Kalo Dungar, Kutch Gujarat

Name :
Kalo Dungar or Black Hill

Location :

Kalo Dungar is the highest point in Kutch, Gujarat, India, at 462 m. It is located at 97 km from District headquarters of Bhuj and 25 km from nearest town Khavda. It is best to visit Kala Dungar before sun down to avoid getting lost on the secluded roads leading to these hills. A day trip from Bhuj to Kala Dungar is more than sufficient to explore around the hills. Two ranges are available in the Black Hill: Kala Hill and Gora Hill (White Hill). Kala Hill is the northern hill and Gora hill is the southern hill.

Legend :

As per the legend and local beliefs when Dattatreya walked on the earth, he stopped at the Black Hills and found a band of starving jackals. Being a god, he offered them his body to eat and as they ate, his body continually regenerated itself. To mark this phenomenon a temple was built honouring the sacrifice of Lord Dattatreya.

In order to continue this practice, the temple priests over the last four centuries have been feeding the jackals every day at noon. To mark the start of the feeding session the priest intimates the jackals by banging on a plate with a huge spoon.

To this date there has never been a single recorded incident of these wild jackals harming any human near the temple area. Plenty of travellers visit the Kala Dungar every noon to witness this unnatural event. Because of this, for the last four centuries, the priest at the temple has prepared a batch of prasad, cooked rice, that is fed to the jackals after the evening aarti.

Another legend is that, Kala Hill was named after a saint whose face was blackened by the cruelty of a woman’s wicked eye.


Description :

This is probably the only place in Kutch from where a panoramic view of the Great Rann of Kutch is possible. Since it is located very near to the Pakistan border, there is an Army post at the top; beyond here, only military personnel are allowed.

The Kalo Dungar is also famous for a 400-year-old Dattatreya temple where the main deity is that of Lord Datatreya who is considered to be an incarnation of the Hindu holy trinity – Brahma, Vishnu and Mahesh.

There is one dharamshala as an accommodation option for people who wish to spend a night where only basic food such as rice, roti, dal and vegetable are available.

Another attraction on the way to Kala Dungar is the magnetic field where one can stop their vehicle at a specified spot and witness the vehicle moving against the gravitational force, up the slope at a speed of 20 km per hour. The team of experts from the Gujarat State Disaster Management Authority (GSDMA), and Institute of Seismological Research, Gandhinagar and Indian Institute of Technology, Kanpur studied the phenomenon. It is concluded that the vehicle hurtle down fast due to the more gradient of the slope.

Kala Dungar gives a panoramic view of the Great Rann of Kutch which adds to the beauty of these magnificent hills. It is a must visit destination for anyone visiting Kutch. Sunsets are most cheering of all, as the temperature drops and the crying of the winds take over, once the sun dips into the land.

Websites :

http://thelandoutthere.com/the-legend-of-the-black-hills-kala-dungar-gujarat/

Dronagiri Madhya Pradesh

Name :
Shri Digamber Jain Siddha Kshetra Drongiri.
Is an Siddha Kshetra (Place of Salvation).

Address :
Dig. Jain Siddha Kshetra Drongiri
Drongiri (Sendapa), Taluka – Bara Malhara,
District – Chhatarpur (M.P.) Pin 471311
Phone 07689 – 280972, 9425144006, 9754355296
Website – WWW.Drongiri.Com

Nearby City :
Bara Malhara 5 km, Ghuvara 20 km, Chhatarpur 51 km, Teekamgarh 92 km, Khajuraho 98 km

Management committee :
Shri Drongiri Trust Management Committee
Drongiri (Sendapa), Taluka – Bara Malhara,
District – Chhatarpur (M.P.) Pin 471311
Phone 07689 – 280972, 07683-224712, 9425880545, 9826390688, 9826393692, 9424345025

About DronGiri :

Siddha Kshetra Drongiri is an ancient Nirvan Kshetra (Place of Salvation) which is proved by ancient literature, ancient cave, ancient Jain temples & art of sculpture. Drongiri is described as Nirvan Kshetra of Shri Gurudatta & others so many ascetic saints, by Shri Pujyapad Swamy in Nirvan Bhakti, by Acharya Harishen in Brihat Katha Kosh and in Nirvan Kand. Pujya Shri Ganesh Prasadji Varni has called this place as “Laghu Sammed Shikhar” due to its peaceful natural beauty, clean & healthy environment appropriate for practice of austerity & for self development to achieve supernatural qualities and salvation.

The large ancient cave, from which Shri Gurudatta & others achieved Moksha (Salvation), was opted for meditation and penance by Charitra Chakravarti Acharya Shri Shanti Sagarji Maharaj in the year V. S. 1929 when he came here. In that night the lion came to his residence (the cave), while he saw the ascetic saint in meditation, he stayed there calmly without harming the Acharya and went to the jungle in the next morning. The event is described in the book “Charitra Chakravarti.
In the story of Gurudatta & other saints, the cave is said to be residence of lions. (Aradhana Katha Kosh)

On the hill, third temple is Shri Parsvanath temple with principal deity Lord Parsvanath, this idol in cross legged seating posture made of Black Stone very attractive and miraculous. Various desires of pilgrims come true here.

Main Temple & Idol :

The ancient cave on this Siddha Kshetra is big in size, so that a large group of saints may also stay here. A pair of foot image of Shri Gurudatta is installed in this cave. On this semi circular hill 28 beautiful temples with attractive spires are divided in three groups –
1. Suparsvanath Tonk (Tonk – Top of hill where a temple exists): – While we start pilgrimage of hill from left, first Tonk is Shri Suparsvanath Swami’s tonk, here are 7 beautiful temples are viewable.
2. Chandraprabhu Tonk: – This is front side of hill includes 10 temples, here’s first is Chandraprabhu Tonk.
3. Adinath Tonk: – Here are 11 temples, first of them is Adinath Temple. The famous ancient cave also lies in this area known as Nirvan Bhumi.

Other Temple :

There is Ganesh Prasad Varni Swadhyaya Mandir in the valley. Pilgrimage of hill starts from the left of it in the east and in the right side near this.
In temple No.24, there is a Manastambh (Column of Dignity) built in the period of Chandels is very important for archaeological point of viewers, it is 10 feet high & 4 feet in diameter, a circular construction having 96 idols on the top, each 3 inch in height and below them 3 sitting and 1 standing idol are also carved on it.
At this place, an ancient idol of Lord Adinath made of local stone is very artful & must be viewer on the plane rock of idol so many beautiful images and designs are carved, that makes it vary attractive.
So many temples are looking more than 1000 years old.
In temple No. 28 a collection is made of idols found any where in the nearby area under 30 Km.
In village Shri Adinath Jinalaya & Shri Shantinath Jinalaya & Choubeesee (24) Jinalaya (Temple) are viewable. The Choubeesee Jinalaya is very beautiful and vast in size which was completed in year 1977.
Shri Siddhayatan (a temple) & 20 Teerthankar Jinalaya built and managed by Shri Kund kund Kahan Dig. Jain Swadhyaya Mandir Trust are also here. Mobile No. 9425614224, 9753456868, 9424760859, 9754156849, 9630422899.

Natural Scenario :
This place lies in between the two ever flowing rivers named Chandrabhaga & Shyamaly, a very beautiful place with natural environment definitely pleasant to eyes.

Festivals :

Annual Festival & Mela in the month of March with so many religious & cultural programs is organized every year.
Facilities :
Shri Dig. Jain Dharmshala contains 65 Normal Rooms, 19 Rooms with attached let-bath,  7 Luxury Rooms, Mess (Bhojanashala) and all required items like utensils, bed, tent etc. are available.

Acharya Shri Deonandi contains Hall of size 28’ X 110’
Shri Virag Sagar Dharmshala contains 1 Hall, 3 Rooms, Meeting Halls 2, and Rooms 7 are also there.
Shri Siddhayatan Jinalaya Dharmshala by Shri Kund kund Kahan Dig. Jain Swadhyaya Mandir Trust. Mobile No. 9425614224, 9753456868, 9424760859, 9754156849, 9630422899.

Means of approach :
Road – Busses are available for Drongiri from Bara Malhara, Ghuvara & Teekamgarh any time.
Train – Nearby Railway stations are Lalitpur, Sagar, Satna, Jhansi, Damoh, From these stations busses are available.
Airport – Khajuraho 103 km

Nearby Places :
Jain Pilgrimage Centers are,
Siddha Kshetra Nainagiri 80 km
Siddha Kshetra Aharji 56 km
Siddha Kshetra Kundalpur 144 km
Atishaya Kshetra Papouraji 60 km
Atishaya Kshetra Khajuraho 103 km

Websites :

http://jainteerth.com/madhya-pradesh-m-p-jain-teerth/shri-digamber-jain-siddha-kshetra-drongiri/

Nainagiri (Reshandigiri)

Name :
Shri 1008 Digamber Jain Siddha Kshetra Nainagiri (Reshandigiri).

Location :

Shri 1008 Dig. Jain Siddha Kshetra Nainagiri (Reshandigiri)
Nainagiri, Taluka – Bijaver, Dist. – Chhatarpur (M.P.)
Phone 07583-280095,203930, 9893802446, 9407533102, 9407533103

Description :

Is an Siddha Kshetra (Place of Salvation). Nainagiri (Reshandigiri) is an ancient sacred place full of natural beauty described in Nirvankand. This is the place where Samavsharan of Lord Parsvanath arrived once and Shri Vardatt and other five ascetic saints went to Moksha (achieved full & final freedom from world).
This Kshetra is situated on a hill, not so high, consists 36 Jain Temples on hill and 15 in valley. All the temples are build with spires, among them one temple lies in the midst of a pond, looks very attractive. All the temples on hill are surrounded by a wall.

Main Temple & Idol :

Bara Mandir the Eleventh temple of this Kshetra is ancient enough supposed to come out from the earth about 100 Years ago. According to an inscription of the temple, the year of completion was V.S. 1109. Principal deity of this temple is Lord Parsvanath, the standing idol 4 feet 7 inch in height. This was installed in V.S. 2015. 13 ancient idols are also installed here, 9 of them are placed on shrine and another 4 are place on 4 separate plat forms, these also belong to 11th – 12th century. Here is an idol of Yaksha – Yakshini, very beautiful & artistic,Yakshini is with a child in her lap.

First temple on hill is known as Bade Baba Ka Mandir or Choubeesee Jinalaya, a big temple with the principal deity Lord Parsvanath, an 11 feet high standing colossus without serpent hoods, with an attractive halo in the back and three tier umbrella over the head. On a shrine of this temple idols of 5 ascetic saints (Gurudatt & others) in standing posture made of White Stone are installed.

Second is Lord Mahaveer’s temple, very beautiful, situated in the midst of a pond and looks very attractive. Principal deity of this temple is Lord Mahaveer idol is 2 feet high in cross legged seating posture.
Other temples are also visitable. 2 km ahead from the Kshetra, there a shrine in forest seems to be very old.

Natural Scenario :

Scene looks very attractive on looking towards pond from the top of hill. Series of temples with spire on hill & on the plane with pond in the middle looks pleasant to eyes.

Festivals :
Annual Festival – From Agahan Shukla 11 to 15
Lord Parshwanath Salvation Anniversary – on Shrawan Shukla 7

Facilities :
3 Dharmshalas are available on Kshetra, one at the Bus Stand of Dalpatpur. Mess & Bed facilities are available.

Means of approach :

Road – Busses of routs Sagar-Bijawar & Sagar-Bakaswaha pass through Dalpatpur. Kshetra is at the side of Dalpatpur-Bakaswaha Road at a distance of 12 km from Dalpatpur. Dalpatpur is on Sagar-Kanpur National Highway No. 86. Road is under construction from Jabalpur, Chattarpur, Tikamgarh via Bakaswaha (25 K.M.).
Railway – Sagar-Damoh

Nearby Places :
Banda, Nemgiri
In Sagar – Bhagyodaya Teerth, Mangalgiri & Kakaganj

Websites :

http://jainteerth.com/madhya-pradesh-m-p-jain-teerth/shri-digamber-jain-siddha-kshetra-nainagiri-reshandigiri/

Huayna Picchu, Peru

Name :  Huayna Picchu

Location :

It is located in the Cusco Region, Urubamba Province, Machupicchu District. It rises over Machu Picchu, the so-called lost city of the Incas, and divides it into sections. The Incas built a trail up the side of the Huayna Picchu and built temples and terraces on its top. The peak of Huayna Picchu is about 2,720 metres (8,920 ft) above sea level, or about 360 metres (1,180 ft) higher than Machu Picchu.

Description :

Huayna Picchu, Wayna Picchu (Hispanicized spellings) or Wayna Pikchu (Quechua wayna young, young man, pikchu pyramid, mountain or prominence with a broad base which ends in sharp peaks, "young peak") is a mountain in Peru around which the Urubamba River bends.

According to local guides, the top of the mountain was the residence for the high priest and the local virgins. Every morning before sunrise, the high priest with a small group would walk to Machu Picchu to signal the coming of the new day. The Temple of the Moon, one of the three major temples in the Machu Picchu area, is nestled on the side of the mountain and is situated at an elevation lower than Machu Picchu. Adjacent to the Temple of the Moon is the Great Cavern, another sacred temple with fine masonry. The other major local temples in Machu Picchu are the Temple of the Condor, Temple of Three Windows, Principal Temple, "Unfinished Temple", and the Temple of the Sun, also called the Torreon

Tourism :

The number of daily visitors allowed to enter Huayna Picchu is restricted to 400. Advance purchase of tickets online will guarantee admission. A steep and at times exposed climb leads to the summit. Some portions are slippery and steel cables (a via ferrata) provide some support during the one-hour climb. At times during the rainy season, the tours are closed. The climb is not recommended for visitors in poor physical condition because it features the World's scariest staircase.

From the summit, a second trail leads down to the Gran Caverna and the Temple of the Moon (a misnomer). These natural caves, on the north face of the mountain, are lower than the starting point of the trail. The return path from the caves completes a loop around the mountain as it rejoins the main trail.

Websites :

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Huayna_Picchu

Renukambe [Yellamma] Chandragutti, Soraba Taluk in Shimoga

Name :  Renukambe [Yellamma] Temple in Shimoga

Location :

Chandragutti is situated at a distance of 16 kms from Soraba (main bus stand). Soraba is one of the beautiful villages in Sahyadri ranges.

Description :

Renukamba Temple at Chandragutti in Karnataka is dedicated to Goddess Renuka. The temple is around 17km from Soraba. It is a cave temple and is in the form of half moon. The main deity worshipped in the temple is Goddess Renuka and she is also known as Guthiyamma. The hill on which the temple is located is known as Chandragutti.

Chandragutti is a religious center for goddess Renukamba wife of Jamadagni and mother Parusharam. The temple is situated on top of a hill which is completely covered with greenery. In short it’s very scenic. As soon as we reached the entrance of the temple we were welcomed by a small pond which is known as “Tottila baavi” and also there is small rock on which foot prints of main deity is carved. Once we crossed few steps, on to the right hand side there is a small temple of “Kalabairaveshwara”. In this temple lord is in both human and in “lingam” form. Few steps from this temple towards hill top will lead to Renukamba Temple.

By the time we had reached this place temple was closed. We got to know by a villager that this temple will be open for full day only on Tuesday and Friday and rest of the week temple is opened for few hours in morning. Since the temple was closed we could not see main deity, we could see “Matangi” seated along with her company in between two huge rocks. The main deity is inside a cave with golden coverings or golden statue as people say.

Along with this goddess there are 2 more temple, one of sacred seven headed “Nagaraja” (snake god) and “Parusharam” right in front of the Goddess Renukamba and the other one is of “Shoolada Beerappa”, there is a stair way which leads towards down the hill here is the temple of Shoolada Beerappa. This Shoolada Beerappa has hundreds of tridents (thrisuhla in Kannada) emerged from earth. Behind this is a small pond known as “Ammanavara Honda”. In south India “Ammnavaru” means goddess. Water for this pond comes from a bigger pond from top of the hill known as “tavarakere” (tavare means lotus in Kannada). The same water continues further ahead and reaches Tottila baavi

How to reach – We took a bus from Sagara (our main point) to Soraba and then from there another bus to Chandragutti, it was the same for return also. There are many (private) buses to Chandragutti from Soraba, Shimoga and very less direct bus from Sagara. Chandragutti is 106 kms from Shimoga. It can be reached from Soraba (approx 16kms), Siddapur (approx 18kms) and from Sirsi (approx 40kms) Sagara(approx 45 kms). Nearest Railway Station is Shimoga (106 Km).

See also 
As Chandragutti and Gudavi Bird Sanctuary or on the same road, one can visit these two together. They both a have difference of approx 10-12 kms from each other. From Soraba first comes Gudavi, at one point we need to take a right turn and continue approx of 6 kms from this Turing point.
I thank articles on net, my friends and villagers for helping me with the info.

Every year, there is a gathering of as many as 200,000 of her devotees at the Yellamma Gudda temple in Saundatti. This temple is an example of ancient architecture and dates back to the Kadamba period. Another temple is in Mahur, Maharashtra, the supposed birth place of the goddess, which finds mention in Devi Gita, the final chapter of Devi Bhagawatam as, "Matripura in the Sahyadri mountain; here the Devi Renuka dwells...". ( Renuka devi Temple, Mahur )

Legend :

Legend has it that Renukamba, a king of the Chandragutti region, was married to Rishi Jamadagni. The king had got Renukamba as daughter after he offered prayers to Goddess Mookambika.

Renukamba was such a devout wife that she could carry water in pots made of sand and she is used to carry the water pot on her head with snakes as pads for the pot. Not a single drop of water fell from her pot.

But once Sage Jamadagni doubted her character and asked his son Parashurama to kill her. Parashurama took his mother to the cave at Chandragutti and cut her head leaving the torso in the cave. He took the head to his father. Sage Jamadagni offers a boon to Parasurama who in turn asks the life of his mother. The sage immediately gives the boon and Renukamba is brought back to life.

This divine incident is believed to have taken place at at Chandragutti in Karnataka.

The popular festival in the temple is held in the month of March.
CHANDRAGUTTI RENUKAMBA TEMPLE CONTACT ADDRESS

Executive Officer,
Shree Renukamba Temple,
Chandragutti,
Chandragutti Post,
Soraba Taluk,
Shimoga District
Pin – 577429
91-8184-262488
958184-262488

Websites :

http://www.hindu-blog.com/2013/10/renukamba-temple-at-chandragutti-in.html

https://bluecanon.wordpress.com/2014/05/08/chandragutti-soraba-taluk-shimoga-district/

Wat Phra Yai (Big Buddha Temple), Ko samui Thailand

Name : Wat Phra Yai (Big Buddha Temple)

Location :

The temple can be reached via a causeway from the main island of Koh Samui. From the airport, head north on route 4171. Take the second right and the first left, then follow until the road ends.

Description :

A dazzling temple featuring a towering 12-meter golden Buddha. Though by no means an ancient temple (it was built as recently as 1972), Thailand's Wat Phra Yai or "Big Buddha Temple" is still a cultural and artistic gem that's well worth a visit.


The temple complex is majestic, dazzling, serene, and perhaps a bit amusing all at once. Here, every available surface is drenched in gold and bedecked with ornate mirrored tiles the color of precious jewels. A wide skirt of steps flanked by two sinuous emerald dragons leads straight to the towering central figure: a 12-meter-tall golden Buddha. It sits atop a hill overlooking the stunning aquamarine waters surrounding the tiny islet of Koh Faan.

Sitting in Mara pose, this Buddha represents a state of enlightenment, purity and calm. Reflecting these principles, a ring of large bronze prayer bells encircles the Buddha, gently swaying in the cool ocean breeze. Use one of the provided wooden strikers to lightly ring each bell for good luck as you take in the glorious views.

In the early mornings, one can observe monks chanting their morning prayers as well as locals who bring offerings of food, incense and flowers. Be sure to pop into a few of the stalls surrounding the base of the temple during your visit. Local street food, fruit, flowers and fun souvenirs can be found aplenty. Neaby Chaweng Beach, Wat Plai Lem and Ang Thong National Marine Park are popular stops to check out during your visit as well.

Know Before You Go :

It is requested that visitors respect the sanctity of the space by wearing modest clothing (trousers or long shorts and tops that cover the shoulders), removing shoes before entering the complex and being courteous of local devotees.

Websites :


http://www.atlasobscura.com/places/wat-phra-yai-big-buddha-temple