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Iskcon Temple Delhi Guide – Timings, Poojas, and History

September 15, 2019, Sasidhar Darla Leave a Comment Filed Under: Delhi Temples Tagged With: Krishna Temples

Iskcon Temple Delhi also known as ‘Sri Sri Radha Parthasarathy Temple’ or ‘Hare Krishna Temple’ built by The International Society for Krishna Consciousness – popularly known as ISKCON or ‘Hare Krishna Movement’ – belongs to the Gaudiya-Vaishnava sampradāya, one of the various traditions of the Hindu culture.

Philosophically, this tradition is based on the Sanskrit texts Bhagavad-gītā, and the Bhagavat Purana or Srimad Bhagavatam. These historic texts fall under the ‘bhakti yoga’ tradition, literally meaning ‘devotional discipline’. They teach that the ultimate goal for all living beings is to reawaken their love for God, particularly God Krishna – the “all-attractive one”, through devotion, prayer, and meditation. Iskcon Temple was established in India in the year 1998 in Delhi.

One of the 40 temples built by the Society, it is situated in Sant Nagar area in south Delhi. Iskcon Temple has three shrines dedicated to Radha-Krishna, Sita-Ram, and Guara-Nitai. It has an air-conditioned hall that can accommodate as many as 1,500 people at a time. During the months of Saawan (July–August) and Kartik (October–November), the temple is decorated with fresh flowers. The air is thick with spiritual discourses and chants, enhancing the divine atmosphere, thus propagating the devotion to God.

ISKCON Temple complex consists of the Temple, Museum of Vedic Culture, Center for Vedic Studies, Vedic Center for the Performing Arts, Asrama, and Krishna Jayanti Park. ISKCON welcomes anybody and everybody from devotees to those who want to learn the essence of the Vedas.

Iskcon-New-Delhi-Sita-Rama-Laxman-Hanuman

Iskcon Temple Delhi History

ISKCON was first established in New York City by His Divine Grace A. C. Bhaktivedanta Swami Prabhupāda in 1966.
In India, in Delhi, it was established in 1988 by Gopala Krishna Goswami who served Srila Prabhupada in the States.
After several attempts to get land in Delhi, finally, in 1982 the government sanctioned land for the establishment of this “educational and cultural project.” The project was titled ‘Glory of India Vedic Cultural Center.’
Shri A.P.Khanvinde, the recipient of the Padma Shri in 1974, was the principal architect of ISKCON Delhi.
Since then, it has established itself as a great religious center of Hindus, especially the people of Vaishnava tradition and the devotees God Krishna.

Significance of the Iskcon Temple Delhi

The vision of the project is to create an institution that will inspire people to dedicate their lives to the teachings of God Sri Krishna. And in keeping with this theme, the Glory of India museum and exhibition present highlights from the ancient and medieval texts, such as Mahabharata, Ramayana, Srimad-Bhagavatam, and Caitanya-caritamrta.
Iskcon Temple architecture is a combination of the design of six-eight hundred-year-old temples and present day technology.
The purpose of ISKCON is to serveas a center for India’s greatest glory – Vedic knowledge and culture.
God is known across the world by many names including Allah, Jehovah, Yahweh, Rama, etc. ISKCON devotees chant God’s names in the form of the maha-mantra or the great prayer: “Hare Krishna, Hare Krishna, Krishna Krishna, Hare Hare; Hare Rama Hare Rama, Rama Rama, Hare Hare.”
Members of ISKCON practice bhakti-yoga in their homes and also worship in temples. They also promote bhakti-yoga, or Krishna Consciousness, through festivals, the performing arts, yoga seminars, public chanting, and the distribution of the society’s literature.

Poojas and Rituals at Iskcon Temple Delhi

Harinama Sankirtana – A procession of devotees are seen dancing and chanting the Harinama-sankirtana (the congregational chanting of the holy names of the God) on the streets, the maha-mantra “Hare Krishna, Hare Krishna, Krishna Krishna, Hare Hare; Hare Rama, Hare Rama, Rama Rama, Hare Hare” accompanied by Mridangas (two-headed drums) and Karatalas (hand cymbals).
Aratis – Arati at various specific times of the day with the chanting of the God’s name is offered to the deities in the presence and participation of the devotees daily.
Bhakti Yoga – ‘Bhakti’ means to offer themselves to God with love and devotion. The Sanskrit root of the word bhakti is bhaj, which means ‘loving service.’ ISKCON promotes ‘Mantra Mediation’ as one of the key practices of a bhakti yogi. This is done through japa (quiet chanting on beads) and kirtan (musical chanting of Hymns in groups). It is believed that the human being’s connection and relationship with Krishna are developed through the chanting of the maha-mantra; the chanting cleansing the heart, calming the mind, and inspiring a life of purpose and meaning.

Activities at Iskcon Temple

The Society believes in serving God through serving mankind. It organizes many programmes in this regard.

‘Food for life’–Relief Programme – It is a free food distribution programme, which provides vegetarian meals for everyone. Every day ISKCON distributes prasad to more than seven thousand visitors. During Festivals and Sundays, it is distributed to around 10,000 people. ISKCON devotees and volunteers also go to old-age homes and orphanages to help the residents by distributing prasad. In addition to regular distribution in low-income areas, Food for Life has provided aid during several catastrophic emergencies worldwide.
Prison programmes – ISKCON has been tending to the spiritual needs of Prison inmates all over the world for over 30 years. A widely appreciated programme by the Prison officials and the inmates, this programme has helped transform the lives of many individuals. The ISKCON Prison Programmes in ‘Tihar Jail’ offer several services such as spiritual counseling and guidance, the Art of Mind control seminars, providing literature which teaches about living a holistic life, and Japa
Corporate Seminars – Through its corporate training wing V-SERVE, ISKCON Delhi reaches out to the professionals to help them in leading a better and holistic life. V-SERVE strives to bring ethics and spiritual values into the workplace with ‘Life Style Management Techniques’ and ‘Transformation in Consciousness through Behavioral Training’ seminars, workshops, and Experiential Learning which leads to:
Increased productivity.
Employee retention, interpersonal relationships and team bonding,
Role clarity and employee engagement.
Personal Management: Stress Management , Anger Management, Work-Life Balance
Relationship Management: Conflict Resolution, The Art of Delegation, Team Work, Effective Communication, Ethical Leadership
Inner-Self Management: Embracing Change, MAP – Mental Awarenes Program, Wellness, Morality

ISKCON members have also opened hospitals, schools, colleges, eco-villages, free food distribution projects, and other institutions as a practical application of the path of devotional yoga.

Special activities and projects such as dramas, exhibitions, workshops, community projects and cultural presentations — by volunteers — are shared with the community and the general public.

Festivals Celebrated at Iskcon Temple Delhi

Festivals are a vital part of community life at ISKCON Delhi, involving large numbers of volunteers.

Gaura Purnima – It is the appearance anniversary of God Chaitanya Mahaprabhu (1486-1534) who is Radha and Krishna combined. On this a full-moon day, everyone fasts till moonrise, and devotees visit the temple to see the Deities of the God. The devotees present dramas and lectures about Lord Chaitanya’s activities. The idols of Gaura-Nitai are adorned with new clothes, and the devotees engage in extra Kirtan (Hymns). At moonrise, a prasad feast (sanctified vegetarian food) is served.
Ramnavami – Ramnavami observes the birth of God Rama, and is one of the most auspicious days in the Vaisnava calendar. At ISKCON Delhi, celebrations include special decorations, drama, and discussion of God Rama’s pastimes and a ‘Hari Nama’ chanting procession in the surrounding areas. The day also includes Maha Abhishek, the drama by Vaikuntha Players, Lectures on God Rama, and a feast for all the devotees.
Sri Krishna Janmashtami – The auspicious day of the appearance of God Krishna is celebrated as Sri Krishna Janmashtami. ISKCON Delhi is reputed to celebrate one of the largest Janmashtami celebrations of its kind. The festivities last for 12 days beginning with a Srimad Bhagavat Katha for a week, followed by a Shobha yatra (procession outside the temple).
Radhashtami – It is the celebration day of Srimati Radharani’s appearance. Radharani is the consort of Krishna. She appeared to Vrishabhanu Maharaj (her father) in the village of Rawal, a fortnight after Krishna’s appearance. Radharani is the best devotee of Krishna; Krishna, therefore, loves her the most. On the festival day, devotees seeking Krishna’s grace will ask her to grant them devotion to her beloved God. On Radhastami, Sri Radha-Krishna idols are traditionally dressed entirely in flowers. Sri Radha Parthasarathi is adorned in a new outfit in the morning and a flower outfit in the evening. Abhishek is performed at noon.
Jagannath Rath Yatra – The pulling of Rath (chariot) during the Rath-yatra procession by the devotees symbolizes the attempt of the residents of Vrindavan, especially the cowherd boys and girls, to bring Krishna, Balarama, and Subhadra back to Vrindavan, near Mathura, UP from Kurukshetra. ISKCON Delhi celebrates Rath yatra annually around October/November. The festivities include the Rath yatra parade, offering of Chappan bhoga (56 foodstuffs), spiritual discourses, and a spiritual and cultural festival.
Nauka Vihar (Boat Festival) – Every year in summer, the devotees at ISKCON Delhi celebrate the boat festival of their Gods. This festival is connected to the pastimes of God Krishna and Srimati Radharani, who along with their friends would enjoy boat rides on the river Yamuna in the summers. Devotees in the temple decorate the Kailya Krishna pond with a flower bed. The Gods are then requested to come down to the pond while being accompanied by sankirtan (Hymns). The idols are then taken around the pond on a boat while thousands of devotees shower flowers and chant the Gods’ name.

Iskcon Temple Delhi Timings

Iskcon Temple is open on all days of the week. The temple schedule is as follows

Programme	Time
Mangala Arati	4.30am
Japa (Mantra) Meditation	5.15am
Darshan Arati	7.15am
Guru Pooja	7.30am
Srimad Bhagavatam Discourse	8.00am
Raj Bhog Arati	12.30pm
Usthapana Arati	4.15pm
Sandhya Arati	7.00pm
Bhagavad Gita Discourse	8.00pm
Sayana Arati	8.30pm
Temple Hall Closes	9.00pm

The main Iskcon Temple hall is closed between 1 pm and 4 pm.

Cafeteria: Lunch – 12.00pm to 3.30pm & Dinner – 7.00pm to 10.00pm

Where to Eat

The Society operates a Govinda’s cafeteria, serves pure vegetarian (Saatvik) meals which are first offered to God Krishna. It offers 18 varieties of preparations for lunch and dinner.

Where to Stay

ISKCON operates a guest house in the temple complex with cozy and well-ventilated rooms on one-month prior booking.

Also, there are several lodgings in Sant Nagar around the temple area.

How to Reach

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

By Air: ISKCON Sant Nagar is 20 km from the New Delhi international airport and can be reached using pre-paid taxis, metro train, and DTC Shuttle buses all of which are available right at the arrival terminal.

By Train: Metro –The Nehru Place metro station is the closest to the temple and is just a 5-minute walk. The alternate option would be ‘Kailash Colony’ Station

Railways – ISKCON Sant Nagar is 5 km from the Nizamuddin railway station and 12 km from the New Delhi railway station. Both of them offer auto-rickshaws, taxi, public bus service and Metro train to commute.

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

Nearby Attractions

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 Sant Nagar.

Lotus Temple – Bahá’í Temple, popularly known as the Lotus Temple is a masterpiece of 20^th-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 9am to 7pm, six days a week except for Mondays.
Kalkaji Temple – Built in the mid-18^th 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-19^th 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 of devotees. The temple is open to devotees from 6am to 10pm every day.
Jahanpanah – Jahanpanah was the fourth medieval city of Delhi established by Muhammad bin Tughlaq in AD 1326–27. The reminders of the city lie in Begumpuri Mosque and Bijay Mandal. Built by Khan-i-Jahan Junan Shah in the 12th century, Begumpuri Mosque was not just a place of worship, but also a social and communal hub. It was built almost entirely of a combination of grey Delhi quartzite and mortar, covered with lime plaster. Bijay Mandal was possibly the thousand-pillared palace of Muhammad bin Tughlaq. There is a huge wall standing on a large platform with a pavilion at the top. On one side of the structure is a dome-shaped building. One gets a spectacular view of the city from the top of the octagonal pavilion.
Moth ki Masjid – Also known as ‘Masjid Moth’ it was constructed in the early 16th century by Miyan Bhuwa, a minister during the rule of Sikandar Lodi. An exceptional amalgam of Hindu and Islamic styles, this type of Indo-Islamic architecture was developed in the Indian subcontinent subsequent to the advent of Muslim rule. According to legend, Miyan Bhuwa built this mosque from the revenue earned by producing a large crop from a single grain of moth (tepary bean) presented to him by Sikandar Lodi. Masjid Moth is different from traditional mosques as it does not have the typical minarets and calligraphic decorations. It is open to visitors daily from Sunrise to Sunset.

Mahakaleshwar Temple Timings, Poojas, and History

March 13, 2020, Sasidhar Darla 75 Comments Filed Under: Jyotirlinga, Madhya Pradesh Temples Tagged With: Shiva Temples

Mahakaleshwar Temple in Ujjain, Madhya Pradesh, is one of the 12 Jyotirlingas dedicated to Lord Shiva. The Lingam of the Mahakaleshwar temple is the largest among all other Jyotirlingas. Images of various Gods, Goddesses, Apsaras, and Kichakas adorn the walls and pillars of the temple.

Planning to visit the Mahakaleshwar Temple? Have a look at our Mahakaleshwar Omkareshwar Tour Package.

Mahakaleshwar Temple – Facts

Deity	Lord Mahakaleshwar (Lord Shiva)
Location	Ujjain, Madhya Pradesh
Significance	Jyotirlinga
Tours	Mahakaleshwar Omkareshwar Tour
Darshan Timings	4:00 AM to 11:00 PM
Entry Fee	Free
Poojas	Maharudrabhisek, Laghurudrabhisek
Best Time to Visit	October to March
Festivals	Shravan, Shivratri
Jyotirlingas in Madhya Pradesh	Mahakaleshwar Temple, Omkareshwar Temple

Mahakaleshwar Temple, Ujjain Video

Darshan Timings of the Mahakaleshwar Temple

The temple opens at 4 AM and closes at 11 PM. The temple also performs various rituals during this time. The devotees can be a part of these rituals, such as the morning, afternoon, and evening aarti. Moreover, there is no afternoon break in between, unlike most temples which remain closed in the afternoon for lunch.

The timings are as follows:

Ritual	From	To
Darshan	4:00 AM	11:00 PM
Bhasma Aarti	4:00 AM	6:00 AM
Morning Pooja	7:00 AM	7:30 AM
Evening Pooja	5:00 PM	5:30 PM
Shree Mahakaal Aarti	7:00 PM	7:30 PM

It is important to note that during the winter season, these rituals take place half an hour later than the given timings.

What are the sevas and poojas of the Mahakaleshwar Temple?

Pooja at Mahakaleshwar — Maharudrabhishek being performed at the Mahakaleshwar Temple.

Some of the sevas and poojas of the Mahakaleshwar Temple are:

Bhasm Aarti: This aarti is unique to the temple. The priest applies Vibhhoti (Bhasm) to the Shiva Linga every day at 4:00 AM. Only, pilgrims holding a VIP pass can enter the Sanctum or the Garbhagraha for the aarti. Women cannot witness Bhasma decoration during the aarti.
Maharudrabhishek: In the abhishek, recitations of Rigveda, Samveda, Yajurveda and Atharva Veda is done in front of the deities of the Mahakaleshwar Temple.
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.
Mahamrityunjaya Jaap: The Mahamrityunjaya abhishek increases longevity and immortality of the person. It is also known as the Rudra mantra and has miraculous effects in the lives of the people who perform it. Chanting this mantra helps relieve the individual from the cycle of death and rebirth. Hence, this mantra is also known as the Moksha Mantra.

The Mahakaleshwar Bhasma Pooja is said to be extremely auspicious.

What is the significance of Mahakaleshwar Temple?

The Mahakaleshwar Shrine — The Mahakaleshwar Lingam is said to be the largest among all the 12 Jyotirlingas.

The significance of the Mahakaleshwar Temple is that the Lingam of Mahakaleshwar is Swayambhu in nature. Sri Mahakaleshwar is the Lord of Time. He is also famous as the one who is capable of winning difficult situations. This is the only Lingam in the world which faces south, the direction of Death.

The Mahakaleshwar temple is also one of the eighteen Maha Shakti Peethas. Shakti Peethas are the sites where body parts of Sati Devi fell after the Sudarshana Chakra, in the Daksha Yoga episode of Hindu mythology, cut her body. Devotees believe that the Upper Lip of the Sati Devi fell here. Moreover, the Goddess is popular as Mahakali here.

What is the history of the Mahakaleshwar Temple?

As per the history of Mahakaleshwar Temple, Lord Brahma himself established the first temple at the site. The coins recovered at Ujjain have the mark of Lord Shiva on them. According to several poetic texts, in the Paramara period, invaders destroyed the temple. Later, Udayaditya and Naravarman, the rulers of the Malwa region, rebuilt it.

According to the ancient scripture, Sthalapuranam, King Chandrasena was a devotee of Shiva. A young boy named Shrikhar heard his prayers to the god and wanted to join him. However, people did not let him do it and sent him out of the city. Shrikhar heard the plans of rival kings Ripudhamana and Singhaditya to attack the city with the help of the demon king Dushan.

Asura Dushan had a blessing of invisibility from Brahma. So, Shrikhar and a priest named Vriddhi prayed to Lord Shiva for help. The enemies arrived at Avantika (now known as Ujjain) and started torturing the people. They banned all Vedic Dharmanushtan activities in the city. The people started praying to Lord Shiva for help.

Devotees also believe that when Dushan started attacking Avantika, the ground split near the statue of Goddess Parvati and Lord Shiva came out of it as Mahakaal. He burnt the demons with just one grunt. Adhering to the request of the people of Avantika, Lord Shiva then decided to stay there as the chief deity of Avantika.

What is the structure of the Mahakaleshwar Temple?

The Mahakaleshwar temple is a three-storied structure. The Lingam of Mahakaleshwar is worshipped on the first floor, which is actually under the ground level. On the second level, the Lingam of Omkareshwara is worshipped. The Nagachandeshwara Linga is worshipped on the third level. The third level is open to the public only on Naga Panchami.

What are the festivals celebrated at Mahakaleshwar Temple?

Some of the festivals celebrated at Mahakaleshwar Temple are:

Kumbh Mela: This Mela has the distinction of being the largest religious gathering on the planet. It takes place once every 12 years in Ujjain, Allahabad, Haridwar, and Nashik. Also, the festival continues for about one and a half months. The pilgrims and sages (sadhus) take a ceremonial dip in the River Ksipra. Religious discourses, Ramlilas, Raslilas as well as the grand procession of sadhus are the main features of the Kumbh Mela.
Mahashivaratri: Thousands of pilgrims visit the temple to celebrate the day Lord Shiva married Goddess Parvati. It occurs on the 13th or 14th day of the Magha month (February / March) in the Indian hindu calendar
Karthik Mela: It occurs every year in the Hindu month of Karthik (November / December).
Harihara Milana: The celebrations of this festival take place on Vaikuntha Chaturdashi, which signifies the meeting of two Lords – Lord Krishna as well as Lord Shiva at midnight.

How to reach the Mahakaleshwar Temple?

Here’s how to reach Mahakaleshwar Temple:

Air: The nearest airport is Indore which is 53 km away from Ujjain.
Train: Direct trains are available to Ujjain from major cities like Delhi, Mumbai, Chennai, Bengaluru, Hyderabad, Ahmedabad, Benaras, Kochi as well as Jaipur.
Road: Bus services are available from cities like Indore, Surat, Mumbai, Pune, Udaipur, Nasik, and Mathura.

Route from Indore

Indore is about 53 km away from the Mahakaleshwar Temple. Plenty of options are available for one to travel to the temple from here. Here’s the Mahakaleshwar Temple route from Indore:

Air: The nearest railway station is in Indore and one can hire cabs or take a bus to Mahakaleshwar Temple from there.
Train: One can travel through trains such as the Ranthambhor SF express as well as the Malwa SF express to travel between Ujjain and Indore.
Road: The fastest route to travel from Indore to Mahakaleshwar temple is via the Ujjain-Indore road. Also, it takes about 1 hour and 15 minutes to travel using this route.

Where to stay near the temple?

The Temple Management has constructed two Dharmashalas for pilgrims to stay. The names of the Dharmashalas are Pandit Shree Surya Narayan Vyas Dharmashala and the Shree Mahakaal Dharmashala. Non AC dormitories, Non AC rooms, and AC rooms are available to pilgrims at reasonable rates.

Several budget hotels, 3-star, and 5-star hotels operate in Ujjain as this is one of the most important pilgrimage sites in the world.

What are some temples nearby?

Explore Ujjain — One of the holiest cities, Ujjain is home to many temples.

Some of the temples near Mahakaleshwar Temple are:

Harsiddhi Temple: It is located just 400 meters away from the Mahakaleshwar temple. This temple is one of the Shakti Peethas according to Hindu mythology. Devotees also believe that Sati’s elbow fell here when the Sudarshana Chakra, in the Daksha Yagna episode of the Hindu tradition, cut her body.
Ram Janardhan Mandir: Raja Jai Singh constructed this temple in the 17th century. The specialities of the temple include the 11th-century sculpture of Govardhandhari Krishna, the 10th-century sculpture of Vishnu as well as the 12th-century idol of Trimurti.
Kala Bhairava temple: Beliefs say that King Bhadra constructed this temple over the ruins of an old demolished temple. Further, this temple was of great significance during the Paramar period.
Chintamani Ganpati Temple: The Goddess Riddhi and Siddhi are present on two sides of Lord Ganesh. Devotees also offer special prayers to the god every Wednesday in the month of Chaithra.

Frequently Asked Questions about Mahakaleshwar Temple

Is the Mahakaleshwar Temple open throughout the year?

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

What is the entry fee?

The entry to the Mahakaleshwar 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 citizen?

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

What is the weather like during the summers?

The summers in Ujjain starts from April and continue until June. The summers here can be very hot and dry. Temperatures during the daytime often go up to 45 º C.

What are winters like in Ujjain?

In Ujjain, winters start in October and continue until March. The temperatures during this time range from around 3 º C to 20 º C. The weather during this time is cold but pleasant.

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

Jagannath Temple, Ranchi

September 15, 2019, Sasidhar Darla Leave a Comment Filed Under: Jharkhand Temples Tagged With: Vishnu Temples

Ranchi is a historic town of Jharkhand. The Jagannath Temple Ranchi is a religious landmark of the town. Jagannath Temple is located at 10 km from the main city. Built over a small hillock, you can get a beautiful view of the surroundings from the temple. If tourists are not able to climb the hilltop, they can use the optional vehicle route. The Jagannath Temple is located at the Dhurva region of Ranchi. There are two large water tanks located within the temple complex. Hence if you are tired after walking so many stairs, there is enough space to rest and water to quench your thirst. The Jagannath Temple, Ranchi is very neat and clean, providing ample space to sit and relax in the soothing environment. There is no entry fee to the temple.

Jagannath Temple Ranchi History

Jagannath Temple is a historical spot of Ranchi.

The Jagannath Temple of Ranchi was built in 1691. It was built by king Thakur Ani Nath Shahdeo of Barkagarh. A marble slab outside the sanctum informs about the founder and the foundation year of the temple.
It is believed that the Jagannath Temple was constructed to revive the faith and belief of the tribal in Hindu religion. As during the 17^th century, many people started leaving Hinduism, the believers of Hinduism started erecting temples like the Jagannath Temple to retain the identity of Hinduism.
The temple collapsed in 1990. The then Bihar government renovated the temple and now it has regained its lost glory.
The original shrine was built in the form of a fort.

Significance of the Jagannath Temple, Ranchi

The Jagannath Temple Ranchi is almost a replica of the famous Jagannath Temple of Puri, Orissa. However, it is comparatively smaller in size than the Jagannath Temple of Puri.
Jagannatha, Balbhadra and Subhadra are worshiped at the temple. All the deities are engraved out of neem wood.
The temple is exquisite with intricate carvings. The temple is colourful with unique blend of colours. The interiors of the temple are in the form of a fort.
The Jagannath Temple Ranchi has been built in the Kalinga style of architecture. There is a tall sanctum within the temple. The temple also consists of a Jagamohana and Nata Mandir.
The temple is especially important for devotees belonging to the Vaishnavism cult. As per Hindu mythology, Lord Jagannath is considered to be the Lord of the Universe. The worship of Lord Jagannath and the foundation of the temple dates back to the glorious past of Vaishnavism and its founder, Chaitanya Mahaprabhu. The deities are not very simple here, without much jewellery and clothes.
The deity of Lord Hanumana is present inside the gates of the temple, symbolizing to be a guard of the Lord, while outside the temple you can find the statue of Garuda.

Jagannath Temple, Ranchi Timings

The temple can be visited throughout the year. Tourists are suggested to visit the temple at dawn or dusk, as the surroundings look heavenly during sunrise and sunset. Summer is considered as the best time to visit the temple as the largest festival of the temple, Rath Yatra takes place at this time.

The Jagannath Temple of Ranchi is open on all the days.
It is open from 5 am to 12 pm and again from 3 pm to 6 pm.
The temple is closed at afternoon, from 12.00 pm to 3.00 pm.

Jagannath Temple, Ranchi Food Timings

After worship of the deity, prasadam is served to the devotees. The prasadam is also delivered online by the temple committee, which you can receive 15- 45 days.

Dress Code at Jagannath Temple Ranchi

There is no such dress code at the Jagannath Temple of Ranchi. But as per the standard of any Hindu temple of India, devotees are expected to be in covered dresses.
Devotees need to leave their footwear outside the temple.

Festivals celebrated at the Jagannath Temple Ranchi

Jagannath Temple is the largest shrine of Ranchi. Hence numerous devotees gather here every day to offer their prayers to Lord Jagannath. Almost every day some or the other function takes place at the temple premises.

Rath Yatra: Rath Yatra, also known as the Car Festival, is the prime festival celebrated at the Jagannath Temple of Ranchi. The celebration takes place during the Hindu month of Asadh, on Ashad Shukla Dwitiya. This is the second day of the fortnight of Ashad, which generally occurs during June or July.

During the festival, the deities are brought to Mausi Bari, that is, the home of the aunt. Numerous people follow the journey pulling the ropes of the chariot. This is considered to be a pious act by the devotees. The deities are kept in Mausi Bari for six days. On the seventh day, the chariot returns to the Jagannath temple with the deities. The return journey is known as Ghurti Rath Yatra. Thousands of devotees folk here during the Rath Yatra as it is believed that Lord Jagannath opens His eyes during this time to bless the worshippers.

One of the prime attractions of the festival is that lot of tribal people gather at the annual fair. From folk song and dance to local handicrafts, the Ratha Yatra of Jagannath Temple of Ranchi is more than a religious festival. The annual fair is held for a week and is known as Jagannath Mela.

Kalash Sthapna: Before the main event of Ratha Yatra, events like Kalash Sthapna, Pran Prathistha and Bhandara take place at the temple complex. The eyes of the deities are also painted before Ratha Yatra.

Snan Yatra: This is another auspicious day that is celebrated with great pomp and show at the Jagannath Temple of Ranchi. The event generally occurs on the full moon, known as Purnima during the Hindu month of Jyeshtha, which is May or June. Lots of pilgrims gather at the temple to witness the holy event in which Lord Jagannath, Lord Balaram and Goddess Subhadra are bathed. In this festival each God is bathed with 51 pots (also known as kalash) of water.

Krishna Janmasthami: This is another important festival celebrated at the Jagannath temple. Lord Krishna is considered to be another incarnation of Lord Jagannath. The festival takes place during the Hindu month of Shravan, which is generally the month of August. The devotees fast till the worship proceedings complete in the evening.

Poojas and Rituals at Jagannath Temple, Ranchi

The worship of Lord Jagannath at this temple is quite different from other Hindu temple. Here the priests are known as Panda. Devotees can bath in the river and then worship the deity.

The worship starts with offering flowers and food to Lord Jagannath. At afternoon, the deities are offered lunch, known as Bhog.
The evening aarti of the Jagannath Temple is serene.

How to reach: Road, Rail and Air

By Air: The nearest airport to the Jagannath temple is the Ranchi airport. The airport is located approximately at 5 km from the shrine. There are several flights from Kolkata, Patna and Delhi to Ranchi. The Ranchi airport is located at 7 km from the main city. The Kolkata international airport is the nearest international airport to the temple. Tourists can avail direct prepaid taxis from Kolkata airport to Ranchi.

By Train: The nearest railway station to the Jagannath Temple is the Hatia railway station. There are auto rickshaws and taxis available from the railway station that cab takes you to the temple.

By Road: The nearest taxi stand to the temple is Line Tank Rd, Deputy Para, Ahirtoli of Ranchi. Auto rickshaws are the common mode of transport within the city. There are several local buses that regularly ply from different parts of the city to the Jagannath Temple.

Hotels in Ranchi: Where to stay

Ranchi is the capital city of Jharkhand. The business hub of the state has both budget and premium accommodation for travellers. Tourists generally refer the guests houses maintained by the Tourism Authority of Ranchi, due to the low prices. The Park Inn and Hotel the Raso are the nearest hotels to the Jagannath Temple, located just at 4.4 km. Hotel Palash Residency, Hotel Green Acres. Hotel Emerald, Hotel Jalsa Grand and Hotel Ranchi Ashok are the other options.

Where to eat

There are several eat outs located near the Jagannath Temple. Tourists can relish tasty food here. The Modern Bakery, Shri Krishna Restaurant, Flaves, Bindas Bavarchi Restaurant, Zero Mile Restaurant and Chinar Restaurant are some of the hygienic and popular eateries near the temple.

Nearby Temples

There are several other temples built near the Jagannath Temple Ranchi.

Mausi Bari: This is the nearest shrine to the Jagannath Temple. Lord Narayana and Goddess Lakshmi are the presiding deities of this temple. The Jagannath Temple lies at the background of Mausi Bari.
Pahari Temple: This temple is dedicated to Lord Shiva and Goddess Parvati. You can get a glimpse of the Pahari Temple from the Jagannath Temple. This temple is also located on top of a hill, known as the Ranchi hill. It lies at a height of 2140 feet. It is believed that wishes get fulfilled here. Pilgrims gather here during the holy month of Shravan to offer water to the God.
Angrabadi Temple: The temple is situated at Khunti. Lord Shiva, Lord Ganesha, Lord Rama, Sita Devi and Lord Hanumana are worshipped here.
Sun Temple: The Sun Temple is another attraction of the city. The temple is in the shape of a large vehicle which is driven by 7 horses and comes with 18 wheels. Devotees take a dip in the holy waters of the nearby pond and offer prayers to the Sun God.
Deori Temple: The Deori Temple is another ancient temple of Ranchi. This temple is dedicated to Solahbhuji Devi. This deity is an incarnation of Goddess Kali. The idol comes with 16 arms. The temple is made of sandstone. The walls and pillars of the shrine are colourful with paintings of Hindu gods and goddesses.
The Radha Ballabh Temple: This temple is dedicated to Lord Krishna and his consort, Radha. Holi and Janmasthami are the major festivals celebrated at this ancient shrine.

Besides worshipping at the Jagannath Temple, visitors can enjoy boating at the nearby river.

Madhyamaheshwar Temple

May 4, 2019, Sasidhar Darla Leave a Comment Filed Under: Char Dham Yatra, Uttarakhand Temples Tagged With: Panch Kedar, Shiva Temples

Madhyamaheshwar Temple is one of the Panch Kedar temples of Lord Shiva, present in the Mansoona village of the Garhwal region of Uttarakhand. Peaks like Chaukhamba, Neel Kanth and Kedarnath surround the temple. Also, it comes fourth, if one follows the order of Panch Kedar temples followed by Kalpeshwar Temple.

Kedarnath, Tungnath, Rudranath temples are to be visited before Madhyamaheshwar temple. Also, Gaundhar and Kalimath are two important places on the route to Madhyamaheshwar. It is because Kalimath is a ‘Siddha Peeth’ and is of great spiritual significance to pilgrims. The temple has North Indian style of architecture and a smaller shrine popular as ‘Vriddha maheshwar’ is also present near the temple. It is a part of the 4 Dham Yatra Package within Uttarakhand.

What is the history of Madhyamaheshwar Temple?

According to the history, Pandavas established the Madhyamaheshwar temple. Pandavas slew their kin Kauravas during the Mahabharata. Hence, Rishi Vyas advised them to go to Lord Shiva, because only he could absolve them of their sins. However, Shiva kept hiding from them and took the form of a bull.

Then, he went into hiding in an underground safe haven at Guptakashi. Later, Lord Shiva’s body parts as a bull rematerialised at five locations. The Pandavas then built Shiva temples in these five places, popular as ‘Panch Kedar’ (Find out more about the Char Dham Yatra). Madhyamaheshwar Temple is the place where the navel of Lord Shiva appeared.

What is the significance of Madhyamaheshwar Temple?

Significance of Madhyamaheshwar temple is that water from the precincts of the temple is so sacred that even a few drops are enough for purification. When the precinct of the temple is not available during winters due to extreme weather conditions, the symbolic idol of God is shifted to Ukhimath.

Inside the sanctum of the temple, there is a navel-shaped Shiva Lingam made of black stone. There are two other smaller shrines, one for Parvati and the other for Ardhanarishwara. Moreover, the temple priests are from Southern India and the priests of Madhyamaheshwar are popular as Jangamas.

What are the timings of Madhyamaheshwar Temple?

Here are the timings of Madhyamaheshwar Temple:

Timings	From
Open	6 AM
Close	7 PM
Morning Aarti	6 AM
Evening Aarti	6:30 PM

What are the festivals celebrated at Madhyamaheshwar Temple?

Some of the festivals celebrated at Madhyamaheshwar Temple are:

Mahashivratri: This festival is in the honour of Lord Shiva. Devotees believe that he is the Adi guru who is the source of the Yogi tradition. It is observed by remembering Shiva and chanting prayers, fasting, doing Yoga as well as meditating.
Dussehra: This is an important Hindu festival which is a celebration of the victory of good over evil. Dussehra is celebrated as the day when Lord Ram killed Ravana and established peace and prosperity. As a ritual, devotees burn an effigy of Ravana.

How to reach Madhyamaheshwar Temple?

Here’s how to reach Madhyamaheshwar Temple:

Air: The nearest airport is Jolly Grant Airport at a distance of 198 km.
Train: The nearest railway station is Rishikesh at a distance of 174 km.
Road: Buses to Rishikesh are available from ISBT Kashmere Gate. Then one has to travel by buses or taxis to Ukhimath.

Where to stay near Madhyamaheshwar Temple?

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

The Tattva Resort: This hotel features a restaurant, 24-hour room service and Laundry facilities. Free continental breakfast, free WiFi in public areas and free self parking are also provided. Other amenities include A 24-hour front desk.
Monal Resort: This hotel features a restaurant, a 24-hour business centre and Concierge services are available at this resort. Free WiFi in public areas and free valet parking are also provided. Other amenities include Dry cleaning, A 24-hour front desk and a garden.
Hotel Mandakini: This hotel features a restaurant, a rooftop terrace and 24-hour room service are available at this hotel. Free WiFi in public areas and free self parking are also provided. Additionally, a meeting room and A 24-hour front desk are on-site.

What are the other Panch Kedar temples?

The other Panch Kedar Temples are:

Kedarnath Temple: It is the first, and the most famous temple among the Panch Kedar templs of Lord Shiva. Kedarnath temple is the place where the hump of the bull form of Lord Shiva appeared. The temple remains closed during winters and at that time, devotees bring the idols of the temple to Ukhimath for worship. Lord Shiva is worshipped as Kedarnath, the ‘Lord of Kedar Khand’, which is the historical name of the region.
Tungnath Temple: It comes second, if one follows the order of Panch Kedar temples. Also, it is the highest Shiva temple in the world. Moreover, Tunganath mountains form Mandakini and Alaknanda river valleys. Tungnath is the place where the bahu (hands) appeared.
Rudranath Temple:It comes third, if one follows the order of Panch Kedar temples. It is followed by Madhyamaheshwar and Kalpeshwar temples. Moreover, the face of god Shiva is worshipped as “Nilkanth Mahadeva” here. Rudranath Temple is the place where the face of Lord Shiva appeared.
Kalpeshwar Temple:It comes last, if one follows the order of Panch Kedar temples. One must visit Kedarnath, Tungnath, Rudranath and Madhyamaheshwar temples before Kalpeshwar temple. It is the only Panch Kedar temple accessible throughout the year. Also, it is a small temple and devotees have to pass through a cave passage in order to reach it. Kalpeshwar Temple is the place where the Jata (Tress) of Lord Shiva appeared.

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

Someshwara Temple Mangalore Guide – Timings, Poojas, and History

July 7, 2019, Sasidhar Darla Leave a Comment Filed Under: Karnataka Temples Tagged With: Shiva Temples

Someshwara Temple Mangalore is located at a distance of 13 km from Mangalore and is situated beside the Someshwara village. This temple is one of the Dwadasha Kshetras of our country. And it is because of this temple that the place is famous as Someshwara.

https://youtu.be/kxTOJJACQKc

Someshwara Temple Mangalore Video

What is the history of Someshwara Temple Mangalore?

The Someshwara temple has a mythical history that speaks of legendary time’s right from Trethayuga of Ramayana times. According to beliefs, King Kharasura who worshipped Lord Somanatha built the temple. He was a relative of Ravana. But historically speaking, Kings of Alupa Dynasty built the temple in the 10th century A.D.

The temple was under the Administrative rule of Kadambas of Banavasi, and Cholula Kings of Ullala of 12th Century A.D. Moreover, the two inscriptions in the temple say that its renovation took place in 15th Century A.D. at the time of Vijayanagara King Immadi Devaraya by Rajaguru Sree Kriyashaktri Devavodeya.

What is the significance of Someshwara Temple Mangalore?

Here’s the significance of Someshwara Temple:

A lake near Somanatha temple exists that is “Gadha Teertha”. Moreover, devotees believe that Bhimasena built it.
Two famous stone inscriptions are there on the temple walls. One is at the western side Gopura (tower) of the temple, while another is present on a small stone pillar near Pakashala.
The first inscription numbered 467 has got 25 lines and said to be written on Monday the Chandrasuddha Padya of Dondhibi Samvatsara i.e., on April 1, 1443 AD.
The second stone inscription numbered 468 bears only two links the rest of which is completely perished. The two links read as:
“Saka 1117”
“Swasthi Samastha Bhuvivikyatha”.
Also, Queen Abbakka was the devotee of this temple and she donated Jaladhani about 450 years ago. It is well preserved in the temple and used during Jathra festival.

What are the timings of Someshwara Temple Mangalore?

Here are the timings of Someshwara Temple Mangalore:

Timings	From	To
Morning	5:00 am	1:00 pm
Evening	5:00 pm	8:00 pm

Which festivals are celebrated at Someshwara Temple Mangalore?

Some of the festivals celebrated at Someshwara Temple are:

The Jatra Mahotsava is the grand festival in the temple. It is a 7 days ritual with many a poojas and splendor.
Laksha Deepotsava is another important festival of the temple and takes place in Tula masa. On the day Kshetra pooja is held in the beginning and then Appada pooja and Ranga pooja of Sri Siddivinayaka is held.
On the day of Shivarathri, Shiva pooja, Ranga pooja rituals are held and Bhootabali is given. After this, the archaka of Holla sect seeks the blessing of the Main Deity for offering prasada to Kattige i.e., for Nagabana.

How to reach Mangalore?

Here’s how to reach Someshwara Temple:

Air: Mangalore International Airport at Kenjar is the nearest airport about 41 Km away.
Rail: Mangalore is the Major Railway Station nearest to the temple, about 13 Km. The Ullala Railway Station is 1 Km from the temple.
Road: Someshwara Bus stop is at a walking distance from the temple.

Where to stay nearby?

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

Goldfinch Hotel at Bunts Hostel road near Jyothi circle is a great place where you can check-in. It also provides grand facilities and is near the location.
The Gateway Hotel of Old Port Road is another place to check-in. It has a fitness center and an outside pool which guests enjoy.

What are some places to visit nearby?

Some places to visit near Someshwara Temple are:

Bekal Fort: Located 63 km south of Mangalore is in the state of Kerala. The unique Bekal Fort stands amidst the roaming but heartening music of the seas along with the eternal note of the unending waves, carrying the thrilling memories of a bygone era.
Kadri Manjunatha Temple: It is on Kadri hills, in Mangalore is just 3 Km away from the venue. This popular and beautiful temple has tanks with natural springs and late rite caves surrounding it. These caves are also popular as Pandava Caves. Devotees also believe that the Pandavas came to this cave and stayed there.