Mata Bhangayani Devi Temple Mandir Haripurdhar Sirmour Himachal

Name :

Mata Bhangayani Devi Temple Mandir Haripurdhar Sirmour Himachal

Location :
The Mata Bhangayani Devi Temple is a revered Hindu shrine located in the village of Haripurdhar, within the Sirmour district of Himachal Pradesh. Perched at an altitude of 8,000 feet, the temple is dedicated to Maa Bhangayani, a powerful local goddess. It is a peaceful place of worship that draws both devotees and tourists with its spiritual significance and scenic Himalayan views. 

Legends :

1) One popular story involves Shirgul Devta, who once traveled to Delhi with other deities . While there, he encountered a shopkeeper whose scales would not balance , leading the shopkeeper to suspect Shirgul Devta had supernatural powers. This incident caught the attention of the Turk ruler, who sought to capture Shirgul Devta . When he failed to capture the deity, they deceitfully tied him in leather shackles and put him in jail. Maharaja Gugga Jahar Peer of Bagar country, who came to help Shirgul Devta, freed Shirgul Devta with the help of Mata Bhangyani working there as a Bhangin. On being freed from the prison, Shirgul Devta brought Mata Bhangyani with him and asked her to reside on the peak of Haripurdhar and himself merged on Chudhar.

2) As per the legends, Shirgul Mahadev was imprisoned by a Mughal King as the Mughal King was afraid of the spiritual powers of Shirgul Mahadev. Guga Peer, the King of Bagad helped him to get out of the prison with the blessings of Mata Bhangyani, who was working as a maid in the prison. For Shirgul Mahadev it was very difficult to be freed from the confinement of Mughals but he was rescued due to the help of Mata Bhangayani. Since then, Maa Bhangayani has been worshipped as God sister of Shirgul Mahadev.

3) Local cowherds discovered a stone on the peak that mysteriously kept emerging from the ground no matter how deep they buried it 🪨. Intrigued, they sought the advice of a priest, who recognized the stone’s significance and encouraged them to build a temple. The villagers constructed the temple and enshrined the stone, revering it as a Pindi. They view this stone as a symbol of the goddess’s power. They keep it covered because they do not allow direct viewing

Deity: The temple honors Maa Bhangayani, a local deity considered the "goddess of justice" (Nayay ki Devi).

Divine connection: According to local lore, Maa Bhangayani is the god-sister of Shirgul Mahadev, a prominent regional deity. Her legend also connects her to Churdhar Peak and its Chureshwar Mahadev Temple. 

Also people call this temple Haripurdhar Wali Mata, and it holds great respect in Sirmaur, Solan, and Shimla. Devotees visit to seek the goddess’s help in solving disputes, as she delivers quick justice

Festivals : 

The festivals of Chaitra Navratri, Ashvin Navratri, Dussehra, and Deepavali is celebrated with great joy. Thousands of devotees pay a visit to Maa Bhangayni temple to pray for their well being and prosperity. The temple is crowded on Navratris, Makar Sankranti, and on weekends. Every year, a fair is organized during Navratras and in the month of May by temple management.

Design: The temple features a distinctive pagoda-style architecture, with intricate carvings on wood and slate stone.

Scenic location: Situated in the lesser Himalayas (Shivalik ranges), the temple offers visitors stunning, panoramic views of the surrounding hills and valleys. 

Nearby attractions :
Haripurdhar village: Formerly known as "Dungbhangayani," Haripurdhar was once the summer capital of the Sirmour State.
Killa: An ancient fort, known as "Killa," sits atop the Haripur hill.
Churdhar Peak: The highest peak in the area is home to the Chureshwar Mahadev Temple. The Mata Bhangayani Devi Temple offers a clear and open view of the peak.
Trekking routes: For adventurers, a 3-km trekking route from the Haripurdhar main market leads to the Killa Peak and a forest guest house

How to Reach :

It is easy to reach Shillai from Ponta Sahib and Haripurdhar from Shillai . You can visit here anytime. The road connects the temple well to Shimla, Solan, and Sirmaur. The temple is about 100 km from Nahan, and you can reach it via the Nahan-Renuka-Sangara, Paonta Sahib, or Shimla-Chopal-Kupvi routes. Accommodation including inns (rest houses) and hotels are available near the temple with online booking options

Websites : 

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Maa_Bhangayani_Temple,_Haripurdhar

https://www.apnisanskriti.com/temple/maa-bhangayani-temple-haripurdhar-sirmour-himachal-pradesh-3481

https://himachalstory.com/location/maa-bhangayani-temple-haripurdhar/

Name:
Arulmigu Vilpatti Vetri Velappar Temple, also known as Paarai Velappar

Location:
Vilpatti village, near Kodaikanal, Dindigul District, Tamil Nadu

Description :
The Vilpatti Vetri Velappar Temple is an ancient Lord Murugan temple in Vilpatti, near Kodaikanal in Tamil Nadu, believed to be 2000 years old and potentially the first Murugan temple. It is known for its association with the story of the Pandavas and for the presiding deity, Sri Vetri Velappar, is depicted with a spear atop a Shiva Lingam. The temple celebrates major festivals like Panguni Uthiram and Thai Poosam, with devotees considering the deity their "Kula Deivam" or family god.

Presiding Deity:
Sri Vetri Velappar, another name for Lord Murugan.

Ancient Significance:
Believed to be around 2000 years old, with origins possibly dating back to the Pandya King Koon Pandyan. It is also considered one of the oldest Murugan temples.

 
Legend of the Name:
The name "Vetri Velappar" (Lord of Victory) arose from the belief that he brings victory to devotees.

 
Cultural Connection:
The name Vilpatti itself is thought to be derived from the Pandavas practicing archery there, with "Vil" meaning bow. 

Deities' Sub-Shrines:
Sub-shrines exist for Mahadeva, Maha Vishnu, and Brahma. 
Idumban Shrine:
There is a separate shrine for Idumban, a disciple of Murugan. 
Bogar Connection:
A shrine to Bogar is present, with a legend linking it to a cave where he continues to meditate. 
Fish Symbol:
The presence of fish symbol inscriptions within the temple grounds is noted. 

Festivals:
The temple is alive with devotion during major Murugan festivals like Skanda Sashti, Thaipoosam, and Panguni Uthiram. Daily poojas include Ushakkala Pooja, Uchikala Pooja, and Sayaraksha Pooja, each performed with Vedic chants and traditional drums. Devotees often carry kavadi, offer milk abhishekam, and perform padayatra from nearby villages. The temple serves as a hub of spiritual rejuvenation and heartfelt vows.
Palanquin Procession:
During the Tamil month of Panguni, the Urchavamoorthy (procession idol) is carried in a palanquin. 

Kula Deivam:
Many people around Kodaikanal consider Vetri Velappar to be their Kula Deivam. 

Opening Hours: The temple is open daily from approximately 7 AM to 6 PM

Websites :

https://arunraj.org/murugan-temples/sri-vetri-velappar-temple-vilpatti/ 

Shirgul Maharaja Temple Himachal

Name : Shirgul Maharaja Temple

Location :

Churdhar Sanctuary is named after the Churdhar peak, which has an elevation of 3647 metres above sea level and is located in Sirmour, Shimla district of the indian state of Himachal Pradesh. Churdhar peak is the highest peak in Sirmour district and is also the highest peak in the outer Himalayas.  The peak has a great religious significance for the people of Sirmour, Shimla, Chaupal and Solan of Himachal Pradesh and Dehradun of Uttrakhand. 

Legend 1 :

According to legend, Shirgul was imprisoned by the Mughals in the mid-16th century. His "fault" was that he  defended the Haattis of Sirmaur against exploitation and for slaying butchers caught slaughtering a cow in Delhi. A sweeper woman, Bhaghayni, sent word to Shirgul’s ally, Goga Pir, who led a covert mission to free Shirgul from prison. Together, they returned safely to the hills.

Once back, Shirgul found a demon threatening the life of Churu, a devotee, and his family at Choorhdhar. Joined by Bijjat, the two brothers decimated the demon, saving Churu, who is also now worshipped as a deity in the region. Shirgul, deeply devoted to Lord Shiva, established the Mahadev temple at Choorhdhar, which houses a life-size Shivling and two idols.

It is believed that Shirgul later distributed his kingdom to his trusted minister, Deviram, and his third brother Brijeswar. Shirgul dedicated his life to meditating  and worshipping Lord Shiva at the Mahadev temple here. Both Shirgul and Bijjat mysteriously disappeared after 200 years of spiritual devotion at Choorhdhar. 

Legend 2 :

Shirgul and Bijjat are revered across the region, with over a hundred big or small temples dedicated to them in Shimla, Sirmaur, and Solan districts of Himachal Pradesh and the Jaunsar Bawar and Janpur regions of Uttarakhand.

Shirgul Devta and Bijjat Maharaj are centuries old deit ies of Himachal situated at Churdhar in Sirmaur. Both deities had a centuries old fight but now after 1, 500 year, both the deities are ready to end their fight and they will meet each other very soon at a joint jagaran in the region. People of two panchayats are associated with these deities. Chadhna and Devmanal panchayats are the two panchayats where people couldn’t organise fairs and festivals together due to the fight between their deities. But, now they will come together for a jagaran, local people informed. They stated that once both the deities shared a great relationship with each other which was known as shata-pasha. After that, neither both deities met in a festival nor people of the two panchayats had any relations with each other. But now the deities have ordered the local people to stop the fight and organise a deity fair where they will meet each other. It was decided in a joint meeting of both the panchayats, where panchayat pradhan and other members of the villages were present. 

After 52 years, the ShantMahayagya ceremony was held this year. A highlight of the Mahayagya was Bijjat Devta’s grand journey from Sarahan, accompanied by thousands of devotees. The revamped temple complex, unveiled through the week-long Shant Mahayagya, culminated in the installation of beautifully carved deodar-Kurud atop the temple. It also also revived the legendary meeting of the royal family of King Bhukru, his wife Dudma Rani, parents of Shirgul,  and  his trusted friend Goga Pir, alongside his adopted sister, Devi Bhaganyani, whose temple stands at a cliff near Haripurdhar in Sirmaur.

Description :

Churdhar is a holy place related with Shri Shirgul Maharaj also know as Chureshwar Maharaj, a deity widely worshipped in Sirmour and Chaupal. The major god of area is Lord Shirgul Maharaj. Many gods goes their for religious pilgrim and bath at the holy temple of lord shirgul.

Choorhdhar, standing tall at nearly 11,870 feet, is not just a spiritual destination, but also a geological wonder and a wild life sanctuary. So when you reached this place then there are so many places for the visit, firstly there is statue of Lord Shiva are made on the top of hill. When you came down to the hill then there so many big stones are present there and in the last there is temple where Shiva’s Ling is present. From this place you can enjoy the Paragliding and beautiful view of mountains. The best season to visit this place in the summer because it is situated on the top of hill and in the winter there is heavy snowfall and even when you visit in the summer then wear warm clothes because there climate suddenly changes. 

The legends of Shirgul and Bijjat resonate deeply here. The devotees find here Shauni Ghori, mare of the Shirgul,  Asur Ki J Kanali, the utensil used by the demon and mysterious routes and caves.

A massive rock near the temple is still worshipped as the site where Churu and his family were saved.

Rajput families in the region maintain the tradition of bringing their children to Choorhdhar for the sacred ritual of cutting their Choortha (a symbolic lock of hair) as an offering to Lord Chooreshwar when they come of age- a ritual practice as good as abandoned now.

This revival of ancient traditions at Choorhdhar has reawakened the spiritual essence of this sacred mountain, marking a significant religious milestone for devotees from across the region.

How to reach :

You can reach there by bus. As this temple is located in the Sirmour district firstly you have to go to Nauradhar then after that you have to go walk or riding on the horse, from this place it is about 15-16 km which takes around 6 to 8 hours, you can also come from Sranha from it its distances is reduces to half. This place is on the solan-haripurdhar road, from solan nauradhar is about 60 km, in which there are so many places for the wondering and when you reach the nauradhar then after that you have to go to the top of the hill, in the ways there is forest and also there are two or three shops so don’t go there alone and also go some fruits in your bags and take bottle for water, there are so many resources of water.

Links :

https://mysterioushimachal.wordpress.com/tag/shirgul-devta/

Fanjingshan in china

Name : The mountain's name "Fanjing" is an abbreviation of Fantian Jingtu (梵天净土), or "Brahma's Pure Land". Fantian is the Chinese name for the Buddhist heavenly king Brahmā, and Jingtu is Chinese for "pure land", the focus of Pure Land Buddhism.

Location :

Fanjingshan is located in Tongren, Guizhou Province in southeastern China. It is the highest peak of the Wuling Mountains. The elevation of its terrain ranges from 480 to 2,570 meters (1,570–8,430 ft) above sea level.

How to Reach :

Fanjingshan, you’ll have to take a bus from Tongren (a city in Guizhou province of China). The bus takes around two hours to reach the base camp from where travellers need to go on a challenging 8,888-step ascent, which will take around five hours to reach the summit. Those who don’t want to take the stairs, there’s a cable car to transport visitors to the top.

Description :

Fanjingshan is considered a sacred mountain of Chinese Buddhism, ranking just below the Four Sacred Mountains of Buddhism. It is considered the bodhimaṇḍa (or daochang)—a spot in which one reached enlightenment—of the Maitreya Buddha. The influence of Buddhism reached Fanjingshan by the Tang dynasty at the latest, especially after Hou Hongren (侯弘仁) constructed the Zangke Road (牂牁道) in 639 AD, which facilitated transport in the mountainous region, and local gazettes record the construction of several temples in the area. More temples were built during the ensuing Song and Yuan dynasties.

Buddhism greatly prospered during the Ming and Qing dynasties, when the cult of Tianguan Maitreya (天冠弥勒) became dominant in Fanjingshan. The Bozhou rebellion in the late 16th century caused great damages to Fanjingshan's temples. After suppressing the rebellion, the Wanli Emperor ordered the monk Miaoxuan (妙玄) to rebuild the Golden Peak and the Cheng'en Temple (承恩寺). Many other temples were constructed in the area, ushering in the golden era for Buddhism in Fanjingshan. Most temples during the Ming and Qing dynasties belonged to the Pure Land and the Linji sects of Buddhism.

In the turmoil that toppled the Qing dynasty, many temples were destroyed by marauding armies and bandits, and few monks remained in the Republic of China era.[2] After further destructions during the Cultural Revolution, Buddhism has enjoyed a renaissance since the 1980s. Many old temples have been rebuilt and new ones constructed, including the Cheng'en Temple, Huguo Chan Temple (护国禅寺), Great Golden Buddha Temple (大金佛寺), and Longquan Temple (龙泉寺).

In 2010, the Fanjingshan Buddhist Cultural Park was opened, with a Golden Hall that houses a 5-metre-tall (16 ft) statue of the Maitreya Buddha made with 250 kg (550 lb) of gold and thousands of gems. It is said to be the largest gold Maitreya statue in the world. 

Attractions :

Old Golden Summit

The Old Golden Summit is 2,493 meters above sea level. When observed from a distance, it looks like the kind of rice steamer used by farmers.

Around the Old Golden Summit there are lots of strange and magnificent views, such as the Book Scrolls, the Mushroom Stone, the Eagle Rock and others. Besides the fantastic views from the summit, many temples are located there.

Mushroom Stone

This special mushroom-shaped rock sits on the summit, and is now an icon of Fanjing Mountain. It is 9.4 meters tall, and about 1 billion years old. Many artists have created work based on the Mushroom Stone.

New Golden Summit

The New Golden Summit is 2,336 meters in altitude. If you are lucky enough, you will see the peak surrounded by carnation-colored mists which symbolize the blessing of Buddha.

The top of the summit is on the other side of a gorge and connected by an arched stone bridge. Two temples are on separate crags of the summit: Shakyamuni Temple and Mile Temple.

Buddhist Temples

Buddha figure in Fanjing MountainBuddha figure in Fanjing Mountain

The name "Fanjing" means "Pure Buddhist Land". In its heyday, the mountain was home to 4 emperor temples and 48 active temples, though only a few of these remain today. Some of the largest temples are near the summit of the mountain, and the scenery around is very spectacular.

Huguo Temple: This is one of the four Emperor Temples on Fanjing Mountain, covering an area of 3,000 square meters. Today, six wooden buildings from Huguo still exist. The temple is endowed with beautiful natural scenery, embracing the clouds in the morning and bathing in rain in the evening.

Cheng’en Temple: This is between the New and Old Golden Summits. Its gate still stands intact in front of the main hall, after many years. There are four halls on either side of the temple. Only ruins of the walls can be seen today, however.

Zhenguo Temple: This was originally built during the Ming dynasty (1368–1644), but collapsed around 1949. Only ruins of the walls still exist on the site, though the main hall, side hall, rooms accommodating monks, and kitchen are all faintly discernible.

Websites :

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

https://www.mybestplace.com/en/article/mount-fanjingshan-and-the-two-temples-at-the-gates-of-heaven

https://www.chinahighlights.com/tongren/attraction/fanjing-mountain.htm

Doi Thepnimit temple

Name : Doi Thepnimit temple

Location :

Doi Thepnimit is a monastic residence with a fantastic panoramic view over Patong beach. You can see its iconic white pagoda from the beach, if you know in which direction to look, of course, it’s pretty tiny. To access Doi Thepnimit is a bit tricky since the new road to reach it is precisely at the top of the notoriously dangerous Patong Hill. If you are familiar with Patong you will know right away how to spot that small road: it’s next to the Chinese temple where everyone honks three times for good luck! The way to the Chedi is now nicely paved on a couple of kilometres, and there is ample parking next to the temple.

Description :

Doi Thepnimit is a small but so beautifully decorated temple, and with such a view, it’s worth stopping on your way in or out Patong beach. The Doi Thepnimit temple is a "Samnak Song" (สำนักสงฆ์) which is more like a monastery or meditation center. These places may not have all features of a larger Wat. Doi Thepnimit has really just one large Chedi with a great view and on a lower level are buildings that look like accommodation and dining areas for Monks or people coming to study or meditate.

The Chedi (a Buddhist stupa) is ornate with colourful seven-heads Naga (a mythical serpent-like creature) and many other mythological characters. All the sculptures and carvings are exceptionally well executed, and it is a pleasure to admire the craftsmanship. Note that the pagoda area is not always opened, but you can still walk around it. The shape of the chedi is Pra Tat Pra Nom style, from the northeast part of Thailand. This Temple is impressive and very bright and colourful as it's so new! The entrance (below) is guarded by 2 Yaks (mythical giants, often seen at temples) and also by 2 Naga (7 headed mythical snakes) - Buddhist stories tell of the king of the Naga sheltering Buddha from a storm by covering him with his 7 heads, so you see the Naga in pretty much all Buddhist temples too.
Just remember to dress and behave appropriately as this is a religious place and you will frequently see monks and nuns meditating or sweeping the surrounding of the temples.

There is another temple called Wat Thepnimit located between Phuket Town and Chalong. Just make sure you mark the right one when using Google map

 Websites :

 https://www.jamiesphuketblog.com/2018/09/doi-thepnimit-temple-near-patong.html

St. Mary's GunadalaMatha Shrine Vijayawada

Name :  St. Mary's  Gunadala Matha Shrine 

Location :

Gundala Matha Shrine, or Mary Matha Shrine, known popularly as St Mary’s Church, is constructed on a hilly region Gunadala in Krishna district near Vijayawada. An iron cross, erected atop the hill, stands as a rare distinction of the shrine.

Shrine History :

Mother Mary is said to have appeared on this hill as on 11th Feb.1858.

Description :

One of the most popular churches and pilgrim places for Christians in Andhra Pradesh, A shrine for the Christians situated in Gunadala, a hilly region of district Krishna at Vijayawada is the Mary Matha Shrine or Gunadala Matha Shrine and its more popular name, St Mary's Church. It has the rare distinction of having an iron cross set up on the hill top. 

It houses a museum having a collection of ancient holy relics and precious gifts of the followers. The shrine is filled on Sundays and other important festivals and occasions. The annual feast for Our Lady of Lourdes is celebrated with devotion and gaiety.its a famous pilgrimage place where people take the help of Mother Mary's prayers and lakhs of people come from all over places to worship, every February 9,10&11 more than 5 lakh people come to visit at the hill top.there are only steps way to go up the hill,and on the top there is a huge Jesus crucified statue

Annual Feast of Our Lady of Lourdes attracts many devotees and is celebrated with much enthusiasm and devotion. After getting their heads tonsured and breaking coconuts at the shrine, the devotees lined up to the grotto on the hillock to light candles.

The other side of extended gunadala hills haves historically important mogalrajapuram caves and a large statue of lord Shiva a top.

Gunadala Matha Festival

Gunadala Matha Festival was successful , more than 10 Lakh devotees attend this festival every year. Of those 10 Lakhs only 60% were Catholics means 4 lakh remaining people are mixed people from different religions ( Hindus, Muslims) and of course Protestants.

Ever year the Festival startes with Holy mass on 9th Feb at 6.30 AM and around 8.30 AM Adoration Started and will end on 11th Feb late night.

Many Religious ( Sisters , Priests, Deacons, Brothers, Seminary & Convent students) , General devotees from Vijayawada and other parts of AP also took part in this Adoration along with Jesus Youth of Vijayawada Diocese.

Contact : +91 9948695979, 0866-2450244

Websites :  http://www.gunadalamathashrine.com/