Jayanti Devi Temple

Name : Jayanti Devi Temple

Location :

It is believed that the ancient Mata Jayanti Mandir is situated in Kangra district of Himachal Pradesh. Presently, the temple is located 15 km from Chandigarh in Ropar district of Punjab, on a hillock in the Shivalik ranges. At the foothill lies the village Jayanti Majri that owes its existence and name to the temple, on the left bank of a seasonal stream Jayanti River.

Legend :

The name of Jind town comes from Jayanti, the goddess of victory. The Pandavas built a temple to Jayanti Devi around which came up the town of Jaintpuri. The name later morphed into Jind. The story of the temple of Mata Jayanti Devi is the story of such a precious gift. The story goes back about 550 years, when the Mughals were ruling the country. At that time, a small estate called Hathnaur was situated at the north of present day Chandigarh. The king of the estate had 22 brothers. One of the brother was married to the daughter of the king of Kangra in Himachal Pradesh. The girl was a great devotee of Mata Jayanti Devi — the mother goddess of the clan — since her childhood. Every morning she first used to worship the goddess and only after that she would perform other activities.

When her marriage was fixed she was very anxious because it meant going far away from her deity and not being able to have darshan of the goddess. She prayed hard and conveyed her grief and remorse to the goddess. Mata Jayanti Devi was moved by the deep devotion of the girl. She appeared in her dreams and promised to accompany her wherever she went.
When the marriage party started back from Hathnaur with the bride’s doli, a miracle happened. Suddenly the doli turned very heavy. Neither the traditional kahars nor the king’s men could move it. At this, the bride told her father about her dream. The king, then, bowing to the desire of the divine arranged for another doli, kept the idol in it and sent the goddess with his daughter. The pujari and his family followed the goddess.

The king of Hathnaur, established a temple for the Devi on a hillock in his estate. First, the girl, and later succeeding generations of the family, worshipped the deity for 200 years.

At that time, a robber called Garibu or Garibdas extended his influence on this part of the region, including Mullanpur (now in Ropar). Gradually, Garibu captured the Hathnaur estate and started his reign. However, Garibu was a friend of the poor and a great devotee of Mata. He renovated the temple and extended the premises to the present state.

 Description :

The metalled road leading to the temple is lined with wheat or rice fields, keekar, peepal and mango groves. As far as the vision goes, one can see numerous hues of green, the characteristic feature of the fertile lands of Punjab, small and large ponds with clear water reflecting the blue sky and tiny hamlets with agriculture-based life style. The undulating topography and hump-like hillocks give the place a mysterious character that is absent in the flat planes of Chandigarh.

The entrance to the temple is through a huge gate at the base of the hillock. From here about 100 or so easy steps lead up to the temple premises. As one climbs up, the first thing one encounters is a very large water tank, a traditional feature of Indian temples.
This tank was earlier in use. It is a concrete construction and steps lead down to it from two sides. The other two sides are bound by the rocky wall of the hillock. There are a few shops along the steps selling nicknacks — coconut, red net chunnies, fancy jewellery, cassettes of devotional songs, toys, photos of the idol etc. The temple is at the highest point of the hillock supported by massive pillars. This point gives a wide view of the lush green surroundings, the serpentine Jayanti Rao and the settlements beyond. Inside the sanctum sanctorum lies the stone idol of the goddess. In the niches outside there are idols of Shiva, Ganesha, Laxmi and local deities Lokda Dev and Balasundari in folk forms.

Jayanti River visible from temple

Festivals :

The temple attracts visitors during a grand fair held here on full moon day in February and a small fair in August. At that time approximately 1.5 lakh people visit the temple from far and near places.

Devotees also visit it during Navratras, other auspicious days and on Sundays. Two committees run the management of the temple. One of them comprises the priest’s family and villagers of Jayanti Majri. It looks after construction work and expansion projects of the temple. The other committee consists of residents of Mullanpur. Both the committees hold langar every Sunday and also during the fair. There is no government-aid to the temple and the only source of income is contribution by the devotees. At present, there is a provision of night stay at the premises for a limited number of devotees. The committee has started work on the construction of a dharamshala for pilgrims who visit the temple from far-off places.

The 11th generation of the pujari, who came originally from Kangra with the idol, now performs the sacred duties of the temple. The residence of the pujari is also within the premises.
There is only a single bus service from Chandigarh to Jayanti Majri. That too is erratic. Though the Chandigarh Administration arranges for buses during the February fair, for the convenience of the village residents and for visitors, a regular bus service is needed, especially on Sundays and holidays.

When the new Chandigarh project was conceived, Jayanti Majri was among the villages to be included in it because it lies at the periphery of Chandigarh. The Punjab Soil and Water Conservation Department has constructed a small dam — Jayanti Dam — in this area, that supports a reservoir for rain water collection. The water is then used for irrigation of fields. The place can be developed as a beautiful tourist-cum-religious spot and visitors to Chandigarh can be guided to visit the temple.

Jayanti dam

Jayanti Majri is just a 10-minute drive from Chandigarh but it’s an altogether different world. Silence prevails here. The only sounds that reach the ears are the rustling of leaves, the humming bees, fluttering wings of a butterfly and occasional clinking of a temple bell.
As more and more sacred places all over India fall prey to materialistic ways, it is a relief to find that this temple still retains a pious aura around it. Consumerism has still not been able to touch this sacred place with its polluting tentacles.

Jayanti Devi is considered to be a very sensitive and benevolent goddess who listens to the prayers of her devotees. She is one of the seven sisters, the seven goddesses of the Kangra valley — Naina Devi, Jwalaji, Chintpurni, Mansa Devi, Brajeshwari, Chamunda Devi and Jayanti Devi. As a sign of reverence to Mata Jayanti Devi, the villagers of Jayanti Majri restrict the construction of their houses to only a single storey. An ancient well at the base of the temple provides sweet water throughout the year. Temple has a large complex with park and Jayanti Archeological Museum.

Websites :
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Jayanti_Devi_Temple
 

Baba Dhansar

 Name :  Baba Dhansar

Location :

Baba Dhansar is located at Karua Jheel (Pond) near village Karua, 17 km from Reasi towards Katra in Reasi district of Jammu & Kashmir State, India

Legend :

It is a mythological belief that when Lord Shiva went to the Amarnath cave to tell Parvati the story of his immortality, he left his serpent king, Sheshnag at Anantnag. Shesh Nag came in the human form as Vasudev. One of the sons of Vasudev was Dhansar who was a saintly person.

Nag Temple at Baba Dhansar

As the local belief goes, in the ancient times there was a demon who lived near Karua Jheel(lake) and committed atrocities on the people of village Karua. The villagers sought help of Baba Dhansar to get rid of the Demon. It is believed that Baba Dhansar prayed to Lord Shiva for help. Lord Shiva arrived and helped in killing the Demon.

Description :

The approach involves a walk of 200 metres from the road. There is a naturally formed Shivling (Swayambu) on which droplets of water fall at a constant pace all the year round.

Here, a huge spring emerges from the rocks in a thick grove of trees and forms a number of small cascading waterfalls before ultimately flowing into the Holy rivulet that merges with the Chenab River.

Sacrificial stones at Baba Dhansar

Karua Jheel is considered sacred where bathing is not permitted. However, the devotees may take a bath downstream. People believe that their wishes are fulfilled if they take bath in the stream and pray with complete faith.

Festivals :

A big fair is held here during Shivratri. For the facility of the yatris visiting the place, the Shrine Board has carried out some developments including the construction of a Dharamshala.

Websites :

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

Uttara Swami Malai Temple

Name :  Uttara Swami Malai Temple

Location :

Uttara Swami malai Temple popularly known as Malai Mandir (literally, Hill Temple), is a Hindu temple complex in Delhi located on the affluent Palam Marg primarily dedicated to Lord Swaminatha (more commonly known as Lord Murugan).

History :


It was a time when the South Indian population of Delhi was just a handful. An ardent devotee of Lord Swaminatha, who was worshipping an emerald idol of the Lord given to him by Bhagawan Ramana Maharshi, organised jpublic celebration of Śrī Skanda Shashti, the conquest of Lord Muruga over the demon kings (the triumph of good over evil) for the fierst time in the year 1943. As the years went by, the South Indian population increased manifold and the Shashti festival became very popular. The attendance swelled into thousands and the need for a temple began to be keenly felt

The search for a suitable elevated place commenced in 1961. In a dream to a devotee, a small hillock was indicated as His would-be abode by Lord Swaminatha Himself. The mound was in the heart of a vast thicket of berry trees. There was only a tiny village, Vasant Gaon, in the vicinity.

Undeterred by the remoteness of this spot and little realising that it would one day become the hub of a vast residential colony, the organisers went about their task for the erection of a temple with earnestness and devotion. The site was first cleared by the Department of Archaeology as suitable for erecting a temple.

In 1965, the foundation stone for the temple is laid by M. Bhakthavatsalam, Chief Minister of Tamil Nadu, at a function held under the presidentship of Sri Lal Bahadur Shastri, then Prime Minister of India.

On June 2, 1967, the Sila Sangrahanam (stone acquiring) ceremony for the Moola Vigraham of Lord Swaminatha was performed at Tirunelveli. With blessings of the Sankaracharya of Kanchi Kamakoti Peetam and Arulnandi Tambiran Swamigal of Tirupanandal, the stone for the main idol of Lord Swaminatha was located and lifted from the bed of the Tambaravaruni River. It appears that the present moolavigraham in Śrī Subramania Swami Temple on the seashore at Tiruchendur was carved out sixty years earlier from another portion of the same bedrock. The Tambara Varuni stone was brought to Mahabalipuram for making the moolavigraha . It took nearly thirty months to sculpt the idol of Śrī Swaminatha. In April 1970, the idol was taken to Kanchipuram to be blessed by His Holiness the Sankaracharya Śrī Chandrasekarendra Swamigal.

Early in 1973, the temple was ready for consecration. On the invitation of the Samaj, His Holiness Jagadguru Sankaracharya Śrī Jayendra Saraswati Swamigal of Kanchi Math undertook a padayatra of 2,400 kilometres from Kanchipuram to Delhi via Tirupati, Hyderabad, Nagpur, Jhansi, Gwalior, Agra and Mathura, covering a period of four months from the middle of February 1973 to early June of that year. On June 4, 1973, the Jagadguru performed the Yantra Sthapana ceremony. The Maha Kumbhabhishekam on the 7th June 1973 was acknowledged to be the biggest event of the decade.

Sahasrara Kshetra :

Built on top of the 90 feet high hillock at a cost of Rs. 14 lakhs, the temple of Lord Swaminatha has several unique features. this is the only temple where Brahmasthana Prathista has been done. Deities delineated in human form are not normally house in the Brahmasthana or the very centre of the garbha graha. Lord Skanda is an exception. The shrine has become famous as Sahasrara Kshetra and has been sung by poets as the seventh Padai Veedu. The six important shrines of Lord Subrahmanya at Tiruchendur, Tirupparankundram, Swami Malai, Palani, Pazhamudircholai and Tiruttani represent the six centres (cakras) Mooladhara, Swadisthana, Manipuraka, Anahata, Visudhi, and Agyaya. The Sahasrara of Brahmarandhra Kshetra was missing all these centuries and Uttara Swami Malai has filled the void.

This Uttara Swami Malai is the one shrine which has been visited by the Sankaracharyas of all the five maths: Bhadri, Dwaraka, Kanchi, Puri and Sringeri. This is also the only temple where the Sarva Vasikarana Yantra is embedded under the deity. This yantra is the strong magnet attracting all irrespective of caste, creed, race, religion or nationality to this great shrine.

Description :

The main temple within the complex, formally called Sree Swaminatha Swami Temple, houses the sanctum sanctorum of Lord Swaminatha. It is situated atop a small hillock overlooking R.K. Puram and Vasant Vihar in South West Delhi. This is in keeping with the tradition of locating Murugan temples on hills. The sign outside the main temple is written in Tamil, proclaiming Lord Swaminatha's motto, "Yaamirukka Bayamain" meaning "Why fear when I am there?". The temple is built entirely of granite, and is reminiscent of the Chola style of South Indian Temple Architecture.

Jun 27, 2001 The third Punaruddharana, Ashtabandhana and Swarna-Rajatha Bandhana Mahakumbhabhishekham of the temples are performed by H.H. Kanchi Kamakoti Peethadhipati Sri Jayendra Saraswati Swamigal. H.H. Sri Vijayendra Saraswati Swamigal also participates in the yagna pooja on the night of June 25, 2001.

Besides the main Swaminatha Swami Temple, the complex contains temples dedicated to Sree Karpaga Vinayagar (elder brother of Lord Swaminatha), Sree Sundareswarar (father of Lord Swaminatha) and Devi Meenakshi (mother of Lord Swaminatha).

While the Swaminatha temple had adopted the Chola style of architecture, the Sree Sundareswara Temple has adopted the Pallava style and the Devi Meenakshi temple the Pandya style. Thus, the Uttara Swami Natha Malai is a unique blend of all the three ancient and renowned styles of South India temple architecture and sculpture.

Since 1990 a temple hall for Adi Sankara has also been constructed on the premises of Uttara Swami Natha Malai. Today one may say without any gainsaying that a magnificent effort has been made to bring the glory of South Indian temple architecture and sculpture to the North.


In the Hindu religion, the peacock is considered Lord Swaminatha's mount or vahana. Accordingly, the temple has adopted a peacock as its pet. This peacock can seen and heard among the trees and foliage within the temple compound.

Websites : 

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

http://murugan.org/temples/malaimandir.htm

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/

Garjia devi temple Uttarakhand

Name : The Garjia Temple

Location :

Garjia temple is situated in the Ramnagar – Ranikhet Route around 14 Kms from Ramnagar. On the elevation of a huge rock in the midst of river Kosi, there is a beautiful temple of Durga Devi named as Garjia Devi.

Description :

Garjia village is located in the beautiful lands of Uttarakhand. Garjia temple is one the most important temples devoted to Goddess Parvati. The temple is a fantastic example of trust and confidence. This famous temple of Uttarakhand is situated at a short distance from Ramnagar. The temple is built over a small hill in the beautiful environment of peace elegance.

Legend :

The Garjia Devi Temple is famous for its faith. The Holy Kosi river flows in front of the temple. It is believed that the temple flowed to its current place with a flood in the river Kosi.  Bhairav when saw it floating wanted to stop it but could not do so. Bhairav then asked Goddess Parvati to stay with him at the same place. It is said that this place was earlier covered with dense forests. The people living here saw Goddess Parvati’s idols on the mountains. Seeing the sights of these idols, the commoners built Garjia Devi’s tempele here. 

Devotees offers coconut, vermilion, incense, lamp, red Chunnerie etc as offerings to Goddess Parvati. Goddess Parvati is considered to be the daughter of Himalayas and hence is known by the name of Garjia in this place. It is believed that since then Devi Garjia has been living in the same place as Upeta. In ancient times Goddess Parvati was also known by the name Upeta.
 

Festivals :

Various festivals are held in Garjia Devi temple throughout the year. A huge number of people visit this place throughout the year in order to offer their prayers to Devi Garjia wishing for blessings in return.  A big crowd gathers here on the auspicious day of Vasant Panchami in order to offer special prayers to Devi Garjia.

In addition to this, people visit this place on the auspicious occasion of Shivaratri in huge numbers. On the occasion of Kartik Purnima, a special  bath in the river Ganga is organized and a large number of devotees take a dip in the river Kosi. The atmosphere of the temple is a sight on the occassions of Uttarayan, Navratri and Ganga Dussehra. Devotees from all parts of the country visit this place.

Garjia Temple Religious Importance

The temple comprises of various idols of Goddess Parvati, Baba Bhairon, Lord Shiva, Lord Ganesha and Goddess Saraswati. Baba Bhairon is worshipped after Devi Garjia puja. It is believed that Devi Garjia blesses the devotees only after the completion of Baba Bhairon’s puja.

Devotees have their full faith in the pilgrimage site and the temple. People coming here are never tired of praising Devi Garjia. It is believed that Devi Garjia blesses her devotees and fulfills their wishes. People usually dedicate umbrellas and bells to Devi Garjia once their wishes are fulfilled.

Websites :

http://astrobix.com/hinduism/post/garjia-devi-temple-garjiya-temple-ramnagar-garjia-devi-temple-uttarakhand.aspx

Thrikur Shiva Temple

Name : Thirukur Shiva Temple

Location :

It is located at Trikur near trichur, Kerala.

Description :

The cave temple at Trikur near Trichur is something of a marvel.

On the bank of the river Karuvannur puzha, a long flight of steps lead to the summit of the rock hill, where the deity of Shiva is installed in a cave, which appears to be natural. Water continuously drips from the roof of the cave and wets the idol. We could not find any source of water in the rock.

The temple is constructed without harming any natural setup. One of the achans of Paliam constructed the outer wall and other protective structures and  the Gopuram is fully protecting the Environment. The blessing of the diety is a sure cure for Asthma.

Meals provided for devotees for which some trust has been established which maintains the temple. There were very few devotees.

From the top of the hill, one can see the surrounding country side for at least ten miles, including Trichur town. As the land at the side opposite the river is at the same level, vehicles can come up to the temple and there are regular bus services.

Festivals :

Every year there is elaborate festival. Kathakali, the famous costume drama of Keralam, is an essential item. The parade of caparisoned elephants, with drum beating  (panchavadyam) is a must in all temple festivals.
The annual festival falls on the malyala month of  Makaram (jan-feb)

Websites :

http://www.flickr.com/photos/arunar/2707121666/

http://waterfriend.wordpress.com/2010/01/19/thrikur-shiva-temple/