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Jio network in Uttarakhand – Kedarnath, Badrinath Coverage

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How is Jio network in Uttarakhand?

It is recommended not to carry Jio during the Char Dham Yatra. This is because you would face a lot of service issues. BSNL is the best network for Char Dham Yatra. Airtel also works well. However, there are chances of not getting the connection everywhere.

Char Dham Yatra Tour Package

We provide safe drivers and clean hotels for char dham yatra

Char Dham Tour Package
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=l8EazMZCd5E

It is best to carry a BSNL sim as the other networks including Jio don’t work properly in the Char Dhams and the major cities.

As the Char Dhams of this Yatra are located in the Himalayan terrain, you will lose network in many places. However, these networks work the best among all.

The more you travel and go towards the elevation, the chances of losing the network connectivity increases. As you move towards the city like Rudraprayag, Uttarkashi etc, you will get back the network connection.

Frequently asked questions about Char Dham Yatra

Rameshwar Mandir

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Rameshwar Mandir is a temple located in Chaul, Maharashtra. It is a very ancient temple of Lord Shiva. The Chaul region is known for its temples. A black sand beach, Revdanda lies about halfway between Nagaon and Kashid. Half of the small town lies in an old Portuguese fort. The village is famous for aromatic flowers known as the ‘Bakuli’. Rice is a major source of livelihood for the local inhabitants, apart from the trees and fishes. There are 365 temples in Chaul, equal to the number of days in a year. Chaul is about 15 Kms from Alibag, and the drive takes us through the picturesque villages of Akshi and Nagaon. There are three prominent temples in Chaul – the Rameshwar Mandir, Datta Mandir and the Hingulja Devi Mandir.

Rameshwar Mandir

History and Legend of Rameshwar Mandir

  • According to lore, the Rameshwar Temple was supposed to have been built in a day by the Pandavas, but they were unable to complete it. Centuries later, Kanhoji Angre (Maratha navy admiral, 1698-1729) completed the work. It is a must to look out for the elaborate samadhi (entombment) behind the temple. Locals are of the faith that it is a memorial to one of the Angres.
  • There were historians who believe that the temple has been built in the Hemadpant style of architecture an architectural style introduced by Hemadpant, the prime minister of the court of Seuna Yadavas of Devagiri. This style of architecture incorporates the use of locally procured black stone and lime and came into use in the thirteen century A.D.
  • Chaul has been populated since 300 B.C., its golden age traversing the reign of the Satavahanas from 2 B.C. to 3 A.D. The Portuguese built the Revdanda Fort in 1524 here and girded it later. Chaul was five times the size it is today.

Significance of the Rameshwar Mandir Temple

  • There are a number of shrines within easy reach of the Rameshwar Mandir. In Revdanda there is another temple the Datta Mandir. The Datta Mandir is located in the Chaul region of Revdanda and is built atop a hill. It is dedicated to “Datta” or the Lord worshipped by the Maharashtrian people.
  • In village the Shitala Devi Mandir is also a worth visiting shrine. The locals believe that goddess “Shitla” protects the village from all problems and calamities. Locals refer to the goddess as ‘AAI’.
  • The main attraction of the Rameshwar Temple are the three kunds.
  • The Mandir has three tanks : parjanya kund, agni kund, and wayu kund, representing three elements of nature – Rain, fire, and air.
  • The temple is a perfect place for tourists to spend time as it is built on a vast land comprising of a prayer hall, sanctum sanctorum and 7.62 meter high summit shaped dome.
  • Rameshwar temple is a typical simple coastal temple that is high on character and history. This temple is a wonderful place to spend some relaxing time and to meditate. The temple complex spreads over a huge piece of land and comprises of a large prayer hall.

Rules to follow at Rameshwar Mandir

The visitors are required to be dress appropriately, as it is a place of worship. Devotees should follow the decorum and not spoil the serene and pure atmosphere of the area.

Festivals celebrated at the Rameshwar Mandir

Pola: Pola is a festival related to bull-worshiping and celebrated by farmers generally in Maharashtra state in India. Pola comes in Shravana month on Pithori Amavasya day which is also called the new moon day. This is mainly celebrated in Vidharbha region. This is the special day for farmers. On this occasion, the farmers’ first give bath to their bullocks, decorate them with ornaments and worships them. It is called Pola because the demon Polasur was killed by Lord Krishna when he attacked Krishna as a child. This is also why children are given special treatment on this day.  Among the smaller villages located near the outskirts of Alibag, small processions appear with paraded cattle. The procession includes a heavy use of bugles and drums. The traditional dish prepared on this day is called Puran Poli.

Nag Panchami: The Nag Panchami or festival of snakes is celebrated on the fifth day of the moonlit fortnight in the month of Shravan. During the festival people bathe the snakes with milk ensuring their families freedom from danger of snakes.There is yet another legend which relates to the victory of Lord Krishna over the Kaliya snake. The same is remembered and celebrated this day. According to myth, ploughing a field is forbidden on this day. Devotees offer milk and honey to the Snake God, Shesh Nag and seek the blessings of the God. People visit temples, and the streets are lined with stalls offering all sorts of religious souvenirs. It is a tradition among women to apply mehendi, designs applied with herbal paints, on their hands.

Ganesh Chaturthi: Ganesh Chaturthi also known as Vinayaka Chaturthi is one of the important Hindu festivals celebrated throughout India with a great devotion. This day is celebrated as the birthday of Lord Ganesh, the elephant-headed son of Lord Shiva and Goddess Parvati. As per Hindu mythology Lord Ganesh is considered as “Vigana Harta” (one who removes obstacles) and “Buddhi Pradaayaka” (one who grants intelligence).  Celebrated in the month of August or September, this festival goes on for 10 days and envelops the whole of town in a festive vigour.

How to reach: Road, Rail and Air

By Air: The closest airport to the Rameshwar Mandir in Revdanda is the Chhatrapati Shivaji Int. Airport, which is about 60Km away. The Lohegaon Airport is about 104.2Km away.

By Train: The station of Pen is the closest railway station to Chaul which is 46 km away from Chaul. The nearest railway station to the Rameshwar Mandir in Revdanda is the Mumbai Central Railway Station. It is about 2 hours away from Revdanda.

By Road: Chaul is well connected via road network with other cities of Maharashtra. And you can use private vehicles. The best way to reach Revdanda is by road. Revdanda is on the same road as Alibaug. Alternatively tourists can also take a ferry service and get off at Mandwa Jetty and take a bus or an auto rickshaw from there to Revdanda.

By Sea: One can reach through the Gateway of India by catamaran to Mandva jetty then  Alibag and finally reach Revdanda.

Hotels in Rameshwar: Where to stay

Accommodation facilities are available in Revdanda. There are a few guest houses in the village. Alibaug not far from Revdanda presents a lot of exciting resorts and hotels where tourists generally put up. The Rameshwar Mandir is not very far from Mumbai. Tourists can have a wide range of selection of accommodation in Mumbai. The temple can be reached within about 2 hours from Mumbai.

  • Kumarwadi Farm: Near Rameshwar Mandir, Choul, Alibaug 402203, India
  • Suhasini Villa: Chaul, Maharashtra 402203
  • Rembrandt Villa: Opp. Mahalaxmi Mandir, Alibaug – Revdanda Road, Village Bagmala, Nagoan, 402204 Revadanda
  • Vasundhara Cottage: Gharat Ali, Shitala Devi Road, Taluka Alibag, District-Raigad, Chaul
  • Sun Rise Villa: Palav Fata, Naigaon, Alibaug
  • Dolphin House Beach Resort: 317, Nagaon Bandar Road, Nagaon, Alibag
  • Palms Cottage: Nagaon Bandar Road, Alibaug, Pen
  • Karpewadi: Suruche Ban, Satad Bandar, Dist. Raigad, Nagaon, Maharashtra 402203
  • Mira Villa: Vartak Nagar, Nagaon, Maharashtra 402204
  • Kaivalya Farms: Kaivalya Farms, Village Palhe, Nagaon
  • Sanman Holiday Home: Raigad, Maharashtra 402201
  • Elysium Resorts (Revdanda): Village Yesade, Ahead of Birla Mandir, 6KM ahead of WelSpun Industry, Revdanda – Roha Road, Alibag

Where to eat

There are variety of food that is offered in the nearby hotels. One can enjoy the vegetarian as well as the non vegetarian meals. There are variety of snacks and bakery products that are offered. There are also restaurants that offers amazing chinese cuisine

Nearby Temples

Kanakeshwar Forest(temple): Kanakeshwar situated near  Alibag on Konkan coast. Kanakeshwar temple is situated in midst of forest so dense that the interior is impermeable to sunlight. The temple is situated on a small hill near the village of Mapgaon which is almost 12 km from Alibag. The hill is almost 1200 feet high and one has to climb 700 – 750 steps to reach the temple. The hill and the surroundings are good to visit. One can see the hilly region and the forest on the hill. The other places to see near Kanakeshwar are the Maruti Temple, Gaymandi (Sculpture of a Cow), Temple of Devi Putrabai, Gaymukh and the plateau of Vyaghreshwar (a small temple of Lord Shiva) etc. The temple of Kanakeshwar is very beautiful; it is a Hoysala style structure built in 1764. A water tank, called a “Pushkarni”, has water almost throughout the year.

Vikram Vinakyak Temple: Vikram Vinayak Mandir is situated inside the Vikram Ispat premises, which is at a distance of around 20 km from Alibaug. This temple is situated across the Revdanda Bridge and is surrounded by beautiful garden and fountains. Located on a small hillock, the temple can be reached by climbing the well paved stairs. Inside the temple, different idols of gods and goddesses can be seen such as Shiva-Parvati, Lord Surya, Shree Radha-Krishna and Goddess Durga.

Birla Mandir: This is a Ganesh temple of very modern architecture in white marble, situated on a small hill (130 easy steps). This is a place visited by tourists from all around. The entire hill is a temple complex with beautiful gardens & fountains all around. This temple is built by Grasim group near Vikram Ispat factory.

Someshwar Temple: Someshwar Temple is an ancient Hindu temple in Akshi, which is situated at a distance of 3 km from Alibaug. It was built by Satavahana rulers and the structure reflects the architectural style of their ruling period. The Someshwar Temple is dedicated to Lord Shiva who also was revered as Someshwar. Legend has that Lord Shiva once drank an ocean that was full of poison and converted it into nectar. Pilgrims throng this place to seek the Lord’s blessings.

Shitala Devi Temple (Chaul): Originally it was built with a tiled roof and wooden structure. In 1990, it was renovated into a modern structure. It is a greatly revered shrine. This temple is 14 Km away from Alibag.

Siddhivinayak Temple at Nandgaon: On the way to Murud there is a temple of Ganesh situated at Nandgaon. It is surrounded by lush green coconut and supari plantations. Murud is a typical konkan town mixing rural & urban facilities.

Korlai village & Church: The village is populated by Roman catholic East Indians & local fishermen. Korlai has a rich historical background dating back to 300 years during Portuguese rule. A village church and adjoining convent school are in a typical rural setting and worth a visit.

Sri Datta Shrine: Another very famous hill shrine at Chaul is Sri Datta Mandir with its own Glory which is about 18 kms from Alibag.  One has to climb around 700 stairs to reach this shrine.There is Hingulja Mandir situated near Datta Mandir, a historic temple built by Pandwas. There is five days Mela in the month of December at the occasion of Sri Datta Jayanti. Trekkers would love to visit this ancient temple.

Nageshwar Temple Guide – Timings, Poojas, and History

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Nageshwar Temple, also known as the Nageshvara Temple, lies on the coast of Saurashtra in Gujarat. It is dedicated to Lord Shiva and is one of the 12 Jyotirlinga Shrines mentioned in Shiva Purana. The Jyotirlinga is in an underground sanctum. The major attraction of this temple is a 25-meters tall statue of Lord Shiva in a large garden with a pond surrounding the statue.

Planning to visit this temple? Have a look at our Dwarka Somnath Tour Package.

Nageshwar Temple – Facts

DeityLord Nageshwar (Lord Shiva)
LocationJamnagar, Gujarat
SignificanceJyotirlinga
ToursDwarka Somnath Tour and Pancha Dwaraka
Darshan Timings6:00 AM to 9:00 PM
Entry FeeFree
PoojasRudrabhisek, Laghurudra
Best Time to VisitMarch and October
FestivalsShravan, Mahashivratri
Jyotirlingas in GujaratSomnath Jyotirlinga, Nageshwar Jyotirlinga
Nageshwar Temple is one the two Jyotirlingas of Gujarat.

What are the timings of Nageshwar Temple?

The temple opens at 6 AM and closes at 9 PM. The temple also performs various rituals during this time. The devotees can be a part of these rituals, such as the morning and evening aarti.

The timings of Nageshwar Temple are as follows:

RitualsFromTo
Darshan6 AM9 PM
Shringar Darshan4 PM4:30 PM
Shayan Aarti7 PM7:30 PM
Nightly Aarti9 PM9:30 PM

What are the sevas and poojas performed at Nageshwar Jyotirlinga?

Poojas at Nageshwar Temple
There are several poojas that are conducted at the Nageshwar Temple.

The following poojas take place at Nageshwar Temple:

  • Rudrabhishek: This abhishek is performed with Panchamrit (Milk, Ghee, Honey, Curd, and Sugar) amongst the recital of several mantras and shlokas. The pooja is said to be conducted when Shiva is in his Rudra Avatar (angry form). The Shiva Linga is washed with water which continuously keeps pouring over it through a vessel (Dudhabhishek).
  • Laghurudra Pooja: This abhishek is done to resolve issues related to health and wealth. It also removes the bad effects of planets in the horoscope.

Devotees can perform the Rudrabhishekam and Mahapooja with Bhog on Ek Somvar (one Monday), Chaar Somvar (four Mondays), and in the month of Shravan at a reasonable price.

What is the significance of Nageshwar Temple?

Shrine of Nageshwar Temple
The Lingam is an oval Rudraksha with three faces. Rudrakhsa is said to be the tears of Lord Shiva.

The significance of the Nageshwar temple is that this powerful Jyotirlinga protects the devotees from all kinds of poison. Devotees also believe that the one who prays to the lord becomes free of poison i.e.negativities. The lingam at Nageshwar is unique as it consists of a stone popularly known as the Dwarka Stone.

The Rudra Samhita Shloka refers to Lord Nageshwar with the phrase ‘Daarukaavane Naagesham’.

Nageshwar Mahadev Sivalingam is facing South while the Gomugam is facing east. There is a story behind this position. There once was a devotee named, Naamdev. He was a mere saint who used to dedicate songs to Lord Shiva.

One day when he was singing bhajans in front of the Lord, the other devotees asked him to stand aside and not hide the Lord. To this, Naamdev asked them to suggest one direction in which the Lord does not exist, so that he can then stand there. The enraged devotees carried him and left him on the south. To their astonishment, they found that the Linga was now facing South with the Gomugam facing east.

What is the history of Nageshwar Temple?

Nageshwar Temple
The Nageshwar Temple is loacted on the route between Dwarka city and Beyt Dwarka Island.

According to the history of the Nageshvara temple, there are two stories behind this Jyotirlinga. The two legends relate to the existence of this numinous temple. The first story dates back to a hundred years in the Shiva Purana, about a demon couple named Daruka and Daruki.

Now known as Dwarka, the city was earlier named after the Asura couple and called, “Darukavana”. Daruka’s wife Daruki was a devotee of Goddess Parvati. But, Daruka was a cruel demon who found joy in troubling people around him.

One day, he imprisoned an ardent devotee of Lord Shiva named, Supriya, with several others. Daruka misused the blessings granted to him and continued to torment the local folks by one means or another. While in captivity, Supriya advised all the people to loudly chant the mantra of “Om Namaha Shivaye”.

Supriya told the villagers that this mantra is powerful enough to protect them all. When Daruka came to know about this, he was furious and he went to kill her. This is when Lord Shiva appeared in the form of a Linga on earth. Shiva couldn’t kill the demon because of the boon granted to him by his wife, Parvati. Hence, he assured Supriya and all others that he would protect them all in the form of the Jyotirlinga.

The Jyotirlinga of Darukavana

According to another legend, a group of dwarf sages known as “Balakhilyas” worshipped Lord Shiva in Darukavana for a long time. To test their persistence as well devotion, Lord Shiva went to them as nude wearing only nagas, i.e., serpents on his body.

All the wives of the sages got attracted to him and went after him, leaving their husbands behind. This action made all the sages angry and they cursed Shiva to lose his linga. Hence, the Shiva Linga fell on earth and the whole earth trembled.

Then, Lord Vishnu and Lord Brahma appeared and requested Shiva to save the planet from getting destroyed and to take back his linga. After consoling the sages, Lord Shiva then took back his linga and promised his divine presence in the form of Jyotirlinga in Darukavana forever.

What are the Festivals Celebrated at Nageshwar Temple?

Some of the festivals celebrated at Nageshwar Temple are:

  • Mahashivaratri: This festival occurs in late February or early March. It is believed that Lord Shiva married Goddess Parvati on this day. The day is famous for rigorous poojas, bhajans, and abhishekams. The devotees decorate the lingam with flowers and conduct the abhishek with milk. Thousands of people visit the temple during this glorious festival.
  • Shravan month: Shravan Maas falls on the fifth month of the Hindu calendar, starting late July and ending by the third week of August. During the Shravan Maas, the chanting of the Rudra Mantra echoes in the temple.

How to Reach Nageshwar Temple?

Here’s how to reach Nageshwar Temple:

  • Air: The nearest airport is Jamnagar Airport, which is 137 km from the temple.
  • Rail: Some trains even connect the way down to the south through Vadodara, Surat, Mumbai, Goa, Karnataka, and Kerala.
  • Road: There are direct buses available from Jamnagar and Ahmedabad.

How far is the Nageshwar Temple from the Somnath Temple?

Nageshwar to Somnath
The Somnath Temple is another famous Jyotilinga in Gujarat.

The Somnath Temple is another one the 12 holy Jyotirlingas dedicated to Lord Shiva. The temple is located at Prabhas Patan, near Veraval port in Saurashtra, Gujarat. It takes around 4 to 5 hours by road to reach Somnath Jyotirlinga from Nageshwar temple.

Where to stay nearby?

There are various places 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:

  • Hotel Guruprerna
  • Hotel Meera
  • Hotel Damji
  • Hotel Dwarka Residency
  • Hotel Gomti

Where to eat nearby?

The best places nearby to feast on the local food would be the Charmi Restaurant and Hotel Prasad.

Where are some temples nearby?

Explore Dwarka
The Nageshwar Temple is only 17.3 km away from the Dwarkadish Temple.

Some of the temples near Nageshwar Temple are:

  • Shree Dwarkadish Temple: Also known as the Jagat Mandir this temple is dedicated to Lord Krishna also known as the “King of Dwarka”. It consists of 5 storied building, 72 pillars and this temple is about 2,200 years old. It is a Pushtimarg temple, therefore it follows the guidelines and rituals of Shree Vallabhacharya and Shree Vitheleshnathji.
  • Gomti Ghat Temples: The Gomati Ghat in Gujarat has plentiful of temples that are devoted to Lord Krishna, Lord Rama, Lord Shiva, and Sudama, who was Lord Krishna’s closest friend. The temples around this ghat present an amazing view of River Gomati. The Ghat Temples are just at the entrance of the Dwarkadhish temple.
  • Rukshmani Mandir: Rukshamanee/ Rukshmani Mandir is an important place of pilgrimage and is dedicated to the most adored consort of Krishna, Devi Rukmini. A masterpiece in artistic terms, this temple has embellished walls and carvings which are a treat for one’s eyes. This temple is located in the main city of Dwarka.
  • Bhadkeshwar Mahadev Temple: Located at a distance of 18.2 km from Nageshwar Jyotirlinga, the temple is dedicated to Lord Chandra Mouliswar Shiva. The temple is on the hillock on the sea. During high tide, water surrounds the temple and a fair takes place here every year on the day of Mahashivratri.

Frequently Asked Questions about Nageshwar Temple

Is the Nageshwar Temple open throughout the year?

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

What is the entry fee?

The entry to the Nageshwar Temple is free of cost.

Is there any online darshan facility available?

No, there is no online darshan facility available.

Can one carry mobiles and gadgets into the temple?

Yes. All electronic gadgets are permitted in the temple premises (viz. mobile, camera, laptop).

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

No. No such facilities are available. Although, a wheelchair can be made available upon request.

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

No. No such facilities are available.

What is the weather like during summers?

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

What are winters like in Gujarat?

In Dwarka, winters start in November and continues until February. The temperatures during this time range from around 10 º C to 24 º C. The weather during this time is cool and pleasant.

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

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

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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

Shravanabelagola Temple Guide – Timings, Poojas, and History

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Shravanabelagola Temple is a testimony to the religious beliefs of the Jains. This religion is believed to have come into existence from 7th-5th century BCE along the eastern India. It laid the importance of world renunciation and played a significant role in rejecting the religious culture of the Brahman or priestly class in society.

With time, Jainism spread across the globe and it became a prominent path to attain salvation for a large number of people. Shravanabelagola Temple is a sacred Jain pilgrimage destination which is located towards the north-west of Bangalore in the Indian state of Karnataka. It is a famous place for people who want to experience and learn more about Jain culture, beliefs, and traditions.

This place derives its name from a pond called ‘bili-gola’ or white pond which is located between two hills. People from all over the world gather here all around the year to attain spiritual bliss and enlightenment.

Shravanabelagola

History & Legend of Shravanabelagola Temple

  • Legends say that Rishaba-Admatha had two sons namely, Bharata and Bahubali. While the former was the king of Ayodhya, the latter was the ruler of Paudanapura. Bharata wanted to become the Chakravarthi emperor and hence decided to attack Paudanapura. Bahubali refused to surrender and proclaimed war. In this situation, the elder statesmen of both the sides decided to avoid bloodshed by arranging for a dual battle between the two brothers. The battle consisted of three parts namely, the Dristi Yuddha where the person needs to stare at another individual without closing the eyelids, the Jala Yuddha where water is splashed on a person till he turns his face away and finally, the Malla Yuddha which symbolizes wrestling. Bahubali emerged as the winner in all the three forms and this angered Bharata. He then decided to attack Bahubali with his chakra but it just circled him thrice and failed to attack him.  Bahubali felt disgusted and decided to leave worldly pleasures and walk on the path of purification of his soul. He stood in the Kayotsarga or standing posture for about a year without any food or water. From ant hills to snakes, his legs were covered with dangerous creatures and later he was successful in attaining the knowledge about the universe or Kevaljnan. From then on, he is called as Bahubali-Kevali or Gommateshwara.
  • There are many historical references that are associated with Shravanabelagola. As per to the Jain Bhadrabahu tradition, one of the successors of Mahaveera breathed his last in a cave here while leading a migration from Ujjain to South India owing to a 12-year-old famine.
  • Additionally, there are many monuments that are formed by the Gangas and Hoysalas who were ardent followers of the religion. These shrines can be spotted in the hills of Vindhyagiri and Chandragiri.

Significance of Shravanabelagola Temple

  • Shravanabelagola Temple is a famous holy place for the Jains. The followers believe that their Guru resides here in a Mutt.
  • There is also a Sanskrit Patashala for interested candidates to study Sanskrit and Shastras.
  • Vindhyagiri is the hill which is 470 feet high and located on solid rock. There are about 660 steps to climb barefoot in order to reach the top of the hill. While youngsters can climb the hill, old people can avail of the palanquin service.
  • There is 58 feet high monolithic statue of Lord Gommateshwara situated atop the Vindhyagiri hill. It is said to be constructed by Chavundaraya, the Prime Minister and the Commander-in-Chief of the Talakad Ganga Kingdom in 981 A.D. This monolithic statue is made of granite and stands tall over the adjacent countryside.
  • Vindhyagiri or Indragiri, as it is also known was called as Dodda Betta. There are 7 types of monuments, eight temples of varied sizes, four mandapas, two ponds, five gateways, three pillars, two arches and 172 inscriptions found in this place. The inscriptions belong to the late 10th to 19th centuries A.D. and are inscribed in languages like Kannada, Sanskrit, and Tamil, etc.
  • Chandragiri also called as Chikka Betta or Kalbappu is the home to notable Bhadrabahu Basadi and Chandragupta Basadi. The hill is 200 feet in height and consists of 192 steps. The imprint of the revered saint Bhadrabahu’s feet can be found here. Emperor Ashoka had built a basadi for Chandragupta Maurya in the 3rd century B.C. The great emperor had spent his days at this place.
  • While tourists and pilgrims visit this shrine throughout the year but it is best to pay a visit during the months of September to March.
  • While people from the southern state of Kannada refer to this icon as the Gommateshwara statue, the Jains refer to it as Bahubali.

Shravanabelagola Temple Timings

  • Shravanabelagola Temple opens its gates at 6 A.M. and closes at 6:30 P.M.
  • However, it remains closed from 11:30 A.M. to 3:30 P.M.

Shravanabelagola Temple Food Timings

  • Prasad is offered to all the devotees from 12 noon.
  • Pilgrims can offer dry fruits as Prasad to the Lord.

Festivals celebrated at Shravanabelagola Temple

  • The Mahamasthakabhisheka or popularly referred to as the head anointing ceremony of the Lord Gommateshwara Sri Bahubali is the most special festival which is observed once in every 12 years. It marks a significant event in the Jain religious calendar. There are many pilgrims who visit this auspicious shrine from various corners of the world. The festival is celebrated here for over 12 days and people throng this religious destination in large numbers.

Poojas and Rituals at Shravanabelagola Temple

  • There is a special ritual that needs to be observed before the head anointing ceremony is held. This consists of a big wooden scaffolding that is constructed around the Lord Gommateshwara statue. Thousands of pilgrims arrive for this occasion. And, the most important part of this festival consists of chanting holy mantras and pouring gallons of milk, honey and precious herbs that are poured over the head of the statue. The devotees believe that while the offerings are poured over the icon, strong spiritual energy is passed from the auspicious deity. These offerings are made available to the people who stand in a queue and are believed to assist pilgrims in their search of enlightenment.
  • And the ritual of the Mahamasthakabhisheka ceremony consists of a beautiful ceremony where the icon is anointed with a mixture comprising of water, turmeric, rice flour, sugarcane juice, sandalwood paste, saffron, gold and silver flowers. The next head anointing ceremony will be held in 2018.

How to Reach: Road, Rail, and Air

  • By Air– As Shravanabelagola is an important international destination for the Jains, it is well connected and easily accessible for tourists by air as well. For people who are keen to travel by flight, the Bangalore International Airport is the nearest airport which is located at a distance of 158 km from this shrine. One can opt for buses or private cab services to reach the temple from the airport.
  • By Train– Train serves as a crucial and most preferred form of transportation for thousands of devotees. In order to reach the temple, the nearest railway station comprises of Hassan Railway Station which is located at a distance of 57 km. The Mysore Railway Station is also located at a close distance of 85 km.
  • By Road– Shravanabelagola is well-connected with almost every part of Southern India. The national highways are also well-linked with this shrine. This auspicious place is 51 km from Hassan, 85 km from Mysore, 158 km from Bangalore and 233 km from Mangalore. However, there are few direct buses from Mysore to Shravanabelagola. Channarayapatna is the nearby town which has direct buses and private vehicles that fly to and fro from the shrine.

Hotels in Karnataka: Where to stay

Karnataka is an important destination for both religious and business reasons. There are many important religious shrines that are located in this southern state. So, if you are on a tight budget or a traveler with moderate to luxury choices, there are ample opportunities available for tourists of all kinds. Choose from a double bed to triple and four-bedded rooms with private balconies if you are traveling with your family and elderly people. And for single travelers, sharing accommodation is also offered by major lodging providers. The rooms are often found clean and are equipped with basic furniture’s. They also come with attached bathrooms as well. The price of these rooms depends on the kind of services one avails from the hotel.

The hotels also come with complimentary breakfast options as well. All leading places of accommodation accept all kinds of credit and debit cards and rooms remain occupied throughout the year. It is advisable to book your rooms in advance in order to avoid any kind of last-minute disappointment. Some accommodation providers also arrange for pick up and drop services for its clients as well. And for individuals who are looking to pamper themselves, the hotels also come with their private spa and salon services. Choose from deep tissue massage to attending workshops on beauty and fitness to indulge your senses.

Where to eat

The southern state of Karnataka is famous for its regional and contemporary cuisines. From its traditional breakfast options like dosa, idli, medu vada to upma and bisibele bath, there are a lot of options available for people who love gorging on new delicacies.  Karnataka is also famous for its leading eatery joints like Udipi, which serves delicious vegetarian food.  Since the weather is primarily hot and humid, people here generally prefer rice over wheat products. And if you like to experiment with your taste buds, do not forget to taste the unique chutneys, sambhar, and rasam that are sure to delight your senses. In addition, there are also various international cuisines that are available as your alternative option. From Chinese to the Mediterranean to Thai and Italian, choose the one as per your mood. The leading restaurants also pave the way for a complete dining experience by including live performances of local singers and bands. And if you want to host dinner for your guest or special one, book your table in advance in order to plan your occasion aptly. So, whatever your choice of cuisine is, this place will never leave you disappointed.

Nearby Temples

  • Halebid Temple – Halebid also called as the town of Dwara Samudra is a conventional temple complex. It is home to two Jain temples which are made from traditional soapstones. There are many sculptures of dancers, birds, and animals that are still prevalent in the carvings.
  • Chennakesava temple – One can visit this temple on the same day while paying a visit to the famous Shravanabelagola shrine. The Chennakesava temple is dedicated to Lord Vishnu and had been constructed by King Vishnuvardhana. There is another temple named as Kappe Chennigraya shrine that was built by Queen Shantaladevi. There are many people who believe that the temple was built over a period of 100 years. One of the major attractions in the temple consists of Darpana Sundari or a beautiful lady with a mirror. From architectural students to pilgrims, every person admires the beauty of these sculptures.
  • Kali Temple – The Kali Temple was built at the edge of a lake off the main highway that connects Hassan with Halebidu. In addition, there are many beautiful carvings that are engraved on the walls of the auspicious shrine. There are many tourists who plan a visit to this sacred place of worship all around the year.

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