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Ajanta Caves

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Ajanta Caves, Aurangabad

Aurangabad district in Maharashtra State is a famous place with many tourist attractions and religious sites as well as temples. The Ajanta Caves are one of the most popular and most visited places in Aurangabad district with an extravagant monument. Having 30 rock-cut Buddhist caves that have existed since 2nd century, these caves are exquisite structure that includes sculptures and paintings. They are a great example of the richness of Indian art and painting. These caves are also masterpiece of the Buddhist religious art and have figures of Buddha and depictions of mythological Jataka tales. The architecture of the Ajanta caves is worth witnessing and the caves are cut in the side of a large cliff which is the south side of U-shaped gorge on the river Waghur. They are along the modern pathway that runs across the cliff and were originally reached by the individual ladders from side of river 10–35 m below. The Ajanta caves have been built extravagantly in two phases and the construction started by the 2nd century BCE. The second group of these caves was built in 400–650 BCE. This is a protected monument and is cared by the Archaeological Survey of India. The site has also been a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

ajanta caves

History and Legend of Ajanta Caves

  • This region was previously forested heavily and the caves were hidden in the heavy forests that were later discovered by a British officer in 1819. The buildings are Buddhist monastic that represent many monasteries. These caves have been numbered from 1 to 28 and some of these are unfinished but some have been barely begun. Many of these caves were hidden under the rubble and round the gorge, there are numerous waterfalls and these are audible when the river is high that are audible from outside these caves.
  • These caves have the best of the early Indian wall-paintings and there are not many such survivals from areas of the modern Indian region and they are believed to be related to approx. 5th century paintings in the Sigiriya region in Sri Lanka. Ajanta Caves have elaborated architectural carvings that are considered rare.
  • A little after being rediscovered, the caves became famous due to their exotic setting and the impressive architecture and also due to the unique paintings. These caves were originally in the territory of princely state of Nizam of Hyderabad and Ghulam Yazdani who was the founder of the archaeology department of Hyderabad State in 1914 had played a major role to conserve and research this site. He had also published series of monographs on the caves. This site was considered adventurous till the Nizam’s government had built a modern path in between these caves among the many other efforts that had been made in order to make the site an easy visit.

Significance of the site and the Ajanta Caves

  • The site boasts of the best mural paintings in the country that have survived from earlier and later caves. The paintings also include court-led paintings that are well preserved. Some of the later paintings also concentrate on the Jataka tales that show the previous lives of Buddha as king. These paintings have since deteriorated significantly and a majority of these caves are the vihara halls that were used for prayer and also for living. Such caves are also called as monasteries. There are also some other plainer rooms that were used for sleeping and also for other activities.
  • The earlier caves have been built on eastern end of these horse-shoe shaped regions, and now the caves are in less prominent position. Ajanta Caves have been fully inaugurated that are important for the worship by the devotees of Lord Buddha that has an image in central shrine. The cliff of the first cave has steeper slope than other caves and this provides it a tall and a grand facade. Some caves only have left remains as the fine carving have been carelessly thrown down into the slope into the river but some have still been lost and they may have been presumably carried away in the monsoon torrents.
  • The carvings on the cave are surfaces embellishments and have scenes from life of Buddha along with decorative motifs. There also is a two pillared portico and the cave also has a front-court along with porch that has simple cells on its both ends. Most areas of these porches had been once covered with the murals and some fragments remain on the ceiling of the cave. On the rear wall to the house, a shrine has been carved with an impressive and elaborate seated image of Buddha and his hands have been made in dharmachakrapravartana mudra.
  • The temple has four cells that are located on all the walls and these have paintings that are in fair state in terms of preservation. The paintings depict mainly didactic, ornamental, and devotional scenes that are from Jataka stories that date back to Buddha’s former existence when he was a bodhisattva. The paintings have depicted life of Gautama Buddha and also of his veneration. The caves have two famous individually painted images and also life size figures of bodhisattvas that are Padmapani and Vajrapani that are placed on either side of entrance to Buddha shrine.
  • The paintings are on every surface of these caves except the floor but the art work has eroded in some places due to decay and also due to human interference. Many areas thus are painted walls, pillars, ceilings that are fragmentary. The narratives of the paintings are mostly based on the Jataka tales that are depicted on the walls. The paintings inform the community mainly of the teachings of the Buddha and of his life through the successive rebirths.
  • Some of the caves have also been saved from volcanic eruptions and thus still contain some major volcanic remains that also increase the attraction and significance of the site. This is today the most popular and most visited tourist destination in the Maharashtra state and is extremely crowded at the time of holiday. The Maharashtra Tourism Development Corporation had in 2012 announced their plans to add this site to ASI visitor centre. They are also trying to get a better idea of these paintings and decipher them.

Ajanta Caves Timings

Ajanta Caves are open on all days except Tuesday and are open till sunset. The entry fees per person is Rs. 10/- and Rs 25./- are charged for clicking pictures and videography inside the caves.

How to reach by Rail Road and Air

Aurangabad is one of the most popular tourist hubs and thus has many visitors especially in the holiday season. The past glory and heritage of this city are the main attractions of Aurangabad. The Ajanta and Ellora caves are a major tourist attraction of the city and these caves are recognized as world heritage by UNESCO. Some other places to visit are the spectacular Mughal monuments, Bibi ka Maqbara and many other sites are extremely enjoyable in the city.

The caves also have a dedicated archaeological museum that is also a well noted tourist spot in the city. This place also has many historical and cultural places. The city has many ways to be reached and can be reached through multiple means of transport. Aurangabad is well connected by all major means like air, rail and road as per the tourist’s convenience. The city’s airport connects to all major cities and traveling to this city through air can be a very comfortable option while one can also travel by rail to the city.

By Air: Aurangabad has regular flights from all other major cities of the country and the major airport is the Chikkalthana Airport.

By Rail: Aurangabad is also well connected to all other major cities of India via regular trains. The major stations are Aurangabad, Rotegaon, Chikalthan, Mukundwadi Halt.

By Bus: One can get regular buses to the Aurangabad city from all other major cities of the country. The major bus station is Aurangabad.

The city is well connected and has efficient connectivity by all means of transport to various cities. There are a number of buses connecting Aurangabad to other cities and the journey is a comfortable one.

Hotels in Aurangabad

There are many 3, 4, and 5-Star hotels in Aurangabad that are extremely comfortable and have great services. The major hotels in the city include Hotel Atithi, Lemon Tree Hotel Aurangabad, VITS Hotel, Green Olive, Vivanta by Taj Hotel Oberoi and J P International. All the above hotels are extremely spacious and comfortable with all facilities. The tourists visit Ajanta caves and museums mostly in the holiday season and that is when the hotels are jam packed.

Nearby Attractions and Temples

The major attractions of the city of Aurangabad apart from the Ajanta and Ellora Caves are as follows:

Bibi Ka Maqbara: The place is situated about 3kms from the main city and is the resting place of Aurangzeb’s wife, Rabia-ud-Durrani. This place is an imitation of Taj Mahal, Agra. The burial site or the Maqbara is situated in middle of spacious Mughal garden that has axial ponds and fountains along with broad pathways and clean pavilions.

Panchakki: The 17th century water mill is situated at distance of about 1km from city. The water mill is famous for the vast underground water channel that traverses about 8kms. The mesmerizing artificial waterfall and beautiful water fountains increase the beauty of the place and thus is one of the most visited sites of the city.

Gates in Aurangabad: The most interesting place to visit in the city is the 52 ‘gates’; they have a local history and are visited most often. The historical gates increase the legend of the place and thus are one of the most visited sites of the city.

Naukhanda palace: Built by Malik Ambar, the massive portal gateway is a grand palace in the city with nine apartments. The interior buildings have five zananas, a Divan-i-Aam, a Divan-i-Khas, a masjid and a kacheri and each of this is provided with a garden and also with a cistern.

Salim Ali Lake & Bird Sanctuary: The Salim Ali Sarovar which is popularly known as the Salim Ali Talab, is a major place of interest that is located near Delhi Gate right opposite the Himayat Bagh in Aurangabad. The site is located in northern part of the city and was known as the Khiziri Talab during Mughal Period. The place was renamed after the well known ornithologist and naturalist Salim Ali. The site also has a bird sanctuary and also a garden that is well maintained by the Aurangabad Municipal Corporation.

Aurangabad Caves: The caves are situated at a distance of 5kms, and are nestled amidst the hills. These 12 Buddhist caves date back to 3 A.D. and are of particular interest as there are Tantric influences that are evident in the iconography and also in the architectural designs of these caves. The caves also offer a panoramic view of the whole city as well as of the imposing Maqbara.

Aurangabad has always been held as a town of great importance due to the history and legend associated with it. The popular tourist destination in the country has a lot to offer to the visitors. The town holds major significance in terms of history as well as mythology and is an important Buddhist site. The place has a lot to offer to the tourists and they back a lot in term of spiritualism as well as heritage and thus they keep coming back to experience the utmost enjoyment.

Hinglaj Mata Temple

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Goddess Hinglaj Mata Temple – The Goddess of Flame

Mother Hingula is worshiped as agni (fire) in the kitchen of Lord Jagannath at Shree Mandir Puri. Goddess Hingula is worshiped at a distance of 14 from Talcher. It is believed that one can achieve his desired object if they worship or meditates on Goddess Hingula. It is also believe that cooking foods become delicious through the blessings of the Goddess. The tribal Kandha Goddess Hingula is worshiped as an integrated Goddess of the Aryans and the Non-Aryans through the process of historical evolution. Since the Goddess is still worshiped by Sabari versus the palm leaf manuscript which is being worshiped here needs further research, which may reveal important socio cultural factors of the ancient tribal life. It is described in the Mahabharata that Goddess Hingula was worshiped by King Nala of Suryavanshi. It is by her grace that king Nala was able to prepare Gouri-Sauri Paka . Thus the name of Goddess Hingula is associated with cooking with perfection. The earlier practice of animal sacrifice is no more. Now only vegetable and sweets are offered as Bhog. Hingula represents fire and every year appears in the form of flame at different places. The goddess is being worshipped in two sites, one in the Hinglaj Mata Temple and the other on a raised platform with a big applique atop tied to four wooden poles around. The platform is fenced off. On the platform, a heap of coal is set on fire. The fire stand for the goddess. The devotees after having done their Darshan of Goddess Hingula in her temple (Hinglaj Mata Temple), return to worship her at the fireplace.The offerings are thrown into the flames. In the nearby site, thousands of kids sit in tandem and a handful of barbers shave their heads.

Hinglaj Mata Temple

Hinglaj Mata Temple History

  • Once Dakhya, the father-in-law of Lord Shiva was organizing a ceremony of sacrifice (Yagnya). He had invited many gods, goddesses, kings of repute, saints and seers to attend the ceremony. However, he did not care to invite his daughter Parvati (Sati) and son-in-law Siva. Knowing about celebration of Yagnya, she pleaded with Siva to go to her paternal home. Siva however denied on the ground that she has not been invited.
  • Though her husband denied, Parvati attended the ceremony. At the ceremony site, she was laughed at, for having married to a nude man, living in graveyard. Parvati being unable to bear humiliation of her revered husband, threw herself in the flames of the Jagnya and killed herself.
  • When Siva got this news, raged in anger he dashed off Prajapati’s palace. He recovered the half burnt body of Parvati from the fire and was about to kill everybody there and destroy the whole creation. Lord Vishnu came to the place and saw that the dead body of Parvati was fueling the anger of Siva and ordered his Chakra to destroy the body.
  • The weapon cut the body into 51 pieces. Wherever each piece fell down, there Mother Goddess appeared in one name or the other. Goddess Hingula is one of the 51 forms of the Goddess.This is the origin of Goddess Hingula at Talcher.
  • A piece identified as Brahmandreya fell at Baluchistan of present Pakistan where shakti appeared in burning fire state. In course of time Nala Raja of Vidarbha region of western India has became the devotee Of Maa, who resided in his kingdom. In Puri When Raja decide to start ‘anna prasad’ Lord Jagannath responding to his prayer asked him to bring Hingula to manage his kitchen.
  • Accordingly Puri Raja went to Vidarbha  and requested him to pray Maa to come to Puri. Nala Raja on the request of Puri Raja brought the Goddess on his wrapper in form of fire and in course of his journey reached at Gopalgarh where he took rest.

Significance of Hinglaj Mata Temple

  • The worship of Maa Hingula represents a mixture of tribal worship and Sakta Cult. Before some days of the Chaturdashi, Maa appears near the Hinglaj Mata Temple and informs the chief ‘Dehury’ about the location of the burning spot which is kept surrounded with heaps of coal till the yatra.
  • Devotees from around the world visit the place and worship the the site of the burning flame with coconut, ghee, milk, cheese, clothes, bangles etc. The offerings is thrown into the burning flame.

Hinglaj Mata Temple Timings

Hinglaj Mata Temple remains open from 5:00 AM in the morning to 8:30 PM at night. There are different pujas and rituals performed as per the schedule. The morning puja is performed at 5:00 AM followed by Aarti and Bal Bhog at 6:15 AM. Hinglaj Mata Temple remains closed in the afternoon from 1:00 PM to 3:30 PM. The evening aarti is performed at 6:15 PM followed by the Bhog.

Rituals performed at Hinglaj Mata Temple

  • Majana: Majana is performed in the morning before the sun set and also in in the evening. In the morning the deities are cleaned by the sacred water and this is conducted by the Dehuri. The deities are then decorated with sarees, bangles, sindur and alata. The deities are decorated with five types of flowers such as Mandar, Anlei and leaves like bail and barun leaves.
  • Pancha Upachar and Bal Bhogh: After the Manjana the pancha-upachar is performed. The deities are offered with the incense sticks along with deepa. The Bal bhog consists of coconuts, seasame seed ladoo, Ukkuda and sweets.
  • Kanika Bhog: After the Bal bhog the Kanika bhog is offered to the deities.
  • Madhyahna Bhog: It is the mid day offerings made to the deities in the afternoon. It includes complete meal such as Rice, Dal, Kheer, curry etc.
  • Pahada: It is observed as the rest time for the deities and the temple remains closed during this time. But during special occasions the temple remains open throughout the day.
  • Reopening: After the day time pahada the temple is reopened.
  • Evening Majana: After the morning majana the same procedure is performed in the evening. The deities are decorated and made ready for the evening aarti.
  • Sandhya Aarti and Pana-Bhog:The sandhya aarti is performed in the evening followed by the Pana bhog that consists of bananas, sweets and ladoos.
  • Pahada: After the sandhya aarti that is performed for 2 hours the deities go to take rest and the temple remains closed during this tenure.

Festivals celebrated at the Hinglaj Mata Temple

  • Hingula Yatra: There is a popular belief among the local people that on this day of Visuba Sankranti Goddess Hingula appears and propitiation to her removes all evil forces. She is worshipped in the village street on her imaginary stride to the village. Offering to her includes spitted new cloth, Pana(sweet-water), butter lamp and green mangoes. Those who observe fasting, especially women are called ‘Osati’. Prior to the day of worship the fasting worshippers (mostly men) move from village to village with the sacred-pitcher symbolising the Goddess. Their religious procession is always accompanied by singing and dancing. These worshippers are called Patuas. The man who dances with the holy-pitcher on his head wears a black skirt, a red blouse and a long piece of black cloth tightly covering the head and having equal length on both sides to flow.  Those who walk on fire are known as Nian Patua and those on thorns are called Kanta Patua. Some worshippers stand on edged swords and are carried on open palanquins. They are caned Khanda Patua. Some of them show some feats in deep water. They are called Pani Patuas.  Especially all these festivals are celebrated a Shiva or Shakti Shrine.
  • Nuakhai: Khambeswar Mahadev and Khambeswari Devi, who remain on the left side of the pandal are worshiped without lighting any candle (Deepa). They are called Dark Gods (Andhari Devata or Pidha). The legend states them to have come under darkness from Boudha the shelter of Goddess Hingula, when Buddhist religion spread in the region. It is for this reason that they are called Andhari Pitha (Dark Seat). After this the Patiara being possessed by Hingula is worshipped. He arrives at the place of appearance of the Goddess in the form of Kalishi and it is at this place that is body gets dispossessed (from Kalishi). Then Dehury carries the mobile image `Alam` to the place of appearance where she is offered worship. The king along with his family come to the place and offer oblations (Ahuti) to the Goddess.  the freshly harvested paddy rice with gur, ghee, milk, honey and turmeric are mixed thoroughly and offered to the deity in called Nakhi. The sacred Nakhi is prepared in unwashed new earthen pots. This is a depiction of tribal culture. The first harvested paddy rice is supplied from the royal granary.
  • Patabari Festival: This festival takes place only when a new king is coronated after the death of the old king. During the occasion Dehury collects five salgram stones from the river Brahmani situated near Nadhara Kamalanga as per the directives of the Goddess.
  • Devi Dussehra: The goddess Hingula Alam is taken on a large procession for her permanent abode to the Dussehra ground where a podium for worship exists. Subsequently, the Alam is taken to Kuteisuni Pitha . It is one of the very important festival and devotees from various places gather to celebrate this festival.

How to reach: Road, Rail and Air

By Air: Biju Pattanaik Airport at Bhubaneswar is the nearest airport to Hinglaj Mata Temple. This airport is well connected to Delhi, Kolkata, Mumbai, Vishakhapatnam, Raipur, Chennai and Hyderabad. Talcher is 154 km Away from Bhubaneswar (Via Banarpal).

By Rail: There is no direct train network to Maa Hingula’s Temple but one can reach up to Talcher (TLHR), Talcher Road(TLHD) and Angul(ANGL) station.  Bhubaneswar, Puri, Angul, Talcher and Sambalpur are the major rail heads for the state.

By Road: The National Highways 23, 42, 55 and 200 pass through the state Odisha which are connected with Angul and Talcher, the two most nearest places to Gopal Prasad. Regular Bus services are available to Angul and Talcher from major cities of Odisha throughout the day. Talcher is 60 km away from Dhenkanal, 154 km Away from Bhubaneswar (Via Banarpal), 182 km from sambalpur, and 200kms from Rourkela.

Where to stay

There are many accommodation facilities near the temple. There is also a Yatri Niwas that is situated near the temple. There are good hotels located at Talcher.

  • Hotel Siddharth Regency: NH200, Talcher, Odisha 759107
  • Hotel Shakti International: Handidhua, Talcher, Odisha 759100
  • Hotel Brundaban: Hatatota, Talcher, Odisha
  • Trimurti hotel: Talcher, Odisha 759100
  • Green Park Hotel: Near By pass square, Talcher, Odisha 759107
  • Hotel Durga: NH-55, Turanga, Angul, Odisha 759123
  • Kamlesh Continental: Industrial Estate, Tamrit Colony, Angul, Odisha 759145
  • Hotel Prasanti Pvt. Ltd: Near NH 55, Turanga, Angul, Odisha 759123

Nearby Temples

  • Sri Sri Baladev Jew Temple: Sri Sri Baladev Jew Temple is one of the historic temples of Orissa, situated at Ichhapur near Kendrapara. The main temple has a 7 step construction and heavy baul amalia stone are used in this construction. There are other small temples inside the premise, where other Gods and Goddesses are worshipped. All the temples have a beautiful architecture and constructed in traditional way. The area covered by the structure is 2 Acre 6 Decimal.  The total area is divided into 2 parts. First part includes different temples and second part is garden. The boundary wall (Bedha) around the temple is 14 feet high.
  • Udala, Ambika temple: Devi Ambika Temple (Incarnation of Goddess Durga) is a temple which can spellbound every visitor. It is surrounded by great waterfalls and thick forest. This temple was built by the royal dynasty of Mayurbhanj in 1940. Devkund waterfall is situated in dense forest of Sal making it lush green area during the Rainy season. The area has variety of flora and fauna and makes it a perfect habitat for tropical birds and animals. Tiger Reserve of Simlipal is located in the periphery of Devkund. In all there are 5 waterfalls which fall into Kund and thus the place also named as Pancha Kunda. These 5 waterfalls are Amrit Kund, Ghrita Kund, Haladi Kund, Devkund and Devi Kund. At 100 steps above the waterfall near the river source sacred temple of Devi Ambika is located.
  • LingaRaj Temple: The temple is dedicated to Lord Shiva, also known as ‘Lingaraj’. It is adorned with beautiful sculptures, which have been carved on the spire. Lingaraja temple is approximately 54.8 metres high and enshrines a huge statue of Lord Shiva, made up of granite. Lingaraj Temple was built by the King Jajati Keshari, who belonged to Soma Vansh. It is thought that when the King shifted his capital from Jaipur to Bhubaneshwar, he started the construction of Lingaraj Temple. The main attractions of worship are the architecture of the temple itself. The Lingaraj shrine is known to be an overwhelming sight as it is the largest temple, in terms of height and distance, in the city. It is surrounded by old and intricate sculptures.
  • Maa Tarini Temple: The origin of Shakti or worship of the Earth as a female embodiment of power is found across many cultures all over the world. In Orissa which has a high density of tribal population whose religious practices have been assimilated into the mainstream Hindu faith. About 50 km from Keonjhar towards Cuttack Popular for Shrine of Goddess Tarini abode of Maa Durga. There is a saying and it has been proved also, whoever has prayed Maa and offered her a coconut on Tuesday or Saturday, Maa will fulfilled the desire of her Devotees.  

Raghunath Temple Jammu Guide – Timings, Poojas, and History

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Raghunath Temple is located in Jammu and is dedicated to Lord Rama. Apart from him a many other Gods are worshipped here. The temple premises are also home to Gods like Lord Shiva. It is correspondingly a popular site for the Amarnath pilgrims. The temple overlooks the beautiful city of Jammu and is surrounded by lush green trees and mesmerizing green valley. 

The city of Jammu is home to some of the most splendid sites and temples and one of the best examples of marvelous architecture in the city is the Raghunath temple. The temple is one among the best temple complexes in Northern India and it has grand complex and extremely beautiful and splendid temple architecture in the country. The temple compound is a grand one and it consists of a total of 17 temples. The temple is huge in terms of both size and scale and it has the images of all Hindu deities that exist that are represented in a grand way inside the temple.

Raghunath Temple has been dedicated to Lord Rama who is one of the primary Hindu deities. The temple was constructed by Maharaja Gulab Singh who was the founder of kingdom of Jammu & Kashmir and the work on the temple began in 1835 A.D. After his death the work was completed by Maharaja Gulab Singh’s son, Maharaja Ranbir Singh. The construction of the temple was finished in the period of 1853-1860 A.D. The main temple’s inner wall is covered with gold sheet on the three sides of the temple. The temple also has a vast gallery which has various “lingams” as well as “saligrams” that are placed for the general public as well.

Raghunath Temple

Raghunath Temple History

The Raghunath temple has a historical significance and there are multiple temples that surround the main temple and these temples are dedicated to the multiple Gods and Goddesses that are connected with the times of the epic Ramayana. This popular temple in Jammu is renowned for the temple’s depiction of Rama Leela and also of the Krishna Leela in its beautiful paintings. Prevalent legend suggests that the temple is dedicated to Lord Rama and was originally built by Raja Jagat Singh of Kullu in order to correct a major wrong that was done by him. The main idol that is placed inside the temple was brought back from Ayodhya which is the birthplace of Lord Rama according to the Ramayana.

The temple also has peeps of the Mughal masonry that can be visualized in architectural splendor of the Raghunath Temple. The temple carvings and arches are extraordinarily resplendent that grabs everyone’s attention. The temple complex also has a library that houses rare Sanskrit books as well as manuscripts. People also visit this temple in huge numbers in order to pay their homage to their deity and to seek blessings from the Lord.

The temple has a special significance in the region of Jammu as the religious life style of the Kullu valley basically revolves around the sacred idol of Lord Raghunath whom the temple is dedicated to. The daily rituals of the temple mainly comprise a sacred bath, elaborate floral decorations of the presiding deity and the daily worship of the principal deity of the Kullu valley.

Significance of the Raghunath Temple

The major significance of the Raghunath Temple is seen with seven shrines each of which has its own “Shikhara”, (which deciphers to ‘mountain peak’ in Sanskrit and this refers to rising towers and is a special part of the Hindu temple architecture especially in northern India). This temple has one of the largest temple complexes in the entire of North India which is located in Jammu city. This temple has multiple Gods enshrined in it but has the presiding deity as Lord Ram who is believed to be an “avatar” or an embodiment of Lord Vishnu.

This temple although is a famous Hindu shrine yet it came under public glare after the intense scan the devotees were performing Pooja inside the temple complex on November 24, 2002 and many suicide bombers entered the complex and a terrorist attack took place inside the temple complex. The attack resulted in 10 deaths and several devotees were injured in the blast.

The entrance of the temple has a life size image of Maharaja Ranbir Singh who was its founder and also an image of Lord Hanuman that exaggerates this holy site. The central shrine of the temple is dedicated to Lord Ram also popularly known as Raghunath after whom the temple has been named. Lord Rama is the commanding deity of this temple.

Raghunath Temple Timings

Raghunath Temple is open all hours except from evening 8PM to morning 4AM. The temple is easily reachable and there are no restrictions as such except the genera security checking outside the temple.

Festivals Celebrated At the Raghunath Temple

The temple is popular among most Hindu pilgrims as it has a number of shrines dedicated to almost all Hindu Gods. Apart from the central shrine many other shrines of the temple encompass the various incarnations of Lord Vishnu. The other remarkable shrine is of Lord Surya or the Sun God, which houses the multiple forms of the Lord. In the inside of the temple there are some other shrines and most of these are home to the oversize statues of Hindu Gods as well as Goddesses. The temple also has another specialty which is that it comprises almost all images of the Hindu Pantheon which is one of the unusual embodiments in temple architecture.

The major event when this shrine is set up well is during the Amarnath Yatra which is a major festival here. The pilgrims take part in the long Yatra and also visit the temple to seek blessings.

Pooja and Rituals of Raghunath Temple

The temple has the usual sermons and the rituals that are common in the Hindu Temples and it also witnesses the morning and evening aarti.

How To By Reach by Rail, Road and Air

Jammu city is easily reachable by rail, road, and air. The temple being in the city is also easily reachable by cabs and taxis.

Air Travel: Many major Airlines operate from the Jammu Airport that fly to various important destinations including Delhi, Mumbai, Srinagar. The city also has helicopter service that is available for the Vaishno Devi tourists from Katra; which is the base camp of Mata Vaishno Deviji to the Mata Vaishno Deviji Bhawan.

Rail Travel: One of the main rail lines is the Jammu Tawi which is an important railhead of the Northern India. The city of Jammu is well connected to almost every major town in India and it has very frequent trains to all the major cities like Delhi, Mumbai, Kolkata, Chennai etc. When the rush increases during the holiday season, additional trains also operated to and from various parts of the country.

Road Travel: Jammu being on the National Highway 1-A is exceptionally well-connected by the highway network to all parts of the country. There are daily bus services of all classes that operate to and fro to the city of Jammu to Delhi, Amritsar, Chandigarh, Jalandhar, Shimla, Manali etc. Many tourist taxies also operate between Jammu – Srinagar and Jammu – Katra.

Hotels in Jammu

Jammu being a major Indian city has many 3-star, 4-star, and 5-star hotels along with 7-star hotels and resorts. The city also has many honeymoon resorts. The major hotels are Hotel Jammu Ashok, KC Residency, and Hotel Asia. The city is fast seeing a lot of development and many more hotel chains are planning to set up in the city in the near future.

Nearby Temples

Jammu is a popular tourist spot situated on hillock and is on the bank of river Tawi. The city is bound by the Udhampur district in north and in the northeast. The Kathua district lies in the east and southeast, Pakistan (Sialkot) is in west and the Rajauri district in addition to the POK (Bhimber) are in the northwest. The city is popularly known as City of Temples as it has innumerable temples as well as also many shrines that have glittering “Shikhars” that soar into the sky. The Shikhars dot the skyline of the city and they create the ambience of holy and peaceful city.

Following are some major temple in Jammu:

  • Bave Wali Mata (Goddess Mahakali): One of the oldest forts constructed by Raja Bahulochan on the left bank of River Tawi now serves a religious temple and is mostly visited as a temple by the followers of the presiding deity Goddess Mahakali. The fort is surrounded by beautiful terraced garden which increases the rush of the temple. The temple was constructed about 3000 years ago and it is popularly known as Bave Wali Mata. The Bave Wali Mata is the presiding deity of Jammu and is a form of Goddess Kali. The temple is especially visited by the followers on Tuesdays and Saturdays. The temple is second only home to Maa Vaishno Devi of Jammu.
  • Ranbireshwar Temple: This temple is a major one among the popular Shiva temples in the Jammu region. Ranbireshwar Temple is a temple with a rich history and legend. The temple has its fixed set of devotees and also has its specific days of worship and rituals. The famous temple of the presiding deity Lord Shiva is located just opposite the Jammu & Kashmir Civil Secretariat on the Shalimar Road in the Jammu region. The temple has a stunning inside view and the temple also has twelve Shiva Lingams that are made from crystal that measures 12″ to 18″. It also has galleries that have thousands of “saligrams” that are fixed on a stone slab.
  • Panchbakhtar Temple: The meaning of Panchbakhtar is five faces and the temple is a major Mahadev Mandir that occupies unique place, in the Jammu region which is also considered as the city of temples. The temple is also one of the oldest Shivalya which means the abode of Lord Shiva of the city. It is widely believed according to the oral histories that Adi Shankryacharya had visited this site and had stayed there. The Panchvaktar Temple has an astounding inside view and it has also been connected with Shri Amarnath Yatra in the past. The temple was a camp for the Sadhus that were visiting the Holy Cave of the popular Shri Amarnathji.
  • The Peer Kho Cave Temple: It is an attractive temple that overlooks the Tawi River and is another well-known and frequently visited Shiva temple in the Jammu region. The Peer Kho Cave is located on bank of the local river Tawi and a widely believed folklore here is that the popular character of the Ramayana Jamvant (who was the bear God) had meditated for long in this cave.
  • Mahamaya Temple and City Forest: This is a major temple on bypass Road and is located behind the Bahu Fort, the ancient temple has been surrounded by the city forest, and the temple supervises the river Tawi.

Other significant temples in the Jammu region are the Lakshmi Narayan temple, Duda Dhari temple, and Panj Mandir. The city is also known for its many other tourist sites like museum and bridges.

Jagannath Temple, Ranchi

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Ranchi is a historic town of Jharkhand. The  Jagannath Temple Ranchi is a religious landmark of the town. Jagannath Temple is located at 10 km from the main city. Built over a small hillock, you can get a beautiful view of the surroundings from the temple. If tourists are not able to climb the hilltop, they can use the optional vehicle route. The Jagannath Temple is located at the Dhurva region of Ranchi. There are two large water tanks located within the temple complex. Hence if you are tired after walking so many stairs, there is enough space to rest and water to quench your thirst. The  Jagannath Temple, Ranchi is very neat and clean, providing ample space to sit and relax in the soothing environment. There is no entry fee to the temple.

Jagannath Temple, Ranchi

Jagannath Temple Ranchi History

Jagannath Temple is a historical spot of Ranchi.

  • The Jagannath Temple of Ranchi was built in 1691. It was built by king Thakur Ani Nath Shahdeo of Barkagarh. A marble slab outside the sanctum informs about the founder and the foundation year of the temple.
  • It is believed that the Jagannath Temple was constructed to revive the faith and belief of the tribal in Hindu religion. As during the 17th century, many people started leaving Hinduism, the believers of Hinduism started erecting temples like the Jagannath Temple to retain the identity of Hinduism.
  • The temple collapsed in 1990. The then Bihar government renovated the temple and now it has regained its lost glory.
  • The original shrine was built in the form of a fort.

Significance of the  Jagannath Temple, Ranchi

  • The Jagannath Temple Ranchi is almost a replica of the famous Jagannath Temple of Puri, Orissa. However, it is comparatively smaller in size than the Jagannath Temple of Puri.
  • Jagannatha, Balbhadra and Subhadra are worshiped at the temple. All the deities are engraved out of neem wood.
  • The temple is exquisite with intricate carvings. The temple is colourful with unique blend of colours. The interiors of the temple are in the form of a fort.
  • The Jagannath Temple Ranchi has been built in the Kalinga style of architecture. There is a tall sanctum within the temple. The temple also consists of a Jagamohana and Nata Mandir.
  • The temple is especially important for devotees belonging to the Vaishnavism cult. As per Hindu mythology, Lord Jagannath is considered to be the Lord of the Universe. The worship of Lord Jagannath and the foundation of the temple dates back to the glorious past of Vaishnavism and its founder, Chaitanya Mahaprabhu. The deities are not very simple here, without much jewellery and clothes.
  • The deity of Lord Hanumana is present inside the gates of the temple, symbolizing to be a guard of the Lord, while outside the temple you can find the statue of Garuda.

 Jagannath Temple, Ranchi Timings

The temple can be visited throughout the year. Tourists are suggested to visit the temple at dawn or dusk, as the surroundings look heavenly during sunrise and sunset. Summer is considered as the best time to visit the temple as the largest festival of the temple, Rath Yatra takes place at this time.

  • The Jagannath Temple of Ranchi is open on all the days.
  • It is open from 5 am to 12 pm and again from 3 pm to 6 pm.
  • The temple is closed at afternoon, from 12.00 pm to 3.00 pm.

 Jagannath Temple, Ranchi Food Timings

After worship of the deity, prasadam is served to the devotees. The prasadam is also delivered online by the temple committee, which you can receive 15- 45 days.

Dress Code at  Jagannath Temple Ranchi

  • There is no such dress code at the Jagannath Temple of Ranchi. But as per the standard of any Hindu temple of India, devotees are expected to be in covered dresses.
  • Devotees need to leave their footwear outside the temple.

Festivals celebrated at the  Jagannath Temple Ranchi

Jagannath Temple is the largest shrine of Ranchi. Hence numerous devotees gather here every day to offer their prayers to Lord Jagannath. Almost every day some or the other function takes place at the temple premises.

Rath Yatra: Rath Yatra, also known as the Car Festival, is the prime festival celebrated at the Jagannath Temple of Ranchi. The celebration takes place during the Hindu month of Asadh, on Ashad Shukla Dwitiya. This is the second day of the fortnight of Ashad, which generally occurs during June or July.

During the festival, the deities are brought to Mausi Bari, that is, the home of the aunt. Numerous people follow the journey pulling the ropes of the chariot. This is considered to be a pious act by the devotees. The deities are kept in Mausi Bari for six days. On the seventh day, the chariot returns to the Jagannath temple with the deities. The return journey is known as Ghurti Rath Yatra. Thousands of devotees folk here during the Rath Yatra as it is believed that Lord Jagannath opens His eyes during this time to bless the worshippers.

One of the prime attractions of the festival is that lot of tribal people gather at the annual fair. From folk song and dance to local handicrafts, the Ratha Yatra of Jagannath Temple of Ranchi is more than a religious festival. The annual fair is held for a week and is known as Jagannath Mela.

Kalash Sthapna: Before the main event of Ratha Yatra, events like Kalash Sthapna, Pran Prathistha and Bhandara take place at the temple complex. The eyes of the deities are also painted before Ratha Yatra.

Snan Yatra: This is another auspicious day that is celebrated with great pomp and show at the Jagannath Temple of Ranchi. The event generally occurs on the full moon, known as Purnima during the Hindu month of Jyeshtha, which is May or June. Lots of pilgrims gather at the temple to witness the holy event in which Lord Jagannath, Lord Balaram and Goddess Subhadra are bathed. In this festival each God is bathed with 51 pots (also known as kalash) of water.

Krishna Janmasthami: This is another important festival celebrated at the Jagannath temple. Lord Krishna is considered to be another incarnation of Lord Jagannath. The festival takes place during the Hindu month of Shravan, which is generally the month of August. The devotees fast till the worship proceedings complete in the evening.

Poojas and Rituals at  Jagannath Temple, Ranchi

The worship of Lord Jagannath at this temple is quite different from other Hindu temple. Here the priests are known as Panda. Devotees can bath in the river and then worship the deity.

  • The worship starts with offering flowers and food to Lord Jagannath. At afternoon, the deities are offered lunch, known as Bhog.
  • The evening aarti of the Jagannath Temple is serene.

How to reach: Road, Rail and Air

By Air: The nearest airport to the Jagannath temple is the Ranchi airport. The airport is located approximately at 5 km from the shrine. There are several flights from Kolkata, Patna and Delhi to Ranchi. The Ranchi airport is located at 7 km from the main city. The Kolkata international airport is the nearest international airport to the temple. Tourists can avail direct prepaid taxis from Kolkata airport to Ranchi.

By Train: The nearest railway station to the Jagannath Temple is the Hatia railway station. There are auto rickshaws and taxis available from the railway station that cab takes you to the temple.

By Road: The nearest taxi stand to the temple is Line Tank Rd, Deputy Para, Ahirtoli of Ranchi. Auto rickshaws are the common mode of transport within the city. There are several local buses that regularly ply from different parts of the city to the Jagannath Temple.

Hotels in Ranchi: Where to stay

Ranchi is the capital city of Jharkhand. The business hub of the state has both budget and premium accommodation for travellers.  Tourists generally refer the guests houses maintained by the Tourism Authority of Ranchi, due to the low prices. The Park Inn and Hotel the Raso are the nearest hotels to the Jagannath Temple, located just at 4.4 km. Hotel Palash Residency, Hotel Green Acres. Hotel Emerald, Hotel Jalsa Grand and Hotel Ranchi Ashok are the other options.

Where to eat

There are several eat outs located near the Jagannath Temple. Tourists can relish tasty food here. The Modern Bakery, Shri Krishna Restaurant, Flaves, Bindas Bavarchi Restaurant, Zero Mile Restaurant and Chinar Restaurant are some of the hygienic and popular eateries near the temple.

Nearby Temples

There are several other temples built near the Jagannath Temple Ranchi.

  • Mausi Bari: This is the nearest shrine to the Jagannath Temple. Lord Narayana and Goddess Lakshmi are the presiding deities of this temple. The Jagannath Temple lies at the background of Mausi Bari.
  • Pahari Temple: This temple is dedicated to Lord Shiva and Goddess Parvati. You can get a glimpse of the Pahari Temple from the Jagannath Temple. This temple is also located on top of a hill, known as the Ranchi hill. It lies at a height of 2140 feet. It is believed that wishes get fulfilled here. Pilgrims gather here during the holy month of Shravan to offer water to the God.
  • Angrabadi Temple: The temple is situated at Khunti. Lord Shiva, Lord Ganesha, Lord Rama, Sita Devi and Lord Hanumana are worshipped here.
  • Sun Temple: The Sun Temple is another attraction of the city. The temple is in the shape of a large vehicle which is driven by 7 horses and comes with 18 wheels. Devotees take a dip in the holy waters of the nearby pond and offer prayers to the Sun God.
  • Deori Temple: The Deori Temple is another ancient temple of Ranchi. This temple is dedicated to Solahbhuji Devi. This deity is an incarnation of Goddess Kali. The idol comes with 16 arms. The temple is made of sandstone. The walls and pillars of the shrine are colourful with paintings of Hindu gods and goddesses.
  • The Radha Ballabh Temple: This temple is dedicated to Lord Krishna and his consort, Radha. Holi and Janmasthami are the major festivals celebrated at this ancient shrine.

Besides worshipping at the Jagannath Temple, visitors can enjoy boating at the nearby river.

Matangeshwar Temple Khajuraho

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Matangeshwar Temple at Khajuraho

India is a land of diverse cultures and traditions. It is considered to be among the most beautiful and varied countries of the world. Being also referred to as the traveler’s delight, this place has been instrumental in churning out extraordinary authors, artists, and philosophers who speak volumes about the heritage and rich legacy of this nation. It is a sub-continent which has been ruled by the greatest Kings and Emperors and the palaces and forts still remind oneself of the grandeur of that era. India is a place where you will find all forms of natural surroundings that are found in the world. It’s a miniature of the earth in itself. In fact, it is rightly said as ‘Incredible India’ by world famous persons like Mark Twain, Max Mueller, and Sir William Jones etc. It is the home to one of the world’s ancient civilizations and people of all origin and ethnicities reside here. And during a trip to India, one is bound to visit some of the famous temples that are considered to be pious and sacred places of devotion by the devotees. Lord Shiva is the most revered Gods and is also said to be ‘Mahadev’ or the God of the Gods by the pilgrims. There are many temples that are dedicated to Lord Shiva in India. However, some of the popular among them top the list of must-visit destinations. The Matangeshwar Temple Khajuraho located at Khajuraho in the state of Madhya Pradesh is one such example. It is so famous that Khajuraho is also called as the city of Matangeshwar.

Matangeshwar Temple Khajuraho

Matangeshwar Temple Khajuraho History

  • The Matang, who is known as 10th Incarnation or Avatar of Lord Shiva, was the forefather of the great philosopher Mamaidev. Being from the Maheshary community, he is the devotee of Matang and preached to poor Maisarias and Sinbhariya Meghvar community of India. Additionally, he was the pioneer of Barmati panth dharma and he has given word Dharmachar to poor maisarias Meghvar.
  • The Matangeshwar Temple Khajuraho is a ninth century sanctuary. Chandra dev of the Chandela dynasty had built the sanctuary. The ruler was an ardent follower of Lord Shiva. Lord Shiva is considered as the revered sage Matang and that is the means by which the name of the Shiva Lingam was called as Matangeswarar.
  • This Matangeshwar Temple Khajuraho is also famous for being counted among one of the oldest temples in India. Moreover, it is considered to be one of the most pious pilgrimage destinations for people visiting Khajuraho.
  • It is the only temple where active worship takes place even today. Although it is has been built for more than 1100 years ago, this shrine stands tall among the Western Group of Temples which are dedicated to Lord Shiva.

Significance of the Matangeshwar Temple Khajuraho

  • This sanctuary is the home to some of the largest Shiva lingams of India. The shrine is eight feet in height and is made up of sparkling yellow limestone. There is a little Ganesh structure at upper right, and an extensive picture of a Goddess with two smaller attendant deities was set up on the way toward the temple.
  • On the contrary, like different sanctuaries of Khajuraho the outside and inside of this sanctuary alongside its pillars are not designed with idols but rather the roof is covered with figures.
  • The south direction of this sanctuary consists of an open-air archeological exhibition hall that has an excellent display of statues and friezes gathered from that location.
  • Standing next to the Lakshmana Temple, this auspicious shrine is not located within the fenced enclosure because it is still in everyday use.
  • One may consider it to be the plainest temple here but inside it displays a polished lingam of 8 feet.
  • The enormous lingam evokes awe mixed devotion and is second only to the lingam at Bhojpur near Bhopal.
  • This ancient temple is located in world famous UNESCO world heritage site at Khajuraho town in Madhya Pradesh.
  • While Khajuraho is acclaimed for its dazzling sanctuaries and their carving and world renowned design, the Matangeshwar sanctuary has a reputation worldwide for being the popular vacation destination because of its presence of the antique and sexual carvings that embellish the wall of Matangeshwar and other holy shrines.
  • A visitor might notice the yellow flag that is visible at the top of the temple. This flattering flag in the real sense signifies that there is a ceremony which is underway in the temple.
  • The Madhya Pradesh Tourism Development has set up kiosks at the Khajuraho railway station, with tourist officers to provide information for Khajuraho visitors.
  • Photography is not allowed within the temple premises.

The Matangeshwar Temple Khajuraho Timings

  • Matangeshwar Temple Khajuraho opens its doors for the pilgrims from 6 A.M. to 10 P.M.
  • As it is counted among one of the popular destinations, the temple remains open on all days in a week.
  • The entrance fee is INR 10 per person for Indians and foreigners.

The Matangeshwar Temple Khajuraho Food Timings

  • Matangeshwar Temple Khajuraho provides food to the pilgrims from 12 Noon to 2 P.M.
  • Devotees can offer sweets and dry fruits to the God in the form of a Prasad.

Festivals celebrated at the Matangeshwar Temple Khajuraho

  • There are countless people who flock to the Matangeshwar Temple and worship the deity for the entire night on the event of Shivaratri.
  • The Holy celebration is held in Month of Vaishakh, Amavasya. There are millions of people who opt to take a bath on this auspicious day of Amavasya at Khajuraho which is the last day of the lunar month lunar month, in Gujarat, Sindh etc. Pakistan Nirvan day of Matang dev is celebrated on akhatrij month of Vaishakh which day is dedicated to the Matang Dev, he is known as Karam dev in Maisariya Dharam of Mamaidev.
  • This is the most important festival which calls in for 10-day-long affairs that witness the participation of merchants and gypsies from different parts of the state. This is also coupled with assortments of handicrafts, rural circus shows; magic shows and folk theater that are organized as well.
  • Apart from that, Holi and Diwali are some other festivals which are observed with great pomp in this temple.

Poojas and Rituals at Matangeshwar Temple Khajuraho

  • Pilgrims wake up at early hours in the morning on the occasion of Mahasivaratri and follow it up with taking a bath and wearing new garments. Then, they visit the pious Shiva sanctuary, to give a ritual bath to the Shiva Lingam with milk, honey etc. The worship continues throughout the entire day and night. The following morning, devotees break their fast by tasting the Prasad which has been offered to Lord Shiva. Then the pilgrims chant “Om Namah Shivaya” with utmost devotion. Bilva leaves are constantly offered to the Lingam. Songs of Lord Shiva are sung with extraordinary perseverance.
  • Apart from that, the Lord is daily bathed in the morning and offered Prasad as well. Flowers, incense sticks, and sandal paste are also applied on the forehead of the Lingam.

How to Reach: Road, Rail, and Air

  • By Air– Khajuraho has direct connectivity from Delhi and Varanasi with at least a flight every day. During the peak tourist season which is normally from the month of October to March, there are more flights that travel between Khajuraho. Theairport is not very far from the town and one can find local auto and cab services to reach one’s destination.
  • By Train– Khajurahohas been recently connected with railway transport and this has been a relieving sigh for all its admirers. There are not many trains to Khajuraho but still it has overnight trains to Delhi and Varanasi. However, getting a ticket during the peak season is quite a challenge. Hence, travelers are advised to book their reservations in advance in order to avoid any last minute hassles.
  • By Road– For people who love to travel by roads, Khajuraho is well linked with all the major national highways in India. For example, places like Jhansi, Satna etc are quite popular among the tourists to reach this wonderful city. One can also hire a local taxi or look for private bus services from the station as well.

Hotels in Madhya Pradesh: Where to stay

Accommodation is one of the fundamental requirements for any tourism activity. Voyagers and vacationers need a decent place for rest while they are on a visit. Accommodation in the form of low budget hotels to world-class lavish inns; there are many options accessible to all major tourist destinations to give the visitor a home far from home. These are foundations that give a spot to the vacationer to stay i.e. lodging facilities which are paid for the duration of the stay by the traveler. In addition, individuals who are traveling alone or people who are looking to stay at less expensive hotels can put up at hotels that provide rooms on a sharing basis. So, choose your lodging option as per your needs.

Where to eat

Hotels play an integral role in the travel and tourism industry. Today, hotels not only provide accommodation and meals but also offer a variety of other services as per the needs of the tourist/guest. For example, many hotels offer a health club, private restaurants etc. There are a plethora of choices available for customers when it comes to choosing one’s cuisine. From Indian to Mexican to Italian and Chinese, the modern eating joints provide quality food at a competitive price range. Some restaurants also arrange for live music performances to create that perfect ambiance with the food. In addition, there is also an option to customize one’s menu as per to their liking. Hence, satisfy your appetite with that perfect taste and aroma.

Nearby Temples

  • Brahma Temple- This temple is dedicated to Lord Vishnu and it stands tall at a height of 11 feet platform. The Brahma Temple is situated on the east bank of the Ninora Tal which is the largest tank in Khajuraho. The shrine is indeed small which is built in a square shape structure that rests on twelve pilasters of granite.
  • Lakshmana Temple- Being one of the oldest and strikingly structured shrines of the Western Group of Temples, the lintel over the entrance displays the trinity of Lord Brahma, Vishnu, and Shiva. It has a three-headed idol of Lord Vishnu’s incarnations, Narasimha, and Varaha. This marvelous architecture has been constructed by the emperor Lakshavarma. The deity is said to be originally from Tibet and was gifted to the emperor by the Pratihara ruler Devapala.
  • Duladeo Temple- This is another temple which is dedicated to Lord Shiva. It is also known as the Bridegroom Temple and has more wooden sculpture. Although it is a gorgeous erotic image of Khajuraho, it is still a new temple that is assumed to have been constructed after the inventiveness of Khajuraho was on its way to a new era and well down its peak. The temple becomes quite crowded during special occasions like Maha Shivaratri etc.
  • Chausath Yogini Temple- The temple is located in the south-western part of the group of temples in Madhya Pradesh. It belongs to the Western Group of Temples and is dedicated to 64 Yoginis who are the demonstrations of the Mother Goddess. There is a large number of tourists that visits the temple all around the year. This popular temple has been erected on a large raised podium which itself is set in an open courtyard with small temples surrounding it. It is these shrines that are devoted to the Yoginis. It is well accessible from all parts of the state by both private and public bus services. Moreover, the Satna Rail Station is connected with the important cities of Delhi, Mumbai, Chennai, and Varanasi.

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