>> Friday, February 26, 2010
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>> Thursday, December 3, 2009
AstaLakshmi Temple Dilsuknagar, Hydeabad, AP
Best time to visit :
During Varalaxmi pooja and diwali.
It is very famous temple in the Hyd city.
It is about 2 kms from the LB Nagar, stands distinctly on the outskirts of the city of Hyderabad in Vasavi Nagar, Dilshukhnagar. The temple is popular for the Goddess"Laxmi" constructed of sand and cement, its consecration by Sri Jayendra Saraswati Swami, the Sankaracharya of Kanchi Kamakoti Peetham, in April 1996 and is one of its kind in the state of Andhra Pradesh. It is one of the two Ashta Lakshmi temples in the country, the other being in Chennai. The well-known architect, Ganapati Sthapathi, conceived the structure and design of the temple. The idols of Ashtalakshmi, Sriman Narayana, Sri Ganapathi and Sri Garuda were designed by Subbaiah Sthapathi. Ashtalakshmi stands for the eight manifestations of Mahalakshmi:
Santaana Lakshmi, Gaja Lakshmi, Dhana Lakshmi, Dhaanya Lakshmi, Vijaya Lakshmi, Dhairya Lakshmi, Adi Lakshmi and Vidya Lakshmi. The temple has now become the hub of spiritual and religious activities. There is a mahagopuram, which is decorated by about 134 vigrahams (idols). Watching it from a distance, the temple looks like one made from marble.
How to Reach:
From Koti n number of buses towards Dilsuknagar.
Very near to Dilsuknagar.
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>> Wednesday, December 2, 2009
UJJAINI MAHANKALI AMMAVARI Devastanam (Lashkar)
Secunderabad, AP
It is famous temple in telangana region. know as Lashkar bhonalu. The famous festivals like Bhonalu..for Lashkar Bonalu in Ashada masam...
In the year 1813, a Military Battalion in which one Suriti Appaiah, a Doli Bearer was transferred to Ujjaini. At the time Cholera broke out in a virulent firm, and thousands of people died. Suriti Appaiah and his associates went to Mahakali Devasthanam at Ujjaini and prayed that if the people are saved from the epidemic, they would install the idol of Mahakali, Secunderabad.
Accordingly after return from Ujjaini, Sri Suriti Appaiah and his associates have installed the idol of Goddess Mahakali made of wood at Secunderabad in July 1815.
During construction of sanctum sanctorum a stone idol named as Manikyalamma was found and that the said idol was also installed besides Sri Mahakali Ammavaru.
In the year 1964, a stone idol of Goddess Mahakali was installed. Later on Sri Suriti Appaiah with the help of Philanthropic persons has developed the Devasthanam. Subsequently Endowments Department has taken over the Management of the Devasthanam. Sri Suriti Krishna the great grandson of the Founder has been recognized as Member of the Founder’s Family who is also taking keen interest for the proper Management of the Devasthanam.
There are several oldest temples in Andhra Pradesh in which exist famous goddess temples like “Kanakadurga“ at Vijayawada , ”Bhadrakali” at Warrangal etc. “Sri Ujjaini Mahakali” temple in Telangana region at Secunderabad which is 191 years old. It is visited and prayers offered to the goddess by unending large number of devotees everyday in general and in particularly thousands of devotees in Ashada jathara on principal days which falls on Sunday and Monday. There is no doubt about granting the wishes of devotees by the goddess and devotees fulfilling the vows.
The goddess Ujjain Mahakali sits in a Padmasana posture with four hands with sword, spear, damaru, vessel of amrut, is a beautiful stone idol. It is said by some people that this idol was brought from Ujjain. This idol is covered and fixed with vendi kavacham(silver shield). By the side of Sri Ujjain Mahakali is the goddess of “Manikyaladevi”.
Pujas: As per the Vedas daily pujas are conducted. On Friday special decorated archanas are being performed.Celebration of Navarathris are performed in the month of Ashwayujam with beautiful floral decorations for the goddess. Saptasathi homamas are performed. Thousands of devotees men, women and children will have the darshan of goddess and get blessed.
Please Donate Generously for a Good Cause to Speed up the construction of Maha Mandapam
How to Reach:
From Secbad Rly stn n of number of buses towards Bata, Ranigunj.
Near by Bata
Gopalapuram Police Station
General Bazar.
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Sri venkateshwara Swamy vari Devastanam.. Chikkadpally Hyd.
This temple was established in 1945 by late sri G D Jangaiah Goud. It is located in fully commercial area but one can find the temple atmosphere sereme and holy.
We can find another temples like alivelumanga temple, sitarama temple on either side of the temple.
The devastanam also the deities of lord hanuman, navagrahalu, lord ganesha, lord shiva, and goddess padmavathi Ammavaru.
It is famous like Chinna Tirupathi in local Area.
The walls of temple are adorned with the painting of sri Padmavathi and Srinivasula kalyanam.
and Dashavatharalu, Hanuman chalisa, Lingastakam, Gayathri mantram, Venkateshwara suprabhatam.
Special Festivals:
Bramhostavalu for 9 days during Vysakha masam,
Pavitra Ustavam in Shravana masam & Sri rama navami.
How to Reach:
From Secbad n number of buses towards Koti.
From RTC x ROADS 1/2 km.
It is near by Sudha Hotel, Chandana Bros.Chikkadpally
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>> Thursday, November 12, 2009
Kanaka Maha Laxmi Temple Burujupeta Vizag:
According to local story, in the year 1912, the Idol of Godess Sri Kanaka Maha Lakshmi Ammavaru was taken out from the well and it was installed at the center of the road i.e., amidst the Municipal lane. The Municipal authorities, for the purpose of widening the road, have shifted the Idol from admidst the road to a corner of the road. During which period i.e., in the year 1917 the dangerous contagious disease “Plague” spread over the town and so many deaths occurred in Visakhapatnam village. The people of Visakhapatnam were afraid of the incident and thought the devastation was due to shifting of idol of goddess “Sri Kanaka Maha Lakshmi” and therefore, reerected Ammavari Idol to its original place i.e., at the center of the road as it existed now. Owing to re-installation, the “Plague” disease was cured and normalcy was restored. With this, the villagers have a stauch belief that it is all due to miracle of Goddess., and thus from then onwards, the Villagers used to worship the Goddess by performing sevas with much devotion.
1) 4 Kms from RTC Complex, Visakhapatnam
2) 5 Kms from Railway Station, Visakhapatnam
3) 14 Kms from Airport, Visakhapatnam
THE PILGRIMS CAN HAVE DARSHANAM OF AMMAVARU ROUND THE CLOCK EXCEPT THE TIMINGS OF TRIKALARCHANAS AS NOTED BELOW
TRIKALARCHANA TIMINGS :
PRATHAKALA PUJA AT 05:00 A.M. TO 06:00 A.M.
MADHYAHNA PUJA AT 11:30 A.M. TO 12:30A.M
PRADOSHAKALA PUJA AT 06:00 P.M. TO 07:00 P.M.
(TEMPLE IS OPENED IN ALL 24 HOURS EXCEPT ABOVE TRIKALARCHANA)
>> Wednesday, November 11, 2009
Sri Ganapathi Devalayam Secunderabad AP.
Sri Ganapathi Devalayam at Secunderabad deserves a special mention in terms of its architectural grandedur and spiritual sanctity. Historians opine that resplendent icon of Lord Ganapathi was found out in 1824 by the Madras Regiment Sepoys, while they were digging a well of portable water there. With great devotion, the Sepoys consecrated the idol and installed it in an architecturally marvellous temple, built according to Aagama Sastra. This temple is situated just beneath Secunderabad Railway Station and about 2 KM from R. T.C. Bus-stand.This temple is now acclaimed as one of the gigantic temples in the Twin Cities of Hyderabad and Secunderabad, enthralling the devotees with its rare spiritual ambience. It is also said that the Icons of Sri Navagraha Valli Deva Sena Sametha Sri Subrahmanya Swamy and Sri Anjaneya Swamy were consecrated and installed in the vicinity of Sri Ganapathi Devalayam in 1932
How to Reach:
It is Beside Secunderabad Railway Station.
OM SRI GANESHAYA NAMAH.....
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>> Tuesday, November 10, 2009
Sri Yogananda Lakshmi Narasimha Swamy ,
Huzur nagar, Mattapalli, Nalgonda
The Temple of Sri Laxmi Narsimha Swamy, a famous pilgrimage, is situated here on the banks of the river Krishna. Major celebrations take place during the Vykunta Ekadasi in January & Kalyana Mahotsvam in May. The idol was formed naturally, it is situated in a cave.
In the Huzurnagar taluq, Nalgonda District of Andhra Pradesh is the town of Mattapalli, which is home to another famous temple of Lord Narasimhadeva. Here, Sri Lakshmi Narasimha Swami (also known as Sri Yogananda Lakshmi Narasimha Swamy) resides in His maha kshetram cave dwelling beside the Krishna River. The other presiding Deities of Mattapalli dhama are Sri Raajyalakshmi Thaayar and Sri Chenchu Lakshmi Thaayar, who are present alongside Lord Narasimha.
Temple Entrance
Mattapalli is the centre of a cluster of Nrsimhadev temples, which are placed in all four directions: Vedadri, Vadapally, Vethapuram and Mangalagiri. Together, the five temples are known as the Pancha Narasimha Kshetras.The importance of Mattapalli Kshetram is seen in this verse:
ekameva kshetram, mattapalli kshetram,
na anyat kshetram, mattapalli tulyam,
ekameva tatvam, mattapalli naatham,
na anyat tatvam, palli Simha tulyam
"Mattapalli is the only pilgrim spot. There is no secondary whatsoever and there is no equal to it. There is only one Lord and He is the Lord of Mattapalli. There no secondary whosoever and none is comparable to him."
History of the Mattapalli Kshetra:
The Lord has been radiating glory from the Mattapalli cave kshetra since time immemorial. Originally, Lord Nrsimhadeva was worshipped here only by the rishis and devas. Sri Bharadwaaja Maharshi worshipped the Deity here every day, accompanied by various other sages.
Later, during the Kali Yuga, the Lord appeared to a local devotee named Machireddi in a dream, telling him the location of His transcendental abode. Sri Anumala Machireddi was the ruler of Thangeda, which is located a few km from Mattapalli, on the opposite bank of the Krishna river. The Lord instructed Machireddi that his above could be identified by a tree, the Vedapatri. The Lord instructed Machireddi to open up the cave so that other devotees could also worship him.
The Maha Kshetram is located in the midst of a dense and lovely forest. At first, Machireddi and the pandits who accompanied him were unable to locate the Vedapatritree amongst the others in the forest. Finally, the Lord appeared in Machireddi's dream and pressed him to search further, near an "Aare" tree hidden behind the foliage. Machireddi came across a beautiful and effulgent bird seated in the tree. A monkey then led him to the exact place in the face of the mountain that needed to be cleared and opened.
Inside the cave, the Deity of Sri Lakshmi Narasimha Swami was found in a seated posture, under the protection of Sesha naga's hooded head, fully adorned with Shankha Chakra Gadha. As if the Lord was being worshipped regularly, flowers, sacred leaves, fruits, etc. were also found there. Overjoyed, Machireddi then revealed the Maha Kshetram to the general public and constructed a Mukhaalaya.
The sanctum sanctorium of Sri Mattapali Kshetram is located inside the cave, facing west. As soon as one moves down the narrow passage, they immediately come face-to-face with Sri Narasimha Swami. A bas-relief silver kavacham displays the Lord's fierce lion form and features a prominent moustache.
Along the wall next to the Lord is His consort, Srimati Rajalakshmi. On her right can be seen a passage in the rock face. Now blocked, the passage at one time lead out of the cave, to the river. By this path, Bharadwaja came each day to worship the Deity. A few years ago, the river flooded up the passage and engulfed the Lord.
The temple's mukha mantapam has 21 pillars with a cement roof. Before the Vaikunta dvaara (north door) there is a mantapa with five pillars and a cement roof that was built in the 1970's. It measures 21feet x 18 feet. The mukhamantapam in front of the sanctum measures 24 feet x 45 feet and is about 20 feet high.
Because the sanctum cannot be circumambulated, the devotees perform pradakshinam by going around the Dhwajasthambha, where a stone murti of Hanuman faces the Lord. There is also a Ramanuja Kutam (madapalli or kitchen) to the north of the temple on the same premises, where the naivedya to the Lord is prepared.
There is an entrance to the temple which faces the south, and a series of steps leading down to the river Krishna, just outside the main temple but within the compound.
Sri Yogananda Lakshmi Narasimha Swamy
In the Garbhagriha, or sanctum sanctorum, there is a rock above the door into which is carved a motif of Gaja Lakshmi with two elephants raising their trunks upwards on either side. The roof of the Garbhagriha the rock cave wall.
The Lord manifested Himself on a rock, which is located on the backside of the Garbhagriha. Another rock is spread like the hood of Sesha over it. The Form of the Lord is 1 foot in height. He is seated in Padmasana, holding a chakra in His upper right hand and Sankha in His upper left hand. His lower left hand is on His left knee, and His lower right hand is not visible.
On the left side of the Lord are three Namams (Thirumann), and two eyes which are understood to be the Form of Prahlada Maharaja. A small, lengthy rectangular rock of about 1 foot is positioned at the feet of the Lord, and it is said to be "Chakri", an ardent devotee of the Lord who was not given mukti when he requested it, because the Lord did not want to be separated from him. Instead, the devotee was made into a rock-like form and placed in the sanctum. Daily abhishekam is performed for this personality, also.
To the left of the manifested Lord there is a black stone image of Lakshmi devi that is 1.5 feet in height. Sitting on a lotus, she holds lotus flowers in her upper hands while her lower right hand is in Abhaya posture, and the left hand is in Suchi posture.
Below this Lakshmi image there is another image of Lakshmi, which is carved into a rock. This Lakshmi is not visible to the visitors, but the image of Rajya Lakshmi is installed for the darshan of the devotees. She holds the chakra, sankha and lotus and is in sitting posture. This Laksmi form measures 1.25 feet in height, and she wears a makuta on Her head. Elsewhere there are copper images of Sudarsana, Nammazhwar and another Azhwar.
To the right side of the sanctum, leading to the north door are eleven black stone images of the Azhwars, seven of which face the west while the remaining four face east. There is a trench on the left side of the Lord at some distance in the cave, which it is believed to lead to the river Krishna through an underground passage.
Inside The Temple
Temple Traditions and Festivals
Major celebrations take place at Sri Yogaswami kshetra during the Vykunta Ekadasi in January and at Kalyana Mahotsvam in May. Vaikhaanasa Aagama is followed here, and the priest is a Sri Vaisnava hereditary priest. The temple closes each day at 12.30 p.m. and opens briefly before 1.30 p.m. for a final aarthi and distribution of prasadam. The temple does not open in the evenings, for that time is reserved for sacred worship by the rishis.
On the occasion of the Brahmotsavas, Mukkoti Ekadasi and Nrsimha Jayanthi, about 5,000 devotees from local and distant places congregate to worship. During festival days one-act-plays, dramas, dances, harikatha, bhajan and songs are provided for the pleasure of the Lord and the enrichment of the devotees. Prasadam is distributed to all the pilgrims.
How to Reach|:
To reach mattapalli, we have to reach Kodad by bus, either from
Hyderabad(200kms) or Vijayawada(99kms). From Kodad, we have to
come to Huzoornagar(15kms) by bus & from there we have to reach
Mattapalli by another bus. On reaching mattapalli,
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Sri Meenakshi Agasteswara and Sri Laxmi Narsimha Temple Wadepalli, Miryalguda, Nalgonda
6000 years ago, sage Agasthya Maharshi installed the idols of Sri Meenakshi Agasteswara and Sri Laxmi Narsimha at the holy Sangam of Krishna and Musi rivers in Wadepalli village of Miryalguda Mandal. For thousands of years the temple place remained in dense forest. During the time of excavation the idols of Lord Shiva were found in the temple and reinstalled the same. Once a hunter was chasing a bird, the bird wanted to save its life. So it hid behind the idol of Lord Shiva by covering it with its wings. Lord Shiva appeared to the hunter and asked him not to kill the bird. Lord Shiva assured the hunter that he would offer his brain instead of bird. Then the hunter agreed to him and had the brain of Shiva by inserting his fingers. As he did so, holes were made on his head. Goddess Ganga rose out of the holes, soon after this incident. There are holes on the Siva Lingam in which 10 figures can be inserted. Even after taking large quantities of water from the holes, the level of water does not go down. Once Sri Shankaracharya visited the temple along with his disciples. They wanted to find out the reason as to why the water level was not going down therefore they tied a thread to a spoon and dropped it into the hole then it went deep inside and stopped. When they pulled up the thread, they found blood stains on that, then realised their mistakes and begged pardon from the God.
How to Reach:
Wadapally is situated at a distance of 25 km from Miryalaguda. Wadapally is well connected by road and there are frequent buses from Miryalaguda. Private transport is available from Miryalaguda
Images:
Sri Meenakshi Temple Wadapally.
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Penchala Kona Narsihma Swamy Temple Nellore
Penchalakona village is located in Rapur mandal of Nellore district in Andhra Pradesh. It is 70 km from Nellore town. Penchalakona houses the temple of Sri Penusila Narasimha Swamy, which is situated at the foot of a hill. It is believed that Kanva Maharshi did his penance here. The annual festival of the temple, during the month of April and May, is a major event at Penchalakona.Devotees from near and far distances congregate for Narasimhaswamy Jayanthi with great devotion.
Places to visit
Penchalakona waterfalls
How to Reach:
From Devarakonda 3km.
Direct RTC Buses to Rapur mandal..
Images:
Penchala kona Water Falls..
Temple Road....
Route Map Read more...
>> Thursday, November 5, 2009
The Amarnath caves Jammu & Kashmir.
The Amarnath caves are one of the most famous shrines in Hinduism,
dedicated to the god Shiva, located in the Indian state of Jammu and Kashmir.
The shrine is claimed to be over 5,000 years old and forms an important part of ancient
Hindu mythology.Inside the main Amarnath cave lies an ice stalagmite resembling the Shiva Linga,
which waxes during May to August and gradually wanes thereafter.
This lingam is said to grow and shrink with the phases of the moon,
reaching its height during the summer festival.According to Hindu mythology,
this is the cave where Shiva explained the secret of life and eternity to his divine
consort Parvati.There are two other ice formations representing Parvati and Shiva's son,
Ganesha.The cave is situated at an altitude of 3,888 m (12,760 ft),about 141 km (88 mi)
from Srinagar, the capital of Jammu and Kashmir. The Central Reserve Police Force,
Indian Army and Indian Paramilitary Forces maintain a strong presence in the region
due to concerns of security and hence prior permission is needed from the
Government of India before making a pilgrimage (Note: as of June 2009, no permit was
necessary to go to the cave, even for foreigners).
Aryaraja (34 BCE-17CE) used to spend “the most delightful Kashmir summer”
in worshiping a lingam formed of snow/ice “in the regions above the forests”.
This too appears to be a reference to the ice lingam at Amarnath. There is yet
another reference to Amareshwara or Amarnath in the Rajatarangini (Book VII v.183).
According to Kalhana, Queen Suryamati, the wife of King Ananta (1028-1063),
“granted under her husband’s name agraharas at Amareshwara, and arranged for the
consecration of trishulas, banalingas and other [sacred emblems]”.
In his Chronicle of Kashmir, a sequel to Kalhana’s Rajatarangini, Jonaraja relates
that that Sultan Zainu’l-abidin (1420-1470) paid a visit to the sacred tirtha of
Amarnath while constructing a canal on the left bank of the river Lidder
(vv.1232-1234).[citation needed] The canal is now known as Shah Kol.
In the Fourth Chronicle named Rajavalipataka, which was begun by Prjayabhatta
and completed by Shuka, there is a clear and detailed reference to the pilgrimage
to the sacred site (v.841,vv. 847-849). According to it, in a reply to Akbar’s query
about Kashmir Yusuf Khan, the Mughal governor of Kashmir at that time, described
among other things the Amarnath Yatra in full detail.
It is a popular pilgrimage destination for Hindus - about 400,000 people visit
during the 45-day season around the festival of Shravani Mela in July-August,
coinciding with the Hindu holy month of Shravan.
Devotees generally take the 42 km (26 mi) pilgrimage on foot from the town of
Pahalgam, about 96 km (60 mi) from Srinagar, and cover the journey in four to five days.
There are two alternate routes to the temple: the longer and more traditional path
from Srinagar, and the shorter route from the town of Baltal. Some devotees,
particularly the elderly, also ride on horse-back to make the journey.
Related to the history of amarnath
>> Wednesday, November 4, 2009
Aihole Caves Karnataka Images:
Aihole Temple-1
Aihole Temple-2
Aihole Temple-3
Aiheole Temple-4
Aihole Temple-5
Inside the Temple
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>> Tuesday, November 3, 2009
AIHOLE CAVES KARNATAKA
Aihole (Kannada) is a temple complex in the Bagalkot district of Karnataka, India.It is a very popular tourist spot in north Karnataka. Aihole is to the east of Pattadakal, along the Malaprabha River,
Aihole has the potential to be included as a UNSECO World heritage site.
Early inscriptions call this town Ayyavole and Aryapura. Aihole has its own historical significance and is called as cradle of Hindu rock architecture. Many temples and caves of historical importance can be found at Aihole. Poetry on stone at the Meguti temple (Aihole inscription) dated 634 CE, in Sanskrit language and old Kannada script.
Aihole was the first capital of the early Chalukyas. Here they built over 125 temples in various styles and is said to be a laboratory of experiments in rock cut architecture. Pulakesi I, one of the greatest rulers of this dynasty, moved the capital to Badami nearby. Badami was then known as Vatapi. It is from these temples that the Chalukyas gained their experience and went on to build the great temples of Pattadakal. The first phase of temple building in Aihole dates back to the 6th century CE, the second phase up to the 12th century CE. Some temples were even built as early as the 5th century CE
The famous Badami Chalukyas King Pulakeshi II (during 610-642 A.D.) was follower of Jainism. The Shilalekh of Ravikirti in praise of Pulakeshi is still available in Meguti temple, Aihole inscription dated 634 CE, in Sanskrit language and old Kannada script.
In Aihole inscription which mentioning achievements of Pulakeshi II, he defeated king Harshavardhana.
Aihole inscription of Pulakesin II mentioned as akrantatma-balonnatim Pallavanam patim, that means the Pallavas had attempted to nip in the bud the rise of the Badami Chalukyas. The conflict of the two powers before the campaign of Pulakesin II against the Pallavas.
Inscription which prepared by Pulakeshi II (634 AD) found in the Jain Temple at Aihole, that all the scholars have relied on this inscription related to Mahabharath War and Kaliyuga.
In the Aihole inscription referred that Mangalesha's (Paramabhagavat) victory over the Kalachuris and the conquest of Revatidvipa.
According to the Aihole inscription of Pulakeshin II, a civil war between Mangalesha and Pulakeshin II, due to Mangalesa's attempt to secure the succession for his own son, which was the end of Mangalesha's reign
In inscription of Amoghavarsha I found at Aihole, mentioned about his new administration (navarajyam geyye)
The prominent temple groups at Aihole are the Kontigudi group and the Galaganatha group of temples, although historians have divided all the temples into 22 groups.
A group of three temples is referred to as the Kontigudi group of temples. One of these is the Lad Khan temple(The oldest temple at Aihole is the Lad khan temple dating back to the fifth century), named after a mendicant that lived in this temple in the 19th century , another the Huchiappayyagudi temple and the Huchiappayya math.
Lad Khan temple consists of a shrine with two mantapas in front of it. The shrine bears a Shiva lingam. The mukha mantapa in front of the sanctum has a set of 12 carved pillars. The sabhamantapa in front of the mukha mantapa has pillars arranged in such a manner as to form two concentric squares. There are also stone grids on the wall carrying floral designs. The temple is built in a Panchayat hall style, indicating a very early experiment in temple construction. The windows are filled with lattice style which is a north Indian style. The temple was built in late 7th or early 8th century.
Huchappayya (gudi) temple has a curvilinear tower (shikhara) over the sanctum (unlike the Lad Khan temple). The interior of the temple has beautiful carvings.
Huchimalli (gudi) temple at Aihole, built in the 7th century shows an evolution in the temple plan, as it shows an ardhamantapa or an ante-chamber annexed to the main shrine.
Galaganatha group temples is one of nearly thirty temples on the bank of the Malaprabha River. The main shrine of the Galaganatha temple enshrining Shiva - Galaganatha has a curvilinear shikhara, and has images of Ganga and Yamuna at the entrance to this shrine.
Durga temple or fortress temple is the best known of the Aihole temples and is very photogenic. It is apsidal in plan, along the lines of a Buddhist chaitya, a high moulded adisthana and a tower - curvilinear shikhara. A pillared corridor runs around the temple, enveloping the shrine, the mukhamantapa and the sabhamantapa. All through the temple, there are beautiful carvings. The temple appears to be of the late 7th or early 8th century.
Meguti Jain temple stands on a hillock. It is the only dated monument built in 634. The temple sits on a raised platform, and a flight of steps leads one to the mukhamantapa. The pillared mukhamantapa is a large one. A flight of stairs leads to another shrine on the roof, directly above the main shrine. From the roof, one can have a panoramic view of the plain with a hundred temples or so. The temple which was possibly never completed gives important evidence of early development in dravidian style of architecture. The dated inscription found on the outer wall of the temple records the construction of the temple by Ravikeerthi, a scholar in the court of emperor Pulakeshi II.
Ravana Phadi cave is one of the oldest rock cut temples in Aihole, is located south east of Hucchimalli temple. This temple dates back to the 6th century, with a rectangular shrine, with two mantapas. There is a Shivalinga in the inner room or sanctum sanctorum. This is a Shaivite cave temple with a sanctum larger than that of the Badami Cave Temples. The sanctum has a vestibule with a triple entrance and has carved pillars. The walls and sides of the temple are covered with large figures including dancing Shiva.
Gowda temple is built on similar lines as the Ladh Khan temple but earlier. It has sixteen plain pillars and is dedicated to goddess Bhagavathi.
Suryanarayana temple has a 0.6 m high statue of Surya along with his consorts Usha and Sandhya being drawn by horses. The temple dates from the 7th or 8th century, has a four pillared inner sanctum and a nagara style tower over it.
>> Thursday, October 22, 2009
Vithala Temple Hampi Karnataka
Bas relief of musicians on the walls
Wheel of the stone chariot,
Curved stone pillars
Hazara rama temple
Hazara rama Temple
Interior of Mahmandapam
Inside the Temple
Kalyana madapam
Near manmada tank
Side view of the temple
Stone chariot
Talaright gateway to temple
Eastern entrance of the Temple
>> Wednesday, October 21, 2009
Ardhagiri Sri Veeranjaneya Temple Chittoor.
Name: Sri Veeranjaneya Swamy Temple
Date built: 12th century by Pallava Nolamba kings
Primary deity: Lord Hanuman
Location: Aragonda Village, Chittoor Dt. Andhra Pradesh
Ardhagiri Sri Veeranjaneya Swamy Temple is located one and a half km. up of the hill in Aragonda village, Chittor District, Andhra Pradesh, 15 km away from Kanipakam.
According to legend, during Tretayuga, Hanuman brought Sanjeeva Parvatham in order to save Lakshmana during a war when Lakshmana fell unconscious. During the journey, half of Sanjeeva Parvatham fell, and the place where it landed came is known as Aragonda. Aragonda, initially is called as Arakonda (In telugu language, "Ara" (sounds A'raw)means 'Half' and "Konda" (sounds Kon'Da) means Hill or Mountain). With the time, the people changed their way of pronouncing this word "Arakonda" as "Aragonda" which is now the name of the village under this hill. This hill is famous with name "Ardhagiri" (Ardha means Half and Ge'ree means mountain). In Ardhagiri, it is believed that Sanjeevaraya Pushkarini (pond containing the holy water) never gets dried nor spoiled, even when kept for long periods of time. When devotees drink this theerham (or holy water) from the Sanjeevaraya Pushkarini, all types of diseases are getting cured.
Mr. Paimagham Sugunakara Reddy, Chairman of the above Ardhagiri Shree Veeranganeya Swamy Temple, is responsible for the development of this ancient temple, which did not have proper road, electricity, and other infrastructure facilities earlier.
Everyday, about 3-5 thousand devotees visit the temple and every month on the Pournami day, about 30,000 devotees come to the temple and stay there overnight. Read more...
BhattiProlu Budha Great Stupa Guntur.
Bhattiprolu is a small village in Guntur District of Andhra Pradesh State in Southern India
History:
The original name of Bhattiprolu was Pratipalapura, a flourishing Buddhist town in the ancient Sala kingdom that predated Andhra Satavahanas. From available inscriptional evidence, King Kuberaka was ruling over Bhattiprolu around 230 BC. Bhattiprolu is well known for its Buddha stupa (Vikramarka kota dibba) built about 3rd-2nd century BC. During excavations at Bhattiprolu there has been found linguistic evidence of a Telugu language that belongs to 3rd Century BC, and the progenitor of Brahmi script, well known as Bhattiprolu Script to historians. Merchants took the script to Southeast Asia where it parented the scripts of Mon, Burmese, Thai, Khmer, Javanese and Balinese languages. Their similarities to Telugu script can be discerned even today.
Stupa:
Three mounds were discovered in Bhattiprolu in 1870. In 1892 when excavations were undertaken by Alexander Rea, three inscribed stone relic caskets containing crystal caskets, relics of Buddha and jewels were found. The stupa was found to be 40 meters in diameter with an additional basement of 2.4 meters wide running all around. The most significant discovery is the crystal relic casket of sarira dhatu of the Buddha from the central mass of the stupas. The Mahachaitya (great stupa) remains of a large pillared hall, a large group of ruined votive stupas with several images of Buddha, a stone receptacle containing copper vessel, which in turn, contained two more, a silver casket and with in it, a gold casket enclosing beads of bone and crystal were found
Villages:
Some of the villages in Bhattiprolu mandal are Addepalli,Vellatur,Voleru, Chintamotu, PEDAPULIVARRU, Gorigapudi, Guttavaripalem, Pesarlanka, Pedalanka, Pallekona, Allamudi Gudavalli and Kanagala
Sanghi Temple Ramoji Filmcity Hayath nagar.
Located about 25 kms from the heart of Hyderabad city is located the picturesque Sanghi Nagar, an industrial suburb. Seen from several kilometers away is the Sanghi Temple complex with its 15 feet tall sacred Raja Gopuram. This beautiful temple complex atop the hillock Paramanand Giri beckons the faithful devotees who seek gods infinite blessings. The aura of divinity and the verdant slope around the temple complex is panoramic and breathtaking.
As one approaches the road leading to the Paramanand Giri, a huge Maha Dwaram or gateway welcomes the visitors. A little further away, a long flight of steps leads to the entrance of the temple complex. Stone elephant heads form the banisters of the stairway. Standing at the foot of the hillock, one is awestruck to see the three Gopurams towering into the blue sky. And before ascending to the temple complex on top, one stops by at the shrine of Lord Anjaneya, son of the wind God, who is believed to guide the devotees to the abode of Gods. The red-faced Lord Anjaneya is the embodiment of death to the demons and his very name drives away all evils.
Once on top of the hillock, a heavy, beautifully carved door forms the main entrance of the temple complex. The majestic temple complex is built in the Chola-Chalukya style of architecture.
Lord Venkateswara, known as the bestower of piety and plenty is the presiding deity of the complex. The 9 1/2 feet tall idol of the deity is a true replica of the one at Tirumala and resides in the imposing sanctum sanctorum in the center of the complex. Alankaram and abhishekam are regularly performed to the Lord at the Balaji temple.
To the right of the Balaji temple, stands the abode of Goddess Padmavathi, the consort of Lord Venkateswara. The Vimanam of Padmavathi Temple is 32 feet. Described as the epitome of love, mercy and compassion, the deity here is seated on a lotus and is also holding lotuses in her hand.
Residing on the left of the Balaji temple is Lord Shiva or the "destroyer" among the trinity. This all powerful Lord is seated on a lotus with a crescent moon decorating his hair and a trident in his right hand. Standing next to the Lord is "Shakti Swaroopini" Kamalambika.
Close to the shrine of Lord Venkateswara, is the temple of Lord Rama, the symbol of man's conquest over evil. Accompanying the Lord are his faithful consort Sita, devoted brother Lakshmana and fervent devotee Hanuman, who is seated at the feet of the Lord with folded hands.The temple of Lord Vijayganapathi is next to the Rama temple. Known as the remover of all obstacles, his blessings are invoked prior to commencing any activity.
The Navagraha deities are the only ones that are in an open temple. Surya, the Sun God stands in the center and other Grahas surround him, each facing a direction over which he rules.The abode of Kartikeya is on the left of the Ganesh temple, fulfilling the tradition of his being on a hill top. Holding a staff in his right hand and resting his left hand on his waist, the loin clothed Kartikeya is like a Kalpavriksha fulfilling the desires of his devotees.Further away is the temple of Goddess Durga. The dark moon faced deity clad in a saffron robe has three eyes. Decorated with ornaments and hibiscus flower garlands, the Goddess holds a lotus in her right hand and the left hand reposes downward.The Ashtalakshmi temple is between the Balaji and Padmavathi temples. Bedecked with jewellery and garlands, Goddess Aadilakshmi in eight facets is seated holding a lotus and Abhaya mudra in her two hands and a lotus and Vara mudra (offering boons) in her other two hands.
The exotic flowers for the Gods in the temple are grown in the Pavitra Vanam or "Holy Garden". Plots have been demarcated for each deity and special leaves and flowers are grown for performing poojas. The temple complex also houses a Kalyan Mandapam where marriages and other auspicious ceremonies are performed. The Mandapam is a raised platform with a decorated canopy over it. It is built in a style similar to the temples in the complex and blends perfectly into its surroundings. A well tended lawn in front provides plenty of open space for seating the spectators.Different poojas are performed each day. Besides, the temple at Sanghi offers special poojas during festivals.
The temple opens in the early morning at 5.00 am. For one hour, Suprabhatham is done followed by archana to the deities from 6 am to 8 am. General darshan for the devotees is allowed from 8.30 am to 10.30 am. and 4 pm to 6 pm. Poojas and sevas are held between 6 pm and 8 pm. The temple remains closed between 12 am and 4 pm and after 8 pm.
Weekly abhishekam is performed to the deities between 8 am and 9 am - Sri Ramalingeswara (Mondays), Sri Hanuman (Tuesdays), Sri Venkateswara, Ashtalakshmi, Parvathi, Padmavathi, and Rama (Fridays).
Festivals like Sivaratri, Sri Rama Navami, Krishnashtami, Vinayaka Chaturthi, Dussera, Hanuman Jayanthi and Brahmotsavams are performed with religious fervor and gaiety. A visit to the Sanghi temple is indeed refreshing and leaves the visitors with a feeling of divinity Read more...
>> Saturday, October 17, 2009
Gnana Saraswathi Temple BASARA (AP)
Basar is a census town in the Adilabad district in the state of Andhra Pradesh, India. It is about 50 km (31 mi) from Nizamabad, 70 km (43 mi) from Nirmal, and 205 km (127 mi) from Hyderabad.
According to legend, Maharishi Vyasa and his disciples and sage Suka decided to settle down in a cool and serene atmosphere after the Kurukshetra War. In the quest for a peaceful abode, he came to Dandaka forest and, pleased with serenity of the region, selected this place. After his ablutions in the Godavari, Maharishi Vyasa used to bring three fistful of sand and place it in three small heaps and made images of Saraswati, Lakshmi and Kali with his mystic power and later conducted prayers. This idol made of sand has its face smeared with turmeric. Eating a little bit of this turmeric paste, it is believed, will enhance one's wisdom and knowledge. Since Maharishi Vyasa spent considerable time in prayers, the place was then called "Vasara" and turned into Basara due to the influence of the Marathi language in the region.
However, according to the Brahmanda Purana, the poet Valmiki installed Saraswati and wrote Ramayana here. There is a marble image of Valmiki and his Samadhi near the temple.
It is also believed that this temple is one of the three temples constructed near the confluence of the Manjira and Godavari rivers by Ashtrakutas.
Historically, 'Bijialudu' a Karnataka king, who ruled the province of Nandagiri with Nanded as his capital in the sixth century, constructed the temple at Basara.
Many pilgrims come to Basara to perform the "Akshara abhyasam" ceremony for the children before they start formal school education. The children perform the exercise of letters, and devote books, pens, pencils notebooks to the goddess of knowledge. The Puja at the temple starts at 4 am in morning with Abhishekam which carries on for an hour. At 5 o'clock they start the Alankarana whereby the new sarees are adorned to the goddesses. The whole atmosphere is very pious and pure. At 6 am, in the rays of the morning sun, the aarti starts at the temple after which the prasadam is given to the devotees.
Special poojas and celebrations are held at the temple during Maha Shivaratri, beginning 15 days before (Vasantha Panchami) and continuing 3 days after the festival. Devi Navarathrulu is celebrated for ten days during Dasara.
The temple also has a Mahalakshmi idol situated on the 1st floor very near to the main temple. Devotees often go to the nearby mountain which has an Idol of Goddess Saraswati on the top of the rock. The image of Lakshmi stands besides the Goddess Saraswati in the sanctum sanctorum. Due to the presence of Saraswati, Lakshmi and Kali, Basara is considered as the abode of the divine trinity
Images of Gnana Saraswathi
Route Map Read more...
Thanjavur (TN) Temple is the World's First Granite Temple
The Brihadishwara Temple also known as Rajarajeswaram at Thanjavur, is the world's first complete granite temple and a brilliant example of the major heights achieved by Cholas in temple architecture. It is a tribute and a reflection of the power of its patron RajaRaja Chola I. It remains as one of the greatest glories of Indian architecture. The temple is part of the UNESCO World Heritage Site "Great Living Chola Temples" and this temple is an ultimate testimonial for the Vishwakarmas architectural cognizance in planning and sculpting this temple.
This temple is one of India's most prized architectural sites. The temple stands amidst fortified walls that were probably added in the 16th century. The 'Vimana' - or the temple tower - is 216 ft (66 m) high (about 70 meters) and is among the tallest of its kind in the world. The Kalash or 'Shikhara' (apex or the bulbous structure on the top) of the temple is of monolithic granite weighing 81.25 tons. There is a big statue of Nandi (sacred bull), carved out of a single rock, at the entrance measuring about 16 feet long and 13 feet high. The entire temple structure is made out of hard granite stones, a material sparsely available currently in Thanjavur area where the temple is located
The temple had its foundations laid out by the ambitious emperor Chola king Rajaraja Chola I in 1002 CE, as the first of the great Chola building projects. According to tradition, the temple was built by the Chola king Rajaraja in compliance of a command given to him in his dream. The scale and grandeur is in the Chola tradition. An axial and symmetrical geometry rules the temple layout. Temples from this period and the following two centuries are an expression of the Chola wealth, power and artistic expertise. The emergence of such features as the multifaceted columns with projecting square capitals signal the arrival of the new Chola style.
The Brihadishwara Temple was built to be the royal temple to display the emperor's vision of his power and his relationship to the universal order. The temple was the site of the major royal ceremonies such as anointed the emperor and linking him with its deity, Shiva, and the daily rituals of the deities were mirrored by those of the king. The temple maintained a staff of 600 people in various capacities citation needed. Besides the Brahmin priest, these included record-keepers, musicians, scholars, and craftsman of every type as well as housekeeping staff. Even today, the Brihadishwara Temple remains India's largest.
The temple is an example of the architectural conception of the pure form of the Dravida type of temple architecture and representative of the Chola Empire ideology and the Tamil civilisation in Southern India. The temples "testify to the brilliant achievements of the Chola in architecture, sculpture, painting and bronze casting".
The Brihadishwara Temple was built to be the royal temple to display the emperor's vision of his power and his relationship to the universal order. The temple was the site of the major royal ceremonies such as anointed the emperor and linking him with its deity, Shiva, and the daily rituals of the deities were mirrored by those of the king. The temple maintained a staff of 600 people in various capacities citation needed. Besides the Brahmin priest, these included record-keepers, musicians, scholars, and craftsman of every type as well as housekeeping staff. Even today, the Brihadishwara Temple remains India's largest.
The temple is an example of the architectural conception of the pure form of the Dravida type of temple architecture and representative of the Chola Empire ideology and the Tamil civilisation in Southern India. The temples "testify to the brilliant achievements of the Chola in architecture, sculpture, painting and bronze casting".
Main Entrance
Inside the Temple
Ceiling of the Temple
Side view of the Temple
Above Gopuram
Long view of the Temple
Right side view of the Temple
Front view of the Temple
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