ANCIENT CAVES USED BY HINDU MONKS AND BUDDHISTS

ANCIENT CAVES USED BY HINDU MONKS AND THEN LATER BUDDHISTS
TALAJA Near Bhavnagar Gujarat state . India
The serene town of Talaja on the banks of Shetrunji River, has around 30 ancient Hindu / Buddhist caves cut into the rocks, with perfectly identifiable carvings of Boddhisatva. The most impressive structure is the Ebhala Mandapa, a large hall with four octagonal pillars in the front.

This ancient Mahabharata era caves of the early Haihaiya's whose The adventurous group of Yadava lineages are those which come under the title of the Haihaya clans. These were in the main, five, all of whom called themselves Talajangha (perhaps with the palm tree as totem?). Among these were included the Saryata (whose ancestors had fled from Kusasthali), Bhoja, Vitihotra, Avanti and Tundikera. The Haihayas moved along the Narmada and are believed to have captured Mahismati from the Karkotaka Naga and fortified it as an important settlement.
One line of Yadus via Satvata, Andhaka and Vrsni migrated to Dvarka in Kathiawar.
 The serene town of Talaja on the banks of Shetrunji River, has around 30 ancient Hindu / Buddhist caves cut into the rocks, with perfectly identifiable carvings of Boddhisatva. The most impressive structure is the Ebhala Mandapa, a large hall with four octagonal pillars in the front.
This ancient Mahabharata era caves of the early Haihaiya's whose The adventurous group of Yadava lineages are those which come under the title of the Haihaya clans. These were in the main, five, all of whom called themselves Talajangha (perhaps with the palm tree as totem?). Among these were included the Saryata (whose ancestors had fled from Kusasthali), Bhoja, Vitihotra, Avanti and Tundikera. The Haihayas moved along the Narmada and are believed to have captured Mahismati from the Karkotaka Naga and fortified it as an important settlement.

One line of Yadus via Satvata, Andhaka and Vrsni migrated to Dvarka in Kathiawar.

Kalakacharya

Kalakacharya
There was a Jain king Vairisimha of Dhara (Dhar, MP) and Queen Surasundari, who had a son called Kalaka and daughter Sarasvati. Once when they were in Ujjain, King Gardabhilla of Ujjain was enamoured by the beauty of Sarasvati, carried her off. After futile attempts to recover her from clutches of Gardabhilla, Kalaka went westward after crossing river Sindhu reached the country where number of saka chiefs, who were sahi (Subordinates of sahanusahi) ruled. Kalaka broght them under his influence. Once their overlord became angry over Sahis, Kalaka migrated them to India. They came to Ujjain conquering along the way. Sakas defeated captured Gardabhilla alive. They established their ruler in Ujjain and divided the country among themselves. Kalaka recovered Sarasvati and avenged humiliation. After four years of saka rule, Gardabhilla son Vikramaditya drove away sakas and established his rule. Gardabhilla ruled for 13 years, Saka 4 years and Vikramaditya 60 years. This account is from Pattavali (Sanskrit) of Merutunga (14th century AD) sourced from earlier Prakrit Gathas.
 

Rajasthani Video Folk song

Rajasthani Song

मारवाड़ मन्दिर -चमत्कारी मन्दिर, amazing magic temple of Marwad,Rajasthan,India

एक मंदिर ऐसा भी है जहा पर पैरालायसिस(लकवे ) का इलाज होता है ! यहाँ पर हर साल हजारो लोग पैरालायसिस(लकवे ) के रोग से मुक्त होकर जाते है यह धाम नागोर जिले के कुचेरा क़स्बे के पास है, अजमेर- नागोर रोड पर यह गावं है ! लगभग ५०० साल पहले एक संत होए थे चतुरदास जी वो सिद्ध योगी थे, वो अपनी तपस्या से लोगो को रोग मुक्त करते थे ! आज भी इनकी समाधी पर सात फेरी लगाने से लकवा जड़ से ख़त्म हो जाता है ! नागोर जिले के अलावा  पूरे देश से लोग आते है और रोग मुक्त होकर जाते है हर साल वैसाख, भादवा और माघ महीने मे पूरे महीने मेला लगता है !

 सन्त चतुरदास जी महाराज के मन्दिर ग्राम बुटाटी में लकवे का इलाज करवाने देश भर से मरीज आते हैं| मन्दिर में नि:शुल्क रहने व खाने की व्यवस्था भी है| लोगों का मानना है कि मंदिर में परिक्रमा लगाने से बीमारी से राहत मिलती है|

राजस्थान की धरती के इतिहास में चमत्कारी के अनेक उदाहरण भरे पड़े हैं| आस्था रखने वाले के लिए आज भी अनेक चमत्कार के उदाहरण मिलते हैं, जिसके सामने विज्ञान भी नतमस्तक है| ऐसा ही उदाहरण नागौर के 40 किलोमीटर दूर स्तिथ ग्राम बुटाटी में देखने को मिलता है। लोगों का मानना है कि जहाँ चतुरदास जी महाराज के मंदिर में लकवे से पीड़ित मरीज का राहत मिलती है।

वर्षों पूर्व हुई बिमारी का भी काफी हद तक इलाज होता है। यहाँ कोई पण्डित महाराज या हकीम नहीं होता ना ही कोई दवाई लगाकर इलाज किया जाता। यहाँ मरीज के परिजन नियमित लगातार 7 मन्दिर की परिक्रमा लगवाते हैं| हवन कुण्ड की भभूति लगाते हैं और बीमारी धीरे-धीरे अपना प्रभाव कम कर देती है| शरीर के अंग जो हिलते डुलते नहीं हैं वह धीरे-धीरे काम करने लगते हैं। लकवे से पीड़ित जिस व्यक्ति की आवाज बन्द हो जाती वह भी धीरे-धीरे बोलने लगता है।

यहाँ अनेक मरीज मिले जो डॉक्टरो से इलाज करवाने के बाद निरास हो गए थे लेकिन उन मरीजों को यहाँ काफी हद तक बीमारी में राहत मिली है। देश के विभिन्न प्रान्तों से मरीज यहाँ आते हैं और यहाँ रहने व परिक्रमा देने के बाद लकवे की बीमारी अशयजनक राहत मिलती है। मरीजों और उसके परिजनों के रहने व खाने की नि:शुल्क व्यवस्था होती है।

दान में आने वाला रुपया मन्दिर के विकास में लगाया जाता है। पूजा करने वाले पुजारी को ट्रस्ट द्वारा तनखाह मिलती है। मंदिर के आस-पास फेले परिसर में सैकड़ों मरीज दिखाई देते हैं, जिनके चेहरे पर आस्था की करुणा जलकती है| संत चतुरदास जी महारज की कृपा का मुक्त कण्ठ प्रशंसा करते दिखाई देते।

PAZHUVUR TEMPLE TAMILNADU

PAZHUVUR TEMPLE TAMILNADU
When Uraiyoor was the capital of the Chola kingdom, many local kings became their supporters and vassals. One of them called Pazhuvettarayar was the king of Pazhuvoor. The name of Periya Pazhuvettarayar was Ambalavaanan and is mentioned in the ASI board displayed outside the Keezha Pazhuvur Temple. Another famous general, Paluvettaraiyar Maravan Kandanar served Uttama Chola. A battle-hardened old warrior and a powerful nobleman, he was Sundara Chozhan's treasurer as well. His son, Kumaran Maravan also served Uttama Chola. Ambalavan Pazhuvurnakkan (also known as Vikramachola - Maharajan of Kuvalalam) features during Uttama Chola's rule and continues into Rajaraja I's reign.

The Pazhuvettaraiyars, related to the Cholas by marriage, were responsible for a number of donations to the Pazhuvur Temples. Inscriptions say that in the 12th year of Parantaka Chozhan, Paluvettaraiyar Kandan Amudanar fought a victorious battle at Vellore against the forces of the Pandya king and his Ceylonese ally, in which the Pandya lost his life.

Keezha Pazhuvur’s Alanduraiyappar Temple finds mention in the hymns of Thevaram sung by Thirugnana Sambandar, the poet-saint of Tamil literature. The hymn says that the temple rituals were conducted by priests from Kerala who settled down in this area. Legend says that Parasurama, the sixth incarnation of Lord Vishnu and creator of the land of Kerala, brought them to conduct the poojas and rituals of Alanduraiyappar Temple. Some scholars say that the Pazhuvettarayars, who belonged to the land of Parasurama, may have encouraged their migration.

Murudeshwara temple in the Bhatkal Taluk of Uttara Kannada district in the state of Karnataka, India.

Murudeshwara temple, dedicated to Lord Shiva, lies in the holy beach town in the Bhatkal Taluk of Uttara Kannada district in the state of Karnataka, India. Situated between the Honnavar and Bhatkal town(about 12kms) The statue of Shiva here is the world’s tallest and it lies on the coast of the Arabian Sea.
 Murudeshwar, the temple town with a vibrant scenic beauty and golden history, is located on the Arabian seafront in North Kanara Dist, Karnataka. It is situated on the NH-17, about 160 kms north of the port city of Mangalore.

The nearest airport is also at Mangalore. Daily flights operate from Bangalore to Mangalore. Murudeshwar is well connected by road and most buses plying on the NH-17 between Mangalore and Mumbai stop at Murudeshwar. There are overnight buses also from Bangalore to Murudeshwar.

But the most picturesque and memorable experience would be to reach Murudeshwar from Mangalore or Goa by Konkan Railway and alight at Murudeshwar railway station adjoining the National Highway. Many trains stop at this station.

Murudeshwar can be visited throughout the year. Each season brings out a different hue of the coastal town.

History of Murudeshwara Temple

 The legend of Murudeshwar goes back to the age of Ramayana.
Ravana, the asura king of Lanka, wished to have the all powerful Atmalinga of Shiva, so that he can become invincible and immortal by worshipping it. Pleased by his severe penance, Lord Shiva gave him the Atmalinga but warned him not to place it on the ground till he reached his destination.

Upset by the thought that Ravana would become more powerful by worshipping the Atmalinga, the Gods devised a plan to take it away from Ravana. The Gods knew that Ravana being a pious devotee of Lord Shiva was punctual in performing the periodical rites everyday.

 As Ravana approached Gokarna, Lord Vishnu blotted the sun with his Sudharshana Chakra. Thinking that it was evening, Ravana was in two minds whether to put down the Atmalinga or skip his evening rites. Just then, Lord Ganesh came to that place in the guise of a brahmin boy. Ravana called the boy and asked him to hold the linga until he completed his evening rites. The boy agreed on the condition that he'd keep the linga down if Ravana didn't return before the boy called out his name thrice. Ravana agreed and went about his rituals, but by then the boy called out his name thrice and place the Atmalinga on the earth, and it got firmly entrenched in the earth.
When Vishnu withdrew his Sudharshan chakra, Ravana saw bright sunlight and understood that he was tricked by the Gods. He became furious. He came to the Linga and tried to uproot it with all his might. But the idol did not budge even a liitle. The idol's shape now looked like a cow's ear. Hence, the place is known as Gokarna. [Go means Cow and karna means Ear in sanskrit.] The crest fallen Ravana was deeply upset and beat the boy on his head. In anger he pulled and threw the case of linga, which fell 23 miles away at Sajjeshwar. He threw the lid to the south 27 miles away at Guneshwara in the form of “Vamdev Linga”. He threw the cloth wrapped to the idol to south, 32 miles away at Kanduka hills on shore of sea. It took the form of “Aghora”at Murudeshwar. The thread winding the idol was flung to south at Dhareshwara, came to known as “Tathpurusha Linga”.

Shiva learnt all this from wind god Vayu. He came on earth along with Parvathi and Ganesha and visited all these five places and worshipped the linga. He declared that these would be his Panchakshetras and those who worshipped lingas at those places would be free from all sins and their wishes would be fulfilled and ultimately reach the abode of Shiva.

   

Pilgrimage Destination

 Murudeshwar is a pilgrim's paradise. Right from the monumental entrance arch, the divinity of the place envelops the pilgrim.

The Rajagopura at the entrance of the Temple is the world's tallest, standing at 249 feet. Inaugurated in May 2008, this mammoth structure is the latest addition to the Temple. The Gopura has 22 floors and is the only Gopura to be fitted with elevators.

Besides the temple, the pilgrim finds himself in the midst of numerous sculptures on the Kanduka hill. The Geetopadesha, Sun chariot, the sculpture of Lord Ganesh receiving the Atmalinga from Ravana in the form of a young boy, and others dot the landscape of the hill. On the very top is the Shiva statue. Beneath the statue is a cavern with impressive life-size sculptures depicting the story of Murudeshwar narrated through an impressive sound and light show.


   

Vacationer Destination

 Not just the Temple, Murudeshwar has a plentiful to appeal to the visitor. The scenic beauty of this coastal town is sure to relax and rejuvenate you!
The calm and wide sea soothes the senses even before you enter the water. A stroll along the seaside pathway with green landscape on one side and the sea on the other is the ultimate relaxation.

There's more for the children, and the child in the vacationer. There's a wavepool and waterpark also nestled on the hillock.

Definitely not to be missed on a trip to Murudeshwar, is the spectacular sunset across the sea on a clear evening. The best view would be from the Sunset Point next to the wavepool.

How to Reach

 Road: Murdeshwar is one km deviated from the NH17 from Mangalore and 220 kms from Goa. There are private and state transport buses operating between Bengalaru and Bhatkal from Majestic.

Train: Murdeshwar lies in the Konkan stretch and many trains stop at this station, including express trains.

Air: Nearest airport is at Mangalore (127km).
 

Hotels

Sai Vishram Beach Resort
Dombe Village, Paduvari, Byndoor, Udupi 576 214
Tel:
Fax: 08254-32 3902
Email: enquiry@saivishram.com
Website: www.saivishram.com
Tariff: 2000.00 to 7000.00

Akuna Matata
Mahalingeshwar Temple Road, Vchil, Udupi
Email: akunamatata@live.in
Website: www.akunamatata-beach.com
Tariff: 1500.00 to 3000.00

Paradise Isle Beach Resort
Malpe Beach, Udupi 576 108
Tel: 0820-253 8666
Fax: 0820-253 8035
Email: info@theparadiseisle.com
Website: www.theparadiseisle.com
Tariff: 1320.00 to 9350.00

Hotel Century-Executive
Mosque Road, Next to Swarna Jewellers, Off Udupi District Bus Stand, Udupi 576 101
Email: info@centurycomforts.com
Website: www.centurycomforts.com
Tariff: 1299.00 to

Palm Grove Beach Resort
Fisheries Road, Yermalbada, Udupi 574 119
Tel: 0820-257 7115
Email:
Website:
Tariff: 1200.00 to 2000.00

Hotel Shaan
Near City Bus Stand, Mosque Road, Udupi 576 101
Email:
Website:
Tariff: 800.00 to 1000.00
Indianreligious Temple 

The Sun Temple, Modhera, at Modhera in Gujarat,INDIA

The Sun Temple, Modhera, at Modhera in Gujarat, is a temple dedicated to the Hindu Sun-God, Surya. It is situated on the bank of the river Pushpavati, 25 km from Mehsana and 102 km from Ahmedabad. It was built in 1026 AD by King Bhimdev of the Solanki dynasty. In the present times, prayers are not offered in this temple. This temple is now under the supervision of Archaeological Survey of India.
History
According to the Skanda Purana and Brahma Purana, the areas near Modhera were known during ancient days as Dharmaranya (literally meaning the forest of righteousness). According to these Puranas, Lord Rama, after defeating Ravana, asked sage Vasistha to show him a place of pilgrimage where he could go and purify himself from the sin of Brahma-hatya (the sin of killing a Brahmin, because Ravana was a Brahmin by birth). Sage Vasistha showed him Dharmaranya, which was near the modern town of Modhera. In the Dharmaranya, he settled at a village Modherak and performed a yagna there. Thereafter he established a village and named it Sitapur. This village is about 15 km from Becharaji Modherak village and it subsequently came to be known as Modhera.
The Sun Temple was built by Bhimdev I of Solanki dynasty in 1026. This was the time when Somnath and the adjoining area was plundered by Mahmud Ghazni and reeled under the effects of his invasion. The Solankis, however, regained much of their lost power and splendour. Anhilwad Patan, the Solanki capital, was restored to glory.
Solankis were considered to be Suryavanshi Gurjar or descendants of Sun god. The temple was so designed that the first rays of the sun fell on the image of Surya, the Sun God, at the time equinoxes.
Architecture
Plan of Temple and Reservoir
The Sun temple is of a unique architecture. The temple comprises three separate, axially aligned and integrated elements: Surya Kund, Sabha Mandap and Guda Mandap.
Surya Kund
This Suryakunda, also known as Ramakunda, is a large rectangular stepped tank measuring 53.6 x 36.6 meters under the east face of sabhamandap used to store pure water. Devotees were required to perform ceremonial ablutions here before worshiping the Sun God. The Suryakund is a finest example of geometry. The organization of stone into composition gives shape to a dazzling pattern of art. It is proportioned with innumerable stone steps leading devotees down to its base. 108 miniature shrines are carved in between the steps inside the tank. Also number 108 considered to be auspicious by Hindus as Hindu rosary has same number of beads.
Panoramic view of the Surya Kund
Reservoir deities
 There are four terraces to descend to reach the bottom of the tank. Small pyramid-shaped steps are for each terrace. God and Goddess depicted in immortalized stone unfold the sculpture wealth: Lord Vishnu, Lord Ganesh, Lord Natraj, Sitlamata's presence a marvel created during Solanki era.
Two huge ornamental arches called Toran forms a gateway to the Sabha Mandap (assembly hall)/{aztaca}.
Sabha Mandap
The Sabha Mandap with ornately carved pillars and ceiling
This hall of religious gatherings is a magnificent pillared hall. It is open from all sides and has 52 intricately carved pillars representing 52 weeks in a year. The carvings depict episodes from the Hindu epics of Ramayan, Mahabharat and Krishna Lila (i.e., story of Lord Krishna).
Between the Sabha Mandapa and the sanctum sanctorum is a beautiful hall with pillars and arches, whose facade has been renovated and partially redone. The walls have 12 niches showing the different aspects of the Sun God in each month.
Sanctum sanctorum
The Guda Mandap
This is called the main temple or the Sanctum sanctorum. Lotuses open with sunrise and close itself with sunset; it is considered to be the sun's flower. The entire temple is therefore based on an inverted lotus-base plinth. It was designed so that the rays of the rising and setting sun on the day of Summer solstice 21 June and NOTequinox (20 March and 21 September generally) fell on the bejeweled pure gold idol of Sun riding on his chariot driven by Saarthi Arun. Sun's chariot has seven horses and Saarthi Arun sits on the fourth. The entire gold idol (including the charioteer, chariot and horses) was placed on a pit that was 15 feet deep and filled with gold coins. It was built by the Solankis in honour of their ancestral God. It was plundered by Mahmud Gazni. The entire gold idol was taken away by him.
Exterior
The exterior of the temple walls has 12 different postures of Adityas - Sun God along with eight Dikpals, Lord Vishwakarma - who constructed Golden Dwarka city for Shri Krishna, Varundev - God of Water, Agnidev - God of Fire, Ganesh - God for starting, Mata Saraswati - Goddess of Education & Wisdom. Also seen Samundramanthan.
Erotic sculptures
All important religions of India like Hinduism, Buddhism, and Jainism have presented erotic motifs in their art. It was seen as an act that brought about fertility. Hence at this temple a most profound depiction of sexual iconography is displayed, at the exterior walls of the main temple itself.
Erotic motifs in Indian temples are not meant for artistic scultures. The errotic motifs were meant for training the minds of the Jain aspirants. These young aspirants have to be celibates throughout their lives. Therefore, they must have a knowledge of sexual acts. The aspirants are given chance to think about remaining celibate. Various theories are there right from challenging aspirants to not go to toughest part of celibates to artistic erotic sculptures being seen as very normal and normal revered human nature which commanded reverence and admiration.
Detail from Wikipedia