The Shikoku Pilgrimage

Name : The Shikoku Pilgrimage

Location : Shikoku Island Japan

Description : This is a pilgrimage of 88 temples on the island of Shikoku, Japan. It is believed all 88 temples were visited by the famous Buddhist monk Kūkai, who was born in Zentsūji, Shikoku in 774. However, Kukai only mentions visiting two of them in his own extant writings.

In addition to the 88 "official" temples of the pilgrimage, there are over 200 bangai — temples not considered part of the official 88. To complete the pilgrimage, it is not necessary to visit the temples in order; in some cases it is even considered lucky to travel in reverse order. The pilgrimage is traditionally completed on foot, but modern pilgrims use cars, taxis, buses, bicycles, or motorcycles. The walking course is approximately 1,200km long and can take anywhere from 30 to 60 days to complete. "Henro" is the Japanese word for pilgrim, but the inhabitants of Shikoku call the pilgrims o-henro-san. They are often recognizable by their white clothing, sedge hats, and walking sticks. Many pilgrims begin and complete the journey by visiting Mount Koya in Wakayama Prefecture, which was settled by Kukai and remains the headquarters of the Shingon sect of Buddhism. The 21km walking trail up to Koya-san still exists, but most pilgrims use the train.

In addition to the main pilgrimage on the island of Shikoku, there are miniature versions of the pilgrimage north of Takamatsu on the island of Shōdoshima, and on the grounds of Ninna-ji Temple in Kyoto. A much larger scale imitation of the Shikoku pilgrimage is located on Chita peninsula, near Nagoya.

Stages :

Shikoku literally means "four provinces", those of Awa, Tosa, Iyo, and Sanuki, reorganised during the Meiji period into the prefectures of Tokushima, Kōchi, Ehime, and Kagawa. The pilgrim's journey through these four provinces is likened to a symbolic path to enlightenment, with temples 1–23 representing the idea of awakening (発心 hosshin?), 24–39 austerity and discipline (修行 shugyō?), 40–65 attaining enlightenment (菩提 bodai?), and 66–88 entering nirvana (涅槃 nehan?).

Equipment :

The pilgrim's traditional costume comprises a white shirt (白衣 oizuru?), conical Asian hat (すげ笠 suge-kasa?), and kongō-zue (金剛杖?). This may be supplemented by a wagesa (輪袈裟?). The henro also carries a bag (ずだ袋 zuda-bukuro?) containing name slips (納札 osame-fuda?), prayer beads (数珠 juzu?) (also known as nenju (念珠?)), a nōkyō-chō (納経帳?) to collect shuin (朱印?), incense sticks (線香 senkō?), and coins used as offerings (お賽銭 o-saisen?). The more religiously-minded henro may also carry a book of sutras (経本 kyōbon?) and go-eika (ご詠歌?) set with a bell.

Rites :

Upon arrival at each temple the henro washes before proceeding to the Hondō. After offering coins, incense, and the osame-fuda, the Heart Sutra (般若心経 Hannya Shingyō?) is chanted along with repetition of the Mantra of the main image (本尊 honzon?) and the Mantra of Light (光明真言 Kōmyō Shingon?). After kigan and ekō prayers, the henro proceeds to the secondary temple (大師堂 Daishidō?). Coins and a fuda are similarly offered, and again the Heart Sutra is chanted, along with repetition of the Gohōgō Mantra, namu-Daishi-henjō-kongō.

Website :
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Shikoku_Pilgrimage
http://johnblog.mountainhikingholidays.com/2013/04/day-1-mountain-hiking-holidays-shikoku.html

Cycle Trip to 88 Shikoku Temples

Wat Phra That Doi Kong Mu

Name : Wat Phra That Doi Kong Mu

Location :

This temple is located on Doi Kong Mu hill to the west of Mae Hong Son city in Thailand.

Description :

Standing on top of Doi Kong Mu hill and visible from most places in Mae Hong Son town is the Wat Phra That Doi Kong Mu, a Burmese style temple founded in 1860. The temple comprises of several structures including two chedis and two viharns. The atmosphere atop the hill is one of tranquility and serenity.

Two large chedis

The oldest structures of the temple are two large whitewashed chedis (stupas). The largest chedi was built in 1860. Its lower section comprises of several octagonal shaped tiers of receding size. Around the base are niches enshrining images of the Buddha. The chedi is topped with a golden spire. It enshrines the ashes of Phra Moggallana, one of the chief disciples of the Buddha.

The smaller chedi enshrines the ashes of the first governor of Mae Hong Son, who built the structure in 1872. The lower section comprises of several square shaped tiers of diminishing size. At each of its four corners is a Chinthe, a lion standing guard accompanied by a Naga, the mythological snake. Niches standing in front of the chedi enshrine Burmese style Buddha images. The chedi is topped with a golden spire.

Burmese style assembly halls

Attached to the larger of the two chedis is a small, simple viharn, an assembly hall with a very ornate, multi tiered Burmese style roof comprising of several sections. Attached to the roofs ends are delicate Burmese style ornamental work metal sheets.

Away from the two chedis stands a larger Burmese style viharn. As opposed to the Lanna temples of the North and the Rattanakosin temples of Central Thailand, the floor plan of the viharn is on an horizontal axis, allowing a wide view of the building when approached from the front. The roof comprises of several sections. At the center is a Pyatthat, a very ornate Burmese style structure consisting of multiple tiers of receding size. The Pyatthat is topped with a hti, a Burmese style finial. The fairly simple interior enshrines the principal Buddha image in subduing Mara posture, as well as several other images.


Other structures

Higher up the hill overlooking Mae Hong Son is a Buddha image in subduing Mara posture, seated on a high pedestal. The image is guarded by a pair of white and gold guardian Chinthe lions. On top of the hill is another small temple building topped with a Pyatthat roof. The stairs are guarded by mythological Naga serpents. In front of it is a large standing Buddha image wearing a golden robe.

Panoramic views of Mae Hong Son and Burma

The top of Doi Kong Mu hill provides 360 degree views of Chong Kham Lake, Mae Hong Son, the Pai valley and the airport to one side and the forested hills of Burma to the other side. The hill is a popular place to watch the sunrise and sunset. At sunrise the valley is often covered in early morning mist. At sunset the sun disappears behind the Burmese mountains. Near the carpark is a small coffee shop.

How to get to the Wat Phra That Doi Kong Mu

The temple is located on top of Doi Kong Mu hill, almost one kilometer West of Chom Kham Lake and Mae Hong Son town. The easiest and most comfortable way to get there is by tuk tuk from town. Alternatively, walk to the top. Two paths lead up the 250 meter high hill. One starts at the Wat Phra Non, the other at the Wat Muo Taw.

Entrance fee & opening hours

The temple opens daily during daylight hours. Admission is free, donations are highly appreciated.

Website : 

http://thailandforvisitors.com/north/maehongson/kongmu/index.html

https://www.renown-travel.com/temples/wat-phra-that-doi-kong-mu.html

Bijli Mahadev Temple

Name : Bijli Mahadev Temple

Location : Kullu, Uttaranchal

Legend : Standing across the river, high on a projecting bluff, the Bijli Mahadev Temple is flanked by a 20 mtr high rod. According to a legend, the flagpole atop the temple draws blessings in the form of lightning which could shatter the shivalingam. It is said if a paste of butter and barley-gram is applied to the broken shivalingam, it will fully mend and return to its original form. At least once a year the idol of Shiva in the temple is supposed to be shattered by lightning, then miraculously repaired by the temple pujari (priest).

Description : This temple houses the pictorial view of the luxuriant valley below. Placed at a height of 2450 meters, the Pahari style temple architecture offers an eye-catching scenario not only to the ardent devotees but also to the frequent traveler.

A holy darshan of the temple requires a hefty voyage of three kilometers on foot, which is quite tiresome. The uphill path towards this sacred shrine is flanked by pine trees that make the stride a pleasant one.

Jagannathi Devi Temple

Name : Jagannathi Devi Temple

Location : This temple is in Bhekhli village, 3-km from Kullu, Uttranchal. It's a stiff climb but from the temple one can catch fine views of the town.

Deity : The deity in the temple is also known as Bhuweneshawari, who is considered as the sister of Lord Vishnu.

Legend : This pretty shrine also is linked with a fabulous legend. It says that, once a shepherd boy accidentally noticed that two girls danced to the tune of his magical flute and he caught hold of one among them. The goddess revealed her identity and agreed to settle in the village at Bekhli.

Description : This temple is believed to have been constructed 1500 years ago. The Jagannathi Devi Temple or the Bekhli Temple is placed at an altitude of 1800 meter. The 90 minutes ascend to the top is rewarded with the panoramic view of the surroundings and the holy dharshan of the gorgeous deity. The sculptures and images enshrined in the shrine show Rajasthani and Gaddi tribal influence.

Raghunathji temple

Name : Raghunathji temple

Location : Uttranchal. About a km from Dhalpur in Raghunathpura or Sultanpur. To reach the temple, cross the main road outside the bus stand and follow the lane up the hill opposite the Kailash cinema.

Legend : The temple is dedicated to lord Rama. According to a local legend, Lord Rama worshipped here after his victory over Lanka. The temple compound also hosts Annapurna Devi Temple, Hanuman Temple, Shankaracharya Temple and Garud Temple.

Chamundi Temple Mysore

Name : Chamundi Hill Temple

Location : 3 kms from Mysore, Karnataka

Deity : Goddess Chamundeswari

No of steps : about 1000 nos.

Legend : Legend has it that that the demon Mahishasura, the king of the area that is currently Mysore, was killed by the Goddess Chamundeswari (also Chamundi) after a fierce battle. The hills hence got their name and a temple of the Goddess was built on the top. The temple has a very beautiful Idol of the Goddess wearing a garland of skulls.

Description : The temple has always been patronised by the rulers of Mysore. In earlier days, the Maharajas of Mysore would ride the ceremonial Dasara elephant during the annual Dasara festival, but after India gained independence, the Idol of Goddess Chamundi is taken on an elephant.

Enroute to the top, the steps pass the large monolithic statue of Nandi the Bull. Nandi is the vahana (Vehicle) of Lord Shiva. Climbing gets easier soon afterwards.

A panoramic view of the city is seen from the top of the hills. Among other landmarks, you can see the Race Course, the Lalitha Mahal palace, the Mysore Palace, the Karanji and Kukkarahalli lakes. At dusk, the view of the city is especially beautiful, and on Sunday evenings and during the Dasara festival, the illuminated Mysore Palace glitters like gold.

Mysore got its name from the demon Mahishasura. It was earlier known as 'Mahisuru,' meaning Mahisha's city. Gradually it came to be called Mysooru and later anglicised to Mysore. There is a demand and proposal now (December 2005) that the name of city be changed from Mysore to Mysooru the original Indian form.

Website : http://wikimapia.org/102041/Chamundeswari-Temple