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Madhya Pradesh Temples

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.

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’.

The Great Stupa- Sanchi, Madhya Pradesh

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The Great Stupa
The Great Stupa

The Great Stupa is not only an important Buddhist monument but also one of the oldest stone structure in India. The stupa is a Sanskrit term that means ‘heap’. It was built by Emperor Ashoka in honor of Lord Buddha in 3rd century BCE. The Stupa was built during the Mauryan period. It is located in Sanchi, Madhya Pradesh. It has its listing in UNESCO’s world heritage sites. It is believed that this Stupa houses ashes of Buddha.

Originally the Stupa was a simple structure. However, it got destroyed in the 2nd century BCE. The Stupa reached its final form after repairing and enlarging it in the 1st century BCE. Currently, the Stupa is 54 feet high and 120 feet high.

The Great Stupa is located 46 km north-east of Bhopal, on the capital city of Madhya Pradesh, India. One can visit the Stupa from Sunrise to Sunset.  The Stupa remains open for visitors from 8 am to 5 pm.

What is the architecture of The Great Stupa?

Every Stupas has three identical features.

  • Anda (hemispherical mound): The Anda is a dome-shaped mound of dirt. It was made to cover Buddha’s remains. The earliest Stupas contained actual relics of the Buddha. With time, the hemispherical mound has got a grander symbolic meaning. It represents the mountain home of the gods at the center of the universe.
  • Harmika (A square railing): The Anda is surrounded by a Harmika. It represents the world mountain. It is inspired by a square railing or fence that surrounded the mound of dirt, marking it as a sacred burial site.
  • Chattra (A central pillar supporting a triple-umbrella form): The Chattra is a triple umbrella structure. It represents the three Jewels or Triantha of Buddhism—the Buddha, the Dharma (doctrine), and the Sangha (community). These three Jewels are the keys to a true understanding of the faith It was placed over the mound to protect it from the elements.

The other unique features of the Sanchi Stupa is:

  • Medhi (A circular terrace): Medhi is a circular terrace. It is surrounded by a similar three-bar railing. The railing supports the Anda and raises it off the ground.  It likely served as a platform for ritual practice.
  • Toranas(wall with decorated gateways): The wall is marked in light blue highlights. The toranas are marked in yellow. Torans are the wall that surrounds the entire structure, with its trademark three horizontal stone bars. The Toranas of the Great Stupa are the greatest achievement of Sanchi sculpture. Each gateway is made up of two squared posts. These posts are topped by capitals of sculptured animals or dwarfs, which are surmounted by three architraves.

All the elements are covered with relief sculpture that depicts the events of the Buddha’s life. There are Jataka stories -about the Buddha’s previous lives, scenes of early Buddhism, and auspicious symbols. The names of donors are also inscribed. The most notable is the ivory workers of  Vidisha.

What is the significance of The Great Stupa?

Stupas were made to remind the Buddhist practitioner of the Buddha and his teachings. These were made almost 2,500 years after Buddha’s death. The practice of building stupas spread with the Buddhist doctrine to Nepal and Tibet, Bhutan, Thailand, Burma, China and the United States where large Buddhist communities are centered.

Building Stupas has Karmic benefits for the Buddhists. Karma plays a key role in Buddhism and Hinduism. Karma means the energy generated by a person’s actions and the ethical consequences of those actions. A Buddhists believe that building a Stupa would help them be born in a good location and they will not suffer from extreme poverty.

Buddhists visit Stupas to perform rituals that help them to understand the Buddha’s teachings. Buddha’s teachings are pointed in Four Noble Truths. Once a person fully understands The Four Noble Truths, they are able to achieve Enlightenment  (the complete knowledge of the dharma).

The Four Noble Truths are:

  • Life is suffering. Suffering means Rebirth.
  • The cause of suffering is Desire.
  • The cause of desire must be overcome.
  • When desire is overcome, there is no more suffering.

Buddha means ‘The Enlightened One’. Buddhist practitioners seek the knowledge that the Buddha gained on his way to achieving Enlightenment.

Sanchi Stupa
Sanchi Stupa

What are the timings of The Great Stupa?

  • The Great Stupa is open for the visitors on all days.
  • The timings are from 8:30 AM – 5:30 PM.

What are the entry fees of the Great Stupa?

The entry fees of the Great Stupa is:

  • Entry fee for Indians: Rs. 10.
  • Entry fee for Foreigners: Rs. 250.
  • Entry fee for Children up to 15 years: Free.

What is the best time to visit The Great Stupa?

  • The best time to visit Sanchi Stupa is during the months of November to March. Majority of the festivals take place during this time.
  • The climate of the great Stupa remains moderately hot throughout the year.
  • Avoid making a trip during the hot summer months.

How to reach The Great Stupa?

  • Air: Nearest airport for reaching Sanchi stupas is Raja Bhoj airport at Bhopal city. Sanchi lies in 55 km north-east of Bhopal airport.
  • Train:  The nearest railway station is Bhopal. It is connected with direct trains from major cities.
  • Road:  Sanchi is well connected by road with other cities. It lies on Bhopal-Sagar state highway.

Khajrana Ganesh

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Khajrana Ganesh Temple at Indore in Madhya Pradesh

Madhya Pradesh is located at the center of India and is famous for its brilliant architecture and natural surroundings. It is home to the fine specimens of architecture and is also a famous pilgrimage destination as well. Indore is a beautiful place which attracts pilgrims from across various parts of the nation. A tourist who visits this place opines that each part of Indore is different from the other. People in this modern world are often tired with their hectic and busy work schedules and places like Indore in Madhya Pradesh offers you a fine way to seek solace and relief. Many tourists from around the world visit this place to offer prayers and rejuvenate their mind and soul. The Khajrana Ganesh Temple at Indore is one of the most visited shrines in this city owing to the history and religious beliefs associated with it. It is said that the natives have a lot of faith in the Lord and seek blessings as well. This temple is highly popular and is visited by anyone who visits Indore.

Khajrana Ganesh

Khajrana Ganesh History

  • It is said that this holy place of worship was originally built by Ahilya Bai Holkar which was later subjected to some last minute beautification by different historic personalities.
  • According to many people, it is said that whoever comes at this place and wishes for something, gets it fulfilled within a very short duration. All the obstacles of the devotee also get eliminated as well. That is the reason for pilgrims gathering here and praying for getting a baby or some work related problems.
  • In addition, the religious importance of this temple increases manifold as there is also a dargah located nearby this temple. This is dedicated to Nahar Sayed who as the natives say, is believed to be buried headless here. For Muslims, this place stands auspicious and holds a great religious importance which is visited by a dozen of people every day.
  • Although the Khajrana Ganesh Temple has been presently taken over by the government, yet the shrine is managed by the Bhatt family. It is trusted that keeping in mind the end goal to protect the monument from the ruler, Aurangzeb, the deity was kept in a well and in 1735, it was taken out from the well and a shrine was built up in 1735 by Ahilya Bai Holkar who belongs to the Holkar line of the Maratha Empire.

Significance of the Khajrana Ganesh Temple

  • The Khajrana Ganesh temple stands tall for being the home to the famous Lord Ganapati idol in Indore. The deity measures eight meters in length.
  • The idol of Lord Ganapati is made up of a mixture comprising of limestone, jaggery, bricks, mud and the soil and water brought from all important pilgrimage destinations. The deity is believed to generate positive energy on the devotees.
  • The frame of the Lord’s idol is developed using precious metals and offers a wonderful look.
  • The enormous statue of Ganapati is an important pilgrimage destination for all tourists who visit Indore and devotees gather to offer their prayers at this temple especially on Wednesdays and Sundays.
  • On a visit to this temple, you will discover that the gate, outer and upper sections of the Garbhagriha are made up of silver. There are paintings of various festivals inscribed on it.
  • The eyes of the Ganapati idol are made up of diamonds and it was donated by an Indore businessman.
  • This holy place of worship was a small hut which later became a huge structure. Pilgrims from around the world offer gold, diamond and precious jewels as a donation.
  • There are several shrines within the temple premises and these are dedicated to numerous Gods, besides Lord Ganesh.
  • There are no entrance fees needed in order to pay a visit to the temple.
  • The temple has a committee with members who help in the administration of the temple activities. Not every priest can worship the God. There is a list of priests who have the permission to offer pooja at this temple.
  • Visitors are not allowed to take pictures or videos inside the temple premises.
  • A pilgrim is also not allowed to take any pets inside the holy shrine.

Khajarana Ganesh Temple Timings

  • The holy shrine is open for pilgrims all throughout the year. It also remains open during the public holidays as well.
  • Khajrana Ganesh Temple opens its door for the devotees from as early as 5 A.M. and is available for darshan or visit until 12 P.M.
  • Khajrana Ganesh Temple reopens again during the evening from 4 A.M. and finally closes at 9 P.M.
  • A pilgrim can complete his darshan within 30 minutes on a normal day.

Khajarana Ganesh Temple Food Timings

  • A visitor can buy food or Prasad to offer to the Lord on the way to the temple.
  • Prasad consists mainly of sweets, fruits, and coconuts and is available for pilgrims after 12 P.M.

Festivals celebrated at the Khajrana Ganesh Temple

  • Vinayaka Chaturthi is one of the most important festivals that are observed in this Khajrana Ganesh Temple for Lord Ganapati. It is celebrated every year during the months of August and September. Lots of devotees gather to take part in this pious occasion. There is also fair that is organized in the Khajrana region.
  • Raksha Bandhan is the celebration of a bond between a sister and a brother is also celebrated with great enthusiasm in this temple. Sisters tie a thread on their brother’s wrists and pray for their long lives as a part of this festival.
  • Diwali or the festival of lights sees people lighting candles and oil lamps at their homes. The temple is well decorated during this occasion and many pilgrims gather to offer prayers to the Almighty.

Poojas and Rituals at Khajrana Ganesh

  • The Lord is bathed in the morning and is decorated with clothes made of fine material and jewelry on special occasions. Red flowers along with incense sticks and oil lamps are a must in the pooja and vermilion paste is applied on the deity’s forehead. The priest recites the Ganapati mantras and devotees offer their pooja. Special sweet also called as modak is also offered to Lord Ganapati.
  • Arati takes place twice in this temple. The priest does the morning arati from 8:30 A.M. to 9:30 A.M. The evening arati or the sandhya arati takes place between 8 P.M. to 8:40 P.M.
  • Bhajans or songs sung in praise of the God are also organized in this temple. The poetic content of these songs also consists of a wide category. Mira or Kabir bhajans are assumed to be the highest with regards to its literal quality. The lowest poetic form is the dhun, which can be referred to nothing more than a musical version of a chant.

How to Reach: Road, Rail, and Air

  • By Air– In order to visit this auspicious Khajarana Ganesh Temple, a tourist can travel by air and reach the Indore airport. This is the nearest airport that connects it with the temple. There are local cabs available outside the airport which will take you to this sacred shrine.
  • By Train– There are regular trains from Indore that connects it with other major cities of the sub-continent. The Indore Junction is the nearest railway station for people traveling by train.
  • By Road– Indore is very well connected through roads as well. It has proper roads and connects various parts of Madhya Pradesh. There are government bus services that travel to and fro from Indore to other states as well.

Hotels in Madhya Pradesh: Where to stay

There are reliable and clean places of accommodation for all tourists who visits Indore. If you want to relax and enjoy the luxuries of life, take a pick from the exclusive resorts that come with their signature restaurants. On the other hand, you can also opt to save up on your expenses by putting up at budget hotels. Most of these lodging inns provide complimentary breakfast for its clients. There are also rooms available with private balconies. You can choose the room you want depending on the number of travelers accompanying you. Rooms of all sizes are available with all the modern amenities. For single voyagers, there are dormitories available that provide good stay at competitive prices.  It is advisable for tourists to book the hotel rooms in advance to avoid any disappointment. Pre-booking rooms will also facilitate the pickup and drop services provided by the hotel staff. Moreover, you can also bargain and get lucky when it comes to paying the rent of the rooms in advance.

Where to eat

Indore in Madhya Pradesh offers a variety of both traditional and contemporary cuisines when it comes to satisfying one’s appetite. India is famous for its spices and the variety which is evident as you move one part of the nation to another. When planning a visit to the famous Khajrana Ganesh temple, it is a must to taste the street food of Indore like poha, samosa, jalebi and moong dal ki halwa. From snacks to main meals, a visitor is bound to fall in love with its sweets and milk offerings. The traditional meal or Thali comprises mainly of rice, roti, sabzi, dal, papad, pickle, salad and dahi. There are also options available like tandoori chicken and kebabs for nonvegetarian lovers as well.

For people looking for fine dining, there are also various eating joints that pave a way for international cuisines as well. From Chinese to Thai and Continental, take your pick from the awesome spread and satisfy your senses. In addition, the cost that one has to bear is very reasonable and the restaurants are also equipped with good ambience. High-end city eateries also arrange live performances for their tourists as well. Most of the people visiting Indore also opt for takeaway namkeens and sweets on their return from the temple.

Nearby Temples

  • Bijasen Tekri- Bijasen Tekri refers to a small shrine that is dedicated to Bijasen Mata. This temple was constructed in 1920, on the top of a hill which is also called as Tekri. This temple is located at a distance of 9 km from the railway station but is close to the airport. It just takes two minutes drive to reach the temple from the airport. There was once a guest house of the Holkars which paved the way for a Border Security Force Arms Museum. The hill presents a panoramic view of the surrounding and the nearby area has been converted into a garden with a small lake in it. A fair is organized every year during the festival of Navaratri.
  • Gomatgiri- This is a very popular pilgrimage destination for the followers of Jain religion. It is a small hillock that is situated near Indore and is the home to a 21 feet Gomateshwar idol. There are 24 marble temples built with shikhars that are dedicated to each of the 24 Tirthankaras of the Jain religion. There is a lodging facility and a restaurant for the benefit of the travelers and the M.P. government in 1981 had donated this hillock to the Jain Samaj.
  • Bada Ganapati- It refers to the deity of Lord Ganesha that measure 25 feet. It is said that the Idol has been built here following a fantasy of an Avantika (Ujjain) citizen, named Shri Dadhich. It was constructed in the year 1875. It boasts of being the largest Ganesha idol in the whole world. Thousands of pilgrims visit this place every year and seek blessings.
  • Annapurna Temple- This sacred shrine is dedicated to the Goddess of nourishment, Devi Annapurna. This temple is distinct as it has no Mandap or pillared halls. It has Indo-Dravidian architecture with the main gate of the temple decorated with four life-sized elephants made of plaster of Paris.

Pashupatinath Temple Mandsaur

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Madhya Pradesh or the ‘Heart of Incredible India’ is the home to the cultural heritage of the sub-continent. From monuments with intricate architecture to national parks and wildlife reserves, it’s a perfect mix of adventure and culture for tourists visiting India. In addition, it is also the world heritage site for the monuments like Khajuraho, Buddhist monuments at Sanchi as well. Being located at the centre of the sub-continent, it is also a famous pilgrimage destination. The Pashupatinath Temple Mandsaur in Madhya Pradesh is located on the banks of the Shivna River. Lord Shiva is worshipped here as Pashupatinath and is the main deity here. Thousands of pilgrims pay a visit to this temple every day. It is considered a sacred place of worship, especially among the Hindus. The temple sees massive devotees during special occasions and the temple committee comprising of twenty-five members plans the activities well in advance.

Pashupatinath Temple Mandsaur History

  • Mandsaur was known as Dashpur in the ancient times. It lies on the Tropic of Cancer and when the sun is in winter solstice, its rays are less potent and hence this place earned the name Mand Surya, which later became Mandsaur.
  • This place has been mentioned in many ancient epics like the Mahabharata, Megdoot, Puranas, Kadambari and Bruhatsamhita. The history and heritage are mingled in its religion, art and literature. This place has also been referred to in the old Jain writings.
  • Amleshwar inscription of the second century B.C. was among the earliest to mention this place.
  • The temple has its deity made during the Gupta period. It is actually distinct, the only other comparison being the Pashupatinath deity in Nepal. What makes it all the more interesting is that both the idols were mentioned by Kalidasa in his works.
  • Pashupati means ‘the lord of the beats’ and it is derived from the Sanskrit words, ‘pashu’ referring to animals and ‘pati’ meaning the protector. It is as the incarnation was considered among the eight Rudras, the one who holds the place of fire.
  • It has been said that Lord Vishnu along with other gods had named Lord Shiva as Pashupati during the time of Tripura Samhar. Lord Shiva became the lord of all the demons and demolished Tripura, the three cities of illusion, which were being administered by the asuras Kamlaaksha, Taarakaaksha and Vidyunmaali. This three pashus were creating destruction by assaulting gods and sages. Shiv Purana states that any individual who is in the clutches of his own ego, ignorance and wants is an animal or pashu. And under such circumstances, only the Pashupati can provide relief to them.
  • The deity of the temple has a striking history in the year 1961. It is said that Udaji, a laundry person was washing clothes on a stone along the banks of the Shivna River. One night, he dreamt of the Lord saying him that he was washing clothes on his idol. Alarmed by this, the person discussed the matter with the society people and the stone was found out to be the deity of Lord Pashupatinath. As it was a small city, the idol was planned to be taken to Ujjain to build a temple but the bullocks of the cart with transportation refused to move. The person again dreamt of the Lord telling him that a temple should be constructed there itself which paved a way to the formation of this famous shrine.

Significance of the Pashupatinath Temple Mandsaur

  • Mandsaur’s main attraction is the Pashupatinath Temple. This temple has been built many decades ago. It has beautiful effigy that is built-up smooth, with a glowing dark coppery fiery rock-block.
  • The idol of this temple is divided into two parts and there are four faces on the upper section of the deity and the remaining four faces on the lower section.
  • The famous shrine has four doors which pave the way to four different directions, for example, north, south, east and west. Each direction consists of two faces displaying the eight rasas namely, the east stands for peace and concentration, the west for the Rudra form or angry, the north full of snakes and hairs and the south for gentle and artistic.
  • Additionally, the Shivalinga of this holy place of worship consists of eight faces. Every part has four faces which portray the four stages of life. It is a unique sculpture of Lord Shiva in the world.
  • The temple is 90 feet in length and is 30 feet wide and 101 feet tall. In addition, it has one golden pitcher of 100 kg each placed on the top of the shrine.
  • The Shivalinga of this popular and sacred place of worship is 2.5*3.2 meters and weighs 4.6 tons.
  • The idol is believed to be found during the summers of 1940 when the water level was declining from the Shivna River.  Many people find it strange but till now, the water level in the Shivna Riverrises to 90 feet to touch the holy Shiv Ling of lord Shiva. This phenomenon during the monsoon is termed as “Jalaabhishek” which means worshiping the Almighty through the water.
  • Mondays are considered very auspicious by the devotees as it is said that the idol of Lord Shiva had emerged from the waters of Shivna River on this day. It reached the Tapeshwar Ghat of the river on Sunday and was positioned there. After exactly, 21 years, 5 months and 4 days the deity was incarnated. This day of the incarnation is celebrated with great pomp by the pilgrims.

Pashupatinath Temple Mandsaur Timings

  • Pashupatinath Temple remains open on all days in a week.
  • A pilgrim can visit this holy place from 6 A.M. to 8 P.M.

Pashupatinath Temple Mandsaur Food Timings

  • A pilgrim can offer Prasad to the deity either in the morning or in the evening.
  • The Prasad mainly comprises of dry items like sweet, fruits etc.
  • The temple provides Prasad from 12 P.M. to 2 P.M.

Festivals celebrated at the Pashupatinath Temple Mandsaur

  • Mahasivaratri festival is the most important festival that is observed in this temple. Thousands of pilgrims gather in the premises of this temple with utter devotion to pray and seek blessings of the Lord. It is celebrated with great zeal and people fast and offer pooja on this occasion. This festival is celebrated every year on the 13th night/14th day in the Krishna Paksha of the month of Maagha according to the Hindu calendar. The festival is principally distinguished by offerings of Bilva leaves to Lord Shiva, all day fasting and an all night long vigil.
  • Kartik Ekadashi festival held annually at Fair Margashirsha is Krishna.
  • On request from a devotee, there are provisions for organizing special poojas in the temple as well.

Poojas and Rituals at Pashupatinath Temple Mandsaur

  • The daily rituals of Lord Pashupatinath are carried out by the priests. While some priests perform the daily ritual and can touch the lingam, the others serve as a helper and are not qualified to perform pooja rituals or to touch the deity.
  • Rudraabhishek is another special form of worship that is organized during special occasions like the Maha Shivaratri festival etc.

How to Reach Pashupatinath Temple Mandsaur

  • By Air– A devotee can also plan his trip to Mandsaur by booking for air tickets as well. One can either choose to land at the Dablok airport which is 148 km from the temple or the Indore airport that is situated at a distance of 188 km from the sacred place of worship. Bhopal airport is also a good option but it is 279 km distance from the temple. There are many cabs and taxi services available outside the airport for pilgrims to reach the auspicious shrine.
  • By Train- Mandsaur railway station is the nearest station which connects the famous temple with the rest of the country. Visitors after arriving at the station can hire a bus, taxi and local cabs to reach the shrine. The station is located at a distance of 3 km from the temple.
  • By Road– Mandsaur is well connected with all the adjacent cities and towns of the state by roads. Hence, it is easy and hassle free for an individual to travel to the temple on a first visit. It is located at around 84 km from the north of Ratlam. This place has NH 79 passing through it and hence connects other Indian states as well.

Hotels near Pashupatinath Temple Mandsaur

Madhya Pradesh offers a variety of options when it comes to choosing one’s accommodation. From luxury hotels to plush cottages located among the greenery, people can choose the living that they require. The cost of the room depends on the type of living one opts for. For example, a double room with air conditioner and a private balcony will cost more than the one without these benefits. The tourist lodges and resorts are clean and hygienic. And if you are travelling alone, you can also opt to stay at the dormitories. This will help you to save up on the expenses and also provide you with a comfortable stay. In fact, one can find all the modern amenities inside the rooms and they are well decorated as well. Some of the hotels also have their own exclusive restaurants open to the clients as well. So choose the one as per your budget and need.

Where to eat near Pashupatinath Temple Mandsaur

The heart of Incredible India has surely a lot to offer when it comes to satisfying one’s appetite. The cuisine of this state offers numerous traditional Indian dishes that are a fine blend of taste and essence. Some of the popular foods of this region include kusli, lavang lata, jalebi, and pilaf with peas, indori puri palak ki, baflas, kebabs and biryani. In addition, a tourist can taste different cuisine as per to the changing weather of the state. The food offered is both vegetarian and nonvegetarian and people of all taste can be rest assured to enjoy some fine delicacies during their stint at this wonderful state in India. While Bhopal is famous for its spicy kebabs, biryani, korma, fish, meat and keema, Indore and Gwalior stands tall with regard to various delicacies prepared from milk. One of the ways to identify the variety in cultures of Madhya Pradesh is through its food.

Nearby Temples

  • Taxakeshawar Temple- It is counted among the most important places to visit in the Mandsaur district of Madhya Pradesh. It is located at a distance of 22 km from the Bhanpura town on the Hinglajgarh road. People here worship the serpent king Taxak or Takhaji.
  • Nalcha Mata Temple- It is another popular destination for tourists visiting Mandsaur. The Goddess is worshipped as a form of Shakti or power and it lies at a distance of 3 km from the Pashupatinath temple.
  • Shree Khade Balaji Temple- This temple is very old with its interior being made up of stones. The shrine is dedicated to Lord Hanumanji or Shree Khade Balaji. It is located near Gandhi Chauraha which is at the prime location in Mandsaur. The Balaji Yuva Group during the annual Diwali celebration organizes Maha Arati and Annakut Prasad at Balaji ka Bada, Gandhi Chauraha.
  • Bandi Ji Ka Baag– It is 120 years old Jain temple which consists of glass interiors. This temple is located very near to the main bus stand has a ‘Mann Stambh’ built when the shrine observed its 100 years of establishment.
  • Shree Bahi Parshwanath Digambar Jain Atishay Kshetra– This is located at a distance of 12 km from Mandsaur. This place has been built with the blessing and motivation from Acharya Shree Kalyan Sagar Ji Maharaj, who is also known as ‘Namokar Mahamantra Sadhana Kendra, Vahi Parshavanatha Chaupati’.

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