Saturday, July 17, 2010

Amar Nath Yatra 2010

Amarnath Yatra


Amarnath is The Cave which was chosen by Bhole Shankar for narrating the secrets of immortality and creation of Universe to Maa Parvati ji . The story goes like this. Centuries ago Maa Parvati asked Shiv ji to let her know why and when He started wearing the beads of heads ( Mund Mala) . Bhole Shankar replied when ever you are born I add one more head in my beads. Maa Parvati said ," My Lord, my body is destroyed every time and I die again and again, but you are Immortal. Please let me know the secret of this." Bhole Shankar replied that it is due to Amar Katha ." The Amarnath Yatra is organised every year by the J &K Govt. during the month of sharavan ( July and August); the dates however , vary every year looking at the weather conditions and according to Purnima (Raksha Bandhan) in the month of Sharavan (Vikrama Samwat).

Location :

Situated in a narrow gorge at the farther end of the Lidder Valley, Amarnath Holy Cave stands at 3,888 mtrs. and is 363 kms. from Jammu Via Pahalgam and about 414 kms. from Jammu Via Baltal - Amarnath Yatra 2010.

Climate :

The climatic conditions are very uncertain . Rain or snowfall may take place at any time or place during the Yatra . It is to be particularly noted that abrupt changes in temperature might occur . Sunny weather may turn into rain / snow fall in a short time . The temperature may fall upto -5 degree C - Amarnath Yatra Route .

What Makes Amarnath Special :

Every year, in the month of July and August, an image of Lord Shiva, in the form of a lingam, is formed naturally as an ice stalagmite which waxes and wanes with the Moon's cycle. First a solid base is formed and then the lingam begins to rise on it. On Purnima it slowly acquires full form. According to the legends it is on that day, that Lord Shiva revealed the secrets of life to Parvati, the beautiful daughter of the Himalayas. By the side of the lingam, are two more ice stalagmites, representing Parvati and their son, Ganesha.

Saturday, July 3, 2010

Tirupati Venkateshwara Balaji Tample India


The temple is the most popular and most visited temples in India. Being situated on a hill of Tirumala, it is climbed up by pilgrims, which is not an easy task.


Sri Venkataswara temple or the Tirupati temple is the richest temple in India. It is said that people drop bags of diamonds at the feet of Sri Venkataswara. Devotees flock this temple in huge numbers. In fact there are two lines to enter the temple, one is a free line, where you don' t pay anything to get a view of the deity. But, for the second line, which takes less time to get a glance of the deity, you have to pay a minimum amount of Rs. 50.

Temple Architecture

The ancient Tirupati temple follows the Dravidian style of architecture. The gopuram of this temple is its highlight. The 'Vimana' or Cupola, named the "the Ananda Nilayam" is placed over the sanctum sanctorum. It completely veiled with gold plate.

There are three 'Prakarams' or enclosures in the temple, among them the outermost enclosure boasts of the 'Dhvajastambha' or the banner post. Apart form these, other highlights of the temple are the statues of Vijayanagara king, Krishnadevaraya and his spouse. There is also an idol of Todarmal, the minister of Akbar.

The image of the temple deity represents both Lord Vishnu and Lord Shiva. Lord Vishnu is considered as the preserver whereas the Lord Shiva is considered as the destroyer in Hindu religion.

A Day At Tirupati Tirumala

A day at Tirupati Tirumala temple begins with 'Suprabhatam' (awakening the Lord) as early as three in the morning. The day ends with the 'Ekanta Seva' ( putting the Lord to sleep) at around 1 O'clock in the night.

Prayers are offered daily, weekly and periodically in the form of 'Sevas' and 'Utsavams' to the Lord. Devotees who want to pay homage to the Lord can do it by giving a small amount in return of the Sevas or Utsavams done on their name. The gifts and donations offered to the deity, is known as the 'Hundi'. It is the main source of income of the Temple.

¤ Festivals

Tirupati Tirumala Balaji Temple celebrates many festivals but the annual festival of 'Brahmotsavam' is particularly important. This festival is celebrated extravagantly for nine days in the month of September every year. The Garudostavam and Rathotavam rituals take place on the fifth and sixth day of the festival. Thus, attracting flocks of tourists and devotees to the temple.

Venkateshwara Suprabhatam video youtube



Reach Tirupati Temple

By Air : The nearest airport is at Renigunta(15 kms). Tirupati is connected by air with Hyderabad, Chennai and Bangalore. From the airport you can hire a taxi or an auto rickshaw or you can take a bus to reach the temple.

By Rail : Tirupati temple is well connected by roads and proper transport services to the nearest railway station situated at Tirupati. This place is connected by rail with Hubbi, Hyderabad, Chennai, Kolhapur , Mumbai, Puri, Tiruchirapalli, Varanasi and Vijayawada.

By Road : To reach Tirupati temple, one should first reach Tirupati. It is linked with important cities like Hyderabad (617), Banglore(248), Chennai(151 km), Vijayawada(380 km) and Lepakshi (379 km) through good roadways.

Wednesday, June 30, 2010

7 Wonders of India: Golden Temple


Golden Temple Amritsar


The Shining Splendor':

The temple is located on a small island in the centre of a pool called the amrit-sar ('pool of nectar') and is connected to land by a marble causeway.The golden colour comes from the overlay of gold foil, hence the name. Golden Temple has a unique feature, here the devotees have to step down to offer their homage unlike other temples where the devotees have to climb up to offer their salutation.

This wonderful temple of God has been built at the lowest level because it represents the humility of Guru Nanak. The architecture of the temple is considered as the epitome of dexterity and creativity and it represents a unique harmony between the Muslims and the Hindus.

View of Golden Temple

Patrolling guards are present all the time to ensure that visitors respect the basic rules when visiting the temple. As long as the rules are respected, visitors of all religions are given a warm welcome. Symbolically, it has entrances on all four sides to show that it is open to worshippers of all castes and creeds.


Around golden temple:

Akal Takht- All commandements affecting the community as a whole were and still are issued from here.

Baba Atal- A nine storeyed tower built in the memory of the Atal Rai, son of Hargobind.

Guru Ka Langar- Cooked food is serviced in the kitchen of the Golden temple24 hours to all visitors irrespective of their caste, creed or nationality. Everyday approximately around 40,000 visitors share their meals here.

Sri Guru Ram Das Niwas- this is a free hostel for the pilgrims maintained by the temple authorities. There are plenty of niwas to make your stay comfortable such as Guru Nanak Niwas, Akal Rest House and more.

Central Sikh Museum- This museum has paintings of Sikh Gurus, saints, Sikh warriors and other prominent leaders who have contributed towards the development of Sikh religion.

Golden Temple Amritsar, India




Transport: » By Air: Amritsar is connected by air with Delhi and Shrinagar.

By Rail: Amritsar is connected by rail with Delhi, Calcutta, Bombay, Varanasi, Wagah (Attari Border) and some other places in India.

By Road: Amritsar is connected by bus with Ambala, Chandigarh, Delhi, Ferozepur, Jammu etc. Some of the road distances are as follows:- Jammu 216 kms, Ferozepur 160 kms, Chandigarh 235 kms, Delhi 435 kms and Wagah 29 kms.

Tuesday, June 29, 2010

Jagannath Rathyatra Jamalpur Ahmedabad

Lord Jagannath Rathyatra


The State of Gujarat in India conducts Jagannath Rath Yatra similar to the world famous Puri Jagannath Ratha Yatra and the most popular is the Ahmedabad Rath Yatra. In 2010, the date of Rath Yatra in Gujarat is July 13. The Rathas used in the Rath Yatra are small in size compared to the huge Rathas in Puri. In Gujarat, Rath Yatra is also held in many cities and towns like Bhavnagar, Vadodara, Gandhinagar, Surat and Porbandar.

The Rath Yatras in various cities, towns and villages in Gujarat take place on the same day when the Puri Jagannath Rath Yatra takes place. Three small chariots with the idols of Lord Jagannath (Krishna), Balarama (Balabhadra) and Subhadra are pulled by the devotees through the cities, towns and villages. Thousands of devotees throng the streets on the day to have a ‘darshan’ of the deities.

The Ahmedabad Rath Yatra has a history of more 130 years. The procession begins from the Jagannath temple in Jamalpur locality in Ahmedabad city and passes through a 14 km route. One of the main attractions during Ahmedabad Rath Yatra is the procession of caparisoned elephants. Decorated elephants take part in almost all the important rituals associated with the Ahmedabad Rath Yatra.

Another important feature is the participation of Akhada Sadhus and Mahants and the numerous floats with different themes. After a day-long procession, the chariots with deities return to the Jamalpur Jagannath Temple.

The Ahmedabad Jagannath Rathyatra from the Jagannath temple at Jamalpur in Ahmedabad is one of the popular Lord Jagannath Rath Yatras in India. In 2010, it is the 132nd edition of Rath Yatra and it is available live online. The Ahmedabad Rath Yatra will begin at 0700hrs on July 13, 2010 from the Jamalpur Jagannath temple and will return back to the temple after passing through the streets at 2030 hrs.

Jagannath (Jagdish)Temple Ahmedabad Gujarat video youtube


Link – Watch Ahmedabad Rath Yatra 2010 Live Online





Sunday, June 27, 2010

The Most Important Jain Shrines Of India

The innumerable Jain Shrines that dot in India speak of a myriad intimate association with the lives and activities of the Jain Tirthankars (Jain religious preachers), who spread the message of peace, non violence, love and enlightenment.

It is this that has attracted and moulded the sentiments of millions of people across the nation as well as the world. Today, around 3.2 million Jain devotees live in India. India holds immense attraction for all those who desire to see the great Jain architectural splendour, and to know and understand the teachings of the great Tirthankars- the liberated souls who, through hard penance, freed themselves from the cycle of birth and rebirth. And, offered to humanity the recourse to salvation, freedom from the ocean of Phenomenal Existence and liberation from the Cycle of rebirth through Jainism.

The essence of this great religion and its preaching is palpable in the cave temples, in the elaborately decorated carved stones and in the numerous illustrated manuscripts. Spread across Uttar Pradesh, these religious places are some of the best destination options for tourists and pilgrims. To explore history, religion, art and culture of the Jains in a state of pure bliss.


Dilwara Temples, Rajasthan

The Jain Dilwara temples of India are located about 2½ kilometers from Mount Abu, Rajasthan's only hill station. These temples dating back from the 11th to the 13th century AD are world famous for their stunning use of marble. The five legendary marble temples of Dilwara are the sacred pilgrimage of the Jains.

They are an overwhelming blend of simple beauty and exquisite elegance. The marble temples have an opulent entranceway. The simplicity in architecture verily reminds one that Jainism as a religion "encouraged honesty and frugality".

The temples reside amidst mesmerizing surroundings of mango trees and wooded hills. A high wall, shimmering luminous in the sunlight, shrouds the temple complex.

Although the Jains built some beautiful temples at other places in Rajasthan but none come close to these in terms of architectural perfection. The ornamental detail spread over the minutely carved ceilings, doorways, pillars and panels is simply marvellous and has to be seen to be believed.


Palitana Temples, Rajasthan

Amongst all the Jain temples, Palitana temples are considered to be the most sacred. Located on Shetrunjaya hills there are 863 temples, exquisitely carved in marble. No one is allowed to sleep overnight including the priest, because the temple city has been built as an abode for the Gods.

The town is considered by many Jains to be more important than the temple covered hills of Bihar, Gwalior, Mt Abu and Girnar. Palitana was the capital of a princely state of the Gohil Rajput clan. It is also one of the greatest tourist attractions in Gujarat for foreign tourists.

Friday, June 25, 2010

Ranakpur Jain Temples, Rajasthan

Ranakpur
Ranakpur in the state of Rajasthan is one of the five most important pilgrimage sites of Jainism. It is home to an exceptionally beautiful temple complex in the Aravali ranges and a must visit for the tourists coming to this region. SravanabelagolaSravanabelagola, a great centre for Jain culture is situated at a distance of about 100 kms from Mysore and is famous for its colossal statue of Gomateshwara who is also referred to as Lord Bahubali. Carved out of monolithic stone, the imposing 17 metre high statue of Gomata towers stands in majestic splendour and is visible even from a distance of 20 kms. Starkly simple, the beautifully chiselled features of the statue embody serenity. His perfect lips are turned out at the corners with a hint of a smile, viewing the world with detachment.

Falna Ranakpur
The Jain Golden Temple in Falna, a small town in Rajasthan has a unique attraction worldwide. It is the first temple that has been constructed by the people of the Jain community. The specialty of the temple is that, from the Falna town itself about 90 Kg. of gold was donated by the ladies of the Jain community for the idolization of temple dome and Lords idol.

Thursday, June 24, 2010

The innumerable Jain Shrines that dot in India speak of a myriad intimate association with the lives and activities of the Jain Tirthankars (Jain religious preachers), who spread the message of peace, non violence, love and enlightenment.

It is this that has attracted and moulded the sentiments of millions of people across the nation as well as the world. Today, around 3.2 million Jain devotees live in India. India holds immense attraction for all those who desire to see the great Jain architectural splendour, and to know and understand the teachings of the great Tirthankars- the liberated souls who, through hard penance, freed themselves from the cycle of birth and rebirth. And, offered to humanity the recourse to salvation, freedom from the ocean of Phenomenal Existence and liberation from the Cycle of rebirth through Jainism. The essence of this great religion and its preaching is palpable in the cave temples, in the elaborately decorated carved stones and in the numerous illustrated manuscripts. Spread across Uttar Pradesh, these religious places are some of the best destination options for tourists and pilgrims. To explore history, religion, art and culture of the Jains in a state of pure bliss.

The most important Jain shrines of India

Dilwara Temples, Rajasthan The Jain Dilwara temples of India are located about 2½ kilometers from Mount Abu, Rajasthan's only hill station. These temples dating back from the 11th to the 13th century AD are world famous for their stunning use of marble. The five legendary marble temples of Dilwara are the sacred pilgrimage of the Jains. They are an overwhelming blend of simple beauty and exquisite elegance. The marble temples have an opulent entranceway. The simplicity in architecture verily reminds one that Jainism as a religion "encouraged honesty and frugality". The temples reside amidst mesmerizing surroundings of mango trees and wooded hills. A high wall, shimmering luminous in the sunlight, shrouds the temple complex.

Although the Jains built some beautiful temples at other places in Rajasthan but none come close to these in terms of architectural perfection. The ornamental detail spread over the minutely carved ceilings, doorways, pillars and panels is simply marvellous and has to be seen to be believed.

Palitana Temples, Rajasthan

Amongst all the Jain temples, Palitana temples are considered to be the most sacred. Located on Shetrunjaya hills there are 863 temples, exquisitely carved in marble. No one is allowed to sleep overnight including the priest, because the temple city has been built as an abode for the Gods. The town is considered by many Jains to be more important than the temple covered hills of Bihar, Gwalior, Mt Abu and Girnar. Palitana was the capital of a princely state of the Gohil Rajput clan. It is also one of the greatest tourist attractions in Gujarat for foreign tourists.

Ranakpur

Ranakpur in the state of Rajasthan is one of the five most important pilgrimage sites of Jainism. It is home to an exceptionally beautiful temple complex in the Aravali ranges and a must visit for the tourists coming to this region. SravanabelagolaSravanabelagola, a great centre for Jain culture is situated at a distance of about 100 kms from Mysore and is famous for its colossal statue of Gomateshwara who is also referred to as Lord Bahubali. Carved out of monolithic stone, the imposing 17 metre high statue of Gomata towers stands in majestic splendour and is visible even from a distance of 20 kms. Starkly simple, the beautifully chiselled features of the statue embody serenity. His perfect lips are turned out at the corners with a hint of a smile, viewing the world with detachment.

Falna Ranakpur

The Jain Golden Temple in Falna, a small town in Rajasthan has a unique attraction worldwide. It is the first temple that has been constructed by the people of the Jain community. The specialty of the temple is that, from the Falna town itself about 90 Kg. of gold was donated by the ladies of the Jain community for the idolization of temple dome and Lords idol.

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