El Peñón de Guatapé

Name : El Penon de Guatape

Location :

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

History :

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

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

Description :

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

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

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

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

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

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

Composition :

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

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

Websites :

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

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

Wat Phrathat Doi Saket

Name : Wat Phrathat Doi Saket

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


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

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

Description :

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

Aerial Photos

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

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


Websites :

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

Wat Phrathat Lampang Luang, Thailand

Name :  Wat Phrathat Lampang Luang


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

Legend :

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

Description :

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

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


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


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

Websites :

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

Gupteswar cave Temple

Name : Gupteswar Cave Temple

Location :

Gupteswar is a shrine of Lord Shiva situated about 55 km away Jeypore, Koraput District in the state of Odisha, India. It is a limestone cave discovered some time ago and has a number of scenic spots around.

Legend:

According to mythology, the lingam was first discovered by Lord Rama when he was roaming in the then Dandakaranya forest with wife Sita and brother Laxman, and later worshipped it calling it "Gupteswar". The poet Kalidas too, described the scenic beauty of Ramgiri forest where the cave temple is referred to in his famous Meghadutam.

However, with the passing of time, the temple was abandoned. Later, in the last part of the 19th century, a hunter of the Ramgiri area found the lingam. Since then the lingam has been worshipped by the tribes of Koraput region.

Description :

The main attraction is the gigantic Shiva Linga which is said to be increasing in size. Pilgrims from all over the country come here during the Sravana period, because the yearly BolBom yatra is held at this place. Devotees walk to the Gupteshwar during BolBom yatra to bathe in the maha kund, and then chant near the Shiva Linga. The cave is more or less like the Bora caves ( India - Odisha and Andhra border ). you have got same feelings in other natural places . But this Gupteswar cave is special for the underground water. It is really worth seeing. It is a natural cave with Stalagmites. One has to reach the end to view the superb scene .
After taking bath in the river Sabari, also known as Pataliganga, devotees offered prayers in the cave temple, situated at a height of 1,000 metres.

Surrounded by a dense forest of sal trees and flanked by the Kolab river, a 2m high lingam stands in the cave. The shrine is called "Gupteswar" which means the "Hidden God". It is so named because it was lying hidden in the cave for a very long period. One can reach it by climbing the 476 steps flanked with rows of champak trees. The entrance of the cave is about 3 m wide and 2 m in height. There are also several other caves nearby. Inside the second cave there is a large stalactite. People worship it as the udder of God Kamadhenu (the divine cow) and wait under it with outstretched palms to collect drops of water which fall only at long intervals.

Popularly known as "Gupta Kedar" in the vicinity, this sacred place, endowed with unusual natural beauty, is associated with Shri Rama of the epic Ramayana. The nearby hill has been named "Ramagiri".  In Shivaratri (a Hindu festival) Gupteswar Temple draws over 200,000 devotees from Odisha, Andhra Pradesh and Chhattisgarh. People suffering from incurable diseases come here to worship the God and remain here for months in the hope of getting cured.

There are five perennial poles of water called Ganga, Yamuna, Saraswati, Bhargavi and Indradyumna. The entrance of the cave looks like two jaws and the Shiva Linga is located at the meeting point of the jaws.
Similarly, thousands of people offer prayers at Paikpada, which is famous for the 9th century Pataleshwar Shiva temple. It is believed that there are 99,99,999 Shiva Lingas (only one less than one crore) in and around the temple.

Websites:

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

http://www.orissaspider.com/resources/3523-Holy-Shrine-Lingam-Gupteswar-Koraput.aspx 

Gokarneswara Temple, Mahendragiri

Name : Gokarneswara Temple

Location :

Mahendragiri, is a mountain peak at in the Paralakhemundi (or Parlakhemundi) subdivision of the district of Gajapati, Orissa, India. It is situated amongst the Eastern Ghats at an elevation of 1,501 meters (4,925 ft).
.
Legend :

Legend says that it is the place where lord Parashurama,a Chiranjeevi staying eternally and doing tapasya.Temples built by Pandavas are seen.Main festival here is Shivaratri,the worship of Shiva,the guru or percepter of lord Parashurama.

It is associated with mythological stories from the Ramayana as Mahendra Parvata (mountain). It is also Known as the Southern Amarnath of Orissa. a ‘Kula Parvata’ along with Malaya, Sahyadri, Parijatra, Shuktiman, Vindhya and Malyavaan

Legend has it that the linga was installed by the Pandavas of the Mahabharata era. Construction of the 8-feet-high temple is also attributed to the Pandavas. The Pandavas are believed to have performed the ritual to worship Gokarneswara at the crack of dawn on Shivaratri before they left the place.Sarala Dasa, the author of Oriya Mahabharata, attributes the establishment of the Gokarnesvara Sivalinga to Pandava brothers who visited Mahendragiri during the period of their exile.

Description :

Shivaratri was once more celebrated with pomp ,devotion and gaiety in Gajapati , and the main function was at the famous and historical Mahendragiri Hills .The administration had made elaborate arrangements for the a safe and smooth Shivaratri on the Mahendragiri Hills . More than 50,000 devotees from all parts of the state had reached the footsteps of the Mahendragiri Hills from where they trekked up the hills through the Burkat Pass .Ladies and aged women in large numbers braved the chill and dark night to go up the Mahendragiri Hills to have a glimpse of the Shiva Lingas inside the three temples namely Bhima Temple , Kunti(Gokerneswara) Temple and the Yudhister Temple supposed to have constructed by the Pandavas during their exile . Police in big numbers were present through out the route and also on the mountain top to face any law or order situation . Drinking Water supply , generator run electricity , first aid , food and other arrangements were also efficiently maintained by the Revenue Department who are responsible for this annual function . In the other Shiva Temple of the town devotees had gathered in large numbers to and the temples were also brightly decorated ,coloured and lit up with lights for the occasion.

In the adjoining areas the Raiwalsa Temple near Teakkali , Mina Jhola near Rayagada ,Makhalingam near Hiramandallam ,Putingi near Mandaasa were also the few Shiva Temples where devotees from this place had gone in huge numbers . Early in the morning the Suryo Udyog(sunrise) was the major attraction for the devotees who waited for the first sunrays to break through before returning back home.

There are four other temples, dedicated to Yudhisthira, Bheema, Arjuna and Kunti, on the premises.

The Kunti temple is 30 feet high and is at one end of the flat top the mountain. It is in rekha style without any jagamohanaor plinth. The temple has been plastered with lime after thorough repair. In the side niche are parsvadevatas like Ganesha, Kartikeya and Pravati. The nabagrahas are in the lintel over the door jambs. Two inscriptions which may be paleographically placed in the 12th century A.D. are there, one to the right of the entrance door and the other on the left side of the temple. Some sculptures and dressed stone slabs are lying scattered around the temple.

The Yudhisthira temple rising abruptly from the ground level is in triratha style and is on the other side of the flat top of the mountain. The outer walls are devoid of any sculptural decoration excepting four Chaitya arches. There is no parsvadevata. The lintel of the door contains an inscription of the Chola king Rajendra Chola.

The Bhima temple, assumed by scholar to have been built just after the Gupta period, appears to be the earliest of these temples. It is made of five huge square sized blocks of stones and has low and squat tower, square sanctum, squat sikhara and flat roof. The doorway is narrow and the walls do not have any niche. Upon the last tier of the temple rests the amalakasila but the kalasa is absent. There is no sculptural decoration worth mentioning. This temple is often regarded as the Gokarnesvara temple of the place. In addition to these temples, there are three other huts like uncut stone structures arranged in groups.

Websites :

http://eodisha.org/mahendragiri-hills-way-heaven-good-place-trekking-picnic-gajapati-district-odisha/

Wat Phra That Mae Yen, Thailand

Name :  Wat Phra That Mae Yen

Location :

This Temple is located atop a hill in Pai, a small town in Northern Thailand's Mae Hong Son Province. To get there, walk 1km east from the main intersection in town to get to the stairs (353 steps) that lead to the top. Or, if you’ve got wheels, take the 400m sealed road that follows a different route.

Description :

This small temple on a hill 2 km from Pai is especially interesting for its setting and the view overlooking the city you have from it. The 353 steps long staircase to reach the temple is charming even if you can skip it and take the road to access to Wat Phra That Mae Yen. The temple consists of two buildings and a few small golden chedis.

In front of the temple entrance, there is a little market with stalls where you can buy products, mainly hats and scarves knitted by the vendors. They can be very useful because it is cold at night and in the early morning in Pai. There are also two coffee shops. Behind the market, there is another Wihaan housing a reclining Buddha. And over the hill behind it, a large stitting Buddha is under construction and should be visible from far away. If you have the courage and the curiosity, you can already take the small path behind the building of the Reclining Buddha and have a look at the unfinished Big Buddha. Phra That Mae Yen is one of most accessible attraction by bicycle around Pai and a good introduction to your stay in Pai.

 

Websites :

https://dearthveda.wordpress.com/tag/pai-thailand/  

http://tripinchiangmai.blogspot.in/

See more at : http://www.thailandee.com/en/visit-thailand/wat-phra-that-mae-yen-pai-161
Copyright © Thailandee.com

See more at : http://www.thailandee.com/en/visit-thailand/wat-phra-that-mae-yen-pai-161
Copyright © Thailandee.com

This small temple on a hill 2 km from Pai is especially interesting for its setting and the view overlooking the city you have from it. The 353 steps long staircase to reach the temple is charming even if you can skip it and take the road to access to Wat Phra That Mae Yen. The temple consists of two buildings and a few small golden chedis. In front of the temple entrance, there is a little market with stalls where you can buy products, mainly hats and scarves knitted by the vendors. They can be

See more at : http://www.thailandee.com/en/visit-thailand/wat-phra-that-mae-yen-pai-161
Copyright © Thailandee.com