Myoksha Travels

Powered by The Temple Girl

Travel Guide to Famous Temples

[display_search_form]

Muktinath Temple Guide – Timings, Poojas, and History

, 23 Comments Filed Under: Muktinath, Nepal Temples Tagged With:

The Muktinath Temple is one of the holiest temples located in the Muktinath Valley in Mustang, Nepal. The word Muktinath comes from two words: Mukti meaning salvation and Nath meaning God. Dedicated to Lord Vishnu, it serves as a religious symbiosis between the Hindus and the Vaishnavites.

Book Your Travel – Muktinath Yatra Tour Package Nepal

Muktinath Temple – Facts

DeityLord Muktinath (Lord Vishnu)
LocationMustang, Nepal
Entry FeeFree
ToursMuktinath Tour
Timings5:00 AM to 8:30 PM
Best Time to VisitSeptember to October
https://youtu.be/p0v_d0y-7Z4
Muktinath Temple, Nepal, Video

What are the timings of Muktinath Temple?

Muktinath Temple opens at 5 AM in the morning and closes at 8:30 PM in the evening. The temple also performs various rituals during this time. The devotees can be a part of these rituals such as aarti and poojas.

Here are the timings of the Muktinath Temple:

RitualsFromTo
Morning Darshan5:00 AM12:00 PM
Evening Darshan2:00 PM9:00 PM
Seva Sankalpa8:00 AM9:00 AM
Tirtha Prasad1:00 PM3:00 PM
Pooja Timings6:30 PM8:30 PM

What is the significance of the Muktinath Temple?

The significance of the Muktinath Temple is that it is believed that one who visits this temple attains salvation or Moksha. Moksha means freedom from the cycle of birth, death, and rebirth. It helps one get rid of all their sins in this place.

Muktinath is called ‘Mukti Kshetra’ in Hinduism, which means the ‘place of liberation or moksha’. This temple is considered to be 106th amongst the 108 Divya Desams of Lord Vishnu, which is considered sacred by the Vaishnava sect. The Muktinath Temple is believed to be one of the eight most blessed temples of the Vaishnavas. The other seven temples are Pushkar, Badrinath, Tirupati, Thotadri, Srirangam, and Srimushnam. It is also one of the ‘Shakti Peetha’.  The Buddhists call the temple Chumig Gyatsa, which means “Hundred Waters” in Tibetan.

Brahma, Vishnu, and Mahesh are the three Supreme Gods and are also known as the Holy Trinity. Brahma is known as the Creator, Vishnu, the Protector, and Shiva or Maheshwara, the Destroyer. Vaishnavites consider Vishnu as the Supreme Lord. Vaishnavites believe that Lord Vishnu holds the entire world as a Lotus in his hand. Lord Vishnu is merciful and he blesses one salvation.

Muktinath Temple is considered very important for Buddhists as well. This is because Guru Padmasambhava meditated in this place for some time. Tibetan Buddhists consider Muktinath an important place for Dakinis. It is one of the 24 Tantric places for them.

What is the history of Muktinath Temple?

As per the beliefs of Hindus, Lord Vishnu due to the curse of Brinda converted into Shaligram. Brinda was the wife of Jalandhar. This is the place where he was rid of the curse and got salvation. Therefore, Lord Vishnu is worshipped as the Muktinath here. Muktinath means God of Salvation. Buddhist worship Lord Vishnu as Avalokiteshwara here.

As per the Tibetan Buddhist tradition, the founder of Tibetan Buddhism, Guru Rinpoche (Padmasambhava),  meditated at Muktinath on his way to Tibet.

How to reach the Muktinath Temple?

The Muktinath Temple is located at an elevation of 3710 meters at the foot of Thorong La Pass. Although travelling to Muktinath is difficult, it is a wonderful experience. The trip involves traveling in a Jeep for quite a lot of time. It involves a bit of trekking as well. One can also choose to travel on a mountain flight.

Here’s how you can reach the temple.

  • Air: There are mountain flights from Pokhara to Jomsom. From Jomsom, there are Jeeps available to Muktinath.
  • Road: There are Jeeps available from Pokhara to Jomsom. From Jomsom, there are Jeeps to Muktinath. Travelling to Muktinath by road is an adventurous trip. This is because of the conditions of the roads that are quite bumpy.

For those unable to trek all the way to the temple, there is an option to travel by choppers from Pokhara to Jomsom. Have a look at our Helicopter Ride Yatra from Pokhara to Jomsom.

What is the best season to travel to Muktinath Temple?

The best season to travel to Muktinath Temple is:

  1. Autumn: This is the best time to visit Muktinath. September, October, and November cover autumn. This season is neither too hot nor too cold. The trekking trails are available for trekking.  The weather is clear and dry and offers an excellent view of the snowcapped mountains in the blue sky. The monsoon rain washed away the pollution and dust. This is the peak season in Nepal.
  2. Spring: This is the second-best season in Nepal. The temperature is moderate and the views of the mountains are excellent. March, April, and May cover this season.
  3. Summer: Since this is the rainy season, road tour to Muktinath will be difficult. However, this is the best trekking season. June, July and August cover this season.
  4. Winter: Muktinath region is covered by snow in these months. December, January, and February cover these months. It is preferable to use mountain flights to view Muktinath during these months.

Planning to visit the temples in Nepal? Have a look at our Pashupatinath & Muktinath Tour Package.

What are some temples nearby?

Some temples near Muktinath Temple are:

  1. Pashupatinath Temple: Pashupatinath Temple is one of the most sacred Hindu temples in Nepal. This temple worships Nepal’s national deity, Lord Pashupatinath. It is situated near the eastern side of Kathmandu valley. This temple is dedicated to Lord Shiva and is of supreme importance in Nepal. This temple is visited by thousands of pilgrims every year, especially during the time of Mahashivratri, Teej, etc. The 12 Jyotirlinga of Lord Shiva is considered to be the body and Pashupatinath is considered the head to the body.
  2. Manakamana Temple: ‘Manakamana’ originates from two words, ‘Mana’ meaning heart or mind and ‘Kamana’ meaning wish. Therefore, Manakamana means ‘the heart’s wish’. this temple is present in the Gorkha district of Nepal is in dedication to the Hindu Goddess Bhagwati. Bhagwati is an incarnation of Goddess Parvati – Shiva’s consort.  

Muktinath Tour Cost

If you have any questions about the Muktinath Temple, please leave a comment below, and we will get back to you within one hour.

Rameswaram Ramanathaswamy Temple Guide – Timings, Poojas, and History

, 19 Comments Filed Under: Jyotirlinga, Tamil Nadu Temples Tagged With:

Rameswaram Ramanathaswamy Temple in Tamil Nadu is dedicated to Lord Shiva. The temple is one of the 12 Jyotirlinga Temples in India. It is located in the Rameshwaram District of Tamil Nadu, the southernmost part of India.

Planning to visit the Rameswaram Temple? Have a look at our Madhurai Rameswaram Tour Package.

Rameshwaram Temple – Facts

DeityLord Rameshwar (Lord Shiva)
LocationRameshwaram, Tamil Nadu
SignificanceJyotirlinga
ToursMadurai Rameswaram Tour
Darshan Timings6:00 AM to 9:00 PM
Entry FeeFree
PoojasRudrabhisek, Laghurudrabhisek
Best Time to VisitOctober to March
FestivalsShravan, Shivratri
Jyotirlingas in South IndiaRameswaram Temple, Srisailam Temple
Rameswaram Ramanathaswamy Temple Video

What are the timings of Rameswaram Temple?

The temple opens at 6 AM and closes at 9 PM. The temple also performs various rituals during this time. The devotees can be a part of these rituals, such as the morning, afternoon, and evening poojas.

The timings are as follows:

RitualFromTo
Morning Darshan6:00 AM1:00 PM
Evening Darshan3:30 PM8:30 PM
Rameshwaram Shiva
The Rameswaram Ramanathaswamy Temple is closely associated to Lord Rama.

What are the sevas and poojas of the Rameswaram Temple?

Poojas at Rameswaram
There are several poojas that take place at the Rameswaram Ramanathaswamy Temple.

Some of the sevas and poojas of the Mahakaleshwar Temple are:

RitualTimings
Palliyarai Deepa Arathana5:00 AM
Spadigalinga Deepa Arathana5:10 AM
Thiruvananthal Deepa Arathana5:45 AM
Vila Pooja7:00 AM
Kalasanthi Pooja10:00 AM
Uchikala Pooja12:00 PM
Sayaratcha Pooja6:00 PM
Arthajama Pooja8:30 PM
Palliyarai Pooja8:45 PM

The Palliyarai (Sayanangriha) Procession of Swami and the Palliyarai Pooja for Swami and Ambal in the Sayanagriha in the Ambal Shrine are performed between 8:45 PM and 9:00 PM.

Some famous poojas conducted at the Rameswaram Ramanathaswamy Temple are:

  • 1008 silver Kalasa Abishekam
  • 108 silver Kalasa Abishekam
  • 1008 Kalasa Abishegam (copper)
  • Rudrabishekam
  • Panchamirtha Abishekam
  • Gangabishekam with Ganges & Vessel
  • Swami Sahasranama Archana
  • Ambal Sahasranama Archana
  • Rudrajapam
  • Swami Astothra Archanai
Rameswaram Poojas
All the poojas at the temple are celebrated with great pomp and fare.

What is the significance of Rameswaram Temple?

Rameshwaram Jyoritlinga
Like all the 12 Jyotirlingas, the Rameshwaram Jyoritlinga is Swayambhu.

The significance of Rameswaram Ramanathaswamy Temple is that the sanctum sanctorum of the temple has 2 Lingas – the Ramalingam – made out of sand by Sita, and the Vishwalingam – brought by Hanuman. Since Hanuman had brought the Linga all the way from Kailash, Lord Rama instructed that one should worship Vishwalingam first.

The entire island of Rameshwaram and nearby areas are in relation to Lord Rama. As per beliefs, many incidents from the Ramayana happened here and therefore, this place is important for both Shaivites and Vaishnavites. Rameshwaram has many as 50 Teerths or holy wells, and 22 of them are inside the temple. The water from these wells is believed to possess medicinal properties. Also, as per belief, the water from each Teerth tastes different and offers various remedies.

The Linga is made of Spatika. It is auspicious to bathe the Linga with the water from the Ganges. Devotees who go to Kashi, make it a point to bring the Ganges water and offer it to the Linga here.

The official website of the Rameswaram Ramanathaswamy Temple is: http://www.rameswaramtemple.tnhrce.in/

What is the history of Rameswaram Ramanathaswamy Temple?

Rameswaram Ramanathaswamy History
Lord Ram and Goddess Sita made a Shiva Lingam out of sand and water.

The history of Rameswaram Ramanathaswamy Temple dates back to the Ramayana period. Devotees believe that Lord Rama made the Linga and installed it here. As per the legend, Lord Rama and his wife Sita were returning from Lanka after killing Ravana, who was half-demon and half Brahmin.

Since killing a Brahmin is a sin, Lord Rama wished to worship Lord Shiva and ask his pardon. So, he had sent Lord Hanuman to Mount Kailash to bring Lord Shiva’s idol. Meanwhile, Lord Rama and Sita were living on the island and when they tried to drink the water, a powerful and divine voice spoke to them.

The voice chided Lord Rama that he was drinking the water without worshiping. Therefore, instead of waiting for Hanuman’s return, Lord Rama instructed Sita to make a Linga with the sand and water from the seashore.

Then he worshipped Lord Shiva in this form and pleaded for mercy. Lord Shiva manifested himself as the Jyotirlinga, blessed Lord Rama and also accepted to stay here and bless mankind forever. Since Lord Rama worshipped the Linga, the Jyotirlinga was named as Ramanathaswamy, and the place was called as Rameshwaram.

What is the structure of Rameswaram Temple?

Architecture of Rameswaram Ramanathaswamy Temple
The architecture of the Rameswaram Ramanathaswamy Temple is dedicated to a host of gods and goddesses carved on the walls of the temple.

The rulers of Pandya Dynasty expanded the temple in 12th century AD.

The Rameswaram Ramanathaswamy Temple has the world’s largest temple corridor. They measure around 1220 meters and also comprises of nearly 1200 magnificent granite pillars in total.

What are the festivals celebrated at Rameshwaram Temple?

Some of the festivals celebrated at Rameswaram Ramanathaswamy Temple are:

  • Mahashivratri: This festival is in honor of Lord Shiva. Devotees believe that he is the Adiyogi who is the source of the Yogi tradition. Also, people observe it by remembering Shiva and chanting prayers, fasting, doing Yoga as well as meditating.
  • Ramalinga Prathishtai: It is a 3-day festival celebrating the installation of the Ramalingam. The festival occurs during May- June.
  • Thirukalyanam: It is the celestial wedding ceremony of Lord Shiva and Goddess Parvati. The festivities carry on for a fortnight and occur in July – August.
  • Navaratri & Dussera: It is a 10-day festival celebrated in September – October.
  • Aarudhira Dharshan: It is an important day in the Shaivite calendar when Lord Shiva indulges in a cosmic dance. Also, Lord Shiva’s avatar, Lord Nataraja, performs this ecstatic dance on a day that coincides with the longest night of the year. This festival occurs during the end of December or in early January.

How to reach the Rameswaram Temple?

Here’s how to reach Rameswaram Ramanathaswamy Temple:

  • Air: The nearest airport is in Madurai, which is 174 km from Rameshwaram.
  • Train: Rameshwaram Railway station is the nearest railhead, 1 km away from the temple.
  • Road: This major pilgrim site is connected to all cities and towns in Tamil Nadu. Several state-run and private buses are available.

Where to stay near Rameswaram Ramanathaswamy Temple?

There are several accommodation options available at Rameswaram. The temple also offers accommodation options. One can also find comfortable rooms and dormitories in the TTDC Guest House at a nominal tariff.

What are some temples near Rameswaram Ramanathaswamy Temple?

Explore Rameshwaram
There are several beautiful places to visit near the Ramanathaswamy Temple, such as, the Ram Setu.

Some of the temples near Rameswaram Ramanathaswamy Temple are:

  • Satchi Hanuman Temple: The Satchi Hanuman Temple is a spot of great significance in the Ramayana. It is the place where Hanuman conveyed to Lord Rama, that Sita is in Lanka. Moreover, Hanuman gave Sita’s jewel as evidence or Satchi and hence, the spot became popular as Satchi Hanuman Temple. The temple is 3 km from Rameshwaram Ramanathaswamy Temple.
  • Panchamukha Hanuman Temple: The Panchamukha Hanuman Temple has a majestic idol of Lord Hanuman with five faces covered in vermillion. The temple also attracts devotees who come to see the floating rocks that Lord Hanuman’s army used to build the Ramsethu bridge between Indian and Sri Lanka. Also, the Panchamukha Hanuman Temple is 2 km from the Rameshwaram Ramanathaswamy Temple
  • Badrakaliamman Temple: Badrakaliamman Temple is in dedication to Goddess Durga. The temple is just 2 km away from the Rameshwaram Ramanathaswamy Temple.
  • Nambu Nayagiamman Temple: The Nambu Nayagiamman Temple is a 14th-century temple. The people of Ramnad built it as a mark of their faith and respect for Lord Rama. Further, the temple is 8 km from the Rameshwaram Ramanathswamy Temple.
  • Kothandaramaswamy Temple: This temple has relations with Vibishana, the brother of Ravana and Lord Rama. Devotees believe that Vibishana sought Lord Rama’s refuge in this place. This is also the place where Lord Rama coronated Vibishana after his victory in Lanka. The Kothandaramaswamy Temple is 12 km away from Rameshwaram Ramanathaswamy Temple.

Frequently Asked Questions about Rameswaram Temple

Is the Rameswaram Temple open throughout the year?

Yes, the Rameswaram Temple is open all 365 days of the year.

What is the entry fee?

The entry to the Rameswaram Temple is free of cost.

Is there any online darshan facility available?

No. There is no facility for online darshan available.

Is there any facility for specially-abled and senior citizen?

No. There is no facility for specially-abled and senior citizens.

What is the weather like during the summers?

The summers in Rameswaram starts from April and continue until June. The summers here can be very hot and dry. Temperatures during the daytime often go up to 45 º C.

What are winters like in Rameswaram?

In Rameswaram, winters start in October and continue until March. The temperatures during this time range from around 17 º C to 28 º C. The weather during this time is not too cold and pleasant.

Rameswaram Ramanathaswamy
The Rameswaram Ramanathaswamy is a very important pilgrimage destination.

If you have any questions about The Rameswaram Ramanathanaswamy Temple, please leave a comment below, and we will get back to you within one hour.

Ganpatipule Temple

, 5 Comments Filed Under: Maharashtra Temples Tagged With:

Ganpatipule Temple is located at a distance of 350 kms from Mumbai, in Ratnagiri district of the Kokan coast of Maharashtra. ‘Ganpatipule’ is the land of 400 years old “Swayambhoo” (a self-incarnated idol) Ganesha. Its origin can be imagined by its references in ancient literatures like Mudgal-puran etc, where it has been referred to as the “Paschim Dwar- Devata” or “Paschim Dwarpalak” (Western Sentinel God).

Ganpatipule Temple

What is the history of Ganpatipule Temple?

Various myths are prevalent about the temples and deities. Some 500 years back, during the reigns of Moguls, there used to be ‘Kevada’ (flower tree) forest at the foot of the hill where presently the “Swayambhoo” Ganpati is situated. Here lived a Brahmin named Balbhatji Bhide.

Once he came across a major personal calamity, but being a determined person he decided to give up food and water till he is relieved from his problem. Hence he stayed in the Kevada forest for penance and worshiping his tutelary diety “Mangalmurti” Lord Ganesha.

During this period, Bhide had a vision in his dream in which Lord Ganesha told him that he has come to Aagargule (Ganesh Gule) in his “nirakar” (void) form to relieve all my devotees of their difficulties. Hence, you worship and propitiate here.

During the same period, one of the cows of Bhide was not giving milk, for which reason, the cowherd kept a close watch on her. He was astonished to see that the milk was flowing from cow’s udder on the place where the idol of the God is placed at present.

The cowherd narrated the incident to Bhide, on cleaning up the entire area Bhide found the idol of Ganesh which he had seen in his vision. Therefore, he built a shrine on a grass top there and started performing his first rituals.

Front view of the temple Ganpatipule

Later, Secretary Annaji Datta, one of the eight trusted ministers of Shivaji Maharaj, erected a marvelous dome replacing the grass-top. The next construction was the auditorium built by Sardar Govindrap Bundele from Peshwa court.

After that the Kolhapur Sansthan Secretary Vasudeorao Barve, made a gold plated dome-summit. His Highness Nanasaheb Peshwa arranged for the continuous lamp-lit “Nandadeep” and Ramabai Peshwa created a permanent hard-stone construction for the pilgrims. Madhavrao Peshwa built the “Sabhamandap”.

What is the significance of Ganpatipule Temple?

Ganpatipule Temple is one of its kind and holds an important place in the Hindu culture as it is one of the ‘Astha-Ganapatis’ (eight Ganpatis).

Another most unique characteristic of this temple is that the abode of Ganesha  is ‘Swayambhoo’ (Self-incarnated). This very concept of being self-embodied is suitable only to the ‘Aadhya-Devatas’ (Initial deities). All these ‘Swayambhoo’ deities are the parts of this eternal nature. Hence, they do not need any further carving or sculpturing. They are nature in itself.

The Swayambhoo Ganpati

Unlike the deities in other Indian temples who faces the east, the ‘Swayambhoo Ganpati’ faces the west direction, also making him known as the “Paschim-Dwar-Devata” or the “Paschim-Dwarpalak” i.e. Western Sentinel God. It is believed that he faces the west so as to protect the Western Ghats of India.

The mesmerizing glimpse of the fountain spurring from the naval of Lord Ganesha on a typical monsoon day, fills every devotee witnessing it with utmost divinity and purity.

The present form of the temple was built between 1998 and 2003. To give it an impression of being carved out of a single rock, construction has taken place with a special kind of stone called the Agra Red Stone.

Ganpatipule Temple Pradakshina

The Ganpatipule temple is situated at the foot of a small hill along the seashore. Therefore, pilgrims visiting here believe in taking a “Pradakshina” around the hill instead of just the temple. The “Pradakshina” is usually done to show ones’ obeisance to the Lord and devotion towards Him.

The northern front gate of Ganpatipule Temple

At the front gate, to the north, is a huge main gate with two elephants with raised trunks, standing on both sides of the gate. There is also one large bronze “Mushak” (mouse) situated near the gate. The “Mushak” is the “Vahana” (carrier) of Sri Ganesh, typically found in all His temples, is very sacred to the Hindus.

It is believed that if anyone has a wish to get fulfilled by Lord Ganesha then he or she can whisper the wish into the ears of the Mushak and pray for its fulfillment.

The Mushak Vahana
The Mushak Vahana

What are the timings of Ganpatipule Temple?

The Darshan timings of Ganpatipule Temple are as follows:

TimingsFromTo
Morning Darshan5 AM9 PM
Morning Aarti5 AM5:30 AM
Noon Aarti12 PM12:30 PM
Evening Aarti7 PM7:30 PM
Khichdi Prasad Time12 PM2 PM

What are the festivals celebrated at Ganpatipule Temple?

Various festivals and celebrations are carried out ardently throughout the year, those are:

Bhadrapad Celebration

Bhadrapad shuddha pratipada to panchami.
Aarati, Mantrapushpa and Keertan every night.
Mahaprasad on the auspicious day of Waman Dwadashi.

Magh Celebrations

Magh Suddha 1 to Magh Suddha 5.
Aarati, Mantrapushpa and Keertan every night.
Magh Shuddh 6 – Cultural Programmes at night.
Magh Shuddha 7 – Mahaprasa at noon and cultural Programms at night.

Dasara

On this day, at early morning a pooja takes place at the ‘Samadhi’ (Holy Tomb) of Bhatji Bhilde and 2100 Boondi Ladus are distributed among the devotees. In the evening, the palanquin procession for ‘Simollanghan’ (Symbolic crossing of the out skirts) takes place.

The palanquin halts at the Shamee Tree on the Pradakshina path. The leaves of the Shamee tree are taken as a symbol of gold and are hence offered to Lord Ganesha during the pooja and like this the palanquin celebration comes to an end.

Deepotsav (Festival of Lights)

Kojagiri full-moon-night to Tripuri full-moon-night.
Every evening between Ashwin Shuddha 15 to Kartik Shuddha 15 lamps are lit at the time of Aarati.

Vasant Puja

Chaitra Shuddh 1 to Vaishakh Shuddh 3 (Gudhipadava to Akshayytritiya).

Palanquin Procession of the Lord

On every Sankanshti (i.e. 12 time a year), on Gudhipadwa, Dasara, Deepawali (First Day) Ganesh Chaturthee (Bhadrapad Suddha 4), Maghi Chaturthee (Magh shuddha 4) are the specific SEVENTEEN times, on which the Lord Ganesh is worshipped with this procession.

The Palanquin

How to reach Ganpatipule Temple?

There are multiple ways to reach the Ganpatipule temple, those are as follows:

By Road:

Kolhapur – Ganpatipule, 144 kms.

Belgaum – Ganpatipule, 299 kms.

Pune – Ganpatipule (via Satara), 331 kms.

Mumbai – Ganpatipule (via Mahad), 375 kms.

By Rail:

Konkan Railway station is around 65 kms away from the temple.

By Flight:

The nearest airport to the temple is Mumbai Airport which is around 375 kms away from the temple.

By Bus:

The MSRTC State Buses are also available for transportation from Ratnagiri Bus Station.

Where to stay nearby?

There are several modern accommodation available near Ganpatipule temple and also in the Ratnagiri city. Apart from this, the charitable endowments like Bhaktinivas also provide lodging at a very nominal tariff.

Where to eat nearby?

All kinds of food options are available in the Ratnagiri city. Although near the temple mostly vegetarian restaurants are found. But it is worth mentioning that the local people of this place are very generous and kind. It is for them only that such an old heritage of the Hindus looks so serene and blissful even now. It is highly recommended to drink clean water only.

What are some temples nearby?

Karhateshwar Temple: It is a Lord Shiva Temple and can be reached by taking a left road from the Jaigad Fort.

Shri Laxmi- Keshav Temple: It is located in the Kolisare village, the temple is surrounded by dense forest and holds a very ancient idol of Laxmi and Keshav. The 5 feet idol is sculpted on a reddish black Shaligram stone from the Gandaki river in Nepal and is an excellent example of the finest form of ancient art.

Shri Laxmi- Keshava Temple

Shri Uma-Maheshwar Mandir- Hedvi: The pretty mandir of Shri Uma and Maheshwar was built at the end of the 18th century with the help of Ahilyabai Holkar’s Charity. The temple has the heritage of solemn peace.

Shri Walneshwar Mandir: It is 5 kms from Hedvi. This temple too has a history of 400 years, hence, is a point of tourist attraction.

Shrikshetra Parshuram: Lord Parshuram is the 6th incarnation of Lord Shri Vishnu. This temple has a significance of its own and has many myths and legends related to it. The sculptural beauty of the temple is a fine blend of western, Muslim and Hindu architecture.

Shri Swami Swaroopananda Shrine temple (Samadhi Mandir): Swami Swaroopananda was a great saint, poet and spiritual Guru. His full name was Ramachandra Vishnu Godbole. He was fortunate enough to see Lord Vishnu in person. The place where he gave away his elements of existence (accepted Samadhi), has been transformed into a huge, beautiful and extremely clean temple.

Shri Zari Vinayak Mandir: On the Ratnagiri-Pavas road runs a crystal clear brook through the mountains. at the upper side of the brook (Zari in Marathi) you can see a carved rock symbolizing Lord Ganesha, hence the name Zari Vinayak.

Ganeshgule (Agargule): This temple of Ganpati is a famous 400 years on the Pavas-Poorngad road, 4 km from the main road. There is a popular story realted to this temple which says that Lord Ganesha transferred Himself from Ganesgule to Ganpatipule, which also led to the creation of a Marathi saying- “ Gulyacha Ganapati Pulyala Gela” (The Ganesh of Gule went to Pule).

Dhoot papeshwar Temple: It is located just 5 km from the main market area of Rajapur. One can see a very beautiful Ganesh idol carved out of a black stone. The temple traditionally celebrates Mahashivratri from Magh vadhya 10 to Falgun suddha 1.

Hot Water Spring – Unhaale: On the Mumbai- Goa highway comes a village called Unhaale. It is well known for the sulfur smelling hot springs which serves for many medicinal benefits to its visitors, especially people with skin diseases. There is a small Shiva temple too.

Ganga- Teerth- Rajapur: Located on the Mumbai- Goa highway this spot has a similar significance as that of the previous one. It has 14 Kunds (Earthen tanks borderd with Jambha rocks with hot spring waters over flowing through it. The place is worshipped due to its mysterious and beneficial properties.

Shri Kankaditya Mandir: The Kankaditya temple is a beautiful architectural piece. The Lord’s statue is splendidly carved out of a black stone. The temple also has a special silver chariot fot the Lord. The Rath (chariot) Saptami festival is celebrated in this temple between Magh suddha 7 to Magh suddha 11.

Shri Mahakali Mandir: The temple is located in the Adiware village on the Ratnagiri-Rajapur vai Pavas road. There are 5 idols in the temple namely Shri Yogeshwari, Shri Mahakali, Shri Mahalaxmi, Shri Mahasaraswati and Shri Ravalnath. The festival of Navaratri is celebrated in the temple very enthusiastically every year.

Badrinath Temple Opening and Closing Dates 2019, Darshan Timings, Travel Guide

, 1 Comment Filed Under: Char Dham Yatra, Uttarakhand Temples Tagged With: ,

Badrinath Temple is a Hindu temple dedicated to Lord Vishnu. It is located in the Garhwal region of Uttarakhand. It is one of the temples which form the Char Dham Pilgrimage in India. The temple also a part of the 108 Divyadesams dedicated to Lord Vishnu.

Badrinath Temple Opening Dates for 2019 – 10 May, 2019

Badrinath Temple Closing Dates for 2019 – 9 November, 2019

Badrinath Temple is surrounded by two peaks named Nar and Narayana. The peaks symbolize twin forms of Lord Vishnu. Neelkanth mountain is in the backdrop of the temple. The temple opens from April to November.

Nar & Narayana - Vishnu's Twin Forms
Nar & Narayana – Vishnu’s Twin Forms
Badrinath Temple
Temple Timings4:30 am to 1:00 pm, 4:00 pm to 9:00 pm
Opening Date 10-May-2019
Closing Date 09-November-2019 (Tentative)
Time Taken for DarshanMay and June: 4 hours, July-October: 1 hour
Entry FeeFree
Best Time to VisitMay, June, September, October
RegistrationBio-metric registration in Rishikesh
Nearest AirportDehradun
Badrinath Temple at the Opening Ceremony
Badrinath Temple at the Opening Ceremony

Frequently Asked Questions about BADRINATH TEMPLE

What is the best time to visit Badrinath?

The climate at Badrinath is cold and chilled the whole year. The peak seasons for the visitors are from May to June and September to October. During monsoon, there is so much rainfall at Badrinath. It is advisable not to visit during monsoon.

Can I visit Badrinath now?

The Kapat of Badrinath temple opens on 10th May for the year 2019. One can visit after that any time.

Can I visit Badrinath in December?

At Badrinath, winter starts from October and lasts till April. The average temperature falls down to 5°C during day time. In December, Badrinath experiences heavy snowfall. It is advisable not to go during December.

How can I go to Badrinath from Haridwar by train?

No direct flights or trains are available from Haridwar to Badrinath. You have to take NDLS Janshatabdi from Haridwar to Dehradun. Then you can take a taxi from Dehradun to Badrinath.

Can I go to Badrinath by car?

You can hire a taxi from the railway station to reach Badrinath. There are buses available too from nearest bus stations. However, it is not recommended to go by car. Find out why?

How far is Badrinath from Rishikesh?

If you take NH7, it will take you 10 hours and 4 minutes. The journey is 296.6 km and the shortest.

Does Badrinath have snow?

From November to April, it is winter in Badrinath. Snowfall happens very often during winters. The average temperature is 5°C.

What is the altitude of Badrinath?

Badrinath Temple is at a very high altitude of 3300 meters.

Can we visit Badrinath in March?

It is not ideal to visit Badrinath in March as it will be still winter. For 2019, Badrinath temple opens on May 10th.

How old is Badrinath temple?

Adi Shankara established Badrinath as a pilgrimage site in the ninth century. It is said to be believed that he resided in this place for six years.

Which god is in Badrinath Temple?

Badrinath Temple is dedicated to Lord Vishnu and is situated in Badrinath town of Uttarakhand. Hence, it is also called Badrinarayan Temple.

Who built Barinath Temple?

It is believed that Badrinath Temple is founded by Adi Shankara. He built the temple in 7th century C.E.

Which river flows in Badrinath?

Alaknanda river flows close to the Badrinath temple of Uttarakhand. The fast flowing river rushes down from the Badrinath valley.

Are Badrinath and Kedarnath same?

In Uttarakhand, Badrinath and Kedarnath are the two holy Dhams. Badrinath is 40.8 kms away from Kedarnath.

What to wear at Badrinath?

• Summer: The days in summer are very hot but at night it’s very cold. You will have to carry some loose cotton clothes and some woolens too.
• Winter: Badrinath is very cold in winter and hence you’ll need to carry heavy woolens with you.

Badrinath Temple During Winters
Badrinath Temple During Winters

What are the timings of Badrinath temple?

Badrinath Temple timings are from 4:00 am to 1:00 pm and from 4:00 pm to 9:00 pm every day. The temple is open only for 6 months a year due to extreme weather conditions. The temple opens on the day of Akshaya Tritiya in May. It closes on the eve of Vijayadashami in November.

Here are the Badrinath temple darshan timings and pooja timings:

Timings 4:30 am to 1:00 pm (Morning Darshan)
4:00 pm to 9:00 pm (Evening Darshan)
Abhishekam 7:30 am to 12:00 pm
Shayana Aarti 10:30 pm to 11:00 pm
Poojas Ved Path, Geeta Path, Akhand Jyoti

What are the sevas and poojas at Badrinath Temple?

The self-manifested statute of Lord Vishnu is worshiped in a religious manner. Poojas and sevas are performed at the temple twice a day. Here are the different kinds of sevas and poojas that take place inside the Badrinath temple:

  1. Shrimad Bhagwat Saptah Path – It is a special pooja which the temple performs on request. This pooja continues for seven days and is in honor of Lord Krishna. There are 18000 mantras in the Shrimad Bhagwat Katha. A Yagya is performed on the last day of the Pooja. By doing this Pooja, one gets rid of fear and misfortune in the life.
  2. Vishnu Sahasranamam – It is a prayer consisting of the 1000 names of Lord Vishnu. Each name signifies different attributes of Lord Vishnu.
  3. Ved Path – A recitation of verses from the four Vedas – Rig, Sam, Yajur, and Atharva.
  4. Geeta Path – The whole Shrimad Bhagavad Geeta is chanted in front of the deity.
  5. Akhand Jyoti – The temple is not for pilgrims on Vijaya Dasami. On the last day, the priests light a lamp with special ghee brought from the Mana village. This lamp continues to lit for six months.

People can have the darshan at Badrinath temple at free of cost. Devotees can also do some special poojas or aartis.

What is the history of Badrinath temple?

Badrinath Temple History dates back to many centuries. There is no historical record about Badrinath temple.

Vedic scriptures mention the origin of the temple. According to which, the temple was a Buddhist shrine till the 8th century. Adi Shankara converted it to a Hindu temple later. The architecture of the temple is very much like a Buddhist temple. This has lead to a lot of argument about its origin.

According to Skandapuranam, the temple was originally established by Adi Shankara. He founded a black statue of Vishnu lying on the banks of Alaknanda River. He established it in a cave near the Tapt Kund which later became famous as the Badrinath Temple.

Adi Shankaracharya Established Badrinath Temple
Adi Shankaracharya Established Badrinath Temple

A traditional story says that Shankara expelled all the Buddhists in the region. The successors of the king Kanak Pal governed the temple for years. The income of the villagers was used to feed & accommodate pilgrims. The king enjoyed obedience by the devotees before proceeding to the temple.

According to a legend, Lord Shiva chose this place for his tapasya. However, Lord Vishnu wanted the place for himself. So, he took the form of a little boy and started crying down on the rocks. He didn’t calm on both Lord Shiva and Goddess Parvati’s request. Hence, on Parvati’s request, Lord Shiva left for Kedarnath for his tapasya.

Another legend says that Lord Vishnu sat in meditation at this place. During the meditation, Vishnu was not aware of cold weather. Goddess Laxmi then protected and sheltered him in the form of the Badri tree. Pleased by Lakshmi’s devotion, Vishnu named the place Badrika Ashram.

Why is Badrinath popular?

The statue of Lord Vishnu in the temple is Swayambhu in nature. It is one of the 8 self-manifested statues of Vishnu. Badrinath is one of the temples among the Char Dham Pilgrimage in India. It is also a part of the 108 Divya Desam dedicated to Lord Vishnu.

It is mentioned in the Vamana Purana that the sages Nara & Narayana did penance here. ‘Nara’ and ‘Narayana’ is the dual form of Lord Vishnu’s 5th avatar. It is also believed that Narada achieved moksha on Narad Shila located at Badrinath. The great sages like Kapil Muni, Gautam and Kashyap also did penance here.

The Badrinath Temple is a part of the Panch Badri temples. The other temples are Yog Dhyan Badri, Bhavishya Badri, Adi Badri, and the Vriddha Badri. The holy river Saraswati also originates from a glacier near Badrinath.

The water of the hot spring Tapt Kund is said to have medicinal properties. A dip in the kund can cure a lot of diseases.

Badrinath Idol and Tapt Kund
Badrinath Idol and Tapt Kund

The Skanda Purana states that there are several sacred shrines in heaven, on earth, and in hell. But there is no shrine like Badrinath. It is one of the most visited pilgrimage centers of India. Lakhs of devotees travel to this pilgrimage every year.

What to wear while going Badrinath?

Badrinath temple is situated in the backdrop of Neelkanth mountains. The weather is cold throughout the year. Rainfalls and snowfalls often occur there. Hence, one should wear proper winter clothes with mufflers and gloves. An umbrella is also must to carry.

How to reach Badrinath temple?

  • Air – The nearest airport is Jolly Grant airport in Dehradun at a distance of 314 km.
  • Train – The nearest railway station is Rishikesh (295 km away).
  • Road – One can take a bus from New Delhi to Haridwar or Rishikesh.

What are the festivals celebrated here?

Some of the festivals celebrated at Badrinath temple are:

  • Badri-Kedar festival – The festival usually occurs in the month of June. Artists from all over Uttarakhand come together to show their musical talent. They dedicate it to Lord Vishnu and Lord Shiva. This festival continues for 8 days.
  • Mata Murti Mela – Badrinath temple organizes a large fair every September. This day is to celebrate the coming of the Ganga river on the earth. The day is in honor of Mata Murti, mother of Nar & Narayana. Devotees also believe that she divided the Ganga river into 12 channels.
  • Janmashtami – This festival is a celebration of the birth of Lord Krishna (8th avatar of Vishnu). It occurs in the month of August or September. Devotees organize several processions for Lord Krishna on this day.
Badrinath Temple during Day and Night
Badrinath Temple during Day and Night

Where to stay near Badrinath temple?

Some of the places where one can stay near Badrinath temple are:

  1. New Snow Crest: The hotel is just 1.7 km to the city center. The hotel has a huge entrance. Your car can come to the hotel doorsteps. Rooms are equipped with facilities of hot water, heater, etc. The temple is at a walking distance of less than 1 km.
  2. Narayan Palace: This hotel is at the base of the hill and by the side of river Alaknanda. Rooms are equipped with facilities of hot water, heater, etc. Window view from the hotel room is magnificent. Staff is polite and food is delicious in this hotel.
  3. Sarovar Portico Badrinath: Sarovar Portico is a well-known name. They are known for their nice and polite staff. The hotel has a beautiful infrastructure. The window view of the hotel is excellent. You can easily relax there looking at the mountains and people on the streets.

What are some of the temples nearby?

Some of the temples near Badrinath temple are:

  1. Adi Badri: It is the 2nd among the ‘Sapt Badri’ temples. When Badrinath temple closes for winters, devotees worship Lord Vishnu in Adi Badri temple. The sanctum of the temple has an idol of Lord Vishnu which is 1 meter high. It has been carved out of black stone.
  2. Vridha Badri: It is the 3rd among the ‘Sapt Badri’ temples. Devotees believed that Adi Shankaracharya worshipped Badrinath here before taking him to the main temple. Vridha Badri is temple is open for pilgrims throughout the year.
  3. Bhavishya Badri: It is the 4th among the ‘Sapt Badri’ temples. According to belief, Lord Badri will take abode in Bhavishya Badri at the end of Kaliyuga. The name of the place means ‘Future Badri’ implying that it will be the future residence of Lord Badri.
  4. Yogadhyan Badri: It is the 5th among the ‘Sapt Badri’ temples. As per mythology, the Pandavas were born here and Pandu achieved moksha here. Yogadhyan Badri has a bronze image of Lord Vishnu. Devotees believe that Pandu installed this image. The image shows the Badri meditating (dhyana). Hence, the name of the shrine comes to be known as ‘Yoga-dhyan’ Badri.
  5. Dhyan Badri: It is the 6th among the ‘Sapt Badri’ temples. It has an Image of Lord Vishnu which Urvashi established. This image of Vishnu has four arms, made of black stone. It is also in a meditative posture.
  6. Ardha Badri: It is the 7th among the ‘Sapt Badri’ temples. In comparison to other temples, the idol of Lord Vishnu is smaller here.
Sapta Badri Temples
Sapta Badri Temples

If you need any help regarding this yatra, feel free to leave a comment. We will give you reply in an hour.

Panchalingeshwar

, 1 Comment Filed Under: Odisha Temples Tagged With:

Panchalingeshwar Temple: Temple with 5 Lingas

Panchalingeshwar Temple is in Balasore district of Orissa. Panchalingeshwar Temple is situated on the hilltop of the Eastern Ghats in Panchalingeswar, Nilagiri, Balasore district of Orissa. The Shivalingas are said to have been enshrined by Sita, the wife of Lord Rama during their exile. Pachalingeswar temple is  situated in Western ghat of odisha near Nilagiri hill. A beautiful flowing stream, which is the real attraction of the area, regularly flows over the Shivalingas. On reaching the top one has to bend down, and search for the Linga’s inside a pool created by the waterfall. It is said that there are 5 linga’s – hence the name Panchalingeshwar. Tourists are  attracted by the village of Panchalingeswar to visit the Panchalingeswar temple, the shrine of Lord Shiva.To touch the lingas one has to lie flat on a rock and get a feel of the lingas. The temple one can also savor the spectacular sight of small tribal villages and hamlets as you trek through the forests of the Nilagiri.

One has to climb 263 stairs in order to reach the Panchalingeshwar Temple. The stream and waterfall grow in size during the monsoons and the Pancha Lingas becomes difficult to locate by hand. The approach to the temple is scenic as it is surrounded by a forest. Visitors can also go to  Sajanagarh, near to Panchalingeshwar, to see the Budarachandi temple.  As the name implies Panchalingeshwar is famous for its unique ‘panchalinga’ or the five lingas of Lord Shiva enshrined in the temple. If you love trekking, then one can trek at the Nilagiri Hills. Enjoy your trips in the nearby sightseeing places.

Panchalingeshwar

Panchalingeshwar History

  • The Shivalingas of Panchalingeshwar are said to have been enshrined by Sita during their period of exile. King Banasura worshiped the Swayambhu Lingas at this place given its beauty. A perennial stream, which is the main attraction of the area, regularly washes the Shivalingas as it flows over them. To reach to the temple one has to lie flat on the rock parallel to the stream to touch and worship the lingas inside the water stream.
  • In 1811 A.D Gobinda Chandra Mardaraj Harichandan, the son of King Mandhata Ramachandra was enthroned as the next king who ruled from 1811 A.D. to 1848 A.D. Krishna Chandra Mardaraj Harichandan was enthroned in 1849 A.D after the death of his father.
  • Arnapurnna Devi who was his queen had a dream in which Lord Shiva ordered her to worship his five Phallus symbols engraved in a grove in a pit of flowing stream of water in east of Ahuti valley.
  • As said by the queen,  the king and his courtiers, counselors, and minister went to Ahuti forest and searched for the 5 Shiva lingams. When they relocated the lingas everyone uttered the slogan ‘Jay Baba Panchalingeswara’. From that day onward the name of that place is Panchalingeswara.
  • Late Bihari Kar of Basudevpur was appointed as the first priest for worship in the temple. King worshiped the emblems and made all sorts of arrangements to worship Baba Panchalingeswara.
  • It is believed that Lord Shri Ram Chandra, Sita and Laxman spent 5 days in this valley during their period of exile in the Ahuti Valley. The legendary Pandavas used to reside in this valley and concealed themselves from kauravas.

Significance of the Panchalingeshwar Temple

The name Panchalingeswar means five Siva Lingas. ‘Pancha’ menace five and ‘lingeswar’ menace lord Shiva. The important things in panchalingeswar temple are the five Siva Lingas, a small stream is coming through the hill Nilagiri and gathering at the five Siva Lingas. The Lings are present inside the stream and worshipped.

The small waterfall becomes bigger during the monsoons and the 5 rock piece kind of formation called the Pancha Lingas becomes difficult to locate. To reach to the sanctuary one needs to lie level on the stone parallel to the stream to touch and love the Lingas inside the water stream.

How to reach: Road, Rail and Air

By Air: The Nearest airports are at Bhubaneshwar 294 km and at Kolkata, 206 Km.Land at Bhubaneswar airport and travel to Balasore via Bus.

By Rail:  Balasore is the nearest railway station. One can reach to the Baleswar Railway Station and then easily reach to the temple area.

  • Trains from Kolkata(Howrah): FALAKNUMA EXPRESS., EAST COAST EXP, COROMANDAL EXP, SRIJAGANNATH EXP, HWH YPR EXP, HWH PURI EXPRESS
  • From New Delhi: PURSHOTTAM EXP, PURI EXP, NEELACHAL EXP, ORISSA SAMPARK KRNTI
  • From Chennai Central (Egmore): COROMANDEL EXP, HOWRAH MAIL

By Road: Buses for Panchalingeswar are available from Balasore, Baripada, Chandipur, etc. Taxi, car transport is also available from these towns. It will take 30 minutes /45 minutes through hired taxi.

Where to stay

One can stay at Govt. accommodations in Panchalingeswar, which is operated by the Orissa Tourism Department Corporation. There are also a few standard hotels and private resorts at the location. Good hotels are available in Balasore town. The Panthanivas at Panchalingeswar also provides accommodation for visitors. For Reservations, contact: Tourist Officer, Balasore, Near Police Line.  

Where to eat

There are varieties food are available here, which is very delight & tasty. All the restaurants typically provide with Bengali , Oriya,Western ,Chinese & South Indian Dishes.There are many restaurants located close to and around the Chandipur Beach that offer the best of dishes and other Indian cuisines. Some other popular eating joints around Chandipur Beach are Fantasy Restaurant and Rainbow Restaurant.

Nearby Temples

Chandaneswar: Another 6 km towards west from Digha, there is Chandaneswar, which is famous for a Shiva Temple. In the month of Chaitra which is in the last month of Bengali calendar year, an annual fair is organised around this temple. Pilgrims from all over the country, especially from Orissa, Bengal, Bihar come to this fair. There are bus/rickshaw services from Digha to Chandaneswar. Apart from this, Calcutta-Chandaneswar, Howrah-Balasore, Digha-Baripada buses ply via Chandaneswar.Chandaneswar is located 88 Km from Balasore and famous for Chandaneswar temple. Chandaneswar temple is a holy place. About 4 km from Chandaneswar and 4 km from Digha in West Bengal is the tranquil beach at Talasari, surrounded by casuarina groves.

Langaleswar: The location of the temple by the side of river parvati too creates a scenic beauty and makes another attraction of the place. It is the location where Lord Shiva used to plough the paddy field. In memory of the same plough is there and  hundreds of pilgrims use to gather there to worship the Lord Langaleswar who has been named after that plough. Langaleswar is famous for  Saivasim.

Khirachora Gopinath: The Khirachora Gopinatha temple is situated in Remuna. .It is supposed that Sri Rama carved ‘Gopinath’ with His arrow and that sita worshiped this deity in Chitrakuta. King Langula Narashingha Dev,the king of odisha,brought this Deity to Remuna in the 13th century from Chitrakut. It is supposed that Sri Rama carved ‘Gopinath’ with His arrow and that sita worshiped this deity in Chitrakuta. King Langula Narashingha Dev,the king of odisha,brought this Deity to Remuna in the 13th century from Chitrakut. .It is supposed that Sri Rama carved ‘Gopinath’ with his arrow and that sita worshiped this deity in Chitrakuta. King Langula Narashingha Dev, the king of odisha, brought this Deity to Remuna in the 13th century from Chitrakut.

Bhudharchandi temple: The ancient Bhudhar Chandi Mandir (a temple of Goddess Chandi) that attracts a large number of tourists. The Bhudhar Chandi Mandir is situated in a small village known as Sajanagarh close to the town of Nilgiri and about 15.7 km from the town of Balasore. It is about 13 km from the Sergarh junction on NH-5. Historical evidence gathered from this place shows that the temple was built and established by the Nilgiri king Shri Vasanta Virata Bhujanga Mandhata who ruled during the years 1421 B.C. and 1464 B.C.

Baleswar Temple: The principle Baleshwar sanctuary is devoted to Lord Shiva (who is otherwise called Baleshwar). There are two different sanctuaries in the compound of Baleshwar, one committed to Ratneshwar and other to Champawati Durga. The sanctuary is based on South Indian Architecture with wonderful Stone Carving works. Near to the Baleshwar Temple is a “Naula” (Fresh water asset) which has now become scarce. Upon the arrival of MahaShivRatri, an exceptionally packed reasonable is held in the Baleshwar Temple compound.

Akhandalamani Temple: The Holy Shrine Siva Lingam Baba Akhandalamani is situated in the river bank of Baitarani at Aradi Village of Bhadrak District. It is one of the ancient Shaiva Pitha of Odisha and famous as Mani Baba both in Odisha and outside. There are many fairs and festivals observed at the temple of Baba Akhandalamani. But Maha Shivaratri is the best among them. This festival is locally known as Jagara Mela. On this day pilgrims and devotees from all places of Odisha are assembled here to worship Akhandalamani at Aradi.

Biranchi Narayana Temple: It is located 15 kilometres (9.3 mi) south of Bhadrak, on the way from Bhadrak to Chandabali.  The existing temple is dedicated to Biranchi-narayan, who is enshrined as a roughly four-faced image of the Sun. A square stone slightly tapering towards the top contains four carved images of the Sun god in relief.  This is the one only one temple of Lord Brahma who is the creator of the World.

Nearby Places

Chandipur Beach: Chandipur Beach is situated under the district of Balasore in the state of Orissa. It is located on Bay of Bengal coastline, the beach attracts travellers from India and different parts of the world. One of the unique features of Chandipur Beach that sets it apart from other beaches of the state is the variance of water level owing to the tides. The place is an ideal weekend retreat for the crowd in the nearby cities who want to get away from the stress of city life.

Devikund Waterfalls: The name suggests Devkund (where god takes bath) water falls into a Kund or pool which is believed to be a sacred pool. 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. It is a part of the Udala division of Similipal Forest via Nilagiri/Udala from Panchlingeswar. It is 75 km from Panchalingeswar, 69 km from Kuldiha and 87 km from Balasore.

Kuldhia: This sanctuary is located in the district of Balasore and is blessed with a charming forest and a variety of wildlife such as tiger, leopard, elephant, gaur, sambar, giant squirrel, a number of bird species like leaf-bird, hill myna, peafowl, hornbills and various reptiles. Some cycus plants and surprisingly very few mangrove trees also could be seen at Gudikhola area. The Kuldiha Forest itself is the best attraction to watch out for. The forest is also the home to Tenda Elephant Sanctuary and a Lion Sanctuary.

Contact Us