Travel Guide to Famous Temples

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Kedarnath and Badrinath in August Weather – Should I go?

July 5, 2022, Sasidhar Darla 5 Comments Filed Under: Char Dham Yatra

It rains in Kedarnath and Badrinath during August. Monsoon in these places is risky and there are chances of landslides and floods. Therefore, it is suggested not to travel to Kedarnath or Badrinath during this season. Kedarnath helicopter also will not fly during August. You can travel during September and October to Char Dham.

If you are still planning on visiting Kedarnath and Badrinath during August, it is important to take the services of an experienced tour operator like us. Our drivers are very safe and we make sure you have a wonderful trip even during August.

Take a look at our Char Dham Yatra Package now.

Kedarnath and Badrinath in August

How is the weather in Kedarnath and Badrinath during each season?

Find out the best time to visit Kedarnath

Summer Season: This is the best season to visit Kedarnath and Badrinath Dham. Summer in Kedarnath stays from April to June. The view is beautiful and there is freshness everywhere. Although, even during the summers, it can get freezing during the evening. You must carry proper warm clothes to protect yourself.
Monsoon Season: July and August are the Monsoon months in Kedarnath and Badrinath. This place witnesses heavy rainfall during these months. There are chances of landslides and floods. It is advised not to travel during these months.
Pre-Winter Season: September and October cover Pre-Winters. This time is also very ideal to visit the Kedarnath and Badrinath Dham. Just after the rains, the weather becomes stunning. The places are full of greenery. The beauty of the whole region increases during this time.
Winter Season: Winters at this place starts around the end of November and continues till March. During this time, the place witnesses heavy snowfall. Due to freezing weather, the shrines are kept closed for the pilgrims. It again opens in April.

Frequently asked questions about Char Dham Yatra

Chintamani Ganpati Temple – Ashtavinayak Guide – Timings, Poojas and Significance

August 19, 2019, Sasidhar Darla 6 Comments Filed Under: Maharashtra Temples Tagged With: Ashtavinayak Temples, Ganesha Temples

Chintamani Ganpati Temple is dedicated to Lord Ganesha and is one of the eight Ashtavinayak Temples in Maharashtra. The temple is in Theur in Haveli Taluka. Chintamani Ganpati temple has specially designated sections for meditation. The main mandap consists of wood with a stone fountain at its centre.

Planning to visit this temple? Have a look at our Ashtavinayak Yatra Tour Packages.

Chintamani Ganpati Temple – Facts

Deity	Lord Ganesha
Location	Theur, Maharashtra
Significance	Part of Ashtavinayak Temples
Best Time to Visit	July – November
Darshan Timings	6:00 AM to 1:00 PM \| 2:00 PM to 10:00 PM
Entry Fees	Free
Vehicle Parking Fees	20 to 30 Rs (As per vehicle)
Photography	Not Allowed
Dress Code	Traditional
Festivals	Badrapat, Magh and Rama-Madhav Punyotsav

Few more interesting facts on Chintamani Ganpati Temple at Theur in Maharashtra

Chintamani Ganpati Temple – Timings

The timings of Chintamani Ganapati Temple are:

Timings	From	To
Morning Darshan	6 AM	1 PM
Evening Darshan	2 PM	10 PM
Darshan Timing on Angarkhi Chaturthi	4 AM	11 PM
Maha Aarti Timing	7:30 AM
Maha Prasad Timing	10 AM	1 PM
Madhyan Aarti Timing	12 PM
Shejaarti Timing	10 PM

Notes/Tips: Plan to spend 1-2 hours for darshan. On weekends, the rush will be more. During the festivals of Ganesh Chaturthi and few other Ganesh festivals, devotees have to wait for 3 – 4 hours for darshan.

Donations by devotees on Abhishek, Ekadashi, Sahastravartana, and so forth are done by Priests. Prasad and Angara (wholy fiery remains) are sent by post.

What are the poojas and sevas conducted at Chintamani Ganpati Temple?

Timmings and Pooja Rituals in Chintamani Ganpati Temple — Devotees waiting for the start of the auspicious aartis and rituals in Chintamani Ganpati Temple

Here are the poojas and rituals that take place at Chintamani Ganapati Temple:

Poojas and Rituals
Sahastravartan
Abhishek
Ekadashi

Devotees may make the appropriate payments at the temple and receive the Holy Prasad and ashes of Yagna.

The famous Chintamani Ganpati temple has a separate section known as Overry where devotees can meditate peacefully.

What is the significance of Chintamani Ganpati Temple?

The significance of Chintamani Ganapati Temple is that Lord Chintamani is the God who brings peace mind. The idol of Lord Chintamani faces east. The Lord’s eyes are precious gems. The Mahadwar or the main gate of the temple is north-facing, and a road connects it to river Mula Muth.

There are numerous little temples inside the temple complex like Mahadeva temple. Also, there is additionally a Vishnu-Lakshmi temple and a Hanuman temple. So while doing the temple Parikrama, those temples can be equally viewed. Since the legend of Chintamani occurred under a Kadamba tree, therefore, the village of Theur has another name- Kadambapur.

Lord Chintamani is the family deity of Shree Madhwarao Peshwa. Shree Madhwarao spent his last days at the temple and breathed his last while chanting the Lord’s name. Saint Morya Gosavi did severe penance at Theur. Pleased with his penance, Lord Ganesh emerged from the nearby river Mula Muth as two tigers and granted the saint with Siddhi.

It is beleived that Kapila Muni received this gem through worshipping Lord Shiva at Talaiaalankaadu near Thanjavur in Tamilnadu. Legends says that he walked on his head to reach the shrine.

Significance of Chintamani Ganpati Temple in Theur — One of the many different temples that can be found inside the temple premises while doing the parikrama.

What is the architecture of Chintamani Ganpati Temple?

Architecture of Chintamani Ganesh Temple in Theur — The temple was build in around 18th Century CE during the Peshwa rule and has vivid architectural style.

It is portrayed as one of the largest and increasingly acclaimed of the Ashtavinayak temples. The temple’s entryway situated toward the North is moderately smaller. The central icon of Chintamani Ganpati faces East. The temple has a wooden Sabha-mandapa which was built by Madhavrao. The lobby of the temple additionally has a black stone drinking fountain in it.

There are a number of smaller hallowed shrines in the temple complex. Behind the temple is the Peshwa Wada also known as the Peshwa Palace. Once it was the living arrangement of Madhavrao. Today the everyday activities of the temple are conveyed from this spot.

While there is no definite date of the origin of these places of worship, the present temple was built during the Peshwa rule in the eighteenth century CE.

The fascinating history of Chintamani Ganpati Temple in Theur — The valiant and devoted ruler of the Peshwas Shree Madhwarao Peshwa who constructed the present structure of the temple Chintamani Ganpati.

What is the history of Chintamani Ganpati Temple?

History of the Chintamani Ganapati is that there is no record of the person who built it. However, devotees believe that it exists since ancient times. Also, Chintamani Ganpati is related to the Saint Morya Gosavi, a staunch devotee of Lord Ganesh. Moreover, his descendants constructed the main temple structure.

Following a hundred years, Madhavrao Peshwa raised the Sabhamandap of the temple. A couple of years prior to the Shikhar (peak), of the temple was blessed in gold. As Peshwas visited these spot frequently, the two 5 metal bell purchased from Europe was one kept in Mahad and another one was kept here.

After the passing of Madhav Rao Peshwa, his wife performed Sati, the beautiful garden in the temple was made in her memory.

It is said that Emperor Aurangzeb had offered many grants to this temple. These days the organization of this temple is administered by Chinchwad Temple Trust.

Legends related to Lord Ganpati of Chintamani in Theur — The divine idol of Lord Ganpati at the shrine of Chintamani Temple in Theur.

What are the legends of Chintamani Ganpati Temple?

Legend of Theur: Lord Brahma was once feeling very restless and plagued by an unwavering mind. He then meditated to Lord Ganesh in this village to help him to pacify his restless mind. The name Theur is a derivative of the Sanskrit word – Sthavar, which means stable. Since Lord Ganesh helped clear Lord Brahma’s worries, the Lord became popular as Chintamani Vinayak.

Legend of Chintamani: King Abhijeet and his wife did severe penance and gave birth to Ganaraja, also known as Guna. When Ganaraja visited Sage Kapila’s ashram, the sage took the help of the precious jewel – Chintamani to serve food to the prince. However, the greedy Ganaraja wanted the jewel for himself and forcibly took it from the Sage.

Goddess Durga advised Sage Kapila to seek Lord Ganesh’s help. Then, Lord Ganesh defeated Ganaraja under a Kadamba tree, retrieved the precious jewel and took it back to sage Kapila. So, the sage rewarded Lord Ganesh by putting the jewel around his neck. Henceforth the Lord became famous as Chintamani Vinayak

What are the festivals celebrated at Chintamani Ganpati Temple?

Festivals of Chintamani Ganpati Temple in Theur — The festival of Ganesh Chaturthi celebrated with much pomp and glory in the temple.

Some festivals celebrated at Chintamani Ganapati Temple are:

Bhadrapat: Lord Ganesh’s birth celebrations known as Ganesh Chaturthi or Vinayak Chaturthi is a key festival in the state of Maharashtra. In Theur, Lord Chintamani’s birthday is a big event during Bhadrapat Shudh (August / September)

Magh: The Dwaryatra festival held during Magh Shudh, the Chintamani Ganpati Temple is bustling with arrangements. Devotees celebrate the celebrations in Magh Shudh until Ashtami, or the eighth day (January – February)

Rama-Madhav Punyotsav: A fair is organized in the month of Karthik by the temple as part of the Rama-Madhav Punnyotsav. This commemorates the death anniversary of the temple patrons Madhavrao and his wife Ramabai.

The town of Theur sits at the conjunction of three noteworthy provincial rivers Mula, Mutha and Bhima, making it a picturesque delight.

How to reach Chintamani Ganpati Temple?

Here’s how to reach Chintamani Ganpati Temple:

By road: Theur is nearly 25 km from Pune. Several state-run buses operate from Pune and Mumbai to Theur. In the event you are self-driving you can take Mumbai to Khandala road course. After crossing the Bhor Ghat, the town of Theur can be seen which is situated in Haveli Taluka, Pune District.

By rail: The nearest railway station to Theur is in Pune. The Pune station connects to major Indian cities. Pune Junction railroad station associates the city with all the prime Maharashtra cities. There are a few mail/express trains and superfast trains connecting the city from south, north, and west.

By air: The nearest airport is at Pune, which connects to all major Indian cities. Lohegaon Airport or Pune Airport is a universal air terminal, found 15 km far from Pune downtown area. Regular flights from Bangalore, Jaipur, Delhi, Goa, Mumbai, Hyderabad, Chennai, and Nagpur lands in the airport. Theur is 22 km from Pune Airport.

Where to stay near Chintamani Ganpati Temple?

There are not many places to stay for accommodation at Theur. Therefore, pilgrims usually consider staying at Pune which is just 25 km from the Temple.

Where to eat near Chintamani Ganpati Temple?

There are no restaurants at Lenyadri except for the Yatri Niwas which offer food options. Therefore, devotees opt to eat at the smaller restaurants on the highway or at Junnar.

Moreover, one can consider having lunch inside the temple premises served by the foundation. A small amount of Rs 15 is charged for having Lunch in the temple. In this thali, you get the opportunity to eat rice, dal/lentil, aloo chana curry dish, chappati, and sooji halwa/Sheera.

The temple volunteers served the food while you sit in a table and chair. Lunch timing is from 12 to 2 pm.

What are some temples near Chintamani Ganpati Temple?

Bhima Gada: Adjacent to the Girijatmaj Temple, cave no. 6 houses a Buddhist stupa. This is popular as Bhima’s Gada. This stupa has good acoustics that allows sounds to echo.

What are some other Ashtavinayak Temples?

Other Ashtavinayak Templess — The different idols of Lord Ganesh in the other seven temples that come under the Ashtavinayak Yatra

Here’s a list of the other Ashtavinayak Temples:

Mayureshwar Temple, Morgaon: Devotees begin and end their journey at the Mayureshwar Temple. The temple derives its name from the legend of Mayureshwar – Lord Ganesh riding a peacock, who defeated a demon at this place. The Mayureshwar Temple is in Moregaon, 63 km from the Chintamani Temple.

Siddhi Vinayak Temple, Siddhatek: It is believed that Lord Vishnu appeased Lord Ganesh at this place. Lord Vishnu then proceeded to slay the demons known as Madhu and Kaitabh. Moreover, Lord Siddhi Vinayak is the only idol with the trunk pointing towards the right. The Siddhi Vinayak Temple is in Siddhatek, 100 km from the Chintamani Temple.

Ballaleshwar Temple, Pali: As the name suggests this temple is named after Lord Ganesh’s devotee Ballal. This is the only Ganesh Temple whose name is after a devotee. The Ballaleshwar Temple is in Pali, 140 km from the Chintamani Temple.

Varadha Vinayak Temple, Mahad: Lord Ganesh is Varadha Vinayak, the Lord who grants boons and wishes. The Varadha Vinayak Temple is in Mahad, 150 km from the Chintamani.

Girijatmaj Temple, Lenyadri: Goddess Parvathi is believed to have performed penance at this place to have a child. The deities prayers were answered when Lord Ganesh was born. The temple gets its name from the words Girija (Parvathi) and Atmaj (son). The Girijatmaj Temple is in Lenyadri, 110 km from the Chintamani Temple.

Vighneshwar Vinayak Temple, Ozar: King Abhinandan’s prayer was disturbed by Vighnasur, the demon who was sent by Lord Indra. So King Abhinandan sought helped from Lord Ganesh who defeated the demon at this place. The Vighneswar Vinayak Temple is in Ozar, 105 km from the Chintamani.

Mahaganapati Temple, Ranjangaon: To defeat the demon Tripurasura, Lord Shiva is believed to have worshipped Lord Ganesh here. The Mahaganapati Temple is in Ranjangaon, 42 km from the Chintamani.

Frequently Asked Questions about Chintamani Ganpati Temple –

Is there online booking available for Chintamani Ganpati Temple?

Entry to the temple is free and no booking is needed to visit the temple.

Where we can stay near Chintamani Ganpati Temple?

Being 25 km from the temple of Theur, Pune is the best option for lodging.

What is the best mode of transportation from Pune to Theur?

Hiring a Cab or a Uber is the best and fastest mode to reach Theur.

What is the fuel cost of self-drive from Pune to Theur?

The cheapest way to reach Theur from Pune is self-driving where the fuel will cost you around ₹180 – ₹270 for 23 km.

What is the nearest airport to Chintamani Ganpati Temple in Theur?

Lohegaon Airport in Pune is the closest airport to Chintamani Ganpati Temple in Theur.

What is the temperature in Chintamani Ganpati Temple, Theur?

The maximum temperature in summer can reach till 35^°C. The minimum temperature that can fall down is 13^°C in winter.

What is the significance of Chintamani Ganpati Temple, Theur among the Ashtavinayak Yatra?

The Chintamani Ganpati Temple comes in 5th number during the Ashtavinayak Yatra.

What is the prasad’s usually offered in the temple?

Ladoo and Modak prasad which are known to be favorite of Lord Ganesh are offered in the temple.

Rumtek Buddhist Monastery, Sikkim

September 8, 2019, Sasidhar Darla Leave a Comment Filed Under: North - East Temples Tagged With: Buddha Temples

Rumtek Monastery is a Gompa. It is also known as the Dharma Chakra Centre. This monastery is located at Sikkim, Gangtok. The monastery was originally built in the mid-1700s, under the direction of Changchub Dorje. It is one of the most significant monasteries in Sikkim. The shrine was established to spread the teachings of the Buddha throughout the world.

This monastery is a storehouse of many religious art objects. It also houses some of the world’s most unique religious scriptures. Karma Shri Nalanda Institute for Higher Buddhist Studies, a Buddhist college, is situated opposite to the monastery. The monastery gained its importance after China annexed Tibet because of which many religious gurus relocated from Tibet to Sikkim.

What is the history of Rumtek Monastery?

The Rumtek Monastery was originally built in the mid-1700s, under the direction of Changchub Dorje. This monstery served as the main seat of the Karma Kagyu lineage in Sikkim for some time. However, when the 16th Karmapa, Rangjung Rigpe Dorje, in 1959, he found that the monastery was in ruins. Rangjung Rigpe Dorje fleed from Tibet. He then decided to rebuild Rumtek. The construction of the monastery was completed after 4 years.

The 16th Karmapa officially inaugurated the new seat, on Losar in 1966. It was called ‘The Dharmachakra Centre’: a place of erudition and spiritual accomplishment, the seat of the glorious Karmapa.

It is said that the 1st Karmapa spent many years meditating in a cave here. Ten thousand fairies came to congratulate the Karmapa and each offered him a strand of their hair. The Karmapa wore these strands of hair as a black hat. This was passed down and is still worn by the karmapa on ceremonial occasions.

What is the architecture of Rumtek Monastery?

The Rumtek Monastery is a fabulous and piece of work. It has used some of the rarest Buddhist religious artwork in the form of wall murals and thanks.

The Rumtek Monastery is a three-storeyed building. The monastery contains a marvelous main temple. It has a monastic college where the relics of the Sixteenth Karmapa are preserved. The monastery also has a golden stupa and a magnificent Buddha statue.

The main structure of the Monastery has been made in accordance with the traditional designs of the Tibetan monasteries.
The top floor of the monastery has a terrace and also a tiny stupa.
The ground floor of the Monastery has a large prayer hall. The floor is decorated with large hand painted and intricate murals, statues. silk paintings and thankas.
There is a shrine in the main building. The decoration of the shrine is a traditional manner with religious texts.
There are buildings for the monks to live in front of the main monastery.

How to reach Rumtek Monastery?

The Rumtek Monastery is located at a distance of 23 km from Gangtok.

Train: Take a train to Siliguri or New Jalpaiguri (NJP). From there you can drive to Gangtok. It takes around 4-5 hours.

Air: Take a flight to Bagdogra, West Bengal. From there you can drive to Gangtok.

Road: Sikkim is well-connected to all major places via road.

What are the timings of Rumtek Monastery?

The Rumtek Monastery is open for the tourists on all days a week.

The timings are 7:00 am – 7:00 pm.

What is the entry fees of the Rumtek Monastery?

The entry fees of the Monastery is Rs. 10 per person.

What are the festivals observed in the Rumtek Monastery?

There are two festivals that are observed in the Rumtek Buddhist Monastery.

Vajrakilaya Drupchen: This is celebrated on the fifth month of the lunar calendar of Tibet. It pays homage to the Guru Padmasambhava – the most important monk. This festival is celebrated for ten days.
‘Lama’ dance: This traditional and holy dance is performed on the last day. It is a delight to watch the performance.

Lepakshi Temple Timings, Poojas, Dress Code, and History

March 9, 2020, Sasidhar Darla 41 Comments Filed Under: Andhra Pradesh Temples Tagged With: Shiva Temples

Lepakshi Temple is a dedication to the cult deity Veerabhadra. The temple is based in the small village of Lepakshi in the Anantapur District of Andhra Pradesh. The construction of the temple took place in the 16th century during the reign of Vijayanagara Kings.

Lepakshi Temple has three shrines dedicated to the Hindu Gods Shiva, Vishnu and Veerabhadra. There exist about 70 pillars at this fabulous 16th-century stone structure of Vijayanagar style architecture.

This temple houses the largest sculpture of the demon king Veerabhadra. Moreover, much of the temple stands on a low rocky hill called Kurmasailam. The word ‘Kurmasailam‘ translates to tortoise hill in the Telugu language.

One of the pillars n Lepakshi Temple is popular as the Aakaasa Sthambha (Hanging Column). This pillar does not rest on the ground fully. During the British era, a British engineer’s labour in trying to move it were in vain. However, doing so made the pillar dislodge from its original position.

Introduction of Lepakshi Temple — This Nandi is India’s largest monolithic structure.

Besides the Hanging pillar, the other thing that is worth seeing is the spectacular Nandi which is located almost a mile before the main temple. It is 27 ft in length and 15 ft in height which is reputedly India’s biggest monolithic Nandi.

Facts About Lepakshi Temple

Opening and Closing Timings	6:00 am – 6:00 pm
Entry Fee	No fee
Main Deity	Veerbhadra
Nearest Airport	Sri Sathya Sai Airport
Location	Anantapur district, Andhra Pradesh
Photography	Allowed

Lepakshi Temple Timings

Devotees can visit the temple for darshan in the following timings –

Timings	From
Morning	6:00 AM
Evening	6:00 PM

The temple opens all days of the week. However, timings may change during festivals, important rituals and eclipses.

Significance of Lepakshi Temple

Lepakshi Temple has three separate Mandapas. The first one is Mukhya Mandapa (or Natya or Ranga Mandapa). The second one is Artha Mandapa and Garba Griha and third is Kalyana Mandapa. The last Mandapa is unfinished.
Devotees worship Veerbhadra who is Shiva’s depiction in his ferocious mood. Warrior God Veerbhadra was worshipped during wartimes in the ancient and medieval periods.
A huge Ganesha is there in the temple’s outer enclosure. And it leans against the rock which is perpendicular to a massive Naga with three coils and seven hoods. This Nagalinga is the largest in India.
Goddess Sita’s footprint is there in the temple premises. Beliefs say that the footprint got imprinted on the floor during the time Ravana was taking Sita to Lanka.

Legends of Lepakshi Temple — This footprint is considered to be of Devi Sita’s from the time Ravana was abducting her.

Poojas and Rituals performed at the Lepakshi Temple

Abhishek Timings	From
Morning	7:00 AM – 7:30 AM

At first, the puja of the Shivalinga takes place. Henceforth Lord Veerabhadra is worshipped. In the morning, the lord appears in Bala rupa (youth). And turns to a hero in a moustache by the evening.

Devotees perform Abhishek to Lord and Mother and offer clothes. Offerings in form of the sweet pudding – Sarkarai Pongal Nivedhana is also made. As in Lord Vishnu temples, here too Sadari blessing with the lotus feet of the Lord is offered to devotees. Betel leaf is given as prasad in the temple.

Lepakshi Temple History

The history of Lepakshi Temple dates back to 1530-40. The Virupanna and Viranna brothers did the construction of the temple. The two brothers were in the service of Vijayanagar Kings. At that time Vijayanagar was King Achutarya’s kingdom.

But according to the Puranic story, Lepakshi Temple was built by the sage Agastya. Moreover, Skanda Purana states that this temple is one of the important pilgrimage sites of Lord Shiva known as divyakshetras.

Legends associated with Lepakshi Temple

The origin of Verbhadra is an interesting mythological tale. According to the tale, it was Sati’s suicide that enraged Shiva to cut off a lock of his hair. And from this lock of his hair, Demon God Veerbhadra and Goddess Kali were born.
Virupanna constructed the Lepakshi temple using the resources from the state treasury. After knowing this, King Achutarya got angry with him and decided to punish Virupanna. Hence, he ordered to blind Virupanna. And on hearing this Virupanna blinded himself there and then.
The temple has different panels of paintings depicting different stories. One of the panels narrates the tale of Shiva’s marriage. Parvati is shown seated on the raised seat alongside six maidens.
The paintings of this temple were first noticed by A H Longhurstin 1912-13 but lack of attention and leakage resulted in deterioration of these artforms.
Rumours are that a lot was later done to the temple during Vijayanagar reigns. However, there are no significant records for it. But we do have a lot of other temples built around the shrine of Veerbhadra.
Also, the presence of the Uddana Veerabhadra Temple in Hampi provides evidence that claims that during Vijayanagar days the people of Hampi worshipped the Gods in their ferocious forms as well. In fact, the ruins of Hampi points towards the existence of this cult.

Rules to follow in Lepakshi Temple

While visiting the Lepakshi temple, do not forget to wear decent clothes. And do not carry leather bags or belts, etc. However, temple authorities permit photography inside this temple so one must carry their camera.
Moreover, one should choose to wear a traditional piece of clothing to the temple. Temple authorities prohibit clothing items like jeans, t-shirts, shorts and skirts etc in the temple premises.

Festivals celebrated at Lepakshi Temple

The month of February calls for a 10 day-long celebration in the premises of Lepakshi temple. This festival also includes the car festival. During the festival, pilgrims flock in huge numbers to the temple.
Mahashivratri– On this occasion dedicated to Lord Shiva, the temple organises a huge fair. The fair invites traders of sweetmeats, clothes, bangles, toys and bamboo articles. Also, the trading of domestic animals like goats, cows etc take place in the temple fair. Moreover, a lot of villagers arrive on this day to redeem their vows.
Durgamma Festival– This is a four-day-long festival that falls in the Bhadrapada month of Hindu Calendar. On this day devotees draw water from Majira river for worshipping. Moreover, a lot of other sacrifices also take place during the time. Temple authorities organise a fair on this day.
Masi Brahmmotsavam falling in the months of February-March and Tirukarthikai falling in November-December are some of the other festivals that call for celebration in the Lepakshi temple.

How to reach Lepakshi Temple – Road, Rail and Air

Train– Hindupur railway station is the nearest railways station to Lepakshi. It is located about 12 km away from the temple.
Road– Lepakshi has good road connectivity via Hindupur. Many private and government buses connect Hindupur to the rest of India. Also, one can hire a taxi service to reach their destination.
Air– Sri Sathya Sai Airport, Puttaparthi, Andhra Pradesh is the nearest to the temple. It is 58 km away from the Lepakshi temple.

Hotels near Lepakshi Temple – Where to stay

Lepakshi temple does not have any guesthouse available. However, there are some good hotels nearby it –

AP Tourism Hotel near Nandi– This place is very affordable. Also, this hotel accepts bookings one day in advance too. Moreover, one must carry a confirmation voucher of the same along with a valid ID proof.
Hotel Bheema– This place is another stay near the temple. It is a blend of all the modern amenities and is very budget-friendly.
SRS Regency Hotel– This hotel is a complete divinity for the travellers. One can have all the modern amenities here. This place is also quite near to the temple and is pocket-friendly.

Where to eat?

There are several hotels around the temple that offer tasty and mouth-watering dishes. The South Indian food prepared here has an unbeatable taste. Tourists can get both vegetarian and non-vegetarian food near the temple. Other cuisines one can find here include North Indian and other modern varieties. The nearby restaurants that are worth visiting include Annapoorna and Ghuma Ghumalu Restaurant.

Nearby Temples

Lepakshi Nandi: There is a monolithic sculpture of Shiva’s bull Nandi on the main road of Lepakshi which is approximately 550 m from the temple. The sculpture faces the shiva linga that a large serpent is shielding.
Sri Veerabhadra Swamy Temple: Sri Veerabhadra Swamy came to life with an aim to demolish Dakshyagna. After doing so, Dakshyagna was redone successfully. However, even after the completion of yagna, Sri Veerabhadra Swamy lived in anger and was burning in fire caused by the Yoga Sakthi of Sati. Hence, other saints and devotees of Veerbhadra Swamy went to Vaikunta to request Lord Vishnu to pacify Veera Bhadra Swamy. This temple is 48 Km from Kadapa.
Bayalu Veerabhadra Swamy: Bayalu Veerabhadra Swami Temple idol is there is a temple facing north. Beliefs say that it guards the Lord Mallikarjuna Swami. He is the kshetrapalaka of Srisailam. He has no roof above him. Hence, it goes by the name Bayalu Veerabhadra Swamy.
Sri Bhadrakali Sametha Veereswara Swamy Devasthanam: In this temple, the Goddess Bhadrakali is present on the same platform, in order to pacify Veerabhadra Swamy. Pujaris perform Nithyakalyanam here to Veereswara Swamy and Sri Bhadrakali.
Sri Agora Veerabhadra Swamy Temple: A goat’s head was put on Dhakshan after Sri Veerabhadra cut his off. Beliefs are that Dhakshan lost to Sri Veerabhadra at this place. Sri Veerabhadra faces north, holding many weapons. Goddess Kaali is present just outside the sanctum, facing east. This temple attracts lots of devotees during new moon days and full moon days. Beliefs are that it cures people with mental illness.

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

Somnath Temple Guide – Timings, Poojas, and History

January 24, 2023, Sasidhar Darla 41 Comments Filed Under: Dwarka Somnath Temple, Gujarat Temples, Jyotirlinga Tagged With: Shiva Temples

Somnath Temple is the first among the 12 holy Jyotirlingas. This sacred temple is dedicated to Lord Shiva. The word Somnath translates to ‘The Lord of the Moon‘ which is a form of Lord Shiva. The temple is located at Prabhas Patan, near Veraval port in Saurashtra, Gujarat. It is also called “The Shrine Eternal” because the temple was looted and destroyed six times in the past. However, it was gloriously rebuilt every single time after that.

Planning to visit the Somnath Temple? Have a look at our Dwarka Somnath Tour Package.

Somnath Temple – Facts

Deity	Lord Somnath (Lord Shiva)
Location	Somnath, Gujarat
Significance	Jyotirlinga
Tours	Dwarka – Somnath Tour
Darshan Timings	6:00 AM to 10:00 PM
Entry Fee	Free
Poojas	Rudrabhisek, Laghurudra Abhishek
Best Time to Visit	March and October
Festivals	Shravan, Shivratri, Karthik Purnima
Jyotirlingas in Gujarat	Somnath Jyotirlinga, Nageshwar Jyotirlinga

The Somnath Temple, Gujarat.

The Somnath Temple is one of the Top 50 Famous Temples in India.

What are the timings of Somnath Temple?

The temple opens at 6:00 AM and closes at 10:00 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 aarti.

The timings are as follows:

Darshan	6:00 AM to 10:00 PM
Morning Aarti	7:00 AM
Afternoon Aarti	12:00 PM
Evening Aarti	7:00 PM

What are the poojas performed at Somnath Temple?

Pooja at Somnath Temple — There are several poojas which take place at the Somnath Temple.

The following poojas take place at Somnath Temple:

Homatmak Atirudra: This yajna is the most powerful and the most sacred yajna out of all the Mahayagnas. Conducting this yagna washes away your sins and brings peace and prosperity. The Atirudra consists of eleven recitations of Maha Rudra.
Homatmak Maharudra: This pooja involves 56 highly learned Vedic Pandits reciting the Rudras in one place. The priest also recites Rigveda, Samveda, Yajurveda and Atharva Veda in front of the deities of the temple.
Homatmak Lagurudra: This abhishek is done to resolve issues related to health and wealth. It also removes the evil effects of planets in the horoscope.
Savalaksha Samput Mahamrityunjaya Jaap: The Mahamrityunjaya Abhishek increases longevity and immortality of the person.
Other Poojas and Abhishekams include Savalaksha Bilva Pooja, Kalsarpa Yog Nivaran Vidhi, Shivpuran Path, Mahadugdh Abhishek, Gangajal Abhishek, and Navagraha Jaap.

The prices of the poojas are as follows:

Somnath Temple - Pooja Prices — **Somnath Temple – Pooja Prices**

What is the significance of Somnath Temple?

The Somnath Temple is the first Jyotirlinga among the 12 Jyotirlingas in Hindu mythology. Shiva appeared as a fiery column of light from this Linga which makes it Swayambhu. Millions of people worldwide come every year to visit this temple.

It is said that the Syamantak Mani (Philosopher’s Stone) associated with Lord Krishna is hidden inside Shiva Linga in the temple. According to beliefs, this magical stone has the ability to produce gold. It is also responsible for creating a magnetic field around itself which keeps the Linga floating above the ground.

The Linga consists of iron, and the roof of the sanctum is made of loadstone. The builder of the shrine assured that the magnetic force exerted by the loadstone kept the Linga floating in the air. It is also a popular belief that one can wash away their sins by taking a dip in the holy water of the Someshwar Kund.

What is Prabhas Patan?

Prabhas Patan is the holy site of Sangam or the junction of three great mythological rivers – Saraswati, Hiranya and Kapila. It is also the site where Lord Krishna was struck by an arrow while resting under a tree.

Another extremely famous and sacred Jyotirlinga is Kashi Vishwanath Temple which located in Kashi, Uttar Pradesh.

What is the history of Somnath Temple?

History of the Somnath Temple — The Somnath Temple was destroyed six times in the past. This picture is estimated to be 200 years old.

According to legend, the time period and how the temple was first constructed is unknown. But it is said that the second temple was built by the Seuna Kings of Vallabhi (Yadavas of Devagiri) in around 649 CE.

The first attack on the temple was by Al-Junayd, the Governor of Sindh in around 725 CE, during invasions of Gujarat and Rajasthan. The King Nagabhata ll reconstructed the third temple in 815 CE.

In 1024, Turkic Sultan, Mohammad Ghazni bombarded the Somnath temple. He demolished the Jyotirlinga and killed all the devotees who attempted to save it from the loot. Later, King Bhoja of Malwa and King Bhimdev I of Patan restored this as a tribute to Lord Someshvara.

The next attack on Somnath was by Alauddin Khilji’s forces. The idol of the god was stolen, and many devotees were captured in the process. King Mahipala I, the Chudasama king of Saurashtra, rebuilt it in 1308. Later, Muzaffar Shah I and Mahmud Begada of the Gujarat Sultanate, respectively, made repeated assaults in 1375 and 1451.

The temple also faced the rage of Aurangzeb in 1665. Finally, in 1783 the Peshwas, Bhonsles, Queen Ahilyabai of Indore and Shrimant Patilbuwa Shinde of Gwalior together reconstructed it. The present temple is fashioned in the Chalukya style.

According to the legends, Garbhashay initially contained many gems. Over a period of time, many invaders took them. Three silver gates, originally belonging to the Somnath temple, were brought back to India from Lahore. This was after the Maratha king Mahadaji Shinde defeated Muhammad Shah.

After unsuccessful attempts to re-install them in the Somnath temple, they were then gifted to two temples in Ujjain – the Mahakaleshwar Temple and Gopal Mandir where they are still present.

What is the legend of the Someshwar Kund?

Prajapati Daksha had the 27 Nakshatras born in the form of his daughters. All of his 27 daughters were married to Lord Chandra (The Moon). However, Chandra loved only Rohini and neglected his other 26 wives. This angered their father Daksha. He cursed Chandra to decrease in size every day. To counter this curse, Chandra offered penance to Lord Shiva who granted him a boon.

The boon was that Lord Shiva would place Chandra on His head. This way, Chandra would lose one Kala (shade) every day and decrease in size for 15 days only to grow back in the next 15 days. When the moon fades away fully, it is called no moon day (Amavasya). When he grows to full size, it is called the full moon day (Purnima). Thus, these are called as Krishna Paksha and Shukla Paksha (each Paksha of 15 days). As a result, Shiva was also called Someshvara (Lord of the Moon). The Kund honours Shiva for removing the curse.

Shrine of the Somnath Temple — This Jyotirlinga represents Lord Shiva as the ‘The Lord of the Moon’. Seen here is a crescent moon over His head.

What is the structure of the Somnath Temple?

The temple is divided into three main areas – the Garbhagraha, the Sabhamandapam, and the Nrityamandapam. The Shikhar of the temple is 150 feet high. The Kalasam or the Kalash weighs 10 tonnes. The flag pole at the top is 8.2 meters long. The temple reflects the skills of the Sompura Salats, Gujarat’s famed stonemasons.

An inscription in Sanskrit is found in the Banastambha also known as the “Arrow Pillar”. The Abadhit Samudra Marg and Tirstambh indicate that there is no land in a straight line between the seashore until Antarctica.

What are the festivals celebrated at Somnath?

Mahashivratri at Somnath Temple — The Somnath Temple shrine as decorated during the festival of Mahashivratri.

Some of the festivals celebrated at Somnath Temple are:

Shravan Month: Shravan Maas falls on the fifth month of the Hindu calendar, starting late July and ending by the third week of August.
Mahashivratri: It is the day when Lord Shiva married Goddess Parvati. It usually occurs in late February to early March.
Golokdham Utsav: It signifies the birth of Lord Krishna, more popularly known as Janmashtami.
Kartik Purnima Fair: The fair lasts for five days.
Somnath Sthapana Divas: The foundation day which is celebrated on the 11th of May.

How to reach Somnath Temple?

By Air: The nearest airport is Diu which is 85 km away from the temple.
By Train: The nearest railway station is Somnath (0.5 km). Regular train service is available from all major cities in Gujarat.
By Road: Somnath connects well to major cities in Gujarat like Ahmedabad, Junagadh, Dwarka, and Chorwad by state roadways.

You can also travel to Somnath from Vadodara. Have a look at our Dwarka Somnath Vadodara Tour Package.

Somnath Temple route from Ahmedabad

Somnath temple lies at a distance of 411 km from the heart of Ahmedabad.

Air: Flights are available that connect Ahmedabad airport to Diu Airport which is 85 km away from the temple.
Train: Many trains such as the Superfast express as well as the Mail express run between Somnath railway station and Ahmedabad railway station.
Road: The fastest route to travel using roadways is via NH27 and NH47. It takes about 7 hours of drive between Ahmedabad and Somnath temple using the road.

Where to stay nearby?

Rooms operated by Somnath Temple Management are available at nominal rates. People can book those rooms by visiting the official website at www.somnath.org.
Accommodations can be booked in the Sagar Darshan Atithi Grah, Lilavati Atithi Bhavan, and Maheshwari Atithi Bhavan.
Private hotels are also abundant near the Somnath Temple complex.

Some of the hotels where one can stay near Somnath Temple are:

The Fern Residency Somnath: The hotel has 56 rooms including suites such as Winter Green and Hazel Suite. The hotel also offers express check-in and check-out, high-speed Internet, gym facility, in-room safe as well as a business centre.
The Divine Resort: The hotel has a large party hall that can accommodate up to 5000 guests. Conference rooms, massage centre, swimming pool, and gymnasium are also available. Other basic services provided are car rentals, babysitting, and doctor on call.
Lords Inn Somnath: The hotel has facilities like Wi-Fi, airport & railway pickup, power backup, currency exchange, spa, swimming pool, and fitness centre. The hotel also has a meeting room and a banquet hall for private and corporate events

Where to eat nearby?

All the Guesthouses managed by the Somnath Temple Trust hosts a restaurant, which serves various cuisines like Gujarati, Punjabi, and Chinese. Apart from those, many small eateries are also present around the temple complex.

What are the famous temples near Somnath?

Exploring Somnath — There are several temples to visit near the beautiful city of Somnath.

Some temples near Somnath temple are:

Bhalka Tirth: It is 5 km from the Prabhas – Veraval highway. At this location, the arrow fired by the poacher Jara hit Sri Krishna, who was resting under a Peepal tree. The Lord Sri Krishna then walked and reached the banks of River Hiran from where he started his last journey.
Shree Golokdham Teerth or Shree Neejdham Prastham Teerth: It is on the banks of River Hiran, 1.5 km away from the Somnath Temple. The footprint of Lord Krishna is carved here to mark the site of the temple. Balaram, the elder brother of Lord Krishna also started his last journey from here in his original serpent form.
Junagadh Gate: This is one of the most popular tourist attractions in Gujarat. A long time ago Mohmmad of Ghazni entered through this gate and looted the famous Somnath temple and turned it to ruins. Though it has worn out over time, this monument still continues to attract history lovers.

Some other famous temples in Gujarat are:

Dwarkadhish Temple: It is one of the Char Dham pilgrimages, is situated in the city of Dwarka in Gujarat. Dwarka lies on the banks of river Gomti, in Saurashtra. It is historically considered as the capital of Lord Krishna. The city eventually submerged under the sea except for Temples.

Frequently Asked Questions about Somnath Temple

Is the Somnath Temple open throughout the year?

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

What is the entry fee?

The entry to the Somnath Temple is free of cost.

Can anyone enter the temple?

Non-Hindus need to take prior permission from the General Manager’s Office. Hindus can enter the temple without any permits.

Is there any Online Darshan facility available?

Yes, please visit the website www.somnath.org for Online Darshan.

Who should be contacted for performing a Havan/Yajna?

For booking Yajna Shala, please contact the Management of Shree Somnath Trust.
Dy. General Manager: +91-9428214909

Can one carry mobiles and gadgets into the temple?

No. All electronic gadgets are strictly prohibited (viz. mobile, camera, laptop). They can be stored in lockers available in the Cloak Room. The cloakroom facility is free of cost.

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

Wheelchair facilities for disabled and senior citizens are available at the gate of the temple. Lift facilities are also present inside the temple.

Is there any facility available for site seeing or nearby temple visit?

Tirth Darshan Bus facility is available at a nominal charge which takes pilgrims to the nearby temples for darshan. Bus leaves from the main gate of the temple and its timings are 08:30 AM and 03:30 PM.

What is the weather like during summer?

The summers at Somnath start from March and continues until June. The summers here can be very hot. Temperatures during the daytime often go up to 42 º C.

What are winters like in Gujarat?

In Somnath, winters start in November and continue until February. The temperatures during this time range from around 10 º C to 24 º C. The weather during this time is cool and pleasant.

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