Travel Guide to Famous Temples

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Chaturshringi Temple

September 15, 2019, Sasidhar Darla Leave a Comment Filed Under: Maharashtra Temples Tagged With: Devi Temples

Chaturshringi Temple is one of the most visited temples in Pune. It is not only gigantic as the very name suggests but it is also considered to be one of the most visited sacred places of Maharashtra.

The term Chatur stands for four and Chaturshringi literally signifies “mountain with four peaks.” The temple is gigantic and it stands at 90 feet high and 125 feet wide. The temple depicts “power and faith.” The Chaturshringi temple is located on the gradient of a hill on Senapati Bapat Road.

The supervising deity of Chaturshringi temple is Goddess Chaturshringi who is also known as Goddess Ambareshwari. It is said that one has to climb 100 steps of Chaturshringi temple to reach out to the shrine of Goddess Chaturshringi. Apart from the presiding deity Goddess Chaturshringi’s temple, the premises also include temples of Goddess Durga and Lord Ganesha respectively and this includes eight diminutive idols of Ashtavinayaka. However, these respective temples are located on the four detached mounds. It also includes the temple of Vetal Maharaj at the baner pashan end.

History and Legend of Chaturshringi Temple

Chaturshringi Temple is one of the oldest temples of Maharashtra and is said to have been constructed during the time in power of the Maratha king Shivaji and the temple is taken care of by Chaturshringi Devasthan trustees.

The Chaturshringi temple is considered to be a symbol of power and faith. Numbers of devotees from all over the world often come to visit the temple with love and devotion for the presiding deity every year on a daily basis. The temple has abundant of beauty and importance that even the aged people coup their intricacy and climb 100 steps to reach out to the holy memorial of Goddess Chaturshringi.

It is also believed that the primary purpose for the creation of the temple was the utmost devotion and worship towards the supervising deity Goddess Chaturshringi.

The legend of Chaturshringi Temple follows the story of a rich merchant named Durlabhsheth Pitambardas Mahajan. This man was very rich and religious and was also a passionate devotee of Saptashringi Mata. It is also said that he used to travel all the way from Pune to Vani only for the sake of worshipping the presiding Goddess of the temple every year on the full moon day of Chaitra.

However, as he grew older his age somewhat hindered him to travel and visit the temple. Following this, because of his true devotion the supervising Goddess appeared in his dream and asked him to bring to light her idol from a mountain in the northwestern region of Pune so that she can stay near her devotee.

Following the command of his beloved Goddess, he went there and mapped out that place and in due course experienced miracle when he found an ordinary statue of his beloved Goddess. He then settled on to construct the temple at that place and the entire event led to the foundation of the Chaturshringi Mandir and since then it has been renovated several times.

Significance of Chaturshringi Temple

The Chaturshringi Temple is of immense significance and is also the centre of attraction for the people and this is why thousands of pilgrims and visitors appear in large numbers everyday for the sake of offering their prayers to the presiding deity. The temple is significant for the following reasons:

Maa Chaturshringi temple is devoted to Goddess Chaturshringi who is also known as Goddess Ambareshwari, Mahalakshmee, Mahakalee, Mahasaraswatee. This is also considered to be one of the most popular temples in Pune along with Shreemant Dagdusheth Halwai temple. This temple is also one of the oldest temples and is believed to be 250-300 years old.
Goddess Chaturshringi and Lord Ganapati are considered to be the benefactor deities of Pune.
Chaturshringi Temple is positioned at the slope of a hill on Senapati Bapat Road in aundh, Pune.
This temple is preserved and maintained by the Chaturshringi Devasthan Trust. The temple has been maintained in such a manner that each and every bit and piece of the temple appears as new and as fresh as the first time.
At the very first visit, the temple offers spiritual and positive vibes to each and every visitor and lures all the visitors with its beauty.
The most fascinating feature of the temple is that the Chaturshringi Temple consists of a diminutive scale model of its intact premises exhibited at the entrance.

Chaturshringi Temple Timings

Chaturshringi Temple is open for visitors and pilgrims on all days from 6:00AM to 9:00 PM.
On Tuesdays the temple closes at 12:00 PM. This is so because Tuesdays and Fridays are considered to be the days of Goddesses and maximum number of devotees visit the temple on these days for worship.

Festivals celebrated at Chaturshringi Temple

The most important festival of the Chaturshringi temple is the celebration of Navratri. This festival is filled with vibrance, energy, enjoyment and dedication. This festival is celebrated for nine days where devotees from across the country and world come to offer prayers and homage to the presiding Goddess. This occasion is one of the most auspicious celebrations of Chaturshringi Temple. During this festival, thousands of devotees have the propensity to wait in line for hours till they derive the opportunity to offer their prayers and adorn the Goddess in the main hall.
Chaturshringi Temple is embellished in the traditional style enlightened with lights and it literally enthrals the worshippers and visitors.
Apart from the traditional rituals, the celebration is also accompanied with a fair that takes place throughout the night at the peak and also adds on to the spirit of the festival.
Apart from the mega celebration of Navaratri, festivals such as Diwali, Holi, Ganesh Chaturthi are also celebrated every year here.
Another important festival celebrated in the Chaturshringi Temple is the “Vat Purnima” during which many women visit the temple and offer prayers to the banyan tree.

How To Reach: Road, Rail, Air

By Road : Buses are available everyday from Mumbai and also from nearby areas. Buses are also available from Satara, Raigad and Ahmednagar.

By Rail: The nearest railway stations are Sivajinagar railway station, Khadki railway station, Dapodi railway station.

By Air: The nearest airports to Chaturshringi Temple are Lohegaon Airport, Chhatrapati Shivaji International Airport, Gandhinagar Airport, Kolhapur Airport.

Where to stay

There are many hotels and lodges nearby Chaturshringi Temple which are quite reasonable and avails all the facilities.

Nearby Temples

Sree Ayyappa Seva Sangham : This temple is one of the most visited and popular temples in Pune. Thsi temple is located on the peak of the towering hillocks. The temple is dedicated to Lord Ayyappa. The place where the temple is positioned is also termed as “Sastha Hills” This temple is considered to be one of the most consecrated temples of Maharashtra.

Kanifnath Temple : Talking about all the famous and most visited temples in Pune, Kanifnath temple cannot be missed out. The famous temple of Shri Kanifnath Maharaj is positioned around a beautiful fort and this is the reason that the temple is a centre of attraction for all the visitors.

Parvati Hill Temple : The Parvati Hill Temple is said to be the highest point of Pune city. One has to climb 100 steps to reach the place of pilgrimage. This temple was built by the third Peshwa, Balaji Bajirao alias Nana Saheb in 1749 and clearly depicts the traditional form of Maratha style of temple architecture. The place also consists of temles dedicated to Lord Ganesha, Lord Bhavani, Lord Vishnu and Lord Surya.

Bhuleshwar Temple : This is a hindu temple and is dedicated to Lord Shiva. Like some of the temples in Pune, this temple is also positioned on a hill and was constructed on the 13^th The most significant feature of th temple is that it has classical carvings on the wall and the temple has also been declared as a confined monument. The temple is mostly popular because of the famous folk-tale associated with it. It is believed that when a bowl of sweet pedhas is offered to Shiva Ling, one or more of the sweets tend to disappear. The temple was constructed in 1230 AD during the period of Yadava Rulers by King Krishnadevray and the fort on which the temple is located on Daulatmala Fort which is also referred to as Mangalgad. This fort was built by Murar Jagdev in 1629. The temple also consist of an idol of Lord Ganesha uin a feminine attire and the idol is known as Ganeshwari, Ganeshyani or Lambodari.

Ghorwadeshwar Cave Temple : This temple is positioned around 40km from Pune and contain statues of Hindu and Buddhist deities. It is believed that the caves were sculpted out of a single rock formation around the 3^rd and 4^th century CE. The temples consists of nine rooms for meditation along with the Griha. An inscription on one of the walls in Brahmi script says that Chhaityagriha is devoted with affection by Buddha and Sagha- the daughters of Dhapar who was a disciple of Bhadantsingh. A large cave contains a Shiva Linga that is most visited during the time of Mahashivratri.

Mangaladevi Temple Mangalore Guide – Timings, Poojas, and History

August 19, 2019, Sasidhar Darla 5 Comments Filed Under: Karnataka Temples Tagged With: Devi Temples

Mangaladevi Temple, dedicated to Goddess Adi Parashakti is in Mangalore, Karnataka. The city has its name after Mangalapura and eventually became famous as Mangalore or Mangaluru. People believe that worshipping Goddess Mangaladevi will grant you success and prosperity in any new ventures and will protect one against evil influences.

Mangaladevi Temple – Facts

Deity	Goddess Mangaladevi
Location	Mangalore, Karnataka
Entry Fee	Free
Best Time to Visit	October to March
Darshan Timings	6:00 AM to 8:30 PM
Poojas	Pushpanjali Pooja, Devi Mahaatme Parayana, Rudra Abhishekam
Festivals	Navratri, Ugadi, Annual Temple Festival

Mangaladevi Temple, Mangalore, Video

What are the timings of Mangaladevi Temple?

Here are the darshan timings of the Mangaladevi Temple:

Rituals	From	To
Morning Darshan	6:00 AM	1:00 PM
Evening Darshan	4:00 PM	8:30 PM

There are several poojas that take place during the given darshan timings. Devotees can participate in these poojas during the timings mentioned below.

Rituals	Timing
Morning Pooja	6:00 AM
Afternoon Pooja	1:00 PM
Evening Pooja	8:30 PM

What are the poojas and sevas performed at Mangaladevi Temple?

Mangaladevi Temple Pooja — Thousands of devotees throng the temple to see the procession during the pooja.

A devotee can perform around 42 types of Poojas and Sevas in the Mangaladevi Temple Mangalore.

Devi Mahaatme Parayana: The priest recites the verses from the Devi Mahaatme, a set of hymns and shlokas describing the greatness of the Goddess.
Ashtotthara Archana: The priest recites 108 names of the Goddess along with the offering of the Kumkum on behalf of the devotee.
Thrishathi Archana: The priest recites 300 names of the Goddess in front of the Goddess on behalf of the devotee.
Pushpanjali Pooja: This includes decoration of the Goddess with flowers and recitation of shlokas in praise of her by offering flowers one by one on behalf of the devotee.
Thrimadhura Naivedyam: The priest offers Sugar, Honey, and Butter to the Goddess as Bhog or Naivedyam for the day on behalf of the devotee.
Panchamrutha Abhisheka: The priest bathes the deity with five holy “Amrit” or Nectar. They are Milk, Honey, Curd, Sugar, and Ghee.
Rudrabhishekam: The Pooja is for Lord Shiva who is worshipped as fire or Rudra. The puja wipes out all sins and purifies the atmosphere. It also removes all sorts of planetary related ill-occurrences. The Mondays of the month, as well as the Pradosham days, are ideal for performing the Pooja.
Ranga Pooja: This includes worshipping the Goddess with either 24 rows of Deepams or with 64 rows of Deepams on behalf of the devotee.
Naga Thambila: The priest bathes the deity Lord Subrahmanya, who is the “Protector of Snakes” with Panchamrit that is with milk, curd, ghee, honey, and sugar.

Wedding ceremonies also take place at the Mangaladevi Temple Mangalore Hall. For bookings check the official website of the temple, given below.

Some other Poojas include:

Vidyarambha: The couples with children of age 2 – 5 can perform the Seva as a start to the education of their children. The performing of this ritual is special because the presiding deity Sri Mangaladevi is the Goddess of intelligence and knowledge.
Sathyanarayana Pooja: The Pooja is for to Lord Vishnu. The Pooja can take place on any day but is extremely auspicious to perform it on the eve of Chithra Pournami. Devotees perform it to attain peace, prosperity, to remove obstacles and to be free from the negative thoughts. The Pooja usually begins with Ganapathi Pooja and then the Navagraha Pooja.
Chandika Yagna: The Chandika Homam requires the presence of 7 priests. They chant the 700 verses and hymns from the Devi Mahatmayam. Offerings of the Payasam (sweet pudding or Kheer) are made to Agni during the chantings.
Tulabhara Seva: This Seva includes the devotee sitting on one side of the Tula or the weighing balance. On the other side, offerings are arranged until the weight of the devotee and the offerings balance themselves. The offerings are then donated to the Temple.
Silver Palanquin Pooja: In this Pooja, the idol of the Goddess is taken around the temple premises in a silver palanquin and worshipped amidst chants and hymns.
Vahana Pooja: The devotees can also do the Vahana Pooja, in which new vehicles are decorated and the Goddess is worshipped to bless the journeys in them.
Dodda Rathotsava: The Goddess is taken around the Temple Complex in the big Chariot or Ratha on behalf of the Temple.

What is the significance of the Mangaladevi Temple?

Mangaladevi Shrine — The idol of Goddess Mangaladevi.

The significance of the Mangaladevi Temple is that the deity of the Mangaladevi Temple is a figure of the Goddess holding a Dharapatra and a Linga. The Linga symbolizes the destructive power of both Lord Shiva and Goddess Shakti. Devotees believe that the main shrine is as old as the Treta Yuga.

The Mangaladevi Temple’s historical importance resulted in the naming of the place itself as Mangalapura. In present times, the city of Mangalore gets its name from the Goddess of Mangalapura or Mangalore.

Mangaladhara Vrata is a unique ritualistic fast observed by the devotees of Goddess Mangaladevi. This Vrata is kept by maidens to find a suitable match for marriage for them. This Vrata is also called Swayamvara Parvathi.

What is the history of Mangaladevi Temple?

As per the history of Mangaladevi Temple, the origin of the Mangaladevi Temple runs back to a demon Vikhasini who was Hiranyakashyapu’s daughter. She waged a war against the Devaloka and Lord Indra. Though the demon army was strong, Indra defeated them in a fierce battle.

Hence, it shattered Vikhasini’s ambition of commanding the Devaloka and she realized that she needed God’s grace to enhance her powers.

She wanted a son with the Gods who would be highly powerful and competent enough to avenge Lord Vishnu and destroy him as revenge for Vikhasini’s father’s death. So She performed severe penance and gained the attention of Lord Brahma. Eventually, He asked her to wish for a boon. She wished for a son who would slay Lord Vishnu. Lord Brahma refused to state that the holy trinity is immortal. However, he said that she will attain a son from Lord Shiva who will be brave and invincible.

Narada and Lord Brahma visited Kailash and warned Lord Shiva of future developments. Lord Shiva along with Parvati, Lord Brahma, Narada, and Goddess Saraswati went to Vaikuntam and expressed their anger in front of Lord Vishnu. Lord Vishnu however, calmed them by saying that everything will be rectified when the time comes.

Vikhasini disguised herself as Goddess Parvati and lured Lord Shiva into submission. After the act, she left for her kingdom and during the journey; she feared that the Devatas will harm her son. She asked Bhoodevi (Goddess Earth) and with her permission, buried her fetus inside the Earth. Eventually, as time passed, a great demon was born and was named Andasura by Vikhasini. She told Andasura about the fate of Hiranyakashyapa and asked him to seek revenge by killing Lord Vishnu.

The legend continues…

He attacked the Devaloka and destroyed anything that came in his path. Then the holy trinity gathered and asked the Supreme mother, Adi Parashakti for help. She agreed to help her children and asked them for their weapons. So Lord Brahma gave his Danda, Lord Vishnu gave his Chakra and Lord Shiva gave his Trident to Goddess Adi Parashakti. She merged Lord Shiva’s power of destruction with her and acquired his third eye.

Meanwhile, Andasura roamed through the Devaloka in search of Lord Vishnu. Narada directed him to a place where Goddess Parashakti, disguised as a beautiful and captivating maiden was waiting for him. Seeing her, the demon came close to her and misbehaved. At an opportunistic moment, Goddess Adi Parashakti slew him with the trident.

She also addressed his children from the spot that in the Treta Yuga, “Lord Vishnu will incarnate as Parashurama and slay the 21 generations of evil Kshatriyas. He will retrieve the land from Lord Varuna and the spot where he will do penance will be where I killed Andasura. He will build a shrine with a Linga and a Dharapatra”.

After several centuries, the legend continues through Veerabahu, the king of Tulunadu. He did not have any son so he made Bangaraja as his successor. Bangaraja ruled his kingdom well and brought immense prosperity to the region. Goddess Mangaladevi appeared in his dreams and informed him that the shrine’s remains are there under a mound where the Nethravati and the Phalguni rivers intersect.

Bangaraja along with Saint Bharadhwaja rediscovered the shrine and constructed a small temple around it. However, nature took its course hid the temple amid abundant vegetation of the surrounding forests.

What is the architecture of the Mangaladevi Temple?

The Mangaladevi Temple architecture resembles a Kerala style of construction. Huge stones form the walls of the temple. Intricate carvings are also there on the inner walls of the Mandapam. The Gopuram has two stories. The area within the rectangular walls around the Temple is Kshetra – Madiluka. All the shrines are present inside this Kshetra.

The Dhwajasthambam is directly in front of the main entrance. A Deepasthamba is inside the temple complex with figures of the 8 Dwarapalikas around it. The Mangaladevi Temple also has a clean complex with all the modern facilities available to the pilgrims.

The origin of the Mangaladevi Temple has two different versions. Some believe that the 9th-century Ahepa King Kundavarman built the temple while others believe that Kundavarman just discovered a pre-existing temple and extended the shrine by building several additions. Some people believe the Ballal family of Attavar built the temple to commemorate a fallen Malabar princess.

The official website of the temple is: http://www.mangaladevitemple.com/

What is the dress code at Mangaladevi Temple?

The Mangaladevi Temple administration has not imposed any strict dress code. However, it is recommended to wear decent clothes in the temple premises. Shorts, miniskirts, and beachwear are to be avoided.

What are the festivals celebrated at Mangaladevi Temple?

Mangaldevi Temple Festival — The temple is lit up for the celebration of various festivals.

Some of the festivals celebrated at Mangaladevi Temple are:

Navratri: A large number of devotees visit the Mangaladevi Temple Mangalore from Karnataka and surrounding states to witness and receive the blessings of the Goddess. The Navarathri festival lasts for 9 days ending with Vijayadasami on the tenth day. The Lalita Panchami, Mahanavami Rathotsava, and Vijayadasami Vidyarambha are the special days during the Navratri period. The Chandika Homam, Ranga Pooja, and Rathotsava are the special poojas that take place for the Goddess Navami. Also, the practice of Vidyarambha meaning the “initiation of knowledge” for kids takes place on the Vijayadasami. Then the Sathyanarayana Pooja and the Avabrutha Mangal Snaan takes place on the two days after Vijayadasami. The Ayudha Pooja takes place on the eighth day of the festival when devotees worship all the weapons of the Goddess.
Laksha Deepothsava: The festival occurs in the month of Karthik that usually falls in November – December. Devotees light around one lakh lamps (Laksha Deepams) in honour of the Goddess and decorate the whole Temple with it.
Annual Temple Festival: The annual festival of the Mangaladevi Temple Mangalore begins in the month of March. Devotees perform several poojas and abhishekams for the Goddess. They also take the Utsava Moorthy or the idol around the Temple premises in different vehicles or Vahanas and worship it.

Besides these festivals, Ugadi, Mahashivaratri, and Ganesh Chaturthi are also important festivals in the Mangaladevi Temple Mangalore.

How to reach the Mangaladevi Temple?

Here’s how to reach Mangaladevi Temple:

Air: Mangalore connects to many places via Bajpe International Airport, at a distance of 10 km from the city centre.
Train: There are two main stations in Mangalore – Mangalore Junction and Mangalore Central.
Road: One can board buses from Bengaluru, Goa, Chennai, Karwar, Pune, and Mysore.

Where to stay near Mangaladevi Temple?

A large number of private hotels are available for accommodating pilgrims and tourists alike. The rooms may range from standard to AC suites in five-star hotels. A large number of Government offices also operate guest houses in the city which one can contact and book.

Mangalore is a coastal city and offers beautiful beaches. Hence, resorts are abundant here.

Where to eat near Mangaladevi Temple?

Mangalore is bustling with restaurants offering a wide variety of cuisines like Konkani, Seafood, Mughlai, North Indian, South Indian, Chinese, Italian, and Thai. Several popular food joints are Hotel Narayana for Seafood, Hotel Guthu for authentic local cuisine and chutneys for North Indian Vegetarian and Giri Manjas for Seafood.

What are some of the temples near Mangaladevi Temple?

How to reach Mangaladevi Temple — There are several beautiful temples in the city of Mangalore.

Some of the temples near Mangaladevi Temple are:

Kadri Manjunath Temple: The temple is about 4 km from the city centre. The presiding deity of the temple is Lord Manjunathaswamy, a form of Lord Shiva. The temple is one of the most popular spots in Mangalore and dates back to 1068 AD. The idol of Lord Manjunathaswany is the oldest representation of Lord Shiva in South India. The hill behind the temple is home to the Jogimutt and the Pandava caves.
Shri Sharavu Mahaganapathi Temple: The temple is for Lord Ganapathi and dates back to 800 years. The temple finds mention in several Puranas like the Sthalapurana. Further, Sri Dashabhuja Mahaganapati, Sri Sharabeshwara, and Siddhi Lakshmi are the presiding deities of the temple. Its legends also relate to the legendary Tipu Sultan and his conquest of Karnataka.
Gokarnanatheshwara Temple: The temple is for Lord Gokarnanatheshwara, another form of Lord Shiva and is in Kudroli, 5 km away from the city centre. The Saint Sri Narayana Guru consecrated the Shiva Linga at the temple in 1912. Several additions and renovations also took place recently. Moreover, the Gopuram is 60 feet high and has beautiful divine sculptures depicting several Gods and Goddesses.
Kateel Durga Parameshwari Temple: The famous shrine dedicated to Sri Durga Parameshwari is in Kateel, 26 km from Mangalore. The temple is on the banks of the River Nandini. Several legends associate with the temple, which also finds mention in the Puranas themselves. Devotees can also perform sevas like Annadanam, Vidyarambha, and Yakshagana in the temple.
Kudupu Sri Anantha Padmanabha Temple: The temple is just 12 km away from the Mangalore city centre. The presiding deities are Lord Anantha (Lord Shiva) and Lord Padmanabha (Lord Vishnu). Moreover, the temple is famous for serpent worship. The deity, Sri Anantha Padmanabha faces west. The temple complex also consists of a Naga Bana (place for serpent worship) and several smaller shrines for Jarandaya, Goddess Shree Devi, Lord Subrahmanya and Lord Ganapathi.

Frequently Asked Questions about Mangaladevi Temple

Is the Mangaladevi Temple open throughout the year?

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

What is the entry fee?

The entry to the Mangaladevi Temple is free of cost.

Is there any online darshan facility available?

No. There is no facility for online darshan available.

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

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

What is the weather like during the summer?

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

What are winters like in Mangalore?

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

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

Vishwanath Temple Guptkashi

March 11, 2020, Sasidhar Darla Leave a Comment Filed Under: Char Dham Yatra, Uttarakhand Temples Tagged With: Shiva Temples

Vishwanath Temple Guptkashi shares the same name with the one in Varanasi, however, it stands in the Guptakashi town of Rudraprayag district in Uttarakhand. Further, the temple is dedicated to one of Lord Shiva’s avatar, Lord Vishwanath, meaning the ‘Lord of Universe’.

The architecture of the temple closely resembles the popular Kashi Vishwanath Temple in Varanasi.

Moreover, the word ‘Guptkashi’ has historical relevances in the epic of Mahabharata. However, the religious significance of Guptkashi is equated next to that of Varanasi which is referred to as the most pious of all Hindu pilgrimage sites.

Another temple of utmost importance present in the town is Ardhnareshwara temple. Further, this temple contains a half-man and half-woman form of Shiva-Parvati. Moreover, this temple is also a significant part of the Char Dham Yatra destinations within Uttarakhand. Take this divine yatra now.

Introduction of Vishwanath Temple Guptkashi — Ardhnareshwara Temple is present in Guptkashi and houses an idol of Lord Shiva in half-man and half-women form.

Vishwanath Temple Guptkashu – Facts

Temple Timings	5 am – 12 pm 2 pm – 9 pm
Time required for Darshan	30 minutes
Entry Fee	No Fee
Best Time To Visit	March – October
Nearest Airport	Jolly Grant Airport
Location	Rudraprayag, Uttarakhand
Diety	Lord Shiva

What are the timings of Vishwanath Temple in Guptkashi?

Here are the timings of Vishwanath Temple Guptkashi:

Timings	From	To
Morning	5 am	12 pm
Evening	2 pm	9 pm

What is the significance of Guptakshi’s Vishwanath Temple?

Vishwanath Temple Guptkashi holds significance as the place where Lord Shiva put out the matrimonial proposal before Goddess Parvati. However, the wedding ceremony was organised at Triyuginarayan Temple. Moreover, this temple draws similarities in structure with other temples in Uttarakhand, such as the Kedarnath temple.

This beautiful site is made of stone and has a high tower above the sanctum. Furthermore, the main gate of the temple portrays an image of ‘Bhairav’, which is a form of Lord Shiva. On the other hand, the walls have lotus images. Also, the entrance has two ‘dwarpalakas’ or entrance-guards inscribed on it.

The temple complex has a pond called Manikarnika Kund where the Shivlingam is bathed by two river springs that represent rivers namely, Yamuna and Ganga.

What is the history of Guptkashi’s Vishwanath Temple?

Vishwanath Temple Guptkashi has a fascinating relevance with the Pandavas of Mahabharat. Legends state that after the Kurukshetra war, Pandavas desired to get rid of the sins they committed during the war. Hence, they wished to meet Lord Shiva to absolve them of their sins, however, Lord Shiva did not wish to have a meeting with them.

So, Lord Shiva took the form of a bull (Nandi) and appeared before the Pandavas. However, the Pandavas recognised him and began to follow Nandi until they reached a place where Lord Shiva vanished in a cave. Hence, this place later became popular as ‘Guptkashi’.

History of Vishwanath Temple Guptkashi — Aurangzeb was the mughal emporer who destroyed Vishwanath Temple in Varanasi hence the idol was shifted to Guptkashi.

Also, when the Mughal emperor Aurangzeb turned the Kashi Vishwanath Temple in Varanasi into rags, the priests shifted the main idol of the temple to Guptkashi in order to keep it safe.

What are the festivals celebrated at Vishwanath Temple Guptkashi?

Mahashivratri: This festival is a celebration of Lord Shiva. Devotees signify Shiva as the Adi guru who is the source of the Yogi tradition. On this day, devotees pay a visit to Shiva temples, make offerings, keep fasts and offer milk to the Shivlingam.
Dussehra: This Hindu festival signifies the victory of good over evil. Dussehra recounts the day when Lord Rama killed Ravana and established peace and prosperity. As a ritual, devotees also burn an effigy of Ravana and put diyas around their houses.

How to reach Vishwanath Temple Guptkashi?

Here’s how to reach Vishwanath Temple Guptkashi:

Air: The nearest airport to the temple is Jolly Grant Airport. It is 198 km away from Guptakshi.
Train: The nearest railway station is Rishikesh. It is at a distance of 192 km from Guptakshi.
Road: Buses to Rishikesh are available from ISBT Kashmere gate. From there, one can avail state transport buses to Vishwanath Temple Guptkashi.

Where to stay near the Temple?

Some of the places where one can stay near Vishwanath Temple Guptkashi while undertaking the Char Dham Yatra are:

Cedar Valley Resorts: The resort has 16 rooms, all of which are packed with a range of facilities to ensure a comfortable stay. Moreover, the resort also has a restaurant that offers a variety of cuisines for the guests.
Chopta Meadows Camps: The property provides 8 lodgings, each equipped with a desk as well as a private bathroom. Chopta Meadows Camp’s restaurant offers 3-time meals and is budget-friendly.
Himalayan Comforts: The resort has 17 rooms that have all the essentials to ensure an enjoyable stay. The resort also offers a restaurant facility. Moreover, the place also provides easy access to Kalimath.

What are some temples near Vishwanath Temple in Guptkashi?

Some of the temples near Vishwanath Temple Guptkashi are:

Dhari Devi Temple: This temple is present at the banks of river Alaknanda in Uttarakhand. It is home to the upper half of the idol of Goddess Dhari, while the lower half is in Kalimath. Moreover, the devotees look upon the Goddes as the guardian of Uttarakhand.
Omkareshwar Temple, Ukhimath: Omkareshwar Temple Ukhimath, or Omkareshwar Pith is an ancient Hindu temple present in the Rudraprayag district of Uttarakhand. It houses the deities Kedarnath and Madmaheshwar during winters (November- April).
Triyuginarayan Temple: This temple is dedicated to Lord Vishnu. It is present in the Rudraprayag district of Uttarakhand. This is the venue of marriage of Shiva and Parvati. Moreover, the temple is 3.1 miles away from Sonprayag, which is the confluence of river Mandakini and Songanga.

The temples are also a part of the Char Dham Yatra destinations within Uttarakhand.

Valley of Flowers

September 25, 2019, Sasidhar Darla Leave a Comment Filed Under: Blog, Char Dham Yatra, Uttarakhand Temples

Valley of flowers is an Indian National Park in the Chamoli district of Uttarakhand. It is rich in flora and fauna that includes endangered and rare species of plants as well as animals. This diversity is a representative of a unique transition zone between the mountain ranges of Zanskar and Great Himalaya.

Valley of Flowers – Overview

Opening Timings of the Valley	8 am – 5 pm
Time required to see the valley	4 – 5 hours
Best Time To Visit	Mid of July to August
Entry Fee	20 rupees per person
Nearest Airport	Jolly Grant Airport
Location	Chamoli, Uttarakhand

Furthermore, the valley lies 20 km northwest of Nanda Devi National Park. Moreover, the valley is open for visitors beginning of June till the start of October.

The Uttarakhand State Forestry Department, the national Ministry of Environment and Forests, India are responsible to administer the valley.

What is the significance of Valley of flowers?

This picturesque valley is significantly popular as an amalgamation of 600 different species of flora. Moreover, 62 species of Asteraceae dominate the valley. However, 45 species from the valley are used for medicinal purposes by the villagers. Also, it is home to endangered fauna such as red fox, snow leopard, musk deer, etc.

Moreover, it provides aesthetic pleasure to visitors because of a rich variance of flora growing here. Moreover, on the religious front, it is a popular destination where yogis visit for meditation since ages. Also, locals believe that Gods and fairies inhabited the valley.

Significance of Valley of Flowers — This temple is worshipped across the valley of flowers.

Nanda Devi, the regional peak is worshipped throughout the valley as an epitome of the goddess who is believed to be one of the incarnations of Goddess Durga.

What are the timings of Valley of Flowers?

Timings	From
Open	8 am
Close	5 pm

What is the history of Valley of flowers?

The history of this valley traces back to 1931, prior to which it existed in seclusion. Hence, In 1931, three British mountaineers namely, Frank S. Smythe, Eric Shipton and R.L. Holdsworth lost their way while coming back from Mount Kamet. Fortunately, they came across the place which was full of flowers. Hence, they named it ‘Valley of flowers’.

In 1980, the Government of India declared Valley of Flowers as a national park under the Wildlife Protection Act of 1972, for the conservation of its flora and fauna.

The valley also is a part of UNESCO World Heritage Sites.

How to reach Valley of flowers?

Here’s how to reach the place:

Air: Jolly Grant Airport is the nearest airport. It is 284.6 km away from Govindghat.
Train: The nearest railway station is Rishikesh. It is at a distance of 273 km from Govindghat.
Road: Buses to Rishikesh are available from ISBT Kashmere Gate. From there, one can avail buses or taxis to Govindghat. One has to complete a trek of 16 km from there to this divine valley.

Reaching Valley of Flowers — After Govindghat, one has to trek to reach this beautiful valley covered in flowers.

Where to stay near Valley of flowers?

Some of the places where one can stay near Valley of flowers are:

Hotel Heaven: The hotel offers all the modern facilities to its guests. Moreover, backed by a team of skilled professionals, the property ensures that all needs of guests are fulfilled timely.
Hotel Sudarshan Palace: This Hotel provides all luxurious to its guests. Moreover, both interiors, as well as the exteriors of the place, are a complete charm. Also, it is quite budget-friendly.
Shri Krishna Palace Hotel: This accommodation in Chamoli features a total of 36 well-maintained and spacious rooms. Additionally, this hotel in Chamoli provides a hygienic and comfortable stay.

What are some places to visit near Valley of flowers?

Some of the places one can visit near Valley of flowers is:

Hemkund Sahib: Hemkund Sahib (Formerly Gurudwara Shri Hemkund Sahib Ji) is a Sikh place of worship in the Chamoli district of Uttarakhand. The place is dedicated to the tenth Guru of Sikhism- Shri Guru Gobind Singh.
Badrinath Temple: Badrinath Temple is a Hindu temple dedicated to Lord Vishnu in the Garhwal region of Uttarakhand. Devotees believe that the statue of the Deity Lord Vishnu placed inside the temple is self-manifested. Also, it is a part of the Char Dham Yatra in Uttarakhand.
Narsingh Temple, Joshimath: It is an ancient temple for Lord Narsimha, the fourth incarnation of Vishnu. Since the temple is a part of ‘Sapt Badri’, it is also popular as Narsingh Badri Temple.

Panch Prayag – Five Sacred Confluences in Uttarakhand

June 28, 2022, Sasidhar Darla Leave a Comment Filed Under: Char Dham Yatra, Uttarakhand Temples Tagged With: Panch Prayag

Panch Prayag is a manifestation in the spirit of the Hindu religion. The expression is used to signify the five holy river confluences in the Garhwal district of Uttarakhand.

The word ‘Prayag’ breaks down to the confluence of two or more rivers. Moreover, Panch Prayag goes by the name ‘Panch Pentad’ in Sanskrit. Nevertheless, five confluences in the descending order of their existence are Vishnuprayag, Nandaprayag, Karnaprayag, Rudraprayag and Devprayag.

Holy Pathways of Panch Prayag

Alaknanda originates from the triangular lake called Satopanth. It is present 4402 metres above sea level. Moreover, Satopanth gets its name from Brahma, Vishnu, Shiva and Bhagirath Kharak Glaciers lying near Nanda Devi peak in Uttarakhand.

Holy trail of Panch Prayag — Satopanth is the origin of the Holy Alaknanda river.

In the course of 229 km from its origin Alaknanda crosses all the five Prayags. Moreover, it finally unifies with Bhagirathi and gives rise to the Holy Ganges or Ganga. Nevertheless, it continues to flow down further to Rishikesh and Haridwar that share the banks of Ganges in Uttarakhand.

Each Sangam or confluence has developed religious towns near them due to the inflow of pilgrims visiting Panch Kedar and Sapta Badri temples. Also, devotees take bath at these holy Sangam while undertaking the Char Dham Yatra in Uttarakhand.

The town names inspired by these confluences are titled as Nandaprayag, Karnaprayag, Rudraprayag and Devprayag. However, Vishnuprayag does not have a town at its bank yet it is 12 km from Joshimath.

The Essence of the Five Prayags

According to Hindus, Prayag is the sacred Sangam of rivers where devotees take a dip before worship. Also, people arrive at these sacred sangams to perform the last rites for the dead. Moreover, the devotees worship holy confluences as God’s manifestation on Earth.

Essence of Panch Prayag — Dip in the holy waters of Prayag is believed to wash away ones sins.

However, the Prayag at Allahabad is considered to be the holiest. Nevertheless, the Panch Prayag of Uttarakhand is just next to them. Apart from numerous tales from the Puranas, these Prayags are home to the amazing scenic beauty.

Moreover, the religious texts state that Panch Prayag in Uttarakhand is the Svargarohana route that the Pandavas took to reach heaven.

How to get to these confluences?

Rishikesh is the point of start for your Panch Prayag journey. It is near to Haridwar that has train connectivity to all the major cities of India. Moreover, Jolly Grant Airport in Dehradun is at a distance of 18 km from Rishikesh.

Besides these, one can take a road trip to Rishikesh from different parts of the country. However, one can hire private taxis to Rishikesh as per their convenience.

From Rishikesh, the distance of the five Prayags are –

Name of the Prayag	Distance from Rishikesh
Vishnuprayag	263 km
Nandaprayag	193 km
Karnyaprayag	173 km
Rudraprayag	141 km
Devprayag	74 km

Portrayal of Panch Prayag

Vishnuprayag– After Alaknanda descends from Satopanth, Dhauliganga merges into it at this Sangam. Moreover, Ahlayabai, the queen of Indore constructed a Vishnu temple at this Prayag.
Nandaprayag– Here, Alaknanda meets Nandakini river and the two rivers unify. However, this confluence gets its name from King Nanda who performed yagna at this place in pursuit of a son.
Karnaprayag– This is the confluence of river Alaknanda and Pindar. Beliefs say that Krishna cremated Karna at this place only. Hence, there is a Karna temple by the banks of the confluence.
Rudraprayag– At this place, Mandakini river joins Alaknanda in its flow. Moreover, traditional tales suggest that Shiva appeared in its Rudra avatar at this place in front of Sage Narada. Hence, the place has Shiva temples in abundance.
Devprayag– This confluence gives birth to the mainstream Ganges as Alaknanda and Bhagirathi unify. Devprayag means ‘Godly confluence‘. Moreover, the inspiration of the confluence’s name is taken from sage Dev Sharma from Satyug, who got blessings from Lord Vishnu. Lord Ram also meditated here so it has many Ram temples too.

Frequently Asked Questions About Panch Prayag

Where is the Panch Prayag located?

Panch Prayag is present in the ‘God’s Land’ i.e. Uttarakhand.

Which river meets Alaknanda at Karna Prayag?

Pindar meets Alaknanda at Karna Prayag.

How many Prayags are there in Uttarakhand?

As the name, Panch Prayag suggests there are five Prayag in Uttarakhand.

When should one visit these Prayags?

The best time to visit these Prayags is from March to October.