Myoksha Travels

Powered by The Temple Girl

Travel Guide to Famous Temples

[display_search_form]

Nilakkal Mahadeva Temple Guide – Timings, Poojas, and History

, Leave a Comment Filed Under: Kerala Temples Tagged With:

Nilakkal Mahadeva Temple is situated about 15 km east of Pampa in Kerala. The holy river Pamba flows through the northern part of Nilakkal. During Sabarimala pilgrimage, lots of devotees visit this temple. It is believed that Lord Ayyappa on his way to the forest to eradicate the demon got the blessings from his father Haran from Nilakkal Mahadeva Temple.

Pilgrims on their way to Sannidhanam seek the blessings from Nilakkal Mahadeva Temple. The deity here is believed to be in two moods fierce Ugramoorthy and auspicious Mangala Pradayakan. It is also believed that Lord Siva showered blessings to his son lord Ayyappa to fight against all evil spirit and save the people. There is also a Devi temple (Palliyarakkavu Devi Kshetram) near to Shiva temple. Lord Parameshwaran, Lord Kannimoola Ganapathi and Nandi are the three Prathishtana here.

History and Legend of Nilakkal Mahadeva Temple

  • There were attempts to construct a church in front of the Nilakkal Mahadeva Temple at Nilakkal (on the way to the temple). It was regarded as Poonkavanam (Garden) of Ayyappa. As is commonly followed by church planters, a Cross was found near the Nilakkal temple on March 24, 1983.
  • Media carried news of the discovery of the church claiming it was planted by none other than Jesus Christs’ disciple St Thomas. Christian pilgrims started flowing to the spot. Soon, the road to the temple was named St Thomas Road and the Christians started calling the Nilakkal hill as St Thomas Mount.
  • On May 19, within a month of the discovery, the Kerala government approved a grant of 1 hectare of land to build Church in Nilakkal. This was fiercely opposed by organizations and thousands of believers took to protests. And the planters had to shift the cross to a new location.

Significance of the Nilakkal Mahadeva Temple

  • Famous Hindu pilgrim centre Sabarimala is located 23 kilometres North-East to Nilakkal and also it is a Sabarimala Idathavalam. Hence the pilgrims on their way to Sabarimala seek the blessings of Lord Shiva.
  • During Sabarimala season, large vehicles drop pilgrims at Pamba and parks at Nilakkal in order to avoid the rush at Pamba. The parking ground’s at Nilakkal could accommodate more than 4000 vehicles.
  • St. Thomas ecumenical church here is believed to be the first ecumenical church in the world. Thus the Christian community in Kerala consider Nilakkal as a holy place. It is believed that an apostle of Jesus visited the place and established a cross here back in A.D 54.

Festivals celebrated at the Nilakkal Mahadeva Temple

Sivaratri: Puranas contain many stories and legends describing the origin of this festival. During the samudra manthan, a pot of poison emerged from the ocean. This terrified the Gods and demons as the poison was capable of destroying the entire world and they ran to Shiva for help. To protect the world from its evil effects, Shiva drank the deadly poison but held it in his throat instead of swallowing it. This made his throat turn blue, and he was given the name Neelakantha. Shivaratri is the celebration of this event by which Shiva saved the world. Shivaratri is one of the holiest nights of the year. It is the night dedicated to the worship of Lord Shiva.

Not eating too much, eating light and doing more meditation on this day helps in fulfilment of desires. Shivratri day is celebrated with Rudrabhishekam, singing of the ancient Vedic mantras. It is accompanied by a ceremony of washing the Shiva Linga with milk, curd, honey, rose water, etc.

Navratri: During Navratri, people from villages and cities gather to perform puja on small shrines representing different aspects of Goddess. A different form of the goddess is worshipped each day. Following the nine days of rituals and worship, the 10th day is celebrated as Dussehra. It is also known as Vijaya Dashami. It is celebrated to mark the victory of mythical King Lord Rama over the King of Sri Lanka, Ravana. People undergo rigorous fasts during this season that lasts for the nine days of Navratri.

The festival culminates on Mahanavami. On this day, Kanya Puja is performed. Nine young girls representing the nine forms of Goddess Durga are worshipped. Apart from the Navratri in September – October, there are three other Navratri in a year. The most important among the three is the Chaitra Navratri or the Navratri in March-April. This is also known as Vasant Navratri or Ram Navratri. Many devotees visit the temple to seek the blessings of the Lord.

Vinayak Chaturthi: Ganesha Chaturthi is also known as ‘Vinayak Chaturthi’ or ‘Vinayaka Chavithi’. It is the day when all Hindus celebrate the birthday of Lord Ganesh. Sweets especially laddoos and sugary modaks, which are a favourite of the Ganesha are distributed. The festival of Ganesh Chaturthi is observed on the fourth day of Bhadrapad Shukla Paksha, of the Hindu lunar month of Magh. It is believed that Lord Ganesha was born on the fourth day of the bright fortnight of Magh. And establishing an association between Ganesh and Chaturthi (four). A ritual known as Pranapratishhtha, that involves chanting of mantras by the priest, is a common sight during the occasion.

Poojas and Rituals at Nilakkal Mahadeva Temple

There are 3 Poojas performed every day. Special poojas are performed on weekly days on Sunday, Monday and Friday. The following poojas are performed.

Usha pooja: The first worship of the day is Usha pooja or pooja at dawn. The time of Usha pooja is thirty minutes after the sunrise.

Ucha pooja: There is Ucha Pooja that is noon pooja. The Abhishekas named Panchagavya, Navakam and any special Abhishekas that is Holy Baths are ordinarily performed during the Ucha Pooja. Special Abhishekams and Poojas are performed on certain days

Athazha pooja: This is the last pooja conducted in a temple on a day.  This is done between one and two hours after sunset. Deeparadhana is done after the Athazha pooja. Deeparadhana is the worship with lamp with lamps, performed at dawn and dusk.

How to reach Nilakkal Mahadeva Temple?

By Air: Cochin international airport is 136 km and Thiruvananthapuram international airport 156 km from the temple. There is also a heliport at Perunad, near Nilakkal, which operates at times of Sabarimala pilgrimage.

By Road: Mannarakulanji – Chalakayam route (SH 67) is the main highway passing through Nilakkal and also the Adoor. Vandiperiyar highway passes through Plappally which is 8 km west to Nilakkal. During Sabarimala pilgrimage, state-owned K.S.R.T.C buses provide chain services from Pamba to Nilakkal at fair charges for the devotees. Private busses only operate through nearby places like Angamoozhy and Thulappally. Transportation is comparatively less in this region.

By Rail: The nearest railway stations are Chengannur which is about 68 km and Thiruvalla which is 73 km.

Where to stay

There are many hotels and guest rooms available that offers contemporary rooms and suites. They offer brilliant overall design, facilities and dining options. They are the centre point for a number of tourist destinations.

  • Hotel Mannil Regency Contact: Kaipattoor Pathanamthitta Road, Pathanamthitta, Kerala 689645
  • Hotel Hills Park Contact: T K p.o, 689653, Kumbazha N Rd, Kumbazha, Mylapra, Pathanamthitta, Kerala 689645
  • Kizhakkedathu Tourist Home Contact: Pathanamthitta, Kerala 689645
  • Hotel Hey-Day Contact: Thiruvalla-Kumbazha Hwy, Valamchuzhy, Pathanamthitta, Kerala 689645
  • Hotel Evergreen Continental Contact: Kaipattoor Pathanamthitta Road, Pathanamthitta, Kerala 689645
  • Hotel Amala Contact: Pathanamthitta, Kerala 689645

Where to eat

One of Kerala’s popular attractions is its delicious Kerala cuisine. Various locally available vegetables such as tapioca, cassava and yam form part of the cuisine of Kerala. Seasonal fruit such as papaya, jackfruit, mangoes and lime are eaten at different times of the year. Bananas and coconut are available year-round and are a staple of the Kerala diet. The refreshing juice of the tender coconut is a delightful drink, which you can enjoy on Kerala Tours with Kerala Backwater. There are many restaurants nearby that offer some amazing food for the tourists.

Pathanamthitta is an important pilgrim hub and thus is always flanked by devotees and nature lovers. For its tourists, the town offers several restaurants and eating joints all across the town. You will also find some nice Christian restaurant which serves alcohol and Syrian Christian food. Other than that, South Indian cuisine is the predominant cuisine of the town.

  • Parayil Restaurant Contact: Door No: 788, Near R.T Office, College Road, Azhoor, Pathanamthitta, Kerala 689645
  • J Mart Contact: Pathanamthitta, Kerala 689645
  • Aananda Bavan Vegetarian Restaurant Contact: Thiruvalla-Kumbazha Hwy, Pathanamthitta, Kerala 689645
  • Khyber Pass Bake & Grill Contact: Kaipattoor Pathanamthitta Road, Pathanamthitta, Kerala 689645
  • Green Chillies Hotel and Family Restaurant Contact: Omalloor, Pathanamthitta, Kerala 689647
  • Hotel Evergreen Continental Contact: Kaipattoor Pathanamthitta Road, Pathanamthitta, Kerala 689645
  • Kream Korner Restaurant Contact: Opp.Karikkineth, JJ complex, K P Road, Adoor, Pathanamthitta
  • Teena Restaurant Contact: Mazhuvangad jn., M C Road, Thiruvalla, Pathanamthitta

Nearby Temples

Thazhoor Bhagavathi Temple: The temple is devoted to Sri Bhadra Devi (santham).This temple is the incarnation of Sri Parvathi who is the chief deity. Thazhoor Bhagavathy Kshetram is a 300-year-old Hindu temple. It is located on the banks of the Achankovil river in Vazhamuttom. The temple is also famous for the folk arts and the Kettukaazhcha procession with Kaala. Three glorious hundika towers are lately built around the periphery of the temple. Bharani is considered as the birth star of the Thazhoor bhagavathi. The Bharani star came in Makaram, Kumbham, Meenam and Medam are celebrated in a grand manner. The temple is having very huge and glorious surroundings with scenic beauty. It is having a large and glorious Aanakottil. It has a boundary wall and towered entree with full of handicraft and sculptures both in stone and wood.

Kodumthara Subramaniyam Temple: Kodumthara Sri Subrahmanya Swamy Temple is located near Pathanamthitta. The annual pooyam ritual organized in at the Murugan Temple attracts hundreds of devotees. The shrine is dedicated to Subramanya or Muruga. Carrying Kavadi is the main ritual on the day. People carry various types of Kavadi to the temple in a procession. Traditional temple music is part of the procession. Unlike numerous Kerala temples, this one is well-known for its traditional architecture with well-defined conical-shaped roofing over the Srikovil. On the Pooyam day, people also pierce their body with a small lance or vel. This is done for getting desires fulfilled.

Bhagavathikunnu Devi Temple: One of the important and famous Goddess Abode in Thiruvitamkoor is the Bhagawati Kunnu Devi Temple. It is said that the Devi Vilippurathamma stood as the protector for the passersby and the bullock carts that cross the dangerous route. Some of the main attractions of the temple are a stone statue of Lord Krishna, the sanctum sanctorum, obeisance courtyard, sub gods and goddesses. The sub gods are Ganapati, Yakshi, Rakhshas  Valyacchan, Naga Rajavu and mala nada. The first flag hoisting ceremony was conducted on  24th February 1999 with much fanfare through the 10-day festivities. Padayani festival was also first celebrated then and continues to be celebrated every year on the day of Maheeram Star in the Malayalam month of Kumbham.

Anikkattilamma Temple: Mallappally Anikkattilamma Shiva Parvati temple is situated in Anicadu village. Agnimahakalan and Agniyekshi are symbolized in these idols. The temple is believed to date back to 1600 years during the early days of Edappally dynasty. It is situated by the bank of river Manimala. The temple is dedicated to Goddess Shakti. The ever flowering Kanikonna located in the courtyard of the temple. It gives flower offerings to the Lords every day in all seasons throughout the year. Mallappally Anikkattilamma Shiva Parvati temple celebrates its yearly festival (Utsavam) for eight days during the month of Kumbham. It concludes on the day of Pooram star which is believed to be Devi’s birthday.  Other deities such as Lord Bhadra, Lord Nagaraja, Goddess Yekshiamma and Rekshas are also worshipped here.

Kaal Bhairav Temple

, Leave a Comment Filed Under: Madhya Pradesh Temples Tagged With:

Kaal Bhairav Temple is counted among one of the most religious temples of Madhya Pradesh. It is located in the town of Adegaon and is a fierce manifestation of Lord Shiva linked with annihilation. Temples that are related to Bhairava are present within or near most Jyotirlinga temples. Out of the 12 Jyotirlingas in India, there are 5 Jyotirlingas in Maharashtra State (Get details here). There are also the sacred twelve shrines dedicated to Lord Shiva which can be found all across India. Additionally, Lord Shiva is counted among the important deity of the Hindu religion and his name is referred in many forms in the ancient Hindu mythology too.

Kaal Bhairav Temple History

There is a legend surrounding the evolution of Bhairava. People say that this can be traced back to the conversation between Lord Brahma and Lord Vishnu in ‘Shiv Maha-Puran’. When Vishnu asked Brahma about who can be the supreme creator of the Universe, the later considered himself and said that everybody should worship him.

This angered Lord Shiva who then took the form of Bhairava to punish Brahma. It is said that Lord Shiva beheaded one of the five heads of Lord Brahma and since then the later has four heads. Kala Bhairava in its form is seen carrying the severed head of Lord Brahma.

Lord Shiva later was guilty of the crime of killing a Brahmin and hence carried the disembodied skull for twelve years. He roamed as Bhikshatana, a mendicant until he was released from the sin.

In the form of the frightful Bhairava, Lord Shiva is said to be protecting each of the Shakti peeths in the sub-continent. Each of the Shakti peeth temples is accompanied by a deity which is dedicated to Bhairava.

It has been said that the nature of Bhairava is Tamasi which refers to the fact that he can take you from Tamas to Moksha. Pilgrims believe that he has the power to remove all of the human sufferings which is a serious pain that an individual feels in their body and mind. Apart from that, he also eradicates all difficult problems, anxieties, and greed.

With regard to the mythological concept, Kala Bhairava is said to live on the crematory grounds as he does not want to be associated with Maya, also known as the illusionary world. The Lord’s Sadhana yields fast results and he can be pleased with very little offerings. There are many poor and people who are suffering from various problems that come to seek solace at this wonderful temple.

Even people of all caste and creed believe that they will achieve Moksha fast when they worship Bhairava. It is always advisable to first ask your Guru for permission before you start any Sadhana.

Significance of Kaal Bhairav Temple

The idol of Shri Kaal Bhairav Nath Swami Temple at Adegaon in Madhya Pradesh is often found with a frowning face coupled with angry eyes, sharp tiger’s teeth, and flaming hair. He is naked except for a garland made of skulls and a coiled snake around his neck.

The deity has four hands in which he carries a noose, trident, drum, and skull. Bhairava is often accompanied by a dog and is said to be originated in the Hindu legends. It is a popular and sacred place of worship for Hindus, Buddhists, and Jains alike.

Kaal Bhairav Temple is mostly visited by tourists from India and Nepal. In addition, this also marks as an important deity of the Newars. All the traditional settlements of Newars have at least a temple of Bhairava.

Traditionally, the temples of Kala Bhairav is the considered to be the supreme God in the rural villages of Karnataka, Maharashtra and Tamil Nadu, where he is referred to as ‘Bhaivara/Annadhani’ Vairavar.

In Karnataka, the Lord Bhairava temple stands as the supreme God for the community and is commonly referred to as ‘Gowdas.’ In the Gangadikara Gowda caste especially, he is considered the caretaker and punisher.

Bhairava himself has eight manifestations and is also called as the Ashta Bhairava. Devotees believe that a Sadhak should feed dogs Halwa Puri on every Saturday morning or evening to seek respite from all problems.

Kaal Bhairav Temple Timings

  • Kaal Bhairav Temple remains open from 6 am to 8 pm.
  • The pilgrims, however, will have to note that the shrine remains closed from 12 noon to 2 pm.
  • The temple timings may differ during important festivals and occasions.

Kaal Bhairav Temple Food Timings

  • Prasad or food is offered to the pilgrims after 2 pm.
  • It mainly consists of sweets and dry fruits.
  • Devotees can also offer seasonal fruits to the deity during their visit.

Festivals celebrated at Kaal Bhairav Temple

  • Bhairava Ashtamiis one of the important festivals that are observed in the temple premises. It is celebrated by pilgrims commemorating the day Kal Bhairav appeared on earth. People consider this occasion to be highly auspicious and it is celebrated on Krishna Paksha Ashtami of the Margashirsha month of Hindu calendar. It is a day of special prayers and rituals.
  • Shiva Ratri is also considered to be pious and is observed with great pomp in this temple. Thousands of devotees gather from all parts of the surrounding town and offer prayers and seek blessings from the Almighty. They also offer Prasad and the temple is well decorated with oil lamps on this occasion.

Poojas and Rituals at Kaal Bhairav Temple

  • A ritual is a set of actions, performed mainly for their symbolic value. It may be prescribed by the traditions of a community, including a religious community.  In this Kaal Bhairav Temple, the deity is offered arati during the morning and the evening.
  • Lord Bhairava is worshiped by offering or pouring water, milk, honey, curd, ghee, vibhuthi or sacred ash and sandalwood paste. This is called Abhishekam.
  • One can offer bilwa leaves along with flowers like lotus, jasmine, and sankhapushpi.
  • Food offerings need to be presented before the deity. An incense stick and a diya lit with ghee should also be burnt.
  • It is important to wear neat and clean clothes when you worship the Lord.

How to Reach Kaal Bhairav Temple

  • By Air- Adegaon‘s nearest airport is Chhindwara Airport situated at 53.2 KM distance. In addition, the Jabalpur Airport is only 117.2 km from Adegaon. The Babasaheb Ambedkar International Airport is located at 175.3 km from this place.
  • By Train- The nearest railway station to Adegaon is Karaboh which is located in and around 36.8 km from Mamakudi. Some other railway stations include Seoni railway station and Bhoma railway station which is located at a distance of 41.1 km and 44.5 km respectively from Mamakudi.
  • By Road- Adegaon is located around 63.7 km away from its district head quarter Narsinghpur. The other nearest district head quarters is Seoni which is situated at a 35.7 km distance from Adegaon. The nearest town to reach this place is Amarwara which is located at a distance of 17.9 km.

Hotels in Madhya Pradesh: Where to stay

There might not be quite a lot of hotels in Adegaon but one can look for accommodation in and around this place. Madhya Pradesh offers an array of living options for its tourists. From dormitories to villas, you can look for your choice as per to your needs. The prices, however, will depend on the type of accommodation you choose. To enjoy all the modern amenities and fine luxury, there are five-star hotels that provide free pickup and drops apart from their complimentary breakfast option. The budget hotels, on the other hand, offer decent living with a plethora of fooding options.

The hotel staff also arranges for local sightseeing tours as per to the client’s request. And they also have internet connection for the visitors. Some hotels also have private balconies for clients to enjoy the beauty of nature. And for party lovers, one can opt for private lounges and hotel discs that remain open for quite late in the night. However, most of these hotels are available online and it is advised to book your hotel in advance to avoid any last-minute delay.

Where to eat

Madhya Pradesh is a home to food lovers visiting India. From Continental to Chinese to Indian, a traveler is sure to splurge on the variety of food that’s on offer here. For people who would like to taste the unique flavor of the complete Indian food, a Thali is recommended. It is a meal that consists of rice, dal, pickle, papad, vegetable curries, paneer and a sweet. This is available at a competitive price range and is available across various eating joints. For people looking for light food, the breakfast options are sure to tempt your taste buds. Poha, jalebi, samosa are some of the popular food that is loved by both natives and tourists here.

For people looking for fine dining options, there are many international cuisines that can be enjoyed at a moderate price too. From Thai to Mexican and Italian, the rich herbs and spices used in the preparation of the food pave the way for a delightful taste. A client can also customize one’s food habits and inform the chef in advance. Some of the eating joints also arrange for music and local bands for people to enjoy while relishing the unique taste of the food that is served here.

Nearby Temples

  • Upparpeth Maruti Temple- This temple is located only at a distance of 4 km from Adegaon. The travel duration from Upparpeth Maruti Temple to Adegaon Desh is around 1 Hoursif your travel speed is 50 KM per Hour. It is located nearly west to Adegaon and traveling from Upparpeth Maruti Temple to Adegaon Desh is connected by more than one route.
  • Sri Laxmi Temple- There is also another famous Laxmi temple that is visited by pilgrims who visit Adegaon. Goddess Laxmi symbolizes wealth and prosperity and is highly popular among devotees in India.
  • Sri Dev Brahmachari Ram Mandir- This is another popular shrine that devotees visit while paying a visit to Shri Kala Bhairava Nath Swami Temple at Adegaon. One can offer Prasad and seek blessings from the Lord.
  • Sri Dev Murlidhar temple– One can find solace and peace when paid a visit to this temple. Bhajans are organized during the evening inside the temple premises which is participated by devotees in large numbers.

Devprayag

, 4 Comments Filed Under: Char Dham Yatra, Uttarakhand Temples Tagged With: ,

Devprayag is the last confluence of river Alaknanda (Panch Prayag) in the descending order. The place is rooted in the confluence of river Alaknanda and Bhagirathi. Moreover, the holy confluence occurs in the Tehri district of Uttarakhand. From this Prayag, Alaknanda and Bhagirathi unify and flow as Ganga river.

The place draws its name from sage Dev Sharma from Satyug. Beliefs suggest that sage Dev Sharma worshipped Lord Vishnu at this place. Hence, being impressed by him, Lord Vishnu gave him the boon that his place of worship will be known by his name in the coming times.

Bhagirathi originates from Gaumukh and Alaknanda from Satopanth and the two merge right at this place. Devprayag is a famous pilgrimage destination on the Char Dham Yatra route.

Chronicles of Devprayag

Hindu mythology highlights Devprayag as the place where Lord Ram meditated for repentance after killing Ravana. Since Brahmin murder was a considerable sin during the time. Hence after killing Ravana, Lord Ram came here to wash his sins away on the advice of the sages of his court.

Chronicles of Devprayag
Lord Ram meditated for years here in Devprayag for repentance of the sin of killing Ravana who was a brahmin

Moreover, traditional tales talk about another river that belongs to this confluence named Saraswati. It is predicted to be originating from Mana Village in Badrinath. However, in Devprayag, the river descends from the feet of Lord Rama in Raghunath Temple. Also, there is evidence of footprints of Lord Rama at “Ram Kunda“.

In accordance with one of the tales, King Bhagirath pursued Goddess Ganga to flow from this prayag which is now the starting point of the river.

Essence of the Confluence

Devprayag is highlighted in History as the land of late Acharya, Pt. Chakradhar Joshi. Acharya set up Nakshatra Veda Shala on the mountain Dashrathanchal on top of Devprayag in 1946. This observatory is packed with the latest equipments.

Essence of Devprayag
He was the one who set up Nakshatra Ved Shala near Devprayag

Other than that ancient equipment like Surya Ghati, Dhruv Ghati is also present here. This observatory is the living pride of progress of Indians in Astronomy.

Devprayag is significantly known for being surrounded by 3 heavenly peaks, named Giddhanchal Parvat, Dashrathanchal Parvat, and Narsinghancal Parvat.

Moreover, devotees worship Lord Shiva here in the form of Tondeshwar Mahadev and Dhaneshwar Mahadev. The devotees also flock here to visit Mata Bhuvneshwari temple in village Pundal. Other popular temples nearby are Danda Nagaraja (Lord of Snakes) temple and Chandrabadni temple

A very interesting fact about the two rivers is that Bhagirathi is considered the mother-in-law of Alaknanda in the Garhwal region.

Ways to Reach Devprayag

Here’s how to reach Devprayag:

  • Air: The nearest airport is Jolly Grant Airport. It is at a distance of 91 km from Devprayag.
  • Train: The nearest railway station is Rishikesh. It is at a distance of 72 km from Devprayag. The
  • Road: Buses to Devprayag and Rishikesh are available from ISBT Kashmere Gate. However, The last Prayag is on NH58.

Stays nearby Devprayag

Stays near Devprayag that one can undertake during Char Dham Yatra are:

  • The Ramkund Resort: The hotel is absolute divinity for the guests. Apart from the availability of all luxuries, it provides beautiful interiors and exteriors to them. Also, the staff is very cordial.
  • Hotel Chakasha Govindam: The hotel offers a comfortable and hygienic stay to its guests. Moreover, there is a 24/7 help desk only a call away. Nonetheless, the stay here is budget-friendly.
  • Moteldev:  It offers all the modern facilities to its guests. Additionally, the guests can also avail recreational activities like trekking, yoga and meditation. The guests can also avail a village safari here.

Other Panch Prayags

The other Panch Prayag destinations are:

  • Vishnuprayag: Vishnuprayag is present 1372 metres above sea level and is the first Prayag considering the route of river Alaknanda. It is at a distance of 189.1 km from Devprayag.
  • Nandaprayag: It is the second confluence after Vishnuprayag. The place observes the Sangam of Alaknanda with Nandakini here. It is at a distance of 119 km from final Prayag.
  • Karnaprayag: It is present at the confluence of river Alaknanda with river Pindar, in the Chamoli district of Uttarakhand. It is the third confluence in line after Nandaprayag. It is 98.9 km away from Devprayag.
  • Rudraprayag: Located at the confluence of river Alaknanda and Mandakini, in Uttarakhand. It has an average elevation of 895 metres and is fourth among the Prayag. It is 67.3 km away from Devprayag.

The Panch Prayag is a part of the Char Dham Yatra within Uttarakhand.

Frequently Asked Questions About Devprayag

Can devotees visit Devprayag in monsoons?

Devotees must refrain from going here during monsoons as there are risks of landslides.

What is Devprayag famous for?

It is famously known as the origin of river Ganga.

Which rivers merge at this Prayag?

It is the confluence of rivers Alaknanda and Bhagirathi.

Read interesting facts about Panch Prayag in Panch Prayag- Five sacred confluences in Uttarakhand.

Tawang Monastery, Arunachal Pradesh

, 1 Comment Filed Under: Arunachal Pradesh Temples Tagged With:

Tawang Monastery
Tawang Monastery

The Tawang  Monastery is also known in Tibetan as Galden Namgey Lhatse. It means ‘celestial paradise in a clear night’. This monastery is the largest monastery in India and the second largest in the world. The monastery is located in Tawang city of Tawang district in Arunachal Pradesh. It is situated in the valley of the Tawang River, in the northwestern part of Arunachal Pradesh.

The Tawang Monastery was founded in 1680-1681, Merak Lama Lodre Gyatso. It was built in accordance with the wishes of the 5th Dalai Lama, Ngawang Lobsang Gyatso. The monastery is situated on a mountain at an altitude of over 3000 m. Tawang Monastery is one of the most important Buddhist sites in the world.

Tawang Monastery is a big monastery with living quarters, a museum, institutions and libraries. The Monastery can hold a capacity of 700 monks and is currently home to around 450 lamas.

What is the history of the Tawang Monastery?

In Tibetan, ‘Ta’ means ‘horse’ and ‘wang’ means ‘chosen’. Therefore, the name Tawang means chosen by a horse. According to the legends, Merak Lama was having difficulty in finding a good place to build the monastery. He once rested in a cave where he prayed, seeking divine guidance. When e came out, he found his horse missing. After searching for a while, he found the horse, grazing at the top of a mountain. Merak Lama realized it as a good spot where the monastery could be built.

The full name of the monastery is thus Tawang Galdan Namgye Lhatse. It means ‘The site chosen by the horse is the divine celestial paradise’.

What is the architecture of the place?

  • Entrance and outer walls: At the entrance to the monastery there is a Kakaling, which is a colorful gate structure. It is a ‘hut-like structure’, with side walls built of stone masonry. The interior walls of the Kakaling have murals of divinities and saints painted on them. The roof features Mandalas. Ahead of the main gate of the Kakaling to its south, is another entry. On the main entrance to the monastery, there are huge walls. The outer wall is 925 feet in length, with heights varying from about 10–20 feet.
  • Main buildings: The monastery is three-storied. It is built like a large mansion. There is a large assembly hall, ten other functional structures and 65 residential quarters for students, Lamas and monks. There is a center for Buddhist cultural studies. The monastery also has a school. The walls of the monastery have a profusion of  Buddhist deities and saints.
  • Main temple: The main temple is known as the Dukhang. ‘Du’ means ‘assembly’ and ‘Khang’ means ‘building’. It was built in the year 1860-61. An 18 feet image of Buddha is deified which is gilded and decorated.

Tawang Monstery

What are the festivals celebrated in the Tawang Monastery?

Choksar, Losar, Ajilamu, and Torgya are the main festivals that are held in the monastery.

  • Choksar: In this festival, the Lamas recite religious scriptures in the monasteries. Following which, the villagers carry the scriptures on their back and circumambulate their agricultural land. They seek blessings for the good yield of crops without any infestations by pests and to protect against attack by wild animals.
  •  Losar: This festival marks the beginning of the Tibetan New Year. In this festival, people visit the monastery to offer prayers.
  • Torgya: This festival is also called Tawang-Torgya. It is an annual festival that is exclusively held in the monastery. The objective of the festival is to ward off evil spirits. It ushers prosperity and happiness to the people in the ensuing year. It is held according to the Buddhist calendar days of 28th to 30th of Dawachukchipa, which corresponds to 10 to 12 January of the Gregorian calendar. It is a Monpa celebration.

How to reach the Tawang Monastery?

Air: The nearest airport is located in Tezpur. It is at a distance of 387 km. The nearest international airport is located in Guwahati. It is at a distance of 480 km.

Train: The nearest railway station is Rangapara Railway Station. It is at a distance of 383 km. Rangapara Railway Station is directly connected to about 88 stations.

Road: Tawang Monastery is well-connected by road to all places.

What is the best time to visit the Monastery?

  •  Summer- March to June: This is the best time to visit Tawang. The temperature ranges between 5 degrees Celsius and 25 degrees Celsius. The days are pleasant and nights are colder.
  • Monsoon- July to September: It is mostly wet during monsoon season. There is rainfall all over and the temperature drops. However, this place looks even more beautiful during this season.
  • Winter- November to February:  The temperature sometimes drops near the freezing point. The temperature gets around 10 degrees. The coldest month of winters is January.

Chittaranjan Park Kali Mandir Guide – Timings, Poojas, and History

, 1 Comment Filed Under: Delhi Temples Tagged With:

Chittaranjan Park Kali Mandir or CR Park Mandir is situated in the Bengali-dominated locality, CR park of south Delhi. It was founded in 1973, first as a small temple shrine for God Shiva. It was soon added with Goddess Kali and was later – by late 1980s – developed into what is today’s CR Park Mandir complex that hosts three shrines devoted to God Shiva, Goddess Kali, and Radha-Krishna.

A modern age temple, the architecture, during its expansion in the 1980s, took the form of Bengal terracotta temple art. It has grown into a cultural and traditional hub of Bengalis in Delhi. As Bengalis are synonymous to the grandeur celebrations of Durga pooja, the tradition of celebrating the pooja at this temple began in the late 1970s.

Situated on a small hill top, the mandir is known for its calm and serenity within the hustle – bustle of Delhi. It is surrounded by a vast garden which was declared as the ‘Best Kept Garden’ by Agri-Horticulture Society in 1999. The mandir complex also houses halls for cultural functions and discourses, and spaces crafted to accommodate festivals like Durga Puja, library, tirthashram, homeopathy, naturopathy yoga centres, children’s park, and a musical fountain.

The mandir maintains a Charitable ‘Balanada’ Dharmashala, viz., ‘Yatri Niwas’ – meaning a ‘Traveller’s Home’, and a canteen.  Any visitor to the city is welcome here, and would be accommodated for a maximum of seven days at a nominal price.

CR Park 2

Chittaranjan Park Kali Mandir History

  • A resolution to build a temple was taken in 1973 by the residents of CR Park, and a steering committee, ‘Chittaranjan Park Kali Mandir Society’ was formed.  A proposal for the construction of a temple within two acres lands on the ‘Rock Garden’ was sent to the government in 1974.
  • On 25th April 1974 on the eve of ‘Akshay Tritiya’, a Shivlinga was installed in a temporary shed.
  • Foundation of Kali Mandir was laid in 1979, and the idol of Goddess Kali was established on 21st February 1985.
  • The Radha-Krishna establishment and temple inauguration was conducted in February 1994.
  • The terracotta ar
  • The Musical Fountain in the mandir complex was inaugurated by Dr. Anita Bose, daughter of Netaji Subhash Chandra Bose in February 2013.

Significance of the Chittaranjan Park Kali Mandir

  • In 1947, during the India – Pakistan partition, the state of Bengal separated into two entities – East Bengal in Pakistan and West Bengal in India. A large group of government employees who was a refugee of East Bengal migrated to Delhi. Forming East Pakistan Displaced Persons (EPDP) Association, they lobbied for a residential colony in 1954.
  • In 1967, the 218-acre barren rocky land was assigned to the applicants with refugee status. 2147 people with the status were given plots in the area now known as Chittaranjan Park or CR Park.
  • The colony was founded with plots going exclusively to migrants from East Bengal; but over time, it attracted general Bengali settlers resulting in demographic diversification.
  • The residents of CR Park founded and established the Chittaranjan Park Kali Mandir by 1980s.
  • The Kali Mandir soon grew into a traditional hub of all the Bengalis in Delhi with various religious and cultural activities all round the year.
  • Durga pooja is celebrated, during Durgashtami, at the mandir annually; with barrels of Bengal-specific flowers, such as Shuli (night flowering jasmine) and blue-lotus, flown in fresh for pooja everyday, and includes a typical Bengali cuisine, bhog.

Chittaranjan Park Kali Mandir Timings

Due to the extreme variation of temperature in Delhi, the mandir timings change according to the season.

Summer (April – October): 4.45am – 12.30pm & 5.00pm – 10.00pm

Winter (November – March): 5.45am – 1.00pm & 4.30pm – 9.00pm

Everyday Arati timings are as follows:

AratiSummerWinter
(April – October)(November – March)
Mangal Arati4.45am – 5.15am5.45am – 6.15am
Puja8.00am8.30am
Bhog Arati11.20am – 11.50am11.20am – 11.50am
Sandhyarati6.30pm – 7.30pm6.00pm – 7.00pm

Musical Fountain Timings

Tuesday – Sunday: 7.00pm – 7.15pm (after Sandhyarati. No show on Mondays)

Poojas and Rituals at Chittaranjan Park Kali Mandir

Regardless of any particular ritual or pooja, this shrine is an emblem of great fidelity. Various customary Bengali poojas are offered to the Gods on special occasions.

  • Bipattarini Pooja – The Bipattarini Pooja/Vrata is observed by women on the Panchami, fifth day of the Shukla paksha(waxing moon) in the month of Ashadha according to the Hindu calendar, in order to overcome troubles. Bipattarini is an avatar of Goddess Durga. Legends established her name, Bipada – Tarini, which literally means ‘deliverer from troubles’.
  • Jagadhatri Pooja – ‘Jagadhatri’ is the ‘Protector of the World’. She is celebrated on Gosthastami. It is also referred to as another Durga Pooja as it also starts on Asthami tithi and ends on Dashami tithi. The date of the pooja is decided by the luni-solar Hindu calendar.
  • Satyanarayan Pooja – It is done on special occasions and during times of achievements as an offering of gratitude to God Vishnu.
  • Shani Pooja – Shani Pooja is performed to appease planet Saturn; it is sought for mental peace and to get rid of various diseases.
  • Shradh Ceremony – ‘Shraddha’is a Sanskrit word meaning anything or any act that is performed with all sincerity and faith. Shradh Ceremony is a ritual that one performs to pay homage to one’s ancestors, especially to one’s dead parents.
  • Til Tarpan – It is a specific form of Tarpan (offering made to divine entities) involving libationsoffered to the Pitrs (deceased ancestors) using water and sesame (Til) seeds during a death rite.

The mandir also celebrates Kali Mandir Pratistha Diwas, Shiv Mandir Pratistha Diwas, and Radha Krishna Mandir Pratistha Diwas to commemorate the mandirs’ installations.

Mandir also assists devotees in conducting personal obeisance.

Hari Sabha and Ladies regularly conduct Sankirtan and evening Kirtan (devotional songs), at the three temple shrines.

Festivals Celebrated at CR Park Mandir

  • Durga Pooja – Durga Pooja festival marks the victory of Goddess Durga over the evil buffalo demon Mahishasura. Celebrated all over India, it is the biggest festival of the year for Bengali Hindus.
  • Maha Shivratri – It is a festival celebrated annually in reverence of the God Shiva. Shivratri is celebrated during the night by keeping a “jaagaran” – a night-long vigil with worship, as it is believed that God Shiva saved the universe from darkness and ignorance.
  • Ram Navami – It is a festival celebrating the birth of the god Ramato King Dasharatha and Queen Kausalya in Ayodhya.
  • Neel Sashti – It is the day in the Bengali month of Chaitra when Bengalis celebrate the marriage of Lord Shiva with Devi Parvati by offering puja to the Lord.
  • Holi Milan – It is a spring festival, also known as the festival of colours or the festival of sharing the love.

Activities

Apart from the religious activities, CR Park Kali Mandir Society conducts and organizes many sports, cultural, developmental, and social activities throughout the year. They accept donations, whatever amount they may be, and use the amount for the service of God and mankind.

Sports & Cultural Activities

The ‘Chittaranjan Park Mandir Society’ actively promotes cultural and sports events.

  • As a part of cultural events, it celebrates Naba Barsha (Bengali Poila Baisakh/ New Year), birth anniversaries Bengali dignitaries such as Rabindranath Tagore, Netaji Subhash Chandra Bose, Ishwar Chandra Vidyasagar, Rishi Aurobindo, Thakur Sri Sri Maa Sarada, Swami Vivekananda and Acharya Jagadish Chandra Bose.
  • Arranges exchange of Cultural Artists from different states and region for varieties of the programme.
  • Arranges four days cultural programmes by selected artists during Durga Pooja.
  • Emphases are given more on local talents for their exposure. Similar programmes are also arranged by the prominent artist on other public pooja days.
  • Organises Children’s day in the month of January. The programme is for the children and by the children. A platform is provided for them to expose their hidden talents. The programme is conducted by children themselves.
  • Netaji Subhash hall is set to organise regular religious discourses by different religious and philanthropic organisations.
  • Cultural Division felicitated to Bengali dignitaries, who have excelled in different fields, every year as “Gunijan”
  • Organizes Annual Sports in January every year.

Social Activities

The CR Park Mandir Society exhibits tremendous socio-economic values through their charitable and social events.

  • Running free Homeopathy and Naturopathy Dispensaries
  • Running Free Reading Room and Library. About 5000 books covering all sections are stacked in the library. There is a special section for the children. A good number of Magazines and News Papers are subscribed on a regular basis.
  • Running free Yoga Centre
  • Assisting students from Under-privileged section in meeting their educational expenses
  • Organizes free Bengali Learning Classes every week
  • Assisting the patients from down-trodden sections towards their medical expenses
  • Assisting the senior citizens who are staying alone in the colony, in case, they suddenly fall ill or otherwise.
  • Facilitate the citizens to meet together in the Mandir Prangan everyday for the exchange of views and pleasantries.
  • Making donations to Religious Organization for the pursuit of their religious activities.
  • Organizing “Daridra Narayan Sewa” once a month.

Where to eat

The mandir hosts a canteen, attached to the Dharmashala, which provides both veg & non-veg cuisines at nominal rates.

For the food savvies, Chittaranjan Park area houses a variety of traditional Bengali veg & non-veg cuisine (it is home to one of the city’s main markets for freshwater fish, an important part of Bengali Cuisine).

Where to Stay

The ‘Yatri Niwas’, a charitable Dharmashala, has 30 double bedded rooms with attached bathrooms. Common hot water during winter, and room coolers during summer are provided by the Dharmashala. It accommodates any visitor of the city for a maximum of seven days at a nominal price with a two-month advance booking.

There are also several hotels and lodges in and around CR Park area which provide good accommodation options, with several markets nearby.

How to reach

CR Park is an area in south Delhi which is very well connected with the rest of the city.

By Air: Indira Gandhi International Airport is the official airport of Delhi, and is around 15.2km from CR Park Kali Mandir.

By Rail: Delhi Junction Railway station is the major rail station of Delhi. It also has full-fledged metro rail system also operating within the city.

The nearest metro station is Nehru place metro station, 2 km from CR Park guest house.

By Road: Several state government run buses and taxis operate round the city which transports to CR Park area.

Nearby Temples

Delhi is a city with rich history housing several monuments and temples with great cultural and political significance. Below are some of the places which are nearby CR Park.

  • Kalkaji Temple – Built in the mid-18th century, Kalkaji temple/Mandir is a renowned temple dedicated to Kalka Devi or Goddess Kali. Certain changes and additions were made to the temple in mid-19th century by Raja Kedarnath, treasurer of Emperor Akbar II. The whole temple is built using white marble and granite. In the sanctum sanctorum is the stone that represents Goddess Kali, housed in a 12-sided structure. There are many Dharmashalas (rest houses) in the vicinity of the temple, built with donations from devotees. The temple is open to devotees from 6 am to 10 pm every day.
  • Lotus Temple – Bahá’í Temple, popularly known as the Lotus Temple is a masterpiece of 20th-century architecture which was designed by Fariburz Sabha, a Canadian Bahá’í of Iranian descent. Built between 1980 and 1986, it is the latest among the seven Bahá’í temples across the world. Shaped akin to a half-open lotus, light and water have been used as fundamental elements of design of this house of worship. Set among sprawling green lawns, the petals of the grand lotus are surrounded by nine pools that represent floating leaves. The Lotus Temple is conducive to meditation. There are no priests, idols, pictures, sermons or rituals. Religious discrimination does not exist here as its symbol, the lotus, connotes peace, purity and a manifestation of God. It is open to all free of cost from 9 am to 7 pm, six days a week except for Mondays.
  • ISKCON Temple – Built in 1998, ISKCON Temple is one of the 40 temples built by the International Society for Krishna Consciousness (ISKCON). The actual name of the temple is Sri Radha Parthasarthy Temple, popularly known as Hare Krishna Temple. It has three shrines dedicated to Radha–Krishna, Sita–Ram and Guara–Nitai. Decorated beautifully with fresh flowers, the air is thick with spiritual discourses and chants, enhancing the divine atmosphere. Multimedia shows are organized regularly to educate the devotees about the Hindu epics. One can savour a delicious Saatvik (pure vegetarian) meal at ‘Govinda’, the temple cafeteria. It is open daily from 4.30am to 1 pm and from 4.30pm to 9 pm.

Contact Us