaranarayana it is 6 times. There is no practice to give any type of prasadam from this shrine. However, Lord Sankaranarayana is the custodian of all movable and immovable assets of Vadakkunathan temple.

Ardhanarishvara Shrine:

In the northern side, there is a circular structure with Shiva facing west and behind him, Parvati facing east, denoting their combined form Ardhanarishvara.

Vettekkaran Shrine:

Lord Vettekkaran (Shiva in a hunter form) is also worshipped within the Naalambalam enclosure.

Dharmasastha Shrine:

There is a shrine for Lord Ayyapan (also called as Dharmasastha), son of Lord Shiva in the Temple premises.

Adi Sankaracharya Shrine:

Adi Sankara is believed to have been born to the Shivaguru - Aryamba couple of Kalady in answer to their prayers before Vadakkunnathan, as Amsavatara (incarnation) of the Lord. Legend has it that Shiva appeared to both husband and wife in their dreams and offered them a choice: a mediocre son who would live a long life, or an extraordinary son who would not live long. Both Shivaguru and Aryamba chose the latter. The son was named Shankara, in honour of Shiva. There is a Shrine dedicated to Adi Sankara in this Temple

Rishaba Shrine:

It is located on north-west side of the northern entrance. The idol is a bullock in sleeping posture carved out of fine granite stone. Earlier, the Rishaba was in standing position and was worshipped from the front side (east). One morning the idol was found lying and later front door was closed, and instead side view was opened. Since the idol is a sleeping deity, the Rishaba should be worshipped after waking him up by clapping your hands. A piece of thread from your dhoti is to be presented as an offering to the God to cover up his nakedness. There is a school of thought that the idol is of Digambara of Jainism.

Ganesha Shrine:

Ganesha Shrine in the temple is situated opposite to the temple kitchen. The offering of Appam (sweetened rice cake fried in ghee) to him is one of the most important offerings at the temple. Propitiating him here is believed to be a path to prosperity and wealth. It has been the standard yearly practice at the Vadakkunnathan Temple throughout the previous 20 years to lead a substantial scale Ashta Dravya Maha Ganapathy Havana and Aanayoottu (stately nourishing of elephants) on the first day of karkkidakom month according to the Malayalam Calendar. Gajapooja additionally is directed once in four years.

Gosala Krishna Shrine:

Saint Vilvamangalam who has having a close rapport with all deities, once noticed a hallo on the northern side of the temple, which then slowly turned into a cowherd and cows. The saint felt the presence of lord Krishna and as per Vilvamangalam direction the Gosala Krishna Shrine was built.

Parashurama Shrine:

After completing his duties Saint Parasurama disappeared at the north east corner of the temple (Eeshana cone - north-east corner), where you will see a small area earmarked with walls and lightened with a lamp. The kings, the arch enemies of the saint, used avoid this holy place hence the nearby bypass.

Simhodara Shrine:

Simhodara Shrine is situated next to the eastern pathway connecting the east gopuram. Simhodara is the trusted lieutenant of lord Siva and is guarding the main Siva temple, by watching the "thazikakudom" (There is a hole - triangle in shape - in the main wall, through which you can have the dharshan of the temple's "Thazhikakudam"). The real name of this deity is "Sarvaka" who was a student of wrestling to Nandikeswara (the holy bullock). During the trail the central part of the body of sarvaka was elongated and the name Simhodara (belly of lion). Lord Siva agreed to be in Kerala as per the request of saint Parasurama and Sarvaka was deputed to find a suitable place. Sarvaka travelled all over and found all are suitable places. He was tired from the journey and was taking rest when Lord Siva came along with Devi. He kicked Sarvaka to the present place (kadikuzhi- the drainage).

An ardent devotee of Vadakkunathan used to pray for a humble request to have dharshan of Kasi Viswanatha. As per the recommendations from Sree Parvathy, lord made a direct tunnel to Kasi and invited the devotee to travel along with. The moment they touched Kasi, Sree Parvathy requested Simhodara to close the tunnel (you will see a balikallu here to mark the spot). It is believed Sree Parvathy had a second thought that Ganga may use this tunnel. The devotees are advised to put a stone as a helping hand to the closure. However, this practice was banned as per a devaprasana, recently.

Sambuthara:

This is the platform at south east corner where you pray Lord Chidambara by facing east and Lord Rameshwara by facing south. Lord Siva used to dance as "Nataraja" (King of Dance) in Chidambaram which is reflected in Rameswaram as well. As per Nandikeswara (the holy bullock) advice, Anandha, the 1001 headed Serpent king watched the shadow - sitting on this platform - of this dance and was blessed to notice the same at the entrance of the sanctum of Vadakkunnathan temple as "Nirtha Nathan".

Amma Thara:

This is a platform where "Oorakathamma" and "Sree Koodalmanikya Swamy (Sree Bharatha)" are prayed. A part of the holy spirit of Sree Kamakshi accompanied the ardent devotee Thiruvalayannur Bhattathiri (Poomulli Namboothiri) to stay near Sree Parvathy at Vadakkunathan premises. Yielding to the prayers of Bhattathiri, Kamakshi was allowed to settle at Oorakam, which is located at around 10 Kms southwards, as Oorakathamma. Similarly, the idol of lord Bharatha was to be installed adjacent to Srirama temple. But as per the humble prayers of Vakayil Kaimal, the idol was installed at Irinjalakuda, 20 Kms southwards of Vadakkunathan. It is believed that every day both Sreevparvathy and Srirama pay a visit to this Ammathara to see their sister & brother respectively.

Kali Sila:

Kali Sila, the small stone kept within the walls of the temple, is gradually growing in terms of height and when it reaches the height of the western gopuram, the Kaliyuga ends. To prevent this, devotees throw the balance of the Siva Prasad on it.

Ganapathy Shrine (Venmadakoil):

Vadakkunathan had 12 days Utsavam during Uttharayana season and discontinued due to various reasons. Once the coffer was empty and the Yogadirippad had an oracle to remove the Ganapathy idol. A dark room (nilavara) was found below the Peetam and a golden lizard lightening the whole place. The room was full of gold and jewels. The chieftain took only whatever needed to conduct Utsavam. You will see a stone carving of the lizard to commemorate this. (behind the left door to the main entrance of the Valiyambalam). Touch and pray for the prosperity here. There is a mural painting near the sopanam of the Lord Siva temple. It is the "Sundara yakshi" (Beautiful apsara). If you touch and pray on this portrait, this charming young lady will marry you.

Koothambalam:

The temple theatre, known as Koothambalam, has four magnificent gateways called Gopurams and the lofty masonry wall around the temple quadrangle are imposing pieces of craftsmanship and skill. The Koothambalam is used for staging Koothu, Nangyar Koothu and Koodiyattam, an ancient ritualistic art forms of Central Kerala. Koothambalam can be seen on the left side as you enter the temple via the western entrance gopuram.

According to folk lore, before the new Koothambalam was built, there used to be an old and dilapidated structure. The then Diwan T. Sankunni Menon ordered to demolish the structure and construct a new Koothambalam. He gave this task to Velanezhy Nambudiri, a famous Thachushasthranjan or master craftsman. He prepared a mental sketch and built a beautiful Koothambalam there. Velanezhy Illom is in Venganellur Gramam, Chelakkara town.

Arjuna's Villkuzhi:

During the Mahabharata war Jayadratha was killed by Arjuna to retaliate his son Abhimanyu's heroic death trapped in Chakra Vyuga. Jayadratha was an ardent devotee of Lord Siva and hence the arrow that killed him fell in to the Vadakkunathan temple courtyard. As per Lord Krishna's advice, Arjuna prayed to Lord Siva and was condoned of his sin for killing Jayadratha. A deep well was formed where the arrow fell, and legend says that Arjuna cleaned his arrow with the water from this well.

It is customary to wash your feet with water from this well before starting dharshan in this temple. Few meters away from this Villkuzhi, towards north there are two granite pillars. Zamorin of Calicut paid an offering "gold Thulabharam" to Vadakkunathan. To perform this offering (articles weighed against one's own weight) this giant pillars were made.

Murals:

The temple is famous for the rarity of the temple murals, of which the Vasukishayana and Nrithanatha murals are of great importance and are worshipped daily. The temple also houses a museum of ancient wall paintings, wood carvings and art pieces of ancient times. A study done by Archaeological Survey of India on two paintings in the temple has revealed that it is 350 years old. These two rare paintings were a reclining Shiva and a Nataraja with 20 arms.

Outside Temples:

Outside the main temple, there are shrines for Lord Subrahmanya and Lord Ganapathi.

Vadakkunnathan Temple, Thrissur - Gopurams

Northern Gopuram:

Northern gopuram of Vadakkunathan Temple is slightly leaning. This can be noticed when you observe this gopuram closely. There is a legend behind this. Once upon a time, a small golden serpent was found in a bell of the Namaskara mandapa of Vadakkunathan and Karrat Namboothiri tried to pull it down to win a bet. The tail of the serpent started growing beyond the temple pushing away the Namboothiri. Finally, Karrat found asylum in the pond (kokarni - near to north gopuram). The serpent chased and covered the pond. Panic stricken Namboothiri had no choice but to beg for help from "Garuda". When Garuda came and took position on the northern gopuram, the serpent (who was actually Vasuki) vanished. The gopuram could not carry Garuda's weight and started to lean and the king of birds flew away.

Eastern Gopuram:

The chief priest of Vadakkunathan used to do some secret pooja after daily routine in a room in this gopuram. It is rumored to be black magic and as per Maharaja's order an employee peeped through a hole in the door to verify this. It was just "Bhagavathy Seva" and during the climax of the pooja, employee saw an amazing power source, which as per the legend blinded him. The room remained closed for decades.

Southern Gopuram:

Southern Gopuram is a donation from King of Kodungallur and hence devotees pay their salute to Kodungallur Devi here. To pass through this gopuram is said to be a journey of no return. In olden days, the convicts, who were sentenced to death, were brought to Sankaranarayana Temple for their last rites. They were made to wear red garlands and would later be handed over to "Arachar" waiting outside the southern gopuram. The sentence was performed at a place called Anchery, some 6 Kms south east of Vadakkunathan. However, the doors of this gopuram are now opened only for Thrissur Pooram. "Neithilkavilamma" a participant Pooram deity opens this door from outside on the day before Pooram and will be closed the Thrissur Pooram day after the royal dharbhar "Thekkottirakkam".

Western Gopuram:

The western gopuram was constructed by the Perumppadappu Swaroopam of Cochin dynasty. The "Deepastambam" was donated by Samoothiri of Calicut as a token of compromise between Perumppadappu and Calicut.

Aisanyesvara Temple, Bhubaneswar, Odisha

Aisanyesvara Temple is a Hindu Temple dedicated to Lord Shiva located in Bhubaneswar, the capital of Odisha, India. This Temple belongs to 13^th century AD. The temple is in the precinct of Municipal Corporation Hospital, Sriram Nagar, Old Town, Bhubaneswar. It is close to the western compound wall of Lingaraj Temple. This is a living temple and with a shrine facing east. The temple is maintained by Bhubaneswar Municipal Corporation and is in good state of preservation.

History

Aisanyesvara Siva temple history dates back to 13 century. Several architectural features like seven chariots reveal that the temple was built during the 13th century AD. Other architectural features suggest that it was built by Gangas.

Architecture

The temple is constructed in the Kalinga architecture style using grey sandstone. This is an ancient temple where the main shrine is facing towards east. The entire edifice has been constructed using gray sand stone. Tala Jangha is adorned with Khakhara Mundi whereas Upara Jangha is decorated with Pidha Mundi. The three moulded pista is adorned with series of Khakhara Mundi. The main portion of the temple has series of Khakhara Mundis in succession, lotus design in Anuraha Paga and bhumi amlas in the Kanika Pagas.

Two udyota lions can be seen in the gandi of Raha Paga. In the frontal wall, miniature rekha angasikhara can be observed at the base of the Gandi. The door frames are adorned with three vertical bands of puspa sakha, patra sakha and lata sakha from outside to inside. The base of the doorframes has Khakhara Mundis on either side. An idol of Lalatabimba Gajalaxmi is seen seated in Lalitasana.

Right above the doorframe a panel depicting Nava Graha can be seen with each Graha in a niche. The Sun god holds a lotus in his hands. Ketu, the serpent god is seen in the form of serpent tail and holds a bow in his left arm and a shield in the right arm. Sanctum houses the presiding deity in the form of Lingam. Siva Lingam is enshrined within a circular yonipitha (basement).

Festivals

Every day, rituals such as Jalabhiseka and Rudrabhiseka are performed. The festivals of Maha Shivrathri, Sankranti and Diwali are observed with great zeal. The festival deity of Lord Lingaraja is brought to this temple after the 6^th day of Maha Shivaratri.

Connectivity

For brief details, please refer below link;

Location

Nartiang Durga Temple, West Jaintia Hills, Meghalaya

Nartiang Durga Temple is a Hindu Temple dedicated to Mother Parvathi located at Nartiang in the West Jaintia Hills District of Meghalaya, a state in North-Eastern India. The Temple is believed to be 500 years old. 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 built in the 16^th century by Jaintia King King Dhan Manik. The original structure of the temple was similar to a typical Khasi house, with a thatched roof over a central wooden pillar. Later the thatch was replaced by a corrugated tin roof. It had been further modified and reconstructed by Ramakrishna Mission of Cherrapunjee in the year 1987 to preserve, protect and encourage the tradition, faith and culture of the people.

The Temple

The temple is situated on top of a hill. Originally the temple resembled a thatched roof house, which is similar to most of the houses of the Khasi people. Later on, Ramakrishna mission took over the redevelopment of this temple at it got a tin roof and a more permanent structure. The temple has an idol of Goddess Durga, the main deity of the temple. But it also has a Shiva temple situated nearby the premises of the main temple. One can get a view of the Myundu River flowing below from the temple as it is set on the top of a hill right above the river.

In the basement, the temple houses the "Boli Garbha" or the ritual sacrificial pier. This place is connected to the river by a tunnel. The sacrificing ritual is followed at the Boli Garbha. Earlier humans were sacrificed at the temple during Durga Puja which was later banned by the British Government. Now human sacrifice is replaced by goats and ducks. The priest of this temple belong to the same family. Priesthood is passed on from generation to generation.

The temple is also an abode of ancient guns of the kings which makes it not only a place for the preachers of Goddess Durga but also an interesting place for the archaeologists and historians. The Village of Nartiang is significant for its summer palace of the Jaintia King whose capital was Jaintiapur. The remnants of the summer palace is located on a hillock approximately two kilometers from the Nartiang market.

This place is also called as Garden of Monoliths since, the place has several scattered monoliths (stone pillars). The temple overlooks the monoliths. The Monoliths are Menhirs (the upright stones) locally known as Moo Shynrang (Men) and Dolmens (the flat horizontal stones) known as Moo Kynthai (Women). Some of these were erected in the 1500 AD. The tallest Menhir is known as Moo Long Syiem. It is 8 metres high and 18 inches thick. It was named after U Mar Phalyngki a great warrior and Jaintia lieutenant.

Festivals

Durga Puja is the most important festival of this temple. During Durga Puja, a banana plant is dressed up and worshipped as the Goddess. At the end of the four-day festivities, the plant is ceremoniously immersed in the Myntdu River. A gun salute is also given to the Goddess on the occasion. It celebrates the Durga puja every autumn in a unique way with the fusion of the culture of Bengal and that of the Khasi-Jaintia Hills. In conformity of the Khasi custom of not using figurine images of Gods and Goddesses, the image of Durga is represented by a plantain trunk decked with marigold flowers.

Worship Practices

The rites at the temple not performed the conventional way as in the plains, but in a unique way, a blend of Hindu and ancient Khasi traditions. The local chieftain or Syiem is considered the chief patron of the temple. Even today, during Durga Puja, the Syiem sacrifices goats in the Goddess’s honour. Earlier, human sacrifice was offered at the temple, but the practice had been stopped by the British. The human head used to roll down a tunnel from the sanctum sanctorum to the Myntdu River flowing below. Nowadays, goats and ducks are sacrificed. But what is most interesting is the fact that the goats are made to wear human masks and then sacrificed.

Religious Significance

The Nartiang Devi temple is believed to be a Shakti Peetha, one of the most revered shrines of Shaktism because Shakti Peethas are holy abodes of Parashakti. The Shakti Peethas have originated from the mythology of Daksha Yaga and Sati's self-immolation Shiva carried the corpse of Sati Devi and body parts of the corpse fell in the path he wandered. There are 51 Shakti Peeth linking to the 51 alphabets in Sanskrit. Each temple have shrines for Shakti and Kalabhairava. The "Shakti" of Nartiang Devi shrine is addressed as "Jayanti" and the "Bhairava" as "Kramadishwar". It is believed that Sati Devi's left thigh has fallen here. It is a unique shrine in its own right as it synthesizes the two different religious traditions – Hinduism and the indigenous faith and blends the two harmoniously.

Administration

The Central Puja Committee, the official representative of the Hindu community in Meghalaya, is the caretaker of the temple. It finances a major part of the daily expenses incurred by the temple and carries out development activities in the temple premises. It is also responsible for the popularization of the Durga Puja conducted in this ancient temple.

Connectivity

The Temple is located at about 3 Kms from Nartiang, 61 Kms from Shillong, 62 Kms from Shillong Bus Station, 153 Kms from Guwahati Railway Station and 177 Kms from Guwahati Airport. This Temple is situated to east of Shillong. Guwahati Railway Station is the nearest railway station. Lokpriya Gopinath Bordoloi International Airport located in Guwahati is the nearest International Airport.

Location

Nageshvara Temple, Darukavanam, Saurashtra, Gujarat

Nageshvara Temple is a Hindu Temple dedicated to Lord Shiva located in Darukavanam near Dwaraka in Saurashtra on the western coast of Gujarat. The Temple is believed to be one among the twelve jyotirlinga shrines of Lord Shiva. Just like some other jyotirlingas, there is a conflict about the true location of the jyotirlinga of Nageshwar. Nagnath of Aundha, Nageshwar of Dwarka and Jageshwar of Almora are in the contest of the jyotirlinga. Placed in the three distinct directions and regions of India, the temple claims are backed by either the story of Purana or the meaning of the words.

Nageshwar Temple or Nagnath Temple is located on the route between Gomati Dwarka and the Bait Dwarka Island on the coast of Saurashtra in Gujarat. The Jyotirlinga enshrined in the Temple of Nagnath is known as Nageshwar Mahadev and attracts thousands of pilgrims all-round the year. The Rudra Samhita sloka refers to Nageshwar with the phrase ′Daarukaavane Naagesham′. It is an important pilgrimage and tourist spot of Gujarat.

Legends

For brief details, please refer below link;

History

Nageshvara Jyotirlinga was initially a very small shrine, was built to its present form by the Late Gulshan Kumar and his trust.

The Temple

Presiding Deity is called as Nageshvara, the Jyotirlinga. Jyotirlinga is housed in the sanctum. Nageshwar Mahadev Sivalingam is facing South while the Gomugam is facing east. The Linga in this temple is made of stone known as Dwarka Shila. It has small chakras on its top and resembles a tri-mukhi Rudraksha. An idol of Parvathi Devi can be seen behind the Linga. The major attraction of this temple is a 25-meter-tall statue of Lord Shiva in a large garden with a pond surrounding the statue.

Poojas & Festivals

Poojas:

Rudrabhiseka, the pooja conducted when Shiva is in rudra (angry) form. The Shiva Linga is washed with water which continuously keeps pouring over it through a vessel along with continuous chanting of mantras (Dudhabhishek). There are various other forms of abhishekam and poojas known as Rudrabhiseka with bhoga, ek somvar (one Monday), char somvar (four Mondays), Laghurudra and Shravan.

Festivals:

Mahashivaratri is the famous festival celebrated here. During this festival the devotees decorate the lingam with flowers and conduct the Abhisheka with milk.

Prayers

This Jyotirlinga has the power to protect beholders and worshippers from all kinds of poisons especially snake poisons. It is also mentioned that those who mediate upon Nageshwar with a pure mind obtain freedom from all physical and spiritual poisons (Maya, sin and anger and temptation). A person who prays at this temple can fear no harm from snakes and this deep-rooted belief gives the temple its own importance while drawing thousands of devotees of it.

Connectivity

The Temple is located at about 16 Kms from Dwaraka Railway Station, 17 Kms from Dwaraka, 18 Kms from Dwaraka Bus Stand, 19 Kms from Okha, 127 Kms from Jamnagar Airport, 131 Kms from Jamnagar, 225 Kms from Rajkot and 439 Kms from Ahmedabad. Dwarka is on the state highway from Jamnagar to Dwarka. Direct buses available from Jamnagar and Ahmedabad. Dwarka is a station on the Ahmedabad-Okha broad gauge railway line, with trains connecting it to Jamnagar, Rajkot and Ahmedabad. Daily trains are available to Dwarka from major cities of Gujarat and India. The closest domestic airport to Dwarka is located at Jamnagar. There are regular flights from Jamnagar to Mumbai International Airport. Taxi cabs are available from Jamnagar airport to Dwarka.

Location

Baidyanath Temple, Deoghar – The Temple

Baidyanath Temple Complex consists of the main temple of Baidyanath, where the Jyotirlinga is installed, and 21 other temples. The temple is situated in a spacious courtyard bounded by stone walls. The temple of Shiva, Baidyanath faces the east, and is 72 feet tall, and it is lotus shaped. According to religious belief this temple has been built by Vishwakarma, the architect of gods.

There are three parts of this temple; i.e., the main temple, the middle part of the main temple, and the entrance part of the main temple. The top contains three ascending shaped gold vessels that are compactly set, which were donated by Maharaja of Gidhaur, Raja Puran Singh. Besides these pitcher shaped vessels, there is a 'Panch Sula' (Five knives in Trident shape), which is rare. In the inner top there is an eight petaled lotus jewel (Chandrakanta Mani). The main Lingam (Lord Shiva) is also very rare.

To the east of the northern verandah of the temple there is a large vat into which flows the water and milk offered as ablution. The lingam is of a cylindrical form about 5 inches in diameter and projects about 4 inches from the center of a large slab of basalt. It is not possible to ascertain how much of the lingam is buried. The top is broken and has uneven surface. There are different porches in the temple. One porch leads to the cell where the lingam is fixed.

The second porch is in front with a row of pillars spanned by blocks of basalt and on the right side there is a sandstone image of a bull. There are bells fixed in the ceiling and pilgrims are supposed to pull the bell-ropes to announce their approach to the divinity. The courtyard has eleven other temples, mainly of Parvathi, Kali, Jagat Janani, Kal Bhairav and Lakshminarayan.

Parvathi temple is tied up with the main temple, with huge red sacred threads which is unique and worthy of reverence, showing the unity of Shiva and Shakti. Near the temple is the Siva Ganga lake. The Chandrakoopa well, near the main entrance is said to have been built and consecrated with water from several thirthams by Ravana.

Veda Narayana Temple, Nagalapuram, Andhra Pradesh

Veda Narayana Temple or Matsya Narayana Temple is a Hindu Temple dedicated to Lord Vishnu located at Nagalapuram Town in Chittoor District of Andhra Pradesh, India. The Temple is dedicated to Lord Vishnu in the form of Matsya (fish) avatar and is referred to as Matsya Narayana or Veda Narayana. This is one of the fewer temples in India where Vishnu is depicted in Matsya avatar, the first incarnation of Dashavatara.

Surya Pooja Utsavam is one of the important festivals in the temple during which the rays of Sun directly fall at the feet on the first day, on the chest on the second day and on forehead on the third day. This happens once in a year, 12, 13 and 14^th days of Phalguna Month (Panguni in Tamil) (in the month of March). The temple is being administered by Tirumala Tirupati Devasthanams.

Legends

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History

This temple, a specimen of the Vijayanagara style, was built by Krishna Deva Raya at the behest of his mother. He visited this place before marching north to conquer Gajapati Kings in present Orissa and on his return, he camped here after worshipping in Tirupati before going to Kumbakonam for the Maha Makam as per records unearthed in the temple. The Place was renamed as Nagalamma Puram in memory of his mother Nagamba and later became Nagalapuram.

The Temple

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Temple Opening Time

The Temple remains open from 06.00 A.M to 12.00 Noon and 04.00 P.M to 08.00 P.M.

Pooja Timings

· Suprabatham (06.00 AM to 06.30 AM)

· Thomala Seva (06.30 AM to 07.00 AM)

· Sahasranamarchana (07.30 AM to 08.00 AM)

· Sarva Darshanam (08.00 AM to 10.00 AM)

· Second Bell (10.00 AM to 10.30 AM)

· Teermanamu (12.00 Noon)

· Sarva Darshanam (04.00 PM to 06.00 PM)

· Thomala Seva (06.00 PM to 06.30 PM)

· Ratri Kaingaryam (06.30 PM to 07.00 PM)

· Sarva Darshanam (07.00 PM to 07.45 PM)

· Ekantha Seva (07.45 PM to 08.00 PM)

Festivals

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Prayers

The temple is thronged by thousands of devotees every day, seeking blessings to face and succeeding in the challenges in their lives. Devotees pray to Lord to get relief from the dosha's concerning financial and Vastu bad effects. It is also well renowned for relief from skin diseases. Also, it is believed that those who pray for growth in education, will get their boon fulfilled as he retrieved the Vedas from the Demon.

Contact

Veda Narayana Perumal Temple,

Nagalapuram, Chittoor District,

Andhra Pradesh – 517 589

Phone: +91 8576 226 4590

Connectivity

The Temple is located at about 750 meters from Nagalapuram Bus Stand, 12 Kms from Suruttapalli, 14 Kms from Uthukkottai, 30 Kms from Puthur, 30 Kms from Nagari, 31 Kms from Nagari Railway Station, 61 Kms from Tirupati Airport, 63 Kms from Tirupati, 71 Kms from Chennai and 85 Kms from Chennai Airport. Nagalapuram is situated on the Tirupati and Chennai highway. If you are traveling from Chennai, Nagalapuram is situated at about 14 Kms from Uthukkottai on the highway towards Puthur, after Suruttuppalli. Nagalapuram is easily accessible by road both from Chennai and Thirupathi.

Veda Narayana Temple, Nagalapuram – The Temple

The temple spread on a very vast area has grand Gopurams and huge prakarams. Dashavatara Idols can be seen on the Gopuram. This temple is wonderfully maintained by Thirumala Thirupathi Devasthanam with beautiful gardens along the prakarams. This temple is called Mathsya Avataara Sthalam as Lord here is seen in Mathsya Avatar, which is the first and foremost avatar (incarnation) among 10 avatars of Lord Vishnu. The main deity is the Matysavatara form of Vishnu accompanied by Sri Devi and Bhu Devi on either side. He is facing west.

A peculiar feature of the idol is that it holds the Sudarsana Chakra in prayoga (ready for release). The lords feet are seen emerging from a fish form. There are three sets of dwara Palakas for the three doors before entering the sanctum. The first is Vishwaksena and Thapasa, next is Jaya and Vijaya and at the third door are Manikandan and Sandhya. The idol of Sudarsana Azhwar kept in the sanctum sanctorum is very beautiful. The utsava murthy is kept along with the Azhwars.

The Temple is famous for Surya Pooja Utsavam, considered as an astronomical marvel. During this festival the sunrays will directly fall on the presiding deity Veda Narayana in the Garbhagriha for three days of a year. Sun ray’s fall on the Lord during the Sunset (6pm to 6.15pm). The Sunrays travel a distance of 360 feet starting from Temple Tower (Gopuram) towards Garbha Griha in the evening. On first day the rays will stop at foot of the Deity, second day on Navel and third day on Crown. This happens once in a year, 12th, 13th, 14th days of Phalguna Masam (March).

Mother is called as Vedavalli Thayar. She is housed in the separate shrine in the temple premises. Her shrine is situated in south west in front of the main Sannidhi. Mother is in the sitting posture and the hallway pillars all show exquisite carvings of various forms of Anjaneya, Narasimha etc. There are two separate mandapams in the temple in the North west corner and north side of the temple.

There are also shrines for Vishnu Durga, Ganesha, Brahma, Vishwaksena, Lakshmi Varaha Perumal, Lakshmi Narasimha Swamy, Lakshmi Narayana Perumal, Dakshinamurthy, Veera Anjaneya Swamy, Lord Rama with Mother Sita & Lakshmana and Venugopala Swamy in the Temple premises. There is a big Yaga shaala in front of the Ramar Sannidhi where the yagas are performed. Recently while cleaning the temple Tirtham, they found a rare kind of fish in the pond with different colors. Many people came to see this miracle as this is the temple dedicated to Mathsya Avataram.

Kukkuteswara Swamy Temple, Pithapuram, Andhra Pradesh

Kukkuteswara Swamy Temple is a Hindu Temple dedicated to Lord Shiva located in Pithapuram Town in East Godavari District in Andhra Pradesh, India. Presiding Deity is called as Kukkuteswara Swamy and Mother is called as Rajarajeswari / Kumara Gananadhamba. There is the temple of Puruhutika Devi inside the premises of Kukkuteswara Swamy Temple. It is one of the Ashta Dasha Shakti Peethas. Pithapuram was earlier known as Pithikapuram. The Temple is also the third one of Tri Gaya Kshetrams of India and one among the Dwadasa Punya Kshetrams. The Temple is considered as Thevara Vaippu Sthalam as Devara hymns had a mention about this Temple.

Legends

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History

Pithapuram was originally called Pishtapura. The earliest extant inscription to mention the city is the 4^th century king Samudragupta's Allahabad Pillar inscription, which states that he defeated the king Mahendra of Pishtapura. The inscriptions of the 4^th and 5^th Century Vasishtha and Mathara dynasties also mention Pishtapura, describing it as a part of Kalinga. In the 7^th Century, the Chalukya king Pulakeshin II annexed Pishtapura to his kingdom.

Shripada Shri Vallabha, believed to be an incarnation of Lord Dattatreya by his devotees, lived in Pithapuram. He is considered one of the first complete avatars (incarnations) of the deity Dattatreya in Kali Yuga. Sripada Sri Vallaba was born as Dattatreya Swamy in this place. So, It has become the main Avatara Kshetram of Dattatreya.

The great poet, Srinatha wrote in the third chapter of Bheemeshwara Purana about Mukthi Sthalams. The four places that give salvation or Moksha are Varanasi (Banaras), Kedaram, Kumbakonam and Pithapuram which is known as Padagaya kshetram It is described in the third chapter of Bheema Khanda and of Skanda Purana.

The Temple

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Temple Opening Time

The Temple remains open from 07:30am to 12:30pm and 04:30pm to 08:30pm.

Festivals

Maha Shivaratri, Sarannavarathri and Kartika Masam are the main festivals celebrated at this temple. The temple celebrates Devi Navaratri’s in Dussehra season. Annual festivals celebrated here are different for different deities like Maghabahula Ekadasi for Kukkuteswara, Suddha Ekadasi for Kunti Madhava, Phalguna for Kumaraswamy and Karthik Masa for Venugopalaswamy.

Literary Mention

The Temple is considered as Thevara Vaippu Sthalam as Devaram hymns sung by Appar had a mention about this Temple. The Temple is mentioned in 6^th Thirumurai in 71^st Patikam in 8^th Song.

நாடகம் ஆடிடம் நந்திகேச்சுரம் மா காளேச்

சுரம் நாகேச்சுரம் நாகளேச்சுரம் நன்கு ஆன

கோடீச்சுரம் கொண்டீச்சுரம் திண்டீச்சுரம்

குக்குடேச்சுரம் அக்கீச்சுரம் கூறுங்கால்

ஆடகேச்சுரம் அகத்தீச்சுரம் அயனீச்சுரம்

அத்தீச்சுரம் சித்தீச்சுரம் அம் தண் கானல்

ஈடு திரை இராமேச்சுரம் என்று என்று ஏத்தி

இறைவன் உறை சுரம் பலவும் இயம்புவோமே.

Religious Significance

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Contact

Kukkuteswara Swamy Temple,

Pithapuram, East Godavari District,

Andhra Pradesh – 533 450

Phone: +91 8869 252 477 / 251 445

Connectivity

The Temple is located at about 1.5 Kms from Pithapuram Old Bus Stand, 2 Kms from Pithapuram Railway Station, 2.5 Kms from Pithapuram Bus Stand, 13 Kms from Samarlakota, 13 Kms from Samalkot Railway Junction, 16 Kms from Kakinada, 29 Kms from Annavaram, 58 Kms from Rajahmundry, 138 Kms from Visakhapatnam, 144 Kms from Visakhapatnam Airport, 214 Kms from Vijayawada and 254 Kms from Amaravathi.

Pithapuram is situated in South Central Railway Zone, between Vijayawada and Visakhapatnam at a distance of 13 Kms from Samarlakota Junction. There are lot of Buses available between Samarlakota and Pithapuram. Nearest Airport is located at Visakhapatnam. One can reach Pithapuram from Visakhapatnam by all means of transport facilities like Train, Bus, and Private Taxis.

Kukkuteswara Swamy Temple, Pithapuram – The Temple

Presiding Deity is called as Kukkuteswara Swamy. He is housed in the sanctum in the form of Spadika Lingam and is about two feet in height. The Linga resembles that of a cock; hence Lord Shiva is called Sri Kukkuteswara Swamy. There is a huge beautiful idol of Nandi (bull) made from a single stone in front of the temple. This Nandhi is considered as second biggest after Lepakshi Basaveswara Nandi.

Dwajastambam can be found facing the sanctum. Pada Mudrikas (imprints) of Gaya Asura can be found close to the Dhwaja Stambha and is located on the south east side of the Temple. The shrine of Sri Rajarajeswari, consort of Sri Kukkuteswara Swamy, is present beside the Shiva temple. She is also called Kumara Gananadhamba as she sits in between her two sons Kumara Swamy on one side and Ganesha on the other side.

There is the temple of Puruhutika Devi inside the premises of Sri Kukkuteswara Swamy Temple. It is one of the Ashta Dasha Shakti Peethas. The shrine is situated on the north eastern corner of the temple facing south. She is gracing the devotees in standing posture. Pada Gaya Sarovar is the Theertham associated with this Temple. It is believed that whoever bathes in this sacred pond will be relieved of their sins.

Shrine for Chandeeshwara Swamy can be found in the northern side of Temple premises. Kala Bhairava Shrine can be seen on the north east corner of the Temple premises. Shrine for Lord Murugan can be seen on the north west corner of the Temple premises. Shrine for Siddi Ganapathi can be found in the southern side of Temple premises.

Dattatreya Swamy Shrine can be found on the south west side of the Temple Complex. Sripada Srivallabha Swamy's idol is worshipped separately in the same complex. It is the only place where an idol of Sri Datta incarnation is worshipped. There is Audambara Vriksha (Banyan Tree) alongside the holy place. It is a belief that devotees who see, touch, do pradakshina or ponder close to the Audumbara Vriksha will be the most blessed of all. The Padukas (foot engraves) which are available adjacent to the temple is accepted to be the genuine Padukas of Sri Sripada Vallabha Swamy.

There are shrines for Rama, Ayyappa, Vishveshwara, Annapurna Devi, and Durga Devi in the Temple premises. The Kunti Madhava Swamy temple adjacent to Kukkuteswara temple is another major temple in the town. Kunti is said to have installed the image in this place, and so is called Kunti Madhava Swamy. This deity is said to have been worshipped by Vyasa, Valmiki and Agastya in the past.

Mundeshwari Temple, Kaura, Kaimur, Bihar

Mundeshwari Temple is a Hindu Temple dedicated to Goddess Parvathi, located in Kaura Village atop Mundeshwari Hills in Kaimur District in the state of Bihar, India. It is one of the oldest monument in Bihar and the earliest specimen of Nagara type of temple architecture in Bihar. The Mundeshwari Devi temple is located on the Mundeshwari Hill at an elevation of 608 feet (185 m). It is located on Kaimur plateau near Son River,(and Survuwara (suvara) river).

This ancient temple has an unusual octagonal shape. It is considered one of the oldest Hindu temples in India. It is also considered as the oldest functional Hindu temple of India. It is believed that rituals and worship have been performed here without a break, hence Mundeshwari is considered one of the most ancient Hindu temples in India. There are many archaeological relics on the Mundeshwari Hill.

Legends

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History

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The Temple

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Festivals

The temple is visited by a large number of pilgrims each year, particularly during the Ramanavami and Shivrathri festivals. A big annual fair (mela) is held nearby during the Navaratri visited by thousands. The worship of shakti in the form of Devi Mundeshwari in the temple is also indicative of tantric cult of worship, which is practiced in Eastern India. There is also an annual celebration of Mundeshwari Mahotsava, which sees several artists of the region participating with full spirit and vigor. Mundeshwari Mahotsava is celebrated on April 7 and 8 of each year to mark the importance of the ancient shrine.

Administration

The temple attracts some 12 to 14 lakh devotees and tourists every year. Earlier, its affairs had been managed by the Mundeshwari Paryatan Evam Sanskritik Vikas Parishad headed by the district magistrate. But presently it has been taken over by the BSRTB and a trust committee chaired by the DM is managing the events and started a master plan for developing the place. The guest house at the base of the hill, the concrete road up the hill, the sodium vapour lamps lighting up the temple and the hill road in the night and the market complex built for the mela have brightened up the whole environment recently. The temple is an archaeological survey of India (ASI) protected monument since long but the ASI has not taken sufficient steps for its preservation and renovation. The BSRTB had sent a plan to ASI for renovation of the temple in original shape. The Board was ready to bear its entire cost, but the proposal is still pending with the ASI.

Connectivity

The Temple is located at about 1 Km from Mundeshwari Dham Bus Stand, 13 Kms from Kaimur, 14 Kms from Bhabua, 30 Kms from Bhabua Road (Mohania) Railway Station, 63 Kms from Sasaram, 70 Kms Mughal Sarai Junction Railway Station, 89 Kms from Varanasi, 106 Kms from Varanasi Airport, 195 Kms from Gaya, 196 Kms from Gaya Junction Railway Station and 221 Kms from Patna. The Temple is located on the Mundeshwari Hill at an elevation of 608 feet (185 m) is in Kaimur district of Bihar. The Temple can be reached by road via Patna, Gaya, or Varanasi. Nearest Railway Station is Bhabua Road (Mohania). This Railway Station is well connected to Mughal Sarai Junction Railway Station and Gaya Junction Railway Station. Lal Bahadur Shastri International Airport, Varanasi is the nearest airport.

Location

Mundeshwari Temple, Kaura, Kaimur – The Temple

The Temple is situated atop the Kaimur Hill (608ft). The temple is accessible by a flight of steps. The temple, built of stone, is octagonal in plan, 40’ in diameter externally and 20’ internally, with possibly a pillared porch in front of its main entrance, which no longer exists. The rare octagonal ground plan is similar to the Shankaracharya temple at Srinagar. Gupta style is apparent in the carvings. It is the earliest specimen of the Nagara style of temple architecture in Bihar.

The temple once had four entrances containing exquisitely carved door frames, bearing, on the lower portions of the door jambs, the usual figures of river goddesses on the eastern side, two figures of Shiva on the western one, a representation of Durga and female figure on the northern side, and the dvarapalas or doorkeepers on the southern. On each of the other four sides of the octagon, on the exterior, there are three carved niches, flanked by decorative pilasters bearing ‘vase and foliage’ designs.

The images which were once kept in these niches have since disappeared. The temple shikhara or tower has been destroyed. The original roof of the temple might be probably pyramidal in shape. However, a roof has been built, as part of renovation work. The interior walls have niches and bold mouldings which are carved with vase and foliage designs. At the entrance to the temple, the door jambs are seen with carved images of Dvarapalas, Ganga, Yamuna and many other murtis.

The main deities in the temple are Devi Mundeshwari and Chaturmukh (four faced) Shiva Linga called as Viniteshwara. Mundeshvari is the principal deity in the temple. The deity, however does not occupy the centre of the sanctum sanctorum but is installed in one of the niches of the sanctum. The Sanctum houses Chaturmukh Shiva Linga called as Viniteshwara but this has not got the honour of being the presiding deity. There are also two stone vessels of unusual design inside the sanctum.

It is generally held that Mundeshvari was originally installed as one of the three images in the three niches of the sanctum. But Mundeshvari image, somehow, came to be preserved while the images of Kartikeya and Ganesha, the two other images in the niches, have been lost. It may be mentioned here that a large image of Ganesa is found half buried in the ruins of a small temple in the way leading to the top of the hill and might have been one of the Parsva-devatas originally enshrined in one of the niches of the Mundeshvari temple.

Further, the image of Mundeshvari is not typical of that of Mahisasuramardini. Mundeshvari deity has ten hands bearing the usual weapons of a Mahishamardini but with a difference that she is not in the act of killing Mahishasura, the demon in the shape of a buffalo but she is shown as riding a buffalo representing a demon. A clear indication that Shiva and Shakti were worshipped here. Also, an indication that the temple might be part of the Tantric cult which is quite popular in the Eastern part of India.

According to Dr. K C Panigrahi, sometime a Superintendent of the Eastern Archaeological Circle, the presiding deity of the territory was originally a Narayana or Vishnu and, in 348-59 AD, another new deity Vinitesvara was set up. The Narayana image has disappeared and the Vinitesvara is the Mukhalinga. This was set up in 348-49 AD by Dandanayaka Gomibhata.

The temple also has murtis of other popular gods such as Ganesha, Surya and Vishnu. A substantial part of this stone structure has been damaged, and many stone fragments are seen strewn around the temple. However, under the jurisdiction of ASI, it has been the subject of archaeological study for quite some time.

There are several half amalakas found in the temple premises. The Sikhara of the temple is not in existence but a fragment of the amalaka originally crowning the spire is still lying in the site. The sculptures on the Chaitya-windows, Kirthi-mukhas, lotus medallions, foliated Vase-capitals scrolls, etc., clearly shows the influence of the Gupta style. The temple has some erotic figures.

Numerous sculptures were found lying in the premises. They include mostly representations of Shiva-Parvati, Ganesha, Mahishasura Mardini Durga, Surya, Kartikeya etc. The absence of Vaishnava figures is rather striking. On the eastern slope of the hills there has been a find of a number of statues and rock-carved figures. It is clear that the hill was once the site for a cluster of temples and the Mundeshvari temple was the main shrine.

There is a small museum built halfway up the hill on a small peak by itself. It has one big hall and an additional smaller room. The big hall has a collection of various statues and rock carvings mostly dating to the 6^th and 7^th centuries AD. It contains figures of religious significance drawn through the ages. The sculptures are well labeled but need more exhaustive descriptions regarding the significance of the exhibits. The smaller room has a large number of photographs of the rock paintings of the stone age period found in and around Kaura village in the Kaimur Hills. Due to lack of space, some rock sculptures are languishing in the open space encircling the museum.

Dashavatara Temple, Deogarh, Uttar Pradesh

Dashavatara Temple is a Hindu Temple dedicated to Lord Vishnu located in Deogarh Village in Lalitpur District of Uttar Pradesh, India. This Temple is an early 6^th century Vishnu Temple built in the Gupta Period, situated in the Betwa River valley in north-central India. It has a simple, one cell square plan and is one of the earliest Hindu stone temples still surviving today. Dashavatara Temple shows the ornate Gupta style architecture. Devgarh or Deogarh is situated at the bank of Betwa river which encircles it from three sides. It is a small village however an important pilgrimage site for the Jaina community.

The site is on the western edge of the Lalitpur range, with rocky Betwa river rapids about 500 metres (1,600 ft) away, amidst a forest. The British India era archaeologist Alexander Cunningham visited this site in 1875 and called the general location as "singularly picturesque". The Dashavatara temple is locally known as Sagar Marh, which literally means "the temple on the tank", a name it gets from the square water pool cut into the rock in front. This Temple is situated below the Deogarh hill, towards the river, about 500 metres (1,600 ft) from a group of three dozen Jain temples with dharmashala built a few centuries later, and the Deogarh Karnali fort built in early 13^th century.

Though the Temple is dedicated to Vishnu, but includes reliefs and sculptures from broader Hindu Pantheon of Shiva, Parvati, Kartikeya, Brahma, Indra, River goddesses Ganga and Yamuna, as well as a panel showing the five Pandavas of the Hindu epic Mahabharata. The Temple was built out of stone and masonry brick. Legends associated with Vishnu are sculpted in the interior and exterior walls of the temple. Also carved are secular scenes and amorous couples in various stages of courtship and intimacy. The Temple is under the control of Archeology Survey of India.

History

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The Temple

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Connectivity

The Temple is located at about 13 Kms from Jakhalaun Railway Station, 30 Kms from Lalitpur Railway Station, 32 Kms from Lalitpur, 35 Kms from Lalitpur Airport, 135 Kms from Jhansi, 222 Kms from Khajuraho, 224 Kms from Bhopal, 230 Kms from Bhopal Airport, 244 Kms from Gwalior and 356 Kms from Kanpur. Lalitpur Railway Station has very good rail connections with major Indian cities including New Delhi, Mumbai, Chennai, Patna, Indore, Bhopal, Gwalior, Jabalpur, Ujjain, Saugor, Puri, Allahabad, Bengaluru, Damoh and Jhansi. Nearest Airport is located at Lalitpur. Nearest major Airports are located at Khajuraho and Bhopal.

Dashavatara Temple, Deogarh – The Temple

Dashavatara Temple was the first North Indian temple with a shikhara or tower, although the shikhara is curtailed and part of it has disappeared. The temple has a high plinth and is set with a basement porch. It has a simple, one cell square plan and is one of the earliest Hindu stone temples still surviving today. Built in the Gupta Period, the Dashavatara Temple at Deogarh shows the ornate Gupta style architecture. The Dashavatara temple has a compelling presence in spite of its dilapidated condition.

A protective wall made of undressed stone was built around the temple after it was first discovered. However, the idol of the sanctum sanctorum of the temple is missing, believed to have been relocated elsewhere. The ancient treatise Vishnudharmottara Purana describes several temples including a "Sarvatobhadra temple", which has been identified by archaeologists and Indologists with the Dashavatara Temple.

The temple at Deogarh is dedicated to Vishnu, but includes in its small footprint images of Shiva, Parvati, Kartikeya, Brahma, Indra, River goddesses Ganga and Yamuna, as well as a panel showing the five Pandavas of the Hindu epic Mahabharata. The Temple was built out of stone and masonry brick. Legends associated with Vishnu are sculpted in the interior and exterior walls of the temple. Also carved are secular scenes and amorous couples in various stages of courtship and intimacy.

The temple provides steps in the center of all sides of the platform to let the pilgrim enter the temple from all four directions. The temple faces west, with slight deviation to the south that enables the setting sun's rays to fall on the main idol in the temple. The plinth is square with a 55.5 feet (16.9 m) side, about 9 feet (2.7 m) above the bottom step (called the moon stone) of the shrine. Each corner of the platform has a 11 feet (3.4 m) square projection with remnants of a shrine. The plinth was molded in four parallel courses, each molding about 0.95 feet (0.29 m) thick.

Above the four moldings, rectangular panels separated by pilasters ran all along the plinth with friezes narrating Hindu texts such as the Ramayana and the Mahabharata. Some of these friezes are now in museums such as the National Museum in Delhi. On the platform is a nine squares layout. The surviving Vishnu temple is in the middle square. The sanctum is a square with 18.5 feet (5.6 m) side. Its doorway is intricately carved with reliefs. The images on the top of the lintel of the sanctum and walls show Vishnu and Lakshmi, flanked by Shiva, Parvati, Indra, Kartikeya, Ganesha, Brahma and others.

The outer wall of the sanctum on three sides have niches with sculptures of Vishnu legends: Gajendra-moksha flying in with Garuda, Nara-Narayana seated in lalitasana yoga position, and Anantasayi Vishnu in reclining position. On the top of the sanctum is the remnants of sikhara of the Dashavatara temple. This sikhara is one of the earliest extant lithic illustration in North India along with the one in Mundeshvari temple in Bihar. The Deogarh temple is built on a square plan, while the Mundeshvari temple is built on an octagonal plan. The Deogarh temple sikhara was pyramidal of receding tiers (tala), with a straight edge.

Sculptures:

Sculpted panels are seen on the terraced basement, with carved figurines of river goddesses Ganga and Yamuna flanking the doorway to the sanctum sanctorum, standing respectively on their vahanas: crocodile and tortoise. The panels of the stone door have intricate carvings showing amorous couples in different stages of courtship and intimacy. On the facade are two males standing, one holding a flower and the other a garland as if greeting the visitor.

The relief on the doorway lintel of the sanctum shows Vishnu. He is four-armed, holds his iconic conch shell in his rear left hand, the iconic chakra in his rear right, front right hand is in abhaya mudra while the left front is on his thigh. Below him, to his right, is a female figure presumably Lakshmi but her iconic details are missing. To the right, he is flanked by standing Narasimha (the man-lion avatar of Vishnu) in namaste posture, while on left is a dwarf who has been interpreted as Vamana (the dwarf avatar), or more often Gana as he lacks the iconic details of Vamana.

On the outer walls of each side of the sanctum are niches. Each niche has an alto-relievo of Vaishnava mythology: On the north side is the Gajendra Moksha in a niche that is 3.25 feet by 5 feet (0.65:1 ratio). A symbolic elephant is praying for help with his leg inside a pond and lotus flower in his trunk, where he is being strangled. Vishnu is shown flying in on Garuda to liberate the elephant from evil strangulation.

On the east side is the Nara Narayana alto-relievo. Nara and Narayana are seated in meditation in lalitasana. Both of them hold a rosary in hand, are shown to be with closed eyes and calm, as if lost in their meditation. Apsaras are shown flying above with cusped hands as if showering flowers. Below Nara and Narayana sit lion and deer in peace and without anxiety. The panel also has four headed Brahma seated on lotus and in lotus asana.

In the south side niche is the Anantasayi Vishnu legend as he rests after creating a new cosmic cycle. He sleeps on Sesha whose 7-headed hood shades him. Lakshmi is sitting near Vishnu's feet and shown caressing his right leg. Vishnu is wearing an elaborate crown (kiritamukuta) and neck, ear, arm and body jewelry. A miniature four headed Brahma is above in center, but he does not emerge from Vishnu navel (a version found in later-dated Puranas). Brahma also has only two hands, with one holding his iconic kamandalu (water pot).

Others flanking Brahma are Indra and Kartikeya (Skanda) on one side, Siva and Parvati on Nandi, and a person with a garland. Below the reclining Vishnu is a panel depicting the five males (Pandavas) and one female (Draupadi) of the Mahabharata legend. It is likely that the entrance is dedicated to the Vasudeva aspect of Vishnu; the Anantashayana side is his role as the creator (Aniruddha); the sage form of Nara-Narayana side symbolizes his preservation and maintainer role in cosmic existence (Pradyumna); and the Gajendramoksha side represents his role as the destroyer (Samkarsana).

Reliefs:

The parapet of the plinth was decorated with two series of rectangular sculpted panels separated by means of pilasters which are carved in typical Gupta fashion. Cunningham mentions of 80 such panels, 16 on each side and 4 on the walls of the staircases of that side making 20 on each side. Remains of many of these panels have been found however the count does not go to 80. At present, there is no such panel in situ except the two pieces. Most of the excavated panels are exhibited in the National Museum at New Delhi.

These plinth panels are about 2.5 feet by 2 feet each, with friezes related to secular life and themes of Hinduism. Some of these reliefs were found during excavations at the site, some recovered nearby and identified by their location, the material of construction and the style. Many are lost. The recovered reliefs are now housed in major museums.

Some of the significant reliefs identified include:

A panel depicts the Ahalya-uddhara legend where Hindu god Rama redeems Ahalya. The scene shows Ahalya in a reverential state offering flowers, Rama and Lakshmana holding their bows, and a rishi monk sitting nearby with a rosary. Other legends include the departure of Rama, Sita and Lakshmana for their exile; the three arriving at sage Atri's hermitage; the Surpanakha legend; the Dandaka forest legend; the abduction of Sita by Ravana; the bullying of Sita by Ravana legend; the Sugriva victory legend and the Hanuman bringing the herb containing mountain for Lakshmana legend.

Mahabharata and Vishnu Purana Scenes:

Another sculpture found in the Vishnu temple depicts the Krishna legend in which Devaki hands over her new born son Krishna to her husband Vasudeva. This sculpture is said to be one of the best depictions of Gupta period art, based on the sensuous and graceful modelling of the figurines, but different in that its clothes are shown draped in an exclusive fashion. It is now housed at the National Museum in New Delhi.

Yashoda and Nanda playing with Baladeva and Krishna; Krishna battling Kamsa legend; Krishna stealing bathing Gopi clothes and two nude women concealing their breasts; the Sudama legend and a few others. One of the panels shows the Vamana, Bali and Trivikrama legend; another the Narasimha saving Prahlada legend.

A number of panels show solitary women with various expressions; small boys playing; girls picking flowers in a field; six girls together of which five are watching and one is dancing; five girls of which one in center is dancing and the other four are playing musical instruments; a woman giving a baby to a man so that he can hold the baby, but the man stands indifferent; and others.

Lovers are shown as if having a conversation with one of his hand on her shoulder, the shy woman looking the other way; she is sitting in his lap and he is fondling her breasts; a man and woman with intertwined bodies, her body reclined on his; a man turning away while the woman embracing him from behind and clinging to him; another panel showing a woman declining a man making advances; and others. The panels show the culture and dress of ancient India. The jewelry and clothing including dhoti, sari, kurta, lahanga, blouse, pleated skirt, dopatta (uttariya), langoti, neck wear and others.

Textual Roots:

This temple was built according to the third khanda of the Hindu text Vishnudharmottara Purana, which describes the design and architecture of the Sarvatobhadra-style temple, thus providing a flourit for the text and likely temple tradition that existed in ancient India. Though ruined, the temple is preserved in a good enough condition to be a key temple in the Hindu temple architecture scholarship, particularly the roots of the North Indian style of temple design. The Hindu treatise Vishnudharmottara Purana describes several temples including a "Sarvatobhadra temple", which has been compared by archaeologists and Indologists with the Dashavatara Temple (Vishnu temple) or the Gupta Mandir of Deogarh.

A comparative study suggests that the ideal temple design and iconography described in the treatise as "Sarvatobhadra temple" was the same as the Vishnu temple of Deogarh. This conclusion was based on plan, size, iconography and several other norms described for building the Sarvatobhadra style Hindu temples. Based on this comparison, the structural details of the Deogarh temple have been inferred. Maps have also been drawn of the temple structure. The probable date of the temple's construction has been estimated to be between 425 and 525.

The Sarvatobhadra design requires a superstructure with nine sikharas. The Dashavatara temple at Deogarh shows only one "shikara", and right squares with no remnant structure. This aspect of the Sarvatobhadra design cannot be fully established by existing evidence. However, the supporting features of copings and amalakas (a bulbous stone finial) have been found in the ruins, which supports the theory that more shikaras existed on eight mandapas, as part of the temple. Four stairways outside the platform provide access to the temple. However, as per excavation details, combined with the two small shrines with the central shrine seen now, the layout of the temple has been interpreted to represent a typical Panchayatana style of the temples of North India.

The total height of the shrine based on isometric projections is about 45 feet (14 m). Provision of porches has not been corroborated but some analogous comparison with the Varaha temple (boar incarnation of Vishnu) in the fort precincts, which belonged to the same period, suggests the existence of porticoes even in the Vishnu temple. Further, a later date Kuriya Bira temple about 2 miles (3.2 km) to the south of the Vishnu temple, has been cited to substantiate that this temple had a mandapa around a small shikara shrine, as required in the Sarvatobhadra design. The Deogarh temple tallied with the description provided for the Sarvatobhadra temple in the ancient treatise of Vishnudharmottara Purana.

Bishnupur, West Bengal

Bishnupur, a municipal town in the modern day Bankura district in West Bengal, was a centre of music, art, and architecture for hundreds of years. Among other things, the town is well-known for its terracotta temples, extensively embellished with carved and moulded terracotta decorations made from the locally available laterite clay and Baluchari sarees. These temples are associated with the Gaudiya Vaishnava faith, dating back to seventeenth century. Apart from its temple architecture, Bishnupur is also well-known for the craftsmanship of its terracotta figurines, pottery, jewellery, and other decorative artefacts.

In recent years, artisans from Panchmura, a Bankura town not too far from Bishnupur, have also been churning out thousands of terracotta panels emulating the bas-reliefs of the terracotta temples of Bishnupur. These panels not only serve as mementos and curios for tourists to carry back home but have also been increasingly used to decorate the facades of newer constructions, both religious and secular.

History

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Places of Interest

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Culture

The Bishnupur Mela is held every year around the last week of December, in Raj Darbar. Later on, Highschool Ground and from now it is held at Nandalal Temple Premises.

Music

A school of music, called the Bishnupur Gharana, was established here in 1370 A.D and flourished under the patronage of the Malla kings. The school hit its peak in the 16^th and 17^th centuries. This style of music is rooted in the Dhrupad style and is still being kept alive in local academies of music. Pakhwaj, Sitar, Esraj comprise the main instruments. Bengali Ragpradhan is one of the Classical items of this gharana.

Products

Terracotta is characteristic of Bishnupur. Apart from the temples, terracotta pottery, artifacts and even jewelry made in this very traditional material are famous. The most famous of the terracotta products are the handmade beautiful jars, disks and the more famous of them are the terracotta horses, elephants, Ganesha, and Nataraja. But nowadays the skilled artists and potters are not present and also they make different products like faces, men, wall hangings and also the mini sized Dal Madal Kaman (cannon). The potters here derive their inspiration from the glorious history of kings, soldiers, and wars.

Dokra, one kind of metalcraft is also famous. Bishnupur is also famous for Baluchari Sari and Mallabhum Sari made of Tassar silk and was for almost a thousand years the capital of the Malla kings of Mallabhum. Woven on Jacquard punch-card looms, these sarees have episodes from the Mahabharata woven into the border and pallu. Bell metal ware, conch-shell and terracotta jewelry is also available here. The "Dashavatar Taas", kind of playing cards depicting ten avatars of Hindu god Vishnu, is drawn by hand. It is a rare artistic piece not to be found anywhere else in India.

Terracotta Horse

Bankura horses are terracotta horses that were once used more often for religious purposes, now they are used as a decorative item here. This art originated in Bankura district of West Bengal. These horses are known for their symmetric shape and rounded curves given to their body. The Bankura or Panchmura horse gained popularity among the art lovers since it acquired a place in the works of renowned painter M. F. Hussein.

Festivals & Fairs

There is a snake festival in August, Ultorath and the Bishnupur fair in December. Also Durga puja and Kali puja or Diwali is celebrated with pomp here. The Rajbari Durga Puja was started on 994 A.D, which makes it the oldest Durga Puja in entire Bengal region including today's Bangladesh, Odisha, Assam and Tripura.

Connectivity

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Location

Gour-Nitai Temple (Tejpal Temple), Bishnupur, West Bengal

Gour-Nitai Temple is a Hindu Temple dedicated to Lord Krishna located in Bishnupur Town in Bankura District of West Bengal State, India. The Temple is also known as Tejpal Temple. Raghunath Singha I was credited with the building of Tejpal temple in 1672. The Temple is located little far from Bishnupur Town near Jamuna Bandh. The Temple is located at about 3 Kms from Bishnupur Bus Stand, 5 Kms from Bishnupur Junction Railway Station and 5 Kms from Bishnupur New Bus Stand.

History

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The Temple

The Temple is dedicated to Krishna and Radha. The Temple is built with laterite stone. It follows Achala Style with some stucco decoration on façade.

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Stone Chariot, Bishnupur, West Bengal

Stone Chariot is a miniaturized Hindu Temple dedicated to Lord Vishnu located in Bishnupur Town in Bankura District of West Bengal State, India. This Temple looks like a Chariot. It is situated to the north west of small gateway. It is believed to built during 17^th Century. The Temple is located at about 2.5 Kms from Bishnupur Bus Stand, 4 Kms from Bishnupur Junction Railway Station and 3 Kms from Bishnupur New Bus Stand.

History

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The Temple

This Stone Chariot is made of laterite stones. It is a small double storied structure stands on a low laterite plinth originally with three wheels on each side. The lower storey resembles the arched pavilion of Rasamancha whereas the upper storey with shikara resembles Eka Ratna Temple of Bishnupur. This Stone chariot is unique in representing typical Bishnupur Temple style in miniature form with all finer details.

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Sarbamangala Temple, Bishnupur, West Bengal

Sarbamangala Temple is a Hindu Temple dedicated to Goddess Sakthi, located in Bishnupur Town in Bankura District of West Bengal State, India. The Temple is situated on the banks of Lal Bandh Lake. Mother Sarada Devi on her journey to Joyrambati via Bishnupur used to go through Bishnupur railway line to Kolkata. Whenever she came to Bishnupur, she used to take rest at this Temple. The Temple is located at about 2 Kms from Bishnupur Bus Stand, 4 Kms from Bishnupur Junction Railway Station and 3 Kms from Bishnupur New Bus Stand.

History

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Location

Rasmancha, Bishnupur, West Bengal

Rasmancha is a historical building located in Bishnupur Town in Bankura District of West Bengal State, India. It was commissioned by Mallabhum king Hambir Malla Dev (Bir Hambir) in 1600 CE. The temple has an unusual elongated pyramidical tower, surrounded by hut-shaped turrets, which were very typical of Bengali roof structures of the time. Similar architecture and building have not been found elsewhere in India and it is considered as the pride of Bishnupur for its unique shape. Rasmancha is located at about 1.5 Kms from Bishnupur Bus Stand, 3.5 Kms from Bishnupur Junction Railway Station and 2.5 Kms from Bishnupur New Bus Stand.

History

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Architecture

Ras Mancha is unique in terms of design and layout. Similar buildings are not found elsewhere in Bengal or in the entire country. Hence, this striking architecture marvel is called as 'The Pride of Bishnupur'. Ras Mancha is technically not a temple. It is the place where the deities from all the temples of Bishnupur would be gathered for public darshan every year during the Ras festival. Hence, there is no deity in this pavilion. The festival was last celebrated in 1932 CE; afterwards, it was declared as a protected monument.

The Rasmancha stands on a square platform of size 24.5m X 24.5m of Laterite blocks. The square foundation is 1.5m high. The main structure stands on this platform and is built of red-soil bricks. It is 12.5m high. The roof of this terracotta masterpiece has a pyramidal summit and is supported by 40 pillars and arches. This immensely significant and cultural masterpiece is one of its kind in the country.

It is an impressive square building with a small shrine in the centre and three-corridor galleries with vaulted roofs enclosing it. The structure has only a single chamber, the sanctum sanctorum, with an elongated tower, surrounded by hut shaped turrets. Apart from few bas relief images of dancers and singers and few lotus motifs, the exterior is plain.

· Indians: ₹ 25

· SAARC Visitor: ₹ 25

· BIMSTEC Visitor: ₹ 25

· Foreigner: ₹ 300

Above entry fees is applicable for all ASI maintained Temples in Bishnupur

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Location

Radhe Shyam Temple, Bishnupur, West Bengal

Radhe Shyam Temple is a Hindu Temple dedicated to Lord Vishnu located in Bishnupur Town in Bankura District of West Bengal State, India. The Temple is situated just next to the Jor-Bangla Temple. Being youngest among the group of temples in Bishnupur, Radhe Shyam Temple is most advanced in terms of architecture and sculpture. It is surely one of the best Ek-Ratna temples in the city. Radhe Shyam temple was built by the Malla King Chaitanya Singha in 1758 CE. The Temple is located at about 2.5 Kms from Bishnupur Bus Stand, 4.5 Kms from Bishnupur Junction Railway Station and 3.5 Kms from Bishnupur New Bus Stand.

History

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The Temple

Radhe Shyam is one of the most beautiful temples of Bishnupur. It is located near the famous Jor Bangla temple. The temple is enclosed within a large courtyard enclosed by large boundary walls. The entrance of the courtyard consists of a triple arched Islamic style gateway. The gateway has two domes like structure with open windows on it. The south facing laterite temple is square on plan, consisting of a dome shaped shikhara and stucco motifs depicting floral, geometric and depiction of the life from puranas.

It contains the lime stone stucco decoration on the exterior walls. It is built as per Eka Ratna style (single pinnacled). The pinnacle is unique in shape. Built on a square plinth of approximately 11.1 meters, the temple has a height of 10.7 meters. The main sanctum has a curved roof with cross vaults and on top of that is a cylindrical spire in Ek-Ratna style similar to the Madan Mohan Temple.

The top has a semi-spherical dome with a pinnacle or Kalasha. It is said that the spire was used to house the deity at the time of festivals so that a large number of people may see the image from a distance. It is a living temple enshrining the idols of Radha and Krishna (Shyam) in sanctum. The sanctum also has the big relief images of Chaitanya and Nityananda.

There is another shrine in the temple which enshrines the idols of Puri Jagannath along with Chaitanya and Nityananda. Near the temple, there is a small artistically beautiful Tulsi Mancha found. The artworks on the exterior temple walls are attractive. The image of Vishnu in the reclining posture is noteworthy. The scenes from the epics and floral designs are also found as the stucco images.

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Radha Vinod Temple, Bishnupur, West Bengal

Radha Vinod Temple is a Hindu Temple dedicated to Lord Vishnu located in Bishnupur Town in Bankura District of West Bengal State, India. The Temple was built in 1659 by queen of Raghunath Singh in Achala style. This temple is situated at Kharbangla pally of Bishnupur Town. A narrow road connects the temple from Municipal Road. The Temple is located at about 3 Kms from Bishnupur Bus Stand, 5 Kms from Bishnupur Junction Railway Station and 4.5 Kms from Bishnupur New Bus Stand.

History

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Location

Radha Madhav Temple, Bishnupur, West Bengal

Radha Madhav Temple is a Hindu Temple dedicated to Lord Vishnu located in Bishnupur Town in Bankura District of West Bengal State, India. The temple was built by Churamony Devi, queen of Krishna Singha in C.1737 AD (some claim it was built by Shiramoni Devi, one of the wives of the king Bir Singha). The Temple is situated to the north of the Lal Bandh Lake on the way to Kalachand Temple. The Temple is located at about 2 Kms from Bishnupur Bus Stand, 4.5 Kms from Bishnupur Junction Railway Station and 2.5 Kms from Bishnupur New Bus Stand.

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The Temple

There are seven Eka Ratna (meaning single pinnacled) temples located in Bishnupur. Radha Madhav Temple is one among them. In earlier days, all these laterite temples were all covered with stucco images. However, with passing of time, most of the stucco works are lost. Radha Madhav temple is a beautiful laterite temple built as per Ek Ratna temple architecture style. Like most of the other temples in Bishnupur, this is also dedicated to Lord Krishna (called as Radha Madhav in this temple). However, there is no deity found in this temple currently.

The temple is square on plan. It is about 11.1m on each side and 9.2m in height. It looked very similar to the Kalachand Temple. It has a sloping roof surmounted by a single sikhara, thus making them as Eka Ratna. This Eka-Ratna temple is built of laterite and consists of a square lower storey with curved roof symbolic of Bengal Temple architecture and a north Indian sikhara on top. The entrance has three arched gateways. Unlike most other temples of Bishnupur, only on two sides of the temple there are three arched openings.

The temple has any bas-relief images depicting the scenes from Ramayana and Krishna Lila and also few deities such as Dashavatara, Ganesha and some animals. The Radha Madhav Temple has a Kirtanshala as well. There is a Do Chala Bhog Mandapa, positioned near the temple itself. This construction is unique because no other Do Chala structures are located anywhere else in Bishnupur. The temple complex is well maintained and conserved by the ASI and has a lush green environ surrounding the premises.

Connectivity

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Radha Govinda Temple, Bishnupur, West Bengal

Radha Govinda Temple is a Hindu Temple dedicated to Lord Vishnu located in Bishnupur Town in Bankura District of West Bengal State, India. The temple was built by Krishna Singha, the Malla King, in 1729 CE. The Temple is situated right opposite to the Radha Madhav Temple. The Temple is located at about 2 Kms from Bishnupur Bus Stand, 4.5 Kms from Bishnupur Junction Railway Station and 2.5 Kms from Bishnupur New Bus Stand.

History

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The Temple

There are seven Eka Ratna (meaning single pinnacled) temples located in Bishnupur. Radha Govinda Temple is one among them. In earlier days, all these laterite temples were all covered with stucco images. However, with passing of time, most of the stucco works are lost. Radha Govinda Temple is a beautiful laterite temple built as per Ek Ratna temple architecture style. Like most of the other temples in Bishnupur, this is also dedicated to Lord Krishna. However, there is no deity found in this temple currently.

The temple has a square base of 12.4m X 12.4m and a height of 10.7m above a low platform. It has a sloping roof surmounted by a single sikhara, thus making them as Ek Ratna. This 'Eka-Ratna' style temple is made of rust coloured laterite. It has few bas-relief carvings. The roof of the temple is a typical Bengali 'chala' type surmounted by a ‘sikhara’ or tower. There are covered porches on three sides around the sanctum. Except the rear wall, on each of the three sides of the temple there are three arched openings.

Only front wall is significantly decorated with bas-reliefs depicting regular geometric pattern and human figures including mythological characters. Adjacent to the temple, there is small miniature temple in the form of a chariot made of brick. Traces of bas-relief carvings of geometric pattern and human figures including mythological characters, originally applied with stucco works can be seen.

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Keshab Rai Temple, Patpur, Bishnupur, West Bengal

Keshab Rai Temple is a Hindu Temple dedicated to Lord Vishnu located in Bishnupur Town in Bankura District of West Bengal State, India. The Temple was built in 1703 AD by Malla King Raghunath Singha II. The Temple is also called as Patpur Temple. It is situated in remote location and roads to this Temple is in bad condition. The Temple is located at about 3.5 Kms from Bishnupur Bus Stand, 5.5 Kms from Bishnupur Junction Railway Station and 4.5 Kms from Bishnupur New Bus Stand.

History

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The Temple

There are seven Eka Ratna (meaning single pinnacled) temples located in Bishnupur. Keshab Rai Temple is one among them. In earlier days, all these laterite temples were all covered with stucco images. However, with passing of time, most of the stucco works are lost. Keshab Rai Temple is a beautiful laterite temple built as per Ek Ratna temple architecture style. Like most of the other temples in Bishnupur, this is also dedicated to Lord Krishna.

Connectivity

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Location

Shyam Rai Temple, Bishnupur, West Bengal

Shyam Rai Temple is a Hindu Temple dedicated to Lord Vishnu located in Bishnupur Town in Bankura District of West Bengal State, India. Shyam Rai Temple was built by the Malla King Raghunath Singh in 1643 CE. Shyama Raya Temple is also called as Panch Chura Temple. This temple is one of the best examples of Pancha Ratna Style of architecture. The Temple is located at about 2.5 Kms from Bishnupur Bus Stand, 4.5 Kms from Bishnupur Junction Railway Station and 3 Kms from Bishnupur New Bus Stand.

History

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The Temple

Shyam Rai Temple is one of the most beautiful temples of Bishnupur. The temple is entirely built of brick. It has profuse terracotta ornamentation on both interior and exterior walls. This temple is the best example for a brick temple in Pancha Ratna architecture style. It has five sikharas (pinnacles) on a typical Bangla style curved Chala roof. The central sikhara is octagonal. The central tower is also different in terms of its roof. While the corner towers had single roofs, the central tower has a double roof built in two levels. This is very similar to the ‘8 Chala’ or 8-sided roofing in Bengal.

Also, unlike the corner towers, the central tower has a smooth dome at the peak. The doom was also built of brick. The top of the central tower is 10.7 meters high from the base. The remaining four corner sikharas are square shaped. The four sikharas are of Pidha type resting on curved roof in the four sides. The corner towers have a lined sloping roof (a close variation of the ‘Deul’ type of roofs). On each direction of the corner towers, an arched window is created, and the surface of the tower is also decorated with intricately decorated terracotta tiles.

The temple is square in plan with a dimension of 11.4 meters each side and is surrounded by triple arched gateway on its four sides. Not only the interior and exterior wall, but even four of five sikharas have extensive terracotta artworks. One of the sikharas fell down and it was rebuilt by ASI Hence, it does not have any artwork. You can easily make out of difference. Instead of making the sikhara curvilinear form, the ASI had made it straight.

The intensively carved sculptures include the hunting scenes, battle between Ram and Ravan, Krishna romancing Radha, Krishna playing flute, different scenes of Krishna Lila, various animals, birds, floral designs, scenes from the Puranas and epics, etc. There is a huge Ras chakra which is the major highlight among all terracotta works in this temple. It depicts Krishna and Radha in the middle surrounded by Gopis in many concentric circles.

The temple is dedicated to Radha and Krishna, but there is no deity found in the temple currently. This is the only temple in Bishnupur in which we find some influence of Islamic architecture in its curved ceiling. While Rasmancha, the only temple built before the Shyam Rai temple, has a very high plinth (It can also be found in temples built later), this temple has a very low plinth.

Connectivity

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Location

Naru Gopal Temple, Bishnupur, West Bengal

Naru Gopal Temple is a Hindu Temple dedicated to Lord Vishnu located in Bishnupur Town in Bankura District of West Bengal State, India. The Temple was believed to be built in 18^th Century. This temple belongs to local Chatterjee family and situated behind Kabiraj Para Durga Temple. The Temple is located at about 2 Kms from Bishnupur Bus Stand, 4 Kms from Bishnupur Junction Railway Station and 2.5 Kms from Bishnupur New Bus Stand.

History

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Location

Nandalal Temple, Bishnupur, West Bengal

Nandalal Temple is a Hindu Temple dedicated to Lord Vishnu located in Bishnupur Town in Bankura District of West Bengal State, India. It is not clearly known who built this temple. However, based on the architectural style, it is believed that it should belong to the 17^th century CE. The Temple is located at about 2 Kms from Bishnupur Bus Stand, 4.5 Kms from Bishnupur Junction Railway Station and 2 Kms from Bishnupur New Bus Stand.

History

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The Temple

There are seven Eka Ratna (meaning single pinnacled) temples located in Bishnupur. Nandalal Temple is one among them. In earlier days, all these laterite temples were all covered with stucco images. However, with passing of time, most of the stucco works are lost. Nandalal Temple is a beautiful laterite temple built as per Ek Ratna temple architecture style. Like most of the other temples in Bishnupur, this is also dedicated to Lord Krishna. However, currently there is no deity inside the temple.

Nandalal temple is surrounded by beautiful gardens. The Temple was built with rust colored laterite stone. The south facing temple has square ground with a single tower resting on a curved roof. The exterior of the temple is plain without any decoration. There are covered porches on all four sides around the sanctum and there are three arched openings at each of the two adjacent sides of the temple. It almost looks like more famous Madan Mohan temple, but it is smaller and much less decorated.

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Murali Mohan Temple, Bishnupur, West Bengal

Murali Mohan Temple is a Hindu Temple dedicated to Lord Vishnu located in Bishnupur Town in Bankura District of West Bengal State, India. The Temple was built in 1665 AD by Shiromani Devi, Queen of Veer Singha II. The Temple is located at about 2 Kms from Bishnupur Bus Stand, 4 Kms from Bishnupur Junction Railway Station and 3 Kms from Bishnupur New Bus Stand.

History

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The Temple

There are seven Eka Ratna (meaning single pinnacled) temples located in Bishnupur. Murali Mohan Temple is one among them. In earlier days, all these laterite temples were all covered with stucco images. However, with passing of time, most of the stucco works are lost. Murali Mohan Temple is a beautiful laterite temple built as per Ek Ratna temple architecture style. Like most of the other temples in Bishnupur, this is also dedicated to Lord Krishna. This Temple is built with laterite Stones. It is south facing temple with floral designs and stucco works.

It was built in 1665 AD as evidenced from a dedicatory inscription in the frontal arcade. It is square on plan and the sanctum is surmounted by a sikhara instead of an arched cover. This temple with a small, shikhara-type tower called Eka Ratna is quite different from other temples, as walls surround the first floor and it has a pillared corridor on all four sides. This type of open pathway is rare in Bengali temples. The roof looks like the roof of ordinary houses.

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Mrinmayee Temple, Bishnupur, West Bengal

Mrinmayee Temple is a Hindu Temple dedicated to Goddess Sakthi located in Bishnupur Town in Bankura District of West Bengal State, India. The Temple was originally built by Malla King Jagat Malla in 997 AD. The temple is situated opposite to Radhe Shyam Temple. The Temple is located at about 2.5 Kms from Bishnupur Bus Stand, 4.5 Kms from Bishnupur Junction Railway Station and 3 Kms from Bishnupur New Bus Stand.

History

Mrinmayee temple is the oldest temple in Bishnupur. The Malla King, Jagat Malla, shifted the capital from Pradamnapur to Bishnupur in 994 CE. As Bishnupur was surrounded by a hilly terrain and provided a better geographical security. He built Mrinmayee temple in 997 CE in Bishnupur after shifting his capital there. Sri Ramakrishna, on the occasion of his visit to Bishnupur, passed into ecstasy at the sight of this Goddess. The name ‘Mrinmayee’ means ‘anything that is made out of mud’. Temple’s old structure is no longer exists.

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The Temple

Although this temple is considered as the oldest temple of Bishnupur, the current structure is entirely new. However, it is believed that the idol of Goddess, which is made of clay, is an old idol. Mrinmayee is another name of Goddess Durga. The temple enshrines Durga with a Rakshasa under her feet. The idols of Ganesha, Lakshmi and Saraswathi are also found in this temple. The temple, as it is completely renovated, does not have any artistically good idols or sculptures.

Festivals

The Durga puja takes place for 15 days and all the other temples in Bishnupur does not start the puja until the cannon has been fired from the temple. It is also believed that Durga Pooja festival is celebrated in grand manner every year continuously for the past 1000 years.

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Malleshwar Temple, Bishnupur, West Bengal

Malleshwar Temple is a Hindu Temple dedicated to Lord Shiva located in Bishnupur Town in Bankura District of West Bengal State, India. Among all the temples that are dedicated to Lord Krishna in Bishnupur, the temple of Malleshwar is unique as it is dedicated to Lord Shiva. The Temple was built in 1622 AD by Malla King Bir Singha. He became King only in the year 1656 CE. He built this temple much before he was enthroned. The temple is situated near to Jor Bangla temple. The Temple is located at about 2 Kms from Bishnupur Bus Stand, 4 Kms from Bishnupur Junction Railway Station and 3 Kms from Bishnupur New Bus Stand.

History

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The Temple

Malleshwar temple is one of the earliest temples of Bishnupur. It is an Eka Ratna temple built of laterite stone. It is square on plan with a rekha sikhara. The original sikhara is replaced with an octagonal sikhara now. The temple is dedicated to Lord Shiva, but there is no deity found now. A beautiful idol of Nandi is found in front of the shrine. This temple looks unique in its style compared to the other temples of Bishnupur. Near this temple, an old Thakur Dalan is situated. Thakur Dalans have become more like a heritage symbol nowadays. In those days, the Durga deity used to be placed in this building during Navaratri celebrations. This particular Thakur Dalan of Bishnupur has heritage importance.

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Mahaprabhu Temple, Bishnupur, West Bengal

Mahaprabhu Temple is a Hindu Temple dedicated to Lord Vishnu located in Bishnupur Town in Bankura District of West Bengal State, India. Mahaprabhu Temple is identical to the Kesto Rai temple, but unfortunately now totally in ruins. The Temple is called by locals as old Jor Bangla Temple. The Temple follows Bangla Chala type Architecture. The Temple is situated very close to Shyam Rai (Pancha Ratna) Temple. The Temple is located at about 2.5 Kms from Bishnupur Bus Stand, 4.5 Kms from Bishnupur Junction Railway Station and 3 Kms from Bishnupur New Bus Stand.

History

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Connectivity

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Madan Mohan Temple, Bishnupur, West Bengal

Madan Mohan Temple is a Hindu Temple dedicated to Lord Vishnu located in Bishnupur Town in Bankura District of West Bengal State, India. Madan Mohan Temple was built by the Malla King Durjan Singh in 1694 CE. In 1820, the original temple was destructed due to a massive earthquake. After that the present temple was built. The Temple is located at about 2.5 Kms from Bishnupur Bus Stand, 4.5 Kms from Bishnupur Junction Railway Station and 3.5 Kms from Bishnupur New Bus Stand.

Legends

Madan Mohan Temple is probably the most famous because of the interesting story involving its deity. The original deity was installed in a village in Bengal. The fame of the deity spread far and wide after the personal visit by Chaitanya Mahaprabhu, the famous Vaishnava saint. So, the Malla king carried the idol to his capital at Vana-Vishnupur and installed him in a terracotta temple built for that purpose. Legend says that the deity Madan Mohan himself defended the Malla king in the battle with the 'Bargi' or Maratha invaders who attacked Bengal.

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The Temple

Madan Mohan Temple is one of the most beautiful temples of Bishnupur. The terracotta panels that are found in this temple can be considered as the most beautiful among all temples in Bishnupur. The temple is dedicated to Lord Krishna, who is called as Madan Mohan in this temple. It is a living temple enshrining the metal idols of Krishna and Radha. The temple is square on plan and stands on a high plinth made of laterite blocks.

The temple has a square base of 12.2m X 12.2m and a height of 10.7m above a moderate platform. It has three arched entrances on three directions (east, west and south). The roof is sloping on four sides with a single sikhara (tower) in the centre, thus making this temple as Eka Ratna temple. The ceilings are carved with different designs. The outer walls and the pillars are all full of extremely beautiful intricately carved terracotta sculptures, depicting various scenes from the epics and Puranas. Most of them are related to Krishna and Krishna Lila.

The most notable sculpture is Nabanarikunja, where nine females form an elephant. The mandap called as Chandi Mandap, which is situated opposite to the temple also looks very attractive with a sloped chala type roof. The entrance of the complex also has the beautiful chala type sloping roof and has three arched entrances.

Connectivity

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Madan Gopal Temple, Bishnupur, West Bengal

Madan Gopal Temple is a Hindu Temple dedicated to Lord Vishnu located in Bishnupur Town in Bankura District of West Bengal State, India. It is a historical place with a market adjacent to the temple. The place is called Madhab Ganga and famous for Rathajatra festival. The temple was built by Shiromani Devi, Queen of Veer Singha II in 1665 A.D. The Temple follows Pancharatna Style. The Temple is located at about 1.5 Kms from Bishnupur Bus Stand, 3.5 Kms from Bishnupur Junction Railway Station and 2.5 Kms from Bishnupur New Bus Stand.

History

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Lalji Temple, Bishnupur, West Bengal

Lalji Temple is a Hindu Temple dedicated to Lord Vishnu located in Bishnupur Town in Bankura District of West Bengal State, India. Lalji Temple, also called as Radha Laliju temple was built by the Malla King Bir Singha II in 1658 CE. This Temple was built exactly 100 years earlier than the Radhashyama Temple. The Temple is located at about 2.5 Kms from Bishnupur Bus Stand, 4.5 Kms from Bishnupur Junction Railway Station and 3.5 Kms from Bishnupur New Bus Stand.

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The Temple

There are seven Eka Ratna (meaning single pinnacled) temples located in Bishnupur. Lalji Temple is one among them. In earlier days, all these laterite temples were all covered with stucco images. However, with passing of time, most of the stucco works are lost. Lalji Temple is a beautiful laterite temple built as per Ek Ratna temple architecture style. Like most of the other temples in Bishnupur, this is also dedicated to Lord Krishna. However, it is not a living temple and currently has no deity.

The temple is square on plan and stands on a high plinth consisting of ornamental stucco decorations on low relief carvings. It has a char chala (sloping) roof and a single sikhara (single pinnacled tower) on top of that. Most of the terracotta panels on the exterior except for few on the upper part of arched openings are destroyed.

In its verandah is preserved a stone slab (lying loose) with an inscription in Bengali characters, dated 1577 Saka (1655 A.D.), recording the erection of a Navaratna temple of Krishna by Rani Lakshmanavati, wife of Raja Hari Narayan. In front of the Lalji temple is a Natamandira or dancing hall, to the west of which stands an Orissan tower with a porch in front dedicated to Raghunathji.

The outer yard is separated from the inner by a wall and contains a small Pancharatna temple of Kameshwar Siva with an inscription dated 1577 Saka; to its south-west lies a circular pavement for the Rasmancha. The whole is enclosed by a high wall, with a large gateway to the east; over the gateway is a slab with a Bengali inscription ascribing the erection of the Thakur Bari to the Burdwan Raj in 1238 B.S. (1831 A.D.).

In front of the gateway are two cars, which are drawn on the Dasara day, the smaller being that of Lalji and the larger that of Raghunathji. The cost of the establishment and of the festivals is met from the income of a Debottar estate set apart for the purpose by the Burdwan Raj. As the stone inscriptions states the temple was built by Bir Singha II of Malla dynasty in 1658 AD.

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Kalachand Temple, Bishnupur, West Bengal

Kalachand Temple is a Hindu Temple dedicated to Lord Vishnu located in Bishnupur Town in Bankura District of West Bengal State, India. The Temple was built in 1656 AD by Malla King Raghunath Singha. The Temple is located at about 2 Kms from Bishnupur Bus Stand, 4.5 Kms from Bishnupur Junction Railway Station and 2.5 Kms from Bishnupur New Bus Stand.

History

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The Temple

There are seven Eka Ratna (meaning single pinnacled) temples located in Bishnupur. Kalachand Temple is one among them. In earlier days, all these laterite temples were all covered with stucco images. However, with passing of time, most of the stucco works are lost. Kalachand Temple is a beautiful laterite temple built as per Ek Ratna temple architecture style. Like most of the other temples in Bishnupur, this is also dedicated to Lord Krishna. However, there is no deity found in this temple currently.

The temple is square on plan. It has a sloping roof surmounted by a single sikhara, thus making them as Eka Ratna. Kalachand Temple is special for its towering pinnacle. This design of the lower storey of this ‘Eka-Ratna’ laterite temple is based on the thatched hut style of Bengal. The square base of the temple is 11.1m X 11.1m and its height is 9.2m above the platform. There is a circumambulatory corridor around the main shrine.

The structure has three arched openings on each of the four sides. This is probably the earliest 'Eka-Ratna' temple in Bishnupur. It was once covered with stucco decoration, only traces of that elaborate decoration remains now. It has few bas-relief carvings in the front side wall depicting the scenes from Ramayana and Krishna Lila mainly. It was built in 1656 AD by Malla King Raghunath Singha. There is an inscription on southern façade mentioning this fact.

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Krishna Balaram Temples, Bishnupur, West Bengal

Krishna Balaram Temples are two Hindu Temple dedicated to Lord Krishna and Balaram located in Bishnupur Town in Bankura District of West Bengal State, India. These two temples are located adjacent to each other. These Deul Style terracotta Temples are not maintained nor restored by ASI. The Temple are situated very close to Shyam Rai (Pancharatna) Temple. The Temple is located at about 2.5 Kms from Bishnupur Bus Stand, 4.5 Kms from Bishnupur Junction Railway Station and 3 Kms from Bishnupur New Bus Stand.

History

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Jor Mandir, Bishnupur, West Bengal

Jor Mandir is a Hindu Temple Complex dedicated to Lord Vishnu located in Bishnupur Town in Bankura District of West Bengal State, India. It is actually a complex of three Eka-Ratna temples. These Temples were built in 1726 AD by Malla King Krishna Singha. The Temple is located at about 2 Kms from Bishnupur Bus Stand, 3.5 Kms from Bishnupur Junction Railway Station and 1.5 Kms from Bishnupur New Bus Stand.

History

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The Temple

There are seven Eka Ratna (meaning single pinnacled) temples located in Bishnupur. Jor Mandir is one among them. In earlier days, all these laterite temples were all covered with stucco images. However, with passing of time, most of the stucco works are lost. Jor Mandir is a beautiful laterite temple complex built as per Ek Ratna temple architecture style. It is actually a complex of three Eka-Ratna temples: Two big temples of same size and a small one.

All these temples are constructed on raised platforms and they are square on plan. They have sloping roof surmounted by a single sikhara, thus making them as Ek Ratna. All these temples are dedicated to Lord Krishna, but none of them have any deity now. The big temple has a square base of 11.8m X 11.8m and a height of 12.8m above a low platform. The roofs of all three temples are typical Bengali ‘chala’ type with a tower or ‘sikhara’. Most of the art works or decorations on the temple-walls are almost vanished.

The central temple is elaborately decorated with the stucco images depicting the scenes of Krishna Lila and Ramayana. The other two temples are plain in the exterior. There are covered porches on three sides around the sanctum for these temples. Except the rear wall, on each of these three sides there are three arched openings. The frontal façade of the temples were once decorated with beautiful art works of lateritic material and stucco depicting mythological events. Most of the decorations have ruined.

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Location | Photos

Jor Bangla Temple, Bishnupur West Bengal

Jor Bangla Temple is a Hindu Temple dedicated to Lord Vishnu located in Bishnupur Town in Bankura District of West Bengal State, India. Jor Bangla Temple is also called as Yorubangala Temple and Kestorai Temple. The Jor-Bangla or Kestorai temple was built by Malla king Raghunatha Singha in 1655 CE. The Temple is situated near to Shyam Rai (Pancharatna) Temple. The Temple is located at about 2.5 Kms from Bishnupur Bus Stand, 4.5 Kms from Bishnupur Junction Railway Station and 3.5 Kms from Bishnupur New Bus Stand.

History

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The Temple

Jor Bangla temple is one of the most beautiful temples of Bishnupur. The south facing temple is square on plan. It has two Eka Ratna structures with sloping roofs conjoined together. The joined structures are crowned with a char chala sikhara on top. Based on the architecture style, the temple is called as Jor Bangla temple. The temple is dedicated to Krishna, but there is no deity found currently. It follows the Jor-bangle style of architecture. Jor-Bangla type of temple consists of two inter-connected thatched roofs like structures.

The inter-connected thatched roofs here are crowned with a turret. The base of the temple is a square of size 11.8m X 11.48m, and the height above the platform is 10.7m. There are several interesting and beautiful terracotta panels in the interior and the exterior walls of the temple. Many of them depict scenes from Puranas, epics, Krishna Lila, hunting scenes, etc. There is an entry ticket of Rs 50/- to enter the temple premises. There are plenty of car parking space available.

Connectivity

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Gumgarh, Bishnupur, West Bengal

Gumgarh is an ancient monument located in Bishnupur Town in Bankura District of West Bengal State, India. This little-known monument is located in the interior of Bishnupur. It is situated on top of a small mound. Nothing is known about the construction period or even the purpose of this structure. The word 'Gumgarh' can be translated to ''torture tower''. It is said that if one enters inside this tower, he cannot return. Gumgarh is located at about 2 Kms from Bishnupur Bus Stand, 4 Kms from Bishnupur Junction Railway Station and 3 Kms from Bishnupur New Bus Stand.

History

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Gumgarh

Gumgarh is a structure of a perfect square having 4 high walls of equal height joined together to make a high building without a roof. The structure has no door or window. There is an inbuilt stair engraved in the inner walls of it. It is installed on a high ground. Few people believe that it was used as prison and the others believe that it was used as a granary. It was probably the water tank of the Royal family and water was supplied from it to meet their daily needs. There is also a rumour that the then Malla Kings used this structure to punish people by throwing them down from the top of it.

Connectivity

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Gateways of Bishnupur, West Bengal

Gateways of Bishnupur are the two ancient gateways, part of ancient Bishnupur Fort, located in Bishnupur Town in Bankura District of West Bengal State, India. These two gateways were built in the second half of the 17^th century CE by the Malla King Bir Singha II. Near the gateways, the beautiful stone chariot is also located. Some dilapidated walls possibly the remains of the erstwhile palace are also found nearby. The Gateways of Bishnupur are located at about 2.5 Kms from Bishnupur Bus Stand, 4.5 Kms from Bishnupur Junction Railway Station and 3 Kms from Bishnupur New Bus Stand.

History

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Gateways

There are two gateways built in the second half of the 17th century CE by the Malla King Bir Singha II. They are

Large Gateway:

The large gateway, also called as Pathar Darwaja, is situated at the northern entrance of the Bishnupur fort. The fort is no more present, but the gateways are still standing. It has double storied galleries in the central passage to accommodate the army. The arrow slits are also provided on the walls of this gateway. The entire structure is built in laterite blocks.

Smaller Gateway:

The smaller gateway is very simple structure with an arch. It is also built with laterite blocks.

Connectivity

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Bishnupur Fort Ruins, West Bengal

Bishnupur Fort Ruins are the ancient remnants of Bishnupur Fort located in Bishnupur Town in Bankura District of West Bengal State, India. The Ruins is situated just behind the Mrinmayee Temple on the banks of a Pond. There is nothing left of the fort but one of the walls and the four sentry posts still exists. Bishnupur Fort Ruins are located at about 2.5 Kms from Bishnupur Bus Stand, 4.5 Kms from Bishnupur Junction Railway Station and 3 Kms from Bishnupur New Bus Stand.

History

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Deoanbati Shyam Sundar Temple, Bishnupur, West Bengal

Deoanbati Shyam Sundar Temple is a Hindu Temple dedicated to Lord Vishnu located in Bishnupur Town in Bankura District of West Bengal State, India. This Temple belongs to Dewani family of Mallaraj. The deity was gifted to the family by king Bir Hambir. This is an ancient temple and the roof of the temple is in square shape. The Temple is located at about 2 Kms from Bishnupur Bus Stand, 4 Kms from Bishnupur Junction Railway Station and 3 Kms from Bishnupur New Bus Stand.

History

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Damodar Temple, Bishnupur, West Bengal

Damodar Temple is a Hindu Temple dedicated to Lord Vishnu located in Bishnupur Town in Bankura District of West Bengal State, India. This Temple is a family temple of the illustrious Baidya Brahman family of Kabirajpara. Here Srinivas Acharya sticks are preserved. Radharamnaju is worshiped every year on the first day of Bangla Bhadra. Apart from this, the idols of Gaur-Nitai are also seen here. The Temple is located at about 2 Kms from Bishnupur Bus Stand, 4 Kms from Bishnupur Junction Railway Station and 3 Kms from Bishnupur New Bus Stand.

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Dalmadal Canon, Bishnupur, West Bengal

Dalmadal Canon is a large canon located in the central place of Bishnupur town. It is an important landmark of the town. It was manufactured by the Malla Kings. Dalmadal Canon is situated very near to Chinnamasta Temple. Dalmadal Canon is located at about 1.5 Kms from Bishnupur Bus Stand, 4 Kms from Bishnupur Junction Railway Station and 2 Kms from Bishnupur New Bus Stand.

Legends & History

Bir Hambir, the 49^th King of Malla dynasty, was very popular. He was a contemporary of the Mughal emperor, Akbar. He converted to Vaishnavism. This canon was manufactured by him in order to protect his kingdom from the Marathas. It is said he spent huge amount of money to manufacture this. In Bengali language, the word 'Dala' means group (enemies in this context) and 'Mardan' means destroy. The canon was probably named as Dalmardan meaning the destroyer of enemies, which later became Dalmadal. As per another theory, the Malla kings used to have a lot of hailstone. One such hailstone of their deity was called as Dalmadal. The canon was probably named after that hailstone.

Gopal Singh (1730-45 CE) was a successor of Bir Hambir. He was very religious but was not very successful in handling problems. During his reign, the Marathas invaded Bishnupur. As per the legend, Lord Madan Mohan (Krishna) fired this weapon with his own hands to protect the town from the Marathas and their leader, Bhaskara Rao. After downfall of the Malla dynasty the royal cannon was carelessly half-buried under the red soil of Bishnupur. But the legend who bears the dormant history of wars in Bengal, established itself over the surface again by the help of the British rulers in 1919.

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The Canon

This huge canon is around 12.5 feet and was made with 63 iron rings. It is currently protected by the Archaeological Survey of India whose plaque, like everywhere else where it protects ancient wonders, gives a considerably detailed history about the make and prowess of the canon.

Connectivity

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Chinnamasta Temple, Bishnupur, West Bengal

Chinnamasta Temple is a Hindu Temple dedicated to Goddess Sakthi located in Bishnupur Town in Bankura District of West Bengal State, India. This temple lies on the way to the Jor-Mandir group of Temples via the Dalmadal Cannon/Gun. The Temple is located at about 1.5 Kms from Bishnupur Bus Stand, 4 Kms from Bishnupur Junction Railway Station and 2 Kms from Bishnupur New Bus Stand.

Legends

Once Parvati went with her friends Dakini and Varnini to take a bath in the Mandhakini River. Parvati was feeling very content and a lot of love was welling up inside her. Her complexion darkened, and the feeling of love completely overwhelmed her. Her friends on the other hand were famished and asked Parvati to give them some rations. Parvati requested them to wait and assumed that she would give food to them after a while and began walking. After a short while, her friends once again requested her, telling her that she was the Mother of the Universe and they are her kids, and asked to be fed quickly.

Parvati replied that they should remain calm until they return home. Her friends could not wait any longer and demanded that their hunger be satisfied right away. The sympathetic Parvati laughed and with her finger nail cut her own head. Immediately the blood splashed in three directions. Her two friends gulped the blood from two of the directions and the Goddess herself drank the blood from the remaining direction. Since she cut her own head, she is known as Chinnamasta.

History

The Temple is believed to build during 19^th Century and is about 100 years Old. The Temple built by the Guin family of Midnapore.

The Temple

The temple is very small having the main shrine and another sub-shrine. The sanctum sanctorum enshrines Chinnamasta along with her two Yogini attendants, Dakini and Varnini. The Deity has been engraved out of Red Desert Sandstone. She holds her severed head in her right arm and a sword in her left arm. She is a Tantric Goddess and depicts ferocious form. Three jets of blood spurt out of her bleeding neck, which are drunk by her severed head and her two attendants. She is found standing on a human couple who are resting on a big lotus. All the three female deities are found without wearing any dress. There is a sub shrine in the temple dedicated to Shiva in the form of Linga.

Connectivity

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Acharya Jogesh Chandra Purakriti Bhawan, Bishnupur, West Bengal

Acharya Jogesh Chandra Purakriti Bhawan is a museum, located in Bishnupur Town in Bankura District of West Bengal State, India. This Museum houses Mesolithic & Paleolithic tools, metal ornaments, terracotta sculptures coins and artifacts from the very ancient days of rulers in Bishnupur, starting from the Gupta kings to the Pala kingdom. Also, there are contemporary art and paintings, manuscripts and rare photographs. A section of the Purakriti Bhawan is dedicated to the musical culture of Bishnupur Gharana and has many instruments and photographs displayed. This Purakriti Bhawan remains open on Saturdays and Sundays for the tourists. The Museum is located at about 2 Kms from Bishnupur Bus Stand, 4.5 Kms from Bishnupur Junction Railway Station and 2.5 Kms from Bishnupur New Bus Stand.

History

The Bankura District Museum or the Acharya Jagadish Chandra Purakriti Bhavan was inaugurated in 1951. It was much later, around 1970, that the museum was inaugurated and opened to the public. It is now under the control of the Directorate of Archaeology and Museums, Ministry of Information and Culture, Government of West Bengal. The museum was started by a group of people with limited knowledge of museum practices.

The Museum

This museum preserves the traditions of terracotta and other indigenous art forms in Bankura. It is a double-storied, yellow building with three main galleries: on sculpture, music and terracotta. The first two galleries are spread over a large area on the ground floor while the terracotta gallery is on the first floor. In addition, as part of the terracotta gallery is a gallery showcasing rare photographs of Sree Sarada Devi, wife of Sri Rama Krishna Paramahamsa who was born in this district. A proposed anthropology gallery would make the fifth gallery. A decorative terracotta boat replica welcomes all visitors to the museum.

The museum is encircled by a small but well-manicured garden. The main building of the museum houses a number of sculptures, manuscripts and patachitras. All objects displayed in the museum carry bi-lingual labels identifying them. Behind each object in the museum is a fascinating story about its discovery and its place in the museum. Most of these objects are found accidently by local people, while a few have been donated from personal collections.

The first object that one encounters in the sculpture gallery is a large white marble Ganesha. The sculpture gallery displays objects both from the past and present. The arrangement of the objects does not follow any specific scheme. They are arranged neither region-wise nor chronologically. This often confuses the visitors. The museum has a large collection of Jain Tirthankara images. Most of them were discovered in southern Bengal and belong to the medieval period. They are mostly carved in black stone and are intricate works of art. They are displayed on wooden pillars that are placed against the walls.

Amongst the objects displayed one can also see large blocks of laterite stone or grey granite inscribed in either Pali or Sanskrit. English and Bangla translations of the inscription are provided alongside the artefact. There are also a number of terracotta and stucco figurines. Two separate stairways will lead to the floor above. The artefacts here are arranged chronologically. The display here consists of tools and weapons from the Malla period, pots excavated from the region, Krishna idols and others. Krishna standing cross-legged playing a flute is the standard depiction of the deity to be seen here. Most of the icons are made of black stone.

There is also a textile section on this floor. There are two large wooden cases that display numerous Baluchari sarees. A few of them are more than 100 years old. Baluchari is a local silk. The design on the pallu (or the loose end of the saree) is usually a scene from the ancient epics Mahabharata and Ramayana. The borders of the sarees also repeat the same pattern.

As far as the collection of ancient manuscripts is concerned, only the illustrated covers are extant. The remaining portion of the manuscripts no longer survive. The illustration on the manuscript covers have stylistic resemblances with Chaurapanchasika paintings. The manuscripts are mostly on palm leaves or thick coarse cloth and are painted with vegetable colours. The paintings mainly explore the theme of Krishna Lila.

Next to the sculpture gallery is the music gallery. Bishnupur is also known for its contribution to Hindustani classical music. Bishnupur gharana has been popular from the times of the Malla kings. Ustad Bahadur Khan, Pandit Gadadhar Chakrabarti, Pandit Ramshankar Bhattacharya, Pandit Jadu Bhatta and several others are exponents of this gharana. The music gallery displays photographs of these maestros with a brief introduction. Sitars of various kinds along with many other string instruments are also on display.

The stairs on the way out lead one to the terracotta gallery located on the second floor. In the terracotta gallery one also finds a large number of dhokra objects made through the lost-wax process of casting iron. The tradition of making objects in terracotta and dhokra is widely practised in West Bengal and Odisha. This gallery aims to trace this tradition in southern West Bengal, especially in Bishnupur. Along with a few Malla-period artefacts like bells and highly sophisticated niches from religious shrines, there are also several contemporary terracotta objects, mostly decorative, like stylized horses or lamps. There are a couple of utilitarian objects like dish ware and storage containers.

One intriguing observation is the presence of horses as motifs in the designs on the decorative objects from Bishnupur. Interestingly, one also finds highly ornamental horses in the architectural scheme of the terracotta temple premises. The terracotta gallery also houses the photo gallery of the museum. The photo gallery is further divided in two sections, one with photographs of the various terracotta temples around Bishnupur and the other with those of Sarada Devi who was born in this district. The photo gallery of the museum displays images not only of the temples but also detailed views of decorative panels otherwise unclear to the naked eye when at the site.

The other section of the photo gallery commemorates Sarada Devi who was born in 1853 in Jayrambati, Bishnupur. At the young age of five, she was married to Ramakrishna Paramahamsa, the 19^th century mystic of Bengal. She became a prominent woman saint of the 19^th century inspiring women of the future generation to take up monasticism. Today Sarada Devi is venerated as a divine figure. Though the images in this section are not arranged chronologically, they try to trace the journey of Sarada Devi as a religious figure. There are a couple of interesting photographs of Sarada Devi with Sister Nivedita. These photographs reflect the social conditions in the region at that time. There are photographs of young woman with children in a rural setting. These are rich photographic evidences of the social milieu during that time. The museum now attracts a lot of international tourists and researchers.

Museum Timings

The Museum remains open from 11.00 AM in the mornings to 06.00 PM in the evenings.

Entry Tickets

Entry ticket is priced at Rs 5 per person. Photography is prohibited inside the museum.

Connectivity

For brief details, please refer below link;

Tigawa Temples, Madhya Pradesh

Tigawa Temples are a group of Hindu Temples dedicated to Lord Vishnu, Goddess Durga and Goddess Chamunda, located in Tigawa Village in the state of Madhya Pradesh, India. Tigawa is also an archaeological site with a complex of about 36 Hindu temple ruins. The Hindu temple ruins were badly damaged during a colonial era railway project when a contractor demolished and excavated the ruins as building material for the railway project. Of the monuments, the Kankali Devi Temple is most notable and is a Gupta period temple. It is one of the oldest surviving Hindu temples, illustrating the formative stages of Hindu sacred architecture and the essential elements found in the north Indian style through the modern era.

History

For brief details, please refer below link;

The Temple Complex

For brief details, please refer below link;

Festivals

In Shardey Navratri and Chaitra Navratri peoples from all over the country came for Pooja & Darshan.

Connectivity

The Temple is located at about 3 Kms from Bahoriband, 30 Kms from Sleemanabad Road Railway Station, 30 Kms from Sihora Road Railway Station, 46 Kms from Katni, 72 Kms from Jabalpur Railway Station, 73 Kms from Jabalpur, 83 Kms from Jabalpur Airport and 339 Kms from Bhopal. From Jabalpur, take NH7 which goes to Katni. After crossing Sihora there is turn towards Bahuriband. Tigawa is situated on Bahuriband-Bakal road, state highway 31 after crossing Bahuriband. Tigawa complex is on main road only and road condition was very good.

Tigawa Temples – The Temple Complex

The Tigawa Temples has been one of the Gupta era temples, along with those at Udayagiri, Sanchi, Eran (Airikina), Nachna, Besnagar, Bhumara, Bhitargaon and others, which together helped identify characteristic markers of ancient Hindu temples and to chronologically place Hindu architecture. These were proposed by Cunningham and refined over time. According to a Cunningham proposal, the pre-6^th century freestanding and structural Hindu temples were likely closer in appearance to temples made from wood and brick or in caves.

The artists would have been inclined to reproduce the older architectural elements, style and designs with new materials of construction such as cut stone, masonry or monolithic rocks. The key markers for ancient Hindu temples, suggested Cunningham, include a square sanctum with a flat roof or simpler spire, an elaborately decorated doorway into the sanctum with parallel vertical bands of carvings, presence of river goddesses Ganga and Yamuna flanking the bottom or top of the sanctum's entrance or the main temple, the use of bosses on capitals similar to those found in Buddhist stupas, and the presence of pillars with massive square capitals.

According to Cunningham, another indicator of an ancient Hindu monument is that the temple is not exactly aligned to the east but displaced by between 5 and 15 degrees from a cardinal direction or aligned in other direction, which may have happened to match certain luni-solar calendar calculations or because the standardization of the direction happened a bit later. Kramrisch cautions, however, that these guidelines are neither rigid nor imply a sequentially ordered development with abandonment of the style, because a few of these features such as flat or simple superstructure is found in temples dated between the 5^th and 10^th centuries.

The Kankali Devi temple is also significant for being almost identical in its architecture to a temple found in Sanchi. The Sanchi shrine too is dated to the early 5^th century. Given the Kankali Devi temple at Tigawa is at a Hindu site while Sanchi shrine is in a Buddhist site, states George Michell, this demonstrates that there were close links between Hindu and Buddhist architecture in the 5^th century. As per Cunningham, the Tigawa Temple Complex was a relatively small site consisting of a mound measuring about 30,000 square feet (2,800 m2) with a length of about 250 feet (76 m). The entire space was covered with over 36 temples of different sizes, the smallest one just 16 square feet (1.5 m2) built from square cut stones. All these small temples are gone, including some larger standing ones.

However only two temples are standing at present which are described in detail below.

Kankali Devi Temple:

For brief details, please refer below link;

Devi Temple / Vishnu Temple:

For brief details, please refer below link;

Nearby Site:

A Jain temple with a 12.17 feet (3.71 m) high state of Tirthankara Shanti Nath is in Bahuriband with a mostly damaged Kalchuri period inscription dated between 1022-1047 CE.

Devi Temple, Tigawa, Madhya Pradesh

Devi Temple (also called as Lord Vishnu Temple) is a Hindu Temple dedicated to Goddess Durga and Lord Vishnu, located in Tigawa Village in the state of Madhya Pradesh, India. This is a live temple at site and probably the largest one. Devi Temple can be easily classified among the earliest temples of India, built by the Gupta dynasty.

History

For brief details, please refer below link;

The Temple

The Temple has a torana (arched portal) at the temple entrance built during the Gupta period datable to 5^th - 6^th century AD. This ornamental torana has survived from the original temple which is about 4 feet wide. Cunningham estimated that the temple would have been about 19.5 feet square.

The remaining portions of the temple seems to have been constructed at a later period. The sanctum houses a Murti of Goddess Durga and the outer wall in the front has carvings Lord Vishnu with all his incarnations depicted around the main image apart from Lord Surya, Goddess Chamundi and Ganesha. This temple has a front porch resting on four pillars.

Connectivity

Location

Kankali Devi Temple, Tigawa, Madhya Pradesh

Kankali Devi Temple is a Hindu Temple dedicated to Goddess Chamunda located in Tigawa Village in the state of Madhya Pradesh, India. The Kankali Devi Temple can be easily classified among the earliest temples of India, built by the Gupta dynasty.

History

For brief details, please refer below link;

The Temple

This temple was originally dedicated to Kankali Devi. The sanctum now houses a Murti of Lord Ugra Narasimha. The Temple has a square sanctum with a 12.5 feet (3.8 m) side outside and 8 feet (2.4 m) side inside. The sanctum does not open exactly to the east, but deviates by about 13 degrees, which Cunningham speculated may be intentional and related to "one nakshatra" (lunar house, Hindu calendar). The temple has an open portico supported on four pillars that projects 7 feet (2.1 m) in front of the sanctum. Both the pillared porch and the sanctum are on a raised plinth, its roof made from horizontal slabs of stone.

The pillars of the mandapa are massive, shaped into three symmetric cross sections: a long square sectioned part close to the ground, above it an octagonal and sixteen-edged. Above these is a circular part capped with pot and foliage capitals. On top of the pillars are sculptures of two crouching lions with a tree separating them. The pillars are identical in all respects except the tree: one pillar has a mango tree, another a palm, while the other two trees unclear. The portico was partially walled later, according to Percy Brown.

The temple door jambs are intricately carved, in vertical bands that are concentric around the entrance. On top left of the entrance wall is river goddess Ganga holding a water vessel and riding her crocodile vahana, while the top right has river goddess Yamuna also holding a water vessel while riding her tortoise vahana. Goddess Ganga is plucking a fruit from custard-apple tree, while Yamuna is plucking one from a mango tree. The Kankali Devi Temple has reliefs showing Vishnu and generally considered to have been dedicated to Vishnu of Vaishnavism. The portico has an image of the Sheshashai Vishnu (Narayana). Another shows Varaha, the man-boar avatar of Vishnu.

In front of the temple is a seated Vishnu image in yoga asana position with serpent hood above the head, similar to seated Tirthankaras and the Buddha. The temple also reverentially displays Shaktism and Shaivism themes, including a Chamunda (Kankali Devi) panel which gives the temple its name. On the wall opposite to Kankali Devi is Kali Devi (fierce form of Durga). There is one special thing about the statue of Goddess Kali, during Navratri the neck of Kali’s statue is slightly tilted from its original position. Cunningham proposed that these Shaiva and Vaishnava reliefs were probably added around the 8^th century.

The Kankali Devi temple is similar to the Gupta period Temple #17 at Sanchi, with both illustrating the basic elements of Hindu sacred architecture. The temple style is also similar to the Hindu cave temples of Udayagiri and the Eran temple, both of which can be dated to be from the Gupta era because of the inscriptions found there. A 7^th or 8^th Century CE Sanskrit inscription mentions the visit of a Umadeva of Kanyakubja, son of Samanya Bhatta, who had come to worship at the temple of Sitabhadra. There are also two inscriptions in Sankha Lipi, one is highly floriated and other very indistinct. This temple complex probably housed many other temples, which is quite evident from the vast ruins spread across the complex of which only 2 survive today.

Connectivity

Location

Mahadev Temple, Tambdi Surla, Goa

Mahadev Temple is a 12^th Century Hindu Temple dedicated to Lord Shiva located at Tambdi Surla Village near Valpoi Town in Sattari Taluk of Goa, India. It is notable as the oldest temple in Goa. The temple is located at the foot of the Anmod Ghat, which connects Goa to the state of Karnataka. It is considered to be the only specimen of Kadamba-Yadava architecture in basalt stone preserved and available in Goa. The temple is situated in Tambdi Surla Village, located east of Bolcornem village, in the north east region of the Bhagawan Mahaveer Sanctuary and Mollem National Park. The temple has been declared as a protected historical monument by the Archaeological Survey of India.

History

The temple was built by Hemadri, the minister of the Yadava King Ramachandra in the year 1271 AD. The Jain style construction has led to debates about the origins of the temple, since the Kadamba Dynasty ruled Goa between the 10^th and 14^th Centuries. The temple is built in the Hemadpanthi style from basalt, carried across the mountains from the Deccan plateau. It is considered to be the only specimen of Kadamba-Yadava architecture in basalt stone preserved and available in Goa. The temple survived invasions and the Goa Inquisition due to its remote location in a clearing deep in the forest at the foot of the Western Ghats which surround the site.

The Temple

The temple is dedicated to Lord Shiva and is reminiscent of the temples at Aihole in neighboring Karnataka. The temple consists of garbhagriha (sanctum), antarala and a pillared Nandi mandapa built of basalt. There is a Linga (symbol of Lord Shiva) mounted on a pedestal inside the inner sanctum, and local legend has it that a huge king cobra is in permanent residence in the dimly lit interior. The four pillars embellished with intricate carvings of elephants and chains support a stone ceiling decorated with finely carved lotus flowers.

The intricate carvings created by skilled craftsmen adorn the interior and the sides of the building. Bas-relief figures of Lord Shiva, Lord Vishnu and Lord Brahma, with their respective consorts appear on panels at the sides of the temple. Unusually, the mandap (pillared hall) is covered with a roof of plain grey sloping slabs. The temple faces east so that the first rays of the rising sun shine on the deity. There is a small mandap and the inner sanctum is surmounted by a three-tiered tower whose top is incomplete or has been dismantled sometime in the distant past.

There is a headless Nandi (bull, Shiva's vehicle) in the centre of the mandap, surrounded by four matching columns. The symbol of the Kadamba kingdom, an elephant trampling a horse is carved on the base of one of the columns. The temple is built in a place which is quite inaccessible and away from the main settlements of the time. The temple is small compared to the average Goan temple. The river Surla flows nearby and is reachable for ritual bathing by a flight of stone steps.

Festivals

The festival of Mahashivaratri is celebrated with pomp and gaiety at the temple by local people residing in surrounding villages.

Connectivity

The Temple is located at about 100 meters from Tambdi Surla Bus Stop, 25 Kms from Valpoi, 26 Kms from Valpoi KTC Bus Stand, 34 Kms from Kalem Railway Station, 37 Kms from Ponda, 55 Kms from Margao, 67 Kms from Panaji and 71 Kms from Goa International Airport, Panaji. The temple is at the foot of the Anmod Ghat in Tambdi Surla, which connects Goa to the state of Karnataka. It is located in Bhagawan Mahaveer Sanctuary and Mollem National Park. Tambdi Surla itself is in the midst of a forested area accessible via a 26 Kms route from the main town of Valpoi in Sattari Taluk.

Monday, December 2, 2024

https://hindutemples-india.blogspot.com blog back up ( part 3)

Dhari Devi Temple, Kalyasaur, Uttarakhand

Daksheswara Mahadev Temple, Kankhal, Haridwar, Uttarakhand

Chandrabadani Devi Temple, Tehri Garhwal, Uttarakhand

Jwalamukhi Devi Temple, Kangra, Himachal Pradesh

Jwalamukhi Devi Temple, Kangra – The Temple

Hidimba Devi Temple, Manali, Himachal Pradesh

Baijnath Temple, Kangra, Himachal Pradesh

Baijnath Temple, Kangra – The Temple

Garjiya Devi Temple, Ramnagar, Uttarakhand

Garjiya Devi Temple, Ramnagar – Legends

Madhyamaheshwar Temple, Garhwal, Uttarakhand

Madhyamaheshwar Temple, Garhwal – The Temple

Mahasu Devta Temple, Hanol, Uttarakhand

Mahasu Devta Temple, Hanol – The Temple

Mansa Devi Temple, Haridwar, Uttarakhand

Mathiyana Devi Temple, Rudraprayag, Uttarakhand

Maya Devi Temple, Haridwar, Uttarakhand

Moteshwar Mahadev Temple, Kashipur, Uttarakhand

Rudreshwar Mahadev Temple, Uttarakhand

Surkanda Devi Temple, Dhanaulti, Uttarakhand

Tapkeshwar Temple, Dehradun, Uttarakhand

Yogadhyan Badri, Pandukeshwar, Uttarakhand

Suka Sari Temple, Bhubaneswar, Odisha

Suka Sari Temple, Bhubaneswar – The Temple

Nachna Hindu Temples, Madhya Pradesh

Nachna Temples – The Temples

Chaumukhnath Temple, Nachna, Madhya Pradesh

Parvathi Temple, Nachna, Madhya Pradesh

Chausath Yogini Temple, Morena, Madhya Pradesh

Chausath Yogini Temple, Morena – The Temple

Chausath Yogini Temple, Jabalpur, Madhya Pradesh

Chausath Yogini Temple, Jabalpur – The Temple

Chengannur Mahadeva Temple, Alappuzha, Kerala

Chengannur Mahadeva Temple, Alappuzha – The Temple

Mangala Devi Temple, Kagpur, Vidisha, Madhya Pradesh

Bharkuleswar Temple, Bhumara, Satna, Madhya Pradesh

Bharkuleswar Temple, Bhumara, Satna – The Temple

Gadh Kalika Mata Temple, Ujjain, Madhya Pradesh

Sarveshwar Mahadev Temple, Kurukshetra, Haryana

Udayamangalam Mahadeva Temple, Kodungallur, Kerala

Pampapati Temple, Kampli, Bellary, Karnataka

Ettumanoor Mahadeva Temple, Kottayam, Kerala

Ettumanoor Mahadeva Temple, Kottayam – The Temple

Mula Virupaksha Temple, Hemakuta Hill, Hampi, Karnataka

Madangopal Jiu Temple, Mellock, Samta, West Bengal

Ardhagiri Veera Anjaneya Temple, Aragonda, Andhra Pradesh

Ardhagiri Veera Anjaneya Temple, Aragonda – The Temple

Varadaraja Swamy Temple, Kanipakam, Andhra Pradesh

Siddheswara Swamy Temple, Talakona, Andhra Pradesh

Vadakkunnathan Temple, Thrissur – The Temple

Vadakkunnathan Temple, Thrissur - Gopurams

Aisanyesvara Temple, Bhubaneswar, Odisha

Nartiang Durga Temple, West Jaintia Hills, Meghalaya

Nageshvara Temple, Darukavanam, Saurashtra, Gujarat

Baidyanath Temple, Deoghar – The Temple

Veda Narayana Temple, Nagalapuram, Andhra Pradesh

Veda Narayana Temple, Nagalapuram – The Temple

Kukkuteswara Swamy Temple, Pithapuram, Andhra Pradesh

Kukkuteswara Swamy Temple, Pithapuram – The Temple

Mundeshwari Temple, Kaura, Kaimur, Bihar

Mundeshwari Temple, Kaura, Kaimur – The Temple

Dashavatara Temple, Deogarh, Uttar Pradesh

Dashavatara Temple, Deogarh – The Temple

Bishnupur, West Bengal

Gour-Nitai Temple (Tejpal Temple), Bishnupur, West Bengal

Stone Chariot, Bishnupur, West Bengal

Sarbamangala Temple, Bishnupur, West Bengal

Rasmancha, Bishnupur, West Bengal

Radhe Shyam Temple, Bishnupur, West Bengal

Radha Vinod Temple, Bishnupur, West Bengal

Radha Madhav Temple, Bishnupur, West Bengal

Radha Govinda Temple, Bishnupur, West Bengal

Keshab Rai Temple, Patpur, Bishnupur, West Bengal

Shyam Rai Temple, Bishnupur, West Bengal

Naru Gopal Temple, Bishnupur, West Bengal

Nandalal Temple, Bishnupur, West Bengal

Murali Mohan Temple, Bishnupur, West Bengal

Mrinmayee Temple, Bishnupur, West Bengal