Saturday, December 20, 2008

Mantralayam

Mantralayam- located in the banks of Tungabhadra river, near Kurnool, in Andra Pradesh is Mantralayam. Saint Sri Raghavenda attained his Samadhi here some 300 years ago. A large number of followers and devotees throng this little town through out the year.

Ahobilam is located in Karnool district of Andhra Pradesh in the hills of the eastern ghats, about 400 KM northwest of Chennai. The temple consists of nine shrines to Lord Narasimha located around a 5 KM circle. In addition to the nine shrines, there is a temple for Prahaladavarada Varadhan in the foothills of the mountain.

SRISAILAM is situated in the thick and inaccessible forests of the Nallamalai hills, in the northeastern portion of the Nandikotkur Taluk of Kurnool District. From Nandyal -Atamkur - Nagaluti.There are two routes to reach Srisailam from Nagaluti. One goes across the hills, and through dense forests by footpath, and the other by road to Dornal, and from Dornal to Srisailam, by the recently opened ghat road. The road from Nagaluti to Pedda Cheruvu is paved with a remarkable series of stone steps, and the forest scenery, and the ravines of the rock are magnificent and hallowed.

Favourite spots:
The place is throged with devotees from all over India, especially from neighbouring states.

From mantralayam we went to panchamuki anjaneyar temple in AP - karnataka borders. The place is important for anjaneyar with 5 different faces showing 5 different qualities. We had darshan of sri anjaneya there. The anjaneya was a inscription in the rocky cave. It is swayambu and so it is spiritually powerful.

At nandiswarar, the sanctum sanctorum has the small swayambu linga as the idol. it is just a small rock from which water flows continuously. (mysterious) The water flows out in to a pushkarini in the temple and then the excess overflows as a river in to the town and villages for irrigation. There is a big nandhi(Bull) facing the temple.

Srisailam is actually a forest station. It was nice, cool and cozy. We have to come down from the mountains to reach the nagarjuna sagar dam through which the krishna river flows. It is hard to find a safe place to take a sacred dip

What's really great:
The darshans were good. The temples are too old, but they have been renovated and maintained pretty well by devotees from all over. Mantralayam, in particular, was very well developed and maintained. Sakshi Ganapathi Temple, Srisaila Mallikarjuna and Bhramarambha temple, Sikhareswaram and Srisailam dam, the Srisailam wildlife sanctuary.
The tungabadra river in mantralayam was very slow and calm. There were lots of rocks so we did not find the difficulty of depth. The vada pennaru river in nellore was almost drained. Only a big stretch flowing calmly near the banks. The rocks were slippery. We had darshan of sri ranganatha swamy there.
It was a small idol and the temple was also quite small, unlike srirangam.
for more info visit website www.hindustantemples.com

Wednesday, December 17, 2008

Temples in chennai

Parthasarathy Temple

To add some variety to your temple journey visit the Parthasarathy temple in Chennai. Though the common features of ancient temples are very much prevalent in this ancestral temple but it has some striking features, which makes the temple outstanding among others.

Journey to the Parthasarathy temple in Madras is very easy as it is situated in the heart of the Chennai city. Madras is the earlier name of the present Chennai city. Parthasarathy temple is in the Peter's Road, which is at Triplicane. You can visit this temple either by bus or auto rickshaw or by hired luxurious cabs. If you are going by auto rickshaw be careful about the fares. The standard charge for the auto rickshaws Rs. 8 for every kilometer you travel. Even if it is metered it is better to negotiate the fare first. The same concept applies for the luxurious cabs.

The Parthasarathy temple in Chennai has its origin back in 8th century. It was generally built by the Pallavas and later reformed by the Vijayanagar Kings during 11th century. The literal meaning of 'Parthasarathy' is the charioteer. According to the great Indian epic 'Mahabharata' 'Partha' meant Arjuna while sarathy is meant as charioteer. In the epic it is said during the great battle of Mahabharata Lord Krishna was the charioteer of Arjuna. In the epic Arjuna or partha was a brave warrior and Lord Krishna was a good friend, philosopher and guide to the Partha or Arjuna.

Though the Parthasarathy temple is devoted to the various incarnations of Lord Vishnu the main deity is 'Lord Krishna' one of the incarnation of Lord Vishnu. Also the other exquisite feature of this Parthasarathy temple is the colored gopuram. 'Gopuram' is said to the pyramidical shaped temple top which is a stereotyped feature of the South Indian temples.

for more info visit website www.hindustantemples.com

Friday, December 12, 2008

Shri Devi Navadurga Temples in India

Shri Devi Navadurga was formerly from the Gavasi in Tiswadi taluka of Goa, which is supposed to have a exited there while 10th Century, this deity Navadurga was shifted throughout Portuguese offensive in the 16th Century to Redi – Vengurla in the attractive Konkan area of Sindhudurg region of Maharashtra, extremely near beginning the Maharashtra-Goa Border. The temple is especially close from the earth well-known Terekhol fort of Goa.

For previous final additional is more than 450 years, the Goddess has been here. Vengurla – Redi is a extremely affluent through set of leaves. Very pleasant atmosphere, lots of Cashews, Mangoes, Beetle –nuts & Coconut trees. Vengurla & Redi are along with 48 Sea-ports of Maharashtra..Nature wise, Vengurla is especially attractive, and can be known as “Goa of Maharashtra”.

Wallpaper of Shri Devi Navadurga temple


Shri Devi Navadurga temple wallpaper


Shri Devi Navadurga temple photo



for more info visit website www.hindustantemples.com

Wednesday, December 10, 2008

hindu temples nellore


Nellore, the Rice City, is primarily famous for its Ranganatha Temple. Indeed, this temple makes the foremost part of sightseeing tours in the region. Amidst the natural splendor, Nellore is still far from the turmoil of crowded metropolitan cities. On your tour to this serene place, you would come across many sights that are worth-seeing. The tranquility of the region gets further enhanced by the spiritual aura of the temples nearby. Scroll down to get more information about the tourist attractions of Nellore.

Ranganatha Temple
Located on the banks of Pennar River, Ranganatha Temple is the most popular and most visited temple of Nellore. The main entrance of the temple is 29 meters high and has seven gold 'Kalasams' (pots). Addalamandapam (mirror hall) presents the most picturesque sight with its high-definition of mirrors. It also houses the seat of the Lord. Over 600 years old, Ranganatha Temple observes an annual festival of Rath Yatra (chariot festival) every year.

Krishna Mandir
Krishna Mandir is a huge shrine, situated on the Vedayapalem Road in Nellore. The sanctum sanctorum has idols of Lord Krishna, flanked by Lord Ganapati and Dattatreya. Other shrines in the temple are dedicated to Karya Siddhi Hanuman and Ashtha Lakshmi.

Penchalakona

Penchalakona, a valley sited about 10 km from Nellore, is famous for embracing Narasimha Swamy Temple. The place is known for its scenic landscape and pleasant weather. Perched on top of the Veda Giri (Hill), the temple is considered to have been erected over the place where Lord Venkateswara had kept his holy feet.

Jonnawada
Jonnawada is a famous pilgrim centre, located about 15 km from Nellore. It has one of the only two Kamakshi Devi temples in the world. Built in 1150, this temple complex has shrines of Sri Mallikarjuna Swamy and Goddess Kamakshamma. Every year, a 10-day festival is celebrated here with full gusto and fervor.

for more info visit website www.hindustantemples.com

Tuesday, December 9, 2008

TAJ MAHAL or TEJO MAHAL


You must have heard about the 7th wonders of the world. But have you heard about the 8th wonder of the world? The 8th wonder is the temple of the God Shiva (who is revered for the all the HIndus), which is known as the Taj Mahal in the present. When was TejoMahalaya constructed? How much money was spent on it? About this questions historians have different opinions.It is obvious because truth is always one but the lie is not indifferent.

Some historians believe that the name of Taj Mahal is derived from the name of "Mumtaz Mahal" who was queen of Shahjahan.But the fact is that the original name of queen "Mumtaz Mahal" was "Mumtaz-ul-Zamani". In the literature of memories king Babar, who was ancestor of Shahjahan, had noted that he had stayed in the "Tejo Mahalaya."

Originally, on the bank of the river Yamuna this Hindu temple was built by the king "Parmardi Dev" who was ancestor of king of Jaipur, Mansing. He built this temple in 1156 a.d. (By Hindu calendar - Ashwin Shukla Pancham, Vikram Samvat 12122 - Sunday).
The temple was so huge and glorious that a poet had once written that "God Shiva" will leave the Kailash (One of the peak of the Himalayas) and will come to this "Cristal White Temple".


for more info visit website www.hindustantemples.com

Wednesday, December 3, 2008

Thiru Singavel Kundram - Sri Nava Narasimhar Temple, Ahobilam

Temple Location :
Ahobilam is situated at a distance of 74 Kms from Nandyal (Kurnool District), around 365 Kms from Hyderabad and around 75 Kms from Tirupathi. Lots of transportation facilities are available. Bus facilities from Cuddapah, Nandyal and Banganapalli are available and frequent.
This Ahobila sthalam is also known as "Singavel Kundram". This sthalam is dedicated to Sri Narasimhar, one of the Avathaars taken by Sri Maha Vishnu to kill Hiyanyakasibhu. This sthalam is also known as "Nava Narasimha Kshetram" since 9 forms of Narasimhar Moorthies is found.

Specials:
Thiru Singavel Kundram is also called as "Ahobilam". This divyadesam is said to be found as two mountains (ie) Upper Ahobilam and Lower Ahobilam. From lower Ahobilam, we have to travel around 6 Kms to reach upper Ahobilam through bus. This Ahobilam sthalam is also named as "Nava Narasimha Kshetram".
This Sthala Perumal gives his seva in 9 different ways and it is believed to be so powerful as NavaGrahaas.
This sthalam is found inside mountain and the perumal, Narasimhar is giving his seva in 9 different stages.
Ahobila Narasimhar
Varagha Narasimhar
Malola Narasimhar
Yoganandha Narasimhar
Bhavana Narasimhar
Kaaranja Narasimhar
Chathra Vada Narasimhar
Bharghava Narasimhar
Jwala Narasimhar

If we assume the group (or) series of mountains in Andhra Pradesh State, it will be like Aadhiseshan. Being the head part of the Aadhiseshan can be treated as the Thiruvenkadamudayaan's Tirupathi, the body part is treated as this sthalam, Ahobilam and the tail part is considered to be assumed as "Sri Sailam", Where Lord Shivan is found. The Ahobila perumal, Narasimhar is well sung and praised by Aadhi Shankarar, Udayavar Ramanujar and Sri Madhava Chariyar. These 3 great persons are considered to important and should be given respect, since they worked very hard to attain the perumal and they worked hard for the humanity to live their life in peace. Other than these 3 great personalities, 3 more who were given the Sthanam (position) (position) of Alwars (ie) Garudalwar, Pragaladhalwar and Thirumangai Alwar has also praised on this Ahobila varadhan.
In Upper Ahobilam, lots of wild animals are found and because of this, bhaktas are allowed to go to Upper Ahobilam only in groups along with proper guides. Bhaktas are also advised to return back to lower Ahobilam in the noon, itself.
Mangalasasanam:
Thirumangai alwar - 10 Paasurams.
Utsavam:
During Maasi month of every year, a grand Utsavam, the Brahmotsavam is celebrated in a grand way and ends on Pournami.

This sthalam is also related to the Kali yugam. The perumal has a close relation with Lord Murughan. How Murugapperumal married Valli, who is considered to be one among the women in mountain, this sthala perumal also married Senji Lakshmi thaayar who belonged to the same category. Lord Murugan is also named as "Vel". And since, Narasimhar married Senjilakshmi thaayar who belong to the Vedar family (Hunter) this perumal is named as "Singavel" and since the perumal is found in Kundru means the "Top of the Hill". And since, this sthalam is said to be the continuous (or) series of Eazhumalayan's Kundram, this sthalam is called as "Singa Eazhkundram".

for more info visit website www.hindustantemples.com

Monday, December 1, 2008

Temples of Jammu and Kashmir, India

The blog India Travel Destinations offers you details regarding tour booking to temples to Jammu and Kashmir, India. There are quite a few temples in Jammu and Kashmir that are worth visiting and some of them are the Raghunath Temples, Kheer Bhawani Temple, Sudh Mahadev Temple, Vaishno Devi, Amarnath and the Shankaracharya Temple.

The Raghunath Temple is dedicated to the Hindu deity Lord Rama. This temple was constructed by Maharaja Gulab Singh sometime the year 1835 and was completed by his son Maharaja Ranbir Singh in the year 1860 A.D. This temple is dedicated to the Hindu deity, Lord Rama. The inner walls of this old temple are covered with gold sheets and the temple has several galleries that are ornately decorated.

Vaishno Devi,Jammu

This ancient temple is surrounded by a number of other temples that are dedicated to several Hindu deities who find a mention in the Hindu epic, Ramayana.

The Sudh Mahadev Temple in Kashmir, India is another important historical site that you may visit during your temple tours to Kashmir, India. This ancient and holy temple is located close to Patnitop and is famous for the Asad Purnima Festival that is organized here annually. According to popular legend this holy shrine is the place where the Hindu deity Lord Shiva was meditating when his consort Uma's cry shook him out of his meditation.

During your temple tours to Jammu and Kashmir, India you must go on a tour to Vaishnodevi . Vaishnodevi is one of the most sacred Hindu pilgrimages. The Vaishnodevi sacred shrine is situated inside a cave on top of the Trikuta Mountains in Jammu and Kashmir, India. This sacred shrine is located at a distance of 61 kilometers from Jammu, India.

Another sacred site that you must visit during your temple tours to Jammu and Kashmir, India is the Amarnath shrine. According to legend the Hindu deity Lord Shiva narrated the secret of creation to Goddess Parvati inside this cave. This shrine is of immense religious importance to the Hindus. There is a huge ice lingam inside the Amarnath cave that represents the main deity.

The Kheer Bhawani Temple is another famous temple that you should visit during your temple tours to Jammu and Kashmir, India. The Kheer Bhawani temple is the pilgrim centre of the Goddess Maharagya Devi. This pilgrimage is located at a distance of 14 miles from Srinagar in the Tula Mula village in Kashmir, India.