Eremo di Santa Maria a Cetrella, Capri Italy

Name :  Eremo di Santa Maria a Cetrella

Location :

Eremo di Santa Maria a Cetrella ("Hermitage of the Holy Mother of Cetrella") is a church in Anacapri on the island of Capri, Italy. It is located on Mount Solaro's Cetrella region.

Legend :

1. " Cetrella ": We do not know exactly what this name comes from but two versions are credited. The first, probably the most well-founded, claims to come from a Caprese plant: cedronella. The second assumes that there was a Pagan temple dedicated to the goddess Cetera in the place where the church rises today. 

2. An image of St. Maria is conserved within the church. The icon was of particular importance to the sailors of Anacapri who used to climb up to the tiny church in pilgrimage to ask for the Madonna's protection before embarking on their, often perilous, voyages in search of coral.

Description :

The hermitage is located on a steep hill to the south. The whole complex lies in a small rocky cove. The hermitage of Cetrella is comprised of a small church, bell tower and sacristy with a low dome, which was added in the seventeenth century. The path to Cetrella is a track through the woods, so walkers will need to wear comfortable shoes and to carry a supply of water.

The hermitage develops on two floors: on the ground floor is the church with the refectory, the kitchen with some small rooms that were used as cellars. On the first floor, along a corridor leading to a terrace with wisteria pergola, we have 4 small rooms that were the brothers' cells. From one of these cells you access a second terrace. From these there is a particularly impressive view of the island's caprese: M. Grande, Monte Tiberio, M. Piccola with the Faraglioni. Moreover, the Sorrento Coast and, on clear days, also the Gulf of Salerno and the Amalfi Coast. Having days with a special visibility you can come to see the Inner Mountains of Salernitan and all the coast to the south to the Punta Licosa Lighthouse.

The easiest way to get to Monte Solaro is by chairlift. The journey to the summit of Capri's mountain takes just 12 minutes. Take the chairlift from Piazza Vittoria in Anacapri. The chairs on the chairlift are made for a single passenger. There is a safety bar, but it is easily lifted, so we do not recommend riding with very young or very active children on your lap.

  The church is made up of two aisles, both with an altar. The first, adjacent to the entrance, is the main one and is dedicated to the Blessed Virgin Mary. This altar is marble and was made from the hermit. At the top there is a niche in which is housed the statue of the Virgin sitting with the Child in her arms. The work dates back to the '600 Neapolitan and is made up of mixed materials including paper, cork and plaster. Behind this altar lies the seventeenth-century burial sacristy with a picturesque window opening on the farways.

The second altar is in masonry surmounted by a representative painting of San Domenico, a testimony to this that here the Dominican Friars lived between 1600 and 1700. In this regard, it is not possible to clarify whether there have been before the Dominican brothers or those Franciscans.

According to the great archaeologist Maiuri, the church dates back to the first half of 1300. Later in 1500, thanks to a legacy, it was restored and expanded with what is today the refectory, the kitchen and the cells.

In 1983, the artist Domenico Gentile, known anacaprian ceramic, gave a gift to the majolica church overlooking the entrance of the church, depicting the vow of the Blessed Virgin with the Hymn's background.

Festivals & Celebrations :

The church is consecrated and during the year there are celebrations. There is a retreat for the children of first communion; There are the meetings of the various parish groups; A day of prayer with all the island groups in July; August 10th is celebrated the Mass SS for tourists. In September, then, the virgin's birthplace is celebrated: the eight of this month with celebrations in the morning and in the afternoon, and for all Sundays of the month there is an SS Mass in the early morning. This is a meeting that many faithful are always attending to fill the church and outer space. In mid-October, the SS Fishermen's Mass is celebrated on the island.

During the year, the church also offers hospitality to groups of Boy Scout, accompanied by a spiritual assistant. Of course this can be done by agreement with the Parish of Anacapri and the guardian of the Hermitage.

Punta Cannone View Point :

The Punta Cannone viewing point can be reached from Capri's Piazzetta. From Anacapri, rather than wait for the buses at the crowded Piazza Vittoria stop, it is a good idea to walk to the previous stop, near the cemetery, or even take a taxi.

Once in the Piazzetta, climb up the steps leading to the old Cathedral of Santo Stefano and, from the Piazzetta Cerio (home to one of the island's most fascinating museums) head to the right and the Via Madre Serafina. This ancient vaulted alleyway which runs beneath the houses, passes by the Convent of Santa Teresa and the historic Taverna O'Guarracino.

The cloisters of the Convent of Santa Teresa, dating back to the late 17th century and accessed by an old flight of steps, are open to the general public, although maximum quiet is requested. At the center of the cloisters there is a well, which provided a vital source of drinking water., and a small citrus grove, a reminder of the islanders' passion for growing fruit. Above the portone the remains of an ancient fresco can still be seen.

One of the wells where rainwater is collected. This, cleaned every year, is primarily used to collect water for cooking and drinking. Water is drawn through a manual pump. On the left you can see the sideboard. On the right is the door to the garden

Having visited the cloisters, continue along Via Castello, all the way to the Punta Cannone viewing point, which, in the 19th century, was armed with canon and used as a sentry post by the occupying British troops. From here, a splendid view over Marina Piccola, the Faraglioni and Via Krupp can be seen.

One of the most beautiful shows that can be seen from the Hermitage, given its location, is to see the sun rising up that illuminates the Faraglioni and the island.


How to get there :

From Capri: starting from the "Due Golfi" (so called because from here the two roads leading to the two 'gulfs' of the island: Marina Grande and Marina Piccola), there is a path that climbs to the wall of the Mount leads almost under the Hermit. A spectacular walk, but also not to do it yourself and if you are inexperienced. From this trail you can enjoy the panorama of Capri and Marina Piccola in particular, so also of the view on the Faraglioni.

From Anacapri: Via San Michele starts a dirt road that soon turns into a mountain trail , and in about twenty minutes leads to the Hermitage.

From Anacapri: from P.zza Vittoria takes the chairlift (15 minutes to a maximum of 8-9 meters from the ground) leading to Monte Solaro (the highest point of the island at almost 600 meters above sea level). Here, following the signs in a further 15 minutes on foot, crossing a pleasant pine and chestnut grove, you reach the hermitage.
 
On both routes departing from Anacapri you have a great view over Anacaprian old town.

Websites :

http://www.cetrella.it/

Yamai devi temple, Aundh

Name :  Yamai Devi , Aundh Maharashtra

Location :

The Yamai Devi Temple is situated in a hill complex in the town of Aundh, Satara district, Maharashtra, India. It is situated 44kms from Satara Bus station.

Legend :

The legend has it that the goddess Yamai got the name after Goddess Mahalaxmi of Kolhapur and Shri Rama, an incarnation of Lord Vishnu addressed her as 'Ye Mai' in Marathi which literally translated into 'Come Mother' when said in English. Therefore, the goddess of Aundh became famous as Yamai Devi.

Description :

The Yamai Devi idol is made of black stone and is in a cross-legged seating position almost 2 meters high. It is the Devi Mahishasur Mardini Yamai goddess idol.

Interestingly, the Yamai Devi temple (aka. Sakhargadnivasini temple)  happens to be the family shrine (Kula daiwat (or) Kula deivam ) of several Marathi families, also known as Kula-Daiwat in the local language. There are several idols of Hindi gods and Goddesses at the top of the temple.  The town and the temple has been associated with the Pant family for many centuries. The present head of this former ruling family, Gayatreedevi Pantpratinidhi, has installed a 7 kilograms (15 lb) solid gold kalash or crown on the pinnacle of the Yamai temple on the hill.

You can reach the top of the hill either by using steps which start at the bottom of the hill or by car using a rather perilous road.

The temple complex also houses the Shri Bhavani Museum established from the private collection of the Maharajas of Aundh. The museum holds paintings by noted 19th and 20th century Indian artists such as M. V. Dhurandhar, Baburao Painter, Madhav Satwalekar and Raja Ravi Varma as well as the famous Mother and Child stone structure by the British artist Henry Moore.

No restaurant or hotel near temples so carry your own food

There is one more temple of Devi Yamai located in the town; apart from the one on the hill.

Festivals :

The annual Yatra to the Yamai Devi Temple attracts thousands of devotees. Yamai Devi Yatra is annually observed on Paush Purnima or full moon day in Paush month as per traditional Hindu lunar calendar followed in Maharashtra. This festival attracts large numbers of devotees.

Websites :

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

http://trekbook.in/2014/07/yamai-devi-sakhargadnivasini-temple.html/ 

Nanzoin Temple, Japan

Name : Nanzo-in Temple (南蔵院?) is a Shingon sect Buddhist temple in Sasaguri, Fukuoka Prefecture, Japan. It notable for its bronze statue of a reclining Buddha, said to be the largest bronze statue in the world.

History :

Nanzo-in temple was originally located on Mt. Koyasan, but local anti-Buddhist authorities threatened to destroy the temple in 1886. Public outcry lead to a decade-long effort to have the temple transferred to Sasaguri. It was moved in 1899, under the leadership of Sasaguri priest, Hayashi Satoshiun. Nanzo-in temple is the main location among the 88 temples that make up the Sasaguri pilgrimage route, one of the three famous walking pilgrimages in Japan.

Today, the temple and its surrounding grounds receive more than 1 million visitors annually.

Lottery

A chief priest of Nanzo-in temple once won the lottery after laying his ticket next to a statue of Daikoku. The temple claims that others who have made a similar effort have also won the lottery, bringing the temple associations with luck and lottery tickets.

Reclining Buddha

The reclining Buddha statue, known as either Nehanzo or Shaka Nehan ("Nirvana") is 41 meters long, 11 meters high, and weighs nearly 300 tons. The statue depicts Buddha at the moment of death, or entrance into nirvana.

The interior holds ashes of Buddha and two Buddhist adherents, Ananda and Maudgalyayana. Those relics were a gift from Myanmar as thanks for the sect's donations of medical supplies to children in both Nepal and Myanmar. In 1995, 1,300 monks from Myanmar and Nepal attended the unveiling of the reclining Buddha statue.

Inside the sculpture, sand from each of the 88 shrines that make up the Shikoku pilgrimage are stored below bricks within a narrow hallway.

Every year, hundreds of Buddhists come together to clean the statue using bamboo leaves tied to five-meter poles.

Funerals

Nanzo-in Temple has 4,315 nokotsudo, places where bones of the deceased are stored. The temple has a non-traditional fee structure for housing remains. First, it is open to all sects of Buddhism, and is even open to Shinto remains. Secondly, many Buddhist temples rely on a monthly fee for housing the bones of the deceased, which are then disposed of after a set period of time. Nanzo-in Temple has one fee, which covers 200 years.

Websites: 
 https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Nanzoin_temple

Thap Ba, Po Nagar Cham Towers, Vietnam

Name :  Thap Ba, Po Nagar Cham Towers

Location :


The towers are situated on the hill top of Cù Lao, on the Cai river in the middle of what was the medieval principality of Kauthara, near modern day Nha Trang in the Khanh Hoa province. Before 774 AD wooden temple structures had long been located on the site, however these were raised to the ground by invading Javanese.

Description :

In 918, King Indravarman III placed a gold mukha-linga (carved phallus with a human face painted on it) in the North Tower, but it was taken by Khmer raiders. This pattern of statues being destroyed or stolen and then replaced continued until 965, when King Jaya Indravarman IV replaced the gold mukha-linga with the stone figure, Uma (Shakti, or female consort of Shiva), which remains to this day.

Mukha Linga was recovered from the complex of Cham temple ruins in Quang Nam Province in central Vietnam recently. It is now on display My Son Champa. http://www.hindu-blog.com/2013/11/a-7th-century-mukha-linga-on-display-in.html

The Shivling on display is made from a block of brownish gold sandstone. It is 1.46 meters high. The Shiva bust on the round head of the Shivling.

This is the first intact Mukha Linga discovered in Southeast Asia.

As part of the ancient Champa Kingdom, the towers were built to honour the Lady Mother of the Kingdom or Lady Thien Y-ana (also known as Po Nagar) who was said to be a great teacher of weaving and agricultural techniques. The largest tower is around 25m high and was built in 817 AD, inside is a statue dedicated to Po Nagar (said to have been made in 1050) alongside a linga. The remaining towers are dedicated to different gods; the North-West tower said to be for Sandhaka, Po Nagar’s father; the South tower to Ganeca, Po Nagar’s daughter and the Central tower (although less finely constructed) in honour of Cri Cambhu, believed to bless devotees with fertility, containing a linga (stylised phallus said to promote creative energy and fertility).

The stone pillars that remain on the lower section of the hill, lead to the original (now unused) stair case to the towers. These pillars are relics from a meditation temple and have undergone massive reconstruction over the years.


Above the entrance to the North Tower, two musicians, one of whose feet is on the head of the bull Nandin, flank a dancing four-armed Shiva. The sandstone doorposts are covered with inscriptions, as are parts of the walls of the vestibule. A gong and a drum stand under the pyramid-shaped ceiling of the antechamber. In the 28m-high pyramidal main chamber, there is a black-stone statue of the goddess Uma with 10 arms, two of which are hidden under her vest; she is seated and leaning back against a monstrous beast.

The Central Tower (Thap Nam) was built partly of recycled bricks in the 12th century on the site of a structure dating from the 7th century. It is less finely constructed than the other towers and has little ornamentation; the pyramidal roof lacks terracing or pilasters, although the interior altars were once covered with silver. There is a linga inside the main chamber.

The South Tower (Mieu Dong Nam), at one time dedicated to Sandhaka (Shiva), still shelters a linga, while the richly ornamented Northwest Tower (Thap Tay Bac) was originally dedicated to Ganesh. To the rear of the complex is a less-impressive museum with a few examples of Cham stonework.

This is a highly religious site and as such visitors are asked to remain respectful at all times. Shoes must be removed before entering any of the four towers. Dress appropriately with long skirts or trousers and definitely no bare shoulders, knees or excessive cleavage on show.

The entrance fee is 21,000 VND per person,the towers are open to visitors from 6am until 6pm and can be reached easily by car, motorbike, scooter, bicycle or on foot from the centre of Nha Trang. A taxi costs around 60,00 VND (metered price) from the main tourist area of Nha Trang. Stick to the reputable taxi companies such as Mai Linh, to avoid unreasonable fees or erratic meters.
The South Tower at Po Nagar Cham Towers, Nha Trang, Khanh Hoa Province, Vietnam

The Po Nagar cham towers are stunning in their own right, but the hill-top location also offers a good vantage point for photographers and sight-seers alike. The cafe based on the top of the hill serves a great Vietnamese coffee. A must-see on your list when staying in Nha Trang, or passing through.

Websites :

http://www.asiasoutheast.com/vietnam/nha-trang-vietnam/thap-ba-po-nagar-cham-towers/

Various types of Mukha Lingams worldwide 

Kalsubai Temple

Name : Kalsubai temple

Location :

The peak of Kalasubai is situated in Nagar district. This is apex, highest peak of the mountain range of Sahyadri. It is a dream of every sincere mountaineer to climb it at least once. Its height is almost 5,500 feet.

The Legend :

It is said, that in the ancient times, a lady named “Kalsu” came to nearby Indorey village to work. However, somebody forced her to clean utensils and clean up the residence by force. So she left the place and eventually died at this spot. So comes the name, Kalasubai. A small temple dedicated to Goddess Kalsubai is built at the peak and is worshipped by locals. A traditional pooja is performed at the summit temple every Tuesday and Thursday by local priest.

Festivals :

On occasion of Navratri, its a festive atmosphere as many people come to worship at the summit and Fair is organised during the nine days of Navratri.

About the Sanctuary :

The sanctuary area spreads from Kalasubai to Harischandragad in Akole Tehsil of Ahmednagar district. The area is part of Sahyadri hill ranges. The Kalsubai sanctuary is challenge to trekkers as it is most rugged, hilly area and difficult to get accessibility. Kalasubai is the highest (1646 m) peak of Western Ghats in Maharashtra. It is also a paradise for nature nad Flora lovers.

Trekking Experience :
 

The Trek is uphill climb and could take 3-4hrs climb and 2-3hrs descend from Base village Bari. After a climb of around 20minutes we came across temple of Kalsubai, which was the base temple at machi. Here we got the first glance of Diety Kalsubai.

At times we had to stop on the way as there would be long queue at certain points where it was important to climb slowly and also along with us there were other groups as well. The vegetation type is southern moist mixed deciduous. The part of Sahyadri that is close to West Coast is semi evergreen forest and semi deciduous shrub savanna. The main tree species that are seen in this area are Hirda, Jambhul, Chandawa, Bahava, Kumbhal, Gulchavi, Kudal, Siras, Kharvel, Karap, Avali, Aashind, Lokhandi, Beheda and character worth noticing.
After a climb of around 1hr one can reach first plateau, view from here of mountains covered with fogs and waterfalls was mesmerising. Trekkers can have some rest with group indulging in photo session at this point.

There are total of four ladders on the route and then there are carved steps on the rocks with railings on the side, this really make the route quite safe and easy.

Just before the last ladder, there is small hut or a shop where one could get hot kanda bhajia, tea and there was small well which was probably the only source of water in entire journey. From there we reach the fourth and final plateau.

Kalsubai Well On Top of Peak ! ! !

Best Time To Visit

August To December

Websites:
http://traveladventuresbyme.blogspot.in/2013/07/kalsubai-peak-mt-everest-of-sahyadris.html

BIjasan Mata Mandir, Indragarh

Name : Mandir Shri Bijasan Mata Ji

Location : On a high hill which is near about 1000 ft. high and 10 kms. Away from Indragarh Sumerganj Mandi. It is in Bundi District of Rajasthan which is 160kms from Jaipur.

God Worshipped : Goddess Beejasan (or the Goddess seated on Rakta Beeja demon)

Legend :

This ancient temple was built as the popular opinion goes, 2000 years ago in Vikram Samvat 103 by Kamal Nath who was a great devotee of Goddess Durga. His unflinching devotion to the Goddess propitiated the Goddess and she appeared before him. This idol of Beejasan Mata (Mother Goddess Durga) seated on the demon Rakta Beeja. In Markendeya Puran, the great exploits of Goddess Durga are narrated which are now known as Shri Gurga Shaptasati. In the eighth chapter of Shri Durga Shaptasati we read the Chivalrous shape of Durga when she waged her fierce battle against the demon Rakta Beeja. This demon had been blessed with an extraordinary kind of boon. Every drop of his blood falling from his body on earth would turn into a Rakta Beeja of the equal power and equal prowess.

The result was that there were millions of Rakta Beeja demons. Finally the Goddess decided not to let the blood of these demons fall on earth. She therefore, with burning torches either burnt the wounds or collected the falling blood in a bowl and drank it up. The goddess also took as many forms as the demon Rakta Beeja had. Thus the Goddess quelled and killed the demon Rakta Beeja and hence this name Beejasan was given to her.

Religious aspects of temple :

The Goddess is deemed to be very powerful and shows instant miracles. It is believed that the blind can regain their lost sight with the grace of the mother. Various people with various kinds of wishes come to the Goddess – have their wishes fulfilled because of the strong faith in the powers of the Goddess. Pilgrims, visitors etc. visit the temple throughout the year.

Festivals & Fairs in Temple (Main Events) :

Navratras are performed with great enthusiasm and devotion in the month of Chaitra and Ashwin. At this time, big fairs are held. Those whom whished are fulfilled offer artificial eyes to the goddess.

Timings :
Morning Time:     5.00 AM    
Evening Time:     7.00 PM

Custom & Traditions of Temple:

Like all other temples of Shri Durga, pooja is performed with full elaboration. Shri Durga Shaptasati is recited here. Four times in a day, Aaratis are performed viz., Mangala, Bhog, Sandhya and Shayan. Local people and people from outside come to this temple. Newly wedded couples pay their first visit and their newly borne babies are brought to the temple for the first time ritual shearing of their hair called Mundan Sanskar.

Websites :

http://devasthan.rajasthan.gov.in/images/bundi/bijasanmataji.htm