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Madhya Pradesh Temples

Devi Jagadambi Temple, Khajuraho

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Devi Jagadambi Temple Khajuraho

India is famous for its ancient civilization and of the diverse cultures and traditions that are practiced here. There are a number of religious groups that live throughout this sub-continent.  This is a land where one finds the oldest pilgrimage in the world. The norm of pilgrimage is so evident in the cultural psyche and the number of worship places is so huge that the entire nation can be considered as one grand religious destination. The ancient facts or information about these holy places can be traced from the famous epics like the Rig Veda and the Atharva Veda. This practice had become quite common with time and is quite evident from the various sections of the Mahabharata. It mentions there are over 300 holy places situated around the nook and corner of the country. Hindus call sacred places as tirthas and the action of visiting a pilgrimage is known as tirtha-yatra. Although, the word tirtha implies river ford, steps to a stream, or place of the journey. In Vedic times the word may have concerned just those holy spots connected with water, however during the time of the Mahabharata, tirtha had come to mean any sacred spot, be it a lake, mountain, woods, or hole. Tirthas are more than physical areas, however according to the pious Hindus; these locations are considered to be the meeting point of the heaven and the earth. And one such holy place of worship consists of the Devi Jagadambi Temple Khajuraho. It is a group of 25 shrines which is located at Khajuraho in Madhya Pradesh.

Devi Jagadambi Temple, Khajuraho

Devi Jagadambi Temple Khajuraho History

  • Khajuraho is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and its temples are said to be built by the great rulers of the Chandela dynasty between the 10th and the 12th centuries.
  • This third sanctuary on the common stage is somewhat older than the Kandariya Mahadev and of an easier, three-section plan. This temple was most likely committed to Lord Vishnu, yet later it was dedicated to Maa Parvati and afterward Kali. A few students also believe that it might still be a Parvati shrine and that the Kali image (or Jagadambi) is really a picture of Parvati, painted dark. The sculptures around the sanctuary are again divided into three groups. A significant number of the two lower band images are dedicated to Lord Vishnu with sardulas in the inward parts. In any case, on the third and the highest band, the mithuna again come in front.
  • The Devi Jagadambi Temple Khajuraho stands as an epitome of motherly love. The worship of the Devi was evident in the northern part of India and there are many literary resources that depict the same of that period.
  • The sacred town of Khajuraho is entirely different from any other holy city of India. It is not about religion and worshiping the deities. The sanctuaries of Khajuraho are rather acclaimed for the sensuality carved on its walls as figures.

Significance of the Devi Jagadambi Temple Khajuraho

  • This shrine being situated towards the north direction is the home to one of the finest decorated temples of Khajuraho.
  • It is one of the oldest temples of Khajuraho and there is a huge image of the Devi in the inner sanctum or Garbha Griha.
  • This temple has a cross plan with only one set of balconies, only one Mandap, and no inner pradakshina path.
  • Belonging to the Western Group of Temples, it is beautifully carved on a smaller platform and is delicately proportioned as compared with the Kandariya Mahadev Temple.
  • The images of the deities have been constructed at prominent places in the temple’s exterior and it seems that they were functioning as more than mere decoration.
  • One can find the presence of a big sculpture of a warrior fighting with a lion bare handed just at the entrance of the temple. This is considered to be the symbol of the Chandela Dynasty.
  • The square roof of its Maha-mandapa hall is much more effortless than the octagonal roof of the Chitragupta sanctuary, which accordingly seems to be generally more lavish and developed and therefore considerably later in date than this auspicious shrine.
  • Pets are not allowed inside the temple premises.
  • A visitor needs to pay an entry fee in order to pay a visit to the temple.

The Devi Jagadambi Temple Khajuraho Timings

  • Devi Jagadambi Temple Khajuraho remains open for its devotees from 7 A.M. and closes at 6 P.M.
  • It remains open for all days in a week.
  • Even on public holidays, one can offer pooja at this temple.

The Devi Jagadambi Temple Khajuraho Food Timings

  • Devi Jagadambi Temple Khajuraho provides food to the pilgrims from 12 Noon to 2 P.M.
  • Pilgrims can offer dry fruits and sweets to the Devi while offering their prayers.

Festivals celebrated at the Devi Jagadambi Temple Khajuraho

  • The Khajuraho dance festival is worldwide famous and also recognized by the international dancers. A large number of tourists come to participate in this event from all over the world. This special occasion in Madhya Pradesh celebrates human emotions along with the religious philosophy of the Hindu religion. It is held in the month of March for 7 days.
  • Navaratri is another event which is observed with great pomp by the pilgrims around the world. There happens to be a long queue during this festival and special poojas are performed during this day.
  • Durga Puja, Ram Navami, and Dussehra are some other important festivals that celebrate the power of good over evil. There are a large number of people who throng the temple premises during these days in order to offer pooja and seek blessings from the Devi Maa.

Poojas and Rituals at Devi Jagadambi Temple Khajuraho

  • During special occasions, the Devi is bathed using milk, water, honey, sandal, and flowers. The Lord is then offered food and incense sticks are burnt along with lamps that are lit. Special mantras are chanted and devotees visit the temple from all around the nation.
  • Devotees too wake up early in the morning and wear new and clean clothes to offer pooja at this shrine. They also fast and seek blessings of the Almighty with utter devotion.

How to Reach: Road, Rail, and Air

  • By Air– Khajuraho has direct transportation from Delhi and Varanasi with a minimum of one flight each day. Amid the peak visitor season, which is generally from the month of October to March, there are more flights that ply to and fro from Khajuraho. The airplane terminal is not extremely distant from the town and one can discover many local auto and taxi services to achieve one’s destination.
  • By Train– A visitor can also opt for railways as a means of transportation. Khajuraho is well connected to the rail network and it connects major stations as well. There are overnight trains available from Delhi and Varanasi to reach Khajuraho. However, getting a ticket during the festive season is quite difficult. Hence, one needs to book their reservations in advance to make way for a planned and hassle free travel.
  • By Road– Khajuraho can also be reached by road as well. All national and state highways are linked with this place. For example, there are many visitors who travel from Jhansi and Satna in order to reach this auspicious temple. There are many public and private cab services available from the railway station to reach the Devi Jagadambi shrine.

Hotels in Madhya Pradesh: Where to stay

Madhya Pradesh offers a wide range of accommodation facilities for the tourists who visit this state with their loved ones. From luxurious hotels to budget lodges, there are ample choices for people. One can find all the modern facilities that are coupled with a moderate price range. If needed, you can also book rooms with private balconies as well. The high-end hotels have their own spa sessions and massage corners. At a nominal price, clients can enjoy these benefits while relaxing their mind from the daily stress. For travelers who like visiting alone, there are many inns that offer rooms on a sharing basis. One can also decide to put up at dormitories as that would save up on expenses. In addition, it is vital that you book your rooms in advance in order to avoid any last minute delay.

Where to eat

Hotels in the contemporary time offer just more than providing food. It provides health club services, gym services etc to the clients. And for people who want moderations in their diet, the chef is there to serve and meet your needs just the way you want! Fine dining options are available for people who are looking for luxurious ambiance and internal cuisines. The cost will be on the higher side but is worth it considering the experience it provides. For people who want to taste the street food, there are local eating joints that provide food at a reasonable price range. The food is prepared following all the hygiene standards. From vegetarian to nonvegetarian, there are many choices for individuals who love experimenting on various delicacies. Some hotels also arrange live music performances to make your dining a fantastic experience.

Nearby Temples

  • Kandariya Mahadev Temple– This shrine lies to the west of the Lakshmana temple. It is the tallest and the most developed temple in Khajuraho with regard to its architecture and sculpture. It follows a five-shrine design and has been built by the King Vidhyadhara.
  • Chausath Yogini Temple– Being counted among one of the oldest temples at Khajuraho is set on a granite base which is southwest to the Shivsagar Tank. It is a small artificial lake and the shrine is dedicated to Maa Kali. It is these shrines that are devoted to the Yoginis. It is well accessible from all parts of the state by both private and public bus services.
  • Lakshmana Temple– Being one of the oldest and strikingly structured shrines of the Western Group of Temples, the lintel over the entrance displays the trinity of Lord Brahma, Vishnu, and Shiva. It has a three-headed idol of Lord Vishnu’s incarnations, Narasimha, and Varaha. This marvelous architecture has been constructed by the emperor Lakshavarma. The deity is said to be originally from Tibet and was gifted to the emperor by the Pratihara ruler Devapala.
  • Bharatji Temple- This is the only shrine that is dedicated to Surya and it is located at about 91 m to the north of the Jagadambi Temple. There is a three storied stepped tank known as Chopra in the south eastern direction. The temple is richly decorated and stands distinct for its unique design and sculptures.
  • Javari Temple- This sacred place of worship is situated near the Brahma temple. One can locate this temple which is built towards the eastern side of Khajuraho. It belongs to the Eastern group of temples and is dedicated to Lord Vishnu. This temple is unique for its old architectural patterns that attract not only the pilgrims but every visitor who is interested in history.
  • Brahma Temple– This temple is dedicated to Lord Vishnu and it stands tall at a height of 11 feet platform. The Brahma Temple is situated on the east bank of the Ninora Tal which is the largest tank in Khajuraho. The shrine is indeed small which is built in a square shape structure that rests on twelve pilasters of granite. There are many people who visit this shrine all around the year.
  • Adinath Temple– The Adinath Temple has been built during the late 11th century. Being a small shrine, it is set in a small compound and located in the south-eastern direction of the Ghantai temple. The porch and the statue of the Tirthankara have been built later. Being built towards the beginning of the Chandelas’ decline, this temple is relatively small, but the spire and base are richly carved.

Omkareshwar Temple Guide – Timings, Dress Code, and History

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Omkareshwar Temple is situated near Indore, in the state of Madhya Pradesh. The name Omkareshwar comes from the word “OM“. Devotees believe that Omkareshwar Temple is the home of the fourth Jyotirlinga. River Narmada flows through Omkareshwar.

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

Omkareshwar Temple – Facts

DeityLord Omkareshwar (Lord Shiva)
LocationMandhata, Madhya Pradesh
SignificanceJyotirlinga
ToursMahakaleshwar Omkareshwar Tour
Darshan Timings5:00 AM to 9:30 PM
Entry FeeFree
PoojasMaharudrabhisek, Laghurudrabhisek
Best Time to VisitOctober to March
FestivalsShravan, Shivratri
Jyotirlingas in Madhya PradeshOmkareshwar Jyotirlinga, Mahakaleshwar Temple
Omkaleshwar Temple Video

Omkareshwar Temple Timings

The temple opens at 5 AM and closes at 9:30 PM. The temple also performs various rituals during this time. The devotees can be a part of these rituals, such as the morning, afternoon, and evening aarti.

The timings of the Omkareshwar temple are as follows:

TimingsFromTo
Morning Darshan5:00 AM3:50 PM
Evening Darshan4:15 PM9:30 PM
Mangal Aarti5:00 AM5:30 AM
Jalabhishek5:30 AM12:25 PM
Evening Aarti8:20 PM9:05 PM

Omkareshwar Jyotirlinga Poojas

Some of the sevas and poojas of Omkareshwar Temple are:

  • Maha Rudrabhishek: This Abhishekam takes place by reciting Rigveda, Samveda, Yajurveda and the Atharva Veda in front of the Linga.
  • Laghu Rudrabhishekham: Devotees believe that by doing this Pooja, one can overcome health as well as wealth related issues.
  • Narmada Aarti: Every evening a Maha Aarti takes place on the banks of River Narmada which is spectacular to view.
  • Bhagavan Bhog: During this, devotees present lord Shiva with a Naivedyam Bhog in the evening every day. The Bhog (food) consists of pure Ghee, Sugar, and Rice.
  • Mundan (Tonsure): Devotees can also perform a Mundan at a nominal price.

What is the significance of Omkareshwar Jyotirlinga?

Omkareshwar Jyotirlinga is split in nature. One half of the Jyotirlinga is in the Omkareshwar Temple and the other half in the Mammaleshwar Temple. The pilgrims must visit both these temples to get a darshan of the complete Jyotirlinga. The Jyotirlingas are Swayambhu which means that they are self-born.

What is the history of the Omkareshwar Temple?

Nobody knows the original date of construction of this historic temple. However, the earliest evidence states that in 1063, King Udayaditya installed four stone inscriptions each with Sanskrit Stotras. In 1195, Raja Bharat Singh Chauhan renovated the temple and built a palace near it.

How to reach Omkareshwar?

Here’s how to reach:

  • Air: The nearest airport is Indore which is 77 km away.
  • Train: The nearest railway station is Mortakka which is 12 km away from Omkareshwar. The closest Railway Junction is Khandwa which is 72 km away.
  • Road: Regular bus services are available from cities like Indore, Ujjain, Jalgaon, Khandwa, and Bhopal.

Where to stay nearby?

There are about 50 Dharmashalas available in Omkareshwar to stay. Most of them are newly constructed and are equipped with modern amenities. The temple administration does not run any Dharmashala or Ashram. Some of the popular choices to stay are Shri Gajanan Mahajan Sansthan and the MP Narmada tourist bungalows.

Omkareshwar Temple is located near Indore

Frequently Asked Questions about Omkareshwar Temple

Is the Omkareshwar Jyotirlinga open throughout the year?

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

What is the entry fee for Omkareshwar Temple?

The entry to the Omkareshwar Jyotirlinga is free of cost.

Is there any online darshan facility available in Omkareshwar Jyotirlinga?

No. There is no facility for online darshan available.

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

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

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.

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’.

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.

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