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Chamunda Devi Temple Guide – Timings, Poojas, and History

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Chamunda Devi Temple is located in Kangra in Himachal Pradesh. The name Chamunda is derived from two words, Chanda and Munda. Chanda and Munda were two monsters who were killed by Devi.

Chamunda is also known as Chamundi, Chamundeshwari, and Charchika. Goddess Chamunda is also one of the chief Yoginis, a group of sixty-four or eighty-one Tantric goddesses, who are attendants of the warrior goddess Durga. She is closely associated with Kali Ma, another fierce aspect of Devi. She is sometimes identified with goddesses Parvati, Chandi or Durga as well. The goddess is often portrayed as haunting cremation grounds or fig trees. The goddess is worshipped by ritual animal sacrifices along with offerings of wine and in the ancient times, human sacrifices were offered too. Originally a tribal goddess, Chamunda Devi was assimilated in Hinduism and later entered the Jain pantheon too. Though in Jainism, the rites of her worship include vegetarian offerings, and not the meat and liquor offerings.

The famous Chamunda Devi is an abode of Shiva Shakti since the saga of Puranas. According to a legend, the Goddess Chamunda was enshrined as chief Goddess with the title of Rudra in the battle between demon Jalandhra and Lord Shiva which made this place famous as ‘Rudra Chamunda’. Another legend has it that ‘Savarni Manamantra’ battle between the gods and demons, Chamunda emerged as Chandika from an eyebrow of Goddess “Kaushiki” and was assigned the task of eliminating the demons “Chand” and “Mund”. Chandika fought a fierce battle with these two demons and, at last, killed them. Goddess Chandika took the slain heads of the two demons “Chand” and “Mund” to the Goddess “Kaushiki” who being immensely pleased, blessed Chandika and bestowed upon her the title of “Chamunda,” the name which is famous all around the world.

Chamunda Devi is worshipped daily while the sermons include ‘Aartis’ at intervals. Reciting the hymn of ‘Shat Chandi’ with devoted heart at this temple is considered auspicious. In the corner of the temple, one can see small footsteps of the Goddess on a stone. Besides the main shrine, there is a marble staircase that takes down to the cave of Lord Shiva. This is a cave-like scoop where Shiva Lingam is placed. People visit this cave and worship Lord Shiva with great devotion.

Lord Shiva is said to be one of the complex Gods of the Hindu pantheon since he is the destroyer as well as the restorer. Here, Lord Shiva is believed to have been present in the form of death, destruction, and dead bodies. One can also observe ancestral worship near the banks of Ban Ganga River. In the vicinity of this temple, there is a cremation ground that serves to 22 villages of the nearby areas.In the temple complex, there is a huge pond with images of Lords and people can take bath here. There is the sculpture of Goddess, in which, she is garlanded with serpents, scorpions, and skulls. During the time of Navratras, the temple is crowded by a large number of people. Pilgrims from far and near come to visit this temple of the great legacy and religious importance. Chamunda Devi blesses all her true devotees. The temple is situated in the picturesque beauty of lush green mountains. Many saints can be seen here involved in penance and meditation. In the past days, the image of the Goddess was situated on the hill above the present site of the temple. The site was found to be in a remote area, where it was not possible for everyone to reach and moreover, it was quite risky. There is a story behind the establishment of this temple.

Chamunda Devi

History of Chamunda Devi Temple

  • Legends says that originally Chamunda was worshipped by the Munda people living in the Vindhya range of Central India. It is believed that these people offer animals as well as humans as offerings. They even offer liquor to Chamunda.
  • This goddess has a fierce nature because of her association with Vedic Rudra. She is even identified as fir god Agni at times.
  • The story behind this temple is that around some 400 years ago, the king and a Brahmin priest prayed to Devi for the permission to move the temple to some easily accessible location.
  • Devi appeared to the priest in a dream giving her instructions. She directed him to dig in a certain spot and an ancient idol would be found and that idol should be installed in the temple and worshipped as Her form.
  • The king sent out men to bring the idol. Although they were able to locate it but were not able to lift it. Again Devi appeared to the priest in a dream. She explained that the men could not lift the holy relic because they considered it an ordinary stone.
  • She instructed him to get up early in the morning, take a bath, wear fresh clothes and go to the place in a respectful manner. He did as he was told and found that he could easily lift what a large group of men could not. He told the people that it was the power of the Goddess that brought the idol to the temple.

Significance of Chamunda Devi Temple

  • The idol of Chamunda is made up of black and red coloured stone. In the idol, she is wearing a garland of several heads or skulls.
  • It is said she has four, eight, ten or twelve arms, holding a Damaru, trishula, sword, a snake, skull-mace, thunderbolt, a severed head and panapatra or skull-cup, filled with blood.
  • She has been described as having a skeletal body with three eyes, a terrifying face, drooping breasts, protruding teeth, long nails and a sunken belly. She is standing on a corpse of a man or seated on a defeated demon or corpse.
  • There is a scorpion sitting on her navel like a decoration. Chamunda is depicted adorned by ornaments of bones, skulls, serpents and scorpions, symbols of disease and death.
  • She also wears a Yajnopavita of skulls. Yajnopavita is worn by Hindu male priests. She wears a jata mukuta, that is, headdress formed of piled, matted hair tied with snakes or skull ornaments. Sometimes, a crescent moon is seen on her head. Her socket eyes are described as burning the world with flames.
  • She is accompanied by fiends and goblins. She is also shown surrounded by skeletons or ghosts and beasts like jackals, who are shown eating the flesh of the corpse which the goddess sits or stands on.
  • The jackals and her fearsome companions are sometimes depicted as drinking blood from the skull-cup or blood dripping from the severed head, implying that Chamunda drinks the blood of the defeated enemies. This quality of drinking blood is a usual characteristic of all Matrikas, and Chamunda in particular.
  • Sometimes she is depicted seated on an owl, her vahana. Her banner figures an eagle.

Timings of Chamunda Devi Temple

Darshan in Chamunda Devi Temple starts from 6am to 12pm and then 1pm to 9pm. The temple trust gives Naivedyam to the Goddess from 12pm to 1pm. During this time, the devotees are not allowed to enter the temple. During summer, Arti begins from 8am to 6pm whereas during the winter season it begins from 8am to 8pm.

How to reach- Road, Rail, and Air

  • By Road– The temple is situated around 10 km west of Palampur, on the Baner River and can be reached by bus or taxi.
  • By Road– The nearest railhead on the narrow gauge line is at Moranda near Palampur, 30 km.
  • By Air– The nearest airport is Kangra airport at Gaggal near Dharamshala. It is 28 Km from Chamunda Devi Temple.

Hotels in Kangra

There is various dharamshala facility provided fo the devotees. The Temple Trust has themselves made dharamshalas for the devotees as well as tourists. Apart from dharamashalas, there are many hotels as well as private organizations that provide dwelling facilities to the people. The hotels have nominal charge keeping the need and budget of the devotees and the tourists. The hotels provide clean and hygiene environment to the tourists as well has good and hygienic food. Many hotels provide wifi facilities to the tourists so that they keep themselves connected to the whole world.

Place to eat in Kangra

Chamunda Temple provides food to its devotees. They are free of cost and all the expenses incurred are borne by the Trustees. Once the daily Puja is over, devotees are allowed to move for food. These food are made in a very hygienic condition maintaining the dignity of the Temple. The food includes three main courses and is given in plenty. All the expenses incurred are borne by the temple trust. Apart from the prasad provided in the temple, one can also have food from hotels outside the campus. These hotels provide clean and hygienic food. There are various other places to eat food. There are many hotels and cafe which provide food keeping the taste and needs of the devotees. They cost very nominal keeping the needs and budget of the tourists.

There are a lot of dishes which are given to the devotees. There are one-time free prasads served to the devotees. There are many other dishes that are served to the devotees for which they need to spend money. The food is prepared in a very hygienic conditions. All the eatables are taken good care while preparing food. Foods are prepared in a very hygienic atmosphere.

Apart from the food we get in the temple, there are many other hotels and places where one can have food. In Delhi, we can find food stalls everywhere. There are hotels and cafes like Cafe Coffee Day, Pind Balluchi, The First Floor Restaurant and many more. There are many other hotels which have nominal charges keeping the taste of the consumer in mind. They prepare food in a very clean and hygienic environment.

Nearby places to visit

  • Kangra Fort– The Kangra Fort are located on a strategic height overlooking the Manjhi River and Ban Ganga River. The remains of the Kangra fort are still a dominating feature of the Kangra Valley. Mohammed Ghazni occupied the Kangra Fort in 1009 AD and at that time, the place was called Bhima Nagar, after the name of Bhima, one of the Pandavas. Muhammed Tuglaq also conquered the fort in 1337, but could not occupy it for long. Feroz Tuglaq also plundered the fort in 1365 AD. This is known as Nagarkot, located 42 km from Palampur. There are two entrance, it is currently preserved by an archaeological department. It has very beautiful entrance and very amazing.
  • Jwalamukhi Temple– Located at a distance of around 30 km from Kangra, the temple of Goddess Jawalamukhi is also famously called “Flaming Goddess” or “She of the flaming mouth.” Nestled in the valley of Beas, the temple of Jawalamukhi is built over some natural jets of combustible gas. It is on of shakti peeth temple, it is 35 km from Kangra dedicated to goddess light, this temple is very famous to north Indians. There are all types of facility available like hotels, restaurants etc.
  • Kangra Art Gallery– The Kangra Valley Art Gallery showcases artefacts that can be traced back to the 5th century. It encompasses a gallery of Kangra’s renowned miniature painting and a representative collection of pottery, sculptures, and anthropological items.
  • Bhagsunath– The ancient temple of Bhagsunath is located 3 km east of McLeodganj and 11 km from Dharamshala in Himachal Pradesh. The annual fair held at the place in September is quite popular. With the forests and hilly ranges, there is also a waterfall located nearby.

Kanaka Durga Temple Guide – Timings, Dress Code, and History

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Kanaka Durga Temple also called as Sri Durga Malleswara Swami Temple is located in Vijayawada in Andhra Pradesh. It is one of the largest temples in India and 2nd largest temple in Andhra Pradesh.

One of the most popular temples in and around Vijayawada, it is located on a hill Indrakeeladri overlooking the city as well as the River Krishna. Mother Kanakadurgeswari is considered as the supreme Goddess of Andhra Pradesh, seated atop the Indrakilaparvatha at Vijayawada.

There is a ghat road which was laid in 1969, most of the pilgrims prefer to climb the steps leading to the temple an arduous task for women and children. Some devotees climb the hill, decorating the steps with turmeric powder and vermilion. There are inscriptions of different dynasties found in the temple.

Hiuen Tsang, the Chinese traveler visited this temple. It is mentioned in the Vedas that,  the deity in the Kanaka durga temple is regarded as ‘Swayambhu’ or self-manifested, hence considered very powerful. It is also believed that Adi Sankara visited this temple and installed the Sri Chakra here.

Kanaka Durga Temple History 

In good olden days a Yaksha named ‘Keela’ had been performing awful penance about holiest goddess Durga. Goddess Durga was pleased with his penance and appeared to him. She asked him to beg a boon. Keela was so happy by the words of goddess Durga and begged her to be in his heart always.

Goddess Durga gave the boon, by showering the lunar lights of smile and said “My Son! You remain here at the holiest planes of river Krishna in the form of a mountain. In Krithayuga, after the assassination of demons, I will remain in your heart”. As per the orders of the Goddess Durga, Keela was waiting for the Goddess  in the form of a mountain.

Thus, Keeladri became the abode of Durga. She took the form of Mahisasura Mardini with eight arms holding different weapons, riding on a lion and trampling Mahishasura on the hill of Indrakeeladri. Her consort Shiva took his place on an adjacent hillrock as Jyothirlinga.

He was worshipped by Lord Brahma with jasmines (Mallelu) whereby he got the name of Malleswara Swamy. As celestial beings like Indra visited the place, the hill came to be called Indrakeeladri.

According to another mythology associated with this place is that Arjuna prayed to Lord Shiva on top of Indrakeela hill to win His blessings and the city derived its name “Vijayawada” after this victory. Since goddess Durga shined on this mountain with golden colour glowing, the name ‘Kanakachala’ also attained by this mountain.

Vijayawada is surrounded by many hillocks and the most important of them is Seethanagaram while the less important is called the Kanakadurga or Kanaka konda. On the southern side of the Kanakadurga temple, is a hillock with sculptures bearing inscriptions, indicating the names of Gods and Goddesses.

It is believed that the great saint Sri Sri Sankara Bhagavatpadulu visited this temple in the 8th century and installed “Sri Chakra” at the feet of the goddess. The temple was constructed during the rule of Moghal rulers where the Moghal Emperor Thanisha, with the assistance of his Ministers Akkanna and Madanna, managed the temple.

The nose-ring of Goddess Durga is never removed in this temple. As per the legends, Goddess Durga once borrowed the nose-ring of Krishna and did not return it. Krishna took a vow that by the end of Kaliyuga it would take back the nose-ring by raising its level to the hill top.

Significance of Kanaka Durga Temple

Goddess Kanaka Durga, the epitome of beauty, is the main deity of Kanaka Durga Temple and the Sanctum is covered with gold. Next to Kanaka Durga Temple is the shrine of Lord Malleswara Swamy, the consort of Goddess Kanaka Durga and the other deities located in this temple are Lord Krishna, Goddess Kali, and Nandi etc.

The epics Kaalika Puraana and Durgaa Sapthashati and other Vedic literature have mentioned about the epitome of beauty, Goddess Durga.

This place was an uninhabited area and the prays made by the people forced Lord Shiva to ask the Hills to make way for the flow of the river and the river started to flow via a tunnel is known as Bejjam which is believed to be constructed by Lord Shiva and this is the reason why this area is known as Bezawada.

This is a place of peerless spiritual significance and a very attractive pilgrim in Andhra Pradesh, which occupies a very special place in the scriptures of great Siva-Leelas and Shakti Mahimas. The scenic beauty of this place attracts both pilgrims and nature lovers.

Kanaka Durga Temple Timings

  • The Kanaka Durga Temple opens at 4 am and closes at 9 pm.
  • On Friday and Saturday, the Temple opens at 4 AM in the morning and closes at 10 PM.
  • The Private Vehicles are also not allowed from 10.00 AM to 2.00 PM.
  • There are three different Darshanams that are Dharma Darshanam, Mukha Mandapam and Antaralayam Darshanam that takes place from 4.00 AM to 5.45 PM and 6.15 PM to 9.00 PM.
  • Every Thursday 5.00PM to 6.00PM one can perform Swarnapushparchana pooja in Antarayalam
  • For Mukha Mandapam one has to pay Rs. 20/- for one person and for Antaralayam Darshanam one has to pay Rs. 100/- for one person.
  • The entry to Dharma Darshanam is free.

Kanaka Durga Temple Food Timings

The timings for Anna Prasaddam is from 5.00 AM to 10.00 PM where free and unlimited food is offered to all the pilgrims. About 5000 pilgrims are being provided with free meals. According to the Anna Prasadam, scheme devotees may pay Rs.1,116/-., this will be deposited in the bank and with the interest gained by it, 8 people can be fed on one particular day desired by the donar. If these devotees pay Rs. 5,116/-, 35 people will be fed on one particular day in a year.

Dress Code at Kanaka Durga Temple

Avoid shorts, shirts, tanktops and dresses exposing legs. Use of Cell phones and photography is restricted inside the Kanaka Durga Temple.

Festivals celebrated at this Temple

Vasantotsavam or Vasanta Navaratri in Chaitra masam: A large number of devotees from different places across the country visit the temple for the darshan of the goddess and also be part of the week-long Chaitra Maasa Vasantha Navaratri Utsavaalu. There are different poojas that are performed and there are different varieties of flowers that are offered by the devotees as part of Laksha Pushpaarchana Puja. It is than followed by Chaitra Brahmotsavam which is celebrated in the month of March or April.

Shakambari Navaratri in Ashada masam: This nine-day festival falls on the month of ashadam. Ashada Navaratri uthsavam is also called as Shakambari Navaratri and the celebrations stars from the first day of ashada masad and concludes on Dashami. Sakambari Ammavari Uthsavam is performed in Ashadamasam every year.

Celebrations of Dasara: The festival of Dasara for Goddess Durga is celebrated with great enthusiasm among devotees at Vijayawada. It is also known as Navaratri and there is Saraswati puja and Theppotsavam celebrated which is very significant. It is a nine-day festival when the Goddess Durga is decorated in nine forms for nine days. A large number of pilgrims gather together to take the holy dip in the Krishna river. A symbolic representation of the 10 forms of the triumph of good over evil, the form (known as ‘Alankaram’) of the day for the Goddess is chosen as per the astrological star of each day, in accordance with the lunar calendar.

Poojas and Rituals at Kanaka Durga Temple

There are different poojas and rituals that are performed in the Kanaka Durga temple such as Astothoranam Archana, Sahasra Namarchana, Lakshakumkumarchana  and many more. Accordingly there are different rates that are charged depending upon the number of persons performing the rituals.

How to reach Kanaka Durga Temple?

By Air: One can easily get regular flights to Vijayawada from other major cities of the country. There are direct flights to Vijayawada from the major cities as Hyderabad, Chennai, Bangalore, Coimbatore and Delhi.

By Train: Kanaka Durga Temple is located in the heart of Vijayawada city, the temple is just a 10 minutes drive from the railway station. Vijayawada is located 275 kilometers from Hyderabad. Vijayawada is one of the largest railway station on the South Central Railway.

By Road: APSRTC runs frequent buses from Hyderabad, Kammam, Tirupathi, and Warangal. The nearest airport is, Gannavaram (20km). Bus facility is available to reach Kanaka Durga Temple from Railway station, Bus Stand and Ratham centre for every 15 minutes. If you are in Vijayawada, you can avail the local transportation to reach the temple. The city is served by NH 5 and NH 9 which connects it to cities.

Where to stay in Vijayawada?

A wide range of facilities for accommodation is available In Vijayawada. There are various Three Stars hotels and Guest houses that are available.

Madapati Guest House: Near by Railway Station 10th platform, One Town, Opposite Rajkumari theatre

Indrakeeladri Guest House:  Near by Devasthanam Steps, One Town Arujuna street, Opp Kottagullu Venakateswara Swamy Temple.

The Gateway Hotel: 39-1-63, M G Road Vijayawada Krishna Dist.

Quality Hotel DV Manor: M. G. Road Venkateswarapuram Vijayawada

The Kay Hotel: 48-12-4/1 Gunadala Vijayawada

Fortune Murali Park: 40-1-28, M. G. Road Labbipet Vijayawada

Nearby Temples

  • Nataraja Temple: Temples for Sri Vinayaka, Sivakama Sundari Devi, Nataraja are wide constructed by the way to Malleswara Swamy Temple from Goddess Durga Temple. Every day Astothara and Sahasra Namarchanas are performed here. Adoration to Sri Sivakameswari Devi also will be done along with Goddess Durga on the auspicious days of Dasara.
  • Temple of Subrahmanyeswara: Devasthanam has constructed a beautiful temple for Lord Subrahmaneswara Swamy along with Srivalli and Devasena nearby the ant hill of Nagendra. Devotees also can perform these rituals. ‘Sarpa Dosha Nivasraqna Pooja’ also performed daily in the premises of the temple only.
  • Ant-hill of Nagendra: Nagendara Swamy was shined long years back at the Nothern part of Goddess Durga on Indrakeeladi. This is very old and powerful ant hill. Devotees believe that by installing Serpant idol(Nagapratistha) barren women will be blessed with children.
  • Kshetrapalka Anjaneya Swamy: For every Kshetra there will be a guardian (Palaka). He is called Kshetra Palaka. Lord Sri Anjaneya is the place guardian (Kshetrapalaka) of this Kanaka Durga Kshetra. Sri Anjaneya is visible at the root temple of big fig-tree that is situated in front of Goddess Durga’s main temple.
  • Mangalagiri Narasimha Swamy Temple: The renowned temple of Lord Narasimha, one of the nine avatars of Vishnu, is located on the hillock at Mangalagiri, 12k south of Vijayawada. The unique feature of this temple, according to the devout.

Grishneshwar Temple Guide – Timings, Poojas, and History

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Grishneshwar Temple is located in the Aurangabad district of Maharashtra. It belongs to the celebrated list of 12 Jyotirlinga temples of Lord Shiva. This temple is nearly 3000 years old and the Linga faces east. The sanctum sanctorum includes Lord Grishneshwar and his consort Grishneshwari.

Planning to visit this temple? Have a look at our Jyotirlingas in Maharashtra Tour Package.

Grishneshwar Temple – Facts

Deity Lord Grishneshwar (Lord Shiva)
Location Aurangabad, Maharashtra
SignificanceJyotirlinga
Tours 5 Jyotirlingas of Maharashtra Tour
Darshan Timings5:30 AM to 9:30 PM
PoojasRudrabhishek
Entry FeeFree
Dress CodeMen: Dhoti, No shirt; Women: Saree, Churidar
Best Time to VisitJune to August
FestivalsShravan Maas, Mahashivratri
Jyotirlingas in Maharashtra Sri Vaidyanath, Sri Trimbakeshwar,
Sri Aundha Nagnath, Sri Bhimashankar
Grishneshwar Temple
https://youtu.be/6Izt7P73yIY
Grishneshwar Temple Video

The Grishneshwar Temple is one of the 5 Jyotirlingas in Maharashtra. The other 4 Jyotirlingas are:

The 5 Jyotirlingas of Maharashtra

Grishneshwar Temple Timings

Grishneshwar temple opens at 05:30 am in the morning and closes at 09:30 pm in the evening. During the month of Shravan, the temple remains open between 03:00 am to 11:00 pm. The time required for Darshan: 1 to 2 hours depending on the crowd.

The temple also performs various rituals during this time. The devotees can be a part of these rituals such as the afternoon and evening aarti.

The timings of Grishneshwar Temple are as follows:

Rituals Timings
Darshan5:30 AM – 9:30 PM
Darshan during Shravan Maas3:00 AM – 11:00 PM
Afternoon Pooja1:00 PM – 1:30 PM
Evening Pooja4:30 PM – 5:30 PM

Kindly note: It usually takes approximately 2 hours to complete darshan during normal days. However, during Shravan, it takes around 6-8 hours due to heavy rush.

What are the sevas and poojas at Grishneshwar Temple?

Grishneshwar Temple Pooja
The Grishneshwar Temple shrine during pooja.

The sevas and poojas at Grishneshwar temple are:

TimingsFrom
Mangal Arati4 AM
Jalhari Sanghan8 AM
Maha Prashad12 PM
Jalhari Sagan4 PM
Evening Aarti7:30 PM
Night Aarti10 PM

What is the significance of Grishneshwar Temple?

Grishneshwar Shrine
The Grishneshwar Jyotirlinga decorated with flowers and the holy beads of Rudraksha.

The significance of the temple is that the pilgrims believe that by paying a visit to the Grishneshwar temple, one can reap the benefits of worshiping all the 12 Jyotirlingas. It is also said that the Grishneshwar temple is a classic example of the pre-historic style of architecture and has beautiful carvings.

Devotees can see the marriage scene of the Lord and his consort in the temple murals and carving. The Grishneshwar temple also houses a well that springs holy water.

The Grishneshwar Kund
The Grishneshwar Temple consists of a holy Kund.

What is the history of Grishneshwar Temple?

The history of Grishneshwar temple speaks of Maloji Bhosle, an ardent devotee and chief of the Verul village. He built the temple in the 16th century after he found a treasure hidden inside an anthill. Rani Ahilyabai Holker, Queen of the Maratha Malwa Kingdom, renovated the temple in the 17th century.

According to the Shiva Purana, several legends are associated with this ancient place of worship:

Legend of Shivalay

The legend of Shivalay states that during his hunting expeditions, the king of Verul killed animals living in the hermitage of Rishis. This angered the Rishis who cursed the king and insects swarmed over his body. The king wandered in the forest and came across a hole with water flowing from it.

The moment he started drinking the water, the insects miraculously vanished from his body. The overwhelmed king did severe penance in that place. Pleased with the penance, Lord Brahma blessed the king and created a lake that came to be known as Shivalay.

Legend of Kumkumeshwar

Lord Shiva and his consort Parvathi were residing in the Sahyadri range, near Shivalay. One day, when the Goddess was about to apply vermilion, she mixed it with the Shivalay water. The vermilion then transformed into a Linga, emitting a radiant ray of light.

Since the Linga emerged from the vermilion, this Jyotirlinga was initially called Kumkumeshwar. But the Goddess named it Grishneshwar since she believed the Linga came from the rubbing action, and the word Grish means friction.

Legend of Ghushmeswar

A great Brahmin scholar, Brahmavetta Sudharm and his wife, Sudeha, lived in the southern mountain of Devagiri (later known as Daulatabad). They were childless, and an agonized Sudeha persuaded her sister Ghushma to marry Sudharm so that they could have a child together.

Eventually, Ghushma and Sudharm had a son much to the envy of Sudeha. The boy grew up to be a handsome young man and eventually got married. Unable to cope with jealous feelings, Sudeha killed the boy when he was asleep and threw the body into a lake.

A deeply grieving Gushma continued with her routine. During her morning ritual of visiting the lake where she usually made and worshipped a hundred Lingas, she saw her son emerging from the lake. Then Lord Shiva appeared before her and said that Sudeha had killed her son.

Pleased with Gushma’s devotion, he gave back her son and also granted her a boon. Then Ghushma requested the Lord to forgive her sister and also to remain in the place. The Lord accepted her request and continued to reside there in the form of a Jyotirlinga. Hence, he took the name Ghushmeswar in Gushma’s honor.

What is the architecture of Grishneshwar Temple like?

Architecture of Grishneshwar Temple
The Grishneshwar Temple is carved out of red stone and is a treat for lovers of ancient architecture.

History lovers would find the temple engrossing as several rock carvings of Maratha heroes are preserved beautifully in the temple. Devotees and visitors find the brilliant five-tiered Shikhara (temple tower) amazing.

The Shikara also includes intricate carvings of the Dasavathar, which appear resplendent in the red volcanic rock. Devotees also marvel at the statue of Nandikeshwara that adorns the court hall.

What are the festivals celebrated at Grishneshwar Temple?

Some of the festivals celebrated at Grishneshwar Temple are:

  • Mahashivaratri: Like all important Shiva temples, the Maha Shivaratri festival is a grand event at Grishneshwar temple. It is the main festival here. Crores of devotees make a trip to this town to catch a glimpse of the Lord on this auspicious day that falls in February/March every year.
  • Ganesh Chaturthi: Dedicated to Lord Ganesh, this festival is celebrated in August / September
  • Navratri or Durga Puja: It is a famous festival, celebrated as a symbol of victory of good over evil. As per legend, Goddess Durga defeated the demon king Mahishasura to save the world and restore Dharma. Navratri is celebrated across India for nine days. Celebrations in the temple include stage decorations, recital of the legend, enacting of the story, and chanting of the scriptures of Hinduism.

How to reach Grishneshwar Temple?

Here’s how to reach Grishneshwar Temple:

  • Air: The nearest airport is in Aurangabad, and there are regular flights from Delhi, Mumbai, Jaipur, and Udaipur.
  • Train: Aurangabad is the nearest railway station. Manmad is also closer and better connected.
  • Road: From Pune: 256 km/4.5 hours. From Nasik: 187 km/3 hours. From Shirdi: 122 km/2.5 hours.

Where to stay nearby?

Grishneshwar Temple is situated in a small village called Verul and there aren’t many accommodation options available nearby. Devotees usually stay either in Daulatabad or Aurangabad, with the latter offering more choices of accommodation. You can expect mostly budget accommodations in Daulatabad.

Where to eat in Grishneshwar?

Several devotees partake the free lunch provided at the temple. There are not many restaurant options in Verul. However, one can find several good standalone restaurants in Aurangabad.

What are some temples near Grishneshwar Temple?

Explore Aurangabad
The Ellora Caves is a famous tourist attraction near Aurangabad.

Some of the temples near Grishneshwar are:

  • Ellora Caves: The Ellora Caves is a collection of Hindu caves, Buddhist caves, and Jain caves and is an excellent example of religious harmony during the ancient period. The Ellora Caves are within a 1 km distance from Grishneshwar Temple.
  • Bhadra Maruti Temple, Khuldabad: This temple is dedicated to Lord Hanuman, the monkey god. The Bhadra Maruti Temple also enjoys the reputation of being the only Hanuman temple with the deity in reclining or sleeping position. The temple is just 6 km away from the Grishneswar Temple.
  • Aundha Nagnath Jyotirlinga Temple: The Aundha Nagnath Temple in the village of Aundha Nagnath in Maharashtra, is the first of the Jyotirlinga temples. The temple is 227 km from the Grishneshwar temple. According to beliefs, Yudhishtra, the eldest of the Pandava brothers built the Temple during their exile.
  • Bhimashankar Jyotirlinga Temple: The Bhimashankar Jyotirlinga Temple is near Pune and is 201 km from Grishneshwar Temple. The Linga here is one of the five Jyotirlingas in Maharashtra.
  • Parli Vaijnath Jyotirlinga Temple: Vaijnath Jyotirlinga Temple is located in Parli, Beed District, Maharashtra. The temple is 246 km from the Grishneshwar Temple. Moreover, devotees believe that health conditions improve by praying at this temple.
  • Trimbakeshwar Jyotirlinga Temple: The Trimbakeshwar Temple is in the town of Trimbak, Nashik District, Maharashtra. The temple is 214 km from Grishneshwar Temple. The Linga has three faces symbolizing Lord Shiva, Lord Vishnu, and Lord Brahma.

Frequently Asked Questions about Grishneshwar Temple

Is the Grishneshwar Temple open throughout the year?

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

What is the entry fee?

The entry to the Grishneshwar Temple is free of cost.

Is there any online darshan facility available?

No. There is no facility for online darshan available.

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

Yes. There is are palki services available for the specially-abled and senior citizens.

Which is the best time to visit the Grishneshwar Temple?

June to August are the months when the monsoon starts in Maharashtra. The weather is pleasant, making it an ideal time to visit the temple.

What is the weather like during summer?

The summers at Maharashtra start from March and continues until June. The summers here can be very hot. Temperatures during the daytime often go up to 36 º C.

What are winters like in Maharashtra?

In Maharashtra, winters start in November and continue until January. The temperatures during this time range from around 20 º C to 30 º C.

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

Kashi Vishwanath Temple Guide – Timings, Poojas, and History

, 19 Comments Filed Under: Jyotirlinga, Uttar Pradesh Temples Tagged With:

Kashi Vishwanath Temple is one of the 12 holy Jyotirlingas. It is dedicated to Lord Shiva and is situated in Varanasi, Uttar Pradesh. “Vishwanath” means “King of the World” and hence, the Jyotirlinga here is said to be the King of all Jyotirlingas. It is said that if a person visits all the Jyotirlingas, he is blessed with good health and also attains Moksha.

Planning to visit the Kashi Vishwanath Temple? Have a look at our Varanasi Tour Package.

Kashi Vishwanath Temple – Facts

DeityLord Vishwanath (Lord Shiva)
LocationVaranasi, Uttar Pradesh
SignificanceJyotirlinga
ToursVaranasi Tour
Darshan Timings4:00 AM – 11:00 AM; 12 PM – 7 PM; 8:30 PM – 9 PM
Entry FeeFree
PoojasRudrabhisek, Pathatmak Atirudra
Best Time to VisitOctober to March
FestivalsShravan, Shivratri, Holi, Pradosham
Kashi Vishwanath Temple Darshan Video

What are the timings of the Kashi Vishwanath Temple?

The temple opens at 2:30 AM and closes at 11 PM. However, after 9 PM, pilgrims are allowed to view the Lord from outside the sanctum only. The temple performs various rituals during this time. The devotees can be a part of these rituals, such as the morning, afternoon, and evening aarti.

The timings are as follows:

Darshan4:00 AM to 11:00 AM; 12:00 PM to 7:00 PM; 8:30 PM to 9:00 PM
Mangala Aarti3:00 AM to 4:00 AM
Afternoon Bhog11:30 AM to 12:00 PM
Sapta Rishi Aarti7:00 PM to 8:30 PM
Shringar Bhog and Aarti9:00 PM
Shayan Aarti10:30 PM

Devotees can receive online darshan and e-pooja by visiting the temple’s official website: shrikashivishwanath.org

What are the poojas performed at Kashi Vishwanath Temple?

The following poojas are performed between 4 AM to 6 PM at the Kashi Vishwanath Temple:

  1. Rudrabhishek: This pooja is dedicated to Lord Shiva, who is worshiped as Fire or Rudra. The pooja wipes out all sins and purifies the atmosphere. It also removes all sorts of planetary related ill-occurrences. The Mondays of the month and the Pradosham days are considered as ideal for performing this pooja.
  2. Maharudrabhishek: In the abhishek, recitations of Rigveda, Samveda, Yajurveda and Atharva Veda is done in front of the deities of the Kashi Vishwanath Temple.
  3. Laghurudrabhishek: This abhishek is done to resolve issues related to health and wealth. It is also done to remove the harmful effects of planets in the horoscope.
  4. Shravan Somvar Pooja: The Mondays of the month of Shravan (July – August) are considered highly auspicious for worshiping Lord Shiva. Devotees observe Somvar Vrat during the Shravan month and perform Poojas in their homes.  The articles used for worship are Bilva leaves, white flowers, water, honey, and milk. The charges for the Seva are Rs. 6251.
  5. Lakh Vilvarchana: This archana is performed by offering one lakh Bilva leaves to the Linga of God.

Poojas and sevas can be booked online on the temple’s official website: shrikashivishwanath.org

The poojas mentioned below are Long Term Schemes and are offered for a period of 20 years:

  • Dainik Pooja and Archana Scheme: This annual scheme has a membership fee of Rs. 11, 000 /-. As per the scheme, the Rudrabhishekam is performed once a year for 20 years in the name of the devotee.
  • Yati Bhiksha: The word “Yati” means “Sadhu” or a Sage. Yati Bhiksha means that offerings like food will be provided to the Sadhus residing in the holy town of Varanasi. The charges for the seva are Rs. 8, 751/-.
  • Sarwa Pooja: All the poojas of the day are performed for one day in the name of the devotee. The charges of the seva are Rs. 13, 751/-.

Yatras at Kashi Vishwanath Temple

Apart from the poojas and sevas mentioned above, the devotees can also be a part of yatras. Here are some yatras one can be a part of:

  • Panchatheertha Yatra: The pilgrims should take a bath in the five main Ghats in the sequence of Asi ghat – Dashashwamedha ghat, Aadikeshav ghat, Panchganga ghat, Manikarnika ghat, and then proceed to visit all the shrines of Kashi.
  • Mauni Yatra: This yatra should begin with a bath in the Manikarnika ghat followed by the darshan of the various forms of Shiva and Shakti and end with a bath again at the Manikarnika ghat. The condition of the Yatra is that it should be performed in silence.

What is the significance of the Kashi Vishwanath Temple?

The Shrine of Kashi Vishwanath
Lord Vishwanath of Kashi is said to be the King of all the 12 Jyotirlingas.

The significance of the temple is that the Linga of the presiding deity Lord Vishwanath is one of the 12 Jyotirlingas that are revered in Hindu mythology. The Jyotirlinga means that the Linga is self-manifested and is called Swayambhu. It is believed that a one-time visit to Kashi Vishwanath Jyotirlinga equals to the visit of the rest of the eleven Jyotirlingas. Kashi Vishwanath is called the King of Jyotirlingas.

The well of Gyan Vaapi is also known as the well of wisdom. It is believed that before Aurangzeb attacked the city, the Jyotirlinga was hidden inside the well. The well can be seen between the mosque and the temple.

The Kashi Vishwanath Temple has been visited and appreciated by several revered ancient saints like Sri Adi Shankaracharya, Ramakrishna Paramahansa, Swami Vivekananda, Swami Dayanand Saraswati and Gurunanak.

It is believed that Kashi is the holiest city for Hindus and that anyone who lives here will attain Moksha. It is a belief that anyone who departs from the city of Kashi will attain spiritual enlightenment and salvation. This is the reason that the ashes of departed people are mostly dispersed in the River Ganga at Kashi.

According to the scriptures, the city was built by Lord Shiva on his trident as his residence after his marriage with Goddess Parvati. It is believed that the first rays of the sun fell on the city of Kashi when the world was created. Hence, it is believed that the city is so sacred that even if the end of the world (Pralayam) happens, the city of Kashi will survive.

In the Puranas, the city is also mentioned as Aadyavaishnav Bhoomi and Lord Brahma is supposed to have performed ten Ashwamedha Yagnas at the Dashashwamedha Ghat. It is an important place for devotees of Shakti (Goddess Sati) as the city is also home to a Shakti Peeth.

Lord Shiva is the protector of the city. It is believed that the Navagraha (Nine Planets) does not influence or affect the people living in Kashi as they abide by the rules of Lord Shiva. They cannot even enter the city without Lord Shiva’s permission.

A popular tradition that is followed to date is that the water taken from River Ganga after visiting the Kashi Vishwanath Temple is used for abhishekam of the Jyotirlinga of Sri Ramanathaswamy in Rameswaram. The sand from the temple is brought back to Kashi and given as an offering to Lord Vishwanath. Hence, it is believed that the pilgrimage of Kashi and Rameswaram will lead to complete Moksha and enlightenment.

What is the history of the Kashi Vishwanath Temple?

Kashi Vishwanath Temple History
The Kashi Vishwanath Temple is said to have been built in the 11th century.

According to evidence, the history of the Kashi Vishwanath Temple dates back to the 11th century. The Temple was subjected to repeated invasions and destruction. The original structure of the temple was destroyed by Qutb-ud-din-Aibak in 1194 CE but was rebuilt under the reign of Sultan Iltutmish.

The Kashi Vishwanath Temple was again attacked under the reign of either Sikander Lodhi or under Husain Sharqi in the 1400s. Raja Man Singh built it but was boycotted as he allowed the Mughals to marry into his family. However, Todar Mal further re-built the Temple with Akbar’s blessings at the original site in 1585.

In 1669, Aurangzeb destroyed the temple again and over the foundations, built the Gyanvapi Mosque. Later, plans were made to demolish the mosque by Maratha ruler Malhar Rao Holkar in 1742 and in 1750 by the Maharaja of Jaipur. However, they were unsuccessful in doing so due to the objections raised by the Nawabs of Lucknow. The remains of the temple can still be seen in the mosque premises.

In 1780, Rani Ahilyabai Holkar constructed the present Kashi Vishwanath Temple near the mosque. In 1828, the widow of Daulat Rao Scindia, Baija Rao built a colonnade with 40 pillars at the Gyan Vyapi premises. The Gyan Vyapi Well boundary, the Ghats, and other small temples were eventually built during the period 1833-1840.

What is the structure of the Kashi Vishwanath Temple?

Kashi Vishwanath Temple complex is quadrangular in shape with several small temples and shrines dedicated to Lord Dandapani (Karthikeya), Lord Vinayaka, Kalabhairavar, Avimukteshwar, Lord Vishnu, Virupaksha, Virupaksha Gauri and Lord Shaneeshwara.

There are three distinct regions of the temple – the first is a spire over the temple of Lord Vishwanath, the second is a golden dome and the third is a spire with a trident and a flag atop it. The temple has a Sabha Griha that leads to the Garbha Griha where the Linga is housed.

The holy River Ganga flows beside the temple increasing the spiritual value of the temple by manifolds. Kashi Vishwanath Temple plays an important role in Hindu mythology and has been mentioned innumerable times in scriptures like Skanda Purana, Shiva Purana, the Upanishads, and in the Vedas.

What are the festivals celebrated at Kashi Vishwanath Temple?

Rangbhari Ekadashi Kashi Vishwanath
Celebration of the Rangbhari Ekadashi at the Kashi Vishwanath Temple.

Although the Kashi Vishwanath Temple celebrates almost all the festivals such as, Ramnavami, Hanuman Jayanti, Dussehra, Holi, and Janmashtami with great pomp and fare, there are some festivals which are extremely important at this temple.

Some major festivals celebrated at Kashi Vishwanath Temple are:

  • Mahashivaratri: The festival is celebrated on the 13th night and the 14th day of the month of Maagha (February /March). The Linga of Lord Shiva is bathed with Ganga water, applied with Chandan paste, and offered Bilva leaves, bhang, datura, flowers, coconut, fruits, and cow milk. People keep fast for the whole day and do Shiva Pooja at their homes. Taking a dip in the River Ganga on Mahashivaratri is considered extremely sacred.
  • Makar Sankranti: The devotees take a dip in River Ganga and pray to the Sun God on this day. The day signifies the ascent of the sun and the beginning of spring. The day is dedicated to a good harvest in the agricultural terms. On the day of the festival, thousands of kites are flown in the Varanasi skyline, which is an enthralling experience to have.
  • Shravan Maas: The month of Shravan (June-July) is considered to be the holy month of the Hindu calendar. Special decorations and special poojas are performed for Lord Shiva on every Monday. On the first Monday, Lord Shiva is decorated, on the second, both Shiva and Parvati’s idols are decorated. On the third and the fourth Monday, Lord Ardhanarishwar and Sri Rudrakshaya are worshiped.
  • Dev Deepawali: The festival means “The Diwali of the Gods.” The festival is celebrated in the month of Karthik Poornima, ten days after the festival of Diwali. The steps of all the ghats are lit with lamps in honor of the River Ganga. It is believed that Gods descend to the Earth to take a dip in the Ganga.
  • Rangbhari Ekadashi: The festival is celebrated in February –March. As per legend, the consummation of the marriage between Lord Shiva and Goddess Parvati happened on this day. The devotees carry the idols of Lord Shiva and Goddess Parvati in a Palki from the house of the Mahant of the Kashi Vishwanath Temple and take them to the sanctum of the temple and are decorated with gulaal and rose petals.

How to reach Kashi Vishwanath Temple?

  • Air: The nearest airport to the city is Babatpur, which is 22 km from Varanasi. Direct flights are operated by Air India as well as other private airlines from cities like Delhi, Mumbai, Kolkata, Chennai, Agra, Bhubaneswar, and Lucknow.
  • Train: The nearest railway station is Varanasi Junction or the Mughal Sarai Junction. Several trains connect the city to almost all major parts of the country like Delhi, Chennai, Howrah, Jammu, Ahmedabad, Bengaluru, Mumbai, and Guwahati.
  • Road: The city is located on NH2 highway linking Kolkata to New Delhi. Several buses are available from places like Delhi, Agra, Lucknow, Kanpur, Allahabad, Patna, Nagpur, Gorakhpur, Azamgarh, and Gaya.

Varanasi (Kashi) is one of the seven Moksha Puris according to Hindu beliefs. The other six are Ayodhya, Mathura, Haridwar, Kanchipuram, Ujjain, and Dwarka-Somnath.

Where to stay nearby?

Numerous Government operated Guest Houses are available for accommodation for Government servants. Please visit the temple’s official website to see a list of the Government Guest Houses: shrikashivishwanath.org

Apart from these Guest Houses, there are several private hotels to accommodate yourself comfortably, within a reasonable budget. The hotels also offer express check-in and check-out, high-speed Internet, Wi-Fi, airport & railway pickup. The names of a few of them are:

  • Shiva Inn
  • Ganpati Guest House
  • Kanha Paying Guest House
  • BrijRama Palace – A Heritage Hotel

Where to eat nearby?

The city of Varanasi boasts of great food and culture. The traditional must-haves of the city’s culinary delights are Chaat items like Kachoris and Puris. The Kashi Kalakand is also a famous dessert here and is available widely. Lassi and Thandai are very popular drinks and are extremely cooling in the heat. The cuisine in Varanasi is mainly vegetarian with occasional but rare non-veg hotels.

What are some famous temples near Kashi Vishwanath?

Explore Varanasi
Varanasi is called the city of temples and Lord Shiva is said to be the city’s guardian deity.

Some temples near Kashi Vishwanath temple are:

  1. Kashi Vishalakshi Temple: The sacred temple is located behind the Kashi Vishwanath Temple. The Temple is one of the 51 Shakti Peeths of Goddess Sati. It is believed that when her body was cut with Lord Vishnu’s Sudarshana Chakra, her third eye (Aksha) and the earing (Manikarni) fell at this location and hence the name Visalakshi.
  2. The Kalbhairav Temple: The temple is situated 1 km away from the Kashi Vishwanath temple. As per the legend, when Lord Brahma lies about finding the end of the massive pillar of light, Lord Shiva gets angry and assumes the form of Kalbhairav. He cut off one of the five heads of Brahma. However, the decapitation made Lord Shiva guilty of the crime of killing. He carried the head of Brahma and roamed around as a Bhikshatana until his sin was forgiven. The head was released from him after he reached Kashi. He is the guard of Kashi, and it is a belief that no one can enter Kashi without his permission.
  3. Markandey Mahadev Temple: The temple is located at Kaithi, Varanasi which is 29 km away from the Kashi Vishwanath Temple. According to legend, a couple named Mrikandu and Marudvati prayed to Shiva to attain a son. Lord Shiva granted them a boon of a son who was eventually named Markandeya. He was extraordinarily intelligent in his childhood. He was always dedicated to Lord Shiva and master of the Mahamritunjaya Mantra. When he became 16, Yama came to take him. Markandeya prayed for the defense to Lord Shiva who defeated Yama and granted him the gift of immortality.
  4. Bharat Mata Mandir: This unique temple is located just 4 km away from the Kashi Vishwanath Temple. The temple is located inside the Mahatma Gandhi Kashi Vidyapeeth Campus. The unique feature is that the temple does not contain any idol of Gods and Goddesses. The Bharat Mata is worshiped here. A map of India can be seen in the sanctum to which offerings are made. Babu Shiv Prasad constructed the Temple and inaugurated by Mahatma Gandhi in 1936.
  5. Mrityunjay Mahadev Temple: The famous temple is located just 1 km away from the Kashi Vishwanath Temple. It is believed that the Mrityunjay Mahadev is the “God who triumphs over death.” Devotees from all over the country come here to pray for a long and healthy life and against unnatural death. It is a belief that the well of the temple contains water with medicinal properties, and it can cure several ailments of the sick.
  6. Annapoorna Devi Mandir: The temple dedicated to Annapoorna Devi, an incarnation of Goddess Parvati is located near the Kashi Vishwanath Temple. It is believed that Goddess Annapoorna is responsible for the nourishment of human souls. Anyone who worships her with devotion will never have any food shortages in his or her life.
  7. Tulsi Manas Mandir: The Tulsi Manas Mandir is dedicated to Lord Rama, Lakshman, and Sita. It is believed that the temple is constructed over the place where the saint Goswami Tulsidas wrote the epic Ramcharitramanas. The walls of the temple depict the scenes of the epic.
  8. The Ghat of Manikarnika: Situated on the banks of River Ganga, this ghat near the Kashi Vishwanath Temple is considered to be a Shakti Peetha. The Shakti Peethas are the 52 places where parts of the body of Goddess Sati (Adi Parashakti), first wife of Lord Shiva, fell on Earth after being decapitated by Lord Vishnu’s Sudarshana Chakra.

Apart from the above-mentioned temples, several other famous temples can also be visited in Varanasi. Some of these temples are the Sankat Mochan Hanuman Temple, the Durga Temple, The Vyas Temple, The Birla Temple, The Tilbhandeshwar Temple, and The Sarnath Temple.

Frequently Asked Questions about Kashi Vishwanath Temple

Is the Kashi Vishwanath Temple open throughout the year?

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

What is the entry fee?

The entry to the Kashi Vishwanath Temple is free of cost.

Can anyone enter the temple?

Non-Hindus are not allowed inside the temple.

Is there any Online Darshan facility available?

Yes, please visit the website shrikashivishwanath.org for Online Darshan.

How to book and make arrangements for a Havan/ Yajna?

For booking Yajna Shala, please visit the official temple website: shrikashivishwanath.org

Can one carry mobiles and gadgets into the temple?

No. All electronic gadgets are strictly prohibited (viz. mobile, camera, laptop). They can be stored in lockers available. This facility is free of cost.

Is there any facility available for site seeing or nearby temple visit?

No, there are no such facilities provided by the temple.

What is the ideal time to visit Kashi Vishwanath?

The months of October to March are perfect to visit the temple as the weather is pleasant and is not too hot to travel during the daytime.

What is the weather like during summers?

The summers at Kashi start from March and continue until May. The summers here can be hot. Temperatures during the daytime often go up to 38 º C.

What are winters like in Varanasi?

In Kashi, 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 dry.

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

Yaganti Temple Guide – Timings, Poojas, and History

, 4 Comments Filed Under: Andhra Pradesh Temples Tagged With:

Yaganti Temple also known as Sri Uma Maheswara Temple or Yagantiswamy Temple is located in Yaganti which is in Kurnool of Andhra Pradesh. This temple is devoted to Lord Shiva and is supposed to have been built in the 15th century by kings Harihara and Bukka Raya of the Sangama dynasty of the Vijayanagara Empire.

Yaganti Temple is extremely beautiful and is in the middle of the Yerramala Hills, surrounded by scenic beauty. Also, there are numerous caves in the hills around the temple where quite a lot of saints reside including the great Telugu saint and astrologer ‘Potuluti Veera Brahmam Garu.’

The temple dates back to 5th and 6th centuries with donations from the Pallavas, Chalukyas, Cholas and Vijayanagara rulers. Apart from this, the temple also received valuable contributions from Vijayanagara Kings Harihara and Bukka Rayalu who completed the construction of quite a lot of structures in and around the temple.

Yaganti Temple has idols of Shiva and Parvathi engraved out of a single stone. This temple is almost certainly the only place where Lord Shiva is adorned in the form of an idol and not in the form of a Shiva Linga. It is a popular belief that Agastya performed the sacrament for Lord Shiva and appealed him Lord Shiva to make an appearance in Ardhanareeswara form. Another very bizarre yet miraculous characteristic of this temple is that the idol of Nandi here keeps increasing in size.

Yaganti Temple History

Lord Agastyar was a preacher, a Vedic saint, the earliest Siddhar & one of the Saptarishis, the seven sages who were extruded at many places in the Vedas. According to the mythology associated with the temple, Lord Agastyar desired to construct a temple for Lord Venkateswara, i.e. Lord Vishnu at Yaganti.

Accordingly, a number of rituals were performed to establish the idol of Lord Vishnu at the explicit place selected at Yaganti but to his surprise, he found that the nail of the foot thumb finger was broken. Lord Agastya was bothered to discover this and made a sacrament to Lord Shiva to be acquainted with the reason behind the incident. Lord Shiva responded positively to his prayer and appeared before him and explained that the place bear a resemblance to Kailash and it is appropriate tobe the domicile of Lord Shiva.

Sage Agastya was enthralled and demanded Lord Shiva to dwell in this place for eternity along with Goddess Parvati. So, since then the place is called as Uma Maheswara Temple where in ‘Uma’ refers to Goddess Parvati and ‘Maheswara’ refers to Lord Shiva.

Yaganti Temple is has been constructed as per the Vaishnava traditions and it demonstrates the artistic dexterity of the ancient Vishwakarma Sthapathis.

Significance of Yaganti Temple

The deities of Yaganti Temple are Lord Shiva and Goddess Parvati carved on a single stone. There is also a cave in the name of sage Agastya who performed the sacrament towards Lord Shiva. The idol of Lord Vishnu which was apparently believed to be distorted was also found in one of the caves of the temple known as Venkateswara Cave.

The Nandi also termed as Lord Nandeeswara, the ascend of Lord Shiva, present in the Yaganti temple is considered to be budding in size over the decades. As per the researchers, the rock out of which the idol of Nandi is made has a special characteristic which leads the rock to grow. Furthermore, it was also discovered that the idol of Nandi increases to about 10mm per eight years i.e., 1 inch per 20 years. The Archaeological Survey of India has conirmed that the growing of the size of the idol is due to Geological phenomena as per science.

A very significant and remarkable feature of this temple is that the Pushkarini which is the temple tank consists of sacred holy water flowing from the tank. But, the water is believed to flow from the bottom of the hill.

A very bizarre fact about the place is that crows are forbidden to fly in Yaganti. This is because when sage Agastya was meditating here, Kakusara, the king of crows distracted him from his deliberation and in rage sage Agastya spelled his curse on the crows to prevent them from his entering his premises. Likewise, Shani, the vehicle of crows also could not go through.

It is also a belief that people performed Pradakshinas, rounds around the idol of Nandi years ago. One of the pillars of the temple has been removed due to the increasing size of the idol. As per the Potuluri Veera Brahman, the Basavanna which is the idol of Nandi will come alive and bellow when Kaliyuga ends.

Yaganti Temple caves are also remarkable about the place. The following are the temple caves at Yaganti:

  • Agastya Cave: It is believed that sage Agastya performed the holy sacrament here for Lord Shiva. The shrine for Godess Parvati is also located here and one has to climb 120 steps to reach the entrance to the temple.
  • Sri Venkateswara Cave: The distorted idol of Lord Vishnu can be seen here and it is a popular belief that this idol was carved preceding the arrival of Lord Venkateswara Swamy onto Tirumala hills.
  • Sri Potuluri Veera Brahman Cave: Here, the prophet Sri Potuluri Veera Brahman spent some of his time and that’s why the cave has been named so.

Yaganti Uma Maheswara Temple, Nandi: Also dissimilar to other Shiva temples, the idol of Nandi is not placed right opposite to Lord Shiva, rather it is located to the side of main Mantap. Sri Potuluri Veera Brahmendra Swamy declared in his prophecy that the idol of Nandi would come alive at the end of the Kaliyuga and would shout piercingly.

Yaganti Uma Maheswara Temple Akasha Deepam: The temple priest used to lit lamp using 4 litres of oil and 2-meter thick wick on an everyday basis. This was done in the evening on a ledge behind Veerabhadra Swamy Temple. The lamp burns from 6:00 am to 6:00 pm in an open air on the top of the hill.

What are the timings of Yaganti Temple?

Here’re are the timings of Yaganti Temple:

Darshan Timings: 6 AM to 1 PM, 3 PM to 8 PM.

The customary Poojas and rituals are performed within this time slot on an everyday basis.

Festivals celebrated at Yaganti Temple

The main festival celebrated at the Yaganti Temple is the Maha Shivratri Which is celebrated in the month of February/March. This festival is celebrated every year and a mammoth of visitors and pilgrims come from across the country and abroad to be a part of this ceremonial festival.

How to reach Yaganti Temple

  • By road: It is associated with state transport to Hyderabad, Chittoor, Tirupati, Cuddapah, Nellore, Kurnool and Chennai which is 24km from the place called Allagadda and is also connected to the rest of the major cities. Buses are also available to Yaganti from Banaganapalli twice a day i.e., at 7:00 am and 3:30 pm. One can also find buses to Banaganapalli from Cuddapah, Nandyal, Hyderabad and Kurnool.
  • By Train:  The nearest railway station to the Sri Uma Maheswara Temple is the Secunderabad Railway station which is about 7 km from the temple. Nandyal railway station which is 55 km away from the temple is the nearest railway station connected to connected to major cities like Hyderabad, Howrah, Bangalore, Goa, Machilipatnam, Vijaywada, Puri, Hubli, Vizag and Bhubaneshwar.
  • By Air: The nearest airport to Sri Uma Maheswara Temple is Rajiv Gandhi International airport, Hyderabad and it is about 12km from the temple.

It is believed that the best time to visit Yaganti is in between the months of October to March while the peak season is said to be in between the months of February to March and it generally takes half of the day to explore Yaganti.

Yaganti Temple Accommodation

There are quite a lot of hotels available in and around the Yaganti Temple. Apart from the hotels, Lodges are also available at reasonable costs with all the necessary facilities and every year pilgrims from across the world visit Yaganti on an everyday basis.

Where to Eat

Free and quality food are offered to the pilgrims on a daily basis at Annanda Hall and the timings are from 11:00 am to 2:30 pm and 8:00 pm to 9:30 pm.

Nearby Temples

There are a number of important temples located near by the Uma Maheswara/ Yaganti Temple and visitors from around the country visit these temples as well.

  • Nava Narasimha Temple: This temple is located on the upper Ahobilam at a distance of 8km from Lower Ahobilam. The supervising deity of this temple is believed to be “Svayambhu” who is worshipped as Lord Ahobila Narasimha Swamy and is also known as ‘Ugra Narasimha’ because he appears in his fierce feature.
  • Shikaresvara Temple: Located in Nallamala Hill of Srisailam, Shikaresvara Temple is atop the highest point 2830 feet termed as Shikaram. This temple is bestowed to Lord Shiva and the people residing here have the propensity to believe that Lord Shiva in this temple has great healing powers and accomplish all their wishes. The temple also consists of Garbha Griha, 16 pillared Mukhmandapam and Antaralaya.
  • Sakshi Ganapati Temple: This temple is considered as one of the most holy spots recurrented by pilgrims since time immemorial. Located at a distance of 3km from Srisailam, this temple is positioned on the main road to Sikharam. As per the legend of this temple, the Ganapathi in this temple is believed to keep habitual account of the pilgrims to tender Sakshyam which means evidence of their visit to this Kshetram and so the temple is accordingly termed as Sakshi Ganapathi.
  • Mahanandi Temple: Located in the east of Nallamala Hills near Nandyal in Kurnool district, Mahanandi temple is considered to be the living temple that abides the evidence to the harmony that depicts the Hindu way of life. Lord shiva is depicted as the Lord of Nandi, his bull vehicle. Bull is also considered to be an important aspect of the agricultural world and is also bequeathed with worship because bull here, is correlated to Lord Vishnu and his incarnations
  • Iswaraswami Temple: This is also among one of the famous temples in and around Yaganti. This temple is also most popular because of the scenic beauty and the captivating view. Devotees appear in mammoth to visit the temple on a daily basis.

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