Panch Kedar Yatra (pilgrimage)

Panch Kedar (Sanskrit: पंचकेदार) refers to five Hindu temples or holy places of the Shaivite sect dedicated to god Shiva. They are located in the Garhwal Himalayan region in Uttarakhand, India. They are the subject of many legends that directly link their creation to Pandavas, the heroes of the Hindu epic Mahabharata.

The five temples designated in the strict pecking order to be followed for pilgrimage for worship are the Kedarnath (Sanskrit: केदारनाथ) at an altitude of 3,583 m (11,755 ft), the Tungnath (तुंगनाथ)(3,680 m or 12,070 ft), Rudranath (रुद्रनाथ) (2,286 m or 7,500 ft), Madhyamaheshwar (मध्यमहेश्वर) or Madmaheshwar (3,490 m or 11,450 ft) and Kalpeshwar (कल्पेश्वर) (2,200 m or 7,200 ft). The Kedarnath is the main temple, which is part of the four famous Chota Char Dhams (literally 'the small four abodes/seats') or pilgrimage centers of the Garhwal Himalayas; the other three dhams are the Badrinath, Yamunotri and Gangotri. Kedarnath is also one of the twelve Jyotirlingas


History

It is said that the Panch Kedar Yatra (pilgrimage) could be directly related to the Gorakhnath cult (recognized for their pilgrim traditions) of Nepal. As a proof, it is stated that the culmination of the pilgrimage was at Pashupatinath temple in Nepal, rightly where Lord Shiva’s head is worshipped and not at Kedarnath where the hump is venerated. A further supporting fact mentioned in this regard is that the emblem used in Kedarnath temple dome is the same as displayed in the Pashupathinath temple dome in Kathmandu.

Legends

Many folk legends related to the Garhwal region, god Shiva and the creation of the Panch Kedar temples are narrated.

The most famous folk legend about Panch Kedar relates to the Pandavas, the heroes of the Hindu epic Mahabharata. The Pandavas defeated and killed their cousins — the Kauravas in the epic Kurukshetra war. They wished to atone for the sins of committing fratricide (gotra hatya) and Brāhmanahatya (killing of Brahmins — the priest class) during the war. Thus, they handed over the reigns of their kingdom to their kin and left in search of the god Shiva and to seek his blessings. First, they went to the holy city of Varanasi (Kashi), believed to Shiva's favourite city and famous for its Shiva temple. But, Shiva wanted to avoid them as he was deeply incensed by the death and dishonesty at the Kurukshetra war and was, therefore, insensitive to Pandavas' prayers. Therefore, he assumed the form of a bull (Nandi) and hid in the Garhwal region.

Not finding Shiva in Varanasi, the Pandavas went to Garhwal Himalayas. Bhima, the second of the five Pandava brothers, then standing astride two mountains started to look for Shiva. He saw a bull grazing near Guptakashi (“hidden Kashi” — the name derived from the hiding act of Shiva). Bhima immediately recognized the bull to be Shiva. Bhima caught hold of the bull by its tail and hind legs. But the bull-formed Shiva disappeared into the ground to later reappear in parts, with the hump raising in Kedarnath, the arms appearing in Tunganath, the nabhi (navel) and stomach surfacing in Madhyamaheshwar, the face showing up at Rudranath and the hair and the head appearing in Kalpeshwar. The Pandavas pleased with this reappearance in five different forms, built temples at the five places for venerating and worshipping Shiva. The Pandavas were thus freed from their sins. It is also believed that the fore portions of Shiva appeared at Pashupatinath, Kathmandu — the capital of Nepal.

A variant of the tale credits Bhima of not only catching the bull, but also stopping it from disappearing. Consequently, the bull was torn asunder into five parts and appeared at five locations in the Kedar Khand of Garhwal region of the Himalayas. After building the Panch Kedar temples, the Pandavas mediated at Kedarnath for salvation, performed yagna (fire sacrifice) and then through the heavenly path called the Mahapanth (also called Swargarohini), attained heaven or salvation.[citation needed]

After completing the pilgrimage of Lord Shiva's darshan at the Panch Kedar temples, it is an unwritten religious rite to visit Lord Vishnu at the Badrinath Temple, as a final affirmatory proof by the devotee that he has sought blessings of Lord Shiva

Worship rights

The priests and pundits who worship in the Panch Kedar temples are from South India, except in Tungnath. Namboodiri brahmins hailing from Malabar, in Kerala officiate as chief priests at Badrinath temple and they are known by the name Rawals. Jangamas who are pure Lingayatisms from Chitrakal in Mysore are the chief priests at the Madhyamaheswar temple. Dasnami Gosains founded by Adi Shankaracharya are the chief priests in Rudranath and Kalpeshwar temples. The Tunganath temple is served by the Khasi Brahmins. In the case of Tungnath, it is also said that the local brahmins from Mokumath officiate as priests.

Kedarnath Teerth Purohit all Kedarnath Teerth Purohit (Panda) are the ancient brahmin of this himalaya region of Kedarkhand, these are there from the end of treta yug and start of kaliyug, when pandava came to himalaya for finding moksh, and then went to mahapanth, after their journey to mahapanth, their grandson King Janmejay came to Kedarnth and gave the right of worshiping of Kedarnath temple to these brahmins

THE TREK :

The total trek length to cover all the five temples of Panch Kedar is about 170 km (including road travel up to Gaurikund), involving 16 days of strenuous and rewarding effort. The trek starts from Gauri Kund, one of the picturesque spots, providing spectacular views of the Himalayan range of hills in the entire Garhwal region, comparable to the Alps. The trekking is undertaken during two seasons; three months during summer and two months after the monsoon season, as during the rest of the period, except Rudranath, the other four Panch Kedar temples are inaccessible due to snow cover.

The road from Rishikesh is the first entry point to Garhwal from the plains of Uttarakhand. Rishikesh is approachable from Delhi by road over a distance of 230 km. The road from Rishikesh leads to the Gaurikhund on the Rudraprayag–Kedarnath road from where the trekking would start to Kedarnath temple. The trek to Kedarnath is of 14 km, each way. After Kedarnath, road travel to Guptakashi and further to Jagasu covers a distance of 30 km. From Jagasu, the trek to Madhaymaheshwar temple via Gaundhar is over a distance of24 km (15 mi). This trek provides spectacular views of the Chaukhamba, the Kedarnath and the Neelkanth peaks. Returning from Madhyamaheshwar the road drive to Chopta via Jagasu is of 45 km. From Chopta, the trek is to the Tunganath temple over a distance of about 4 km. After the Tunganath trek, the drive along the road up to Mandal (known Cherrapunji of Garhwal due to heavy rainfall) is for a distance of8 km. From Mandal, the trek to Rudranath temple is of 20 km. After visiting Rudranath temple the return journey is to Mandal and the drive down by road to Helang. From Helang, the trek to Kalpeshwar temple is for 11 km via Urgam village and is considered strenuous due to the steepness of the route. After completing the pilgrimage trek of Kalpeswar temple, the last of the Panch Kedar temples, the return road drive from Helong to Riishikesh via Pipalkothi is a distance of 233 km.

Worship during winter season

During the winter period when the temples are inaccessible due to snowfall, the sanctified symbolic Shiva idol of Kedarnath is worshipped at the Omkareshwar temple at Ukhimath, the representational idol of Tunganath is worshipped at Mokumath, the Rudranath symbolic image is brought to Gopeshwar, and the Madhyamaheshwar symbolic idol is venerated at Ukhimath

Websites :

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

1. Kalpeshwar
2. Rudranath
3. Madhyamaheshwar
4. Tungnath
5. Kedarnath 

Tibidabo Spain

Name : Tibidabo - Mountain where Jesus was first tempted by the Devil

Location :

A mountain overlooking Barcelona, Catalonia, Spain, Tibidabo stands more than 500 meters tall. The highest peak anywhere in the Serra de Collserola range, Tibidabo is home to an amusement park, a telecommunications tower, and Sagrat Cor, a Catholic church.

Legend :

Sagrat Cor is perhaps the most fitting of Tibidabo's attractions as this is the site where local legend says the devil tempted Jesus. The name Tibidabo derives from the Latin Vulgate Bible verses, Matthew 4:9 and Luke 4:6. The phrase, tibi dabo, means I will give to you. It was supposedly said to Jesus by the devil as they looked down from a mountain on the kingdoms of the world. The name of Barcelona's hill, then, refers to how it is the tallest anywhere around.

Description:

Designed by Enric Sagnier, the church took about 60 years to build. At the top of the church, Sagrat Cor, is a sculpture of the Sacred Heart by Josep Miret Llopart.

Tibidabo can be reached by a funicular railway, by bus, and by car. The railway, built in 1901, was the first of its kind in Spain. The amusement park is also the oldest of its kind in the area. Constructed in 1899, the park offers more than thirty different rides, some of them dating back many decades. A few of the original attractions are also still operating, including the Museu d'Autòmates (Mechanical Museum).

 

Websites :
http://www.atlasobscura.com/places/tibidabo

El Peñón de Guatapé

Name : El Penon de Guatape

Location :

La Piedra Del Peñol (Spanish for "The Rock of Guatapé"), also known as El Peñol Stone or simply La Piedra (Spanish for "The Stone"), is a monolithic formation located at the town and municipality of Guatapé, 1 km inside the city limits (86 km northeast of Medellín or 2 hours by bus) in Antioquia, Colombia.

History :

The wide Antioquian rock base, called "batlolito antioqueño", and the "Peñón" were formed millions of years ago.

The Tahamies Indians, former inhabitants of this region, worshiped the rock and called it in their language "mojarrá" or "mujará" (rock or stone).

Description :

This rock is located in the rural area called "La Piedra", just 5 minutes from the town of Guatapé, and can be reached by road.

On the northern face of the stone there are painted large white letters, "G", and an incomplete "U" (only the single vertical stroke was completed). Guatapé and El Peñol had long disputed ownership of the rock, and the residents of Guatapé decided to settle the matter by painting the town's name on the rock in huge white letters. It did not take long for the residents of El Peñol to notice the work, and a large mob was assembled to stop it. Only the "G" and part of the "U" were completed.

The rock was first climbed officially on July 1954. In 2006, Luis Villegas, Pedro Nel Ramírez and Ramón Díaz climbed the rock in a five-day endeavor, using sticks that were fixed against the rock's wall. (It is unknown whether the Tahamies had a way of ascending the stone.). Climbing the huge stone took five days, but the top of the rock revealed beautiful views and a new species of plant, Pitcairma heterophila. The rock soon became a modest tourist attraction.

A new species of plant was found on the top of the rock, subsequently named Pitcairma heterophila by a German scientist.

A viewing spot was built on top of the rock, where it is possible to acquire handicrafts, postcards, and other local goods. It is possible to see the 500 km shore-perimeter dam. There are 740 steps to the uppermost step atop the building at the summit, a fact reinforced by yellow numbers also seen in the climb up the stairs.

In the 1940s, the Colombian government declared it a "National Monument"

Composition :

The Stone of Peñol is composed of quartz, feldspar and mica. The rock, which is almost entirely smooth, has one long crack, the one that the climbers used in ascending it. In the crack was later wedged a 649-step masonry staircase, that appears like a giant stitch holding the split rock together, the only way to get to the top of the Piedra de Penol. In the 1970s, the area was dammed, and the view from the rock changed: It now overlooks a dramatic series of lakes and islands.

Today, you can ascend the rock (apparently owned by a local family, though also designated by Colombia as a "national monument") for 2 US dollars. There you'll find a few religious relics and a three-story lookout tower.

Websites :

http://www.atlasobscura.com/places/el-penon-de-guatape

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

Wat Phrathat Doi Saket

Name : Wat Phrathat Doi Saket

Location
Wat Phrathat Doi Saket is located in the Doi Saket district, just outside the city of Chiang Mai. Travelling to the temple by motorbike or car will take approximately 30 minutes from the center of Chiang Mai. Doi Saket is located on the road north to Chiang Rai (Highway 118), just before the climb up the mountain on the right hand side. The Doi Saket district is predominantly a rural farming area, with plenty of rice fields in the valley as well as orchards and other farming on the mountainsides. Travelinasia have attached a map to this article showing how to get there from Chiang Mai.


History
The temple at Doi Saket is said to have been built in the year 1112. The legend is that the Lord Buddha had come to Doi Saket for a short time, and was visited by naka whom he offered his hair for the purpose of worship. Shortly after he is said to have dissapeared, and this is the reason for the location of the temple. Thai artist, "Khun Chaiwat Wannanon" began painting the interior of the temple walls with spiritual Buddhist murals in the early 1990s. It took over 4 years for the murals to be completed. This is something that is unique to the temple at Doi Saket. Normally modern art is not featured in Buddhist temples in Thailand, so this is somewhat unique to Doi Saket.

Modern Buddhist Paintings at Wat Phrathat Doi Saket : 
There are lot of beautiful modern paintings in this temple. Ryan Zander who resides in Chian mai describes the paintings in detail in his blog post http://siamandbeyond.com/modern-buddhist-paintings-wat-phrathat-doi-saket/

Description :

The temple at Doi Saket is similar to the Doi Suthep Temple, yet smaller in size. The temple’s chedi, or stupa, glistens in the sunlight with both gold and silver. It is actually composed of a building that you can enter with the dome mounted on top. Inside, you’ll find a passageway to circumambulate the sacred relics kept here.  The entrance to the temple (as is the case at Doi Suthep) has a steep set of stairs leading to the temple. The most prominent feature of the Doi Saket Temple is the giant golden sitting Buddha (Phra Buddha Pathimakorn), visible from the road leading to the temple. The interior walls of the temple are decorated with modern spiritual murals, painted by Khun Chaiwat Wannanon. There is also a monastic school located on the grounds of the temple. There is a Chinese-style pavilion containing a shrine to Guan-Yin, the Bodhisattva of Compassion. As the East Asian version of Avalokiteshvara, Guan-Yin is technically part of the Mahayana pantheon and doesn’t play any official role in traditional Theravada Buddhist practice. Yet, the influence of China upon Southeast Asia is so strong that you’ll find Guan-Yin at many Thai temples, where she’s worshiped just as much for good luck as she is for striving to accumulate virtue. The Chedi features the relics of Buddha and a Golden Umbrella.

Aerial Photos

Etiquette
When you visit any temple, or government office in Thailand, you are expected to dress appropriately. Proper dress includes wearing long pants or trousers, with a sleeved shirt as apposed to shorts and sleeveless shirts. Women should dress conservative, without displaying skin, short skirts and tank tops are frowned upon. You will also be asked to take off your shoes before entering the temple, you will see hundreds of peoples shoes in a pile at the entrance. Once inside the temple, you should make sure not to offend anyone, keep your voice down and try to not to cause any disruption to other people. There’s a cute little coffee shop near the parking area if you need a refreshment.

Photography
All the photos and video of the temple that you see in this article are taken by "Heli-Asia", using their remote controlled helicopter with remote camera mount. The helicopter traveled to over 100 meters above the highest point of the temple and hovered there using a sophisticated flight control system that allows the helicopter to remain at the same altitude for a long period of time. The camera mount is controlled remotely from the ground, and there is a live video feed showing the viewer of the camera. It takes 2 experienced technicians to operate the helicopter and the camera. Using a series of still photos taken at various different angles, Heli-Asia also created a spherical image of the temple, the temple grounds and the Doi Saket district.


Websites :

http://hubpages.com/travel/doi-saket

Wat Phrathat Lampang Luang, Thailand

Name :  Wat Phrathat Lampang Luang


Location: Lampang Luang, Ko Kha, Lampang 52130, Thailand
Contacts: +66-5428-1359

Legend :

The fame of the site, and its preservation throughout the centuries, is largely due to the belief that the historical Buddha visited here about 2,500 years ago and donated a lock of his hair, which is now enshrined in the pagoda.

Description :

Wat Phra That Lampang Luang is a remarkable example of an ancient temple that has the distinction of being one of the few unique temples where maintenance work has not been undertaken yet being well preserved. It maintains its originality with sand covered grounds and bricks exposing walls.

There are several bullet holes on the railing of the temple, reputed to be fired by legendary folk hero Nan Thipchang, and ancestors of the House of Chao Chet Ton (Seven Princes) which ruled Lanna as a Siamese Vassal during the Thonburi and Early-Mid Rattanokosin eras.


When approaching the site, the first impression it gives is the tall, imposing walls that surround the site. The temple is built on a tiny hilltop in the midst of rice field. It’s believed to have been constructed around 700 AD with Burmese connection as seen in the flights of steps going up adorned by multi-headed Naga.


The star attraction of the temple is the 45 meter high pagoda which is adorned by many differently shaped and crafted gold plates, that sets it uniquely apart from most of the pagodas that are gilded with gold paint. There are two shrines on the sides and a gorgeous prayer hall in front. However, there’s something magical about this temple that no one could explain—There’s a room located at the back diagonal direction of the Pagoda with a hole on the door. When the sun light shines through the pagoda, you will see an upside down image of the entire temple reflected on the wall through the hole, just like a naturally occurring pinhole camera image. Yet, there’s NO lense being installed in the hole!

Websites :

http://www.12fly.com.my/thailand/the-amazing-northern-thailand-lampang/ 

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).
.
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

Lankeshwar Temple, Assam

Name : Lankeshwar Temple

Location :


Lankeshwar Temple is an ancient Shiva temple on top of a hillock in the western part of the Guwahati city near Gauhati University campus.

Description :

The Lankeshwar Temple of Assam is an ancient temple dedicated to Lord Shiva. The temple is placed atop a hill amidst a picturesque location. Lankeshwar is one of the many forms of Lord Shiva. The followers of Lord Shiva considered the temple as one of the most sacred one. Devotees all around the year visit this temple and seek divine blessings.

The Staircase to Lankeshwar

The Lankeshwar Temple in Guwahati is not only popular with the religiously inclined people but with the general tourists also. Most common visitors are amongst the couples of Guwahati city, students of Gauhati University, and that of Assam Engineering College. The wonderful location of the temple is a major reason for this. Since it is situated in a convenient location in the city, it is very easily accessible. Guwahati City Bus Number 6 provides with direct public transportation. This is an added advantage for the place and one of the reasons behind its popularity. Moreover the temple is believed to be very sacred to the pilgrims who visit here.

Websites :

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

Mahabhairav Mandir, Tezpur

Name : Mahabhairav Mandir

Location :


The ancient Mahabhairav Temple is located at a hillock on the northern part of Tezpur town, Assam.

Legend :

The temple was built for worshiping Lord Shiva by King Banasura. The Shiva linga of this temple is said to be made of 'Living Stone' which grows over slowly by the years.Some people believe that Bana obtained his boon while worshipping in this temple.

History :

The archeologists believe that the temple was built during 8th to 10th century A.D. by the kings of the Salasthamba dynasty. That originally there was a stone temple is evident from the huge pillars scattered all around the temple. But the original temple was destroyed during the Islamic invasions of the Middle Ages. It was however, rebuilt by successive kings and rulers, until it was heavily damaged by the catastrophic earthquake of 1897.

The present structure of the temple was built sometime in the early part of the present century by a devotee and monk Sri Swayambar Bharati, popularly known as Naga Baba. After a few years, another monk Sri Mahadeo Bharati built the “Nat Mandir” close to the temple. After a few years another devotee built the cement-concrete idols of Ganesh and Hanuman as “Dwarpaals” in front of the temple. Since then the developmental works of the temple had been somewhat sluggish although not completely stopped, one major work being the exquisitely curved ornamental frontispiece of the main entrance gate of the temple by a local artist, Sri Joy Das.

Description :

During the Ahom rule, the kings especially of the Tungkhungiya dynasty donated large area of Devottar land to the Temple and pujaris and Paiks were appointed to look after the temple. The responsibility of management was in the hands of a Borthakur. The temple is now managed by the Government through a managing committee headed by the District Deputy Commissioner. Shivaratri is celebrated in the temple with big festivity and people from all over the country visit it.

Festivals :

The Shivratri mela (Carnival ) during the Shivratri week is very famous all over Assam. Bhang (an Indian drug) laddoos, sold as prasad (offerings of the Lord ) are in very much demand. The mela is smaller than that in Sivsagar, but is nevertheless famous.This temple also conducts marriage ceremonies. People usually free pigeons in this temple as an offering, it is a wonderful sight to see hundreds of pigeons in this place.

Websites:

http://mahabhairab.org/

Navagraha Temple, Assam

Name : Navagraha Temple

Location :

The Navagraha Temple is found on the top of Chitrasal Hill (or Navagraha Hill), in Guwahati city, Assam, India.

Description :

The Navagraha temple was built by Ahom King Rajeswar Singha in the late 18th century. The temple tower was destroyed by an earthquake. It has been renovated in recent times during the late 1923-45. Enshrined in this temple are nine Shivalingams, representing the nine Celestial bodies, each covered with a colored garment symbolic of each of the celestial bodies, with a Shivaligam in the centre symbolising the Sun. It is also known as 'abode of Surya'. Surya Pooja (or) Sun worship is ancient practise among the Assamese people. There is no Lights insode the Temple and is lit only by Oil lamps.

The Navagraha Temple (or) the temple of the nine celestial bodies is located in the south eastern part of Guwahati in Assam, on a hill by name Chitrachal. As the name indicates, this temple is dedicated to the nine planets in the solar system. Navagraha Temple at Guwahati Assam is a center of astrological and astronomical research.

Enshrined in this temple are nine Shivalingams, representing the nine Celestial bodies, each covered with a colored garment symbolic of each of the celestial bodies. The nine planetary gods, namely area - Surya (Sun), Chandra (Moon), Mangala (Mars), Budha (Mercury), Brihaspati (Jupiter), Sukra (Venus), Sani (Saturn), Rahu and Ketu. There is Surya Mandir near Guwahati on the Surya Pahar hill.
Being on the Top of this Navagraha hill, one can enjoy the Beautiful sunset view of Brahmaputra. There is also a Spring and Waterfall situated near the temple which makes it a perfect picnic spot.

Websites :

http://www.travelspeak.in/navagraha-temple/

Negheriting Shiva Doul, Assam

Name : The Negheriting Shiva Doul Temple

Location :

This ancient Shaivite temple reciting the fascinating tales of its presiding deity Lord Shiva, is located in Dergaon in the Indian state of Assam. The pilgrimage centre situated atop a hillock is at a distance of almost one and half kms away on the northern side from the National Highway 37 in the Golaghat district.

History of Negheriting Shiva Doul :

As per the historical records Negheriting Shiva Doul was first built by the Kacharis in the 8th - 9th century A.D. Due to natural calamities the temple was destroyed and the remains were found in deep forest called Gajapanemara. Knowing somehow about the ruined temple and the Shiva linga, Ahom king Susenphaa (1439–1488) then built the temple right on that foundation and established the linga.

However, as the Dihing river changed the course, the temple was again destroyed and merged into the river water. A devotee of lord Shiva found the ruined temple and the linga in the shallow water of river Dihing,[2] now this place is known as Sheetal Negheri.[2][3] Ahom king Rajeswar Singha (1751–1769) brought the linga from the river and reconstructed the present temple and established the linga in it..

Architecture of Negheriting Shiva Doul :

Negheriting Shiva Doul is enclosed on its sides by other four temples dedicated to Lord Vishnu, Lord Ganesha, Lord Surya and Goddess Durga. The main temple houses a Banalinga measuring 3 feet in diameter. As per a legend a sage by the name Urba wished to establish a second Kashi at this location. Hence he collected several Shivalingas and established them here.

It is said that the location where the temple is situated earlier served as the habitat of a unique bird known as Negheri. It is from this name that the place came to be known as Negheriting.

Earlier king Rajeswar Singha had appointed a priest named Bhudhar Agamacharji for the maintenance and protection of the temple and to carry out the daily rituals of the temple. Even today the maintenance and worship of the temple is undertaken by the members of the Agamacharji family. Earlier the ritual of execution of dances and songs known as Deonati were prominent in the temple.

One of the attractions of the temple is the monkeys. The temple is the house of the rhesus monkeys where a sizeable population of this species is there

Websites :

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

Sukreswar Temple, Guwahati

Name : Sukreswar Temple, Guwahati

Location :

Sukreswar Temple is perched on top of the Itakhuri hills at Guwahati in the state of Assam.

Legend :

Legend has it that, that Sage Sukra had his hermitage on this hillock and he used to worship his Lord Shiva in this temple.

Description :

The Kalika Purana identifies the hillock as Hastigiri hills due to its shape like the hump of an elephant. Constructed by the Ahom ruler Pramatta Singha in 1744 AD, the Sukreswar temple is located on the southern bank of the mighty Brahmaputra. Originally dating back to the 18th century, the temple is believed to have the largest Shiva lingam or phallic emblem in India.

The adjacent embankment is used for holy bathing and performing rituals. It is believed that the dead gain peaces if the post - death rituals are performed here. A flight of steps lead down from the temple complex to the river. Sitting on the steps of Sukreswar ghat one can enjoy the scenery of sun setting on the river, boats moving across the river.

Speciality :

According to the Hindu legends, if one performs death rituals and rites in honour of their relatives at this temple than the dead person would attain moksha or salvation.

Websites :

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

http://blessingsonthenet.com/indian-temple/article/239/sukreswar-temple

Maragathaleswaraswami Temple - Thiruengoimalai

Name :  Thiruengoimalai Arulmigu Maragathaleswaraswami Temple

Lacation : 

This Temple lies 40 km from Tiruchirappalli and 5 kms from Musiri, Taluk headquarters in Tiruchirappalli District. Thiruengoimalai lies between Musiri and Thottiam.

Legend :

The name of the place is said to be derived from Thiru-i-ongaimalai (‘i’ meaning bee in Tamil) and to have been so called because the sage Agasthiar, finding the gates of the temple closed one evening, took the form of a bee and entered the temple to perform his worship.

Ambal worshipped Shiva here and so the hill is also called Sivasakthi malai.

Description : 

Moolavar : Maragadachaleswarar, (Trinajyotheeswarar), Eengoinathar
Amman / Thayar : Maragadambikai
Thala Virutcham : Tamarind tree
Year : 1000-2000 years old

The hillock is otherwise called Maragathamalai /Thenkailayam /Sivasakthimalai /Malaikovil /
Erattimalai. Name of the Goddess is Maragathambigai / Maragathavalli. God is also named as Aragathasalanathar/ Malaikozhnthar / Achutheeswarar / Birameswarar / Indreekarar / Threethar.

The river cauvery passes nearby the hillock. The river 'Surpanathi' passes adjoining the hillock. The river is otherwise called Kondayurumarai or Kondamarai.

The lingam of the temple is said to be transparent and also to throw a green shadow when camphor is burned. It is therefore called the 'emerald' (marakata) lingam. The god is connected with the deities of kadambarkovil and Ratnagiri. At all three temples special poojas are performed in Kartigai and the Taipusam day. Devaram songs will be sung in temple. At the base of the temple lies Bogar Sidhatemple. 500 vertical steps leads to the temple at the top of the hillock. Poet Nakkeerar has sung a booklet named Engoi-Elupathu ( 70 Engoi songs).

Temple's Speciality :

The rays of Sun fall on the presiding deity for three days during the Masi Shivrathri festival. The Linga changes colour during this time. Only a few Shiva temples are on hills and one such is in Eengoimalai in Tiruchi district.

There are three important sacred shiva temples in this region glorified by the Thevara hymns and Agathiar used to worship all the three in a single day. Agasthiar was not satisfied even after worshipping so many temples in south and finally got satisfaction after worshipping these three temples. He worshipped Kadamba nadhar at Kadambar koil in the morning, Rathnagreeswarar temple at Ayyarmalai (Thiruvatpokki) in the noon, and the Thiruvengi nadhar at Thiru-engoi-malai in the evening. It is considered that worshipping all of them in a single day will get us salvation.

The temple is sung in Devaram also. At the base of the temple lies Bogar Sidha temple. 500 vertical steps lead to the temple at the top of the hillock. Poet Nakkeerar has sung a booklet named Eengoi-Ezhupathu ( 70 Eengoi songs)

Bhogar Gennma Nakshatram is Bharani. So Abhishegam, Aaradhanai, Annadhanam @ 9AM onwards. Contact: Mr. Sundhar, 9095102695 & 9095102696

Festivals :

Brahmmotsavam in Panguni (March-April), Masi Magam in February-March, Thai Poosam in January-February and Pujas on all Full Moon days – Poornimas – are the festivals celebrated in the temple.

Websites :

https://shanthiraju.wordpress.com/trichy/

http://www.trichy.com/placesofworship/maragathal.htm

Kathitha Malai Vetri Velayutha Sami, oothukuli

Name : Kathitha malai Vetri Velayutha Swamy Temple

Location :

This temple is situated at oothukuli at a distance of 15 kms from thiruppur on the way to erode.

Description :

The famous place for Butter. Uttukuli is also famous for its temple. Uttukuli name came because Once the famous saint Agastiyar came to this place for meditation but was not able to find water. He prayed to Lord Murugan to help him. Soon Lord Murugan appeared before him and thrust His lance (Vel) in the sand. Soon water spring came from the spot. That place is called "Utrukuli." ( ie., in tamil meaning : water from spring ) Later only it came to be called Uttukuli. This  water source is now above the hill near the temple which offers water at all times.

No one knows when the temple was build here, just they have the history. But only 200 years before some rural kings build the temple and five years before with the help of some donors the temple was rebuild and now it is the important spiritual place in Erode, Coimbatore Districts. Daily more than 200 people visit Uttukuli Murugan Temple and on special occasions like Thaipoosam more than 100,000 devotees come.

Specialities :

1) Mayuragiri siddhar samadhi is here in south east direction of the temple as snake temple.People who are having problems in birth of a child and separated couples worship lord muruga for their wellness. Milk abhisegam with new clothes is offered to lord muruga after fulfillment of wishes.

2) The important thing is that only in Kaithamalai the temple car is in the hill and devotees pull the temple car in the slopes so that no place in the world where a temple car is pulled in the hill.

Websites :

http://astrologicalscience.blogspot.in/2013/07/vetri-velayutha-swamy-temple-mayuragiri.html

Thindal Malai Velayuthaswamy Temple

Name : Thindal Malai Velayuthaswamy Temple

Location :


Thindal Malai is the small hill rock located in the Municipal corporation Erode, Tamilnadu. This Thindal malai hill rock is situated 8 Km away from Erode Bus stand and Railway station towards Perundurai and Coimbatore road.

Description :

Erode is well known city in Tamilnadu for its woven garments and turmeric business. The places around the hill rock is called as Thindal. The places above the this rock is called as Maelthindal or Thindalmedu. The eastern side of the hill rock is called as Keel Thindal. Thindal is the one of the costliest residential area in Erode city. The main deity in the thindal hill rock is Lord Murugan favorite god for tamils.

Lord Murugan is called here as Velayuthaswamy or Kuzhanthai velayuthaswamy or Kumara Velayuthaswamy. After entering into the temple arch near highway, we can see separate shrine for vinayagar. This vinayagar temple is located left side of the footsteps to the hill. Vinayagar is surrounded with Naagar (A snake God) in bottom of the Arasamaram (Peepal tree). This Thindal hill rock consists of 150 footsteps with 60m height. Before entering into the footsteps we can find another Sithi Vinayagar shrine surrounded with two nagars. Few steps away from the entrance we can find separate sannidhi for Idumban.

Above this hill rock Sri Velayuthaswamy shrine is located. Separate sanctum for urchavar  is situated left side of the main deity. In this urchavar sanctum lord Murugan is with Valli and Deivanai. Thannasi siddhar cave is located north west of the main shrine. Only on Karthikai festival special poojas are performed in this Thannasi siddhar cave.

North east side of this hill rock we can find temple water tank. This water is used for abishakam purpose and drinking purposes. Every year there are many festivals are celeberated in this Thindal malai temple. Kandhar Shasti,Thirukkarthigai,Thai Poosam and Panguni Uthiram are the major festivals celebrated here. Tamil poet Arunagirinathar written a poet about this temple in his Thirupugal.

Thindal Malai Murugan Temple Timings

Morning  – 6am to 12.30Pm
Evening  – 4pm to 8.30Pm

This temple remains open from 6am to 8.30pm on all festival days. Daily annadhanam will be provided 12.30 pm on every day. Erode is best place to get quality accommodation for staying.

Websites :

http://www.anupamablog.com/thindal-malai-murugan-temple-erode/
http://www.thindalmurugan.tnhrce.in/

Subramanya swamy Temple - Sivan Malai

Name : Arulmigu Subramanyaswamy Temple

Location :

Sivanmalai is located in the Tiruppur District, Tamilnadu. It is 5 kms away from Kangeyam town towards Tiruppur. This Sivanmalai is located in 25 Kms away from Tiruppur and 76 Kms away from Coimbatore.

Legend :

One of the well known myths associated with Siva is his conquest of Tripuram – the three celestial cities which the Asuras (demons) had taken over, and wreaked havoc over them. The Devas ( celestial gods) appealed to Siva for help and asked him to save them from the demons. Siva made mount Meru his bow, and Vasuki the serpent his bow-string and prepared to wage war against the Asuras. The very tip of Siva’s bow ( Mount Meru) fell on earth and that became Sivamalai according to legend. It is also known as Sakthimalai because Parvathi the goddess did penance once on this hill.

The sage Agastya came to this mountain and performed penance in order to gain knowledge about the Agamas. He also created a natural spring on this mountain from the waters of the Ganga which he brought in his Kamandalam. It is said this miracle took place on Karthigai Pournami day ( full moon in the month of Karthigai) and thus it is venerated by devotees as a special day.

Hanuman too prayed here after being directed to Sivamalai by the sage Vyasa. He was accorded as much power and strength as Vishnu-Narasimha after his penance in Sivamalai. Hanuman, it is believed, even carried flowers from the banks of the Ganga to worship at Sivamalai. Many miracles are said to have taken place in Sivamalai involving celestial beings like Indra whose kingdom was restored to him after a battle with the Asuras. Cursed by Agasthya, king Nakutan became a snake. Sage Dhurvasa asked him to pray to Sivamalai Murugan who restored his original form.

Murugan is said to have gone to Vallimalai on the advice of Narada and married Valli there and brought her to Sivamalai to make it their beloved abode. Like Parvathi in Kancipuram, Valli also did penance in Sivamalai, which included thirty two sacred duties. Later Murugan went to Tiruthani and brought his consort Devayanai also to reside with him in Sivamalai.

Innumerable Tamil Scholars have immortalized Sivamalai with their songs of praise. Sivamalai is featured in the Tiruppugazh, Sivamalai Puranam, Sivamalai Pillai Tamizh, Sivamalai Mayil Vidu Thoothu, Siva Thangaratha Sadakam and Thanipadal.

Description :

The other names of Sivanmalai are Sivachalam, Sivathri, Shakthi Sivamalai. This town Kangeyam is famous for business coconut products like oil, nutshell charcoal products etc. The main deity of the Sivanmalai is Lord Subramanya Swamy it is the another name of Lord Murugan. The favorite deity of the Tamil people is undoubtedly Murugan, the son of Siva and Parvathi. This temple was build by Sivavakkiyar a famous Sidhhar. It is believed that this temple may be constructed in 12th century.

The presiding deity in the sivanmalai is Lord Murugan,Valli and Deivayanai. This murugan temple located in a hill top which can be reached by 450 footsteps or by 2 Kms hill road. This temple premises is calm and clean, which provides soothing serenity to the mind and body. Sri Arunagirinathar a famous Tamil poet has sung the song about this Sivanmalai in his Tiruppugazh.

God’s order box is placed before entering mulavar sanctum. Devotees coming to the temple needs to check what object is placed in the order box. After checking this devotees needs to enter the main sanctum. Lord Muruga is appearing to the devotees dream and ask them to place one object in the order box. (Those objects may be Water, Cloth, Sand, Soil and Gold) That person will bring that object to the temple. To find out that information true or false, they will place the flower in Mulavar sannadhi. Once it is confirmed, that object will be placed inside the God’s order box until the arrival of next object. Pooja’s will be performed to that object on daily basis. This procedure is followed for several hundred years.

The “Theerthas” (holy waters) of Sivamalai :

Once upon a time the Chola king Muchukunda was afflicted by leprosy. He heard from the sage Gautama that he would be cured if he took a dip in the holy theertha(waters) of Sivamalai. He did so and was miraculously cured, giving credence to the sanctity of Sivamalai. The various theerthas are : Agasthya, Anuma, Indra, Brahmananda, Mangala and Veera theertha.

Beautiful landscapes and seasons have always inspired great Tamil poetry and songs. One of the ancient forms of dramatic poetry is the Kuravanji Natakam. The Sivamalai Kuravanji describes the beauty of this place. It says that it is a mountain covered with medicinal and curative herbs and other fauna. Thus it is not surprising that it attracts important visitors like Nadi and Siddha medicine men (Vaidhiyars). They have found medicinal herbs for conceiving children, and also making the aged young. Many incurable wounds, and scars left by weapons have been cured by these herbal remedies. Some creepers grown here are even used to tame wild animals. There is a special type of grass called “jothi pullu” which lights up in the dark. Remedies are also found for prolonging one’s youthfulness, and fertility.

Sivanmalai Temple Timings and Festivals

This temple is opened for dharshan from morning 6am to 11am and in evening 4pm to 8pm. Kartikai asterism and new moon days in each month are considered to be of significance at Sivanmalai. Skandasashti is celebrated in great splendour as in other Murugan temples. Other festivals here include Thai Poosam, Aadi Kritikai and Pankuni Uthiram.

Website :

http://www.sivanmalaimurugan.tnhrce.in

http://www.anupamablog.com/sivanmalai-murugan-temple/