Sahastrabahu temple gowalior

Sahastrabahu temple gowalior

The Sahastrabahu Temple is a Hindu temple located in the city of Gwalior in the central Indian state of Madhya Pradesh. The temple is dedicated to Lord Vishnu and is one of the most important religious sites in the city. In this essay, we will explore the history, architecture, and significance of the Sahastrabahu Temple.

History:

The Sahastrabahu Temple was built in the 11th century by the Kachchhapaghata dynasty, which ruled the region during that time. The temple is also known as the Sas-Bahu Temple, which means "Mother-in-law and Daughter-in-law" temple, as it was originally believed to be dedicated to the relationship between the two. However, later studies suggest that the temple was actually dedicated to Lord Vishnu.

Architecture:

The Sahastrabahu Temple is an example of the Nagara style of temple architecture. The temple is built from sandstone and has intricate carvings and sculptures on its walls and pillars. The temple has a rectangular plan, with a sanctum at the center and a mandapa, or pavilion, in front of it. The temple has a total of 32 pillars, each with unique carvings and designs.

One of the most striking features of the Sahastrabahu Temple is its intricate carvings. The temple is covered with carvings of gods, goddesses, animals, and mythical creatures. The carvings are particularly notable for their intricate details and the fine craftsmanship of the artists who created them.

Significance:

The Sahastrabahu Temple is considered one of the most important religious sites in Gwalior. The temple is dedicated to Lord Vishnu, one of the most important deities in Hinduism, and is believed to bring good luck and prosperity to those who visit and worship at the temple.

The temple is also a popular tourist destination in Gwalior. Its beautiful architecture and intricate carvings attract visitors from all over the world. The temple is particularly popular among history and architecture enthusiasts who are interested in the unique style of Nagara architecture.

In addition to its religious and historical significance, the Sahastrabahu Temple also plays an important role in the cultural life of Gwalior. The temple hosts a variety of festivals and events throughout the year, including the Hindu festival of Diwali, which is celebrated with great enthusiasm in the city.

Conclusion:

The Sahastrabahu Temple is a unique and important religious site in the city of Gwalior. Its beautiful architecture, intricate carvings, and historical significance make it a must-see destination for visitors to the city. Whether you are a pilgrim, a tourist, or an enthusiast of Indian history and architecture, the Sahastrabahu Temple is a place worth visiting and exploring.

Dharmastala Temple

Dharmastala Temple, also known as Shri Kshetra Dharmasthala, is a Hindu temple located in the town of Dharmastala in the Indian state of Karnataka. The temple is one of the most important pilgrimage sites in South India, and it attracts millions of devotees every year. In this essay, we will explore the history, significance, and culture of the Dharmastala Temple.

History:

The history of the Dharmastala Temple dates back over 800 years. The temple was founded by the Jain chieftain Birmanna Pergade in the 16th century, and it has been administered by his descendants ever since. The temple complex has been renovated and expanded over the years, and it now includes a variety of shrines, halls, and other structures.

The main deity of the temple is Lord Manjunatha, a form of Lord Shiva. The temple also includes shrines for other deities, including Lord Ganesha, Goddess Ammanavaru, and Lord Chandranatha. The temple is also home to a sacred banyan tree, which is believed to be over 500 years old.

Significance:

The Dharmastala Temple is renowned for its unique tradition of seva, or service. The temple provides free food, shelter, and medical care to all who visit, regardless of their religion, caste, or socio-economic status. This tradition is rooted in the Hindu concept of dharma, or duty, and it reflects the temple's commitment to social welfare and community service.

Another unique feature of the temple is its emphasis on interfaith harmony. The temple's trustees include members of both the Jain and Hindu communities, and the temple itself includes shrines for both religions. This interfaith approach has helped to foster a spirit of unity and cooperation among the people of Dharmastala and beyond.

The temple also plays an important role in the cultural life of the town and the region. It hosts a variety of festivals and events throughout the year, including the Laksha Deepotsava festival, which is held every year in November or December. During this festival, the temple is adorned with thousands of oil lamps, creating a spectacular sight.

Culture:

The Dharmastala Temple is not just a religious site, but also a cultural center. The temple is home to a museum, which houses a collection of art, artifacts, and historical documents related to the temple and the town of Dharmastala. The museum also includes a section dedicated to the life and teachings of the Jain saint Bahubali.

The town of Dharmastala is known for its traditional art forms, including Yakshagana, a type of folk theater, and Bhootha Kola, a ritualistic dance performed during religious festivals. These art forms reflect the town's rich cultural history and its commitment to preserving its traditions.

Conclusion:

The Dharmastala Temple is a unique and important religious site in India, with a rich history, a significant cultural heritage, and a commitment to social welfare and community service. Its unique tradition of seva and its emphasis on interfaith harmony make it a shining example of the best of Indian culture. Whether you are a pilgrim, a tourist, or a student of Indian history and culture, the Dharmastala Temple is a place worth visiting and exploring.

Kailasa Temple, Ellora

The Kailasa Temple is an ancient Hindu temple located in Ellora, Maharashtra, India. It is considered one of the greatest rock-cut temples in the world and is a masterpiece of Indian rock-cut architecture. The temple is dedicated to Lord Shiva and is a major tourist attraction in the region.

The temple is carved out of a single rock and is estimated to have been built in the 8th century AD during the reign of the Rashtrakuta dynasty. It is said to have taken around 200 years to complete and is one of the largest rock-cut temples in the world, standing at a height of 100 feet.

The temple is known for its intricate carvings and sculptures that adorn its walls, pillars, and roofs. It features a massive gateway, a courtyard, and several shrines dedicated to various Hindu deities. The central shrine houses a massive lingam, which is an iconic representation of Lord Shiva. The temple also features a Nandi Bull, which is considered the vehicle of Lord Shiva.

One of the most notable features of the Kailasa Temple is its grand architecture, which showcases the grandeur and grandiosity of ancient Indian architecture. The temple features several massive columns, intricate carvings, and sculptures that depict scenes from Hindu mythology. The temple also features several intricate paintings, which showcase the skill and creativity of the artists who created them.

The Kailasa Temple is a major tourist attraction in India and attracts thousands of tourists every year. Visitors from all over the world come to admire its intricate carvings, sculptures, and paintings. The temple is also a popular destination for Hindu pilgrims who come to offer their prayers and seek blessings from Lord Shiva.

In conclusion, the Kailasa Temple is a remarkable piece of ancient Indian architecture and is a testament to the skill and creativity of the artists who built it. It is a major tourist attraction in India and is considered one of the greatest rock-cut temples in the world. The temple is a symbol of India's rich cultural heritage and is a must-visit for anyone interested in exploring the history and art of ancient India.

Sravanabelagola

Sravanabelagola is a small town located in the Hassan district of Karnataka, India. It is considered a significant pilgrimage site for Jains and is known for its monolithic statue of Lord Bahubali, also known as Gommateshwara. The statue, which stands at 58 feet tall, is considered one of the largest monolithic statues in the world and is a UNESCO World Heritage site.

The town has a rich history that dates back to the 3rd century BC. Jainism, one of the oldest religions in India, has a strong presence in Sravanabelagola. The Jain community has been visiting the town for centuries to pay homage to Lord Bahubali, who is considered to be one of the most important figures in Jainism. The statue of Lord Bahubali is carved out of a single granite rock and was built in the 10th century AD. It is said to have been built by the Ganga dynasty minister and commander Chavundaraya.

The statue of Lord Bahubali is located on the top of Vindhyagiri Hill, which is approximately 800 meters above sea level. It is said that the statue was built as a symbol of victory over the ego and is considered to be a representation of the Jain principle of ahimsa or non-violence. The statue is also said to be a symbol of the victory of the Jain religion over Buddhism, which was prevalent in the area at the time.

In addition to the statue of Lord Bahubali, Sravanabelagola also has several other Jain temples and monuments that are significant from a historical and cultural perspective. One of the most famous temples is the Chandragiri Temple, which is located on the opposite hill to Vindhyagiri. The temple is said to have been built in the 9th century AD and is dedicated to Lord Neminatha, the 22nd Tirthankara of Jainism. The temple has several intricate carvings and sculptures that are a testament to the skill of the artisans who built it.

Another significant monument in Sravanabelagola is the Kattale Basadi, which is located on the Vindhyagiri Hill. The monument is said to have been built in the 12th century AD and is dedicated to Lord Parshwanatha, the 23rd Tirthankara of Jainism. The monument is known for its intricate carvings and sculptures and is considered to be a masterpiece of Jain architecture.

Sravanabelagola is also known for its Jain inscriptions, which are considered to be some of the oldest and most important inscriptions in the Jain religion. The inscriptions, which are carved on the rocks surrounding the statue of Lord Bahubali, are said to date back to the 9th century AD. They are written in the ancient Jain Prakrit language and contain information about the history of the Jain community and the construction of the statue of Lord Bahubali.

In conclusion, Sravanabelagola is a town with a rich history and cultural significance. It is a pilgrimage site for Jains and is known for its monolithic statue of Lord Bahubali, which is considered one of the largest monolithic statues in the world. The town also has several other Jain temples and monuments that are significant from a historical and cultural perspective, such as Chandragiri Temple, Kattale Basadi, and Jain inscriptions. Sravanabelagola is a UNESCO World Heritage site and attracts thousands of visitors each year who come to marvel at its beauty and learn about its rich history.

Lepakshi Temple

Lepakshi Temple is a 16th-century temple located in the Indian state of Andhra Pradesh. The temple is dedicated to Lord Shiva and is known for its architectural and historical significance. The temple is situated on a hillock in the village of Lepakshi and is considered to be one of the finest examples of Vijayanagara architecture. The temple complex is home to several shrines, mandapams, and a large Nandi bull statue. The most notable feature of the temple is the "hanging pillar" which is a architectural wonder as it is not supported by any base. The temple also houses frescoes and sculptures depicting scenes from the Hindu epic Ramayana and Mahabharata. The temple is a popular pilgrimage site for Hindus and is also a significant tourist attraction.

The Lepakshi Temple is a 16th-century temple located in the Indian state of Andhra Pradesh. The temple is dedicated to Lord Shiva and is known for its architectural and historical significance. The temple is situated on a hillock in the village of Lepakshi and is considered to be one of the finest examples of Vijayanagara architecture. The temple complex is home to several shrines, mandapams, and a large Nandi bull statue.

The temple was built during the reign of the Vijayanagara Empire, which was a powerful empire that controlled much of South India from the 14th to the 17th century. The temple was constructed under the patronage of the local chieftains, the brothers Virupanna and Veeranna, who were known for their devotion to Lord Shiva.

The most notable feature of the temple is the "hanging pillar" which is a architectural wonder as it is not supported by any base. This pillar is located in the mandapam and is one of the 70 pillars in the temple. It is said that the pillar was designed to be suspended in mid-air, but over time it has settled on a stone base. This architectural feature has puzzled many engineers and architects, and it is still a mystery how it was constructed.

The temple also houses frescoes and sculptures depicting scenes from the Hindu epic Ramayana and Mahabharata. The frescoes are considered to be some of the finest examples of Vijayanagara art and are rich in color and detail. They depict various scenes from the epics such as the coronation of Rama, the wedding of Rama and Sita, and the battle of Kurukshetra.

The temple also has a large Nandi bull statue, which is considered to be one of the largest in South India. The statue is made of granite and is about 15 feet high and 20 feet long. It is said that the statue was carved out of a single piece of granite and is considered to be a masterpiece of sculpture.

The temple is a popular pilgrimage site for Hindus and is also a significant tourist attraction. Many visitors come to see the architectural wonders of the temple and to view the frescoes and sculptures. The temple is open to visitors every day, and there is no entrance fee.

In conclusion, the Lepakshi Temple is a unique and fascinating temple that showcases the architectural and artistic skills of the Vijayanagara Empire. The temple's hanging pillar and frescoes are must-sees for anyone interested in history and architecture. It's a place where one can discover the rich cultural heritage of India and marvel at the artistic achievements of the past.

KEDARNATH TEMPLE

Kedarnath Temple  is a Hindu sanctuary (place of worship) committed to the Hindu God Shiva. The sanctuary is situated on the Garhwal Himalayan reach close to the Mandakini waterway, in the territory of Uttarakhand, India. Because of outrageous climate conditions, the sanctuary is available to the overall population just between the long stretches of April (Akshaya Tritiya) and November (Kartik Purnima, the harvest time full moon). During the winters, the vigraha (god) from Kedarnath sanctuary is conveyed down to Ukhimath where the god is revered for the following a half year. Kedarnath is viewed as a homogenous type of Shiva, the 'Master of Kedarkhand', the recorded name of the area

The sanctuary, at a stature of 3,583 m (11,755 ft), 223 km (139 mi) from Rishikesh, on the shores of Mandakini stream, a feeder of Ganga, is a stone structure of obscure date. It isn't sure who constructed the first Kedarnath sanctuary and when. The name "Kedarnath" signifies "the master of the field": it gets from the Sanskrit words kedara ("field") and natha ("ruler"). The text Kashi Kedara Mahatmya states that it is supposed in light of the fact that "the harvest of freedom" develops here.

Numerous society legends identified with the Garhwal area, Lord Shiva and the formation of the Panch Kedar sanctuaries are described. 

A society legend about Panch Kedar identifies with the Pandavas, the saints of the Hindu epic Mahabharata. The Pandavas crushed and killed their cousins — the Kauravas in the epic Kurukshetra war. They wished to offer penance for the wrongdoings of carrying out fratricide (gotra hatya) and Brāhmanahatya (killing of Brahmins — the cleric class) during the conflict. Subsequently, they gave over control of their realm to their family and left looking for ruler Shiva and to look for his endowments. To begin with, they went to the sacred city of Varanasi (Kashi), accepted to be Shiva's beloved city and known for its Kashi Vishwanath Temple. In any case, Shiva needed to keep away from them as he was profoundly angered by the demise and deceptive nature at the Kurukshetra war and was, hence, coldhearted toward Pandavas' petitions. Along these lines, he accepted the type of a bull (Nandi) and stow away in the Garhwal district. 

Not finding Shiva in Varanasi, the Pandavas went to Garhwal Himalayas. Bhima, the second of the five Pandava siblings, then, at that point, standing with on leg on each side of two mountains began to search for Shiva. He saw a bull brushing close to Guptakashi ("stowed away Kashi" — the name got from the concealing demonstration of Shiva). Bhima quickly perceived the bull to be Shiva. Bhima grasped the bull by its tail and rear legs. Be that as it may, the bull-framed Shiva vanished into the ground to later return in parts, with the mound bringing up in Kedarnath, the arms showing up in Tungnath, the face appearing at Rudranath, the nabhi (navel) and stomach surfacing in Madhyamaheshwar and the hair showing up in Kalpeshwar. The Pandavas satisfied with this return in five unique structures, constructed sanctuaries at the five spots for adoring and venerating Shiva. The Pandavas were hence liberated from their transgressions. It is likewise accepted that the front segments of Shiva showed up at Doleshwor Mahadeva Temple, Bhaktapur region Nepal.

A variation of the story credits Bhima of getting the bull, yet in addition preventing it from vanishing. Therefore, the bull was attacked five sections and showed up at five areas in the Kedar Khand of Garhwal district of the Himalayas.After building the Panch Kedar Temples, the Pandavas ruminated at Kedarnath for salvation, performed yagna (fire penance) and afterward through the brilliant way called the Mahapanth (likewise called Swargarohini), achieved paradise or salvation.[citation needed]. The Panch Kedar Temples are built in the North-Indian Himalayan Temple engineering with the Kedarnath, Tungnath and Madhyamaheshwar sanctuaries appearing to be comparative. 

In the wake of finishing the journey of Lord Shiva's darshan at the Panch Kedar Temples, it is an unwritten strict ceremony to visit Lord Vishnu at the Badrinath Temple, as a last affirmatory confirmation by the fan that he has looked for endowments of Lord Shiva.

The Mahabharata, which gives the record of the Pandavas and the Kurukshetra War, doesn't make reference to any place called Kedarnath. Probably the soonest reference to Kedarnath happens in the Skanda Purana (c. seventh eighth century), which contains a story depicting the beginning of the Ganges waterway. The text names Kedara (Kedarnath) as where Shiva let the heavenly water out of his tangled hair.

As indicated by the hagiographies dependent on Madhava's Sankshepa-shankara-vijaya, the eighth century thinker Adi Shankara passed on at the mountains close to Kedarnath; albeit different hagiographies, in view of Anandagiri's Prachina-Shankara-Vijaya, express that he kicked the bucket at Kanchipuram. The remains of a landmark denoting the indicated passing spot of Shankara are situated at Kedarnath.[13] Kedarnath was most certainly a noticeable journey community by the twelfth century, when it is referenced in Kritya-kalpataru composed by the Gahadavala serve Bhatta Lakshmidhara. Kedarnath Teerth Purohits are the antiquated Brahmins of this area, their precursors (Rishi-Muni) have been loving the lingam since the hour of Nara-Narayana. Lord Janmejay, grandson of the Pandavas, provided them with the right of venerating this sanctuary, and they have been loving explorers ever since.

As indicated by a practice recorded by the English mountain climber Eric Shipton (1926), "a long time back" one cleric used to hold administrations at both the Kedarnath and Badrinath sanctuaries, going between the two spots daily

നെല്ലിയാമ്പതി - 'പാവങ്ങളുടെ ഊട്ടി'

പാലക്കാടിന്റെ നഗരഹൃദയത്തിൽ നിന്ന് 60 കിലോമീറ്ററോളം മാറിസ്ഥിതി ചെയ്യുന്ന മനോഹരമായൊരു ഹിൽസ്റ്റേഷനാണ് നെല്ലിയാമ്പതി. നിത്യഹരിത വനമേഖലയായ നെല്ലിയമ്പതി നിരവധി തേയില,കാപ്പി തോട്ടങ്ങളുടെ കേന്ദ്രവുമാണ്.82 ചതുരശ്ര കിലോമീറ്ററോളം വിസ്തൃതിയുള്ള ഈ മേഖല ഭാരതപ്പുഴ, കാവേരി തുടങ്ങിയ നദികളുടെ ഒരു പ്രധാന വൃഷ്ടിപ്രദേശവുമാണ്.’ പാവങ്ങളുടെ ഊട്ടി' എന്ന്പാലക്കാടിന്റെ ടൂറിസം ഭൂപടത്തിൽ അറിയപ്പെടുന്ന ഈ പ്രദേശം അതിന്റെ മനോഹരമായ പ്രകൃതി ഭംഗികൊണ്ടും തണുപ്പുള്ള കാലാവസ്ഥ കൊണ്ടും നിരവധി വിനോദ സഞ്ചാരികളെ ആകർഷിച്ചു കൊണ്ടിരിക്കുന്നു.

സമുദ്രനിരപ്പിൽ നിന്നും 1585 മീറ്ററിലധികം ഉയരുള്ള ഈ പ്രദേശം ബ്രിട്ടീഷുകാരുടെ ഭരണകാലത്താണ് തോട്ടം മേഖലയിലേക്കു കടക്കുന്നതും അതിനോടനുബന്ധിച്ച നിർമ്മാണ പ്രവർത്തനങ്ങൾ ആരംഭിക്കുന്നതും.പിന്നീട് ഈ തോട്ടങ്ങൾ പ്രദേശവാസികൾക്ക് വിൽക്കുകയുമായിരുന്നു. ഇവിടെ വസിച്ചിരുന്ന ആദിമ മനുഷ്യരുടെ വിശ്വാസ പ്രകാരം നെല്ലിമരത്തിൽ ഉള്ള ദേവതയുടെ ഊര് എന്ന അർത്ഥത്തിലാണ് നെല്ലിയാമ്പതി എന്ന സ്ഥലനാമം ഇവിടെ വീണത്.

പാലക്കാട് നഗരത്തിൽ നിന്ന് KSRTC ബസ്സ് സർവീസ് മാത്രം പൊതുഗതാഗത സൗകര്യമുള്ള ഇവിടെ ഗവൺമെന്റ് ഉടമസ്ഥതയിലുള്ള ഓറഞ്ച് പച്ചക്കറി തോട്ടങ്ങളും സീതാർകുണ്ട് കേശവൻ പാറ തുടങ്ങിയ പ്രദേശങ്ങളും സഞ്ചാരികൾക്ക് അനുഭവിച്ചറിയാനുള്ള കാഴ്ചകളാകുന്നു.