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Lakshmi Narasimha Temple Bhadravati Guide – Timings, Poojas, and History

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Lakshmi Narasimha Temple Bhadravati is located in the industrial town of Bhadravati. This small town is a part of the Shimoga district of Karnataka. Located at the banks of River Bhadra, Bhadravathi is a 13th-century city of the Hoysala kingdom. 

Several architectural gems of Hoysala architecture are present in this city. The city is famous for its couple of tourist destinations, besides the paper mills and iron and steel plant; one is the Bhadra wildlife sanctuary and the other is the Lakshmi Narasimha Temple.

The Lakshmi Narasimha Temple of Bhadravathi is a Hindu temple, dedicated to Lord Vishnu. The presiding deity of Lakshmi Narasimha Temple of Bhadravathi is Lord Narasimha, known as the protector of humankind and destroyer of demons and evil spirits.

Lakshmi Narasimha

History and Legend of Lakshmi Narasimha Temple Bhadravati

Lakshmi Narasimha Temple of Bhadravathi is the bearer of the rich culture and traditions that existed at this ancient town.

  • There is a popular myth related to the formation of the small town of Bhadravathi. It is believed that here, Lord Vishnu in the avatar of Varaha, that is, wild boar, rescued Bhudevi, that is, Goddess Earth. She was held captive under the sea by demon Hirayankasha. As per Holy Scriptures, when Varaha lifted earth with his two tusks, River Tunga and Bhadra were formed. The place was previously known as Benkipura.
  • The temple is dedicated to Lord Narasimha, an incarnation of Lord Vishnu. The temple consists of other images of Hindu gods, namely, Sri Krishna, Lord Purushottama, Lord Ganesha and Goddess Sharadamba.
  • The Lakshmi Narasimha Temple of Bhadravathi is an 800 years old temple. The sculptures of the temple also exhibit the daily lifestyle of the 13th century, along with the images of musicians and dancers.
  • The temple was constructed by Sir M Vishweshwaraiah, the grandson of an eminent Hoysala monarch, Vishnuvardhana.

Significance of the Lakshmi Narasimha Temple Bhadravati

The Lakshmi Narasimha Temple of Bhadravathi is another example of a magnificent Hoysala form of architecture. Some of the basic characteristics of the Lakshmi Narasimha Temple of Bhadravathi are:

  • The statue of Lord Narasimha is in a relaxed position, protecting his devotee Parhlada.
  • Lakshmi Narasimha  Temple comes in a triple form, known as Vimana. While one of the shrines is south facing, the other two are north and west facing.
  • Soapstone has been used to construct the temple. If you touch the walls there is a soapy feeling and the stone is really tender.
  • There is a flagpole, known as dwajasthambam just in front of the temple.
  • The temple stands on a raised platform, known as jagati. About a metre high, this platform was used by devotees to circumvent (pradakshin) the temple. In the Hoysala form of architecture there is no specified path to paradakshin temple.
  • The Lakshmi Narasimha Temple of Bhadravathi also has special pillars, known as lathe pillars along with parapets. This type of shiny black pillars defines the architectural style of 11th and 13th century Hoysala architecture. The lathe pillars not only enhance the beauty of the temple but also provide support to the ceiling of the large temple.
  • The inner wall of the temple has been kept plain and simple while the exterior wall is star shaped, nakshatra shaped, providing enough space and scope for decoration.
  • The external wall has two eves. The first eve consists of small towers which exhibit miniature decorations on pilasters, known as aedicule.
  • The second set of eves is followed by a panel engraved with the images of deities and by a set of mouldings.
  • The stellate tower is another special form of Hoysala architecture. The tower has been adorned with processes and recesses throughout the tower. It looks more like a flute from a distance. The tiers of the tower step by step diminish in height to form an umbrella.
  • Some of the important sculptures of the Lakshmi Narasimha Temple of Bhadravathi are Lord Krishna playing flute and a man with serpent.
  • The central hall of the temple is unique with now windows and is connected with the other sanctums.
  • There is a slab in Kannada inscription at the temple which exhibits the construction details.

Lakshmi Narasimha Temple Bhadravati Timings

The temple is open throughout the year. There are no holidays and no such best time to visit.

  • The temple opens early in the morning at 6.00 am to the visitors. The temple is closed at the afternoon.
  • The temple again opens at 6.30 pm at evening and closes at 9 pm.

Lakshmi Narasimha Temple Bhadravati Food Timings

Though there is no process of serving food or lunch at the temple, prasada is served after worship.

Guidelines

  • There is no entry fee in the temple. From parking to use of camera, everything is free of cost.
  • As a general guideline at any Indian temple, devotees need to keep their footwear outside the temple.
  • The Lakshmi Narasimha Temple of Bhadravathi is safeguarded by the Archaeological Survey of India.

Festivals celebrated at Lakshmi Narasimha Temple Bhadravati

Besides the regular rituals, there are annual festivals celebrated here.

  • Dussera: During this festival, the iconic deity of Lord Narasimha is taken round the city in a grand procession. This festival takes place at the Hindu month of Ashvin, which is anytime between September and October.
  • Navaratri Festival: This festival is celebrated with great pomp and glamour at the temple complex. This festival generally takes place a couple of times a year. Once anytime between March and April and another time between September and October.
  • Vaikunta Ekadesi: This is the 11th day of the waxing moon in the Hindu month of Magh and an auspicious day for the Vaishnavaite cult. Worship attains a different dimension here, on this day. This festival generally takes place anytime between December and January.

Poojas and Rituals at Lakshmi Narasimha Temple Bhadravati

The temple is still functional and hence is visited by numerous devotees throughout the year. There is an important guideline even for the priests to worship at this temple; only celibates are permitted to perform worship at the Lakshmi Narasimha Temple of Bhadravathi.

  • Some of the sculptures of the Lakshmi Narasimha Temple of Bhadravathi are worshipped till date. Devotees apply vermilion, turmeric, pour oil and burn camphor for worship.
  • There are different types of prayers that can be performed to pay tribute to Lord Narasimha here, like the Narasimha Pranama, Narasimha Mahamantra and Dasavatara Stotra. Sometimes on the special requests of the devotees, the priests may also perform Divya Prabandham prayer.
  • After the completion of worship, the priest sits at the raised platform of the temple, reading Holy Scriptures.

How to reach: Road, Rail and Air

By Air: The Hubli airport is the nearest domestic airport to the temple, while the Bangalore airport is the nearest international airport. The Hubli airport is approximately 170 km from Bhadravathi. Another optional airport for the tourists is the Mangalore airport.

By Train: The nearest railway station to the temple is the Birur- Bhadravathi railway station. The trains that ply between Bangalore and Shimoga have stoppage at the Bhadravathi railway station. Tourists can also opt for train to Birur and then another train or bus from Birur to Bhadravathi. There is also an option to board a train from Mysore to reach Bhadravathi.

By Road: Bhadravathi is located approximately at 255 km from the state capital of Bangalore. It is 20 km from the district headquarters of Shimoga. Tourists can opt for NH-206 to reach Bhadravathi. This highway passes through Tumkur, Tiptur, Arasikere, Kadur, Birur and Tarikere to reach Bhadravathi. There are several public and private buses that regularly ply from Bangalore and Shimoga to Bhadravathi; these buses take almost 6 hours to reach the site. There is another route from Mysore to Bhadravathi. The route of Mysore passes from Channarayapattana, Arasikere, Kadur to reach Bhadravathi. The temple is located at one and half kilometre from the main road. It takes almost an hour to reach Bhadravathi from Birur. You can get round the town in auto rickshaws.

Hotels in Bhadravati: Where to stay

There are some decent hotels located at Bhadravathi. Enjoy a comfortable stay near the temple within your budget. Some of the popular hotels of the city are Pavana Lodge, Chinnappa Hotel, Guruprasad Hotel, Hotel Attigunda, Hotel Basaveshwara, Hotel De Tej, Hotel Ganesh, Hotel Heritage and Hotel Kanchana.

Where to eat

There are no eateries near the Lakshmi Narasimha Temple of Bhadravathi. Hygienic and vegetarian food is available at the hotels like Pavana Lodge and Hotel Kanchana. Paani poori is one of the popular street food at Bhadravathi.

Nearby Temples

Here are a number of ancient temples located around the Lakshmi Narasimha Temple of Bhadravathi.

  • Sri Amrutheshwara Temple: This temple is located at the quaint village of Amruthapura, in the Chikmagalur district of Karnataka. It is almost 30 km from the Lakshmi Narasimha Temple of Bhadravathi. This temple was also constructed during the Hoysala rule. The walls and pillars of the shrine are sculpted with incidents from the great Indian epics of Ramayana and Mahabharata.
  • Sri Chintamani Narasimha Temple: This sacred temple is also located at the banks of River Tunga and Bhadra, in an avatar of Lord Vishnu, Sri. Chintamani Narasimha Temple. This temple is a blend of Shaivaites and Vaishnavaites culture and exhibits Chola style of architecture. This temple houses one of the rarest idols of Lord Chintamani Narasimha, who is seated with his left knee bent and with Chintamani in his palm. The exquisite sculptures opposite the temple also attract multiple historians and tourists. The temple is legendary as it is believed that the deity was installed and worshipped by Prahlada, the ardent devotee of Lord Vishnu.
  • Sri Rameshwara Temple: Located at the confluence of River Tunga and Bhadra at the Koodli village of Shimoga district, the Sri Rameshwara Temple is dedicated to Lord Shiva. The temple was built by the Hoysala and the Ikkeri kings. This spectacular temple is located amidst sprawling green gardens. Another important factor about this temple is that the snake gods are worshipped here.

Hence if you are passionate to know about the temple architecture of South India, a visit to the Lakshmi Narasimha Temple of Bhadravathi is a must.

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.

Hinglaj Mata Temple

, 1 Comment Filed Under: Odisha Temples Tagged With:

Goddess Hinglaj Mata Temple – The Goddess of Flame

Mother Hingula is worshiped as agni (fire) in the kitchen of Lord Jagannath at Shree Mandir Puri. Goddess Hingula is worshiped at a distance of 14 from Talcher. It is believed that one can achieve his desired object if they worship or meditates on Goddess Hingula. It is also believe that cooking foods become delicious through the blessings of the Goddess. The tribal Kandha Goddess Hingula is worshiped as an integrated Goddess of the Aryans and the Non-Aryans through the process of historical evolution. Since the Goddess is still worshiped by Sabari versus the palm leaf manuscript which is being worshiped here needs further research, which may reveal important socio cultural factors of the ancient tribal life. It is described in the Mahabharata that Goddess Hingula was worshiped by King Nala of Suryavanshi. It is by her grace that king Nala was able to prepare Gouri-Sauri Paka . Thus the name of Goddess Hingula is associated with cooking with perfection. The earlier practice of animal sacrifice is no more. Now only vegetable and sweets are offered as Bhog. Hingula represents fire and every year appears in the form of flame at different places. The goddess is being worshipped in two sites, one in the Hinglaj Mata Temple and the other on a raised platform with a big applique atop tied to four wooden poles around. The platform is fenced off. On the platform, a heap of coal is set on fire. The fire stand for the goddess. The devotees after having done their Darshan of Goddess Hingula in her temple (Hinglaj Mata Temple), return to worship her at the fireplace.The offerings are thrown into the flames. In the nearby site, thousands of kids sit in tandem and a handful of barbers shave their heads.

Hinglaj Mata Temple

Hinglaj Mata Temple History

  • Once Dakhya, the father-in-law of Lord Shiva was organizing a ceremony of sacrifice (Yagnya). He had invited many gods, goddesses, kings of repute, saints and seers to attend the ceremony. However, he did not care to invite his daughter Parvati (Sati) and son-in-law Siva. Knowing about celebration of Yagnya, she pleaded with Siva to go to her paternal home. Siva however denied on the ground that she has not been invited.
  • Though her husband denied, Parvati attended the ceremony. At the ceremony site, she was laughed at, for having married to a nude man, living in graveyard. Parvati being unable to bear humiliation of her revered husband, threw herself in the flames of the Jagnya and killed herself.
  • When Siva got this news, raged in anger he dashed off Prajapati’s palace. He recovered the half burnt body of Parvati from the fire and was about to kill everybody there and destroy the whole creation. Lord Vishnu came to the place and saw that the dead body of Parvati was fueling the anger of Siva and ordered his Chakra to destroy the body.
  • The weapon cut the body into 51 pieces. Wherever each piece fell down, there Mother Goddess appeared in one name or the other. Goddess Hingula is one of the 51 forms of the Goddess.This is the origin of Goddess Hingula at Talcher.
  • A piece identified as Brahmandreya fell at Baluchistan of present Pakistan where shakti appeared in burning fire state. In course of time Nala Raja of Vidarbha region of western India has became the devotee Of Maa, who resided in his kingdom. In Puri When Raja decide to start ‘anna prasad’ Lord Jagannath responding to his prayer asked him to bring Hingula to manage his kitchen.
  • Accordingly Puri Raja went to Vidarbha  and requested him to pray Maa to come to Puri. Nala Raja on the request of Puri Raja brought the Goddess on his wrapper in form of fire and in course of his journey reached at Gopalgarh where he took rest.

Significance of Hinglaj Mata Temple

  • The worship of Maa Hingula represents a mixture of tribal worship and Sakta Cult. Before some days of the Chaturdashi, Maa appears near the Hinglaj Mata Temple and informs the chief ‘Dehury’ about the location of the burning spot which is kept surrounded with heaps of coal till the yatra.
  • Devotees from around the world visit the place and worship the the site of the burning flame with coconut, ghee, milk, cheese, clothes, bangles etc. The offerings is thrown into the burning flame.

Hinglaj Mata Temple Timings

Hinglaj Mata Temple remains open from 5:00 AM in the morning to 8:30 PM at night. There are different pujas and rituals performed as per the schedule. The morning puja is performed at 5:00 AM followed by Aarti and Bal Bhog at 6:15 AM. Hinglaj Mata Temple remains closed in the afternoon from 1:00 PM to 3:30 PM. The evening aarti is performed at 6:15 PM followed by the Bhog.

Rituals performed at Hinglaj Mata Temple

  • Majana: Majana is performed in the morning before the sun set and also in in the evening. In the morning the deities are cleaned by the sacred water and this is conducted by the Dehuri. The deities are then decorated with sarees, bangles, sindur and alata. The deities are decorated with five types of flowers such as Mandar, Anlei and leaves like bail and barun leaves.
  • Pancha Upachar and Bal Bhogh: After the Manjana the pancha-upachar is performed. The deities are offered with the incense sticks along with deepa. The Bal bhog consists of coconuts, seasame seed ladoo, Ukkuda and sweets.
  • Kanika Bhog: After the Bal bhog the Kanika bhog is offered to the deities.
  • Madhyahna Bhog: It is the mid day offerings made to the deities in the afternoon. It includes complete meal such as Rice, Dal, Kheer, curry etc.
  • Pahada: It is observed as the rest time for the deities and the temple remains closed during this time. But during special occasions the temple remains open throughout the day.
  • Reopening: After the day time pahada the temple is reopened.
  • Evening Majana: After the morning majana the same procedure is performed in the evening. The deities are decorated and made ready for the evening aarti.
  • Sandhya Aarti and Pana-Bhog:The sandhya aarti is performed in the evening followed by the Pana bhog that consists of bananas, sweets and ladoos.
  • Pahada: After the sandhya aarti that is performed for 2 hours the deities go to take rest and the temple remains closed during this tenure.

Festivals celebrated at the Hinglaj Mata Temple

  • Hingula Yatra: There is a popular belief among the local people that on this day of Visuba Sankranti Goddess Hingula appears and propitiation to her removes all evil forces. She is worshipped in the village street on her imaginary stride to the village. Offering to her includes spitted new cloth, Pana(sweet-water), butter lamp and green mangoes. Those who observe fasting, especially women are called ‘Osati’. Prior to the day of worship the fasting worshippers (mostly men) move from village to village with the sacred-pitcher symbolising the Goddess. Their religious procession is always accompanied by singing and dancing. These worshippers are called Patuas. The man who dances with the holy-pitcher on his head wears a black skirt, a red blouse and a long piece of black cloth tightly covering the head and having equal length on both sides to flow.  Those who walk on fire are known as Nian Patua and those on thorns are called Kanta Patua. Some worshippers stand on edged swords and are carried on open palanquins. They are caned Khanda Patua. Some of them show some feats in deep water. They are called Pani Patuas.  Especially all these festivals are celebrated a Shiva or Shakti Shrine.
  • Nuakhai: Khambeswar Mahadev and Khambeswari Devi, who remain on the left side of the pandal are worshiped without lighting any candle (Deepa). They are called Dark Gods (Andhari Devata or Pidha). The legend states them to have come under darkness from Boudha the shelter of Goddess Hingula, when Buddhist religion spread in the region. It is for this reason that they are called Andhari Pitha (Dark Seat). After this the Patiara being possessed by Hingula is worshipped. He arrives at the place of appearance of the Goddess in the form of Kalishi and it is at this place that is body gets dispossessed (from Kalishi). Then Dehury carries the mobile image `Alam` to the place of appearance where she is offered worship. The king along with his family come to the place and offer oblations (Ahuti) to the Goddess.  the freshly harvested paddy rice with gur, ghee, milk, honey and turmeric are mixed thoroughly and offered to the deity in called Nakhi. The sacred Nakhi is prepared in unwashed new earthen pots. This is a depiction of tribal culture. The first harvested paddy rice is supplied from the royal granary.
  • Patabari Festival: This festival takes place only when a new king is coronated after the death of the old king. During the occasion Dehury collects five salgram stones from the river Brahmani situated near Nadhara Kamalanga as per the directives of the Goddess.
  • Devi Dussehra: The goddess Hingula Alam is taken on a large procession for her permanent abode to the Dussehra ground where a podium for worship exists. Subsequently, the Alam is taken to Kuteisuni Pitha . It is one of the very important festival and devotees from various places gather to celebrate this festival.

How to reach: Road, Rail and Air

By Air: Biju Pattanaik Airport at Bhubaneswar is the nearest airport to Hinglaj Mata Temple. This airport is well connected to Delhi, Kolkata, Mumbai, Vishakhapatnam, Raipur, Chennai and Hyderabad. Talcher is 154 km Away from Bhubaneswar (Via Banarpal).

By Rail: There is no direct train network to Maa Hingula’s Temple but one can reach up to Talcher (TLHR), Talcher Road(TLHD) and Angul(ANGL) station.  Bhubaneswar, Puri, Angul, Talcher and Sambalpur are the major rail heads for the state.

By Road: The National Highways 23, 42, 55 and 200 pass through the state Odisha which are connected with Angul and Talcher, the two most nearest places to Gopal Prasad. Regular Bus services are available to Angul and Talcher from major cities of Odisha throughout the day. Talcher is 60 km away from Dhenkanal, 154 km Away from Bhubaneswar (Via Banarpal), 182 km from sambalpur, and 200kms from Rourkela.

Where to stay

There are many accommodation facilities near the temple. There is also a Yatri Niwas that is situated near the temple. There are good hotels located at Talcher.

  • Hotel Siddharth Regency: NH200, Talcher, Odisha 759107
  • Hotel Shakti International: Handidhua, Talcher, Odisha 759100
  • Hotel Brundaban: Hatatota, Talcher, Odisha
  • Trimurti hotel: Talcher, Odisha 759100
  • Green Park Hotel: Near By pass square, Talcher, Odisha 759107
  • Hotel Durga: NH-55, Turanga, Angul, Odisha 759123
  • Kamlesh Continental: Industrial Estate, Tamrit Colony, Angul, Odisha 759145
  • Hotel Prasanti Pvt. Ltd: Near NH 55, Turanga, Angul, Odisha 759123

Nearby Temples

  • Sri Sri Baladev Jew Temple: Sri Sri Baladev Jew Temple is one of the historic temples of Orissa, situated at Ichhapur near Kendrapara. The main temple has a 7 step construction and heavy baul amalia stone are used in this construction. There are other small temples inside the premise, where other Gods and Goddesses are worshipped. All the temples have a beautiful architecture and constructed in traditional way. The area covered by the structure is 2 Acre 6 Decimal.  The total area is divided into 2 parts. First part includes different temples and second part is garden. The boundary wall (Bedha) around the temple is 14 feet high.
  • Udala, Ambika temple: Devi Ambika Temple (Incarnation of Goddess Durga) is a temple which can spellbound every visitor. It is surrounded by great waterfalls and thick forest. This temple was built by the royal dynasty of Mayurbhanj in 1940. Devkund waterfall is situated in dense forest of Sal making it lush green area during the Rainy season. The area has variety of flora and fauna and makes it a perfect habitat for tropical birds and animals. Tiger Reserve of Simlipal is located in the periphery of Devkund. In all there are 5 waterfalls which fall into Kund and thus the place also named as Pancha Kunda. These 5 waterfalls are Amrit Kund, Ghrita Kund, Haladi Kund, Devkund and Devi Kund. At 100 steps above the waterfall near the river source sacred temple of Devi Ambika is located.
  • LingaRaj Temple: The temple is dedicated to Lord Shiva, also known as ‘Lingaraj’. It is adorned with beautiful sculptures, which have been carved on the spire. Lingaraja temple is approximately 54.8 metres high and enshrines a huge statue of Lord Shiva, made up of granite. Lingaraj Temple was built by the King Jajati Keshari, who belonged to Soma Vansh. It is thought that when the King shifted his capital from Jaipur to Bhubaneshwar, he started the construction of Lingaraj Temple. The main attractions of worship are the architecture of the temple itself. The Lingaraj shrine is known to be an overwhelming sight as it is the largest temple, in terms of height and distance, in the city. It is surrounded by old and intricate sculptures.
  • Maa Tarini Temple: The origin of Shakti or worship of the Earth as a female embodiment of power is found across many cultures all over the world. In Orissa which has a high density of tribal population whose religious practices have been assimilated into the mainstream Hindu faith. About 50 km from Keonjhar towards Cuttack Popular for Shrine of Goddess Tarini abode of Maa Durga. There is a saying and it has been proved also, whoever has prayed Maa and offered her a coconut on Tuesday or Saturday, Maa will fulfilled the desire of her Devotees.  

Gangotri Temple Opening and Closing Dates 2019, Darshan Timings, Travel Guide

, 2 Comments Filed Under: Char Dham Yatra, Uttarakhand Temples

Gangotri Temple is a Hindu temple dedicated to Goddess Ganga. The temple is situated in the Uttarkashi district of the state of Uttarakhand. It is located at an altitude of 3,100 meters in the Greater Himalayan Range on the banks of Bhagirathi river. Gangotri is the source of the Ganga river. It is the second stop of the Char Dham Yatra.

Here are the opening and closing dates of Gangotri Temple for 2019:

Gangotri Temple Opening Date in 2019: 07 May, 2019

Gangotri Temple Closing Date in 2019: 27 October, 2019 (Tentative)

Gangotri Temple
Temple Timings6:15 am to 2:00 pm, 3:00 pm to 9:30 pm
Aarti Timings6:00 am and 7:45 pm
Opening Date7-May-2019 (Akshaya Tritiya)
Closing Date27-October-2019 (Diwali)
Time Taken for DarshanMay and June: 4 hours. July-October: 1 hour
Entry FeeFree
Best Time to VisitMay to October
RegistrationBio-metric registration in Rishikesh
Nearest AirportDehradun

The temple opens on the day of Akshaya Tritiya which usually occurs in May. It closes after the celebration of Diwali. After that, the temple staff return to their villages. A white sheet of snow covers the valley for the next 6 months. During this time, the idol of the goddess is kept at Mukhba village.

Gangotri glacier also called Gaumukh is the actual source of the Ganga river. It is a 19 km trek from Gangotri. The road to the glacier is extremely difficult for people to reach. Hence the shrine has been located at the foot of the hill.

Gaumukh is the Actual Source of Ganga River
Gaumukh is the Actual Source of Ganga River

Frequently Asked Questions about Gangotri Temple

What is the best time to visit Gangotri?

It is best to go in the opening months of May to June and in the closing months of September to November. Avoid going during the monsoon months of July to September.  There are chances of landslides and floods in monsoon.

Is Gangotri open now?

The kapat of Gangotri temple opens on 7th May for the year 2019. One can visit after that any time.

Can I visit Gangotri in December?

At Gangotri, winter starts from October and lasts till April. The average temperature falls down to 5°C during day time. In December, Gangotri experiences heavy snowfall. It is advisable not to go during December.

How can I go to Gangotri Temple?

If you are coming from abroad, Delhi is most connected. By rail, Haridwar is best. From there you have to travel by Road to reach Uttarkashi and then Gangotri.

Can I go to Gangotri by car?

You can hire a taxi from the railway station to reach Gangotri. There are buses available too from nearest bus stations. However, it is not recommended to go by car. Find out why?

How far is Gangotri from Rishikesh and Haridwar?

The distance between Gangotri and Rishikesh is 270 km. The distance between Gangotri and Haridwar is 293 km.

Does Gangotri have snow?

From November to April, it is winter in Gangotri. Snowfall happens very often during winters. The average temperature is 5°C.

How old is Gangotri?

Gorkha General Amar Singh Thapa originally built the temple in the 18th century. Also, Bhagiratha meditated for years. He called Ganga to clean the sins of his ancestors.

Which God is in Gangotri?

Gangotri temple is dedicated to Goddess Ganga. As per Hindu mythology, Ganga is the daughter of Lord Brahma.

Is registration compulsory for going to Gangotri?

Yes, the Uttarakhand government have made the registration compulsory after the 2013 floods. One cannot skip the registration. Steps for online registration

Gangotri Temple Decorated At The Opening Ceremony
Gangotri Temple Decorated At The Opening Ceremony

What are the timings of Gangotri Temple?

Here are the timings of Gangotri Temple:

Gangotri Temple Timings
Timings6:15 am to 2:00 pm (Morning)
3:00 pm to 9:30 pm (Evening)
Opening Date7-May-2019 (Akshaya Tritiya)
Closing Date27-October-2019 (Diwali)
Time Taken for Darshan3-4 hours in May-June, 1 hour in July-October
Aartis6:00 am (Morning Aarti)
7:45 pm (Evening Aarti)

What are the pooja and aarti at Gangotri Temple?

Various pujas are performed in Gangotri temple for goddess Ganga. Mangala Aarti is performed in the morning while Shayana Aarti is performed in the evening daily. Pujas are performed by Semwal family of pujaris who are the administrator of the place. These pujaris come from Mukhba village.

Mangala Aarti & Sandhya Aarti at Gangotri
Mangala Aarti & Sandhya Aarti at Gangotri

The poojas and aartis of Gangotri temple are:

  • Gangotri Mangala Aarti – The morning Mangala Aarti takes place at 6 AM behind closed doors. The temple does not allow public viewing of this aarti.
  • Sandhya Aarti – The evening Aarti takes place at 7:45 PM in summers and at 7 PM in winters.
  • Ganga Devi Pooja – This pooja takes place at both the Ghat of Ganga as well as main shrine together. The Pooja has a special significance if it takes place on Ganga Saptami. The priests performing the pooja chant several Ganga Mantras and Stotrams.

What is the history of Gangotri Temple?

Gorkha General Amar Singh Thapa originally built the temple in the 18th century. As per Hindu mythology, Ganga is the daughter of Lord Brahma. One day, Brahma was washing the feet of Vamana (incarnation of Lord Vishnu). At that time, she was born from Vishnu’s kamandala (a spout shaped vessel).

According to a legend, King Sagara killed so many demons on the earth. To show his victory, he performed an Ashwamegh Yagya. A lot of horses hence taken on an uninterrupted journey around the earth. They were accompanied by the king’s 60,000 sons. However, Lord Indra got the fear of losing his throne.

Indra then took away the horses to fail the Yagya. He tied them in the ashram of Sage Kapila who was in deep meditation. King Sagara’s sons searched and found the horses near the meditating sage. 60,000 angry sons of King Sagara disturbed sage Kapila during his meditation. As a result, sage Kapila cursed them and they all perished.

Later, the king sent his grandson Anshuman to sage Kapila for forgiveness. Kapila said that only the water of heavenly Ganga can wash away their sins. Anshuman and his son Dileep tried but could not please Brahma.

Later, Bhagiratha, the grandson of King Sagara, meditated for years. He called Ganga to clean the sins of his ancestors and to liberate their souls. Hence, Goddess Ganga took the form of a river.

Ganga Arriving on Earth after Bhagiratha's Meditation
Ganga Arriving on Earth after Bhagiratha’s Meditation

What is the significance of Gangotri Temple?

A rock shaped Shiva-Linga form naturally in Gangotri every year with the beginning of the winters. At this place, Shiva allowed Ganga to flow through his locks. At the time of Ganga’s arrival onto Earth, Lord Shiva agreed to bear its force. He absorbed it into the locks of his hair which slowed the flow.

The locks of the hair also split it into seven streams. These are Bhagirathi, Alaknanda, Janhvi, Saraswati, Bhilangana, Rishiganga, and Mandakini. The river is called Bhagirathi at the source. After reaching Devprayag, it acquires the name Ganga. Later, it meets with Alaknanda river.

The water of river Ganga collected at Gangotri is believed to be an Amrit (nectar). It is considered as a holy drink. People carry this water to their home. They use this holy water in several poojas at home.

On the day of Ganga Dussehra, one should take a holy dip in the Ganga river. It cleanses the human soul of all the sins. People also dip the ashes of a dead person in Ganga river. It releases the soul from the cycles of death and rebirth.

What is inside the temple?

In architectural terms, Gangotri temple is very simple and naturally plain. It does not have any detailed carvings. Sculptures are also not present anywhere. The temple is constructed with white marble stones symbolizing peace. The steps leading to Sabha Mandap meets the main sanctum. A small Shiva temple is also present inside the main temple.

What to wear while going Gangotri?

Gangotri temple is situated in the cold valleys. The weather is cold throughout the year. Rainfalls and snowfalls often occur there. Hence, one should wear proper winter clothes with mufflers and gloves. An umbrella is also must to carry.

What are the festivals celebrated at Gangotri Temple?

Leafy Boats Floating On Ganga Dussehra
Leafy Boats Floating On Ganga Dussehra

Some of the festivals celebrated at Gangotri temple are:

  • Ganga Dussehra – This festival signifies the day when Goddess Ganga descended on Earth. Thousands of pilgrims across the country take a holy dip in the Ganga river. A beautiful Ganga Aarti also takes place in the evening. Devotees offer various flowers and sweets to Ganga river. The offering is made in leafy boats which floats on the river.
  • Diwali – After the celebration of Diwali, the temple closes. Devotees take the idol of Ganga to the Mukhyamath Temple in a small village of Mukhwa. This temple is the winter home of Goddess Ganga. On this day, people of Mukhwa clean the whole village as preparation for Goddess’s arrival.
  • Akshaya Tritiya – On this day, devotees bring the idol of Ganga back from her winter home of Mukhwa. They clean and decorate the whole temple with flowers. The idol of Goddess Ganga is then placed in the main sanctum. The ceremony takes place along withsongs and dances performed by the devotees.

How to reach Gangotri Temple?

  • Air: Jolly Grant Airport in Dehradun is the nearest airport.
  • Train: Nearest railway stations are Rishikesh and Haridwar.
  • Road: Gangotri is connected by road with major cities in Uttarakhand and Delhi NCR. Buses are also available from Haridwar, Rishikesh, Dehradun, Roorkee, Tehri and Hanuman Chatti. Pilgrims generally make Uttarkashi as their base camp. The time taken from Uttarkashi to Gangotri temple is about 4 hours by road.

Where to stay near Gangotri Temple?

Some of the places where one can stay near Gangotri temple are:

  • Bhagirathi Sadan:  There are a total of 15 rooms in this hotel. Each room has bottled drinking water, a spacious bed, and basic furniture. The hotel offers facilities of front desk assistance as well as room service. Guests can also make use of luggage storage space.
  • Hotel Mandakini: It has 16 spacious rooms. The hotel has facilities like cable television and bottled drinking water. It also has attached bathroom with the facility of hot/cold running water. Other facilities include luggage storage space, 24-hour power back-up, and parking space.
  • Hotel Kalp Kedar:  The hotel has an in-house restaurant where one can enjoy delicious meals. There are 10 rooms spread across 1 floor. The rooms are clean with 24 hour supply of hot and cold water. It has room service and front desk help. Parking area for cars is available within the premises.

What are some temples near Gangotri Temple?

Cheedvasa & Bhojvasa - Camping Sites Near Gangotri
Cheedvasa & Bhojvasa – Camping Sites Near Gangotri

Some of the temples near Gangotri temple are:

  • Kashi Vishwanath Temple, Uttarkashi: It is one of the most sacred temples in Uttarakhand. This temple is dedicated to Lord Shiva. It is present on the banks of river Bhagirathi. It is also one of the Char Dham Yatra destinations. The Shiva lingam here is 56cm in height and tilted towards south.
  • Shakti Temple – It is present in Uttarkashi opposite to Kashi Vishwanath Temple. A massive Trishul is present in the center of the temple. The Trishul is 6 meters high and 90 cms wide. The lower half of Trishul is of copper and the upper half is of iron. According to legends, Goddess Durga aimed this Trishul to killed the devils.
  • Gaumukh – Gaumukh is the actual source of the Ganga river. It is a 19 km trek from Gangotri. The road to the glacier is extremely difficult for people to reach.
  • Pandava Gufa – It is a 1.5 km trek from Gangotri temple. It is the place where the Pandavas are believed to have meditated. They took rest here while going to Kailash.
  • Cheedvasa & Bhojvasa – These are ideal camping sites near Gangotri. Cheedvasa is at a distance of 28 km and Bhojvasa is at a distance of 22 km from Gangotri.
  • Nandanvan – Nandanvan is a 6 km trekking route along the glacier. It gives a spectacular glimpse of the Shivalinga.
  • Sylvan Tapovan – It is across the Gangotri glacier. It is known for its greenery encircling the base of the Shivalinga.

Bhadrachalam Temple Guide – Sita Ramachandraswamy – Timings, Poojas, and History

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

Bhadrachalam temple is the abode of Shri Sita Ramachandra Swamy. This temple is in honor of Lord Rama. The temple is on the banks of the Godavari river. It also relates to the life events of Saint Kancharla Gopanna, who was a great devotee of Lord Rama.

What is the history of Bhadrachalam Temple?

According to the history of Bhadrachalam Temple,  Gopanna the Tahasildar of Bhadrachalam (second half of 17th century), used money from government treasury to build this temple, and hence faced imprisonment in a dungeon at Golconda. Lord Rama miraculously gave the Sultan the money spent by Gopanna, after which he released him.

Gopanna then became Bhadrachala Ramadasa and went on to compose innumerable songs in praise of Rama.

Ramadasa heard the news that the villagers of palvoncha paragana were proceeding to witness Jatara at Bhadrachalam. He found the deities in an amazing appearance; and Ramadas then asked the villagers to contribute liberally for the construction of the temple.

So, the villagers appealed to him to spend the revenue collections for the construction of the temple with a promise to repay the amount after harvesting the crops.
The Golconda king Tanishah realized the devotional spirit of Ramadas after his imprisonment and took over the charge of temple administration.

Golconda king, Tanishah then realized Ramadas’s devotional spirit and dedication towards Rama, when Rama and Lakshmana repaid 6 lakhs Mohurs in the form of Ramoji and Lakshmoji, the servants of Bhakta Ramadas for the release of their devotee from imprisonment.

Thanisha gave voucher to these divine looking persons who approached him at his house during late night. Then they kept the voucher under the pillow of Gopanna where he was jailed.  Tanishah who woke up the next morning realized that those divine looking persons were none other than Rama and Lakshmana and made arrangements to get release of Gopanna and prayed to forgive him by placing all the Gold Mohurs received previous night at the feet of Gopanna.  But he refused to take back those mohurs except two as a mark of divine significance, and these two coins can still be seen in Bhadrachalam temple.

What is the significance of Bhadrachalam Temple?

Here is the significance of Bhadrachalam Temple:

  • Shri Rama is a charming person, of handsome beauty, and well-built physique, wearing in his two hands, the Dhanus, and the Bana, and standing in the ‘Tribhanga’ attitude as opposed to the ‘Samabhanga’ pose.
  • Sita stands near him, also in the Tribhanga attitude, with a lotus in one hand and the other hand shown in the ‘Katyavalambita’ posture.
  • Temple also exhibits the importance of Ramayana, one of the great canons of Hindu literature.
  • Moreover, the location Bhadrachalam exists in Dandakaranya, the spiritual significant region where Lord Rama, Goddess Seetha, and Lakshmana had spent 14 years of Vanavasam.
  • Lord Rama takes His abode on the head of the sage Bhadra (immovable hill) famous as Bhadrachalam.
  • A sub shrine of Goddess Lakshmi is also there inside the temple complex of Bhadrachalam temple.

What are the timings of Bhadrachalam Temple?

Here are the timings of Bhadrachalam Temple:

TimingsFromTo
Open4:30 am8:30 pm
Abhishekam00 AM 8.00 AM
Kesavanaamaarchanaa8:30 AM8.00 P.M
Sahasranamarchana8.30 A.M9.30 A.M
Suvarna Tulasi Astotharanamarchana (on Saturdays)8.30 A.M9.30 A.M
Suvarna Pushpa Astothara Namarchana (on Sundays)8.30 A.M9.30 A.M
Sakalbhishtaprada Sree Ramapuja8.30 AM
Nitya Kalyana Ubhayam9.30 A.M11.00 A.M
Rajata Ratha Seva 6.30 PM
Alaya Chuttu Seva8.00 PM8.30 P.M
Vahana Seva (Garuda, Hamsa, Hanumantha, Rajadhiraja)8.00 PM 8.30 P.M.

What are the festivals celebrated at Bhadrachalam Temple?

Some of the festivals celebrated at Bhadrachalam Temple are:

  • Vykuntha Ekadasi occurs in either December or January on the day of either Pushya or Margasira shuddha Ekadasi. The ten day festival Adhyayanotsavams and Dasavatara Mahotsavams (10 incarnations) of Sri Maha Vishnu are preceded to Vykuntha Ekadasi Fete.
  • Sri Rama Navami occurs on every ‘Chaitra shuddha navami ‘ on ‘Punarvasu’ -‘Janma Nakshatra’, of Lord Sri Rama. Further, the priests recite hymns in Kalyanamantapam near the stadium, where devotees witness it.

How to reach Bhadrachalam Temple?

Here’s how to reach Bhadrachalam Temple:

  • Air: Vijayawada is the nearest airport from where flights are available.
  • Rail: The nearest Railway station is Bhadrachalam (Kothagudem) which is 40 km.
  • Road: The state bus service, TSRTC operates numerous buses connecting the town to various places like Kothagudem, Hyderabad, Khammam, Warangal, Tirupati, Rajahmundry, Nalgonda, Chennai, Vijayawada and Visakhapatnam.

Where to stay nearby?

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

  • The Sita Nilayam Cottage, Bhadrachalam at Sree Seetha Ramachandra Swamy Vaari Devasthanam is a good place to check in. It has nice accommodations that the travelers find to be refreshing.
  • Srinidhi Resdidency at Rajaveedhi is a great place that has excellent accommodations and closest to the bhadrachalam temple entrance.

What are some places to visit nearby?

Some of the places one can visit near Bhadrachalam Temple are:

  • Parnasala is a significant and wonderful sightseeing destination of Bhadrachalam. Parnasala is a popular village in the Khammam district of Telangana, India.
  • Jattayu Paaka (Yetapaka)- This Place is 2Kms away from Bhadrachalam. Jatayuvu, a devotee of Rama obstructed Ravana while he was proceeding on the chariot after kidnapping Sita. After the battle between Ravana and Jataayuvu, the heavily injured bird waited at this place for Rama. A wing of this bird fell at Rekkapalli, about 55 Kms from here, in V.R. Puram Mandal.
  • Sabari in Bhadrachalam is the place where River Sabari joins River Godavari. Also, a woman named Dhammakka used to live here that used to have dreams in which Lord Rama appeared.
  • Annavaram temple is located nearby.
  • Yadagirigutta Temple

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