Kamnadevi Temple

Name : Prospect Hill and Temple of Kamna Devi

Location :

Prospect hill has an elevation of about 2200 mts. above the sea level.The Prospect Hill temple takes about a fifteen minutes walk from Boileauganj that is located on the Shimla-Bilaspur road.

Description :

Prospect hill is crowned by a very religious temple dedicated to Goddess Kamna Devi.It is believed that the Goddess blesses anyone who takes the arduous journey up the hill.

A 15 minute climb on the steep Prospect Hill leads you to this small red and green temple, which is surrounded by a white wall. Calm and tranquil surroundings along with breath-taking views of the city, make your climb to this holy place perfectly worth it.

Surrounded by tall deodar trees, the temple has a glorious view of the surrounding hills and the toy trains running to and from Tara Devi. It is an ideal base for trekkers, nature lovers and bird watchers. The temple is open round the clock.

Thousands and lakhs of tourists visit this place because the beauty of this hill is eye-catching.You can have the look of surrounding areas and hills from the top of this hill.You will feel as if you are away from this world into a world that is so beautiful and so very rare with its basket of stupendous beauty. The scenic beauty of the place in the midst of green veiled mountains and passing clouds from the hill top is really something that will keep you mum.

This hill is paradise for photographers and mountaineers,as the hill satisfies their quest for trekking.Also the toy train that runs from Tara Devi to Jatogh is visible from the top of the Prospect Hill of Shimla. The place is even an ideal juncture for the picnic parties.

Websites :
http://indiatourist.wordpress.com/2008/11/02/prospect-hill-and-temple-of-kamna-devi/

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

Thrikur Shiva Temple

Name : Thirukur Shiva Temple

Location :

It is located at Trikur near trichur, Kerala.

Description :

The cave temple at Trikur near Trichur is something of a marvel.

On the bank of the river Karuvannur puzha, a long flight of steps lead to the summit of the rock hill, where the deity of Shiva is installed in a cave, which appears to be natural. Water continuously drips from the roof of the cave and wets the idol. We could not find any source of water in the rock.

The temple is constructed without harming any natural setup. One of the achans of Paliam constructed the outer wall and other protective structures and  the Gopuram is fully protecting the Environment. The blessing of the diety is a sure cure for Asthma.

Meals provided for devotees for which some trust has been established which maintains the temple. There were very few devotees.

From the top of the hill, one can see the surrounding country side for at least ten miles, including Trichur town. As the land at the side opposite the river is at the same level, vehicles can come up to the temple and there are regular bus services.

Festivals :

Every year there is elaborate festival. Kathakali, the famous costume drama of Keralam, is an essential item. The parade of caparisoned elephants, with drum beating  (panchavadyam) is a must in all temple festivals.
The annual festival falls on the malyala month of  Makaram (jan-feb)

Websites :

http://www.flickr.com/photos/arunar/2707121666/

http://waterfriend.wordpress.com/2010/01/19/thrikur-shiva-temple/

Viralimalai Shanmuganathar Temple

Name : Viralimalai Shanmuganathar Temple

Location :

Viralimalai is on the bus route between Madurai and Tiruchy. It is 25 kilometers from Tiruchy and 40 kilometers northwest of Pudukottai. From Azhankudi Viralimalai is 371/2 Kilometers.

Legends :

1) Legend tells us that Saint Arunagirinathar was directed in a dream to go to Viralimalai, which in those days was situated amidst thick jungle. Not far from Viralimalai Arunagiri lost his way in the jungle. From out of nowhere there appeared a Veddar or hunting tribesman who guided Arunagiri to large rock from where he could see Viralimalai hill. The Veddar vanished and only then did Arunagiri realize that his mysterious guide was none other than Lord Murugan Himself. Today the spot is marked by an ashram where bhaktars meditate on Lord Murugan's mercy.

2) Sages and saints were in the form of Kura trees and worshipped the Lord of Viralimalai. Hence this place was called Viravi Malai which later became Viralimalai. The poet Saint Arunagirinathar has mentioned in his songs about saints staying and worshipping Lord Muruga in this hill temple.

3) Saint Vashishtar's wife Arundhati forgets to feed Lord Murugan when he was born at Saravana Poigai. Due to this her husband cursed her. In turn Vashishtar was cursed by Lord Murugan for the ill fate he brought on his wife. As per mythology both Vashishtar and his wife Arundhati prayed here in Viralimalai to ward off their curse. Saints like Kashyapa Munivar and Naradar are believed to have offered their prayer here in Viralimalai to ward off curses.

4) The representative of the Palayamkarar Karupamuthu Pillai used to visit the temple every Friday. During one such visit, due to heavy rains there was flood and tanks bunds were broken. The river Mamundi was also flooded and Karupamuthu Pillai was cut off from the mainland. He neither had food to eat nor cigars to smoke and was in great misery as he was a chain smoker. Lord Murugan appeared before him, gave him cigar and matchstick and also took him to the temple for darshan. From that day cigar is offered to Lord Murugan along with neiveidyam and given away as prasadam to devotees.

Description:

The hill is small and rocky. From the foot of the hill a beautiful flight of steps take us to the top. These footsteps are engraved on the rock and are 207 in number. In between there are beautiful mandapams for devotees to rest.

We find the statue of Kashyapa Muni and Narada Muni in the hill temple along with sculptures of Arundhati and Vashishta. We also find the sculpture of Arumugan and Arunagirinathar on the pillars found on the way to the temple. The temple is located on top of the hill and can be seen from a great distance. A beautiful flight of steps along with mandapams for devotees to rest, take us to the top of the hill. At the foot of the hills the water tank called Saravana Poigai is located on southern side. On the eastern side there is a Srine for the goddess Maikannudaiyal. It is customary to worship this goddess before climbing up the hill.

On the way to the hill top we find the Idumban Sannidhi a small cave Srine for Meenakshi Sundareshwar and a mandapam called Sandana Kottam at the end of the flight of steps. Adjacent to the Sandana Kottam Mandapam we find the Navaratri and Shanmuga Moorty Mandapam.

Next to the Navaratri Mandapam we find the south-facing Raja Gopuram. In the Shanmuga Moorthy Mandapam of this temple with a single prahara the utsavamoorthy gives darshan together with devas. In the western part of the prahara we find the Srines of Vinayagar, Dakshina Moorthy, Agasthiyar and Arunagirinathar and in the northern side we find the Srine of Chandikeshwarar and Bhairavar.

The Srine for Navagraha is located on the way to the Maha Mandapam in front of the sanctum sanctorum. In the Maha Mandapam Natarajar, Sivakami, Manika Vinayagar and Srinivasa Perumal with consort await to bless the devotees. On the outer walls of the garbhagraha we find inscriptions. Inside the sanctum sanctorum Lord Muruga showers blessings upon the devotees.

Theertham :

On the southern part of the foothill Saravana Poigai, the Sthala Theertham is located. It is also called Naga Theertham. A Naaga is fixed (Prathistai) at centre of the theertham. The Sthala Vriksham in this temple is Kasi Vilvam.

Moolavar :

The vision of the Lord inside the Garbhagraha is soul-stirring. The Lord is in the form of Arumugan, six-faced and with twelve hands seated elegantly on the peacock facing east. The divine consorts Valli and Deivannai stand on either side. As the Sivachariyar offers camphor the devotees can see the three faces at the back in the mirror which the other three can be viewed directly.

Method of Worship
The daily puja is performed six times a day and as per Kamika Agamam.

Festivals and Pujas
Taippucam, Pankuni Uttiram, Kanda Sasthi and Adikrittikai are the main festivals as in other Murugan temples.

Inscriptions
On the outside wall of the sanctum sanctorum, we find a few inscriptions. These contain certain information on the history of the temple.

Literature
Muthu Pazhani Kavirayar authored Viralimalai Kuravanchi. This Kuravanchi was staged regularly every year during festivals.

Websites :

http://murugan.org/viralima.htm

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

Chitharal Hill Temple

Name : Chitharal Hill Temple

Location :

Chitharal (also spelt Chidaral) is 55km from Kanyakumari, 36km from Nagercoil and 7km from Marthandam. The approach road is from Kandapuram, leading to Elanthavilas. Chitharal is located exactly 4km North East of Kuzhithurai. Cars and Vans can go upto the foot of the hill. One has to walk for about 10 minutes to reach the temple.

History :

The Jain influence in this region was due to the Jain Tamil King Mahendra Verman-I (610-640). These temples of Jain Deities'were considered to be built in 9th century AD.

Around the period of the decline of Jainism during the rule of the Cholas in the 11th Century, it is believed that Chandragupta Maurya, along with a Jain ascetic Badrabhahu, reached Sravanabelagola in 298 BC. Their disciples travelled to this region to spread Jainism and chose the hillock for meditation.

It was, however, converted into a Hindu temple in 1250A.D., and an image of Bhagavathy was installed and named, Thirucharanmalai, means `the hill holy to the charanas'.  But still the rockcut sculptures and statues of 23 Jain theerthangars including Mahaveerar are left undamaged and still maintained without any damages. It was once called Chokkanthoongi Hills and now as Malaikoil by locals.

Description :

Chitharal is historically known as Thirucharanathupalli – the abode of Jain monks belonging to Digambara sect. Hillock at Chitharal has a cave containing Rock-cut sculptures of Thirthankaras and attendent deities carved inside and outside. The sculptures are the main attraction in Chitharal. Also these sculptures are historically known as Thirucharanathupalli, and are situated inside the caves on a very long Hill.

At the foot of the Thirucharanmalai hillock, one can see a stylish Kerala Style Arch made of rocks and is the
starting point of your Trek. The atmosphere and the indications at the foot will not give you any indication of a  hard Climb ahead. So be prepared for a hard steep climb of a 800 meters.

It will be better, if you select a day with sun is not too sharp. All over the trekking time one can see several cement benches to sit, but the hottest sun will not allow you to sit on them. Colorful flowers and some trees with red and yellow flowers around these benches complets the picturesque.

From the top, one can see or enjoy the beauty of winding rivers, lakes, fields, clusters of villages, coconut fields, tall church spires, and the lines of Western Ghat covered with white clouds; and is a mind blowing scenery, which you won't get from anywhere.

Another main attraction at the top hill is two large rocks facing each other, and one can explore whole beauty of the foot through the small window created by these rocks. Also at the top hill, one can see some ruined or parts of ancient temples, which is believed to be of Charanas.

The whole rocky area is carved with Jain deities' images and is also a part of ancient era.

Stone Inscriptions :

There are 9 stone inscriptions in Tamil vattezheutthu, sanskrit and Malayalam dating back to 9th Century A.D. One of the stone inscriptions says that there was a Jain University at this place during 1st century BC. and Queen Kuratimarayar had donated wealth to the university. This inscription is found in Tamil Brahmi scriptures.

Festivals :
The Jain images have been preserved by Central Archeological Survey of India and they are making yearly  3day celebrations from 2009.
 
Nearby Attractions :

Thiruvattar Adikesava Perumal Temple
Thripparappu Waterfalls
Pechippara Dam

Websites :

http://www.vaikhari.org/chitharal.html


http://ta.wikipedia.org/wiki/சிதறால்_மலைக்_கோவில்

Thean Hou Temple

Name : Thean Hou Temple

Location :

The Thean Hou Temple is a landmark six-tiered Chinese temple in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia. It is located on a 1.67 acres (6,760 m²) of land atop Robson Heights along Lorong Bellamy, overlooking Jalan Syed Putra (Federal Highway).

Description :

The temple was completed in 1987 and officially opened in 1989. The property belongs to and is run by the Selangor & Federal Territory Hainan Association (Persatuan Hainan Selangor & Wilayah Persekutuan). The temple, built by the Hainanese community living in Kuala Lumpur, is dedicated to Goddess Tian Hou (The Heavenly Mother).

Architectural Features :

This syncretic temple with elements of Buddhism, Taoism and Confucianism is a grandiose structure and represents a successful combination of modern architectural techniques and authentic traditional design featuring imposing pillars, spectacular roofs, ornate carvings and intricate embellishments. Its grand architecture has made it a popular tourist destination.

The front entrance of the temple features a multi-arched gateway with red pillars, the colour symbolic of prosperity and good fortune. Souvenir stalls and a canteen are found on the 1st level. The 2nd level houses the multi-purpose hall while offices are located on the 3rd level. The 4th level has 3 tiers and the prayer hall is located here.

Joss sticks burner

External features :

In addition to her altar in the prayer hall, there is also a smaller statue of Guan Yin to the right of the hall, set amongst rocks and falling water. Here one can kneel and receive a blessing of water from the statue. Outside the temple at the entrance to the grounds, there is a larger statue, similarly set amongst rocks and falling water.

Other features include a Chinese Medicinal Herbs Garden, a Wishing Well as well as a Tortoise Pond.

Finally there is a large statue of the goddess opposite to the temple, along with a collection of other large statues that include representations of the twelve animals of Chinese astrology.

Religious and cultural activities :

Activities such as the grand birthday celebrations for Goddess Tian Hou, Goddess Kuan Yin and the Goddess of the Waterfront are conducted at Thean Hou. Buddhist activities include Dharma Prayers and Wesak Day celebrations. Cultural activities include the annual Mooncake Festival during the eighth lunar month and the Chinese New Year celebration.

Temple services :

The Thean Hou temple also offers fortune telling and marriage registration services.

Small fountain with the Goddess of Mercy dispensing water from her jar

Recreational Activities :

Traditional Chinese exercise and martial arts activities such as Qigong, t'ai chi and wushu classes are conducted at the Thean Hou temple.

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