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Madhya Pradesh Temples

Baglamukhi – Pitambara Peeth at Datia

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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’.

Mahakaleshwar Temple Timings, Poojas, and History

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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.

Jatashankar

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Jatashankar temple at Pachmarhi in Madhya Pradesh

When a tourist visits India, it is not possible for him or her to miss out on the state of Madhya Pradesh. Being located at the heart of the sub-continent, this state offers a unique combination of wildlife, mountains and Jatashankar Temple . It stands a favorite among young travelers for its wide range of adventurous activities. Pachmarhi is the only hill station in this state which is set on a plateau at about 2500 ft above sea level. It is distinct and offers charming colonial architecture for the travelers. This hill station is open for guests all throughout the year. As indicated by their convenience, celebrations and occasions, travelers are put up in Pachmarhi in every season. Being a hill station, the best time to visit Pachmarhi is from October to April as it is in this time, the atmosphere stays great and the presence of greenery, make this destination more photogenic. Amid Diwali and New Year time, it is more vacationer crowd is at its top and voyagers have to often face deficiency with regard to accommodation facilities.

Pachmarhi is a destination for all those individuals who just want a peaceful stay and relax during their trip. It is ideal for people who want to indulge in sightseeing and view the greenery and wildlife around this place. In addition, this place is blessed with good weather and is good for long walks, trekking etc. The place becomes more beautiful in monsoons when waterfalls and lakes become wide with water.  It is also the home to many distinguishable temples and the Jatashankar temple is a testimony to this fact. It is a natural monument and is a sacred place that talks about legends regarding the shrine.

jata shankar caves 3

Jatashankar Temple History

  • One of the most believed legends regarding this temple is connected with Bhasmasur, who was a devotee of Lord Shiva. This devotee wanted a special power which could turn anyone to ashes with his touch on the victim’s head. It was after a long time that Lord Shiva agreed to the proposal. Bhasmasur, taking advantage of the power misused it and wanted to test this new ability on Lord Shiva first. This, on the other hand, made Lord Shiva to flee through a tunnel from Tilak Sindur and arrived at the remote cave, Jata Shankar. It is said that while running through the cave, Lord Shiva lost his hair.
  • Jatashankar is a natural cave that is located in Hoshangabad district at the north of Pachmarhi in Madhya Pradesh. The cave is situated in a profound narrow valley and has huge boulders perched on top of it. The word Jatashankar is derived from two words namely; Jata which refers to hair and Shankar is another name of Lord Shiva.
  • There is a presence of dripstone formations inside the cave that paved the way for this legend. The ceiling of this famous shrine has a formation which represents a group of snakes. Hence, it is considered to symbolize the hair of Lord Shiva and is also called as a hundred-headed divine snake Sheshnag.

Significance of the Jatashankar Temple

  • Jata Shankar is a natural cave which is situated at a distance of 2 km from Pachmarhi. It is counted among one of the most beautiful pilgrim locations in the Pachmarhi hill resort.
  • There is water breach from the cave about which no one has an idea about the source of the water and it is popularly known as ‘Gupt Ganga’.
  • This place is special as it has a natural Shiva lingam under the shadow of a huge rock.
  • This place is blessed with natural beauty and sees lakhs of pilgrims visiting this temple every year.
  • There are two small ponds fed by springs located near the cave. While one is fed by cold spring, the other is fed by hot spring.  Many people also believe that the Jambu Dwip stream originates from this cave.
  • There are idols of Lord Shankar and Goddess Parvati enshrined at a platform on the upper section of the cave.
  • This cave is a symbol of natural art which can be deeply felt when one visits the numerous stalagmites that are present in Jatashankar. Devotees worship these natural formations as lingams. In fact, there are 108 such natural lingams present in this cave.
  • The unique geological features of the Satpura Hills in the Madhya Pradesh region have resulted in the formation of a large number of waterfalls. There are also caves both natural as well as manmade that can be found all over the region.
  • This temple paves the way for an interesting visit owing to its natural surroundings by both the pilgrims and the nature lovers at large.
  • There are no entrance fees needed for the pilgrims to visit the holy place of worship. However, pets are not allowed inside this famous shrine.
  • The caves are resounded by the chirping of birds.
  • Once you visit this cave, you will realize that the temperature inside the caves is extremely less.
  • For people who are interested in sightseeing around Pachmarhi, the guests are required to take a day visit permit. Moreover, the tourists also need to travel by local jeeps as cars brought from outside cannot be used at this place.

Jatashankar Temple Timings

  • The Jatashankar Temple is open for tourists on all seven days in a week from 7 A.M. to 7 P.M.
  • It even remains open for pilgrims on all public holidays as well.

Jatashankar Temple Food Timings

  • Devotees can buy dry fruits and sweets from the road that leads to the temple.
  • Prasad is offered to pilgrims after 2 P.M.

Festivals celebrated at the Jatashankar Temple

  • Maha Shivaratri is the most important festival celebrated in this temple. During this occasion, pilgrims from various parts of India gather to offer pooja and seek blessings of the Almighty. It is usually observed during the months of February or March and people fast and enjoys this festival with great enthusiasm.
  • There is an annual fair that is organized during the Shivaratri festival in the hill station of Pachmarhi. There is a huge crowd that attends this fair and seeks blessings from Lord Shiva.

Poojas and Rituals at Jatashankar Temple

  • Shiva Ratri pooja is incomplete without following the ritual of bathing the Shivalinga with water, milk and honey with an addition of bel leaves. It symbolizes purification of one’s soul.
  • Vermilion paste is applied on the linga after the bath and incense sticks and lamps are lit.
  • Special food is offered to the Lord comprising seasonal fruits, vegetables, and coconuts.
  • Devotees chant mantras like ‘Om Namah Shivay’ throughout the night which is believed to free people from their sins.

How to Reach: Road, Rail, and Air

  • By Air– Pachmarhi is a popular tourist destination located in the heart of Madhya Pradesh. It is located at a distance of about 260 km from Jabalpur city and 230 km from Bhopal city. Both the cities have their own airports. Another option for tourists is the Nagpur airport which is about 285 km from Pachmarhi and has better connectivity with cities like Hyderabad, Mumbai, Delhi, Indore, Kolkata airports.
  • By Train– The nearest railway station to reach this beautiful place is the Pipariya railway station. And for travelers who are unable to find a direct train to Pipariya station, the second option is to reach Itarsi railway station which is at a distance of 150 km from Pachmarhi. This is another important railway junction.
  • By Road– Every pilgrim coming to Jatashankar temple has to cover a certain distance through road. So whether you are traveling by flight or train, the last part of the journey has to end on the roads. As an Army cantonment is situated in this place, the road conditions remain good and are well maintained. It remains open for visitors throughout the year. One can easily reach Pachmarhi by roads from nearby cities like Bhopal, Jabalpur, Nagpur and Indore.

Hotels in Madhya Pradesh: Where to stay

For tourists and pilgrims who are planning to take a trip to Pachmarhi in Madhya Pradesh, there are lots of accommodation options available. Whether you are traveling with family or with friends, you are sure to enjoy a pleasant stay here. There are rooms available with single, double, triple and even four bed sizes. Apart from lodging, these resorts provide food options at their exclusive restaurants as well. After a tiring day, one can opt to go for a swim or sit back and watch television in their rooms. All the hotels are equipped with the modern amenities to meet the requirements of a contemporary traveler.

The hotel staff is efficient and they also assist you with regard to the places that you need to visit during your stay here. The charges for the room depend on the type of room that is occupied but there are attractive discounts offered when you pre-book rooms. Some resorts also provide pickup and drop services to the airport and the railway station.

Where to eat

Madhya Pradesh is a paradise for both vegetarian and nonvegetarian lovers. There are many local eateries and restaurants that offer a variety of cuisines to suit the appetite of every traveler. The conventional food in Madhya Pradesh differs from one place to another. Places such as Bhopal has a strong Muslim influence and one can experience spicy food prepared with various delicacies and it is famous for its kebabs, Biryani, korma, keema, etc.

When talking about vegetarian dishes, the most famous of all the dishes is ‘Bhutte ki kees’. Corn and milk are the main ingredients used to prepare this meal. The corn is first grated and then roasted in ghee. It is then cooked in milk and few spices are mixed. Chakki ki saag is another dish that has been highly popular and sumptuous among both the natives and the tourists. It is made up of wheat dough which is steamed and is used with gravy of curd. Tapu, on the other hand, refers to a different variety of wheat with which special sweet cakes are made.

Nearby Temples

  • Bada Mahadev- It is one of the most prominent religious shrines that are located at a distance of about 10 km from Pachmarhi. It is said that people who have visited this 15′ long cave have found water droplets oozing out from the rocks constantly and collecting in a pool. This famous shrine also has a connection with the killing of the demon king Bhasmasur by Lord Shiva.
  • Chauragarh Shrine- The Chauragarh Shrine is counted among one of the holiest places for pilgrims visiting the Jatashankar temple. It is a 4 km steep climb of 1300 steps from Mahadeo and one can see the temple from a rectangular top with the deity of Lord Shiva. Pilgrims visiting this shrine carry the Trishul or Lord Shiva’s weapon on their shoulders while climbing the stairs. This tradition is followed as a mark of devotion especially during special occasions like the Maha Shivaratri. The Trishul might be of varying weights but generally it ranges from three to four quintals. And once you reach the shrine, it presents a panoramic view of the neighboring hills along with the greenery.
  • Gupt Mahadev Cave temple- There is another famous temple located at a distance of only 400 meters from Bada Mahadev and it is the fascinating Gupt Mahadev Cave temple. It has a tiny cave which is so narrow that only two people can enter at any given time and look at the Shivalinga inside. However, there is a huge Hanuman idol located outside the cave which is worshiped by ardent devotees who visit this temple from across the world.

Gajanan Maharaj

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Indore is an important pilgrimage destination for travelers visiting the sub-continent. There are many famous temples in and around this wonderful city and it sees a large crowd thronging the airport and the busy railway stations all throughout the year. Having a tropical climate, the summers can be as high as 44 degree Celsius and winter temperature can drop down to 14 degree Celsius. However, it receives a good amount of rainfall during the monsoons. One can visit this beautiful and natural place ideally between the months of October to March. The Gajanan Maharaj temple is located at Paliwal Nagar in Indore is considered to be a holy place for the devotees of the Sadguru Shri Gajanan Maharaj.  It stands supreme among the pilgrimage centers in the state of Madhya Pradesh and the shrine is situated only at a distance of 15 minutes from the heart of Indore. There is a belief among the natives that Gajanan Maharaj possessed various spiritual and supernatural powers. He was also aware of the ultimate truth of life. This pious place of worship in Indore is very popular and innumerable pilgrims seek blessings and devotion from states like Maharashtra etc.

Gajanan Maharaj Temple History

  • The famous Gajanan Maharaj temple was built by the Gajanan family in 1988. On the occasion of Basant Panchami, Sri Paliwal donated a land of thirteen thousand square feet to the family for the construction of the shrine.
  • Guru Baba was the person who supervised the whole work and also performed the sacred Bhumi Pujan. Post this pooja, the construction for two important rooms were completed.
  • An enormous image of the holy Gajanan Maharaj was placed in the room. Followers of the Maharaj worship this image on a daily basis.
  • When the temple structure was completed, Satsang was held and Maha Prasad was offered to 13 pilgrims on the first day.
  • There were two youngsters, namely, Bankatlal and Damodar who met a young person with a strong built and fair complexion looking for rice particles on the patrawalies. He was chanting ‘Gan Gan Ganat Bote’ in the Shegaon town and there were a strange calmness and satisfaction on his face. The scorching heat did not affect him and this attached the youngsters to Gajanan Maharaj.
  • Maharaj was the Avatar of Samarth Ramdasa of Sajjangarh. It is said that he used to keep away from worldly things and did not accept any rich food, clothes or ornaments from the devotees. In fact, he was an expert in Bedshastree Sampnna and had done Tapascharya. He used to understand the language of animals and birds and many famous personalities came to visit him.
  • It is said that Gajanan Maharaj was present with Lokmanya Bal Gangadhar Tilak at Shivjayanti meeting at Akola and that also on the dais, along with Annasaheb Patwardhan, etc. Being a ‘faith heater’, a psychiatric in today’s language, he is also called as Vidarbha in the nearby states.
  • Maharaj because of his kind and helpful nature are also known as ‘Bhu-Vaikenth’ and ‘The Abode of Bhagwan Shri Vishnu on earth’.

Significance of the Gajanan Maharaj 

  • Shegaon has gained prominence as a popular pilgrimage destination since Shri Gajanan Maharaj lived and died there. People from all walks of life consider Gajanan Maharaj to be a saint with miraculous powers.
  • Although his origins are unknown, yet the holy place of worship is built at his place of death. This great messenger of God was laid to rest on 8 September 1910.
  • Sant Gajanan Maharaj Sansthan is considered to be the largest temple trust in the Vidarbharegion and is also called as the ‘Pandharpur of Vidarbha’. It draws pilgrims from all over the state of Maharashtra.
  • The temple’s structure is completely built of marble and Dholpuri stones and was completed in the year 1994.
  • The Gajanan Maharaj Sansthan Temple Trust coordinates with regard to the day-to-day activities of the temple. Additionally, it is headed by the Managing Trustees, who in general belong to the Patil family. The Trust provides assistance in services with respect to the spiritual, religious, medical and educational domains.
  • The temple consists of 3 floors namely, the Talghar (Basement), Shabhamandap (Main Hall) and First floor for reading Maharaj’s pothi. It again symbolizes Yogmarg, Bhaktimarg and Karmamarg respectively.
  • The main Garbh-Griha or the place where Maharaj is placed is of 224 sq feet and is Octagonal in shape. The Octagonal form depicts protection and presence of the Eight Sidhees of Shree Gajanan Maharaj.
  • The Sabha Mandap of the temple is of 2,000 square feet and the main idol is 5 feet tall, is made up of marble and it directly penetrates into the devotee’s eyes.
  • The sacred Ashtkoti is considered as Asht Siddhis or psychic abilities or powers of Gajanan Maharaj and is very much explained in the sacred Garud Sanhita.
  • Devotees who are interested in offering Mahaprasad should nominate a sum of Rs 4200. A non-refundable booking deposit of Rs 500 is required and the remaining amount can be deposited before 2 days of the Mahaprasad. It is crucial to carry a receipt of the same.

Gajanan Maharaj Temple Timings

  • Gajanan Maharaj Temple opens at 6 A.M. and closes at 9 P.M.
  • This holy place of worship remains closed from 12 P.M. to 4 P.M.

Gajanan Maharaj Temple Food Timings

  • On every Thursday, ‘Maha Prasad ‘is celebrated in large numbers. Devotees from all corners of Indore and outside arrive at this temple to seek Maharaj’s blessings. The Mahaprasad is served from 9 P.M. onwards.
  • Devotees who want to relish the unique taste of Prasad should be present within the temple premises by 7:30 P.M.
  • It should be noted that there should be no leftovers present in the Mahaprasad plate.
  • A pilgrim cannot offer Mahaprasad in remembrance of a dead person.

Festivals celebrated at the Gajanan Maharaj

  • In addition to regular Aarti, Bhajans, and Bhandara on Thursday, every year Maharaj’s Pragat-Utsav and Nirvan-Utsav are celebrated regularly.
  • Mahasivaratri is celebrated with great enthusiasm by the followers of Maharaj. Every year, thousands of people gather in this temple to offer prayers and seek blessings.
  • Shree Ram Navami festival is observed to proclaim the birth of Lord Sri Ram, the seventh incarnation of Lord Vishnu. The 9thday (Navami) of the bright fortnight of the Hindu lunar month of Chaitra is referred to as Ram Navami. On this day, Lord Rama was born.

Poojas and Rituals at Gajanan Maharaj

  • There are seven rituals that are observed in a day. The ‘Abhishek Pooja’ starts at 6 A.M. and continues till 7:30 A.M. This is followed by Morning Arati which continues for 30 minutes.
  • The Naivedhya is offered to Maharaj at 10 A.M and again at 7:15 P.M.
  • The Evening Arati with and in the presence of Guru Baba starts at 7:30 P.M. and continues till 9 P.M.
  • Any individual who would like to perform Maharaj’s Aarti should be present in the temple by 7:15 P.M. He should also bring a dhoti which is not stitched and Up-vastra. In addition, it is required for the devotee to bring one big garland, one small garland and two Gulkand Paans without masala and supari to offer to the Maharaj.

How to Reach: Road, Rail, and Air

  • By Air- For people who want to travel in the least time, the flight is the best option. The Indore airport is located at only 10 km distance from the temple and is well connected to all other parts of the nation.
  • By Train- Traveling by train is also a good alternative and some of the nearest railway stations to reach this temple consist of Indore junior railway station which is located at a distance of only 3 km. In addition, the Indore MG railway station is also 3 km and Lakshmibai Nagar railway station is only 5 km far from this holy place. Moreover, visitors or pilgrims from the railway station can easily get local transport to reach the temple.
  • By Road- The city of Indore has good transportation system which connects it with all other major cities or towns of the state by roads. Hence, visitors or pilgrims can easily get either state or national buses to reach the Gajanan Maharaj temple.

Hotels in Madhya Pradesh: Where to stay

Shri Gajanan Maharaj Sansthan, Shegaon has a separate and systematic arrangement for providing accommodation to thousands of devotees coming from various nook and corner of the country for Maharaj’s darshan.

In order to extend this facility to the devotees, the Sansthan has four Bhakta Niwas (Two of them in Mandir premises and the other four near parking which is adjoining to Hattikhana, i.e. place of rest of Sansthan’s elephant). Pilgrims can find a double bed and deluxe rooms available with all the modern facilities as per the requirement. The Sansthan has a unique system for providing lodging facilities on a ‘first come first serve’ basis. One can also make way for reserving the rooms in advance. An individual needs to furnish a validated ID proof while applying for the room.

There are other hotels and lodging accommodation available for tourists to choose from. One can choose as per to their taste and ambiance.

Where to eat

For pilgrims and tourists looking for the variety in food, Indore is the right place to visit. It serves impeccable dishes at an attractive price to its visitors. So whether you are vegetarian or nonvegetarian, there are a plethora of options to choose from. For example, one can opt for poha, jalebi, samosa, kachori or dal bafla for breakfast. For lunch and dinner, you can opt for either Indian or Chinese cuisines. The Indian meal or Thali as it is popularly called is a balanced diet comprising of roti, daal, rice, sabzi, pickle, papad and curd.

Additionally, there are many international restaurants and eating joints that provide customized food options as well. For people who have a sweet tooth, there are multiple dishes to relish the unique taste of Indore. Try gorging on Gajak, Garadu and Moong Halwa to satisfy your appetite. Visitors are often found to carry some namkeens from Indore which reminds them of some wonderful memories spent here.

Nearby Temples

  • Mamleshwar Jyotirlinga- It is also called as the Amreshwar temple and is a protected monument with fine stone artifacts. It is said that after the demise of the Maharani Ahilyabai Holkar in 1795, 22 Brahmins paid by the Holkar state perform the Lingacharan puja on a regular basis. 5 out of 12 jyotirlingas – the holy shrines of Lord Shiva, are in and around Mumbai.
  • Annapurna Mandir- It is an ancient shrine where the Annapurna Temple Trust of Indore has raised a great complex containing a Sarva Mangala temple with the three goddesses Laxmi, Parvati, and Saraswati respectively.
  • Gauri Somnath Mandir- This temple is the home to the six feet tall Shivalinga which is made up of smooth black stone and a shining polish. Legends say that no two people can embrace the lings until they are internal uncle and nephew.
  • Siddhnath Barahdwari Siddheshwar- This temple is a protected monument which has been stated by Lord Curzon. It is an important piece of artwork from the concept of structural design. This is located on a plateau on the island hill supported by a large plinth. The plinths are carved on the four sides with about 5ft high that are carried out accurate brilliance and excellence of attitudes in a playful mood.
  • Sidhwarkut Jain temples- It is an important place for worship for the Jains. Siddhwarkut of the 24 Tirthankaras of Jains comprises of some old and renovated shrines.
  • Vishnu Mandir- The large and old Vishnu temple is also located very near to the Gajanan Maharaj Temple. This place is also called as Vishnu Puri by the devotees who offer pooja and seek blessings of the Almighty.

Kaal Bhairav Temple

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Kaal Bhairav Temple is counted among one of the most religious temples of Madhya Pradesh. It is located in the town of Adegaon and is a fierce manifestation of Lord Shiva linked with annihilation. Temples that are related to Bhairava are present within or near most Jyotirlinga temples. Out of the 12 Jyotirlingas in India, there are 5 Jyotirlingas in Maharashtra State (Get details here). There are also the sacred twelve shrines dedicated to Lord Shiva which can be found all across India. Additionally, Lord Shiva is counted among the important deity of the Hindu religion and his name is referred in many forms in the ancient Hindu mythology too.

Kaal Bhairav Temple History

There is a legend surrounding the evolution of Bhairava. People say that this can be traced back to the conversation between Lord Brahma and Lord Vishnu in ‘Shiv Maha-Puran’. When Vishnu asked Brahma about who can be the supreme creator of the Universe, the later considered himself and said that everybody should worship him.

This angered Lord Shiva who then took the form of Bhairava to punish Brahma. It is said that Lord Shiva beheaded one of the five heads of Lord Brahma and since then the later has four heads. Kala Bhairava in its form is seen carrying the severed head of Lord Brahma.

Lord Shiva later was guilty of the crime of killing a Brahmin and hence carried the disembodied skull for twelve years. He roamed as Bhikshatana, a mendicant until he was released from the sin.

In the form of the frightful Bhairava, Lord Shiva is said to be protecting each of the Shakti peeths in the sub-continent. Each of the Shakti peeth temples is accompanied by a deity which is dedicated to Bhairava.

It has been said that the nature of Bhairava is Tamasi which refers to the fact that he can take you from Tamas to Moksha. Pilgrims believe that he has the power to remove all of the human sufferings which is a serious pain that an individual feels in their body and mind. Apart from that, he also eradicates all difficult problems, anxieties, and greed.

With regard to the mythological concept, Kala Bhairava is said to live on the crematory grounds as he does not want to be associated with Maya, also known as the illusionary world. The Lord’s Sadhana yields fast results and he can be pleased with very little offerings. There are many poor and people who are suffering from various problems that come to seek solace at this wonderful temple.

Even people of all caste and creed believe that they will achieve Moksha fast when they worship Bhairava. It is always advisable to first ask your Guru for permission before you start any Sadhana.

Significance of Kaal Bhairav Temple

The idol of Shri Kaal Bhairav Nath Swami Temple at Adegaon in Madhya Pradesh is often found with a frowning face coupled with angry eyes, sharp tiger’s teeth, and flaming hair. He is naked except for a garland made of skulls and a coiled snake around his neck.

The deity has four hands in which he carries a noose, trident, drum, and skull. Bhairava is often accompanied by a dog and is said to be originated in the Hindu legends. It is a popular and sacred place of worship for Hindus, Buddhists, and Jains alike.

Kaal Bhairav Temple is mostly visited by tourists from India and Nepal. In addition, this also marks as an important deity of the Newars. All the traditional settlements of Newars have at least a temple of Bhairava.

Traditionally, the temples of Kala Bhairav is the considered to be the supreme God in the rural villages of Karnataka, Maharashtra and Tamil Nadu, where he is referred to as ‘Bhaivara/Annadhani’ Vairavar.

In Karnataka, the Lord Bhairava temple stands as the supreme God for the community and is commonly referred to as ‘Gowdas.’ In the Gangadikara Gowda caste especially, he is considered the caretaker and punisher.

Bhairava himself has eight manifestations and is also called as the Ashta Bhairava. Devotees believe that a Sadhak should feed dogs Halwa Puri on every Saturday morning or evening to seek respite from all problems.

Kaal Bhairav Temple Timings

  • Kaal Bhairav Temple remains open from 6 am to 8 pm.
  • The pilgrims, however, will have to note that the shrine remains closed from 12 noon to 2 pm.
  • The temple timings may differ during important festivals and occasions.

Kaal Bhairav Temple Food Timings

  • Prasad or food is offered to the pilgrims after 2 pm.
  • It mainly consists of sweets and dry fruits.
  • Devotees can also offer seasonal fruits to the deity during their visit.

Festivals celebrated at Kaal Bhairav Temple

  • Bhairava Ashtamiis one of the important festivals that are observed in the temple premises. It is celebrated by pilgrims commemorating the day Kal Bhairav appeared on earth. People consider this occasion to be highly auspicious and it is celebrated on Krishna Paksha Ashtami of the Margashirsha month of Hindu calendar. It is a day of special prayers and rituals.
  • Shiva Ratri is also considered to be pious and is observed with great pomp in this temple. Thousands of devotees gather from all parts of the surrounding town and offer prayers and seek blessings from the Almighty. They also offer Prasad and the temple is well decorated with oil lamps on this occasion.

Poojas and Rituals at Kaal Bhairav Temple

  • A ritual is a set of actions, performed mainly for their symbolic value. It may be prescribed by the traditions of a community, including a religious community.  In this Kaal Bhairav Temple, the deity is offered arati during the morning and the evening.
  • Lord Bhairava is worshiped by offering or pouring water, milk, honey, curd, ghee, vibhuthi or sacred ash and sandalwood paste. This is called Abhishekam.
  • One can offer bilwa leaves along with flowers like lotus, jasmine, and sankhapushpi.
  • Food offerings need to be presented before the deity. An incense stick and a diya lit with ghee should also be burnt.
  • It is important to wear neat and clean clothes when you worship the Lord.

How to Reach Kaal Bhairav Temple

  • By Air- Adegaon‘s nearest airport is Chhindwara Airport situated at 53.2 KM distance. In addition, the Jabalpur Airport is only 117.2 km from Adegaon. The Babasaheb Ambedkar International Airport is located at 175.3 km from this place.
  • By Train- The nearest railway station to Adegaon is Karaboh which is located in and around 36.8 km from Mamakudi. Some other railway stations include Seoni railway station and Bhoma railway station which is located at a distance of 41.1 km and 44.5 km respectively from Mamakudi.
  • By Road- Adegaon is located around 63.7 km away from its district head quarter Narsinghpur. The other nearest district head quarters is Seoni which is situated at a 35.7 km distance from Adegaon. The nearest town to reach this place is Amarwara which is located at a distance of 17.9 km.

Hotels in Madhya Pradesh: Where to stay

There might not be quite a lot of hotels in Adegaon but one can look for accommodation in and around this place. Madhya Pradesh offers an array of living options for its tourists. From dormitories to villas, you can look for your choice as per to your needs. The prices, however, will depend on the type of accommodation you choose. To enjoy all the modern amenities and fine luxury, there are five-star hotels that provide free pickup and drops apart from their complimentary breakfast option. The budget hotels, on the other hand, offer decent living with a plethora of fooding options.

The hotel staff also arranges for local sightseeing tours as per to the client’s request. And they also have internet connection for the visitors. Some hotels also have private balconies for clients to enjoy the beauty of nature. And for party lovers, one can opt for private lounges and hotel discs that remain open for quite late in the night. However, most of these hotels are available online and it is advised to book your hotel in advance to avoid any last-minute delay.

Where to eat

Madhya Pradesh is a home to food lovers visiting India. From Continental to Chinese to Indian, a traveler is sure to splurge on the variety of food that’s on offer here. For people who would like to taste the unique flavor of the complete Indian food, a Thali is recommended. It is a meal that consists of rice, dal, pickle, papad, vegetable curries, paneer and a sweet. This is available at a competitive price range and is available across various eating joints. For people looking for light food, the breakfast options are sure to tempt your taste buds. Poha, jalebi, samosa are some of the popular food that is loved by both natives and tourists here.

For people looking for fine dining options, there are many international cuisines that can be enjoyed at a moderate price too. From Thai to Mexican and Italian, the rich herbs and spices used in the preparation of the food pave the way for a delightful taste. A client can also customize one’s food habits and inform the chef in advance. Some of the eating joints also arrange for music and local bands for people to enjoy while relishing the unique taste of the food that is served here.

Nearby Temples

  • Upparpeth Maruti Temple- This temple is located only at a distance of 4 km from Adegaon. The travel duration from Upparpeth Maruti Temple to Adegaon Desh is around 1 Hoursif your travel speed is 50 KM per Hour. It is located nearly west to Adegaon and traveling from Upparpeth Maruti Temple to Adegaon Desh is connected by more than one route.
  • Sri Laxmi Temple- There is also another famous Laxmi temple that is visited by pilgrims who visit Adegaon. Goddess Laxmi symbolizes wealth and prosperity and is highly popular among devotees in India.
  • Sri Dev Brahmachari Ram Mandir- This is another popular shrine that devotees visit while paying a visit to Shri Kala Bhairava Nath Swami Temple at Adegaon. One can offer Prasad and seek blessings from the Lord.
  • Sri Dev Murlidhar temple– One can find solace and peace when paid a visit to this temple. Bhajans are organized during the evening inside the temple premises which is participated by devotees in large numbers.

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