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

Thirukoilur kabilar kundru

Name : Kabilar Kundru

Location :

Kabilar Kundru or Kabilar rock is a hill rock in the middle of the Ponnaiyar River near Tirukoilur in Viluppuram district, Tamil Nadu, India.

Description :

East of the Tirukoilur has the Sivan Temple situated on the banks of River Pennar. Near to the temple on the banks of the river, there exists Kabilar(Saint) Kundru (tiny mountain).

Tirukoilur is one of the "Ashta Veeratanams" [Ashta - eight Veeratanam - Place of Bravery].
Lord Shiva took various forms(incarnations) to destroy evil and establish justice, of which eight Avatars(forms) are very famous and Tirukoilur is one of them.

Kapilar (Tamil: கபிலர்) was refliterature Sangam poet. He was a contemporary of Karikala Chola, Irunkōvēl and Vēl Pāri. He was the close friend and confidant of Vēl Pāri, one of the Vēlir kings. He was born in Thiruvadhavur in the Pandyan Kingdom. Initially a poet at the Pandyan court, he would leave at an early age and show his talent at various places before finally ending up at the court of Vel Pari.Kapilar would hear about the generosity and virtue of Vēl Pāri, a powerful Vēlir King who ruled over Parambu nādu, a heavily fortified kingdom that comprised about 300 villages, and pay him a visit. They would go on to become the thickest of friends. He would be his confidant and stay with Vēl Pāri until the latter's last breath.
During this period the three crowned Tamil kings were in the process of expanding their empires and turned the independenet Velir chiefs into sub-ordinates or eliminated them. When the three crowned Kings besiege the kingdom of Parambu, Vēl Pāri a warrior like no other will refuse to bow and face them head on. Kapilar would sing some of the most notable poems in praise of his patron during this time. In the end, Vēl Pāri would finally be killed by treachery after defying them for years.

Kapilar, a true friend, would then take the two daughters (Angavai & Sangavai) of Vēl Pāri and go in search of appropriate grooms. He would knock on the doors of the other Vēlir kings and unsuccessfully plead with each before finally giving up. He would be let down each time as the other Vēls would fear retribution from the 3 crowned kings. The most notable of these encounters is when he sings to Irunkōvēl and the latter would throw an insult and shut the door on the great poet. He would finally leave the two princesses in the care of Brahmins.

The death of his friend will affect him so greatly that he would perform vadakirrutal, one of the Tamil acts of committing suicide. He would sit facing north and starve himself to death. The place where kabilar committed suicide by starving is now called as Kabilar Kundru.

It is one of the protected monuments in Tamil Nadu by the Archeological Survey of India.

Websites :

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

http://www.theautomotiveindia.com/forums/voyage-junction/17129-not-easily-seen-but-exceptional-temples-tamil-nadu-villupuram-dist.html

Jayanti Devi Temple

Name : Jayanti Devi Temple

Location :

It is believed that the ancient Mata Jayanti Mandir is situated in Kangra district of Himachal Pradesh. Presently, the temple is located 15 km from Chandigarh in Ropar district of Punjab, on a hillock in the Shivalik ranges. At the foothill lies the village Jayanti Majri that owes its existence and name to the temple, on the left bank of a seasonal stream Jayanti River.

Legend :

The name of Jind town comes from Jayanti, the goddess of victory. The Pandavas built a temple to Jayanti Devi around which came up the town of Jaintpuri. The name later morphed into Jind. The story of the temple of Mata Jayanti Devi is the story of such a precious gift. The story goes back about 550 years, when the Mughals were ruling the country. At that time, a small estate called Hathnaur was situated at the north of present day Chandigarh. The king of the estate had 22 brothers. One of the brother was married to the daughter of the king of Kangra in Himachal Pradesh. The girl was a great devotee of Mata Jayanti Devi — the mother goddess of the clan — since her childhood. Every morning she first used to worship the goddess and only after that she would perform other activities.

When her marriage was fixed she was very anxious because it meant going far away from her deity and not being able to have darshan of the goddess. She prayed hard and conveyed her grief and remorse to the goddess. Mata Jayanti Devi was moved by the deep devotion of the girl. She appeared in her dreams and promised to accompany her wherever she went.
When the marriage party started back from Hathnaur with the bride’s doli, a miracle happened. Suddenly the doli turned very heavy. Neither the traditional kahars nor the king’s men could move it. At this, the bride told her father about her dream. The king, then, bowing to the desire of the divine arranged for another doli, kept the idol in it and sent the goddess with his daughter. The pujari and his family followed the goddess.

The king of Hathnaur, established a temple for the Devi on a hillock in his estate. First, the girl, and later succeeding generations of the family, worshipped the deity for 200 years.

At that time, a robber called Garibu or Garibdas extended his influence on this part of the region, including Mullanpur (now in Ropar). Gradually, Garibu captured the Hathnaur estate and started his reign. However, Garibu was a friend of the poor and a great devotee of Mata. He renovated the temple and extended the premises to the present state.

 Description :

The metalled road leading to the temple is lined with wheat or rice fields, keekar, peepal and mango groves. As far as the vision goes, one can see numerous hues of green, the characteristic feature of the fertile lands of Punjab, small and large ponds with clear water reflecting the blue sky and tiny hamlets with agriculture-based life style. The undulating topography and hump-like hillocks give the place a mysterious character that is absent in the flat planes of Chandigarh.

The entrance to the temple is through a huge gate at the base of the hillock. From here about 100 or so easy steps lead up to the temple premises. As one climbs up, the first thing one encounters is a very large water tank, a traditional feature of Indian temples.
This tank was earlier in use. It is a concrete construction and steps lead down to it from two sides. The other two sides are bound by the rocky wall of the hillock. There are a few shops along the steps selling nicknacks — coconut, red net chunnies, fancy jewellery, cassettes of devotional songs, toys, photos of the idol etc. The temple is at the highest point of the hillock supported by massive pillars. This point gives a wide view of the lush green surroundings, the serpentine Jayanti Rao and the settlements beyond. Inside the sanctum sanctorum lies the stone idol of the goddess. In the niches outside there are idols of Shiva, Ganesha, Laxmi and local deities Lokda Dev and Balasundari in folk forms.

Jayanti River visible from temple

Festivals :

The temple attracts visitors during a grand fair held here on full moon day in February and a small fair in August. At that time approximately 1.5 lakh people visit the temple from far and near places.

Devotees also visit it during Navratras, other auspicious days and on Sundays. Two committees run the management of the temple. One of them comprises the priest’s family and villagers of Jayanti Majri. It looks after construction work and expansion projects of the temple. The other committee consists of residents of Mullanpur. Both the committees hold langar every Sunday and also during the fair. There is no government-aid to the temple and the only source of income is contribution by the devotees. At present, there is a provision of night stay at the premises for a limited number of devotees. The committee has started work on the construction of a dharamshala for pilgrims who visit the temple from far-off places.

The 11th generation of the pujari, who came originally from Kangra with the idol, now performs the sacred duties of the temple. The residence of the pujari is also within the premises.
There is only a single bus service from Chandigarh to Jayanti Majri. That too is erratic. Though the Chandigarh Administration arranges for buses during the February fair, for the convenience of the village residents and for visitors, a regular bus service is needed, especially on Sundays and holidays.

When the new Chandigarh project was conceived, Jayanti Majri was among the villages to be included in it because it lies at the periphery of Chandigarh. The Punjab Soil and Water Conservation Department has constructed a small dam — Jayanti Dam — in this area, that supports a reservoir for rain water collection. The water is then used for irrigation of fields. The place can be developed as a beautiful tourist-cum-religious spot and visitors to Chandigarh can be guided to visit the temple.

Jayanti dam

Jayanti Majri is just a 10-minute drive from Chandigarh but it’s an altogether different world. Silence prevails here. The only sounds that reach the ears are the rustling of leaves, the humming bees, fluttering wings of a butterfly and occasional clinking of a temple bell.
As more and more sacred places all over India fall prey to materialistic ways, it is a relief to find that this temple still retains a pious aura around it. Consumerism has still not been able to touch this sacred place with its polluting tentacles.

Jayanti Devi is considered to be a very sensitive and benevolent goddess who listens to the prayers of her devotees. She is one of the seven sisters, the seven goddesses of the Kangra valley — Naina Devi, Jwalaji, Chintpurni, Mansa Devi, Brajeshwari, Chamunda Devi and Jayanti Devi. As a sign of reverence to Mata Jayanti Devi, the villagers of Jayanti Majri restrict the construction of their houses to only a single storey. An ancient well at the base of the temple provides sweet water throughout the year. Temple has a large complex with park and Jayanti Archeological Museum.

Websites :
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Jayanti_Devi_Temple
 

Garjia devi temple Uttarakhand

Name : The Garjia Temple

Location :

Garjia temple is situated in the Ramnagar – Ranikhet Route around 14 Kms from Ramnagar. On the elevation of a huge rock in the midst of river Kosi, there is a beautiful temple of Durga Devi named as Garjia Devi.

Description :

Garjia village is located in the beautiful lands of Uttarakhand. Garjia temple is one the most important temples devoted to Goddess Parvati. The temple is a fantastic example of trust and confidence. This famous temple of Uttarakhand is situated at a short distance from Ramnagar. The temple is built over a small hill in the beautiful environment of peace elegance.

Legend :

The Garjia Devi Temple is famous for its faith. The Holy Kosi river flows in front of the temple. It is believed that the temple flowed to its current place with a flood in the river Kosi.  Bhairav when saw it floating wanted to stop it but could not do so. Bhairav then asked Goddess Parvati to stay with him at the same place. It is said that this place was earlier covered with dense forests. The people living here saw Goddess Parvati’s idols on the mountains. Seeing the sights of these idols, the commoners built Garjia Devi’s tempele here. 

Devotees offers coconut, vermilion, incense, lamp, red Chunnerie etc as offerings to Goddess Parvati. Goddess Parvati is considered to be the daughter of Himalayas and hence is known by the name of Garjia in this place. It is believed that since then Devi Garjia has been living in the same place as Upeta. In ancient times Goddess Parvati was also known by the name Upeta.
 

Festivals :

Various festivals are held in Garjia Devi temple throughout the year. A huge number of people visit this place throughout the year in order to offer their prayers to Devi Garjia wishing for blessings in return.  A big crowd gathers here on the auspicious day of Vasant Panchami in order to offer special prayers to Devi Garjia.

In addition to this, people visit this place on the auspicious occasion of Shivaratri in huge numbers. On the occasion of Kartik Purnima, a special  bath in the river Ganga is organized and a large number of devotees take a dip in the river Kosi. The atmosphere of the temple is a sight on the occassions of Uttarayan, Navratri and Ganga Dussehra. Devotees from all parts of the country visit this place.

Garjia Temple Religious Importance

The temple comprises of various idols of Goddess Parvati, Baba Bhairon, Lord Shiva, Lord Ganesha and Goddess Saraswati. Baba Bhairon is worshipped after Devi Garjia puja. It is believed that Devi Garjia blesses the devotees only after the completion of Baba Bhairon’s puja.

Devotees have their full faith in the pilgrimage site and the temple. People coming here are never tired of praising Devi Garjia. It is believed that Devi Garjia blesses her devotees and fulfills their wishes. People usually dedicate umbrellas and bells to Devi Garjia once their wishes are fulfilled.

Websites :

http://astrobix.com/hinduism/post/garjia-devi-temple-garjiya-temple-ramnagar-garjia-devi-temple-uttarakhand.aspx

Anthili Lakshmi Narasimha Temple

Name : Anthili Lakshmi Narasimha Temple

Location :

Anthili is a village about 2 kms south of Arakanda Nallur on the banks of the river South Pennai.

Legend :

Lord Maha Vishnu in the form of Narasimha came out of a granite pillar to kill Hiranyakasibu, the father and the tormentor of Prahalad. In this avtar, the Lord rushed to help Prahalad without calling his vahanam, Garuda. So also in Gajendra Moksha. These caused much anxiety to Garuda who felt extremely depressed on being left out. He left Vaikuntam and was doing penance at Anthili. The severe penance of Garuda pleased the Lord and He gave dharshan as Lord Narasimha with Mahalakshmi seated on his lap. Due to Garuda’s penance.

Garuda immediately cooled down on seeing his Lord once again, especially in the Narasimha form which he had missed earlier as he did not accompany the Lord at the time of killing Hiranya kasibu.

He requested the Lord to remain here in this cool form (shantha roopi) and provide darshan to all devotees. Also, having missed taking him on the trip to kill Hiranya, Garuda sought the opportunity now to carry the two of them around this place.

An overjoyed Garuda is said to have taken them around Thiru Kovilur, Mugaiyur, Arakandanallur and Paranur, among others.

Description :

This Temple is located on the river banks of Then Pennai River. The Temple is 1600 year old and is one of the four Narasimha temples in this region, the others being at Parikkal, Poovarasan Kuppam and Singiri and is part of the Eight Prominent Narasimha temples in Tamil Nadu(others being Namakkal, Sholingur, Singaperumal Koil and Sinthalavadi).

Pooja is performed at this temple as per Madhwa Sampradaya. Some of the sculptures inside the temple seem to indicate that there may be a Karnataka connection to the construction.

Being aware of the importance of this place, Sri Vyasaraja Theertharu ( Sri Raghavendra Swamy in his previous birth) visited this place and spent some time here. To mark his visit, he has installed an idol of Sri Anjaneya Swamy. Sri Vyasaraja has installed over 729 hanumans at  places he visited. At all these place, he drew the image of Hanuman on a stone using Angaram and the impression became a sculpture.

Festivals :

Swathi Thirumanjanam
Narasimha Jayanthi
Hanuman Jayanthi
Vaikunta Ekadesi

Websites :
http://prtraveller.blogspot.com/2010/05/anthili-lakshmi-narasimha.html

http://shanthiraju.wordpress.com/thiruvannamalai/

http://aalayamkanden.blogspot.in/2010/09/andhili-lakshmi-narasimhar-temple.html

Singiri Koil at Vellore

Name : Singiri Koil

Location :

It situated at a distance of about 25 km from Vellore and is off the main road from Vellore to Polur.

Description :

It is an exclusive shrine for Lord Lakshmi Narasimha and is believed to be at least 1,000 years old. This 10th century shrine is said to have been built by the local chieftain, Rajavarman, at the behest of Lord Narasimha, who appeared in his dream. The temple is on a small hillock, which is nearly 80 to 90 feet high and can be reached after climbing about 50 steps. As per the inscriptions around the sanctum sanctorum, this is a 1300 years old temple built during Pallava Rayar period by the King Nandhi Varman.



A tiny river flowing in front of the temple and we have to cross the river by foot.
the temple will be closed if the river flows in full stream and this happens for about a week in a year.



The main idol in the sanctum sanctorum is that of Sri Lakshmi Narasimha. The Lord is seen in a sitting posture with four hands — two hands hold the conch and the discus, His third (left) hand is on his lap and fourth (right) hand is around the waist of Goddess Lakshmi. The image of the Lord is nearly six feet in height.
The Lord with Goddess Lakshmi seated on his right lap is a unique spectacle. This inimitable posture of the Lord and the Goddess is the main attraction of the Temple.



There is a separate shrine for Sri Anjaneya, who is known here as Sri Bala Anjaneya. The idol is one foot high. Bala Anjaneya, who appears like a small child is believed to bestow the boon of parenthood to the childless. The temple also has a separate shrine for Sri Garuda.

Festivals :

Narasimha Jayanthi, Vaikunda Ekadesi, Ratha Sapthami, Tamil and English New Year and Purattasi Saturdays are celebrated at this temple at Singri.

Thirumanjanam is performed on every Swathi Nakshatram, which is the birth star of Narasimha.

Websites :

http://shanthiraju.wordpress.com/page/20/

http://www.vellorecity.com/srilakshminarasimhaswamytemple.asp

https://picasaweb.google.com/Rajtha/Singirikoil#

Hiranyakeshi Temple

Name : Hiranyakeshi Uppam (temple) is a place from where the Hiranyakeshi River springs originated from the mouth of caves.

Location :

Hiranyakeshi Temple is located at Amboli in Sindhudurg District of Maharashtra. It lies at the origin of Hiranyakeshi River.

Description :



The river Hiranyakeshi originates from a cave adjacent to the temple of Goddess Parvati at the foot of a mountain. Water rushes out with tremendous force to fall into a squarish tank or ‘Kund’, from where it flows out. Hiranyakeshi temple houses a Shivling, Ganapati idol and of course the Hiranyakeshi Devi idol. Hiranyakeshi is name of Mata Parvati, the one with Golden hair, Hiryana being Gold and Kesh means hair. The temple is said to house a natuarally created shivlingam (Swayambhu)made of red stone. However this lingam cannot be seen as it is covered by another Shivlingam which is used for daily offerings and prayers. There is also a statue of Mata Parvati with golden colour hair.

This River came from DEER like Statchue. In Sanscrit DEER called as HIRAN. So name Hiranyakeshi.



The nearby Maruti Mandir was built by a holy baba from Goa. The Hiranyakeshi is a Purvamukhi River means east facing,the river Hiranyakeshi flows eastwards. Fishing can be enjoyed at the river. Its flow around 80Km and then joins the Ghataprabha River.

Cave Temple :

Next to this temple, there is an entrance to a cave which is not safe to enter in the monsoons when it becomes a safe harbour for a lot of creepy crawlies.



Local people say that an expeditiation was held in 1981 a seven member team from Pune which revealed that there are seven water Kunda (pond)behind the temple and after that there is also a cave which can accomodate 200 people. The place is a delight for natural beauty lovers. The area is covered by dense forests and you can even spot some rare breed of birds in this area.



Website :

http://www.oktatabyebye.com/travel-blog/1582-travel-blog-rambling-around-4579.html

http://chiksunny.sulekha.com/blog/post/2008/01/spectacular-sindhudurg.htm

Hinglaj Matajee Temple Balochistan Pakistan

Name : Hinglaj Matajee Temple

Location :

Hingula is 90 miles away from Karachi. The road from Karachi to Hingula is alongside the Arabian sea. The area actually is a part of Bilochistan province of Pakistan. Hingol river falls on its way in Makran hills. Usual Transport is Camel or Camel driven cart. A beam of light can be seen within the dark cave, where the temple is located. The temple of Hinglaj is situated on the right bank of Hingol river. It is a low mud edifice, built at the extremity of a natural cave of small dimension, and only contains a tomb shaped stone, which is called the Mata or Maha Maya (Goddess).

Legends :

1. During the Treata Yuga, in the days of PARUSHURAM AVATAR, Rishi Dadechi narrated this story. In the TATARI MONGOL CLAN there lived a king named VICHATAR. He had two sons HINGOL and SUNDER. They belonged to Suria Dynasty of Kshtrya class.They were brave but cruel and lived luxurious lives. Their empire was adjacent to China. The people who lived in these countries belonged to Chandra Dynasty of Kshtrya Class and were followers of LORD SHIVA.

Prince sunder attacked the neighbouring countries and killed thousands of people and looted gold ornaments and demanded royalties from them. The people then prayed to Lord SHIVA to save them from the cruel prince by fulfilling their prayers and request , Lord SHIVA granted a boon where GANESH DEVA killed the demon prince Sunder in three days. After the death of Prince Sunder, his brother Hingola became furious and swore to take avenge his brother's death. He underwent penance and by his austerity for years he received the boon that no living being in the three worlds could kill him with any sort of weapon and his death will only occur at a place where Sunlight does not penetrate.

He thereafter defeated other kings, extended his reign with terror and cruelty. He referred to himself as HINGOL DEVA.People became very sick and tired in his reign and they performed great Yagna Hawan in their Devi Mata Temple in order to get rid of HIngol, the King. Devi Mata appeared and promised to kill Hingol. Hingol came in SATA DEEP, presently located in Balochistan and went inside a dark cave where Devi Mata with her wooden weapon TRISHUL killed him. In his last moments of life hingol prayed to Devi Mata that in future this place may be called after his name as HINGAL TEERATH and so the place came to be known.

2. According to another story in the PURAN , once SATI the consort of LORD SHIVA and the daughter of King Daksha was annoyed with her father for not inviting LORD SHIVA in the ceremony of Yagna. She jumped to in Agni Havan Kunda and burnt herself. LORD SHIVA then became furious and came and took the dead body of SATI and started roaming in all the dishas and there was danger created all over the world. Hence LORD VISHNU cut the body of SATI in pieces with his Sudarshan Chakra in order to cool down LORD SHIVA's anger. The pieces of SATI'S body fell at differant places; the head with its Hingul (Sindhoor, Vermillion) fell at this place on the Kunraj hills and it was named as Hingul Parvat and the Peeth was known as Shri Hinglaj Mata Asthan. This Peeth is considered supreme because Sati’s head had fallen here.

Description :

It is considered one of the famous and largest TEERATHS Pilgrimage of Subcontinent.
It is held in great veneration by both Hindus and Muslims. It is dedicated to Hinglaj Devi, the Goddess of Fate, Muslims call it Bibi Nani or simply Nani. In "Nani" there is a survival of ancient Goddess "Nanaia", whose Semitic name is "Anhita". Hinglaj Devi alongwith another Devi called "Kurukullh" was once upon a time, universally worshipped. Hingula means "cinnabar", largely used as materia medica in ancient India. Since "Hingula" cures snake bites and eliminates all types of poisoning, it came to be identified with healing of all sorts of diseases.



It is about 170 miles 250 KM from Karachi. One has to go by road on main Karachi-Quetta Highway (RCD) up to zero point for about 75 miles. Then by road towards west through Lyari town and then to Signal fauji camp stop,crosssing Aghore River. Then through Goongi River and last stop to "Asha Pura" sarai (INN). There are worship places of GANESH DEVA,MATA KALI,GURU GORAKH NATH DOONI,BRAHAM KUNDH,TIR KUNDH,MAHA KALI KUNDA,GURU NANAK KHARAO,RAM JAROKHA BETHAK,ANEEL KUNDH ON CHORASI MOUNTAIN and on the way CHANDRA GOOP , KHARI RIVER and AGHORI PUJA.



Pictures of this yatra can be seen at http://www.hinduofuniverse.com/hou/hinglaj-yatra-history.html. Thanks for the Hindu of Universe team for providing the world with these photos of this Religious yatra.

Hinglaj is situated about a day's journey from the sea coast, at the extremity of the range of mountains dividing Lasbella from Mekran. These is a large circular tank near it, which is said to be of great depth. They relate that one of the priests employed himself for a whole year in twisting a rope for the purpose, but it was not long enough. Those who can swim, jump into the tank from an overhanging rock, and proceed through a subterranean passage to another part of the mountain, which is believed to purify them from their sins. There is also a practice of throwing a coconut forcefully into the water, and as the bubbles arise in a large or small quantity, the individual accordingly will be happy or miserable.



It is believed that Lord Rama, Sita and Lakshman visited this peeth during Banvas.
There is no doubt that HINGLAJ TEERATH is very old and remained famous even during Mahabharat period when King Jaidrath of Sindh constructed Devi temples. When King Sikander of Yoonan, Europe when invaded India, he fought with King Balram at Bali Kot Fort and stayed at Hingol River. At that time, yatri devotees were performing HInglaj Yatra and they were safe. Samrat Vikramjeet, the king of India also visited Hinglaj as yatra after conquering all of India. Raja Todarmal of Mughal regime also visited this teerath. Other Rajput rajas like Bihari Mal, Raja Bhij Singh, Raja Madhoo Singh, Raja Jagat Singh of Jaipur, Ram Devji Pir of Rajasthan with his Army chief Agva Laloo Jakhraj also came to Hinglaj for yatra, Dada Mekhan the great saint of Gujarat also came to Hinglaj Teerath and he was called first KAPRI of Mata and after this all the Yatris are called KAPRIS. Kapris wear mala of Thumra in their neck.

Time to visit :

After creation of Pakistan, the govt. had declared it a prohibited area for residents of India but devotees residing in Pakistan and other foreign countries still take holy pilgrimage to the Peeth starting from Shri Swaminarayan Mandir complex in Karachi during Navratras in the month of April.

Shri Hinlaj seva Mandli every year makes arrangement of Yatra in the month of April in the form of JATHA JATHA , which is a large group of around 5000 people consisting of mem,women and children of different languages and cultures from all the states of Pakistan. These devotees are dressed in red caps and carry flags and banners of Hinglaj and past memories are renewed.

Like Amarnath Yatra in Jammu and Kashmir, the Hinglaj Yatra is also considered difficult-one but those who perform it, are blessed heavily by the Mata.

Websites :

http://hinduofuniverse.com/hou/hinglajvisit.html