Kovil Montagne, Mauritius

Name : Kovil Montagne (Sri Siva Subramanya Thirukovil)

Location :

Kovil Montagne is located on the Corps de Garde mountain in Quatre-Bornes, Mauritius

History :

The Murthi inside the shrine was first installed by Shri VelaMurugan, a pious devotee of Lord Muruga, who spent all his earnings in buying a plot of land on the mountain to build a shrine.  

The Siva Subramanya Thirukovil, dedicated to Lord Muruga, inspired and built around more than a century ago by an indentured labourer from India, has today become a pilgrimage site for Mauritian people of all creeds. The temple is managed by the Hindoo Tamulall Siva Soopramanien Benevolent Society, founded one century ago. The society also administrates the Mariamman Temple at Berthaud, Quatre Bornes since 1946.

The story of the Siva Subramanya Kovil(founded circa 1897), on the slopes of the Corps de Garde mountain starts with Velamurugan(1852- 1913), a humble and pious Indian immigrant, who landed on Mauritian shores in 1884. He was a typical example of a true ‘Bhaktan’ (Devotee) in search of the divine through the grace of Muruga.

In 1887, Velamurugan’s contract ends and he settles down in ‘La Louise’ Quatre Bornes, more precisely the locality of La Source. He buys a piece of land, half acre in size for Rs 30 on the slopes of the Corps de Garde mountain. The notary act is signed later in 1904 and is registered under the name ‘La Societe Religieuse Hindoue Seva Soopramanien’.

Rebuilding :

Today, after more than a century, the size of the yard of the Siva Subramanya Kovil is of 3 acres. Over the years, the temple started attracting more and more devotees and several miracles are said to have occurred.


At the onset of the year 2000, the society is preoccupied by erosion problems at the base of the Kovil. Experts are consulted in the view of finding adequate solutions to the problem. Following several recommendations and suggestions from the various experts consulted, the society decides to pull down the existing Kovil structure and build a new one.

On the 27th of May 2001, after the Sittirai Cavadee, the works started. Laying of the foundation stone was carried out on the 2nd July 2001 by the Swami Balasubramanya Sarma from the Hindu Maha Jana Sangham..

The new temple is rebuilt on the same site and the same Original Muruga statue has been installed at the same original spot. The Mahamandapam(the kovil hall) is enlarged and the space around the Kovil has been conceived for optimal use.

The new temple is a typical example of South Indian temple architecture. The Kovil has been built in strict consultation of the various scriptures(Shastras and Agamas) and texts related to Temple building and architecture.

Description :

The Temple has separate mandapams dedicated to dieties of Hindu religion. The website http://www.kovilmontagne.org/ gives a guided tour about the visit to the temple :

Ganesha Mandapam
A visit to the Siva Subramanya Thirukovil starts with worship at the Ganesha Mandapam under a banyan tree on the right side immediately after entering the Kovil yard. This small Ganesha shrine is very popular, with many people usually rushing in quickly before work or activities. It is particularly crowded during festival days. Recounts of the intensity of worshipping Lord Ganesha here are many.

Mariamman Mandapam
Leaving the Ganesha Shrine and moving into the inner yard, one finds several Mandapams starting with the Mariamman Mandapam on the far left. Mariamman worship is often synonymous with Murugan worship. Maybe because of the strong associations of these two deities with the Tamil Hindus or South Indian Hindus in general. The Mariamman shrine also serves as a place where devotees gather before staring a procession during the Theemeedhi at the Mariamman temple at Berthaud.

Krishna Mandapam
Moving from the Mariamman shrine, we find a Mandapam dedicated to Krishna. During the month of ‘Purattasi’ (Sept-Oct), the ‘Govinden’ festival is celebrated on each Saturday at this shrine; culminating in a spectacular whole night prayer on the last Saturday.

Hanuman Mandapam
Next to the Krishna shrine is a big statue of Hanuman or Anjaneya- the famous god from the Ramayana.

Idumban Mandapam
Idumban is said to be the closest devotee of Muruga. Belonging to the Asura race, Idumban was asked by sage Agastya to bring to him two mountains by name Sivagiri and Shaktigiri. As an obedient student, Idumban immediately set out for the task. He took a gigantic rod, tied two hanging supports to each end and placed one mountain on each. As he was about to lift them, he noticed that they had become terribly heavy and he was unable to lift the support- not even by an inch. He tried and tried in vain just before realizing that Lord Muruga was standing on the hills. In huge humility he bowed at the feet of the lord. Idumban is said to be the first one to have carried the Cavadee. Thus there is nothing surprising about the fact that an Idumban shrine is found just where the stairs leading to the Kovil start. All devotees pay their respects and worship at the shrine before climbing the stairs.

Munishwaran Mandapam
While climbing the stairs towards the Kovil, we can find a Munishwara Mandapam on the left. The big statue is commanding and true to the deity. Munishwaran is the god who protects the compound. Munishwaran worship dates back to very ancient times.

Siva Subramanya Sannidhi
Finally, at the top we reach the Kovil- the Siva Subramanya Shrine.

Festivals :

The main festival of the temple is the Sittrai Cavadee. Falling in April/May on the Chitra Pownami day. It is the first temple to have celebrated this festival in Mauritius and as such is known 'Kavadi Montagne' around the island. The festival attracts a large crowd during the ten day prayers. Other festivals celebrated are, Thaipusam Cavadee, Panguni Uttiram, Maha Shivaratree, Skanda Shasti, Ganesh Chaturthi, Anna Abhiskekam, Kartigai Deepam and monthly celebrations such as Kartikai and so on.

Daily Prayer Timings :

Morning Prayers : Paal Abishekam and Pujai 05:30 to 06:30

Evening Prayers : Pujai 17:30 except for Tuesdays at 16:30

Sunday Morning  : Special Abishekam 08:00 followed by special prayer  from 08:30 to 09:00

Monthly Kartigai : From 18:00 to 19:30

Websites :

http://www.kovilmontagne.org/

http://www.kaumaram.com/aalayam/index_mru_1385.html

http://mauritiusphotography.blog.com/siva-subramanya-temple-on-corps-de-garde-mountain/

Gergeti Trinity Church (Tsminda Sameba)

Name : Gergeti Trinity Church

Location :

Gergeti Trinity Church (Georgian: წმინდა სამება - Tsminda Sameba) is a popular name for Holy Trinity Church near the village of Gergeti in the Georgia. The church is situated on the right bank of the river Chkheri (the left tributary of the river Terek), at an elevation of 2170 meters, under Mount Kazbegi.

Description :

The Gergeti Trinity Church was built in the 14th century, and is the only cross-cupola church in Khevi province. The separate belltower dates from the same period as the church itself. Its isolated location on top of a steep mountain surrounded by the vastness of nature has made it a symbol for Georgia. The 18th century Georgian author Vakhushti Batonishvili wrote that in times of danger, precious relics from Mtskheta, including Saint Nino's Cross were brought here for safekeeping. During the Soviet era, all religious services were prohibited, but the church remained a popular tourist destination. The church is now an active establishment of the Georgian Orthodox and Apostolic Church

The church is a popular waypoint for trekkers in the area, and can be reached by a steep 3 hour climb up the mountain, or around 30 minutes by jeep up a rough mountain trail.

Website :

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

Bagrati Cathedral

Name : Bagrati Cathedral

Location :

The Cathedral of the Dormition, or the Kutaisi Cathedral, more commonly known as Bagrati Cathedral is the 11th-century cathedral church in the city of Kutaisi, the region of Imereti, Georgia.


Decsription :

The Bagrati cathedral, now in ruins, is regarded as a masterpiece in the history of medieval Georgian architecture.

A distinct landmark in the scenery of central Kutaisi, the cathedral rests upon the top of Uk’imerioni Hill. It was built in the early years of the 11th century, during the reign of King Bagrat III due to which it was called “Bagrati” Cathedral, i.e., Bagrat’s cathedral. An inscription on the north wall reveals that the floor was laid in “chronicon 223″, i.e., 1003. In 1692, it was devastated in an explosion by the Ottoman troops, which had invaded the Kingdom of Imereti. The incident caused the cupola and ceiling to collapse leaving the cathedral in its present state.

The conservation and restoration works, as well as archaeological studies, which began in 1952, are still underway. In 1994, the Bagrati Cathedral, together with the Gelati Monastery, was included in the UNESCO World Heritage Site list as a single entity. In 2001, the cathedral was restored to the Georgian Orthodox Church. It is now of limited use for worship services, but attracts many pilgrims and tourists. It is also frequently used as a symbol of the whole city of Kutaisi, being one of its main tourist attractions..

Websites :

http://tushetiland.ge/?cat=23&paged=2

Bulguksa Temple

Name : Bulguksa

Location :

The temple is located on the slopes of Tohamsan, in Jinheon-dong, Gyeongju, Korea

History :

The temple's records state that a small temple was built on this site under King Beopheung in 528. The Samguk Yusa records that the current temple was constructed under King Gyeongdeok in 751, begun by Prime Minister Kim Daeseong to pacify the spirits of his parents. The building was completed in 774 by the Silla royal court, after Gim's death, and given its current name Bulguksa (Temple of the Buddha Land).

After this the temple was destroyed in Imjin wars and renovated during Goryeo dynasty. Since then the temple had undergone numerous renovations till 1973 bringing Bulguksa to its current form.

Architecture :

The entrance to the temple, Sokgyemun, has a double-sectioned staircase and bridge (National Treasure No. 23) that leads to the inside of the temple compound. The stairway is 33 steps high, corresponding to the 33 steps to enlightenment.

There are two pagodas on the temple site, which is unusual. The three-story Seokgatap (Sakyamuni Pagoda) which stands at 8.2 meters is a traditional Korean-style stone pagoda with simple lines and minimal detailing.

Seokgatap pagoda

Seokgatap is over 13 centuries old. Dabotap (Many Treasure Pagoda) is 10.4 meters tall and dedicated to the Many treasures Buddha mentioned in the Lotus Sutra. In contrast to Seokgatap, Dabotap is known for its highly ornate structure. Its image is reproduced on the South Korean 10 won coin. Dabotap and Seokgatap are Korean National Treasures nos. 20 and 21, respectively.

Dabotap Pagoda

Other National treasures on the temple include

Treasure No.22 : It includes The Yeonhwagyo (Lotus Flower Bridge), Chilbogyo (Seven Treasures Bridge), Anyangmun (Peace Enhancing Gate) and Geuknakjeon (the Hall of the Pure Land)

Treasure No.23 : It includes The Cheongungyo (Blue Cloud Bridge) and Baegungyo (White Cloud Bridge). The Blue Cloud Bridge makes up the lower span of the stair while the White Cloud Bridge is the upper part. The bridges lead to the Jahamun (Golden Purple Gate) which leads to Sakyamuni Hall. There are 33 steps on the stairway, which slopes at a 45 degree angle, and each step corresponds to one of the 33 heavens of Buddhism. The lower Blue Cloud Bridge has seventeen steps while the upper White Cloud Bridge has sixteen.

The Blue Cloud and White Cloud Bridges are in the foreground while the Lotus Flower and Seven Treasures Bridges are in the background.

Treasure No.26 : Bulguksa geumdong birojana buljwasang (Gilt-bronze Vairocana Buddha of enlightenment Statue). The robes of the Buddha are highly detailed and the simulation of folded cloth rippling down from the shoulder to the lap is done with high skill. The hands of the Buddha are in a position, the right index finger covered by the left hand, which often is used to symbolize the Buddha of Enlightenment.

Treasure No.27 : Bulguksa geumdong amita yeoraejwasang (The seated gilt-bronze Amitabha Buddha statue)

Treasure No.61 : This sarira pagoda, or stupa, looks like a stone lantern. ( A sarira is a container for the relics or remains of famous priests or royalty. It is said that this sarira contained the remains of eight priests or a queen)

Sarira Pagoda

Description :

Bulguksa is a head temple of the Jogye Order of Korean Buddhism in the North Gyeongsang province in South Korea.

It is home to seven National treasures of South Korea, including Dabotap and Seokgatap stone pagodas, Cheongun-gyo (Blue Cloud Bridge), and two gilt-bronze statues of Buddha. The temple is classified as Historic and Scenic Site No. 1 by the South Korean government.In 1995, Bulguksa was added to the UNESCO World Heritage List together with the Seokguram Grotto, which lies four kilometers to the east.

The temple is considered as a masterpiece of the golden age of Buddhist art in the Silla kingdom. It is currently the head temple of the 11th district of the Jogye Order of Korean Buddhism.

Among the earliest woodblock prints in world, a version of the Dharani sutra dated between AD 704 and 751 was found there in 1966. Its Buddhist text was printed on a 8-×-630 cm (3.1-×-250 in) mulberry paper scroll.

Websites :

http://www.bulguksa.or.kr/

Murouji Temple

Name : MurouJi Temple

Location :

It is a temple in the mountains of Muro-yama, close to the Nara's border with Mie Prefecture, Japan.
It can be reached in 15 minutes by bus from Muro-guchi Ono Station on the Kintetsu Line.

Legend :

There are a few theories as to how Muro-ji was founded. The mountain Muro-yama itself, where the temple stands, has been the object of worship since ancient times. It is also said that the temple was built on this land in the 8th century at the end of Nara era, after five monks offered a prayer on the mountain for the Emperor Kanmu's illness to be cured, and this had proved to be very successful.

The five-storied pagoda of Murō-ji

Description :

While the Kongo Temple in Koyasan (Wakayama Prefecture) is male-only, this is a Shingon temple that allows women to also worship there. For this reason, it is also called "Nyonin Koya (Koya for women)."

In its premise are Kondo (golden hall), Mirokudo (hall), Gojunoto (five-story pagoda), Kanjodo (hall), and Okunoin (temple deep in the mountains). The Kondo with Kokera roof tiles built in the Heian era and the Kanjodo and Gojunoto built in the Kamakura era are designated as national treasures while the other buildings are designated as important cultural assets.

The Gojunoto has a height of 16 meters and is the smallest five-story pagoda constructed outdoors in Japan.
Because the Garan are all located on the mountainside, you have to walk up the stone steps to get to any one of them.

In addition to the Garan, there are many other national treasures and important cultural assets among the Buddhist images such as the standing statues of wooden Chuson Shaka Nyorai and eleven-faced Kannon. About a kilometer east of the temple is located Ryuketsu Shrine, enshrining the ryujin.

Websites :

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Murō-ji
http://www.murouji.or.jp/

Tiger Hill, Suzhou

As viewed from the entrance with the Huqiu Tower at the top

Name : Tiger Hill, Suzhou

Location : 

Tiger Hill is a hill in Suzhou, in China

Legend  :

The hill is so named because it is said to look like a crouching tiger. Another legend states that a white tiger appeared on the hill to guard it following the burial of King Helü. The hill is sometimes referred to in parallel with "Lion Mountain", another hill near Suzhou which clearly resembles a sitting lion.

According to the Historical Records, the Wu King Helu was buried on the hill, called then "the Hill Emerging from the Sea". The legend goes that three days after his burial a white tiger appeared squatting on the hill.

History :

Since Six Dynasties period, Tiger Hill has become the famous tourist destination and Buddhist hill. In East Jin Period, Wang Xun and his young brother named Wang Min built the villa in hill respectively. In 327, they presented the villas to Huqiu Temple, and changed to be called The East Temple and West Temple. 

Buddhist period :

The Buddhist master called Daosheng coming from northern China in Song Period of North-South Division period interpreted the sutra of Buddhism over here, and left many famous relics. During the Six Dynasties Period, Tiger Hill had pagoda, and the destroyed pagoda was the oldest one in China. 

In Tang Dynasty, to avoid mentioning the name of Li Hu, the grandfather of Li Yuan who was the founder of Tang Dynasty, Tiger Hill, or Hu Qiu, was changed to be Wu Qiu and the temple also changed to be Wuqiubaoen Temple was also comprised of east temple and west temple. In 825, Bai Juyi acted as the governor of Suzhou, and he loved the beauty of Suzhou, especially the Tiger Hill. He made a large reconstruction to Tiger Hill, and he also made the ways to Tiger Hill more convenient, and the waterway and landway were all perfectly wonderful. And the surroundings were also beautified and elaborately designed.

Taoist era :

During the reign of Emperor Wuzong in Tang Dynasty, for raising Taoism and suppressing Buddhism, a large movement for eliminating Buddhism was launched. In 845, the property of the temple was confiscated, and the statues of Buddha were destroyed, and the monks and nuns were forced to be secularized. The east and west temples were all thoroughly destroyed. But later, the resuming of the Buddhism made the Huqiushan Temple be reconstructed, and two parts were unified. Besides, the temple was moved to the top of hill from the foot. And the whole architectural layout gradually formed the feature at present. At the foot of the hill, there are also the West-Hill Temple and East-Hill Temple in memory of Wang Xun and Wang Min.

Zen school Huqiu :

In Song Dynasty, the governor of Suzhou called Wei Yang reported the superior authority to change the name of Huqiushan Temple to Yunyan Temple. From then on, the Tiger Hill became the holy land of Buddhism and the hot destination of tourism. In 1131, roughly in the early period of Southern Song Dynasty, the Buddhist master named Shao Long interpreted the sutras of Buddhism in Tiger Hill, and Tiger Hill was predominantly influential in China, and formed a zen school of Buddhism named Huqiu School. In southeast China at the time, there are a quite famous title of Buddhism called Five Hills and Ten Temples, and Huqiu Hill, or Tiger Hill, was one of them.

Modern era : 

After the foundation of New China (The People’s Republic of China), the Administrative Office of Suzhou Gardens and Relics was established in 1953, and Tiger Hill was systematically and gradually managed and reconstructed. In 1955, the Fanghe Pavilion, Yongquan Pavilion and Sunwu Pavilion were all rebuilt, and the Round-Hill River was opened as well.

Description :

It has an elevation of over 30 m. and covers about 49.41ac. Tiger Hill boasts impressive rocks, deep dales, 3 matchless scenes, 9 suitable occasions for enjoyment, 18 scenic spots, and changing scenery at all times. No wonder it has been an awe-inspiring sight in the area south of the Lower Yangtze. The Yunyan Temple Pagoda and the Sword Pool are well-known features of the hill. With a history going back more than 1,000 years, the simple, archaic and imposing Yunyan Temple Pagoda, also known as the Second Leaning Tower on earth, stands aloft at the top of the hill, serving as a symbol of ancient Suzhou for years, The Tomb of the Wu King Helu under the Sword Pool has remained an unsolved mystery for two and a half millennia. The story goes that the great Jin master Wang Xizhi traded his calligraphy for lovable geese from the Taoist Abbot. And the windy vale and cloudy spring make the visitor reluctant to leave.

Its features include:

• Sword-Testing Rock: a rock in two pieces that was supposedly cleaved cleanly by a legendary sword of extraordinary sharpness
• Spring of Simplicity and Honesty: a well that, according to legend, first appeared as a spring to an exhausted monk carrying water up the entire length of the hill
• Yunyan Pagoda: a pagoda seven stories in height whose main architectural feature is its lean; it in fact predates the Leaning Tower of Pisa
• Sword Pond (Jianchi): a small rectangular pond, beneath which a treasure of some 3000 swords are believed to have been buried; this site is not excavated because the Leaning Pagoda's foundations rest on the site
• Lu Yu Well: a well attributed to Lu Yu, author of the first book on tea
• Thousand People Rock

Festivals :

Tiger Hill is also an important site of folk fairs and gatherings. In terms of the local history of Suzhou: Three Fairs and Three Festivals. The authority of Tiger Hill Scenic Area holds the art and flower festivals or fairs in Suzhou. In autumn, diversity of temple fairs featuring the folk customs held in Tiger Hill was extensively loved by tourists. In 2002, Tiger Hill was approved to be the Four-A Scenic Area of China. The famous attractions of Suzhou Tiger Hill Scenic Area include: 1.Pagoda of Yunyan Temple, 2.Sword Lake of Tiger Hill, 3.Yongcui Shanzhuang, 4.Lu Yu Well, 5.Lengxiang Pavilion, 6.Frozen Fragrance Pavilion) and other detailed scenes.

 

Websites :

http://www.seeraa.com/china-essence-tour/suzhou-tour.html

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Tiger_Hill,_Suzhou