Gupteswar cave Temple

Name : Gupteswar Cave Temple

Location :

Gupteswar is a shrine of Lord Shiva situated about 55 km away Jeypore, Koraput District in the state of Odisha, India. It is a limestone cave discovered some time ago and has a number of scenic spots around.

Legend:

According to mythology, the lingam was first discovered by Lord Rama when he was roaming in the then Dandakaranya forest with wife Sita and brother Laxman, and later worshipped it calling it "Gupteswar". The poet Kalidas too, described the scenic beauty of Ramgiri forest where the cave temple is referred to in his famous Meghadutam.

However, with the passing of time, the temple was abandoned. Later, in the last part of the 19th century, a hunter of the Ramgiri area found the lingam. Since then the lingam has been worshipped by the tribes of Koraput region.

Description :

The main attraction is the gigantic Shiva Linga which is said to be increasing in size. Pilgrims from all over the country come here during the Sravana period, because the yearly BolBom yatra is held at this place. Devotees walk to the Gupteshwar during BolBom yatra to bathe in the maha kund, and then chant near the Shiva Linga. The cave is more or less like the Bora caves ( India - Odisha and Andhra border ). you have got same feelings in other natural places . But this Gupteswar cave is special for the underground water. It is really worth seeing. It is a natural cave with Stalagmites. One has to reach the end to view the superb scene .
After taking bath in the river Sabari, also known as Pataliganga, devotees offered prayers in the cave temple, situated at a height of 1,000 metres.

Surrounded by a dense forest of sal trees and flanked by the Kolab river, a 2m high lingam stands in the cave. The shrine is called "Gupteswar" which means the "Hidden God". It is so named because it was lying hidden in the cave for a very long period. One can reach it by climbing the 476 steps flanked with rows of champak trees. The entrance of the cave is about 3 m wide and 2 m in height. There are also several other caves nearby. Inside the second cave there is a large stalactite. People worship it as the udder of God Kamadhenu (the divine cow) and wait under it with outstretched palms to collect drops of water which fall only at long intervals.

Popularly known as "Gupta Kedar" in the vicinity, this sacred place, endowed with unusual natural beauty, is associated with Shri Rama of the epic Ramayana. The nearby hill has been named "Ramagiri".  In Shivaratri (a Hindu festival) Gupteswar Temple draws over 200,000 devotees from Odisha, Andhra Pradesh and Chhattisgarh. People suffering from incurable diseases come here to worship the God and remain here for months in the hope of getting cured.

There are five perennial poles of water called Ganga, Yamuna, Saraswati, Bhargavi and Indradyumna. The entrance of the cave looks like two jaws and the Shiva Linga is located at the meeting point of the jaws.
Similarly, thousands of people offer prayers at Paikpada, which is famous for the 9th century Pataleshwar Shiva temple. It is believed that there are 99,99,999 Shiva Lingas (only one less than one crore) in and around the temple.

Websites:

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

http://www.orissaspider.com/resources/3523-Holy-Shrine-Lingam-Gupteswar-Koraput.aspx 

Gokarneswara Temple, Mahendragiri

Name : Gokarneswara Temple

Location :

Mahendragiri, is a mountain peak at in the Paralakhemundi (or Parlakhemundi) subdivision of the district of Gajapati, Orissa, India. It is situated amongst the Eastern Ghats at an elevation of 1,501 meters (4,925 ft).
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Legend :

Legend says that it is the place where lord Parashurama,a Chiranjeevi staying eternally and doing tapasya.Temples built by Pandavas are seen.Main festival here is Shivaratri,the worship of Shiva,the guru or percepter of lord Parashurama.

It is associated with mythological stories from the Ramayana as Mahendra Parvata (mountain). It is also Known as the Southern Amarnath of Orissa. a ‘Kula Parvata’ along with Malaya, Sahyadri, Parijatra, Shuktiman, Vindhya and Malyavaan

Legend has it that the linga was installed by the Pandavas of the Mahabharata era. Construction of the 8-feet-high temple is also attributed to the Pandavas. The Pandavas are believed to have performed the ritual to worship Gokarneswara at the crack of dawn on Shivaratri before they left the place.Sarala Dasa, the author of Oriya Mahabharata, attributes the establishment of the Gokarnesvara Sivalinga to Pandava brothers who visited Mahendragiri during the period of their exile.

Description :

Shivaratri was once more celebrated with pomp ,devotion and gaiety in Gajapati , and the main function was at the famous and historical Mahendragiri Hills .The administration had made elaborate arrangements for the a safe and smooth Shivaratri on the Mahendragiri Hills . More than 50,000 devotees from all parts of the state had reached the footsteps of the Mahendragiri Hills from where they trekked up the hills through the Burkat Pass .Ladies and aged women in large numbers braved the chill and dark night to go up the Mahendragiri Hills to have a glimpse of the Shiva Lingas inside the three temples namely Bhima Temple , Kunti(Gokerneswara) Temple and the Yudhister Temple supposed to have constructed by the Pandavas during their exile . Police in big numbers were present through out the route and also on the mountain top to face any law or order situation . Drinking Water supply , generator run electricity , first aid , food and other arrangements were also efficiently maintained by the Revenue Department who are responsible for this annual function . In the other Shiva Temple of the town devotees had gathered in large numbers to and the temples were also brightly decorated ,coloured and lit up with lights for the occasion.

In the adjoining areas the Raiwalsa Temple near Teakkali , Mina Jhola near Rayagada ,Makhalingam near Hiramandallam ,Putingi near Mandaasa were also the few Shiva Temples where devotees from this place had gone in huge numbers . Early in the morning the Suryo Udyog(sunrise) was the major attraction for the devotees who waited for the first sunrays to break through before returning back home.

There are four other temples, dedicated to Yudhisthira, Bheema, Arjuna and Kunti, on the premises.

The Kunti temple is 30 feet high and is at one end of the flat top the mountain. It is in rekha style without any jagamohanaor plinth. The temple has been plastered with lime after thorough repair. In the side niche are parsvadevatas like Ganesha, Kartikeya and Pravati. The nabagrahas are in the lintel over the door jambs. Two inscriptions which may be paleographically placed in the 12th century A.D. are there, one to the right of the entrance door and the other on the left side of the temple. Some sculptures and dressed stone slabs are lying scattered around the temple.

The Yudhisthira temple rising abruptly from the ground level is in triratha style and is on the other side of the flat top of the mountain. The outer walls are devoid of any sculptural decoration excepting four Chaitya arches. There is no parsvadevata. The lintel of the door contains an inscription of the Chola king Rajendra Chola.

The Bhima temple, assumed by scholar to have been built just after the Gupta period, appears to be the earliest of these temples. It is made of five huge square sized blocks of stones and has low and squat tower, square sanctum, squat sikhara and flat roof. The doorway is narrow and the walls do not have any niche. Upon the last tier of the temple rests the amalakasila but the kalasa is absent. There is no sculptural decoration worth mentioning. This temple is often regarded as the Gokarnesvara temple of the place. In addition to these temples, there are three other huts like uncut stone structures arranged in groups.

Websites :

http://eodisha.org/mahendragiri-hills-way-heaven-good-place-trekking-picnic-gajapati-district-odisha/

Wat Phra That Mae Yen, Thailand

Name :  Wat Phra That Mae Yen

Location :

This Temple is located atop a hill in Pai, a small town in Northern Thailand's Mae Hong Son Province. To get there, walk 1km east from the main intersection in town to get to the stairs (353 steps) that lead to the top. Or, if you’ve got wheels, take the 400m sealed road that follows a different route.

Description :

This small temple on a hill 2 km from Pai is especially interesting for its setting and the view overlooking the city you have from it. The 353 steps long staircase to reach the temple is charming even if you can skip it and take the road to access to Wat Phra That Mae Yen. The temple consists of two buildings and a few small golden chedis.

In front of the temple entrance, there is a little market with stalls where you can buy products, mainly hats and scarves knitted by the vendors. They can be very useful because it is cold at night and in the early morning in Pai. There are also two coffee shops. Behind the market, there is another Wihaan housing a reclining Buddha. And over the hill behind it, a large stitting Buddha is under construction and should be visible from far away. If you have the courage and the curiosity, you can already take the small path behind the building of the Reclining Buddha and have a look at the unfinished Big Buddha. Phra That Mae Yen is one of most accessible attraction by bicycle around Pai and a good introduction to your stay in Pai.

 

Websites :

https://dearthveda.wordpress.com/tag/pai-thailand/  

http://tripinchiangmai.blogspot.in/

See more at : http://www.thailandee.com/en/visit-thailand/wat-phra-that-mae-yen-pai-161
Copyright © Thailandee.com

See more at : http://www.thailandee.com/en/visit-thailand/wat-phra-that-mae-yen-pai-161
Copyright © Thailandee.com

This small temple on a hill 2 km from Pai is especially interesting for its setting and the view overlooking the city you have from it. The 353 steps long staircase to reach the temple is charming even if you can skip it and take the road to access to Wat Phra That Mae Yen. The temple consists of two buildings and a few small golden chedis. In front of the temple entrance, there is a little market with stalls where you can buy products, mainly hats and scarves knitted by the vendors. They can be

See more at : http://www.thailandee.com/en/visit-thailand/wat-phra-that-mae-yen-pai-161
Copyright © Thailandee.com

Abang Temple Indonesia

Name :  Abang Temple (Yogyakarta) : the red temple in central java

Location :

Abang temple is located in Candiabang hamlet, Jogotirto village, Berbah sub district, Sleman regency, Yogyakarta.

Legend :

Local people still exist who believe, Temple Abang maintained a prominent and respected elder. He named Kyai Butcher, who has a great body and long hair.

Kyai Butcher is the protector of all the damage. In the days of Japan, residents often take refuge in the temple, because there is a belief. Kyai Butcher will protect them. Belief in very large Kyai Butcher. Thus, there is a story about a lump of gold as big as calves are believed to exist in the body temple brother, still living the story and no one dared to prove it.

Quite apart from all the stories, each place (one temple) has its own story among citizens. Such Candi Abang always associated with terpedam treasure story, or several stories about the place looking pesugihan. There are mythical stories of local residents ever tell me about Temple Abang, for example, why on top of the temple mound Abang no large plants growing? Why just grass? Because if you study the History of Java-owned Raffles, some temples are found even in conditions of "gripped" by the roots of large plants. Then why in the Temple Abang even no plants are "gripped"?

Description :

Abang (means Red in Javanese ) temple is classified into Hindu temple. The name "Abang" is derived from the color of the temple building material. The location of this temple is nearby some other temples like Banyunibo temple and Barong temple. It is estimated that the temple was built around 9th and 10th century during the time of Ancient Mataram Kingdom. Even so, this temple is said to have younger age compare to other Hindu temple found in Yogyakarta.

What to See & Do

Abang temple is located above the hill. Do not expect to see a temple with complete construction as in Prambanan or Boko. The temple is only a small temple shaped like a mound of land. The shape will remind you of a dome house or if you familiar, Teletubbies house. Before getting to the temple, you will have to pass rocky and inclining road. Nevertheless, the view of the teak forest will tease your eyes to look around and even take photograph. The temple is made of brick which has red color. That is why the temple is called abang, a Javanese word which means “red.” However, the temple is covered with grass during rainy season. The red color will appear only when the dry season comes. The red color of the temple is what makes it unique. The temples found in Central Java are usually made of andesite stones. Meanwhile this temple made of red stones, which is similar like temples found in the East Java.

The temple sizes a 36×34 base and shaped like pyramid. The height of the temple is not yet known. Firstly found, the temple has statue and octagonal yoni-base, as a marker that the temple is a Hindu heritage.

In the middle part is an entrance stair made of limestone. Some people thought there is a treasure hidden in the temple. They tried to dig the treasure but they ruin the temple. Nowadays, the real temple still cannot be seen. However, the surrounding of the temple presents a beautiful view of a wide green landscape. The temple area is famous among bikers community. They often riding bicycle together and visit this temple. When visiting the temple, you can also visit another historical site nearby. You can stop by at Sentono cave before climbing the hill to the temple. Your trip will be more fun if you use bike instead of other vehicles. During your biking trip, you can visit other temples nearby or simply passing through the villages with rice field view.

Sentona caves : Like Abang temple, Sentono caves also cultural heritage that must be introduced to others. In this cultural heritage consists of three caves that carved on the wall of rock hill facing southwest. This three caves located in line from north to south.

Cave 1 : There is Lingga Yoni Carved together with cave floor inside this cave. There are relieves of Durga Mahisasurawardhini and Mahakala in northern wall, also there is relief of Agastya and Nandiswara in southern wall. The relief are broken, especially on the part of face and hand. There is a painting of man sitting at the square statue base and tendrils, painted in black paint.

Cave 2 :  The reliefs of three statues carved in cave wall. Statue in the middle has sitting position on top of a square pedestal Dharmacakramudra hand gesture, while the two statues are located on left side of it standing with attitude Tribangga. In front of the statue which is in the middle position are Lingga Yoni. On top of the front on cave there is rectangular hole length: 50cm, width: 30cm, depth: 13cm. This hole may serve as a reservoir of water at Lingga Yoni worship.

Cave 3 :  In third cave there is relief that not been completed already. This relief may describe of a tortoise. In the middle of floor of cave there is a square-shaped hole length: 53cm, width: 50cm and depth: 12cm. Probably this hole used to put object of veneration.

Visitors Info

    It is suggested to go there by motorcycle or bike due to the rocky terrain.
    There is no parking lot available, but you can park your motorcycle at the villagers’ house.
    Do not leave your vehicle unattended because your stuff might get stolen.

How to Get Therejalan-candi-abang

    By public transport: Take Trans Jogja route 1A or 1B and get off at Prambanan shelter. Continue by taking bus route Yogya-Piyungan and get off at Bercak village. Continue by walking for about 1 Km toward Karongan village. The temple is located above the hill on the northern part of this village.
    By private vehicle: Take the route to Prambanan temple and turn right at the traffic light junction right before Prambanan temple (route to Ratu Boko). Keep heading south for about 8 Km and pay attention to the road sign showing direction to Abang temple.

Nearest Places: Banyunibo temple, Barong temple, Sentono cave

Nearest Hotels: LPP Garden Hotel, Grand Quality Hotel, The Jayakarta Yogyakarta Hotel & Spa

Websites :
 
http://www.iwantgoto.com/yogyakarta/sleman-territories/historical-tourism-sleman-territories/abang-temple-the-red-temple-in-central-java/

http://candi.pnri.go.id/temples_en/deskripsi-yogyakarta-abang_temple_25

 http://jogjahidden.com/sentono-cave-the-hidden-cultural-heritage-in-yogyakarta/

Moti Dungri Temple, Jaipur

Name :  Moti Dungri Temple, Jaipur

Location :

Situated in the heart of Jaipur of Rajasthan, the Moti Dungri temple is perched on a small hill, and is surrounded by an exotic palace.

Description :

The Moti Dungri Ganesh Temple was constructed by Seth Jai Ram Paliwal in the early eighteenth century, and continues to be one the most popular tourist destinations in Jaipur. The temple is nestled by the beautiful palace, called the Moti Dungri palace, which is an imitation of a popular Scottish castle. In the recent past, the palace was home to Rajmata Gaytri Devi, but now, the palace is locked to public.

History Of The Temple :

According to the priests of the temple, the King of 'Mewar' was returning back to his palace from a long journey and was carting a colossal 'Ganesh' idol on a bullock cart. It is said, that the king wanted to build a temple, and had decided to consecrate the idol of Lord Ganesh wherever the bullock cart halted the first time. Legend states that the bullock cart stopped at the foot of the Moti Dungri hills, which is where the temple is situated today.

It is said that the construction and the design of the temple was commissioned to Seth Jai Ram Paliwal, who supervised the construction of this magnificent structure, on the inspiration of 'Mahant' (chief priest) Shiv Narain Ji. The temple was originally built to house the 'Ganesh' idol, with only the 'Shaiva' (Lord Shiva followers) visiting the temple. Thereafter, the palace complex was built, encompassing the Moti Dungri Ganesh temple within it, making it a popular religious and tourist center in Jaipur.

Layout Of The Temple :

The temple itself spans 2 kilometers and is carved out of stone. Apart from the intricate stone carving, the temple is known for its exquisite lattice work on marble with mythological images engraved on the marble, which offer a splendid view for art-lovers. The idol of Lord Ganesh is located in the heart of the temple, and is hidden from view. Only at certain timings in a day are visitors allowed to have a glimpse of the feted idol.

Time to visit : 

The best time to visit Moti Dungri temple is between the 5.30 am to 1.30 pm noon in morning and 4.30 pm to 9.00 pm in evening, every day.


Other Tourist Attractions :

    The ‘Hawa Mahal'
    Statue Circle
    The City Palace
    Nahargarh Fort

Festivals :

From 'Ganesh Chathurthi' to 'Paush Bada', the temple is always bustling with the preparations of festivities and is a landmark destination in Jaipur. The mela (fair) held on the temple grounds every Budhwar (Wednesday), Ganapati’s day.

Everything is big in Jaipur, from its palaces and hotels to its temples and laddoos. Yes, laddoos! Locals, tourists and devotees visit the Moti Doongri temple during Ganesh Chaturti in huge numbers. Among the many offerings made by them, the most fascinating is the motichoor laddoos, some weighing even a kilo.


Websites :

http://www.jaipur.org.uk/temples/moti-dungri.html

Pura Tanah Lot Temple - Indonesia

Name :  Pura Tanah Lot

Location :

Located in Tabanan, about 20 kilometres (12 mi) from Denpasar, the temple sits on a large offshore rock which has been shaped continuously over the years by the ocean tide.

Description :

Tanah Lot means "Land [sic: in the] Sea" in the Balinese language. Tanah Lot is a rock formation off the Indonesian island of Bali. It is home to the pilgrimage temple Pura Tanah Lot.

Tanah Lot is claimed to be the work of the 16th-century Dang Hyang Nirartha. During his travels along the south coast he saw the rock-island's beautiful setting and rested there. Some fishermen saw him, and bought him gifts. Nirartha then spent the night on the little island. Later he spoke to the fishermen and told them to build a shrine on the rock, for he felt it to be a holy place to worship the Balinese sea gods.

Legend :

At the base of the rocky island, venomous sea snakes are believed to guard the temple from evil spirits and intruders. The temple is purportedly protected by a giant snake, which was created from Nirartha's selendang (a type of sash) when he established the island.

The Tanah Lot temple was built and has been a part of Balinese mythology for centuries. The temple is one of seven sea temples around the Balinese coast. Each of the sea temples was established within eyesight of the next to form a chain along the south-western coast. In addition to Balinese mythology, the temple was significantly influenced by Hinduism.


Restoration :

In 1980, the temple's rock face was starting to crumble and the area around and inside the temple started to become dangerous. The Japanese government then provided a loan to the Indonesian government to conserve the historic temple

The area leading to Tanah Lot is highly commercialized and people are required to pay to enter the area. To reach the temple, visitors must walk through a set of Balinese market-format souvenir shops which cover each side of the path down to the sea. On the mainland clifftops, restaurants have also been provided for tourists.

Website :

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