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Nagercoil Nagaraja Temple – Timings, Poojas and History

July 23, 2019, Sasidhar Darla 2 Comments Filed Under: Tamil Nadu Temples Tagged With: Other Temples

Nagercoil Nagaraja Temple is situated nearby Kanyakumari in Tamil Nadu. This Hindu temple is famous for its worshiping of the King of Serpents or Nagaraja – Vasuki. Also, Nagercoil town derives its name from this very temple. This temple also has a huge number of naga statues from all over India.

What are the timings of Nagercoil Nagaraja Temple?

Here are the timings of Nagercoil Nagaraja Temple:

Timings	From	To
Morning Darshan	4:30 am	11:30 am
Evening Darshan	5:00 pm	8:15 pm

What is the history of Nagercoil Nagaraja Temple?

History of Nagercoil Nagaraja Temple is that Nagas are children of Kashyapa and Kadru. Among prominent nagas are Manasa, Sesha, and Vasuki and Nagaraja. Devotees believe that Nagaraja Temple was earlier a Jain temple because of the images of Jain Tirthankaras, Mahavira and Parswanatha on the pillars of the temple.

However, there is no authentic epigraph to help us understand its chronology. The mountain Mahendragiri in the Kanyakumari district is also popular as the abode of Nagas in the Ramayana of Valmiki. From this, one can presume that the origin of Naga influence in the area goes back to legendary times.

But there is a local story that goes around. Once there was a girl who was cutting paddy when suddenly she cut her hand and blood began to spurt out. Soon she saw that the sickle had cut into a five headed serpent. The girl was afraid and went to the village. She then told the villagers about this miracle. So, they all came to see this peculiar event and they cleared the space allotting it to the Lord.

What is the significance of Nagercoil Nagaraja Temple?

Significance of Nagercoil Nagaraja Temple is that Nagaraja deity, which originated itself , is below ground level in a square plot which is a wet place. The deity has five faces and only the place where the Nagaraja sits is wet. The soil here underneath the Prathishta has a saffron colour.

It is because of the blood that oozed form the head of the idol. The temple also gives the soil as Prasada.

The temple has a distinct style of their own by the lavish use of wood, stone and metals. The surrounding walls of temple also consist of mud. Moreover, the roof has coconut leaves and bamboo poles. Devotees also believe that this soil is a good medicine for skin diseases.

What are the festivals celebrated at Nagercoil Nagaraja Temple?

Some of the festivals celebrated at nagercoil nagaraja Temple are:

Thai Brahmmotsavam in January-February; Aavani Sundays and Aavani Aslesha (Aayilyam) star day and Krishna Jayanthi in August-September.
Navarathri in September-October and Tirukarthikai in November-December are the festivals celebrated in the temple.

How to reach Nagercoil?

Here’s how to reach Nagercoil Nagaraja Temple:

Air: Nearby airport is Madurai, Thiruvanathapuram.
Rrail: Nagercoil junction is the nearby railway station. One can easily take trains from here.
Road: The temple is 1km far from Nagercoil Vadaseri and from Meenakshipuram bus stand. Adequate road facilities are available to reach Nagercoil from all parts of the state.

Where to stay near Nagercoil Nagaraja Temple?

Some of the places where one can stay near Nagercoil Nagaraja Temple are:

Hotel Sahana Castle at Distillery road, vadaseri is a great place with suitable accommodations, according to reviews. It is opposite to the Omni bus stand.
Hotel Udupi International is another grand place to check in. It is about 20 km away from Kanyakumari. It has splendid facilities including its advantageous position making communications available at its doorstep.

What are some places to visit nearby?

Some of the places that one can visit near Nagercoil Nagaraja temple are:

Padmanabhapuram Palace, is one of the chief attractions of Tamil Nadu in Padmanabhapuram village of Kanyakumari District about 15 km from Nagercoil. King Iravi Varma Kulasekhara Perumal built it around 1601 A. D. which is famous for its antique and tricky woodworks.
Vivekananda Rock Memorial is also a popular tourist attraction in Kanyakumari in honor of Swami Vivekananda and his teachings.
Further, Devi Kanya Kumari temple is one among the 108 Shakthi Peethas in the world. Sage Parshurama built it around 3000 year ago for the goddess Bhagavathy Amman.

Suchindram Thanumalayan Temple

May 3, 2019, Sasidhar Darla Leave a Comment Filed Under: Tamil Nadu Temples Tagged With: Vishnu Temples

Suchindram Thanumalayan Temple is at a distance of 13 km from Kanyakumari. This temple is for Lord Hanuman and is also famous as “Suchindram Lord Anjaneyar Temple ” which indicates to the trinity, worship of three Gods – Lord Brahma, Lord Shiva and Lord Vishnu.

“Sthanu” means Siva; “Mal” means Vishnu; and the “Aya” means Brahma. Moreover, the word Suchindram comes from Sanskrit meaning ‘purify’.

What is the history of Suchindram Thanumalayan Temple?

Built during the 17^th century the Suchindram Thanumalayan Temple boasts an interesting history. Also, the Namboodiris, one of the main Namboodiri families called the Thekkumon Madam previously controlled it. It is a belief that Lord Shiva stayed at Suchindram Temple when Devi came for self-punishment at Kanyakumari.

Lord Indra, the king of Devas also got rid of His curse by worshiping the Lingam at this Thanumalayan Temple. And hence devotees believe that Lord Indra visit this temple everyday to worship Lord Shiva. The temple also has a huge appeal to Vaishnavites and Saivites all over India.

What is the significance of Suchindram Thanumalayan Temple?

The significance of Suchindram Thanumalayan Temple is that the statue of Lord Hanuman stands majestically at a height of 22 feet, which is carved of a single block of granite. Moreover, the representation of the three central gods of Hinduism in one linga makes it unique in India.

Devotees also believe that Lord Hanuman hid underground at this temple in 1740 to protect it from the attack by Tipu Sultan, a ruler of the Kingdom of Mysore.

There are four musical pillars carved out of a single stone, and which stand at 18 feet (5.5 m) in height; these are an architectural and design highlight of the temple grounds.

The gopuram has been carved with Ramayana and Mahabharatha stories by using herbal ink.

Goddess Aram Valartha Nayaki, Indra Vinayaka, Kala Bhairava and Saakahi Ganapathy are also present here. Inscriptions date from the 9th century are found in this temple making it more ethnic in its core.

The dancing hall of this temple contains an additional 1035 pillars filled with wonderful carvings.

What are the timings of Suchindram Thanumalayan Temple?

Here are the timing so f Suchindram Thanumalayan Temple:

Timings	From	To
Morning Darshan	4:30 AM	11:30 AM
Evening Darshan	5 PM	8:30 PM
Abhisheka for moola lingam	4:15 a.m.
Abhisheka for Thanumalayan	4:15 a.m
daily pooja	5:30 a.m.
Abhisheka pooja	6:30 a.m.
Mistanga pooja	7:15 a.m.
Ucchikala pooja	11:00 a.m.

Which festivals are celebrated at Suchindram Thanumalayan Temple?

Some of the festivals celebrated at Suchindram Thanumalayan Temple are:

The Avani festival takes place at August.
The Masi festival takes place at March.
Marghazi festival is an important one and takes place for two months at December and January.
Chiththirai festival takes place at April.

How to reach Suchindram Thanumalayan Temple?

Here’s how to reach Suchindram Thanumalayan Temple:

Air: Thiruvanathapuram International airport is the nearest airport 70 km away from the temple.
Rail: Nagercoil junction located at a distance of 3 km from the temple is the nearest station where regular trains are available.
Road: Buses ply from places such as Thirunelveli, Kanyakumari and Trivandram.

Where to stay near Suchindram Thanumalayan Temple?

Some of the places where one can stay near Suchindram Thanumalayan Temple are:

Pioneer Grand Palace is roughly 7 km from Parakkai Lake and 1 km from Vadasery Bus Stand. The property in Nagercoil is a budget accommodation offering free buffet breakfast and great atmosphere.
Hotel Reech at 57 Court Road, Nagercoil is another suitable place to check in.

What are some temples near Suchindram Thanumalayan Temple?

The world famous Arulmigu Bhagavathyamman Temple is near Suchindram Thanumalayan Temple. It is an important temple near Nagercoil – colachel State highway in Mandaikadu. During the month of Masi, people from all over India come here to celebrate the famous Kodai vizha festival.

Arulmigu Bhagavathyamman Temple is at the confluence of three seas of India’s South Corner.

Parasuram constructed the temple 3000 years ago and then one of the kings of the Pandya Dynasty renovated it. Devotees believe that Goddess Bhagavathy stood here as a spinster and she killed the demon Banasuran on Vijayadasami, the last day of Navarathiri festival.

Triveni Sangam Allahabad

May 4, 2019, Sasidhar Darla 2 Comments Filed Under: Uttar Pradesh Temples Tagged With: Other Temples

The word “Sangam” originates from Sanskrit language which means the confluence of three rivers. These three rivers are Ganga, Yamuna and the mystical Saraswati. However, the river Saraswati is invisible. According to popular beliefs, it flows underground and joins the two rivers. This Sangam is called Triveni Sangam.

This confluence is at Prayaga which is Allahabad‘s ancient name. The legendary Kumbha mela is held there every 12 years. The Sangam is a sacred place for Hindus. A bath here washes away one’s sins. It also frees one from the cycle of rebirth to finally attain ‘Moksha’.

The sacred holy site of sangam is located at about 7 km from Civil Township at Allahabad in Uttar Pradesh.

History of the Kumbha Mela

The word Kumbha means the immortal Pot of Nectar, which the Demigods (Devtas) and Demons (Asuras) fought over. Our ancient scriptures like the puranas also mention how the demigods and demons together made the nectar of immortality and decided to share it equally.

Thereafter, to churn the portion of the milky ocean they came at the sea shore. Then they used Mandara Mountain as the churning rod. But a deadly poison was produced at first. Lord Shiva drank the poison but it did not harm him. However, a few drops were spilled and licked by serpents and reptiles.

After 1000 years of churning, Dhanwantari appeared with the Kumbh of immortal nectar in his hands. The demigods were fearful of the demons’ ill intent. So, they forcibly seized the pot and entrusted its safety to the four Gods – Brahaspati, Surya, Shani, and Chandra.

Significance of Triveni Sangam

Mrs. Indira Gandhi used to come here for a holy dip.
Pilgrims take bathe on various platforms erected at the confluence. Also, migratory birds give a beautiful look to the river during the Kumbh Mela. Thousands of devotees from all around the world gather here during this time.
According to beliefs, it is the place where drops of the nectar fell from the pitcher, from the hands of the Gods.
The Rig Veda says, “Those who bath at the place where the two rivers, white and dark, flow together, rise up to heaven”.
The classical Sanskrit poet Kalidasa praised the Sangam. He described the white waters of the Ganga with the blue waters of the Yamuna as if they were a string of pearls and sapphires combined, or a garland of white and blue lotuses intertwined.

Festivals at Triveni Sangam

One of the most revered festivals – the Kumbha Festival is held at Prayag on the lunar conjunction day.
During the period of Kumbha Mela spiritual bathing takes place. It is because devotees believe that a thousand times stronger confluence occurs. Apart from self-purification purposes, thousands of people also come to the shores during Kumbha Mela to offer pind for their deceased parents.

How to reach Triveni Sangam Allahabad

Air: Regular flights are easily available from major cities to Allahabad. Bamrauli airport is the nearest.
Rail: You can also get regular trains to Allahabad from other major cities of the country. Nearby Railway Station(s) are- chheoki (COI), allahabad junction (ALD), allahabad city (ALY), naini (NYN), phaphamau junction (PFM), prayag (PRG), subedarganj (SFG), bamhrauli (BMU).
Road: there are quite a number of bus stops connecting to major areas.

Hotels nearby Triveni Sangam

Hotel Crown Palace at Rambagh Hewett road of South Malaka is a grand place to check in. It is close to the area and has a great view to look at.
Hotel Kanha Shyam at strachay road civil lines is another great place to tuck in. It has well suited accommodations and reasonable pricings.

Places to visit nearby Triveni Sangam

Allahabad fort is a great place to visit and it is archeologically important. Furthermore, it gives you beautiful visibility from top including the famous Sangam of Allahabad.
Shankar Viman Mandapam is near to the Sangam. This temple is dedicated to Lord Shiva. Moreover, it has south Indian architecture. Also, a beautiful view of Sangam can be enjoyed from the top floor of this temple.
Alopi Devi Mandir is one of the foremost shaktipeeth. Many people come to visit it to offer their prayers and receive blessings from Devi Ma.

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Kumararama Samarlakota Bhimeswara Temple Guide – Timings, Poojas, and History

August 8, 2019, Sasidhar Darla 1 Comment Filed Under: Andhra Pradesh Temples Tagged With: Pancharama, Shiva Temples

Kumararama Samarlakota Kumara Bhimeswara Swamy Temple is one of the Pancharama Kshetras in honor of Lord Shiva. It is in Samarlakota of East Godavari at Andhra Pradesh. The other four temples are Amararama, Draksharama, Ksheerarama, and Somarama. If one seeks Moksha, one should definitely visit this temple.

What is the history of Samarlakaota Kumara Bhimeswara Swamy Temple?

There is an interesting legend regarding the history of Samarlakota Kumara Bhimeswara Swamy Temple and Lord Shiva manifesting here. During the legendary Tarakasura vadha, the Shiva Linga which was in the throat of Tarakasura broke into five pieces and one of the pieces fell here.

Thereafter, it became popular as Kumararama. Lord Bhimeswara Swamy was placed here by Kumara Swamy (son of Lord Shiva and Goddess Parvati) and hence the temple is called Kumararama. King Chalukya Bhima built the temple in Dravidian style. Hence the name, Bhimeswara.

What is the significance of the Samarlakota Kumara Bhimeswara Swamy Temple?

Here’s the significance of Samarlakota Kumara Bhimeswara Swamy Temple:

The temple has carvings of apsaras on its walls.
The Chalukya king built this temple to record his history of 300 victories in wars.
100 pillars support the Mandapam.
Eka Shila Nadi is opposite the Shiva Lingam at the entrance.
The main entrance of the temple is also popular as Surya Dwaram. The main shrine is a free standing monument lying at the centre of the inner enclosure. The temple is a rectangular structure and has two stories.
One can see the sculpture design of both Turpu chalukyas’ and kakatiyas. Here the Goddess knownas Bala Trupura sundari.

What are the timings of Kumararama Samarlakota Bhimeswara Temple?

Here are the timings of Samarlakota Kumara Bhimeswara Swamy Temple:

Timings	From	To
Morning	6:00 am	12:00 pm
Evening	4:00 pm	8:00 pm

What are the festivals celebrated at Samarlakota Kumara Bhimeswara Swamy Temple?

Some of the festivals celebrated at Samarlakota Kumara Bhimeswara Swamy Temple are:

During Karthika and Margashira months that are November/December, Abhishekams take place every day.
During the months of February/March, there are celebrations of Kalyana Mahotsam Magha Bahula Ekadashi day.
Dusherha celebrations also take place in the months of October.
Till Maha Shivarathri, a lot of grand celebrations take place in the temple, especially the car festival.

How to reach Samarlakota Kumara Bhimeswara Swamy Temple?

Here’s how to reach Samarlakota Kumara Bhimeswara Swamy Temple:

Road: Samarlakota is 15 Kms from Kakinada, 49 kms from Rajahmundry, and 125 kms from Visakhapatnam, so frequent trains are easily there for transportation.
Rail: it is on the Vijayawada-Howrah broad gauge railway line of South – Central Railway.
Air : Vishakapatnam is the nearest international airport and Rajahmundry nearest domestic airport.

Where to stay near Samarlakota?

One can stay at the Theatre Royal Hotel on 81, Seddon Street. It even has themes rooms with antique furnishings that please all those who stay here.

What are some temples nearby?

Some of the temples near Samarlakota Kumara Bhimeswara Swamy Temple are:

Bhavanarayana swamy temple is a great place to visit that is believed to belong to Mauryas and the presiding immortal deity is Bhavanarayanaswamy.
Sri Golingeswara Swamy temple was built by the Eastern Chalukyas in the 9th-10th centuries. The temples are a fine example of the architectural grandeur that was prevalent in the Dravidian style. Also, a stone sculpture of Ganesha in the village shows true mastery of Chalukyan craftsmanship.
Ayyappa Swamy Temple is also famous as Andhra Sabarimala. In 1989, Shri Jayendra Saraswathi Swamigal installed the Swamy Ayyappa Panchaloha idol in Dwarapudi temple in Mandapeta mandal of East Godavari distric. Moreover, the holy eighteen steps and cluster of shrines are the attraction for this Ayyappa temple.

Ksheera Ramalingeswara Swamy Temple Palakollu Guide – Timings, Poojas, and History

September 14, 2019, Sasidhar Darla Leave a Comment Filed Under: Andhra Pradesh Temples Tagged With: Pancharama, Shiva Temples

Ksheera Ramalingeswara Swamy temple in the West Godavari district of Andhra, Palakollu is a grand temple of Lord Shiva that is one of the Pancharama temples. The presiding deity here is Lord Shiva whose form was established by Lord Vishnu. Locally this temple is also famous as Pedda Gopuram.

What is the history of Palakollu Ksheera Ramalingeswara Swamy Temple?

According to history, Palakollu Ksheera Ramalingeswara Swamy temple was constructed during the reign of Chalukya Bhima of Chalukya dynasty in the 9th century. Sri Velupathi designed it’s Prakara during the 10^th century. The architecture is a clear reflection of the art practised during the Chalukya dynasty reigns.

During the 14^th century, Sri Alladu Reddy built the Gopuram. During the 17th century, there was construction of Kalyana mantapam (choultry) and Ashtha Bhuja Lakshmi Narayanaswamy alaya.

What is the significance of Palakollu Ksheera Ramalingeswara Swamy Temple?

Significance of Ramalingeswara Swamy is that the Shivalingam at the temple is the tallest one and has a unique milky white color. The shiva lingam which is popular as moola virat is visible from all four sides of the sanctum sanctorum or garbha griha.

In addition one can also view several other gods like the Sun God, Devi Parvati and Lakshmi, Veera Bhadra, Kanaka Durga, Nataraja, Shankara, Radha Krishna from all four sides.

Locally there is a saying that staying for a day at Ksheerama is equal to staying at Varanasi.

The temple has 72 pillars made of black stones.

Timings of Palakollu Ksheera Ramalingeswara Swamy Temple

Here are the timings of Ksheera Ramalingeswara Swamy Temple:

Timings	From	To
Open	6:00 am	8:00 pm

How to reach Palakollu Ksheera Ramalingeswara Swamy Temple?

Here’s how to reach Palakollu Temple:

Road: buses are frequently available from all the parts of Andhra Pradesh moving towards Bhimavaram to Palakollu.
Rail: trains are also very easily available on a regular basis from the Vijaywada railway junction.
Air: The nearest aiport is Vijawada from where regular flights are available.

Where to stay near Palakollu?

Some of the places where one can stay near Palakollu are:

Palavalli Boutique Resorts which is 12km from Palakollu town centre has a great location where guests enjoy their peace and solitude.
Falcon Nest Hotel behind the coastal city centre at Bhimavaram is a grand place to check in.

What are some temples near Palakollu?

Some of the temples near palakollu are:

Sri Someswara Temple which is 117 km from Vijaywada is one of the Pancharama Kshetras where one can visit to offer prayers to the Lord. Devotees also believe that Lord Chandra installed the main Lingam.
Sri Venkateswara Swamy Temple is another pilgrim place to visit during this trip. It is on the top of the Seshachala hill in Tirumala.
Shri Lingaraj Temple is a famous Hindu temple in honour of lord Harihara, a form of lord Shiva and is one of the oldest and largest temples in Bhubaneswar, the capital of the East Indian state of Odisha (formerly Orissa). The temple is the most prominent landmark of the Bhubaneswar city.