SwapnilJirageTravelPost: March 2025

Saturday, March 29, 2025

'भारताच्या ललाटरेषा' -लेखक- शं .रा.देवळे

सिंधूनदी

sindhu

हिमालयातील मानसरोवर जलाशयातून निघालेला सिंधूचा तो स्रोत तेथून सरळ वायव्येकडे धावत जातो. काश्मीरच्या लद्दाख भागातून हिमालयाला वळसा घालून काराकोरम पर्वताच्या पायथ्याशी जातो. गिलगिटजवळून ही नदी दक्षिणेकडे वळते. तेथे सिंधूला स्वाती नदी येऊन मिळते. काबूल नदीचे पाणीही ह्या नदीत येऊन मिसळते.
अटकजवळ आल्यावर तिला थोडी स्थिरता लाभते. तोपर्यंत पहाडी प्रदेशातील तिचा प्रवास अत्यंत वेगाचा आणि अवखळ पण अति रम्य असतो. अटक आणि कूर्म नद्या ह्या सिंधूला मिळाल्यावर तिचा प्रवाह अमर्याद पात्राचा बनतो.
सपाट प्रदेशात आल्यावर सिंधूच्या पात्रात अनेक बेटे निर्माण होतात. वारंवार प्रवाहाची जागा बदलते. डेरा इस्माईलपासून डेरा गाझीपर्यंत तिचे हे असेच चालते. नंतर मिट्टनकोटजवळ तिला जम्मू-काश्मीर व पंजाब प्रदेशातील पंचनद्या येऊन मिळतात आणि तिला विपुल जलसमृद्धी प्राप्त होते. तेथूनच ही सिंधू नदी म्हणजे एक मोठा नद बनतो.
सात खोऱ्यांतील पाणी पोटात सामावलेला हा प्रचंड सप्तसिंधू म्हणजे जगातील अनेक आश्वर्यापैकी एक विलक्षण विराट आश्चर्य बनलेला आहे.
सिंधूच्या तीरावरील भौगोलिक परिस्थितीही अशीच बहुविध आहे. हिमाल्याच्या उत्तर बाजूच्या पाणलोटाचे पाणी घेऊन ती निघते. उत्तर काश्मीरच्या निबिड डोंगरदऱ्यांतून ती धावत येते. केशराच्या मळ्यां-तील सुगंध वाहून आणते. वायव्य सरहद्दीच्या प्रांतातून अक्रोड, बदाम, पिस्ते वाहून आणते. आपल्या पात्रातील बेटांचे सृष्टिसादर्य खुलविते. वाळवंटात नंदनवन फुलविते, आपल्या दोन्ही तीरांवर गव्हाचे पीक अमाप पिपिकते आणि शेवटी जलमार्गालाही उपयुक्त बनून व्यापार, उद्योगधंदे वाढविते.
-शं .रा.देवळे
-संदर्भ -भारताच्या ललाटरेषा (१९६८)

सतलज
satlaj

सिंधू नदीची ही मोठी सहाय्यक नदी आहे.सध्या वाचत असलेल्या भारताच्या ललाटरेषा या शं.रा देवळे यांच्या नदीवरील माहितीच्या पुस्तकातील काही वेचे देत आहे.हे पुस्तक १९६८ सालचे आहे.तेव्हा ब्रिटिशांपासून मिळालेले अगदी स्वातंत्र्य अगदी नवे होते, तेव्हा उज्वल भविष्याची आशा या पुस्तकात दिसतेच.पण नदीच्या आदराच्या जुन्या गोष्टीही समजल्या.
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शंभर धारांनी वाहणाऱ्या या नदीला पूर्वा शतद्रु ,शुतुद्रि असे म्हणत असत. आज तिला आपण सतलज' असे म्हणतो. सतलज नदी समुद्रसपाटीपासून १५,२०० फूट उंचीवर असलेल्या मानस सरोवरातून -राक्षस सरोवरातून उगम पावते. गगनभेदी पर्वतराजीच्या खोल दऱ्याखोऱ्यांतून जणू आकाशालय भेदून हा प्रवाह भूल्येकाकडे निघाला आहे.
वायव्येकडे वाहात जाऊन कैलासास वळसा घालून ही नदी भारत-तिबेटच्या सरहद्दीवरून शिपकी ह्या ठिकाणी येते. सरहद्दीचा हा प्रदेश सतलजमुळे अत्यंत अवघड बनलेला आहे.
मोठमोठ्या कडयांवरून उड्या घेत सतलजचा प्रवाह हिमाचल प्रदेशातून अत्यंत वेगाने वाहात जातो. बुशहर भागातील विलासपूर आणि रामपूर येथे आल्यावर तिला शहरवस्तीचे प्रथमदर्शन होते.
अफाट लोकवस्ती, गदीं, दिव्यांचा झगझगाट वगैरे शोभा पाहून जणू लिचा भागील सर्व प्रवासाचा शीण जातो. नंतर तेथून पुढे मात्र कनवटच्या कठीण धाऱ्यातून जाताना तिची अगदी दमछाट होते. असा गुंतागुंतीचा चक्रव्यूह पार केल्यावर कुलू आणि मंडीच्या सरहद्दीवरून बाहात बाहात सतलजचा प्रवाह शिवालिकच्या पहाडी प्रदेशात शिरतो. ह्याच्च शिवालिक पहाडात सतलज नदीत्य अडवून जगप्रसिद्ध भाक्रानानगल धरण बांधलेले आहे.ह्याच ठिकाणी सतलजने भारतभूचे भाग्य उजळाले आहे.
शकांना भारतपार पिटाळून लावल्यावर विक्रमादित्याने सतलजच्या काठावरच आपला पहिला विजयोत्सव साजरा केला.
दिल्लीच्या सुलतानांनी सतलजच्या तीरावरच आक्रमक मोगलांना पाणी पाजले होते. औरंगजेबाने सतलज नदीवर पूल बांधून आपल्या दाराशुको या भावाचा बंदोबस्त केला होता.
शीख आणि अफगाण, शीख आणि मराठे, शीख आणि इंग्रज यांची युद्धे तर या सतलजने खूप वेळा पाहिली. गुरू गोविंदसिंह, गुरू बंदा आणि रणजितसिंह या शीख वीरांचे पराक्रम पाहून सतलजला धन्यता वाटली.
भगतसिंह, राजगुरू आणि सुखदेव ह्या क्रांतिवीरांना इंग्रजांनी लाहोर येथे फाशी देऊन त्यांचे मृतदेह सतलजकाठी फिरोजपूरपासून सहा मैलांवर अंधारात आणून ता. १३ मार्च १९३१ रोजी अग्निसात केले. तेव्हा सतलजला अत्यंत दुःख झाले. तिने त्या वेळी जणू इंग्रजांना नाशाचा शाप दिला.
सतलजने आपल्या तीरावरील युद्धांत झालेला संहार पाहिला, तसाच दुष्काळांनी उडविलेला कहरही पाहिला. आपल्या खोऱ्यातील जमीन सुजला सुफला व्हावी, आपले पुत्र सुखी व्हावेत, यासाठी ती तळमळत होती. सतलजची ती मनीषा फिरोजने जाणली आणि तिला बंधारा घालून एक कालवा प्रथम काढला. त्या कालव्याने शेती सुधारलेली पाहून सतलजला खूपच आनंद झाला.
-शं.रा.देवळे

ब्रम्हपुत्रा
#शंरादेवळे
brahmputra

आपल्या भारतात शोण, सिंधू, हिरण्या, कोका, लौहित्या, घर्घरा आणि शतद् (सतलज) असे सात नद प्रसिद्ध आहेत. या नदांपैकी लौहित्या हा नद आसाम प्रांतातून वाहतो. आसामी भाषेत लौहित्या हे नाव असलेला हा नद आपण ब्रह्मपुत्रा या नावाने ओळखतो.
ब्रह्मपुत्रा नदी तिबेटच्या पश्चिम भागात असलेल्या मानस सरोवराजवळ उगम पावते. ती तिबेटमधून पूर्वेकडे सुमारे आठशे मैल बाइत जाते. तिबेटमध्ये ही नदी सांगपू या नावाने प्रसिद्ध आहे. नंतर भारतात प्रवेश करताना ब्रह्मपुत्रा दक्षिणेकडे वळते. आसामच्या ईशान्येकडील मिश्मी टेकड्यांमधून ती आसाममध्ये प्रवेश करते. या नदीची लांबी सुमारे अठराशे मैल आहे.
) ही नदी आसामच्या सुमारे ५०० मैल लांब आणि ५० मैल रुंदीच्या खोऱ्यातून वाहते.
गोलंदोजवळ ब्रह्मपुत्रा नदी दक्षिणेकडे वळण घेऊन पूर्वेकडे वाहणाऱ्या पद्मा नदीस मिळते. पद्मा आणि ब्रह्मपुत्रा यांचा संयुक्त प्रवाह पुढे मेघना या नदीस मिळतो. वास्तविक पद्मा आणि मेघना हे गंगेचेच वेगवेगळे फाटे आहेत.या नदीला ब्रम्ह देवाचा पुत्रच मानलं गेले म्हणून ब्रम्हपुत्रा' नाव पडले..
ब्रह्मपुत्रा आणि गंगा म्हणजे आसाम, बंगाल, बिहार आणि ओरिसा यांना जोडणारे प्रमुख मार्ग होते. ह्यएनत्संग हा चिनी प्रवासी मगधातून निघून चंपा, कजंगल, पुंडूवर्धन आणि तेथून पुढे कामरूपला पोहोचला. गंगा, यमुना, सरस्वती यांचा त्रिवेणी संगम प्रयागला (अलाहाबाद) होतो. तेथून पुढे वाहात जाणाऱ्या या संयुक्त प्रवाहाला ब्रह्मपुत्रा येऊन मिळते. जेथे हा संगम होतो, ते ठिकाण एक मोठे तीर्थस्थान बनले आहे. कालिकापुराण आणि योगिनीतंत्रात उल्लेखिलेली आसामातील बहुतेक सुप्रसिद्ध तीर्थे ब्रह्मपुत्रेच्याच काठी आहेत. कामाख्या देवीचे प्रसिद्ध मंदिर ब्रह्मपुत्रेच्या काठी असलेल्या नीलाचल टेकडीवर आहे.
दरवर्षी ब्रह्मपुत्रेला मोठमोठे पूर येत असल्यामुळे आणि तिचे पात्र वारंवार बदलत असल्यामुळे तिच्या काठच्या प्रदेशातील लोकांच्या जीवित-वित्ताची प्रचंड प्रमाणात हानी होत असते; म्हणूनच ब्रह्मपुत्रेला 'आसामचे अश्रू ' 'दुःखाश्रूची नदी' म्हटले जाते. या नदीच्या पात्रात मोठमोठाली वाळूची बेटे निर्माण होतात आणि त्यावरील वाळू नदीच्या वेगवान प्रवाहाळे पुनःपुनः धुऊन निघत असते. कालवे काढून पिकांना पाणीपुरवठा करण्यासाठी या नदीचा उपयोग मोठ्या प्रमाणावर होत नाही. अतिशय पडणाऱ्या पावसामुळे आणि वाहून आलेला गाळ साचल्यामुळे ब्रह्मपुत्रेच्या खोऱ्यातील जमीन अत्यंत सुपीक बनली आहे.आसामची भाग्यविधाता ही ब्रम्हपुत्रा आहे.

महानदी
mahanadi

महानदी ही सिहावाजवळील एका लहानशा कुंडातून निघून उत्तरेकडे वळते. नंतर ती रायपूर जिल्ह्यातून पुढे जाते. सौरी नारायण येथे तिला शिवनाथ या नावाची नदी येऊन मिळते. नंतर महानदी पूर्वेकडे वाहात जाऊन बिलासपूर जिल्ह्यात प्रवेश करते. येथे तिला जोंक आणि हसदो या नावाच्या नद्या येऊन मिळतात. नंतर संबळपूर जिल्ह्यातून ती पुढे बाहात जाते. येथे तिला एब, ओंग आणि टेल या नद्या येऊन मिळतात. या ठिकाणी तिचे पात्र रुंदावते. पुराच्या वेळी तर तिच्या पात्राची रुंदी एक मैलापेक्षाही अधिक असते. महानदी घोलपूरहून निघाल्यावर पूर्वघाटातील ४० मैल लांबीच्या खिंडीतून पुढे झेप घेते आणि कटकापासून पश्चिमेस सात मैलांवर असलेल्या ओरिसाच्या त्रिभुज प्रदेशात येऊन ती स्थिरावते. येथे तिला अनेक फाटे फुटतात आणि अनेक मुखांनी ती शेवटी बंगालच्या उपसागराला जाऊन मिळते.
बंगालच्या उपसागराच्या जवळ यांच्या पाण्याचा संचय होऊन सुर आणि चिल्का हे दोन सरोवर निर्माण होतात.महनदीला १८५५,१८६६ ला खुप प्रचंड पूर आले होते.अणि ते १९४८ पर्यंत वेळोवेळी ओरिसात थैमान घालत असे.
पण १९५७ ला हिराकुड धरणाचे उद्घाटन झाले. ते जगातील सर्वात जास्त लांबीचे धरण होते.या धरणामुळे ओरिसचा बरंच भाग पुलापासून बचावला.दुष्काळातून मुक्ती मिळली.
-शं.रा.देवळे

नर्मदा
narmada

नर्मदाचे इतकं सुंदर वर्णन आहे की नर्मदा काठचे संस्कृती अथवा नर्मदा परिक्रमेचे महत्व , सौंदर्य आनंददायक असणार.
मध्यप्रदेशातील अमरकंटकाच्या डोंगरातून नर्मदा नदी उगम पावते‌.सोहागपूर तालुक्यातील हे पवित्र स्थान आहे.येथे नर्मदा कुंड व अनेक प्रसिद्ध मंदिरे आहेत.
अमरकंटकापासून निघून ही नर्मदामाता विंध्य आणि सातपुडा या दोन पर्वतांच्या मधून वाहत जाते आणि पश्चिमेस सुमारे आठशे मैलांवर भृगुकच्छ (भडोच जवळ पश्चिम सागराच्या खंबायत आखाताला मिळते. या मार्गावर नर्मदाकाठी एकंदर सुमारे चारशे गावे आहेत.
आपल्याकडे ज्ञानेश्वर, तुकाराम यांच्या पालख्या पंढरपूरला जातात तशीच नर्मदा प्रदिक्षणा! या यात्रेकरूंची सायंकाळची नर्मदेची आरती प्रेक्षणीय असते. "त्वदीय पादपंकजे नमामि देवि नर्मदे..." या मंत्रघोषाने सारा भूभाग भारावून जातो.
विंध्य आणि सातपुडा या दोन पर्वतश्रेणींच्या मधून नर्मदेचा प्रवाह पूर्वेकडून पश्चिमेकडे वाहात असल्यामुळे तिच्या काठचा प्रदेश अत्यंत रमणीय बनलेला आहे. लहानमोठ्या टेकड्या, घनदाट वृक्षराजी, सुंदर मैदाने, त्यातून वाहत आलेले सहस्र जलधारांचे झरे, यामुळे तेथील सृष्टिशोभा फारच बहारीची बनली आहे.
नर्मदेच्या तीरावर सर्वात अतिप्राचीन संस्कृतीचे अवशेष आहेत. आदिवासी लोकांची संस्कृती अद्यापही नर्मदेच्या आसमंतात तग धरून आहे.
अलीकडे नर्मदातीरी महेश्वराजवळ जे उत्खनन झाले त्यात हजारो वर्षापूर्वीच्या जुन्या वस्तू सापडल्या आहेत.
यज्ञ, तप, चिंतन यांच्यासाठी नर्मदातीरासारखा शांत, प्रसन्न असा कोणताही इतर नदीतीराचा प्रदेश भारतात नाही. त्यामुळे हिचे पाणी सदैव शुद्ध निर्मळ राहत असते.
अमरकंटकापासून पश्चिमेस सुमारे दोनशे मैलांवर नर्मदेच्या उत्तर तीरावरील मंडला या नावाचे एक प्रसिद्ध तीर्थक्षेत्र आहे.
सुंदर सुंदर घाट, घाटांवरील मंदिरे, गढमंडलाच्या राजाचा जुना किल्ला, किल्लयातील राजेश्वरी आणि सहस्रार्जुन यांची मंदिरे, जवळच्या डोंगरातील नर्मदेचा सहस्रधारांचा विमल प्रवाह वगैरे प्रेक्षणीय स्थळांमुळे मंडला हे अत्यंत सुंदर क्षेत्र बनलेले आहे.शंकराचार्य आणि मंडनमिश्र यांचा बादबिवाद येथेच झाला, असे सांगतात.
त्यानंतर संगमपूर या नावाचे तीर्थक्षेत्र नर्मदातीरावर प्रसिद्ध आहे.
उत्तरेकडून वाहत येणारी एक नदी वामनगंगा या ठिकाणी नर्मदेला मिळालेली आहे. भेडाघाट हे स्थळ अत्यंत प्रेक्षणीय आहे. शंभरावर फुटांपेक्षा उंच उंच दरडीमधून तो प्रवाह वाहतो. चांदण्या रात्री तेथील ते शुभ्र सौंदर्य फारच मनोहारी दिसते. येथील एके ठिकाणी नर्मदेचा प्रवाह इतका अरुंद आहे की, तेथील त्या तटावरील दोन्ही बाजूच्या संगमरवरी उंच भिंतींवरून एखादे वानर सहज इकडून तिकडे उडी मारून जाते; म्हणून या जागेला तेथे "बंदरकूदी” असे नाव आहे. शेजारच्या डोंगरावर चौसष्ट योगिनींचे एक भव्य पण भग्न मंदिर आहे.
तेथेच नर्मदेचा " धुंवाधार धबधबा " हे हौशी प्रवाशांचे फार मोठे आकर्षण आहे. चाळीस फूट उंचीवरून अतिशय वेगाने नर्मदेचा प्रवाह येथे कोसळतो आणि त्या धारांचे तुषार उडून सगळीकडे धुराप्रमाणे दिसतात.
भेडाघाटनंतर ब्राह्मणघाट, रामघाट, सूर्यकुंड आणि होशंगाबाद वगैरे स्थळे परिक्रमा करणारे यात्रेकरू लोक पाहात पाहात, मेळघाट, इंडिया आणि नेमाड या ठिकाणांहून थेट प्रसिद्ध अशा ओंकारेश्वर नावाच्या पवित्र क्षेत्री येतात.
पश्चिमरेल्वेच्या ओंकारेश्वर स्टेशनवर उतरून अथवा इंदूर, खांडवा आणि सनावदहून या क्षेत्राला जाण्यास मोठे मार्ग आहेत. या प्राचीन तीर्थक्षेत्राला नर्मदा नदीचा वेढा आहे. नदीच्या दोन घारांपैकी दक्षिण धारेवर श्रीओंकारेश्वराचे मंदिर आहे. येथील कपिलधारा संगमतीर्थ अति पवित्र मानले जाते.
ओंकारेश्वरानंतर आपण चाळीस मैलांवरील प्रसिद्ध ठिकाण महेश्वर येथे जातो. त्या वेळी वाटेत रावेरखेडी नावाचे प्रसिद्ध ऐतिहासिक स्थळ लागते. तेथे नर्मदेचे पात्र अत्यंत उथळ आहे. पहिल्या बाजीरावाची समाधी येथे आहे.
उत्तरेकडे जाताना येथूनच नर्मदा पार करीत असे. पहिल्या बाजीरावांची समाधी याच ठिकाणी आहे.
महेश्वर है नर्मदातीरावरील अतिसुंदर, रम्य आणि प्रसिद्ध क्षेत्र आहे. महाराणी अहिल्यादेवी होळकर यांनी राजधानीसाठी तेच गाव पसंत केले होते. येथील लोक वस्त्रविद्येत निष्णात आहेत. महेश्वरी लुगडी भारतभर प्रसिद्ध आहेत.
येथून जवळच सुवर्णद्वीप नावाचे स्थान आहे. तेथे शालिवाहनाचे मंदिर आहे. याच ठिकाणी शालिवाहनाने शकांना पिटाळून लावले होते. शेजारीच सहस्रधारा नावाचा सुंदर धबधबा, कपिलातीर्थ आणि धर्म-पुरी नावाचे दधीची ऋषींच्या आश्रमाचे स्थान आहे.
धर्मपुरीजवळ नर्मदेच्या पात्रात एक छानदार बेट आहे. त्या बेटावर श्रीशंकराचे सुंदर मंदिर आहे. जवळच रेवाकुंड आणि भानुमतीचा प्रसिद्ध महाल आहे. मंडपदुर्ग येथील जुना किल्ला आणि अनेक जैनमंदिरे प्रेक्षणीय आहेत.
धर्मपुरीनंतर अनेक ऋषिमुनींनी पावन केलेल्या तपोवनातून आणि यज्ञभूमीतून प्रवास करीत करीत आपण "बावनगजाजी " नावाच्या जैनतीर्थक्षेत्राला भेट देतो.येथील उंच डोंगरावरील दत्तात्रेयपादुका मंदिर व मेघनाद आणि कुंभकर्ण यांची तपोभूमी पाहून आपणास धन्यता वाटते.
हा डोंगरभाग गाईगुरांना अति पुष्ट बनविणारा आहे. येथील नेमाडी गाई बैल फारच बलिष्ठ, पाणीदार आणि सुंदर असतात. येथून पश्चिमेकडे हापेश्वर, शूलपाणी आणि शेकडो तीर्थे पाहात पाहात आणि शुक्रठीथीतील विशाल कबीरवटाखाली विश्रांती घेऊन आपण भडोचला पोहोचतो.
नर्मदातीरावरील हे शेवटचे तीर्थक्षेत्र आहे.
भडोचजवळच नर्मदा नदी पश्चिम सागराला मिळाली आहे. या संगमावर विमलेश्वर नावाचे तीर्थस्थान आहे. परिक्रमा करणारे यात्रेकरू लोक विमलेश्वराजवळ नावेत बसून समुद्रात दूरवर जातात आणि मग तेथून नर्मदाप्रदक्षिणा पूर्ण करून उत्तर तीरावरील लोहारिया गावाला जातात. हे अंतर सुमारे तेरा मैलांचे आहे.
नर्मदेला भारतमातेची मेखला म्हणतात, कारण ही नदी भारत-मातेच्या कटिस्थानावर चांदीच्या शुभ्र सुंदर नक्षीदार अशा कमरपट्टया-प्रमाणे शोभा देणारी आहे. तिच्या वेगवान प्रवाहात आघात पावून गुळगुळीत बनलेले नर्मदेचे गोटे आपण भारतीय लोक अत्यंत पवित्र मानतो.
-शं.रा.देवळे
('भारताच्या ललाटरेषा' पुस्तकातून साभार)

तापी
tapi

तापी नदीचा उगम सातपुडा पठारावरील मूलतापी किंवा मूलताई नावाच्या पवित्र तलावातून होतो, असे मानतात; तथापि तिचे खरे उगमस्थान मात्र मूलताईपासून सुमारे दोन मैलांवर दाखविले जाते. बैतुल जिल्ह्यातून आणि सातपुड्याच्या खिंडीतून मार्ग काढीत ही नदी बुऱ्हाण शहराच्या वरच्या बाजूस प्रगट होते.येथे पूर्णा,पयोष्णी नद्या विदर्भात उगम पावून तापीला मिळतात.
बुऱ्हाणपूर शहर तापीच्या उजव्या तीरावर वसलेले आहे. इ. स. १४८० च्या सुमारास नासिरुद्दीन फरुकीने हे शहर वसविले. आणि दौलताबादच्या प्रसिद्ध शेख बुऱ्हाण-उत्-दीनच्या पश्चात् त्याचे बुऱ्हाणपूर हे नामकरण झाले. बुऱ्हाणपूर हे मोगलांच्या दक्षिणेकडील सुभ्यांचे प्रमुख ठाणे होते. भुसावळ हे शहर तापी नदीपासून सुमारे एक मैल अंतरावर आहे. भुसावळजवळ तापी आणि पूणर्णा या नद्यांच्या संगमावर चांगदेवाचे प्रसिद्ध जुने मंदिर आहे. हिंदूंचे जिगरतीर्थ या नावाचे एक प्रसिद्ध तीर्थस्थान या दोन नद्यांच्या संगमावरच आहे. तापी आणि तिची एक उपनदी यांच्या संगमावर धुळ्यापासून वायव्येस सुमारे २५ मैलांवर 'प्रकाश' नावाचे एक पवित्र स्थळ आहे
तापी नदीवर काक्रापार व उकाई या दोन महत्वपूर्ण योजना आहेत‌
धार्मिक स्थळे वसल्याचे सांगितले असून त्यांतील बहुतेक ठिकाणी शिव-मंदिरे बांधलेली आहेत, असे म्हटले आहे. दुसऱ्या अध्यायात तापीची २१ नावे दिली आहेत. तापी, तापिनी, सावित्री, नासत्या, अमृत-स्पंदिनी, सर्पविषापद्दा, तारा ही त्यांपैकी काही नावे येथे दिली आहेत. या नदीला पर्वतकन्यका किंवा वनराणी असेही म्हणतात. आषाढ शुद्ध सप्तमीस तापीतीरी केलेले जलकुंभदान हे अतिशय पुण्यप्रद असल्याचे तापी-माहात्म्यात सांगितले आहे.
-शं.रा.देवळे
(भारताच्या ललाटरेषा या नदीवरील पुस्तकातून साभार)

गोदावरी
godavari

ब्रह्मगिरी पर्वतावरील एका औदुंबर वृक्षाच्या मुळाशी गंगा प्रकट झाली. तेथून तिने एका कड्यावरून उडी घेतली. त्या स्थानाला 'गंगाद्वार' हे नाव मिळाले.
गंगाद्वाराजवळ भगवती गोदावरीची अमृतमय धारा गोमुखातून खाली पडते. तेथे गौतमांनी स्नान केले. त्यांचे पातक नाहीसे झाले. भगवान त्र्यंबकेश्वरांनी ही कृपा केली म्हणून ते त्र्यंबकेश्वर क्षेत्र पुण्य-पावन ठरले.
गौतम ऋषींना पावन करून ती गंगा लगेच गुप्त झाली. ते पाहून
गौतमांनी पुनः तिची प्रार्थना केली की, " हे गंगे, तू मला पावन केलेस खरे; पण आता तू हा सारा भूभाग पावन केला पाहिजेस. तुझ्या अमृतजलाने हा महाराष्ट्र देश समृद्ध कर. धनधान्याने सुखी संपन्न बनलेल्या या महान प्रदेशात अनेक गाईंची जोपासना होऊ दे ! माझ्या हातून एक गाय मेली; पण तुझ्यामुळे येथे लाखो गाईंचे रक्षण-पोषण होऊ दे. तू 'गो-दा' बन !
गौतमाने त्या ठिकाणी दर्भाने एक मंडल रेखाटले, गंगा त्या दर्भमंडलात गोदावरी म्हणून आली. त्या स्थानी कुशावर्त तीर्थ बनले. सिंहस्थात त्या तीर्थाला फार महत्त्व आहे.
कुशावर्तापासून सहा मैलांवरील चक्रतीर्थापर्यंत गुप्त गोदा वाहते. ती उत्तर गंगेसह सर्व तीर्थांचे जल घेऊन येते आणि मग ती महातीर्थ बनते, असे म्हणतात.
गोदावरीच्या उगमाजवळ ब्रह्मगिरीचा अत्यंत रमणीय असा सह्य-प्रदेश असून त्या ठिकाणी गंगाद्वार, कुशावर्त, नीलपर्वत, गोरखगुंफा गहिनीआश्रम आणि निवृत्तिनाथांची समाधी, गंगासागर, मुकुंदतीर्थ, नृसिंहतीर्थ आणि श्रीत्र्यंबकेश्वर वगैरे अनेक तीर्थे व क्षेत्रे आहेत.
त्र्यंबकेश्वराहून गोदावरी निघते ती थेट नाशिक पंचवटीला येते. गोदावरीला या ठिकाणी अनेक कुंडे बांधली आहेत. गोदावरी पुढे गेल्यावर टाकळीजवळ श्रीसमर्थ रामदासांच्या तपोभूमीचे आपणास दर्शन घडविते.
पुढे कोपरगाव, संवत्सर, पुण्यस्तंभ, नेवासे वगैरे भागांतून आर्य-अनार्याच्या इतिहासाची स्मारके गोदातटाकी विपुल आहेत.
गोदावरीच्या उगमापासून पश्चिमेकडे अवघ्या पन्नास मैलांवर पश्चिम समुद्र आहे. पण ती तिकडे न कळता महाराष्ट्र आणि आंध्र या दोन प्रदेशांचा मोठा भूभाग समृद्ध करण्यासाठी, लोकजीवनाच्या सुखासाठीच!
नाशिकहून पुढे गेल्यावर प्रवरासंगम (टोके) या गावाजवळ गोदावरी नदीला नगर जिल्ह्यातून आलेली प्रवरा नदी मिळते. प्रवरेला भंडारदरा येथे धरण बांधले आहे.
प्रवरेनंतर गोदावरीला दक्षिणेकडून सिंधफणा आणि मन्याड या नद्या आपले जीवन समर्पण करतात. सिंधफणा गोदेला मिळते तेथे मंजरथ नावाचे तीर्थ आहे. याच भागात उत्तरेकडून दुधना आणि पूर्णा (दक्षिण) गंगाखेड जवळ एकत्र होऊन गोदावरीला येऊन मिळतात. पूर्णा (दक्षिण) नदीवर येलपरी आणि सिद्धेश्वर येथे धरणे तयार होत आहेत.
पैनगंगा नदी यवतमाळ जिल्ह्याच्या सरहद्दीवरून वाहात येऊन वर्धा नदीला मिळते. पुढे वर्धा आणि पैनगंगा यांचा संगम झाल्यावर ती संयुक्त नदी प्राणहिता नावाने पुढे वाहाते व गोदावरीला येऊन मिळते.
गोदाकाठी असलेल्या शेकडो तीर्थक्षेत्रांपैकी प्रतिष्ठान किंवा पैठण या क्षेत्राला विशेष महत्त्व आहे. 'महाराष्ट्र संस्कृतीचे एक महान केंद्र आहे. सम्राट शालिवाहनाची ती राजधानी होती.
मुंगी (पिपीलिका क्षेत्र) येथे पूर्वी ऋषींनी महान यज्ञयाग केले होते; त्या ठिकाणी गोदातीरी अद्यापही भस्माचे डोंगर आहेत. पुढे गोदावरी नांदेडच्या जवळ येते.
पुढील प्रवासात गोदावरीने तेलंगणाचा प्रदेश पावन केला आहे. मुंज आणि तेलप या राजांची युद्धे गोदातीरी झाली होती.
भद्राचलम् तीर्थाजवळच गोदावरीचे पात्र सुमारे दोन मैल रुंदीचे बनले आहे.
भद्राचलम् सोडल्यानंतर गोदावरी नदी पूर्वघाटात शिरते. डोंगर-दऱ्यांतून तिचा तो विशाल प्रवाह अगदी चिंचोळ्या मार्गातून वाहत जाताना खूप वेगाने जातो. काही ठिकाणी तर तिचे पात्र फक्त दोनशे यार्डच रुंदीचे आहे.
गोदावरीच्या या पूर्व घाटातील तटाकावर गोंड जातीच्या डोंगरी
लोकांच्या वस्ती आहे.
पूर्व घाटातून बाहेर पडल्यावर मात्र गोदावरीचे पात्र विशाल सागराप्रमाणे दिसते. तिला अनेक फाटे फुटतात. मधून मधून बेटे आणि त्रिभुज प्रदेशही बनलेले आहेत. धवलेश्वर ते राजमहेंद्री या भागातील तो अत्यंत पवित्र सप्तगोदावरील तीर्थप्रदेश घाटा-मंदिरांनी आणि विपुल निसर्गसौंदर्याने फारच रमणीय बनला आहे.
राजमहेंद्रीच्या पुढे पूर्व सागराला मिळण्यासाठी गोदावरी नदी अनेक फाट्यांनी शांतपणाने जात असते. त्या अनेक फाट्यांपैकी तीन फाटे महत्त्वाचे व विशाल आहेत. उत्तरेकडील गौतमी गोदावरी, मध्यभागी वैनतेय गोदावरी आणि दक्षिणेकडील वशिष्ठ गोदावरी हे तीन प्रमुख फाटे ? सागर संगमाजवळचे कोटिबल्लीतीर्थ पुण्यकारक मानतात. याच तीर्थाजवळ गोदावरीने आपले जीवन सागराला अर्पण केले.
गोदा काठी अनेक संस्कृतींचा विस्तार झाला. हिच्या तीरी मानवधर्म वाढला.
-लेखक शं.रा.नवरे
('भारताच्या ललाटरेषा' या नदीवरील पुस्तकातून साभार)

कृष्णा
krushna

सह्यगिरीमधून गोदा, प्रवरा, मुळा, घोड, भीमा, कृष्णा, कोयना, तुंगा वगैरे अनेक अमृतवाहिनी नद्यांचे उगम झाले आहेत. त्या सर्व लोकमातांमध्ये कृष्णेचे महत्त्व विशेष आहे. कारण तिच्या तीरावरच महाराष्ट्राच्या विक्रमाचा आणि वैराग्याचा प्रीतिसंगम झालेला आहे.
सह्याद्रीच्या उंच भागावरील महाबळेश्वराच्या जुन्या मंदिराजवळ कृष्णा, कोयना, वेण्णा, गायत्री आणि सावित्री अशा पाच नद्यांचे उगम आहेत. या पाच नद्यांच्या उगमस्थानी बांधलेले त्यांचे मंदिर प्रेक्षणीय आहे. उगमानंतर कृष्णेचा प्रवाह कड्यांवरून उड्या घेत खाली उतरून येतो, तेथील सृष्टिसौंदर्य प्रेक्षणीय आहे. पावसाळ्यात तर ते अवर्णनीय असते.
सुमारे पाच मैलांचा तो अवखळ प्रवास संपवून धोम क्षेत्री कृष्णा-माई येते, तेव्हा तिला शांतपणा येतो. मेणवली येथे नाना फडणिसांनी कृष्णाकाठी बांधलेला सुंदर घाट अद्यापि चांगल्या स्थितीत आहे.कृष्णाकाठचे वाई हे तर अत्यंत पवित्र आणि प्रसिद्ध क्षेत्र आहे.
टाकून धो धो वाहते, तेव्हा तिचा तो देखावा विलक्षण दिसतो.
वाईनंतर पाचवड, लिंब, माहुली वगैरे गावे पुनीत करीत कृष्णामाई आपली सस्त्री वेण्णानदी हिला भेटते. माहुलीला कृष्णाकाठी शाहू छत्रपतींची समाधी आहे. पेशवाईतील निःस्पृह न्यायाधीश रामशास्त्री प्रभुणे हे माहुलीचेच. कृष्णेच्या पात्रापासून चार मैलांवर सातारा ही महाराष्ट्राची राजधानी होती. मराठ्यांनी याच ठिकाणी कृष्णामाईपासून वीरत्वाचे पाणी घेतले.
कराडजवळ " कृष्णा मिळाली कोयनेप्रती " असा प्रीतिसंगम आहे. कोयनेचे चमकदार पाणी कृष्णेच्या अमृतमय पाण्यात मिसळल्यामुळे तर त्या ठिकाणी महाराष्ट्राच्या विक्रमवैराग्याचा प्रीतिसंगम झाला आहे.येथे संत सखू , गणेशभक्त निरंजनस्वामी,संतकवी कृष्णदयार्णव यांचा वास होता.
कराडजवळ खोडशी धरण आहे.
कृष्णेच्या उपनदीवर कोयनेचा विशाल 'शिवसागर' जलाशय येथे आहे.कोयनेचे हे पाणी पश्चिमेकडे नेले आहे.ते थेट बोगद्याद्वारे चिपळूण तालुक्यातील पोफळी इथपर्यंत आहे.तिथे वीजनिर्मिती केली जाते.
नरहरसिंहपूर,आहे,बोरगाव,औदुंबर आणि सांगली वगैरे तीर्थ, क्षेत्र व शहरे कृष्णाकाठी आपल्या पूर्ववैभवाने विलसत आहेत.सांगलीजवळ तिला वारणा नदी मिळते.
औदुंबर आणि नरसोबाची वाडी ही प्रसिद्ध दत्तक्षेत्रे कृष्णेच्या काठीच आहेत. भिलवडीजवळचे औदुंबर हे क्षेत्र वृक्ष-वेलींच्या दाटीमुळे रमणीय बनलेले आहे.
वाडी हे ठिकाण कृष्णा-पंचगंगा संगमावर आहे. "कृष्णेच्या घाटावरच दत्तपादुका-मंदिर आहे.
बारा ज्योतिर्लिंगांपैकी श्रीशैल पर्वतावरील श्रीमलिकार्जुन हे क्षेत्र प्रसिद्ध आहे.येथे कृष्णेला पाताळगंगा म्हणतात. येथे या पाताळगंगेच्या प्रवाहातच दत्तावतार श्री नरसिंहसरस्वती यांनी आपली अवतारसमाप्ती केली.
विजापूरजवळ घटप्रभा नदी कृष्णेला मिळते.
कृष्णानदीवर नंदकोंडा या या गावाजवळ नागार्जुनसागर नावाचे प्रचंड धरण आहे.
कृष्णा नदीचे खोरे अत्यंत सुपीक आहे. कृष्णाकाठची अरगडी ज्वारी अत्यंत प्रसिद्ध आहे. येथील शाळू, मका आणि वांगी अत्यंत चवदार असतात. हंगामाच्या दिवसांत कृष्णाथडीची कलिंगडे, खरबुजे, काकड्या, चिवडे वगैरे फळांची निर्यात खूपच होत असते.
माणसांना जशी पिकांची रेलचेल, तशीच गुरांना चाऱ्याची रेलचेल असल्यामुळे, कृष्णानदीच्या खोऱ्यातील गुरे चांगलीच धष्टपुष्ट आहेत. कृष्णातीरचे लोणी त्यामुळेच प्रसिद्ध आहे.
अशा प्रकारे महाराष्ट्राला वैभवसंपन्न बनविणारी ही लोकमाता कृष्णामाई म्हैसूर आणि आंध्र प्रदेशासही आपले अमृतपय देऊन पुष्ट करीत आहे. या तिन्ही प्रांतांना पावन करणारी ही त्रिपथगा कृष्णागंगा पूर्वेकडे वाहत जाऊन पूर्व समुद्राल मिळते.
-शं.रा.देवळे
('भारताच्या ललाटरेषा' या नदीवरील पुस्तकातून साभार)

भीमा
bhima

भीमेला भीमरथी किंवा भीवरा ही नावे आहेत.
चालुक्य घराण्यातील बदामीचा प्रसिद्ध राजा दुसरा पुलकेशी याच्या पदरचा रविकीर्ती यास इ. स. ६३४ मध्ये एक शिलालेख खोदविला. तो 'एहोळीचा लेख' या नावाने प्रसिद्ध आहे. सदतीस संस्कृत लोकांच्या या शिलालेखात 'भीमरथी' या नावाने भीमा नदीचा उल्लेख आलेला आहे.
गेल्यावर भीमा नदीच्या उगमाचे कुंड दिसते. त्याला भीमकुंड म्हणतात. हे कुंड पुरुषभर खोल असून दगडी बांधणीचे आहे. आत छोटासा पाझर आहे. हाच भीमा नदीचा उगम. या ठिकाणी उगम पावलेली नदी मंदिरजवळ मोक्षकुंडात गेली आहे.मोक्षकुंडातून खाली एक मैलांवर प्रवाह खडकावरून कोसळतो.गुप्तपणे भीमाशंकराने तो मस्तकावर घेतला म्हणून ते गुप्त भीमाशंकर ‌!
भीमाशंकराच्या डोंगरातून उगम पावलेली ही भीमा नदी दक्षिण-वाहिनी बनून सुमारे चाळीस पन्नास मैल डोंगरदऱ्यातून धावत येते. नंतर तिचा प्रवाह मोठा बनतो. पर्वतावरील अनेक ओहोळ आणि प्रवाह तिला आपले जीवन अर्पण करतात.
देहू-आळंदीच्या प्रख्यात संतभूमीवरून वाहात आलेली प्रसिद्ध इंद्रायणी नदी आपले भक्तिप्रेमाचे विशुद्ध जीवन मोठ्या प्रेमाने भीमेला देते.या पुढेच बारा मैलांवर भीमा इंद्रायणीचा संगम तुळापूर येथे होतो.
तुळापूरपासून पुढे कोरेगावपर्यंतच्या भागात भीमेच्या उत्तर तीरावरील सुमारे दहावीस मैलांच्या परिसरात औरंगजेबाची छावणी इ. स. १६८९ च्या सुमारास काही वर्षे होती. औरंगजेबाने याच भागात छत्रपती संभाजी महाराज यांचा क्रूरपणे वध केला. औरंगजेबाच्या कैदेतून सुटून आल्यावर छत्रपती शाहू महाराजांनी आपल्या पूज्य वडिलांची समाधी भीमाकाठी वडू या गावी बांधली.
इंद्रायणीप्रमाणेच घोडनदी, सीना, मुळामुठा वगैरे अनेक नद्यांचे पाणी भीमेच्या पात्रात मिसळल्यावर ती विशाल बनते.
पंढरपूर येथे येतच भीमा नदी आकारामुळे चंद्रभागा नदी होते‌.. त्या चंद्रभागेच्या काठी वसलेली पंढरी म्हणजे महाराष्ट्राच्या भक्तिप्रेमाचे माहेर आहे.
चंद्रभागा म्हणजे भक्तिरसा-मृताची गंगा. त्या अमृतात न्हाऊन पोहून भक्त लोक पंढरीची प्रदक्षिणा करतात. चंद्रभागेच्या पात्रातून, होड्यात बसून गोपाळपुऱ्याला जातात.
गोपाळपुऱ्याजवळच विष्णुपद आहे. तेथे "देहुडा चरणी वाजवितो वेणू" असा श्रीकृष्ण गोपाळ उभा आहे.
कार्तिक मासत येथे एकादशीला भीमा वाळवंटात भजनाचा नाद घुमतो.भीमथडीच्या तट्टांनी मावळ्यांनी उत्तरेत थेट अटकेपार मजल मारली.
भीमा नदीवर चे उजनी धरण पुणे,सोलापूरची जीवनदायिनी आहे.
सोलापूर जिल्हा सोडल्यानंतर भीमा नदी म्हैसूर राज्यात प्रवेश करते आणि अमरजा नदीच्या संगमावरील श्रीक्षेत्र गंधर्वपूर म्हणजे गाणगापूर येथे श्रीगुरूंच्या कृपाप्रसादाने पावन होते.
अशाप्रकारे आठशे किलोमीटर वाहात जाऊन भीमानदी रायचूर-जवळ कृष्णा नदीला मिळते आणि आपले जीवन त्या थोर कृष्णा-माईला अर्पण करते.
-शं.रा.देवळे
('भारताच्या ललाटरेषा या नदीवरील पुस्तकातून साभार)

तुंगभद्रा
tungbhadra

शिमोग्यापासून सुमारे नऊ मैलांवर असलेल्या कुडली गावाजवळ तुंगा आणि भद्रा या दोन नद्यांचा संगम होतो. या दोन्ही नद्यांचा उगम पश्चिम घाटातील 'गंगामूल' जवळ होतो. यापैकी तुंगेचा प्रत्यक्ष उगम कडूर जिल्ह्यातील वराह पर्वतावर 'गंगामूल' या ठिकणी होतो. तुंगेच्या उगमस्थानाच्या अगदी जवळच भद्रेचे उगमस्थान आहे.
तुंगा नदी श्रृंगेरीच्या ईशान्येकडून वाहात येऊन तीर्थहळ्ळीवरून पुढे जाते. नंतर ती शिमोग्यावरून कुडलीला येते आणि तेथेच तिची सखी भद्रा तिला येऊन मिळते. भद्रा नदी तुंगेजवळ उगम पावते. ती 'बाबा बुढण' नावाच्या टेकड्यांना वळसा घालून पुढे भद्रावती व होळहुन्नूर बरून वाहात जाते आणि शेवटी कुडली येथे तुंगेला येऊन मिळते.
श्रीमत् जगद्‌गुरू आद्य शंकराचार्यानी स्थापन केलेला सुप्रसिद्ध श्रृंगेरी मठ तुंगेच्या डावीकडील तीरावर आहे. श्रीमदशंकराचायांनी भारतवर्षात स्थापन केलेल्या चार प्रसिद्ध मठांपैकी हा एक आहे.कुडली येथे तुंगा आणि भद्रा यांचा संगम झाल्यावर त्यांचा संयुक्त प्रवाह उत्तरेकडे वळून पुढे होनालीला जाऊन पोहोचतो. होनाली हे ठिकाण शिमोग्यापासून सुमारे चोवीस मैलांवर असून तुंगभद्रेच्या डाव्या तीरावर वसले आहे. हरिहर क्षेत्रावरून पुढे वाहत जाणाऱ्या तुंगभद्रा नदीला इक्केरी-जवळील वरदमूल पर्वतावर उगम पावलेली वरदा नदी गुलनाथ येथे येऊन मिळते.
भारताच्या ललाटरेषा
शंकराच्या मस्तकावर ओतले आणि शंकराचा दाह शांत करून विश्वावरील ते संकट नाहीसे केले. शंकराच्या मस्तकावरून खाली ओघळून वाहणाऱ्या वरदमूल पर्वतावरील त्या प्रवाहालाच 'वरदा हे नाव प्राप्त झाले.
वरदा नदीला आपल्यात सामावून घेऊन तुंगभद्रा नदी हंपीजवळून पुढे सरकू लागते. हल्लीचे हे हंपी म्हणजेच पूर्वीचे विद्यानगर किंवा विजयनगर होय. विजयनगरचे गोडवे गात गात पुढे जाणाऱ्या या नदीला काही अंतरावर वेदवती व हुगरी या नद्या येऊन मिळतात. वेद आणि अवती असे वेदवतीचे दोन स्वतंत्र फाटे चंद्रद्रोण अगर बाबा बुढण या पर्वतावरून निघून तुंगभद्रेला येऊन मिळतात. तुंगभद्रा पुढे पुढे वाहत जाते आणि शेवटी कर्नूलपासून थोड्या अंतरावर कृष्णेला आपले सारे जीवन समर्पित करते.
तुंगभद्रा नदीची लांबी सुमारे चारशे मैल भरेल. पावसाळ्यात फू फू करीत अत्यंत वेगाने दुथडी वाहणारी ही नदी उन्हाळ्यात मात्र अगदी कृश बनून धापा टाकीत कशीतरी पुढे सरकू लागते. तुंगभद्रा नदीचे पाणी अत्यंत मधुर आणि पाचक आहे. त्यावरून 'गंगास्नान आणि तुंगापान' ही प्रसिद्ध म्हण प्रचारात आली आहे. विजयनगरच्या राजांनी या तुंगभद्रा नदीला अनेक धरणे बांधली होती.
रामायणकाली तुंगभद्रा ही पंपा या नावाने प्रसिद्ध होती. पंपा म्हणजेच हल्लीचे हंपी. आंध्र आणि म्हैसूर या दोघांनी तुंगभद्रा जलयोजना राबविली आहे.मालापुरम येथे मोठे धरण आहे.
-शं.रा.देवळे
(भारताच्या ललाट रेषा या नदीवरील पुस्तकातून साभार)

कावेरी
kavweri

कावेरी नदीला तामीळ भाषेत "पोन्नी" हे नाव आहे. पोन्नी म्हणजे "सोन्याची नदी.” कावेरीच्या पाण्यात सोन्याची माती मिसळलेली आहे. तिच्या आसमंतात सोन्याच्या खाणी आहेत. कावेरीला मिळणाऱ्या नद्यांची नावेही हेमा, कनका अशी सुवर्णाची आहेत.
सह्याद्रीच्या दक्षिण भागाकडील ब्रह्मकपाल नावाच्या एका उंच जागी एक छोटासा तलाव आहे. त्या तलावाच्या पश्चिम तीरावर एक सुंदर मंदिर आहे. त्या मंदिरात श्रीकावेरीदेवीची अप्रतिम मूर्तीं आहे.
या भागातील उंच पर्वतराजीतील पाझरस्रोत तलावात एकत्र होतात आणि मग तेथून कावेरी नदीचा अखंड वाहणारा प्रवाह सुरू होतो.
कूर्ग प्रदेशात उगम पावून कावेरी नदी पूर्व सागराकडे, निघते. थोड्याच अंतरावर " भागमंडलम् ” येथे तिला कनका नावाची सह्यकन्या आपला सुवर्णजलराशी घेऊन मिळते. त्यानंतर डोंगरदऱ्यातील नाग-मोडी वळणे घेत घेत ती "चित्रपुरम” येथे येते. या ठिकाणी तिला आणखी एक मैत्रीण "हेमावती” येऊन मिळते.
म्हैसूरजवळ " लक्ष्मणतीर्थ" नावाची एक छोटी नदी कावेरीला मिळाल्यावर तिचा जलाशय अतिशय समृद्ध होतो. त्या जलाशयाला बांध घालून एक प्रचंड तलाव बनविला आहे. त्या विशाल तलावाला ' कृष्णराज सागर' हे नाव आहे.
कावेरीच्या पाटबंधाऱ्यामुळे म्हैसूरची भूमी सुवर्णाची बनली आहे. लाखो एकर जमीन धनधान्याने, फळफळावळीने आणि गूळ-साखरेने समृद्ध बनली आहे.
"शिवसमुद्रम " या नावाचा कावेरीचा एक प्रचंड जलप्रपात आहे. त्यावर वीज निर्माण करून म्हैसूर राज्याने आपले उद्योगधंदे, कारखाने आणि शोभा वाढविली आहे. त्या योगाने म्हैसूरची चंदनी कीतीं भारतभर पसरली आहे.
शिम्शा आणि अकीवती या दोन उपनद्यांना आपल्यात सामावून घेऊन ही कावेरीमाता म्हैसूर सोडून मद्रास राज्याला भेटते. वाटेत तिला होगेनगल या नावाचा एक प्रचंड प्रपात आहे. तेथील उंचावरून पडणाऱ्या जलतुषारांमुळे दिसणारा देखावा हिमघूसर आणि आल्हाद-कारक दिसतो.
सह्याद्रीत उगम पावून म्हैसूर आणि मद्रास या प्रदेशांना सुखी आणि संपन्न करून पूर्वेकडे वाहत जाऊन ही कावेरी नदी पूर्वसमुद्राला मिळते. तिची लांबी सुमारे पाचशे मैल आहे.
आपल्या तटाकावरील निसर्गसौंदर्य खुलवीत लाखो एकर जमिनीला अमृतपान घडवीत आणि सारा आसमंत प्रकाशित करून उद्योगधंद्यांनी समृद्ध बनवीत ही सुवर्णरेखा कावेरी आपल्या जीवनाचे सार्थक करीत आहे.
कावेरीच्या समुद्र-संगमस्थानी एक लहानसे खेडे आहे. त्याला 'काविरीपुम्पट्टिनम्' हे नाव आहे; पण याच ठिकाणी पूर्वी 'पुहार' नावाचे अत्यंत प्रचंड असे समृद्ध बंदर होते. समुद्रतटाकावरील त्या ठिकाणच्या काही भग्नावशेषांवरून उत्खनन केले असता सुमारे दोनतीन हजार वर्षापूर्वीचे वैभव आढळून आले आहे. आज कावेरीचे उगमस्थान सुंदर, तर संगमस्थान भकास दिसत आहे.
-शं.रा.देवळे
(भारताच्या ललाटरेषा या नदीवरील पुस्तकातून साभार)

#यमुना

yamuna
नगाधिराज हिमालयावर बंदरपूँछ शिखराजवळ सुमारे एकवीस हजार फूट उंचीवर या यमुनेचा जन्म झाला.
फैजाबादच्या मैदानात हिला खूप कालवे काढून लाखो एकर जमीन भिजविली आहे. 'हंसी फाटा' तर बोटींच्याही वाहतुकीस योग्य असा बनविला आहे आणि त्या विशाल यमुनाजळाचा पुरेपूर उपयोग करून घेतले.
दिल्ली, वृंदावन, मथुरा, महाबन, आग्रा, इटावा, काल्पी आणि प्रयाग वगैरे अनेक ऐतिहासिक ठिकाणे आणि पवित्र क्षेत्रे हिच्या काठी असून ती भौगोलिकदृष्ट्या फारच महत्त्वाची आहेत.
तीर्थराज प्रयाग येथे गंगा, यमुना, सरस्वती या नद्यांचा त्रिवेणी संगम आहे. त्या संगमाला पावित्र्याच्या दृष्टीने आपण अग्रपूजेचा मान देतो. तेथे केलेले स्नान, वेणीदान हे अत्यंत पुण्यकारक व सौभाग्य-वृद्धिकारक आपण मानतो.
गंगेचे निर्मळ पाणी हे सप्तरंगांचे एकत्र बनून शुभ्र झालेले तर यमुनेचे कृष्णवर्णी जल म्हणजे रंगहीन जळ. पण या पाण्याने आपल्या जीवनात केवढा रंग भरलेला आहे ! यमुना ही कृष्णरूपा आहे, कृष्णा आहे, श्रेष्ठ आहे.
यमुनेच्या काठी सर्वात अधिक शोभादायक आणि आनंददायक प्रदेश असेल तर तो मथुरा, गोकुळ, वृंदावनाच्या आसपासचा. हा भाग दिसायला जितका सुंदर तितकाच समृद्धही आहे. या भागातील हरियाणी जातीच्या गाई आपल्या सकस दुधाविषयी साऱ्या भारतात प्रसिद्ध आहे.
अलाहाबादच्या म्हणजे प्रयागच्या गंगा-यमुना संगमस्नानानंतर आग्रा-मथुरा पाहून प्रवासी दिल्लीला जातो.
यमुनाकाठचे तेथील खांडववन जाळून पांडवांनी श्रीकृष्णाच्या साह्याने तेथे इंद्रप्रस्थ नावाची राजधानी वसविली.
इंद्रप्रस्थाचे प्रस्थ संपल्यानंतर सुमारे दोन हजार वर्षानी अनंगपाळ नावाच्या तोमरराजाने शेषनागाच्या डोक्यात किल्ली ठोकून या राजधानीची वसाहत स्थापली, पण ती किल्ली ढिली पडली म्हणून पुढे या वस्तीला ढिल्ली-डिल्ली-दिल्ली हे नाव पडले.
भारताची राजधानी दिल्ली येथे आज कोणताही प्रवासी आला तरी तो यमुनेच्या काठावरील राजघाटावर जातो आणि महात्मा गांधींच्या समाधीवर फुले वाहतो. यमुनेने आपल्या तीरावर महात्मा गांधींच्या जड देहाला कायमचा विसावा दिला आहे.
भारत स्वतंत्र झाला आणि यमुनातीरावरील प्रसिद्ध लाल किल्ल्यावर स्वातंत्र्याचा झेंडा फडकला. तो सोहळा पाहून यमुनेला आनंदाचे भरते आले.
दिल्लीच्या उत्तरेस पानिपतची समरभूमी आहे. त्या कुरुक्षेत्रात अनेक प्रसिद्ध युद्धे झाली आणि त्यामुळे साम्राज्यांची उलथापालथ झाली, ती सर्व युद्धे यमुनेने उघड्या डोळ्यांनी पाहिली. हजारो - लाखो वीरांचे रक्त यमुनेच्या पाण्यात तेथे सांडले. इतके बदल यमुनेने पाहिले आणि तरीही ती स्थितप्रज्ञासारखी अजूनही शांत वाहात आहे! यमाची बहीण आहे ना ती ? ती कर्तव्यनिष्ठ आहे !
पानिपतच्या उत्तरेस फैजाबाद-सहारनपूरच्या मैदानी प्रदेशात यमुनेचे पाणी अत्यंत संथ आहे. त्या ठिकाणी यमुना नदीला बंधारे घालून अनेक कालवे केले आहे.
मैदानी प्रदेशात येण्यापूर्वी ही यमुनाराणी शिवालिकच्या पहाडी प्रदेशात उड्या आणि वळणे घेत अगदी माहेरवासिनीप्रमाणे स्वच्छेद विहार करते. पर्वतप्रदेश म्हणजे जणू दुसरा स्वर्गच ! तेथील अति-रम्य वनश्री, ती दुर्गमता आणि ते तेथील रहिवासी लोक सगळे गूढ स्वगींयच ! डेहराडूनच्या त्या डोंगरी भागात तमसा नदीप्रमाणे अनेक लहानमोठ्या नद्या व सहस्रावधी स्त्रोत या सूर्यकन्येच्या भेटीला घावत येतात.
एकदा यमुनेला भेटायला त्या पर्वताखालून प्रत्यक्ष गंगाच आली. कोणा एका भक्तासाठी हा संगम या नद्यांनी केला अशी गोष्ट सांगतात, अद्यापही त्यांची खूण म्हणून या भागात यमुनाकाठी 'गंगानी' नावाचे कुंड आहे. त्या कुंडात गंगा-यमुनेचा गुप्त संगम आहे.
मुळातच आश्चर्याची गोष्ट अशी आहे की, गंगेच्या अगोदर यमुनेचा जन्म आहे. मूळ नदी यमुना ! तिच्यानंतर कालान्तरा ने गंगाव तरण झाले व मग ती यमुनेला जाऊन मिळाली. यमुनेच्याच प्रवाहात मिळून ती शेवटपर्यंत वाहात गेली.
गंगानी या तीर्थांच्या उत्तरेला पर्वताच्या चढणीने सुमारे बारा कोस चढून गेल्यावर आपणांस ' यमुनोत्री' हे ठिकाण पाहावयास मिळेल. हे ठिकाण समुद्रसपाटीपासून सुमारे अकरा हजार फूट उंचीवर आहे. तेच यमुनेचे उगमस्थान मानतात. तेथे यमुनेच्या मूर्तीचे एक छोटेसे सुंदर मंदिर आहे. मूर्तीचे आसन कासवाचे बनविले आहे - कारण यमुनेत कासवे फार !
या ठिकाणी हिमालयाच्या उंच भागातून दोन अमृतस्रोत खाली वाहात येतात व त्या शुभ्र रुपेरी प्रपातांचा संगम एका सुंदर कुंडात होतो. हेच ते पवित्र 'जन्मोत्री' स्थान. येथे अतिथंड व अतिउष्ण अशा विविध प्रकारच्या जलांची अनेक कुंडे आहेत.
येथे सतत धुके पसरलेले असते. येथून पुढे उंच हिमालयात सुमारे आणखी दहा हजार फूट चढून गेल्यावरच तेथे खरा यमुनेचा उगम आपणास दिसेल, पण त्या सुमेरूपर्वत भागात कोण जाणार ?
अशी ही यमुना नदी ! भारतीयांच्या जीवनात तिने गंगेप्रमाणेच तिच्या जोडीला जोड अशी श्रेष्ठ महती प्राप्त करून घेतलेली आहे.
-शं.रा.देवळे
(भारताच्या ललाटरेषा या नदीवरील पुस्तकातून साभार)

गंगा
ganga

स्वर्गातील गंगा प्रथम हिमालयावर उतरली. भगीरथाच्या तपस्थाना-जवळ या पवित्र गंगेचे अवतरण झाले. स्वर्गातून येणारा तिचा प्रचंड वेगवान स्त्रोत भगवान श्रीशंकरांनी आपल्या जटेत सामावून घेतला आणि गंगेचा गर्व हरण केला. नंतर त्यांनी जटेतून तो गंगाप्रवाह सोडला.
काळ्या डोंगरातून गंगेची रुपेरी धार वाहू लागली. त्या स्थानाला 'गंगोत्री' म्हणू लागले. हे स्थळ समुद्रसपाटीपासून सुमारे २ मैल उंच आहे. नक्की ठिकाण-उत्तर अक्षांश ३१, पूर्वरेखांश ८०, उंची १३८०० फूट !
गंगोत्रीपासून हरिद्वारपर्यंत या प्रचंड वेगवान नदीच्या एका प्रवाहाला 'अलकनंदा' असे नाव आहे. ही पवित्र अलकनंदा भागीरथीनावाच्या प्रवाहासह देवपवागरासून पुढे वाहत जाते.
देवप्रयागचा आसमंत अत्यंत मनोहर व भव्य आहे. देवदाराचे वृक्ष, साल कन्हेरी, हिरवट निळ्या टेकड्या यांमुळे अलकनंदा व भागीरथी यांचे संगमस्थान फारच आल्हाददायी वाटते. येथे पितरांना पिंडदान करणे हे फारच पुष्पकारक मानतात.
गंगोत्रीपासून देवप्रयाग, हृषीकेश वगैरे पवित्र क्षेत्रांची यात्रा म्हणजे हिमालयाची यात्रा असते. हरिद्वारला ही गंगा येते तेव्हा ती हिमालय उतरून मैदानी प्रदेशात आलेली समजतात.
पवित्र क्षेत्र म्हणून हरिद्वारला फारच मोठा मान आहे. येथे गंगेला सुंदर सुंदर असे अनेक भव्य घाट बांधलेले आहेत. घाटाघाटावर शेकडो मंदिरेही बांधलेली आहेत. या ठिकाणी हिंदुस्थानातून लाखो लोक नित्य गंगास्नानासाठी येत असतात.
हरिद्वार सोडल्यावर ही गंगामाता पांडवाची प्राचीन राजधानी हस्तिनापूर येथे येते. या ठिकाणी गंगेने दुष्यंत, भरत आणि पांडव यांचे वैभव पाहिले. या ठिकाणी झालेला विनाशही तिने शांतपणे पाहिला.
हस्तिनापूरच्या ऐतिहासिक आठवणींना उजळीत उजळीत गंगेचा प्रवाह गढ़मुक्तेश्वर आणि इतर गावांचे धर्मवैभव पहात आणि रामगंगेचे जीवन आपल्या जीवनात सामावून घेत पुढे कानपूरला जातो.
कानपूरच्या गंगेला कनोजच्या अत्तराचा सुगंध आहे. कनोजच्या इतिहासप्रसिद्ध राजांचा कीर्तिगंधही त्यात मिसळलेला आहे आणि कानपूर येथील उद्योगधंद्यांची गडबडही त्यातच मिसळून गेली आहे. कानपूरची गंगा त्रिविध स्वरूपाची आहे.
कानपूर म्हणजे उद्योगधंद्यांनी गजबजून गेलेली नगरी. मागांचा खडखडाट, कमावलेल्या कातड्याच्या हरतदेच्या वस्तू, पोलादाचे कारखाने, रेयॉनची गिरणी, साखरेचे सुप्रसिद्ध कारखाने, औषधांच्या प्रयोगशाळा वगैरे हजारो धंदे येथे आहेत.
कानपूरचा इतिहास म्हणजे १८५७ च्या स्वातंत्र्य संग्रामाची मूर्ति संत स्मारके, विठूर किंवा ब्रह्मावर्त येथील पेशव्यांचे वाडे. इतिहासाच्या या स्मृती आपल्या समृद्ध जीवनात सामावून घेत घेत गंगा नदी पुढे अपाठ्याने निघते.
प्रयाग किंवा अलाहाबाद येथे आल्यावर गंगेचा प्रवाह शांत होतो. या ठिकाणी गंगेला तिची सखी यमुना येऊन मिळते. यमुनेचे कृष्णजल, सोचे विशुद्ध शुभ्र वारी आणि त्या दोहोंमध्ये गुप्तपणे वाहणाऱ्या सरस्वतीचे पाणी या तीन नद्यांचा तो त्रिवेणी संगम अत्यंत पवित्र आहे.
प्रयागच्या त्रिवेणी संगमाचा अद्वितीय असा सुंदर देखाबा पाहून अनेक कवींनी काव्य केले आहे. त्यातील नरहरी कवीच्या या काव्य पंक्ती पाहा:
भागीरथीचे अतिशुभ्र वारी काळी दिसे सूर्यसुताहि भारी दोघीमधे जे जल लाल आहे सरस्वती ती प्रगटोनि वाहे ।
प्रयाग संगमावरील कुंभमेळा फारच प्रचंड असतो. येथील पंड्या-जवळ लाखो लोकांच्या शेकडो वर्षापासूनच्या वंशावळ्या लिहिलेल्या वह्या आहेत.
प्रयाग हे आर्याचे प्राचीन प्रसिद्ध शहर आहे. द्रविडांची राजधानी लंका. तेथून पुष्पक विमान जे उड्डाण घेई ते प्रथम प्रयागला येऊन उत्तरे, असे म्हणतात. या प्रयागक्षेत्रात आर्य, अनार्य, द्रविड या तिन्ही संस्कृतींचा पवित्र त्रिवेणी संगम होई.
येथील किल्ल्याच्या तळघरात अत्यंत जुना असा प्रचंड वटवृक्ष आहे.
प्रयाग म्हणजे देवभूमी, दुसरे नंदनवन. म्हणूनच मोगल काळात या अलाहाबादला मोगल सम्राट आपला तळ देऊन राहात असत. अकबर-औरंगजेबाच्या सैन्यासारख्या विराट सैन्याला सावली पुरविणारे येथील प्रचंड वृक्ष, घनदाट आंबराया आणि भव्य मजबूत किल्ले आजही त्या गोष्टींची साक्ष देत आहेत.
मोगलांच्या कितीतरी पूर्वी भारताच्या महान सम्राट अशोक याने प्रयागक्षेत्री आपला एक प्रचंड स्तंभ उभा केलेला होता. तो अद्याप अशोकाची कीर्तिध्वजा फडकावीत उभा आहे.
अशा प्रकारे बहुविध कार्याचा संगम साधून हा गंगानद पुढे पूर्वेकडे संथपणे वाहात जातो.
शहाजहानपूरच्या विणकरांना आपल्या वस्त्रविद्येत गंगाजलाचे पावित्र्य मिळते. तेथील मोगल कारागीर त्यामुळेच फार प्रसिद्ध होते. तेथील फुटका बुरुज पाहून तेथील गतवैभवाची साक्ष पटते. तीच गत मिर्झापूर या गावाची !
काशी किंवा वाराणशी या क्षेत्राला बनारस हेही नाव आहे. या क्षेत्रापाशी ही थोर परमपावनी गंगा येते तेव्हां तिचे पात्र फारच रुंद बनते. प्रवाह अत्यंत संथ होतो आणि स्नानाला, प्रवासाला, व्यापाराला हे पात्र फारच सोयीचे होते. येथे गंगेच्या ऐन प्रवाहात हजारो मचवे सतत असतात. येथील गंगेच्या काठावर अनेक घाटांवर शेकडो लोक नित्य वास्तव्य करतात.
काशी येथील विश्वेश्वर-मंदिर, काळभैरव मंदिर, मनकर्णिका घाट, दशाश्वमेध घाट आणि संत तुळसीदासांचे मारुतीमंदिर वगैरे अनेक स्थळे प्रेक्षणीय आहेत. तेथे भाविकांची आणि यात्रेकरूंची सतत गर्दी असते.
हिंदू संस्कृतीचे व विद्येचे केंद्र म्हणून फार पूर्वीपासून काशीक्षेत्र प्रसिद्ध आहे. आजही तेथे पं. मदनमोहन मालवीय यांनी स्थापिलेले हिंदू विश्वविद्यालय ज्ञानदानाचे महान कार्य करीत आहे.
काशीच्या पुढे चार मैलांवर सारनाथ आहे. बुद्धधर्मीयांचे ते अधि पवित्र क्षेत्र. येथील मूलगंध-कुटिविहार वगैरे भागात पूजा, आरती व जयघोषांनी वातावरण दुमदुमून जाते.
गोमती, घोग्रा, गंडकी वगैरे हिमकन्यका उड्या घेत येऊन गंगेला मिळतात. शोणभद्र, शरयू वगैरेंच्या जलराशी गंगेच्या जळात मिळतात. त्यामुळे बिहार प्रांतात गंगेचे पात्र एक मैलापेक्षाही जास्त रुंद आणि विशाल होते.
चुनारगडाच्या किल्लयाजवळून गंगा वाहात जाते आणि पाटलीपुत्र किंवा पाटण्याजवळ येते. पाटणा हे इतिहासप्रसिद्ध शहर. तेथील गंगेने त्या थोर शहराचा सारा इतिहास समक्ष पाहिलेला आहे.
नंद घराण्याचा शेवट, चाणक्याची नीती, चंद्रगुप्त मौर्याचे शौर्य, सेल्युकस निकेटर, मेगॅस्थनीस या परकीय प्रवाशांची स्तुती, अशोकाचे धर्मपरिवर्तन, समुद्रगुप्ताचा सुवर्णकाळ, गुरुगोविंदसिंगाचे जन्मस्थळ आणि महेंद्राचे सीलोन-प्रयाण वगैरे अनेक घटना येथे घडल्या. भारताच्या पहिल्या राष्ट्रपतींनीं येथेच चिरनिद्रा केली. त्या बाबू राजेंद्रप्रसादांच्या समाधीला वंदन करून गंगाप्रवाहातून आपण पुढे जातो तेव्हा आणखी काही प्रसंग आपल्या डोळ्यांना दिसतात. त्यांपैकी येथील कार्तिक शुद्ध षष्ठी व सप्तमी या दिवशी होणारा सूर्यपूजेचा समारंभ फारच प्रेक्षणीय असतो.
कोसी ही गंगेची उपनदी. ती हिमालयात उगम पावून नेपाळ आणि बिहारमधून वाहात येऊन गंगेला मिळते. या नदीला मोठाले पूर येतात आणि त्यामुळे फार नुकसान होते. हे नुकसान टाळण्यासाठी या नदीवर नेपाळमध्ये वराहक्षेत्र येथे एक आणि बिहारमध्ये एक अशी दोन धरणे बांधली जात आहेत. या धरणांमुळे तीस लक्ष एकर जमिनीस पाणी-पुरवठा होणार आहे आणि बीस हजार किलोवॅट वीज निर्माण होणार आहे.
मयूराक्षी ही गंगेची आणखी एक उपनदी आहे. पश्चिम बंगाल सरकारने मयूराक्षी नदीवर 'मोर योजना' किंवा 'मयूराक्षी योजना' आखली आहे.
पुढे ब्रह्मपुत्रा नदीशी भेट झाल्यावर गंगेला पुनः सहस्रधारा फुटतात. पद्मा हे नाव धारण करून हा प्रचंड नद पुढे सरकतो. कलकत्त्या जवळ हुगळी हे नाव गंगेच्या एका फाट्याला मिळाले आहे. याच फाट्यावर गंगासागर हे विशाल जलक्षेत्र आहे.
हुगळी नदीवरील भव्य प्रचंड आणि भक्कम असा हावडा पूल हे कलकत्त्यचे एक महान भूषण आहे.
दामोदर नदी ही गंगेची उपनदी आहे. ती छोटा नागपूरच्या प्रदेशात उगम पावते. तेथून ती पूर्वेकडे बिहार आणि बंगालमधून वाहात जाऊन हुगळी या गंगेच्या फाट्यास मिळते. या नदीला प्रचंड पूर येऊन भोवतालच्या प्रदेशात फार नुकसान होत असते. म्हणून तिला 'दुःखाची नदी' म्हणत. पुरापासून होणारे नुकसान टाळण्यासाठी आणि शेतीला पाणीपुरवठा करण्यासाठी ही नदी व तिच्या उपनद्या यांवर एकंदर आठ धरणे व वीजघरे बांधण्याची योजना आहे. त्यासाठी शंभर ते सव्वाशे कोटी रुपये खर्च होणार आहेत. हे काम व्यवस्थित होण्या-साठी 'दामोदर व्हॅली कॉर्पोरेशन' स्थापन झाले आहे. ही योजना पूर्ण झाली म्हणजे पुराचे नियंत्रण होईल, मलेरियाच्या साथीला आळा बसेल, दहा लक्ष एकर जमीन लागवडीखाली येईल. जमशेदपूर व सिंद्री येथील कारखान्यांना भरपूर वीजपुरवठा होईल.
बंगाल प्रांतातच गंगेला 'जाह्नवी' असे नाव मिळाले. कारण जहनु राजाने त्या स्वर्गातून आलेल्या गर्विष्ठ गंगेचे पाणी एका आचमनात पिऊन टाकून तिचा गर्व हरण केला. नंतर भगीरथाच्या नम्र प्रार्थनेने लोककल्याणासाठी त्या जन्दू राजाने तो गंगाप्रवाह आपल्या कानातून पुनः बाहेर सोडला. तेव्हा ती गंगा जान्हवी बनली. त्या जान्ह्वी गंगेने पुढे सगरपुत्रांचा उद्धार केला त्या ठिकाणी सुंदरबन बनले.
राजा भगीरथाच्या प्रयत्नाने स्वर्गातील पवित्र गंगा भूलोकावर अवतरली, तो सुदिन म्हणजे ज्येष्ठ महिन्यातील शुद्ध दशमी तिथीचा दिन होता. त्या दिवशी दशहरा उत्सव मोठ्या थाटाने आपण करतो. मकराच्या पाठोवर उभ्या असलेल्या गंगेच्या सुंदर मृतांची पूजा गंगा-तटकी येथे होतो.
सवाकी प्रत्येक क्षेत्रात त्या दिवशी मोठ्या भक्तिभावाने करतात.
कलकत्याच्या दुर्गापूजेचा घाट पाहून गंगेच्या सहस्त्र धारा सुंदरबनाच्या चक्रव्यूहात शिरतात आणि नंतर ब्रह्मपुत्रेच्या जलराशीसह बंगालच्या सागराला आपले जीवन अर्पण करतात.
समुद्रात शिरलेल्या गंगेचा प्रचंड प्रवाह हा इतक्या खोलवर वेगाने शिरतो की, तेथून जलप्रवास करणे धाडसाचे व कौशल्याचेच काम झाले आहे. तेथील उसळणाऱ्या प्रचंड लाटांनी इ. स. १८७६ साली एक लाख लोक गिळले, असे सांगतात.
-शं.रा.देवळे
(भारताच्या ललाटरेषा या नदीवरील पुस्तकातून साभार)

Tuesday, March 25, 2025

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Jasmalnathji Mahadev Temple, Asoda, Gujarat

Jasmalnathji Mahadev Temple is a Hindu Temple dedicated to Lord Shiva located in Asoda Village in Vijapur Taluk in Mehsana District in the Indian state of Gujarat. The temple is locally known as Vaijnath Mahadev Temple. The temple is Monument of National Importance protected and maintained by Archeological Survey of India.

History

The temple is believed to be built in 12^th century CE. The temple suffered destruction at the hands of Allauddin Khilji.

The Temple

This temple is in the Panchayatana style of architecture. Panchayatana is an architectural style where the main shrine is built on a raised platform with four smaller subsidiary shrines at the four corners and making it a total of five shrines. Out of four subsidiary shrines, three shrines are intact and only the lower portion of the south west corner shrine remains. The main shrine is facing towards east.

It consists of sanctum, antrala, sabha mandapa and torana. The main shikara is built in a steep mountain shape or form, symbolic of Mount Meru which is said to be the mythical source of creation of the world. The shikara has richly decorated roofs which rise in a grand form terminating in the shikara.

The south western and north western shrines are dedicated to Surya and Vishnu respectively and are facing east. The front two shrines are dedicated to Sakthi and Ganesha. The south eastern shrine is facing towards north while the north eastern shrine is facing towards south. The exterior walls of the shrines are richly decorated with sculptures of Hindu deities, animals, floral motifs and geometrical patterns.

Connectivity

The temple is located at about 5 Kms from Kukarwada, 6 Kms from Kukarwada Bus Stand, 9 Kms from Vasai, 17 Kms from Visnagar, 17 Kms from Visnagar Bus Stand, 17 Kms from Visnagar Railway Station, 20 Kms from Mansa, 22 Kms from Vijapur, 28 Kms from Mehsana, 47 Kms from Gandhinagar, 67 Kms from Ahmedabad Airport and 71 Kms from Ahmedabad. The temple is situated on Visnagar to Mansa route.

Location

Jasmalnathji Mahadev Temple, Asoda, Gujarat

History

The temple is believed to be built in 12^th century CE. The temple suffered destruction at the hands of Allauddin Khilji.

The Temple

Connectivity

Location

Kalika Mata Temple, New Dhrevad, Gujarat

Kalika Mata Temple is a Hindu Temple dedicated to Goddess Kali, located in New Dhrevad in Devbhumi Dwaraka District in the Indian state of Gujarat. The temple was built in 7^th century CE by Maitraka Dynasty. The temple is protected as a monument of national importance by the Archaeological Survey of India and is maintained by ASI Vadodara Circle.

The Temple

This Temple is facing towards east. The Temple follows Vimanakara type due to its shikhara with neo-Dravidic subtype. The temple consists of sanctum, antrala, maha mandapa and mukha mandapa. The mukha mandapa seems to be of later addition. There are four bhadraka type pillars in the centre of the maha mandapa. The mandapa hall is closed from sides with plain walls.

There is a window at the centre with a corrugated hood and trefoil chaitya dormer above it. This is a sandhara temple, having common ambulatory passage around its sanctum with its adhisthana (base) visible at the few places. There is no deity inside the sanctum. There are some idols placed inside now. The sanctum is crowned with five tiered shikara. It is crowned by amalaka with a kalasha on top of it.

Connectivity

The temple is located at about 11 Kms from Gorinja Railway Station, 18 Kms from Dwarka Railway Station, 19 Kms from Dwarka, 19 Kms from Dwarka Bus Stand, 116 Kms from Porbandar and 117 Kms from Porbandar Airport. The temple is situated at about 2.5 Kms from New Dhrevad on Dwarka to Porbandar route.

Location

Mahadeva Temple, Kakanpur, Gujarat

Mahadeva Temple is a Hindu Temple dedicated to Lord Shiva located in Kakanpur Village in Godhra Taluk in Panchmahal District in the Indian state of Gujarat. The temple is believed to be built in 14^th century CE. The Temple is one of the state protected monuments in Gujarat declared by Archaeological Survey of India.

The Temple

This temple is facing towards east and is completely in ruined state. The temple originally consisted of three distinct shrines with their respective shikaras, mandapas and entrance porches. All these shrines are joined with one another laterally. The mandapas and entrance porches of the central and northern shrine remains but the southern shrine is lost completely except the base.

The sanctum of all the three shrines were lost. The remaining two mandapas and their covering domes are almost complete and were profusely carved. The temple is richly carved with carvings of Hindu deities, social scenes, war scenes, animals, floral motifs and geometric patterns. The sculptures and architectural fragments can be found scattered around the temple premises.

Connectivity

The temple is located at about 6 Kms from Tuwa Railway Station, 17 Kms from Godhra Junction Railway Station, 18 Kms from Godhra, 18 Kms from Godhra Bus Stand, 31 Kms from Thasra, 115 Kms from Ahmedabad and 119 Kms from Ahmedabad Airport. The temple is situated at about 5 Kms from Veganpur on Godhra to Thasra route.

Location

Gokeshwar Mahadev Temple, Lovrali, Gujarat

Gokeshwar Mahadev Temple is a Hindu Temple dedicated to Lord Shiva located in Lovrali Village in Okhamandal Taluk in Devbhumi Dwarka District, in the Indian state of Gujarat. The Temple is one of the state protected monuments in Gujarat declared by Archaeological Survey of India.

The Temple

The temple is facing towards east and stands over a low raised platform. The temple consists of sanctum, antrala, sabha mandapa and mukha mandapa. Nandi can be found in the sabha mandapa facing towards the sanctum. The sanctum enshrines the presiding deity, Gokeshwar Mahadev, in the form of Shiva Linga within circular yonipitha. The sanctum is crowned with nagara style shikara.

Connectivity

The temple is located at about 6 Kms from Dhinaki, 8 Kms from Gorinja Railway Station, 20 Kms from Dwarka, 20 Kms from Dwarka Railway Station, 20 Kms from Dwarka Bus Stand, 31 Kms from Limabde, 115 Kms from Jamnagar Airport and 214 Kms from Rajkot. The temple is situated at about 6 Kms from Dhinaki on Dwaraka to Limabde route.

Location

Galteshwar Temple, Sarnal – The Temple

This temple is facing towards east and follows bhumija style of architecture. The temple consists of sanctum, antrala and sabha mandapa. The sabha mandapa is octagonal on plan. The roof of the mandapa is supported by eight inner pillars and sixteen outer smaller pillars. The smaller pillars have the smaller shaft, capital, and the brackets. The inner pillars have a square base with cut corners followed by two small necks.

It is followed by the square shaft for the one-third height of the pillar, then octagonal for the half of the height of the pillar, then smaller sixteen-sided shaft and then a circular shaft decorated with a band of the kirtimukhas. It is crowned by the capital with dripping leaves ornamentation separated from the shaft by the narrow neck. The brackets have dwarfs and the kirtimukhas.

The sub-capital is vase shaped and the brackets is ornamented with dwarfs and volutes. They do not have padmashila carving. The eight-sided mandapa has several projecting angles similar to Chaulukya temples in Gujarat like the sun temple of Modhera, Somnath temple and Sejakpur temple. The mandapa is in the crucifix form. It has three bhujas instead of usual two bhujas in the rear part.

The sanctum is square on plan and is situated at lower level to the mandapa. The sanctum doorway is profusely ornamented with rupa stambhas of Abu style. The superstructure over the sanctum and mandapa were collapsed in 1908. The shikara over the sanctum follows bhumija style of architecture with Chaulukya influence. The sanctum is circular in shape from outside with a diameter of 24 feet with numerous projections and recesses.

The recesses have seven niches with the images of dikpalas, the guardian deities of the eight directions. The front wall of the shrine proper is carved with ornamentation and figures which include different forms of Shiva which are now badly mutilated. The figures and carvings include gandharvas, ascetics, horse riders, elephant riders, chariots, palanquins and the events of life, from birth to death.

Galteshwar Temple, Sarnal, Gujarat

Galteshwar Temple is a Hindu Temple dedicated to Lord Shiva located in Sarnal Village near Dakor in Thasra Taluk in Kheda District, in the Indian state of Gujarat. The temple is situated at the confluence of the Galti and Mahi rivers. The temple is named after the Galti river. The temple is the Monument of National Importance protected by the Archaeological Survey of India.

Legends

Unfinished Shikara:

As per local folklore, Lord Shiva himself constructed this temple. He started the construction in night time as he did not want anyone to see him. He could not able to finish the construction before dawn. Hence, he left it unfinished. Thus, the people believe that the dome is left unfinished.

Ashram of Sage Galav:

Sage Galav of puranic fame is said to have lived in his ashram, located in the confluence of the rivers Mahi and Galati.

History

The temple is believed to be built in 12^th century CE by the Solanki Dynasty. The temple suffered destruction at the hands of Muhammad Ghazni during his invasion of Gujarat. The top portion of the shikara was lost during his onslaught on the Hindu temples in Gujarat.

The Temple

For brief details, please refer below link;

https://hindutemples-india.blogspot.com/2022/01/galteshwar-temple-sarnal-temple.html

Connectivity

The temple is located at about 4 Kms from Ambav Railway Station, 8 Kms from Thasra, 10 Kms from Valavav, 16 Kms from Dakor Bus Stand, 17 Kms from Dakor, 65 Kms from Vadodara, 71 Kms from Kheda, 91 Kms from Ahmedabad and 97 Kms from Ahmedabad Airport. The temple is situated on Ambav to Valavav route.

Location

Chaumukh Mahadev Temple, Hathrol, Gujarat

Chaumukh Mahadev Temple is a Hindu Temple dedicated to Lord Shiva located in Hathrol Village in Himatnagar Taluk in Sabarkantha District, in the Indian state of Gujarat. The temple is recently constructed but the Shiva Linga seems to be ancient. The Temple is one of the state protected monuments in Gujarat declared by Archaeological Survey of India.

The Temple

The Temple consists of sanctum with four entrance porch on four cardinal directions. The temple stands over a raised platform. The sanctum enshrines the presiding deity, Chaumukh Mahadev in the form of Chathur Mukha Linga (Linga with four faces) within circular yonipitha. The sanctum also houses marble idols of Parvathy and Ganesha. There is a square shaped step well in the temple premises.

Connectivity

The Temple is located at about 3 Kms from Hathrol, 7 Kms from Ranasan, 13 Kms from Gambhoi, 19 Kms from Viravada, 29 Kms from Himatnagar Junction Railway Station, 30 Kms from Himatnagar, 80 Kms from Gandhinagar, 85 Kms from Ahmedabad Airport and 94 Kms from Ahmedabad. The Temple is situated on Ranasan to Gambhoi route.

Location

Pipaji Temple, Todaraisingh, Rajasthan

Pipaji Temple is a Hindu Temple dedicated to Lord Vishnu located in Todaraisingh Town in Todaraisingh Taluk in Tonk District, in the western Indian state of Rajasthan. The Temple is situated at the foothills inside the municipal area. This temple is protected as monuments of national importance by the central Archaeological Survey of India.

History

The temple is believed to be built in 15^th century CE. Todaraisingh Town was founded by Rai Singh Solanki in 593 CE. The town was named after himself. Todaraisingh means settlement of Rai Singh.

The Temple

This temple is facing towards west and stands over a high raised platform. The temple is built over an underground step-well and in dilapidated state. The temple consists of sanctum, antrala and sabha mandapa with an entrance porch. The sabha mandapa is enclosed by lower parapet walls with kakasanas in the interior. The sabha mandapa is square on plan and the pillars are intricately carved showing ghatapallava design, kirtimukha and bell motifs.

The sabha mandapa and the entrance porch portico are roofless. The sanctum is pancharatha on plan. The doorway of the sanctum has three bands of decoration. Vaishnava dvarapalas can be seen at the base of the doorjamb. The lintel of the sanctum has an image of Ganesha. There is no idol in the sanctum. The shikara over the sanctum would have followed nagara style.

Connectivity

The Temple is located at about 2 Kms from Todaraisingh Bus Stand, 38 Kms from Kekri, 40 Kms from Tonk, 129 Kms from Pushkar, 116 Kms from Ajmer Junction Railway Station, 116 Kms from Jaipur Airport and 131 Kms from Jaipur. The temple is situated on Todaraisingh to Kekri route.

Location

Kalyanraiji Temple, Todaraisingh, Rajasthan

Kalyanraiji Temple is a Hindu Temple dedicated to Lord Vishnu located in Todaraisingh Town in Todaraisingh Taluk in Tonk District, in the western Indian state of Rajasthan. This temple is protected as monuments of national importance by the central Archaeological Survey of India.

Legends

As per legend, an apsara from Indra Loka had to spend twelve years in earth due to a curse she incurred. A local king named Digva offended her during her stay in earth. She got angry and cursed him to be afflicted with leprosy. The king performed penance on Lord Vishnu to get relief from the curse. Pleased with his penance, Lord Vishnu conveyed the king that his idol will appear at the seashore and the king should build a temple to house the idol through divine voice. As conveyed, he traced the idol, brought it and installed here.

History

The temple is believed to be built in 16^th century CE. Todaraisingh Town was founded by Rai Singh Solanki in 593 CE. The town was named after himself. Todaraisingh means settlement of Rai Singh.

The Temple

This temple is facing towards east and stands over high raised platform. The temple consists of sanctum, antrala and pillared sabha mandapa. The sanctum is pancharatha on plan. The doorway of the sanctum has five bands of decoration and is intricately carved. The lintel of the sanctum has an image of Ganesha. The sanctum enshrines an image of Kalyanraiji.

The sikhara is curvilinear with urushringas and karnashringas and a short griva surmounted by amalaka. The bhadra niches enshrines images of Uma Mahesvara on the north, Trimurthy on the west and Durga on the south. There is a unique sculpture of Dholamaru on camel shown on the eastern exterior wall of the pillared sabha mandapa on either side of the entrance.

Connectivity

The Temple is located at about 1.55 Kms from Todaraisingh Bus Stand, 38 Kms from Kekri, 40 Kms from Tonk, 129 Kms from Pushkar, 116 Kms from Ajmer Junction Railway Station, 116 Kms from Jaipur Airport and 131 Kms from Jaipur. The temple is situated on Todaraisingh to Kekri route.

Location

Kala Pahar Temple, Todaraisingh, Rajasthan

Kala Pahar Temple is a Hindu Temple dedicated to Lord Vishnu located in Todaraisingh Town in Todaraisingh Taluk in Tonk District, in the western Indian state of Rajasthan. The Temple is situated atop Kala Pahar Hill. This temple is protected as monuments of national importance by the central Archaeological Survey of India.

History

The temple is believed to be built during the medieval period. Todaraisingh Town was founded by Rai Singh Solanki in 593 CE. The town was named after himself. Todaraisingh means settlement of Rai Singh.

The Temple

This temple is facing towards east and is pancharatha on plan. The temple is originally said to have consisted of sanctum, antarala and sabha mandapa with kakshasanas and an entrance porch. The doorway of the sanctum has five bands of decoration. The sanctum is square on plan. Sculptures of incarnations of Lord Vishnu, Navagraha panel, wrestling scenes, mithuna figures and various Hindu deities can be seen scattered around the temple. There is an ancient tank situated near to the temple.

Connectivity

Location

Gopinathji Temple, Todaraisingh, Rajasthan

Gopinathji Temple is a Hindu Temple dedicated to Lord Vishnu located in Todaraisingh Town in Todaraisingh Taluk in Tonk District, in the western Indian state of Rajasthan. The Temple is also called as Laxmi Narayan Temple. This temple is protected as monuments of national importance by the central Archaeological Survey of India.

History

The temple is believed to be built in 17^th century CE. Todaraisingh Town was founded by Rai Singh Solanki in 593 CE. The town was named after himself. Todaraisingh means settlement of Rai Singh.

The Temple

This temple is facing towards east and stands over a raised platform. The raised platform has a circumbulatory path around the temple. The temple is pancharatha on plan. The temple consists of sanctum, antrala and sabha mandapa with an entrance porch. The sabha mandapa is enclosed by lower parapet walls with kakasanas in the interior. The pillars of the sabha mandapa are intricately carved showing ghatapallava design. The doorway of the sanctum has three bands of decoration.

The lintel of the sanctum has an image of Ganesha. The sanctum enshrines an image of Gopinathji with his consort. The sikhara is curvilinear with urushringas and karnashringas surmounted by amalaka. The base of the temple is richly carved with kirtimukhas, elephants, horses, human, Lakshmi Narayana, Nardana Ganesha, Varaha, Narsimha, Gaja Lakshmi, etc. The exterior walls are decorated with sculptures of Lakulisa, Vishnu, Ushtra Vahini, mithuna figures and female figures in various postures.

Connectivity

Location

Mahadeva Temple, Charchoma, Rajasthan

Mahadeva Temple is a Hindu Temple dedicated to Lord Shiva located in Charchoma Village in Digod Taluk in Kota District in the western Indian state of Rajasthan. The temple is situated on the western banks of Kali Sindh river. This temple is protected as monuments of national importance by the central Archaeological Survey of India.

Legends

As per legend, a Solanki queen had been pregnant for 12 years, but her fetus did not grow. The queen along with the king went on pilgrimage and reached Charchoma from Mandsor. They prayed to Lord Shiva for the growth of the fetus and safe delivery of the baby. They started to live near the temple and prayed to Lord Shiva continuously. Pleased with their prayers, they were blessed with a baby. In gratitude, the king built a grand temple for Lord Shiva here.

History

The temple is believed to be built during the Gupta period. There are two Brahmi inscriptions with Gupta letters found in this temple. The temple had been extensively renovated during the 19^th century CE.

The Temple

This temple is facing towards east and stands over a raised platform. The temple consists of a sanctum, an antarala and a sabha mandapa. The sabha mandapa is rectangular on plan and has a flat roof. The sanctum is square on plan and supported by four pillars. The sanctum enshrines a Chathur Mukha Linga (four faced Linga) and is made of black stone. The sanctum is crowned with nagara style shikara. There is a black stone image of Sakthi can be seen at the back of the temple. The pillars are decorated with floral motifs and geometrical patterns. There is a stepwell at the lower elevation from the temple.

Festivals

Shivaratri is the most famous festival celebrated here. Anantchaturdashi in the month of Bhadwa is also celebrated here.

Connectivity

The Temple is located at about 10 Kms from Simliya Bus Stand, 12 Kms from Bhonra Railway Station, 12 Kms from Deoli, 17 Kms from Digod, 32 Kms from Sangod, 32 Kms from Kota Airport, 37 Kms from Kota and 50 Kms from Baran. The temple is situated at about 10 Kms from Simliya on Kota to Baran route.

Location

Siddheshwar Temple, Krosjhuri, West Bengal

Siddheshwar Temple is a Hindu Temple dedicated to Lord Shiva located in Krosjhuri village in Kashipur block in Purulia District in the Indian state of West Bengal. The temple has been classified as a state protected monument by the Archaeological Survey of India (ASI).

The Temple

The temple complex has two entrances. The main entrance has idol of lion on either side guarding the shrine. The temple is a new structure built over the remains of an ancient structure. The temple is rectangular on plan. and has a small shikara over the sanctum. The sanctum enshrines the presiding deity, Siddheshwar, in the form of Shiva Linga.

The Linga might be the original Linga from the ancient temple. The remains of the ancient structure indicate the structure might have been a rekha vimana of nagara style. The temple houses a sculpture of Mahishasura Mardini, hero stones, sculptures, door frame, architectural fragments and ancient artifacts collected from the nearby area as well as from the temple.

Connectivity

The Temple is located at about 10 Kms from Talajuri, 11 Kms from Indrabil Railway Station, 13 Kms from Kashipur, 15 Kms from Kashipur Bus Stand, 50 Kms from Bankura, 51 Kms from Purulia, 174 Kms from Ranchi Airport and 225 Kms from Kolkata. The Temple is situated at about 10 Kms from Talajuri on Kashipur to Bankura route.

Location

Gopalji Matha Temple, Sambalpur, Odisha

Gopalji Matha Temple is a Hindu Temple dedicated to Lord Vishnu, located in Sambalpur City in Sambalpur District in Odisha, India. The Temple is currently under the control of Endowment Department, Government of Odisha. The Temple is situated on the left bank of the river Mahanadi at Kamil Bazar.

History

Gopalji Matha Temple Complex was built by the saint prince Bansi Gopal, the third son of Madhukara Deva (1630-1650 CE), the fourth Chauhan ruler of Sambalpur. Bansi Gopal founded the Gopalji Matha and spent his whole life as its first Mahanta. He had constructed two temples in this Matha complex, one is Gopalji temple and the other is Bada Jagannath temple. It is currently under the control of Endowment Department, Government of Odisha.

The Temple

This temple is facing towards east. The temple consists of vimana and jagamohana. The vimana is square on plan and the jagamohana is oblong. The vimana and jagamohana of the temple follows the Khakhara pattern of architecture. The sanctum has two subsidiary lateral chambers on either sides opening to the oblong hall of the jagamohana of impoverished khakhara order. The Sanctum enshrines Lord Krishna with his consort Radha. The niches in the jangha portion of the wall houses several Vaishnavite images.

Bada Jagannath Temple:

The temple is situated inside the Gopalji Matha temple complex. It is a living temple and facing towards east. It is built on a raised platform and can be accessed through flight of steps on the eastern side. This temple consists of rekha vimana with a pradakshina patha and a flat roofed Jagamohana. The sanctum enshrines three images of Balabhadra, Jagannath and Subhadra. The niches on the exterior walls enshrines Krishna, Vishnu, Ganesha, Narasimha, Rudrani, Varaha, Rama, Parasurama and Vamana.

Festivals

Rathayatra, Dola Purnima, Rakhi Purnima, Kartika Purnima and Netrotsava, are the festivals celebrated here.

Connectivity

The Temple is located at about 1.5 Kms from Sambalpur Junction Railway Station, 2 Kms from Sambalpur Bus Stand and 3 Kms from Sambalpur Road Railway Station. The Temple is situated on the left bank of the river Mahanadi at Kamil Bazar. Sambalpur is located at about 14 Kms from Hirakud, 53 Kms from Jharsuguda, 62 Kms from Jharsuguda Airport, 79 Kms from Sonepur, 124 Kms from Balangir and 275 Kms from Bhubaneshwar.

Sambalpur is connected to the rest of Odisha and India by national highway – NH 53 / Economic Corridor 1 (EC1), a part of Asian Highway – AH 46 (Mumbai – Kolkata Highway). NH 55 connects with Cuttack and Bhubaneswar, State Highway 15 connects with Sonepur, State Highway 10 (SH10) connects with Jharsuguda and Rourkela and the Biju Expressway connects Rourkela – Sambalpur – Jagdalpur.

Location

Gopinatha Temple, Baideswar, Odisha

Gopinatha Temple is a Hindu Temple dedicated to Lord Vishnu, located in Baideswar Village in Cuttack District in Odisha State, India. The temple is situated on southern bank of the Mahanadi river. The temple is situated on Cuttack to Daspalla route.

History

The temple was constructed in the early 20^th century CE as per the inscription written on the walls of the jagamohana.

The Temple

This temple is facing towards east. The temple is pancharatha on plan and panchangabada in elevation. The temple consists of a rekha vimana, a pidha jagamohana and a garuda mandapa. The vimana and jagamohana are square on plan whereas the Garuda mandapa is rectangular on plan. The sanctum enshrines the images of Radha & Krishna over a high pedestal. Images of Varaha, Narasimha and Trivikrama are housed in the parsvadevta niches located around the sanctum walls.

The niches are designed like a miniature pidha vimana. The temple is adorned with miniature niches in the bada portion carved with the images of gods & goddesses from Hindu pantheon, Krishna Lila scenes, ten incarnations of Lord Vishnu and erotic images. The Garuda mandapa is decorated with paintings in floral design, Krishna Lila scenes, Kanchi Abhijana, Ganesa, Jagannatha, Balabhadra and Subhadra.

Festivals

Dolapurnima, Chandan Yatra and Byanjana Dwadasi are the festivals celebrated here.

Connectivity

The Temple is located at about 1.5 Kms from Baideswar Bus Stand, 23 Kms from Begunia, 25 Kms from Begunia Railway Station, 41 Kms from Narasinghpur, 64 Kms from Daspalla, 65 Kms from Cuttack, 67 Kms from Bhubaneswar and 67 Kms from Bhubaneswar Airport. The Temple is situated on Cuttack to Daspalla route.

Location

Jagannath Temple, Jajpur, Odisha

Jagannath Temple is a Hindu Temple dedicated to Lord Vishnu, located in Jajpur Town in Jajpur District in Odisha State, India. It is a protected monument maintained by the Archaeological Survey of India, Bhubaneswar Circle. The temple is located on the right bank of the river Vaitarani near the Dasasvamedhaghata.

History

The original temple was built by Ganga ruler Anangabhima Deva III (1212 – 1238 CE). The temple received extensive patronage from Gajapati Kings in 15^th century CE. Later, the temple suffered destruction at the hands of Afghans chief Suliman Karani in 1568 CE. The present temple was built by the Maratha King Raghuji Bhonsle in the second quarter of the 18^th century CE. The Temple is a protected monument maintained by the Archaeological Survey of India, Bhubaneswar Circle.

The Temple

This Temple is facing towards east. The temple is saptaratha on plan and Panchangabada in elevation. The temple consists of rekha vimana, pidha antrala and pidha jagamohana. Both the vimana and jagamohana are square on plan and stands over a raised platform. The sanctum houses idols of Balabhadra, Jagannatha and Subhadra.

All these idols are placed on a high masonry pedestal. Nisha shrines can be seen over the Parsvadevatas niches. Idols of Ganesha, Vishnu, Parvati, Dhyani Buddha, Nardana Krishna, Mahisasuramardini Durga, female figurines, devotees, nayikas, dwarf figures, elephant, doorjamb fragments and architectural fragments can be seen in the temple premises.

Muktesvara Shrine:

This shrine is situated on the north west corner of the Jagannath temple complex. The shrine is believed to be built in 14^th century CE, but it houses 8^th century CE Vishnu idol dated to Bhaumakara period, 14^th century CE Parvati idol dated to Ganga period and idols of Shiva & Vishnu of later period probably dated to Maratha rule. This shrine is facing towards east. The shrine is Pancharatha on plan and Panchangabada in elevation. The shrine has a rekha vimana of Kalingan order and square on plan. It enshrines Muktesvara in the form of Shiva Linga within a circular yonipitha.

Festivals

Ratha Yatra, Netrotsava, Shivarathri, Kartika Purnima and Janmashtami are the festivals celebrated here.

Connectivity

The Temple is located at about 500 metres from Jajpur Bus Stand, 30 Kms from Jajpur Keonjhar Road Railway Station, 80 Kms from Cuttack, 103 Kms from Bhubaneshwar and 106 Kms from Bhubaneshwar Airport. Jajpur is well connected to Cuttack and Bhubaneshwar. Regular Buses are available from Cuttack and Bhubaneshwar to Jajpur Town.

Location

Jalesvara Temple, Kalarahanga – The Temple

This temple is facing towards east. The temple consists of a rekha vimana, an antrala, a pidha jagamohana and a detached nata mandapa. The temple is pancharatha on plan and panchanga bada in elevation. The vimana and jagamohana are square on plan. The sukanasa above the antarala is designed after a khakhara mundi, which is flanked by two miniature rekha vimana. There is a chaitya motif flanked by two conches and crowned by a kirtimukha which is surmounted by a gajakranta above the sukanasa.

The doorjambs has four vertical bands of decoration. Dvarapalas and river goddesses Ganga & Yamuna can be seen at the base of the doorjambs on either side. The lalatabimba houses images of Saraswathi and Ganesha within a pidha mundi niche. The architrave of the doorjamb is carved with the Navagrahas. The sanctum enshrines the presiding deity, Jalesvara, in the form of Shiva Linga within a circular yonipitha. The raha niches enshrines the images of Ganesha in the south, Kartikeya in the east and Mahisasuramardini in the north.

The jangha portion is profusely carved with pidha mundi, khakhara mundi, rekha mundi and vajra mundi. The base of the gandi is decorated with a series of miniature rekha deul as angasikharas. Sculptures of gaja vidala, female figure with simha head, female figure on lotus pedestal, male dancing figure, female drummer, makara torana flanked by flying vidyadharas, five bulls, gajakranta, amorous couple, nayikas and Salabhanjika can be seen in the temple premises.

Jalesvara Temple, Kalarahanga – Connectivity

The Temple is located at about 2 Kms from Patia Railway Station, 3 Kms from Patia, 6 Kms from Bhubaneswar New Railway Station, 11 Kms from Baramunda Bus Stand, 12 Kms from Bhubaneswar Railway Station and 15 Kms from Bhubaneswar Airport. The Temple is situated at about 3 Kms from Patia on the southern outskirt of the Kalarahanga Village on Bhubaneswar to Nandankanan Zoological Park route. Bhubaneswar is well connected to rest of India by Train, Air and Land.

By Road:

Bhubaneswar is connected to the rest of Odisha and India by National Highway-NH 16, NH 203, State Highway 13 (Odisha) and State Highway 27 (Odisha). Asian Highway – AH 45 passes through the city. Baramunda Inter State Bus Terminus (ISBT) is the major bus terminus in the city from where buses ply to all the districts in Odisha as well as to neighbouring state's cities like Hyderabad, Kolkata, Visakhapatnam, Raipur and Ranchi. City bus service (Mo Bus) runs across Bhubaneswar by Capital Region Urban Transport Authority run by Bhubaneswar Development Authority.

Nowadays popular online cab or auto transport system provided by Jugnoo, Ola, uber are widely used. Auto rickshaws are available for hire and on a share basis throughout the city. In parts of the city, cycle rickshaws offer short trips. Also, CRUT recently has launched Mo Cycle, a public bicycle Sharing platform to curb traffic, reducing pollution in city and providing last mile connectivity in city.

By Train:

Bhubaneswar railway station is one of the main stations of the Indian railway network. It is connected to major cities by daily express and passenger trains and daily service to all metro cities is available from here.

By Air:

Biju Patnaik International Airport, also known as Bhubaneswar Airport, located to the south of the city Centre, is the major and sole international airport in Odisha. There are daily domestic flights from Bhubaneswar to Delhi, Hyderabad, Mumbai, Kolkata, Vishakhapatnam, Chennai and Bangalore. There are international flights from Bhubaneswar to Bangkok, Dubai and Kualalumpur thrice a week.

Jalesvara Temple, Kalarahanga, Odisha

Jalesvara Temple is a Hindu Temple dedicated to Lord Shiva located in Kalarahanga Village in the northern outskirt of Bhubaneswar, the state capital of Odisha, India. The Temple is situated at about 3 Kms from Patia on the southern outskirt of the Kalarahanga Village on Bhubaneswar to Nandankanan Zoological Park route.

Legends

As per legend, the king of Chudanga Gada was an ardent devotee of Lord Lingaraja. He used to visit Lingaraja Temple and worship Lord Lingaraja every day without fail. Due to the heavy floods during the rainy season, he was not able to visit the Lingaraja Temple. The worried king prayed to Lord Lingaraja for solution. Lord Lingaraja appeared in his dream and advised him to construct a temple in the centre of a nearby lotus pond where the Lord resides. As advised, the king built the temple on the western embankment of the Jalesvara pond. He also gave land grants for conducting the rituals and for maintenance of the temple to the Brahmins of Rahanga Sasan and other Sevayatas. Hence, the place came to be called as Kalarahanga.

History

The temple was constructed in 12^th century CE by the Somavamsis. As per local folklore, the temple is believed to be built by Somavamsi King Padma Keshari. The temple is a protected monument maintained by the Archaeological Survey of India, Bhubaneswar Circle.

The Temple

For brief details, please refer below link;

https://hindutemples-india.blogspot.com/2021/12/jalesvara-temple-kalarahanga-temple.html

Festivals

Shiva Vivaha, Shivarathri, Janmashtami, Dola Purnima, Sitalasasti, Chandana Yatra, Pindadana and Dhanu Makara are the festivals celebrated here.

Connectivity

For brief details, please refer below link;

https://hindutemples-india.blogspot.com/2021/12/jalesvara-temple-kalarahanga-connectivity.html

Location

Kharakhia Vaidyanatha Temple Complex, Bhubaneswar – Connectivity

The Temple Complex is located at about 500 metres from Lingaraja Temple, 1.5 Kms from Garage Square Bus Stop, 2 Kms from Lingaraj Temple Road Railway Station, 4 Kms from Bhubaneswar Railway Station, 4 Kms from Bhubaneswar Airport, 9 Kms from Baramunda Bus Stand and 19 Kms from Bhubaneswar New Railway Station. The temple can be approached from the left side of the Vaidyanatha Road, leading from Lingaraja temple to Kapilesvara. Bhubaneswar is well connected to rest of India by Train, Air and Land.

By Road:

By Train:

By Air:

Kharakhia Vaidyanatha Temple Complex, Bhubaneswar, Odisha

Kharakhia Vaidyanatha Temple Complex is a Hindu Temple Complex dedicated to Lord Shiva located in Bhubaneswar, the state capital of Odisha, India. The temple is under the care and maintenance of Babulal Makaddam Badu Mohapatra. The temples stands on the private property owned by him. The temples were repaired by Orissa State Archaeology under X and XI Finance Commission Award. The temple complex is located at about 500 metres to the south east of the Lingaraja temple.

The Temple Complex

Kharakhia Vaidyanatha temple is the principle shrine in the Kharakhia Vaidyanatha temple complex. The temple was constructed in 13^th century CE by the Gangas. This temple enshrines the presiding deity, Kharakhia Vaidyanatha, in the form of Shiva Linga within a large circular Yonipitha. The Linga rests over a platform and is placed beneath a Peepal tree. It is so named because it is open to the sky with the sun rays (khara) falling directly over it throughout the day (Kharakhia). There are no traces of the structure once housed the Linga. There is a well in the center of the Kharakhia Vaidyanatha temple complex.

Devasabha Temple:

The temple is located in the south western corner of the Kharakhia temple complex. The temple was constructed in 14^th century CE by the Gangas. As per legend, the temple is considered as the meeting place of all gods and goddesses of the Kharakhia Vaidyanath temple complex. Hence, the temple came to be called as Devasabha. This temple is facing towards east and stands over a low raised platform.

The temple consists of a rekha vimana and a frontal porch. The temple is pancharatha on plan and panchangabada in elevation. The sanctum is square on plan. There is no deity inside the sanctum. The doorjamb has two plain vertical bands. The right-side doorjamb is partially broken. The exterior is devoid of decoration. The parsvadevta niches are located in the talajangha of raha pagas on the three sides.

Markandesvara Temple:

The temple is located within the Kharakhia temple complex. The temple was constructed in 10^th century CE by the Somavamsis. This temple is a private property. The temple is not under the worship. The temple is pancharatha on plan and triangabada in elevation. This temple is facing towards east. The temple consists of a rekha vimana and a pidha jagamohana.

The vimana is square on plan whereas the jagamohana is rectangular on plan. The sanctum enshrines the presiding deity, Markandesvara, in the form of Shiva Linga within a circular yonipitha. The doorjambs are decorated with three vertical bands with khakharamundis at the base. A pidhamundi is found at the lalatabimba of the vimana.

Neelakantha Temple:

The temple is located within the Kharakhia temple complex. The temple was constructed in 11^th century CE by the Somavamsis. This temple is a private property. This temple is facing towards west. The temple consists of a rekha vimana and a pidha jagamohana. Both Vimana and Jagamohana are square on plan. Both the vimana and jagamohana are pancharatha on plan and Panchangabada in elevation.

The sanctum enshrines the presiding deity, Neelakantha, in the form of Shiva Linga within a square yonipitha. The doorjambs of the temple has three bands of decorations. The dvarapalas can be seen at the base of the doorjambs. Gajalakshmi can be seen in the lalatabimba. The architrave of the lintel is carved with Navagrahas.

The parsvadevta niches are located on the raha paga of the talajangha on the three sides of east, north and south. The eastern niche enshrines Kartikeya, northern niche enshrines Parvati and the southern niche is empty. Bhootha Ganas and Naga Pillar can be seen near the eastern wall of the temple.

Somesvara Temple:

The temple is located within the Kharakhia temple complex. The temple was constructed in 10^th century CE by the Somavamsis. This temple is a private property. This temple is facing towards west. The temple consists of a rekha vimana and a pidha jagamohana. The vimana and jagamohana are square on plan. Both the vimana and jagamohana are pancharatha on plan and triangabada in elevation.

The sanctum enshrines the presiding deity, Somesvara, in the form of Shiva Linga within a yonipitha. The doorjambs of vimana and jagamohana are decorated with three plain vertical bands. Dvarapalas can be seen at the base of the doorjambs. The architrave above the doorjamb is carved with the Navagrahas. Gajalakshmi can be seen in the lalatabimba.

The parsvadevta niches are located on the raha paga of the jangha on the three sides of north, south and east. All the niches are empty except the northern niche enshrining an image of Parvati with broken hands. The exterior of the temple is devoid of decorations except talagarbhika beneath the raha niche and a Gajakranta motif on the western rahapaga.

Festivals

Shivarathri, Sankranti and Mahavishuba Sankranti are the festivals celebrated here.

Connectivity

For brief details, please refer below link;

https://hindutemples-india.blogspot.com/2021/12/kharakhia-vaidyanatha-temple-complex-bhubaneswar-connectivity.html

Location

Gopal Tirtha Matha, Bhubaneswar – Connectivity

The matha is located at about 200 metres from Lingaraj Temple, 1 Km from Gouri Nagar Bus Stop, 1.5 Kms from Garage Square Bus Stop, 2 Kms from Lingaraj Temple Road Railway Station, 4 Kms from Bhubaneswar Railway Station, 4 Kms from Bhubaneswar Airport, 8 Kms from Baramunda Bus Stand and 18 Kms from Bhubaneswar New Railway Station. The matha is located in front of the Chitrakarini temple, across the Ratha Road near Badheibanka chowk, in old town, Bhubaneswar. Bhubaneswar is well connected to rest of India by Train, Air and Land.

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By Train:

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Gopal Tirtha Matha, Bhubaneswar, Odisha

Gopal Tirtha Matha is a Hindu religious monastic institution, located in Bhubaneswar, the state capital of Odisha, India. This Matha is a branch of the Gopala Tirtha Matha of Puri. The matha is located in front of the Chitrakarini temple, across the Ratha Road near Badheibanka chowk, in old town, Bhubaneswar.

History

The Matha was constructed in 19^th century CE. This Matha is a branch of the Gopala Tirtha Matha of Puri. Gopala Tirtha was one of the prominent disciples of Sankaracharya, who commissioned monastic establishments in Puri and Bhubaneswar.

The Matha

The matha is facing towards south and rectangular on plan. The Matha is double storeyed structure and is in dilapidated condition. The Matha consists of sixty rooms, out of which fifty are totally ruined and the remaining ten rooms are in dilapidated condition.

Festivals

Ratha Yatra, Radhastami, Chandan Yatra, Janmashtami and Dolapurnima are the festivals celebrated here.

Connectivity

For brief details, please refer below link;

https://hindutemples-india.blogspot.com/2021/12/gopal-tirtha-matha-bhubaneswar-connectivity.html

Location

Madanesvara Temple, Sisupalgarh – Connectivity

The Temple is located at about 1.5 Kms from Sisupalgarh, 1.5 Kms from Gouri Nagar Bus Stop, 2 Kms from Lingaraj Temple, 5 Kms from Lingaraj Temple Road Railway Station, 5 Kms from Bhubaneswar Railway Station, 6 Kms from Bhubaneswar Airport, 10 Kms from Baramunda Bus Stand, 20 Kms from Bhubaneswar New Railway Station, 30 Kms from Cuttack and 54 Kms from Puri. The temple is situated on the left side of the Mahavir Lane branching from Garage Chowk in Santarapur to Sisupalgarh. Bhubaneswar is well connected to rest of India by Train, Air and Land.

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By Train:

By Air:

Madanesvara Temple, Sisupalgarh, Odisha

Madanesvara Temple is a Hindu Temple dedicated to Lord Shiva located in Sisupalgarh, an outskirt of Bhubaneshwar City in Khurda District in Odisha, India. The temple is situated on the bank of Gangua Nala. The temple is situated on the left side of the Mahavir Lane branching from Garage Chowk in Santarapur to Sisupalgarh.

History

The Temple was constructed in 12^th century CE by the Gangas. The temple is currently under the care of the local residents of Mahavir lane.

The Temple

This temple is facing towards east. The temple is lost completely except the pabhaga portion. The temple consists of a vimana and a front porch. The vimana is square and pancharatha on plan. The sanctum enshrines the presiding deity, Madanesvara, within a circular Yonipitha. The entire shrine is provided with a galvanized steel sheet roof.

Festivals

Kartika Purnima and Shivarathri are the festivals celebrated here.

Connectivity

For brief details, please refer below link;

https://hindutemples-india.blogspot.com/2021/12/madanesvara-temple-sisupalgarh-connectivity.html

Location

Rakshya Kali Temple, Jajpur, Odisha

Rakshya Kali Temple is a Hindu Temple dedicated to Goddess Kali, located in Jajpur Town in Jajpur District in Odisha State, India. The temple is situated on the right side of Jajpur – Binjharpur road at about 750 metres from Jajpur Bus Stand towards Viraja temple.

History

The temple is built recently but on the basis of the iconographical features, the sculpture of Varahi kept in front of the temple can be dated to the 10^th century CE by Somavamsis.

The Temple

This Temple is facing towards south. The temple consists of a pidha vimana and pidha jagamohana. Both of them stand over a raised platform. The vimana is square on plan. The sanctum houses an idol of Rakshya Kali. There is an idol of Varahi kept in front of the temple. This idol is dated to the 10^th century CE.

Festivals

Kalipuja and Ashokastami are the festivals celebrated here.

Connectivity

The Temple is located at about 750 metres from Jajpur Bus Stand, 30 Kms from Jajpur Keonjhar Road Railway Station, 80 Kms from Cuttack, 103 Kms from Bhubaneshwar and 106 Kms from Bhubaneshwar Airport. Jajpur is well connected to Cuttack and Bhubaneshwar. Regular Buses are available from Cuttack and Bhubaneshwar to Jajpur Town.

Location

Saptamatrika Temple, Jajpur, Odisha

Saptamatrika Temple is a Hindu Temple dedicated to seven mother goddesses namely Brahmani, Vaishnavi, Shivaduti (Indrani), Narasimhi, Chamunda, Kaumari and Varahi, located in Jajpur Town in Jajpur District in Odisha State, India. It is believed that the goddesses are said to be attendants of goddess Viraja and protecting inhabitants of Jajpur. The temple is located on the south bank of Baitarani River at Dasasvamedhaghata and close to the northern compound wall of Jagannatha temple complex and Siddha Ganesa temple.

History

The idols of Sapta Matrikas were installed during Dasasvamedha sacrifice performed by Somavamshi ruler Yajati Keshari II during 11^th century CE. The idols were originally kept in the Mukti Mandapa, but during the Kalapahad invasion the idols were thrown in to the river bed. Later on, the idols were recovered from river bed and enshrined in the present temple. The present temple was constructed during the last part of the 19^thcentury CE. The temple is currently under the control of Endowment Department, Government of Odisha.

The Temple

This Temple is facing towards north. The temple is a rectangular hall housing idols of Sapta Matrikas namely Brahmani, Vaishnavi, Shivaduti (Indrani), Narasimhi, Chamunda, Kaumari and Varahi. All the idols are larger in size. The rectangular hall is equipped with flat roof. The Chamunda is depicted in maharajalilasana, rest all are depicted in lalitasana. All are seated in lotus pedestals with respective mounts carved in front and babies held in one of their left hands. All the idols are 1.82 metres x 0.91 metres in size.

Festivals

People take a holy dip in Chaitra month during the Krishna paksha Chaturdasi with Satabhisha Nakshatra here.

Connectivity

Location

Simhanatha Temple, Gopinathapur – The Temple Complex

This temple is in the Panchayatana style of architecture. Panchayatana is an architectural style where the main shrine is built on a raised platform with four smaller subsidiary shrines at the four corners and making it a total of five shrines. Out of four subsidiary shrines, only the south east corner shrine has survived. Several pidha shrines have been added in the complex at a later date housing the sculptures from the collapsed corner shrines.

This temple is facing towards east. The temple is triratha on plan and triangabada in elevation. The temple is precursor to the Pancharatha plan. The temple has a rekha vimana and terraced roof jagamohana. The vimana is square on plan whereas the jagamohana is rectangular. The Sanctum houses the presiding deity, Simhanatha, in the form of Shiva Linga within a circular yonipitha. The Linga is found to be broken.

The interior is plain except the ornate doorjambs of the vimana and the niches surmounted the lintel carved with the images of Uma Mahesvara playing dice and surmounted with an image of Lakulisa. The temple is richly carved with sculptural panel and decorative motifs. Images of Brahma, Kartikeya, Vishnu, Parvati, Linga Puja votive slab, Mahisasuramardini Durga and Lakulisa can be found fixed to the compound wall.

Somanatha Temple:

The temple is situated inside the Simhanatha temple complex. The temple is facing towards west. The temple is triratha on plan and triangabada in elevation. The temple consists of rekha vimana and frontal porch. The temple is square on plan. The Sanctum houses the presiding deity, Somanatha, in the form of Shiva Linga within a rectangular yonipitha. The exterior of the temple is decorated with architectural motifs and sculptural motifs.

Nilamadhava Temple:

The temple is situated on the southern side of the main shrine within the temple complex. The temple is of later construction, but the presiding deity is dated to Somavamsi period (9^th century CE). The temple is facing towards north. The temple is triratha on plan and plain bada in elevation. The temple has a rekha vimana of Kalingan order. The vimana is square on plan and stands over a raised platform. The Sanctum houses the presiding deity, Nilamadhava. He is four-armed holding wheel in upper right hand, conch in upper left hand and lower two hands rests on the head of Bhudevi and Sridevi. A flying Vidyadhara can be seen on the top. The temple is devoid of decoration.

Isanesvara Temple:

The temple is situated inside the Simhanatha temple complex. The temple is of later construction, but the Parsvadevta images is dated to Somavamsi period (9^th century CE). The temple is facing towards east. The temple is square on plan. The temple has a pidha vimana. The Sanctum houses the presiding deity, Isanesvara, in the form of Shiva Linga within a circular yonipitha. Ganesha, Mahishasura Mardini are the niche idols located around the sanctum walls.

Dakshina Kali Temple:

The temple is situated on the southern side of the main shrine within the temple complex. The temple is believed to be built in 18^th century CE by the King of ex-princely state of Baramba but the loose sculptures in the temple can be dated to the 10^th century CE (Somavamsi period). The temple is facing towards east. The temple is Pancharatha on plan and Panchangabada in elevation. The temple is square on plan. The temple has a pidha vimana. The Sanctum houses an idol of six-armed Dakshina Kali holding bow, conch and pitcher in the left hands, sword and Varadamudra in the right hands. She is found seated over a conical crown seat.

Arnapurna Temple:

The temple is situated inside the Simhanatha temple complex. The temple is of later construction, but the presiding deity is dated to Somavamsi period (9^th century CE). The temple is facing towards east. The temple is rectangular on plan. The temple has a khakhara vimana. The Sanctum houses an idol of a four-armed Parvati. She is locally called as Arnapurna.

Lokanatha Temple:

The temple is situated to the south eastern side of the main shrine within the temple complex. The temple is facing towards north. The temple is triratha on plan. The temple has a rekha vimana of Kalingan order. The vimana is square on plan. The Sanctum houses the presiding deity, Lokanatha, in the form of Shiva Linga within a circular yonipitha. The exterior surface is completely plastered in later period. An eight-armed Mahishasura Mardini can be seen on the eastern Parsvadevta niche.

Vishnu Shrine:

There is a shrine for Lord Vishnu close to the western wall of the temple complex. This shrine houses a four-armed Vishnu in standing posture. He is holding wheel in upper right hand, varada mudra in lower right hand, conch in upper left hand and mace in the lower left hand. Female devotees flanking the god in the lower part whereas flying vidyadhara on the top.

Kartikeya Shrine:

There is a shrine for Lord Kartikeya close to the western wall of the temple complex. This shrine houses a two-armed Kartikeya sitting over his mount peacock, holding an arrow in the right hand and an unidentified object in the right hand and flying vidyadhara flanking the god at the top.

Simhanatha Temple, Gopinathapur, Odisha

Simhanatha Temple is a Hindu Temple dedicated to Lord Shiva, located in Gopinathapur village in Baramba Tehsil in Cuttack District in Odisha State, India. The temple is unique for its sculptural embellishment of both the Saivite and Vaishnava sects. The temple is situated on an island in the river Mahanadi near Baideswar (right bank) and Badamba (left bank) which can be approached from both sides by boat.

History

The temple is believed to be built by Somavamsis during 9^th century CE. The temple is currently under the control of Archaeological Survey of India.

The Temple Complex

For brief details, please refer below link;

https://hindutemples-india.blogspot.com/2021/12/simhanatha-temple-gopinathapur-temple-complex.html

Festivals

Maha Shivrathri, Makar Sankranti, Dussehra, Kartik Purnima, Shivarathri, Sitalasasti, Durga Puja, Kali Puja, Lakshmi Puja, Janmashtami and Kartika Purnima are the festivals celebrated here.

Connectivity

The temple is located at about 1.5 Kms from Gopinathpur, 7 Kms from Badamba, 37 Kms from Athgarh, 37 Kms from Narasinghpur, 45 Kms from Dhenkanal, 68 Kms from Bhubaneshwar, 69 Kms from Bhubaneshwar Airport, 70 Kms from Cuttack, 71 Kms from Chaudwar and 72 Kms from Cuttack Junction Railway Station. The temple is situated on Cuttack to Narasinghpur route. The temple can be easily approached by road from Cuttack, Chaudwar and Athgarh.

Location

Ramnath Temple Complex, Boudh – The Temple Complex

The Ramnath Temple Complex consists of three Somavamsi period temples and a modern Ramanath temple. The temple complex is named after the Ramanath temple.

Ramnath Temple:

This temple is facing towards east. It is a Pancharatha temple of later period with colonial architectural features. It is square on plan. The temple consists of vimana and jagamohana. The temple is exquisitely decorated with scroll works. The pillars and pilasters are also carved with scroll work. The temple was curious mixture of ancient Kalingan style and colonial style. The temple has intricate carvings of decorative motifs of unusual type, sharing tendency of modernity.

Bhubaneswar Temple:

Bhubaneswar Temple is located inside the Ramnath Temple Complex. This temple is facing towards east. The temple consists of rekha vimana of south kosalan style and frontal porch. The temple is built over a raised platform. The Sanctum houses the presiding deity, Bhubaneswar, in the form of Shiva Linga upon a star shaped yonipitha.

The exterior is decorated with architectural motifs like khakharamundis, Ganesha, Jaina Tirthankaras, semi-divine figures, nayikas in different moods, image of Linga puja, human figures, bharabahaka, scroll works, beaded border, lattice pattern, padmaprosta motifs, mohanty design, vajramundi, animals, mithuna and maithuna etc. Sculptures of Nataraja, Ganesa, Brahma and Udyota Simha can also found in this temple.

Kapilesvara Temple:

Kapilesvara Temple is located inside the Ramnath Temple Complex. This temple is facing towards east. The temple consists of rekha vimana of south kosalan style and frontal porch. The ground plan of the temple is star-shaped or stellate, formed by intersecting two squares at 450 of the eight angles. The Sanctum houses the presiding deity, Kapilesvara, in the form of Shiva Linga upon a star shaped yonipitha.

The exterior is decorated with architectural motifs like pidhamundi with chaitya motifs, divine figures, semi-divine figures, nayikas in different moods, human figures, scroll works, beaded border, lattice pattern, padmaprosta motifs, jagrata motifs, mithuna and maithuna etc. Sculptures of Nataraja, Ganesa, Brahma and Udyota Simha can also found in this temple.

Paschima Somanatha Temple:

Paschima Somanatha Temple is located inside the Ramnath Temple Complex. This Temple is also called as Sidhesvara Temple. The temple is facing towards the west. The temple is stellate on plan. The temple consists of rekha vimana of south kosalan style and frontal porch. The pista, vimana and the arghapatta are stellate on plan.

The Sanctum houses the presiding deity, Paschima Somanatha, in the form of Shiva Linga over a stellate yonipitha. The exterior wall of the temple is decorated with nayikas, tirthankara images, scroll work, khakharamundis and a number of divine and semi divine gods and goddesses.

Ramnath Temple Complex, Boudh, Odisha

Ramnath Temple Complex is a Hindu Temple dedicated to Lord Shiva, located in Boudh Town in Boudh District in Odisha State, India. The Temple Complex consists of three Somavamsi period temples and a modern Ramanath temple. The temple complex is named after the Ramanath temple. The temple is located in Malipada in Boudh town on the left side of the N.H. 57 and situated on the right bank of River Mahanadi.

History

The Ramanath temple was commissioned by Narayan Singhdeo in 1952, the erstwhile chief of Boudh state. It was abandoned after construction up to the jangha due to the demise of the chief. The Ramanatha Temple complex is named after this temple. Bhubaneswar Temple, Kapilesvara Temple and Paschima Somanatha Temple were believed to be built during 10^th century CE during Somavamsis. The temple complex is a protected monument maintained by the Archaeological Survey of India, Bhubaneswar Circle.

The Temple Complex

For brief details, please refer below link;

https://hindutemples-india.blogspot.com/2021/12/ramnath-temple-complex-boudh-temple-complex.html

Festivals

Shivaratri, Sitalasasti, Kartika Purnima and Gamha Purnima are the festivals celebrated here.

Connectivity

The temple is located about 1.5 Kms from Boudh Bus Stand, 27 Kms from Rairakhol Railway Station, 50 Kms from Sonepur, 219 Kms from Bhubaneshwar and 220 Kms from Bhubaneshwar Airport. The temple is situated on Bhubaneshwar to Balangir route (NH 57).

Location

Subarnameru Temple, Sonepur – Legends

As per legend, a trader named Neulisa was travelling in his bullock cart with the sacks of his products to sell in Sonepur. He decided to take rest in the Suvarnapali Village on the banks of the Tel river. He need to sew some of his sacks which got loosed due to the arduous journey. To sew them properly, he wanted to sharpen his needle. He found a stone buried in the sand on the banks of the river. The buried stone was a Swayambhu Lingam.

The trader without knowing the presence of the Lingam rubbed the needle against the smooth surface of the Lingam. To his great astonishment he found the iron needle changed into a gold one. He realized that the stone was having miraculous effect of converting the iron into gold. He then brought all the pieces of iron, which were with him and converted them into gold simply by rubbing it against the Lingam. The trader tried to take away the Lingam with him.

However, he could able to dig it out of the earth. Lord Shiva appeared in his dreams at the same night and directed him to build a temple on the left bank of River Tel. As instructed by Lord Shiva, he built a temple and found the Lingam appeared in the sanctum miraculously. It is also said that there was a shower of gold pieces for 36 hours when the Lingam appeared in the temple. Thus, the place came to be called as Sonepur / Subarnapur.

Subarnameru Temple, Sonepur, Odisha

Subarnameru Temple is a Hindu Temple dedicated to Lord Shiva, located in Sonepur Town in Subarnapur District in Odisha State, India. The temple is situated on the left bank of the river Tel, a tributary of the river Mahanadi. Sonepur is also known as Second Varanasi of India for its cluster of temples having architectural importance and also of tantrism and second Prayagraj for the confluence (Sangam) of two rivers Mahanadi and Tel in place just like the confluence of rivers Ganga and Yamuna in Prayagraj.

Legends

For brief details, please refer below link;

https://hindutemples-india.blogspot.com/2021/12/subarnameru-temple-sonepur-legends.html

History

The temple was constructed by Madan Gopal Deo, the founder of the Chauhan dynasty in 17^th century CE. The Temple is presently under the control of Endowment Department, Government of Odisha.

The Temple

This temple is facing towards east and stands over a low raised platform. The temple consists of a rekha vimana, a pidha jagamohana, a natamandapa and an ardha mandapa. The vimana is pancharatha on plan and multi segmented bada in elevation whereas the jagamohana is pancharatha on plan and panchangabada in elevation. The sanctum enshrines a Shiva Linga within a circular yonipitha.

The vimana is decorated with udyotasimha in each raha, a rekhamundi crowned by an udyotasimha in the frontal raha and stucco figures of erotic in the bada whereas the bada of the jagamohana adorned with the portrait of the Chauhan kings of Sonepur state, pidhamundi design, lotus, creeper motifs and gajakranta &, lions in the gandi. Images of Parvati, Chamunda, Ganesha, Kartikeya, Bhairava, Amlaka Sila, and architectural fragments can be seen in the temple premises.

Festivals

Shivaratri, Shravan Month, Kartik Purnima, Sitalasasti, Chandanyatra and Dola Purnima are the festivals celebrated here.

Connectivity

The Temple is located at about 2 Kms from Sonepur Bus Stand, 48 Kms from Boudh, 52 Kms from Balangir, 52 Kms from Balangir Junction Railway Station, 82 Kms from Sambalpur, 143 Kms from Jharsuguda Airport, 266 Kms from Bhubaneswar and 266 Kms from Bhubaneswar Airport. Sonepur is situated on Boudh to Balangir route. Sonepur is well connected to Bhubaneswar, Cuttack, Berhampur, Sambalpur and Balangir by regular bus services.

Location

Twin Temples of Gandharadi – The Temple Complex

The temple complex houses twin identical temples dedicated to Siddhesvara (Lord Shiva) on the left side and Nilamadhava (Lord Vishnu) on the right side. Both the temples were built on one single raised platform. Both the temples are exactly similar to each other. The temple is also locally known as Chari Sambhu Mandira (the temple of four Shambhus or Shiva lingas).

Siddhesvara in the sanctum of Siddhesvara temple, Jogesvara in jagamohana at the left side of the entrance door to the sanctum, Kapilesvara in jagamohana at the right side of the entrance door to the sanctum and Paschima Somanatha at a short distance away from Siddhesvara temple are the four Shambhus (Shiva Lingas) present in the temple complex.

Paschima Somanatha temple is facing towards west. Idols of Ganesha in Paschima Somanatha temple and eight armed Durga under a banyan tree are of considerable antiquity. These idols might have been placed inside the Siddhesvara temple once. An idol of five feet tall Hanuman and an intricately carved Navagraha slab can be seen in the village.

Siddhesvara Temple:

This temple is facing towards east. The temple is Pancharatha on plan and triangabada in elevation. The temple consists of rekha vimana and a jagamohana with terraced roof. The vimana is square whereas the jagamohana is rectangular. The Sanctum houses the presiding deity, Siddhesvara in the form of Shiva Linga within a square yonipitha. The mastaka of Siddhesvara temple is crowned by an akasha Linga. The temple is decorated with scroll work, latticed window and architectural motifs like elongated khakhara mundis, naga nagi pilasters, chaitya medallions etc.

Nila Madhava Temple:

This temple is facing towards east. The temple is Pancharatha on plan and triangabada in elevation. The temple consists of rekha vimana and a jagamohana with terraced roof. The vimana is square on plan whereas the jagamohana is rectangular on plan. The Sanctum houses an idol of four armed Nila Madhava, a form of Lord Vishnu. The mastaka of Nilamadhava temple is crowned by an akasha chakra. The temple is decorated with scroll work, latticed window and architectural motifs like elongated khakhara mundis, naga nagi pilasters, chaitya medallions etc.

Twin Temples of Gandharadi, Odisha

Twin Temples of Gandharadi are group of two Hindu temples dedicated to Lord Shiva and Lord Vishnu located in Gandharadi Village in Boudh District in Odisha State, India. The temple complex is also called as Chari Sambhu Temple / Harihara Deula. The temple complex houses twin identical temples dedicated to Siddhesvara (Lord Shiva) on the left side and Nilamadhava (Lord Vishnu) on the right side. The temple complex is situated on the right bank of Mahanadi River.

History

The Twin Temples of Gandharadi were built by Somavamsis in 10^th century CE. Gandharadi has been mentioned as Gandhata, Gandhatapati and Gandharadi in the Bhanja copper plate charters of 9^th century CE. The temple complex is a protected monument maintained by the Archaeological Survey of India, Bhubaneswar Circle.

The Temple Complex

For brief details, please refer below link;

https://hindutemples-india.blogspot.com/2021/12/twin-temples-of-gandharadi-temple-complex.html

Connectivity

The temple is located at about 15 Kms from Boudh, 15 Kms from Boudh Bus Stand, 40 Kms from Sonepur, 88 Kms from Balangir, 109 Kms from Sambalpur, 171 Kms from Jharsuguda Airport and 234 Kms from Bhubaneswar. The Temple is situated at about 2.5 Kms from Junapanka Chowk on Sonepur – Boudh Road (NH 57). Bus facilities are available from Boudh and Subarnapur.

Location

Chandrasekhara Mahadeva Temple, Kapilash – The Temple

The temple is situated in the middle terrace of the Kapilash hillock at a height of about 2239 feet from sea level. Devotees need to climb 1352 steps or ghat road from the foot hill to reach this temple. This temple is facing towards south east. The temple consists of a rekha vimana, a pidha jagamohana and a mukti mandapa. The temple is pancharatha on plan and panchangabada in elevation. The vimana and jagamohana are square on plan and stands over a three moulded pista.

The sanctum enshrines the presiding deity, Chandrasekhara, in the form of Patalphuta Shiva Linga within a circular yonipitha. The vimana is about 60 feet tall. Nisha shrines are added over the three parsvadevta niches. The exterior is decorated with architectural motifs such as khakharamundis and pidhamundis in the talajangha and uparajangha respectively of both the vimana and jagamohana and the niches enshrined dikpalas and their consorts in the kanika pagas and nayikas in the anuratha pagas.

The recess of the pagas are adorned with gaja-vidalas, nayikas in different form such as darpana, salabhanjika, chamaradhari etc. and royal figures. The other motifs are elephant rider, horse rider, birds, bharabahakas and naga-nagi pilasters in the ganthiala junction etc. Miniature rekhamundis are found on the base of the gandi on each pagas. The central raha has three rekhamundis, udyotasimha and kirtimukha. Dopichhasimhas and four forms of Shiva are found over the beki.

The ceiling of the mukti mandapa is decorated with Krisnalila scenes, dasavathara of Vishnu, gaja-vidalas, lotus design etc. Patita Pavana Jagannath is installed in the temple as the Parsvadevta. There is a shrine for Lord Vishwanath in the temple premises. It is said that this shrine is considered older than the Chandrasekhara Temple. Hence, Lord Shiva of this shrine is also known as Budha Linga. There are some monasteries in the premises.

Images of Ganesa, Kartikeya, Gangadevi, Kaumari & Uma Mahesvara, Kalasa and architectural fragment can be seen in the temple premises. Payamrta Kunda is situated to the left side of the temple while the Marichi Kunda is situated to the right side of the temple. The Kapilash hill has several caves and ruins of a mediaeval fort. Few of the caves are associated with puranic legends. The deer park and Science park are the other attractions located in Kapilash.

Chandrasekhara Mahadeva Temple, Kapilash, Odisha

Chandrasekhara Mahadeva Temple is a Hindu Temple dedicated to Lord Shiva, located in Kapilash Hills near the Deogaon Village in Dhenkanal District in Odisha State, India. The temple is situated in the middle terrace of the Kapilash hillock at a height of about 2239 feet from sea level.

Legends

As per legend, the ashram of sage Kapila is said to have existed in Kapilash during ancient times. It is also said that Kapilash is considered as equivalent to Kailash.

History

The Temple was constructed by King Narasingh Deva I of Ganga Dynasty in 1246 CE as per the inscription in the temple. The temple is a protected monument of the Archaeological Survey of India, Bhubaneswar Circle. It is also under the control of Endowment Department, Government of Odisha. Shridhar Swami, the celebrated commentator of the Bhagavata Purana and Mahima Gosain, the founder of Mahima Cult were historically associated with Kapilash.

The Temple

For brief details, please refer below link;

https://hindutemples-india.blogspot.com/2021/12/chandrasekhara-mahadeva-temple-kapilash-temple.html

Festivals

Shivarathri, Kartika Purnima and Rakhi Purnima are the festivals celebrated here. Devotees throng this temple during the Mondays of Shravan month, known as Bolbam Yatra. Devotees carry the water of the Mahanadi in earthen vessels on their shoulders. They reach barefoot to the hilltop before pouring the water on the Shiva Linga.

Connectivity

The Temple is located at about 6 Kms from Kapilash Bus Stop,24 Kms from Dhenkanal, 24 Kms from Dhenkanal Bus Stand, 25 Kms from Dhenkanal Railway Station, 28 Kms from Mandara, 32 Kms from Bhuban, 61 Kms from Cuttack, 78 Kms from Bhubaneswar and 84 Kms from Bhubaneswar Airport. The Temple is situated at about 6 Kms from Deogan on Dhenkanal to Bhuban route via Mandara.

Location

Hinglaj Mata Temple, Khandosan, Gujarat

Hinglaj Mata Temple is a Hindu Temple dedicated to goddess Sakthi located in Khandosan Village in Visnagar Taluk in Mahesana District, in the Indian state of Gujarat. The temple is situated on the banks of a lake. The Temple is one of the state protected monuments in Gujarat declared by Archaeological Survey of India.

History

The temple is believed to be built in 12^th century CE. There is an inscription dated to 1150 CE in the antrala.

The Temple

This temple is facing towards east. The temple consists of sanctum, antrala and mukha mandapa. The mukha mandapa is supported by two pillars and two pilasters. The mukha mandapa is covered by parapet wall with kakasanas on the interior. The pillars of the mukha mandapa are of the ghatapallava type. The mukha mandapa is crowned with dome shaped roof. The sanctum enshrines an image of Hinglaj Mata / Sarva Mangala.

The shikara over the sanctum follows bhumija style of architecture. The exterior wall is decorated with single band of sculptures. There are niches enshrining image of goddesses on three sides of the exterior walls of the sanctum. The external wall is decorated with sculptures of goddesses, apsaras, elephants, floral motifs and geometric patterns.

Connectivity

The temple is located at about 3 Kms from Valam, 4 Kms from Valam Bus Stand, 11 Kms from Visnagar, 11 Kms from Visnagar Railway Station, 13 Kms from Unjha, 13 Kms from Unjha Railway Station, 26 Kms from Mehsana, 88 Kms from Ahmedabad Airport and 92 Kms from Ahmedabad. The temple is situated on Visnagar to Unjha route.

Location

Hinglaj Mata Temple, Khandosan, Gujarat

History

The temple is believed to be built in 12^th century CE. There is an inscription dated to 1150 CE in the antrala.

The Temple

Connectivity

Location

Naugaza Digambar Jain Temple, Tehla, Rajasthan

Naugaza Digambar Jain Temple is a Jain Temple dedicated to Jaina tirthankara Shantinatha, located near Tehla village close to Sariska Tiger Reserve in the Rajgarh Tehsil in Alwar District, in the western Indian state of Rajasthan. The temple is situated at about 100 metres to the west of the Neelkanth Temple. The place was called as Rajyapura and Paranagar during ancient times. This temple is protected as monuments of national importance by the central Archaeological Survey of India.

History

This temple was built on the 13^th day of the dark half of Vaisakha month, the second month in Hindu calendar, in VS 979 ( 922 – 923 CE) during the reign of Gurjara Pratihara ruler Mahipala I Deva of Kannauj as per the inscription in the National Museum. The inscription mentions Sarvadeva of Simhapadra as the architect of the temple. The temple is now protected by Archaeological Survey of India.

The Temple

The temple stands on high platform. It consists of Sanctum and subsidiary shrines on the sides. All the shrines suffered damages due to the Islamic invasion. The sanctum houses a colossal image of Jaina tirthankara Shantinatha. He is about 5.33 metres (17.5 feet) high and carved in a light orangish-red sandstone. The statue is built in Digambara style.

Connectivity

The Temple is located at about 10 Kms from Tehla, 34 Kms from Bhangarh, 35 Kms from Rajgarh, 35 Kms from Rajgarh Railway Station, 59 Kms from Dausa, 68 Kms from Alwar, 104 Kms from Jaipur and 111 Kms from Jaipur Airport. The Temple is located very near to the Sariska Tiger Reserve.

Location

Vairat Devi Temple, Chikhaldara, Maharashtra

Vairat Devi Temple is a Hindu temple dedicated to goddess Vairat Devi in Vairat Hills in Vairat village near Chikhaldara Hill Station in Chikhaldara Taluk in Amravati District in the Indian state of Maharashtra. Vairat Devi is considered to be the presiding deity of this village.

The Temple

The original temple is inside a natural cave and situated to the west of the Vairat Hills. The access to this temple is difficult. Devotees have to hang themselves with a rope and pass through the deep valley. After reaching the other side of the valley, people have to trek through the rocky climbs of the hills to reach the entrance of the cave. Devotees need to climb down the steps and the temple is situated at a depth of about 150 feet. There is a natural kund at this temple. A new temple has been built in the centre of the village for the benefit of the devotees.

Connectivity

The temple is located at about 11 Kms from Chikhaldara Bus Stand. Chikhaldara is located at about 27 Kms from Semadoh, 34 Kms from Paratwada Bus Stand, 36 Kms from Paratwada, 49 Kms from Harisal, 58 Kms from Kolkas, 83 Kms from Amravati, 85 Kms from Amravati Railway Station, 95 Kms from Shahanur and 224 Kms from Nagpur Airport. Chikhaldara is situated at about 36 Kms to the north-west of Paratwada. Chikhaldara is well connected to the cities of Paratwada, Amravati, Akola, Betul, Khandwa and Burhanpur by road. MSRTC plies buses from Nagpur to Chikhaldara via Amravati-Paratwada.

Location

Ramling Temple, Yedshi, Maharashtra

Ramling Temple is a Hindu temple dedicated to Lord Shiva located in Yedshi Village in Dharashiv Taluk in Osmanabad (Dharashiv) District in the Indian State of Maharashtra. The temple is situated in the Yedshi Ramling Ghat Wildlife Sanctuary.

Legends

Ramling:

As per legend, Lord Rama had installed the Shiva Linga of this temple during the Vanavasa in search of his wife Sita. As the Linga was installed by Lord Rama, it came to be called as Ramling. It is also believed that Lord Rama created the waterfall situated near the temple with his arrow for providing water to the devotees visiting this temple.

Jatayu:

As per legend, Jatayu attacked Ravana, the demon king of Lanka at this place while Ravana was carrying away Sita by force. However, Jatayu lost the battle and died at the hands of Ravana. Hence, this temple has a shrine for Jatayu for his valiant efforts.

The Temple

This temple is facing towards east and is situated in a valley The temple is situated in a valley surrounded by mountains from all sides. The temple is situated at lower elevation and can be reached after descending down around 60 steps. The temple consists of sanctum, sabha mandapa and an open courtyard. The sanctum enshrines the presiding deity, Ramling in the form of Shiva Linga. There is a shrine dedicated to Jatayu can be seen in the temple premises. There is a small waterfall situated behind the temple. The top of the waterfall can be reached after a small trek.

Connectivity

The temple is located at about 3.5 Kms from Yedshi, 3.5 Kms from Yedshi Bus Stand, 6 Kms from Yedshi Railway Station, 15 Kms from Dharashiv Railway Station, 22 Kms from Dharashiv, 34 Kms from Barshi, 73 Kms from Latur, 220 Kms from Chhatrapati Sambhaji Nagar Airport and 261 Kms from Pune Airport. The temple is situated on the Barshi to Latur route. Regular buses are available from Barshi, Dharashiv and Latur.

Location

Mahadev Temple, Mangeri, Maharashtra

Mahadev Temple is a Hindu temple dedicated to Lord Shiva located at the top of the Mangeri Mahadev Mountain in Sangrampur Taluk in Buldhana District in the Indian state of Maharashtra. This temple is situated in the midst of the Amba Barwa Wildlife Sanctuary. The temple is situated in a small cave. This temple opens only once a year on the third Monday of Shravan.

An annual procession is taken out during the Shravan month of Marathi calendar. It is said that Sonaji Maharaj of Sonala had spent considerable amount of time here. The temple is about one hour’s trek from the Mangeri Mahadev Forest Camp. The Mangeri Mahadev Forest Camp can be reached after a trek of about two hours from the Shemba forest Camp of the forest department.

Connectivity

The Shemba forest Camp is located at about 9 Kms from Sonala, 35 Kms from Telhara, 36 Kms from Jalgaon Jamod, 43 Kms from Akot, 43 Kms from Akot Railway Station and 286 Kms from Nagpur Airport. The Shemba forest Camp is situated at about 9 Kms to the north of Sonala on Akot to Jalgaon Jamod route.

Location

Hanuman Temple, Wari, Maharashtra

Hanuman Temple is a Hindu Temple dedicated to Lord Anjaneya located in Wari Village in Telhara Taluk in Akola District in the Indian state of Maharashtra. The temple is situated on the banks of the Wan River. The Temple is located on the border of Akola, Amravati, and Buldhana Districts. The temple is said to have been built in 1644 CE by Samarth Ramdas Swami, the Guru of Maratha Emperor Shivaji Maharaj. The temple complex covers an area of about one acre. The sanctum enshrines an image of Hanuman. There is a shrine dedicated to Lord Rama in the temple premises.

Connectivity

The temple is located at about 8 Kms from Warkhed, 27 Kms from Telhara, 35 Kms from Akot, 35 Kms from Akot Railway Station, 38 Kms from Jalgaon Jamod and 278 Kms from Nagpur Airport. The temple is situated at about 8 Kms to the north of Warkhed on Akot to Jalgaon Jamod route.

Location

Pisanahi Temple, Birshibpur, Uttar Pradesh

Pisanahi Temple is an ancient Hindu Temple located in Birshibpur Village in Ghatampur Tehsil in Kanpur Nagar District in Uttar Pradesh, India. This temple is also called as Pisanhari Budhiya ke Mandir. This temple is believed to be built in 10^th century CE. The temple is one of the state protected monuments in Uttar Pradesh declared by Archaeological Survey of India.

Legends

As per legend, two sisters involved in the work of manual milling of flour built this temple in 15^th century CE. Hence, the temple came to be called as Pisanhari Budhiya ke Mandir. It is interesting to note that one can hear the sound of one pounding wheat using a hand mill in this temple.

The Temple

This temple is facing towards east and stands over high raised platform. The temple follows nagara style architecture. The temple consists of sanctum and antrala. The original shikara had been lost completely and was replaced with new one. The temple had been renovated recently with modern bricks. However, the ancient brick works can be seen on the façade and carvings of Hindu deities, floral motifs & geometrical patterns can be seen on the walls. The remains of the original brick work can be found scattered in the temple premises.

Connectivity

The temple is located at about 1 Km from Ghatampur, 1.5 Kms from Ghatampur Bus Stand, 2 Kms from Ghatampur Railway Station, 22 Kms from Hamirpur, 40 Kms from Kanpur and 114 Kms from Lucknow Airport. The temple is situated on Ghatampur to Hamirpur route.

Location

Rahila Sagar Sun Temple, Rahiliya, Uttar Pradesh

Rahila Sagar Sun Temple is a Hindu Temple dedicated to Lord Surya located in Rahiliya Village near Mahoba City in Mahoba Tehsil in Mahoba District in Uttar Pradesh, India. This temple is situated on the western end of the Rahiliya Sagar. This temple is an excellent example of early Pratihara style of architecture and predates the famous Konark temple in Odisha. The temple is one of the state protected monuments in Uttar Pradesh declared by Archaeological Survey of India.

History

This temple is believed to be built by King Rahila (885 – 905 CE) of Chandelas of Jejakabhukti, an Indian dynasty ruled Central India particularly much of the Bundelkhand region (then called Jejakabhukti) between the 9th and the 13th centuries. This temple is considered to be the inspiration behind the design of the Konark Sun temple. This temple suffered destruction at the hands of Qutb ud-Din Aibak, the found of Mamluk dynasty in 1203 CE. The Rahila Sagar, a man-made lake, was also excavated by King Rahila.

The Temple

This temple is facing towards east and stands over a low raised platform. The temple consists of sanctum, antrala, sabha mandapa with entrance porches on eastern, southern and northern sides. The sanctum enshrines a 4.5 feet tall sandstone image of Surya. It also enshrines a smaller idol of Vishnu. The shikara over the sanctum follows nagara style architecture. The exterior is decorated with Hindu deities, floral motifs and geometrical patterns.

There is a shrine for goddess Kali in the temple premises. Idols of Brahma, Vishnu, Ganesha and Shiva can be seen in the temple premises. There is a huge temple tank called Suraj Kund situated beside the temple. The tank is square in shape and measures 15 metres in length, 15 metres in breadth and 15 metres in depth. It is said that the king used to bathe in this tank every day before entering the temple.

Festivals

An annual fair is held on embankment of Rahiliya Sagar on the Karthik Purnima. People used to take bath in Rahiliya Sagar and Suraj Kund during this fair.

Connectivity

The temple is located at about 6 Kms from Mahoba Junction Railway Station, 7 Kms from Mahoba Bus Stand, 13 Kms from Srinagar, 48 Kms from Chhatarpur, 73 Kms from Khajuraho and 76 Kms from Khajuraho Airport. The temple is situated on Mahoba to Chhatarpur route.

Location

Mahadeva Temple, Ramnagar, Uttar Pradesh

Mahadeva Temple is a Hindu Temple dedicated to Lord Shiva located in Ramnagar Village in Mau Tehsil in Chitrakoot District in Uttar Pradesh, India. The temple is one of the state protected monuments in Uttar Pradesh declared by Archaeological Survey of India.

History

This temple is believed to be built by the Chandelas of Jejakabhukti, an Indian dynasty ruled Central India particularly much of the Bundelkhand region (then called Jejakabhukti) between the 9^th and the 13^th centuries. The temple suffered destruction of the Mughal tyrant Aurangzeb.

The Temple

This temple is facing towards east and stands over a raised platform. The temple consisted of sanctum, antrala, sabha mandapa with lateral transepts and entrance porch. The sanctum, antrala and entrance porch are completely destroyed except the sabha mandapa. The sabha mandapa is enclosed by parapet wall on all sides except its eastern entrance. The basement of the sanctum can be seen. The walls and the shikara are completely lost. The damaged lintel and the door jambs are kept near the entrance of the sanctum. The exterior of the temple is decorated with carvings of Hindu deities, floral motifs and geometrical patterns.

Connectivity

The temple is located at about 14 Kms from Raipura, 15 Kms from Mau, 22 Kms from Rajapur, 30 Kms from Bargarh Railway Station, 44 Kms from Chitrakoot, 71 Kms from Prayagraj and 89 Kms from Prayagraj. The temple is situated on Mau to Chitrakoot route.

Location

Rawatpura Group of Temples, Rawatpura, Uttar Pradesh

Rawatpura Group of Temples are group of two Hindu Temples dedicated to Lord Shiva located in Rawatpura Village in Kulpahar Tehsil in Mahoba District in Uttar Pradesh, India. The temples are situated on the bank of Rawatpura Lake. The temples are one of the state protected monuments in Uttar Pradesh declared by Archaeological Survey of India.

History

The temples were believed to be built by the Chandelas of Jejakabhukti, an Indian dynasty ruled Central India particularly much of the Bundelkhand region (then called Jejakabhukti) between the 9^th and the 13^th centuries. The Rawatpura Lake is also said to have been excavated by them.

The Group of Temples

The group of temples contains several ruins of Chandela era. Only, two temples from this group are considered major temples. The larger and the best preserved temple is situated on the embankment of the Rawatpura lake. The smaller temple is situated at about 300 metres from the larger temple. The mandapa of the smaller temples remains intact. The sanctum is completely lost. The ruins of this temple are scattered all around the place. Both the temples are built over a raised platform and are in ruins.

Connectivity

The group of temples is located at about 10 Kms from Kulpahar, 10 Kms from Kulpahar Bus Stand, 11 Kms from Kulpahar Railway Station, 32Kms from Panwari, 34 Kms from Mahoba, 45 Kms from Nowgong, 56 Kms from Chhatarpur, 90 Kms from Khajuraho and 93 Kms from Khajuraho Airport. The temple is situated at about 10 Kms to the south east of Kulpahar on Mahoba to Panwari route.

Location

Rishiyan Ashram, Barha Kotra – Legends

Ashram of Sage Durvasa:

As per legend, Sage Durvasa had an ashram at this place on the banks of Yamuna river and the palace of King Ambarisha was located on the other bank of the river. Ambarisha was an Ikshvaku king and the son of Mandhata. He is believed to have conquered the whole world in a week. He lived during the Treta Yuga. He was a great devotee of Vishnu and adhered firmly to the truth.

Being pleased with his devotion, Vishnu had given his Sudarshana Chakra to Ambarisha, who worshiped the deity's weapon with great devotion. Once, during Vaikuntha Ekadashi, Ambarisha performed the Dvadashi Vrata at his palace, which required that the king must start a fast on Ekadashi and break it at the start of Dwadasi (the twelfth day) and feed all his people.

As the moment of breaking the fast was drawing near, the sage Durvasa arrived and was received with all honours by Ambarisha. Durvasa agreed to the king's request to be his honoured guest and asked the king to wait until he finished his bath in the Yamuna river and returned. As the auspicious moment approached when the king had to break his fast to fulfill the vow of the vrata, Durvasa did not turn up.

On the advice of his priests, the king broke his fast by taking a little water and waited for the arrival of sage Durvasa to offer him food. Durvasa, who was well known for his short temper, felt that Ambarisha had violated the respect due to a guest by breaking his fast before the guest had taken his meal, and in his rage created an asura to kill Ambarisha, out of a strand of his hair.

As Ambarisha was a great devotee of Lord Vishnu, the Sudarshana Chakra intervened, destroyed the asura, and started chasing Durvasa himself. Durvasa went to Brahma and Shiva for protection. Both pleaded their inability to save him. He went to Vishnu himself, who said that he could do nothing as he was bound by the faultless devotion of Ambarisha and suggested to the sage to seek the pardon of the king.

Durvasa went to Ambarisha, who prayed to Vishnu to recall his discus, and saved Durvasa. Thus, Durvasa's life was spared. Later, the ashram of Durvasa was lost completely. The ashram was rebuilt by Tridandi Swami Shrimad Bhakti Vedanta Goswami. Presently, Sant Ras Bihari Das is looking after the ashram.

Lord Shiva visit to this place daily for Banasura’s mother:

As per legend, this place served as the capital of the demon king Banasur during the Mahabharata period. The mother of Banasur was an ardent devotee of Lord Shiva and used to visit Mount Kailash every day to worship Lord Shiva. When she became old, she was not able to visit Kailash. She felt bad about her inability to worship Lord Shiva. Seeing the plight of her mother, Banasur performed intense penance on Lord Shiva and made Lord Shiva himself to come to this place and provide darshan to his mother.

Lord Rama stay at this place:

As per legend, Lord Rama along with his wife Sita and his brother Lakshman stayed here for night during his journey to Chitrakoot. During his stay, he installed a Shiva Linga and worshipped Lord here. He also got the blessings of the sages here.

Rishiyan Ashram:

As per legend, 84 thousand sages performed penance at this place. Hence, the place came to be called as Rishiyan Ashram.

Rishiyan Ashram, Barha Kotra, Uttar Pradesh

Rishiyan Ashram is a Hindu pilgrimage site located in Barha Kotra Village in Mau Tehsil in Chitrakoot District in Uttar Pradesh, India. This pilgrimage site consists of caves and ancient Hindu temples situated amidst forest in hilly terrain. This site is protected as monuments of national importance by the central Archaeological Survey of India.

Legends

For brief details, please refer below link;

https://hindutemples-india.blogspot.com/2025/01/rishiyan-ashram-barha-kotra-legends.html

The Caves & Temples

Rishiyan Ashram has two caves. Four Shiva Lingas seated on a single yonipitha can be seen in the first cave. The second cave has arrangements for rest. The place has remains of three 10^th century CE temples. One of the temple is called as Bhar Deul. One of the temple is situated near the caves. A stream can be seen flowing near the caves. The stream forms a lake downhill which is situated on the way to the core area of Rishiyan Ashram. Sugaria Pathri is one of several hillocks situated around this place. Rock paintings made by the hunter gatherers can be seen in this hillock.

Connectivity

The temple is located at about 16 Kms from Mau, 18 Kms from Bargarh Railway Station, 22 Kms from Shankargarh, 43 Kms from Prayagraj Airport, 65 Kms from Prayagraj and 73 Kms from Chitrakoot. The temple is situated at about 16 Kms to the east of Mau on Chitrakoot to Prayagraj route via Shankargarh.

Location

The Caves & Temples

Connectivity

Location

Ancient Brick Temples, Sarahan Buzurg, Uttar Pradesh

Ancient Brick Temples are group of Hindu Temples dedicated to goddess Sakthi located in Sarahan Buzurg Village in Bindki Tehsil in Fatehpur District in Uttar Pradesh, India. The temple is one of the state protected monuments in Uttar Pradesh declared by Archaeological Survey of India.

History

The temple is believed to be built by the Guptas and later extensively renovated by the Pratiharas.

The Temple

The temple complex consists of two ancient brick temples. Both the temples stand over a low raised platform. Both the temples follow same architectural style and plan. However, the temple dedicated to Behrai Mata has been modified extensively. This temple now includes a maha mandapa and mukha mandapa. The exterior are decorated with repetitive architectural patterns, niches, and carvings of various Hindu deities. The niches are empty currently.

The sanctum is crowned with nagara style shikara. The other temple is square on plan. It enshrines the images of Maheswara and Goddess Parvati in its sanctum. The exterior is decorated with repetitive motifs and patterns. This shrine is also crowned with nagara style shikara. The brick mouldings in the lower part of both the shrines have been damaged. A Hanuman shrine can be seen on the right side of the temple premises.

Connectivity

The temple is located at about 3 Kms from Amauli, 15 Kms from Hamirpur Road Railway Station, 15 Kms from Jahanabad, 20 Kms from Hamirpur, 24 Kms from Ghatampur, 33 Kms from Bindki, 56 Kms from Fatehpur, 57 Kms from Kanpur and 130 Kms from Lucknow Airport. The temple is situated on Jahanabad to Hamirpur route via Amauli.

Location

Shiva Tandav Temple, Mahoba, Uttar Pradesh

Shiva Tandav Temple is a Hindu Temple dedicated to Lord Shiva located in Mahoba City in Mahoba Tehsil in Mahoba District in Uttar Pradesh, India. This temple is situated on the foothills of Gokhar Mountain. This temple is situated close to Mahoba Collectorate Office. The temple is one of the state protected monuments in Uttar Pradesh declared by Archaeological Survey of India.

The Temple

The temple houses a huge sculpture of Lord Shiva in thandava posture. It is carved one a granite boulder. There is a waterfall situated next to this temple.

Connectivity

The temple is located at about 3.5 Kms from Mahoba Bus Stand, 4 Kms from Mahoba Junction Railway Station, 51 Kms from Chhatarpur, 58 Kms from Banda, 76 Kms from Khajuraho and 79 Kms from Khajuraho Airport. Mahoba is situated on Banda to Khajuraho route.

Location

Sun Temple, Nandeshma, Rajasthan

Sun Temple is a Hindu Temple dedicated to Lord Surya located in Nandeshma Village in Gogunda Tehsil in Udaipur District in the western Indian state of Rajasthan. The temple is one of the state protected monuments in Rajasthan declared by Archaeological Survey of India.

History

The temple is said to have been built in 13^th century CE by Maharana Jaitrasimha (1213 – 1252 CE) of Mewar Kingdom. An inscription of Maharana Jaitrasimha dating back to 1222 CE can be found on the pillar of the temple.

The Temple

This temple is facing towards east and is in dilapidated state. The temple consists of sanctum and mandapa. The doorway of the sanctum is intricately carved. An image of Ganesha can be seen on the lintel of the sanctum doorway. The sanctum enshrines an image of Surya.

Connectivity

The temple is located at about 6 Kms from Jaswantgarh, 13 Kms from Gogunda, 49 Kms from Kumbhalgarh, 50 Kms from Sadri, 53 Kms from Udaipur and 66 Kms from Udaipur Airport. The temple is situated at about 6 Kms to the north of Jaswantgarh on Udaipur to Sadri route.

Location

Surya Narayan Temple, Ranakpur, Rajasthan

Surya Narayan Temple is a Hindu Temple dedicated to Lord Surya located in Ranakpur Village near Sadri Town in Desuri Tehsil in Pali District in the western Indian state of Rajasthan. The temple is one of the state protected monuments in Rajasthan declared by Archaeological Survey of India.

History

This temple was built in 13^th century CE. The temple suffered destruction at the hands of Muslim rulers. The temple was reconstructed in 15^th century. This temple is managed by the Udaipur Royal family trust, the Eklingji Trust.

The Temple

This temple is facing towards east and stands on a high raised platform. This temple follow nagara style of architecture and is built of white lime stone. The temple consists of sanctum, antrala, sabha mandapa and frontal porch. The sabha mandapa is octagonal in plan. There are three ornamental balconies supported by pillars each on the southern and northern sides of the sabha mandapa. The pillars of the mandapa have intricately carved pillars with lathe turned capitals. The sanctum enshrines an image of Surya. He is shown as riding his chariot. The exterior of the temple is decorated with Surya seated on a chariot driven by horses, Hindu deities, celestial beings, animals, floral motifs and geometric patterns.

Connectivity

The temple is located at about 7 Kms from Sadri, 10 Kms from Sadri Bus Stand, 26 Kms from Desuri, 35 Kms from Falna Railway Station, 92 Kms from Pali, 92 Kms from Udaipur and 106 Kms from Udaipur Airport. Ranakpur is situated on Desuri to Udaipur route via Sadri.

Location

Surya Temple, Budhadeet, Rajasthan

Surya Temple is a Hindu Temple dedicated to Lord Surya located in Budhadeet Village in Digod Tehsil in Kota District in the western Indian state of Rajasthan. The temple is one of the state protected monuments in Rajasthan declared by Archaeological Survey of India.

History

This temple is believed to have been built in 9^th century CE. The temple suffered destruction at the hands of Muslim invaders in 17^th century CE and the sabha mandapa was completely destroyed. The sabha mandapa is said to have been reconstructed in 18^th century CE by a Hindu ruler. Due to this sun temple here, this village came to called Budhadit. Budhadit is a combination of words Buddha (Old in English) and Aditya (Sun in English).

The Temple

This temple is facing towards east. The temple consists of sanctum, antrala and sabha mandapa with entrances on eastern, northern and southern sides. The sanctum, antrala and shikara are basically the original structure and the sabha mandapa belongs to 18^th century CE. The sabha mandapa is enclosed by parapet on all sides except the entrances. The sanctum doorway is intricately carved.

An image of Surya riding seven horses can be seen in the lintel of the sanctum doorway. The sanctum enshrines a new marble statue of Surya. Images of Surya riding seven horses, Lakshmi Narayana riding on Garuda and form of Surya can be seen on the niches of the exterior wall. The exterior wall is decorated with images of Hindu deities, dancers, musicians, floral motifs and geometric patterns.

Connectivity

The temple is located at about 7 Kms from Barod, 21 Kms from Kapren, 26 Kms from Kapren Railway Station, 29 Kms from Digod, 55 Kms from Kota, 104 Kms from Sawai Madhopur and 229 Kms from Jaipur Airport. The temple is situated on the Barod to Kapren route.

Location

Surya Temple, Devka, Rajasthan

Surya Temple is a Hindu Temple dedicated to Lord Surya located in Devka Village in Sheo Tehsil in Barmer District in the western Indian state of Rajasthan. This temple was built in 13^th century CE. The temple is one of the state protected monuments in Rajasthan declared by Archaeological Survey of India.

The Temple

This temple is facing towards east and stands over raised platform. The temple follows panchayatana style of architecture. Panchayatana is an architectural style where the main shrine is surrounded by smaller subsidiary shrines at the four corners and making it a total of five shrines. The traces of south eastern and northern eastern shrines can be seen while south western and north western shrines are completely lost. The temple consists of sanctum, antrala, sabha mandapa with lateral transepts and entrance porch.

The sabha mandapa and entrance porch is completely enclosed by a parapet wall on all sides except the entrances. The parapet wall has a seating arrangement in the interior. The sanctum enshrines an image of Surya. The shikara over the sanctum follows nagara style of architecture. The exterior of the temple is decorated with floral motifs and geometric patterns. There is a temple dedicated to Lord Vishnu situated opposite to the Surya temple. This shrine consists of sanctum and mukha mandapa. The sanctum is crowned with nagara style shikara.

Connectivity

The temple is located at about 20 Kms from Sheo, 75 Kms from Barmer, 75 Kms from Barmer Railway Station, 84 Kms from Jaisalmer and 236 Kms from Jodhpur Airport. The temple is situated on Barmer to Jaisalmer route.

Location

Surya Temple, Jaisalmer, Rajasthan

Surya Temple is a Hindu Temple dedicated to Lord Surya located in Jaisalmer City in Jaisalmer Tehsil in Jaisalmer District in the western Indian state of Rajasthan. This temple is situated inside the Jaisalmer Fort Complex (Sonargarh). The temple is believed to have been built in 15^th century CE. The temple is one of the state protected monuments in Rajasthan declared by Archaeological Survey of India.

The Temple

This temple is facing towards east and stands over a high raised platform. The temple can be reached after climbing flight of steps. The temple consists of sanctum, mandapa and mukha mandapa. The sanctum enshrines an image of Surya. The sanctum is crowned with nagara style shikara. Idol of Ganesha, Linga and Nandi can be seen in the temple premises.

Connectivity

The temple is located at about 2 Kms from Jaisalmer Bus Stand, 2 Kms from Jaisalmer Railway Station, 14 Kms from Jaisalmer Airport and 156 Kms from Barmer. Jaisalmer Fort is situated on the Jaisalmer Bus Stand to Jaisalmer Airport.

Location

Surya Narayan Temple, Kuchaman, Rajasthan

Surya Narayan Temple is a Hindu Temple dedicated to Lord Surya located in Kuchaman City in Nawa Tehsil in Didwana Kuchaman District in the western Indian state of Rajasthan. The temple is one of the state protected monuments in Rajasthan declared by Archaeological Survey of India.

Legends

As per legend, Lord Indra installed the idol of Surya here and built the temple subsequently.

The Temple

This temple is situated on a small hillock. This temple has been constructed in such a way that the morning sun rays fall at the feet of the Lord twice a year (March and September). These rays reach the feet of the deity through the 5 main doors.

Connectivity

The temple is located at about 750 metres from Kuchaman Bus Stand, 12 Kms from Kuchaman City Railway Station, 29 Kms from Nawa, 43 Kms from Didwana, 97 Kms from Ajmer, 118 Kms from Jaipur and 128 Kms from Jaipur Airport. The temple is situated on the Nawa to Didwana route.

Location

Surya Temple, Mandesar, Rajasthan

Surya Temple is a Hindu Temple dedicated to Lord Surya located in Mandesar Village in Bhinder Tehsil in Udaipur District in the western Indian state of Rajasthan. This temple is believed to have been built in 11^th century CE. The temple is one of the state protected monuments in Rajasthan declared by Archaeological Survey of India.

The Temple

This temple is facing towards east and stands over a raised platform. The temple consists of sanctum, antrala and sabha mandapa with entrance porches on eastern, southern and northern sides. The sabha mandapa is enclosed parapet walls on all sides except its entrances. The parapet wall is provided with a seating arrangement in the interior. The sabha mandapa is supported by sixteen half pillars resting on the parapet walls. The superstructure over the sabha mandapa is of domical shape.

The lintel of the sanctum doorway has carvings of Surya at its centre flanked by Brahma on the right end and Vishnu on the left end. The niches on the western, northern and southern sides have images of Surya drawn by seven horses. The exterior of the temple is decorated with images of various deities, celestial beings, dancers, animals, floral motifs and geometric patterns. The sanctum enshrines an image of Surya. The sanctum is crowned with nagara style shikara.

Connectivity

The temple is located at about 6 Kms from Udaipur Airport, 11 Kms from Bhatewar, 21 Kms from Debari Railway Station, 22 Kms from Kheroda Railway Station, 30 Kms from Udaipur, 40 Kms from Bhinder and 82 Kms from Nimbahera. The temple is situated on the Udaipur to Nimbahera route.

Location

Ubeshwar Mahadev Temple, Udaipur, Rajasthan

Ubeshwar Mahadev Temple is a Hindu Temple dedicated to Lord Shiva located in Udaipur City in Girwa Tehsil in Udaipur District in the western Indian state of Rajasthan. The temple is located on a hill in the Ubeshwar area of Udaipur City.

The Temple

This temple is situated on a hill at an altitude of about 900 meter above sea level. The temple is facing towards east. The temple consists of sanctum and mandapa. The sanctum enshrines the presiding deity, Ubeshwar Mahadev in the form of Shiva Linga. There is a holy pond called Gangu Kund in the temple premises. There is a small rivulet next to this temple which flows only in rainy season.

Connectivity

The temple is located at about 21 Kms from Udaipur City Bus Depot, 21 Kms from Udaipur City Railway Station, 23 Kms from Rana Pratap Nagar Railway Station and 41 Kms from Udaipur Airport. Udaipur is located at about 20 Kms from Eklingji, 46 Kms from Nathdwara, 102 Kms from Nimbahera, 111 Kms from Chittorgarh, 128 Kms from Sirohi, 163 Kms from Mount Abu, 250 Kms from Jodhpur and 396 Kms from Jaipur. Udaipur lies on the intersection point of East West Corridor, Golden Quadrilateral, National Highway (NH) 76 and National Highway (NH) 8, midway between Delhi and Mumbai. Udaipur is well connected to the major cities of India by land, rail, and air.

Location

Varaha Temple, Baghera, Rajasthan

Varaha Temple is a Hindu Temple dedicated to Lord Vishnu located in Baghera Village in Kekri Tehsil in Ajmer District in the western Indian state of Rajasthan. The temple is situated on the bank of Varah Sagar. The temple is one of the state protected monuments in Rajasthan declared by Archaeological Survey of India.

History

The idol was found by Rawat of Begu in the adjoining lake in 17^th century CE during his expedition in this area. The idol might be dated to 15^th century CE. The present temple was built by the Rawat of Begu in 15^th century CE. Begu is one of the prominent nobles of Mewar royal house.

The Temple

This temple is facing towards east and stands on a low raised platform. This temple follow nagara style of architecture. The temple consists of sanctum, sabha mandapa with lateral transepts and frontal porch with a makara torana. The transepts and the porch are enclosed by balustrades. The sanctum enshrines an image of Varaha, an avatar of Lord Vishnu. The body of the Varaha is carved with images of 500 Hindu deities.

Connectivity

The temple is located at about 19 Kms from Todaraisingh, 20 Kms from Kekri, 20 Kms from Kekri Bus Stand, 58 Kms from Tonk, 78 Kms from Bijainagar Railway Station, 96 Kms from Ajmer, 97 Kms from Ajmer Junction Railway Station, 129 Kms from Jaipur Airport and 142 Kms from Jaipur. The temple is situated on Kekri to Todaraisingh route.

Location

Neelkanth Temple, Tehla, Rajasthan

Neelkanth Temple is a Hindu Temple dedicated to Lord Shiva located near Tehla village close to Sariska Tiger Reserve in the Rajgarh Tehsil in Alwar District, in the western Indian state of Rajasthan. The place was called as Rajyapura and Paranagar during ancient times. This temple is protected as monuments of national importance by the central Archaeological Survey of India.

Legends

As per legend, when the Mughal army came here to destroy this temple, millions of bees attacked the Mughal army from nowhere. The Mughal army was forced to flee after being attacked by the bees.

History

The temple was built by Maharajadhiraja Mathanadeva Bargujar, a Pratihara feudatory ruler, as per an inscription dated to 961 CE and a rock edict inside the Sariska Tiger Reserve, which is mentioned by Col. James Tod in his 1829 monumental work “Annals and Antiquities of Rajasthan”. This temple is the only temple survived the onslaught of Mughal tyrant Aurangzeb and his Muslim army. The temples in the surrounding areas suffered heavy destruction evident from the presence of numerous ruins.

The Temple

The temple is situated in an isolated hill near the Sariska National Park, and can be reached only by a steep rough hilly track. The Temple is surrounded by ruined walls of the Rajorgarh Fort. The temple follows Trikuta style (three shrined), of which the central shrine (main sanctum) faces west and houses a Shiva Linga in it. Also, it preserved its nagara style shikara. The lateral shrines had lost its shikara completely.

Nataraja can be seen in the lalatabimba of the door frame of the central shrine. The lalatabimbas of the lateral shrines are now too damaged to be identified. All the three shrines are pancharatha on plan and share a common ranga mandapa and preceded by an entrance porch. The ranga mandapa is supported on four central pillars. The ceiling of the rangamandapa is decorated with Padmasila, sculptures of surasundaris and Gandharvas.

The outer temple walls has a pitha and a vedibandha that holds small niches with sculptures in them. The bhadra niches of the sanctum has Narasimha in the north, Harihararka in the east and Tripurantaka in the south. The other external projections are decorated with sculptures of Lord Shiva & Gauri seated on Nandi, Sura Sundaris, Mithuna, Yalis, and Dikpalas.

Connectivity

Location

Mahanaleshvara Temple, Menal – The Temple Complex

The Menal Temple complex consists of a group of Shiva temple on both sides of the waterfall. The main structural group, on the left side of the gorge, is credited to the Chahamana King Someshvar while the single temple with a detached monastery across waterfall is credited to the queen Suhavadevi. The entrance to the main group is via a two storied gateway carved with images of Ganesha and Bhairava.

The main temple consists of sanctum, antrala with sukhanasi and ranga mandapa with samvarana roof. The sanctum is built in the Bhumija style of architecture with stellate pancharatha ground plan. The superstructure has strings of angasikharas, surmounted by a double amalaka. The sanctum enshrines the presiding deity, Mahanaleshvara in the form of Shiva Linga.

Nandi, housed in a four pillared mandapa can be seen in front of the main temple, facing the sanctum. The exterior walls of the temple are decorated with deities from Hindu pantheon, carvings of guardian deities, animals and social life. There are two shrines dedicated respectively to Ganesha and Gauri to the north west of the main temple.

Each shrine consists of a pancharatha sanctum and an antarala, preceded by a pair of ornate pillars. Lakulisa, Nataraja and Ardhanarisvara can be seen in the bhadra niches of the shrines. Only a portion of the sikhara has survived on one of these shrines. The main temple is surrounded by several smaller shrines. Most of these shrines are in ruins now.

There are two arches built over a raised platform can be seen near to the main temple. The temple with a detached monastery built by the queen can be seen across the waterfall. The temple is identical to the main temple. The Saiva Matha was constructed in the form of hypostyle mandapa. It is decorated with ghatapallava pillars.

There is an inscription dated to the reign of the Chahamana king Prithviraja II in 1169 CE. It records that the matha was built by an ascetic Bhavabrahma. The gate behind the smaller shrines will lead you out of the temple complex to a breathtaking view of a huge waterfall plunging into a gorge.

Mahanaleshvara Temple, Menal – The Temple Complex

Mahanaleshvara Temple, Menal, Rajasthan

Mahanaleshvara Temple is a Hindu Temple dedicated to Lord Shiva located in Menal Village in Begun Taluk in Chittorgarh District, in the western Indian state of Rajasthan. The Temple is popularly known as the mini Khajuraho temple. The Menal Temple complex consists of a group of Shiva temple on both sides of the waterfall. This temple is protected as monuments of national importance by the central Archaeological Survey of India. The name Menal is derived from Maha Nal (great gorge).

History

This Temple complex was built by Chahamana King Someshvar and his queen Suhavadevi of the Shakambhari Chahamana Dynasty during the 11^th century CE. The temples on the left side of the gorge was built by the king while the single temple with a detached monastery across the river was built by the queen.

The Temple Complex

For brief details, please refer below link;

https://hindutemples-india.blogspot.com/2021/12/mahanaleshvara-temple-menal-temple-complex.html

Connectivity

The Temple is located at about 17 Kms from Mandalgarh Railway Station, 21 Kms from Bijolia, 25 Kms from Begun, 70 Kms from Bhilwara, 85 Kms from Chittorgarh, 89 Kms from Kota, 181 Kms from Udaipur Airport, 195 Kms from Udaipur and 275 Kms from Jaipur. Menal is situated on Bhilwara to Kota route.

Location

Somanath Temple, Sambalpur, Odisha

Somanath Temple is a Hindu Temple dedicated to Lord Shiva, located in Sambalpur City in Sambalpur District in Odisha, India. The Temple is situated on the left bank of the river Mahanadi, on the left side of the road leading from Kunjelpada to Samalesvsari temple.

History

The Temple was built by the third Chauhan ruler Balabhadra Deva (1605 to 1630 CE). This temple is under the control of Endowment Department, Government of Odisha.

The Temple

The temple is facing towards east. The temple is Pancharatha on plan. The temple consists of a rekha vimana, rekha jagamohana and a pillared mandapa. The vimana and jagamohana are square on plan. Both vimana and jagamohana stands over a raised platform. The Sanctum houses a Shivalinga within a circular yonipitha. The exterior is devoid of any decoration except the Parsvadevta niches. A detach pillar is found in front of the temple. Sculptures of an erotic figure and Mahisasuramardini are found in the temple premises.

Festivals

Shivarathri, Kartika Purnima and, Sitalasasti are the festivals celebrated here.

Connectivity

The Temple is located at about 1.5 Kms from Sambalpur Bus Stand, 2 Kms from Sambalpur Junction Railway Station and 2 Kms from Sambalpur Road Railway Station. The Temple is situated on the left bank of the river Mahanadi, on the left side of the road leading from Kunjelpada to Samalesvsari temple. Sambalpur is located at about 14 Kms from Hirakud, 53 Kms from Jharsuguda, 62 Kms from Jharsuguda Airport, 79 Kms from Sonepur, 124 Kms from Balangir and 275 Kms from Bhubaneshwar.

Location

Khambeswari Temple, Sonepur, Odisha

Khambeswari Temple is a Hindu Temple dedicated to Goddess Durga, located in Sonepur Town in Subarnapur District in Odisha State, India. Khambeswari is considered as one of the three important goddess temple in Sonepur. This temple is situated in the centre of the Sonepur town. The temple is situated on the right bank of the river Mahanadi. Sonepur is also known as Second Varanasi of India for its cluster of temples having architectural importance and also of tantrism and second Prayagraj for the confluence (Sangam) of two rivers Mahanadi and Tel in place just like the confluence of rivers Ganga and Yamuna in Prayagraj.

History

It is said that the Khemidi princess during her marriage with Rajaraj Singh, the Chauhan ruler of Subarnapur had brought the image of Khambesvari to the royal palace. Later, King Rajaraj Singh built a temple for the deity.

The Temple

The temple consists of a rekha vimana and a mandapa. The sanctum enshrines an image of Goddess Khambeswari in the form of Vanadurga. Stucco images of lions can be seen on either side at the entrance of the mandapa.

Connectivity

The Temple is located at about 500 metres from Sonepur Bus Stand, 48 Kms from Boudh, 51 Kms from Balangir, 52 Kms from Balangir Junction Railway Station, 82 Kms from Sambalpur, 142 Kms from Jharsuguda Airport, 267 Kms from Bhubaneswar and 267 Kms from Bhubaneswar Airport. Sonepur is situated on Boudh to Balangir route. Sonepur is well connected to Bhubaneswar, Cuttack, Berhampur, Sambalpur and Balangir by regular bus services.

Location

Samaleswari Temple, Sambalpur – Legends

King Balaram Dev, builder of this temple:

Once, King Balaram Dev, first Chauhan ruler of Sambalpur, crossed river Mahanadi and came to the right bank with his hounds for hunting. He noticed a strange event during hunting. His hounds instead of chasing the rabbit were chased by the rabbit itself. He was stunned seeing the event and followed the rabbit. The rabbit went inside a huge Simili tree on the left bank of Mahanadi and disappeared. King Balaram Dev returned to his camp after the hunting expedition and had a strange dream at night. Goddess Samaleswari appeared in his dreams and ordered him to construct a temple at the foot of the Simili tree. As ordered by the goddess, he constructed the temple and established his fort at left bank of Mahanadi.

Kalapahar invasion of Sambalpur:

As per legend, Kalapahar, a Muslim General of Bengal Sultanate under the Karrani Dynasty invaded Sambalpur with a huge army in 16^th century CE. He camped near Durgapali on the banks of Mahanadi River near to Samaleswari temple. He had a huge drum made of cow hide and had huge bells. It is said that huge sound caused from the bell by the beating of the drum made the idols to get disintegrated. His intention was to destroy the Samaleswari temple and the other temples in Sambalpur.

Before, he could start his heinous crime, a beautiful milk maid with a basket of milk, curd and cheese on her head, reached the camp of Kalapahar. She sold his items to Kalapahar and his army. It is said that his entire army along with Kalapahar suffered from cholera and other related diseases causing total chaos in his camp. This made him to abandon his invasion and the plan of destroying the temples in Sambalpur. He left Sambalpur leaving the most of his armoury, the huge drum and the bells.

It is believed that the Goddess Samaleswari manifested herself in the form of a milk maid and caused devastation in the army of Kalapahar. A huge drum and a large number of bells used to be kept at the Mukhasala of the Samaleswari temple. It is said that a large number of tombs believed to be those of the dead soldiers of Kalapahar are found in a mango grove near Samaleswari College building on the banks of river Mahanadi.

Human Sacrifice:

It is said that a person named Krupasindhu Panigrahi and his wife were buried in the foundation of the temple during construction. It is said that the human sacrifice was offered once in a year in ancient times. Human sacrifice was stopped following miracle of Samaleswari with a saint from Amritsar, who became the Mahanta of Gopalji Math later on. The practice of human sacrifice was discontinued in 17^th century and the practice of sacrificing buffalo was adopted. Even, the practice of sacrificing the buffalo was also stopped.

Samaleswari Temple, Sambalpur, Odisha

Samaleswari Temple is a Hindu Temple dedicated to Goddess Sakthi, located in Sambalpur City in Sambalpur District in Odisha, India. Samaleswari is considered as a tribal deity, known among the natives as Samalei Maa, meaning Mother Samaleswari. She is considered as the presiding deity of Sambalpur. She is a strong religious force in western part of Odisha and Chhattisgarh state of India. The Temple is situated on the left bank of the river Mahanadi, on the left side of the road leading from Kunjelpada to Bada Bazar.

Legends

For brief details, please refer below link;

https://hindutemples-india.blogspot.com/2021/12/samaleswari-temple-sambalpur-legends.html

History

The Temple was built by the first Chauhan ruler Balarama Deva (1575 -1595 CE). It is said that the idol of goddess Samaleswari under the Simili tree was worshipped by tribals since third century CE. The present temple was completely rebuilt by the 7^th Chauhan king Chhatra Sai (1690 -1725 CE). This temple is a protected monument of Odisha State Archaeology and under the Endowment Department, Government of Odisha.

The Temple

This temple is facing towards north but presently it is opened from the eastern side for the devotees. The temple is of Sandhara order (These types of the temples have a square sanctum enclosed by a gallery of pillars meant for Pradakshina). The temple consists of Sanctum and a pillared Mukha Mandapa. The Sanctum is square on plan and the Mukha Mandapa is rectangular on plan. The Sanctum is four step below the covered Pradakshinapatha, supported by 12 stone pillars.

The Sanctum enshrines Samaleswari, a huge block of stone having a convex front. A raised ridge like elevation in the middle of the rock is regarded as the nose of the deity. The lower portion of the slab has a downward extension, which is considered as the mouth of the goddess. There is a small adjunct below the groove, which represents the chin. It gives the look of a face of a female, when it is properly dressed and adorned with ornaments.

Ramachandi, Mahisasuramardini, Mangala, Jwalamukhi Narasimhi, Bana Durga, Varahi, Chinnamasta, Matangi, Kali and Ugra Tara are the niche idols located the sanctum walls. The vimana over the sanctum is of rekha style. The vertical segments of sikhara is adorned with miniature temple motifs and ascending successive lotus petal designs.

Festivals

Navaratri, Durga puja, Dhabalamukhi Besa, Chaitra Mangala Bara, Nabarna and Nuakhai are the festivals celebrated here. The farmers of the surrounding region offer the first produce from their lands to the goddess before using it for his personal use during Nuakhai.

Connectivity

The Temple is located at about 1.5 Kms from Sambalpur Junction Railway Station, 2 Kms from Sambalpur Bus Stand and 3 Kms from Sambalpur Road Railway Station. The Temple is situated on the left bank of the river Mahanadi, on the left side of the road leading from Kunjelpada to Bada Bazar. Sambalpur is located at about 14 Kms from Hirakud, 53 Kms from Jharsuguda, 62 Kms from Jharsuguda Airport, 79 Kms from Sonepur, 124 Kms from Balangir and 275 Kms from Bhubaneshwar.

Location

Patanesvari Temple, Sambalpur, Odisha

Patanesvari Temple is a Hindu Temple dedicated to Goddess Sakthi, located in Sambalpur City in Sambalpur District in Odisha, India. The Temple is situated on the left bank of the river Mahanadi, on the left side of the road leading from Kunjelpada to Bada Bazar.

History

The Temple was built by the first Chauhan ruler Balarama Deva (1575 -1595 CE). This temple is under the control of Endowment Department, Government of Odisha.

The Temple

This temple is facing towards south. The temple is square on plan and consists of a vimana and a pradakshina patha that stands over a high platform. The Sanctum enshrines the goddess Patanesvari. The jangha portion of the temple houses sculptures of Chhatrabauti, Kali, Bagalamukhi, Mangala, Mahisasuramardini Durga, and Narasimha.

Festivals

Durga Puja and Chaitra Mangala Usha are the festivals celebrated here.

Connectivity

The Temple is located at about 1.5 Kms from Sambalpur Junction Railway Station, 2 Kms from Sambalpur Bus Stand and 3 Kms from Sambalpur Road Railway Station. The Temple is situated on the left bank of the river Mahanadi, on the left side of the road leading from Kunjelpada to Bada Bazar. Sambalpur is located at about 14 Kms from Hirakud, 53 Kms from Jharsuguda, 62 Kms from Jharsuguda Airport, 79 Kms from Sonepur, 124 Kms from Balangir and 275 Kms from Bhubaneshwar.

Location

Gokarnesvara Temple, Sisupalgarh – Connectivity

The Temple is located at about 1 Km from Sisupalgarh, 1.5 Kms from Gouri Nagar Bus Stop, 2 Kms from Lingaraj Temple, 5 Kms from Lingaraj Temple Road Railway Station, 5 Kms from Bhubaneswar Railway Station, 6 Kms from Bhubaneswar Airport, 10 Kms from Baramunda Bus Stand, 20 Kms from Bhubaneswar New Railway Station, 30 Kms from Cuttack and 54 Kms from Puri. The temple is situated on the left side of the Mahavir Lane branching from Garage Chowk in Santarapur to Sisupalgarh. Bhubaneswar is well connected to rest of India by Train, Air and Land.

By Road:

By Train:

By Air:

Gokarnesvara Temple, Sisupalgarh, Odisha

Gokarnesvara Temple is a Hindu Temple dedicated to Lord Shiva located in Sisupalgarh, an outskirt of Bhubaneshwar City in Khurda District in Odisha, India. The temple is situated on the bank of Gangua Nala. The temple is located on the northern side of the ancient fort of Sisupalgarh. Sisupalgarh is identified with Kalinganagara of King Kharavela and Tosali of Ashoka.

History

The Temple is believed to be built by King Kharavela in 1^st century CE. However, the temple can be dated to 10^th century CE by Somavamsis based on iconographic features.

The Temple

This temple is facing towards west and stands over a low raised platform. The temple consists of pidha vimana, ganthiala and pidha jagamohana. The vimana and jagamohana are square on plan. The sanctum enshrines the presiding deity, Gokarnesvara, within a square Yonipitha. The sanctum is situated 1 metres below the present ground level. The exterior wall is plain and whitewashed. Architectural fragments, Udyota Simha and Bhootha Ganas can be found in the temple premises.

Festivals

Akshaya Trutiya, Bada Usha, Shivaratri, Dasara, Rudrabhiseka, and Chandrabhiseka are the festivals celebrated here.

Connectivity

For brief details, please refer below link;

https://hindutemples-india.blogspot.com/2021/12/gokarnesvara-temple-sisupalgarh-connectivity.html

Location

Durga Temple, Baideswar, Odisha

Durga Temple is a Hindu Temple dedicated to Goddess Durga located in Baideswar Village in Cuttack District in the Indian state of Odisha. The temple is situated on the southern bank of Mahanadi River. The Temple is situated on the Cuttack to Daspalla route.

History

The Temple was constructed in 8^th century CE by the Bhaumakaras. The temple is a protected monument maintained by the Archaeological Survey of India, Bhubaneswar Circle.

The Temple

This temple is facing towards west. The temple consists of khakhara vimana and a shallow frontal porch. The temple is triratha on plan and triangabada in elevation. The vimana is rectangular on plan. The sanctum enshrines an image of eight armed Mahishasura Mardini. The exterior wall is profusely carved with sculptural motifs such as vajramundi and chaitya designs and scroll works. The vajramundi niches are carved with images of Mahishasura Mardini, Parvati, Aja Ekapada Bhairava and Ganesha.

The chaitya medallion in the bada is carved with Andhakasura Vadha Moorthy and Aja Ekapada. The chaitya medallion surmounted the gandi is carved with the images of Nataraja and Ganesha. The each mouldings of the bada is carved with chaitya medallion housing animals like elephant, horse, swan and floral motifs such as lotus medallion etc. A maithuna image is found on the right lateral side of the mastaka.

Festivals

Durga Pooja is the most famous festival celebrated here.

Connectivity

The Temple is located at about 2.5 Kms from Baideswar Bus Stand, 10 Kms from Kalapathar, 17 Kms from Banki, 41 Kms from Narasinghpur, 63 Kms from Cuttack, 65 Kms from Daspalla, 68 Kms from Bhubaneswar and 68 Kms from Bhubaneswar Airport. The Temple is situated on the Cuttack to Daspalla route.

Location

Duladevi Temple, Kapileshwar – Connectivity

The Temple is located at about 1.5 Kms from Lingaraj Temple, 2 Kms from Lingaraj Temple Road Railway Station, 4 Kms from Bhubaneswar Airport, 5 Kms from Bhubaneswar Railway Station, 8 Kms from Baramunda Bus Stand and 19 Kms from Bhubaneswar New Railway Station. The temple is located on the right side of the Duladevi chowk in the Kapilesvara Village. The temple is situated at about 500 metres to the south east of Kapilesvara Temple. It can be approached from the end of the Kapilesvara road leading from Lingaraja temple to the Kapilesvara village. Bhubaneswar is well connected to rest of India by Train, Air and Land.

By Road:

By Train:

By Air:

Duladevi Temple, Kapileshwar, Odisha

Duladevi Temple is a Hindu Temple dedicated to Goddess Durga located in the Kapileshwar Village, a well-known locality in Bhubaneswar, the state capital of Odisha, India. The temple is located on the right side of the Duladevi chowk in the Kapilesvara Village. The temple is situated at about 500 metres to the south east of Kapilesvara Temple. It can be approached from the end of the Kapilesvara road leading from Lingaraja temple to the Kapilesvara village.

History

The Temple was constructed in 18^th century CE during the Bhoi rule.

The Temple

This temple is facing towards east. The temple consists of a pidha vimana and a frontal porch. The vimana is square on plan. The sanctum enshrines an image of four armed Mahishasura Mardini. The exterior walls of the temple are decorated with images of vyalas, nayikas and erotic figures. The gandi of the temple is decorated with lotus design. Idols of Parvati, Nayika playing musical instrument, Nagas and architectural fragments can be seen in the temple premises.

Connectivity

For brief details, please refer below link;

https://hindutemples-india.blogspot.com/2021/12/duladevi-temple-kapileshwar-connectivity.html

Location

Dishesvara Temple, Bhubaneswar – Connectivity

The Temple is located at about 500 metres from Ravi Talkies Square, 1 Km from Gouri Nagar Bus Stop, 1 Km from Lingaraj Temple, 3 Kms from Bhubaneswar Railway Station, 4 Kms from Lingaraj Temple Road Railway Station, 4 Kms from Bhubaneswar Airport, 7 Kms from Baramunda Bus Stand and 18 Kms from Bhubaneswar New Railway Station. The temple is situated on the right side of the road leading from Nalamuhana chowk to Rabi talkies. Bhubaneswar is well connected to rest of India by Train, Air and Land.

By Road:

By Train:

By Air:

Dishesvara Temple, Bhubaneswar, Odisha

Dishesvara Temple is a Hindu Temple dedicated to Lord Shiva located in Bhubaneswar, the state capital of Odisha, India. The temple is situated on the right side of the road leading from Nalamuhana chowk to Rabi talkies.

History

The Temple was constructed in 15^th century CE during the Gajapati rule. The temple was repaired and renovated by Odisha State Archaeology during the X and XI Finance Commission Award. The temple is currently looked after by Lingaraja Trust Board.

The Temple

This temple is facing towards west and in a dilapidated state. The temple is pancharatha on plan and triangabada in elevation. The temple is square on plan. The temple consists of a rekha vimana and a shallow frontal porch. The sanctum enshrines the presiding deity, Dishesvara, in the form of Shiva Linga within a circular yonipitha. The sanctum is situated at about 1 metres below the present ground level. The exterior is devoid of any decoration except the udyota simhas on the rahapagas and talagarbhika and urdhagarbhika on the parsvadevta niches.

Festivals

Shivarathri and Kartika Purnima are the festivals celebrated here.

Connectivity

For brief details, please refer below link;

https://hindutemples-india.blogspot.com/2021/12/dishesvara-temple-bhubaneswar-connectivity.html

Location

Chintamanisvara Temple, Bhubaneswar – Connectivity

The Temple is located at about 1 Km from Bhubaneswar Railway Station, 4 Kms from Bhubaneswar Airport, 4 Kms from Lingaraj Temple, 5 Kms from Lingaraj Temple Road Railway Station, 8 Kms from Baramunda Bus Stand, 17 Kms from Bhubaneswar New Railway Station, 27 Kms from Cuttack and 57 Kms from Puri. The temple is situated at the end of the Chintamanisvara road, branching from Cuttack to Puri road near the old station bazar. Bhubaneswar is well connected to rest of India by Train, Air and Land.

By Road:

By Train:

By Air:

Chintamanisvara Temple, Bhubaneswar, Odisha

Chintamanisvara Temple is a Hindu Temple dedicated to Lord Shiva located in Bhubaneswar, the state capital of Odisha, India. The temple is situated at the end of the Chintamanisvara road, branching from Cuttack to Puri road near the old station bazar.

History

The Temple was constructed in 14^th century CE by the Gangas. As per local legend, the temple and the tank are believed to be built by Somavamsis. The temple is looked after by the Chintamanisvara Temple Committee.

The Temple

This Temple is facing towards west. The temple is pancharatha on plan and panchangabada in elevation. The temple consists of a vimana and a frontal porch. There is a recently built mandapa in front of the temple. The sanctum is square on plan. The base of the doorjamb of the sanctum is carved with two khakhara mundis on either side. The sanctum enshrines the presiding deity, Chintamanisvara, in the form of Shiva Linga within a yonipitha. There is a four armed Ganesha in the right side of the doorjamb.

The deity is holding a Parasu and rosary in his lower left and right arms and modaka patra in upper left and a broken tooth (tusk) in lower left arm. Images of Kartikeya, Ganesha and Parvathy can be seen in the parsvadevta niches, located around the sanctum walls. The exterior of the temple are decorated with khakharamundis & pidhamundis in jangha portion of bada, deulacharini on the recess of the kanika paga and the gandi portion is solely devoid of any decoration.

Chintmanisvara Tank:

Chintmanisvara Tank is a sacred tank associated with Chintamanisvara Temple. It is located inside the temple premises. The tank is rectangular in shape. It measures 22.40 m in length and 11.20 m in breadth with a depth of 3.0 m. The tank is fed by a natural spring with waters from underground. There is an outlet in the eastern wall to discharge excess water. The tank is provided with steps in the western embankment.

Festivals

Shivarathri, Shiva Vivaha, Jalasaya, Rudrabhiseka, Kartika Purnima and Sravana Purnima are the festivals celebrated here.

Connectivity

For brief details, please refer below link;

https://hindutemples-india.blogspot.com/2021/12/chintamanisvara-temple-bhubaneswar-connectivity.html

Location

Saturday, March 29, 2025

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Jasmalnathji Mahadev Temple, Asoda, Gujarat

Jasmalnathji Mahadev Temple, Asoda, Gujarat

Kalika Mata Temple, New Dhrevad, Gujarat

Mahadeva Temple, Kakanpur, Gujarat

Gokeshwar Mahadev Temple, Lovrali, Gujarat

Galteshwar Temple, Sarnal – The Temple

Galteshwar Temple, Sarnal, Gujarat

Chaumukh Mahadev Temple, Hathrol, Gujarat

Pipaji Temple, Todaraisingh, Rajasthan

Kalyanraiji Temple, Todaraisingh, Rajasthan

Kala Pahar Temple, Todaraisingh, Rajasthan

Gopinathji Temple, Todaraisingh, Rajasthan

Mahadeva Temple, Charchoma, Rajasthan

Siddheshwar Temple, Krosjhuri, West Bengal

Gopalji Matha Temple, Sambalpur, Odisha

Gopinatha Temple, Baideswar, Odisha

Jagannath Temple, Jajpur, Odisha

Jalesvara Temple, Kalarahanga – The Temple

Jalesvara Temple, Kalarahanga – Connectivity

Jalesvara Temple, Kalarahanga, Odisha

Kharakhia Vaidyanatha Temple Complex, Bhubaneswar – Connectivity

Kharakhia Vaidyanatha Temple Complex, Bhubaneswar, Odisha

Gopal Tirtha Matha, Bhubaneswar – Connectivity

Gopal Tirtha Matha, Bhubaneswar, Odisha

Madanesvara Temple, Sisupalgarh – Connectivity

Madanesvara Temple, Sisupalgarh, Odisha

Rakshya Kali Temple, Jajpur, Odisha

Saptamatrika Temple, Jajpur, Odisha

Simhanatha Temple, Gopinathapur – The Temple Complex

Simhanatha Temple, Gopinathapur, Odisha

Ramnath Temple Complex, Boudh – The Temple Complex

Ramnath Temple Complex, Boudh, Odisha

Subarnameru Temple, Sonepur – Legends

Subarnameru Temple, Sonepur, Odisha

Twin Temples of Gandharadi – The Temple Complex

Twin Temples of Gandharadi, Odisha

Chandrasekhara Mahadeva Temple, Kapilash – The Temple

Chandrasekhara Mahadeva Temple, Kapilash, Odisha

Hinglaj Mata Temple, Khandosan, Gujarat

Hinglaj Mata Temple, Khandosan, Gujarat

Naugaza Digambar Jain Temple, Tehla, Rajasthan

Vairat Devi Temple, Chikhaldara, Maharashtra

Ramling Temple, Yedshi, Maharashtra

Mahadev Temple, Mangeri, Maharashtra

Hanuman Temple, Wari, Maharashtra

Pisanahi Temple, Birshibpur, Uttar Pradesh

Rahila Sagar Sun Temple, Rahiliya, Uttar Pradesh

Mahadeva Temple, Ramnagar, Uttar Pradesh

Rawatpura Group of Temples, Rawatpura, Uttar Pradesh

Rishiyan Ashram, Barha Kotra – Legends

Rishiyan Ashram, Barha Kotra, Uttar Pradesh

Ancient Brick Temples, Sarahan Buzurg, Uttar Pradesh

Shiva Tandav Temple, Mahoba, Uttar Pradesh

Sun Temple, Nandeshma, Rajasthan

Surya Narayan Temple, Ranakpur, Rajasthan

Surya Temple, Budhadeet, Rajasthan

Surya Temple, Devka, Rajasthan

Surya Temple, Jaisalmer, Rajasthan

Surya Narayan Temple, Kuchaman, Rajasthan

Surya Temple, Mandesar, Rajasthan

Ubeshwar Mahadev Temple, Udaipur, Rajasthan

Varaha Temple, Baghera, Rajasthan

Neelkanth Temple, Tehla, Rajasthan

Mahanaleshvara Temple, Menal – The Temple Complex

Mahanaleshvara Temple, Menal – The Temple Complex

Mahanaleshvara Temple, Menal, Rajasthan

Somanath Temple, Sambalpur, Odisha

Khambeswari Temple, Sonepur, Odisha

Samaleswari Temple, Sambalpur – Legends

Samaleswari Temple, Sambalpur, Odisha

Patanesvari Temple, Sambalpur, Odisha

Gokarnesvara Temple, Sisupalgarh – Connectivity

Gokarnesvara Temple, Sisupalgarh, Odisha

Durga Temple, Baideswar, Odisha

Duladevi Temple, Kapileshwar – Connectivity

Duladevi Temple, Kapileshwar, Odisha