Bhuleshwar Temple - Pune

 

City - Pune

State - Maharashtra

Distance from Pune - 45 km

Timing - 6 a.m. to 9 p.m.

How to reach - 

• Buses from Pune Swargate to Malshiras

• Private vehicle via Pune - Solapur Highway. 10 km on the road take the diversion towards Yawat

Bhuleshwar Temple is a very popular Hindu temple of Lord Shiv. It has many theories as to its construction none of which have yet been verified completely.

Believed to have been built by the Pandava princes, it appears to have been restored by the Marathas after it was defiled by the Mughal Emperor Aurangzeb. However the style of architecture is resonant with the Yadava style also known as the Deccan style due to it being seen in many temples in this region. 

It is situated atop a hill where a fort named Daulatmangal / Mangalgad used to be.

It is a protected site by the Archaeological Survey of India ( ASI )

From the outer view it appears like a mosque due to its circular minarets and domes.

However ,once inside the temple numerous classical carvings of Hindu gods are visible all around the walls, pillars etc. 

It has 5 Shivlings along with idols of Goddess Lakshmi, Lord Vishnu and Mahadev.

One of its most unique features is the idol of Lord Ganesh in a female attire. This form of the Lord is called Ganeshyeni, Ganeshwari and / or Lambodari.

The temple has four sections - Nandi Mandap, Sabha Mandap, Antarala and Garbhagriha.

The light composition at a particular point is very interesting and a photographer's delight. 

It is created by an aisle with the ornamental scriptures on the walls of the Antarala and Garbhagriha on one side and Devkulikas built for the other deities on the other side.

The temple is constructed with black basalt rock instead of the commonly available brown one in this region. This makes the interior of the temple remain pleasantly cool even in the hot summer months. 

There is a belief among the devotees that this is the place where Goddess Parvati had danced to please Lord Shiva before their marriage and subsequent settling down on Mount Kailash.

Another miraculous belief / observation has been that out of the 5 pedhas offered to the Shivling, one disappears.

The event celebrated here with great pomp and ceremony is Mahashivaratri. The temple is beautifully decorated and devotees throng for a darshan of the Shivling on this auspicious day.

Also, it is quite busy during the month of Shravan.

The temple is a delight to visit not only for its history, architecture but also for the wonderful and peaceful ambience that calms the mind. The surrounding natural beauty is lovely to gaze at.

History and nature lovers, religious tourists and photography enthusiasts are sure to enjoy a visit here.

Simultaneously, at a distance of about 15 km from the temple, there is a place called Narayanpet that is home to many migratory birds in the months of May and September. It is much visited by bird watchers, environmentalists and nature photographers. 

This place can be included in the trip to the Bhuleshwar temple due to proximity to each other. 

Pictures - wikipedia

Vrindavan-The Land of Lord Krishna

 Vrindavan is the place where Lord Krishna was born. It is the place where Lord Krishna performed his divine activities and played tricks with the gopis (the milkmaids).The presence of Lord Krishna is something you will instantly grasp from the very moment you step foot into Vrindavan. From the walls to the gardens, to the roads, everything here feels as if it has been touched by Lord Krishna. The name 'Vrindavan' is a derivative of the term 'Vrinda', which is akin to Tulsi plant that grows profusely throughout the length and breadth of the city. Legend says that the entire surroundings were a tulsi coppice at one time. Some others believe that the term Vrindavan stands for Vrinda Devi, one among the milkmaids. Lets explore some of the places and temples to visit in this spiritual and peaceful place-

1.Prem Mandir-Radha & Krishna Sita & Ram the epitome of eternal love and unfathomed devotion! Prem Mandir Vrindavan is an ode to their celestial love, reflecting unprecedented beauty and marvel. The beautiful Prem Mandir emanates exactly what it is named as. Love or Prem, this temple is located on the outskirts of Vrindavan. The temple is a true delight for Lord Krishna’s followers, exhibiting supreme power and devotion. The magnificent abode of love is a must visit on your tour to Vrindavan.

2.Banke Bihari Mandir-Banke Bihari temple is one of the most revered temples of Vrindavan. Banke Bihari, the presiding deity, means bent in three places. The idol of Lord Krishna at this temple can be seen standing in a unique posture, justifying the naming of this temple.Swami Harida installed this idol in Nidhivan an he was also the Guru of iconic singer Tansen. It was later brought to Banke Bihari Temple.. It is believed that the idol was handed over to Swami Haridas by Lord Krishna himself!

3.ISKCON Vrindavan-The first popular temple is the ISKCON (International Society on Krishna Consciousness) Temple was built on the orders of Bhaktivedanta Swami Prabhupada, the founder of ISKCON. In the open hall outside the sanctum sanatorium, a number of foreigners and Indians wearing saffron and white clothes are enjoying the high of Hare Rama Hare Krishna kirtan that goes on for 24 hours a dayopen hall outside the sanctum sanatorium, a number of foreigners and Indians wearing saffron and white clothes are enjoying the high of Hare Rama Hare Krishna kirtan that goes on for 24 hours a day.

4.Nidhivan-As the name says Nidhivan, is a block of the thick forest where Lord Krishna used to do Raas Leela with Radha and Gopis.It is believed by the devotees and people that not only Lord Krishna visits this place but also performs Ras Leela with the Gopis here every night. This is the reason why after the evening Aarti at 7pm, the doors of Nidhivan shut down for the devotees as well as priests. Even it is believed, the animals and birds that are sighted here all through the day also leave the premises in the evening. Truly, Nidhivan is one mysterious place that catches the attention of all kinds of travellers from around the world. Though, it seems impossible to learn more about this place, it is still one destination that awaits more exploration.

5.Shri Shri Krishna Balram Temple-the impressive temple of Krishna Balram ISKCON temple enveloped in a rarified air of stillness that seems to radiate off its beatific white marble structure. The main temple hall has 3 altars, each enshrining beautifully decorated deities of Gaura Nitai, Krishna Balram and Radha Shyamsundar in their most beautiful form. Do visit this temple to take a look at this beautiful place.

image credits-google

The Chaya Shakti Peetham

 Sri Lalitha Devi

The Chaya Shakti Pittha

Eengoimalai

Temple Name : Eengoinathar

Devi : Sri Lalitha

Bhairava : Siva Bhairava

Organ: Face Shadow

Sanskrit letter: “LA”

How to reach :

This temple is very near to Rathnagiri 5 km away from it and 42km from Tiruchy, 41 km from Nammakal.

About the temple –

• Moolavar : Maragadachaleswarar,
  (Trinajyotheeswarar),Eengoinathar.
• Amman / Thayar : Maragadambikai.
• Thala Virutcham : Tamarind tree.
• Old year : 1000-2000 years old.
• Historical Name : Thiruengoimalai.
• Location : Eengoimalai, Thiruchirapalli,Tamil Nadu.

Festivals:

Brahmmotsavam in Panguni (March-April), Masi Magam in February-March, Thai Poosam in January-February and Pujas on all Full Moon days – Poornimas – are the festivals celebrated in the temple.

History:

• Maragadachaleswarar Temple is a Hindu Temple dedicated to Lord Shiva located at Thiruengoimalai in Trichy District of Tamilnadu. Presiding Deity is called as Maragathachalar / Maragadachaleswarar / Trinajyotheeswarar / Eengoinathar / Malaikozhnthar / Achutheeswarar / Brahmeswarar / Indreekarar / Threethar.
• 
  
• Mother is called as Maragathavalli / Maragadambikai. The hillock is otherwise called Maragathamalai / Thenkailayam / Sivasakthimalai / Malaikovil / Erattimalai. 
• 
  
• The river Cauvery passes nearby the hillock. 
• The river ‘Surpanathi’ passes adjoining the hillock. The river is otherwise called Kondayurumarai or Kondamarai. 
• 
  
• It is one of the shrines of the 275 Paadal Petra Sthalams – Shiva Sthalams glorified in the early medieval Thevaram poems by Tamil Saivite Nayanar Tirugnanasambandar. 

According to the legend, the hallowed Thirumeeyachoor is where the celebrated Sri Lalitha Sahasranama that hails the Divine Mother in 1,008 titles came into being with the Vasinyathi Vag Devathas glorifying the Goddess for the benefit of human beings.

This is the shrine where the great Sage Agasthiyar composed the wonderful Sri Lalitha Navaratna Maalai in classical Tamil to be savoured by even those who could not relish the spiritual nectar flowing out of Sri Lalitha Sahasranamam.

the principal deity here is Goddess Lalithai herself, who evolved out of the leaping flames of a sacred homam on the Sri Chakra Ratham to annihilate Bandasura.

When even after the war with the asura the fury of the Mother did not abate, the Lord suggested that she go to Thirumeeyachoor and undertake penance taking abode there as Manonmani. When the anger subsided, Goddess Laithai produced the Vasinyathi Vag Devatas from Her face and they propitiated her in 1,008 names that came to be hailed as the Sri Lalitha Sahasranamam that hugely pleased the Goddess.

This 50th shakthi peetam is important for tantric practices. Devi Lalitha is surrounded by 64 crore yoginis and the bheejakrashram for her formed in this place. Sage Aagasthiya installed this linga in this saya peetam and also called as ‘La’ peetam, maragathasalam, thintrivanam, eengoimalai. I thought this after seeing the separate shrine for him in hill basement and also one inside the temple. The story weaved around him again as once he was very eager to pray Shiva. He came here and saw the temple is locked. He took a bee form and got inside. Right from that incident in Tamil they named as ‘Eengoinathar’. “Ee” means bee in Tamil.
There is a myth that lot of celestial bodies worshipped here and tantric practices held over here in huge scale.

The original Swayambu lingam of the temple called Maragatha lingam is said to be transparent and also to throw a green shadow when camphor is burned. But now such a precious and sacred lingam was stolen a few years back.

The Sri Lalithambigai samedha Sri Meghanatha Swamy temple is under the administration of Velakurichi Adheenam whose 18th Adheenakartha Sri Ajaba Nateswarar Swamigal is spearheading the Mahakumbabishekam work.

Ganpatipule, Maharashtra

Ganapathi Pule

( गणपतीपुळे )

ऊं गं गणपतये नम:

Source - ganpatipule.co.in

Ganpatipule is a renowned Hindu pilgrimage place in Maharashtra.

Thousands of devotees of Lord Ganpati visit this small town in the district of Ratnagiri in western Maharashtra.

Source - wikipedia

Ganpatipule is a beach town lying on the coast of the Arabian Sea with the temple of Lord Ganpati, Swayambhu Ganpati Mandir lying right on the pristine white-sand beach that is 3 km in length.

The temple is around 4000 years old with a self manifested orange  idol of Lord Ganpati.

The unique feature of the idol being that it faces the west and hence is referred as the Paschim Dwarpalak ( To guard the western gates )

The darshan of the Lord involves a pradakshina of the hill at the base of which the temple lies.

The top of the hill provides a panoramic view of the beach up to Malgund, Tivari, Kotwade and Varawade

Swayambhu = Self Originated

Ganapati = Lord of Ganas ( Army )

Pule = Sand dunes

Ganpatipule beach is rated as  the best beach in Maharashtra due to its natural beauty and unique white sand. 

The pristine, unspoilt beauty of the konkan beaches and the coast, clear sparkling sea water, coastal mangroves,coconut palms, dense greenery, quaint villages and serene beaches add to the allure. 

How to reach 

• By road - State run and private buses are the easiest and preferred modes along with private cabs and vehicles with easy connection to major cities of Mumbai, Pune, Sangli, Sholapur, Belgaum, Goa  and Kolhapur running up to Ratnagiri. From Ratnagiri, it's about 25 km to Ganpatipule.

• By train - Nearest railway stations are Ratnagiri  and Bhoke. Ratnagiri station is well connected with all the major rail networks with all express and passenger trains halting here.

• By airplane - Nearest airport being Ratnagiri

Distance from Major Cities 

• Mumbai - 375 km

• Ratnagiri - 26 km 

• Pune - 325 km 

When to visit 

Winter months - October, November, December, January and February

Months to avoid

Summer months - April and May

Monsoon months - June to September

Where to stay 

MTDC resort , private resorts , budget hotels 

Local Cuisine  

Includes Seafood like fish curry and rice, kokum curry, Modaks, Amba Poli,Phanas Poli, Alphonso mangoes,Sabudana khichdi 

What to do 

Visit the temple, sight-seeing, sun-bath, water sports, nature walks and treks 

Tourist attractions

1. Ganpatipule beach

2. Swayambhu Ganpati Mandir 

3. Prachin Konkan museum

4. Bhandarpule beach

5. Ware beach

6. Aare Ware park

7. Malgund beach

8. Magic garden

9. Ksb water park

10. Shree Mahalakshmi's House of wax

11. Kavi Keshavsut Smarak

12. Kajirbhati beach

13. Jaigad fort

14. British built lighthouse

15. Palanquin procession of the Lord ( 17 in a year )

Tourist activities 

• Shopping in the local markets for mango and mango articles like amba poli , jackfruit and phanas poli, homemade mango pickles, gooseberry pickles.

• Water sports ( Swimming is discouraged due to rocky stretches )

• Nature walks 

• Watching the Sunset over the Arabian sea

Temple Schedule

• 5 a.m to 9 p.m.

• Aarti time - 5 a.m, 12 noon , 7 p.m.

• Prasad distribution ( Khichdi ) - 12.30 p.m to 2.30 p.m.

Festivals celebrated :-

1. Bhadra shuddha pratipada to panchmi

2. Magha shuddha 

3. Dassara

4. Deepotsav 

5. Vasant puja 

6. Gauri Ganpati

7. Magh Chaturthi 

Sunset at Ganpatipule ( wikipedia )

JAMMU-The city of Temples (part-1)

 JAMMU-The City of Temples

Jammu is known as the winter capital of the Indian Union Territory ‘Jammu and Kashmir’. Jammu is situated on the bank of the river ‘Tawi’. Jammu is one of the second most populous cities of the union territory. Jammu covers an area of 240 sq. km. Jammu is covered with the northern plains in the North and the Himalayas in the South. Jammu is one of the most likely and most visited places in Jammu and Kashmir. Samba district is one of the neighboring districts from which Jammu city shares its borders.

             (River Tawi) (source- Wikipedia)

Raja Jambulochan is the founder of Jammu who decided to rule that area in the 9th Century. The Jammu Division is one of the revenue and administrative division of Jammu and Kashmir. In ancient times, Jammu was known as ‘Jamboo’ on the name of its founder, Raja Jambulochan, but now Jamboo is known as Jammu. Jammu consists of 10 districts these are Jammu, Doda, Kathua, Ramban, Reasi, Kishtwar, Poonch, Rajouri, Udhampur, and Samba. Mostly the land of Jammu is hilly and mountainous including the Pir Panjal Range which divides Jammu from Kashmir Valley and the part of Great Himalayas of Doda and Kishtwar. The principal river of Jammu is ‘Chenab’.

             (River Chenab) (source-wikipedia)

Jammu City is also called the ‘City of Temples’ as Jammu has many shrines and temples with glittering shikhars soaring into the sky, which dot the skyline of the city and creating the ambiance of a peaceful and holy city. Jammu is such a major pilgrimage Islamic for Hindus as Jammu is home to some of the most respected Hindu shrines like ‘Vaishno Devi Temple’. The majority of the population of Jammu practices Hinduism while Sikhism and Islam take pleasure in a strong cultural heritage in the Jammu region.

Jammu is popular for its ancient temples, landscapes, Hindu shrines, Mubarak Mandi Palace, Amar Mahal Palace (Now a Museum), forts, and gardens. Hindu holy shrines of Vaishno Devi and Amarnath attract many Hindu devotees every year. The historic monuments of Jammu characterize a unique blend of Hindu and Islamic architecture styles. The natural landscape of Jammu has made Jammu the most favored or popular destination for Adventure Tourism in South Asia.

The list of some tourism places or we can say that the places of interest in Jammu are Purmandal, Vaishno Devi Shrine, Mansar Lake, Nandini Wildlife Sanctuary, Raghunath Temple, Peer Kho Cave, Bahu Fort, Shivkhori, Machail Mata, City centers, and attractions.

The cuisines which are famous in Jammu are Patisa, Chocolate Barfi, Sund Panjeeri, and its exotic local food. The specialty dishes of Jammu are Rajma with Rice and another one is kalaadi. The Dogri food includes Khatta Meat, Maa Da Madra, Kulthein Di Dal, Ambal, Rajma, and Auriya. Typical pickles of Jammu are made of Kasrod, Zimikand, Girgle, Mango with Saunf, Dal Patt, Tyaoo, Potatoes, and Seyoo.

The list of festivals that are celebrated with full of joy and happiness are- Uttarain or Maghi Sangrand (Makar Sankranti), Bhugga (Sankashti Chaturthi), Kan Chauth (Gauri Chaturthi), Ram Naumi (Rama Navami), Basoa (Vishuva) or Baisakhi (Mesha Sankranti), Bahu Mela ( March-April and September- October), Basant Panchmi, Chaitre Chaudash( March- April), Purmandal Mela (February- March), Dhamdeh (Dharma Dhihada- Aashada Sankranti) and Nirjala Ekadashi, Rutt Raahde and Sakolade (Shravana Sankranti), Holi, Thongren Da Vrat (Krishna Janmashtami), Bacch Dua (Vatsa Dwadashi) and Drubadi (Durvashtami), Singh Sankrant (Simha Sankranti), Lohri, Tulsi Puja and Panj Bhikham (Bhishma Panchak), Jhiri Mela (October- November), Navratri Festival (September- October), Rath Kharda Mela, Shivratri (Herath).

JAMMU- The city of Temples (part-2)

 The official languages of Jammu are Kashmiri, Dogri, Urdu, Hindi, and English. But the languages which are spoken in Jammu are Dogri, Kashmiri, Pahari- Pothwari, Punjabi, Hindi, and Urdu. The Pin code of Jammu is ‘180001’. Jammu is vested at 32.73 degrees North 74.87 degrees East. Jammu is covered by the Shivalik Range to the East, North, and Southeast while the Trikuta Range covers Jammu in the Northwest. The total population of the Jammu region is around 5,350,811. Jammu city is the largest city of the union territory Jammu and Kashmir.

The climatic conditions of the Jammu region change with altitude. In and around Jammu city, the climate is homogeneous to the nearby Punjab region with the rainy monsoon, warm summers, and mildly cold and gloomy winters while Jammu city does not sophisticate any snowfall itself, the higher hills and mountains are elevated during the winters. Tourists from all over India come to the Patnitop mountain resort to view and enjoy the winter snow. In winter, the Vaishno Devi shrine is covered with snow and also looks exquisite. Most people love to visit the Vaishno Devi shrine in winter to look at the beauty of that shrine. The place is a wonderful idea to visit especially for travelers who wish to experience the natural scenic beauty and teeth-chattering temperatures.

Jammu covers Kashmir valley to the North, Ladakh to the East, and Punjab and Himachal Pradesh to the South, and the line of control divides Jammu from Pakistan administered Kashmir to the West. Jammu region has earthly 8 sub-regions:- Chenab valley, Ravi-Tawi Kandi Plains, Shiwaliks Pir Panjal Belt, Bhaderwah Valley, Paddar Valley, Gandoh Valley and Warwan-Marwah Valley.

The handicrafts work of Jammu is prominent. Jammu is undoubtedly a heaven for shopaholics on Earth. With such unblemished things to buy from stunning places, shopping in Jammu is certainly an experience you would not miss. From the outstanding fabric to the exquisite charm in every item, anything that you may buy from Jammu city will have a sterling vibe to it. The list of 10 most famous handicrafts work of Jammu are- Kashmiri Carpets, Crewel, Carving, Chain Stitch, Papier Machie, Namdha, Phool Kari, Kashmiri Shawls, Painting, Calico Painting. Now here are the 10 best places for shopping in Jammu for a unique experience to buy these handicrafts are:- Raghunath Bazaar, City Square Mall, JDA Complex, Vermani World, Wave Mall, Hari Market, Poshish, Kashmir Government Arts Emporium, Gole Market, Bahu Plaza. These are the places where you can buy famous handicrafts at a feasible price.

              (Jammu Division) (source- Wikipedia)

Shree Vitthal-Rukmini Mandir, Pandharpur, Maharashtra

 Pandarpur or Pandiripur is a holy and spiritual place every devotee of Lord Krishna longs to visit. 

                            vitthalrukminimandir.org

Shree Vitthal - Rukmini Mandir

              " युगे अठावीस, विटेवरी उभा "

Come Aashadi Ekadashi & Kartiki Ekadashi, lakhs  of Lord Vithoba devotees, belonging to the Varkari community, take out massive professions called ' Dindi' ( डिंडी ) from all over Maharashtra & walk hundreds of kilometres , carrying Padhukas of the Lord in beautifully decorated palkis,singing abhangs, dancing & rejoicing each & every moment on their way to reach Pandharpur for a darshan of Lord Vithoba, who is a manifestation of Lord Vishnu / Krishn

After a 21 day walk over 250 kilometres , the palanquins gather at Warkhari, at a distance of 5 km from Pandharpur.

On the auspicious Ekadashi days, lakhs of devotees queue up for either / both :

• Mukh darshan ( Having a glimpse of the Lord's and Rukmini Devi's face )

•  Pad Sparsh darshan ( Touching the Lord's  Lotus feet )

   The Shree Vitthal - Rukmini Mandir  faces the Chandrabhaga river. The temple has 8 entrances with the Mahadwar opening in the main market place. 

The first step of the temple is Sant Namdeo Maharaj payri , a boon asked from the Lord by the Sant so that millions of devotees touch him while going in for the Lord's Darshan.

The legend of Bhakt Pundalik goes that he was once tending to his aged parents while Lord Krishna comes to visit him , being pleased with his devotion.

Pundalik continued with the task of serving his parents & made the Lord wait on the threshold.

Since it was the first day of the rains , it was muddy & wet. He threw a brick for the Lord to stand without getting his feet dirty.

Hence the Vithoba idol in the temple is the Lord standing on a brick, with his arms akimbo, a necklace of Tulsi beads, embedded with the Kaustubha gems & makara earrings ( fish shaped earrings ).

The Lord holds a Shankha ( Conch) in his left hand & a Chakra in his right.

The Lord is said to be waiting on the brick ( Vit in Marathi ) for 28 yugs.

Since Lord Krishna stands on the 'Vit' he is called Lord Vithoba in this form. 

The temple dates back to the 12 th century and was built by the Hoysala King Vishnuwardhan.  

To reach the Idol of Lord Vithoba and his consort Rukmini , one has to pass through a number of samadhis & shrines, starting with the 

• Samadhi of Sant Namdeo & Chokhamela.

• Ganesh Shrine

• A hall for bhajans

• Small shrine for Garuda & Hanuman

From this point the devotees can get the Mukh Darshan , with a relatively small queue & less time.

For the Padha Darshan, one has to go out to the queue complex where the waiting time can be anything from 2 to 36 hours depending on the day & occasion.

Moving forward, the devotee has to cross the following shrines

• Rukmini Devi 

• Satyabhama Devi

• Radhika Devi

• Lord Narasimha

• Lord Venkateshwara

• Goddess Mahalakshmi

• Nagaraj

• Ganesh Annapurna Devi

Another mandap follows where one can replicate the plays of Lord Krishna and the Gopis.

Trivia worth a mention - 

1. Darshan days 

• Wednesday

• Ekadashi

• Chaitra Ekadashi

• Ashadi Ekadashi

• Kartiki Ekadashi

• Maghi Ekadashi

2. Dindi Seva 

• Amrut Kalash

• Narayan Seva

• Medical Seva

• Building & repairing rural infrastructure seva 

These Seva are believed to develop personality,  cleanse the mind, purify the soul, bring good health , peace and prosperity &  help find the purpose of life. 

3. Architecture of the Temple 

• Hoysala

• Deccan with dome motifs and lobed arches 

Another legend worth reading is that of Bhakt Pundalik.