Panchavati- Nashik,India

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Panchavati- Nashik

• Destination: Maharashtra, Nashik

Location

Panchavati is a famous pilgrimage site which is situated in the holy city of Nashik of Maharashtra state. It lies on the banks of Godavari River. Panchavati means the garden of five trees. This place has a huge spiritual, historical and religious significance among Hindus. Pilgrims from all over India comes here in large numbers to take a dip in the holy Godavari River for purification of their sins. Kumbh Mela, the largest peaceful gathering of the world, is also organized here after every 12 years on rotation with Ujjain, Allahabad, and Haridwar. Over a 100 million people from different parts of the world visit this Mela to seek blessings. The northern part of Nashik is referred to as “Panchavati”, because of the presence of five Banyan trees which are believed to be existed here from the times of Ramayana till today.

History and Architecture

As depicted in Ramayana, Panchavati once used to be an integral part of the Dandakaranya forest. This was the very place where Lord Rama constructed his abode with his brother Laxman and wife Sita when he was sent to an exile of 14 years.
There is another popular religious place called Tapovan, which is in very close vicinity from Panchavati. According to Hindu mythology, Lakshmana, the brother of Lord Rama cut off the nose of Surpanaka, the sister of Ravana here when she tried to kill Sita. The whole Aranya Kanda is set in Panchavati itself.
The famous attractions at Panchavati are:

Sita Gufa

One can enter this cave through a narrow staircase. It is located at the western end of the Kalaram Temple. It is the place where Goddess Sita is said to be kidnapped by Ravana. It is believed that she was resting at this place before the demon Ravana came here and abducted her. Inside this cave, the idols of Ramayana trinity – Rama, Sita, and Lakshmana can be seen. There is also a staircase inside the cave which leads to Shiv Linga.

Kalaram Temple

The Kalaram temple was constructed by the Peshwas.It took 12 years to build this temple. The black coloured deities of Lord Rama, Goddess Sita and Lakshmana are present here festooned with knick-knacks. The temple is about 70 feet high and is all made up from black stones. The temple has a gold plated dome which is specially made from copper. There are many additional brilliant sculptures in this temple which represents the magnificent architectural beauty of that era. The Kalaram temple is one of the most historic temples of Nasik, and during special festivals like Dussehra and Ram Navami, it is filled with hundreds of devotees.

Ramkund

The popular belief is that Lord Ram had his bath at Ramkund, during some point of his exile. And therefore, thousands of devotees visit this place to take a holy dip in it. Mortal remains (Asthi) submerged in this Kund, are immediately absorbed in the water. A dip in this holy kunda is considered very religious. The ashes of Gandhiji were also dropped in Ramkund after he passed away on 30th January, 1948. During Kumbha Mela, thousands of Sadhus, holy men and millions of pilgrims dip themselves in the holy Ramkund and Kushavarta reservoirs.

Ganga Ghat

Nashik is a hub of religious activities, which mostly take place on the sacred banks of the Godavari River. The banks of this holy river are broad with scenic ghats and beautiful temples. These bathing ghats produces an echo with holy recites of people who come here to offer the last ritual to their beloved ones. Ganga Bathing Ghat, whose holy waters are presumed to cleanse the sins, offers an imposing view to the pilgrims. The majestic Ganga Ghat looks incredibly magical in the twilight, when the holy water of the sacred river is illuminated with multitude of oil lamps and hovers of flowers.
Other Major Attractions at Panchavati includes Godavari Temple, Sundarnarayan Temple and Naroshankar temple. Tapovan, Akshardham and Shri Kailash Math are also located in very close vicinity to Panchavati.
During the auspicious occasion of Kumbh Mela, millions of people flock here. The next Kumbh Mela will be held at Nashik in 2015 from 15th August to 13th September. If you want to experience the spiritual ecstasy, do visit Panchavati once in a lifetime.

Details

Area: Nashik Website: www.shrikalaramsansthannashik.org
Timings: Refer the website Phone: 0253-2621830/2516531
E-mail ID : info@shrikalaramsansthannashik.org

Fast Facts

State: Maharashtra District: Nashik
Languages : Marathi, Hindi, English Weather: 16°C to 34°C (Max.)
Best Time to Visit:October-April
STD Code: 0253 Pin Code: 422003

How to Reach

By Air

Mumbai Airport is the nearest one, 170 km away from the site and is well connected to major cities of India and abroad.

By Rail

The nearest railway station is at Nashik Road, 9 km away from Panchavati and is well linked with major cities of India.

By Road

Several buses ply to Nashik from major cities of the state. After reaching Nashik, you can take an auto or a private cab to reach Panchavati.

Distance from Nearby Cities

Mumbai – 170 km
Pune – 210 km
Ahmedabad – 478 km
Hyderabad – 668 km

Sri Lakshmi Narasimha Swamy Temple – Antarvedi, Andhra Pradesh,India

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Sri Lakshmi Narasimha Swamy Temple – Antarvedi

• Destination: East Godavari

Sri Lakshmi Narasimha Swamy Temple is located in the temple town of Antarvedi of Sakhinetipalle Mandal in the East Godavari district of the Andhra Pradesh. It is situated at the point where the Bay of Bengal and Vashista Godavari, a branch of the Godavari River, meet. The primary deity of this temple is Lord Narasimha, who resides here with his consort, Goddess Rajyalakshmi.
The temple was built between the 15th and 16th century. There is also a temple nearby that is dedicated to Lord Shiva that is older than Narasimha Swamy temple. The original idol of Lord Siva is believed to be installed by Lord Sri Rama 2500 years back.
In the 18th century, the trustees were Peddapuram Rajas. They were mainly responsible for constructing the temple. Mogaltur Raja’s are the traditional trustees of Antarvedi Temple from the early 19th century. Late Shri Raja Kalidindi Kumar Ramachandra Raja Bahadur also donated a lot to the temple. He was the former chairman of temple development and the supreme trustee of temple. Later, the present temple was renovated and built by Kopanathi Adi Narayana, a famous merchant who was also an overseas businessman.
The Lord and temple was given many precious jewels by former kings of the erstwhile provinces, nobles and even the East India Company. These jewels have been kept in a vault at the treasury department for the last 50 years. Through the great work and efforts of then local M.L.A. Sri Alluri Krishnam Raju and the temple authorities, the age old jewels of the god is being brought to Antarvedi and the idols of the Lord are being decorated with it during the Kalyanotsavam.
 
There are five important spots of this holy abode namely the Sea, Sagar Sangam, Vasishta River, Raktakulya River and the Chakrateertham. It is believed that there will be no re-birth on taking a dip at this place and on offering charities here. Performing ceremonial formalities to the ancestors at this holy-shrine is identical to the ones done at Gaya and Ganges. People from very far off place, like Varanasi, also visit this place, especially to involve in Lord Narasimha’s Chariot procession in the month of Phalguna (January) and Dolepournami celebration in the month of Phalguna (March). During these celebrations, the Lord is worshipped with Panchamrita Abhishekam. This shrine blesses the pilgrims with Mukti, and so it is also called as the Mukti Kshetra. Antarvedi is also known as ‘Narasimhakshetra’. The great glory of this holy shrine is boundless.

Address

Sri Lakshmi Narasimha Swamy Temple
Ashramam Road,Antarvedi,
Dist. East Godavari, Andhra Pradesh

Details

b style=”font-size: 17px;”> Taluka: Sakhinetipalle Area: East Godavari
Website: www.antarvedisrilakshminarasimhaswamy.com
E-mail: antarveditemple@rediffmail.com Phone: 08862-259313
b style=”font-size: 17px;”> Timings: 5 AM- 10 PM (Open on All Days)

Fast Facts

State: Andhra Pradesh District: East Godavari
Languages: Telugu, English Weather: 16°C to 41°C (Max.)
Best Time to Visit: September-March
STD Code:08862 Pin Code: 533252

How to Reach

By Air

The nearest airport is at Vijayawada, 173 km away from the temple and is well connected to major cities of India. Other major airport nearby is at Visakhapatnam (267 km).

By Rail

The nearest railway station is at Rajahmundry, 93 km away and is well connected to major cities of India. It lies on Vijayawada-Visakhapatnam section of Howrah-Chennai rail route.

By Road

APSRTC and other private travels operate regular buses to Narsapur. After reaching there, you can take a ferry ride to Antarvedi. Also,there are also regular buses from Rajahmundry, Kakinada and Amalapuram which takes you to the Antardevi. The best way to reach here is by your own means of transport like car or private taxis.

Distance from Nearby Cities

Rajahmundry – 97 km
Kakinada – 109 km
Vijayawada – 184 km
Visakhapatnam – 263 km
Hyderabad – 470 km

Grishneshwar Temple Aurangabad, Maharashtra

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Grishneshwar Temple

• Destination:

Location

Grishneswar Temple, popularly known as “Grishneshwar Jyotirlinga” is located amidst the village named Verul in Aurangabad district of Maharashtra. It is situated 30 km away from its district headquarters. It’s one of the most famous Shiva temples of India. The place is considered as the home of one of the twelve Jyotirlingas. The presiding deity here is of Lord Shiva. The name ‘Grishneshwar’ means ‘Shiva generated by friction’. It is said that Parvati was born as a tribal here and then united with the Lord at this holy place. It is located in close proximity to very famous tourist spot, Ellora Caves.

History of the Temple

According to a legend, there was a Brahmin couple named Brahmavetta Sudham and wife Sudeha who lived in the Devagiri Mountains many years ago. Sudeha was very deeply saddened by the fact that she cannot give a child. When all prayers went unanswered, she tells her sister Ghushma to marry her husband and give them a child. Ghushma used to make 101 lingams to please Lord Shiva and released them in a lake nearby every day. Due to his great devotion and penance, she was blessed with a child. When her elder sister started to know his husband closeness to her younger sister after the birth of child, due to jealousy, she killed the child and throws him off the cliff where Ghushma used to make holy lingams. When Ghushma came to know about it next morning, she was neither happy nor sad and remained calm. She then went to that cliff and started her penance. She was pretty sure that Lord Shiva, who blessed her, will also protect her child from any mishappening. And then the miracle occurs, she saw her child emerge out from the river.
When the Lord appeared before her, she asked mercy for her sister and also prayed him to remain at the place eternally for the benefit of others in the form of a Jyotirlinga. The wish was accepted and soon Lord Shiva acquired the Jyotirlinga form and took the name of Ghushmeshwara. The lake is called the Shivalaya after that incident.

Architecture of the Temple

The temple was built in the 16th century by a devotee Maloji Bhosle and renovated in the 17th century by the Queen of Indore, Ahilyabai Holkar. The structure of the temple is beautiful to look at, with Dashavataras (forms of Lord Vishnu) leading up to the temple in red stone. The architecture of the temple is of medieval style and it is built mostly of red sandstone. The temple is engraved with paintings, carvings and statues. The pillars of the main court hall too have exquisite carvings. The temple is constructed in ‘Shikara’ style with five tires.
You have to enter the temple complex through a small open way. The main structure itself houses the Garbha Griha (sanctum sanctorum), the Antarala and the Sabha Mandapa (24 pillared hall). The Garbha Griha of the temple measures 17 sq feet, and bears the Jyotirlinga, which is self-oriented. The Shiva ling in the sanctum has also a marble engraving of Goddess Parvati. There is also an idol of Nandikeshwari in the court hall. Devotees offer prayers to the Nandi as well.
Devotees can perform the ‘Abhishekham’ themselves, directly on the lingam. They are allowed to recite the ‘Rudram’. It is the only Jyotirlinga out of all the 12 Jyotirlingas where the devotees are permitted to touch the lingam and offer prayers, irrespective of any caste or religion. It is said that a glimpse of the Shiva lingam cleanses all sins of one’s life and brings happiness. People who wish to have children visit here to take blessings from the Lord. Devotees believe that visiting this Jyotirlinga is equivalent to visiting all the 12.
Maha Shivratri, Shravan Mela and Vaikuntha Chaturdashi are the major festivals celebrated here. During the month of “Shravana”, i.e. during months of August and September, the temple remains open from 3AM to 11PM every day.

Address

Grishneshwar Jyotirlinga
Grishneshwar Road, Verul,
Dist. Aurangabad, Maharashtra

Details

Taluka: Khultabad Area: Aurangabad
Timings: 5:30 AM- 9:30 Pm (Open on All Days)

Fast Facts

State: Maharashtra District: Aurangabad
Languages: Marathi, Hindi Weather: 16°C to 41°C (Max.)
Best Time to Visit: August-March
STD Code: 02437 Pin Code: 431102

How to Reach

By Air

Aurangabad Airport is the nearest one and has direct flights to Delhi and Mumbai.

By Rail

The nearest railway station is at Aurangabad and is well connected to major cities of India. It lies on Manmad-Secunderabad rail route. The major railway junction is at Manmad (100km).

By Road

Both the state owned and private buses are available to and from Aurangabad. You can hire a taxi or private vehicle to reach the temple from there. Local buses ply to Verul village from Aurangabad very frequently.

Distance from Nearby Cities

Aurangabad – 30 km
Pune – 257 km
Mumbai – 352 km
Hyderabad – 568 km

Bhuleshwar Temple Maharashtra, Pune

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Bhuleshwar Temple

• Destination: Maharashtra, Pune

Location

Bhuleshwar Temple is an ancient temple located in the Pune district of Maharashtra. It is situated 54 km away from its district headquarters. The temple is located on a hill and surrounded by exotic scenery. The presiding deity of the temple is Lord Shiva.

History of the Temple

The area where the Bhuleshwar Temple is located is considered to be of historical and religious importance. As per the mythological story, Lord Shiva and Goddess Parvati had a fight and angry Shiva came here to meditate. Then Goddess Parvati, dressed as a tribal woman danced to impress Shiva and therefore, he got attracted to her beauty. Finally, they went to Mount Kailash and got re-united. In Marathi, “To sedate” means “Bhul”. Hence, Lord Shiva got another name – Bhuleshwar. And this is how the place got its name.
The Bhuleshwar Temple has been lately considered as a protected shrine. The temple was built during the reign of the Yadava rulers near 1230 AD. Then, it was destroyed during the Mughal invasion and reconstructed later. Hence, the entrance of the temple is hidden similar to the Gaimukhi Buruj style of architecture that was followed during the time of Shivaji Maharaj. The structure that stands today dates back to the 13th century.
It is said that the temple was originally built by the Pandavas. The temple is situated on a fort named Mangalgadh, which was also referred to as Daulatmangal Fort. The fort was built by Murar Jagdev in 17th century. He constructed the fort on the hill of Bhuleshwar Temple to get a view of the city.

Architecture of the Temple

The Bhuleshwar Temple is made from black basalt rock. The rock is entirely different from the brownish basalt rock that is seen in the surroundings. The architecture of the temple is traditional and the walls are engraved with beautiful carvings. Figures of numerous deities and mythological characters are beautifully carved on the walls of the temple. Right from the entrance of the temple, tourists can see the cravings that augment the structure of the stone. The exterior of the temple features Mughal style of architecture, which is very surprising. The tower of the temple almost looks like a Mughal tomb. An effect of southern architecture can also be seen in interior of the temple.
Upon entering the main sanctum of the temple, you can see a huge statue of Nandi. Infront of Nandi, there is a statue of Lord Shiva. The temple also has an idol of Lord Ganesha dressed in the attire of a female; the Ganesha idol here is also referred to as Lambodari, Ganeshyani and Ganeshwari. Many of the sculptures inside the temple are in broken state. The entire scene of the temple looks quite mystic yet exquisite and awe-inspiring. The surroundings of the temple contain various small and large structures which are remains of the fort. Many people claim to have witnessed the miracle in the temple.
The miracle is when sweets are presented to the Shivalingam on a particular day; one or more sweets will disappear the next day. The view from the hill of the Bhuleshwar Temple is jaw-dropping. The beauty of the area is best experienced during the time of sunrise and sunset.

Address

Bhuleshwar Temple
Bhuleshwar Road,
Dist. Pune, Maharashtra

Details

Taluka: Purandar Area: Pune
Timings: 6 AM- 9 PM (Open on All Days)

Fast Facts

State: Maharashtra District: Pune
Languages: Marathi, Hindi Weather: 18°C to 38°C (Max.)
Best Time to Visit: July-March
STD Code: 02115 Pin Code: 412104

Transportation

By Air

Pune Airport is the nearest one and has direct flights to major cities of India and abroad.

By Rail

The nearest railway station is at Pune and is well connected to major cities of India.

By Road

Pune has excellent road connectivity with the major cities of the state. Direct buses are available from Pune Swargate as well as from Saswad to Yavat. Upon reaching the Yavat village, tourists can take private jeeps to reach the temple. The temple is only about 9 km away from Yavat. The journey from Pune to the Bhuleshwar Temple is quite stunning. The best way to reach here is by your own means of transport like car or bike.

Distance from Nearby Cities

Pune – 54 km
Mumbai – 200 km
Kolhapur – 231 km
Hyderabad – 522 km

Srisailam Temple, Kurnoo,India

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Srisailam

• Destination: Kurnool, Srisailam

Srisailam temple located in Srisailam, Kurnool District is about 250 kilometres away from Hyderabad. Lord Mallikarjuna is the prime deity of the temple. Hindus from all around India visit this temple every day. Most of the lord Shiva Devotees visits the temple frequently.
The temple is on the banks of Krishna River and the shrine of the god is on the flat top of Nallamalai Hills. This temple is considered as one of the oldest temples in India. People say that this temple exists from the ages. This holy mountain is also called with other names such as Siridhan, Srigiri, Sirigiri, Sriparvatha and Srinagam.
Lord Mallikarjuna Swamy shrine situated in srisaiam is one of the twelve Jyothirlingas and Bhramaramba Devi shrine located in srisailam is one amongst the eighteen Mahasakthis. It is fortunate for the devotees of both shiva and devi, as they can see Jyothirlingam and Mahasakthi at srisailam, only one of its kind.

History

History says that the way to srisailam was traced by Pulumavis Nasik in the first Century A.D. when Sathavahanas started ruling South India they found the exact way to srisailam.
The Sathavahanas, the Ikshavakus, the Pallavas, the Vishnukundis, the Chalukyas, the Kakatiyas, the Reedy Kings, the Vijayanagara Emperors and Chatrapathi Shivaji are the emperors who were devotees of God Mallikarjuna Swamy and also participated in the development of srisailam.
Prataparudra of Kakatiya Dynasty had involed in the development of Kshetram and granted Paraganas for its maintenance.12000 Golden Nanyas were spent by Ganapathideva for the maintenance of the temple.
The Reddy Kings had played the major role in the improvement of the temple. Prolaya Vema Reddy had constructed steps to Srisailam and Pathalaganga in the 14th century whereas Anavema Reddi constructed Veera Siromandapam for veerashiva devotees who had cut their hands, tongue, limbs with devotion to attain moksha, blessings and the realisation of the God and this type of sacrifices done by devotees is known as Veeracharam.
The Mukhamantapam of Swamy shrine and a Gopuram on Southern Side of the temple was constructed by Second Harihararaya of Vijayanagara Empire.
The Rajagopuram on Eastern side and Salumantapas on both sides of the temple were constructed by Sri Krishnadevaraya in15th Century. Gopuram on northern side was constructed by Chatrapathi Shivaji in the year 1667 A.D.

Better time to visit the Temple

February-March

Pooja Schedule

: Suprabhatha Seva and Viswarupa Darshanam: 5:00am

Mahamangala Harathi

: 6.00 am

Darshanam, Poojas etc

: 6.30amto 12.30 pm

Dooradarshnam

: 1.15pm to 3.30 pm

Susandhyam, Mahamangala Harathi

: 5.20pm to 5.45pm

Balkampet Yellamma temple Hyderabad,India

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Balkampet Yellamma temple

• Destination: Hyderabad

Balkampet Yellamma temple is located at Balkampet in Hyderabad. This temple is dedicated to goddess Yellamma, a traditional manifestation of Goddess Parvati or Shakti. It is known to be the one of the oldest and famous temples of Hyderabad and considered that it was being existed from 15th century and has got renovated form in the year 1919.
The presiding deity Yellamma in the temple means “the mother of all” lies 10 feet beneath the ground level (bhoogarbha swayambhu vigraham). The Yellamma Devi is considered as the Kaliyuga avatar of Goddess Chinnamastha Devi who is worshipped as one of the Dashamahavidya. But the popular legend says she is believed to be Renuka Devi, mother of Lord Parasurama. There is well in the temple and people believes that a person who takes a bath with the water of the well gets free from all the diseases and the water is considered as Theertham.
Different festivals are celebrated in the temple, among them the major festival is divine marriage ceremony of Goddess Yellamma. It is celebrated in Ashada masam. Bonalu in Ashada masam, Durga Navaratri during Dasara in Ashwayuja masam, and Vasantha Navaratri in Chaitra masam are also celebrated with lot of gusto.
The other shrines of gods also reside in the Balkampet Yellamma Temple Complex some of them are Addala Mantapam, Sri Ganesha Temple, Sri Pochamma Temple, Sri Nagadevata Temple, Sri Rajarajeshwari Devi Temple, etc. The temple committee is making arrangements to construct Pilgrims Bonalu Complex.

Hanuman Temple, Karmanghat, Hyderabad,India

Hanuman Temple, Karmanghat

• Destination: Hyderabad

Karmanghat Hanuman Temple is located at Karmanghat in Hyderabad. It is one of the oldest temples of Hyderabad. It was constructed in the year 1143 AD (approximately). The temple is spread across 3 acres of land and is painted in the colour characteristic of Hanuman-vermillion. There’s a pond in the complex where devotees take a dip.
As per a legend, the Kakatiya king, Pratapudra II went for hunting into the forest and got lost; he heard the roar of a tiger. He looked a bit to hunt it, but could not find it. After some time, he heard the chant of ‘Sri Ram’. Thinking that who could be Ram devotee in this dense forest, he went into deeper and found an idol of Hanuman in a posture of meditation. He prostrated to the Lord and went back to his fort. The same night, Lord Rama appeared in his dream and said Pratapudra to construct a temple at the place he did found the idol. Then Pratarudra constructed a temple for Lord Hanuman who was in the posture of meditation. As the Lord Hanuman was in the posture of meditation and is called as ‘Dhyan Anjaneya Swami Temple’. Where ‘Dhyan’ means meditation and Anjaneya is another name for Hanuman. This temple is famous as Karmanghat because once the Mughal emperor Aurangzeb was on the spree of destroying Hindu temples across the country; few of his men come to destroy this temple also. Because of some mystical force, the men could not enter the temple. This news was said to Aurangzeb; he also came to the temple for destroying Dhyan Anjaneya Swami Mandir. He was also occurred with the same situation as his men and a voice came from inside of the complex which said that ‘If you want to enter the temple, you must make your heart stronger (kar-man-ghat)”. The crowbar is Aurangzeb’s hand slipped and he made a hasty retreat. That’s how the temple is now known as Karmanghat Hanuman Temple.
The temple is also hosted by many other shrines dedicated to Lord Rama, Ma Durga, Ma Saraswati, Jagannatha, Nageshwara, Lord Shiva, Vigneshwara, Venugopala Swamy, and the Navagrahas etc. Ma Durga is much revered as she is considered to be the Shakti, the mother of the Universe. The Navagrahas- the nine planets, are considered the controllers of man’s destiny and are sincerely worshipped. Lord Shiva also draws many followers here. Continuous worship of 40 days cures illnesses, they say. It is also said that ladies who pray to Dhyan Anjaneya are blessed with healthy children.

Distance to Karamanghat Hanuman Temple:

16 Kilometres from Secunderabad Railway Station (60-70 min drive)
9 Kilometres from MGBS Bus Stop, Hyderabad ( 30-40 min drive)

Public Transport to Karmanghat Hanuman Temple:

Buses from Secunderabad – 90L2, 8A-158M-104R, 40-277, 40-104R, 104J, etc.
Buses from MGBS Bus Stop, Hyderabad – 72L-104A, 104A, 72V-104R, 1Y-277, 1Y-104R, 203A, 104R, 277

Temple Timings:

Daily 6:00 AM to 12:00PM and 4:00 to 8:00PM.
On Tuesdays and Saturdays – 5:30 AM to 1.00 PM and 4:00 PM to 9:00 PM

Nearby Tourist Attractions:

Kosagundla Lakshmi Narashimaswamy Temple
Ashta Lakshmi Temple