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Mount Abu
December 9, 2019 in Rajasthan
Mount Abu, nestled amidst lush forested hills of Aravalli’s is the only hill station of Rajasthan and is equally important for pleasure seekers and devoted pilgrims. It is said to be named after serpent Arbuda (Abu in short), the son of the Himalayas, who came here to rescue Nandi, the wahan Dilwara Temple (Mount) of Lord Shiva.
Dilwara Jain Temple (3 km.): Delightful Dilwara (Devalwara) or the ‘Place of Temples’ is the major attraction of Mount Abu. The world-renowned temples are noted for excellent architecture and exquisite carvings. The main group consists of five temples, which were built between the 11th and 12th centuries. The pure white marble temple of Vimal Sah or Vimal Vasahi was built in 1031 and is the oldest of the temple group. It is dedicated to Adinath or Rishabdeo, the first Jain Tirthankara and is noted for its impressive 48 pillared mandapa (portico) in front of the main sanctum. The eight central pillars of the mandapa form an octagon, which holds up a dome with circular rims and ornately carved pendant like roor. Along the intricately carved corridor are s niches studded with statues of the Jain Tirthankaras. The 13th-century shrines of Vastupala and Tejapala are dedicated to Neminatha. the 22nd-second Jain Tirthankara. The pattern of arrangement of the sanctum and statues is almost similar to the temple of Vimal Sah. The Chaumukha temple, dedicated to Parasavnath and the Adinath temple lies across the road.
Nakki Lake: This shinning ‘jewel’ of the Abu hills is believed to be dug out by the gods with their nails (nakh) and thus the name Nakki. It is perhaps the only artificial lake in the country, at an altitude of 1200 mts. above sea level. Boating facilities are available and one may choose motorboats, ordinary boats, shikaras, and paddle boats to explore the serene waters of Nakki. The embankments of the lake are dotted with magnificent summer villas of various erstwhile princely states of the country. Most of them have been converted into guest houses or hotels.
Toad Rock: The magnificent rocky outcrop resembling a “Toad’ overlooks the placid waters of the Nakki lake.
Temple of Raghunathji: The sacred shrine near the Nakki lake is associated with the great preacher Ramanandji. He installed an image of Shri Raghunathji (Lord Rama), at the temple in the 14th century.
Gau Mukh Temple (4 km): This ancient site near the Nakki lake is of immense religious importance. There is an old tank that is filled by a natural spring, flowing through a spout, shaped like a cow’s head, hence the name Gau (cow) Mukh (mouth). According to a legend, the famous yagna (sacrifice) of legendary sage Vashishtha was performed here, which created the four Agnikula’ or Fireborn Rajput clans to protect the earth from the demons. A splendidly sculpted hill temple of Arbuda, the mighty serpent is located nearby, amid scenic surroundings. There is also a marble statue of Nandi, who was rescued by Arbuda from a chasm.
Sunset Point (2 kms.): The splendid sunset point lies to the south-west of Nikki lake
Honeymoon Point (Anadra Point) (2.5 km): It affords great views of the verdant valley and superb plains, especially during the sunset time.
Om Shanti Bhawan or Universal Peace Hall: This impressive building houses the famous Brahma Kumari’s World Spiritual University. It has a big hall devoid of any pillars and can a big accommodate a gathering of 3,500 people.
Adhar Devi or Arbuda Devi Temple (2 kms.): The temple beautifully carved out of a huge rock can be reached by a flight of 360 steps. It is also a popular tourist spot.
Government Museum & Art Gallery: It was set up in 1962, within the premises of Raj Bhawan. A rich collection of archaeological finds dating back to the 8th – 12th century, weapons, musical instruments, ornaments and garments, miniature paintings, sculptures and specimens of wood carving, etc. are exhibited here.
Mount Abu Sanctuary: It sprawls over a lush area of 288 sq. km., comprising of subtropical evergreen forests. The cool breeze laden with the fragrance of wild roses and jasmine sweeps through the sanctuary making it a paradise for nature lovers. It is home to animal species like leopard, sloth bear, wild boar, sambar, chinkara and langur. There are also more than 250 species of exotic birds.
Trevor’s Tank (3 kms.): The tank amidst densely wooded hills teems with a rich variety of beautiful birds. The most commonly seen birds are pheasants, peacocks, and partridges.
Around Mount Abu:
Achalgarh (10 kms.)
The 14th-century fort built by Rana Kumbha of Mewar is famous for the temples ofAchaleswar Mahadev and the Kantinath Jain.
Guru Shikar (15 kms.)
Guru Shikhar or the saint’s pinnacle rises to a height of 1772 meters., and is the highest peak of the Aravalli’s. It has a small Shaivite shrine and temple of Dattatreya. A bird’s eye view of the sylvan surroundings can be enjoyed from here.
Abu Road (28 km
The medieval town is set at the foot of Mount Abu. One can buy pure vermilion (sindoor or kumkum), incense, oil lamps, beautiful marble images and fragrant flowers here. Polished stones of jasper, agate, cornelian, amethyst and necklaces or bracelets of semi-precious stones are available at a reasonable price. Exquisitely carved ivory or bone statues, bowls and ornaments, scarves and skirts, printed or embroidered with mirror work are other worth purchasing articles.
Sawai Madhopur
December 9, 2019 in Rajasthan
The historic town nestling amidst Vindhyas and Aravali ranges is more popular as the ‘gateway’ to the famous Ranthambhor Fort and National Park.
Ranthambhor National Park (14 kms.):
The famous park is named after the Ranthambhor fort, set within its precincts. The park sprawls over an area of 392 sq. kms. of dry deciduous and tropical thorn forest with nullahs and waterfalls. It is perhaps one of the best sites for observing and photographing the majestic tiger. Other carnivores here are leopard, hyena, jackal, fox, caracal, jungle cat, sloth bear, and ratel. The herbivorous population includes chital, sambar, blue bull and chinkara, etc. Sambar, the largest Asiatic deer is also the pride of the park. In fact, nowhere else one may see sambars so frequently during the day time. Wild boars and langurs are a common sight in the park. Among the reptiles, crocodiles can be seen basking in the sun near the lakes and there is also a small presence of pythons. There are over 300 varieties of birds in the sanctuary. The commonly sighted birds include peafowls, parakeets, doves, partridges, storks, egrets, flycatchers, eagles and owls. Migratory birds like greylag goose, ruddy shelduck, and pintails visit the park during winters. Some rare birds like the black eagle and the crested hawk-eagle can also be seen here. The three artificial lakes, Rajbag, Padam Talab and Malik Talab add to the beauty of the reserve and are also the main source of water for the wildlife. These are fine places to observe the wildlife, as animals congregate here for a drink. The beautiful Jogi Mahal overlooking the pretty Padam Talab, at the foot of the fort has a Forest Rest House. The best season for visiting Ranthambhor depends on the special interest of the visitor, The park is open for visitors from October to June. But, November to March is considered to be the best month for observing wildlife.
Ranthambhor Fort:
The ancient fort perched atop a steep high creek has been a focal point of historical developments of the region. It is said to be built in 994 A.D. and has been a symbol of strength and inaccessibility. The fort witnessed several attacks and seizes by the rulers of Delhi and Agra. Rao Hamir was the most illustrious ruler to sit on the throne of Ranthambhor fort. He fought against Alauddin Khilji in 1301. Within the ramparts are relics of magnificent monuments, chhatris (cenotaphs), ponds and lakes reflecting the grandeur of the bygone era. It is indeed a splendid sentinel to the ancient character of Indian culture and philosophy. Toran Dwar, Mahadeo Chhatri, Sameton ki Haveli, 32 pillared chhatris, Mosque and the Ganesh temple are worth seeing. The 8th century Ganesha temple has emerged as a major attraction of the fort. Thousands of devotees visit the shrine and seek blessings for happiness and prosperity. A large number of wedding invitations are received through postal mail, inviting Lord Ganesha to visit and bless the wedding ceremony.
Sekhawati
December 9, 2019 in Rajasthan
The Shekhawati region comprises Jhunjhunun, Sikar and Churu districts of Rajasthan. This unique semi-arid region is also known as the open-air art gallery’, as no-where else one may come across such a profusion of exquisite wall paintings. The entire region teems with magnificent Havelis, temples, cenotaphs, wells and forts adorned with fine frescoes. Until the 1820s, most of the frescoes were financed by the Rajput chieftains, which depicted themes from religion, folk heroes, historical events, etc. By the late 19th century the Marwari business community, which had acquired lots of fame and wealth became the chief patrons of this art.
Sikar: It was once the largest thikana (feudatory state) under the Jaipur State. The town surrounded by a wall is studded with palatial mansions and magnificent temples noted for their beautiful wall paintings. The temples of Gopinath, Raghunath, and Madan Mohan and the unique Biyani Haveli are of special interest.
Nawalgarh: This home of country’s leading business tycoons have Havelis adorned with some of the finest frescoes of Shekhawati. There are also two forts and a palace hotel. The beautiful temples with fine wall paintings are also worth visiting
Fatehpur: It was founded in the 15th century by Fateh Khan and has some of the finest Havelis of the region. The best known are the Goenka, Singhania, Devra, Jalan, and Bharatiya.
Dundlod: Famous for its fort, palace, and the Goenka Havelis. It was founded in the early 19th century by Raja Lachhman
Lachhmangarh: It was founded in the early 19th century by Raja Singh of Sikar. One of the best forts of the region and the Ganeriwala or Char Chowk Haveli can be seen here.
Mandawa: This 18th-century town predominated by a medieval fort and rugged hills. The important Havelis are, the Chokhani, Ladia, and Saraf.
Jhunjhunun: It was the capital of Shekhawati and is now the largest town in the region. The town has a number of artistically painted Havelis. Other towns worth visiting for their frescoes are Ramgarh, Pilani, Khetri, Bissau, Churu, and Mahansar, etc.
Udaipur “The City Of Lakes”
December 9, 2019 in Destinations, City Guide, Rajasthan
Udaipur, ‘the City of Lakes’ sprawling picturesquely on the slopes of a low ridge along the banks of Pichola and Fatehsagar lakes was founded by Maharana Udai Singh in 1559. It became the new capital of the Ranas of Mewar, after the death of Maharana Pratap in 1597. The beautiful city is surrounded by an amphitheater of low hills and studded with placid blue lakes, white marble palaces, graceful gardens, and sacred shrines. The amazing city is indeed a perfect blend of natural beauty and history, offering a great vacation to tourists with varied interests.
City Palace: This largest palace complex of Rajasthan is perched majestically on a low ridge, towering above the placid waters of Pichola. The construction of this 30.4 meters high and 244 meters long structure was initiated by Udai Singh and was built over a span of over three hundred years. It is a conglomeration of eleven palaces, numerous courtyards, pavilions, terraces, corridors, rooms, and hanging gardens. The complex is approached through “Hathi Pol’ or the Elephant gate’, along the main street of the old city, near the famous Jagdish temple. The ‘Bara Pol’ or the Great Gate’ brings you to the first courtyard which leads to the Tripolia Gate, with eight carved marble arches or torans. Located inside are various attractions like the Suraj Gokhada or the ‘Balcony or Sun’, Bada Mahal, Sheesh Mahal, Bhim Vilas, Mor Chowk or Peacock courtyard’, the Zenana Mahal or ‘women’s quarters’ and Chini Chitrasala, Fateh Prakash, Durbar na lall and Shambhu Niwas, etc.
Saheliyon ki Bari or the ‘Gardens of the Maids’: The well laid out garden flanking the embankment of the Fateh Sagar lake was built for the forty-eight young ladies-in-waiting, who accompanied a princess to Udaipur as part of her dowry. The gardens noted for their discreet and impeccable taste are studded with four lotus pools with dainty kiosks, marble pavilions, and elephant-shaped fountains. The colorful flower beds, lawns are protected by a series of walls and shady trees.
Sajjan Garh: The ‘palace for monsoon’ is set atop a steep hill and affords a fine view of the lake city and its surroundings.
Jagdish Temple: This magnificent temple of Lord Vishnu was built in 1615, by Maharana Jagat Singh. The shrine is approached through a steep flight of 32 steps, the plinth is adorned with bas reliefs friezes. The main sanctum has a black marble statue of Lord Vishnu.
Lake Pichola: Picturesque Pichola surrounded by hills, palaces, temples, bathing phats, and embankments is about 4 kms. in length and 3 kms. wide. The main attractions are its two island palaces Jag Niwas and Jag Mandir set splendidly amidst the turquoise waters of the lake. The majestic city palace sprawls along the eastern bank of the lake. Visi Bansi Ghat (City Palace Jetty), for a boat ride.
Lake Palace or Jag Mahal: The magnificent white palace on the Jag Niwas Island is one of the most beautiful palaces of the world. It was built in 1754, by Maharana Jagat Singh II and has now been converted into a luxury hotel.
Jag Mandir: The construction of this island palace of Pichhola was initiated by Maharaja Karan Singh and several additions were made by Maharana Jagat Singh. Prince Khurram (Shahjahan) took refuge here when he rebelled against his father.
Pratap Memorial: The memorial atop Moti Magri or ‘Pearl hillock’ commemorates Maharana Pratap, the most distinguished son of Mewar, whose chivalrous deeds have become legendary. A fine bronze statue of Maharana Pratap on his loyal horse Chetak overlooks the serene waters of Fateh Sagar. Adjacent to the memorial is a Japanese Rock Garden, known as Bhamashah Park.
Fateh Sagar: It was built in 1678, by Maharana Jai Singh to the north of Lake Pichola and the two lakes are linked by a canal. The lake enclosed on three sides by hills is named after Fateh Singh, who undertook renovations of the lake and rebuilt the dam. The beautiful Nehru Park with a boat-shaped café is set amidst the waters of Fateh Sagar. It can be reached by boat.
Gulab Bagh or Sajjan Niwas Garden: The well laid out garden built by Maharana Sajjan Singh is noted for its majestic beauty. An elegant building houses a library with a rich and rare collection of old books and ancient handwritten manuscripts.
Ahar (3 kms.): This ancient capital of Sisodias and the archaeological site has exquisite cenotaphs of the rulers of Mewar. The Government Museum here exhibits some of the finds like earthen pots, iron objects, and other art items, dating back to 5,000 years.
Shilpgram (3 kms.): The rural arts and crafts village nestling amidst the Aravali ranges were established as a West Zone Cultural Centre. It is dotted with huts built by a craftsperson from the members of various states of India and provides a platform for the rural craftsperson representing various regions. The Shilpgram Utsav celebrated here provides a fine glimpse into the multi-facets of Indian art and culture.
Around Udaipur:
Eklingji (22 kms.)
The splendidly sculpted temple complex was built in 734, amidst the hills and dedicated to Lord Shiva, the family deity of the Mewar rulers. Within the high walls of the complex are 108 exquisitely carved temples. The main sanctum has a four-faced black marble image of Lord Shiva. Facing the main sanctum is a life-size idol of Nandi, the bull and Bappa Rawal under a vaulted roof.
Haldighati (40 kms.)
The famous battle between Maharana Pratap and Mughal emperor Akbar in 1576 A.D. was fought here. The site is marked by a cenotaph with delicate white marble columns. It is dedicated to the indomitable hero Maharana Partap and his loyal charger Chetak.
Nagada (23 kms.)
This first capital of Bappa Rawal, the founder of the Sisodia dynasty of Mewar is famous for the Sas Bahu ka Mandir dedicated to Lord Vishnu and the Jain temple.
Nathdwara (48 kms.)
The 17th-century temple of Shri Nathji or Lord Krishna is one of the most important Vaishnavite pilgrim centers in the country. The magnificent black marble image of LordShri Nathji is believed to be over 600 years old and was brought here from Mathura in1669, to protect from the fanatic hands of Mughal emperor Aurang Zeb.
Kankroli (65 kms.)
It is yet another important Hindu pilgrim center of the region. The temple here is dedicated to Lord Krishna and is popularly called as Dwarkadhish, as it resembles the famous Nathdwara shrine. The beautiful Rajsamand Lake, located nearby was built by Maharana Raj Singh in 1660.
Rishabhdeoji (Kesariyaji) (65 kms.)
The 15th century Jain temple of Rishabdeoji is an important Jain and Hindu pilgrim site. Itis located on Udaipur Ahmadabad road.
Jaisamand Lake (48 kms.)
This second largest artificial lake in Asia was built in the 17th century by Maharana Jai Singh. It extends to a maximum length of about 14.5 kms. and a width of 10 kms. Three islands within the waters of the lake are inhabited by tribals. Six marvelous marble cenotaphs and a temple of Narmadeshwar Mahadeo festoon the embankment. The Jaisamand Wildlife Sanctuary near the lake makes an exciting excursion. The Jaisamand Island Resort with 5-star facilities is also worth visiting.
Jagat (58 kms.)
It is popularly called as the ‘Khajuraho of Rajasthan. The most important attraction is the exquisitely carved 10th century Ambika Mata temple.
Kumbhalgarh Fort (84 kms.)
lt was built by Maharana Kumbha between 1445-58 and is regarded as the second most important fort of Rajasthan after Chittaurgarh. The gigantic fort extends over 12 kms. amidst a cluster of thirteen peaks of the Aravali ranges. It is encircled by a 36 kms. longwall and defended by a series of battlements, bastions and soaring watchtowers. Within the ramparts of the fort are magnificent palaces, ruins of temples and gardens. The Badal Mahal or the ‘Cloud Palace’ is set at the highest point of the fort and affords a scenic view OT the surrounding countryside. The Kumbhalgarh sanctuary near the fort is inhabited by a rich variety of animal and birdlife. It is also well known for its archaeological importance.
Ranakpur (98 kms.)
The 15th-century magnificent shrine is one of the five most sacred sites of the Jains. The temple complex built in faintly glowing amber stone reverberates an aura of peace, spirituality, and tranquillity. It is a marvel of architecture and a living testimony to the wonders that abiding faith and relentless pursuit of excellence can create.
Read next: A Three-Day Journey Through the Heart of Mewar, our day-by-day itinerary for three days in Udaipur.
Udupi Cuisine
November 13, 2019 in City Guide, Pilgrimages
If there’s one Indian dish that can give Butter Chicken a serious run in terms of international presence, it’s the Masala Dosa. I’ve stumbled upon multiple versions of this crispy dosa slathered with a potato filling (known as palya in Karnataka) from Denver to Melbourne. The Masala Dosa is one of the most ordered dishes in restaurants in Chennai, Bengaluru and other parts of South India but many foodies agree that the origins of this dish point in one direction. Udupi might be a tiny town north of Mangaluru but Udupi and neighboring towns like Kundapura are a haven for foodies. One of Udupi’s best-known contributions is its now ubiquitous Masala Dosa, but that’s just one of the many unique snacks that you can savor in and around Udupi. From cylindrical idlis to dosas crafted in rice flour, we pick some of Udupi’s must-try snacks:
1. Masala Dosa
This is one dish you won’t have trouble finding across India. The classical Udupi version is golden brown and crispy. I love how it gently disintegrates into tinier crispy bits, some restaurants (like Woodlands in Chennai and Bengaluru) used to insert a tiny banana leaf with freshly churned butter inside the dosa. This butter would melt inside the dosa along with the masala on its way to your table. Pangala in Manipal (Udupi’s twin town) serves one of the best Masala Dosas in and around Udupi and is a big hit with the town’s large student population.
2. Kaddubu or Moode
My first memory of the Kadubbu takes me back to the iconic Dasaprakash restaurant in Chennai. From Kadubbu to Moode (or Mude) to Gunda, the locals use quite a few terms to describe this uniquely shaped cylindrical idli. It’s the same batter cooked in a different mold. The conical molds are crafted with jackfruit leaves and placed in a large vessel inside a conventional pressure cooker. It’s also cooked in Kedige (the local name for screw pine or a type of pandanus leaf). Some local restaurants in Udupi serve it with etty (prawn) chutney.
3. Bajjari Dosa or Neer Dosa
This airy, incredibly light dosa can probably be folded to fit into your palm. Made with a thin batter – that’s almost the same consistency as a Rava Dosa batter, with rice (better when soaked overnight) and coconut. It’s why it’s called Neer (water) Dosa. It makes a perfect accompaniment with some of the region’s meat and seafood gravies. Matsya, one of Chennai’s true-blue Udupi restaurants, serves this dosa with a simple mixture of freshly ground coconut with jaggery.
4. Goli Baje (aka) Mangalore Bonda
Mitra Samaj located next to Udupi’s iconic Shri Krishna temple is one of the town’s best-known food institutions. This modest eatery serves a variety of Udupi snacks all day but it’s their Goli Baje that is their signature dish and usually available around 4 pm – tiffin time. This delectable deep-fried snack combines maida (Flour), rice flour and curd with a smattering of green chilies and ginger. You can sample authentic versions of this dish at Palmgrove Hotel in Chennai or Ballal Residency in Bengaluru.
5. Mangalore Buns
Sweet or savory? The only way to know is to sample this unique dish that can pass off for a poori or even a katchori but tastes distinctly different. Locals call this fluffy poori lookalike, a bun. The bun gets its subtle sweet taste from overripe bananas that are mashed into the maida and left to ferment for a few hours (overnight is even better). The flavors are further enhanced with a few cumin seeds, sugar and curd before they are deeply fried just like pooris. There’s a tiny Woodlands restaurant in Udupi that serves an authentic version of this dish, you can also sample this at restaurants like Mathsya and Ashoka Hotel in Chennai.
Padmanabhaswamy Temple
November 13, 2019 in City Guide, Pilgrimages
Getting There
Trivandrum International Airport is a major gateway to South India. The two railheads are Trivandrum Central Railway Station and Kochuveli Railway Station. Overnight state and private buses are popular amongst pilgrims. Air-conditioned Volvo buses ply to Chennai, Madurai, Bengaluru Kochi and Kozhikode.
Behold the stately form of a gigantic reclining Vishnu at the Padmanabhaswamy Temple at Thiruvananthapuram. The grand gopurams of the temple tower behind a sylvan montage of a temple tank and a red-roofed village in a fort. Kerala’s royal history remains entwined with this temple’s awesome grandeur.
Thiruvananthapuram is a busy, modern city, but at its heart stands the fort, a regal reminder of the former web Travancore kingdom. It’s crowning jewel is the sacred and majestic beauty of the Padmanabhaswamy Temple, one of the Sacred Divya Desams for Vaishnavites: The 18th-century King Marthanda and Varma dedicated his martial victories his riches to the lotus feet of Vishnu at this temple and the association is kept by his royal descendants even today”.
Temple Deity – Anantha Padmanabhaswamy
The grand majesty of the 18ft-long Anantha Padmanabhaswamy is inspiring to behold. The largeness of the idol makes a darshan possible through three doors that are opened for a vision of his head, torso, and feet respectively. His recumbent form is on a bed of snake coils of Adisesha or Anantha whose five hoods shade Vishnu’s crown. The idol is made of a special wood with 12,000 saligramams holy stones) mottled into it. The deity incorporates the divinity of Shiva, Vishnu, and Brahma. Vishnu’s right-hand rests on a Shiva lingam. His other hand holds us. From his navel stands the stem of a lotus with Brahma seated in it earning him the name of Padmanabha. You can see his consorts, Sridevi (goddess of prosperity)and Bhudevi (goddess of the earth) along with sage Diwakar and an Utsava Moorthy of Vishnu in this section. Behind him is a vast mural of celestial beings. The annual doorway offers views of the Lord’s feet.
Temple History
The temple has been praised in poems set in the Sangam period (3BC-AD). Later Raja Marthanda Varma built the magnificent gopuram and hosted the first Alpasi festival in the temple. Additions including mandapams, a gopuram on the eastern entrance and other architectural embellishments followed. Rani Gouri Parvathy Bai, the Travancore queen, commissioned a large mural of Ananthasayana Vishnu. Sree Chithira Thirunal Varma (or Padmanabha Dasa), who took charge at the age of 24, was the first to allow people from all walks of life to enter the temple in the1930s. Later in 1991, Sree Uthradam Thirunal Marthanda Varma took charge and initiated the Lakshadeepam Festival which takes place every six years
Style & Architecture
The aesthetic mix of Dravidian and Kerala-style architecture dates back to the early 16th century. The gopuram is 100ft tall with seven tiers, carved with sculptures. Go down the fort area down a long path flanked by the tank, Padma Theertham (p137) and the Puthenmalika Palace. Past the main door is magnificently-carved pillared pathways that lead to the main shrine. The temple has 365 carved granite columns. Enter part of the main shrine, facing the Kulashekara Mantapam. Near the Chuttambalam (outer part of the sanctum) stand two large sculptures of Hanuman and Garuda. A narrow entrance leads to the area right in front of the three doors of the sanctum. The offerings are usually made to a seated Vishnu in the sanctum and not the main idol. Intricate murals adorn its walls. Shrines to Ganapathy and Narasimha are outside the sanctum.
Special Features
Kulasekara Mandapam or the pillared hall has 36 sculptures of Deepalakshmis and nature-inspired themes. The corners of these pillars make melodious sounds. It’s also known as Sapthaswara M
andapam (entry 710; 8.30-11 am, 4.40-7.30pm). Padma Theertham is the pretty temple tank that lies on the eastern gate of the temple, along the main entrance. This is one of the oldest reservoirs in the city. A Krishna shrine outside the main sanctum area is said to have been consecrated by the Vrishni sect who brought the idol from Gujarat.
Temple Festivals
Alpasi and Panguni are bi-annual festivals that start with the royal flag hoisting and go on for ten days. The idols of Vishnu on a gold mount, Krishna and Narasimhaswamy on Silver mounts are decorated in fine jewelry and silks. On the closing days of the Arattu Festival, the idols are taken in procession to the nearby Shankumugham Beach for a dip in the Arabian Sea. Expect dances, music and colorful processions during this festival period. The members of the Travancore royal family lead the pageantry and festivities. For dates, timings and details check www.sreepadmanabhaswamytemple.org.
Temple Legend
Once, Sage Diwakar did intense penance to propitiate Vishnu. As a reward, he wanted a child who would live with him always. Vishnu agreed but laid the condition that Diwakar should not ever scold the child. One day the child popped a saligramam (divine pebble) into his mouth. The rishi scolded the child for desecrating a sacred stone. The child left, saying that if he wanted to find him Diwakar would have to go to Anantha forest. On realizing that the child was Vishnu himself, Diwakar set out in search of him and came upon a tree that Crashed in front of him and transformed into Ananthasayana Vishnu. 18 miles long. Unable to see the entire figure. the sage requested the Lord to take a form DEger than three times his staff. Paying heed Vishnu shrunk his size and lay in EClining posture 18ft in size on the very spot the temple now stands.
Swathi Thirunal
Maharaja Swathi Thirunal Rama Varma of Travancore (1829-1846) was a composer with more than 400 songs in Carnatic and Hindustani music to his credit. His songs are marked by a signature invocation to Lord Padmanabhaswamy, his divine muse. The annual (6-12 Jan) music festival. Swathi Sangeethotsavam is held in his honor at the beautiful Kuthiramalika. south-east of the temple, which also houses the Temple Museum exhibiting roya memorabilia
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Tirupati Venkateswara Temple
November 13, 2019 in City Guide, Pilgrimages
Getting There
Train: Express trains connect from Chennai (3hr), Bengaluru (7hr), Hyderabad/Secunderabad/Vijayawada (7-12 hr). Special trains connect directly to Tirupati from Mumbai. It is connected by Narayanadri Express (2734) from Secundrabad, Venkatadri Express (2787), Tirupati-Mumbai Express (6353/6354), Tirupati Bhubaneswar Special (08472) Bhadrachalam and special summer trains. Check with http://www.indianrail.gov.in/
Bus: State buses/Volvos connect Tirupati from Chennai (R70-150/ 4hr), Hyderabad (R408-717/10hr) and Bengaluru (153-365/6hr).
Taxis: Hire taxis from Tirupati town to the Tirumala temple.
From the crest of the picturesque Saptagiri hill radiates the towering presence of Sri Venkateswara, the god of the Seven Hills at Tirupati. It is India’s most prosperous temple and its deity, the most powerful to grant the wishes of its devotees.
To marvel at the power of faith, there’s no better shrine than that of Lord Venkateswara, an awesome avatar of Vishnu at Tirumala atop the Saptagiri Hills (Seven Hills). India’s premier pilgrim destination in Andhra Pradesh receives over 1 lakh pilgrims daily. It is one of the world’s richest religious bodies, earning 22.5 lakh daily in cash offerings. The temple’s prosperity is evident around the hill of Tirumala (Vishnu’s name) all the way down to the town of Tirupati.
Temple Deity – Sri Venkateswara
Given the crowds, it’s a lucky day if a darshan of Lord Balaji lasts longer than a nanosecond before you’re asked to move on by temple ushers. When the priests draw back the curtains for the reveal, the rumble of prayers reaches a crescendo from the throng. You behold the vision of a tall and dark frame of the 8-ft deity, lit by the jewel lights of the lamps and burning camphor, in divine regalia. Unlike other reclining forms of Vishnu, Venkateswara stands draped in sweeping silk robes and necklaces of gold and glittering diamonds, a large emerald ornament, sparkling rubies, and a diamond-encrusted crown. His eyes are hidden by a large white and red tirunamam mark that is the symbol worn by Vaishnavite deities in the south on their foreheads. His right palm is open and bestowing, while the left rests on his hip. His two other arms hold aloft the Vaishnavite insignias – the conch and discus, covered in gold.
Temple History
History dates the temple structure and Tirumala hills to be almost 2000 years old. Prehistoric Tamil scriptures mention the temple and the hills, with references to the deity or the lord of Vengadam or Venkata. Tirumala is part of the green Saptagiri Hill range (Seven Hills). The temple is located on top of Tirumala, the last and seventh hill. Vaishnavite historians of the South claim that the temple was established in the 12th century by the saint Ramanuja. Active temple construction began from the time of King Krishnadevaraya, from the 14th century onwards. Further kings of the dynasty added to the temple building, with individual Commemorative gopurams. In the late 1950s, the vimana or the main tower of the temple was encrusted in gold.
Style & Architecture
The Tirumala temple and smaller temples and shrines around Tirupati follow traditional styles of Dravidian architecture that includes large and wide praharams or perimeters surrounding the main shrine with mandapams named after the kings associated with the temple like the Krishnaraya mantapam or Tirumalaraya mantapam and open spaces and interesting sculptures of Garuda, Vishnu’s mount near the flag post. Given the crowds, it needs a keen eye to spot the many sculptures and architectural features. A walk around the temple perimeter in the early morning or evening when it’s not too hot is the best time to look at those.
Special Features
The temple structures reflect the patrons from various faiths who have been moved by the power of the deity. Note the idol of a Muslim overlord near the dwajasthamba (flagpost) who is said to have protected the temple from destruction. The temple museum in Tirumala is a sparkling clean building that houses paintings, sculptures, and photographs related to the history of the Sri Venkateswara Swamy Temple (8 am-8 pm). Tulabaram are offerings made on a giant iron scale and devotees offer rice, wheat, fruits or sugar equal to their body weight to the god at the Tirumalaraya mantapam. A quick stop is enough to witness the geological wonder, Shila Thoranam, a rock formation located in a park close to the temple (6 am-5 pm).
Temple Festival
The Brahmotsavam is a grand festival held annually in October. According to lore the first puja and festive procession for Lord Venkateswara were led by the god Brahma and hence the festival bears his name. The nine-day festival involves grand processions of heavily bejeweled idols of Balaji and his consorts. The idols are brought out on a decorated vimana each day on various mounts. A rath yatra is held on a ninth day to round off the festivities. While darshan queues during the festive time can run up to several kilometers, thanks to the efficient Tirumala Tirupati Devasthanam a sense of order prevails. Sep-Oct; for dates and timings check TTD (www.tirumala.org)
Temple Legend
Devotees pray to the Lord of the Seven Hills at Tirupati, revered as Venkateswara, Balaji or Srinivasa for blessings and his divine bounty. But the dark Lord stands, eyes shadowed by the tirunamam, with a shy smile playing upon his lips. And therein lies a tale of romance, a divine union, a lavish wedding and the awesome power of the god. Legend has it that Lord Vishnu came down to earth in pursuit of his consort Lakshmi who had left her home in Vaikunta in a huff when a visiting sage had kicked Vishnu’s chest in anger – the god’s chest is where goddess Lakshmi resides. She had taken the form of princess Padmavati in the royal family of King Aksha Rajan. Vishnu, in his earthly form as Venkateswara, sought her hand in marriage. The king sought proof of the groom’s wealth to wedding his daughter and hence Venkateswara took a heavy loan from Kubera. the treasurer of universal wealth for the wedding costs to convince his father-in-law. The temple, known to be the second richest place of worship after the Vatican, receives offerings in the form of cash, coins, and gold from devotees daily. The offerings are symbolically meant to help Lord Balaji pay off his wedding loan in the next thousand years.
A hirsute offering
Donate your entire treasure of tresses.or just three locks at Tirumala’s free tonsuring service centers. This traditional offering commemorates the sacrifice made by a princess, Neela Devi, when she offered her locks to Lord Vishnu to fill up a small bald patch on his head. It’s not odd to witness a sea of tonsured heads in the two towns. The practice is very common and even women unflinchingly donate their hair. The temple receives an income of 760 lakh every day through the sale of hair of devotees who tonsure their heads as a form of prayer.
Inside the Venkateswara Swamy Temple, Tirumala
There are several interesting a well-constructed narrow path, lined experiences and quirky sights to keep by metal guards so that no one jumps you engaged in and around the vast over into the line. Free milk is served temple complex. to pilgrims. Often prasadam of the Hundi Section: Here you’ll see the day. be it Venn Pongal, Sakkara Pongal. glass-encased money-counting puliogare or their Sadam are offered section. Peep in to find the amusing to the devotees along with the serpentine sight of somber-faced, half-naked queues waiting for darshan for long priests sorting through cash and coins hours. There are also clean loos built with dexterity. The sheer quantity of along the line. money that is offered is astounding. With long queues a darshan can take up Queuing: All devotees have to keep to two hours at the temple
Mahabaleshwara Temple
November 13, 2019 in City Guide, Pilgrimages
Getting There
Gokarna lies at the northwest tip of Karnataka, bordering Goa. The nearest airport is Dabolim in Goa (156km). The Konkan Railway connects to Gokarna, but the closest stations with frequent trains are Kumta (35km) and Ankola (20km). If you are traveling from any South Indian city, state and private operators run overnight buses which make for a good travel option.
The Atmalinga transforms the ancient Mahabaleshwara Temple on the Arabian Seashore into a holy kshetra. Rife with legends the temple is considered as sacred as K ashi Vishwanath of Varanasi.
Gokarna (cow’s ear in Sanskrit) is literally an ear-shaped temple town along the shore of the Arabian Sea. It embraces dreadlocked backpacking foreigners and pious Hindu pilgrims on its pristine palm-shaded beaches and in the impressive shrine of Mahabaleshwara. This ancient temple, with its twisted Shiva lingam, makes Gokarna the mother lode of divine blessings. Expect large crowds, long queues and pushy priests al but they’re a small price to pay for eternal salvation.
Temple Deity – Mahabaleshwara
Called the all-powerful Atmalinga, the black stone linga is uneven and embedded on the floor of the shrine, visible only three inches above the ground. The linga is offered oblations of milk, ghee, and floral offerings. Devotees are allowed to enter the shrine and touch the linga for blessings. Behind this is a raised platform on which is a traditional murti of the Mahabaleshwara linga. The linga is sheathed in gold and sculpted with large eyes and a flourishing mustache, crowned by the hood of the serpent. Large gold rudraksha necklaces and vilva garlands are draped over this linga.
Temple History
The temple was built between AD345-369 by King Mayurasarma of the Kadamba dynasty. Later additions including daily worship rituals, pavilions, and smaller shrines were built by rulers including the Keladi royal family in the 17th century.
Style & Architecture
The temple style is attributed to the Dravidian style of temple building by the 16th-century Vijayanagara kings. The temple construction is a blend of walls, pillars, and pavilions in stone and wooden doors and trellis. Sturdy stone columns stand on the outer gallery around the sanctum and many bells hang from the roof of the main hall. A large Nandi in granite faces the main shrine.
Special Features
Maha Ganapathy Temple is a large shrine of a brightly-colored Ganapathy who had deceived Ravana and embedded the Shiva linga in Gokarna. A brass-encased linga with a coiled serpent around it and an intricately carved sculpture of a tortoise are also in the shrine (5.30 am-12.30 pm, 5-9 pm).
The Koti theertha, outside the temple, is a pond that is deemed holy despite its dirty look. The idols in the temple are washed as part of their ritual purification here.
Temple Festival
Maha Shiva Ratri (Feb) is celebrated at the temple with an elaborate rath yatra when the idol is taken out on the procession around the town. For exact dates, timings and details check www.srig.org.
Temple Legend
Lanka ‘s emperor Ravana had obtained the Atmalinga from Shiva after severe penance. As he left for home to install the linga at Lanka, the gods conspired to disrupt his plans en route. Vishnu blocked the sun with his discus. Ravana thought that it was twilight and had to perform his sandhi puja or evening Dreyers. Ganesha, the God who removed obstacles. took the form of a boy and appeared on the beach and offered to hold the linga when Ravana went to the or his dip before praying. The moment his back was turned. Ganesha set the ga deep into the ground from where it could not be drawn out by Ravana.
Kanyakumari
November 13, 2019 in City Guide, Pilgrimages
Located at the southernmost tip of the Indian peninsula, Kanyakumari is a coastal town in the state of Tamil Nadu. Earlier known as Cape Comorin, Kanyakumari is surrounded by mountains and bordered by vibrant seashores, lined with paddy fields and coconut trees, and also boasts of aesthetically elevated patches of hills with undulating valleys and plains in between the sea and the mountainous terrain. Ever since ancient times, Kanyakumari has been one of the major centers of religion, art, and culture. Famous for being the only place in India where you can observe the sunrise and sunset at the same beach, Kanyakumari is a very popular tourist destination, not just because of this unique geographical phenomenon, but also because of its pristine beaches as well as its temples and churches which attract a huge number of tourists to this city al
l year round.
The Kanyakumari Temple, also known as the Bhagavatam Amman Temple or the Kumari Amman temple is one of the major Hindu temples all across India. Built-in dedication to Goddess Kumari Amman, the temple finds mention in almost all ancient Hindu scriptures and is frequented by pilgrims looking to pay their respects to the virgin goddess Kanya Devi.
One of the most iconic monuments in the city, the Vivekananda Rock Memorial is a gigantic structure surrounded on all sides by the Laccadive Sea, so the only way you can reach the monument is by taking a boat/ferry ride. Built by the Ramakrishna Mission, the Vivekananda Rock Memorial is dedicated to the great philosopher Swami Vivekananda who used to meditate here. The memorial comprises of two main structures – the Shripada Mandapam and the Vivekananda Mandapam, with an attached meditation hall for visitors to sit and meditate in.
Kanyakumari is also home to the Statue of the Saint Poet Thiruvalluvar, one of the greatest Tamil poets in India. Standing at a massive height of 133 feet, the statue is one of the biggest in the entire Asian subcontinent and is the result of the hard work of over 500 sculptors. Other historic sights that you can visit in Kanyakumari include the Padmanabhapuram Palace, the Vattakottai Fort, and the Gandhi Memorial.
Apart from historic monuments and buildings, Kanmjyamurai is also famed for its beaches and waterfalls. The Kanyakumari beach is the perfect place where you can spend a lazy afternoon sitting on the white sand and sipping a cool drink. Unlike the beaches in Goa which tend to be a little overpopulated, the Kanyakumari beach is a lot less crowded and is the best place to enjoy a gorgeous sunset. Waterfalls in Kanyakumari that you should not miss out on include the Thirparappu falls, the Courtallam Falls, and the Olakaruvi falls.
Kanyakumari has an authentic South Indian cuisine, with seafood and coconuts being an integral part of almost all dishes. Starting from light snacks to full course gourmet menus, Kanyakumari delights tourists with the numerous options it offers for eating out. While Kanyakumari is not a traditional shopping destination, you can buy plenty of souvenirs and curios from the numerous stalls and boutiques dotting the beachfront, with decorative seashell trinkets being a must-buy.
The Land Where Three Seas Meet
Kanyakumari offers the marvelous confluence of the Bay of Bengal, the Arabian Sea and Indian ocean meeting together at a point. But, this is not the miracle, the miracle lies in the beauty that the water of three seas does not mix, you can clearly distinguish between the turquoise blue, deep blue and sea green waters of the three seas. To enjoy the best view you can visit the Triveni Sangam point and the famous View tower to absorb the beauty of nature in your hearts. Do not miss the sunset from these viewpoints.
The Sunset And The Sunrise
One of the unique features of Kanyakumari is the beautiful view of the sunrise and the sunset. It is one of the main tourist attractions. It is a breathtaking sight everyone waits for on the shores every morning. This spectacular sight is one of the many reasons why Kanyakumari is famous. On full moon evenings, one can see the moon rising and the sun setting at the same time. Although a rare sight, one should definitely try to catch the moment at least once in their life. During the sunrise and sunset, the famous Vivekananda Rock and the statue of Thiruvalluvar look even more striking. It is a sight with a beautiful blend of the natural and the man-made. The timings of the sunrise and sunset vary from season to season. However, one can confirm the timings at the hotels they are staying at.
History
According to a famous legend, Kanya Devi, an avatar of Goddess Parvati, was supposed to wed Lord Shiva. But Lord Shiva himself failed to turn up for this day and the wedding did not take place. The rice grains and cereals that were supposed to be for the marriage, remained uncooked. It is said, that even today, one can find stones that look exactly like rice grains. Many people believe that they are the remains of the marriage. Kanya Devi, it is said, remained a virgin goddess. During the early 18th Century AD, Islam entered Southern India through the traders. Christianity entered the southern part in AD 52 through St. Thomas. Islam, Christianity, and Jainism have significantly contributed to the literary and architectural tradition of the place. The Cholas, the Cheras, the Pandyas and the Nayaks too, have contributed to the beautiful architectures that can be mostly found in the temples of Kanyakumari. During the British Raj, Kanyakumari was given the title of Cape Comorin.
The Kanyakumari and The Geography
Kanyakumari also known as Kanniyakumari, earlier known as Cape Comorin, is a town in Kanyakumari District in the state of Tamil Nadu India. The name comes from the temple, Devi Kanya Kumari Temple in the region. It is the southernmost tip of peninsular India. Kanyakumari town is the southern tip of the Cardamom Hills, an extension of the Western Ghats. The nearest town is Nagercoil, the administrative headquarters of Kanyakumari District, 22 km away. Kanyakumari has been a town since the Sangam period and is a popular tourist destination.
Kanyakumari is located at 8.08°N 77.57°E. It has an average elevation of 300 meters. Contrary to the popular belief that Kanyakumari lies at the meeting point of three bodies of water, it borders only one, the Laccadive Sea to the south-west, south, and to the south-east. It is the confluence of the Western Coastal Plains and Eastern Coastal Plains.
Rameswaram
November 13, 2019 in City Guide, Pilgrimages
Getting there
By Air: Madurai, at 163 Km distance from the holy town, welcomes the domestic pilgrims whereas Chennai the international ones. From where hired taxis could take to the temple.
By Train: Mandapam station is just 2 Km away from the temple and brings travelers from Chennai, Coimbatore, Trichy, and Thanjavur.
By Road: Regular Bus services make traveling to the temple town easier and for many, convenient. Places like Nagpur, Hyderabad, Madurai, etc are can act as ‘via-points’ for those coming from the northern part of India- buses, cars or taxis.
Adi Shankaracharya propagated the idea of Hinduism through Advaita Vedanta and the town of Rameshwaram stands as a testimony of his faith. One of the four pilgrimage places, Char Dham of India, modestly invites followers of Lord Shiva from everywhere to pay a visit at least once in their lifetime to the Jyotirlinga installed in the Ramanathaswamy Temple. Vaishnavites are also not left in their devotion to coming to this place which is believed to be associated with Lord Rama, the incarnation of Lord Vishnu as well.
Located in Ramanathapuram district, the town is a part of Pamban Island also known as Rameshwaram Island being associated with the legendary temple built in the marvelous Dravidian style of architecture. Situated at the very tip of the Indian peninsula, the island is connected with the Indian mainland by Pamban Bridge on Pamban Channel in the Gulf of Mannar.
A visit to Varanasi in Uttar Pradesh is not considered complete in terms of pilgrimage if not coupled with a trip to Rameshwaram which is said to be the Varanasi of South. Welcome to the charm that devotees come to associated with an abode of God irrespective of the place it belongs to.
History
The town has been changed many hands; main amongst them were Cholas, Jaffna Kingdom, Allaudin Khilji (Malik Kafur), Pandya Dynasty, Vijayanagara Empire, followed by some other rulers who ruled the town for a very short while before British East India Company directly took over it and made it a part of Madras Presidency.
The Rameshwaram Temple which is the main reason the town is known to every other person following Hinduism, Lord Shiva, and Lord Vishnu is said to be built by Sethupathis of Sethukavalan – custodian of the legendary bridge built by Lord Rama when he crossed the sea to reach Lanka (now Sri Lanka) the place in the control of Demon King Ravana, also a Brahman.
Rameshwaram is believed to be the place where Lord Rama started his journey to get his wife Sita back from Ravana and the Lord was helped by ‘Vaanar-Sena’ army of legendary monkey-humans and served by Hanuman, Lord Ram’s paramount devotee. Also, many later versions of Ramayana testify of installing a ShivaLingam by Shri Ram and Devi Sita to worship Lord Shiva as a part of penance for Brahmahatya – killing of Brahmana, Ravana who was himself a well-known staunch follower of Lord Shiva. The Rameshwaram Temple, built in the 12th century is believed to have the same Shiva Lingam.
The bridge to Lanka named ‘Rama Set u’, also known as Adam’s Bridge is of religious as well as ecological importance. Some 30 Km long, it was supposed to be passable on foot till the 15th century after which a storm deepened the channel.
Attractions
Ramanathaswamy Temple:
‘Ramanathaswamy’ literally means ‘the Master of Rama’ which refers to Lord Shiva, which the temple is all about. There are two ‘lingam’ inside the temple; ‘Ramalingam’ by Devi Sita built by sand and ‘Viswalingam’ brought by Lord Hanuman from Kailasha (abode of Lord Shiva) and installed by Lord Rama. Temple tanks, a hall of 1000 pillars, and several other shrines in the temple attract millions of pilgrims every year, especially during Maha Shivratri.
Dhanushkodi Temple:
The southernmost tip of Rameshwaram is known as Dhanushkodi, where Kothandaramaswamy temple is located. The place was often ruined by cyclones but never displaced a single stone of the temple and of faith, thus. The place is where Vibhishana, brother of Ravana surrendered to Lord Rama. The enchanting location makes the visit to the place and the temple as pious as God has made it.
Tirtham:
Various temples were erected to honor those who had a left a lesson to learn from the epic of Ramayana and that includes-
- Agni Tirtham – A large lake and 22 wells with unique-tasting waters make it an important pilgrim place where they believe to get cured by the curative properties.
- Ram Tirtham (Gandamadana)- worshipped by many communities of south India.
- Lakshman Tirtham – Built inside Rameshwaram to give the brother of the Lord the place he rightly deserved helping his brother in the holy war against Ravana.
- Jatayu Tirtham – Commemorates the memory of Eagle God who assisted Lord Rama in his fight for Devi Sita.
- Kaveri and Jada Tirtham – A place is meant to worship for god Kapardikeshwar and a Peepal tree representing all the deities.
Panch – Mukhi Hanuman Temple:
Lord Hanuman, Lord Adivaraha, Lord Narasimha, Lord Hayagriva, and Lord Garuda are the five faces that were revealed by Lord Hanuman at the sacred site, where the present-day temple stands. Another attraction of the temple is the floating stone used for building temporary Sethu Bandhanam to reach Lanka.
