Chamunda Mataji Temple at Chotila in Gujarat

Name : Chamunda Mataji Temple

Location :

Chotila is a small town having population of around 20,000 people and is a taluka head quarter of Rajkot district, Gujarat. The Mataji temple is situated at the top of the Chotila Mountain. Chotila Mountain is around 1250 feet high and is located around 40 miles away from Rajkot, and around 50 miles away from Ahmedabad.

Description :

The story is when Demons Chand and Mund came to conquer Devi Mahakali and in the fight that ensues, the Devi cut their heads and presented these to Maa Ambika, who in turn told Mahakali that will be worshipped as Chamunda Devi.

Mataji temples are always located at the top of the hills in India and the reason for this is that if you want darshnas of Mataji, you will have to undergo some physical strain.

Chamunda Mataji is the Kuldevi (family Goddess) of most of the Hindus staying in Saurashtra region of Gujarat State

There about 700 stoned steps up to the top of the hill. These steps were not covered by the shade before about 5 years. However, a good shade and railings now cover the entire walkway thus providing comfort to all the pilgrims. Famous industrialists, Ambani brothers of Reliance industries have donated this covering and the shades on the hill.

Festivals :

During the navaratri festival, a big havan is taking place on top of the Chotila hill. It is said that after the aarti at chotila hill in the evening everybody comes down the hill and that no one stays there that's what Chamunda Mataji has said. Also people have encountered that there is a lion on the hill or dungar of chotila.

Website :
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Chotila

Kuber Bhandari, Narmadha

Name : Kuber Bhandari

Location :

This temple is situated at the village of Karnali, near the famous town of Chanod. Chanod is located near Dabhoi in the Vadodara district in Gujarat State in India. It is around 36 miles away from city of Vadodara. There are regular buses plying from Vadodara for this Kubereshwar temple.

Legend :

There is a mythological story about this temple. Lord Shiva was passing once through the thick forest around the shore of river Narmada with goddess Parvati. Goddess Parvati felt hungry and thirsty due to long walk in the hot sun. She requested Lord Shiva for some food and water. As the food and water was nowhere available nearby, Lord Shiva thought that it would be proper if he himself stays there in the form of food and water so that all the pilgrims can have food and holy water of river Narmada in this thick and remote place. Lord Shiva stayed there adopting the name of Kuber Bhandari who is considered to be the god of food and water.

Description :

Kuber Bhandari temple it means "Temple of Lord Kuber (Kubera, Lord of wealth and Fame)". This temple is situated at a height of around 800 feet above at the coast of river Narmada. There are around 680 steps to get down reaching to the river Narmada. River Narmada flows in all its glory here very quietly.

Narmada is one of the holiest rivers in India that flows through the Central and Western parts of the country. There are many famous places of pilgrimage all through the river shore of Narmada. One of the most popular
and the holy place at the shore of river Narmada is the temple of Kuber Bhandari, which is one form of Lord Shiva. This temple is very ancient and is said to be around 2500 years old.

There is a lot of importance of taking a bath here at this spot in the river prior to going for the darshanas of Lord Kuber Bhandari. However, you must be very careful while taking a bath here in the river as the water is quiet deep here with lot of crocodiles moving in the river. The atmosphere of the temple is so peaceful that you can really experience the divine peace here. Most of the visitors perform dhyan and pranayama activities here at the temple.

Rahu-Dan :

This is a only an ancient place where " worshiping and shloka of "Rahu" is being undertaken in Gujarat while Rahu changes his sthan in another Rasi in Kundali.Rahu Mantra is " ARDHKAYAM MAHAVIRAYAM CHANDRATYAVIMARDANAM ! SINHIKAGARBHSAMBHUT TAM RAHU PRANYAMAMYAHAM" For security and safety of bad effects on the persons worshiping of Nag-Murti{made of silver} is carried out by Abhishek of Milk for getting peace in the life and for protection from Rahu-Dasha. Amongst all Rivers - NARMADA' is also having power as per mythologylical history that merely by "Darshan of Naramada Maiya" all the sins becomes nullified. Normally no-where Rahu-Dan is accepted by anybody. But here in the premises of Temple Kubereshwar this arrangment is being made.

Websites :

http://www.associatedcontent.com/article/679747/lord_shiva_temple_of_kuber_bhandari.html

Sri Khand Mahadev peak

Name : Srikhand Kailash or Sri Khand Mahadev peak

Location :

Sri Khand Kailash is situated at 18500 feet above sea level in Shimla District of Himachal Pradesh, India.
The best two routes are
Shimla – Narkanda – Rampur Bushahr – Arsu – Bagipul.
and From Kullu side: Bathad - Bashleu Pass – Kullu Sarahan.

The Srikhand Kailash Yatra :



The very fact of the thought of proceeding to Sri Khand Kailash is a call from within. It is the SWAYAMBU Linga – the self-created one. This point is considered as the point of spiritual renaissance. The entire area echoes with spiritual vibrations. The common belief is that those who are ordained only could be there.

Jaon is the starting point of this trek, where temple of goddess Shakti is situated. It is a 70-km two-way track passing through dense forests, water streams, sprawling meadows and lofty mountains. The climb is difficult and offers a panoramic view. 2 Km. from Jaon there is village called Singh gad, which was named after a brave man who dared to live there and established a village. Singh gad is the last habitat of civilisation on this route and Sri Khand Kailash is a three full days trek from this place.

The detailed yatra with pictures are found in the travelogue posted by Pawan Thakur at


Description :

It is believed there are total seven Kailash mountains. The well known Mansarovar Kailash in Tibet, Adi Kailash in Pithoragarh district of Uttrakhand, Amarnath Kailash in J&K, Kinner Kailash in Kinnaur district of Himachal Pradesh, Mani Mahesh Kailash in Chamba District of Himachal Pradesh,Sri Khand Kailash in Shimla district of Himachal Pradesh. Seventh one is believed to be Boorha Kailash and is yet to be located.

Shrikhand Mountain or the Srikhand Mahadev peak in Himachal Pradesh resembles the Shivling. Numerous Lord Shiva devotees undertake the difficult trek to the mountain during the main pilgrimage season (July – August). Atop the mountain there is a small shrine of Lord Shiva. This pilgrimage is surely not for the weak because at times a trekker needs all the skills of an expert mountaineer.

It is usually undertaken to coincide with the Ashada Poornima (full moon day in June or July) as per the Hindu Vikram calendar. It continues till the Purnima of Ashwani month (full moon day of September or October).

Srikhand Mahadev peak is located at an altitude of 5,155 meters and is believed that Lord Shiva mediated here. It is also believed that the Pandavas used to visit the peak.

The initial phase of the journey passes through beautiful mist-laden forests filled with beautiful flowers and huge trees. Then the journey enters the difficult Himalayan terrain. A few glaciers also have to be crossed before reaching the majestic peak of Shrikhand, where pilgrims perform puja. The view from 5425 metres is simply splendid — one literally feels on the top of the world. The surrounding snow-covered peaks and mountains add to the grandeur. Scores of Lord Shiva devotees also accompany the Chhadi yatra – the journey carrying the holy mace – to the temple. One cannot stay on the top for a long time as the winds there are very strong and bone-chilling.



There is a miracle known about the Shivalinga here. Round the year the snow falls here, but it does not stay at the Shivalinga and melts down soon thereafter.

Himachal Pradesh state government organizes a pilgrimage tour during the month of July and August. The journey takes around three to seven days and depends on the devotee’s stamina and climate conditions. It is advisable to undertake this journey when the Shrikhand Management Committee puts up camps at different places in July where they provide food, tea and water besides night shelter. Local people also pitch tents and offer food and stay for the night on payment basis.

Websites :


http://www.himachallive.com/srikhand-mahadev-yatra.html
http://www.hindu-blog.com/2007/07/shrikhand-pilgrimage-in-himachal.html
Himalayan Camping
http://shrikhandmahadev.blogspot.com/

Bhimakali Temple - Sarahan

Name : Bhimakali Temple

Location :

Shri Bhima Kali Temple is a temple at Sarahan in Himachal Pradesh in India. The temple is situated about 180 km from Shimla. The town Sarahan is known as the gate way of Kinnaur. From Jeori the link road goes up gaining altitude to 2185 M to Sarahan (17 KM) via Gharat. Sarahan is situated on the mountain slope of southern side of river Sutlej and facing the Srikhand Mahadev peak on the north. The distance from Shimla is 160 KM. Sarahan is identified with the then Sonitpur mentioned in Puranas.

Legend :

According to a legend, the manifestation of the goddess is reported to the Daksha-Yajna incident when the ear of the Sati fell at this place and became a place of worship as a Pitha - Sthan. Presently in the form of a virgin the icon of this eternal goddess is consecrated at the top storey of the new building. Below that storey the goddess as Parvati, the daughter of Himalaya is enshrined as a divine consort of Lord Siva.

Description :

Bhimakali Temple, reputed to be at least 800 years old, dedicated to the mother goddess Bhimakali(an incarnation of Goddess Durga), presiding deity of the rulers of former Bushayr state and this is one of 51 Shakti Peethas.

The temple complex has another three temples dedicated to Lord Raghunathji, Narsinghji and Patal Bhairva Ji (Lankra Veer) - the guardian deity.

Architechture :

The temple is Tibetan in its architectural style. The beautiful wooden structure with spectacular carvings attracts a special attention of the tourists from all over the world. It has slanted slate roofs, golden towers, pagodas and a carved silver door. The golden image of the Goddess is 210 years old.

The original temple structure was damaged by earthquake and a replica has been constructed. Out of two temples one is opened to the devotees. The old dilapidated temple has been demolished recently and work is going on to erect the same again.

Festivals :

Navaratri and Dusserah are celebrated in the temple every year. A large festival is held during Dusserah at village Sarahan with animal sacrifice playing a big role in the festivities.

Other Tourist Attractions :

The museum at the temple complex has good collections of ancient utensils, arms, dresses, etc. The tourists can also visit the regal residence named as Padam Palace.

The Aviary of Himalayan birds: The aviary cum breeding centre of birds has been set up on the mountain at 1 KM away. The Himalayan birds like Monal, Khalij, etc can be seen from a close distance. The aviary remain closed during the breeding season.

The enthusiasts can visit another temple at Dharanghati beyond Sarahan. The road from Gharat goes to Dharanghati at higher altitude. The snow-capped mountain ranges on the north looks beautiful. From Sarahan there is a view of the Srikhand Peak , revered as the parental abode of goddess Lakshmi. The trekkers may visit the peak in summer.

Websites :

http://www.goldenapple.in/Sarahan.html

http://shimla.com/Temples/bhimakali.htm

Arulmigu Sri Baladhandayuthabani Temple, Chettikulam

Name : Arulmigu Sri Chettikulam Balathandabani Temple also known as Aandikola Murugan Temple

Location :
It is located at Chettikulam in Tamilnadu which is 6kms from Alandur. Alandur is about 44kms from Trichy, on Trichy-Perambalur highway.

Legend :

The Dhandayudapaani temple at Chettikkulam is closely associated with the Ekambareswarar temple located nearby, which is of ancient origin.

Legend has it that a weary traveler set out to spend a night on a Aswatha (arasa maram) tree in the jungle surrounding this area, and in the middle of the night, he saw a group of four saints offering worship to a pillar of Bright Light. The Traveler told this to the king of Thanjavur, Paraanthaga Cholan. At that time Kulasekara Pandian was also there as a guest. So both the kings upon hearing this instituted a search, and a Siddhar with sugarcane in his hand, pointed out the Shivalingam to them. Then the saint gave darshan as Lord Muruga with Sugarcane on the nearby hillock.

The original temple to Shiva is now referred to as Amarendreswarar dates back to the Chola period. Shiva is now known as Ekambreswarar here and his consort is Kamakshi.

Dhandayutapaani who appeared as a Siddhar here is enshrined in a hill temple in the vicinity. The Lord Muruga Idol has Uchhi Kudumi(Tuff of Hair on top of Head). Also his darsan is in the Aandikola form.



Description :
This ancient Muruga kshetra built on the top of a hill has 240 steps in total commanding two flights of well-built broad stairs-one for ascending and another for descending. Built in the Dravidian architectural style, it has vast courtyards and an imposing tower. The archamurti giving darsan in the Aandikola form is extremely generous in conferring boons on the devotees. Nityanaimithika worship is offered with great devotion.

Sugarcane cradle : Childless couples make their wish on Shashti day by doing Milk Abhishekam. When their wish gets fulfilled they bring their child in a sugarcane cradle and do circumambulation of the temple.

Festivals :
Thai Poosam, Panguni Utthiram are the annual festivals celebrated here.

Time :
Morning : 08:00-13:00
Evening : 16:00-19:00

Website :
http://www.hindubooks.org/templesofindia/temples_for_the_triple_sects/kumaran_shrines/tamilnadu/Chettikulam.htm
http://www.indiantemples.com/Tamilnadu/m046.html
http://www.kaumaram.com/aalayam/index_chettikulam.html

Thiruvilwamala Sree Ramabhadraswamy and Lakshmana Swamy Temple

Name : Thiruvilwamala Vilwadrinatha temple

Location :

The place Tiruvilwamala is situated in Talappilly Taluk of Trichur district attains great prominence. Vilwadrinatha temple of Tiruvilwamala has a rich heritage in the history of temples. The place is famous for its serene and picturesque beauty.The hills and the Bharatapuzha river (which is only half a mile from the temple ) adds natural beauty to this place. These hills are called Vilwamala which is why Lord Sreerama is also called Vilwadrinathan. The temple of Vilwadrinatha is the most important of all the ‘Beejakshetras’.

Deities :

The main deity being Sree Ramabhadraswamy and Lakshmana Swamy, the Upadevas of this temple are Lord Mahaganapathy, Lord Veera Hanuman, Lord Ayyappa with Lord Shiva and Goddess Parvathi on the same pedestal.

Legend :

Being a very old temple there are lot of intresting legends about this temple.

1. Sri Vilwadri Mahatmya, a Sanskrit text with 18 chapters, describes the origin of this ancient temple. It is in the form of a conversation between Uma (Parvati) and Maheswara (Siva). According to this, Bhargava Rama, as Parasurama is called, prayed to Siva for the liberation of his pitrus. Pleased with the prayers of Parasurama, Parameswara granted him the image of Vishnu which He Himself was worshipping. Parasurama, in his search for a suitable place for the installation of the deity, came across the beautiful Vilwadri, full of Amala trees. He constructed a temple here, consecrated the deity and laid down the pooja routine. He brought the pirtus and got them liberated as a result of the darshan of the divine deity. The place he settled down finally is still known as Bhutan mala. Self born Image The image in the sanctum facing west is Swayambhu or self born.

It is the believed that the idol here is the one, which is worshiped by Siva in Kailasa. It is four to five feet tall and is permanently fitted with a gold plated cover for the protection of the image.

It is said that there used to be a hole on the pedestal in front of the deity. The. water filled here was served as tirtha. Once a piece of kadali plantain fell into this. The priest tried to remove this by piercing the hole with a sharp instrument. He heard a cracking sound of the stone and the tool fell from his hand. The tirtha also dried up subsequently. It is believed that below the sanctum there is a cave and also a golden Vilwa tree. Some say, it is because of this that the place came to be called Vilwamala.

2. When the news of this holy shrine which Parasurama installed, spread widely, Pandavas too decided to visit this place to conduct the ceremonies for the moksha of their pitrus. They came to the banks of the River Bharatapuzha( which is also known as the Ganges of Kerala) and conducted the ceremonies under the guidance of Lord Krishna. They built a temple, there for Lord Krishna, which is now popularly known as Ivormadom Sreekrishnaswamy Temple.

3. The story of the origin of Swayambhu deity in the west is related in Vilwadri Mahatmyam. According to this, Aamalakan, son of Kashyapa Prajapati started rigorous tapas to propitiate Lord Mahavishnu. The asuras became panicky. They thought that this severe penance would bring about their ruin. They tried to create terror in Aamalakan. Aamalakan opened his eyes which emitted sparks of fire. The asuras died on the spot. The heap of the dead was transformed into rock. This is one version as how the name rakshasapara came into being. Sage Aamalakan continued his prayer. Pleased, Lord Mahavishu appeared before him asked his devotee to name any boon. Aamalakan said he desired nothing, but unstinted devotion. He also requested the lord to remain there for the protection of those who suffer in this world. Mahavishnu agreed and transformed into a deity.

4. The other version of how name rakshasapara came into being is that, The popularity of this two shrines and the power of Lord Mahavishnu increased enormously as a result of which, the asuras became furious. It is believed that on one ekadasi day, the Asura Kumbhanasika tried to stir the image on the sanctum on the western side. Lord Mahavishnu appeared and took hold of Kumbhanasika and other asuras and pulled them into a cave towards the south. They were locked up there. This particular place is what we now call the “rakshasapara”.

5. It is also said that the pathway inside the cave seen near the peepul tree close to the eastern gateway of the temple had been connected to ‘Tirunelli’ through an underground passage. The story goes that when a priest returning through this passage after worshipping the deity at Tirunelli, the young lady walking in front showing light to the priest got impure and consequently the underground passage behind was sealed forever. Even now a part of this underground passage where extreme darkness prevails is explorable.

6. There are a lot of legends about ‘Moorikkunnu’, ‘Thalavettipara’, ‘Monnuruttikallu’, ‘Maharshipala’, etc. which are only just mentioned .

7. Since Parasurama’s time, Punarjani is a symbol of freeing oneself of all sins. The ritual crawling through the cave takes place on the full moon Ekadesi day in the malayalam month of Vrischikam. It coincides with Guru Ekadesi.

Veer Hanuman Temple :

The temple has an enormous courtyard. To the southeast side of the courtyard is the idol of Veera Hanuman. There were two instances when fire broke out in this temple. It is well known that after the installation of this idol of Veera Hanuman, such a calamity never arised. This idol has immense power and devotees offer Vadamala, Vettilamala, Aval nivedyam etc to please Anjaneya, the beloved devotee of Lord Sreerama.



Punarjani:

The main attraction in the temple is the ‘Punarjani Guha’ (cave). The "punarjani" cave is in between the Vilwamala and the Bhoothamala. The Punarajani cave is a natural 15-meter long tunnel in the rocky cliff. It is believed that by crawling through the tunnel from one end to the other, one washes away all his sins and thus attains rebirth. The ritual is known as ‘Punarjani noozhal’. Once we enter the Punarjani cave it takes about 45minutes to reach the exit.

At 3.30 am on the auspicious day, the priest accompanied by his aides and ritual music heads to the Punarjani. After the rituals at the mouth, the priest drops a gooseberry into the cave. The sight of the gooseberry emerging from the other end of the cave is amazing. The movement through the cave demands all kinds of bodily postures like standing, sitting, creeping, crawling etc. Only men are allowed to perform this ritual, while women can only visit the cave. The ritual is practiced only in one day in an year, the Guruvayur Ekadasi day in ‘Vrischikam’ (November-December). 

It is believed Sage Parasurama reached here to atone for his sin of massacring Kshatriyas. Since Par...

Read more at: https://travel.manoramaonline.com/travel/essential-kerala/2018/07/03/thiruvilwamala-thrissur-palakkad-cave.html

It is believed Sage Parasurama reached here to atone for his sin of massacring Kshatriyas. Since Par...

Read more at: https://travel.manoramaonline.com/travel/essential-kerala/2018/07/03/thiruvilwamala-thrissur-palakkad-cave.html

Theerthams :

1. Before starting to Punarjani we have to touch the “Ganapathi theertham” (which never gets dried up) on the northern side of the mountain about quarter of a mile eastwards from the temple.

2. Next we can reach a steep rock about seventy feet high on travelling about one and a half miles over the mountain. The broad “Papanasini Theertham” is seen if we proceed a little further in the southwest direction over the narrow projection on the rock. This was made by Parasurama and the presence of Ganga has been brought in this Theertha. Railings have been provided here for the devotees to walk easily without fear of falling down from the narrow projection of the rock.

3. After making the Punarjani noozhal, custom is to go to papanasini again to purify the body and then go to the entrance once again. Next the devotees have to bathe or wash their hands, feet and face in the “Pathala Theertha” on the west at a distance of about thirty feet. It is believed that Parasurama who had brought the presence of the purified water of “Brahmakamandalu” here made this also.

4. The next step is to take holy water in our hands from the “Kombutheertha”, which was formed when Indra’s elephant Iravatha struck his tusk on the rock.

5. Nearby lies the “Ambutheertha” from which water has to be taken out using some stick or anything like that. People believe that one “Janma” or span of life is reduced from the cycle of births and deaths if we go through the punarjani cave once.



Stala Viruksham :

To the north west side of the courtyard is the banyan tree. To circle this tree is very auspicious (arrayal pradakshinam) and to see the lizard in this particular tree is considered as having the darshan of Lord Guruvayoorappan.

Festivals :

Every year thousands of people from far and near come to Bharathappuzha to offer their oblations to their Pitrus espe­cially on the new moon days in the Malayalam month of Karkidakam (June-July) and Thulam (Oct-Nov).

The important annual festival here is Ekadasi. It is a belief that Lord Guruvayurappan will come all the way from Guruvayur and visit Vilwadrinathan on this particular day. Niramala, is another great festival which falls in the month of chingam.The lights and the decoration with flower garlands is one of exquisite beauty. Ramanavami is also celebrated with great splendour.

Website : http://www.thiruvilwamala.com/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=19&Itemid=27

http://thiruvilwamala.000a.biz/?page_id=175