Khajuraho

A UNESCO world heritage site in central India, Khajuraho is a famous tourist and archaeological site known for its sculptured temples dedicated to Shiva, Vishnu, and Jain patriarchs. Khajuraho was one of the capitals of the Chandela kings, who from the 9th to the 11th century CE developed a large realm, which at its height included almost all of what is now Madhya Pradesh state. Khajuraho extended over 21 sq. km and contained about 85 temples built by multiple rulers from about 950 to 1050. In the late 11th century the Chandela, in a period of chaos and decline, moved to hill forts elsewhere. Khajuraho continued its religious importance until the 14th century (Ibn Batuta was impressed by it) but was afterwards largely forgotten; its remoteness probably saved it from the desecration that Muslim conquerors generally inflicted on Hindu monuments. In 1838 a British army captain, TS Burt, employed by the Asiatic Society in Calcutta, came upon information that led him to the rediscovery of the complex of temples in the jungle in Khajuraho.

Of the 85 original temples-most constructed of hard river sandstone-about 20 are still reasonably well preserved. Both internally and externally the temples are richly carved with excellent sculptures that are frequently sensual and, at times, sexually explicit. The temples are divided into three complexes-the western is the largest and best known, containing the magnificent Shaivite temple Kandariya Mahadev, a 31m high agglomeration of porches and turrets culminating in a spire. Modern Khajuraho is a small village, serving the tourist trade with hotels and an airport. Khajuraho's name derives from the prevalence of khajur, or date palms, in the area.    

Tirupati

The Tirumala Hill is 3200 ft above sea level, and is about 10.33 sq miles in area. It comprises seven peaks, representing the seven hoods of Adisesha, thus earning the name, Seshachalam. The seven peaks are called Seshadri, Five persons are allowed for Shrivari Darshan. Laddus will be given after darshan. Laddu Padi tickets are sold at Vijaya Bank. Neeladri, Garudadri, Anjanadri, Vrishabhadri, Narayanadri and Venkatadri. The sacred temple of Sri Venkateshwara is located on the seventh peak,

Venkatadri (Venkata Hill), and lies on the southern banks of Sri Swami Pushkarini. There are several legends associated with the manifestation of the Lord in Tirumala. The name Tirupati, meaning the 'the Lord of Lakshmi should have been appropriately applied to the village on the Venkata Hill, the abode of the Lord. However, it has been popularly assigned to the Municipal town at the foot of the Hill, while the village around the Hill near His temple is called Tirumala (the Sacred Hill).

Lord Venkateshwara at Tirumala is regarded as the world's richest temple with an estimated annual income of over 300 crores. The hill temple, which received a stream of royal benefactions, has a fabulous collection of very rare and precious ornaments whose antique value is beyond anybody's guess. It also has crores of rupees worth assets in the form of land and buildings spread across the country. The main source of income is derived from the "hundi" which netted an all time record of Rs.116 crores in the year 1997-98 by way of cash offerings. During the period the hundi also received 450 Kg of gold, 3,200 Kg of silver articles, diamonds weighing 2.430 Kg besides more than 2 Kg of pearls, loose stones, corals and other precious offerings. There is no dearth of funds for the sacred temple as philanthropists from all over the country and abroad queue up to make fabulous donations in fulfillment of their vows. Lord Venkateshwara who according to the mythologies is "self-manifested" (svayambhu) is regarded as the most revered Hindu God today. On any given day the main deity is adorned with not less than a hundred Kg of gold, diamond and pearl ornaments. Of all the ornaments, which adorn the deity, "Makara Kanti", "Lakshmi haram", "Shaligrama haram", "Suryakatari" (golden sword believed to have been presented to the Lord by the Sun God) are of immense antique value their history being rooted in legends. Aside the recently made diamond crown whose present value is put around Rs.30 Crores the other ornaments such as "Nagabharanams", "Sankhu-Chakram", "Kati Hastham" and "Abhaya Hastham" are also made of gold and diamonds. The "Golden Dhoti" (peethambaram) made of pure gold laces is the heaviest of all his "costumes", weighing about 40 Kg. This particular vasthram adorns the main deity during Brahmothsavam and on other main festive occasions.

It is mind boggling to learn that more than 150 Kg of pure gold is used to provide a gold metal cover to the exquisite "ANANDA NILAYA VIMANAM", the granite canopy over the sanctum sanctorum. In addition to this the temple management is contemplating to provide gold-coated copper sheets to all the pillars and doors including the outer prakaram of the sanctum sanctorum to add to the aesthetic beauty of the shrine and thus transform it into a "golden temple" complex. According to rough estimates, nearly 100 Kg of gold is required for the work and the TTD is already in the process of procuring the same. An interesting feature of the temple is inspiring its rich collection of ornaments; donations are still pouring inn from devotees in the form of fabulous offerings. For instance, during 1998 year a devotee from Sri Lanka who wished to remain anonymous for obvious reasons had donated three diamond-studded golden crowns for the processional deities - the Lord and his two consorts. Another devotee a business tycoon from Pune offered a diamond parrot, a pair of Nagabharanams besides other princely offerings to the temple. Apart from these another devotee has come forward to donate a "Vajra Kireetam" to the goddess Padmavati of Tiruchanoor whose estimated cost is around Rs. one crore. To add further to the grandeur of the temple, the management has already initiated the task of remaking various "vahanams" used for the procession of the Lord. Beside the "surya prabha" vahanam remade last year, the TTD has recently refabricated the gold-coated "sarvabhoopala" vahanam at a cost of Rs.23 lakhs using four Kg of gold. The temple annual income which was Rs. 37 lakhs in 1945-46 rose to 9 crore in 1970-71 to Rs. 23 crore by 80-81 and then toRs. 108 cr. (90-91) and touched all time high of Rs. 300 crore during 1997-98 By the end of the millennium TTD is expecting its income to touch the Rs.350 crore mark.

Rameswaram

Rameswaram is located on an island separated from mainland India by the Pamban channel and is less than 40 kilometers from the Jaffna Peninsula, Sri Lanka. Together with Kashi, it is considered by Hindus to be one of the holiest places in India to Hindus. Hence, it is a bustling pilgrim centre. It is situated in the Gulf of Mannar at the very tip of the Indian peninsula. According to legends, this is the place from where Lord Rama, built a bridge Ram Setu(also known as Adam’s Bridge) across the sea to Lanka to rescue his consort Sita, from her abductor, Ravana. This is also the place where Rama worshipped Shiva to be absolved of the sin of killing Ravana. Both the Vaishnavites and Shaivites visit this pilgrimage centre which is known as the Varanasi of the south.
Rameshwaram is significant for the Hindus as a pilgrimage to Benaras is incomplete without a Pilgrimage to Rameshwaram. The presiding deity here is in the form of a Linga with the name Sri Ramanatha Swamy, it also happens to be one of the twelve Jyotirlingas. The masterpiece of Dravidian architecture boasts of the largest temple corridor in India. Different rulers built the Ramanatha Swamy Temple over a period of time starting from the 12th century. The temple comprises forty wells where the taste of the water of each well is different from the other.

The grandest part of the temple is the 1219 m pillared corridor consisting of 3.6 m high granite pillars, richly carved and well proportioned. The perspective presented by these pillars run uninterruptedly to a length of nearly 230 m.
According to the Puranas, upon the advice of Rishis (sages), Rama along with Sita and Lakshmana, installed and worshiped the Sivalinga here to expiate the sin of Brahmahatya (killing of a Brahmin) (Ravana was a Brahmin the great grandson of Brahma). Rama fixed an auspicious time for the installation and sent Anjaneya to Mount Kailas to bring a lingam. As Anjaneya could not return in time, Sita herself made a linga of sand. When Anjaneya returned with a linga from Mount Kailas the rituals had been over. To comfort the disappointed Anjaneya, Rama had Anjaneya’s lingam (Visvalingam) also installed by the side of Ramalinga, and ordained that rituals be performed first to the Visvalingam.
In Rameshwaram Temple, a spiritual “Mani Darshan” happens in early morning everyday. This “Mani” is made of “sphatik”[a precious stone] and in form of “Holy shivling”. according to ved this is “Mani” of “sheshnag”.
Sethu Karai is a place 22 km before the island of Rameshwaram from where God Ram built a Floating Stone Bridge “Ramasethu” till Rameshwaram that further continued from Dhanushkodi in Rameshwaram till Talaimannar in Sri Lanka as mentioned in the great Hindu epic RAMAYAN. The ruins of the Ramasethu are submerged under the sea as shot from Gemini 1 satellite of NASA in 2004.
Rameshwaram History
Rameshwaram, the holy town has associated with the Mythological tales of Rama. The name of the city itself has been derived from Rameshwara, which was an ‘Iswara’ that was installed by Lord Rama. According to the Puranas, Rama along with Sita and Lakshman came to the town to perform a sacred Puja in order to do penance for the sins for Bhramahatya. It is believed that Rama had fixed an auspicious time for conducting the Puja, and sent Anjaneya to get the lingam from Mount Kailash. However, Anjaneya could not return in time. Thus, Sita caricatured a lingam of sand and they performed the Puja on time.
After successful completion of Brahmahata Dosham ceremony, Lord Rama along with Umadevi announced that anybody who takes bath in the Danudkodi and prays to the Shivalingam, will be known as Ramalingam. Hence, the place came to be known as Rameshwaram after the deity called Ramanathswamy.
When Anjaneya returned with lingam, he found that the Puja was nearly over and in anguish tried to remove the sand lingam from his tail. In spite of many attempts, he was not able to do so and realized the divinity of Sita. Then Ram ordered him to place the lingam that he brought on the northern side of Ramalingam. After it Rama also ordered that people should worship the Ramalingram, only after worshipping the lingam that was brought and installed by Sri Anjaneya.
PLACE TO VISIT Rameshwaram
Sri Ramanathaswamy Temple – this temple situated near the sea on the eastern side of the island is renowned for its magnificent prakaras or corridors with massive sculptured pillars on either side. The longest corridor in the world is here and it is 197 metres long from East to West and is 133 metres wide from South- North. The temple has a Gopuram 38.4 metres tall. Different rulers built the temple as it stands today, at different periods from the 12th century A.D. Pooja is performed for an hour early morning daily to the Spadikalingamthat was given by the Shankaracharya to this temple.
Agnitheertham – Sri Ramanathaswamy temple faces east. The seashore, about 100 meters from the main entrance of the temple, is very calm and therefore ideal for bathing. The water at this place is considered sacred and known as Agni theertham. Pilgrims perform poojas in honor of their ancestors at this seashore.
Gandamadana Parvatham – is a hillock situated 3 km away and is the highest point in the island. Here one can see the imprint of Lord Rama’s feet on a chakra. The entire island of Rameswaram is visible from this point.
Satchi Hanuman Temple – is considered to be the place where Hanuman delivered the good news of finding Sita to Rama with satchi or evidence, Choodamani or the jewel that belonged to Sita. Situated 3 km from the main temple, on the way to the Gandamadana Parvatham.
The Five-faced Hanuman Temple – (2 km from themain temple) – the deity of Hanuman drawn withsenthooram. Idols of Lord Ram, Sita and Hanumanbrought from Dhanushkodi during the 1964 cyclone were placed here. Thefloating stone, used to build theSethuBandanamor the bridge between India and Lanka can be found inthis temple.
JadaTheertham – (about 3.5 km from Rameswaram on the Dhanushkodi road) – legend has it that Lord Rama, on his way back after killing Ravana, Worshipped SriRamalinga (believed to be installed by him). Before doing so, he washed his hair(Jada) in this theertham to purify himself.
Dhanushkodi (18 km) – the southern tip of the island, Dhanushkodi was completely washed away by the 1964 cyclone. This is a strip of land about one km wide and 18 km long on the eastern end of Rameswaram island. On one side are the waters of the Indian Ocean and on the other the waters of the Bay of Bengal. The two seas otherwise known as Ratnakaran and Mahodadhi with their confluence is shaped like a bow while the strip of land resemble an arrow poised for release. Devout Hindus consider the Adi Sethu or the arrowhead, a sacred place to perform religious rites. It is also place worth visiting for its scenic beauty and bird life.
HOW TO REACH Rameshwaram
By plane – Nearest Airport in Madurai – 174 km Indian Airlines connect’s Madurai with Chennai, Thiruchi, Bangalore and Mumbai.
By train – Connected with all major cities like Chennai, Madurai, Coimbatore, Karaikudi, Trichy, Thanjavur and Palghat.
By road – Connected with all important towns of Tamil Nadu, City Buses are available including night services. Point to Point services, Tourist taxi, auto / cycle rickshaws and horse carts are also available. Andhra Pradesh State Road Transport corporation ( APSRTC ) operates Rameswaram – Tripathi daily service.

Badrinath

Situated 297 kms from the holy town of Rishikesh and about 600 kms from Delhi, Badrinath lies at an elevation of 3,133 m above sea-level. Considered to be amongst the most pious of the eternal Hindu shrines of Kedarnath, Badrinath, Gangotri and Yamunotri. Badrinath is located in the lap of Nar-Narayan Parvat, with the Neelkanth peak(6,597m) overlooking in the background.

It is to the credit of Adi Guru Shankaracharya, who in order to revive the lost prestige of Hinduism and to unite the country in one bond, built four dhamas or pilgrimage centers in four corners of the country. Badrinath temple, dedicated to Lord Vishnu, is located on the right bank of river Alaknanda, perched at an altitude of over 3000m in the middle of a valley full with scenic beauty.

Whether someone agrees or not, it has been said that:

"there were many sacred spots of pilgrimage in heaven, earth and the other world, but neither is any equal to Badrinath nor shall there be one".

Even minus this religious claim, Badrinath has some scintillating scenic beauty and rare recreational spots in the vicinity. Indeed, an universal attraction.

The present temple was built about two centuries ago by the kings of Garhwal. The principal idol in the temple is of black stone and represents Vishnu seated in a meditative pose, and flanked by Nara-Narayan. Badrinath is also known as Vishal Badri and is one of the Panch Badris.

The temple remains closed from October to April due to severe winter conditions. During this period the idols of Utsavo Murti are taken to Pandukeshwar.

Area : 2.5 sq. km.
Population : 978
Altitude : 3133 Mts. above sea level
Season : May-mid-November
Clothing Summer : Woollens
Clothing Winter : Heavy Woollens
Language : Hindi, Garhwali
Festivals : Mata Murti ka Mela (Sept.); Krishna Janmashtami; (Jul/Aug), Badri-Kedar Utsav
Local Transport : Taxis/Dandies/Ponies
STD Code : 01381
Quick Getaways: Joshimath - 42 km,
Haridwar - 321 km, Karnprayag - 123 km, Rudraprayag - 155 km, Deoprayag - 225 km, Dehradun 343 km.

Places to visit

Badrinath Temple(Adi Shankaracharya Ji)
The Temple has been renovated several times due to damage by avalanches. The present structure is 15 mtrs high and has a gilded cupola. The rawal or chief priest of the temple is a Namboodripad Brahmin from Kerala. The temple is divided into three parts - the garbha griha or sanctum sanctorum, the darshan mandap where the rituals are conducted and the sabha mandap where devotees assemble.

Tapt Kund And Surya Kund
The famous hot springs just below the temple. The sulphurous waters have a temperature of 550C. A dip, considered holy and refreshing to the body as well as the soul, is a must before offering prayers to Shri Badrinath ji.

Neelkanth
A majestic peak of the Himalayas, towering to 6600 mtrs, presents the most dramatic sight of Badrinath.

Excursion

Mata Murti Mandir
About 3 km from Badrinath, on the right bank of the Alaknanda stands this temple, dedicated to the mother of Shri Badrinathji.

Mana Village
4 km. Inhabited by an Indo-Mongolian tribe, it is the last Indian village before Tibet on this route.

Vyas Gufa, Ganesh Gufa, Bhimpul and Vasundhara Falls
3-6 km. All these destinations are famous for their links with Hindu mythology and form part of the pilgrimage of Badrinath.

Govindghat, Ghangaria
24 km. Here the Alaknanda and Laxman ganga meet. Provides access to the famous Valley of Flowers National Park (19 km) and Hemkund Sahib (20 km).

Vasuki Tal
This is high altitude lake which can be reached by an 8 km trek that ascends to 14,200 feet.

Hemkund Sahib
45 km.

Deoprayag
70 km from Rishikesh. The confluence of Rivers Alaknanda and Bhagirathi this is an important pilgrim spot with its famous Shiv and Raghunath temples.

Shrinagar
105 km from Rishikesh. An important cultural and educational centre, this old capital of Garhwal was once completely destroyed in the Gohna Lake dam-burst. Places to visit here are the Kamleshwar and Kalpaveshwar Temples and the Shankar Math.

Rudra Prayag
137 km from Rishikesh. The confluence of the Alaknanda and Mandakini. The temples that dot this region are those of Rudranath and Chamunda Devi. A road branches from here to Kedarnath.

Karna Prayag
169 km from Rishikesh. The confluence of the Alaknanda and Pindar rivers, where there are temples dedicated to Uma and Karn.

Nand Pyarag
169 km from Rishikesh. The confluence of the Alaknanda and Pindar rivers, where there are temples dedicated to Uma and Karn.

Nand Prayag
190 km from Rishikesh, where the River Alaknanda meets the River Mandakini. An important pilgrim centre that has the temple of Gopalji.

Bhavishya Badri
It is commonly believed that in the course of centuries, the road from Joshimath to Badrinath will be blocked. This will happen because the two hills flanking Badrinath will become joined. Then will the temples at Bhavishya Badri, one of the Panch Badri's, be worshipped. The other four are Vishal Badri (Badrinath), Yoga Badri (Pandukeshwar), Adi Badri and Vridha Badri (at Animath, near Joshimath).

Adi Badri
Situated at an altitude of 3,200 feet, Adi Badri has ancient temples. It is 17 km from Karnaprayag on the Karnaprag-Ganai-Ranikhet route. Accommodation is available at a PWD Inspection Bungalow.

Dakhineswar Kali Temple

Dakshineswar is present on the banks of holy river Ganges. Rani Rasmani built the temple for Dakshineswari kali here in 1855. When she was preparing to go to Varanasi, Kali maa appeared in Rasmani's dream and asked her to build a temple, so that she can get all benefits of Kasi darshan. Rasmani canceled Varanasi trip and searched a place for Kali temple. Finally they purchased this place, which is a Kurma peetha, ie, a place having elevation in the center. Generally Kurma peethams are best suited for Shakti puja. After building the Kali temple, Pandit Ramkumar was appointed as the priest. After that, his brother Ramakrishna Paramahamsa (then called Gadadhar) was appointed as the priest of Radha krisna temple, gradually shifted to Kali maa temple.

Places to see in Dakshineswar: Dakshineswar temple is a very big and beautiful temple with a large campus. After entry through main gate we will see a very big campus. It is the outer campus of main temple. In this campus Ramakrishna Paramahamsa room, Nahabat, Panchvati, Ganga ghat are important places to see.


RamaKrishna Paramahamsa room is a north facing room with corridors on North side, west side, and east side. On east side the holy Ganges is passing. west side corridor connects room with inner campus of Dakshineswar temple. North side corridor is present in front of the room. In the room a wooden cot is present which was used by Sri Ramakrishna. On the walls of room many photos of holy persons (Totapuri etc.) are hanging. This is the place of his great teachings to his disciples like Swami Vivekananda.

Nahabat: It is present in front of Ramakrishna Paramahamsa's room. It is a two stair building with very small rooms. In the ground-floor room, maa Sarada lived for several years and did her sadhana. It shows her adjustment character. At present, Beautiful Sarada maa idol made up of marble stone is present here.

Santhi Kutir: It is present back side of Nahabat. It is the place where Sri Ramakrishna paramahamsa got Nirvikalpa samadhi in the guidance of Totapuri and stayed upto six months in that stage. Now a small hut is present there, with a shiva linga in the kutir.

Panchavati: It is present back to Santhi Kutir. Here Ramakrishna did sadhana, dhyana, and practised tantras in the guidance of Bhairavi Brahmani. Here he established a Pancha munda peeta, upon which he practiced Tantras. Now five small trees are there in the resemblance of Panchavati. It is present on the bank of Holy Ganges river.

In the outer campus a shopping complex, beautiful park with a pond are also present.

After seeing these in outer campus we will enter inner campus of dakshineswar Kali temple. This is also a very big campus surrounded by a big wall and looks like a fort. In the center of campus RadhaKrishna temple, Dakshineswar Kali temple, a very big hall in front of Kali temple and Twelve Shiva temples are present.

RadhaKrishna temple: After entry into inner campus first we will see RadhaKrishna temple. The temple is facing east side. Ramakrishna first appointed as priest in this temple. There are two idols in the temple. The main one was new one as the first installed idol was broken. The second one was broken one, but excellently repaired by Sri Ramakrishna.

Dakshineswar Kali temple: Dakshineswar kali temple is facing south side. The temple is very big one with steps in four sides. Generally devotees enter temple from south gate looking towards north. Generally Maa kali was decorated with Hibiscus flowers garland. Here Ramakrishna Paramahamsa looked Maa kali, talked with her and played with her like her son.

Natya mandap: Immediately before Kali maa temple there is big hall, which is used for bhajans and dances. After darshan of Kali maa, we can sit here for some time.

12 Shiva temples: In the east side of temple campus, there is a row of 12 shiva temples. Way to Ganga ghat is present in the middle of Shiva temples. Six shiva temples in the right side and another six shiva temples in the left side. The 12 temples from north to south are:
1) Nirajeswar 2) Nageswar 3) Nakuleswar 4) Jatileswar 5) Ratneswar 6) Jogeswar 7) Nareswar 8) Nandeeswar 9) Naadeswar 10) Jagadeeswar 11) Jaleswar 12) Yajneswar.

Dwarka

Dwarka is the place that has a staggering importance in the India; this is the place that is associated with Lord Krishna, in fact, most of the tales that are associated with Lord Krishna will ultimately take you to this place. Also, the place is considered importance as Lord Krishna stayed at the place for around 100 years in this place. It is because of this association that a large number of Hindus come to visit this place as it is more of a pilgrimage place for them. The city has another importance and amazing fact that will amaze you a lot and will bring you a step closer to the culture and thoughts of Hinduism. The city of Dwarka is the one which is supposed to be created by Vishwakarma. Vishwakarma is supposed to be the architect that is from heaven. Also, the place is considered to be really important and holy in the sense that it is the very place where Lord Krishna killed a demon that was named as Shankasura. In the center of Dwarka, you will come across a temple that is named as Dwarkadhish Temple which has a great deal of importance.

Dwarkadhish Temple has a tower, that has as many as five storeys and it is the one that was built by the grand son of Lord Krishna. The whole of temple is built with sand, along with sand there is a good use of limestone. As this is the place where people come with the objective a pilgrimage, there are certain ways which are adopted by the people in the temple to welcome the pilgrims. For instance, a flag is hoisted for about four times in the whole day to greet the pilgrims. When you will get there, you will come across two of the doors, one of the doors is to enter and the other one is to exit. The door from which people enter the temple is called the Swarg Dwar which means the door to heaven. The other door from where people get out of the temple is given the name of Moksha Dwar.