Narahari Parvatha Sadashiva Temple

Name : Narahari Parvatha Sadashiva Temple

Location :

Narahari Parvatha Sadashiva Temple is located at a distance of 28 km from Mangalore in Bantwal taluk of Dakshina Kannada district. Narahari Parvatha is surrounded by panoramic scenes and fascinating greeneries.

Legend :

According to a legend, Sri Krishna (Lord Hari) accompanied with Arjuna (Nara) offered penance here to free themselves from the sins committed during the Mahabharatha’s Kurukshetra war. Lord Hari as a sign of his visit sculpted Shanka (Conch), Chakra (Wheel), Gadha (Heavy Weapon) and Padma (Lotus) giving rise to the four ‘Teerthakoopas’ (Holy Ponds) which are present even today. Arjuna purified himself by bathing in these holy ponds and installed the Shivalinga and worshipped it and hence the hill gets its unique name ‘Narahari Sadashiva’.

Description :

This hill which is famous for its ‘Sadashiva Temple’ is 1,000 feet above sea-level holding mythological secrets dating back to the age of Pandavas.

It could be pilgrimage to the devotees or an expedition for the trekkers. It takes a climb of 333 steps to reach the top.

The boards that say ‘Shiva Shiva’ on the sides of the railing can be a motivation for the devotees to stick to their climb and hence honour their deity. Once you reach the top, the four ‘Teerthakoopas’ are an unbelievable sight as they are perfectly in the shape of a Shanka (conch), Chakra (wheel), Gadha (weapon) and Padma (lotus).


 

 Spectacular view :

The panoramic view from the top can keep anyone rooted to the ground for hours. When you stand on this mountain, you can see Sulliamale, Ballamale on the eastern side and Kadenjamale on the southern side. With national highway on one side and Mangalore Hassan railway line on the other, the sight of the graceful Nethravathi River makes the view exquisite. Soon after the magnificent sunset, the lights from the nearby towns such as Pane Mangaluru, Kalladka and B C road make us feel that we are gazing at the stars from heaven.

 

Festivals :

People throng this mountain during 'Aati Amavasya' and 'Sona Amavasya' for Teerthasnana (Dip in the ponds). The Renovated Bramhakalasha establishment day, Shivaratri, Nagapanchami and Sri Ganesh Chaturthi are the other festivals celebrated with pomp in this temple. The last Monday of the Karthika month is considered to be an auspicious and vibrant day as various religious and cultural programmes are held. Taking a dip in the ponds on this day is considered to be sacred. So, people are seen flocking the hill during this particular day.

Popular beliefs:

Devotees believe that by performing 'Baliwadu Seva' in this temple, people can overcome their fears. By performing 'Pasharpane' people can get relief from breathing problems, by performing 'Thotilu Magu Seva', the barren can be blessed with children and with Tender Coconut Abhisheka all the desires will be fulfilled.

Websites :

http://www.bantwal.com/narahari_parvatha.php

http://www.daijiworld.com/news/news_disp.asp?n_id=63015

Kamnadevi Temple

Name : Prospect Hill and Temple of Kamna Devi

Location :

Prospect hill has an elevation of about 2200 mts. above the sea level.The Prospect Hill temple takes about a fifteen minutes walk from Boileauganj that is located on the Shimla-Bilaspur road.

Description :

Prospect hill is crowned by a very religious temple dedicated to Goddess Kamna Devi.It is believed that the Goddess blesses anyone who takes the arduous journey up the hill.

A 15 minute climb on the steep Prospect Hill leads you to this small red and green temple, which is surrounded by a white wall. Calm and tranquil surroundings along with breath-taking views of the city, make your climb to this holy place perfectly worth it.

Surrounded by tall deodar trees, the temple has a glorious view of the surrounding hills and the toy trains running to and from Tara Devi. It is an ideal base for trekkers, nature lovers and bird watchers. The temple is open round the clock.

Thousands and lakhs of tourists visit this place because the beauty of this hill is eye-catching.You can have the look of surrounding areas and hills from the top of this hill.You will feel as if you are away from this world into a world that is so beautiful and so very rare with its basket of stupendous beauty. The scenic beauty of the place in the midst of green veiled mountains and passing clouds from the hill top is really something that will keep you mum.

This hill is paradise for photographers and mountaineers,as the hill satisfies their quest for trekking.Also the toy train that runs from Tara Devi to Jatogh is visible from the top of the Prospect Hill of Shimla. The place is even an ideal juncture for the picnic parties.

Websites :
http://indiatourist.wordpress.com/2008/11/02/prospect-hill-and-temple-of-kamna-devi/

The Uspensky Cave Monastery

Name : The Uspensky Cave Monastery

Location :

Founded in the 15th century, the orthodox monastery is built in caves in the limestone walls of a spectacular valley leading to the ancient `cave city of Chufut- Kaleh, Crimea, Ukraine

Legend :

1) In the old days in the valley shepherd named Michael tending the herd. Suddenly he saw a wonder: a rock in seven yards from the ground - the icon of the Virgin and the lighted candle in front of her. Michael hurried home and told about the miracle of the owner. The local prince ordered the icon to be carefully moved to his palace, but when he awoke the next morning he found that the icon had returned to its position on the cliff.
A further attempt to remove the icon met with the same result, and the people realised that they were meant to leave it where it had appeared. Accordingly they built a small chapel in a cave about 20m up in the cliffs and a flight of steps to reach it. The icon was placed in the chapel.

2)  An alternative, and certainly older account of the founding of a monastery here tells how a huge snake or dragon appeared in the valley, preying on both cattle and people. The Greek and Genoese inhabitants at the time were christians and prayed to the Most Holy Mother of God to free them from the monster. One night they saw a candle burning high up on the cliff. When they went to look, they found steps hewn in the rock leading to the candle, which illuminated an image of the Most Holy Mother of God, and nearby the corpse of the dragon. The people cut the corpse into pieces and burnt it, and from that day the place became a holy shrine.

Description :

As any other Orthodox monastery, it is very beautiful inside, but it is also unique since it is built inside the rock. You can also find a spring water downstairs in front of the monastery.
It is likely that the site of the existing monastery had religious significance well before the 15th century, and there is evidence of monastic activity here from the 9th century AD. The valley was originally settled by the Greeks and later by the Genoese, and there are Christian graves in the area dating from the 6th century.
The monastery continued to function during the centuries of Tatar rule, and some of the Russian prisoners held in Chufut-Kaleh higher up the valley were allowed by their Tatar captors to attend services there, and to meet the Russian envoy there too on occasions. It fared less well during the soviet period and 7 years after the 1917 revolution it was closed by the government.

During the Crimean war the hospital was settled in it and till now graves of the Sevastopol defence participants lying at the ancient monastery cemetery.
In 1921 the monastery was closed by Bolsheviks, and little by little it had fallen into a state of neglection and began to collapse. Over the past years the main monastery church has been partly restored named after The Virgin Mary Assumption, and in 1993 the male monastery was opened here.

Websites :

http://www.blacksea-crimea.com/Places/uspensky.html

http://www.restcrimea.com/en/article/show/id/39/

Kotappa Konda (Trikutaparvatam)

Name : Kotappa Konda Also Known As Kondakavuru Or Trikutaparvatam

Location :

The temple is located on top of a hill. Original name of this village is Kondakavuru, but is more popularly known as "Kotappakonda" or "Trikutaparvatam" (three-peaked hill). The Kotappa Konda hill is 13-km From Narasaraopet, Guntur District, Andhra Pradesh. It is 12 km from Narsarao Pet, 13 km from Chilakaluri Pet (on NH 5), 90 km from Vijayawada and 350 km from Hyderabad.

Legend :

At this sacred place, Lord Shiva, as "Dakshana Murthy" imparted the divine knowledge of "Brahma" to Lord Brahma and other Gods. Since Lord Shiva who converted himself as a twelve years boy observing strict celibacy and known as Dakshana Murthy, devotees do not perform any marriages at these hills.

There is yet another folklore of Salankayya of Yellamandavillage who was a great devotee of Lord Siva and eking out his livelibhood by selling firewood. With the result of undivided devotion to the Lingam at Rudra hills he became rich. One day while performing prayers he sawJangama Devara.

In appreciation of the devotion of Salankayya Jangama Devara daily used to visit his house and consume milk. After some time Jangama Devara disappeared. Salankayya searched for him in every nook and corner of the region and could not find him anywhere. In a fit of disappointment, Salankayya stopped taking any food and water. As the matter stood thus, there lived a cowherd called Sundudu with his wife Kundiri in South side ofTrikoota hills.

They had a beautiful daughter called Anandavalli. Her parents became rich soon after herbirth. Anandavalli was deeply devoted to Lord Siva and was not interested in her wordly life.She always spent her time in singing the glory of Lord Siva and used to offer prayers at old Koteswara hills she declined to change her way of life and commenced penance for Sri Koteswara Swamy. Pleased with her penance Jangama Devara appeared before her. She came to know Jangama Devara was, none other than a person, who used to take milk in the house of Salankayya. From then onwards she daily visited Rudra hills and after performing celestial bath offered milk and part-took the balance.

Salankayya came to know the presence of Jangama Devara and appraoched Anandavalle and requested her to see that Jangama Devara showers the blessings on him. Anandavalle could not concede the request of Salankayya as she was engaged in her deep penance. After some time, in the hot summer Anandavalle used to visit Rudra hills to perform prayers. One day she collected a pot of water for celestial bath and after keeping it at a safe place proceeded to procure “Maredu leaves”. Then, a crow came and sat on the pot, and with its weight the pot fell down throwing out the entire water. Anandavalle became furious and cursed, that no crow should enter the area. Then onwards and till now no crow appears on the Rudra hill.Jangama Devara pleased with her penance appeared and imparted her the divine knowledge. This had in no way deviated her concentration and she further prayed him as God and as well as her Guru.

Jangama Devara, commisserated at her penance and wished her to lead a wordly life. With his divine power he made her pregnant though she was a spinster. Unmindful of her pregnancy she carried her daily prayers as usual.Aghasted at her deep devotion Jangama Devara again appeared and told that she need not take so many troubles in performing poojas and promised her that he would come to her house where she could do her supplication and asked her to proceed without turning her back.

Anandavalle accordingly proceeded towards her home and Jangama Devara came down from Rudra mountain and followed her. After reaching Brahma hill, Anandavalle lost her patience and turned back. Immediately Jangama Devara reminded of her promise and stopped at Brahma hills and entered the cave of the hill and turned himself into a Lingam. The same sacred place is now called Kotha Koteswara Temple. Anandavalle also stayed there and, in the meanwhile, she delivered a boy. She repented of her action in seeing back inspite of caution given by Jangama Devara and decided to end her life. Within a moment of above thought, assailing her mind the newly born boy disappeared from the scene.

She then realised that her pregnancy and delivery of a boy were of the creation of Jangama Devara to test her reverence towards him. She felt very happy as she got through all the critical trails and became one in the God.



Description :

A Three Peaked Hill :
It has got a three-peaked hill nearby. The Kotappa Konda or hill is at a height of 1587ft. The three hills, also known by the names of "Trikutachalam" or "Trikutadri", can be distinctly seen from a distance from any direction. These three peaks are called Brahma, Vishnu and Rudra peaks.

Gods on the three peaks are known by different names Brahma Sikaramu (Trikoteswarudu) Rudra Sikaramu(Papa Koteswarudu) Vishnu Sikaramu (PapaVishnu Saneswarudu).

Sri Trikoteswara Swami Temple was in existence even before 1000 AD. A steep flight of steps leads to the hill at the height of 600ft, where the Temple of Sri Trikoteswara Swami is situated. The main deity is established in the shape of Shiva Linga known as 'Trikuteswara' or 'Trikoteswara'.



Other Attractions :

View Point:
A number of ponds are found on the hill of which eight are located in front of the temple. A "View Point" is erected on the corner of the hill to provide a breathtaking overall view of the surroundings. To enable the pilgrims take in and enjoy nature's bounty in its full splendour and also to accommodate the growing number of visitors a 'ghat' road was constructed.

Deer Park & Kaleeya Mardana:
A Deer Park is also developed on the way. A small lake called "Kaleeya Mardana" is created, with the statue of Lord Krishna dancing on the head of 'Kaleeya' (a venomous snake). It is placed with special lighting effects in the middle of the lake. An artificial Jurassic park with mobile dinosaurs of monstrous size is another attraction of this place.

The Sanctuary:
Another attraction for the tourists is the Sanctuaries for peacocks, doves, and parrots developed by the Forest Department.

Yaga Shala:
A meditation center called "Yaga Shala" is constructed on the lines of the Mount Abu, on the top of the hill and is exclusive used for conducting 'homam' (holy fire) with a sprawling dining hall.

On the anvil are a ropeway to provide a view of the various tourist spots and a museum to house the artefacts that were discovered in the excavations.

Festival :

Maha Shivaratri is the important festival celebrated here with great devotion and fervour. Kotappa Konda comes alive on this eve, which falls during February-March every year.



'Prabhas', rectangular frames tapering at the top made of bamboo and decorated with colored cloth and paper, of different sizes are taken in procession as part of the festival. Most of them are 60 to 70 feet high and are carried by the devotees. But the giant prabhas, rising to a height of over 100 feet, are carried on decorated and lighted bullock carts accompanied by a large following. They are placed on a meadow at the foot of the hill.

Website :

http://mynarasaraopet.com/kotappakonda/

http://www.indiainfoweb.com/andhra-pradesh/pilgrimage/kotappa-konda.html

Harishankar Temple

Name : Harishankar Temple

Location :
http://www.blogger.com/img/blank.gif
Sri Sri Harishankar Devasthana in the slope of the beautiful Gandhamardhan hills , Orissa. It is located in the district of Balangir, Orissa about 45 km from Bhubaneswar city.

Description :

Harishankar Temple is popular for its scenic of nature and presence of two Hindu lords, Vishnu and Shiva. As a holy place along with a beautiful stream passing on the granite bed give the visitor feeling of natures peace.

The deity of Harishankar was discovered by a Chauhan dynasty king of Western Orissa during the 14th century. From then the deity has been worshipped. A dancing Ganesha image is found which can be traced to the early 12th century. The temple was constructed by the order of then queen Durlabha Devi of Maharaja Vaijjal Dev Chauhan.

On its opposite of side of the Gandhamardhan hills is the temple of Nrusinghanath. The plateau between the two temples is found with ancient Buddhist ruins. Which are considered to be remnants of the ancient Parimalgiri University.http://www.blogger.com/img/blank.gif

Festivals :

All Ekadashi,Sankranti
Shivratri
Makar Sankranti
Maagha Mela

Website :

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Harishankar_Temple

Nrusinghanath Temple

Name : Nrusinghanath Temple

Location :

Sri Nrusinghanath Temple is situated in the slope of Gandhamardhan hills in the district of Baragarh, Orissa. Situated about 300 kilometers from the famous temple of Lord Jagannath in Puri, the Nrusinghnath temple is on top of the famous GandhamadanHill. It is about 110 km west of Baragarh and 64 km from Sambalpur. Khariar Road Railway Station is the nearest railhead.



Legend :

1) Mushika Daitya Legend :

Nrusinghnath, also known as Bidala Nrusingha, Marjara Kesari, and Marjara Nrusingha. (In Oriya language, bidala and marjara mean “cat”, and kesari means “lion”. Also, Oriyas pronounce “Nrsimha” with a distinct “u” sound, hence the different spelling.)

The local tradition about this deity was compiled in the middle of the 18th century by the poet Yuga Das Kondh in his Nrsimha-charita. It is said that in Treta-yuga there was a rishi named Uttanka who was performing austerities on the bank of the Godavari River. He had an attractive young daughter named Malati. Oneday, Ravan came by that place and saw the beauty of the young girl. Ravan raped her and threw her into the Godavari River. The Godavari took compassion on her and brought her to the shore. When Malati came to her senses, she began searching for her father and crying. Indura, the mouse carrier of Ganesh, heard her cries and offered to help her reach her parents if she would agree to enjoy with him.

From Indura, a demon was born named Mushika Daitya (literally, “mouse demon”). The new-born baby was so ferocious that as soon as he came from the womb he immediately devoured his mother. Then he began to perform austerities to please Lord Shiva. Shiva was pleased with him and gave him the boon that he would have no cause of fear from anyone except for Lord Nrisinghadev from Satya-yuga.

Seeing his power, the devas became frightened and appealed to Lord Ramachandra to rescue the universe. Accordingly, Lord Ramachandra manifested the form of Nrisinghadev to catch the demon. Mushika Daitya became fearful and ran from place to place seeking shelter, until finally he appealed to Gandhamadan Hill. The personified Gandhamadan granted shelter to Mushika Daitya, who then entered within a crack in the hill. When Lord Ramachandra later arrived, Gandhamadan requested him not to enter inside of the hill to seek out the demon. Lord Ramachandra then assumed the form of marjara-kesari, with the head of a cat and the body of a lion, and began guarding the area by the sudanga, or inner door of Gandhamardan. Just as a cat sits quietly by a hole, waiting for a mouse, similarly, Lord Marjara Kesari is said to still be sitting and waiting for the demon Mushika to come out.

2) Some literatures say that Gandhamadan Hill was originally in the Himalayas, but a part of it fell down in this place when Hanuman was carrying it to Lanka with the herbs required to heal Lakshman.

3) Gandhamadan Hill is also said to be one of the places where the Pandavas visited during their exile.

History :

According to Huen Tsang, the Chinese traveler, this place was a centre of Buddhist scriptural learning. According to Oriya and Devnagari inscriptions, the temple was built by Baijal Dev in early 15th century AD. The temple is constructed in Orissan style of architecture.

Description :

This temple is situated at the foot of the Gandhamardana Mountain, which in ancient times was called parimalagiri.

The Vidala-Nrusimha Temple stands amidst the verdant beauty of the picturesque Gandhamardan hills. Nrusinghanath is a popular and attractive pilgrim point.



Coupled with a series of beautiful waterfalls and some sculptures, its location offers an air of serenity and visual delight, making the trip worthwhile. Harishankar Temple, another pilgrimage place is situated on the southern slopes of Gandhamardhan hills just 10-15kms. from Nrushinganath temple. But there is no direct road connecting these two temples. The plateau between the two temples is found with ancient Buddhist ruins. Which are considered to be remnants of the ancient Parimalgiri University.



Festivals :

Lord Nrushinghanath is a much-adored deity of Orissa ahttp://www.blogger.com/img/blank.gifnd a great fair is held in his honour on Nrusimha-chatrurdasi day during Vaishakha shukla chaturdashi(in May) on the 14th day of bright fortnight in the month of Vaisakha.

The fair held on Nrusimha-chatrurdasi day attracts thousanhttp://www.blogger.com/img/blank.gifds of pilgrims from far and near.

Website :

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Nrusinghanath_Temple

http://orissatravel-tour.blogspot.com/2010/05/nrusinghanath-temple-which-is-famous-in.html

http://satyeshnaik.blogspot.com/2008/08/trip-to-nursinghnathnursinghanath.html

Erice – Venus Castle

Name : Erice – Venus Castle

Location :

Perched just above 750 metres above sea level on Mountain Erice in Sicily(Italy). Erice is a charming town in the province of Trapani, the low western coast towards Marsala, the dramatic Punta del Saraceno and Capo san Vito to the north-east.

How to get there :

Erice is easily accessible by different modes of transport-simple as well as exciting ones. You can reach Erice from the two major cities of Trapani and Palermo. You can reach Trapani and Palermo by air as the airports in both the cities are connected to all the major European cities. Palermo is a port so you can reach Palermo by ship as well.

From Trapani there are regular buses to Erice. If you decide to drive down by car it take about it takes about an hour’s journey from Palermo and about thirty five minutes from Trapani.



However the most exciting and thrilling way to reach Erice is by Funivia or cable car. You can travel via the station in the Casa Santa valley. The cable car links Trapani to Erice through a picturesque and exciting ride of 3099m. Each individual motorized cable car can take eight passengers. A return trip can also be organized.

Legend :

Eryx (meaning Mountain) or Erice, as it is more commonly referred to, was a religious centre where the Phoenicians worshipped Astarte, the Greeks worshipped Aphrodite and the Romans worshipped Venus. Today Christians still practice their faith and revere the Virgin Mary in the main church Chiesa Matrice which is dedicated to her.

On the summit of the mountain, there proudly stood an ancient temple of Venus or Aphrodite, founded by Aeneas. According to legend this is how Venus derived her surname name as many Latin writers refer to her as Venus Erycina.

Another legend, mainly attributed to the Greek historian Diodorus speaks of the town being named after Eryx the son of Aphrodite and Butes. Legend says that he invited Hercules to this ancient town in Sicily but was finally vanquished by him. Whatever the legend Erice is a historical town.

Erice was called Gebel Hamed by the Arabs and the Arabian influence is still a part of Erice especially its food. Erice was also invaded by the Normans who called it Monte San Guiliano. They built their famous Norman Castle on top of the ancient Temple of Venus, where Venus Ericina was idolize. In 1934 the town reclaimed its ancient name of Erice.

According to legend, the temple was established by Aeneas. It was well known throughout the Mediterranean area in the ancient age, and an important cult was celebrated in it. In his book On the Nature of Animals, Aelian writes that animals chosen for sacrifice would voluntarily walk up to the altar to be killed.

Castello de Venere or Venus Castle :

As evident from its name the Castello de Venere or Venus Castle is built around the ancient Venus temple in Erice. The decaying twelfth century Norman walls with their weather beaten graying stone exist amidst the ancient ruins of the temple of Venus. This Norman Castle bears the Coat of Arms of Charles V of Spain.

Although the castle is in ruins it offers a glimpse of its rich past and breathtaking views. There are ruins of a Roman bath and well. Legend says that these were the private bath of Venus the Roman Goddess of Love and Beauty. Alternatively as you roam through the ruins of the castle you can see rusting iron shackles hinting of deep dark dungeons and whispering hidden secrets which can make you shudder when there is an eerie silence and fog envelopes the ruins. The castle was used as a prison during World War II.



When the cool breeze blows through the walls a mystical atmosphere is created and one can almost imagine the flames of the fire in the Venus temple rising high and guiding sailors navigating the Mediterranean Sea. It is indeed a place of contrasts. There is a tower called the Balio Tower. The castle is situated on the jagged edge of the mountain peak and it almost looks as if the castle is coming out of the rocks. Castello de Venere or Venus Castle gives you such beautiful views that make you think it is worth the climb. Watching the sunset and the sky turn to a myriad of colours is a beautiful site in many parts of the world and Erice offers really stunning sunsets worthy of being captured for posterity through paintings or photographs.

Places to visit :

Triangular in shape and filled with cobbled and curving streets and arched passageways Erice is a tourist’s delight as you feel as if you have taken a step back in history. There are various attractions in the city of Erice. They include
Pepoli Castle, Balio Gardens, Cordici Civic Museum, EMFCSC or the Ettore Majorana Foundation and Centre for Scientific Culture, Churches of Chiesa Matrice, Saint John, SanMartino and Saint Ursula.



Also Erice is a beautiful city to visit for a holiday and offers culture, food, places to visit and to enjoy delicious Italian/Sicilian food.

Festivals :

Erice hosts an international Week of Medieval and Renaissance Music every summer. This famous event attracts lots of tourists, music lovers, talented performers and music afficionados from all over the world. There is a special procession taken out every Easter.

Websites :

http://www.ultimateitaly.com/italy-cities/erice-guide.html

Wat Phrathat Doi Suthep

Name : Wat Phrathat Doi Suthep

Location :

Wat Phrathat Doi Suthep is a Buddhist temple in Chiang Mai Province, Thailand.
The temple is located 15 km from the city of Chiang Mai and is a sacred site to many Thai people. From the temple impressive views of Chiang Mai can be seen and it remains a popular destination of foreign visitors.

Legends :

The original founding of the temple remains a legend and there are a few varied versions. The temple is said to have been founded in 1383 when the first chedi was built. Over time the temple has expanded, and been made to look more extravagant with many more holy shrines added. A road to the temple was first built in 1935.

1) White Elephant Legend

According to legend, a monk named Sumanathera from Sukhothai had a dream; in this dream god told him to go to Pang Cha and look for a relic. Sumanathera ventured to Pang Cha and is said to have found a bone, which many claim was Buddha's shoulder bone. The relic displayed magical powers; it glowed, it was able to vanish, it could move itself and replicate itself. Sumanathera took the relic to King Dharmmaraja who ruled the Sukhothai.

The eager Dharmmaraja made offerings and hosted a ceremony when Sumanathera arrived. However the relic displayed no abnormal characteristics, and the king, doubtful of the relic's authenticity, told Sumanathera to keep it.

However, King Nu Naone of the Lanna Kingdom heard of the relic and offered the monk to take it to him instead. In 1368 with Dharmmaraja's permission, Sumanathera took the relic to what is now Lamphun, in northern Thailand. The relic apparently split in two, one piece was the same size, the other was smaller than the original. The smaller piece of the relic was enshrined at a temple in Suandok. The other piece was placed by the King on the back of a white elephant which was released in the jungle.



The elephant is said to have climbed up Doi Suthep, at the time called Doi Aoy Chang (Sugarcane Elephant Mountain), trumpeted three times before dying at the site. It was interpreted as a sign and King Nu Naone ordered the construction of a temple at the site.

2) Another more recent legend about Doi Suthep concerns a monk in the 1930's. In 1934, there was still no road leading up the mountain and the faithful had to make the arduous climb in order to visit the temple. Pra Krubra Srivichai, a local monk, thought that the temple needed better access and organized the local villages in order to build a road. A statue honouring Srivichai still remains, at the base of the mountain. It is believed to be good luck to pay homage to him before ascending Doi Suthep.

Description :

It is easy enough to get to Doi Suthep. Public transportation may be used to travel the road 16 kilometres northwest out of Chiang Mai, past Chiang Mai University and ascend the winding road up the mountain to the base of the temple.

Doi Suthep is part of Doi Suthep-Pui National Park, which is easily accessible from Chiang Mai. Huay Kaew Road connects the northwest corner of the old town directly with Doi Suthep. After a few kilometers we had entered the park and stopped off at Huay Kaew Waterfall, which was running low as winter is the dry season, but was still a nice diversion and a good place for a cold drink.

There are two choices once you have reached the base of the temple - either hike up the 290 steps to the temple gate (admiring the longest Naga staircase in Thailand on the way) or, hop on one of the cable cars and get conveyed to the top. Most opt for the walk.

Once inside Wat Suthep, you are free to wander the grounds, admiring what each section has to offer. Like many temples in Thailand, there are elements of Hinduism mixed in with Buddhism and an intriguing array of statues, including a model of the Emerald Buddha and a statue of the Hindu God Ganesh, peek out from corners, cubby holes and from the sides of temple buildings. There are Metal bells, double-stacked, line a couple of walls and are kept busy throughout the day. Signs above the bells admonish visitors "not to push the bell."



In the middle of the temple is the sacred square cloister area, where, upon shedding shoes and ascending another dozen steps, visitors can see the Lanna-style, copper-plated chedi topped by a five-tiered gold umbrella. It is considered one of the holiest areas in Thailand contains a piece of holy relics of Lord Buddha. Monks inside are kept busy blessing the devout with holy water and the smell of incense and burning candles fill the senses as you circumnavigate the cloister.

Views of Chiang Mai can be seen on the other side of the temple. The lookout area is the other side from the entrance gate and viewers can gaze down at the city of Chiang Mai and its international airport far below. From here, you have a clear view of the winding Ping River and the surrounding mountains.



Thanks to the roads made by of Monk Srivichai, so it is now easy to pay a visit to Doi Suthep, although the old hiking trail does still exist for those yearning for a more difficult challenge. Either way, the beauty, the holiness and the legends of Doi Suthep wait to be explored.

Tourists attractions :

For the first-time visitor to Chiangmai, the temple part of the tour usually takes them to the famed Doi Suthep or further afield to Doi Inthanon. Then comes the elephant rides and the paltry attempt at giving you a glimpse of the hill tribes. And the other highlight — the tourist trap called the Night Bazaar, where all manner of ethnic handiwork, handicraft, antiques and touristy clothes are on offer.

The other delights of Chiangmai is a favourite local breakfast fare, kao soi. It is a scrumptious bowl of flat green noodles in a curry gravy served thick chilli paste and your choice of chicken, beef or pork.

Sankhampang Hot Springs :

You can proceed to a popular local destination, Sankhampang Hot Springs (www.skpHotsprings.com). It’s about 45 minutes from the city and is run by the Tourism Authority of Thailand together with the Agricultural Cooperative and Sankhampang Village Cooperative.



The first thing that greets you here is the slight smell of rotten eggs. Yes, that’s right, there’s sulphur in the air. Then you will hear the sound of spouting water. The place has two small geysers. There’s a small well where you can boil eggs. And where do you get the eggs? At a nearby stall, of course. It takes 15 minutes of dipping in the hot water for the eggs to be ready.

There’s also a little stream running through the park where you can soak your feet or any other body part of choice. Of course, you can also take baths. There are individual rooms (separated by gender) just for that, and facilities for group baths as well, for a price. There’s even a big sulphur swimming pool if you’re game for it.

If you plan to spend the night, there are rooms and chalets available. You don’t have to worry about food because there is also a restaurant that serves pretty good food, and reasonably priced, too. The tom yam kung and the vegetable salad are scrumptious.

If the therapeutic effects of the mineral bath is not enough, you can always drop in at the booths that offer Thai massage.

River Ping Cruise :

Another calming activity is a night cruise on the River Ping, which runs through Chiangmai (www.chiangmai.bangkok.com). The operators pick you up from your hotel and take you to the docking bay. You pass through all the local markets to get to it. Food is served once the boat starts its journey.

Chiangmai Zoo :

You can also make a trip to Chiangmai Zoo (http://chiangmaizoo.peam.biz/) just 15 minutes outside the city. The zoo, open from 8am-5pm daily, is internationally acclaimed. The locals are proud of the fact that they have pandas, one of the few outside China.

Visitors to the zoo can expect a varied terrain, for there are loads of slopes to walk on and lots of greens. If the heat gets to you, just pay a small fee and take the tram (like we did). And if you want an aerial view, why not take the monorail which offers just that and some great views of Chiangmai too.

There’s also the usual animal shows and animals. The Siberian tiger and the Humboldt penguins were the standouts. The penguins were charmers, playing with visitors by the window.

Websites:

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Wat_Phrathat_Doi_Suthep


http://www.doisuthep.com/index.php?lang=en

http://thestar.com.my/lifestyle/story.asp?file=/2010/12/4/lifetravel/7276121&sec=lifetravel