Sri Kurmam Temple, Andhra Pradesh

Location:                     Sri Kurmam Village, 12 miles away from Sri Kakulam, Andhra Pradesh

Built by:                      ancient dynasties of India from 11^th -19 century AD

Also known as:           Sri Kurmam Temple, Kurmantha Temple      

Primary deity:              Lord Vishnu

Important Festivals:     Vaishakhi Festival

Attraction:                   The Salingrama and Kurmantha

INTRODUCTION

A legendary temple in Andhra Pradesh is dedicated to the ditiya (second) avatar Lord Vishnu. The second incarnation of Lord Vishnu from the Dashavatars (10 incarnations) was a kurma (tortoise). Sri Kurmam is a holy pilgrimage for the Hindus. The Kurmanatha (tortoise) depicts prosperity and peace. The temple is located at a distance of 12 miles from the town Srikakulam. The divine place is situated in the southernmost region of the Taluk district.

HISTORY

The sculptor that is worshipped as the deity in Sri Kurmam has not been sculptured by artisans. It is a fossil of a real giant turtle. The front head of the deity is in the shape of a turtle and the Vishnu namam represents it. A Salingrama represents the posterior portion. Adi Sankacharya presented the Salingrama. The artistry of Sri Kurmam is a lustrous belonging of historical India. Dhwajastambams (flag masts) are present at back and forth of Sri Kurmam, which are indeed a unique feature. The Dhwajastambams represent the deity as facing the back of the shrine on the west. The rock carvings have inhabited the shrine since 11 A.D. The shrine premises possesses more than 200 pillars

Discovery of Holy Shrine

Ancient Indian dynasties contributed to the construction of Sri Kurmam. The project began under the initiatives of the kings of the Ganga dynasty, notably Anantha Varma Chodaganga Raju. Rulers of other Indian dynasties like Toorpu, Ayankqa Bheema, Velanati, Calukyas, Velama as well as the Gajapathis contributed their wealth in proceeding with the construction of the temple.

HOW TO REACH

By Air

The nearest airport to the Sri Kakulam town is the Vishakhapatnam airport. The distance of the place from the airport is about 106 km. You will have to take a cab or bus from the airport to reach the place and the journey would be of about 2 and a half hours.

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By Rail

The railway spot nearest to Sri Kakulam is via the Amadalavalasa that is situated at a 20 km distance. Sri Kakulam is a notable railway junction on the broad gauge segment of Howrah-Chennai. The place is well-connected via railways with major cities of the state. Numerous trains are available to board from Vishakhapatnam, Hyderabad and Vijayawada. You can cover up the minimal distance of the village of Sri Kurmam from the Sri Kakulam town by taxi or cab.

By Road

Once you enter the Sri Kakulam town, take the pathway towards Asravalli in the direction of police quarters via cross roads on the NH 5. As you walk straight, you will pass away the Asravalli Bus Junction, from where you can reach the Asravalli Shrine. Again, you will have to walk straight, until reaching Deepavali road bus junction. You have to navigate straight to Sri Kakulam bus stoppage on National Highway 5. At that junction, turn and trod left to bag the road to Sri Kurmam. After reaching the Sri Kurmam village, you can easily go to the temple.

IMPORTANT SHRINES

The Sri Kurmam is a glorious architecture of ancient India. The architectures of Hindu gods and goddesses are noteworthy and so are the lion pillars (depict powers) and the divine Salingrama.

SIGNIFICANCE OF THE TEMPLE

According to Hindu mythology folios, Lord Vishnu first appeared at Sri Kurmam to bestow monarch Swetamahipathi. It is noted that the bones of the dead are disposed at the Swethapuskarani tank are transformed into comas or tortoises.

WEATHER AND TIME TO VISIT

The temple is located in Southern India. Considering the temperature of Southern India, it is quite humid and hot during summers. Monsoons at Andhra Pradesh sometimes get violent during the mid July and early August. The great Vaishakhi festival is held at the temple in April.

ACCOMODATION

·         Nearby accommodations to the Sri Kurmam temple include Hotel Satya A/c (Star hotel), Hotel Nataraj A/c, Hotel Balaji A/c, Hotel kinnera A/c, Hotel Aditya A/c.

·         You can book railway tickets or air tickets online as well. Tickets are available for booking in major and metro cities of India.

TIPS FOR DEVOTEES

As you land in the Vishakhapatnam airport, you can take a cab or taxi or board a bus to reach the temple. This journey is approximately of 2 and a half hour. In the meantime, cabs or buses will halt at tea or coffee shops and food outlets. You can always get down there to purchase some food.

RULES AND RITUALS OF THE TEMPLE

Signify your devotion towards Lord Vishnu: The Sri Kurmam temple is an ideal place to signify your devotion towards Lord Vishnu. The temple nurtures a peaceful environment, where you can offer your prayers.

Cleanse your mind and soul: It is said that one who visualizes Lord Vishnu in the prosperous Kurma avatar with devotion and respect can leave behind all sins and troubles and start his/her life afresh.

IMAGES

http://www.hoparoundindia.com/cityimages/andhra-pradesh/bigimages/Srikakulam-Sri%20Kurmam%20Temple-1.JPG

https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-oD7pKXkhcJI/TW6KGCyuzvI/AAAAAAAABY0/pC8J6aJH7xk/s1600/IMG_0229_aw.jpg

https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-oD7pKXkhcJI/TW6KGCyuzvI/AAAAAAAABY0/pC8J6aJH7xk/s1600/IMG_0229_aw.jpg

VIDEOS

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lGrSJZGmpyU

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hVXS59zD3mY

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1NG5Ha4otKc

REFERENCES

http://www.indiantravelportal.com/andhra-pradesh/pilgrimage/sriKurmam.html

http://www.hoparoundindia.com/andhra-pradesh/srikakulam-attractions-how-to-reach/sri-Kurmam-temple.aspx

http://www.charmingindia.com/sriKurmam.html

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sri_Kurmam#SriKurmam_Temple

Shri Swaminarayan Mandir, Gadhada, Gujarat

Location:                     Gadhada Bhavnagar, Gadhada, Gujrat, India.

Built by:                      Bhagwan Swaminarayan.

Primary deity:               Gopinathji Maharaj, Harikrishna Maharaj.

 INTRODUCTION

This is the holy temple located in Gadhada, Gujrat. The land for constructing this temple in Gadhada, was donated by the court of Dada Khachar in Gadhada. Dada Khachar and his family were devotees of Shri Swaminarayan. The temple was made in the courtyard of his own residence. This shrine has two stories and three domes and is adorned with carvings. The temple is placed on a high plinth in a spacious square and has an assembly hall with large dharamshalas and kitchens for ascetics and pilgrims.

Swaminarayan had installed the idols in this temple on the October 9, 1828. Gopinath and Hari krishna in the middle, Dharma and Bhakti and Vasudeva on the western side and Revti-Baldevji, Shri Krishna and Suryanarayan in the eastern temple. Besides the idols installed by Shri Swaminarayan himself, the temple is a place of many memories of Shri Swaminarayan.

On the path of the worship circuit of the inner temple, there is the idol of Ghanshyam facing northward. This prasadi temple has prasadi items of Swaminarayan displayed in a museum within the temple.

On the southern side of the temple, there is a big neem tree and the chamber of Vasudeva. Swaminarayan gives several discourses at this place. The court of Dada Khachar has been preserved in its original form. On the backside, there is the Akshar Oradi temple and Gangajalio well.

HISTORY

When evil dominated over good, when adharma ruled prominent over dharma, when "Might is Right" was the order or the day, when eat, drink and be merry had become the rule of life, when the pious people, without rhyme or reason were harassed by the impious ones and when darkness and disorder prevailed in all walks or tire - social, political and religious - in India, Lord Shri Swaminarayan manifested Himself at Chhapaiya, a small village, 20 kms North of Ayodhya in U.P., on Monday, the ninth day of bright half or Chaitra of Samvat year 1837, 2nd April, 1781 at 10 Hrs. 10 Minutes at night.

Bhagwan Swaminarayan established the Swaminarayan faith and renewed the ideals of Hinduism in 18th century India. He established a spiritual way of life and code of conduct to be followed. This is the place where Supreme God Shri Swaminarayan had lived for 29 years and did several leela. Here is the original ‘Dada Kachar Darbar’ and the ‘Limb Vriksha’ where Bhagwan Shri Hari told several ‘Vachnamrut’.

HOW TO REACH

By Air

Gadhada is located at about 70 kms away from the nearest airport, ‘Bhavnagar’.

By Rail

Nearest railway stations to Gadhada are –

1) Alampur – Approximately 16 kms away from Gadhada.

2) Ujalvav – Approximately 17 kms away from Gadhada.

By Road

Gadhada is well connected by roads to the cities of Gujarat. Regular bus service and private vehicles are available from Ahmedabad and other big cities of Gujarat. There's no rail track passing through the town. To reach Gadhada by train, you may get down at Botad or Ningala in Ahmedabad - Bhavnagar track. Connecting bus service to Gadhada is available from both these stations.

SIGNIFICANCE OF THE TEMPLE

The temple work was planned and executed directly under the consultation and guidance of Shri Swaminarayan. Shri Swaminarayan over viewed the construction in and also helped with the manual service in the construction of the temple, by lifting stones and mortar.

WEATHER AND TIME TO VISIT

The temperature at Gadhada varies from 10 degrees centigrade in winter to 42 degrees centigrade in summer. Rainfall is low in Gujrat. The Swaminarayan Mandir can be visited any time throughout the year.

ACCOMODATION

Shri Swaminarayan Mandir has its own Dharamshala where the pilgrims can get accommodation at very cheap rates. Besides, there are many hotels and resorts in Gujrat with a varied price range. Also, there are many hotels and resorts in Gadhada and Bhavnagar. The appropriate hotel as per our budget and stay can be selected and can be booked prior to our arrival.

IMAGES

http://www.bhujmandir.org/directory/shree-swaminarayan-temple-gadhada

https://www.google.co.in/search?q=shri+swaminarayan+mandir+gadhada&hl=en&biw=1440&bih=785&tbm=isch&tbo=u&source=univ&sa=X&ei=oKc5UZ2OEIKsrAe2iYD4CQ&sqi=2&ved=0CH4QsAQ

VIDEOS

http://www.youtube.com/watch?feature=endscreen&v=5sOX5qA6aVI&NR=1

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hvjc9CxAFjI

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=e5TCutK1Dy0

REFERENCES

http://wikimapia.org/11382411/The-ORIGINAL-SWAMINARAYAN-MANDIR-Gadhada-Shree-Swaminarayan-Temple

http://www.baps.org/Spiritual-Living.aspx

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Shri_Swaminarayan_Mandir,_Gadhada

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

http://holyindia.org/temple/gadhada/gadhada_airport

http://www.onefivenine.com/india/Rail/HowToReachTaluk/Bhavnagar/Gadhada

http://www.swaminarayan.nu/misc/lord.shtml#Manifestation

http://www.yr.no/place/india/Gujarat/Gadhada/statistics.html

Anegudde Vinayaka Temple, Karnataka

Location:                     Anegudde, Karnataka

Built by:                      Sage Parashurama

Also known as:           Anegudde temple, Saptakshetra, Mukti sthala

Primary deity:              Sri Siddhi Vinayak Ganesh

Important Festivals:     Ganesh Chaturthi

Attraction:                    Siddhi Vinayak Murthi and the festive season

INTRODUCTION

Anegudde temple is located in the Anegudde village. The village is also commonly known as Kumbhasi. The temple is situated at a distance of about 9 km from Kundapur and 100 km away from Mangalore. Anegudde village is located in the Udupi district of Karnataka. The temple is a historical glory of India, where numerous Hindu devotees make a visit every month.

HISTORY

Anegudde village is also called the Kumbhasi village. There is a mythological tale behind the origin of this name. Once, the village was hit by heavy drought. Rishi Agasthya came to the rescue of the village by performing a powerful Yagna in order to please the god of rain. But, demon Kumbhasura tried to create trouble amidst the yagna. Sri Siddi Vinayak or Ganesh then bestowed the strongest of Pandavas, Bheema with immense power, with which Bheema defeated Kumbhasura. The temple is known as the Anegudde temple. ‘Aane’ refers to elephant and ‘Gudde’ refers to hillock. The holy shrine is an abode of Sri Siddhi Vinayak, the elephant-headed Hindu God.

Discovery of Holy Shrine

It is regarded as a lively place of the deity, where numerous festivals and ceremonies take place. The temple is about 300 years old. Anegudde temple is one of the most important one among the sapta sthala (seven places) of ‘Parashurama Shrishti’, created by the great Shiva-devotee Sage Parashurama.

HOW TO REACH

By Air

The nearest airport to the Anegudde village is at Bajpe, which is situated close to Mangalore.

By Rail

The nearest railway stoppage to Kumbhasi village is Barkur, which is close to Kundapur. The place is well-connected by major railway stations of the state.

By Road

The village Anegudde is situated on the National Highway 17 (currently known as NH-66). The place bears a distance of 96 km, 30 km and 9 km from Mangalore, Udupi and Kundapur respectively. The village Kumbhasi is 400 km away from the capital of the state, Bengaluru. One may walk straight from the Kumbhasi bus stand through the stairs to reach the temple of Anegudde at the top of the hill. Bus services are constantly available from Mangalore, Kundapur and Udupi. You can also board a bus from Kumbhasi bus stoppage to reach the temple of Anegudde.

IMPORTANT SHRINES

Sri Siddhi Vinayak is the lord of wealth, power and prosperity. The main sanctum of the temple has the deity in the form of Chaturbhuja (four arms), on a large rocky structure, plated with silver armor. Two hands are depicted as ‘Varada Hasta’ that are granting boons to devotees and the other two arms indicate attainment of salvation. Important ceremonies and festivals are held there, which attract tourists and devotees throughout the year. The temple is one of the seven creations of Sage Parshurama and is considered an ideal place for pilgrimage.

SIGNIFICANCE OF THE TEMPLE

Lord Ganesha is the Hindu god of prosperity and wealth. It is also known as the Mukti sthala, where devotees with full focus and devotion can free themselves of earthly desires and attain salvation. Lord Vinayak is known to grant all wishes of his devotees.

WEATHER AND TIME TO VISIT

The festival of Ganesh Chaturthi is held in September-October and is a luxurious festival of the entire Southern Indian that continues for twelve days. So this season is ideal to make a visit to the Anegudde temple. On the fourth day, post full moon day of every lunar month is considered a day of festivity at the temple. Ganesh rathotsava is also a notable ceremony at Anegudde.

ACCOMODATION

·         Anegudde has two guest houses ‘Pramoda’ and ‘Amoda’ for pilgrims and devotees.

·         Other hotels and restaurants are available near the village.

TIPS FOR DEVOTEES

You should carry food and water with you while making bus or taxi journey from the airport or railway station towards Kumbhasi. You should also carry water with you while walking from the Kumbhasi bus stand towards the temple at the hilltop.

RULES AND RITUALS OF THE TEMPLE

Fulfillment of wishes: Lord Ganesha is known to grant all wishes of his devotees and bless them with wealth, prosperity, luck and good health.

Attainment of salvation: As two of the four arms of Sri Vinayak at Anegudde depict salvation, it is said that true pilgrims can achieve salvation with full focus and devotion at the holy shrine.

IMAGES

http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_jTEO63-CIhM/S6TioIvsgkI/AAAAAAAABvk/k21Cm3_Xbo4/s400/UdupiSriKrishnaTemple.JPG

http://www.sudhak4online.20m.com/images/annegudde.jpg

VIDEOS

www.youtube.com/watch?v=7dhHmizSGK0

REFERENCES

http://anegudde.com/home.htm

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

http://shivallibrahmins.com/tulunaadu-temples/kundapura-taluk/anegudde-shri-vinayaka-temple/

http://www.pbase.com/lux_20/aneguddeshrivinayakatemple

Kalka Mandir, Delhi

Location:                     Nehru Place, New Delhi, India

Built by:                      Maratha Rulers  

Also known as:           Kalkaji Temple           

Primary deity:              Goddess Kali

Important Festivals:     Navratri

Attraction:                   Arti of the Temple

INTRODUCTION

Kalka Mandir is also known as Kalkaji Temple or Kalkaji Mandir. It is a well known temple situated in South Delhi opposite to Nehru place market and is dedicated to Goddess Kali. The locality where this temple is situated is Kalkaji itself as it has derived its name from the temple only. The temple is situated next to the famous Bahai Lotus Temple and close to ISKON temple. It is located on Suryakoota Parvata of Aravali range and thus Kalka devi is also known as Suryakoota Niwasini.

 Kalkaji mandir is counted among the oldest temples of India that are dedicated to Goddess Kali who is believed to be an incarnation of Goddess Durga.

HISTORY

According to the legend, the shrine is believed to be present since the times of Satya Yuga when Goddess Kali killed Raktabija and other demons. As per the official Government records, the temple building is not older than 1764 and was constructed by Maratha rulers. It is also recorded that further additions were made by Mirza Raja Kidar Nath who was the Peshkar of Akbar II.

HOW TO REACH

By Rail

The temple is very near to the railway stations Nizamuddin and Okhla. Nizamuddin has trains coming from all over the country while some have stoppages at Okhla as well.

It also has good connectivity via metro rail service of Delhi as it is at walking distance from Kalkaji Metro station which lies on Purple line.

By Road

The temple is very close to Nehru Place bus stand which is a local bus terminus. It is 5km from Interstate Bus Terminus Nizamuddin.

By Air

Being a capital city, New Delhi boasts of the Indira Gandhi Airport which is well-connected to all other cities

SIGNIFICANCE OF THE TEMPLE

The temple is also known as 'Manokamna Siddha Peetha' or 'Jayanti Peetha' which means the place is believed to grant the devotees whatever they desire in the form of the blessings of Goddess Kali

WEATHER AND TIME TO VISIT

Devotees flock the temple throughout the year but the influx is maximum during Navratri festival which occurs twice a year in spring and autumn. It extends over a period of 9 days during which a magnificent fair is organized.

ACCOMODATION

Since the temple is situated at the heart of the city, there is no lack of accommodations. All sorts of accommodations ranging from luxurious 5 star hotels to economic Dharamshalas are available at Kalka Mandir.

TIPS FOR DEVOTEES

The temple is open on all days from 04:00 in the morning to 11:30 in the night. The arti is held in the morning at 06:00 in winters and 05:00 in summers and in the evening at 6:30 in winters and 07:00 in summer. The arti continues for a period of 90 minutes for which offerings are sold at the entrance of the temple. The visitors are advised to be cautious as the place is crowded and there is a danger of Pickpockets.

IMAGES

http://www.delhitravel.org/262/kalkaji-temple-delhi/

http://www.delhitravel.org/262/kalkaji-temple-delhi/kalkaji-temple-delhi-picture-3/

http://www.vijaychowk.com/kalkaji-mandir-new-delhi.aspx

VIDEOS

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MxueV2SLEDg

REFERENCES

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kalka_Mandir,_Delhi

http://www.tripadvisor.in/Attraction_Review-g304551-d3199053-Reviews-Shri_Kalkaji_Mandir_Temple-New_Delhi_National_Capital_Territory_of_Delhi.html

http://wikimapia.org/152628/Kalkaji-Mandir