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Jakhoo Temple Guide – Timings, Poojas, and History

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Jakhoo Temple is an ancient temple situated in Shimla, Himachal Pradesh. This temple is dedicated to Hindu God, Lord Hanuman. Jakhoo Temple is situated on the Jhakoo Hill in Shimla at a height of 2,455 m (8,000 feet) above sea level.

Shimla’s highest peak offers a panoramic view of the Shivalik Ranges and the town of Sanjauli. An ancient “Lord Hanuman” temple is there and every year a big festival is held on Dushera. You can go to the temple on foot from Ridge or can hire a pony/horse. Taxis are available too.

Jakhoo Temple has an interesting legend behind it. It is said that a deadly arrow injured Lord Rama’s brother Lakshmana when he was fighting the battle with the demon king Ravana. A priest diagnosed Lakshmana and said that he needed a particular Sanjeevani herb from the Himalayas to cure Lakshmana. Hanuman was sent to get that herb from the lofty mountains. Upon reaching the Himalayas, Hanuman couldn’t make out as to which herb was the Sanjeevani. So he dug up the entire mountain and flew back to where Lakshmana was lying injured.

After Lakshmana was cured, Hanuman went back to place the mountain in its original site. He rested on top of the Jakhu hill for some time. It is said that the top of the hill got flattened due to Hanuman’s weight. The temple has been built around the place that is supposed to have the footprints of Hanuman. It is a highly revered religious place of Shimla and devotees throng in huge numbers to pray. The shrine is a hotspot for monkeys who flock here in great numbers and generously accept eatables that are given to them by devotees and tourists.

Jhaku Temple

History of Jakhoo Temple

  • There is a story that Lord Hanuman stopped here to take rest while he was searching for Sanjivni Booti to bring back Lakshman to life in the epic Ramayana.
  • On arrival at the temple signs advise visitors to secure all personal belongings and beware of the monkeys, which are everywhere. This is appropriate as the temple is in honour of the Monkey Lord. Visitors must remove shoes before entering the temple.
  • There are several eateries at the Jhaku Temple site. Local visitors ring the bell for good luck before making the descent back into Shimla.
  • Just on the outskirts of this erstwhile summer capital of the British raj, a giant 108-feet-high idol of Hanuman (the Monkey God) was unveiled at Jakhoo Hanuman temple in 2010, overlooking the entire city.
  • Given its titanic size, it would not be out of place to say that monkeys will be omnipresent in this famous tourist destination which already has a large monkey population.
  • At 108 feet at the highest altitude of over 8100 feet and constructed at a cost of Rs 1.5 crores, it surpasses the statue of ‘Christ the Redeemer’, which measures at 98 feet and stands at an altitude of 2296 feet in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil.
  • The moment Hanuman landed on the hill, the hill could not bear his weight. As a result, the line runs hilly ground. More than half the land went into the original mountain.
  • The name of the hill ‘Jakhu’ is. It Jakhu ‘was named after a sage named James. Hanuman bowed to the sage and received detailed information about the lifesaving herb sage promised to bring lifesaving time will surely come to the hermitage of sage.
  • Hanuman in the way ‘Kalnemi called’ war on the way stop by the monster and beat him. The bustle and Smayabav the hermitage of sage Hanuman could not. James did not want to offend sage Hanuman because vanish suddenly appeared and were making their Deity.
  • The Hanuman temple built in memory of James Wiseman. Hanuman temple where he had put his foot that steps have been made from marble. Hanuman, the monkey god blessed sage until it is mountainous, worshiped by the people will.

Significance of Jakhoo Temple

  • 9 Jakhoo Hill is a play set in a home in 1950’s Jakhoo Hill, directed by Sunit Tandon.
  • World’s tallest statue of Lord Hanuman was unveiled to the public by Abhishek Bachchan on November 5th, 2010.
  • Jakhu Temple is situated at Jakhu hill which is at the height of 8048feet above sea level.
  • The snowy peaks, valleys offers a panoramic view of Shimla. The religious center dedicated to Lord Hanuman ‘ridge’ is located near to it.
  • From here visitors can enjoy breathtaking views of the sunrise and sunset. According to legend Manyata Ram and Ravana during the war between Lord Rama’s brother Lakshman Meghnad arrows were injured and unconscious.
  • All the time due to abortive treatment Vadyraj Susan said that one solution is left. Laxman saved the lives of Himalayan herbs can be lifesaving. I said Lord Hanuman devotee this crisis will bring lifesaving. Hanuman Himalayan and flew down the hill on the way, he ‘Jas’ walked down the hill, they saw the sage.
  • Jakhu Temple is now fitted with a giant statue of Hanuman, whose height is 108 feet. The statue was installed in 2010. Previously only 135 feet in Andhra Pradesh is a statue. Hanuman you appear anywhere in Shimla. To avoid monkeys at the gate of the temple also get stick. But if there is no tampering with the monkeys is good. It is said that the crews are Jakhu temple monkeys centuries.
  • Various trekking and mountain climbing mountaineering activities by the state government are held. Trekking path is surrounded by picturesque pine forests. Jakhu temple visitor to reach the ‘pony can also be hired. Jakhu hill by many shops in the area, which offer up to Trackers to help provide walking sticks etc.

Jakhoo Temple Timings

Jakhoo Temple is open for darshan all the seven days of the week. The darshan timings are from 7 am to 8 pm. It hardly takes 1 to 2 hours for darshan. There is no entry fee in the Temple.

Place to eat in Shimla

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

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

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

Places to stay

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

How to Reach – Road, Air and Rail

  • Air- The nearest airport to Jakhoo Temple is simla airport , shimla which is 10 km away from Jakhoo Temple.
  • Rail– The nearest railway station to jakhoo temple is Shimla Train Station which is 2 km away from Jakhoo Temple.

 Places to visit near Jakhoo Temple

  • Kali Temple- The trek up to the Kali Temple is an amazing experience as one comes across rare species of various animals, which also makes for some interesting photography. Situated at the Jakhoo Hills, the temple is believed to be about 150 years old and houses idols of three goddesses, namely Kali, Shyamala and Chandi. Kali Devi, however, remains the prime deity of importance here and sees devotees come to offer their respects from near and far. The place is surrounded by breathtaking views of the Shivalik Range. Situated atop a grassy knoll kept judiciously manicured by the local bovine population, the temple presents two manifestations of Kali to humble and inspire you. It’s also a great spot for a picnic.
  • State Library- As you walk down the charming street of the ridge in Shimla, you can see a small colonial-style building, standing as a lone structure right behind the Christ Church. It is the State Library in Shimla that was built back in the 1860s. Today it’s an important structure in the city from a cultural point of view and has preserved numerous rare and age-old books that await keen readers. It is a quaint building built in stone and timber with a sloping roof and wide wood-paneled windows adding to the splendor of the structure. Try taking out some time from your schedule and visit this lovely place to find some timeless books that you have always wanted to read.
  • The Ridge- A wide-open street in Shimla lying next to the Mall Road adjoining the Scandal Point is the Ridge. A hub of all activities, this place also offers a panoramic view of the snow-capped mountains around Shimla. The age-old Christ church is also located on the ridge which is yet another reason for the tourists to swarm the place during the peak season. Moreover, just like the Mall road, no vehicles are allowed on the ridge. This place is also where festivals like Summer Festival, New year’s Eve and Christmas are celebrated with much fervor and joy.
  • The Mall- Once you are at the Mall in Shimla, you will witness the myriad of activities happening all around the street. Tourists roaming around scrutinizing the place, locals busy with their daily activities, enthusiastic groups enjoying street food, others actively bargaining at the roadside stalls and many such scenes are a regular part of a normal day at the Mall. Vehicular movement is restricted inside the Mall Road to maintain a pristine environment as well as for the shoppers’ and tourists’ convenience. It is the most important place of the city with the presence of places like the Viceregal Lodge and the Cultural complex. Spend some quality time at the mall road on your visit to Shimla. Be it shopping or eating at your favorite food joints, Mall road will offer you with some memorable moments here.

Chhatarpur Temple Delhi Guide – Timings, Poojas, and History

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Chhatarpur Temple is located on the outskirts of the South-western Delhi, i.e. Chhatarpur. It is 4 km away from Qutub Minar. This temple is home to Goddess Durga’s both manifestations namely, Maa Gauri and Maa Katyayani.

The temple is popular among its devotees by the name of Shri Adhya Katyayani Shakti Peeth Mandir. Sant Shree Nagpal Baba founded the temple in 1974. The temple expands to the area of about 70 acres. And for a fact, it is one of the biggest temple complexes in India.

It is like a marble art coming alive and is a modern mix of both northern and southern architectures. Nevertheless, the temple’s architecture is of the Vesara genre.

The temple has a huge area. Moreover, other smaller temples too stand on the Chhatarpur temple land. Some of these shrines are Ram Mandir, Hanuman Mandir, Shiv Mandir, Nageshwar Mandir etc.

Chhatarpur temple introduction
Chhatarpur Temple is also known as Shree Adhya Katyayani Shakti Peeth.

Chhatarpur Temple – Facts

DeityGoddess Katyayani
Temple Timings4:00 am – 11:00 pm
Opening and Closing DatesOpen 365 days in a year
Time required for Darshan2-3 hours
Entry feeNo fee
Festivals 2019Navratris, Guru Purnima,
Maha Shivratri, Babaji’s birthday,
Babaji’s Nirvaan Divas,
Krishna Janmashtmi
Best Time To VisitDuring Janmashtmi, Navratri and
Maha Shivratri
Nearest AirportIGI Airport
LocationChhatarpur, Delhi

Timings of Chhatarpur Temple

Devotees can offer prayers in the temple during the following timings-

TimingFrom
Open4:00 am
Close11:00 pm

Poojas and Rituals in the Chhatarpur Temple

Morning Aarti is done by the Pujari of the temple at 4:00 am when its still dawn, every single day. Special Aartis of Kumbabhishek and Guru Purnima takes place during Navratri and Guru Purnima respectively.

Aarti at Chhatarpur Temple
Aarti taking place inside the Chhatarpur Temple.

Significance of Chhatarpur temple

  • Chhatarpur Temple has a unique architecture from being an all-in-all marble structure to its ornate designs on the temple Jalis. Apart from it, the temple hosts beautiful lawns and gardens that add to the scenic beauty of the temple complex.
  • Both soft and perilous manifestations of Navdurga, Gauri and Katayayani respectively sit inside the temple. Devotees can offer prayers to Goddess Gauri every day.
  • Furthermore, the temple also has an ancient tree, Kalpavrikasha, in its entrance. In addition to this, the threads and bangles tied by devotees cover the entire tree. It is so because of the popular belief of wish fulfillment after the tying of the thread and bangles around the tree.

Darshan of Goddess Katyayani can be done only on the Ashtami of every month or during the nine days of Navratri.

History of Chhatarpur Temple

Baba Sant Nagpal Ji supervised the construction of the temple in 1974. Beliefs say that after the death of his mother, an unknown lady took Babaji under her care. The lady, however, claimed to be the mother of the universe. Hence, Babaji developed an unknowing devotion to the Goddess.

Hence, the temple came into existence after he moved to Delhi. He purchased this land from villagers and set up the huge temple complex.

He dedicated it to Goddess Katyayani. She is the sixth incarnation of Navdurga. Religious texts state that Goddess Katyayani is the creation of Shiva, Brahma and Vishnu and the savior of the Gods.

Katyayani was born to the Rishi Katyayani who used to pray to the Goddess Durga. Hence, he got the happiness of being a father to one of her incarnations. Its believed that Katyayani was extremely beautiful and hence caught the attention of the demons.

And so the demon Mahishasur had intentions to woo her. However, the Goddess insisted upon war as the only way to get her. And that is when the demon met his death in the hands of the eight-armed fierce protector of the Gods.

Chhatarpur-temple-history
Chhatarpur Temple is built by the determination and hard work of Baba Sant Nagpal Ji.

Legend of Chhatarpur Temple

Worshipped as the Sixth manifestation of Navdurga, Maa Katyayani is the “Mahishasurmardini”. For the Goddess is the one who took away the life of demon Mahishasur.

According to Shaktism, Goddess Katyayani is the creation of Shiva, Brahma and Vishnu. She is the mighty one with three eyes and eighteen arms all of which hold lethal weapons. Her beautiful black locks and awestriking beauty never fails to charm her devotees.

Legend-of-Chhatarpur-temple
Goddess Katyayani killed the buffalo demon Mahishasur and hence became popular as ‘ Mahishasurmardini’

What’s inside the Chhatarpur Temple

  • The temple has a very big complex. There are around 20 small and bigger temples divided into three complexes.
  • Apart from the main deity, there are other smaller temples too. However, two incarnations of Navdurga, namely Gauri and Katyayani have their separate temples.
  • There are two main shrines one is a dedication to Gauri and the other to Katyayani. Gauri temple is accessible all days of the year. However, the devotees can visit Katyayani temple only on Ashtami of every month or during all the nine days of Navratris.
  • Goddess Katyayani’s golden faced idol is put up in a big hall, accessible from the prayer hall. The idol is always dressed up in heavy clothes and amazing jewellery accompanied by flowers.
  • Near to the Aarti Complex are two rooms. One is a living room with silver furniture. And the other is the “Shayankaksh”, the bedroom consisting of silver bed and dresser. However, the rooms have glass enclosures all around and can be seen from outside only.
  • There is also a huge area for Langar. Also at the entrance is the huge ancient Kalpavraksha. Moreover, on this tree, people tie threads and bangles for wish fulfilment.

People are expected to come to the temple in decent attires. Also, any kind of provocative clothing is prohibited. Moreover, devotees take out their slippers outside the temple and wash their hands before offering prayers.

Inside-chhatarpur-temple
The golden idol of Devi Katyayani inside the Chhatarpur temple accompanied by the holy tree where devotees tie threads and bangles for wish fulfilment

Festivals celebrated at Chhatarpur Temple

  • Navratris– Both Vasant Navratri coinciding with Ram Navmi and MahaNavratri coinciding with Durga Puja calls for a celebration here. The first one falls in the months of March/April and the later in the months of September/October. Kumbaabhishek or the holy bath of Goddess Katyayani marks the beginning of the festival. After this grand celebrations go on for almost 9 days on both times. Also on the days of Navratri, Goddess Katyayani is accessible to the devotees on all days.
  • Krishna Janmashtami– The festival falls on the Bhadrapad Ashtami (8th day) of the Hindu month of Bhadon (August/September). And as the clock strikes midnight, the pujaris chant Vishnu Sahasranam in the temple. Hereafter, Aarti takes place after which prasad is given to the devotees.
  • Guru Purnima – This calls for celebration in August every year. A procession starting around 10.00 am from Shree Shiv Shakti Mandir, Kilokari village reaches Babaji Samadhi at 2 pm in the main temple complex. After which Aartis take place.
  • Babaji’s Birthday– The festival falls on the full moon day in February or March. The devotees play with colours just like in Holi at the Markandeya Hall. After that lunch is served. On this day, various cultural and religious programs are held.
  • Babaji’s Nirvaan Divas- Babaji’s Samadhi was accomplished on 15th December 1998. The Samadhi is decorated with flowers and illuminated with lights on the day. The Tilak of Babaji’s statue is done. And the samadhi is beautified with lights and flowers. Langar is held on this day for many saints. They also receive clothing etc as gifts.
Navratri-at-Chhatarpur-Temple
Grand Navratri celebrations at the Chhatarpur Temple

How to Reach the Chhatarpur Temple?

  • By Air– The nearest airport is the Indira Gandhi International Airport in Delhi. The temple is 12 km away from the airport.
  • By Train– The nearest railway station to the temple is Hazrat Nizamuddin. It’s at a distance of about 11 km from the temple.
  • By Road- Delhi possesses good connectivity throughout the city via Roads. There are three bus terminuses namely, Kashmere Gate and Anand Vihar. One can also take city buses to the temple from here.
  • By Metro– Metro trains are air-conditioned alternatives that connect every nook and corner of the state. Hence, the nearest metro station to the temple is Chhatarpur Metro station.
Metro-Station-near-Chhatarpur-Temple
Metro Station nearby Chhatarpur Temple

Metro Station is at walking distance of 800 meters from the temple. Devotees can either take a sharing auto rickshaw or walk to the religious site.

Where to stay nearby?

The temple has a Dharamshala of its own for the stay of its devotees. The Dharamshala consists of 12 halls which can accommodate 30 people each. Furthermore, there are 36 rooms which can host the stay of 6 people each.

Moreover, there are several luxurious hotels nearby the temple like-

  • The Ocean Pearl Retreat– Its a hotel packed with all the luxuries for its guest. And has both interior and exterior beauty one can imagine of.
  • Opulent Hotel by Ferns and Petals– This is another luxurious stay with all the amenities for the best of the comfort of its guests.

Where to eat?

Delhi being the city, devotees have many options open to them. One can obviously enjoy the tasty langar at the temple or choose to eat from the nearby outlets. Delhi has many options on its street food to choose from and also does have outlets like Moti Mahal etc.

Streetfood-nearby-Chhatarpur-Temple
Some tasty streetfood options available near Chhatarpur temple

Nearby Temples

  • Bala Hanuman temple– It’s one of the ancient Hanuman temples located at Baba Kharak Singh Marg in Connaught Place. According to the legends, the Hanuman idol here appeared on its own and has been here since then.
  • Gauri- Shankar temple– This temple is one of the most sacred temples of Goddess Parvati and Lord Shiva. The 800-year-old Shivlingam here is the pride of the place.
  • Aurobindo Ashram– The centre is an extension of the main branch in Pondicherry. Further its the centre for yoga and meditation to seek the ultimate truth of life.
  • Digambara Jain temple– According to the beliefs, this is the oldest and most known Jain temple in Delhi. It was built in 1656 in Chandni Chowk where it still is. And it stands out for the fact that it has Jain Bird Hospital behind the Main Temple.

Frequently asked questions about the temple

Can I offer prayers to Goddess Katyayani everyday?

No. Goddess Katyayani’s darshan can only be availed on Ashtami of every month and on all Navratri days.

Does the temple provide any facility for a night stay?

Yes. The temple has its own Dharamshala for this purpose.

Is the temple open during the afternoon?

Yes, the temple can be visited at all times from 4 am to 11 pm.

Are facilities provided for the handicapped like wheelchair?

Yes, wheelchair facilities are provided by the temple staff.

Is there a parking facility near the temple?

Yes, The temple provides free parking for all transports.

Do the temple provide child Mundan facilities?

Yes, One can get their child’s Mundan done here.

Photography is allowed in the temple?

Yes, Photography is allowed here.

How can I reach the temple from Chhatarpur Metro Station?

The temple is 800 metres from the temple so you can either walk or take an Auto Rickshaw.

Which is the best time to visit the temple?

The best time to visit the temple is during Navratris as the devotees can easily offer prayers to Goddess Katyayani.

Is there a theft report counter in the temple?

Yes, one can complain to the security staff and get things checked in the CCTV footage.

Badami Cave Temples Guide – Timings, Poojas, and History

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Badami Cave Temples are a part of the glorious rock-cut temple architecture of India. These cave temples are located at Badami, a small city in the Indian state of Karnataka. Badami Caves Temple is located at the western banks of an artificial lake, known as Agastya Lake, while River Malaprabha flows at 3 miles away from the site.

The temples are safeguarded by an earthen wall with stone flights. The northern and southern part of the Badami Cave Temples is safeguarded by forts, which were built later than the rock-cut temples. The Badami Cave Temples consists of Buddhist, Jain, and Hindu temples. These cave temples represent the Chalukya style of architecture and are some of the oldest Hindu temples of the country, dating back to the 6th century. The Badami Cave Temples are recognized by UNESCO as world heritage sites.

Badami Caves Temple

History and Legend of Badami Cave Temples

The Badami Cave Temples of Karnataka is a part of the golden phase of ancient India.

  • The Badami Cave Temples of Karnataka were constructed during the 6th to the 8th century by the Chalukya dynasty.
  • There are four primary caves, namely, Cave 1, Cave 2, Cave 3 and Cave 4.
  • These caves are constructed out of Badami sandstone.
  • The Cave 1 was the first excavation by the Chalukya artisans, which took place in the 550 AD.
  • The epigraphy, that is, rock inscriptions in the Kannada language over the Cave 3 depicts explains the time of construction of this cave temple. Based on this information, the time of construction of the other cave temples of Badami.
  • The epigraphy over Cave 3 informs that the cave temple was built by Mangalesha, during the hindu lunar calendar of Saka 500.
  • Besides these four caves, another two caves were discovered. Cave 5 is considered to be a Buddhist cave.
  • There are several theories related to the statue discovered in Cave 5, which is a natural cave.
  • One of the theories states that this carved statue is that of Lord Buddha. The chauris of the temple depict Bodhistavas. Later the temple was converted into a Hindu shrine of Lord Vishnu and Lord Buddha was marked as the ninth avatar of the Lord, which is evident from the white paintings on the face of the statue.
  • Another theory states that Cave 5 was always a Hindu cave, dedicated to Mayamoha, also known as the Buddhavatara Vishnu.
  • As per another theory, the statue is of a Jain deity.
  • According to archaeologist Henry Cousens and A. Sundara, it is a statue of an ancient monarch, as it is adorned with non-Buddhist ornaments, like rings, necklaces, and a chest band. The statue is also found to wear the Hindu sacred thread.
  • The latest excavation took place in 2015. This led to the discovery of Cave 6.
  • Cave 6 lies approximately 500 meters away from the other five came temples. This cave temple is a Hindu temple, comprising of 27 fine sculptures of Hindu deities.

Significance of the Badami Cave Temples

The Badami Cave Temples of Karnataka not only forms an important tourist destination of the country but also the place where the religious beliefs of India have been beautifully portrayed.

  • The Cave 1 of the group of Badami Cave temples is dedicated to Lord Shiva. The Cave 1 is similar to a normal temple complex, with an open L shaped courtyard, a verandah, a pillared hall and a comparatively small sanctum that has been engraved into the center of the rear wall of the cave.
  • Cave 1 is significant for exquisite sculptures. The sculptures depict the family of Lord Shiva, constituting Goddess Durga, along with the two sons, Lord Ganesha and Lord Kartikeya. The interior of Cave 1 is adorned with the sculptures of this mythological family.
  • The western part of the cave temple comes with some of the most well-known sculptures of the site. There is a small grotto at this side. The Northern part of the grotto represents the 18 armed posture of dancing Shiva, also known as the Tandava form of the deity. These 18 armed dance posture represents the 9 postures of the famous Indian dance, Bharatnatyam.
  • Another part of the cave temple consists of the Ardhashivara image, which is a composite form of Lord Shiva and his wife, Goddess Parvati. The image is flanked by the fine sculptures of Goddess Parvati, Bhringi, the follower of Lord Shiva and the Vahana (vehicle) of Lord Shiva, Nandi.
  • The other side of the Cave 1 treasures a life-size sculpture of Lord Vishnu, in the form of Harihara along with the fine sculptures of his consort, Goddess Lakshmi and an image of Goddess Parvati.
  • The pedestal of Cave 1 is adorned with the dwarf incarnations of Lord Ganesha; each sculpture depicting a different mood of Ganesha.
  • The ceiling of the verandah of Cave 1 depicts the five hooded sculpture of Nagaraja, flanked by the beautiful image of the celestial couples.
  • The pillars of the Cave 1 are also intricately carved. Besides the bead garlands, the pillars are decorated with images of Lord Narasimha, Lord Ganesha and small depiction of dream animals, known as iha mrigas in Hindu mythology.
  • The inner face of the front beam of the verandah of Cave 1 depicts the glorious wedding ceremony of Goddess Parvati to Lord Shiva.
  • The eave of the cave temple is decorated with fine sculptures of small animals.
  • The Cave 1 and Cave 2 temples were constructed following the Northern Deccan style of architecture.
  • Cave 2 is the replica of Cave 1 in its layout. This cave temple is primarily dedicated to Lord Vishnu.
  • The Cave 2 consists of a large sculpture of Trivikrama, which is an incarnation of Lord Vishnu. The deity has one foot on the ground while the other is directed to the north.
  • This cave also comprises other Avatars of Lord Vishnu, like Baraha and Krishna.
  • The entrance to Cave 2 is adorned with the sculptures of two armed guardians, which surprisingly are seen to hold flowers instead of weapons.
  • The columns of Cave 2 temple are adorned with stories of mythological battles, scenes of Samudra Manthan, images of Gajalakshmi, Lord Brahma and Vishnu, Bal Katha of Lord Krishna. The ceiling of Cave 2 is engraved with the image of a wheel with sixteen spokes along with swastika symbol and flying couples.
  • Cave 3 is the largest cave of the group. This Cave temple is also dedicated to Lord Vishnu. Cave 3 is adorned with intricate carvings and each part of the cave temple narrates the mythological stories related to Lord Vishnu. This cave temple consists of a large Lord Vishnu statue seated on serpent Seesha.
  • Cave 3 also depicts some of the Vesara styles of architecture. There are colored frescoes and paintings at the Cave 3 temple, along with motifs of Yantra Chakra, that is, geometric symbols.
  • The cave depicts both Shaivism and Vaishnavism, due to the fused image of Lord Vishnu and Lord Shiva known as Harihara. The brackets of this cave temple are intricately carved with human figures, standing under trees.
  • Cave 4 of the Badami group of cave temples is dedicated to Jainism. This cave temple is situated at a higher level than the other temples.
  • The back of this cave temple treasures a sculpture of Mahavira seated on a lion throne. The statue is flanked with images of attendants with fans, saldulas and makara heads.
  • The end wall of Cave 4 consists of a large statue of Lord Parshvanath, with a multi-headed cobra as his crown. The sculptures of Indrabhuti Gautama, Bahubali with snakes encircling both the images exhibit the finesse of Indian architecture. The inner walls of this cave temple consist of images of Jain Tirthankaras, Yakshas, Yakshis, and Padmavati.
  • The Cave 3 and Cave 4 temples exhibit the Northern Nagara and Southern Dravidian style of architecture.

Badami Cave Temples Timings

  • Badami Cave temple complex is open from dawn to dusk.

Festivals celebrated at the Badami Cave Temples

Festivals are not celebrated at the Badami Caves Temple. Badami is a culturally important city and several festivals are celebrated around the year.

  • The Banashankari Temple Festival is celebrated near Badami during the months of January and February.
  • The Virupaksha Temple Car Festival is celebrated at Pattadakal in the month of March.
  • Mallikarjuna Temple Festival is celebrated at Pattadakal during the months of March and April.

Poojas and Rituals at Badami Cave Temples

The Badami Cave Temples are world heritage sites and at present pooja is not performed at these temples.

How to Reach: Road, Rail, and Air

The Badami Cave Temples are located 1 km from the main town. The site is easily accessible via air, rail, and roads.

  • By Air: There are two airports located near Badami. The nearest airport to Badami is located at Hubli, Karnataka, which is 106 km from the city. The other airport is Belgaum, which is 150 km from the city. These airports are connected to the international airport of Bangalore and Mumbai. There are taxis and buses available at the airport which directly can take you to Badami.
  • By Train: The nearest railway station to the Badami Cave Temples is the Badami railway station. This railway station connects the important cities of Bangalore, Hubli, Bijapur, Gadag, and Solapur to Badami. The nearest junction to Badami is Hubli railway station, which connects with other cities of the country. There is also direct railway connectivity from Bangalore (Yashawantapura Junction) to Badami. The Badami railway station is located at 5 km from the railway station.
  • By Road: Badami is directly connected to Hubli, Dharwad, Belgaum, Bangalore, Bagalkot, Hampi and Bijapur via road. While Pune is at 470 km from Badami, Bangalore is at 464 km and Hyderabad at 420 km. Besides private and government buses, tourists can avail taxis to reach the Badami Cave Temples. Visitors can enjoy unique tonga rides (horse-driven vehicles) from the bus stand to the temple complex, while the auto-rickshaws are a faster mode of communication within the city.

Hotels in Badami: Where to Stay

Badami is a popular tourist destination and hence there are hotels of all price ranges. Hotel Badami Court, Hotel Rajsangam and Hotel Mookambika Deluxe are some of the decent hotels at Badami, which provide you with basic amenities and ensure a comfortable stay.

Where to Eat

Besides vegetarian food, both Chinese and continental cuisines are available at the eat-outs of Badami.

Nearby Temples

Badami treasures several ancient temples. Tourists can explore the following temples besides the Badami Cave Temples.

  • Bhoothanatha Temples: Located at the banks of Agastya Lake, these temples are also built with sandstone. Dedicated to Lord Bhoothanatha, an incarnation of Lord Shiva, this temple complex also depicts fine carvings of Jain figures and avatars of Lord Vishnu.
  • Mahakuta Temple: Located just a few kilometers from Badami, this temple is dedicated to Lord Shiva. Built in Badami Chalukya style of architecture, this temple is important for the two inscriptions, one is the Pillar inscription and the other is the Porch inscription; these inscriptions narrate the history of the Chalukya dynasty.
  • Sri Veerabhadra Temple: Located at Godachi, a village of the Belgaum district, this temple is dedicated to Lord Veerabhadra. A fusion of Chalukya and Vijaynagara architectural style, the site is known for the Godachi Jatra fair, held during November- December, the Hindu month of Karthik.
  • The Banashankari Amma Temple: Located at the Bagalkot district, this temple is dedicated to Goddess Parvati. Built in the Dravidian style of architecture, the temple exhibits the unique deity with eight arms, seated on a lion while the defeated demon lies at her feet.
  • Aihole: This city of Karnataka is popularly known as the ‘cradle of ancient Indian architecture.’ With 125 temples, this city depicts Nagara and the Dravidian style of architecture.

Hence, visit Badami Cave Temples to turn the pages of golden India.

Draksharamam Temple Guide – Bhimeswara Pancharama – Timings, Poojas, and History

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Draksharamam Temple in Andhra Pradesh is the abode of Lord Bhimeswara Swamy and Goddess Manikyamba. The preceding deity at Draksharamam Temple is in the form of a “Linga”, 2.6 m tall of one large Crystal (known as the “Spatika Linga”).

Another popular name of the temple is Dakshina Kasi Kshetram. The literal translation of Draksharamam is ‘Abode of Daksha Prajapathi’, the father of Sati and the father in law of Lord Shiva. Sati was the wife of Lord Shiva. The Draksharama Temple is one of the Five Powerful Temples of Lord Shiva which are known as “Pancharamas” in Andhra Pradesh.

Draksharamam Temple History

Bhimeswara Swamy temple or Draksharamam temple is 25 km from Amalapuram and 28 km away from Kakinada on the Eastern bank of Godavari River. The ‘Skanda Purana’ of Shri Vyasa exhaustively describes the history of this pilgrimage destination. According to mythology, when Dasksha decided to perform a Yagna, he made a trip to Kailash Parbat. He did so with an intention to invite the Gods and Goddesses to grace the occasion and sanctify the ‘Yagna’.

However, the Lord was in a spiritual trance and did not realize that he had a visitor. Dasksha mistook this as being indifference on Lord Shiva’s part and returned without inviting the Lord and Sati. In spite of not getting the invitation, Sati expressed her desire to attend the pooja to the Lord. The Lord warned her that she will not be welcomed in her home but when Sati insisted, he let her go. As expected, Sati was not greeted warmly in her father’s house and everyone gave her the cold shoulder.

Humiliated by this, Sati decided to give up her life instead of returning to her husband with a fallen face. She dropped down dead in her father’s house. When Shiva learnt about this tragedy, he sent his son Veerabhadra to break Daksha’s ego and he himself came down to Daksha’s home. Veerabhadra, along with other Siva Ganas, including Kali, brought down Daksha and destroyed the Yajna. Lord Shiva carried Sati’s dead body over his shoulders and danced the ‘Pralaya Thandava’ or the destruction dance.

At this moment, Lord Vishnu descended and in order to redeem Lord Shiva’s grief, he cut down Sati’s body into 18 pieces with his ‘chakra’. The places on earth where the 18 pieces fell came to be known as the ‘Ashta Dasa Peethas’ and Sri Manikyamba of Draksharama is the twelfth of them and it is believed that the left cheek of Sati fell here.

Draksharamam Temple building is two storied and resembles a fort. There are 2 “Prakarams” or paths; outer and inner. The outer path has four entrances coming from four different directions. Each entrance has the most intricately carved Gopurams and is known to be in 4 different forms of Goddesses i.e. Gogulamma, Nookambika, Moodhambike, GhattambikeIn.

The main deity of the temple is Lord Bheemeswar Swamy, in the form of a 2.6 mts tall Shiva Lingam (the tallest Shiva Lingam in the world) which is made of crystal and has black stripes on the upper portion. Legend has that these stripes were the markings of the tiger skin that Lord Shiva was wearing when he found with Arjun under the disguise of a hunter. The early morning sun light falls directly on the Shiva lingam. Visitors can take a flight of steps towards the upper level of the Sanctum to see the upper structure of Lord Bheemeswar Swamy.

Towards the back side of the temple is the shrine of Manikyamba Devi in the left corner. The Goddess is looking towards the left which signifies her as Vamachara Devatha.

Lord Vishnu, present at the draksharamam temple with his consort Lakshmi Devi, is the Kshetrapalaka of Draksharamam. His shrine is at the entrance of main Temple.

There are other smaller shrines inside the main temple. Some of them are Praakara Bhairavudu, Viroopa, Natarajeshwar, Vaamana, Visheshwara, Dancing Ganapathi, Dundhi Ganapathi, Goddess Kanakadurga and Goddess Annapurna. The Kashi Vishweshwara Swamy temple faces south and is on the right side of Bheemeshwara Swamy temple.

The water from the Sapta Godavari Kundam (seven Godavari pond) is very sacred and is used for performing pooja. According to mythology, “Saptamaharishis” or the Seven Sages divided the Godavari River into seven streams in an attempt to end their penance. Of these seven streams, Draksharamam, Bharadhwaja, Viswamitra and Jamadagni streams known as the “Antarvahinis” and are believed to have gone underground. Later, these streams merged into a pond which is now known as Sapta Godavari Kundam.

Significance of Draksharamam Temple

The draksharamamam temple’s history can be dated back to the thirteenth century and it is one of the ‘Pancharamas’. It is an ancient and a holy pagoda and is a protected monument today. It is visited by thousands of devotees of Lord Shiva and Goddess Sati.

The Archaeological Department of India as taken the responsibility of restoring and renovating the beauty of the structure. Because of the inscriptions and epigraphs on the temple walls, this place is a paradise of historians and epigraphists.

The inscriptions on draksharamam temple date back to the 9th and 10th centuries during the reign of Chalukya King Bhima. During this time, the dynasty was under the attack by the Rashtrakotas. According to the inscriptions, Chalukyas had to fight over 360 battles. There are over 400 inscriptions that date back to the 11th Later this region was ruled by the Chola and Kalinga dynasty.

Devi Navaratrulu, Karthika Masam, Dhanurmasam, Birthday Celebration of Sri Bhimeswara Swamy varu, Subrahmanya Shasti, Maha Sivaratri and Kalyanam etc., are some of the important festivals celebrated at this Temple.

Draksharamam Temple follows an ancient South Indian Architectural style. Draksharamam Temple structure consists of 2 mandaps along with two walls. The sanctum or the inner garbhaalaya consists of intricate decor and crafting which showcases the work of master craftsmanship and represents cultural grandeur of the contemporary era. The temple also serves as a library for students of archaeological architecture.

This inner sanctum of draksharamam temple consists of a pedestal which has been built for priests to perform their rituals. Aurangzeb, when he invaded the temple, plundered the diamonds that had been studded into the walls. Ever since then this sanctum remains dark as the diamonds acted as a light source.

Inside the temple, the ventilation and illumination are rather impressive and proves the sensibility of the contemporary architects of that time. One can feel the inflow of rejuvenating air and the lightning arrangements within the temple.

The inscriptions and scripts are written in Dravidian, Tamil, Devanagiri, Telugu scripts in Sanskrit and Telugu languages. The inscriptions speak of the Chola, Sathvahanas, Vijaynagara and Reddy dynasties that once ruled over this region.

The draksharamam temple has been constructed in an area of over 12 acres and is surrounded by tall walls. 26 Lords reside in the temple as a family. The visitors are welcomed by Dundi Ganapati and Natya (Dancing) Ganapati at the main entrance. The trunk of Ganapati faces to his right similar to the Ganapati in Kasi.

The temples of Lord Lakshmi Narayana Swamy, Goddess Annapurna along with Lord Visveswara Swamy and Virupaksha Swamy, Bala Bheemeswara, Saptha mathrukalu, Lord Suryanarayana Swamy, Lord Subrahmanyeswara Swamy, Lord Lakshmi Ganapati, Lord Brahma installed by Krishna Devaraya exist here. Also, present in the temple are the halls for Navagraha and Ashta Dikpalakas.

Draksharamam Temple Timings

  • Draksharamam Temple opens at 6 AM and closes at 8 PM.
  • There is afternoon break between 12 pm to 3 pm during which the darshan is closed.
  • Once a month on Masa Shivaratri and once a year on Maha Shivaratri, the temple is open throughout the day starting from 6:00 am to 8:00 pm.

Festivals celebrated at Draksharamam Temple

Maha Shivarathri is the busiest time in the temple. It comes in the month of February or March. Around the same time in the month, the marriage ceremony or “Sri Swamivari Kalyanam” is held on Bhishma Ekadasi. Following is the list of all the festivals that are celebrated at the temple, along with the months in which they are celebrated:

  1. Sarrannavarathri Festival from Asviyuja Suddha Padyami to Dwadasi every year (October)
  2. Kartheeka Monday Festivals and Jwalathoranam in Karteeka masam every year (November)
  3. Sri Swamyvari Birthday on Margasira Suddha Chaturdhasi every year (December).
  4. Shasti Festival in the Month of December every year
  5. Sri Swamyvari Kalyanam on Bhisma Ekadasi Day in Magha Masam Every year (February)
  6. Mahasivarathri Festival in Maghamasam every year (February-March).

Poojas and Rituals at Draksharamam Temple

  1. Laksha Patri Puja
  2. Laksha Kumkumarchana
  3. Laksha Vattula Nomu
  4. Surya Namaskaramulu
  5. Ekadasa Rudramu
  6. Mahanyasa Purvaka Abhishekamu
  7. Sahasra Kumkumarchana
  8. Laghu Vyasa Poorvaka Eka Vaara Abhishekam
  9. Ashtotthara Kumkumarchana
  10. Masa Shivaratri Abhishekam (Every month)
  11. Masa Shivaratri Kumkuma Puja (Every month)
  12. Abhishekam (Every Monday)
  13. Puja (Every Friday)
  14. Nomulu / Aksharabhyasam / Annaprasana
  15. Special Darshan Ticket (On Festivals)
  16. Keshakhandana
  17. Upanayanamu
  18. Abhishekam Ticket(Monthly)
  19. Kumkumarchana Ticket(Monthly)
  20. Abhishekam at the time of Dasara Festival(For 10 days)
  21. Kumkumarchana at the time of Dasara Festival (For 10 days)
  22. Rudra Homam
  23. Japam/Tarpanam /Nava Varaarchana
  24. Nitya Kalyanam
  25. Sthala Puranam
  26. Sri Swamy vari Archana
  27. Abhishekam/Kumkumarchana
  28. Ubhayam at the time of Dasara
  29. Nitya Samuhika Abhishekam, Kumkumarchana(For One Year)

How to reach Draksharamam Temple?

  • By Road: The bus route connects the temple well with the neighbouring cities. The temple is situated at a distance of 50 km from Rajahmundry, 28 km from Kakinada Town and 6 km from Ramachandrapuram and buses ply on a routine basis on these routes.
  • By Rail: The nearest railway stations are Kakinada, Rajahmundry and Samalkot Junction.
  • By Air: The nearest airport to the temple is Rajahmundry which is at a distance of 50 km from the temple.

Where to stay nearby?

In the Devasthanam, dormitories are available at a charge of Rs. 200.00/- per day. Devotees can also avail one of the two A.C. suites with attached Bathrooms at a cost of Rs. 700.00/- per day per suite. Other rooms are also available at reasonable prices and usually, the prices start from Rs.100 or 200 per day depending on the room sizes.

Right in front of the temple, a choultry is also available. Here the devotees can relax for some time and also avail food, free of cost. Accommodations arealso available in near cities like Kakinada, Samalkota or Rajahmundry and from these areas, one can take a day trip via the bus to Draksharamam.

Where to eat nearby?

In the front of the draksharamam temple is the Choultry where free food is available to all the devotees. There are other small restaurants located around the temple where local and South Indian food is available.

Nearby Temples

  • Kumararamam at Samalkota is one of the Pancharama Kshetras and is dedicated to Lord Shiva. The presiding deity is Kumara Bhimeswara Swamy and the Linga here is made up of limestone. It is located at a distance of 44 km or 1 hour from Draksharamam.
  • Sri Satyanarayana Swamy Devastanam at Annavaram is built in the Dravidian style. The presiding deity Lord Satyadeva, with his consort Sri Anantha Lakshmi on one Side and Lord Siva on the other. The temple is located at a distance of 75 km or 1 and a half hour Draksharamam.
  • Sri Uma Markandeyeswara Swamy Temple at Rajahmundry is dedicated to Markandaya, the miracle child of a Muni called Mrukhanada. It is located at a distance of 48 km or 1 hour from Draksharamam.
  • Ashta Someswarulu – Lord Chandra, in an attempt to calm Lord Shiva, installed 8 Shiva Linga’s around the main Draksharamam temple in 8 directions. The collection of these lingas is known as Ashta Someswarulu. These 8 Lingas are Kolanka, Venturu, Kotipalli, Vella, Korumella, Someswaram and Penumalla.

Kapila Theertham Tirupati Guide – Timings, Poojas, and History

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Kapila Theertham is located in Tirupati. Sri Kapileswara Linga is the self-created form of Lord Shiva which is also known as the Svayambhu form of Lord Shiva. There is also a sacred lake Sarovara that came into existence in front of Kapila Theertham temple. It came through the opening created by the lake Kapila maharishi arrived on the earth. From 1008 theerthams in Tirumala, Kapila Theertham Temple is the only holy theertham that is located at the foot of Tirumala hill. This theertham is very sacred and devotees visit this temple in a large number.

Kapila Theertham History

  • The description of Kapila Theertham temple goes back to 10th century. It also has been referred as the ancient inscriptions of Kulottunga Chola Kingdoms. The history of this temple also depicts that many great empires and sages have worked for the development of the temple which included Pallava kings, Vijayanagara kings and Tirumala Mahants.
  • As the kapila theertham temple comprises of seven lakes, it is also known as the Seshachalam. The seven peaks are called Seshadri, Neeladri, Garudadri, Anjanadri, Vrushabhadri, Narayanadri and Venkatadri. The temple is situated on Venkatadri which is the seventh peak and so it also is known as the ‘Temple of Seven Hills.’
  • Medieval history The Pallavas of Kanchipuram (9th century AD), the Cholas of Tanjore (10th century), and Vijayanagara pradhans (14th and 15th centuries) were committed devotees of Lord Venkateswara. During the invasion of Srirangam by Malik Kafur in 1310–11 AD, the Ranga Mandapam of the temple served as the shelter for the presiding deity of Srirangam, Ranganatha Swamy.
  • Later, under the rule of the Vijayanagara emperors, was when the temple gained most of its current wealth and size, with the donation of diamonds and gold.
  • In 1517 Vijayanagara ruler Sri Krishna Deva Raya, on one of his many visits to the temple, donated gold and jewels. This enabled the Vimana (inner shrine) roofing to be gilded. Statues of Sri Krishna Deva Raya and his spouse stand in the premises of the temple. After the decline of Vijayanagara Empire, kings from states such as Mysore and Gadwal gave ornaments and valuables to the kapila theertham temple.
  • There are many stories associated with the manifestation of the Lord in Tirumala. The temple has a murti (deity) of Lord Venkateswara, which it is believed shall remain here for the entire duration of the present Kali Yuga.

Significance of Kapila Theertham

  • There is a big statue of Nandi that is seated when one enters to the darshan of Kapileswara Swamy Temple. Also, there are seven hills of Tirupati, Kapila Teertham waterfalls and a sacred lake directly ahead.
  • The huge Kapila Theertham Temple stands at the mouth and the mountain cave in a steep and vertical face where waters of the mountain stream Paapa Vinasam fall as the huge waterfall Kapila Theertham or Alwar Theertham. It is a very calm and beautiful place where you can enjoy nature with the divine.
  • On the auspicious occasion of full moon day of the Karthika month, all the teerthas ( holy water) on the three worlds of heaven, earth and underworld converge on the Kapila Teertham. If you take a dip in the holy water during this period, you will be released from the worldly bonds of sin to attain Moksha at the mercy of Lord Shiva.
  • In earlier times, devotees used to bathe in the Kapila teertham before climbing the holy hills, and even the footpath for the ascent used to begin here. However, the hill being steep here, it was quite a difficult climb, and hence, the steps were moved to the present location near Alipiri.
  • During the month of Kartika on the occasion of its “mukkoti” on the ‘Purnima‘ (full moon) day, all the teerthas situated in the three world’s merge into this Kapila Teertham at noon for ten ‘Ghatikas'(one ghatika is equivalent to 24 minutes).It is believed that persons bathing in it at that auspicious time will attain salvation from the cycle of birth and death (‘Brahmaloka’).

Kapila Theertham Temple Timings

  • The Kapila Theertham Temple is open from morning 5:00 AM to evening 9:00 PM.
  • The morning puja or the Suprabhatam starts from 5:00 AM to 5:30 AM followed by the Abhishekam till 6:30 AM.
  • The Alankaram or the puja of the lord takes place from 6:30 AM to 7:00 AM. The devotees have to pay an entry fee of Rs. 5/- to participate in the Archana and Harathi.
  • Kapila Theertham Temple is open for all for the Sarvadarshanam from 7:00 AM to 4:00 PM and 5:30 PM to 8:00 PM. There is also an Ekantha Seva performed from 8 AM to 8:15 PM.
  • There are different Weekly and Monthly pujas that are performed. Every Monday there is Rudrabhishekam performed from 3:00 PM to 4:00 PM by paying the entry fee of Rs. 50/-.
  • There is Navagrahabhishekam performed on every Saturday from 5:30 PM to 6:30 PM. There is Ekadasa Rudrabhishekam performed every month from 4:30 PM to 7:30 PM.
  • If one wants to perform Nithyabhishekam permanently then he will have to pay Rs. 542/- for it and for one year it costs Rs. 42/-.

Kapila Theertham Temple Food Timings

The timing for Anna Prasadam is from 5:00 AM to 3:30 PM and from 5:00 PM to 10:30 PM when free and unlimited food is offered to all the pilgrims. The Anna Prasadam center is next to the Sri Hygreevar Swamy Temple at Thiru Mada Street. The food here is served in Banana leaf with a variety of options. The cooking is done using Solar Electricity and the quality of the food is well maintained.

Dress Code at Kapila Theertham

Men should wear White Pancha, Dhoti/ Kurta, Pyjama. Women should wear saree with blouse/ Punjabi Dress with Dupatta/ Half saree/

Festivals celebrated at Kapila Theertham Temple

  • Karthika Deepam: Karthika Deepam is celebrated when the full moon is in the conjunction with the constellation Karthika. This constellation appears as the group of six stars. These six stars are considered as the six celestial nymphs, who reared the six babies, who were joined together to form six faced Subramanya Swamy. He is therefore called the Kartikeya. This festival also celebrates Lord Shiva appearing as an endless flame. This festival is celebrated as an auspicious way, and people light the lamps at Kapila Theertham falls the highest point.
  • Skanda Sasti: This festival is celebrated on the sixth day in the bright half of the month of Aippasi in Saivite temples all over Tamil Nadu. It commemorates the destruction of evil by the supreme general Kartikeya who is the son of Lord Shiva. The devotees undertake fasts, prayers and devotional singing to Lord Muruga. The devotees stay in the temple for these six days. The events leading to the conquest of the Asuras are dramatized and enacted.
  • Float Festival: Float Festival is celebrated on the night of full moon between mid-January and mid-February each year. The ornamented icons of both the deities God Sundaresa (incarnation of Lord Shiva) and Goddess Meenakshi (Incarnation of Parvati) are taken out in a splendid possession. Devotees are clothed in yellow and red and they dance among the crowd and spray colored water on each other. After the possession, the icons are floated around the temple tank. This festival attracts pilgrims all over the country.
  • Arudra Darsanam Utsavam: This festival takes place on the full moon night and also considered as the longest night of the year. Unmarried women fast during the daytime and will break the fast after the moon rise. The dancing form of Lord Shiva is taken out on the possession. The cosmic dance of Lord Shiva is enacted on the day.
  • Mahashivratri: This festival signifies the marriage of Lord Shiva and Parvati. It is celebrated in February or March. The devotees keep fast on this day and there are possessions that are held on this day. There are also some special pujas that are performed during the day and the temple is decorated very beautifully. There are large queues of the people to seek the darshanam.

Besides these festivals, the other festivals that are celebrated with great enthusiasm are Vinayaka Utsavam, Annabhishekam and Kamakshi Devi Chandana Alankaram.

Poojas and Rituals at Kapila Theertham

Following are the Poojas and rituals that are performed on the Kapila Theertham Temple:

  • Abishekam: Abhishekam is conducted by the priests, by pouring libations on the idol of the deity being worshipped along with chanting of the mantras.
  • Alankaram / Archana: Alankaram or Archana includes decorating the idol of the lord with ornaments.
  • Sarvadarshanam: Sarvadarshanam means Darshan for all. Devotees stand in the queue to attain the darshan of the lord.
  • Rudrabhishekam: Rudrabhishekam is believed to be a very good Homam performed with powerful mantras and it fulfills all the wishes of the person who gets it performed.
  • Navagrahabhishekam: Navagraha Puja is a Vedic ritual that produces tremendous positive energy and helps people to gain the courage to face any situation in their lives. The Vedic ritual performed traditionally for these nine planets (Navagrahas) dilutes the negative influences and infuses peace and prosperity.
  • Ekadasa Rudrabhishekam: This is a more elaborate Pooja of Lord Shiva. Shiva has eleven forms of Rudra. In this Pooja, all the 11 Rudras are worshiped.

How to reach Tirupati: Road, Rail, and Air

  • By Air: The airport of Tirupati is in Renigunta about 15 kms away from the main city, where flights can be found regularly from Chennai, Bangalore and Hyderabad. Then taxis can be used to move from the airport to the city which costs about Rs 300. The International airport nearest to Tirupati is in Chennai, which can be reached from any cities in India and abroad.
  • By Train: The Railway station to reach Tirupati is in Tirupati itself and connects by trains to Chennai, Bangalore, Visakhapatnam, Mumbai and Madurai which is a common balaji temple route. Another railway station can be found 15 kms away at Renigunta. It is in the Trivandrum – Delhi route that the railhead of Renigunta falls and, therefore, is reached from all cities in India.
  • By Road: APSRTC runs free buses from the Tirupati Railway station to Alipiri, with a frequency of 30 minutes. The Free bus services, operated by TTD in tirumala are known as “Dharma Wadhams” There are 12 such buses that pass through cottages, choultries, temples and other places in Tirumala. Even the KSRTC buses are available from towns in Karnataka to reach tirupati.

Hotels in Tirupati: Where to stay

There are different Guest houses that are available where one can stay. There are several large choultries with free rooms for families to stay in reasonable comfort. Electricity and water are provided free of charge. Besides these, the other guest houses are Padmavathi Guest House, Sri Venkateswara Guest House and VarahaSwami Guest House.

Hotel Bliss: Near Ramanuja Circle,Renigunta road, Tirupati, Andhra Pradesh 517501

Sri Kapileswara Residency: SKR Residency, Near Kapiltheertham Circle, Tirumala Bypass Road,  Opp. Tirumala Hills, 517507 Tirupati, India.

Nearby Temples

  • Sri Venkateswara Swamy Temple (Tirumala): Is located at 20.5 KM apart, which can be covered under an hour.
  • Srinivasa Mangapuram: Srinivasa Mangapuram is an important temple connected with Tirupati. These temples are connected through 13 KM, with distance covered less than thirty minutes.
  • Srikalahasti Temple: Is located at a distance of 39 KM. This distance passing through the National Highway and state highways can be covered less than one hour. This temple is well known for it’s famous Rahu Ketu Dosha Pooja.