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Bharat Mata Mandir Haridwar Guide – Timings, Significance and History

September 20, 2019, Sasidhar Darla Leave a Comment Filed Under: Char Dham Yatra, Uttarakhand Temples Tagged With: Other Temples

Bharat Mata Mandir in Haridwar is dedicated to ‘Bharat Mata’. The word ‘Bharat Mata’ means ‘Mother India’. This multi-storey building is built with an extraordinary concept. It is alongside Samanvay Ashram on the banks of the holy river Ganga. The temple has 8 storeys, each depicting an era of Indian history, from the days of Ramayana until Independence.

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

Bharat Mata Mandir – Facts

Deity	Bharat Mata
Location	Haridwar, Uttarakhand
Significance	Nation Goddess
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	Republic Day and Independence Day

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RbXbruYG0zE

Watch FULL VIDEO on Bharat Mata Temple

Bharat Mata Mandir Timings

People can have darshan at Bharat Mata Mandir 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 Bharat Mata Mandir temple:

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

What is the significance of Bharat Mata Mandir Haridwar?

Significance of Bharat Mata Mandir in Haridwar — From the eighth floor of Bharat Mata Mandir, the view of Saptsarovar is mesmerizing

The Bharat Mata Mandir in Haridwar signifies ‘Bharat Mata’ that represents ‘Aryavarta’. It also means the motherland of Hinduism as per Hindu Nationalism. It remains as the ‘vision of a unified motherland’. The divine statue symbolizes the Goddess of India. It stands for all the religious deities, freedom fighters, and leaders.

The temple showcases Bharat Mata in human appearance of the Indian country. The temple is loved by all Indians independent of their rank, belief or color.

Located on the banks of the holy river Ganga. It welcomes everyone from different religions and communities. The key features that signify the temple and make it one of its kinds are as follows:

Dispensaries of allopathic and homoeopathic.
Diagnostic camps and physiotherapy centres.
Gaushala which is a kind of cow shed with ultra-modern facilities.
Ved Vidyalaya where you can study Vedas.
Bharat Sadie is an old age home there.
Atithi Sewa Kendra known as Samanvaya Kutir.
Satsang Bhawan.
A library.
Rooms for accommodation.

What is the history of Bharat Mata Mandir Haridwar?

History of Bharat Mata Mandir in Haridwar — A historical day when Swami Satyamitranand Giri visited Bharat Mata Mandir in Haridwar

The temple is dedicated to each one of the individuals who had a significant influence in the battle for freedom. This temple was built before India was partitioned. The Bharat Mata temple is around two kilometres from the cantonment territory. Represented as a goddess, Bharat Mata temple is an incredible remembrance of unified India.

Established by Swami Satyamitranand Giri, Bharat Mata Temple is a one of a kind temple. It is sacred to Mother India and her cultural magnificence. Vishwa Hindu Parishad was the organization that constructed the Bharat Mata Mandir. The Late Indian Prime Minister Smt. Indira Gandhi inaugurated the temple on 15 May 1983.

The renowned sculpture artist Abanindranath Tagore portrayed Bharat Mata as a Hindu goddess. She is portrayed with four arms, wearing robes of saffron colour, holding a book, sheaves of rice, a mala, as well as a white cloth.

What is the architecture of Bharat Mata Mandir Haridwar?

Despite the fact that there isn’t much grandeur and loftiness in the structure. It houses a marble Bharat Mata icon symbolizing India and a marble map of India designed on the ground. The temple is a contrast among many different temples. It doesn’t cherish a specific God or Goddess loved by religious devotees.

The floors of Bharat Mata Temple are dedicated to many different Gods and mythological heroes.

What does each floor represent of Bharat Mata Mandir Haridwar?

Floors of Bharat Mata Mandir — The galleries inside the temple have a lot of Gods and Goddesses inside it.

At an astounding height of 180 ft, the temple is spread over eight floors. Each level of the floor is dedicated to many different gods and mythological heroes. We have tried to give a short detailed explanation of the same in the following list –

First Floor – Bharat Mata: The first floor is dedicated to Mother India. It was a divine statue of Bharat Mata which adorns the floor along with a designed map of India.
Second Floor – Shoor Mandir: The second floor is commonly known as the Shoor Mandir. It is dedicated to all the freedom fighters that played a role for our Independence.
Third Floor – Matru Mandir: The third floor stands for the revered women of our culture. It is dedicated to honouring women like Ahilya, Savitri, Anusuya, Radha, Draupadi, Mira, etc.
Fourth Floor – Sant Mandir: Every great saint is featured in this floor from different religions of India including Jainism, Buddhism, and Sikhism.
Fifth Floor: The floor includes a lobby embellished with works of art. It depicts the history and excellence of various areas.
Sixth Floor: It is dedicated to the manifestation of Goddess Shakti. Goddess-like Durga, Parvati, Sati, Radha, Goddess Saraswati, and Kali is here.
Seventh Floor: The floor is devoted to manifestations and types of Lord Vishnu. It includes Ram, Krishna, and Matsya.
Eight Floor: The highest level offers a stunning perspective. The Himalaya mountain range and Sapt Sarovar can be viewed from here.

What are the festivals celebrated at this temple?

Celebrations of Bharat Mata Mandir in Haridwar — The celebration of 15th August as Independence Day in Bharat Mata Temple

Some of the festivals celebrated at Bharat Mata Mandir Haridwar are:

Independence Day: 15 August is celebrated as the Independence day on a grand scale at Bharat Mata Mandir. On the holiday, throughout India people celebrate with flag-hoisting. There are ceremonies and parades as well as cultural events. People play patriotic songs on loudspeakers and on radio channels in the country. The temple also celebrates the day with flag hoisting.
Republic Day: 26 January is the Indian Republic day. Republic Day honours the date on which the Constitution of India came into effect. It replaced the Government of India Act (1935) as the governing document of India. The temple too celebrates the day with much pomp and glory like the rest of the country.
Other Festivals: Along with these festivals, many other prominent national festivals are also celebrated here in the temple. People celebrate the festivals to honour the legendary and national heroes in the temple premises.

How to reach Bharat Mata Mandir Haridwar?

Located at Motichur, Haridwar near the banks of the holy river Ganga. Bharat Mata Mandir can be reached by any means of transport. Here is a detailed list to help you with the same –

By Air: The nearest airport is the Jolly Grant Airport. It is approximately located at a distance of 30 km from the temple. Tourists can hire private cabs or get buses to reach the temple from the airport.
By Train: The nearest railway station is Haridwar, at a distance of 7 km from the temple. The station links major cities of India.
By Road: A large number of state-owned and private buses for Haridwar are available. From ISBT Kashmere Gate in Delhi, you can choose the bus to travel. Tourists can opt for Air-conditioned or deluxe luxury coaches to travel with comfort.

Where to stay nearby?

Places to stay near Bharat Mata Mandir in Haridwar — Hotel Ganga Lahiri is best to stay near Bharat Mata Temple in Haridwar

Some of the places where one can stay near Bharat Mata Mandir Haridwar are :

Radisson Blu Haridwar: It is a five-star hotel for a luxurious stay. It is for both business and leisure for tourists and devotees alike. They provide spacious rooms, excellent food, high-speed wireless internet, etc.
Ganga Lahiri: It is a hotel that provides pick-up from the railway station by cycle rickshaw. The hotel has a peaceful and pleasing interior. Along with a great view of Ganga.
Golden Tulip Haridwar: It is a four-star hotel at a 7.6 km drive from Haridwar Railway Station. This hotel boasts of excellent service in food. As well as cleanliness and is good for the best stays.

What are some temples nearby?

Temples near Bharat Mata Mandir in Haridwar — Situated near Bharat Mata Temple, Har Ki Pauri is the best place to watch the evening Ganga Aarti

Some of the temples near Bharat Mata Mandir Haridwar are:

Chandi Devi Temple, Haridwar: Chandi Temple is at the Neel Parvat Haridwar, Uttarakhand. The temple is dedicated in honour of Goddess Chandi. The temple is also one of the Panch Tirths present in Haridwar. The presiding deity, Chandi or Chandika is a form of Goddess Parvati. Also exists in close association with Mansa Devi.
Har ki Pauri, Haridwar: Har ki Pauri is a religious bathing ghat in Haridwar, Uttarakhand. Known to be one of the most important religious places among the Hindus. It translates to ‘Steps of Shiva’ and is on the banks of Ganga. It is at the point where it leaves mountains and enters the plains.
Mansa Devi Temple, Haridwar: Mansa Devi Temple is dedicated to the goddess Mansa. The temple is on top of Bilwa Parvat in Haridwar, Uttarakhand. Also popular as ‘Bilwa Tirth’, this temple is among the panch tirth within Haridwar. Moreover, ‘Mansa’ means ‘wish’. It is a popular belief among the devotees that the goddess fulfils their wishes.
Neelkanth Mahadev Temple: The Neelkanth Mahadev temple is dedicated to Lord Shiva. It is in the Pauri Garhwal district of Uttarakhand. The presiding deity of the temple is ‘Neelkanth’ who is a form of Lord Shiva and has a blue throat due to the effect of consuming poison.
Maya Devi Temple Haridwar: It is dedicated to Goddess Maya in Haridwar, Uttarakhand. The presiding deity, goddess Maya is an incarnation of goddess Shakti. Moreover, the temple is among the three Siddha Peethas. It is quite pious among the Hindu devotees.

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

Frequently Asked Questions about Bharat Mata Mandir –

Is there online booking available for Bharat Mata Mandir?

No, online booking is not available for the Mandir. The entry fee is free.

Where we can stay near Bharat Mata Mandir?

You can stay in Radisson Blu, Ganga Lahiri, and Golden Tulip Haridwar. All of these hotels are recommended for best stays.

What is the nearest airport to Bharat Mata Mandir?

Jolly Grant Airport of Dehradun is the nearest airport. It is at a distance of 30 km from the temple.

How far is Haridwar from the temple?

Haridwar is around 7 km from the temple. You can easily get auto-rickshaws and cabs to take you to the temple from there.

What is the temperature in Bharat Mata Mandir, Haridwar?

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

Is photography allowed inside the Bharat Mata Temple?

Yes, photography is allowed inside the premises without any charges.

Is parking space available near Bharat Mata Temple?

Yes, parking is available near the temple.

Is there any lift facility available inside Bharat Mata temple?

Yes, there is a lift facility for visiting different floors inside the temple.

How to reach Bharat Temple from Har ki Pauri?

Har ki Pauri is around 9 minutes walking distance from Bharat Mata Mandir and can be reached by walking or auto-rickshaws.

Pandalam Ayyappa Temple Guide – Timings, Poojas, and History

August 29, 2019, Sasidhar Darla 6 Comments Filed Under: Kerala Temples Tagged With: Other Temples

Pandalam Ayyappa Temple is situated in between Thottakkonam and Mulampuzha villages of Pandalam. Pandalam in Kerala is chosen and blessed place where Lord Ayyappa is the presiding deity. The temple is unique with its natural procession route around the Sanctorum. Ayyappa is believed to be the one god who protects his devotees from miseries and suffering in Kali Yuga.

Ayyappa is also known as Dharmasasta, Manikandan, Bhutanathan, Pandala Raja, and Pamba Vaasan. Ayyappa was born with composite energy of Lord Siva and Lord Vishnu when Lord Vishnu was taken over Mohini form. The main intention behind Ayyappa’s birth was to demolish Mahishi who was one of the asura demon.

History and Legend of Pandalam Ayyappa Temple

Sabarimala was once under the regime of the Pandalam dynasty. The Pandalam kingdom was established around 79 ME (903 AD) by the Pandalam royal family who is descendant of the Pandya kings of Madurai. Sabarimala Festival Calendar.
The family kept on the move for over a century, finally reaching Pandalam in 79 ME. This was chosen to be the permanent home for the royal family. The then ruler of Venad (later Travancore) helped to establish the kingdom at Pandalam.
The King of Pandalam helped Marthanda Varma to conquer the Kayamkulam province. In return for this help, Marthanda Varma did not attempt to attack and conquer Pandalam.
The Kingdom of Pandalam extended to over 1,000 square miles. Pandalam dynasty helped other religious followers to build a mosque at Kadakkad and a church at Kudassanad. It is also believed that those who settled down in Pandalam had sympathies toward the Buddhist beliefs.
48 major temples were added to Travancore. The idol was erected in 1910. Pandalam Ayyappa Temple conflagrated in 1971 and underwent a major revamp. Pandalam had extended up to Thodupuzha in Idukki district once. Before the formation of the Pathanamthitta district, Pandalam was in Mavelikkara taluk of Alappuzha district.
Leela who was the daughter of Galavamuni, under the curse of her husband Dathan, was reborn as Mahishi. She was an “asura’ female with a buffalo’s face. Upon having killed by Lord Ayyappa, the curse was revoked and the beautiful woman rose out of the corpse. She thanked the Lord and prayed to be with him as his wife.
However, the Lord told her that he is a ‘Brahmachari’ and so her desire would not be fulfilled. However, he allowed her to remain in Sabarimala, which is a little distant from his abode.

Significance of Pandalam Ayyappa Temple

It is believed that Lord Ayyappa himself instructed the Pandalam king to build a mosque for Vavur at Erumuli. The Vavur deity is believed to be as old as the original deity of Ayyappa himself. Records show that the shrine was renovated sometime in 1905. Here, the poojas are conducted by a Muslim priest. There is no distinguishable idol, but a carved stone slab that represents the deity.
It is believed that the deity protects the devotees from the evil spirits of the forests. According to legend, Kadutha was a great warrior who helped the Pandalam king defeat the armies of Udayanan and other enemies.

Pandalam Ayyappa Temple Timings

Pandalam Ayyappa Temple opens at 4:00 AM in the morning to 11:00 PM in the evening. But during special events and festivals, the timing for the temple can be exceeded in order to accommodate more number of devotees.

Rules to follow at Pandalam Ayyappa Temple

Women between the ages of 10 and 50 years are not supposed to visit the shrine. The devotees are required to break a coconut at the appointed place before entry to the steps. Consumption of alcohol and non-vegetarian food, Smoking etc are punishable offences.

Festivals celebrated at Pandalam Ayyappa Temple

Makara Vilakku: Makara Vilakkui is the most anticipated festival at the Ayyappa Temple. It takes place at the time when the Dakshinayana Punyakalam ends and Uttarayan or Uttarayana Punyakalam starts. Makaravilakku is the Jyothi that appears at Ponnambalameddu three times on Makar Sankranti day after evening puja. Parashurama first lit the Makaravilakku after installing the murti of Ayyappa. The jewellery to adorn the idol during the celebrations is brought from Pandalam Palace in a ceremonial procession that starts from Valiya Koyikkal Sastha Temple at Pandalam. The poojas and rituals associated with Makara Vilakku are performed on the Manimandapam (sacred platform). Makara Jyothi is the star that appears on the sky during the Puja. Makaravilakku is the Jyothi that appears at Ponnambalameddu three times on Makar Sankranti day after evening pooja.

Onam: Onam is the biggest and the most important festival of the state of Kerala. It is a harvest festival and is celebrated with joy and enthusiasm. The festival is celebrated to welcome King Mahabali, whose spirit is said to visit Kerala at the time of Onam. A large number of devotees gather in the temple to seek the blessings of Lord Ayyappa. Onam is celebrated at the beginning of the month of Chingam, the first month of Malayalam and Hindu Calendar. This corresponds with the month of August-September according to Gregorian Calendar. It is also known as Pookalam. The best part of the festival is the food served on banana leaves. The festivities of the Onam last for ten days in which old and young participate with equal enthusiasm.

Vishu: Vishu Festival heralds the beginning of Malayalees New Year and is celebrated in a big way in the state of Kerala. This corresponds to the month of April-May according to the Gregorian calendar. The occasion holds a lot of significance for Hindus as Vishu marks the Astronomical New Year Day. A most important ritual of the day is called ‘Kani Kanal’.

In Kani Kanal, there is a prescribed list of items, which a person must see first thing on a Vishu morning to bring good luck. This includes a cadjan leaf book, gold ornaments, fresh white cloth, a measure of rice or paddy etc. A huge rush of devotees can be seen in the temple. special prayers are organised to mark the day. People stay overnight in the courtyards of these temples a night before Vishu so that they see Kani, first thing on Vishu in the temple. Devotees close their eyes and set their eyes on Kani and deity so that when the doors to the deity opens at 2:30 am, the first thing they see is Kani.

Poojas and Rituals at Pandalam Ayyappa Temple

Vrischikam and part of Dhanu months are considered to be the holy 41 days of Mandalakalam. Special poojas are conducted in the temple especially for Lord Ayyapan. Ayyappan Vilakku is conducted on the first Saturday of Vrischikam. The poojas are conducted in a traditional style without compromise on any of its aspects.
Pandalam Ayyappa Temple is opened in the morning and the Lord is awakened from his sleep with the melodious notes. The Lord is adorned with flowers of the previous day. This is known as Nirmalya Darshanam. It is believed that after the night pooja, when the doors are closed, the devas (gods) come and worship the deity. A darshan of the Lord who has just been worshipped by the Devas themselves is considered highly auspicious. Lamps are lit and chiming bells along with spontaneous cries of the devotees.
The rite of bathing the deity with oil takes place after removing the adornments of the previous day. After this abhishekam is performed with water. After this, the Prabatha pooja is performed every day.
‘Pantheeradi Pooja’ refers to the time when the shadow of a person with normal height becomes 12 feet long. This is the second main pooja done for the chief deity.
Lighting a lamp is a vital part of Hindu pujas, auspicious occasions and social events. It denotes dispelling away the darkness. Deeparadhana is one of the very important poojas that is conducted. The night worship is Athazha pooja and the offering made at that time is athazhanaivedyam.
The last pooja offered to lord ayyappa is the Athazhapooja. After cleaning the temple the sanctum is set to put the lord Ayyappa to sleep. All the devotees and sub priests get together in front of the sanctum and sing Harivarasanam.

How to reach: Road, Rail and Air

By Air: Thiruvananthapuram is the nearest airport which is at a distance of about 101 km and Kochi airport is 127 km from Pandalam. One can hire a taxi or board a bus from the airport.

By Train: Chengannur is the nearest railway station that is about 14 km from the temple. Trains are available to all the major Indian cities from the railway station.

By Bus: You can reach Pandalam by bus through MC Road. KSRTC (Kerala State Road Transport Corporation) is conducting the services if you are coming from either Thiruvananthapuram or Kochi airports. Private buses ply to various destinations around Pandalam. The minimum time a bus takes to reach Pandalam from Ernakulam is 3h 18m. The cheapest way to reach Pandalam from Ernakulam takes you 5h 16m, which is to take Malabar Express from Ernakulam to Chengannur then take State Transport Bus from Chengannur to Pandalam.

Where to stay

There are many options available to stay near the Pandalam Mahadeva Temple. There are many well good hotels nearby.

Shines Tourist Hotel Contact: Main Central Rd, Pandalam, Kerala
Estilo Meadows Contact: Pandalam, Kerala 689501
NSS Working Women’s Hostel Contact: Chiramudi, Pandalam, Kerala 689501
Hotel Chaithram Contact: Ambalakadvu, Thumpamon – Pariyaram Rd, Thumpamon, Kerala

Where to eat

Kerala food is served on a banana leaf. One has to take food with the right hand. Almost every dish prepared in Kerala has coconut and spices to flavour the local cuisine giving it a sharp pungency that is heightened with the use of tamarind, while coconut gives it its richness. There are many restaurants at Pandalam that offer some amazing food.

S N Restaurant Contact: S.N Restaurant, Pandalam, Main Central Rd, Pandalam, Kerala 689501
Vazhiyoram KTDC Restaurant Contact: National Highway 220, Pandalam, Kerala 689503
Relax Inn A/C Restaurant Contact: Chengannur, Kerala 689121
Nalukettu Contact: Opposite Manikandan Aalthara, Poozhikad Muttar Road, Pandalam, Kerala 689501

Nearby Temples

Pandalam Mahadeva Temple: Pandalam Mahadeva temple is positioned on the banks of river Achankovil in Pandalam in the state of Kerala. It is believed that Lord Parasurama has installed the idol in the sanctum. Pandalam Mahadeva Temple is one of the oldest temples out of the 108 Shiva temples consecrated by the great ‘Sanayasin Khara Muni’. Yearly Kettukazhcha festival is one of the attractions for tourists. The temple is unique with its natural procession route around the Sanctorum.

Pandalam Valiya Koyikkal Dharmasastha Temple: The temple has great importance for the inhabitants of monkeys. The presiding deity of the temple is Shri Dharma Sastha. Ayyappan is an avatar or incarnation of Sastha. There are references to Sastha in many of the Puranas. The presiding deity of the temple is Sree Dharma Sastha, accompanied by his consort ‘Prabha’ and son ‘Sathyaka’. The history of the temple was based on the period of the Ramayana. It is believed that after the victory over Ravana, Sri Rama came along with his wife Sita, brother Lakshmana and whole vanara (monkey) sena has visited Sasthamcotta to pay their reverence to Sri Dharma Sastha.

Padanilam Temple: Nooranad Padanilam Temple is located in Alappuzha district and is around 18 km from Kayamkulam. The word Padanilam means “land of war” . It is located on the banks of river Achankovil. The Padanilam temple is one of the important centres of worship in Kerala. The presiding deity of the temple is Lord Parabrahma. Shivaratri is the main festival in the temple. Thousands come to the temple on that day to see the kavadiyattam for Lord Subrahmanyan in the morning. Padanilam Temple and its surroundings witnessed many historical wars. Once there was a war between the south and the north. During the war, soldiers from both sides died in large numbers. They were buried in the chira near the temple.

Oripurathu Bhagavathi Temple: Orippurathu Bhagavathy Kshetram Mandir or temple is devoted to its main holy deity goddess Devi. This ancient temple is frequented by thousands of devotees of Goddess every year. The temple has a history of more than one thousands of years. It is said that the temple was constructed during the 17th century. The annual festival of the temple had been started during the 18th of century. However, the supreme deity of the temple is goddess Bhagavathy yet some other important god and goddess are also worshipped here such as Lord Ayyappan, Yakshi, Lord Krishna, Nagarajavu and Madasamy. The sacred temple is not only famous for its religious significance but also for its amazing architecture that shows the unique architecture of Indian style. In the main sanctum sanctorum, devotees can see two sacred idols which are made of important Krishna Sila.

Thirunageswaram

September 30, 2019, Sasidhar Darla 2 Comments Filed Under: Tamil Nadu Temples Tagged With: Navagraha Temples, Shiva Temples

Sri Naganathaswamy Temple or Rahu Sthalam in Tamil Nadu is one of the 9 Navagraha Temples and is dedicated to Rahu. The Presiding Deity is Lord Naganathaswamy. Shrine is adjacent to Naganathaswamy’s shrine and GiriGujambika with Lakshmi and Saraswathy by her side has a separate temple.

What is the history of Thirunageswaram?

According to the history of Thirunageswaram, the serpents Aadi Seshan, Dakshan and Kaarkotakan worshipped Shiva here. Also, Nala worshipped Shiva here as in Gowtama muni, Paraasarar and Bhageerata also associate with legends that relate this temple. Rahu prayed to Shiva and hence this place got the name Thirunageswaram.

Here Rahu Bhagavan has manifested with both his consorts.

King Sambumali who had incurred the wrath of sage Kaalangiri, attained moksha after bathing in the temple tank and praying to the Lord and Ambal of this temple. Then the devas and asuras churned the Paarkadal to obtain amirtham that would free them from death, keeping them alive for ever.

When the amirtham emerged, Lord Vishnu in the guise of Mohini was distributing the amirtham only to the devas. He was worried that the evil deeds of the asuras will increase multifold if they consumed amirtham. Realising this, one of the asuras with the help of the asura guru Sukrachariyar, took the form of a deva and consumed the nectar. Suryan and Chandran who noticed this, complained to Lord Narayana.

In anger, Lord Narayana hit the asura on the head with the spoon in his hand. The head was cut off and fell on the ground. But because the asura had consumed amirtham, his head and body continued to live. The body of a snake got attached to the head to become Rahu Bhagavan. Rahu prayed to Lord Vishnu (Narayana) and got the position of a Sayagraham. Rahu takes his revenge on Suryan and Chandran, whenever he gets a chance by devouring them. People commonly call this as eclipse.

What is the significance of Thirunageswaram Temple?

Here’s the significance of Thirunageswaram Temple:

A unique feature of Naganatha Swamy temple is that Rahu Bhagavan has human face. Usually in other places, Rahu Bhagavan has a serpent face. Here Rahu Bhagavan is present with his two consorts Nagavalli and Nagakanni. This was originally a forest of Senbaka trees. A Shivalingam was found under one of these trees here and hence He came to be known as Shenbagarane Eswara.

On entering the Eastern gate way, one can find the Vinayaga temple, Balipeedam, Nandeeswarar Mandapam and Dhwaja Sthambam (Flag post). Also, On the southern side there is the temple tank. Further, On entering the main gopuram, the Deity of Rahu Bhagavan is in the south West corner of the praharam

Rahu is the source of plenty. Kalathra dosham, puthira dosham, communicable diseases, mental disorders, leprosy, fall in grace are caused by Rahu dosham. Praying to Rahu at this sthala helps to rid a person from these factors and also saves the person from all poisonous life forms. Trips to holy places, Gnanamarkam are his beneficial aspects.

Also, Lord Pambureswarar in the lingam form blesses in the sanctum sanctorum. The ‘utsavar’ form of Adhisesha is in the worshipping posture in the sanctum sanctorum. There is also a most encompassing the sannadhi, with three sides of the moat covered by the mandapam

What are the timings of Thirunageswaram Temple Temple?

Here are the timings of Thirunageswaram Temple:

Timings	From	To
Morning Darshan	6 AM	9 AM
Evening Darshan	1 PM	5 PM
Ushakkala Pooja	6 AM
Kalasandhi Pooja	9 AM
Uchikkala Pooja	1 PM
Sayaratchai Pooja	5 PM
Irandam Kala Pooja	7 PM
Arthajama Pooja	9 PM

What are the festivals celebrated at the Thirunageswaram Temple?

Some of the festivals celebrated at Thirunageswaram Temple are:

Chithirai Brahmmotsavam: Chithirai Brahmotsavam is the celestial celebration of Devi Meenakshi’s divine marriage with Lord Sundareshwara. Also, Therottam or Car Festival occurs on the 11th day of the festival. Moreover, Kumkumarchana is the offering of personal puja in your name in which there is chanting of different names of Devi Meenakshi along with the offering of Kumkum – vermillion. Women also offer Kumkumarchana for receiving special blessings for fulfilling their wishes.

Thai Poosa star float festival: Float festival occurs on the Full Moon Day of the Tamil month of Thai (come in between mid Jan- mid Feb) every year. On the festive night, devotees decorate the images of goddess Meenakshi as well asLord Sundareswara with ornaments and take them out in a colourful procession to the huge Mariamman Teppakulam. Also, the unique character of the Thai Pusam is the astonishing parade of people bearing kavadis.

Adipooram: The day of Aadi Pooram is also the day of Goddess Shakti as devotees believe that the Goddess herself comes to Earth in this auspicious day, to bless her devotees. In the temples, priests adorn Goddess Andal wiith silk saree, glittering jewelleries and garlands. There is also an elaborate feast to the Goddess in which every household in the community contributes.

Masi Magam: The festival falls in the Tamil Month of Masi (February – March). In this festival various traditional customs take place like bringing the deities from the neighboring temples around Karaikal. Also, many devotees come to take holy dip in the sea to cleanse all the sins. The most significant deity is Sowriraja Perumal of Thirukannapuram.

What are the poojas and Rituals of Thirunageswaram ?

The poojas are rituals of Thirunageswaram are:

Sundays are very auspicious and devotees perform milk abhishekam for Rahu. A noteworthy feature is that the milk turns blue. A dip in Soola Theertha cures one of diseases and gives prosperity.
Five kala poojas take place everyday. Special Abhisekas also take place between 4.30 to 6 PM (Raaghu Kala) on all Sundays.
Astrologers suggest that doing Milk abhishekam (especially on Sundays) here for Rahu during Rahu kalam (period of 1 and 1/2 hours occurring every day ) neutralizes the malefic effects of Rahu like marriage obstacles, lack of progeny, troubled marital life, Kalasarpa Dhosham, Kalasthra Dhosha , Sarpa Dhosha. During this milk abhishekam, the milk turns blue. Devotees also make the offering of blue cloth and ulutham paruppu (urad dal) here. Mantharai flower is special to him.

How to reach Thirunageswaram Temple?

Here’s how to reach Thirunageswaram Temple:

Air: The nearest airport to Naganathaswamy Temple is Tiruchirapalli International Airport.
Train: Thanjavur railway junction has three rail heads leading to Tiruchirapalli, Kumbakonam and Thiruvarur.
Road: Buses Available from Kumbakonam (8kms), 10mins of travel form Kumbakonam, buses also available from Tanjore and major towns such as Trichy, Madurai.

Where to stay in Thirunageswaram?

Some of the places wehre one can stay in Thirunageswaram are:

Hotel Kanakabhishegam Contact: No. 6, Sannathi Street, Thirukkadaiyur, Tamil Nadu 609311
Mookambigai Residency Hotel Contact: Thirukadaiyur Main Road, Thirukadaiyur, Tamil Nadu 609311
Hotel Chella Residency Contact: Thirukadaiyur, Tamil Nadu 609311

Where to eat in Thirunageswaram?

Some of the places where one can eat in Thirunageswaram are:

Krishna Bhavan Veg Hotel Contact: Thirukadaiyur, Tamil Nadu 609311
Majnu Restaurant Contact: Thirunagari – Mangaimadam Rd, Mangaimadam, Tamil Nadu 609106
Annapoorani Contact: Tiruvengadu – Poompuhar Rd, Manigramam, Tamil Nadu 609107

What are some temples near Thirunageswaram temple?

Some temples near Thirunageswaram temple are:

Brihadeeswarar Temple: Thanjavur Peruvudaiyar Kovil also popular as Brihadeeswara Temple and Raja Rajeswara Temple which was achieved by Rajaraja Chola I (985 -1012 AD) in Tamil architecture. Also, his big Hindu temple is for Lord Siva. The main deity of Brihadeeswara Temple is lord Shiva (Lord Brihadeeswara), and has three eyes.

Thirunallar Temple: Sri Darbaraneswarar Temple is the abode of Lord Shani(Lord Saturn). The Temple is also most famous to Lord Shaneeswarar (Saneeswaran in Tamil), one of the 9 Navagrahas(Nine Planets). Various poojas are also offered to Lord Saneeswara(Shani) Bhagawan every day. Moreover, the other deities of the shrine are Swarna Vinayaka, Lord Subramaneswara Swamy and Thyagarajar.

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Ksheera Ramalingeswara Swamy Temple Palakollu Guide – Timings, Poojas, and History

September 14, 2019, Sasidhar Darla Leave a Comment Filed Under: Andhra Pradesh Temples Tagged With: Pancharama, Shiva Temples

Ksheera Ramalingeswara Swamy temple in the West Godavari district of Andhra, Palakollu is a grand temple of Lord Shiva that is one of the Pancharama temples. The presiding deity here is Lord Shiva whose form was established by Lord Vishnu. Locally this temple is also famous as Pedda Gopuram.

What is the history of Palakollu Ksheera Ramalingeswara Swamy Temple?

According to history, Palakollu Ksheera Ramalingeswara Swamy temple was constructed during the reign of Chalukya Bhima of Chalukya dynasty in the 9th century. Sri Velupathi designed it’s Prakara during the 10^th century. The architecture is a clear reflection of the art practised during the Chalukya dynasty reigns.

During the 14^th century, Sri Alladu Reddy built the Gopuram. During the 17th century, there was construction of Kalyana mantapam (choultry) and Ashtha Bhuja Lakshmi Narayanaswamy alaya.

What is the significance of Palakollu Ksheera Ramalingeswara Swamy Temple?

Significance of Ramalingeswara Swamy is that the Shivalingam at the temple is the tallest one and has a unique milky white color. The shiva lingam which is popular as moola virat is visible from all four sides of the sanctum sanctorum or garbha griha.

In addition one can also view several other gods like the Sun God, Devi Parvati and Lakshmi, Veera Bhadra, Kanaka Durga, Nataraja, Shankara, Radha Krishna from all four sides.

Locally there is a saying that staying for a day at Ksheerama is equal to staying at Varanasi.

The temple has 72 pillars made of black stones.

Timings of Palakollu Ksheera Ramalingeswara Swamy Temple

Here are the timings of Ksheera Ramalingeswara Swamy Temple:

Timings	From	To
Open	6:00 am	8:00 pm

How to reach Palakollu Ksheera Ramalingeswara Swamy Temple?

Here’s how to reach Palakollu Temple:

Road: buses are frequently available from all the parts of Andhra Pradesh moving towards Bhimavaram to Palakollu.
Rail: trains are also very easily available on a regular basis from the Vijaywada railway junction.
Air: The nearest aiport is Vijawada from where regular flights are available.

Where to stay near Palakollu?

Some of the places where one can stay near Palakollu are:

Palavalli Boutique Resorts which is 12km from Palakollu town centre has a great location where guests enjoy their peace and solitude.
Falcon Nest Hotel behind the coastal city centre at Bhimavaram is a grand place to check in.

What are some temples near Palakollu?

Some of the temples near palakollu are:

Sri Someswara Temple which is 117 km from Vijaywada is one of the Pancharama Kshetras where one can visit to offer prayers to the Lord. Devotees also believe that Lord Chandra installed the main Lingam.
Sri Venkateswara Swamy Temple is another pilgrim place to visit during this trip. It is on the top of the Seshachala hill in Tirumala.
Shri Lingaraj Temple is a famous Hindu temple in honour of lord Harihara, a form of lord Shiva and is one of the oldest and largest temples in Bhubaneswar, the capital of the East Indian state of Odisha (formerly Orissa). The temple is the most prominent landmark of the Bhubaneswar city.

Dwarkadhish Temple Guide – Timings, Poojas, and History

January 24, 2023, Sasidhar Darla 30 Comments Filed Under: Dwarka Somnath Temple, Gujarat Temples Tagged With: Krishna Temples

Dwarkadhish Temple, one of the Char Dham pilgrimages, is situated in the city of Dwarka in Gujarat. Dwarka lies on the banks of river Gomti, in Saurashtra. It is historically considered as the capital of Lord Krishna. The city eventually submerged under the sea except for Temples.

Planning to visit The Dwarkadhish Temple? Have a look at our Dwarka – Somnath Tour Package and our Pancha Dwarka Tour.

Dwarkadhish Temple – Facts

Deity	Lord Dwarkadhish (Lord Krishna)
Location	Dwarka, Gujarat
Significance	Char Dham
Tours	Dwarka – Somnath Tour, Pancha Dwaraka Tour
Entry Fee	Free
Darshan Timings	6:30 AM to 9:30 PM
Poojas	Abhishek Snan, SHringar Bhog
Best Time to Visit	March and October
Festivals	Janmashtami, Rath Yatra, Tulsi Vivah
Jyotirlingas in Gujarat	Somnath Jyotirlinga, Nageshwar Jyotirlinga

Dwarkadhish Temple Video

The Somnath Temple and the Nageshwar Temple are the famous Jyotirlingas dedicated to Lord Shiva in Gujarat.

What are the timings of the Dwarkadhish Temple?

The Dwarkadhish Temple opens at 6:30 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 poojas. The temple remains closed from 1:00 PM to 5:00 PM.

The timings of the Dwarkadhish Temple are:

Ritual	From	To
Darshan	6:30 AM	9:30 PM
Mangal Aarti	6:30 PM	–
Mangal Darshan	7:00 AM	8:00 AM
Shringar Aarti	10:30 AM	–
Sandhya Aarti	7:30 PM	7:45 PM

What are the sevas and poojas performed at Dwarkadhish Temple?

The temple performs the following daily poojas and sevas:

Rituals
Abhishek Snan
Uthapan (at 5 PM)
Offering of bhogs: Mangal Bhog, Makhan Bhog, Snan Bhog, and Shringar Bhog.
Offering sevas: Palna, Shayan Bhog, Paan Seva, Milk Seva, Vegetable Seva, Flower Seva, Fruit Seva and Misri Seva

What is the significance of Dwarkadhish Temple?

The significance of Dwarkadhish Temple is that Dwarka is one of the Sapta Puris in India. According to popular belief, the Dwarkadhish Temple stands over the original place of Hari – Graha, the home of Krishna. Mahabharata states that the castle of Lord Krishna was built in Gold.

The Pandavas played and spent their childhood there. This temple is also a part of the famous Pancha Dwaraka Tour.

Archaeologists have unearthed copper coins, boulders, pillars and pottery samples from the underwater excavations in Dwarka. Hence, they have concluded that a well-established city existed there in the 2nd Millennium.

Also, explorations between 1983 and 1990 show that the city consisted of six sectors. They were extended about a mile from the shore. Offshore investigations have found evidence of stone slabs, ports and other construction materials dating back to 15th Century. Hence, it supports the existence of an ancient city at the time of Lord Krishna. Further, the layout of the city mentioned in ancient manuscripts matches that of the city unearthed by The Marine Archaeology Unit of India.

The Dhwajaji – The Mast Flag atop the main Temple is unique and sacred. It is Aadhi Bhoutik in nature. The Dhwaja or the Flag is made of 52 yards of cloth. 52 small flags are woven individually in each yard of cloth. Each Yard symbolizes the entrances to the ancient city of Dwarka.

According to scriptures, 56 administrators ran the administration of Dwarka. Four of them were Lord Krishna, Balram, Pradyuma, and Anirudhji. These 4 are still worshipped in temples that are untouched by the sea. However, for the rest of the 52 people, the flag acts as a remembrance. The colours of the Dhwajaji are changed every day.

Kusheshwar Mahadev Temple

In the premises of the Dwarkadhish Temple, a small temple called Kusheshwar Mahadev Temple is present. According to a legend, Kush was a demon who lived in Kushasthali. People prayed to Lord Krishna to save them. So, Lord Krishna fought and crushed the demon. Krishna buried him completely into the ground. Hence, he set up a temple of Lord Mahadev there. The Shiva Linga lies almost 20 feet below the ground.

Dwarka Mutt

The Dwarka Mutt is one of the four mutts established by Sri Adi Shankaracharya. The others are Sringeri, Jagannath Puri, and Jyotirmath. Another name for Dwarka Mutt is Shanti Peeth. It is sacred to take a dip at the Gomati Ghat opposite to the Dwarkadhish Temple. Genuine worship at this temple washes away one’s sins.

What is the history of Dwarkadhish Temple?

The history of Dwarkadhish temple is that according to Brahmi script, the temple’s first renovation was done around 100 BC. Later, Shri Adi Shankaracharya visited the temple in 800 BC and renovated it. He established the shrine of Adyashakti on the fourth floor of the temple.

Muhammad Shah attacked and destroyed the temple in 1241 AD. Five Brahmins fought with them and died. So, the shrines near the Dwarkadhish Temple are for them. Local merchants and rulers enlarged the temple in the 15^th – 16^th century. And in 1965, the Pakistan Navy tried to attack the temple but failed to do so.

Another interesting legend associated with Dwarka is that of Gopi Lake. According to mythology, after leaving Mathura, Lord Krishna never went back. The Gopis of Mathura came to Dwarka to meet Krishna. After several Ras Leelas with Lord Krishna, they offered their lives to the land. Hence the name of the lake is “Gopi Talav”.

What is the story of the origin of Dwarka?

Lord Krishna’s uncle Kansa was the ruler of Mathura. His father-in-law, Jarasandha influenced him greatly. Also, Kansa terrorized and tortured the people of Mathura. Due to cruelty towards people, Krishna eventually killed him. When Kansa died, Jarasandha was furious. So, he invaded Mathura several times.

However, he was unsuccessful in annexing it. But the Yadava clan suffered huge losses and Lord Krishna decided to move them elsewhere.

Further, the story of how Krishna formed the city of Dwarka has two versions. One states that Lord Krishna flew on the Garuda and reached the Saurashtra peninsula. However, in the other version, Lord Krishna invoked Vishwakarma (Lord of Construction). He asked him to build a new city.

Vishwakarma said that it is possible to build the city if the Samudra Deva (God of Sea) gives them land. Lord Krishna worshipped the Sea God who eventually gave him 12 Yojanas of land. Consequently, Vishwakarma built the city of Dwarka for Lord Krishna.

What is the legend of Jagannath Temple?

According to the legend of Jagannath Temple, during the cremation of Lord Krishna at Dwarka, Balram and Subhadra were overcome with grief. So, they took the half-burnt body of Krishna and ran into the ocean. At the same time, King Indradyumna in Puri had a dream.

It encouraged him to visit the ocean in search of the remains of Lord Krishna.

Later, he built a gigantic temple dedicated to Lord Krishna. It is famous as the Jagannath Temple. There, he established the three wooden idols of Krishna, Balaram, and Subhadra. Also, he placed the ashes of Lord Krishna inside the wooden deity.

According to the Archeological Survey of India, the main shrine of the building is 2000 to 2200 years old. There is an umbrella-like monument in the memory of Lord Krishna to the East of Harimandir.

What is the architecture of Dwarkadhish Temple?

It has five storeys and stands on 72 limestone pillars. Also, it consists of three parts – the Prakashgarh (Nijmandir), Sabahgrah and the Shikhar. The total height of the Shikhar is 157 feet.

Furthermore, there are two Shikhars present in the Temple – the Nij Shikhar and the Ladwa Shikhar. The Nij Shikhar is five-storeyed. It houses the main deity, Lord Krishna. There are two main gates to the Dwarkadhish Temple – The Moksha Dwaar (entrance for pilgrims) and the Swarg Dwaar (Gate to Heaven).

What are the festivals celebrated at Dwarkadhish Temple?

Some of the festivals celebrated at Dwarkadhish temple are:

Janmashtami: The birth of Krishna is celebrated in a very grand and spiritual way. The celebration includes a series of Poojas and rituals. It starts right from Mangal Aarti in the morning to the Parna Rom the next day. They also perform Abhishekams throughout the day with Tulsi and Chandan.
Annakut Utsav: This festival is celebrated on the first day of the Kartik month. It includes preparing and offering a variety of sweets to God.
Tulsi Vivah: This day signifies the marriage of Lord Vishnu with Tulsi Devi. The festival starts on the 11th day of the Kartik month. It continues for 4 days.
Holi: The festival of colours is the favourite festival of Lord Krishna.
Akshaya Tritiya: The third day of the Vaisakh month is popular as the Akshaya Tritiya. The day marks the beginning of the summer season. The Idol of Lord Krishna is dressed in flowers and Chandan instead of the usual dress. Finally, the festivities end on the 11th day of the month. This day is Bhima Ekadashi.
Rath Yatra: On the 2nd of the Ashadh month, a representation of Lord Krishna is kept in a chariot. This chariot is then taken around the city. On this day Krishna and Balram departed to Mathura on a chariot sent by Kamsa. Also, on the same day, Krishna decided to become the Sarathi (Driver) of Arjuna’s chariot in Mahabharatha.

What is the dress code of Dwarkadhish Temple?

One should prefer formal and decent dresses while visiting the Dwarkadhish Temple. Avoid shorts, bermudas, and mini skirts.

How to reach the Dwarkadhish Temple?

Here’s how to reach Dwarkadhish temple:

By Air: The nearest airport is Jamnagar which is 137 km away from the temple.
By Rail: Regular trains are available from major cities such as Jamnagar, Rajkot, Ahmedabad, Vadodara, Surat, Mumbai, Goa, Bangalore, and Kochi.
By Road: Direct State Buses are available from Jamnagar, Gandhinagar, Porbandar, Rajkot, and Ahmedabad.

Where to stay near Dwarkadhish Temple?

The government runs many guest houses in the city. Some of them are Circuit House, Gayathri Athithi Grah and Birla Dharmshala where one can stay. The temple trust runs several Dharamshalas. These include Kokila Niraj Dham, Patelwadi Dharamshala, and Jay Ranchhod Dharmashala. Several private hotels are available to stay in Dwarka.

Where to eat near Dwarkadhish Temple?

Several hotels and restaurants are available near the Temple and in other parts. Mainly vegetarian cuisine is available.

What are some temples near Dwarkadhish Temple?

Some of the temples near Dwarkadhish temple are:

Shri Nageshwar Temple: The Nageshwar Temple (Nagnath Temple) is 12 km away from the Dwarkadhish Temple. It is an important Shaivite pilgrimage site. This is because it is one of the 12 Jyotirlingas, the temples of Lord Shiva spread all across India. The temple is unique as the Shiva Lingam faces south and the Nandi faces east. 5 of the 12 divine Jyotirlingas are in Maharashtra.
Rukmini Mandir: It is 2 km away from The Dwarkadhish Temple. The Temple is for Devi Rukmini, wife of Lord Krishna. The idol of Devi Rukmini has “Chaturbhuj” or four hands. Further, each hand holds a Shanka, Chakra, Gada, and the Padma. This is so because Devi Rukmini was a reincarnation of Goddess Mahalakshmi.
Beyt Dwarka: The island is 30 km away from Dwarka. Also, it houses a 500-year-old temple built by Sri Vallabhacharya. The white pristine beaches at the Island are very popular for water sports and picnics.
Gomati Sangam Ghat: One can reach the Sangam Ghat by descending 56 steps opposite to Swarga Dwar. Also, this place signifies the junction of River Gomati with the ocean. Also, one can visit several smaller shrines dedicated to Lord Krishna and his friend Sudama.
Gita Mandir: The Birla family built the temple in 1970 and dedicated it to the teachings of The Bhagavad Gita. The walls of the temple contain hymns from the Bhagwad Gita.

Frequently Asked Questions about Somnath Temple

Is the Dwarkadhish Temple open throughout the year?

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

What is the entry fee?

The entry to the Dwarkadhish Temple is free of cost.

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

Wheelchair facilities for disabled and senior citizens are available at the gate of the temple. Lift facilities are also present inside the temple.

What is the weather like during summer?

The summers at Dwarka start from March and continues until June. The summers here can be very hot. Temperatures during the daytime often go up to 42 º C.

What are winters like in Gujarat?

In Dwarka, winters start in November and continue until February. The temperatures during this time range from around 12 º C to 24 º C. The weather during this time is cool and pleasant.

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