Sep 17, 2014

Kashi Vishwanath Temple, Varanasi, Uttar Pradesh, India

Kashi Vishwanath Temple - The 9th Jyotirling


sanandamanandavane vasanta manandakandam hatapapavrindam |
varanasinathamanathanatham shrivishvanatham sharanam prapadye ||



"Varanasi" or "Benares" or "Kashi" is a historical city in northern India. The city is sacred to Hindus and also one of the oldest continuously inhabited cities in the world. In many ways Varanasi epitomizes the very best and worst aspects of India, and it can be a little overwhelming. However, the scene of pilgrims doing their devotions in the River Ganges at sunrise set against the backdrop of the centuries old temples is probably one of the most impressive sights in the world.  People of Hindu Religion believe that Varanasi is a must see destination for each individual before they leave this planet.


Kashi Vishwanath Temple, Varanasi, Uttar Pradesh

Ghats on the bank of River Ganges, Varanasi, Uttar Pradesh



How To Reach

  • Varanasi is well connected by train and bus, with multiple of each heading in every direction daily.  The trains and buses are dirty and overcrowded by Western standards. The people, however, are warm and accommodate westerners who are unfamiliar with their customs and don't take offense when you don't follow their ways.
By Train  
  • Trains are the easiest way to reach Varanasi, with multiple daily services from cities including Delhi, Agra, Lucknow, Mumbai and Kolkata. And weekly services from Chennai, Vijayawada, Hyderabad, Bangalore and Thiruvananthapuram.
  • Varanasi is served by two major railway stations. Many trains arrive at ''Varanasi Junction (IR station code : BSB)'' in the heart of the city, and many others arrive at ''Mughal Sarai Junction (IR station code : MGS)'', about 15 km east of the city. It is a 40 min drive from Mughalsarai to Godowlia in Varanasi. Godowlia is the main market place and most happening place. An auto rickshaw takes Rs 200 from Mughalsarai station to godowlia in varanasi. A small car like Alto, Indica if available will take around Rs 400-450 for a drop. The rates are provided as on April, 2014. If travelling to/from '''Agra/Tundla''', Mughal Sarai is a more convenient station.
By Bus 
  • From Nepal: To get to Varanasi from Chitwan, Lumbini, Kathmandu and Pokhara is relatively simple and cheap. Get a bus to the bus park at Sunauli, from there take a rickshaw (200 NPR) to the border crossing, get your passport stamped on the Nepali side then walk through the border. The Indian immigration office is hidden away on the left hand side of the road after 100m. From here the bus stop is on the right hand side after 300m. Be sure to get the government bus to Gorakhpur, not the private lines which are far less comfy and stop everywhere. The bus to Gorakhpur is 4 hours, when you arrive there walk straight ahead to the train station, from where you can pick up an 11pm overnight to Varanasi which should in theory arrive at 6am. Make sure you get off at Varanasi Junction, not Varanasi City. There are other services that run earlier if 11pm is inconvenient. A first class non-AC from Gorakhpur to Varanasi Junction is around 400 IRP.
  • To Nepal / Northern India: There are daily buses to the Nepal border and other points around northern India. Local buses leave from the main bus station near the train station, almost every hour in the morning and one in the evening, to Gorakhpur (5-6 hrs, Rs 120), from where buses leave to the Nepali border at Sunauli (~3 hrs, Rs 56).
  • There are buses run by state government from Lucknow (8hrs), Gorakhpur (4hrs), Kanpur (9hrs - Rs. 195) and Allahabad(3hrs - Rs. 88).
  • There are buses run by state government from Lucknow (8hrs), Gorakhpur (8hrs) Kanpur (9hrs - Rs. 195) and Allahabad(3hrs - Rs. 88).


By Flight 

  • Allow plenty of time to get to the airport, it can take an hour or more depending on traffic. A taxi (from the pre-paid stand just outside the terminal) should run around Rs 600-700 (plus Rs40 parking toll) or about Rs 125 in an auto-rickshaw, but most drivers will want to charge double since they will likely be coming back empty.


Places To see 


Get Around 

  • Many of the sights are in the tiny narrow winding alleys of the waterfront. ''Rickshaws'' are only useful for longer trips across town or to the train stations. A cycle-rickshaw from the Junction train station to Dasaswamedh Ghat (or Godaulia if the road is closed) should cost Rs 20, an auto rickshaw about Rs 70. From Godaulia to Assi Ghat is Rs 10. Again, these prices are bound to change with changes in the value of the rupee''Taxis'' exist but traffic makes them impractical. There is a pre-paid auto-rickshaw stand at the Varanasi Junction (Cantt) train station, however if you go with this option make sure to keep your prepaid receipt until the end of your journey, or your driver may not take you the whole way. Rs55 is enough to get to the old town.
  • ''By foot'' is the only way to see the waterfront and the ghats but be ready to be hot, sweaty, and lost - locals are usually happy to point you in the right direction. The names of ghats and signs pointing to restaurants and hotels are often painted on the walls in Roman letters.  For better orientation, walk into any book store and pick up a small guide/map book that will have the list of all the ghats and their historical background.
  • A car can be hired to visit Maa Durga temple, Sankat Mochan Hanuman Temple, Ramnagar Fort and Sarnath. A small car like Indigo, Indica, Alto etc. will take Rs 1,600 for AC and Rs 1,300 for Non-AC round trip. A luxury vehicle like Innova, Xylo, Scorpio takes Rs 2,200-2,500. If one starts at 7 am can return before 2 pm after covering all the above mentioned places. A car can be asked from the hotel travel desk or any car rental companies.

 See 

Varanasi is not a city with distinct tourist destinations; the joy of the  experience comes from watching the spectacle of life and death- on the river and in the eyes of the people who come to the Ganga- as well as in  meandering through the alleys of the old city, trying to fathom the ways of a very mature culture.

  • ''Vishwanath Temple''   also known as the Golden Temple, security is tight making entrance difficult and sometimes completely off limits to foreigners. No bags, cellphones or pens are allowed. They can be deposited in the shops by the temple entrance. The temple was destroyed multiple times by Mughal invaders and was re-constructed by Hindu kings who followed them.
  • ''Kaal Bhairav Temple''   is the temple for ''Kaal Bhairav''   a dreaded form of the Lord in Shiva avatar symbolizing death. Its a tradition to buy a black thread (cost about Rs. 15 per 50 threads as of Sep 2009), sanctify  it in the shrine, then wear it on the arm, wrist or around the neck as protection against evil.
  • ''Nepali Hindu Temple''   A small golden temple, built in Nepali architecture, near Lalita Ghat.
  • ''Alamagir Mosque''   overlooking Panchganga Ghat, it's a great place for a bird's eye view of the area.
  • ''Banaras Hindu University''   a very green and peaceful campus. Few actually know that this University was built during the Indian freedom struggle and is known as Oxford of the East. This is the largest residential university of Asia, with 124 departments. You can also visit Bharat Kala Bhavan, a museum of Art and Archeology inside the university. There is also a huge white marbled temple called Vishwanath Temple which was built by Pt. Madan Mohan Malaviya, the founder of the university.
  • ''Sarnath''   It is believed that in Sarnath Buddha gave his first sermon to his disciples after getting enlightenment. There is also a Museum in Sarnath. The location is also known as Deer Park. Sarnath is 13 Km from Varanasi and is very peaceful. Several Asian countries have built Buddhist temples there following their own ancient architectural traditions.
  • ''Ram Nagar Fort''   the fort of the King of Kashi which is situated at the other side of the river.
  • ''Gauri Matha Temple''   The devi at this temple is supposed to be the sister of the lord Kashi Vishwanath. Its a tradition to visit here just before you leave Kashi. You buy sea shells at this place and offer them to God saying that the virtues of donating the shells goes to her while you keep the virtues of having visited the holy shrines in Kashi and bathing in the ganga. The trip to Kashi is expected to yield results only after completing this custom.
  • ''Sankat Mochan Temple''   The famous Hanuman temple, home to thousands of monkeys. Securiy is tight, mobile phones, keys etc. are not allowed inside the temple as a result of moslem terrorist bomb blasts; and as you enter you will be greeted by the sight of hundreds of monkeys on the premises. Beware- they may snatch from you if they see you carrying boxes or packets of food. Inside the temple you will find stacks of hanuman chalisa text for the use of devotees.  
  • ''Man Mandir Observatory''
  • ''Tulsi Manas Temple''
  • ''Durga Temple''

 Ghats 
  • Floating Away : While the use of ghats for cremation is well known, they are also used to give last rites to those who do not need cleansing by fire to purify their soul, including young children and pregnant women. Instead, their bodies are wrapped in cloth, weighted with stones and eased into the Ganga. However, it is fairly common for the ropes to give way, resulting in putrefying corpses washing up on the east shore across from the city. Steer clear if squeamish.
A ''Ghat'' is a series of steps leading down to the river, used by bathers and pilgrims, and riverside Varanasi consists of a long sequence of these.  It's generally possible to walk directly between them, though near Manikarnika Ghat you'll have to navigate your way up and around through the alleyways.  The best option for viewing the ghats is to charter a boat and see them from the river.

Hindus consider it auspicious to die in Varanasi, so some ghats are known as '''burning ghats''', where bodies are cremated (in full view) before their ashes are eased into the Ganga.
Some of the main ghats, from north to south:
  • ''Panchganga Ghat''   the meeting of the five rivers.
  • ''Manikarnika Ghat''   the main cremation ghat; a must-see, but remain quiet and never take photographs. (Note: scams are plentiful here; see the "Staying Safe" section)
  • ''Dasaswamedh Ghat''   the main ghat and site of the large evening ''Aarti''  only reachable by foot at some times of day, about a 5 minute walk south from Godulia.
  • ''Rana Ghat''
  • ''Kedar Ghat''   brightly painted in stripes and busy with bathers, very photogenic.
  • ''Narad Ghat''   the ghat on which bathing with spouse is not advised because the legend of contention.
  • ''Harishchandra Ghat''   the cremation place were Raja Harishchandra did the last rituals of his son.
  • ''Hanuman Ghat''
  • ''Shivala Ghat''
  • ''Tulsi Ghat''  site of the large water purification plant.
  • ''Assi Ghat''   a popular place to stay with many hotels, restaurants and internet cafes.


Festivals 

  • Deepavali, or ''Diwali'', is a great time to be in Varanasi, with special  ceremonies in many temples. The once-a-year decorations and ''Aarti'' at the ghats are spectacular.
  • ''Shivaratri''  is another great time to be in Varanasi. The day of Shivaratri is also the last day of the Dhrupad Mela, a festival of "Hindustani" (a form of Indian classical music) that goes on night and day for about 72 hours. Since the date of the festival is decided by Hindu lunar calendar, it changes (per the western, or Gregorian, calendar) every year.

Do 

  • ''Bathe'' Over 60,000 people come down to the waters edge every day to take a dip in the sacred waters of the Ganga, reputed to have healing benefits. This is a fantastic site to see. However, due to sewage pipes discharging into the river along with sunken corpses, it is not recommended to join in. There is a risk of infection from numerous diseases and bacteria.
  • ''Boat rides'' are very popular, especially at sunrise and sunset. The most popular sunset ride is to start at Dasaswamedh Ghat and head up to Manikarnika Ghat to see the cremations in progress, and then return to Dasaswamedh and watch the evening ''aarti'' from the boat. Sunrise is another magical time for a ride, when the ghats are filled with Hindus bathing and starting their day - one of the most famous sights in India. You can bargain the price down to around Rs 50/person per hour, but expect to be quoted much higher — the current bargained down 'foreign tourist' rate for a boat ride is Rs 300! In fact there is a price limit set by the city in 1998 but still in force today that sets a price range from Rs 50 for boats up to four seats to a maximum of 125 for very large boats. (That's per hour and boat not per person.) At Dasaswamedh there is even a huge sign (in Hindi only) alerting tourists to that fact. If you go Nishad Raj ghat, a few minutes walk from Assi, you can find a boat driver named Bhoomi, a local singer renowned for his incredible voice and charming, beautiful songs; during the boat ride he sings anything from local folk songs to modern film songs and old devotional ones, and often improvises lyrics over his own songs to communicate with you and the various people gathered on the ghats.

Buy 


  • Varanasi is famous for its fine ''silk''  it's on offer everywhere, but shop around and haggle, bargain hard.
  • If you are buying a silk scarf, make sure you ask if it is a pure silk scarf or artificial silk. Artificial is cheaper, and you should be able to purchase it for about 50 to 75 rupees (this will keep changing with time). But be prepared to hear 200 rupees for a fake one!! The real silk scarves can be bargain down to about 150 rupees or sometimes 100 rupees. Be prepared to hear 650 rupees as asking price.


Eat 


  • There are numerous food outlets and a very dynamic range in quality.  The restaurants closer to the ghats cater more to foreign tourists, with variable success. To get really authentic ''Banarasi Khana'' you're going to have to get to the main market area or, better, to have a Varanasi friend inviting you at home. Benares Dum Aloo is a local specialty, and the city is also known for its desserts. You can't go away from Varanasi without eating local specialities as ''aloo chaat'' and  ''pani puri'' and, in general, the street food. 
  • ''Paan'', a betel nut mixture usually containing tobacco, is not really food, but is something Varanasi is famous for all over India. 


Sleep 

  • The most interesting area to stay is around the ghats. This is where most foreigners hang out  and with good reason. In addition to the ghats and river, Varanasi's most famous temples and main market are all located in this area. Another choice is Sarnath, about 8km from Varanasi. It is a little removed  from 'the action' but much safer and calmer than Varanasi.

  • Some budget accommodations advertise free morning and evening boat rides along the river. Technically, it is not free.  The boat will take you half-way along the river and then let the boat load of passengers know that for the second-half there is a fee of 60 rupees per person. Those who do not want to continue can get out of the boat and walk back to their lodging.

  • Beware that Varanasi, particularly during summer, is prone to many hours of power outages a day. It is best to double check that you fan of A/C is run from a backup generator, or you may not have it for much of the day.


Stay Safe 

Violent crime is rare, but still do be careful in the lanes after dark. Carry a lamp; power outages are extremely common, and the alleys are hard enough to navigate in daylight, let alone in pitch dark, because of their broken paving stones and cows common.
Women especially need to dress conservatively and to be careful. Even taking precautions, expect to have the odd local young man try to quickly grope you and run away. Respond aggressively and loudly to try to discourage this behavior as much as possible.
Rickshaw/taxi scams are a norm in Varanasi, and the driver will inevitably tell you that the hotel that you wish to go to has burned down, is flooded, or closed. Don't believe him. Drivers receive commission from hotels for bringing in new guests, and this is one way to trick newcomers to going to these places. Don't get annoyed, but see the exchange as playful banter and part of the Varanasi experience. However, if the driver continuously refuses to follow your instructions, threaten to get out of the rickshaw. If after all this you still end up to a different place, just refuse to pay until you arrive at your hotel. The same procedure will need to be followed when sight seeing, as drivers will inevitably try to take you to handicraft stores, from which they receive commission. If calling for a pickup from a more respectable hostel, be wary that other taxi drivers may listen in to your phone conversation then tell another taxi driver who will pick you up pretending to be your hostel, then take you to a commision charging hostel.
As you approach Manikarnika Ghat you will probably be ushered toward a plain concrete building to view the funeral pyres. The person that leads you there will say that he is a volunteer at the hospice center and will tell you how he takes care of poor people that don't have enough money to buy wood for their funerary burning. He'll tell you that wood costs 300 rupees per kilogram (it's actually closer to 5 rupees per kilogram) and that most foreigners donate between 5 and 10 kilograms of wood to his center, at which point he'll ask for a donation from you. If it isn't obvious already, this is a scam. Either tell him you have no money or that you don't feel comfortable donating at the time.
Scam lodges such as Tiwari lodge have been known to offer you a cheap price on arrival but refuses to accept any payment until you leave, when you do your bill has magically quadrupled in price and the owner just plain rejects the initial price, it's best to pay day-by-day to prevent such scams.

Respect 

There is, rather understandably, some resentment at tourists tresspasing up to the cremation ghats for raucous sightseeing at the funeral ceremonies of loved ones. Behave respectfully and do not take photographs of cremations, even from the river.
You can take photographs if it is from a distance ; most do not mind. There are touts who for a fee will "stop minding". Note that if it is the family that objects then you have to respect it but not if local riff raff object in the interest of extracting money. Offer the money and if they seem ready to accept ,withdraw it and photograph ! Call the police if necessary.
also as this city is full of temples you will have to take off your shoes/sandals at every point. so wear a flip flop which is easy to take off.

Story of The Legend


Nirvikar chaitanya and Sanatan Brahma have assumed the form of Saguna Vishwarupa from the initial Nirgun Roopa or form. The Shiva Shakti roopa became the Purusha (man) and Stree (the woman) again. Prakriti and Purusha (Nature and man) (Shiva-Shakti) were once ordained by Shiva to do tapas in the universe in order to create the best being. He specified the best place for this purpose. When a prayer was held, Nirgun Shiva, with His own powers and aura, created a wonderful city called Panchakoshi. Vishnu, who resided there, spent a lot of time praying to Shiva after which several watersprings originated there. Vishnu was amazed at this wonderous event, and even as he tilled his head, a gemstone fell from his ear. Because of this place, it was also called Manikarnika. The entire Panch Koshi area of Manikarnika waters were then gathered into the Trident by Shiva. Then from the navel of Vishnu was born a lotus flower with Brahma in it. Brahma was ordained by Shiva to create a world, at which Brahma created this wonderful world. It had fifty crore Yojanas of area and fourteen lokas. In order to save the lives of these who are bound by their own actions or karma. Shiva kept panchakoshi city away from the entire universe. In this city, Shiva Himself established the saviour Muktidayak JyotirLinga, which He can never leave. Shiva removed this very Kashi from His Trident and set it in this mortal world. It was not to be destroyed when Brahma’s day ends, but during Pralay i.e., final destruction of the world, Shiva saved it by keeping it safe in his trident. So the kashi is called avimukta kshetra. In Kashi, the Avimukteshwar Linga is there forever. Those who can never hope for salvation, attain Moksha here.

This holiest city of Panchakoshi, with its capacity to destroy every conceivable sin, is the vehicle of a special Moksha by the name “Samyugha”. That is the reason why this city which is ruled by Brahma, Vishnu and Mahesha, is the place, where even divines want to die. Sarwaguna from inside and Tamoguna from outside, are the qualities of Rudra here. When prayed to, Vishwanatha Bahagavan Sri Shankar made this abode and resided there with Parvati.

History of the Kashi Vishwanath Temple 

Varanasi, which was a pious place of pilgrimage for the hindus, soon became an eyesore and source of jealousy for the Muslims. From 1033 to 1669 AD Kashi came under several destructive attacks. Temples were demolished and Masjids built there instead. But due to the dedication of the Hindu devotees, the JyotirLinag pilgrimage place continued to develop. During the reign of the British and the Marathas, this place really developed well. Even the Jaina and Boudha monks helped to keep the place of the city intact.
The Kashi Vishweshwar temple as we see it now was built by Ahalya Devi Holkar in 1777 AD. In 1785 AD, the then King of Kashi, Mansaram and his son Belvant Singh built many more temples near Varanasi. In 1755 AD, the Avadh pantof pratinidhi (representative) got the old temple of Bindumadhava repaired and renovated it beautifully. The kalabhairava temple was built by Srimant Baji Rao Peshwa in 1852 AD.

King Ranjit Singh had the Kashi Vishwanath temple towers covered in gold. A huge bell hangs in the temple. It was donated by the King of Nepal. Surrounding Saranath, there are many Budhhist stupas, Viharas and Chaitra grihas. In 1931 AD the mahabodhi society had built a very beautiful Buddha temple in Saranath.

The Hindu devotees visit Kashi to make offering. Here they perform many rituals and consider themselves blessed. Along side, several foreign tourists visit this place regularly. Places worth seeing include Ghats, temples, tapobhoomi and the scenic beauty of the surroundings. Kashi Kshetra and Sri Vishweswara JyotirLinga are connected as the holiest shrines in the world. The Ganga water here is considered as the nectar of the earth. Dying in Kashi or performing the final rites is considered as the way to the Heavens. Kashi - Rameshwar(1) yatra is the prime pilgrimage for the Hindus.

Key Words : List of Jyotirlingas in India, History of Jyotirlingam, Poem of Jyotirlingam, Meaning of Jyotirlingam Poem




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Aundha Nagnath, Darukavanam, Maharashtra, India

Aundha Nagnath Temple - The 8th Jyotirling


nagare atiramye vibhushitangam vividhaishcha bhogaih |
sadbhaktimuktipradamishamekam shrinaganatham sharanam prapadye ||



Aundha Nagnath at Darukavanam is a Jyotirlinga located in Basmat Subdivision of Hingoli District in Marathwada region of Maharashtra.


Aundha Nagnath, Darukavanam, Maharashtra



How to Reach


By Bus and Train  

  • The town is well connected with Rail and bus routes. The nearest railway station is Nanded, Parbhani Jn. You get plenty of connecting trains to these stations.
  • The State Transport of Maharashtra run Buses from Nanded, Parbhani. People travelling from south have direct buses from Hyderabad to Nanded. But always train journey is preferred.

 Places To See

  • "Aundha Naganath Temple"  The architectural beauty of the Nagesh Temple is simply exquisite. This temple built with stones during the Pandava period is strong. The four walls of the temple are very strong and the corridors are large. The court hall is supported by eight pillars. It is oval shaped. Both this and the Nagesha Lingamurthy is located in the small internal Garbhagriha. 
  • Here, there is no Nandi idol in front of Mahadeva. There is separate Nandikeshwara temple back of the main temple. On all the four sides of the main temple, smaller temples for the twelve JyotirLingas are constructed. Apart from these, VedavyasaLinga, bhandareshwar, Nilakanteshwar, Ganapati, Dattatreya, Muralimanohar, Dasavatar temple and idols etc., are there. In all, there are 108 Shiva temples and 68 shrines are located here.
  • The structure of the Naganath temple is very beautiful. Inside it, there is another shrine called Runamochan teerth. Both these shrines are called “Mother-in-law- Daughter-in-law” shrines. Every 12 years, at the time of Kapila Shashti, kashi Ganga offering as “Padarpan” is performed. During this the water in the teerth kund looks crystal clear. Again at a specific time it becomes ‘Shivala Yukt”.
  • Close to the Naganath temple, there are several statues of various divines. Besides these there are many more idols of animals, soldiers relating some stories. These stones idols are very beautiful to look at. At a huge corner, there is an idol of Paravti, who is sulking with Shiva trying to pacify her. This statue is amazing to look at with its stunning features. It is unmatched in its expression of emotions.
  • Aurangazeb was intolerant towards other religions and wanted to destroy this Hindu temple. When he tried, thousands of bees came out of the temple and attacked Aurangazeb and his army. He left the demolition work midway and went away. The devotees rebuild the broken temple.
  • Sometimes snakes with their hoods open can be seen standing guard on the Naganath Linga idol. When they drink the milk left in cups for them, is never known.

Accommodation 

  • Local Hotels and Lodges offer accommodation at cheap prices.

Story of The Legend 


Pandavas came here during their Vanvas (life in forests) build a hermitage for themselves. Their cows used to go to the same river bank to drink water. After drinking wate, milk used to automatically flow into the river as if the cows were offering to the river. One day Bhima saw this miraculous event. He promptly told Dharmaraja about the same. Then Dharmaraja said, “Surely, some great God must be living in this river”. Then the Pandavas started removing the water from te river. The middle part of the river was so hot that the water there was boiling.

Bheema lifted his mace attacked the river thrice. The water gave way instantly. At the very moment , instead, blood started oozing like a spring. Lord Shankara’s Linga could be seen as the JyotirLinga.

On the west coast in an area of 16 Yojanas Daruka and Daruk need to live. The hermits were tired of being harassed by Daruk, and others. So they went and sought refuge with Orvamuni, who in turn cursed the Demons that they would be destroyed. The Devas launched an attack on the Demons. Now, the Demons began to worry. Daruka, who received some special boons from Parvati, lifted the entire forest, took it away on the path of the sky and put it in the middle of the sea. Only then, did the Demons relax and continue to live there. They used to go by boats and capture the hermits and imprison them the island. Once, there was a Shiva devotee by the name Supriya who was among the prisoners. He never ate food or drank water without worshipping Shiva. He continued to do Puja even while in prison.


When the guards informed their chief about his, he ordered that Supriya be put to death. Then Supriya prayed to Lord Shankara for his life. The Lord appeared before him immediately and destroyed the entire group of demons including their families. The Lord laid open the entire island for all the four classes of people for living. On the other land, Parvati here granted a boon to Daruka. As a result, at the end of that era, only Demons would be created and she would rule Daruka. Lord Shiva accepted this. Then Shiva and Parvati stayed there. Shiva once again assumed the form of JyotirLinga, with the name Nageshwar and Parvati was known as Nageshwari.


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Sep 16, 2014

Ramanathaswamy Temple, Rameswaram, Tamil Nadu, India

Ramanathaswamy Temple - The 7th Jyotirling


sutamraparnijalarashiyoge nibadhya setum vishikhairasa nkhyaih |
shriramachandrena samarpitam tam rameshvarakhyam niyatam namami || 

 Rameswaram is a Jyotirlinga located in Ramanathapuram District of Tamil Nadu in India. It is about 600 km from Chennai, the state capital of Tamil Nadu.



Ramanathaswamy Temple, Rameswaram, Tamil Nadu

Ramanathaswamy Temple, Rameswaram, Tamil Nadu


How to Reach


By Bus and Train 
  • Buses connected with all important towns of Tamil Nadu,  City Buses are available including night services. Point to Point services, Tourist taxi, auto / cycle  rickshaws and horse carts are also available.The taxi charges for a small car (Indica) is around Rupees 10 per KM. It costs around Rupees 3800 for return trip from Madurai to Rameshwaram. Andhra Pradesh State Road Transport corporation ( APSRTC )  operates Rameswaram , Tirupati daily service.
  • Rail connected with all major cities like Bangalore, Chennai, Coimbatore, Madurai, Trichy, Tirunelveli.

Places To See  


  • ''Sri Ramanathaswamy Temple''   this temple situated near the sea on the eastern side of the island is renowned for its magnificent prakarsa or corridors with massive sculptured pillars on either side. The longest corridor in the world is here and it is 197 metres long from East to West and is 133 meters wide from South-North. The temple has a Gopuram 38.4 metres tall. Different rulers built the temple as it stands today, at different periods from the 12th century A.D. Pooja is performed for an hour early morning daily to the Spatika Lingam that was given by the Shankaracharya to this temple. There is a popular belief that one needs to take bath in 22 theertha gundams with in the temple premises before having darshan. There many guides who will approach us as soon as we enter the temple premises. One needs to negotiate the deal of how much to pay them if we need their services. It is believed that the water from these gundams have some medicinal properties. The history of the temple is linked with "Ramayana" and it is believed the the deity was installed by Lord Rama after the war with Ravana at the instance of the great saints to get rid of the "Brahma Dosham".
  • ''Agnitheertham''   Sri Ramanathaswamy temple faces east. The seashore, about 100 metres from the main entrance of the temple, is very calm and therefore ideal for bathing. The water at this place is considered sacred and known as Agni theertham. Pilgrims perform poojas in honour of their ancestors at this seashore.
  • ''Gandamadana Parvatham''   is a hillock situated 3 km away and is the highest point in the island. Here one can see the imprint of Lord Rama’s feet on a chakra. The entire island of Rameswaram is visible from this point.
  • ''Sugreevar Temple/Theertham''   is situated on the way to Gandamadana  Parvatham near the Doordarshan Kendra.
  • ''Satchi Hanuman Temple''   is considered to be the place where Hanuman delivered the good news of finding Sita to Rama with satchi or evidence, Choodamani or the jewel that belonged to Sita. Situated 3 km from the main temple, on the way to the Gandamadana Parvatham.
  • ''Badrakaliamman Temple''   is a temple for Devi Durga, situated 2 km from the main temple on the way to the Gandamadana Parvatham.
  • ''The Five-faced Hanuman Temple'' (2 km from the main temple)   the deity of Hanuman drawn with senthooram. Idols of Lord Ram, Sita and Hanuman brought from Dhanushkodi during the 1964 cyclone were placed here. The floating stone, used to build the Sethubandhanam or the bridge between India and Lanka can be found in this temple.
  • ''JadaTheertham'' (about 3.5 km from Rameswaram on the Dhanushkodi road)   legend has it that Lord Rama, on his way back after killing Ravana, Worshipped Sri Ramalinga (believed to be installed by him). Before doing so, he washed his hair(Jada) in this theertham to purify himself.
  • ''Nambu Nayagiamman Temple''   is greatly venerated by the people of   Ramnad District. It is situated 8 km from the main temple in Rameswaram on the way to Dhanushkodi.
  • ''Kothandaramaswamy Temple''   is located 12 km away from Rameswaram. A popular belief is that Vibhishana, brother of Ravana, surrendered before Rama here.
  • ''Dhanushkodi'' (18 km)   the southern tip of the island, Dhanushkodi was completely washed away by the 1964 cyclone. This is a strip of land about one km wide and 18 km long on the eastern end of Rameswaram island. On one side are the waters of the Indian Ocean and on the other the waters of the Bay of Bengal. The two seas otherwise known as Ratnakaran and Mahodadhi with their confluence is shaped like a bow while the strip of land resemble an arrow poised for release. Devout Hindus consider the Adi Sethu or the arrowhead, a sacred place to perform religious rites. It is also place worth visiting for its scenic beauty and bird life.
  • ''Villoondi Theertham''  is situated 7 km from the main temple on the way to Pamban.
  • ''Annai Indira Gandhi Road Bridge'' (12 km)   is also known as the Pamban Bridge that connects the Rameswaram island with the main land. It is the longest sea bridge in India and its length is nearly 2.2 km and stands as a fine example for Indian architecture. The bridge was constructed with sufficient elevation. The islands near by and parallel rail bridge below can be viewed from this bridge.

Pooja Procedure at Main Temple 

It is very important for you to know the correct procedure to offer Pooja at the main temple. Temple management allows only Hindus to perform this pooja. It is best to hire a guide a day in advance, generally around Rs 400-500 for everything. Pooja at the main temple is a 4 step process: 

  • ''Mani Darshan''   You should watch the ''Sphatik'' (Emerald) mani first thing in the morning at main temple. Darshan timings are 4:00 - 5:00 a.m. You should not take a bath before. There is a special entrance for Rs 50- but it's better to stand in the general queue for Rs 10 which, counter-intuitively, moves faster.
  • ''Samudra Snanam''   Next, you should walk down to ''Samudram(Sea)'' for ''Snanam'' (bathing). The sea, 500m away from the temple, is very peaceful and shallow here without any tides at all. Mythology says that Samudram surrendered to Lord Rama during his attack on Lanka and since then it is calm.
  • ''Teerth Snanam''   Proceed to the temple for ''Teerth snanam'' (Holy bath). The temple has 22 wells that are said to contain holy water from different places. You need to sequentially take bath at each place. The markings are good and you can easily make out the next well.The government rate for this is Rs 25 per person. Attendants are there at each well and they will pour water on you. They splash a bucket of water on a group of pilgrims. You may need to go in queue. You can also hire attendants out side the temple for this process. But they will charge 150 rs per person. Plenty of these attendants can be found at the temple entrances with a bucket and rope in hand. If you feel like getting drenched with one full bucket of water at each well, you need to hire an attendant; otherwise, this is not required.
  • ''Main Pooja''   Now you can change your clothes and dry yourself. There are different prices for different kinds of pooja. The basic one starts at Rs 111. Your guide will arrange for the ''Pujari'' (priest), who will do some rituals. Then he will offer milk, grass, leaves, etc. to Lord Shiva on your behalf in main temple. You can view all this sitting in front at a price of Rs 500. Afterwards, he will tell you the story of Rameswaram. He will also ask you to recite some shlokas after him. Pujari charges around Rs 500-600 for his services.
  • You can also enjoy sumptuous prasadam at 12 noon. It is offered near inner door of Lord Shiva temple.


Shop 

  • If you are intrested to buy some sea shell items you should visit the Kalam Sea shell Mart. You can get the quality things in a comparatively well priced than elsewhere in Rameswaram.

Eat 

  • Food is excellent in Rameswaram.A number of "Marwadi Bojanalays"- i.e. semi-sponsored restaurants for charity are available near the west entrance of temple where you can have good food at reasonable price.
  • Except these semi-sponsored restaurants, one good place is the Ram Nivas Mess and Ramdev Marwadi Bhojanalaya. They specialise in Indian Chinese food and all the food we had there was amazing. They are a little slow but the food is definitely worth the wait. To get there you need to take a right at the temple when coming from the Bus Stand and walk about 50 metres.
  • Gujarat Bhavan offers excellent homely meals as well. However, be prepared for a long wait time. When you exit the temple from the East gate and walk straight, around 200 metres towards the sea-shore you will find this place on the right hand side.


Accommodation

  • There are lots of budget hotels and lodges around the Rameswaram Temple in Srisailam. Most of these do not require any prior reservation except during peak seasons and festivals, and most Mondays.

Story of The Legend 


After Sita’s abduction, Ram wandered in the jungles looking for her. While doing so, he met Sugriva and made friends with him. Later with the help of special messenger Sri Hanuman, he found out where Sita was taken. Then Rama prepared an army to invade Ravana’s empire and reached the southern seashore. He did not have any means of crossing the sea. Lakshman and Sugriva saw Rama, who is a Shiva devotee in great anguish and could do nothing. But Ravana received some special boons from Lord Shiva. Rama was aware of this and therefore, his fears could not be set at rest. In the mean time, Rama was full thirsty. Just as he was about to drink water, he remembered that he was yet to perform Shiva pooja. He immediately made a Parthiva Linga and worshipped it with sixteen methods, i.e., Shodashopachara Vidhis.

Ramji prayed to Lord Shiva ardently and soulfully, and sang songs of Lord Shiva’s praise in a loud voice. He danced and made the sounds of “Aagad bam bam”. This pleased Lord Shiva immediately and instantly appeared before Rama and told him that could ask for any boons and that he would grant them. Ram showed a lot of care, affection and love to Lord Shiva and prayed and paid obeisance. Rama said “If You want to grant me my wishes, please stay on this earth for the sake of all make it holy” Shiva granted the same by saying “Evamastu” meaning “so be it”. He thus stayed there and came to be known as Rameshwara, in the form of a Shiva Linga and became popular.

With the blessings of Lord Shiva, Rama killed all the demons including Ravana and became victorious. Any one who takes a Darshan of the JyotirLinga at Rameshwar and sprinkles the holy water of Ganga, attains salvation, Kaivalya Moksha or Nirvana.


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    Bhimashankar Temple, Pune, Maharashtra, India

    Bhimashankar Temple - The 6th Jyotirling



    yam dakinishakinikasamaje nishevyamanam pishitashanaishcha |
    sadaiva bhImadipadaprasiddam tam shankaram bhaktahitam namami |
    Bhimashankar is a temple town located about 100 km from pune and 223 km from Mumbai in Western Maharashtra. It is considered to be one of the holiest places in India and is also a popular trekking destination.
    Bhimashankar Temple, Pune, Maharashtra




    How to Reach


    By Bus  

    • Direct routes to Bhimashankar exist only by road.
    • Direct buses to Bhimashankar can be taken from Mumbai and Pune. To get to the town from other places, one has to take a bus to Manchar, from where regular buses leave for Bhimashankar.

    By Trek 
    • One has to take a local train from Mumbai city to Karjat station. A six seater can be hired to take one to Khandas village which is about 40 km from Karjet station. The six seater vehicles charge Rs.700 for a trip from Karjat station to Khandas village, and hence might not be economical for small groups of travellers. There is an alternate 2 stage route that can be taken, which involves taking a State Transport bus from near Karjat station to Kashele village first. At the drop off point of the bus in Kashele village, a shared cab can be hired to Khandas village. The shared cabs charge Rs.20 per person and normally would wait for the cab to be filled with at least nine people before starting the journey. It is to be noted that this wait can take up to half an hour. A short 3 km walk from Khandas village would lead one to a small bridge, from where the trek begins.
    • The path from the bridge forks into two pathways. Taking a right turn at the bridge would lead one along the Ganesh Ghat route, while taking a left at the bridge would lead one along the Shidi route. Both the routes lead to the top with the Shidi route being tougher and shorter than the Ganesh Ghat route. The Ganesh Ghat route is recommended for beginners while the Shidi route can be taken by trekkers with medium to advanced experience.
    • Those doing the trek to Bhimashankar in the non-monsoon seasons are advised to carry three liters of water as there is a high risk of dehydration due to long stretches of trek being done while being exposed to the sun.

    Eat 

    • You won't find any restaurant or shops for food. Better to carry our own food.

    Accommodation 

    • Pilgrims usually stay here for three days. The local upajjhayas (priests) make arrangements for the lodging and boarding of pilgrims at a small cost. Visitors are accommodated in either temporary hutments or in dharamshalas near the village. A new dharamshala is under construction. There are several hotels near Bhimashankar. Places like Shinoli and Ghodegaon are good for staying near Bhimashankar. Accommodation at Bhimashankar mainly comprises two bungalows (with a capacity of 8 beds) and tents.

    Story of The Legend 


    In the ancient times demons by the name Tripurasura become drunk with power. They harassed every resident of Swarg (Heavens), Narak (Hell) and Patal (Nether world). The divines were very scared. Then Lord Mahadev Himself came to destroy Tripurasur. Lord Shankar assumed colossal proportions. Tripurasur feared when they saw this Rudravatar. The fight went on. In the end, Lord Shiva killed the wicked demon and set the there worlds, Tribhuvan, free. Lord Shankar in the form of a huge hunk (Virat) was very tired. In order to get some rest, He settled here on the high area of the Sahyadri mountains sweat started pouring down from His huge body in thousands of streams. It all joined together and collected in a pond or Kund. The river that started from there is known as Bhima, which can be seen even today. Devotees then prayed to Bhimakaya Rudra thus: “In order to save the good people, reside here forever”. Bholenath listened to the devotees and stayed there as a JyotirLinga forever.

    There was once a demon called Bhima, whose parents were Kumbhakarna and Karkati. Demon Bhima was harassing and torturing one and all. He was hell bent in the path of destruction of Dharma. Once he asked his mother about the details of his father. His mother told him that his father Kumbhakaran is the younger brother of Ravana, the king of Lanka, who was slain by Sri Ramchandra.

    “I am yet to see Lanka; I met your father on some mountains near by, and after you were born, I continued to stay here itself. After my husband was killed, only my parental place became a refuge of sorts for me. My parents are Pushkasi and Karkat. When they went to eat up Agastya the saint, he burned them to ashes with the power of his meditation and Tapas”.

    When he heard the story, he was at once eager to take revenge against all the divines along with Hari. He began a severe penance or Tapas, and a pleased Brahma granted him the bon of becoming a very strong man. With this new strength, he captured all the divines including Vishnu and Indra. They were in his control. After this he won a victory over the great Shiva devotee Kamarupeshwar. Kamarupeshwar did not stop his worship of Shiva even when in prison. He performed the Puja with the same devotion, observing all the procedures his wife also joined him in this.

    On the other hand, Brahma and Vishnu along with all the other divines started praying Shankara and of asking for deliverance from the wicked Demon King. Shiva assured the divines and sent them home after pacifying them.

    Bheema learnt from someone that Kamarupeshwar was making preparations to kill him. On hearing about this, he went straight to the prison and started inquiring into the process and aim of his worship. When he learnt the truth from the king, the wicked Demon called Lord Shiva names and insulted Him and ordered the king to worship Bheema himself instead. When Kamarupeshwar resisted, Bhemma attached the Linga with his sword. Before he could strike, Shiva appeared there. A severe fight ensued in which bows, arrows, swords, axe, the disc and trident etc. were used. In the end, at the request of Narada , Lord Shankar blew a fire and burned the wicked Demon Bheema to ashes. Thus the Devas were released from their sorrows. After this, the divines who were present there, and the saints together pleaded with Lord Shankara to remain there. In view of the welfare of the world, Shiva decided to stay there in the incarnation of Bheemashankar JyotirLinga.

    Self-emanating Mahadev, in the shape of a chariot, the mountains have become the abode of BheemaShankara. It is also known as Rathachala. One Bhatirao Lakadhara (wood-cutter) used to live here. Once he was cutting some wood. Just as he struck the tree with his axe, blood started to flow from the earth. Bhatirao got scared and ran away. Soon, a crowd had gathered there. Someone brought a milk cow and made it stand there. The milk that came from the cow’s udders stopped the bleeding of the earth. Surprising everyone, a glowing JyotirLinga of Shankara, emanated from the earth. People built a temple there and installed the JyotirLinga in the temple. This temple eventually came to be known as Bhima Shankara temple.



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    Vaidyanath Temple, Parli Village, Maharashtra, India

    Vaidyanath Temple - The 5th Jyotirling


    “Vaidyabhyam Poojitam Satyam, Lingametat puratamam
    Vaidyanathamiti prakhyatam Sarvakamapradayakam”..

    Parli Jyotirlinga is located in Parli Village of Beed District in Maharashtra. The name of the town itself symbolizes the Jyotirlinga. 


    Vaidyanath Temple, Parli Village, Maharashtra


    Vaidyanath Temple, Parli Village, Maharashtra



    How To Reach

    By Bus and Train  

    • Parli Vaijnath is well connected by Rail and Road. There is a good network of South Central Railway and State Transport Bus service. Parli is well connected with all the major cities of the state by Rail or Road.
    • It is well connected by Rail from Pune Jn, Hyderabad and Bhopal. Nearest Rail Jn is Parbhani.


    Places To see 
    • In Parli Vaijnath there are many more temples the prominent of these are: Dakshinmukhi Ganesh Mandir(The idol of Ganesha is without the trunk), Shani Mandir, Zuralya Gopinath Mandir, Vitthal Mandir, Rajasthani Balaji Mandir, Sant Jagmitra Maharaj Mandir,sopankaka mandir, Kalratri Devi, Ayappa Mandir... In Parli there are main three holy water Tirthas (Harihar, Narayan, and Markandya Tirth) which are having very great importance in Puranas also.
    • There is a well developed garden on the hill behind the temple known as Meru Parvat from where you can have a very great view of the town. 
    • There is very famous goddess temple known as Dongar Tukai on the hill just 5 Kms away from the main City. There is one more Shiva Temple in Jirewadi around 5-6 Kms away from the main city known as Someshwar which very famous. The main importance of this place is that even the Someshwar linga is on the hill still there is always water 12 months in a year around the linga without known source.


    Eat 

    • As a temple town, only vegetarian food is available. And many Small restaurants and dhabas are available.


    Accommodation 

    • There are lots of budget hotels and lodges around railway station. But we can't find any accommodation near to temple as temple is situated in between residential area. All budget hotels are walkable distance from main temple.

    Story of The Legend 



    Yogeshwari of Ambejogai was married to Lord Vaidyanatha of Parali. But by the time the marriage party reached, the auspicious time of the wedding had passed. As a result the people of the marriage party turned into stone statues. Yogeshwari was waiting away from Parali. This is one story that is frequently heard there.

    When the Gods and Demons made their combined effort in Amrit Manthan (Churning for Nectar), fourteen gems emerged. There were Dhanwantari and Amrit Ratnas in it. When the Demons rushed to grab Amrit, Lord Vishnu hid the Amrit and Dhanwantari in the Shiva Linga of Lord Shankara. Just as the Demons tried to touch the Linga, flames started emanating from the Linga. The scared Demons ran aay. But when devotees of Lord Shankara touched the Linga, there was a free flow of Amrit from the same. Even today, devotees touch the Shiva Linga as a part of taking Darshan. Here, there is no discrimination between caste, creed or color. Anyone can come and visit this place. As the Lingamurthy is supposed to have Amrit and Dhanvantari, it is also known as Amriteshwar and Dhanvantari.

    The mountains and jungles and the rivers, are full of useful medicinal herbs. That is why Parali JyotirLinga is also known as Vaidyanatha.
    It is here that Lord Vishnu successfully helped the Devas to obtain Amrit. Therefore, this place is also known as ‘Vaijayanti”.

    Once the Demon King Ravana went to Kailasa mountain and did a severe penance to please Lord Shankara. Put up with cold, heat, rains and fine and even then when Lord Shiva did not appear before him, he began to cut his head off in order to offer it to the ShivaLinga. Then the Lord appeared after Ravana tried to offer his tenth head. He restored all of Ravana’s heads and granted him boons. Ravana expressed his desire to take Lord Shiva to Lanka as a boon. He said, “I want to take you to Lanka”. Shankara, who is very soft hearted to His devotees, agreed to accompany Ravana to Lanka. He told Ravanan, “You must carry my Linga with care and devotion, but do be careful not to put it down on the earth until you reach your destination, or else, it will stay at whichever place you put it down” Shiva cautioned.

    Ravana began the journey homeward carrying the Shivaling. On the way, he wanted to relieve himself by urination. He bid a cowherd boy to hold the Linga while he relieved himself. The cowherd was not able to bear the weight of the Linga and when he could no longer hold it, he put it down on the earth. And the Shiva Linga put there stayed as Lord Shiva already ordained and came to be known as Vaidyanatheswar.
    Here, the gods were sad about Ravana taking away Shiva to his Lanka. They requested saint Narada to do something. Narada met Ravana and said to him by way of praising his penance and Tapas. “You made a mistake in trusting Shiva. Believing Shiva’s word was wrong. Go to him and slander him and get your way. Go to Kailasa and move it entirely. Your success will be gauged by your art of moving Kailasa from there”. Ravana was tricked into believing Narada. Ravana promptly carried out Narada’s bidding. Lord Shiva saw the ego driven mischieves rAvaNa and told him: “A unique power is soon going to born which will destroy your pride in the strength of your arms”. Narada informed the Gods of these tidings and his success in his mission. The gods were relieved and were happy. In the meanwhile, Ravana too was happy with the boon he received from Lord Shiva. He returned and was in a trance and was under the influence of Shiva’s mythical power. He was heady and drunk with power. He decided to conquer the entire universe. To subdue his ego only God had to descend on the earth in the Avatar of Rama.
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