Travel Guide to Famous Temples

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Vriddha Badri – Sapta Badri

August 29, 2019, Sasidhar Darla Leave a Comment Filed Under: Char Dham Yatra, Uttarakhand Temples Tagged With: Sapta Badri, Vishnu Temples

Vriddha Badri Temple is a Hindu temple dedicated to Lord Vishnu. It is situated at Animath in Chamoli district, Uttarakhand. It is the third temple complex among the ‘Sapta Badri’ temples. It is a part of the famous ‘Sapta Badri‘ pilgrimage circuit. It is a part of the Char Dham Yatra Package within Uttarakhand.

Know more about – Sapta Badri

Vriddha Badri – Facts

Deity	Lord Vishnu
Location	Auli Rd, Joshimath Army Area, Joshimath, Uttarakhand 246443
Best Time to Visit	May to June and September to October
Darshan Timings	5 AM to 12 PM 2 PM to 9 PM
Entry Fees	Free
Dress Code	Traditional Wear
Festivals	Krishna Janmashtmi, Makar Sankranti

It extends from Satapanth to Nandaprayag in the Alaknanda river valley. In ancient times, the path to the temple went through the Badri van (Forest of berries). Hence, the suffix ‘Badri‘ is added to the seven holy shrines of Lord Vishnu.

Lord Vishnu appeared here as an old man before Narad who was performing penance at this place. This is why Vriddha Badri gets its name where the word Vriddha means ‘old‘ and Badri is the name of Lord Vishnu in Badrikshetra. It is a part of the Char Dham Yatra Package within Uttarakhand.

The temple is 1,380 meters above the sea level and 7 km from Joshimath in Joshimath-Badrinath road. Vriddha Badri lies on the way to Kalpeshwar Mahadev Temple and can be reached before Helang.

Vriddha Badri Temple is the destination of Char Dham Yatra that is open or reachable throughout the year for the worshiping Lord Vishnu.

What are the timings of Vriddha Badri?

The timings of the temple are:-

Timings	From	To
Morning	5 AM	12 PM
Evening	2 PM	9 PM

What is the significance of Vriddha Badri?

The significance of Vriddha Badri is-

The temple is open for devotees and pilgrims throughout the year.
The temple has been built in the North Indian style of architecture and has a sanctum that contains representations of Lord Vishnu.
Moreover, the chief priests of the temple are from Southern India.

What is the history of Vriddha Badri?

According to a legend associated with the history of Vriddha Badri, Sage Narada performed penance in this region to appease Lord Vishnu. Later, Vishnu appeared in front of Narada in the form of an old man and answered to Narada’s prayer. Hence, the idol installed in this temple has the form of an old man.

Vriddha Badri History 1 — Sage Narada performed penance in this region to appease Lord Vishnu.

Moreover, beliefs say that Vishwakarma carved the image of Badrinath and worshipped it. Years later, Shri Adi Shankaracharya found that image in this place and reinstalled it in the temple premises. Devotees also believed that Adi Shankaracharya worshipped Badrinath here before enshrining Him in the main Badrinath temple.

Vriddha Badri History 2 — Vishwakarma carved the image of Badrinath and worshipped it.

Festivals celebrated at Vriddha Badri

Some of the festivals celebrated at Vriddha Badri are:

Krishna Janmashtmi: It is a popular Hindu festival that celebrates the birth of Lord Krishna, the eighth incarnation of Lord Vishnu. It occurs according to the Hindu lunisolar calendar and is a very important festival for the followers of Lord Vishnu.
Makar Sankranti: This festival is celebrated each year in January and is to appease the Sun God. It is the first day when Sun enters Capricorn and marks the lengthening of daytime in the forthcoming days. This day also includes colorful decorations, preparation of sweets with sesame seeds and children asking for treats and pocket money.

Vridha Badri Festivals — Makar Sankranti and Krishna Janmashtmi are celebrated at the Temple.

How to reach Vriddha Badri?

Here’s how to reach Vriddha Badri:

Air: The nearest airport is Jolly Grant Airport about 269.2 km from Joshimath
Train: Rishikesh is the nearest railway station 251.8 km from Joshimath.
Road: Buses are available to Rishikesh from ISBT Kashmere Gate. One can use state transport to reach Joshimath. From there, one has to trek to Vriddha Badri.

Where to stay near Vriddha Badri?

Some of the places where one can stay near Vriddha Badri while undertaking the Char Dham Yatra are:

Hotel Sudarshan Palace: Hotel Sudarshan Palace has facilities such as 24-hour front desk, garden area and parking facility within its premises. Amenities such as bed, bottled drinking water, access to the common balcony and attached bathroom are available.
Hotel Kuber Annex: The facilities offered here are front desk, room service, power backup, STD PCO facility, doctor on call. Massage service is also available here so that guests can relax after trekking. A helicopter booking facility is also available at the hotel.
Hotel Heaven: The hotel offers facilities suchlike parking and telephone. With a team of skilled professionals, the property ensures the fulfillment of all needs of the guest. Moreover, in case of medical emergencies, one can avail the doctor on call facility at the hotel.

Please carry valid ID proof such as Aadhar Card. It is needed at the time of booking of the hotel rooms.

What are the other Sapta Badri destinations?

The other Sapta Badri destinations are:

Adi Badri: It is the second among the ‘Sapta Badri’ temples. When Badrinath temple remains closed due to extremities in weather, devotees worship Lord Vishnu in Adi Badri temple. Moreover, the sanctum of the temple has an image of Lord Vishnu which is 1 meter high and has been carved out of black stone.
Bhavishya Badri: It is the fourth among the ‘Sapta Badri’ temples. According to beliefs, Lord Badri will take abode in Bhavishya Badri at the end of Kaliyuga. Even the name of the place literally translates to ‘Future Badri’, implying that it will be the future residence of Lord Badri.
Yogadhyan Badri: It is the fifth among the ‘Sapta Badri’ temples. As per mythology, the Pandavas were born here, and Pandu attained salvation and died here. Yogadhyan Badri has a bronze image of Lord Vishnu. Devotees believe that Pandu installed this image, which depicts Vishnu to be meditating (Dhyan). Hence, the name of the shrine comes from the posture of the image, and it is popular as ‘yoga-Dhyan’ Badri.
Dhyan Badri: It is the sixth among the ‘Sapta Badri’ temples. It has an image of Lord Vishnu which was established by Urvarishi. This image of Vishnu is four-armed, made of black stone and in a meditative posture. Also, Brahmins from Southern India serve as head priests in the temple.
Ardha Badri: It is the seventh among the ‘Sapta Badri’ temples. In comparison to other temples, the idol of Lord Vishnu here is smaller. Hence, the name of the temple roughly means ‘the little Badri‘.

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

Nagercoil Nagaraja Temple – Timings, Poojas and History

July 23, 2019, Sasidhar Darla 2 Comments Filed Under: Tamil Nadu Temples Tagged With: Other Temples

Nagercoil Nagaraja Temple is situated nearby Kanyakumari in Tamil Nadu. This Hindu temple is famous for its worshiping of the King of Serpents or Nagaraja – Vasuki. Also, Nagercoil town derives its name from this very temple. This temple also has a huge number of naga statues from all over India.

What are the timings of Nagercoil Nagaraja Temple?

Here are the timings of Nagercoil Nagaraja Temple:

Timings	From	To
Morning Darshan	4:30 am	11:30 am
Evening Darshan	5:00 pm	8:15 pm

What is the history of Nagercoil Nagaraja Temple?

History of Nagercoil Nagaraja Temple is that Nagas are children of Kashyapa and Kadru. Among prominent nagas are Manasa, Sesha, and Vasuki and Nagaraja. Devotees believe that Nagaraja Temple was earlier a Jain temple because of the images of Jain Tirthankaras, Mahavira and Parswanatha on the pillars of the temple.

However, there is no authentic epigraph to help us understand its chronology. The mountain Mahendragiri in the Kanyakumari district is also popular as the abode of Nagas in the Ramayana of Valmiki. From this, one can presume that the origin of Naga influence in the area goes back to legendary times.

But there is a local story that goes around. Once there was a girl who was cutting paddy when suddenly she cut her hand and blood began to spurt out. Soon she saw that the sickle had cut into a five headed serpent. The girl was afraid and went to the village. She then told the villagers about this miracle. So, they all came to see this peculiar event and they cleared the space allotting it to the Lord.

What is the significance of Nagercoil Nagaraja Temple?

Significance of Nagercoil Nagaraja Temple is that Nagaraja deity, which originated itself , is below ground level in a square plot which is a wet place. The deity has five faces and only the place where the Nagaraja sits is wet. The soil here underneath the Prathishta has a saffron colour.

It is because of the blood that oozed form the head of the idol. The temple also gives the soil as Prasada.

The temple has a distinct style of their own by the lavish use of wood, stone and metals. The surrounding walls of temple also consist of mud. Moreover, the roof has coconut leaves and bamboo poles. Devotees also believe that this soil is a good medicine for skin diseases.

What are the festivals celebrated at Nagercoil Nagaraja Temple?

Some of the festivals celebrated at nagercoil nagaraja Temple are:

Thai Brahmmotsavam in January-February; Aavani Sundays and Aavani Aslesha (Aayilyam) star day and Krishna Jayanthi in August-September.
Navarathri in September-October and Tirukarthikai in November-December are the festivals celebrated in the temple.

How to reach Nagercoil?

Here’s how to reach Nagercoil Nagaraja Temple:

Air: Nearby airport is Madurai, Thiruvanathapuram.
Rrail: Nagercoil junction is the nearby railway station. One can easily take trains from here.
Road: The temple is 1km far from Nagercoil Vadaseri and from Meenakshipuram bus stand. Adequate road facilities are available to reach Nagercoil from all parts of the state.

Where to stay near Nagercoil Nagaraja Temple?

Some of the places where one can stay near Nagercoil Nagaraja Temple are:

Hotel Sahana Castle at Distillery road, vadaseri is a great place with suitable accommodations, according to reviews. It is opposite to the Omni bus stand.
Hotel Udupi International is another grand place to check in. It is about 20 km away from Kanyakumari. It has splendid facilities including its advantageous position making communications available at its doorstep.

What are some places to visit nearby?

Some of the places that one can visit near Nagercoil Nagaraja temple are:

Padmanabhapuram Palace, is one of the chief attractions of Tamil Nadu in Padmanabhapuram village of Kanyakumari District about 15 km from Nagercoil. King Iravi Varma Kulasekhara Perumal built it around 1601 A. D. which is famous for its antique and tricky woodworks.
Vivekananda Rock Memorial is also a popular tourist attraction in Kanyakumari in honor of Swami Vivekananda and his teachings.
Further, Devi Kanya Kumari temple is one among the 108 Shakthi Peethas in the world. Sage Parshurama built it around 3000 year ago for the goddess Bhagavathy Amman.

Murudeshwar Temple Timings, Poojas, and History

March 9, 2020, Sasidhar Darla 74 Comments Filed Under: Karnataka Temples Tagged With: Mukti Sthala, Shiva Temples

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

Murudeshwar Temple – Facts

Deity	Lord Murudeshwar (Lord Shiva)
Location	Murudeshwar, Karnataka
Entry Fee	Free
Best Time to Visit	October to March
Darshan Timings	6:00 AM to 8:30 PM
Poojas	Rudrabhishekam
Festivals	Shravan, Mahashivratri

Murudeshwar Temple Video

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

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

What are the timings of Murudeshwar Temple?

Here are the timings of Murudeshwar Temple:

Rituals	From	To
Morning Darshan	6:00 AM	1:00 PM
Evening Darshan	3:00 PM	8:30 PM
Morning Pooja	6:30 AM	7:30 AM
Maha Pooja	12:15 PM	1:00 PM
Night Pooja	7:15 PM	8:15 PM

Which sevas and poojas take place at Murudeshwar Temple?

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

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

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

The Yearly Sevas at the Murudeshwar Temple are:

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

What is the significance of Murudeshwar Temple?

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

What is the history of Murudeshwar Temple?

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

What is the dress code of Murudeshwar Temple?

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

What are the festivals celebrated at Murudeshwar Temple?

Some of the festivals celebrated at Murudeshwar temple are:

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

How to reach Murudeshwar Temple?

Here’s how to reach Murudeshwar Temple:

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

Where to stay near Murudeshwar Temple?

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

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

Where to eat near Murudeshwar Temple?

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

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

What are some of the temples nearby?

Some temples near Murudeshwar temple are:

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Is the Murudeshwar Temple open throughout the year?

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

What is the entry fee?

The entry to the Murudeshwar Temple is free of cost.

Is there any online darshan facility available?

No. There is no facility for online darshan available.

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

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

What is the weather like during the summer?

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

What are winters like in Murudeshwar?

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

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

Lakshman Temple Rishikesh – Timings, Legends and History

August 3, 2019, Sasidhar Darla Leave a Comment Filed Under: Char Dham Yatra, Uttarakhand Temples Tagged With: Other Temples

Lakshman Temple is a popular Hindu temple in dedication to Lord Lakshman in Rishikesh, Uttarakhand. He is the younger brother of Lord Rama. Devotees believe that the temple is present in the same place where Lord Lakshman meditated to attain enlightenment. It is believed that the jute bridge, now known as Lakshman Jhula, was constructed by Lord Ram.

It is also a part of the holy Char Dham Yatra of Uttarakhand. Lakhs of devotees visit this pilgrimage every year.

Lakshman Temple Facts

Deity	Lord Lakshman
Location	Rishikesh, Uttarakhand
Best Time to Visit	September to April
Darshan Timings	5:00 am to 12:00 pm. 2:00 pm to 9:00 pm
Entry Fees	Free
Dress Code	Traditional
Festivals	Dussera and Diwali

Lakshman Temple Timings

People can have darshan at Lakshman Temple from 5 AM to 12 PM in the morning. There is an afternoon break from 12 PM to 2 PM. The evening darshan resumes at 2 PM and the temple closes at 9 PM.

Here are the timings of Lakshman Temple:

Timings	From	To
Morning	5 AM	12 PM
Evening	3 PM	10 PM

What is the significance of Lakshman Temple Rishikesh?

Significance of Lakshman Temple in Rishikesh — Lakshman Jhula is the rope way used by numerous devotees to reach Lakshman Temple.

The significance of Lakshman Temple Rishikesh is that it is popular for its ancient sculptures and wall paintings. It is present in a religious hub, known as Tapovan. It is an area on the banks of the river Ganga where the popular Lakshman Jhula is present. Trayambakeshwar temple is also present nearby the Lakshman Temple in Rishikesh.

The Lakshman temple is close to the startup point of Rafting for which Rishikesh is quite famous.

White River Rafting Near Lakshman Temple — Lakshman Temple is close to the starting point of the popular sport activity of River rafting that is enjoyed immensely by the youths

What is the history of Lakshman Temple Rishikesh?

History of Lakshman Temple in Rishikesh — A beautiful chariot sculpture near Lakshman Temple that can be seen while crossing the Lakshman Jhula

The historical backdrop of this town is rich with various history and legendary stories. Frequently known as the ‘Abode of Gods’, Rishikesh is among the most ancient pilgrimage site of India. One can’t just discuss the history of Rishikesh, without referencing the Lakshman Temple.

According to the historical backdrop of Lakshman Temple Rishikesh, Lakshman Jhula present close to the temple was built by Lord Ram in the form of Jute bridge. It continued after some time and after various alterations and remodels is available in its present structure.

What are the legends of Lakshman Temple Rishikesh?

Legends of Lakshman Temple in Rishikesh — The divine Lakshman Idol that can be seen inside the sanctum of Lakshman Temple in Rishikesh

There are a number of legends associated with the origin of this mythical bridge. Each one of them will leave you astonished with the myths –

As per the legend, Lakshman who was the brother of Lord Rama crossed the river Ganges on a bridge he built with jute ropes. At a similar site, today stands the present Lakshman Jhula and Temple.
Till 1924, Lakshman Jhula near the temple was yet made of jute ropes. However, during an unfortunate flood that happened in October of that year, the jute bridge was crushed.
During the 1930s Lakshman Jhula was rebuilt with iron and steel and was opened for public in 1939.
According to another folklore, Lakshman meditated at this temple to seek spiritual enlightenment. It is believed that Lord Rama and Lakshman, on their way to the Himalayas, constructed a twig bridge to cross the river, Ganga.
Legend has it that in the wake of killing Ravana, the demon lord. Rama and Lakshman bathed here to wash away their sins.

What is the architecture of Lakshman Temple Rishikesh?

The design of this temple has been done with splendour. You’ll get a wonderful perspective on the Rishikesh valley from here and the perennial river of Ganga. The temple has been beautifully done with the skilfully structured figures just as paintings. They are the features of this temple that one must observe. The architecture and designing of the Lakshman temple will take you back to an antiquated time.

The Lakshman Jhula situated near Lakshman Temple plays a major role in the daily life of Rishikesh.

What are the festivals celebrated in Lakshman Temple Rishikesh?

Festivals celebrated in Lakshman Temple in Rishikesh — Lakshman Temple in Rishikesh celebrates Diwali with much splendor and pomp

Some of the festivals celebrated at Lakshman Temple Rishikesh are:

Dussehra: This is an important Hindu festival which is a celebration of the victory of good over evil. Lord Ram killed Ravana and established peace and prosperity on this day of Dussehra. As a ritual, devotees burn an effigy of Ravana. People also celebrate this festival on the premises of the temple.
Diwali: Diwali is celebrated as the day on which Lord Rama, after defeating Ravana, returned to Ayodhya along with his younger brother Lakshman and others. Typical celebrations of Diwali include lighting earthen lamps and worshipping the deities. During the festival time, the temple is decorated with the arrays of lights.

How to reach Lakshman Temple Rishikesh

Here’s how to reach Lakshman Temple Rishikesh:

Air: The nearest airport is the Jolly Grant Airport in Dehradun which is about 23 km away from the temple. It is a small, quiet and recently renovated airport handling many regular flights from Delhi.
Train: The nearest railway station is the Rishikesh railway station which is 6 km away from the temple. It is linked with Haridwar with three regular trains.
Road: From Delhi, Lakshman temple is about 230 km away and is well connected with buses. A bus journey might take about 5-7 hours which depends on the traffic. Many buses are available for Rishikesh from ISBT Kashmere Gate in Delhi.

Where to stay near Lakshman Temple Rishikesh?

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

Ganga Kinare-A riverside boutique hotel: The rooms are spacious and airy, keeping the comfort for guests in mind. WiFi, LCD TV, air conditioning, mini-bar, tea/coffee maker, electronic safe, hairdryer, luxury bath amenities are included. To rejuvenate the body and soul the hotel offers a diverse range of Indian and International treatments in the Ayur Ganga Spa.
The V Resort: The resort offers a 24-hour front desk and doctor-on-call. The corporate travelers have the facilities of the conference room. Guests can even relax in the game room, have a refreshing dip in the swimming pool or visit the spa for a relaxing massage. A library, rentals, luggage assistance, housekeeping, room service, and travel assistance are all provided in the hotel.
Green Hills Cottage: Amidst the most beautiful architecture and luxurious interiors, the hotel features various modern facilities. The resort provides a front desk, room service, parking, laundry, rental, and currency exchange. The rooms provide comfort with amenities like television, telephone, tea/coffee maker, attached bathroom and other essential bathroom toiletries.

What are some temples near Lakshman Temple in Rishikesh?

Temples nearby Lakshman Temple in Rishikesh — The ancient temple of Neelkanth Mahadev and Bharat Mata Mandir is close to Lakshman Temple for devotees to visit

Some of the temples near Lakshman Temple Rishikesh are:

Chandi Devi Temple: Chandi Devi Temple present atop the Neel Parvat in Haridwar, Uttarakhand is in honor of Goddess Chandi. The temple is known as one of the panch tirths present in Haridwar. The presiding deity, Chandi or Chandika is a form of Goddess Parvati and exists in close association with Mansa Devi.
Mansa Devi Temple: Mansa Devi Temple is a Hindu temple for goddess Mansa, on top of Bilwa Parvat in Haridwar, Uttarakhand. Know as the panch tirth within Haridwar the temple is popular among devotees as ‘Bilwa Tirth’. ‘Mansa’ means ‘wish’, and it is believed by the devotees that the goddess fulfills their wishes.
Neelkanth Mahadev Temple: It is a Hindu temple dedicated to Lord Shiva, in the Pauri Garhwal district of Uttarakhand. The main deity of the temple is ‘Neelkanth’ who is in the form of Lord Shiva. The temple has a Shivalingam present where devotees tie a thread around it while worshipping. Several natural springs surround the temple. Many devotees take a holy bath before entering the temple premises.
Trayambakeshwar Temple, Rishikesh: Trayambakeshwar Temple is a multi-storied Hindu Temple in Rishikesh, Uttarakhand. It contains idols of various Hindu Gods and Goddesses. Moreover, it is present near the famous Lakshman Jhula of Rishikesh. It has 13 storeys, hence it is popular as ‘Terah Manzil Temple’.

These temples are also a part of the Char Dham Yatra Tour Packages destinations within Uttarakhand.

Frequently Asked Questions about Lakshman Temple –

Is there online booking available for Lakshman Temple?

No, there is no online booking for Lakshman Temple since the entry fee is free.

Where we can stay near Lakshman Temple?

You can stay in Ganga Kinare, the V-Resort, and the Green Hills Cottage. There are few Dharmasthalas available too for devotees and tourist.

What is the nearest airport to Lakshman Temple?

Jolly Grant Airport of Dehradun is the nearest airport. It is at a distance of 23 km from Lakshman temple.

What is the temperature in Lakshman temple, Rishikesh?

The maximum temperature in summer can reach till 35^°C. The minimum temperature that can fall down is 8^°C in winter.

How far is Lakshman Jhula from Lakshman temple?

The Lakshman Jhula bridge is just 250 meters far from the Lakshman Temple.

How far is it from the Rishikesh Badrinath Highway?

The Lakshman Temple is around 600 m away from the highway and can be reached through tempo traveller.

How far is it from Rishikesh?

The Lakshman Temple is 5 km far from Rishikesh.

How much time does it take to explore the Lakshman Temple in Rishikesh:

It will take you around an hour to fully explore the temple.

Suchindram Thanumalayan Temple

May 3, 2019, Sasidhar Darla Leave a Comment Filed Under: Tamil Nadu Temples Tagged With: Vishnu Temples

Suchindram Thanumalayan Temple is at a distance of 13 km from Kanyakumari. This temple is for Lord Hanuman and is also famous as “Suchindram Lord Anjaneyar Temple ” which indicates to the trinity, worship of three Gods – Lord Brahma, Lord Shiva and Lord Vishnu.

“Sthanu” means Siva; “Mal” means Vishnu; and the “Aya” means Brahma. Moreover, the word Suchindram comes from Sanskrit meaning ‘purify’.

What is the history of Suchindram Thanumalayan Temple?

Built during the 17^th century the Suchindram Thanumalayan Temple boasts an interesting history. Also, the Namboodiris, one of the main Namboodiri families called the Thekkumon Madam previously controlled it. It is a belief that Lord Shiva stayed at Suchindram Temple when Devi came for self-punishment at Kanyakumari.

Lord Indra, the king of Devas also got rid of His curse by worshiping the Lingam at this Thanumalayan Temple. And hence devotees believe that Lord Indra visit this temple everyday to worship Lord Shiva. The temple also has a huge appeal to Vaishnavites and Saivites all over India.

What is the significance of Suchindram Thanumalayan Temple?

The significance of Suchindram Thanumalayan Temple is that the statue of Lord Hanuman stands majestically at a height of 22 feet, which is carved of a single block of granite. Moreover, the representation of the three central gods of Hinduism in one linga makes it unique in India.

Devotees also believe that Lord Hanuman hid underground at this temple in 1740 to protect it from the attack by Tipu Sultan, a ruler of the Kingdom of Mysore.

There are four musical pillars carved out of a single stone, and which stand at 18 feet (5.5 m) in height; these are an architectural and design highlight of the temple grounds.

The gopuram has been carved with Ramayana and Mahabharatha stories by using herbal ink.

Goddess Aram Valartha Nayaki, Indra Vinayaka, Kala Bhairava and Saakahi Ganapathy are also present here. Inscriptions date from the 9th century are found in this temple making it more ethnic in its core.

The dancing hall of this temple contains an additional 1035 pillars filled with wonderful carvings.

What are the timings of Suchindram Thanumalayan Temple?

Here are the timing so f Suchindram Thanumalayan Temple:

Timings	From	To
Morning Darshan	4:30 AM	11:30 AM
Evening Darshan	5 PM	8:30 PM
Abhisheka for moola lingam	4:15 a.m.
Abhisheka for Thanumalayan	4:15 a.m
daily pooja	5:30 a.m.
Abhisheka pooja	6:30 a.m.
Mistanga pooja	7:15 a.m.
Ucchikala pooja	11:00 a.m.

Which festivals are celebrated at Suchindram Thanumalayan Temple?

Some of the festivals celebrated at Suchindram Thanumalayan Temple are:

The Avani festival takes place at August.
The Masi festival takes place at March.
Marghazi festival is an important one and takes place for two months at December and January.
Chiththirai festival takes place at April.

How to reach Suchindram Thanumalayan Temple?

Here’s how to reach Suchindram Thanumalayan Temple:

Air: Thiruvanathapuram International airport is the nearest airport 70 km away from the temple.
Rail: Nagercoil junction located at a distance of 3 km from the temple is the nearest station where regular trains are available.
Road: Buses ply from places such as Thirunelveli, Kanyakumari and Trivandram.

Where to stay near Suchindram Thanumalayan Temple?

Some of the places where one can stay near Suchindram Thanumalayan Temple are:

Pioneer Grand Palace is roughly 7 km from Parakkai Lake and 1 km from Vadasery Bus Stand. The property in Nagercoil is a budget accommodation offering free buffet breakfast and great atmosphere.
Hotel Reech at 57 Court Road, Nagercoil is another suitable place to check in.

What are some temples near Suchindram Thanumalayan Temple?

The world famous Arulmigu Bhagavathyamman Temple is near Suchindram Thanumalayan Temple. It is an important temple near Nagercoil – colachel State highway in Mandaikadu. During the month of Masi, people from all over India come here to celebrate the famous Kodai vizha festival.

Arulmigu Bhagavathyamman Temple is at the confluence of three seas of India’s South Corner.

Parasuram constructed the temple 3000 years ago and then one of the kings of the Pandya Dynasty renovated it. Devotees believe that Goddess Bhagavathy stood here as a spinster and she killed the demon Banasuran on Vijayadasami, the last day of Navarathiri festival.