Siddhi Vinayak Mumbai
The Siddhi Vinayak temple at Prabhadevi in Mumbai is a well visited
one attracting thousands all through the year.
The known history of the
temple dates back to early nineteenth century. This temple has been
renovated thoroughly in the late 1900s in order to accomodate the needs
of the surging crowds of devotees that throng the temple during festive
occasions.
The sanctum here houses a small mandapam enshrining Siddhi
Vinayak. The inner roof of the sanctum is plated with gold, and the
wooden doors to the sanctum are carved with images of Ashta Vinayak.
Ganapati
here is depicted with four arms bearing a lotus, an axe, modakas and
a garland of beads, flanked by his consorts Siddhi and Riddhi.
Konark Sun Temple
Built during the 13th Century, the Sun Temple of Konark or populary known as the Black Pagoda, was built under the reign of King Marasimhadeva I during the Ganga Dynasty.
This World Heritage Site is one of the most important Brahman Sanctuaries. Built in deep ebony colored granite, this structure takes the form of the chariot of Arka, the sun god, along with other exquisite and heavily detailed stone carvings.
This temple served as a reminder to the people of the glory of the sun god. Presently, this temple is mildly in ruins but it also houses the Sun Temple Museum which attracts tourist from all around the globe. Konark is also home to an annual dance festival, celebrated every December, devoted to classical Indian dance forms, including the traditional and classical dance of Orissa. |
Golden Temple
The Golden Temple or Darbar Sahib is located in Punjab, is the most sacred temple for Sikhs. It is a symbol of the splendor and vigor of the Sikh people everywhere. In the progression of the Darbar Sahib, is entwined the rich history and unique ideology of Sikhism. In its architecture are included, symbols linked with other places of worship.
The temple also represents an exceptional harmony between the Muslims and the Hindus way of construction work and this is considered the best architectural specimens of the world.
It is quoted that this architecture has created an independent Sikh school of architecture in the history of art in India. The Sikhs all over the planet, daily hope to pay visit to Sri Amritsar and to pay curtsy at Sri Harmandir Sahib in their Ardas.
Badri Narayan Temple
Considered to be one of the most sacred centers of pilgrimage, the Badri Narayan Temple is located in the wondrous Himalayan heights at over 10,248 ft above sea level. This temple was dedicated to Vishnu, who was said to have committed penance n the mythical land of Brindavan, that once covered the mountains of Uttarakhand. Also known as one of Hinduism's holiest place, it was during the 19th century by a man names Sri Shankaracharya.
Lord Dwarakanath Temple
One of the most revered pilgrimage site for the Hindu, Dwarka, on the west coast of Gujarat on the shore of the Arabian Sea, features in most of the legends surrounding Lord Krishna. It is from this temple that Lord Krishna is believed to have ruled his kingdom. Even for those with no liking towards Krishna or His people, the magic of Dwarka still leaves a lingering glow inside those who stopover.
The people are very warm and friendly, ready to unwrap their homes for a closer look into their lives. It is nothing like any other religious town and the only way to feel its radiance is by experiencing it.
Lord Jagannath Temple
Puri the abode of Sri Jagannath or the Lord of the Universe is famous
all over the world.The main temple of Sri Jaggannath standing on a raised
platform and soaring to a height of 65 metres, dominates the landscapes
for miles around. Contemporaneous with the Lingaraj Temple of Bhubaneswar,
The Puri temple is the result of the same mature Orissan style of architecture,
but is greater in height. It was built in the 12th century A.D by Chodaganga
Deva. With all its sculptural richness and plasticity of Orissan style
of temple architecture; it becomes one of the most magnificent monuments
of India. The shrine is surrounded by a 20 feet high enclosure measuring
652 feet by 630 feet.Then there is another enclosure around the temple
.
In front of the main gate is a majestic 16 sided monolithic pillar
measuring 11 meters in height .Originally it stood in front of the famous
Sun Temple at Konark and was brought here in the 18th century .The main
gate is guarded by two lions and so it is known as the Simha Dwara or
the Lion Gate.
Kashi Viswanath Temple
Inside a courtyard, the Kashi Viswanath Temple is set surrounded by numerous subsidiary shrines. The Vishwanatha temple contains a mandapa and a sanctum. Inside the sanctum a linga is set into the center of the floor in a beautiful square silver altar. The Linga is a slab of black stone. As one enters the temple from the south, the initial temples to the left of the pilgrims are three temples in a row one behind the other – Vishnu, Virupakshi Gauri and Avimukta Vinayaka.
A bunch of five lingas enclosed in a temple is called Nilakantheshvar temple. Just on top of the Avimukteshvara Vinayaka are temples of Shanishchara and Virupaksha. To the right just by the entrance is the temple enshrining a linga entitled Avimukteshvara. There is an argument regarding the original Jyotirlinga at the place, which suggests that not the Vishwanatha but the Avimukteshvara is the original Jyotirlinga. Though the inside of the temple is not large and elaborate it presents the peaceful atmosphere ideal for worship.
Somanath Temple
Somewhere around Gujarat, on the south coast of Saurashrta is the unique Somanath temple.
The original structure of the temple was destroyed a few times back by merciless invaders.
The temple was once upon a time decorated and embellished with pure gold and glittery silver, but was all looted by invaders.
Somanath
Temple
Somewhere around Gujarat, on the south coast of Saurashrta
is the unique Somanath temple. The original structure
of the temple was destroyed a few times back by merciless
invaders. The temple was once upon a time decorated
and embellished with pure gold and glittery silver,
but was all looted by invaders.
The temple
that is still in stone is still a splendorous beauty. But
the great freedom fighter by the name of Sardar Vallabhai
Patel helped in the renovation and rebuilding of the
temple and there today can be found an exquisite sculpture
of the legendary Sadar Patel at the entrance of the
temple.
Mahakaleshwar Temple
Set near a beautiful lake, the grand Mahakaleshwar temple
in Ujjain is located inside a very massive courtyard
surrounded by gigantic walls. The Shikhara is wonderfully
adorned with sculptural finery. Magical brass lamps
light the path to the underground sanctum and it is
here that it is believed that Prasada offered here to
the deity can be re-offered unlike all other shrines
in the area.
Rameshwaram Temple
Rameshwaram Temple is a major pilgrimage for the Hindus.
Also popularized as the ‘Benaras of the South’,
a pilgrimage without coming to this temple is incomplete.
It is said that in order to achieve Moksha one must
stopover Rameshwaram. The leading deity is the Linga
of Sri Ranganatha, which happens to be one of the twelve
Jyotirlingas of India. Rameshwaram is a destination,
which draws tourists with its history and splendor.
Rameshwaram has some of the most exhilarating attractions.
People coming to visit this temple, ideally take a soak
at the Agnitriham. Another considerable attraction is
the Ramjharoka temple, which houses the imprints of
Lord Rama's feet placed on a chakra. This temple is
located at the highest point of the Island of Rameshwaram,
Gandamadana Parvatham, another major tourist attraction.
Sri Shirdi Sai Temple
The Shirdi Saibaba Temple, located at Shirdi, Maharashtra,
India attracts millions of devotees of all religions,
castes and creed who come to pay homage to Shri Sai
Baba. The temple is a beautiful shrine that was built
over the Samadhi of Shri Sai Baba.Sai Baba, one of the
foremost saints of modern India, lived in the small
village of Shirdi in the state of Maharashtra for sixty
years. Due to his presence there even after his Samadhi,
today the small village has transformed itself as a
great spiritual center to people from all religions.
Shri Sai Baba, inspite of his great spiritual stature,
never publicized himself through discoursing, touring
and preaching---unlike today's many 'so-called' saints.
Rather, he discouraged unnecessary publicity. But still,
his spiritual perfection is still drawing innumerable
devotees to him from all over the world.
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