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Myoksha

Reviving Sanatana Dharma

Travel Guide to Famous Temples

Senior Citizens Darshan at Tirumala 2020 – Tickets, Age Limit, Timings, Booking, and Entrance

Tirumala Tirupati Devasthanams (TTD) has facilitated special darshan for senior citizens in Venkateswara Temple Tirumala. Our guide explains the age limit, ticket booking procedure, the entry point for darshan, time taken, who can accompany senior citizens and restrictions.

Senior Citizens Darshan in Tirumala Video – Telugu

Senior Citizen Darshan at Tirumala – Overview

Age Limit65 years and above
ID ProofRequired
Darshan Timings10 am and 3 pm
Entry PointSupatham
Ticket CostFree
Booking Timings7 am to 3 pm
Tickets Quota10 am slot – 700 tickets.
3 pm slot – 700 tickets.
Time Taken40 minutes-1 hour depending on the crowd
Ticket CounterVaikuntha Queue Complex, VQC-2 (Opposite S.V. Museum)
AccompanyOne person along with Senior Citizen. Children under 12 years.
RestrictionsOnly once in 90 days.

Who can have darshan under senior citizens category in Tirumala?

  1. For the Senior Citizen category, the age should be 65 or above for both men and women.
  2. Senior citizens can avail of this benefit by showing proof of their age. Photo ID proof is mandatory to get this benefit.
  3. The wife will be allowed with their husband if he is a senior citizen.
  4. Children under 12 years will also be allowed with their grandparents who is a senior citizen.
  5. If the senior citizen does not have anyone to accompany them, the TTD administration will provide a seva candidate who can help them with Lord Venkateswara darshan.
  6. The pilgrim who availed Darshan under this special category cannot avail Darshan for the next 90 days.
  7. The special tickets have a quota of 700 tickets each for morning and evening. Only 700 Devotees in the morning and 700 devotees in the evening will be allowed for the special darshan.
Tirumala Timings, Sevas and History
DaysDarshan TimingsNo. of TicketsSlot
Sunday, Monday, Tuesday, Thursday, and Saturday 10 AM7001st
Sunday, Monday, Tuesday, Thursday, and Saturday 3 PM7002nd
Wednesday & Friday 3 PM10001st
Ticket Booking for Senior Citizens in Tirumala
Senior Citizens waiting in the Queue to book their Tirumala Darshan Tickets

What are the timings of darshan for senior citizens in Tirumala?

  1. Senior Citizens are allowed darshan daily in 2 time-slots. The first darshan schedule starts at 10 AM and the second schedule starts at 3 PM.
  2. However, on Wednesdays & Fridays, darshan will be allowed only in the afternoon i.e 3 PM slot.

Where can we get tickets for senior citizens darshan?

  1. The tickets are available at “Senior citizen / Specially-abled Ticket Counter” near Vaikuntha Queue Complex, VQC-2 (opposite to S.V. Museum), Tirumala.
  2. Ticket issuing starts from 7 AM daily and counter closes by 3 PM.
  3. There is a limit of 700 tickets for each slot. The tickets are issued on a first come first serve basis.
  4. The cost of the ticket is free. Senior citizens (65 or above) can have darshan at Tirumala Tirupati Balaji Temple free of cost. Senior citizens are also provided a laddu ticket (2 laddus per person) free of cost.
  5. There is no need for senior citizens to wait in the queue. The person accompanying the senior citizen can stand in the queue on their behalf. The senior citizen can sit near the counter.
  6. Once their turn comes, the senior citizen along with the person who is waiting in the queue must go to the counter and get tickets.

What is the entry point for senior citizens darshan?

  1. Senior Citizens should enter for darshan from Supatham entrance. Supatham is just 50 meters away from the Vaikuntham Queue Complex entrance.
  2. The senior citizens along with the persons accompanying them will then be taken on a special bus to the main temple entrance.
  3. The general darshan queue will be stopped for a while and the senior citizens are allowed to have darshan.
  4. Darshan will take around 1-2 hours depending on the crowd.

If you have any questions about senior citizens darshan, please leave a comment below and we will answer it within an hour.

TTD Infant Darshan Timings 2020 – Tickets, Booking, and Entry

Travel Advisory: Due to Covid-19, children below 10 years are not allowed to visit the temple.

While visiting Tirumala, it is very difficult for the parents to carry infants for darshan. Hence, TTD has made special arrangements for infant darshan. Here are all the details.

Questions about Infant Darshan?

Darshan availability, Age restrictions etc – Email us and we will clarify your doubts.

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TTD Infant Darshan Rules

  • Infant Darshan Timings: 8:30 AM to 10:30 AM. 12 PM to 6 PM
  • Darshan Cost: Free
  • Age Limit of Infant: Below one year
  • Allowed persons with Infant: Parents, Siblings (Below 12 years)
  • Entry Point: Supatham entrance
  • Required time for Infant Darshan: 1-2 hours depending on the crowd

Who can have darshan under the infant category in Tirumala?

  1. Infant up to 1 year can avail special benefits in darshan at Tirumala.
  2. Parents should carry birth proof of their infant, like Birth Certificate or any government identity to give proof of the age. If the infant is close to a year, then TTD staff may ask for age proof at the entrance.
  3. Parents will be allowed along with the infant to have darshan.
  4. Siblings (Own brother or own sister below 12 years) for that kid are also allowed along with parents.
  5. No other friends or relatives are allowed along with the infant.
  6. Parents need to follow the compulsory dress code to enter from Supadam.
Tirumala Timings, Sevas and History – READ FULL ARTICLE

What is the dress code for parents carrying infants for darshan?

For this special darshan, dress code is compulsory for parents.

Men: Kurta-pajama, dhoti or White Pancha.
Women: Saree/ Punjabi Dress with Dupatta / Chudidar with Dupatta

What are the timings for infant darshan in Tirumala?

  • Special Entry Darshan is available for infant and his/her parents from 8:30 AM – 10:30 AM and 12 PM – 6 PM.
  • However, this darshan is not available during any seva time and festivals (like Kalyanostavam, Arjitha Brahmotsavam, Sahasra Deepalankarana Seva).

Where we can get the tickets for infant darshan in Tirumala?

  • Ticket is not required for infant and his /her parent’s entry via Supadam.
  • Supadam entry is free of cost for the infant (under 12 months), infant’s parents and siblings (below 12 years of age).
  • These privileged people can have darshan at Tirumala Tirupati Balaji Temple free of cost.

What is the entry point for infant darshan?

  1. Infants with their parents will get privileged darshan from Supadam entrance.
  2. Supadam special entrance is less crowded than the General queue. Only privileged people have access to this entrance.
  3. Supadam is located at 100-150 ft. away from Vaikuntham Queue Complex Entrance.
  4. There is no waiting time for infant darshan through Supadam.

Arunachalam Temple Guide – Timings, Poojas, and History

Arunachalam Temple is an important Shaivite temple dedicated to Lord Shiva. Located in Tiruvannamalai in Tamil Nadu, this temple belongs to the list of Pancha Bhoota Stalam (the five Shiva temples dedicated to the five elements of nature). The presiding deity is in the form of Agni Lingam (fire element).

In this guide, you will find out about Arunachalam Temple timings, history, poojas, significance and how to travel to Tiruvannamalai.

Arunachalam Temple – Facts

DeityAgni Lingam (Lord Shiva)
LocationTiruvannamalai, Tamil Nadu
SignificancePancha Bhoota Stalams
Entry FeeFree
Darshan Timings6:00 AM to 9:00 PM
PoojasKiruthigai Pooja
Best Time to VisitOctober to March
FestivalsShravan, Shivratri, Karthigai Deepam
Pancha Bhoota StalamsJambukeswarar Temple, Ekambareswarar Temple,
Chidambaram Nataraja, Srikalahasti Temple
Arunachalam Temple Video

Arulmigu Arunachaleswarar Temple and Annamalaiyar Temple are the other names of the temple.

What are the timings of Arunachalam Temple?

Here are the darshan timings of Arunachalam Temple:

RitualsFromTo
Morning Darshan5:00 AM12:30 PM
Evening Darshan3:30 PM9:30 PM
Gomatha Pooja5:30 AM6:00 AM
Afternoon Pooja11:00 AM11:30 AM
Arthajama Pooja9:00 PM9:30 PM

What are the poojas and sevas performed at Arunachalam Temple?

Poojas at Arunachalam Temple

Here’s the list of sevas and poojas at Arunachalam Temple:

Daily Poojas

TimingsFromTo
Gomatha Pooja5:30 AM6 AM
Ushakala Pooja6 AM6:30 AM
Early Sathi Pooja8:30 AM9 AM
Noon Pooja11 AM11:30 AM
Sayaratchai Pooja6 PM6:30 PM
2nd Kalam Pooja7:30 PM8:00 PM
Arthajama Pooja9 PM9:30 PM

Fortnightly Rituals

  • Pradosham

Monthly Rituals

  • Amavasya (new moon day)
  • Kiruthigai
  • Pournami (full moon day): Performing Girivalam on Pournami day is highly beneficial. Thousands of devotees perform Girivalam right from early morning to midnight.
  • Sathurthi

What is the significance of Tiruvannamalai Temple?

Arunachalam Lingam
The Lingam of the Arunachalam Temple is the Agni Lingam form of Lord Shiva.

The significance of the Arunachalam Temple is that it is the largest Shiva temple in India. Girivalam, or circumambulating the sacred hill is an important spiritual activity. The significance of this activity is that the walk relieves the devotee from his sins and the cycle of birth and rebirth.

The presiding deity is Annamalaiyar or Arunachaleswarar and his consort is Unnamalaiyar. Important Tamil literature such as Thevaram and Thiruvempavai by the Nayanars mention the Tiruvannamalai Arunachalam Temple.

This temple and temple town is considered to be rich in spiritual heritage. The area is concentrated with several ashrams and samadhis dedicated to saints and spiritual leaders from all over India. Devotees and followers from different nationalities have made this place their spiritual home.

The Tiruvannamalai Arunachalam Temple, sacred hill and surrounding areas are known to give off strong positive vibrations and even today some also claim to have sighted ancient Siddhas or holy men deep in meditation.

Tiruvannamalai Arunachalam Temple
Arunachalam Temple is also known as Tiruvannamalai.

Arunachalam Temple Giri Pradakshina

Arunachalam Temple Giri Pradakshina
Arunachalam Temple Giri Pradakshina

Devotees believe that Lord Shiva established himself as Jyotirlinga in the sacred hill behind the Tiruvannamalai temple. So they do Giri Pradkshina around the hill and pray to the god. Devotees cover a distance of nearly 14 km on barefoot and worship at the numerous temples, lingams and shrines that are present along the path.

You can do the Giri Pradakshina at any time on any day. The best time is to start around midnight and complete it by morning 4 am. At 4:30 am there is a special darshan in the temple where they let sacred cow through the temple doors. A lot of devotees also prefer to do giri pradakshina on Pournami (full moon day).

Arunachalam Temple Timings
The beautiful Arunachalam Temple complex lit up.

What is the history of Arunachalam Temple?

Arunachalam Temple History
The history of the Arunachalam Temple.

According to history, Goddess Parvati once playfully closed Lord Shiva’s eyes and the universe plunged into darkness. Realizing her mistake, she performed penance and Lord Shiva manifested himself as a column of fire atop a hill. The column became Agni Lingam and the hill became popular as Tiruvannamalai.

Another legend says that Lord Vishnu and Lord Brahma once competed against each other to decide who is the greatest. Then they requested Lord Shiva to be the judge. Lord Shiva set the challenge – the one who reaches his crown and feet first will be the winner. He then took the form of a long column of fire or the Agni Lingam.

Lord Vishnu immediately transformed himself into Varaha, the boar and started digging the depths of the earth to reach Lord Shiva’s feet. Meanwhile, Lord Brahma turned into a swan and flew towards the sky to reach Lord Shiva’s crown.

During the ascent, he saw a flower – the Thazhampu, fall from the crown. He then asked the flower how long he should fly to reach the crown. The flower replied that it had been falling for thousands of years and still hasn’t reached the ground.

Further, Lord Brahma conspires and manipulates the flower and takes it to Lord Shiva. Lord Brahma then claims that he has got the flower from Lord Shiva’s crown. But Lord Shiva sees through the lie and curses both Lord Brahma and the flower.

Ever since Lord Brahma has no temples dedicated to him, and people don’t use Thazhampu for worship. This story is in the Lingothbhava and Tiruvannamalai Arunachalam Temple murals.

The Tiruvannamalai Arunachalam Temple construction dates back to several thousand years. Chola Kings built the temple in the 9th century according to the inscriptions.

Arunachalam Temple Photos
Lovely Sky in the backdrop of Arunachalam Mandir.

What are the festivals celebrated at Arunachalam Temple?

Arunachalam Temple Karthigai Deepam
Arunachalam Temple Karthigai Deepam

Since Lord Shiva is in the form of Agni here, the festival of Karthigai Deepam celebrated in the Hindu month of Karthigai is of great importance. It’s a ten-day festival that falls between November and December and culminates in the lighting of the Mahadeepam on the Tiruvannamalai hill at sunset.

Also, crores of devotees flock to the temple each year on this date and donate offerings of tonnes of ghee and oil to light the magnificent lamp.

Chitra Pournami or the first full moon day of the Tamil Calendar is also an important festival day here. The five sacred temple cars carrying the deity are brought out in a procession on that day.

How to reach Arunachalam Temple?

Here’s how to reach Arunachalam Temple:

  • By Road: Many buses operate from Chennai and all important towns and cities in Tamil Nadu. Buses also operate from Bangalore and Tirupathi.
  • By Train: Arunachalam Temple nearest railway station is Tiruvannamalai. It is around 10 km from the temple.
  • By Flight: Chennai is the nearest airport and it lies around 185 kilometres away by road

Where to stay near Arunachalam Temple?

There are several ashrams and charitable endowments that provide lodging at a very nominal tariff. You can also find modern accommodation options near Arunachalam Temple in recent years. One should book the hotels in advance if you are planning on travelling during festivals or weekends.

Where to eat near Arunachalam Temple?

Most of the hotels that provide accommodation also have restaurant options. You can also find other standalone restaurants near the main bus stand and the temple. Always eat clean and neat food and make sure you are staying healthy. Drink only clean water and wash your hands thoroughly before eating.

What are some temples near Arunachalam Temple?

How to reach Arunachalam Temple
The city is full of beautiful little temples.

Eight lingams or Ashta Lingams, denoting the eight directions surround the temple. Devotees also cover the shrines of the eight lingams during the Girivalam. The eight lingams are South – Yama, West – Varuna, North – Kubera, and East – Indra and four intercardinal points, South East – Agni, South West – Niruthi, North West – Vayu and North East – Esanya.

  • Sri Ramanashramam: The ashram of Sri Ramana Maharishi, an Indian sage is one of the world-famous places of spiritual importance in Tiruvannamalai. The Ashram is also on the Girivalam path and devotees would usually visit the place to offer their prayers.
  • Seshadri Swamigal Ashram: Located close the Sri Ramanashramam, the Seshadri Swamigal Ashram was home to Seshadri Swami, a saint who came to Tiruvannamalai six years before Ramana Maharishi.
  • Yogi Ramsuratkumar Ashram: Yogi Ramsuratkumar was from UP near Kashi who travelled widely throughout India in search of spiritual enlightenment. His final stop was in Tiruvannamalai where he continued to bless his devotees until his death. His ashram is very close to the Arunachaleswarar Temple.

Frequently Asked Questions about Arunachalam Temple

Is the Arunachalam Temple open throughout the year?

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

What is the entry fee?

The entry to the Arunachalam 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 Chittoor starts from April and continue until June. The summers here can be very hot and humid. Temperatures during the daytime often go up to 42 º C.

What are winters like in Chittoor?

In Chittoor, winters start in October and continue until March. The temperatures during this time range from around 20 º C to 30 º C. The weather during this time is warm and pleasant.

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

Sringeri Temple Travel Guide

Sringeri Temple or Sringeri Sharada Peetham is located in Karnataka. It is the first of the four Ammaya Peetham established by Sri Adi Shankaracharya in 8th century. The word Amnaya Peetham means “Throne of the Veda”. The head of the Mutt is Jagadguru meaning “Teacher of the world”.

Here is everything you want to know about Sringeri Temple

  1. Sringeri Temple Timings and Dress Code
  2. Aksharabhyasam in Sringeri Temple
  3. List of all temples inside Sringeri
  4. Sringeri Temple History
  5. Sringeri Temple Sevas
  6. Festivals celebrated in Sringeri
  7. Sringeri Temple Accommodation
  8. How to Reach Sringeri Temple?
  9. Places to visit near Sringeri
Sringeri Temple Video

Trimbakeshwar Temple Timings, Poojas, and History

Trimbakeshwar Temple is located in Nasik, Maharashtra. It is a part of the holy Jyotirlinga pilgrimage. It is also one of the 5 Jyotirlingas in Maharashtra. Trimbakeshwar Temple is dedicated to a form of Lord Shiva and like all the Jyotirlingas, it is worshipped as Swayambhu. The temple is also the source of the holy river Godavari. Our guide explains Trimbakeshwar Darshan Timings, Importance, Poojas, History, How to Reach Trimbakeshwar and Best Time to Visit.

Planning to visit this temple? Have look at our Jyotirlinga in Maharashtra Tour Package.
Perform Rudrabhishek in Trimbakeshwar – Book Now.

Trimbakeshwar Temple
Trimbakeshwar Temple

Trimbakeshwar Temple – Facts

DeityLord Trimbakeshwar (Lord Shiva)
Location Nasik, Maharashtra
Tour5 Jyotirlingas in Maharashtra
SignificanceJyotirlinga
PoojasMaharudrabhishek, Narayan Nagbali
Best Time to VisitJune to August
FestivalsShravan Maas, Mahashivratri
https://youtu.be/DjBv-Ua8L10
Trimbakeshwar Temple Video

The Trimbakeshwar Temple is one of the 5 Jyotirlingas in Maharashtra. The other 4 Jyotirlingas are:

The 5 Jyotirlingas of Maharashtra

त्र्यंबकेश्वर मंदिर – Trimbakeshwar Temple in Hindi

What are the timings of Trimbakeshwar Temple?

Trimbakeshwar temple opens at 5:30 AM and closes at 9:00 PM. Rudrabhishek timings are from 7:00 AM to 8:30 AM. General darshan is allowed from a distance of 5 meters. Only men who perform special poojas are permitted to enter the inner sanctum.

The timings are as follows:

Darshan Timings5:30 AM – 9:00 PM
Rudrabhisek Timings7:00 AM – 8:30 AM
Special Pooja Timings7:00 AM, 1:00 PM, and 4:30 PM
Afternoon Pooja 1:00 PM – 1:30 PM
Shiva Golden Crown 4:30 PM – 5:00 PM

On every Monday of the month, a procession is carried out in a Palki, which carries the silver Panch Mukhi Mukhota from the Trimbakeshwar temple to the Kushavarta tank and back.

The devotees coming for general darshan do not have to follow a strict dress code. However, male devotees who opt for performing special poojas inside the sanctum should wear a white dhoti and a towel. The dress will be provided by the pundits if required.

What are the Poojas and Rituals at Trimbakeshwar Temple?

Poojas at Trimbakeshwar Temple
The Trimbakeshwar Temple is the only temple in the country where the Pitru-Dosh pooja is conducted.

Here’s the list of poojas and sevas at Trimbakeshwar temple:

  1. Kaalsarpa Pooja: The pooja is performed for people facing planetary disturbances in their life. The devotee should first take a bath in the holy Kushavarta and ask forgiveness for any sin that he committed knowingly or unknowingly. Donations like sesame, ghee, butter, milk, cow, gold and other such items are made to God. Devotees also worship Naag (cobra) in this pooja. Therefore, performing this pooja on the day of Naag Panchami is highly auspicious.
  2. Narayan Nagbali Pooja: This pooja removes the ancestral curses on the family also known as the Pitru-Dosh. It also calms down souls who had unfinished desires before they departed. The Nagbali Pooja further seeks forgiveness for killing a Naag (cobra). The priest creates an artificial body of wheat flour on which he performs all the rites for the dead. He then chants mantras that free the souls from the Earth. The pooja is unique to the Trimbakeshwar temple and lasts for three days. Pitru Paksha is a good time to perform this pooja.
  3. The Tripindi Shraddha Pooja: This pooja is for the departed, angry souls angry. It is also for problems like hurdles in childbirth, bad luck, ancestral Moksha, and for removing Gau Hatya dosha.
  4. Mahamrityunjaya Pooja: The Mahamritunjay Jaap is for long and healthy life and to get rid of prolonged sickness. This pooja is one of the most powerful methods of worshipping Lord Shiva.
  5. Rudrabhishek: This abhishek is performed with Panchamrit (Milk, Ghee, Honey, Curd, and Sugar) amongst the recital of several mantras and shlokas.

Poojas like the Ganga Pooja, Ganga Bhet, and Tarpan Shraddha are also performed at the Trimbakeshwar temple so that the souls of the ancestors can rest in peace.

What is the significance of Trimbakeshwar Temple?

The Linga present here is called as Trimbaka or Trayambaka. It is named so because it contains three Lingas (small thumb-sized) representing Brahma, Vishnu, and Mahesh. Some people also believe that it is because Lord Shiva has three eyes.

Trimbakehswar Shrine
The Linga of the Trimbakeshwar Temple consists of three heads and is covered with silver.

The Trimbakeshwar temple is the only Jyotirlinga where the actual Linga is present in a depression or a cavity.

Devotees also believe that the eyes of the three Lingas are representations of Sun, Moon, and Fire each facing in different directions. It is said that the one who worships this Linga, worships all the three Gods at once and attains salvation.

The three Lingas of Brahma, Vishnu and Shiva are usually covered with a silver crown depicting their faces. However, on special occasions like Mahashivaratri, Karthik Purnima and Dussehra, a golden crown studded with diamonds and rubies is kept over the three Lingas. It is believed that the Peshwas donated the crown to the temple and that the crown actually belonged to the Pandavas.

Other significant mentions:

The famous saint Sri Nivruttinath, who initiated the Nath community attained his Samadhi here at Trimbakeshwar. A temple dedicated to his mass knowledge of Shastras can be visited here.

As per the Skanda Puran, Padma Puran and the Dharma Sindhu, the unique ceremony of Narayan Nagbali (to remove Pitru Dosh) can only be performed at the Trimbakeshwar temple in India.

The beautiful and popular Nassak Diamond often counted among the 24 great diamonds in world history has its origin in the temple of Trimbakeshwar. The British East India Company captured the diamond and sold it to jewelers in Britain. It has changed hands since and is currently a property of Edward J. Hand from Connecticut.

A dip in the Kushavarta pond, the source of River Godavari is believed to wipe off sins from human’s life. The pond is the starting point for Kumbh Mela, which takes place every twelve years. The venue of Kumbh Mela rotates among the four holy cities of Haridwar, Allahabad, Nasik, and Ujjain. In Nasik, the Kumbh Mela is called the Simhastha Kumbh Mela.

According to the legend, Nasik is one of the places where Lord Vishnu dropped four drops of Amrit that he was carrying in a Kumbh (pot). Hence, taking a dip in these places is considered extremely sacred and spiritual.

The Kushvarta Kund
A dip in the Kushavarta pond is believed to wash away the sins of the devotees.

What is the history of Trimbakeshwar Temple?

The history of the Trimbakeshwar temple relates to a legend of Rishi Gautam. According to beliefs, the land was a Tapobhoomi in the Satya Yuga, when many Rishis and Munis (Sages) lived here, including Gautam Rishi.  He lived at Trimbak with his wife Ahilya.

Once, there was a massive drought and the world was suffering from the lack of water. Gautam Rishi offered prayers to God Varuna (God of water). God Varuna accepted his prayers and offered him a tank that provided a never-ending supply of water. Using this water, the Rishi grew agricultural crops like rice, wheat, and other vegetables. Then he fed them to the other Rishis residing there.

After a period of time, some of the other Rishis grew jealous and wanted to interrupt Gautam Rishi. So, they prayed to Lord Ganesha asking him to send a cow to the Rishi’s field which would later die. However, Lord Ganesha warned the Rishis that this will not end well for them. But he still sent a cow into the field. Gautam Rishi saw it and then threw the Darbha grass to frighten it. But the cow died on the field.

Gautam Rishi and his wife Ahilya did penance to Lord Shiva. Shiva, happy with their devotion, ordered Ganga to come down to the Earth.

The River Ganga flowed down on Earth from the Brahmagiri hill and Gautam Rishi trapped it in a Kund (pond) called Kushavarta in the present day. He took a bath in it for purification. The River was Dakshin Ganga and is now famous as Godavari and Gauthami.

Then Gautam Rishi along with other Gods and the Godavari requested Lord Shiva to take abode here. Lord Shiva acknowledged them and turned into a Linga to stay there.

The Maratha ruler Nana Saheb Peshwa constructed the current Trimbakeshwar temple in the 18th century. Later, Shreemant Rao Saheb extended the Trimbakeshwar temple around the Kushavarta Kund and improved the approach to the tank.

Trimbakeshwar Temple History
The Trimbakeshwar Temple was built in the 18th century.

Lingodbhava Formation

Devotees believe that after Lord Brahma lied to Lord Shiva on finding the end of the endless pillar of fire emanating from Lord Shiva, He cursed Lord Brahma that devotees will not worship him. This angered Lord Brahma and in turn, he cursed Lord Shiva. This pushed Lord Shiva under the ground. As a result, Lord Shiva’s Linga in Trimbakeshwar is under the ground level.

What are the festivals celebrated at Trimbakehswar Temple?

Festivals at Trimbakeshwar
There are several festivals celebrated at Trimbakeshwar, such as the Kumbha Mela.

How to reach Trimbakeshwar Temple?

Here’s how to reach Trimbakeshwar Temple:

  • Road: Buses are connecting from Aurangabad, Mumbai, Pune, Nagpur, and other nearby cities of Maharashtra.
  • Rail: The nearest stations Nasik is 29.5 km from the temple.
  • Air: The nearest airport is in Nasik which is 54 km from Trimbakeshwar.

Where to stay nearby?

The Tourism Development Corporation (MTDC) Holiday Resort offers a variety of rooms ranging from standard, AC, and Non AC. The town is host to a variety of small private hotels and lodges — also, Nasik city, is just 25 km away from the Trimbakeshwar Temple. One can stay there too.

Where to eat near the temple?

A few small vegetarian restaurants serve good quality food at reasonable rates. One must not consume alcohol near the Trimbakeshwar temple premises. The town does not serve non-vegetarian food. The cuisine mainly includes traditional Maharashtrian as well as North Indian and South Indian dishes.

What are some temples nearby?

Explore Nasik
There are several temples near the holy Trimbakeshwar. One such temple is the Kedareshwar.

Some temples near Trimbakeshwar temple are:

  • Kedareshwar Temple: The temple is on the South-East corner of the Kushavarta pond. The presiding deity is Sri Kedareshwar, a form of Lord Shiva who appeared as Kedarbhatta and forgave the sins of Saint Gauthama. People believe that dead human bones disappear from the Temple.
  • Nivruttinath Temple: The Sage Nivruttinath, who started the Nath community and had immense knowledge of the Shastras, took Samadhi here. The temple is dedicated to him and is near Gangadwar.
  • Kushavarta: The holy pond is just 5 minutes from the Trimbakeshwar temple. This is the place where River Dakshin Ganga (Godavari) collects and distributes itself to the rest of India. The pond is the starting point for Kumbh Mela that occurs every twelve years. As per the Government rules, the Sadhus who follow Vaishnavism take a bath in the Godavari at Ram Kund and those who follow Shaivism take a dip in this pond.
  • Shri Nilambika Temple /Dattatreya Temple: The temple is at the top of the Neel Parbat peak on the eastern side of the Brahmagiri hill. Devotees believe that all the three Goddesses Parvati, Renuka (Lakshmi) and Manananba (Saraswati) came to visit during his penance. After the penance, he requested them to stay at the place.
  • Anjaneri Temple: The temple is for Lord Anjaneya or Lord Hanuman. According to beliefs, the hill is the birthplace of Lord Hanuman.

Besides these temples, there are several holy places of importance near the Trimbakeshwar temple. Some of them are:

  • The Brahmagiri Hill: The hill is the origin of River Godavari, which flows from the hill on three sides. The east-flowing stream is the Godavari. The one to the south is Vaitarna and the one facing west is Ganga. One has to climb 500 steps to reach the peak. The five peaks of this mountain are Sadyo-Jata, Vamdev, Aghora, Ishana, and Tat-Purusha.
  • The Indra Teertha: This teertha is in the east of the Kushavarta Kund. Devotees believe that Lord Indra took bath in this tank to wipe off the curse given by Rishi Gautam for misbehaving with the Rishi’s wife, Ahilya. A temple for Lord Indra depicts Indra sitting on an Airavat, the elephant.
  • Ahilya Sangam Teertha: Legend says that during the deep penance performed by Rishi Gautam, a friend of Ganga. by the name of Jatila, took the form of Ahilya, his wife. But Rishi Gautam recognized the imposter and cursed her that she will turn into a river. However, Jatila begged for forgiveness. Then Saint Gautam said that the curse will lift only when she joins the River Godavari. The Ahilya Sangam Teertha is the place where the river of Jatila joins the River Godavari.

Some other famous temples in Maharashtra are:

Frequently Asked Questions about Trimbakeshwar Temple

How much time does it take for darshan in Trimbakeshwar?

You can complete the darshan within 15-20 minutes if you reach early in the morning. It might take 40-60 minutes in the afternoon and longer in the evenings. The time also depends on the days on which you are going to visit. Generally, it takes longer in the weekends as compared to the weekdays.

What is Trimbakeshwar famous for?

Trimbakeshwar is the only Jyotirlinga which has three shrines. Here Brahma, Vishnu, and Shiva’s shrines are available in the temple. This place is the origin of the river Godavari. The place is also famous for its scenic beauty in monsoon season. Amidst nature, untouched natural beauty surrounds Trimbakeshwar.

Where is Trimbakeshwar in India?

Trimbakeshwar is situated in the Trimbakeshwar tehsil. It is an ancient Hindu temple in the town of Trimbak. It is in the Nashik District in the Indian state of Maharashtra. 28 KM from the city of Nashik. It is 40 KM from Nashik Road.

How many Jyotirlinga are there in India?

There are a total of 12 Jyotirlingas in India. These Jyotirlingas are considered holy and sacred. A Jyotirlinga is the devotional representation of Lord Shiva. It is a symbol of power and purity. It is believed that these 12 jyotirlingas are ‘Swayambhu’ or self-manifested. Lord Shiva manifested himself in these places for his devotees.

How can I go to Trimbakeshwar from Nashik?

You can visit Trimbakeshwar via roadways. Trimbakeshwar is 28 KM from the city of Nashik. You can opt for a bus or a taxi service. It will take approximately 40-50 minutes to reach there. There are many buses on this route. One can travel by the MSRTC bus which is available from CBS (Central bus stop).

Who constructed the Trimbakeshwar temple?

Peshwa Nana Saheb built the Trimbakeshwar temple in the 18th century. Tryambakeshwar is an ancient Hindu temple in the town of Trimbak. It is situated in the Trimbakeshwar. It is the source of the Godavari River, the longest river in peninsular India.

How can I go to Shirdi from Trimbakeshwar?

You can reach via roadways. It is 118 km far from the sacred town of Shirdi. You can also opt for bus service or taxis to reach Trimbakeshwar. Yet, the best way to travel from Shirdi to Trimbakeshwar is by roadways. It is a journey of almost 2 hours 21 minutes.

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

Mantralayam Temple Timings, History, Sevas and Poojas

Mantralayam Temple is dedicated to Sri Raghavendra Swamy and treasures the memorial of the famous Vaishnava saint, Sri Raghavendra. It is located in Andhra Pradesh. In this guide you will find out about Mantralayam temple timings, history, poojas list, significance and how to travel to Mantralayam.

Mantralayam Temple – Facts

DeityShri Raghavendra
LocationMantralayam, Andhra Pradesh
Entry FeesGeneral Darshan – Free
Best Time to VisitAugust to March
PoojasAnnadanam, Vastra Samarpana
FestivalsMaharathostavam, Aradhanostavam

What are the timings of Mantralayam Temple?

Everyday at 6:00 am the cleansing of Raghavendra Brindavan takes place with holy water. During the Mangala Aarti anointment and adornment with precious jewels and clothes are done. The general timing of the temple is from 6 am to 8 pm. Here are the timings of Mantralayam Temple:

Ritual Timings
Morning Darshan 6:00 am to 2:00 pm
Evening Darshan 4:00 pm to 9:00 pm
Tirtha Prasada (Food) 1:00 pm to 3:00 pm
Swamiji Darshan 6:30 pm to 8:30 pm
Seva Sankalpa 8:00 am to 9:00 am
  • Mahapooja to Moola Rama, Mukhyaprana and Brindavana is performed at noon.
  • Mantrashakta is performed from 10 am to 11:30 am.

Mantralayam Temple Food Timings

Meals are served at a large dining space at the left of the sanctum. At night, devotees can purchase Prasad (puliogare and pongal) from the mutt counter, which is known as Annadaata.

Tirtha Prasad (Lunch)1 pm to 3 pm
Dinner (Sandhya Bhoga – Occasionally)After 8 pm

Mantralayam Temple History

Sri Raghavendra Swamy | Mantralayam Temple

Mantralayam Temple of Andhra Pradesh is dedicated to Sri Guru Raghavendra Swamy, who lived during the 16th century

Sri Raghavendra Swamy is considered as an incarnation of Prahlad, a devotee of Lord Vishnu.

Raghavendra Swamy was a devotee of Sri Moola Rama and Sri Panchamukhi Mukhya Prana Devaru. It is believed that the five faced Hanuman gave darshan to the saint while he was performing penance at a place called Panchamukhi.

The teachings of this great saint are based on the Vaishnava cult, Dvaita philosophy and preaching of Madhvacharya.

Before becoming a saint, Sri Raghavendra was a family man with a wife and a son. On the day of his transformation, his wife wished to see him for the last time and hence came running to the mutt. But in her hurry, she felt in an abandoned well and died.

As it was an untimely death of her with the desire unfulfilled, she became a ghost and came to visit the saint in the mutt. Sri Raghavendra Swamy sensed her presence and sprinkled holy water, relieving her from the cycles of birth and death.

Sri Raghavendra is believed to have done many miracles in his lifetime.

Significance of Mantralayam Temple

Mantralayam Raghavendra Swamy Temple is not only a memorial of the saint but also worships Lord Hari, Vayu and Rayaru.

Mantralayam Raghavendra Swamy Temple houses three spectacular chariots, made with sandalwood and adorned with fresh and bright flowers.

Every day the deities are placed on the chariots and a wonderful procession round the temple takes place.

Mantralayam Temple Dress Code

As per the Mantralayam temple dress code, men should wear dhoti and no shirt (only Angavastram). Women devotees should wear a sari or salwar kameez. Devotees will not be allowed to enter the Mantralayam temple wearing informal attire like jeans, shorts or T-shirts.

To maintain the tranquility, devotees are expected to speak in a low voice and walk in queues. Some other guidelines which are followed at this Mantralayam temple are:

  • Devotees are suggested not to wear headgears, cooling glasses.
  • Men are requested to remove their shirt and hold it in their hands while paying the visit to Rayaru, while women are expected to be in traditional wear, like the sari.
  • Outside eatables are not permitted within the temple complex.
  • Last but not the least; devotees are expected to bath in the holy waters of River Tungabhadra (wetting their hair) before offering puja at the temple.

Festivals celebrated at Temple

Mantralayam Temple celebrates various kinds of festivals throughout the year. Devotees can offer various kinds of seva to fulfil the good wishes and for the well-being of the family members.

  • The Maharathostavam, also known as the car festival is celebrated with great pomp and glamour at Mantralayam Raghavendra Swamy Temple.
  • Sri Guru Raghavendra Swamy Aradhanostavam is another famous festival of the shrine.
  • The Dhanurmasa month is of great significance at the Raghavendra Swamy Temple. Besides regular worship and rituals, special events like Tulasi Archana and Hastodaka, Rathotsava and Maha Mangal aarti takes place during this month.
  • Devotees can request for special seva or endowments. There are lifetime seva or endowments which take place on holy days and again every year after the seva; the fund for the seva is raised from the fixed deposit of the seva that the devotee deposits the first time.
  • These special endowment worships are not performed on Ekadasi, Grahana or Eclipse days and on Sri Krishna Janmasthami.
  • Devotees can also offer seva without visiting Mantralayam Temple personally. They can send cheques and drafts for the seva and the same shall be performed on behalf of the devotees.

Mantralayam Sevas and Poojas

Besides the special endowments, there are regular worships done at Mantralayam Raghavendra Swamy Temple.

  • Regular worship of Sri Moola Ramadevara is done if HH Sri Swamiji is present at Mantralayam Temple.
  • Among the daily seva, the Dinaika Sampoorna Annadana Seva refers to the food endowment that a devotee can opt for. He or she can pay a fixed amount and the prasada for the day will be funded with that amount.
  • The Vastra Samarpana Seva refers to the gifting of clothes to the needy.
  • The Sankalpa Seva refers to taking an oath and spending the life as per the oath. Held every day between Sankalpa Seva requires utensils for performing Achamana, a small plate, a whole coconut, a coconut to be offered as a symbol and change as dakshina.
  • Bangaru Pallaki Seva, the Golden Chariot Seva, Kanaka Kavacha Seva, Rajata Rathotsava, Kanak Maha Pooja, Suprabhat Seva, Tulabhara Seva, Archana are some of the other seva that can be performed at the Raghavendra Swamy Temple.
Mantralayam Temple | Poojas & Rituals

How to reach

  • By Air: The air base at Hyderabad is the nearest airport to the temple. It is 236 kms from Mantralayam. After disembarking the flight, you can rent cabs or board buses to reach the temple.
  • By Train: The nearest railway station to the Raghavendra Swamy Temple is the Mantralayam Road. This railway station is about 12 kms from Mantralaya. Some of the local trains that can take you to the temple are the Dadar Madras Mail and the Bombay Mail. The Udayan Express from Bangalore also stops at Mantralaya. Mantralaya lies on the railway route of Mumbai-Chennai, Delhi-Bangalore, Hyderabad-Tirupathi. It is an hour journey from the station to Mantralayam Temple. There are private cabs, auto rickshaws, buses and vans available at the station which can take the pilgrims directly to the shrine.
  • By Road: There are regular bus service from the major South Indian cities, like Bangalore, Mangalore, Chennai, Mysore, Hyderabad, Tirupati and Bellary. Mantralaya is located at 595 kms from Chennai and 690 kms from Mumbai.

Mantralayam Temple Accommodation

The best place to stay at Mantralayam is at the guest houses of the Devasthanam (temple authorities). There are 100 guest rooms, some of which are also air-conditioned. Pilgrims who come for offering sevas can also get accommodations in separate cottages. The guest rooms can be booked at the central booking counter, located at the road junction.

Where to eat

There are several vegetarian food joints available near the Raghavendra Swamy Temple. While the Gulbarga Brothers, Brahmins Tiffin Center and Sri Udipi Krishna serves tasty lunch, the SR Tiffins attracts the fast food lovers. Hotel Pannaga is also well known for its cleanliness and food.

Nearby Temples

After a visit to the Raghavendra Swamy Temple, you may checkout the below-mentioned shrines to deep dive into the glorious past of India.

  • Nava Brindavan is another sanctum of Raghavendra Swamy. Located in the middle of River Tungabhadra, the place is sacred with 9 (Nava) Vrindavans at the same place. The 9 Vrindavans are, Sri Padmanabha Teertharu, Sri Kaveendra Teertharu, Sri Vageesha Teertharu, Sri Jaya Teertharu, Sri Vyasa Teertharu, Sri Srinivasa Teertharu, Sri Rama Teertharu, Sri Govinda Vodeyar and Sri Sudheendra Teertharu.
  • Panchamukhi Temple of Raichur is another famous temple located near Mantralaya. Located at 20 kms from the Sri Raghavendra Swamy Temple, it is believed that Sri Guru Raghavendra meditated here for 12 years and Lord Panchamukha (five-faced Lord Hanumana) appeared to him here.
  • There is also a unique rock formation found at Raichur. This rock formation is in the form of a helicopter.
  • Bichali, the Sri Raghavendra Swamy Mritika Brindavana is located at 22 kms from the temple.
  • Kallaru is the pilgrimage of the sanctum of Sri Mahalakshmi. It is located at 62 kms from the temple.
  • Manvi, the Sri Jagannathadasara Sannidhi is located at 90 kms.
  • Chikalaparvi, the birth place of Sri Vijayadasara is located at 105 kms.
  • Mudumale, the temple of Sri Yadaveendra Teertharu is at 100 kms.
  • Dharoor, the pilgrimage of Sri Parthasarthi Sannidhi is located at 75 kms.
  • Chintraveli, the pilgrimage of Sri Pranadevaru Sannidhi is at 110 kms.
  • Gadwal, dedicated to Sri Chenna keshava Sannidhi is at 90 kms from the Raghavendra Swamy Temple.
  • Modalakallu, the Sri Swayabhu Venkateshawara Sannidhi is at 65 kms.
  • Sankapura, dedicated to Sri Gopala dasara Sannidhi is at 50 km distance.
  • Utthanuru, the birth place of Sri Gopala dasarais at 45 km.
  • Venisomapura, deciated to Sri Vyasatatvagna Teerthara Sannidhi is located at 75 km.
  • Alampur, the Nava Brahma temple is at 105 km.

Hence, a visit to the Raghavendra Swamy Temple is a journey to the holy land. If you want to participate in the major festivals, August to September is the best time; else August to March is good for praying in solitude. Besides visiting the temple, you can also enjoy a pleasant cruise over the River Tungabhadra in unique boats, known as coracles or putti.

Mantralayam Temple FAQs

Who is the Guru of Raghuvendra Swamy?

Sudhindra Tirtha is the Gurudeva of Raghuvendra Swamy.

What makes Mantralayam special?

Mantralayam  is a pilgrim village located in Kurnool district , Andhra Pradesh, India. Lying on banks of Tungabhadra River on the border of Karnataka state, it is considered to be a sacred place.

Why is Mantralaym so famous?

It is famous for the holy presence of Vrindavana (sacred burial) of Guru Raghavendra Swamy who was a Madhwa saint and follower of Sri Madhwacharya. The town got renamed as Mantralaya because of the beautiful mantras which poured from the holy mind of Raghavendra Swamy.

Puri Jagannath Temple Guide – Timings, Poojas, and History

Puri Jagannath Temple is a Vaishnavite Pilgrimage site located in Puri, Odisha. Lord Vishnu is worshipped here. It is part of the holy Char Dham Yatra. Our guide explains Puri Jagannath temple timings, history, poojas list, significance and how to travel to Puri Jagannath.

Planning to visit this temple? Have look at our Bhubaneswar Puri Konark Temple Tour.

Puri Jagannath Temple remains open daily between 05:00 am to 11:30 pm. There is an afternoon break in darshan from 01:00 pm to 04:00 pm. Prasadam timings of the temple are from 11:00 am to 01:00 pm. Required Time: 1 to 2 hours.

Puri Jagannath Temple – Facts

DeityLord Jagannath (Lord Vishnu)
LocationPuri, Orissa
ToursBhubaneswar Puri Konark Temple Tour
Dress CodeMen: Formal dress. Women: Saree or Salwar
Entry FeeFree
Darshan Timings5:00 AM to 11:30 PM
PoojasGopala Ballava Pooja, Sahanamela
Best Time to VisitOctober to February
FestivalsRath Yatra
Puri Jagannath Temple, Orissa.

Puri Jagannath Temple Timings

Puri Jagannath Temple remains open daily between 05:00 am to 11:30 pm. There is an afternoon break in darshan from 01:00 pm to 04:00 pm. Prasadam timings of the temple are from 11:00 am to 01:00 pm. Required Time: 1 to 2 hours.

The timings of the Puri Jagannath Temple are as follows:

Day Timing
Monday 5:00 am – 1:00 pm
4:00 pm – 11:30 pm
Tuesday 5:00 am – 1:00 pm
4:00 pm – 11:30 pm
Wednesday 5:00 am – 1:00 pm
4:00 pm – 11:30 pm
Thursday 5:00 am – 1:00 pm
4:00 pm – 11:30 pm
Friday 5:00 am – 1:00 pm
4:00 pm – 11:30 pm
Saturday 5:00 am – 1:00 pm
4:00 pm – 11:30 pm
Sunday 5:00 am – 1:00 pm
4:00 pm – 11:30 pm
Rituals Timings
Darshan5:00 AM – 11:30 PM
Morning Darshan5:00 AM – 1:00 PM
Afternoon Break (Temple closed)1:00 PM – 4:00 PM
Evening Darshan4:00 PM – 11:30 PM
Prasadam11:00 AM – 1:00 PM
Mangala Aarti5:00 AM – 6:00 AM
Mailam6:00 AM – 6:30 AM
Sahanamela7:00 AM – 8:00 AM
Sandhya Dhupa7:00 PM – 8:00 PM

Puri Jagannath Temple Flag Changing Time

Puri Jagannath Temple flag changing happens at 6 PM during summers and at 5 PM during winters. Every day, a new flag is tied to the wheel on the top of the temple for the devotees to witness.

Puri Jagannath Temple Dress Code

As per the Jagannath Temple dress code, men should wear formal pants and shirt. Women devotees should wear a sari or salwar kameez. Devotees will not be allowed to enter the Puri Jagannath temple wearing informal attire like jeans, shorts or T-shirts.

What is the significance of the Puri Jagannath temple?

The significance of Puri Jagannath temple lies in its idol. Unlike most idols located in other parts of the country, which are usually made of stone or metal, the idol of Lord Jagannath is made of wood. It is a popular belief that Goddess Mahalakshmi herself supervises cooking in the temple’s kitchen.

A ritual unique to the Puri Jagannath temple is the Nabakalebara process. A Neem tree is selected, cut, and an exact replica of the original idols are made out of it. Then the old idols are buried under a place called Koili Vaikuntha.

In ancient times, the Puri Jagannath temple was iconic as it gave equal importance to Vaisnavism (devotees of Vishnu), Saktism (devotees of Bhadra Kali) as well as Saivism (devotees of Shiva). Lord Jagannath represents Lord Vishnu, Balabhadra is Lord Shiva while Subhadra represents Goddess Durga.

The Shrine of Jagannath Temple
The shrine consists of Lord Balabhadra, Goddess Subhadra and Lord Jagannath, respectively.

What is the history of the Puri Jagannath Temple?

The history of Puri Jagannath dates back to many centuries. The copper plates of the Puri Jagannath Temple which were discovered belongs to the Ganga Dynasty which was then under the rule of Anantavarman Chodaganga Dev of Kalinga. In 1174E, the King Ananga Bhima Dev built the Puri Jagannath temple in its present form.

According to a story,  King Indradyumna of the Malwa had a dream that one can see Lord Vishnu in his true form in Utkala (ancient name of Orissa).

He appointed a person named Vidyapati to search for this form. Vidyapati came upon the tribal community and found out about the worshipping of the Nila Madhava and he married the daughter of the chief of the tribe. The tribals showed him the way to the place housing the Nila Madhava.

Vidyapati informed the king about the place of worship but when the King went there by himself, the Nila Madhava disappeared. Lord Vishnu, taking pity, issued a divine message to him that he should go to the shores of Puri and create the image of Lord Jagannath from a log of wood that will be floating on the waves.

Lord Vishnu appeared as a carpenter and asked to leave him undisturbed for 21 days in a room so that he could prepare the image. However, on the insistence of the Queen, the room was opened early and only the unfinished images of the three gods and the Sudarsana Chakra were present.

What is the architecture of this temple?

Puri Jagannath Architecture
The temple complex is divided into four parts.

The temple is dedicated to Lord Jagannath, Balabhadra and Subhadra. Further, it has four areas – Vimana (Sanctum), Jagamohan (Porch), Natamandir (Audience Hall) and Bhogamandap. The Vimana was once popular as the tallest structure in ancient India. On the walls, several murals depict the life of Lord Krishna.

What are the sevas and poojas performed at Puri Jagannath Temple?

The sevas and poojas performed at this temple are:

  1. Abakash: During this ritual, the astrologer of the temple announces the specific time for the day’s rituals. Also, during this time, other activities are performed such as bathing as well as brushing the teeth of the deity.
  2. Mailam: Every day, at 6 AM in the morning, the temple priests change the dresses and ornaments of the deities of the temple.
  3. Sahanamela: Pilgrims can enter the inner sanctum to have a darshan. This takes place between 7:00 AM to 8:00 AM.
  4. Gopala Ballava Pooja: Priests offer breakfast to the deities. They offer sweet popcorn (Khai), coconut sweets, ripe banana, curd, and chipped coconuts. They also perform pooja in a brief manner with Pancha Upachar only.
  5. Sakala Dhupa: Three pundits sit in front of the three deities and worships each one of them. Then they offer bhog. Puri Jagannath Temple Administration bears the cost of the rituals.
  6. Sandhya Dhupa: The aarti takes place between 7:00 PM to 8:00 PM.

What are the festivals celebrated here?

The Rath Yatra
The Puri Jagannath Rath Yatra is the world’s oldest rath yatra and is celebrated every year.

Here’s a list of festivals celebrated here:

  • Chandan Yatra: On Akshaya Tritiya, in the month of Vaisakha, devotees take the representative images of Lord Jagannath to a famous tank, Narendra Pokhari and immerse it.
  • Snana Yatra: This is the first time in a year when devotees take the deities out of the sanctum and place them on the Snana Vedi. Moreover, they dress Jagannath and Balabhadra like Lord Ganesha with an elephant head on top. They also bathe the idols with 108 buckets of water.
  • Rath Yatra: The Rath Yatra takes place in June-July every year. Devotees take the three deities to the Gundicha temple on three individual huge and magnificent raths. After 9 days, they bring back the deities to the temple in the same way. The return journey is popular as Bahuda Yatra. The three chariots are named Nandighosa for Jagannath,  Taladhvaja for Balabhadra and Devadalana for Subhadra.
  • Makara Sankranthi: This festival occurs in the Hindu month of Pausa. The day signifies the rich harvest of the agricultural produce. Prayers are given and varieties of food are also kept in front of the deities for them to bless it.

How to reach Puri Jagannath Temple?

Here’s how to reach Puri:

  • Air – The nearest airport is Bhubaneshwar which is 53 km away.
  • Train – Puri is well connected by rail. Direct trains are operated from major cities like Kolkata, Delhi, and Mumbai.
  • Road – The state buses are available in plenty from stations like Bhubaneshwar, Vizag, Konark, and Chilka.

Where to stay near Puri?

The Jagannath Temple Administration maintains two guest houses by the names of Shri Gundicha Bhakta Nivas and the Nilachal Bhakta Yatri Nivas.  One can book rooms online by visiting the site.

Private 3-star and 5-star hotels are also available in plenty for the pilgrims throughout the city of Puri.

What are some of the temples nearby?

Explore Puri
Thousands of people come to witness the famous Puri beach festival which takes place in November.

Some of the temples near Puri Jagannath are:

  • Sakshi Gopal Temple: The temple is dedicated to Lord Krishna and Radha. Amla Navami is the main festival celebrated here. The temple is located 17 km away from the Puri Highway.
  • Vimala Temple: It is located inside the Puri Jagannath temple complex. Moreover, Goddess Vimala is the consort of Jagannath and a guardian of the temple complex. Devotees pay respects to Vimala before the worship of Jagannath in the main temple. Moreover, food becomes prasad only when devotees offer it to Vimala too.  
  • Gundicha Temple: It is located 3 km away from the Jagannath temple. It is the destination of the chariots during the Rath Yatra. Further, the three deities are kept here for 7 days during the Rath Yatra.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is the Puri Jagannath Temple open throughout the year?

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

What is the entry fee?

The entry to the Puri Jagannath 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.

Which is the best time to visit the Puri Jagannath Temple?

October to February is when winter starts in Orissa. The weather is pleasant, making it an ideal time to visit the temple.

What is the weather like during the summers?

The summers at Orissa starts from March and continues until May. The summers here can be very hot and humid. Temperatures during the daytime often go up to 45 º C.

What are winters like in Orissa?

In Orissa, winters start in October and continues until January. The temperatures during this time range from around 16 º C to 30 º C.

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

Kukke Subramanya Temple Guide – Timings, Poojas, and History

Kukke Subramanya Temple, one of the seven Mukti Sthalas of Karnataka, is dedicated to Lord Subrahmanya. It is most famous for the Sarpa Samskara Pooja performed to get rid of Kala Sarpa Dosha. Also, the main idol of the temple shows Lord Subramanya standing above the Serpents, Vasuki and Shesha.

Kukke Subramanya Temple – Facts

DeityLord Subramanya (Lord Karthikeya)
LocationSubramanya, Karnataka
Entry FeeFree
Best Time to Visit October to March
Darshan Timings6:00 AM to 8:00 PM
PoojasSarpa Samskara Pooja, Ashlesha Bali
FestivalsUgadi, Ratholsavam, Mahashivratri
Kukke Subramanya Temple Video

The Kukke Subramanya Temple main entrance faces west. The pilgrims have to go around the sanctum to reach its entrance in the east. Also, the Garuda pillar is present between the sanctum and the portico entrance.

The official website of the Kukke Subramanya Temple is:
https://www.kukke.org/en/home.aspx

What are the timings of the Kukke Subramanya Temple?

The Kukke Subramanya Temple remains open daily between 06:00 AM to 08:00 PM. There is an afternoon break in the darshan from 01:30 PM to 03:00 PM. During this time, the devotees can take part in various poojas and sevas. Prasadam timings of the temple are from 12:30 pm to 01:30 pm.

Here are the timings of Kukke Subramanya Temple:

RitualFromTo
Morning Darshan6:00 AM1:30 PM
Evening Darshan3:00 PM8:00 PM
Ushakala Pooja and Go-Pooja5:30 AM6:00 AM
Noon Pooja10:00 AM12:15 PM
Theertha Prasada12:30 PM1:30 PM
Anna Santharpane (Annadanam)11:30 AM2:00 PM
Hannukai Seva3:30 PM6:00 PM
Nisha Pooja6:00 PM7:45 PM

What are the poojas and sevas performed at Kukke Subramanya Temple?

Kukke-Subramanya-Pooja
  • Ashlesha Bali: It takes place at the Kukke Subramanya Temple in two slots – one at 7:00 AM and the other at 9:15 AM. Devotees also believe that the months of Shravan (June-July), Karthikai (November) and the Margashira are the most auspicious months to perform the pooja.
  • Nagaprathishtha: This pooja relieves one from the curse of the Sarpa Dosha. It takes place in the Nagaprathishtha Mandapam in the outer quadrangle of the Kukke Subramanya Temple. The pooja can also take place on all days except on Ekadashi and fasting days.
  • Mahapooja: All the poojas and rituals of the day take place for God on behalf of the devotee’s name.
  • Panchamritha Abhishekam: The priests bathe the idol of God with the five Amrits (Panch Amrit) which are Milk, Ghee, Honey, Curd, and Sugar.
  • Karthik Pooja: A special pooja, complete with the recital of hymns from the Karthik Purana and Lamp offerings, are done there for the God on behalf of the devotee.
  • Sahasra Namarchana: The archana takes place by reciting His thousand names and praising him on behalf of the devotee.
  • Satyanarayana Pooja: The pooja is for Lord Vishnu. It can take place on any day but it is extremely auspicious if one performs it on the eve of Chithra Pournami. This pooja also helps devotees attain peace, prosperity. It also removes obstacles and makes them free from negative thoughts. The pooja usually begins with Ganapathi Pooja and then the Navagraha Pooja.
  • Besides these Sevas, one can also perform the Thulabharam Seva, Ear piercing, Choula (mundan), Nandadeepa for one month, Panchakkajaya, Naamkarana, and Vehicle Pooja.

Sarpa Samskara for Kalasarpa Dosha

The Sarpa Samskara Pooja is performed by the people who have Sarpa Dosha in their fortune. The Sarpadosha is a curse affecting a person who has knowingly or unknowingly harmed a Sarpa (snake or a serpent) in this birth or in the previous births.

Devotees believe that by performing poojas like the Sarpadosha and the Ashlesha Bali, one can relieve himself from the ill-effects of this curse. In the temple, the seva requires the devotee to stay for 2 days. In one seva, a maximum number of 4 persons can attend the pooja. The seva can take place on all days except Dasami, fasting days like the Ekadasis, Grahan, Shivaratri and during the temple festival.

What is the significance of the Kukke Subramanya Temple?

Kukke-Subramnaya-Sarp-Dosh

The significance of the Kukke Subramanya is that it is among the seven Mukti Sthalas in Karnataka. The other six are Udupi, Kollur, Kumbhashi, Kodeshwara, Sankaranarayanan, and Gokarna. These places are together the Parashurama Kshetras. Devotees also believe that the land of these Temples belonged to Parashurama from the sea.

A cluster of Lingas called as the “Kukke Lingas” is in the northern corner of the Kukke Subramanya Temple. There is a conflict with respect to the history and the origin of the prefix “Kukke” before the Lingas and Lord Subrahmanya.

According to some people, that the word Kukke meaning Basket in Kannada is there because, in ancient times, devotees worshipped these Lingas together in a basket. However, some other explanations put forward are Kukke derives from the old Sanskrit word “Kukshi” which means Cave. Also, some people believe that Vasuki, the serpent installed these Lingas initially in a cave.

Shrines for Lord Bhairava, Lakshmi Narasimha, Lord Ganapathi, and Umamaheshwara are also there around the Kukke Subramanya Temple Complex.

Ancient scriptures like the Subrahmanya Mahatmaya mention that Lord Subrahmanya installed Shiva Lingas in three locations around the Kukke Subramanya Temple. Several Gods and Goddesses followed him and installed small Lingas as a mark of respect to Lord Shiva. As time went by, people collected all these Lingas and kept them inside the Kukke Subramanya Temple for worship.

Kukke Subramanya Temple in the Satya Yuga

The Kukke Subramanya Temple and its surroundings have played vital roles in various Yugas of the Hindu calendar. Some people also believe that in the Satya Yuga (first of the four Yugas), Lord Subrahmanya was anointed as the Senapati of the demigods on the banks of the stream Dhara.

In the Treta Yuga, Lord Parashurama visited the temple and the stream to absolve himself of the sins of eliminating the Kshatriya race twenty one times. In the Dvapara Yuga, Samba, son of Lord Krishna came here and bathed in the water of the Dhara to relieve himself from leprosy.

The Kukke Subramanya Temple is also extremely significant to the followers of Lord Vishnu. The Kashikatte Ganapathi idol is just 250 meters away from the temple. Also, devotees believe that Sage Narada himself installed it. Devotees also believe that the Pandavas arrived at the Kukke Subramanya Temple and paid their respects to the Lord.

Samputa Narsingha

On the south-eastern side of the Kukke Subramanya Temple Complex, a shrine for Samputa Narasingha is also there. Devotees believe Sri Madhavacharya established the shrine. Some also believe that when Sri Madhavacharya visited Badrinath, he met Ved Vyas (one of the seven immortals believed to be still roaming the Earth).

Ved Vyas then gave him eight Saligrama Shilas (they are fossilized stones, each representing Lord Vishnu). Six of the Shilas are worshiped in the Kukke Subrahmanya Temple.

Apart from these Shilas, he was also given a Narasimha Saligrama which is believed to be so powerful that, if uncovered will destroy the three worlds. Sri Madhavacharya put this Narasimha Saligrama along with 22 Laxminarayana Shilas and five of the Saligrama Shilas inside a box (Samputa) and established it inside the shrine. The Box or the Samputa is worshiped to date.

Relief from Sarpa Dosha

Thousands of pilgrims visit the Kukke Subramanya Temple to perform the Ashlesha Bali Pooja and the Sarpa Dosha Pooja from all over the country. Lord Subrahmanya is the protector from the Kaalsarpa dosha and the Sarpa Dosha.

It is believed that people whose lives have been affected by the Sarpa Dosha should offer Sarpa Samskara Pooja at Kukke Subramanya Temple as it will relieve one from long-suffering ailments, infertility, and blindness. It is believed that by taking a dip in the Kumaradhara Theertha, one can obtain the cure for severe skin diseases like Leprosy.

What is the history of the Kukke Subramanya Temple?

According to history, a vivid description of the Kukke Subramanya Temple is there in the chapter ‘Sahyadrikhanda’ in Skanda Puranam. As per the Puranas, the Subrahmanya Kshetra is on the banks of the River Dhara. The place Subrahmanya was famous as Kukke Pattanna in ancient times.

In the scriptures of “Shankara Vijaya”, Anandagiri also mentions that Sri Adi Shankaracharya visited the place and has referred the place as “Bhaje Kukke Lingam” in his work “Subrahmanya Bhujangaprayata Stotram”.

The legend of Kukke Subramanya Temple

The legend of the origins of the Kukke Subramanya Temple is there in detail in the Skanda Puranam. The snake king Vasuki was hiding in the cave called Biladvara (located near the temple) to escape from Garuda who was hunting for snakes to satisfy his hunger. Vasuki was a great devotee of Lord Shiva. Garuda spotted Vasuki and started attacking it viciously.

The great Sage Kashyapa Muni then intervened and instructed Garuda to go to the Ramanaka islands (present-day Fiji) to hunt for snakes. He also requested Vasuki to pray to Lord Shiva for protection. After his penance, Lord Shiva appeared to Vasuki and informed him that in the next Kalpa, his son Karthikeya (Subrahmanya) will come and reside there to bless and protect them.

Eventually in the next Kalpa, after killing the demon Tarakasura, Lord Subrahmanya along with his brother Lord Ganesha arrived in Kumara Parvatha. Lord Indra received them with good wishes. He offered Lord Subrahmanya a marriage proposal with his daughter Devasena. The Lord agreed and the divine marriage took place on the Kumara Parvatha mountain.

Lord Vishnu, Lord Shiva, Lord Brahma attended the marriage on Margashira Shuddha Shasthi. Vasuki, the serpent was also present at the ceremony. Lord Subrahmanya gave him his darshan and promised to stay with them for their protection.

Where-is-Kukke-Subramanya-Temple

Another version of the story

There is another version of the story present behind the origin of the Kukke Subramanya Temple. Devotees also believe that once an argument happened between Katru and Vinatha, wives of Sage Kashyapa. They decided that the loser of the argument will become the slave of the winner. Katru lost the argument and along with her snake children, became a servant of Vinatha.

Garuda, Vinatha’s son harassed the snake children and wanted to harm Vasuki. Vasuki requested lord Shiva to help him. Lord Shiva then asked Lord Subrahmanya to protect the snakes from Garuda. Lord Subrahmanya arrived at the place and gave refuge to the snakes from Garuda. On the insistence of the snakes, he took abode here among the snakes.

As per another legend, after killing the demon Tarakasura in the battle, Lord Subrahmanya washed his sword in the adjoining water stream ‘Dhara’. Henceforth, the stream became famous as the Kumaradhara.

What is the dress code for the Kukke Subramanya Temple?

The Kukke Subramanya Temple administration requests the male devotees to remove their shirts and vests before entering the temple premises. Clothes such as coats, hats, turbans, bermudas, and shorts, and lungi are not allowed inside the temple. Women are requested to dress decently.

What are the festivals celebrated at Kukke Subramanya Temple?

Kukke-Subramanya-Ratholsavam

Some of the festivals celebrated at Kukke Subramanya temple are:

  • Champashashti Mahothsavam: The Kukke Subramanya Temple Ratha Yatra takes place during the month of Karthika Margashira. Devotees decorate the idol of Lord Subrahmanya and take out a procession around the streets of Subrahmanya. They take the Lord around in different Vahanas like Sheshavahana, Ashwa Vahana, Mayura Vahana, and finally the Brahma Ratha on the Maharathotsavam day. The temple also celebrates the Laksha Deepotsavam, where devotees light a lakh Deepams and worship them. The temple also distributes the Moola Mrithike Prasadam to the devotees on these days.
  • Makara Sankranti: The festival signifies the beginning of the harvest season. People pray for a bountiful harvest on the day. In the Kukke Subramanya Temple, the Kukke Lingas are taken out of the sanctum and are taken around the town in a procession.
  • Mesha Sankranama: The festival falls on the day when the Sun enters the zodiac Mesha (Aries). It represents the spring equinox. The festival occurs in the month of April. Several poojas and bhajans are performed for god on the day.
  • Mahashivaratri: The festival occurs in February or March. It signifies the marriage of Lord Shiva with Goddess Parvati. Some also believe that this is the day when Lord Shiva absorbed the poison that turned him blue during the churning of Amrit episode in mythology. Devotees keep fast and also sing bhajans throughout the night and into the day. Special poojas take place for the Linga. Thousands of pilgrims from in and around Karnataka visit the shrine to receive blessings from the God themselves.
  • Naag Panchami: The festival occurs on the fifth day of the full moon in the month of Shravan (June). The day is for the worshiping of the Nagas or serpents that are the lowest Loka of the Seven Lokas or realms of the universe. Devotees worship them for their blessings.
Kukke-Subramanya-Ede-Snana

How to reach Kukke Subramanya Temple?

Here’s how to reach Kukke Subramanya Temple:

  • Air: The nearest airport is the Bajpe International Airport at Mangalore at a distance of 120 km.
  • Train: The nearest railway station is the Subrahmanya Road station at a distance of 12 km from the Temple.
  • Road: KSRTC operates buses from all major cities and towns in Karnataka to Subramanya.

Where to stay near Kukke Subramanya Temple?

Kukke Subramanya Temple administration has several Guest Houses and Choultries that that one can book for a stay. The Guesthouses are Akshara, Ashlesha, Karthikeya Kripa, Kumara Kripa, Skanda Kripa, a choultry and a Temple Cottage. Besides these, several privately owned Lodges and Hotels operate out of the Subrahmanya town. They offer basic facilities and are very clean.

Where to eat nearby?

The Kukke Subramanya Temple provides Annadanam free of cost every afternoon and evening to all the devotees. Apart from that, several small hotels are available to the pilgrims. They mainly serve only vegetarian South Indian cuisine. Especially, alcohol and smoking must not take place around the temple premises.

What are some temples near Kukke Subramanya Temple?

Some of the temples near Kukke Subramanya Temple are:

  • Sowthadka Shri Mahaganapathi Temple: The temple is for Lord Ganapathi. It is 3 km away from the town of Kokkada in the Dakshina Kannada district. The temple lies 35 km from the Kukke Subrahmanya Temple. In Kannada, “Southe” means Cucumber and “Adka” means a vast plain. The idol of Lord Ganapathi is without a Garbhagriha and is open for 24 hours.
  • Somnatheshwara Temple: The temple is about 2.5 km from the temple, on the banks of the river Kumaradhara. The temple is for Lord Shiva. The Linga of Lord Shiva is at least 1000 years ago. The Subrahmanya Matha takes care of the administration.
  • Sri Manjunatha Temple: The famous temple of Dharmasthala located along the banks of River Nethravathi is situated 55 km away from the Kukke Subrahmanya Temple. The main deity of the temple is Lord Manjunatha, another form of Lord Shiva. Also, along with Lord Shiva and Parvati, devotees also worship the Gods of Jainism Chandraprabha and others.
  • Kollur Mookambika Temple: The famous and revered Sri Mookambikai Temple is in Kollur which is 150 km from Horanadu. The presiding deity is Goddess Mookambikai also known as Devi and in front of her idol, is a Jyotirlinga of Lord Shiva. Also, the Linga has two unequal parts. The Smaller right part represents Brahma, Vishnu, and Shiva and the larger Left part represents Durga, Lakshmi, and Saraswati. Five of the 12 jyotirlingas are in Maharashtra.
  • Sringeri Sharada Peetham: The holy town of Sringeri is at a distance of about 93 km from Horanadu. The temple was the first of the four Ammaya Peetham established by Sri Adi Shankaracharya in 8th century AD. Sri Sharadamba believed to be an incarnation of Goddess Saraswati is the presiding deity of the temple.

Frequently Asked Questions about Kukke Subramanya Temple

Is the Kukke Subramanya Temple open throughout the year?

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

What is the entry fee?

The entry to the Kukke Subramanya 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 citizens?

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

What is the weather like during the summer?

The summers in Subramanya 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 Subramanya?

In Subramanya, winters start in October and continue until March. The temperatures during this time range from around 20 º C to 28 º C. The weather during this time is slightly warm but pleasant.

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

Murudeshwar Temple Timings, Poojas, and History

Murudeshwar Temple of Karnataka is one of the Mukti Sthala and boasts the world’s second-largest Shiva statue which commands attention in the blue skyline surrounded by sea.

Murudeshwar Temple – Facts

DeityLord Murudeshwar (Lord Shiva)
LocationMurudeshwar, Karnataka
Entry FeeFree
Best Time to VisitOctober to March
Darshan Timings6:00 AM to 8:30 PM
PoojasRudrabhishekam
FestivalsShravan, Mahashivratri
Murudeshwar Temple Video

The land of the temple just protrudes out of the mainland. Hence, the Arabian Sea surrounds the temple on three sides. The Murudeshwar Temple Complex begins with a huge 20-storied Gopuram.

The whole Murudeshwar Temple Complex is modern except the main Sanctum which is still dark and retains the old form. Further, businessman and philanthropist R.N. Shetty constructed the new temple complex.

Where is Murudeshwar Temple

What are the timings of Murudeshwar Temple?

Here are the timings of Murudeshwar Temple:

RitualsFromTo
Morning Darshan6:00 AM1:00 PM
Evening Darshan3:00 PM8:30 PM
Morning Pooja6:30 AM7:30 AM
Maha Pooja12:15 PM1:00 PM
Night Pooja7:15 PM8:15 PM

Which sevas and poojas take place at Murudeshwar Temple?

The Sevas consist of the Daily Sevas and the Yearly Sevas. The Daily Sevas at the Murudeshwar Temple are:

  • Rudrabhishekam: This pooja is dedicated to Lord Shiva who is worshiped as fire or Rudra. The puja wipes out all sins and purifies the atmosphere. It also removes all sorts of planetary related ill-occurrences.
  • Panchamritha Abhishekam: The Linga is bathed with five “Amrit” or “Nectars”. They are Milk, Honey, Ghee, Sugar, and Curd.
  • Panchakajjaya: The Panchakajjaya is a Prasadam unique to the region of Karnataka. Several types of Panchakajjaya can be made but the most common one uses Green Gram, Coconut, Jaggery, Sesame, Cardamom, and Ghee. This is offered as Naivedyam to God during the prayers.
  • Bilvarchane: In this archana one offers Bilva leaves to the Linga of the God.
  • Chandan Abhishekam: The idol of the Lord is bathed with Chandan or the Sandalwood paste.
  • Bhasmarchane: The Archana takes place by applying “Bhasm” or ash (Vibhuti) to the Linga of Lord Shiva.
  • Navagraha Pooja: The nine Gods representing the nine planets are worshiped for good luck and fortune in one’s life.
  • Ekadasa Rudra: All the major Puranas mention that Lord Shiva has eleven forms of Rudra that the devotees worship with their respective shlokas and mantras. These eleven forms are Mahadeva, Shiva, Maha Rudra, Shankara, Neelalohita, Eesana, Vijaya Rudra, Bhima, Devadeva, Bhavodbhava, and Adityamaka Srirudra.

Besides the above Sevas, the other daily Sevas include Aanastharpana, Thilarchane, Shivasahasranama, Sudarshana Japa, Lalitha Sahasranama Pooja, Kumkumarchane, Durga Sahasranama, Ganapathi and Subramanya Sahasranama, and Anjaneya Sahasranama.

The Yearly Sevas at the Murudeshwar Temple are:

  • Sarva Deva Pooja: Devotees worship all the shrines of the Murudeshwar Temple and the daily Poojas take place on the devotee’s behalf on any particular day of the year.
  • Nanda Deepa Seva: The priests light The Nanda Deepa Stambh with lamps on behalf of the devotee.
  • Annastarpana Seva: The Annadanam takes place for devotees for one full day.

What is the significance of Murudeshwar Temple?

Lord-Murudeshwar

The significance of Murudeshwar Temple is that it houses the cloth covering the famed and sacred Atma Linga of Lord Shiva. As per Hinduism, all the Gods attained mortality and invincibility by worshiping the Atma Linga of Lord Shiva. The Atma Linga originally resided in the heart of Lord Shiva.

However, the Lord gave it to Ravana as a reward for his penance.

The Sri Murudeshwar Temple is one of the five Temples famous in Karnataka as the Pancha Kshetras of Lord Shiva. The other four Temples are in Nanjanagud, Dharmasthala, Dhareshwara, and Gokarna.

Moreover, the gigantic statue of Lord Shiva is the main highlight of the Murudeshwar Temple. The statue is the world’s second-largest Shiva statue at a height of 123 feet. The tallest statue of Lord Shiva is the Kailashnath Mahadev statue in Nepal. The design of the statue is in such a way that the first rays of the Sun that falls on the coast illuminate Lord Shiva first.

The towering Gopuram built at the entrance of the Murudeshwar Temple is the second tallest Gopuram in India at a height of 237.5 feet. The Tallest Gopuram is present at the Sri Ranganathaswamy Temple at Srirangam, Tamilnadu. The unique feature of this Gopuram is that devotees can enter the Gopuram and can go to the top from where they can view the surroundings.

Devotees can perform various Sevas like Abhishekam to the Linga of Lord Rameshwara by themselves.

A Lamp or Deepam is kept inside the main shrine of Lord Murudeshwara, which is said to be burning since the Murudeshwar Temple was built. Devotees also believe that pouring oil into it and then glancing at your image on the oil surface blesses one with luck and prosperity.

What is the history of Murudeshwar Temple?

According to history and legends in the chapters of the epic Ramayana, Kaikesi who was the mother of Ravana was also a devotee of shiva. She used to make Lingas out of the beach sand and pray to them daily. However, every night, the sea washed the Linga. Seeing the distraught mother, Ravana promised to her that he will proceed to Mount Kailash and bring back Lord Shiva’s Atma Linga itself to her.

Murudeshwar-Temple-Story

Ravana went to Mount Kailash and performed severe penance to impress Lord Shiva. He sang his praises in the acclaimed Shiva Tandava Stotram. He chopped one of his ten heads as a gift for Lord Shiva. Eventually, Lord Shiva granted him a wish. Ravana asked for the Atma Linga from Lord Shiva.

Lord Shiva then took out the Atma Linga from his heart and offered it to Ravana but placed a condition that he should not keep the Linga down until he reaches his destination. If he keeps the Linga down, the Linga will become affixed and nothing can separate it. Ravana agreed and started proceeding southwards towards his kingdom. All the other Lords were afraid as they were sure that Ravana will misuse the Atma Linga to create havoc in the world.

Murudeshwar-Temple-Ravana

Narada approached Lord Ganesha and requested him to interrupt Ravana’s journey. Lord Ganesha was aware of Ravana’s daily rituals especially about the evening bath Ravana would take. With the help of Lord Vishnu, who blotted out the Sun to give an appearance of dusk, Lord Ganesha turned himself into a small boy. Ravana wanted to take a bath but could not put down the idol.

Lord Ganesha disguised as a boy, passed him. Ravana called him and passed on the idol to him giving instructions that he must not place the idol on the ground. The boy placed the idol on the ground before Ravana returned from his bath. Lord Vishnu unblocked the sun and it was daylight again. The place where Lord Ganesha placed the idol is popular as Gokarna.

Murudeshwar-Temple-Atma-Linga

Ravana became furious and tried to uproot the Linga but he could not accomplish it. He threw the case covering the Linga which fell to a place called Sajjeshwara. The lid of the case which held the Linga fell in a place called Gunavanthe and the string covering the Linga fell at Dhareshwara. The cloth covering the Linga fell in Murudeshwar.

Murudeshwar-Temple-History

When Lord Shiva learned of this, he visited these five places and worshiped the Lingas there. He declared that these places will be known as the Pancha Kshetras and anyone who worships here will be free from all their sins.

What is the dress code of Murudeshwar Temple?

The Murudeshwar Temple does not impose any particular dress code for entering into the temple complex. However, one must wear decent clothes to the temple.

Murudeshwar-Temple-Cave

What are the festivals celebrated at Murudeshwar Temple?

Some of the festivals celebrated at Murudeshwar temple are:

  • Mahashivaratri: The festival occurs in February or March. The festival signifies the marriage of Lord Shiva with Goddess Parvati. Some also believe that this is the day when Lord Shiva absorbed the poison that turned him blue during the churning of Amrit episode in mythology. Devotees also keep fast and sing bhajans throughout the night and into the day. Thousands of pilgrims from in and around Karnataka visit the shrine to receive blessings from the God themselves.
  • Karthik Purnima: The festive day is celebrated in the month of Karthik, usually in November – December. It is believed that Lord Shiva destroyed the three demon cities, collectively known as Tripura of the Tripurasura demon on this day. Some also believe that the day signified the birth of Lord Karthikeyan (Murugan), son of Lord Shiva.

How to reach Murudeshwar Temple?

Here’s how to reach Murudeshwar Temple:

  • Air: The nearest airport is the Mangalore International Airport which is at a distance of 165 km from the Murudeshwar Temple.
  • Train: The nearest railway station is Murudeshwar. The Karwar express from Bengaluru connects Murudeshwar to other important towns.
  • Road: Regular buses are available from major cities of Karnataka.

Where to stay near Murudeshwar Temple?

Several options for a stay are available for pilgrims in the town of Murudeshwar as well as in Bhatkal which is 16 km away. The RNS Residency Hotel is just beside the Murudeshwar Temple and offers sea-facing rooms. Amenities like a swimming pool and a gym are also available.

Apart from that, resorts are available a few kilometers away from Murudeshwar. Also, The Naveen Beach Resort and the Kamath Yatri Nivas are the nearest to the temple complex.

Where to eat near Murudeshwar Temple?

One can visit the canteen near the Parking place in front of the Murudeshwar Temple Complex for small meals like Dosas, Vadas, Coffee, and Tea. The town of Murudeshwar is host to a large number of small restaurants that primarily serve authentic South Indian cuisine.

The majority of the hotels in the town are either near the beach or near the railway station. Certain hotels near the railway station serve North Indian dishes as well as Chinese cuisine. One can also find Non-vegetarian hotels to get a taste of delicious seafood native to the beaches.

What are some of the temples nearby?

Explore-Murudeshwar

Some temples near Murudeshwar temple are:

  • Sri Mahabaleshwar Temple, Gokarna: The temple is located 54 km away from Murudeshwar Temple. The Linga of the temple is the Atma Linga, which Lord Shiva gave to Ravana. Gokarna is also a Mukti Sthala, where funeral rites take place.
  • Idagunji Maha Ganapathi Temple: The famous and ancient temple for Lord Ganesha is about 20 km away from Murudeshwar Temple. It dates back to about 1500 years.
  • Kollur Mookambika Temple: The famous temple is 60 km away from Murudeshwar Temple. The presiding deity is Goddess Mookambikai also famous as Devi and in front of her idol, is a Jyotirlinga of Lord Shiva. The unique feature of the Linga is that it consists of two unequal parts – The Smaller right part represents Brahma, Vishnu, and Shiva and the larger Left part represents Durga, Lakshmi, and Saraswati.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is the Murudeshwar Temple open throughout the year?

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

What is the entry fee?

The entry to the Murudeshwar 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 citizens?

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

What is the weather like during the summer?

The summers in Murudeshwar starts from April and continue until June. The summers here can be very hot and humid. Temperatures during the daytime often go up to 38 º C.

What are winters like in Murudeshwar?

In Murudeshwar, winters start in October and continue until March. The temperatures during this time range from around 15 º C to 25 º C. The weather during this time is cool and pleasant.

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

Mahakaleshwar Temple Timings, Poojas, and History

Mahakaleshwar Temple in Ujjain, Madhya Pradesh, is one of the 12 Jyotirlingas dedicated to Lord Shiva. The Lingam of the Mahakaleshwar temple is the largest among all other Jyotirlingas. Images of various Gods, Goddesses, Apsaras, and Kichakas adorn the walls and pillars of the temple.

Planning to visit the Mahakaleshwar Temple? Have a look at our Mahakaleshwar Omkareshwar Tour Package.

Mahakaleshwar Temple – Facts

DeityLord Mahakaleshwar (Lord Shiva)
LocationUjjain, Madhya Pradesh
SignificanceJyotirlinga
ToursMahakaleshwar Omkareshwar Tour
Darshan Timings4:00 AM to 11:00 PM
Entry FeeFree
PoojasMaharudrabhisek, Laghurudrabhisek
Best Time to VisitOctober to March
FestivalsShravan, Shivratri
Jyotirlingas in Madhya PradeshMahakaleshwar Temple, Omkareshwar Temple
Mahakaleshwar Temple, Ujjain Video

Darshan Timings of the Mahakaleshwar Temple

The temple opens at 4 AM and closes at 11 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. Moreover, there is no afternoon break in between, unlike most temples which remain closed in the afternoon for lunch.

The timings are as follows:

RitualFromTo
Darshan4:00 AM11:00 PM
Bhasma Aarti4:00 AM6:00 AM
Morning Pooja7:00 AM7:30 AM
Evening Pooja5:00 PM5:30 PM
Shree Mahakaal Aarti7:00 PM7:30 PM

It is important to note that during the winter season, these rituals take place half an hour later than the given timings.

What are the sevas and poojas of the Mahakaleshwar Temple?

Pooja at Mahakaleshwar
Maharudrabhishek being performed at the Mahakaleshwar Temple.

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

  • Bhasm Aarti: This aarti is unique to the temple. The priest applies Vibhhoti (Bhasm) to the Shiva Linga every day at 4:00 AM. Only, pilgrims holding a VIP pass can enter the Sanctum or the Garbhagraha for the aarti. Women cannot witness Bhasma decoration during the aarti.
  • Maharudrabhishek: In the abhishek, recitations of Rigveda, Samveda, Yajurveda and Atharva Veda is done in front of the deities of the Mahakaleshwar Temple.
  • Laghurudrabhishek: This abhishek is done to resolve issues related to health and wealth. It is also done to remove the harmful effects of planets in the horoscope.
  • Mahamrityunjaya Jaap: The Mahamrityunjaya abhishek increases longevity and immortality of the person. It is also known as the Rudra mantra and has miraculous effects in the lives of the people who perform it. Chanting this mantra helps relieve the individual from the cycle of death and rebirth. Hence, this mantra is also known as the Moksha Mantra.
Mahakaleshwar Bhasma Pooja
The Mahakaleshwar Bhasma Pooja is said to be extremely auspicious.

What is the significance of Mahakaleshwar Temple?

The Mahakaleshwar Shrine
The Mahakaleshwar Lingam is said to be the largest among all the 12 Jyotirlingas.

The significance of the Mahakaleshwar Temple is that the Lingam of Mahakaleshwar is Swayambhu in nature. Sri Mahakaleshwar is the Lord of Time. He is also famous as the one who is capable of winning difficult situations. This is the only Lingam in the world which faces south, the direction of Death.

The Mahakaleshwar temple is also one of the eighteen Maha Shakti Peethas. Shakti Peethas are the sites where body parts of Sati Devi fell after the Sudarshana Chakra, in the Daksha Yoga episode of Hindu mythology, cut her body. Devotees believe that the Upper Lip of the Sati Devi fell here. Moreover, the Goddess is popular as Mahakali here.

What is the history of the Mahakaleshwar Temple?

As per the history of Mahakaleshwar Temple, Lord Brahma himself established the first temple at the site. The coins recovered at Ujjain have the mark of Lord Shiva on them. According to several poetic texts, in the Paramara period, invaders destroyed the temple. Later, Udayaditya and Naravarman, the rulers of the Malwa region, rebuilt it.

According to the ancient scripture, Sthalapuranam, King Chandrasena was a devotee of Shiva. A young boy named Shrikhar heard his prayers to the god and wanted to join him. However, people did not let him do it and sent him out of the city. Shrikhar heard the plans of rival kings Ripudhamana and Singhaditya to attack the city with the help of the demon king Dushan.

Asura Dushan had a blessing of invisibility from Brahma. So, Shrikhar and a priest named Vriddhi prayed to Lord Shiva for help. The enemies arrived at Avantika (now known as Ujjain) and started torturing the people. They banned all Vedic Dharmanushtan activities in the city. The people started praying to Lord Shiva for help.

Devotees also believe that when Dushan started attacking Avantika, the ground split near the statue of Goddess Parvati and Lord Shiva came out of it as Mahakaal. He burnt the demons with just one grunt. Adhering to the request of the people of Avantika, Lord Shiva then decided to stay there as the chief deity of Avantika.

What is the structure of the Mahakaleshwar Temple?

The Mahakaleshwar temple is a three-storied structure. The Lingam of Mahakaleshwar is worshipped on the first floor, which is actually under the ground level. On the second level, the Lingam of Omkareshwara is worshipped. The Nagachandeshwara Linga is worshipped on the third level. The third level is open to the public only on Naga Panchami.

What are the festivals celebrated at Mahakaleshwar Temple?

Some of the festivals celebrated at Mahakaleshwar Temple are:

  • Kumbh Mela: This Mela has the distinction of being the largest religious gathering on the planet. It takes place once every 12 years in Ujjain, Allahabad, Haridwar, and Nashik. Also, the festival continues for about one and a half months. The pilgrims and sages (sadhus) take a ceremonial dip in the River Ksipra. Religious discourses, Ramlilas, Raslilas as well as the grand procession of sadhus are the main features of the Kumbh Mela.
  • Mahashivaratri: Thousands of pilgrims visit the temple to celebrate the day Lord Shiva married Goddess Parvati. It occurs on the 13th or 14th day of the Magha month (February / March) in the Indian hindu calendar
  • Karthik Mela: It occurs every year in the Hindu month of Karthik (November / December).
  • Harihara Milana: The celebrations of this festival take place on Vaikuntha Chaturdashi, which signifies the meeting of two Lords – Lord Krishna as well as Lord Shiva at midnight.

How to reach the Mahakaleshwar Temple?

Here’s how to reach Mahakaleshwar Temple:

  • Air: The nearest airport is Indore which is 53 km away from Ujjain.
  • Train: Direct trains are available to Ujjain from major cities like Delhi, Mumbai, Chennai, Bengaluru, Hyderabad, Ahmedabad, Benaras, Kochi as well as Jaipur.
  • Road: Bus services are available from cities like Indore, Surat, Mumbai, Pune, Udaipur, Nasik, and Mathura.

Route from Indore

Indore is about 53 km away from the Mahakaleshwar Temple. Plenty of options are available for one to travel to the temple from here. Here’s the Mahakaleshwar Temple route from Indore:

  • Air: The nearest railway station is in Indore and one can hire cabs or take a bus to Mahakaleshwar Temple from there.
  • Train: One can travel through trains such as the Ranthambhor SF express as well as the Malwa SF express to travel between Ujjain and Indore.
  • Road: The fastest route to travel from Indore to Mahakaleshwar temple is via the Ujjain-Indore road. Also, it takes about 1 hour and 15 minutes to travel using this route.

Where to stay near the temple?

The Temple Management has constructed two Dharmashalas for pilgrims to stay. The names of the Dharmashalas are Pandit Shree Surya Narayan Vyas Dharmashala and the Shree Mahakaal Dharmashala. Non AC dormitories, Non AC rooms, and AC rooms are available to pilgrims at reasonable rates.

Several budget hotels, 3-star, and 5-star hotels operate in Ujjain as this is one of the most important pilgrimage sites in the world.

What are some temples nearby?

Explore Ujjain
One of the holiest cities, Ujjain is home to many temples.

Some of the temples near Mahakaleshwar Temple are:

  • Harsiddhi Temple: It is located just 400 meters away from the Mahakaleshwar temple. This temple is one of the Shakti Peethas according to Hindu mythology. Devotees also believe that Sati’s elbow fell here when the Sudarshana Chakra, in the Daksha Yagna episode of the Hindu tradition, cut her body.
  • Ram Janardhan Mandir: Raja Jai Singh constructed this temple in the 17th century. The specialities of the temple include the 11th-century sculpture of Govardhandhari Krishna, the 10th-century sculpture of Vishnu as well as the 12th-century idol of Trimurti.
  • Kala Bhairava temple: Beliefs say that King Bhadra constructed this temple over the ruins of an old demolished temple. Further, this temple was of great significance during the Paramar period.
  • Chintamani Ganpati Temple: The Goddess Riddhi and Siddhi are present on two sides of Lord Ganesh. Devotees also offer special prayers to the god every Wednesday in the month of Chaithra.

Frequently Asked Questions about Mahakaleshwar Temple

Is the Mahakaleshwar Temple open throughout the year?

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

What is the entry fee?

The entry to the Mahakaleshwar 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 Ujjain 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 Ujjain?

In Ujjain, winters start in October and continue until March. The temperatures during this time range from around 3 º C to 20 º C. The weather during this time is cold but pleasant.

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

Tirumala Darshan By Walk – Alipiri Mettu Timings, Routes, Trekking Guide

Travel Advisory: Andhra Pradesh government has strongly advised not to travel to Tirumala until Coronavirus scare is over.

There are two stone footpath routes leading to Tirumala for the pilgrims who would like to do Tirumala darshan by walk. They are Alipiri Mettu and Srivari Mettu. These routes are known as Sopana Marg. The pilgrims who trek Alipiri & Srivari Mettu routes to reach Tirumala come under the category of Divya Darshan.

Divya Darshan is a quick and free darshan facility along with free accommodation and food on the way. TTD has provided many facilities to the pilgrims visiting Lord Venkateswara by trekking those routes.

Tirumala Darshan by Walk Procedure

  • Walking Routes: Alipiri Mettu, Srivari Mettu
  • Required Time: 2-4 hours
  • Total Distance: 2.1 km (Srivari Mettu). 9 km (Alipiri Mettu)
  • Number of Steps: 3600 (Alipiri Mettu). 2400 (Srivari Mettu)
  • Route Timings: 24 hours (Alipiri Mettu). 6 AM to 6 PM (Srivari Mettu)
Tirumala Darshan by Walk

Route Comparison between Alipiri Mettu and Srivari Mettu

Tirumala Darshan By Walk Alipiri Mettu Route Srivari Mettu Route
Total Distance9 Km2.1 Km
Number of Steps3600 (approx)2400 (approx)
Time Taken3 – 4 Hours1.5 – 2 Hours
Opening & Closing Time 24 hours open6 AM to 6 PM, strictly closed at night
Starting Point/ EntranceGaruda Statue, Sheshachalam Hills Srinivasa Mangapuram, Shri Krishna Devaraya Sadan
Distance from Tirupati Bus Stand & Railway Station4 km to Alipiri Entrance 17 km to Srivari Entrance
Meaning of Route NameResting PlaceShoes of God
Tirumala Temple – Timings, Sevas & History

1) Alipiri Mettu Route

Alipiri Mettu Route Tirumala
A big Garuda Statute is present at Alipiri Entrance to Tirumala.

• Route Details – Distance & Timings

Alipiri Mettu Route is having a total distance journey of 9 km with no. of steps counting to 3600 (approx). People generally take 3 – 4 hours to reach Tirumala temple via this route. However, the time taken differs from one person to another.

TTD provides a free bus facility from Tirupati railway station and bus stand to Alipiri Mettu starting point. Alipiri Mettu is 4 km from the bus stand and railway station. From Alipiri Mettu Entrance, pilgrims can start the journey to the temple by walk.

Alipiri Mettu route is open for 24 hours. Pilgrims can start their journey anytime.

• Trekking Guide – Starting Point & Bio-Metric Token

Trekkers can find a big Garuda statue at the foot of Sheshachalam hills. This point is known as Alipiri Entrance or Alipiri Starting Point.

The initial steps of the journey will take more time since they are very steep. However, most of the path is covered with concrete roofs. TTD has facilitated this construction so that pilgrims can walk even during hot sunlight and heavy rains.

Gaali Gopuram – There is a Divya Darshan Bio-Metric Token facility available at Gaali Gopuram Entrance. The token facility is provided for free and it is open for 24 hours. After collecting the tokens, pilgrims need to report the temple within 24 hours.

From this point onwards, the walk would be smoother since the path is less steep and much flat. After walking from there, you will reach Sri Prasanna Anjaneya Swamy Statue. One can also find a deer park on the way.

Sri Lakshmi Narasimha Swamy Temple – There is a Divya Darshan Token Checking Point available at this temple which is at step no. 2850. Here, Divya Darshan token needs to be stamped for verification. Without stamping, the token will be considered invalid.

Then pilgrims may proceed to Mokalla Parvatham and after 300-400 steep steps, pilgrims will reach Tirumala entrance.

2) Srivari Mettu Route

Srivari Mettu Route Tirumala
Srivari Mettu Route is an older pedestrian path but it takes less time to reach Tirumala Temple.

• Route Details – Distance & Timings

Srivari Mettu Route is a much older pedestrian path than Alipiri Mettu. It is having a total distance journey of 2.1 km with no. of steps counting to 2400 (approx). People generally take 1.5 hours to reach Tirumala temple via this route. However, the time taken differs from one person to another.

TTD provides a free bus facility from Tirupati railway station and bus stand to Srivari Mettu starting point. Srivari Mettu is 17 km from the bus stand and railway station. Alipiri Entrance will be on the way to Srivari Mettu. From Srivari Mettu Entrance, pilgrims can start the journey to the temple by walk.

Srivari Mettu route is opened only during day time. Pilgrims are allowed to trek this route from 6 am to 6 pm in the evening. The route remains strictly closed at night.

• Trekking Guide – Starting Point & Bio-Metric Token

Srinivasa Mangapuram, Shri Krishna Devaraya Sadan – This point is known as Srivari Entrance or Srivari Starting Point.

The initial steps of the journey will take more time. However, most of the path is covered with concrete roofs. TTD has facilitated this construction to protect pilgrims from hot sunlight and heavy rains.

After covering a distance of 1250 steps, there is a Divya Darshan Bio-Metric Token facility available. The token facility is provided for free. After collecting the tokens, pilgrims need to report the temple within the specified time.

The word Srivaari Mettu means the shoes of God. Hence, all devotees offer prayers to the deity by keeping their shoes on their heads. 

There is a Divya Darshan Token Checking Point available at step no. 2050. Here, Divya Darshan token needs to be stamped for verification. Without stamping, the token will be considered invalid.

From there, after 300-400 steps, pilgrims will reach the Tirumala entrance.

Useful Information & Facilities by TTD for Tirumala Darshan by Walk

  1. TTD runs free buses from Tirupati Railway Station and Bus Stand. Pilgrims intend to walk up the hills can use these buses.
  2. Parking is available for private vehicles at Srivari Mettu & Balaji Link Bus Stand at Alipiri. Vehicles can be collected the next day at your convenience.
  3. TTD provides free transportation of the luggage of pilgrims from the bottom to the top of the hill. Luggage counter is available at Srinivasa Mangapuram Temple, who does the luggage transportation to the hill shrine.
  4. Luggage can be collected later from the Luggage Room, opposite MBC-37 in Tirumala.
  5. On both routes, pilgrims will get the facility of clean drinking water, washrooms, shelters, lightings, medical assistance, and security guards to ensure safety.
  6. Free Accommodation & Free Meals are available for pilgrims at PACs (Pilgrims Amenities Complex).

If you have any questions on how to reach Tirumala by walk, please leave a comment below and we will be happy to help!

Physically Challenged Darshan Tirumala TTD 2020 – Tickets, Timings, Booking, and Entrance

Travel Advisory: Andhra Pradesh government has strongly advised not to travel to Tirumala until Coronavirus scare is over.

Physically Challenged Darshan Tirumala – Tirumala Tirupati Devasthanams (TTD) has facilitated special darshan for physically challenged people. Our guide explains the ticket booking procedure, proofs needed, the entry point for darshan, time taken, who can accompany physically disabled and restrictions.

Physically Disabled Darshan at Tirumala Video – Telugu

Who can have darshan under the physically challenged category in Tirumala?

  1. A physically challenged/ handicapped person or a person having any physical disability can have darshan under this category.
  2. A specially-abled person can avail of this benefit by showing a relevant medical certificate. Photo ID proof is also mandatory to get this benefit.
  3. Specially-abled person’s guardians, spouse or kids will be allowed to accompany the specially-abled person for any assistance.
  4. Only one attendant is allowed to accompany the specially-abled person.
  5. The wheelchair facility is also available for transportation.
  6. Srivari Sevakulu will also be assisting the devotees during the Darshan timings.
  7. The pilgrim who availed Darshan under this special category cannot avail Darshan for the next 90 days.
    The special tickets will have a quota of 700 tickets each for morning and evening. Only 700 Devotees in the morning and 700 devotees in the evening will be allowed for the special darshan.
Tirumala Timings, Sevas and History – READ FULL ARTICLE
DaysDarshan TimingsNo. of TicketsSlot
Sunday, Monday, Tuesday, Thursday, and Saturday 10 AM7001st
Sunday, Monday, Tuesday, Thursday, and Saturday 3 PM7002nd
Wednesday & Friday 3 PM10001st

What are the Darshan Timings for Physically Challenged in Tirumala?

  1. Specially abled are allowed darshan daily in 2 time-slots. The first darshan schedule starts at 10 AM and the second schedule starts at 3 PM.
  2. However, on Wednesdays & Fridays, darshan will be allowed only in the afternoon i.e 3 PM slot.

Where we can get the specially-abled tickets for darshan in Tirumala?

  1. The tickets are available at “Senior citizen / Specially-abled Ticket Counter” near Vaikuntha Queue Complex, VQC-2, Tirumala.
  2. Ticket issuing starts from 7 AM daily and counter closes by 3 PM.
  3. There is a limit of 700 tickets for each slot. Tirumala management issues the tickets on a first come first serve basis.
  4. The cost of the ticket is free. Specially abled or a person with a disability can have darshan at Tirumala Tirupati Balaji Temple free of cost.

What is the entry point for Physically Challenged darshan?

Specially abled should enter for darshan from Supatham entrance. Supatham is just 50 meters away from the Vaikuntham Queue Complex entrance. Darshan will take around 1-2 hours depending on the crowd.

Prati Balaji Temple Guide – Timings, Poojas, and History

Prati Balaji Temple is situated at Ketkawale near Narayanpur. This is around 40-45 km from the city of Pune in Maharashtra. The temple is an exact replica of the Tirumala Tirupati Balaji Temple, Andhra Pradesh, and is hence popularly known as Mini Tirupati.

Prati Balaji Temple – Facts

DeityLord Balaji (Lord Vishnu)
LocationKetkawale, Maharashtra
Entry FeeFree
Best time to visitJune to October
Timings5:00 AM to 8:30 PM
Best Time to VisitSeptember to October
PoojasShani Pooja and Abhishekam
FestivalsRam Navami, Vishu

What are the timings of Prati Balaji Temple?

The Prati Balaji 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 Muktinath Temple:

RitualsFromTo
Morning Darshan5:00 AM2:00 PM
Evening Darshan3:00 PM8:00 PM
Suprabhatam5:00 AM5:30 AM
Ekantaseva8:00 PM8:30 PM

What are the poojas and sevas at Prati Balaji Temple?

  • There are different kinds of pooja that are offered in this Prati Balaji Temple Narayanpur premises.
  • While Suprabhatam starts at 5 A.M, the morning pooja is performed between 6:30 A.M. to 8:15 A.M. The afternoon pooja starts at 10 A.M. and the evening rituals at 6 P.M. The Shuddhi or Ekantseva takes place at 8 P.M onwards.
  • On Fridays, there are special programs in the form of Abhishekam which takes place from 7:30 A.M. to 8 A.M. and Unjalseva that is organized from 5 P.M. to 5:45 P.M.
  • The daily Naivedyam is offered to the deity from 10:30 A.M. to 11:15 A.M.
  • The Saliampu – Netradarshan takes place on Thursdays between 9 A.M. to 9:30 A.M. And the Poolangi Seva is observed from 5 P.M. to 5:30 P.M.
RitualsFromTo
Morning Pooja6:30 AM8:15 AM
Saliampu – Netradarshan9:00 AM9:30 AM
Afternoon Poojas10:00 AM2:00 PM
Naivedyam10:30 AM11:15 AM
Poolangi Seva5: 00 PM5:30 PM
Ekantaseva8:00 PM8:30 PM

What is the significance of Prati Balaji Temple?

The temple is dedicated to Lord Venkateshwara and one can see a Hundi situated outside the shrine to contribute the money to different activities.

The entrance of the shrine is huge and it is beautifully crafted with stones. There are images of Lord and extraordinary work painted on the top surface of the main Prati Balaji Temple Narayanpur.

There are many smaller shrines located inside the temple area which is dedicated to various deities. These are very beautiful and are made out of either marble or black stones.

A pilgrim needs to go barefoot in the Prati Balaji Temple Narayanpur premises. Additionally, photography and videography are strictly prohibited inside this holy place.

Vehicle parking is free and a token is provided to all the visitors who provide a token once you park your vehicle. And, due to strict security measures, people are not allowed to take any kind of luggage or bags inside the temple premises. However, for people carrying their luggage, there is a provision to store your bags as well.

Monsoon is the best time to visit this Prati Balaji Temple Narayanpur as both the drive will be comfortable and even standing in the queue for darshan is also convenient.

The dining hall is located towards the back of the Prati Balaji Temple Narayanpur and one has to walk around 200 meters.  A typical Andhra meal is served to all the devotees. You take the plate and get the food served and sit on the carpets that are laid down. A meal of pachadi/chutney, Kesari, kalanda sandam (Mixed Rice) like puliyotharai/vaangi bath, rice and gravy is served. One can also enjoy the meal with a second helping. The dining hall is also well maintained and is cleaned as when people move.

What is the history of Prati Balaji Temple?

The Prati Balaji Temple Narayanpur is a replica of the original Tirupati Temple located in southern India.

From the idol to the woodwork, Sanctorum, priests and even the laddu makers, everybody seems to pay respect to the actual abode of the Lord Venkateswara at Tirumala.

Prati Balaji Temple Narayanpur is built on 10 acres of land and is enclosed by Sahyadri hills. This temple is well maintained and is very clean. The famous shrine was created by the V H Group at a cost of Indian National Rupees 27 Crores. The Venkateshwara charitable trust had built the present shape of the temple from 1996 to 2003.

Since this temple is built during contemporary times, this sacred place of worship does not have any history of the Chikka Tirupati Temple near Bangalore. It is located just off the Pune-Bangalore highway near Kapurhol.

Festivals celebrated at Prati Balaji Temple

  • Tamil New Year is observed with great decorations and pomp by the devotees. Pilgrims gather in the Prati Balaji Temple Narayanpur to offer prayers and seek blessings of the Almighty on this auspicious day. The crowd starts thronging the holy place since early morning.
  • Ram Navami and Deepavali are some of the popular festivals that are celebrated in this temple with great fervor.
  • Chitra Pournami, Vijaya Dashami, Vaikunta Ekadasi, Kanu Pongal, and Gudi Padva are also observed by people of all ages inside the temple.

How to reach the Prati Balaji Temple?

  • By Air: For visitors traveling by air, the Pune Airport is the nearest airport that is located near this Prati Balaji Temple Narayanpur. From buses to taxis and private cabs, there are different modes of transportation available from the airport in order to reach this famous shrine.
  • By Train: This famous place of worship is located at a distance of 42 km from the Pune Railway Station. One can look for buses or private cabs to reach the Prati Balaji Temple.
  • By Road: To reach the Balaji temple from Pune, you need to take the Pune-Solapur highway route and drive towards Solapur. Try not to take the flyover, take the left street and reach the Hadapsar Bus stand. And from there, one needs to travel a long way to reach the Saswad village. After moving ahead of the village, one can witness the lush green environment. This street will also take you to your destination, Balaji sanctuary.

One can also opt for the Mumbai-Bangalore expressway. When you cross the tunnel, you will come across Shindewadi and Khed Shivapur. After some travel, you will reach the Bhor-Saswad intersection. The sanctuary is only 4 km from this place. You can recognize the sanctuary on the left side. You have to go through a little street to achieve a spiritual destination.

Where to stay in Pune?

The Prati Balaji Temple Narayanpur provides accommodation facilities for all their devotees. Apart from that, there are various lodging options for all the tourists who reside to stay as well. For people who are traveling alone, sharing rooms or renting a dormitory serves as a great alternative option.

However, individuals who love some pampering can put up at high-end hotels too. From the luxurious spa to private lounges and international cuisines, there are loads of services that are available for clients to enjoy. Some even provide complimentary breakfasts to the tourists along with pickup and drop services.

So, whatever be your choice, there’s always an option for every kind of traveler when one plans for accommodation. But it is always advisable to book your rooms in advance in order to avoid any last-minute delay. And as the place gets crowded during monsoons, people traveling during that time should plan their visit in advance.

Where to eat near Prati Balaji Temple?

Maharashtrian cuisine is famous for its spicy cuisine. Wheat, rice, jowar, fruits, and vegetables comprise mainly of their staple diet. Generally, Maharashtrians have considered their food to be more severe than that of different locales in India. In spite of the fact that, in view of financial conditions and culture, meat has been less used.

However, all major restaurants offer both vegetarian and non-vegetarian cuisines. And if one would love to taste international cuisine, there are many eateries that provide customized options as well. The eating joints also arrange for music on special days and occasions. Apart from the food, the ambiance of the hotels is also very good.

The food is competitively priced and hygiene is greatly considered in the preparation of the dishes. While Misal Pav, Vada Pav, Poha, and Upma serve as awesome breakfast options, the Thali is a complete meal with respect to lunch. Generally, rice, roti, vegetables, pickles, salad, dahi, and dal comprises of a Thali. Kokum and Buttermilk are great drinks that people love to have after their meals.

Prati Balaji Temple Food Timings

  • Prati Balaji Temple Narayanpur offers free Prasad and meal for all the devotees.
  • Mahaprasadam coupon is also available within the temple premises between 9:00 AM to 3:00 PM
  • Laddu is offered to the pilgrims who visit this temple.
  • A pilgrim can also offer Annadanam, sweets, and Pongal to the Lord at a nominal amount.

Which are some famous temples in Pune?

  • Bhuleshwar: It is renowned for being a thirteenth-century sanctuary of Lord Shiva on top of a hill. The sanctuary is distinct with regard to its design. From outside it appears to more as a mosque than a sanctuary because of its similarity to Islamic design like a circular tomb and minarets. Legend says that it was done like this so sanctuary is not destroyed by the invaders. Nonetheless, the carvings inside are marvelous and practically identical to one finds in Ajanta and Ellora yet many of them stand broken. There are portrayals of scenes from the Ramayana and the Mahabharata on either side of the sanctuary like “Sita-Haran”, “Bharat-Milap” and so on.
  • Baneshwar: Baneshwar temple is arranged in a secured protected zone. It was very quiet and peaceful over there. The sanctuary complex has two tanks that have fish and turtles that are loved and fed by the visitors. There is a Shivling plunged in the water where the devotees are said to dip coins. It is said that if the coin lands on the top of the Shivling, then it is a good sign. Beyond the sanctuary lies the recreation center with nursery, sit-outs and so on where families can unwind and make merry. In addition, there is also a small biodiversity knowledge center that was well made.
  • Ek Mukhi Datta Mandir: This is a very famous temple for pilgrims visiting Pune. This temple is popular amongst the pilgrims and many people visit and pay a visit all around the year. A tree of “Audumbar” is present there and it is very old and consecutively worshiped by the devotees. There is also an old temple of Narayaneshwar. This temple has 3 sculptures which are very pretty and they are believed to have belonged to the ‘Yadav’ era. People throng to this temple to see the Padukas i.e. footwear of Lord Datta here. These were set in the sanctum by Lord Datta himself before he exited for Samadhi. Numerous devotees come to Narayanpur on the eve of Guruvar and Pournima occasions. The number increases rapidly in the event of Datta Jayanti which is celebrated with great pomp by the devotees who offer pooja to the Lord since early morning.

Tirumala Tirupati Balaji Temple Guide – Timings, Sevas and History

Tirumala Tirupati Balaji Temple is the most popular Vaishnavite temple in the world. It is located in Tirumala in the Chittoor district of Andhra Pradesh. The presiding deity, Lord Venkateshwara, is an incarnation of Lord Vishnu. He is believed to have appeared to save humankind from Kaliyuga effects.

Tirupati Balaji Temple – Facts

DeityLord Venkateshwara
LocationTirumala, Andhra Pradesh
SignificanceVaishnavite Temple
Best Time to Visit September to March
Darshan Timings 3 AM to 1 AM
Entry FeeFree
VIP DarshanRs.300 per person
Senior Citizen DarshanFree
Dress Code Indian Traditional
Festivals Brahmotsavam, Teppotsavam

Planning to visit this temple? Have look at our Tirumala Tirupati Tour Packages.

The temple is located at the peak of Tirumala hill, also known as Venkatadri. The Venkatadri is one of the seven hills (Saptagiri) considered holy by the Hindus. These seven hills are – Seshadri, Neeladri, Garudadri, Anjanadri, Vrushabhadri, Narayanadri, and Venkatadri.

Tirupati Balaji Darshan

Tirumala Tirupati Balaji Temple is also known as Tirupati Temple, Tirupati Balaji Temple or just Tirumala Temple.

Tirumala Tirupati Balaji Temple Timings

Tirumala Tirupati Balaji Temple Timings
Pilgrims waiting in queue for General Darshan at Tirumala Tirupati Balaji Temple

Tirumala Tirupati Balaji Temple opens as early as 3 AM in the morning. The temple closes at 1:30 AM the next day although General Darshan stops after 1 AM.

Here are the different kind of Darshans and their respective timings:

  1. General Darshan (Sarva Darshanam) – This Darshan is open for the general public. The timings are different each day of the week.
    • Monday, Tuesday, Saturday and Sunday – The Darshan starts from 7:30 AM – 7 PM in the evening. It resumes from 8 PM till 1 AM the next morning.
    • Wednesday and Friday – The Darshan starts from 9 AM till 7 PM in the evening and again from 8 PM till 1 AM the next morning.
    • Thursday – The Darshan starts early from 8 AM till 7 PM and then again from 8 PM till 1 AM the next morning.
  2. VIP Darshan (Sheeghra Darshan) – It is for immediate Darshan. The ticket cost is Rs. 300 per person. Pilgrims can also make an advance booking on the official website at www.ttdsevaonline.com. This Darshan starts from 9 AM daily till 3 PM.
  3. Tirumala Darshan by Walk (Divya Darshan) – This Darshan facility is only for those pilgrims who walk up the hill to reach the temple. Alipiri Mettu and Srivari Mettu are the two routes.
  4. Special Darshan for Senior Citizens – Pilgrims can have darshan in two-time slots of 10 AM and 3 PM daily. However, they must show proof of their age to the authorities.
  5. Special Darshan for Physically Challenged – Pilgrims can have darshan in two-time slots of 10 AM and 3 PM daily. However, they must show proof of their disability to the authorities.
  6. Infant Darshan: TTD has facilitated special darshan for parents carrying infants under one year of age.
  7. Newly Married Couple Darshan: There is also a special darshan for newly married couples through the Supadham entrance.
General Darshan
↳ Monday, Tuesday, Saturday and Sunday 7:30 AM to 7 PM, 8 PM to 1 AM
↳ Wednesday and Friday 9 AM to 7 PM, 8 PM to 1 AM
↳ Thursday 8 AM to 7 PM, 8 PM to 1 AM
VIP Darshan9 AM to 3 PM
Special Darshan for Handicapped10 AM and 3 PM

Tirupati Balaji Darshan Procedure

  1. Pilgrims are can contact any one of the three counters present inside the temple premises.
    • Vaikuntha Queue Complex
    • Rambagicha Complex
    • Amenities Complex
  2. Here, pilgrims will receive their respective Sudarshan bands at a minimal cost. These bands will inform the pilgrims of the time at which they can have the Darshan of God.
  3. In this way, pilgrims do not have to wait in long queues. They can explore the Temple Complex area meanwhile. And they can report to the queue only when it is their turn to have the Darshan.
Tirumala Tirupati Balaji Darshan Entrance
The Golden Gate Entrance to Tirupati Balaji Temple is used by the pilgrims.

Tirumala Temple Dress Code

The Tirupati Balaji Temple Devasthanam administration introduced a dress code for men and women from 2013.

Men are required to wear traditional dhoti or pajama with a shirt or kurta. Women are required to wear either a saree or a Churidar pajama with a kurta.

Poojas and Sevas at Tirumala Tirupati Balaji Temple

Here is a list of all Poojas and Sevas at Tirupati Balaji Temple. We can divide them into three types: The Daily Sevas, the Weekly Sevas, and the Periodical Sevas.

Tirumala Daily Sevas

  • Suprabhatam – This Seva is done at 2:30 AM in the morning to wake the Lord from his sleep. After that, the priests carry the idol from Sayana Mandapam (sleeping place) to the Ananda Nilayam (main shrine). The ticket costs Rs. 200 per person.
  • Thomala Seva – This Seva starts at 3:30 AM and lasts for 30 minutes. Priests decorate the idols with garlands made of Tulsi and various flowers. Pilgrims can watch this only on Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday. The ticket price is Rs. 220 per person.
  • Venkateshwara Sahasranama Archana – This Archana starts at 4:15 AM. In this Pooja, devotees recite the 1008 names of Lord Vishnu. Priests also call the blessings in the names and Gothra of the pilgrims taking part in the pooja. Pilgrims can perform the Seva on Tuesday, Wednesday, and Thursday. The ticket price is Rs. 220 per person.
  • Ekantha Seva – It is the last Seva of the day and starts at 1:30 AM. The priests lay down the silver image on a golden cot in a sleeping position.
Poojas & Sevas at Tirumala Tirupati Balaji
Priests performing Daily Sevas at Tirumala Tirupati Balaji Temple

Tirumala Weekly Sevas

  • Vishesha Pooja on Mondays – This Pooja starts from 7:30 AM to 9 AM. Priests recite several stotras and perform an Abhisheka. Then, they place 14 Kalash in front of the deities. They consist of oil, milk, curd, rice, and holy water in them.
  • Ashtadala – Pada Padmaaradhana on Tuesdays – This Seva starts from 6:30 AM – 7:30 AM. Priests recite 108 names of the Lord Vishnu, each name accompanied by a Lotus flower. People also worship Goddess Lakshmi and Padmavathi and then a Ratha Aarti. The cost of the ticket is Rs. 2500 for 5 persons.
  • Sahasra Kalabhishekam on Wednesdays – The ritual starts from 6:30 AM till 8:30 AM. In this unique ritual, priests fill 1008 silver vessels, 8 Parivara vessels, and one gold vessel with various things. They place them in the main Mandapam. Devotees also recite various Pancha Suktas and Shanti Mantras. The ticket costs Rs. 5000 for 6 persons.
  • Tiruppuvada Seva on Thursdays – This Seva begins at 6:30 AM. Priests remove all the ornaments and flowers from the deity. Then, they dress the idol only in a Dhoti and an Uttareeyam. The cost is Rs. 5000 for 6 persons.
  • Srivari Abhishekam on Fridays – It starts at 4:30 AM – 6 AM. Priests give a bath to the deity in holy Ganga along with milk, ghee, sandal, and saffron. The ticket costs Rs. 750 per person.

The Periodical Sevas

  • Arjitha Kalyanotsavam Seva – The ritual signifies the marriage of Lord Venkateshwara with Goddess Lakshmi and Padmavathi. The ticket costs Rs. 1000 for 2 persons.
  • Arjitha Brahmotsavam – People worship Lord Venkateshwara with Goddess Lakshmi and Padmavathi. They also recite several stotrams in this ritual. The ticket costs Rs. 1000 for 5 persons.
  • Unjal Seva – The priests place the idols of the three deities on a swing against the backdrop of lamps. The ticket cost is Rs. 1000 for 5 persons.

Offerings and Donations at Tirupata Balaji

  1. Hair Tonsuring (Mundan) – Devotees shave their heads and give the hairs as an offering to God. It signifies the sacrifice for their Lord.
  2. Thula Bharam Seva – Under this Seva, a Thula (Weighing scale) is arranged. On one side, the devotee is seated whereas on the other side, an equivalent weight of offerings are made. It is ensured that both sides are at an equal level. The devotees then donate the offerings to the temple administration.
  3. Payback of Kubera’s Loan – As per the legend, Lord Venkateshwara took a loan from Kubera for his wedding arrangements with Padmavathi. A large Hundi is present inside the temple complex where devotees offer money and gold to God. Devotees donate with the belief that he can pay back the loan to Kubera.

Tirumala Tirupati Balaji Temple Architecture

Tirumala Tirupati Balaji Architecture
Tirumala Tirupati Balaji Gopuram which is the top of the temple.
  • The temple follows the Dravidian style of architecture. The temple has three entrances leading to the main shrine (Ananda Nilayam).
    1. First entrance – Mahadwara Gopuram with a brass door.
    2. Second entrance – Nadimipadi Kavali with the silver entrance.
    3. Third entrance – Bangaru Vakili with a golden door.
  • The main idol of the Lord is in a standing position on a platform called “Brahmasthana.” Goddess Lakshmi is present on the right and Goddess Padmavathi on the left. The Gopuram (the entrance tower) over the main sanctum is covered with a golden vase. An idol of Vimana Venkateshwara is also present on the top of it.
  • Priests can never displace the main idol of the Lord. Hence, small idols of several Gods are present in the sanctum to worship. They are Bhoga Srinivasa, Ugra Srinivasa, Koluvu Srinivasa, Sri Malayappan, and Sri Chakrathalvar. Sri Krishna, Sri Rama, Mata Sita, Lakshmana, Sugreeva are also present.

Tirumala Tirupati Balaji Temple Significance

  • The common belief is that the Lord appeared on the Venkatadri hill to save humankind from the ill effects of Kaliyuga. The idol here is worshipped since the beginning of the Kaliyuga. Therefore, people call this place as Kaliyuga Vaikuntam.
  • Most-Visited Place of Worship – Around 50,000 to 100,000 pilgrims daily (30 to 40 million people annually) visits this temple. On the day of the Brahmotsavam festival, the count increases to 500,000 pilgrims daily.
  • The Tirumala Tirupati Balaji Temple is one of the eight Vishnu Swayambhu Kshetras. The word Swayambhu means that Lord Vishnu himself has turned into a statue here rather than installed by someone.
  • Tirupati Balaji is also listed as 106th Divya Desam among the 108 Divya Desams of Lord Vishnu. It is the last earthly Desam of Lord Vishnu before he left earth for Vaikuntha.
  • It is believed that one can hear the sound of an ocean by pressing an ear at the idol of the Lord. Also, the temperature of the idol always remains too high even after bathing it with water and Chandan.
Tirumala Tirupati Brahmotsavam Significance
Brahmotsavam Festival at Tirupati Balaji attracts more than 5 Lakh pilgrims daily.

Tirumala Tirupati Balaji Temple is the wealthiest temple in the world in terms of donations received. Top Ten Richest Temples – Read More

History of Tirumala Temple

  • Tirupati Balaji Temple is believed to have been built by King Thondaiman at the end of 8th century AD. He was the ruler of the Tamil ancient kingdom called Thondaimandala.
  • The temple also received patronage from several dynasties like the Pallavas (9th century), the Cholas (10th century) and highly from the Vijayanagara kingdom in the 14th century.
  • Krishnadevaraya of the Vijayanagara kingdom donated abundantly and renovated the temple periodically by adding new structures to it.
Tirumala Tirupati Balaji - History of the Temple
Krishnadevaraya of the Vijayanagar Kingdom renovated the temple.

Legends of Tirumala Temple

Tirumala Tirupati Balaji Temple and its legends are mentioned in various historical manuscripts and also in various Puranas.

Legend of Lord Varaha Swamy

The legend says that Venkateshwara took the land of Tirumala hill from Varaha Swami. In return, Venkateshwara gave him a promise that he would be paid the first darshan.

Legend of Adishesha

Lord Vishnu gave a boon to Adisesha. The boon was that he would join the Venkatadri hills and become an abode of Lord Vishnu. Adisesha accepted and became Venkatadri.

Legend of Lakshmi and Padmavati

Lord Vishnu, incarnated as Srinivasa, met Padmavati in the forests during a hunt. They fell in love with each other. Later, they married each other after Akasa Raja’s approval. After six months of the marriage, Lakshmi returned to Vishnu in disbelief.

Festivals celebrated at Tirumala

  1. Tirumala Brahmotsavam – This festival is celebrated for 9 days every year during the Tamil month of Purattasi (Sep/Oct). This festival attracts millions of pilgrims for nine days.
    • The deity is taken out in procession on different Vahanam every day like Shesha Vahanam and Singha Vahanam. By watching the parade, one gets the protection of Lord and Punya in life.
    • The last day is the Birth Star day of Lord Venkateshwara. The celebration ends with Dhvajavarohanam, lowering of the Garuda flag.
  2. Teppotsavam – This festival is celebrated for five days in the month of Chaitra (March). The deities of Tirumala temple are taken for a ride in the Swami Pushkarini Tank.
  3. Vasanthotsavam – This festival is celebrated for three days in March/April. King Achyutaraya introduced this festival to mark the beginning of the spring season.
  4. Pavithrotsavam – The festival is celebrated for three days in the month of Shravan (July/August). The priests seek forgiveness from Lord Venkateshwara for all the mistakes committed knowingly or unknowingly while performing the daily rituals.
  5. Jyesthabhshekam – The festival is celebrated in the month of Jyestha (June). Lord Venkateshwara appeared with a protective armor to fight against evil in Kaliyuga. On this day, people do Abhisheka and Poojas to that armor.
Teppotsavam Boat Festival at Tirumala Tirupati Balaji Temple
Deities of Tirumala temple taken for a ride in Swami Pushkarini Tank on Teppotsavam Festival.

Here are other major festivals celebrated at Tirumala Tirupati Balaji Temple. These are Pushpa Pallaki, Padmavathi Parinayam, Pushpa Yagam, and Koil Alwar Thirumanjanam.

How to reach Tirumala Tirupati Balaji Temple?

  • By Air – The nearest airport is Tirupati Airport, at a distance of 40 km from the temple. Chennai is the second nearest international airport.
  • By Rail – The nearest railway station is Tirupati, 26 km away from Tirumala. The AP Sampark Kranti Express connects to Bhopal, Gwalior, and New Delhi.
  • By Road – Several direct buses are available from cities like Chennai, Bengaluru, and Vellore. Regular buses are available from Tirupati to Tirumala.

Where to stay nearby?

  • The Tirumala Tirupati Devasthanam (TTD) has constructed several cottages and guest houses for the benefit of the pilgrims. These are-
    1. Padmavathi Guest House
    2. Sri Venkateshwara Guest House
    3. Varaha Swamy Guest House
  • Besides the guest houses, they have also constructed several choultries for the free stay of pilgrims.

The pilgrims can book the rooms by contacting the Central Reception Office, near Tirumala Bus Stand. The advance reservation can be made online by visiting the official website ttdsevaonline.com

Several private hotels are also available as an option for pilgrims.

Where to eat nearby?

  • The Tirumala Tirupati Balaji Temple Devasthanam (Temple administration) provides full meals to all devotees under the Nitya Annadanam Scheme.
  • Pilgrims can also get free tiffin, coffee, tea, and milk in the temple complex.
  • The meal is pure-veg.

What are some famous temples near Tirumala?

Explore Places Near Tirumala Temple
Explore Famous Places and Activities Near Tirumala Tirupati Balaji Temple
  1. Varaha Swamy Temple – It is located at the banks of Swami Pushkarini near the Tirumala Temple. According to legend, Lord Varaha Swamy granted land to Lord Venkateswara to stay in the hill. In return, Lord Venkateswara promised the privilege of first Darshan to Varah Swamy.
  2. Bedi Anjaneya Swamy Temple – This temple is located opposite to Tirupati Balaji Temple. As per the legend, young Lord Hanuman (Anjaneya) wanted to leave home in search of a camel. His mother Anjana Devi then tied his hands. The idol present here is also showing the hands of Hanuman tied.
  3. Padmavathi Devi Temple – This temple is located 5 km away from Tirumala Temple in the town of Tiruchanoor. The presiding deity is Goddess Padmavathi, the wife of Lord Srinivasa. People also call this temple as Alamelumangapuram.
  4. Prasanna Venkateshwara Swamy Temple – It is located 16 km from Tirupati. The uniqueness of the Temple is the presiding deity Venkateshwara who is in the “Abhaya Hasta” posture. This Temple is the marriage site of Srinivasa and Padmavathi.
  5. Govindaraja Swami Temple – The temple is also located in Tirupati and was built by Ramanujacharya. The presiding deity Govindaraja was the elder brother of Venkateshwara. It is believed that worshiping him can result in better management of one’s finances.
  6. Kapileswara Swamy Temple – This temple is also located in Tirupati. As per the legend, this is the place where Lord Shiva appeared before Maharishi Kapila. The Shiva Linga is believed to have been self-manifested here.
  7. Kodanda Ramaswamy Temple – The Chola dynasty and Vijayanagara Empire built this temple. The presiding deities are Lord Rama, Goddess Sita, and Lord Lakshman.

If you have any questions related to Tirumala Tirupati Balaji Temple, please leave a comment below and we will reply within an hour.

Dharmasthala Temple Guide – Timings, Poojas, and History

Dharmasthala Temple of Sri Manjunathaswamy is located on the banks of the River Nethravathi in the town of Dharmasthala in the Dakshina Kannada district of Karnataka. The deities worshiped here are Sri Manjunatha (Lord Shiva) and Ammavaru (Goddess Parvati) along with Jain Tirthankara Chandraprabha and Jain protection Gods, Kalarahu, Kalarkayi, Kumarasvami, and Kanyakumari.

Dharmasthala Temple – Facts

Deity Lord Manjunatha Swamy (Lord Shiva)
Location Dharmasthala, Karnataka
Best Time to VisitOctober to December
Entry Fee Free
Darshan Timings4:00 AM to 9:00 PM
PoojasMaharudrabhishek
FestivalsShravan Maas, Mahashivratri
Sri Dharmasthala Manjunathaswamy Temple, Karnataka

The Dharmasthala Temple has presiding deities belonging to both the Hindu and the Jain community.  The word “Dharmasthala” means “the place where the truth or righteousness resides (Dharma meaning the truth and Sthala meaning the place of stay)”. Hence, the place signifies the abode of “Dharma” or truth & justice.

The Dharmasthala Temple is one of the five temples famous in Karnataka as the Pancha Kshetras of Lord Shiva. The other four temples are in Nanjanagud, Sri Murudeshwar, Dhareshwara, and Gokarna.

The priests are Hindus and follow Vaishnavism and the Jain Bunt family (the Pergades) run the temple administration.

What are the timings of Dharmasthala Temple?

The temple opens at 6:15 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 the afternoon and evening aarti.

The timings of Dharmasthala Temple are as follows:

Rituals Timings
Darshan6:15 AM – 8:30 PM
Morning Darshan6:15 AM – 11:00 AM
Afternoon Darshan12:15 PM – 5:15 PM
Shatarudrabhishekam Pooja8:10 AM
Shiva Sahasranamavalli10:45 AM
Mahanaivedya Samarpana11:30 AM
Mahapooja12:00 PM
Nityabali12:10 PM

Dharmasthala Temple Food Timings

Dharmasthala Temple serves very hygienic food for free and is a must-have. The timings are from 12:00 PM to 2:00 PM.

Which sevas and poojas take place at Dharmasthala Temple?

The following Sevas take place for Sri Manjunathaswamy:

  • Shata Rudrabhishekam: The pooja is extremely auspicious and sacred. Devotees also believe that by performing the Pooja at Dharmasthala Temple, one can obtain protection and fulfillment of the wishes from God.
  • Bilva Pathrarchana: The archana takes place for the deity at Dharmasthala Temple with the Bilva leaves on behalf of the devotee.
  • Panchamrutha Abhishekam with Ekadasha Rudrabhishekam: The Lord is bathed with “Panch Amrit” that are Milk, Curd, Ghee, Honey and Sugar on behalf of the devotee. Then the Ekadasha Rudrabhishekam Pooja is performed for all the eleven Rudras of Lord Shiva. After the aavahan (welcoming of the deity), sthaapna (giving a seat to the deity) Laghu-nyasam is recited. Then Rudra Trishati is recited. Abhishekam is also done to each of the 11 Rudras with all the 11 dravyas prescribed in the Shiv Puraana
  • Karpoora Aarti: The aarti takes place for the Lord with camphor known as the Karpoora on behalf of the devotee.

One can also obtain the Theertha bottle and Sri Prasada from the Seva counter at Dharmasthala Temple.

The following Sevas take place for Sri Ammavaru:

  • Pavamanabhishekam: The word Pavamana means water that flows and purifies. This Abhishekam is performed amidst hymns for the purification of the soul.
  • Flower Pooja: The Goddess is decorated in a delightful combination of flowers and archana is done with flowers amidst several chants and mantras.
  • Panchamrutha Abhishekam: The priest bathes the Lord in Panch Amrit that are Milk, Curd, Ghee, Honey and Sugar on behalf of the devotee.
  • Kumkumarchana: The archana takes place for the Goddess with Kumkum on behalf of the deity.
Dharmasthala Bahubali Abhishekam

Besides the above sevas to the God and Goddess, special Sevas also take place which are:

  • Gold Pallaki Utsav: The priest worships the idol of the Lord and the Goddess in a Golden Pallaki on behalf of the devotee.
  • Silver Lalaki and Deepothsava: Devotees light a large number of lamps or deepams in dedication to God and perform several poojas and rituals.
  • Ranga Pooja: The pooja takes place only between Monday to Friday with either 24 Yede or 48 Yede.
  • Tulabhara Seva: The seva can take place between 7:30 AM to 12:30 AM on all the days of the week. This seva includes the devotee sitting on one side of the Tula or the weighing balance. Also, devotees make offerings equivalent to their weights. Then they donate them to the temple. The seva can take place for both children and adults at the temple. The pooja material depends on the choice of devotees like rice, coconut, flowers, bananas, jaggery, sugar, and coins.

What is the significance of Dharmasthala Temple?

Dharmasthala Manjunatha Swamy

The significance of Dharmasthala Temple is that it is an epitome of religious tolerance and charity. The temple complex houses a Jain shrine for Sri Chandraprabha Swamy and a Hindu shrine for Lord Shiva. Also, Dharmasthala Temple priests belong to Vaishnavite sects (who treat Lord Vishnu as the supreme God).

The Heggade who is the authority of the Dharmasthala Temple administration performs a kind of judicial function also. Devotees also believe that Lord of Dharma resides at the temple and that justice will prevail here. Civil complaints called Hoyulus are settled here between the parties involved after they present their cases to the Heggade. The decision given by the Heggade on the Hoyulus is accepted by the civil courts of the country.

The Dharmasthala Temple is famous for the Chaturdanas in Karnataka. Chaturdanas means “Four types of charities”. The four types of charities that take place in the temple are Anna Danam, Abhaya Danam, Aushadh Danam, and the Vidya Danam. The Anna Danam scheme involves providing free food to all the pilgrims visiting the temple. Another scheme involves the Heggade offering his advice to people who queue to meet him in matters of general life.

The temple administration runs several hospitals and health care centers and offers free medical aid to the needy. This is under the scheme of Aushadh Danam. Under the Vidya Danam, the trust has constructed several non-profit educational institutions that provide good quality education to the underprivileged class of the society.

Dharmasthala Temple Bahubali

Annaprasadam

The Annaprasadam at the Annapoorna Choultry is one of the mega kitchens in the world, found a mention in the National Geographic as one of the most efficient and resourceful kitchens in India. The kitchen can serve 30,000 to 70,000 pilgrims every day. Moreover, the kitchen modern. The wastage is disposed of in an eco-friendly manner.

The statue is naked in appearance symbolizing complete victory over earthly desires and ascent towards divinity.

Dharmasthala Temple Annapoorna Kitchen

What is the history of Dharmasthala Temple?

According to history, 8000 years ago, the town of Dharmasthala was popular as Kuduma. A Jain chieftain by the name of Birmanna Pergade lived there with his wife Ammu Ballathi.  Nelliadi Beedu was the name of their home. The couple was famous for their generosity and simple life in the community.

Hearing the public talk, the four guardian angels of Dharma arrived at their home in search of a place where they could propagate the philosophy of Dharma. Hence, the Pergade couple received them in their human forms with great respect and sincerity. The angels were very happy with the hospitality of the couple.

At night, the Lord Dharma visited the couple in their dreams and asked the couple to vacate the house for the worship of the Daivas (Gods) and dedicate their lives to propagate Dharma. The Pergades then left the house and started worshiping the Dharma Gods. The Dharma Daivas appeared once more and communicated to the Pergades that they have to build separate shrines for the four Dharma Daivas – Kalaharu, Kalarkai, Kumaraswami, and Kanyakumari.

He also needed to choose two persons of Noble birth to act as an oracle for the Daivas and four persons for helping the Pergades in administration.  The Daivas, in turn, promised the Pergade family protection from all evils, abundance in funds and fame.

As instructed, Shri Pergade built the four shrines and invited the Brahmin priests to perform the rituals. On the request of the Brahmins, he sent Annappa Swamy, to procure the idol of Shri Manjunathaswamy from Kadri. Later, a shrine was built making Dharmasthala as Lord Manjunathaswamy’s abode.

In the 16th century by Shri Vadiraja Swamy of Udupi performed the consecration ceremony of the Linga by following the holy Vedic rites.

Present-day Pergades

The Pergades and their future generations maintain absolute selflessness to date and are famous for their simplicity and charity. The successive Pergade family’s eldest male member assumes the responsibility of the Dharmasthala Temple and his title is Dharma Adhikari and Heggade. The current Heggade, Shri Veerendra Heggade belongs to the 21st generation of the Jain family.

What is the dress code for Dharmasthala Temple?

The Dharmasthala Temple administration has a strict dress code for both women and women and if not followed, they are disallowed from entering the temple premises. Men are required to remove their shirts and vests before entering the Sanctum. Bermuda half-pants, nighties, and miniskirts are not allowed.

Please note: Children below 2 years of age are not allowed to enter the Sanctum.

Which festivals are celebrated at Dharmasthala Temple?

Dharmasthala Temple Festivals

Some of the festivals celebrated at the Dharmsthala temple are:

  • Maha Nadaveli: All the festivals in Dharmasthala Temple take place during these 11 days. It starts with the Ganesha Festival and then the Laksha Deepotsava for five days. The chest containing the ornaments of the Dharma Daivas is taken around in a procession on the sixth day. The next four days are the days when the Dharma Daivas visit the Heggade through a Darshana Patthiri.
  • Laksha Deepotsava: The festival of lights is held for five days every year during the month of Karthik (November – December). The event includes events like Sarva Dharma and Sahitya Sammelanas. The Sarva Dharma event means giving equal importance to the philosophies of all religions. Also, Sahitya Sammelan means literary meet for all people.
  • Mahashivaratri: The festival occurs in February or March at Dharmasthala Temple. The festival signifies the marriage of Lord Shiva with Goddess Parvati. Some also believe that this is the day when Lord Shiva absorbed the poison that turned him blue during the churning of Amrit’s episode in mythology. Devotees keep fast and sing bhajans throughout the night and into the day. Special poojas take place for the Linga. Thousands of pilgrims from in and around Karnataka visit the shrine to receive blessings from the God themselves.

How to reach Dharmasthala Temple?

Here’s how to reach Dharmsthala Temple:

  • Air: The nearest airport is Mangalore International Airport which is about 65 km from Dharmasthala Temple.
  • Train: The Mangalore railway station at a distance of 74 km is the nearest railway station to Dharmasthala. Devotees can hire taxis from there.
  • Road: KSRTC buses operate buses from all over the state to Dharmasthala.

Bangalore to Dharmasthala

Here’s how to reach from Bangalore to Dharmasthala:

  • Air: Fly from Bangalore International Airport to Mangalore. Mangalore International Airport is about 75 km from Dharmasthala Temple.
  • Train: Take a train from Bangalore to Mangalore. Mangalore railway station at a distance of 75 km is the nearest railway station.
  • Road: KSRTC buses operate regularly from Bangalore to Dharmasthala.

Where to stay in Dharmasthala?

The Dharmasthala Temple management operates ten guest houses all of which contain basic and hygienic amenities. The guest houses are Ganga, Kaveri, Narmada, Gayathri, Nethravati, Vaishali, Sharavathi, Saketha, Gangotri, and Rajathadri. Besides the Dharmasthala Temple accommodation, several private hotels and lodges also provide good quality accommodation to the devotees.

Where to eat in Dharmasthala?

The Annaprasadam offered free of cost to all the visiting devotees is a must-have for any visitor who wishes to eat at the temple. The meal consists of three courses and is served in a very hygienic manner. Several small vegetarian hotels are there around the Dharmasthala Temple Complex.

The cuisine is mainly South Indian but certain restaurants do serve North Indian and Chinese dishes as well.

What are some of the temples nearby?

Some of the temples near Dharmsthala temple are:

  • Sri Chandranatha Swamy Basadi: The ancient and one of the most important shrines for Jain pilgrimage is within the town of Dharmasthala. The temple dates back to several centuries and is an important Digambara shrine. The temple consists of marble in a traditional Kerala style of architecture.
  • The Bahubali Hill: A devotee must visit the gigantic statue of Bahubali erected on a hill near the temple complex. The statue is 39 feet tall. According to the legend associated with Bahubali, Bharat and Bahubali were the sons of the first Jain Tirthankara, King Rishabha. When Rishabha renounced all material things, he gave the kingdom of Ayodhya to Bharat and Podanapura to Bahubali. Eventually, Bharat conquered the whole region except Podanapura. To avoid bloodshed, they both fought hand to hand. Just when Bahubali was going to kill Bharat, he realized the futility of war and feud. So Bahubali handed over the Kingdom to Bharat and renounced the world to become a Saint or a Digambara.
  • Sri Sadashiva Rudra Temple: The temple is about 12 km away from Dharmasthala in the village, Suriya. Moreover, the temple is 700 years old. The uniqueness of the temple lies in the fact that it accepts only clay offerings on behalf of Lord Shiva, who is the presiding deity of the temple. Moreover, offerings like clay chairs, tables, bride and groom, cradle, house, cattle, and limbs are available outside the temple for the devotee to choose and offer.
  • Kukke Subrahmanya Temple: The famous temple dedicated to Lord Subrahmanya is located at a distance of 47 km from the Dharmasthala temple. The Lord Subrahmanya idol represents him as a guardian of snakes and their King Vasuki. Also, the famous Ashlesha Bali, Nagasarpa Dosha Pooja, and the Naagprathishta take place here.
  • Sri Udupi Krishna Temple: The unique temple of Sri Krishna in a Bal Avatar is situated at a distance of 101 km from Dharmasthala. The idol of Sri Krishna is represented as a child holding a churning rod in one hand and a rope on the other. Moreover, this form of Krishna is not present anywhere else in the world. Devotees also believe that Lord Krishna’s wife Rukmini made the idol.

Some other famous temples located in Karnataka are:

  • Kadri Manjunath Temple: Kadri Manjunath Temple is dedicated to Sri Manjunatha and is located in Kadri, Mangalore. The Kadri Manjunath Temple is one of the best examples of religious harmony, where people from two faiths, Hinduism and Buddhism worship together with the deity of Lord Shiva as Lord Manjunatha.
  • Horanadu Annapoorneshwari Temple: The temple is dedicated to Goddess Annapoorneshwari and is located on the banks of River Bhadra in Horanadu, in the Western Ghats of Karnataka. The town of Horanadu is also popular as “Sri Kshethra Horanadu” in respect of the Goddess.
  • Sringeri Temple: The Sringeri Temple or Sringeri Sharada Peetham is located in Karnataka. It is the first of the four Ammaya Peetham established by Sri Adi Shankaracharya in the 8th century. The word Amnaya Peetham means “Throne of the Veda”. The head of the Mutt is Jagadguru meaning “Teacher of the world”.

Frequently Asked Questions about Dharmasthala Temple

Is the Dharmasthala Temple open throughout the year?

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

What is the entry fee?

The entry to the Dharmasthala 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 citizens?

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

What is the weather like during the summer?

The summers in Dharmasthala starts from April and continue until June. The summers here can be very hot and humid. Temperatures during the daytime often go up to 42 º C.

What are winters like in Dharmasthala?

In Dharmasthala, winters start in October and continue until March. The temperatures during this time range from around 20 º C to 30 º C. The weather during this time is warm and pleasant.

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

Horanadu Annapoorneshwari Temple Timings, Poojas, and History

Horanadu Annapoorneshwari Temple is dedicated to Goddess Annapoorneshwari and is located on the banks of River Bhadra in Horanadu, in the Western Ghats of Karnataka. The town of Horanadu is also popular as “Sri Kshethra Horanadu” in respect of the Goddess. 

Planning to visit this temple? Have a look at our Western Ghats Temple Tour covering Horanadu Temple.

Horanadu Annapoorneshwari Temple Facts –

DeityGoddess Annapoorneshwari
LocationHoranadu, Karnataka
SignificanceWestern Ghats Temple Tour
Entry FeeFree
Darshan Timings6:30 AM to 9:30 PM
PoojasAnnadanam, Kumkum Pooja Abhisekam
Best Time to VisitOctober to March
Visit Duration1 to 2 hours
FestivalsNavratri, Akshaya Tritiya
Horanadu Annapoorneshwari Temple Full Darshan Video

Horanadu Annapoorneshwari Temple Timings

Here are the timings of Horanadu Annapoorneshwari Temple:

TimingsFromTo
Morning Darshan6:30 am9 am
Afternoon Darshan11 am2 pm
Evening Darshan7 pm9:30 pm
Maha Mangala Aarti9 am, 1:30 pm, 8:30 pm
Prasada Bhojana (Annadanam)12 pm3 pm

Which Sevas & Poojas are performed at Horanadu Annapoorneshwari Temple?

The Sevas and poojas that take place at Horanadu Annapoorneshwari Temple are as below:

Sevas and Poojas
Maharanga Pooja
Panchamruth Abhishekam
Kumkum Archana
Annadana Seva for one day
Navagraha Pooja
Sri Sathya Ganesha Vratha
Shukravara Seva (Friday)
Amavasya Seva (Friday)
Shashwatha Annadana Seva
Horanadu-Annapoorneshwari-Temple-Poojas-and-Sevas
The Kumkum Archana will take place for the Goddess every Friday.

You can also find a description of these sevas and poojas here:

Regular Sevas

  1. Maharanga Pooja –This is also known as the Deepardhana. A devotee can perform it by obtaining a receipt of Rs. 500.
  2. Panchamruth Abhishekam – The Goddess is given a bath with milk, honey, curd, sugar, and ghee. The cost for this Seva is Rs. 30 for all days except for Friday.
  3. Kumkum Archana – The Kumkum Archana is done especially for the Goddesses. Kumkum and Turmeric are the main materials for the Aarti. The cost is Rs. 40.
  4. Annadana Seva for one day – A devotee can perform the Annadanam (donation of food) for one full day for Rs. 5000.
  5. Navagraha Pooja – The Pooja is performed for the Navagrahas (nine gods representing the planets). The cost of the Seva is Rs.300.
  6. Sri Sathya Ganesha Vratha – The Seva costs a devotee Rs.250.

Special Sevas on Fridays

  • Shukravara Seva – In this Seva, the Kumkum Archana will take place for the Goddess on one Friday of the month for twelve months in a year. Also, the minimum amount payable for the service is Rs. 500.
  • Amavasya Seva – The Kumkumarchana will take place on every Amavasya of the month for one year. Also, a minimum amount payable is Rs. 500.

Yearly Sevas

  • Varshika Seva – The Annadana for 25 people takes place on a particular day every year called Varshika Seva. It happens only on Marriages, Birthdays, and anniversaries. The minimum charge for the service is Rs. 2000.
  • Shashwatha Annadana Seva – A devotee can provide Annadanam for a batch on one special day every year. The minimum amount payable is Rs. 100000.

Homam Sevas

  • Sri Mahachandika Homam – The Homam is in dedication to Goddess Shakti or Chandi. Devotees believe that one can attain health, wealth and prosperity by performing the Homam. It will also relieve the person of evil forces, curses, and obstacles in their lives.
    1. Experts do the Homam by chanting the Slokas of 13 chapters of Durga Saptashati.
    2. Several poojas like the Ganapathi Pooja, Kanya Pooja, Kalasa Sthapana and Saptashati Parayanam also take place.
    3. The temple charges Rs. 15,000 for the service and one should inform the temple 2 months in advance.
  • Sri Mahaganapathi Homam – The Homam is performed before the beginning of any pursuit in life. Devotees believe that Lord Ganapathi removes any obstacles in the way of the goals of a person. The temple charges Rs. 12,000 for the Seva and one must do the booking 2 months in advance.

What is the dress code for Horandu Annapoorneshwari Temple?

The dress code is as follows:

  • Men: Male devotees have to remove their shirts and vests before entering the Horanadu Annapoorneshwari Temple complex. It is preferred to wear a towel or shawl that covers their shoulders.
  • Women: There is no particular dress code for women but it is recommended to wear a decent dress.

What is the significance of Annapoorneshwari Temple?

Horanadu-Annapoorneshwari-Temple-Annadanam-Scheme
Annadanam Scheme serves three-course vegetarian meal for free.

The significance of Annapoorneshwari temple lies in performing Annadanam for people with the blessings of Goddess Annapoorneshwari. Devotees believe that they will never face any shortage of food in their lives after performing Annadanam. 

All the visitors, irrespective of religion, caste or creed, are served with a three-course vegetarian meal for free. The pilgrims are served thrice a day – breakfast, lunch, and dinner. They are also provided with tea and coffee in the evening for free.

Aksharabhyasam and Namakarna – The pilgrims can also perform the Namakarnam ritual (Naming of a newborn) and the Aksharabhyasam ritual at the temple. The Aksharabhyasam ritual involves writing the name of Lord Ganapathi and Lord Saraswathi on an offering of rice along with the chanting of mantras and shlokas.

What is the history of Horanadu Annapoorneshwari Temple? 

The history of Annapoorneshwari Temple does not mention the exact date of the construction of the temple. Devotees believe that the original temple was very small and was established by holy Sage Agasthya. The 5th Dharmakartharu, Sri D.B. Venkatasubba Jois, also renovated the temple following the Vaastu Shilpa and Astrology.

The 6th Dharmakartharu constructed the Navagraha Temple. He also established the steam cooking system in the Temple Kitchen, Annachathra, and Guesthouses for pilgrims and the labor colony.

The Punarprathisthapan of Sri Annapoorneshwari took place in 1973. Jagadguru Shankaracharya Sri Abhinava Vidyathirtha Mahaswamiji of Sringeri Sharada Peetham, Sringeri also performed the Mahakumbhabhishekam here.

The Goddess present here is also praised and glorified in several ancient scriptures like Annapurnamantratsava, Maha Tripurasiddhanta, Annapurna Kavacha, Annapurnahavamti, Annapurnamalininaksatramalika, Bhairvahyantantra, Rudrayamala, and Sivarahasya.

Horanadu-Annapoorneshwari-Temple-History
Jagadguru Shankaracharya also performed Mahakumbhabhishekam at this temple.

What is the legend of Goddess Annapooreshwari?

An interesting legend associated with the Goddess Annapoorneshwari is that of her conversation with Lord Shiva regarding the importance of food in one’s life. As per the legend, Shiva and Parvathi were playing the game of dice. Shiva lost all that he possessed to Parvati during the game.

So, Vishnu asked Shiva to play again. On his advice, Shiva played again and won everything back. But Parvati became suspicious and an argument ensued between Shiva and Parvati. Vishnu then intervened and stated that he made the moves whereas Shiva and Parvati were playing an illusion.

Lord Shiva proposed that everything is temporary like a Maya or an illusion. He concluded that food is also an illusion. Goddess Parvati disagreed and disappeared to prove that food is not an illusion. As a result, nature became still, seasons stopped changing and new plant growth stopped.

The land eventually became barren and drought ensued. Therefore, everyone including humans, animals, and demons prayed for food. Lord Shiva soon realized the importance of food and recognized it as a basic need for all creatures in the world.

Goddess Parvati, taking pity on everyone, appeared in Kashi (Varanasi) and started distributing food. Then Lord Shiva appeared before her with a begging bowl, seeing which Goddess Parvati fed him with her ladle. Since then, Goddess Parvati is worshiped as Annapoorneshwari.

What is inside the temple?

Devotees have to climb a few steps to reach the main temple complex. The Gopuram of the Temple also has various sculptures of Gods and Goddesses. A mandapam is there on the left of the main entrance. A queue complex next to the Mandapam is also there for entry into the main hall where Annadanam takes place every day.

Moreover, towards the back of the Horanadu Annapoorneshwari Temple, a commercial complex of four to five shops is present that sell Pooja materials as well as small toys and gifts from Horanadu. The ceilings of the temple also have wonderful carvings.

The idol of the main deity of the Horanadu Annapoorneshwari Temple, Sri Annapoorneshwari is made of gold. The Goddess has a standing posture with four hands, each holding a Shanka, Chakra, Sri Chakra and Devi Gayathri.

Which festivals are celebrated at Horanadu Annapoorneshwari Temple?

Some festivals celebrated at Horandu Annapoorneshwari Temple are:

  • Navaratri – The festival is in September – October with great fanfare and glory. It lasts for 9 days during which the devotees celebrate the nine forms of Durga. The nine forms are Shailaputri, Brahmacharini, Chandraghanta, Kusmanda, Skandamata, Katyayani, Kalaratri, Mahagauri and Siddhidatri. On the tenth day of Vijayadasami, the Chandika Homam takes place.
  • Akshaya Thadige – The Akshaya Thadige or the Akshaya Tritiya is in April – May. The day is the birth date of Goddess Annapoorneshwari. It also signifies the beginning of summer and the end of winter. Moreover, it marks the beginning of the Treta Yuga.
  • Rathotsava – The Rathotsava usually occurs in February – March. The festival lasts for 5 days. The Ganapathi Pooja, Ganapathi Homam, and Maha Ranga Pooja take place on the first day. And the Dhwajarohana and Pushpakarohana take place on the second day followed by the Brahmotsavam and Rathotsavam on the third day.

Besides the above festivals, other festivals celebrated here are Deepavali, Shankara Jayanti, and Havi.

Navratri 2019
Navratri is a combination of two Sanskrit words – ‘nava’, which means ‘nine’ and ‘ratri’, which means ‘night’.

How to reach Horanadu Annapoorneshwari Temple?

Here’s how to reach Horandu Annapoorneshwari Temple:

  • Air – The nearest airport is the Mangalore Domestic Airport. Regular flights are available from cities like Bengaluru, Chennai
  • Rail – Shimoga is the nearest railway station, at a distance of 127 km.
  • Road – One can reach the hill town of Horanadu by buses from cities like Bengaluru, Mysore, Shimoga, and Mangalore.

Bangalore to Horanadu Route

  • Air – Fly from Bangalore to Mangalore. One can reach Sringeri by Road from Mangalore. It is around 120 km and takes 2:30 hours.
  • Rail – Mangalore and Shimoga are the nearest Railway stations.
  • Road – Regular buses are available from Bangalore. It takes around 7:30 hours.

Sringeri to Horanadu – The only way to travel from Sringeri to Horanadu is by road. There are buses and private taxis available. The distance between the two places is around 45 km and takes around 1 hour.

Where to stay near Horanadu Annapoorneshwari Temple?

The Horanadu Annapoorneshwari Temple Administration has constructed the Bhadra Nivasa Lodge near the Temple premises where devotees can stay. The devotees can book rooms here at nominal rates for their stay. The room options vary from double bed, standard to AC. Suites are also available for large families. Hot water and generator facilities are provided for certain hours every day.

For online booking and any other queries related to the temple, one can visit the official website at https://srikshetrahoranadu.com. However, the requirement of Identity Cards is must for booking accommodation in the Lodge.

Horanadu-Annapoorneshwari-Temple-Stay-Nearby
The Temple Administration has constructed the Bhadra Nivasa Lodge near the temple.

Several private hotels are also present around the hilly town of Horanadu like the Nature Valley Homestay, Suprabha Residency, and Sri Devi Comforts. However, they are at a distance from the temple.

Where to eat near Annapoorneshwari temple?

The Horanadu Annapoorneshwari Temple provides Annadanam to the pilgrims every day in the afternoon and the evening where devotees can eat. The meal is vegetarian with a dessert too. Besides this, few small hotels are also present outside the temple complex that one can visit for more food options.

Which are some of the temples near Annapoorneshwari Temple?

Some of the temples near Annapoorneshwari Temple are:

  1. Sri Kalaseshwara Temple – The temple is 8 km away from Horanadu in the town of Kalasa. The Bhadra River surrounds the temple on 3 sides giving the land a pot-like shape. The Temple is for Lord Shiva. According to legends, Sage Agasthya made Kalasa as his home but wanted to witness the wedding of Shiva and Parvathi. So Lord Shiva obliged and gave a boon to Agasthya using which he was able to watch the wedding from Kalasa.
  2. Sringeri Sharada Peetham – The holy town of Sringeri is located at a distance of about 70 km from Horanadu. Sri Adi Shankaracharya established the temple in 8th century AD. Also, it was the first of the four Ammaya Peetham. Sri Sharadamba believed to be an incarnation of Goddess Saraswati is the presiding deity of the Temple.
  3. Dharmasthala – This 800-year-old Temple institution is situated at a distance of 108 km from Horanadu. The presiding deities are Lord Shiva and Goddess Parvathi and the Jain Tirthankara Chandraprabha. The Temple is one of the most famous sites of pilgrimage in Karnataka. The uniqueness lies in the fact that the temple is a Shiva Temple, the priests are Vaishnavites and a Jain family runs the Administration.
  4. Kollur Mookambigai Temple – The famous and revered Sri Mookambikai Temple is located in Kollur which is 168 km from Horanadu. The presiding deity is Goddess Mookambikai also famous as Devi and in front of her idol, is a Jyotirlinga, the holy shrines of Lord Shiva. Further, the unique feature of the Linga is that it has into two unequal parts – The smaller right part represents Brahma, Vishnu and Shiva and the larger left part represents Durga, Lakshmi, and Saraswati. Out of the 12 jyotirlingas, 5 are in Maharashtra (know about them).
  5. Kukke Subramanya Temple – The Temple is in the town of Subramanya which is 176 km away from Horanadu. The presiding deity is Lord Karthikeya worshiped as Subramanya. When Garuda threatened the divine serpent Vasuki, Lord Subramanya safeguarded him.

Frequently Asked Questions on Horanadu Annapoorneshwari Temple-

Why the Goddess is called as Annapoorneshwari?

Sri Annapoorneshwari is the Goddess of food and nourishment. The word Annapoorna is a conjunction of two words- Anna meaning food or grains and Purna meaning complete & perfect.

What is the land address of Annapoorneshwari Temple?

The address is – Mudigere – Taluk, Chikamagalur – District, Horanadu, Karnataka 577181

What is the entry fee to Annapoorneshwari Temple?

Free, there is no entry fee.

What are the other famous temples dedicated to Sri Annapoorneshwari?

The other famous temples dedicated to Sri Annapoorneshwari are the Annapoorna Devi mandir and the Kasi Vishwanath Temple in Varanasi.

What is the official website for Annapoorneshwari Temple?

For online booking and any other queries, one can visit the official website at https://srikshetrahoranadu.com.

What is the weather around Horanadu?

In summer, the weather reaches 32°C and in winter, the weather goes down at 17°C.

Parli Vaijnath Temple Guide – Timings, Poojas, and History

Parli Vaijnath Temple or Parli Vaidyanath Temple is located in Parli, in the state of Maharashtra and belongs to the celebrated list of 12 Jyotirlingas of Shiva. The Vaijnath Temple Linga is also popular as Dhanavantari and Amriteshwari. The Linga consists of the Saligram stone and has a very smooth surface.

Planning to visit this temple? Have look at our Jyotirlingas in Maharashtra Tour Package.

Parli Vaijnath Temple – Facts

Deity Lord Vaijnath (Lord Shiva)
Location Parli, Maharashtra
Significance Jyotirlinga
Tours 5 Jyotirlingas of Maharashtra Tour
Darshan Timings 5:00 AM to 9:00 PM
PoojasRudrabhisek
Entry FeeGeneral Darshan – Free
VIP Darshan – Rs. 150/- per person
Best Time to VisitJune to August
FestivalsShravan Maas, Mahashivratri
Nearest AirportNanded
Nearest Railway Station Parli
Jyotirlingas in
Maharashtra 		Sri Aundha Nagnath, Sri Trimbakeshwar,
Sri Grishneshwar, Sri Bhimashankar
Parli Vaijnath Temple Video

Parli Vaijnath Temple is one of the 5 Jyotirlingas in Maharashtra. The other 4 Jyotirlingas are:

The 5 Jyotirlingas of Maharashtra

What are the timings of Parli Vaijnath Temple?

Parli Vaijnath temple opens at 5:00 AM in the morning and closes at 9:00 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.

The timings of the Parli Vaijnath Temple are as follows:

Rituals Timings
Darshan5:00 AM – 9:00 PM
Abhishek5:00 AM – 7:00 AM
Afternoon Pooja1:00 PM – 1:30 PM
Bhasma Pooja3:00 PM – 5:00 PM

What is the significance of Parli Vaijnath Temple?

Parli Vaijnath Jyotirlinga
The Parli Vaijnath Jyotirlinga is said to be the last among all the Jyotirlingas.

People believe that since Lord Vishnu hid both the Amrit and the Dhanavantari in the Linga,  anyone who touches the Linga can receive the power of Amrit. Parli is also a meeting place of Hari Hara. Festivals of both Hari (Vishnu) and Hara (Shiva) are celebrated here.

Devotees are allowed to touch the Parli Vaijnath Linga during worshipping and this helps in healing and reaping various health benefits. In fact, devotees themselves perform the Abhisheka here and they use the Bilva leaves purchased outside the Parli Vaijnath Temple precincts.

Devotees from all walks of life, castes, and religion are welcome to visit this sacred Parli Vaijnath Temple. There is absolutely no discrimination. According to Puranas, Lord Vaidhyanath blessed sage Markandeya and he became immortal.

Rani Ahilyabai brought in special stones from the Trishul Devi mountain range for the Parli Vaijnath renovation. A minaret outside the Parli Vaijnath has special Gwakshas (windows). When the sun’s rays pass through the windows, they fall directly on the Shiva Linga. at this time, the priests offer special prayers and poojas to the Sun God.

The waters of the nearby Harihara Teerth is brought to the Parli Vaijnath daily for the Linga pooja.

What is the history of Parli Vaijnath Temple?

The history of Parli Vaijnath Temple is that it was built in the 1700s. It was renovated by Rani Ahilyabai Holkar, the Queen of the Maratha Malwa Kingdom at that time. Two very popular legends are associated with this temple. One legend talks about the Amrit and the other talks about the demon king Ravana and his quest to own Shiva.

Legend of the Amrit

Samudra Manthan
The Samudra Manthan was the churning of the Ocean of Milk and out came 14 ratnas, including Vish and Amrit.

When the Gods and Demons were churning the ocean and competing for the Divine Nectar or Amrit, fourteen gems emerged from the process. It included Dhanavantari and Amrit.

Just as the demons were about to pounce on the Amrit, Lord Vishnu grabbed both Dhanwantri and Amrit and hid them inside a Shiva Linga. The angered demons tried to break the Linga, but when they touched it bright light emanated. This scared the demons and they fled from the place.

Since this is the place where the Devas successfully received the Amrit, the village became popular as Vaijayanthi and therefore the temple as Parli Vaijnath.

Legend of Ravana and Shiva Linga

The demon King Ravana did severe penance and even cut off his heads to please Lord Shiva. Moved by his sacrifice, Lord Shiva offered several boons, and Ravana requested that Lord Shiva come to Lanka. The Lord accepted and instructed Ravana to carry his Shiva Linga and warned him not to keep it down anywhere till he reached his destination.

During the journey, Ravana wanted to take a break and instructed a shepherd to carry the Linga for a while. Unaware of the Lord’s instruction, the shepherd put the heavy Linga down for a brief moment. The Lord thus stayed there at the place and became popular as Vaidhyanath.

What are the sevas and poojas performed at Parli Vaijnath Temple?

The sevas and poojas that take place at Parli Vaijnath Temple are:

PoojaTimings
Somvar PoojaEvery Monday
Shadopachar5:00 AM
Shringar Pooja6:00 PM

What are the festivals celebrated at Parli Vaijnath Temple?

Mahashivaratri, Vaikunth Chaturdashi, Tripuri Pournima, Vijayadashami and Chaitra Padva are important festivals. There is a unique practice during these festivals – priests present Bilva leaves to Lord Vishnu, which is usually an offering to Shiva. Similarly, they offer the Tulsi leaves to Lord Shiva, which is usually an offering to Vishnu.

Some of the festivals celebrated at Parli Vaijnath 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. During the Shravan Maas, the chanting of the Rudra Mantra echoes in the entire village of Parli.
  • Mahashivratri: It is the day when Lord Shiva married Goddess Parvati. It usually occurs in late February to early March.
  • Vijayadashami: Also known as Dussehra, this festival signifies the victory of good over evil and is celebrated after the nine days of Navratri.

How to Reach Parli Vaijnath Temple?

Here’s how to reach Parli Vaijnath:

  • Air: The nearest airport is in Nanded, 105 km from the Parli Vaijnath.
  • Train: The nearest station is Parli and is 2 km from the Parli Vaijnath. Direct trains operate from Secunderabad, Kakinada, Manmad, Vishakapatnam, and Bangalore.
  • Road: Several buses connect from Aurangabad, Mumbai, Pune, Nagpur and other nearby cities.

Where to stay near Parli?

There are a number of budget accommodations available at Parli where one can stay. You can also find accommodation in the state-run MTDC cottages.

Where to eat nearby?

Most of the hotels that offer accommodation also have in-house restaurants where travelers can eat. Restaurants can be found at the Parli Vaijnath temple area. Travelers usually choose to eat in Ambajogai area, which is 20 km away from the Parli Vaijnath, as one can find more restaurant options in this area.

What are some temples nearby?

Exploring Jyotirlingas in Maharashtra
There are four more Jyotirlingas in Maharashtra apart from the Parli Vaijanath Temple.

Some temples near Parli Vaijnath are:

  1. Yogeshwari Temple, Ambajogai: The Yogeshwari Temple is for Goddess Yogeshwari who married Parli Vaijnath. Puranas say that by the time the wedding party arrived at Parli, the auspicious time had passed and the entire party turned into stone. The Yogeshwari temple is 25 km from Ambajogai.
  2. Aundha Nagnath Jyotirlinga Temple: The Aundha Nagnath Temple in the village of Aundha Nagnath in Maharashtra is the first of the Jyotirlingas. The temple is 118 km from the Parli Vaidhyanath temple.  Yudhishtra, the eldest of the Pandava brothers built the temple during their exile. It is a part of the well known 5 Jyotirlinga tour in Maharashtra.
  3. Bhimashankar Jyotirlinga Temple: The Bhimashankar Jyotirlinga Temple is near Pune and is 387 km from Parli Vaijnath. The Linga here is self-manifested and is one of the five Jyotirlingas in Maharashtra.
  4. Grisheshwar Jyotirlinga Temple: Temple is located in Verul, Beed District, Maharashtra. This temple is the last of the Jyotirlingas and for devotees who undertake the Jyotirlingas pilgrimage, a visit to this temple completes their journey. Grishneshwar temple is 246 km from Parli.
  5. Trimbakeshwar Jyotirlinga Temple: The Trimbakeshwar Temple is in the town of Trimbak, Nashik District, Maharashtra. The temple is 397 km from Vaijnath Temple. The Linga has three faces symbolizing Lord Shiva, Lord Vishnu, and Lord Brahma.

Frequently Asked Questions about Parli Vaijnath Temple

Is the Parli Vaijnath Temple open throughout the year?

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

What is the entry fee?

The entry to the Parli Vaijnath Temple is free of cost.

Can anyone visit the Parli Vaijnath temple?

Yes. Anyone from any caste, creed, and religion can offer their prayers at the temple.

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 citizens?

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

Which is the best time to visit the Parli Vaijnath Temple?

June to August are the months when the monsoon starts in Maharashtra. The weather is pleasant, making it an ideal time to visit the temple.

What is the weather like during the summer?

The summers at Maharashtra start from March and continues until June. The summers here can be very hot. Temperatures during the daytime often go up to 36 º C.

What are winters like in Maharashtra?

In Maharashtra, winters start in November and continue until January. The temperatures during this time range from around 20 º C to 30 º C.

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

Somnath Temple Guide – Timings, Poojas, and History

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

DeityLord Somnath (Lord Shiva)
LocationSomnath, Gujarat
SignificanceJyotirlinga
ToursDwarka – Somnath Tour
Darshan Timings6:00 AM to 10:00 PM
Entry FeeFree
PoojasRudrabhisek, Laghurudra Abhishek
Best Time to VisitMarch and October
FestivalsShravan, Shivratri, Karthik Purnima
Jyotirlingas in GujaratSomnath 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:

  1. 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.
  2. 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.
  3. 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.
  4. Savalaksha Samput Mahamrityunjaya Jaap: The Mahamrityunjaya Abhishek increases longevity and immortality of the person.
  5. 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:

  1. Shravan Month: Shravan Maas falls on the fifth month of the Hindu calendar, starting late July and ending by the third week of August.
  2. Mahashivratri: It is the day when Lord Shiva married Goddess Parvati. It usually occurs in late February to early March.
  3. Golokdham Utsav: It signifies the birth of Lord Krishna, more popularly known as Janmashtami.
  4. Kartik Purnima Fair: The fair lasts for five days.
  5. 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?

  1. 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.
  2. Accommodations can be booked in the Sagar Darshan Atithi Grah, Lilavati Atithi Bhavan, and Maheshwari Atithi Bhavan.
  3. Private hotels are also abundant near the Somnath Temple complex.

Please carry a valid identity proof for making reservations at the hotel.

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

  1. 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.
  2. 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.
  3. 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.

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

Nageshwar Temple Guide – Timings, Poojas, and History

Nageshwar Temple, also known as the Nageshvara Temple, lies on the coast of Saurashtra in Gujarat. It is dedicated to Lord Shiva and is one of the 12 Jyotirlinga Shrines mentioned in Shiva Purana. The Jyotirlinga is in an underground sanctum. The major attraction of this temple is a 25-meters tall statue of Lord Shiva in a large garden with a pond surrounding the statue.

Planning to visit this temple? Have a look at our Dwarka Somnath Tour Package.

Nageshwar Temple – Facts

DeityLord Nageshwar (Lord Shiva)
LocationJamnagar, Gujarat
SignificanceJyotirlinga
ToursDwarka Somnath Tour
Darshan Timings6:00 AM to 9:00 PM
Entry FeeFree
PoojasRudrabhisek, Laghurudra
Best Time to VisitMarch and October
FestivalsShravan, Mahashivratri
Jyotirlingas in GujaratSomnath Jyotirlinga, Nageshwar Jyotirlinga
Nageshwar Temple is one the two Jyotirlingas of Gujarat.

What are the timings of Nageshwar 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 and evening aarti.

The timings of Nageshwar Temple are as follows:

RitualsFromTo
Darshan6 AM9 PM
Shringar Darshan4 PM4:30 PM
Shayan Aarti7 PM7:30 PM
Nightly Aarti9 PM9:30 PM

What are the sevas and poojas performed at Nageshwar Jyotirlinga?

Poojas at Nageshwar Temple
There are several poojas that are conducted at the Nageshwar Temple.

The following poojas take place at Nageshwar Temple:

  • Rudrabhishek: This abhishek is performed with Panchamrit (Milk, Ghee, Honey, Curd, and Sugar) amongst the recital of several mantras and shlokas. The pooja is said to be conducted when Shiva is in his Rudra Avatar (angry form). The Shiva Linga is washed with water which continuously keeps pouring over it through a vessel (Dudhabhishek).
  • Laghurudra Pooja: This abhishek is done to resolve issues related to health and wealth. It also removes the bad effects of planets in the horoscope.

Devotees can perform the Rudrabhishekam and Mahapooja with Bhog on Ek Somvar (one Monday), Chaar Somvar (four Mondays), and in the month of Shravan at a reasonable price.

What is the significance of Nageshwar Temple?

Shrine of Nageshwar Temple
The Lingam is an oval Rudraksha with three faces. Rudrakhsa is said to be the tears of Lord Shiva.

The significance of the Nageshwar temple is that this powerful Jyotirlinga protects the devotees from all kinds of poison. Devotees also believe that the one who prays to the lord becomes free of poison i.e.negativities. The lingam at Nageshwar is unique as it consists of a stone popularly known as the Dwarka Stone.

The Rudra Samhita Shloka refers to Lord Nageshwar with the phrase ‘Daarukaavane Naagesham’.

Nageshwar Mahadev Sivalingam is facing South while the Gomugam is facing east. There is a story behind this position. There once was a devotee named, Naamdev. He was a mere saint who used to dedicate songs to Lord Shiva.

One day when he was singing bhajans in front of the Lord, the other devotees asked him to stand aside and not hide the Lord. To this, Naamdev asked them to suggest one direction in which the Lord does not exist, so that he can then stand there. The enraged devotees carried him and left him on the south. To their astonishment, they found that the Linga was now facing South with the Gomugam facing east.

What is the history of Nageshwar Temple?

Nageshwar Temple
The Nageshwar Temple is loacted on the route between Dwarka city and Beyt Dwarka Island.

According to the history of the Nageshvara temple, there are two stories behind this Jyotirlinga. The two legends relate to the existence of this numinous temple. The first story dates back to a hundred years in the Shiva Purana, about a demon couple named Daruka and Daruki.

Now known as Dwarka, the city was earlier named after the Asura couple and called, “Darukavana”. Daruka’s wife Daruki was a devotee of Goddess Parvati. But, Daruka was a cruel demon who found joy in troubling people around him.

One day, he imprisoned an ardent devotee of Lord Shiva named, Supriya, with several others. Daruka misused the blessings granted to him and continued to torment the local folks by one means or another. While in captivity, Supriya advised all the people to loudly chant the mantra of “Om Namaha Shivaye”.

Supriya told the villagers that this mantra is powerful enough to protect them all. When Daruka came to know about this, he was furious and he went to kill her. This is when Lord Shiva appeared in the form of a Linga on earth. Shiva couldn’t kill the demon because of the boon granted to him by his wife, Parvati. Hence, he assured Supriya and all others that he would protect them all in the form of the Jyotirlinga.

The Jyotirlinga of Darukavana

According to another legend, a group of dwarf sages known as “Balakhilyas” worshipped Lord Shiva in Darukavana for a long time. To test their persistence as well devotion, Lord Shiva went to them as nude wearing only nagas, i.e., serpents on his body.

All the wives of the sages got attracted to him and went after him, leaving their husbands behind. This action made all the sages angry and they cursed Shiva to lose his linga. Hence, the Shiva Linga fell on earth and the whole earth trembled.

Then, Lord Vishnu and Lord Brahma appeared and requested Shiva to save the planet from getting destroyed and to take back his linga. After consoling the sages, Lord Shiva then took back his linga and promised his divine presence in the form of Jyotirlinga in Darukavana forever.

What are the Festivals Celebrated at Nageshwar Temple?

Some of the festivals celebrated at Nageshwar Temple are:

  • Mahashivaratri: This festival occurs in late February or early March. It is believed that Lord Shiva married Goddess Parvati on this day. The day is famous for rigorous poojas, bhajans, and abhishekams. The devotees decorate the lingam with flowers and conduct the abhishek with milk. Thousands of people visit the temple during this glorious festival.
  • Shravan month: Shravan Maas falls on the fifth month of the Hindu calendar, starting late July and ending by the third week of August. During the Shravan Maas, the chanting of the Rudra Mantra echoes in the temple.

How to Reach Nageshwar Temple?

Here’s how to reach Nageshwar Temple:

  • Air: The nearest airport is Jamnagar Airport, which is 137 km from the temple.
  • Rail: Some trains even connect the way down to the south through Vadodara, Surat, Mumbai, Goa, Karnataka, and Kerala.
  • Road: There are direct buses available from Jamnagar and Ahmedabad.

How far is the Nageshwar Temple from the Somnath Temple?

Nageshwar to Somnath
The Somnath Temple is another famous Jyotilinga in Gujarat.

The Somnath Temple is another one the 12 holy Jyotirlingas dedicated to Lord Shiva. The temple is located at Prabhas Patan, near Veraval port in Saurashtra, Gujarat. It takes around 4 to 5 hours by road to reach Somnath Jyotirlinga from Nageshwar temple.

Where to stay nearby?

There are various places to accommodate yourself comfortably, within a reasonable budget. The hotels also offer express check-in and check-out, high-speed Internet, Wi-Fi, airport & railway pickup. The names of a few of them are:

  • Hotel Guruprerna
  • Hotel Meera
  • Hotel Damji
  • Hotel Dwarka Residency
  • Hotel Gomti

Where to eat nearby?

The best places nearby to feast on the local food would be the Charmi Restaurant and Hotel Prasad.

Where are some temples nearby?

Explore Dwarka
The Nageshwar Temple is only 17.3 km away from the Dwarkadish Temple.

Some of the temples near Nageshwar Temple are:

  • Shree Dwarkadish Temple: Also known as the Jagat Mandir this temple is dedicated to Lord Krishna also known as the “King of Dwarka”. It consists of 5 storied building, 72 pillars and this temple is about 2,200 years old. It is a Pushtimarg temple, therefore it follows the guidelines and rituals of Shree Vallabhacharya and Shree Vitheleshnathji.
  • Gomti Ghat Temples: The Gomati Ghat in Gujarat has plentiful of temples that are devoted to Lord Krishna, Lord Rama, Lord Shiva, and Sudama, who was Lord Krishna’s closest friend. The temples around this ghat present an amazing view of River Gomati. The Ghat Temples are just at the entrance of the Dwarkadhish temple.
  • Rukshmani Mandir: Rukshamanee/ Rukshmani Mandir is an important place of pilgrimage and is dedicated to the most adored consort of Krishna, Devi Rukmini. A masterpiece in artistic terms, this temple has embellished walls and carvings which are a treat for one’s eyes. This temple is located in the main city of Dwarka.
  • Bhadkeshwar Mahadev Temple: Located at a distance of 18.2 km from Nageshwar Jyotirlinga, the temple is dedicated to Lord Chandra Mouliswar Shiva. The temple is on the hillock on the sea. During high tide, water surrounds the temple and a fair takes place here every year on the day of Mahashivratri.

Frequently Asked Questions about Nageshwar Temple

Is the Nageshwar Temple open throughout the year?

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

What is the entry fee?

The entry to the Nageshwar Temple is free of cost.

Is there any online darshan facility available?

No, there is no online darshan facility available.

Can one carry mobiles and gadgets into the temple?

Yes. All electronic gadgets are permitted in the temple premises (viz. mobile, camera, laptop).

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

No. No such facilities are available. Although, a wheelchair can be made available upon request.

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

No. No such facilities are available.

What is the weather like during summers?

The summers at Dwarka 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 Dwarka, winters start in November and continues 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.

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

Guruvayur Temple Guide – Timings, Poojas, and History

Guruvayur Temple remains open daily between 03:00 AM to 09:15 PM. There is an afternoon break in darshan from 12:30 PM to 04:30 PM. Prasadam timings of the temple are from 11:00 AM to 01:00 AM.
Required Time: 1 to 2 hours.

Guruvayur Temple is one of the most popular temples dedicated to Lord Krishna located in Guruvayur, Kerala. The main deity, Lord Krishna, here known as Lord Guruvayurappan (Father or Lord of Guruvayur) is represented as a four-armed God holding the Conch named Panchajanya, the Sudarshana Chakra, the Kaumodaki, and a lotus with a Basil garland.

Planning to visit the Guruvayur Temple? Have a look at our Kerala Temples Tour Package.

Guruvayur Temple – Facts

DeityLord Guruvayurappan (Lord Vishnu)
LocationThrissur, Kerala
ToursKerala Temples Tour
Entry FeeGeneral Darshan: Free; Special Darshan: Rs. 1, 000
per person.
Darshan
Timings 		3:00 AM to 12:30 PM; 4:30 PM to 9:15 PM
PoojasPalabhishekam, Athazha Naivedyam
Best Time
to Visit		October to March
FestivalsVishu, Ekadashi
Guruvayur Temple Video

The Guruvayur Temple is referred to as the “Dwarka of the South“. The word Guruvayur can be split into Guru and Vayu, thus giving importance to the fact that the idol of Lord Krishna was installed by Brihaspati, the Guru, and Vayu, the God of Winds.

What are the timings of Guruvayur Temple?

Guruvayur Temple Timings
The Guruvayur Temple is open all 365 days of the year.

Guruvayur temple opens at 3:00 AM and closes at 9:15 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.

Guruvayur Temple timings are as follows:

RitualFromTo
Morning Darshan3:00 AM12:30 PM
Evening Darshan4:30 PM9:15 PM
Abhishekam7:00 AM9:00 AM
Ucha Pooja11:30 AM12:30 PM
Deepardhana6:15 PM6:45 PM
Naivedyam7:30 PM8:15 PM
Tripuka9:00 PM9:15 PM

The Guruvayur Temple remains closed between 12:30 PM to 4:30 PM.

  • The Palabhishekam (Abhishekam with milk), Navabhishekam (Abhishekam with water-filled nine silver pots), and Pantiradinaivedyam are performed at 7:00 AM.
  • Athazha Pooja and Athazha Naivedyam occur between 7:30 PM to 8:15 PM.
  • The Tripuka (worshipping the shrine with nine sacred gums) and Olavayana (reading out of day’s income and expenditure) takes place between 9 PM to 9:15 PM.
  • Devotees belonging to the Hindu religion only are allowed inside the temple complex.
  • Newly-wed couples are not allowed inside the Temple Complex immediately after their marriage.

What are the sevas and poojas at Guruvayur Temple?

Guruvayur Temple Kolam
Elaborate flower kolams or rangolis are a common sight to see during important poojas and festivals.
  • Udayasthamana Pooja: This unique pooja is a ritual where 15 special poojas are performed throughout the day (Udaya for Sunrise and Astha for Sunset) for the deity in the name of the devotee. The rituals begin at dawn and proceeds in succession till dusk after which the devotee and other attendees are given Prasadam of the pooja.
  • Annaprasanam: This is a ceremony where an infant is given rice as food for the first time since his or her birth. Arrangements are made for the devotees and the child with cooked rice, payasam (rice pudding) and plantain. The food is spread onto a banana leaf and then fed to the infant among holy chants signifying the beginning of nutritionally healthy life ahead.
  • Prasadaootu: This seva is also known popularly as Annadanam. Devotees can donate any amount and it will be used to feed thousands of pilgrims every day at the Temple Dining Hall.
  • Tulabharam: The devotee is weighed against offerings like banana, sugar, water, rice or gold in a Tula or a balance. The equivalent weight is then offered to the temple. Non-Hindus are also allowed to perform the ceremony.
  • Elephant donation and Anayoottu: The devotees can also donate elephants to the temple. Currently, 40 such elephants are housed in Punnatthur Kota. Anayoottu is the feeding of these elephants. Devotees can also feed these elephants every day at the temple at 10 AM.
  • Bhagavathi Azhal: As per the devotee’s requirement, ten or twenty wicks of oil lamps are kept on a banana leaf and presented in front of the shrine of Bhagavathi.
  • Krishnanattam: The unique dance performance called Krishnanattam is the representation of important incidents in Lord Krishna’s life. The art form was introduced by Prince Manavedan in 1654. The performance uses colourful masks inspired by local art forms and traditional instruments like Sudha Madhalam, Edakka, Gong, and Conch. The devotees can offer these performances for the fulfillment of their particular desire. The eight episodes are – Avatharam (for birth of a child), Kaliyamardana (antidote to poisoning), Rasakreeda (happy unmarried life), Kamsavadha (eliminate enemies), Swayamvara (matrimonial issues), Banayudha (fulfillment of wishes), Vividha Vodha (fight against poverty and increase agricultural yield) and Swargarohana (peace of departed souls).
  • Angapradakshina: This ritual involves circumambulating the temple pradakshina with his or her eyes closed and chanting the Lord’s name.
Guruvayur Temple Thulabharam
The ritual of Thulabharam is very famous in Guruvayur Temple.

What is the significance of the Guruvayur Temple?

Guruvayurappan
Lord Guruvayurappan is represented as a four-armed God holding the Conch named Panchajanya, the Sudarshana Chakra, the Kaumodaki, and a lotus with a Basil garland.

It is believed that the form of Lord Krishna worshipped here in the form of Lord Vishnu in which he appeared to Vasudev and Devaki during the birth of Lord Krishna. Hence, the child form of Lord Krishna is worshipped here.

The idol of the main deity is 4 feet tall and is made of the unique stone named Patala Anjanama stone. The unique stone is believed to possess healing properties. Every day, the water used for Abhishekam (bathing of the idol) is distributed to the devotees for healing purposes. The temple is well known for providing a healing touch to people suffering from major diseases like Leprosy and Tuberculosis.

It is believed that Lord Shiva performed penance or Tapasya in the Rudratheertham (Rudra is associated with Lord Shiva and hence, the name of the tank). In ancient days, the Rudratheertham was believed to be much larger than the present form and was supposed to be filled with Lotuses.

The Krishnanattam is a unique service held at Guruvayur on all days except Tuesdays. The art form is a depiction of events in the eight stages of Lord Krishna’s life. The devotees can view the performances in the evening at the Mandapam as well as perform the seva to fulfill their personal wishes.

It is one of the richest and most visited temples of the country. The temple receives 6-10 million pilgrims every year. During the festive season, the number of visitors reaches 50,000 per day. The temple administration has a corpus fund of 400 crores and a Hundi collection of 2.5 crores per month.

What is the architecture of the Guruvayur Temple like?

The architecture of the Guruvayur Temple is simple and follows the Vastuvidya tradition. Guruvayur Temple faces east and has two entrances, the east, and the west. The central pillared hall, called Nalambalam is adorned with an array of lamps on its outer surface. The outer enclosure is called as the Chuttambalam in Malayalam.

The 33.5-meter high Dhwajasthambam and a 7-meter high Deepasthambam with 13 circular receptacles are situated inside the Chuttambalam. The temple also houses the shrines of Lord Ganapathy, Lord Aiyyappa, and Bhagavathi. The main Sree Kovil consists of the Garbhagriha and the Mukhamandapam. The famous Rudratheertham is situated north to the temple. All the articles in the Garbhagriha, including the doors and the roof, are made out of gold.

The temple has several synonyms like “Bhooloka Vaikunta” meaning “Abode of Vishnu on Earth”. It is also called as the “Dwarka of the South”.

What is the history of Guruvayur Temple?

According to the local population, the deity is believed to be 5000 years ago but the fact has not been scientifically proven. The earliest reference that one can find about Guruvayur is in the famous literary work in Tamil called Kokasandesam. A place called Kuruvayur is mentioned several times in the literature.

Guruvayur was once a sub-shrine of the Trikkunavay Shiva Temple. The Shiva Temple was destroyed by the Dutch in 1755. Melpathur Narayana Bhattathiri’s Narayaniyam, composed in the 16th century popularized the existence of the Guruvayur Temple around the world. The present structure of the Temple is believed to have been rebuilt in 1638.

It is believed that the central shrine (Sreekovil) and the Mandapam are as old as 1030 AD. The western gopuram was constructed in the 12th century. The Dutch raided Guruvayur in 1716 and the western gopuram was set afire. Guruvayur was subjected to further assaults by Hyder Ali in 1766 and by Tipu Sultan in 1789. In 1789, the Utsavavugraha (Utsava Moorthi) was shifted to Ambalapuzzha and the Moolavigraha to a safe underground sanctum. The Moolavigraha was re-installed and worship resumed after the victory of the Zamorins over Tipu Sultan with the help of the British Army.

The legend associated with the temple can be referenced to the Narada Purana. Lord Vishnu once appeared before Lord Brahma to grant salvation to him and his creations. On Lord Brahma’s request, he presented him with an idol of and made by himself. Some centuries later, Lord Brahma gifted this idol to King Sutapas and his wife Prasni, who were doing penance for a child. Lord Vishnu appeared to the King and his wife and stated that he will be born to them for their next four births. He also blessed them by stating that the idol will bless them in each of these births.

Lord Vishnu was born as Prasngarbha to King Sutapas and Queen Prasni in the Satya Yuga. In Treta Yuga, he was born as Vamana to Kashyapa (Sutapas) and Aditi (Prasni). Later, Lord Vishnu was born as Lord Rama to King Dashratha (Sutapas) and Kaushalya (Prasni). In the Dwapara Yuga, he took the form of Lord Krishna to Vasudeva and Devaki who were the reincarnation of Sutapas and Prasni again.

When Lord Krishna decided to forego the Earth and ascend to heaven, he decided to give the idol to Brihaspati (Guru) and Vayu, so that it could escape the destruction of Dwarka. Brihaspati and Vayu went southwards in search of a place to consecrate and worship the idol. They were enchanted by the sight of the huge Rudratheertham and on a visit there, met Sage Parashurama. The three together met Lord Shiva and Goddess Parvati on the banks of the Theertham and were eventually convinced by the greatness of the place by Lord Shiva himself. They decided to build a shrine there and consecrate the idol of Lord Krishna at the site. They entailed the services of Vishwakarma (Architect of the Devas) who built a grand temple within minutes.

What are the festivals celebrated at Guruvayur Temple?

Guruvayur Temple Vishu
Vishu is celebrated in the month of April and is the new year of Malayalees and Tamilians.
  • Ekadasi: The auspicious day is the major festival celebrated in Guruvayur. It is believed that this is the day when Lord Krishna enlightens Arjuna with the teachings of the Bhagavad Gita. The festival lasts for a month. The Ekadasi or the eleventh day is celebrated in the month of Vrischika or November. On the day of Navami, Deepams lit with Ghee are offered to the Lord by the Kolady family followed by the Deepams on Dasami offered by the Guruvayurappan Sankeerthana Trust. On Ekadasi, the Ekadasi Vilakku (Deepam) with Elephant procession takes place signaling the end of the festivities.
  • Chembai Sangeethotsavam: This is a unique cultural festival celebrated to honour Sri Chembai Vaidyanatha Bhagavathar, a legendary Carnatic Musician and an ardent Krishna devotee in Guruvayur. The music festival is celebrated for 11 days during which artists, whether old or young, amateur or professionals participate and dedicate their compositions to Lord Krishna. They are provided free accommodation and food by the Temple Administration.
  • The Temple Utsavam: The grand festival is celebrated in the month of February – March and lasts for 10 days. The first day marks the raising of the flag atop the Dhwajasthambam as an invitation to the Gods and Goddesses to attend the festival. An Elephant race is held on the first day that attracts visitors from far and away. For the next 6 days, processions of the Lord is taken around on the backs of the elephants. Every day, a morning Pooja is held followed by several cultural programs and religious discourses. The Utsavabali is celebrated on the eighth day. The devotees are treated to a feast. The ninth day is celebrated as Palivetta which signifies the destruction of evils in our life such as Kama (Lust) and Krodha (Anger). After that, the idol of the deity is taken to the Temple pond where thousands of devotees take a dip dedicated to him. The Lord is returned to the shrine after going around the temple for eleven times. The Temple flag is lowered, signaling an end of the festival.
  • Vishu: The day is celebrated as the Malayali New Year and occurs in mid-April. It is a belief that one’s fortunes depend on what one sees first thing on an auspicious morning. Offerings like Rice, flowers, gold, betel leaves, nuts, coins, and yellow cucumber are arranged in front of the Lord on the previous night itself. Devotees stay overnight blindfolded and facing the deity. When the shrine is opened, they throng to see the auspicious sight of the Lord and bless themselves with the good omen.
  • Janmashtami: The joyous occasion of the birth of Lord Krishna is celebrated with great pomp and fare. The whole temple is decorated with flowers and lamps. Special Poojas are performed throughout the day. Offerings of Appam are made to the Lord by thousands of devotees who flock to the Temple to have a glimpse of God on this auspicious day.

Besides these festivals, Onam, Deepavali, Navratri, and Kuchela Dinam are also celebrated with great enthusiasm at the temple

Where is the Guruvayur Temple
The Ekadashi Valaku is an important festival that is celebrated in the month of November.

Weddings at the Guruvayur Temple

Weddings in Guruvayur
More than 30 weddings take place in a day in the Guruvayur Temple.

Guruvayur is considered to be one of the most auspicious and sacred temples to get married in. The temple hosts many mandapams but it is necessary to start bookings months in advance.

The Sree Krishna Guruvayur Temple conducts approximately 40 to 100 weddings per day. During the wedding season, the number of weddings per day easily can be over 200. However, only family members and very close relations are allowed into the mandapam. Each ceremony lasts only for 3-7 minutes. This is because the mandapam needs to be prepared for the next wedding which is to be taken place on the same day.

What is the dress code at Guruvayur Temple?

What is the dress code of Guruvayur Temple
Men are supposed to wear veshti and women are advised to wear sarees while visiting the Guruvayur Temple.

Guruvayur Temple follows the strict dress code for both men and women. Men should wear a traditional costume like a Mundu (similar to a dhoti or a veshti). They should not wear any upper garments like shirts or vests. Women are allowed only wearing sarees, long skirts, and tops or the salwar kameez. Jeans, short skirts or dresses are not allowed inside the temple premises.

How to reach Guruvayur Temple?

  • By Air: The Cochin International Airport is the nearest airport to Guruvayur. It is located 87 km away. The airport is well connected to major cities like New Delhi, Mumbai, Chennai, Bengaluru, Goa, and Kolkata.
  • By Train: Guruvayur railway station is the end destination in the Thrissur-Guruvayur Section. Guruvayur is connected to Ernakulam, Thrissur, Chennai, Kollam, Trivandrum, Madurai and Trichy. Apart from Guruvayur, the nearest railway head is the Thrissur Railway Station at a distance of 28 km. Thrissur is well connected to major parts of the country like Mangalore, Bengaluru, Pune, Mumbai, Ajmer, New Delhi, Hyderabad, Chandigarh, Amritsar, Jammu, Indore and many more.
  • By Road: The Kerala State Road Transport Corporation (KSRTC) operates regular buses to Guruvayur from all major cities and towns in Kerala. Buses also connect cities like Chennai, Madurai, Salem, Coimbatore, Tiruchendoor, Mysore, Mangalore, Bengaluru, Mookambika and Udupi from neighbouring states like Karnataka and Tamilnadu.

Where to stay in Guruvayur?

The Guruvayur Devaswom has constructed the Kousthubam Rest House, Panchajanyam Rest House and the Sreevatsam Rest House for the comfort of the pilgrims. However, rooms should be booked in advance to the period of the visit.

The holy town of Guruvayur hosts a number of private hotels and lodges that are located in the temple surroundings as well as near the bus stands and the railway station. Alternatively, one can book accommodation at Thrissur city nearby and visit Guruvayur.

Where to eat nearby?

The cuisine here is mainly vegetarian. Non-vegetarian is not banned but it is rare in the town. South Indian dishes like Dosas, Idlis, Appams, Puttu, and Idiyappam are extremely popular and a must-have for visitors here.

The official website of the Guruvayur Temple is:
http://guruvayurdevaswom.nic.in/

What are some temples nearby?

  • Mammiyoor Temple: The legendary Mammiyoor Temple dedicated to Lord Shiva is just a 10-minute walk from the Guruvayur Temple. This is believed to be the temple from where Lord Shiva and Goddess Parvati gave blessings to the Guruvayur Temple during the idol installation of Lord Krishna by Guru and Vayu. It is believed that one should visit both the Guruvayur Temple and the Mammiyoor Temple to complete the spiritual experience.
  • Narayanamkulangara Temple: The temple located just 0.5 km away from the shrine is dedicated to Goddess Narayani. It is believed that she bestows salvation on men visiting the Temple.
  • Parthasarathy Temple: The temple is located just a few meters away from the Guruvayur Temple. The main deity is Lord Krishna who is depicted in a pose where he is enlightening Arjuna about the teachings of the Bhagavad Gita. The Vrischika Ekadasi is celebrated with great reverence at the temple.

Some other famous temples in Kerala are:

  • Vadakkunnathan Temple: The temple is located in Thrissur and is one of the oldest shrines of Kerala. It is also a national building. The temple is spread over a large area of 9 acres. The temple also won the UNESCO Asia Pacific Heritage Award. It got the award in the Cultural Heritage conservation category in 2015.
  • Thiruvanchikulam Shiva Temple: It is one of the major Shiva temples in Kerala. This temple is in fact more than 2,000 years old. Thiruvanchikulam Mahadeva temple is famous for the various manifestations of Lord Shiva, who is also the main deity of the temple.
  • Padmanabhaswamy Temple: This temple is one of the most prominent temples dedicated to Lord Vishnu in Thiruvananthapuram, Kerala. The temple is one of the only few temples dedicated to the Lord in which he is worshipped in the “Ananta Shayanam” position. The temple has been declared as the richest Hindu Temple in the world and as the wealthiest religious institution in the World.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is the Guruvayur Temple open throughout the year?

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

What is the entry fee?

The entry to the Guruvayur 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 citizens?

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

What is the weather like during the summer?

The summers in Guruvayur starts from April and continue until June. The summers here can be very hot and humid. Temperatures during the daytime often go up to 38 º C.

What are winters like in Thrissur?

In Thrissur, winters start in October and continue until March. The temperatures during this time range from around 15 º C to 25 º C. The weather during this time is cool and pleasant.

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

Morgaon Ganpati Temple Guide – Vigneshwara Ashtavinayaka – Timings, Poojas, and History

Morgaon Ganpati Temple is a famous pilgrimage destination and is dedicated to Lord Ganesha. It is located in Moragaon near Pune in the state of Maharashtra. It operates under the administration of the Chinchwad Devasthan Trust.

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

Morgaon Ganpati Temple – Facts

DeityLord Ganesha
LocationMorgaon, Pune
SignificanceAsthavinayaka Temples
Best Time to VisitAugust to February
Darshan timings5:00 AM to 10:00 PM
Entry FeesFree
Dress CodeTraditional (no compulsion)
FestivalsGanesh Chaturthi, Ganesha Jayanti, Shukla Chaturthi

Morgaon Ganpati Temple is also famous as ‘Shri Mayureshwar Mandir’ or ‘Shri Moreshwar Mandir.’

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Morgaon Ganpati Temple is one of the Vigneshwara Asthavinayaka temples

The temple is one of the Ashtavinayaka, the eight revered shrines of Ganesha in the Indian state of Maharashtra. The temple is the starting and ending point of Ashtavinayaka Yatra. The eleven staircases of the temple have importance. Also, the ‘Nandi’ in front of the temple is a symbol of spirituality.

Moreshwar Morgaon Ganpati Temple Darshan

Morgaon Ganpati Temple – Timings

Morgaon Ganpati temple opens at 5:00 AM in the morning till 10:00 PM. The morning hours are 5:00 AM to 12:00 PM and the evening hours are 3:00 PM to 10:00 PM. It is open on all 365 days.

Here are the timings for Morgaon Ganpati temple:

Darshan5:00 AM to 10:00 PM
Mahaprasada12:00 PM to 2:00 PM
Morning Hours5:00 AM to 12:00 PM
Evening Hours 3:00 PM to 10:00 PM

What are the poojas and rituals in Morgaon Ganpati Temple?

Some of the major poojas that take place in the temple are Ganesh Chaturthi, Ganesh Jayanti, Magh Suddha Chaturthi, etc. Regular Prakshal Puja, Panchopachar Puja, and Shejaartis are performed.

The daily poojas and rituals include,

Prakshal Puja 5:00 AM to 10:00 PM
Shodashopachar Puja Morning7:00 AM
Shodashopachar Puja Noon12:00 PM
Panchopachar Puja 8:00 PM
Samudaik Evening Aarti  7:30 PM
Shej Aarti  10:00 PM
SHEJAARTI-min
Shejaarti happens at 10:00 pm in the Morgaon Ganpati temple

What is the significance of the Morgaon Ganpati Temple?

The significance of Morgaon Ganapati Temple is that a huge stone boundary encloses the place of worship with minarets at four corners of the temple. The four gates which depict four ages of life face a cardinal direction with an image of Ganesha. Each form relates to the aim of life. It is an Asthavinayaka temple and is made up of a single stone and the Garbhagriha houses a central image of the Lord facing the north direction.

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Stone boundaries are an unique feature of the Morgaon Ganpati temple

The Morgaon Ganpati temple is the 1th temple in the Asthavinayaka Yatra.

The courtyard has two Deepmalas and a 6-foot mouse that sits in front of the temple. An enormous structure of Nandi faces the Lord on the outside of the temple gates. The space around the assembly hall contains 23 different idols symbolizing various forms of Lord Ganesha. Recently there is an assembly hall which is the home to the deities of Lord Vishnu and Lakshmi.

What is the history of the Morgaon Ganpati Temple?

The history states that there was a prominent Ganapatya saint named Morya Gosavi. He worshiped at the Morgaon Ganesha temple before relocating to Chinchwad. There, he built a new shrine. This temple along with other temples near Pune enjoyed royal patronage from the Brahmin Peshwa rulers.

According to Ganesha Purana, Lord Ganesha incarnated as Mayureshwar who had six arms and a white complexion. He was born in the Treta Yuga for the purpose of killing the demon named Sindhu. The Lord came down on a peacock mount and waged a battle against Sindhu and later defeated him.

Another significant Ganapatya legend states that Lord Brahma along with Vishnu, Shiva, the Divine Mother Devi, and Surya meditated at Morgaon to gain knowledge about their creator and the purpose of existence. Then Lord Ganesha appeared before them in the form of an Omkara flame and blessed them.

Morya-Gosavi-min
Moreshwara is the other name for Morgaon Ganpati temple behind the saint Morya Gosavi

What are the festivals in Morgaon Ganpati Temple?

Here are some of the festivals celebrated at Morgaon Ganapati Temple:

Morgaon Ganpati temple witnesses the majority of its crowd from January to September, which is the festival period of the year for the temple.

  • Ganesh Jayanti – The festival that celebrates the birthday of Lord Ganesha sees thousands of devotees assembling in the temple premises. It is one of the most important festivals that take place during the month of January or February.
  • Ganesh Chaturthi – It is a major festival in this temple. It takes places in the month of August or September. It is often celebrated for a period of five days and marks the beginning of a series of Hindu celebrations.
  • Bhadrapada Month Celebrations – Every year people from distant places gather in this place to offer prayers and seek blessings from the Almighty. It falls in the Hindu month of Bhadrapada, August/September and the celebrations last for more than a month. Devotees can offer a donation to the Chinchwad Deosthan Trust and collect the receipt. The Prasad can be sent to the pilgrims by post.
  • Vijayadasami – Vijayadasami is another major festival in Morgaon Ganpati temple. It is celebrated in the month of September or October along with Navaratri, a major Hindu festival.

Some other festivals observed in this temple include Shukla Chaturthi, Krishna Chaturthi, and Somavati Amavasya. All of these festivals depend on the positions of the moon and the sun. They usually take place between January to September.

ganesh-chaturthi-Festival
Ganesh Chaturthi is a major festival in Morgaon Ganpati temple

How to Reach Morgaon Ganapati Temple?

Here’s how to reach Morgaon Ganapati Temple:

  • Air – For tourists planning to visit this auspicious shrine by flight, Pune airport is the nearest destination, within 75 km.
  • Train – The Jejuri Railway Station located at 17 km from the temple is the nearest railway station.
  • Road –  Special buses called Asthavinayaka darshan take tourists to all the eight temples. Buses to and from Pune are also available at the temple location itself.

Where to stay near Morgaon Ganpati Temple?

The temple guest house is not available without special recommendations but there are many good places to lodge near the temple grounds. For example, pilgrims traveling alone or on a limited budget can opt for dormitories or share rooms. And for people traveling with family, double to triple bedded rooms are also available.

From Rs 500 per night to Rs 5000 per night, a variety of hotels at different prices ranges are available. However, it is always advisable to book one’s accommodation in advance. One can also avail the free pickup and drop services of the hotels to avoid extra traveling issues.

Please carry a valid identity proof while making reservations at the hotel.

Where to eat near Morgaon Ganapati Temple?

In Morgaon, pilgrims can enjoy authentic Maharashtrian cuisine. Temple bhog is also available during the afternoon. The place surrounding the temple is stacked with both veg and non-veg food stalls. Many hotels to have their own personal restaurants where the food quality and quantity is great.

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Maharashtrian cuisine is extremely popular around the Morgaon Ganpati temple region

What are some temples near Morgaon Ganapati Temple?

1) Shree Khandoba Temple – Khandoba, otherwise called Khanderao, Khanderaya, Malhari Martand, and Mallu Khan is a local Hindu God. People worship him as Martanda Bhairava, a form of Shiva, primarily in the Indian Deccan Plateau. It is located at a distance of 103 km from Morgaon Ganpati temple.

2) Baleshwar Mandir – Rulers of Chand dynasty built this famous temple. It is at a distance of 284 km from Morgaon Ganpati temple. Devotees worship Lord Shiva as Baleshwar. Moreover, here are two different sanctuaries in the compound of Baleshwar. One for Ratneshwar and the other for Champawati Durga.

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Shree Khandoba temple is at a distance of 103 km from Morgaon Ganpati temple

What are the other Ashtavinayak Temples?

Here’s a list of the other Ashtavinayak Temples:

1)Girijatmaj Temple, Lenyadri: Goddess Parvathi performed penance at this place to have a child. Her prayers were answered when Lord Ganesh was born. The temple gets its name from the words Girija (Parvathi) and Atmaj (son). It is in Lenyadri, 87 km from the Vighneswar Vinayak temple

2)Siddhi Vinayak Temple, Siddhatek: Lord Vishnu appeased Lord Ganesh at this place before slaying the demons Madhu and Kaitabh. Lord Siddhi Vinayak is the only idol with the trunk pointing towards the right. It is in Siddhatek, 160km from the Girijatmaj Temple.

3)Ballaleshwar Temple, Pali: This temple is named after Lord Ganesh’s devotee Ballal. This is the only Ganesh Temple named after a devotee. It is in Pali, 180 km from the Girijatmaj Temple.

4)Varad Vinayak Temple, Mahad: Lord Ganesh is Varadha Vinayak, the Lord who grants boons and wishes. It is in Mahad, 146 km from the Girijatmaj temple.

5)Chintamani Temple, Theur:  Lord Ganesh retrieved the invaluable jewel – Chintamani from a greedy demon and gave it back to sage Kapila. The sage rewarded Lord Ganesh by placing it around Lord Ganesh’s neck. As a result, he was as Chintamani Vinayak. It is in Theur, 110 km from the Girijatmaj temple.

6)Vighneshwar Vinayak Temple, Ozar:  Lord Indra sent Vighnasur to disturb King Abhinandan’s prayer. The troubled devotees turned to Lord Ganesh who defeated the demon at this place. It is in Ozar, 87 km from the Girijatmaj temple.

7)Mahaganapati Temple, Ranjangaon: Lord Shiva worshipped Lord Ganesh here before proceeding to defeat the demon Tripurasura. It is in Ranjangaon, 86 km from the Girijatmaj temple.

Asthavinyaka Temples
All 8 Vigneshwara Asthavinayaka temples across Maharashtra

Frequently Asked Questions about Morgaon Ganpati Temple –

What is the best time to visit Morgaon Ganpati temple?

Most festivals in the Morgaon Ganpati temple fall by January, so the best season to visit is between August to January.

Is the Morgaon Ganpati temple open on all days?

Yes, the temple is open on all 365 days.

What are the darshan timings for Morgaon Ganpati temple?

The darshan timings are from 5:00 AM to 10:00 PM in the Morgaon Ganpati temple.

Is there an entry free for Morgaon Ganpati temple?

No, there is no entry fee involved in the Morgaon Ganpati temple.

Is there a free parking space in Morgaon Ganpati temple?

Yes, there is a free parking space available.

Is photography allowed inside Morgaon Ganpati temple?

No, photography isn’t allowed inside the temple grounds.

What is the nearest airport from Morgaon Ganpati temple?

The nearest airport to Morgaon Ganpati temple is the Pune airport less than 100 km away.

What is the temperature in Morgaon Ganpati temple during August/September?

The average temperature in Morgaon Ganpati temple during August/September is around 30 to 35-degree centigrade.

If you have any questions about Morgaon Ganpati temple, please leave your comment below and we will get back to you within one hour.

Lepakshi Temple Timings, Poojas, Dress Code, and History

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 Timings6:00 am – 6:00 pm
Entry FeeNo fee
Main DeityVeerbhadra
Nearest AirportSri Sathya Sai Airport
LocationAnantapur district, Andhra Pradesh
Photography Allowed

Lepakshi Temple Timings

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

Timings From
Morning6:00 AM
Evening6:00 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 TimingsFrom
Morning7:00 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.

Baglamukhi – Pitambara Peeth at Datia

Baglamukhi at Datia in Madhya Pradesh consists of a Hindu temple and an Ashram. It is also called as ‘Tapasthali’ as there are many mythological and real people who have considered this to be a supreme place for meditation.

The power of Shakti of Mother Goddess is worshiped here and it is an important place of worship. The Shivalinga of Shree Vankhandeswar Shiva is inspected and approved by the Archaeological Survey of India to be of the same age as that of the Mahabharata.

Baglamukhi History

Goddess Baglamukhi is also known as Pitambara Maa. Once upon a time, there was a huge storm that erupted over the Earth. As it threatened to destroy the entire creation, all the Gods assembled in the Saurashtra region. Goddess Baglamukhi emerged from the ‘Haridra Sarovara’, and appeased by the prayers of the gods, calmed down the storm.

Another popular legend surrounding this temple states that there was a demon named Madan who underwent penance and won the boon of vak siddhi, according to which whatever he said, happened the exact way. Starting to take his boon as a point to torture innocent people, the heavenly livings were severely enraged, thereby worshipping Baglamukhi.

The Goddess stopped the demon`s rampage by gripping his tongue and silencing his speech forever. However, before she could kill him, he requested her that he is worshiped alongside the goddess, and she yielded. That is why Madan (the demon) is shown with her together.

Shri Pitambara Peetha is counted by the devotees among the most famous temples of Baglamukhi which was established by Bramhaleen Pujyapaad RashtraGuru Anant Shree Swami Ji Maharajin 1920s. He also established the temple of goddess Dhumavati within the ashram. Dhumavati and Baglamukhi are the two of the ten Mahavidyas.

Pujyapaad was also referred as ‘Swamiji’or ‘Maharaj’ by the devotees. There is no individual who had any information about either his identity or his place of origin. Moreover, he too did not disclose any such facts to anyone. However, he was a Parivrajakachrya Dandi Swami, who stayed on in Datia for a long period of time. He was and still is a spiritual icon for many who visit the Peeth or have been associated with him directly or indirectly.

During the Indo-China war, A Rashtra Anushtan Yagya was started in this temple which later was completed successfully. Maharaj Ji then thought of establishing the Dhumavati temple and also penned down the literature for the same.

In the year 1965 or 1971, Sri Datiya Pitambara Peeth has replied with vigor and established a spiritual attack by Tantrik Anushthanam to thwart the enemy’s efforts. The retreat of the enemy’s forces took place with the completion of the anusthanam. The same was organized during the Pakistani invasion on the Kargil front.

Significance of Baglamukhi Temple

Shri Pitambara Peetha is one of the most famous Shakti Peetha of Baglamukhi Devi at Datia in Madhya Pradesh. It is situated at a distance of approximately 75 km from Gwalior and approximately 30 km from Jhansi.

Pujyapaad Swamiji was a strong devotee of the Goddess Pitambara. He had a natural inclination towards the Sanskrit language but also possessed sufficient knowledge of Urdu, Persian and Arabic, English, Pali, and Prakrit languages. In addition, he was fond of classical music and various great classical musicians of that time used to visit the ashram.

Pujyapaad had led innumerable gatherings and associations for the protection and welfare of both the humanity and the country in large. Living legend who knows about Swamiji is Pt Shri Gaya Prasad Nayak Ji (Babuji) of Garhi Malehara. Pujya Swamiji Maharaj and Babuji’s Guruji were Gurubhai.

Some of the musicians who visited the ashram comprise of Pundit Gundai Maharaj, Siyaram Tiwari, Rajan and Sajan Mishra, Dagar Bandhu etc. One of the greatest classical musicians Acharya Brihaspati was the follower of Pujyapaad.

Moreover, one can also find many temples of Parshuram, Hanuman, Kal Bhairav and other god and goddess stretched across the large area of Ashram.

The Peeth is currently maintained by a trust.

The Ashram also maintains the Sanskrit library which was established by the Pujyapaad. One can get sufficient information that explains the history of the Ashram and the secret Mantras of various kinds of Sadhanas and tantras.

The blessings of Guruji helped Ustad Aadil Khan to recover his lost voice and from then on he became a disciple of Shri Maharaj-Ji.

One of the distinct specialties of the Ashram can be referred to the approach to spread the light of Sanskrit language to young children, free of cost. The Ashram also conducts Sanskrit debates across the years.

A devotee can see the Haridra Lake located in front of the main temple and at the back; there are an office and other buildings.

No individual is allowed to carry leather items in the form of a waist belt, wallet, purse etc inside the temple premises even after removing your footwear.

Devotees are encouraged to wear garments in yellow color during Sadhana.

Baglamukhi Temple Timings

  • Baglamukhi temple opens at 7 AM and closes at 9 PM.
  • The temple remains unavailable for a visit from 12 P.M. to 2 P.M.

Baglamukhi Temple Food Timings

  • The temple provides Prasad to the devotees after 12 PM.
  • One can also offer food to the deity in the form of fruits and coconuts.
  • Generally, people offer salted prasadam to the Goddess in this temple.

Festivals celebrated at the Baglamukhi Temple

  • The major festivals that are celebrated in this temple with great pomp include Navaratri, Guru Purnima, and Maha Nirvana Din or the death anniversary of Maharaj-Ji. As per the Shakti system; Navaratri is a perfect and auspicious day to start a Sadhana. A community hawan is organized on the Ninth day of Navaratri. The markings of the Lotus feet of Guru are also worshiped on the day of Guru Purnima.
  • Vasant Panchami is celebrated with much joy.
  • Every morning Saraswati Puja is performed.
  • Evenings see the Ashram immersed in sounds of India classical music.

Baglamukhi Temple Poojas and Rituals

  • There are four arati that take place in this temple. The Morning Arati takes place at 7 A.M. and the Evening Arati happens at 7 P.M. The Shringar Arati is performed at 8:30 P.M. and the Badi Arati is completed at 9 P.M.
  • It is interesting to note that the Baglamukhi Mantra is one of the most powerful mantras to attain powers to control over enmity feeling of your opponents, be it human or animals. But one needs to practice it after passing a qualifying eligibility test and under the guidance of a Guru or a Qualified Sadhak who is authorized by the Peeth. There is a set of discipline to be observed by the practicing Sadhak both in terms of self-discipline and one need to also correctly pronounce the complete Mantra. One has to be strong enough to hold the power of the Mantra. It is strongly suggested not to venture under the influence of any novice Sadhak.

 How to Reach Baglamukhi

  • By Air – Gwalior has its own particular airplane terminal that is situated at a distance of 8 km from the primary city. Gwalior is associated via air from Mumbai, Bhopal, Indore, and Delhi. Datia, on the other hand, is 75 km far from Gwalior.
  • By Train – Pitambara Peeth is located at the entrance of Datia city. The Datia railway station is located at only 3 km from the Pitambara and Bus stand is located at the distance of 1 km. There are many autos that are available from the railway station and bus stand to reach the auspicious shrine. This route is well connected by Rail from all parts of India.
  • By Road – A traveler can visit this temple by road as well. There are a lot of states and private buses that ply regularly from all major cities. Overnight A/C tourist buses are available from Delhi (321 km), Indore (486 km), Agra (118 km) and Jaipur (350 km).

Baglamukhi Accommodation

There are many hotels and lodging facilities available for people to stay at Datia in Madhya Pradesh. At a distance of only 1-2 km from the Pitambara Peeth, there are many Dharamshala that offer good accommodation at competitive prices. For an individual visiting alone, putting up at dormitories is also a good alternative. For people looking for luxury, there are many hotels that provide pickup and drop services to airports and railway stations for its clients. In addition to that, these fine places of accommodation also come with its own exclusive restaurants. In order to avoid any confusion, it is better to book the rooms in advance.

Where to eat

Madhya Pradesh also called as the ‘heart of Incredible India’ is famous for its variety of food. From vegetarian to non-vegetarian dishes, there are a plethora of options to suit the appetite of every traveler. If you want to enjoy a complete meal then, the Thali is a good choice. It is a balanced diet that contains all the essential ingredients. Additionally, there are many breakfast options, for example, poha, jalebi, samosa etc. This state is also famous for its sweets which are made of milk and has a unique taste. A tourist visiting this place makes it a point to taste some of the namkeens that are widely popular in this region. There are many local eating joints that provide food at a reasonable price.

For people looking for fine dining, there are many high-end restaurants that provide exotic dishes and sea food as well. Although the charges are comparatively high, they provide international cuisine and live music for the audience. Moreover, one can also customize any requirement in food and there are chefs who provide services as per the requirement of the client. So, it is sure that every person is bound to enjoy some wonderful delicacies with their loved ones and make memories that are worth cherishing in one’s lifetime.

Nearby Temples

  • Balaji Dham Unnav- One can travel 17 km from here and will reach Ichha Purti temple. Unnav is seventeen kilometers from Datia Headquarters. Balaji Temple is very old temple is said to be a specimen from the Pre-Historic times. People from very distant places flock to the Balaji Sun Temple on pilgrimage.
  • Sonagiri temples- It is a very popular pilgrimage destination for the Jains, who visit the shrine in large numbers annually to worship at these beautiful temples. There are more than one hundred temples that attract visitors and tourists from distant places. Sonagir is located at 15 Km from Datia and is connected by road and train.
  • Pancham Kavi ki Toriya- It is a beautiful and natural place that is situated at a distance of 4 Km from Datia. Pilgrims visit this shrine in large numbers which are also famous for ‘Bhairav Temple’.

Sahasra Kalasabhishekam Tirumala – Procedure, Timings, and Booking

Here is everything you want to know about Sahasra Kalasabhishekam in Tirumala.

What is Sahasra Kalasabhishekam? 

Sahasra Kalasabhishekam seva is offered at Tirumala Tirupati Devasthanam to Sri Bhoga Srinivasa Murthi – the silver replica deity of Mula Virat, the processional deities of Sri Malayappa Swamy varu along with his two consorts, Sri Viswaksena – the chief commander of Lord. This seva is performed to the deities after the second bell in the morning at the Bangaru Vakili.

Sahasra Kalasabhishekam Tirumala
Sahasra Kalasabhishekam Tirumala

Who should perform Sahasra Kalasabhishekam?

Here’s who should do Sahasra Kalasabhishekam:

  • Any person seeking the divine blessings of Lord Balaji should perform this seva.

What are the best days to do Sahasra Kalasabhishekam?

The best days to perform Sahasra Kalasabhishekam are:

  • This pooja is performed only on Wednesday.
  • One should make prior booking to get the dates to perform this pooja.
  • It should be performed early in the morning, the best time to do this pooja is 5.30 a.m.

What is the procedure for performing Sahasra Kalasabhishekam?

Here’s how to do Sahasra Kalasabhishekam:

  • The Bhoga Srinivas Murthy who was the main deity was connected by using the thin silk rope with the Mula Virat in the sanctum (Garbhalayam)
  • One end of the thin silk rope is kept near Kathithasta of the Mula Virat and the other end is attached to the Bhoga Srinivasa Murthy feet, symbolically is represents “Establish a new relationship in between the Bhoga Srinivasa Murthy and the main deity to achieve 2 purposes”.
  • First one, it is very clear that Bhoga Srinivasa Murthy represents the Mula Virat
  • And the other one, it becomes clear that the Sahasra Kalsabhishekam puja is offered to the main deity who is also known as the Bhoga Srinivasa Murthy.
  • The Viswaksena idol is kept at the life side of Bhoga Srinivasa Murthy outside the Bangura Vakili.
  • Sri Malayappa Swamy varu along with his consorts Sridevi and Bhudevi is kept at the right side of the main deity Bhoga Srinivasa Murthy outside the Bangura Vakili.
  • During the seva the archakas arranged 1008 silver vessels that are filled with pure water (Known as Abhisheka Tirtha or Parimala Teertham) that includes sandal paste and there will be 8 Parivara Vessels & 1 Gold vessel that are filled with water are kept in the Mantapam before the Bangura Vakili.
  • In this seva the Pancha Suktas and the Pancha Shanthi Mantras are enumerating by the archakas. After that the Thirumanjana Abhishekam is presented to the main deity Sri Bhoga Srinivasa Murthy, Viswaksena and Sri Malayappa Swamy and his consorts.
  • Mainly this seva is offered to the main deity Sri Bhoga Srinivasa Murthy and the content from kumbham is sprinkled on the feet of Sri Bhoga Srinivasa Murthy.

Where to perform Sahasra Kalasabhishekam?

A devotee can perform this pooja in the tirumala temple premises. It is performed only on Wednesday.

What is the cost of Sahasra Kalasabhishekam?

The pilgrims who wish to be a part of Sahasra Kalasabhishekam seva, they need to book tickets either online through tirumala website or offline. Ticket cost is approximately Rs. 850/- per person. The pilgrim can book for 6 persons at a time.

Grishneshwar Temple Guide – Timings, Poojas, and History

Grishneshwar Temple is located in the Aurangabad district of Maharashtra. It belongs to the celebrated list of 12 Jyotirlinga temples of Lord Shiva. This temple is nearly 3000 years old and the Linga faces east. The sanctum sanctorum includes Lord Grishneshwar and his consort Grishneshwari.

Planning to visit this temple? Have a look at our Jyotirlingas in Maharashtra Tour Package.

Grishneshwar Temple – Facts

Deity Lord Grishneshwar (Lord Shiva)
Location Aurangabad, Maharashtra
SignificanceJyotirlinga
Tours 5 Jyotirlingas of Maharashtra Tour
Darshan Timings5:30 AM to 9:30 PM
PoojasRudrabhishek
Entry FeeFree
Dress CodeMen: Dhoti, No shirt; Women: Saree, Churidar
Best Time to VisitJune to August
FestivalsShravan Maas, Mahashivratri
Jyotirlingas in Maharashtra Sri Vaidyanath, Sri Trimbakeshwar,
Sri Aundha Nagnath, Sri Bhimashankar
Grishneshwar Temple Video

The Grishneshwar Temple is one of the 5 Jyotirlingas in Maharashtra. The other 4 Jyotirlingas are:

The 5 Jyotirlingas of Maharashtra

Grishneshwar Temple Timings

Grishneshwar temple opens at 05:30 am in the morning and closes at 09:30 pm in the evening. During the month of Shravan, the temple remains open between 03:00 am to 11:00 pm. The time required for Darshan: 1 to 2 hours depending on the crowd.

The temple also performs various rituals during this time. The devotees can be a part of these rituals such as the afternoon and evening aarti.

The timings of Grishneshwar Temple are as follows:

Rituals Timings
Darshan5:30 AM – 9:30 PM
Darshan during Shravan Maas3:00 AM – 11:00 PM
Afternoon Pooja1:00 PM – 1:30 PM
Evening Pooja4:30 PM – 5:30 PM

Kindly note: It usually takes approximately 2 hours to complete darshan during normal days. However, during Shravan, it takes around 6-8 hours due to heavy rush.

What are the sevas and poojas at Grishneshwar Temple?

Grishneshwar Temple Pooja
The Grishneshwar Temple shrine during pooja.

The sevas and poojas at Grishneshwar temple are:

TimingsFrom
Mangal Arati4 AM
Jalhari Sanghan8 AM
Maha Prashad12 PM
Jalhari Sagan4 PM
Evening Aarti7:30 PM
Night Aarti10 PM

What is the significance of Grishneshwar Temple?

Grishneshwar Shrine
The Grishneshwar Jyotirlinga decorated with flowers and the holy beads of Rudraksha.

The significance of the temple is that the pilgrims believe that by paying a visit to the Grishneshwar temple, one can reap the benefits of worshiping all the 12 Jyotirlingas. It is also said that the Grishneshwar temple is a classic example of the pre-historic style of architecture and has beautiful carvings.

Devotees can see the marriage scene of the Lord and his consort in the temple murals and carving. The Grishneshwar temple also houses a well that springs holy water.

The Grishneshwar Kund
The Grishneshwar Temple consists of a holy Kund.

What is the history of Grishneshwar Temple?

The history of Grishneshwar temple speaks of Maloji Bhosle, an ardent devotee and chief of the Verul village. He built the temple in the 16th century after he found a treasure hidden inside an anthill. Rani Ahilyabai Holker, Queen of the Maratha Malwa Kingdom, renovated the temple in the 17th century.

According to the Shiva Purana, several legends are associated with this ancient place of worship:

Legend of Shivalay

The legend of Shivalay states that during his hunting expeditions, the king of Verul killed animals living in the hermitage of Rishis. This angered the Rishis who cursed the king and insects swarmed over his body. The king wandered in the forest and came across a hole with water flowing from it.

The moment he started drinking the water, the insects miraculously vanished from his body. The overwhelmed king did severe penance in that place. Pleased with the penance, Lord Brahma blessed the king and created a lake that came to be known as Shivalay.

Legend of Kumkumeshwar

Lord Shiva and his consort Parvathi were residing in the Sahyadri range, near Shivalay. One day, when the Goddess was about to apply vermilion, she mixed it with the Shivalay water. The vermilion then transformed into a Linga, emitting a radiant ray of light.

Since the Linga emerged from the vermilion, this Jyotirlinga was initially called Kumkumeshwar. But the Goddess named it Grishneshwar since she believed the Linga came from the rubbing action, and the word Grish means friction.

Legend of Ghushmeswar

A great Brahmin scholar, Brahmavetta Sudharm and his wife, Sudeha, lived in the southern mountain of Devagiri (later known as Daulatabad). They were childless, and an agonized Sudeha persuaded her sister Ghushma to marry Sudharm so that they could have a child together.

Eventually, Ghushma and Sudharm had a son much to the envy of Sudeha. The boy grew up to be a handsome young man and eventually got married. Unable to cope with jealous feelings, Sudeha killed the boy when he was asleep and threw the body into a lake.

A deeply grieving Gushma continued with her routine. During her morning ritual of visiting the lake where she usually made and worshipped a hundred Lingas, she saw her son emerging from the lake. Then Lord Shiva appeared before her and said that Sudeha had killed her son.

Pleased with Gushma’s devotion, he gave back her son and also granted her a boon. Then Ghushma requested the Lord to forgive her sister and also to remain in the place. The Lord accepted her request and continued to reside there in the form of a Jyotirlinga. Hence, he took the name Ghushmeswar in Gushma’s honor.

What is the architecture of Grishneshwar Temple like?

Architecture of Grishneshwar Temple
The Grishneshwar Temple is carved out of red stone and is a treat for lovers of ancient architecture.

History lovers would find the temple engrossing as several rock carvings of Maratha heroes are preserved beautifully in the temple. Devotees and visitors find the brilliant five-tiered Shikhara (temple tower) amazing.

The Shikara also includes intricate carvings of the Dasavathar, which appear resplendent in the red volcanic rock. Devotees also marvel at the statue of Nandikeshwara that adorns the court hall.

What are the festivals celebrated at Grishneshwar Temple?

Some of the festivals celebrated at Grishneshwar Temple are:

  • Mahashivaratri: Like all important Shiva temples, the Maha Shivaratri festival is a grand event at Grishneshwar temple. It is the main festival here. Crores of devotees make a trip to this town to catch a glimpse of the Lord on this auspicious day that falls in February/March every year.
  • Ganesh Chaturthi: Dedicated to Lord Ganesh, this festival is celebrated in August / September
  • Navratri or Durga Puja: It is a famous festival, celebrated as a symbol of victory of good over evil. As per legend, Goddess Durga defeated the demon king Mahishasura to save the world and restore Dharma. Navratri is celebrated across India for nine days. Celebrations in the temple include stage decorations, recital of the legend, enacting of the story, and chanting of the scriptures of Hinduism.

How to reach Grishneshwar Temple?

Here’s how to reach Grishneshwar Temple:

  • Air: The nearest airport is in Aurangabad, and there are regular flights from Delhi, Mumbai, Jaipur, and Udaipur.
  • Train: Aurangabad is the nearest railway station. Manmad is also closer and better connected.
  • Road: From Pune: 256 km/4.5 hours. From Nasik: 187 km/3 hours. From Shirdi: 122 km/2.5 hours.

Where to stay nearby?

Grishneshwar Temple is situated in a small village called Verul and there aren’t many accommodation options available nearby. Devotees usually stay either in Daulatabad or Aurangabad, with the latter offering more choices of accommodation. You can expect mostly budget accommodations in Daulatabad.

Where to eat in Grishneshwar?

Several devotees partake the free lunch provided at the temple. There are not many restaurant options in Verul. However, one can find several good standalone restaurants in Aurangabad.

What are some temples near Grishneshwar Temple?

Explore Aurangabad
The Ellora Caves is a famous tourist attraction near Aurangabad.

Some of the temples near Grishneshwar are:

  • Ellora Caves: The Ellora Caves is a collection of Hindu caves, Buddhist caves, and Jain caves and is an excellent example of religious harmony during the ancient period. The Ellora Caves are within a 1 km distance from Grishneshwar Temple.
  • Bhadra Maruti Temple, Khuldabad: This temple is dedicated to Lord Hanuman, the monkey god. The Bhadra Maruti Temple also enjoys the reputation of being the only Hanuman temple with the deity in reclining or sleeping position. The temple is just 6 km away from the Grishneswar Temple.
  • Aundha Nagnath Jyotirlinga Temple: The Aundha Nagnath Temple in the village of Aundha Nagnath in Maharashtra, is the first of the Jyotirlinga temples. The temple is 227 km from the Grishneshwar temple. According to beliefs, Yudhishtra, the eldest of the Pandava brothers built the Temple during their exile.
  • Bhimashankar Jyotirlinga Temple: The Bhimashankar Jyotirlinga Temple is near Pune and is 201 km from Grishneshwar Temple. The Linga here is one of the five Jyotirlingas in Maharashtra.
  • Parli Vaijnath Jyotirlinga Temple: Vaijnath Jyotirlinga Temple is located in Parli, Beed District, Maharashtra. The temple is 246 km from the Grishneshwar Temple. Moreover, devotees believe that health conditions improve by praying at this temple.
  • Trimbakeshwar Jyotirlinga Temple: The Trimbakeshwar Temple is in the town of Trimbak, Nashik District, Maharashtra. The temple is 214 km from Grishneshwar Temple. The Linga has three faces symbolizing Lord Shiva, Lord Vishnu, and Lord Brahma.

Frequently Asked Questions about Grishneshwar Temple

Is the Grishneshwar Temple open throughout the year?

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

What is the entry fee?

The entry to the Grishneshwar 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 citizens?

Yes. There is are palki services available for the specially-abled and senior citizens.

Which is the best time to visit the Grishneshwar Temple?

June to August are the months when the monsoon starts in Maharashtra. The weather is pleasant, making it an ideal time to visit the temple.

What is the weather like during summer?

The summers at Maharashtra start from March and continues until June. The summers here can be very hot. Temperatures during the daytime often go up to 36 º C.

What are winters like in Maharashtra?

In Maharashtra, winters start in November and continue until January. The temperatures during this time range from around 20 º C to 30 º C.

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

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