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Rameswaram Ramanathaswamy Temple Guide – Timings, Poojas, and History

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Rameswaram Ramanathaswamy Temple in Tamil Nadu is dedicated to Lord Shiva. The temple is one of the 12 Jyotirlinga Temples in India. It is located in the Rameshwaram District of Tamil Nadu, the southernmost part of India.

Planning to visit the Rameswaram Temple? Have a look at our Madhurai Rameswaram Tour Package.

Rameshwaram Temple – Facts

DeityLord Rameshwar (Lord Shiva)
LocationRameshwaram, Tamil Nadu
SignificanceJyotirlinga
ToursMadurai Rameswaram Tour
Darshan Timings6:00 AM to 9:00 PM
Entry FeeFree
PoojasRudrabhisek, Laghurudrabhisek
Best Time to VisitOctober to March
FestivalsShravan, Shivratri
Jyotirlingas in South IndiaRameswaram Temple, Srisailam Temple
Rameswaram Ramanathaswamy Temple Video

What are the timings of Rameswaram 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, afternoon, and evening poojas.

The timings are as follows:

RitualFromTo
Morning Darshan6:00 AM1:00 PM
Evening Darshan3:30 PM8:30 PM
Rameshwaram Shiva
The Rameswaram Ramanathaswamy Temple is closely associated to Lord Rama.

What are the sevas and poojas of the Rameswaram Temple?

Poojas at Rameswaram
There are several poojas that take place at the Rameswaram Ramanathaswamy Temple.

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

RitualTimings
Palliyarai Deepa Arathana5:00 AM
Spadigalinga Deepa Arathana5:10 AM
Thiruvananthal Deepa Arathana5:45 AM
Vila Pooja7:00 AM
Kalasanthi Pooja10:00 AM
Uchikala Pooja12:00 PM
Sayaratcha Pooja6:00 PM
Arthajama Pooja8:30 PM
Palliyarai Pooja8:45 PM

The Palliyarai (Sayanangriha) Procession of Swami and the Palliyarai Pooja for Swami and Ambal in the Sayanagriha in the Ambal Shrine are performed between 8:45 PM and 9:00 PM.

Some famous poojas conducted at the Rameswaram Ramanathaswamy Temple are:

  • 1008 silver Kalasa Abishekam
  • 108 silver Kalasa Abishekam
  • 1008 Kalasa Abishegam (copper)
  • Rudrabishekam
  • Panchamirtha Abishekam
  • Gangabishekam with Ganges & Vessel
  • Swami Sahasranama Archana
  • Ambal Sahasranama Archana
  • Rudrajapam
  • Swami Astothra Archanai
Rameswaram Poojas
All the poojas at the temple are celebrated with great pomp and fare.

What is the significance of Rameswaram Temple?

Rameshwaram Jyoritlinga
Like all the 12 Jyotirlingas, the Rameshwaram Jyoritlinga is Swayambhu.

The significance of Rameswaram Ramanathaswamy Temple is that the sanctum sanctorum of the temple has 2 Lingas – the Ramalingam – made out of sand by Sita, and the Vishwalingam – brought by Hanuman. Since Hanuman had brought the Linga all the way from Kailash, Lord Rama instructed that one should worship Vishwalingam first.

The entire island of Rameshwaram and nearby areas are in relation to Lord Rama. As per beliefs, many incidents from the Ramayana happened here and therefore, this place is important for both Shaivites and Vaishnavites. Rameshwaram has many as 50 Teerths or holy wells, and 22 of them are inside the temple. The water from these wells is believed to possess medicinal properties. Also, as per belief, the water from each Teerth tastes different and offers various remedies.

The Linga is made of Spatika. It is auspicious to bathe the Linga with the water from the Ganges. Devotees who go to Kashi, make it a point to bring the Ganges water and offer it to the Linga here.

The official website of the Rameswaram Ramanathaswamy Temple is: http://www.rameswaramtemple.tnhrce.in/

What is the history of Rameswaram Ramanathaswamy Temple?

Rameswaram Ramanathaswamy History
Lord Ram and Goddess Sita made a Shiva Lingam out of sand and water.

The history of Rameswaram Ramanathaswamy Temple dates back to the Ramayana period. Devotees believe that Lord Rama made the Linga and installed it here. As per the legend, Lord Rama and his wife Sita were returning from Lanka after killing Ravana, who was half-demon and half Brahmin.

Since killing a Brahmin is a sin, Lord Rama wished to worship Lord Shiva and ask his pardon. So, he had sent Lord Hanuman to Mount Kailash to bring Lord Shiva’s idol. Meanwhile, Lord Rama and Sita were living on the island and when they tried to drink the water, a powerful and divine voice spoke to them.

The voice chided Lord Rama that he was drinking the water without worshiping. Therefore, instead of waiting for Hanuman’s return, Lord Rama instructed Sita to make a Linga with the sand and water from the seashore.

Then he worshipped Lord Shiva in this form and pleaded for mercy. Lord Shiva manifested himself as the Jyotirlinga, blessed Lord Rama and also accepted to stay here and bless mankind forever. Since Lord Rama worshipped the Linga, the Jyotirlinga was named as Ramanathaswamy, and the place was called as Rameshwaram.

What is the structure of Rameswaram Temple?

Architecture of Rameswaram Ramanathaswamy Temple
The architecture of the Rameswaram Ramanathaswamy Temple is dedicated to a host of gods and goddesses carved on the walls of the temple.

The rulers of Pandya Dynasty expanded the temple in 12th century AD.

The Rameswaram Ramanathaswamy Temple has the world’s largest temple corridor. They measure around 1220 meters and also comprises of nearly 1200 magnificent granite pillars in total.

What are the festivals celebrated at Rameshwaram Temple?

Some of the festivals celebrated at Rameswaram Ramanathaswamy Temple are:

  • Mahashivratri: This festival is in honor of Lord Shiva. Devotees believe that he is the Adiyogi who is the source of the Yogi tradition. Also, people observe it by remembering Shiva and chanting prayers, fasting, doing Yoga as well as meditating.
  • Ramalinga Prathishtai: It is a 3-day festival celebrating the installation of the Ramalingam. The festival occurs during May- June.
  • Thirukalyanam: It is the celestial wedding ceremony of Lord Shiva and Goddess Parvati. The festivities carry on for a fortnight and occur in July – August.
  • Navaratri & Dussera: It is a 10-day festival celebrated in September – October.
  • Aarudhira Dharshan: It is an important day in the Shaivite calendar when Lord Shiva indulges in a cosmic dance. Also, Lord Shiva’s avatar, Lord Nataraja, performs this ecstatic dance on a day that coincides with the longest night of the year. This festival occurs during the end of December or in early January.

How to reach the Rameswaram Temple?

Here’s how to reach Rameswaram Ramanathaswamy Temple:

  • Air: The nearest airport is in Madurai, which is 174 km from Rameshwaram.
  • Train: Rameshwaram Railway station is the nearest railhead, 1 km away from the temple.
  • Road: This major pilgrim site is connected to all cities and towns in Tamil Nadu. Several state-run and private buses are available.

Where to stay near Rameswaram Ramanathaswamy Temple?

There are several accommodation options available at Rameswaram. The temple also offers accommodation options. One can also find comfortable rooms and dormitories in the TTDC Guest House at a nominal tariff.

What are some temples near Rameswaram Ramanathaswamy Temple?

Explore Rameshwaram
There are several beautiful places to visit near the Ramanathaswamy Temple, such as, the Ram Setu.

Some of the temples near Rameswaram Ramanathaswamy Temple are:

  • Satchi Hanuman Temple: The Satchi Hanuman Temple is a spot of great significance in the Ramayana. It is the place where Hanuman conveyed to Lord Rama, that Sita is in Lanka. Moreover, Hanuman gave Sita’s jewel as evidence or Satchi and hence, the spot became popular as Satchi Hanuman Temple. The temple is 3 km from Rameshwaram Ramanathaswamy Temple.
  • Panchamukha Hanuman Temple: The Panchamukha Hanuman Temple has a majestic idol of Lord Hanuman with five faces covered in vermillion. The temple also attracts devotees who come to see the floating rocks that Lord Hanuman’s army used to build the Ramsethu bridge between Indian and Sri Lanka. Also, the Panchamukha Hanuman Temple is 2 km from the Rameshwaram Ramanathaswamy Temple
  • Badrakaliamman Temple: Badrakaliamman Temple is in dedication to Goddess Durga. The temple is just 2 km away from the Rameshwaram Ramanathaswamy Temple.
  • Nambu Nayagiamman Temple: The Nambu Nayagiamman Temple is a 14th-century temple. The people of Ramnad built it as a mark of their faith and respect for Lord Rama. Further, the temple is 8 km from the Rameshwaram Ramanathswamy Temple.
  • Kothandaramaswamy Temple: This temple has relations with Vibishana, the brother of Ravana and Lord Rama. Devotees believe that Vibishana sought Lord Rama’s refuge in this place. This is also the place where Lord Rama coronated Vibishana after his victory in Lanka. The Kothandaramaswamy Temple is 12 km away from Rameshwaram Ramanathaswamy Temple.

Frequently Asked Questions about Rameswaram Temple

Is the Rameswaram Temple open throughout the year?

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

What is the entry fee?

The entry to the Rameswaram Temple is free of cost.

Is there any online darshan facility available?

No. There is no facility for online darshan available.

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

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

What is the weather like during the summers?

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

What are winters like in Rameswaram?

In Rameswaram, winters start in October and continue until March. The temperatures during this time range from around 17 º C to 28 º C. The weather during this time is not too cold and pleasant.

Rameswaram Ramanathaswamy
The Rameswaram Ramanathaswamy is a very important pilgrimage destination.

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

Halebidu Temples Guide – Timings, Poojas, and History

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Halebidu is another landmark in the temple architectural history of Karnataka. Located at the Hassan District of the state, the name of the city means the ‘Old City.’ This city was the capital of the Hoysala Empire in the 12th century and hence is a treasure of architectural marvels. The most important shrines of the city are the Hoysaleswara temple and the Kedareswara Temple; both these temples represent the Hoysala style of architecture.

Located at the banks of a lake, the Halebidu Temple complex is beautiful and holy with its serene atmosphere and lush greenery all around. The temple complex is maintained perfectly and hence is neat and clean even in the rainy season. The Halebidu Temples are safeguarded by the Archaeological Survey of India. The Hoysaleswara temple is a UNESCO world heritage site while the Kedareswara Temple has been proposed to be recognized as a UNESCO world heritage site.

Halebidu

History and Legend of Halebidu

The Halebidu temples are witness to the glorious past of ancient India.

  • The Hoysaleswara temple was constructed by the Ketamala, the chief architect of that time, around 1121 AD.
  • The Hoysaleswara temple was dedicated to King Vishnuvardhana, the then ruler of Halebidu.
  • The Hoysaleswara temple is dedicated to Hoysaleswara and Shantaleswara, named after King Vishnuvardhana Hoysala and Queen Shantala Devi.
  • The Kedareswara Temple was constructed around 1173- 1200 AD.
  • The Kedareswara Temple was constructed by King Veera Ballala II and Queen Ketaladevi.
  • The Kedareswara Temple is dedicated to an incarnation of Lord Shiva, Ishwara.
  • The three Jain basadis located within the Halebidu temple complex were constructed at different times. While the Adinatha Swamy was constructed during the 1138 AD, the Shantinatha Swamy Temple was constructed at 1192 AD and the Parshvanatha basadi was constructed in 1133 AD.
  • The Halebidu Temples were almost ruined by Muslim invasion; the city was invaded twice by Malik Kafur, during the 14th  century
  • Halebidu was originally known as Dorasamudra or Dwarasamudra. It came to be known as Halebidu after it was looted by the Muslim rulers of Delhi, at 1311 and 1327 and the city was completely destroyed. The word Halebidu means a ruined city.

Significance of the Halebidu Temple

The Hoysaleswara Temple and the Kedareswara Temple are popular tourist destinations of Halebidu. These temples are known for the intricate carvings which portray the golden age of Hoysala rule. Every sculpture is different from the other; the granular details of the postures are amazing.

  • The Temple complex consists of two Hindu temples, Hoysaleswara temple and the Kedareswara Temple and a Jain basadi, which has three temples within it.
  • There is also an archaeological museum within the complex which helps you understand the importance of the sculptures and carvings of the shrines.
  • This archaeological museum was built in 1970 and consists of almost 1500 sculptures and inscriptions that have been recovered from the nearby places.
  • Besides an enclosed gallery, there is also an open air museum, which displays an 18 feet image of a Tirthankara, Lord Krishna and Shiva in Tandava posture, Nataraja, Goddess Saraswati and dancing Ganesha.
  • These temples are constructed with soapstone.
  • The walls of the Hoysaleswara temple are adorned with carvings of Hindu mythology, images of flora and fauna, dancers and shilabalikas.
  • The temple is guarded by two monolith sculptures of Nandi the vahana of Lord Shiva, on each side.
  • The Jain basadi of the temple complex also exhibit fine sculptures, depicting the rich traditions and believes of Jainism.
  • One of the Jain basadi is known as the Parshvanatha basadi. This basadi consists of a large sculpture of Lord Parshvanatha, which is 18 feet in height and made of black stone. A seven headed serpent over the head of the idol is considered to be guarding the deity.
  • The 12 pillars of the Parshvanatha basadi are exquisitely carved out of a rock.
  • The Lakshmi Narayana idol of Hoysaleswara temple is famous due to its perfect carvings.
  • The outer walls of the Hoysaleswara temple are adorned with sculptures of various deities of Hindu mythology.
  • The entrance of the Hoysaleswara temple is also adorned with sculptures of decked up elephants in a battling mood. This sculpture represents the way of entertainment of ancient India, where elephant fights were common.
  • The Kedareswara Temple represents the Trikutchala layout.
  • The Kedareswara Temple also consists of a life size sculpture of Nandi.
  • The Ganesha sculpture of the Kedareswara Temple is erected outside the Kedareswara temple, which seems to guard the temple of Lord Shiva.
  • The relief of Lord Vishnu at the Kedareswara temple is in a standing posture, flanked with images of goddesses on both sides.
  • The relief of Arjuna at the Kedareswara temple depicts excerpts from the great Indian epic, Mahabharata.
  • The Kedareswara temple also exhibits different avatars of Lord Vishnu, like the Varaha and Bamana avatar.

Halebidu Temple Timings

  • The Halebidu temple complex is open from 6:30 am to 9:30 pm. The best time to visit the temples is early morning.
  • It is suggested to visit the temple complex early morning as the weather is hot. There are experienced guides available at the complex who takes you back in the golden era of Hoysala kingdom when the shrines were constructed.
  • The Halebidu temple complex is open on all days of the week.
  • The best time to visit the Halebidu Temples is from November to March.

Halebidu Temple Food Timings

The Halebidu temple complex is now open just for sightseeing and regular Hindu worship and rituals do not take place. Hence the custom of serving food is not present.

Dress Code

There is no particular dress code at the Halebidu temple complex, but it is advised that most of the body part is covered. Cotton clothes are preferred due to the hot weather. Shoes have to be kept out before entering the temple complex.

Festivals celebrated at the Temple

No specific festivals are celebrated at the Halebidu temple complex.

Poojas and Rituals

The Halebidu temple complex is a heritage site and poojas and rituals are not performed here.

How to reach: Road, Rail and Air

By Air: The nearest airport to the Halebidu Temple complex is the Mangalore airport. This airport lies at 185 km from the city of Halebidu. There are direct flights from Kozhikode, Mumbai and Bangalore to Mangalore. The international airport of Bangalore is another important airport near Halebidu. There are taxis and buses available outside the airport, which take the tourists directly to Halebidu temple complex.

By Train: The nearest railway station to Halebidu is the Hassan railway station, lying at 32 km from the city. You can avail direct trains from Birur, Shimoga, Mysore, Bangalore, Mangalore, Dharwad, Karwar and Hubli to Hassan. There are auto rickshaws, taxis and buses available from the railway station which take you to the Halebidu temple complex.

By Road: Halebidu is easily accessible by the road. It is directly connected with the capital city of the state, Bangalore, major cities of Mysore and Mangalore. Tourists can avail direct buses to Hassan district. Halebidu is located at 149 km from Mysore, 211 km from Bangalore, 34 km from Chikmagalur and 31 km from Hassan. Belur, another important tourist destination of Karnataka is near to Halebidu (just 15 km) and hence you can cover the distance in private taxis.

Regular buses ply from the important cities of Karnataka to Halebidu. There is a bus stoppage at the Halebidu temple complex. Taxis and auto rickshaws are the other local transport facilities available here.

Hotels: Where to stay

There are decent staying facilities available near the Halebidu temples. The Sumukha residency and Vishnu Regency are located at 15.4 km from the temple complex. Hoysala Village Resort, Stay Simple Riverdale, Hotel Mayura International are to name a few. These hotels provide both budget and premium accommodation to the tourists, along with basic amenities and food facilities.

Where to eat

Tourists can enjoy Indian, continental and Chinese cuisines at Halebidu. Some of the well known eat outs near the temple complex are the Club House at Planters Court, Hotel Gokul Veg, The Meridian and the Shantala.

Nearby Temples

Besides the Halebidu Temple complex, there are other temples which are worth a visit.

  • Chennakesava Temple: Located at Belur, this temple was built during the Hoysala rule. Dedicated to Lord Chennakesava, an incarnation of Lord Vishnu. This temple is known for its fine sculptures and intricate carvings.
  • Sri Veera Narayana Temple: Located at 12 km from Halebidu, this temple is another gem of Hoysala architecture. The temple is mythologically important as it is believed that Bheema, the second brother of the Pandava brothers of the Great Indian epic of Mahabharata defeated demon Bakasura. Built in the 13th century, this temple is dedicated to three incarnations of Lord Vishnu.
  • Shravanabelagola: a popular Jain pilgrimage, this historical site is located at 50 km from the Hassan district. It is famous for the tallest monolithic statue, a Bahubali statue of 58 feet made of granite.
  • Chamundeswari Temple: Located at Mysore, the Chamundeswari Temple is dedicated to Goddess Durga. With various sculptures and a glorious history, this is one of the most beautiful temples of the state.
  • Ranganathaswamy Temple: Situated at the Srirangapatna Island, this temple is dedicated to Lord Vishnu. Within the massive temple complex of Ranganathaswamy Temple, there are precious relics exhibiting Hoysala and Vijaynagara architectural style.
  • The Mallikarjuna Temple: This temple is dedicated to Lord Mallikarjuna and Goddess Parvati and is unique, being built by the Vijaynagara rulers using old materials.

Hence be at the Halebidu temple complex to witness the meticulous artwork that was created almost 900 years back. If tired, just rest your feet over the green grass, basking in the celestial atmosphere.

Keshava Temple Somanathapura Guide – Timings, Poojas, and History

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Keshava Temple Somanathapura is one of the most famous shrines of Karnataka, situated at the Mysore district. The holy Cauvery River passes by the small village of Somanathapura, while the lush greenery encircling the temple let prayers come deep from your heart at the serene environment.

As you enter the porch of the Keshava Temple Somanathapura, you are no more in modern India. The perfect carvings and well-defined sculptures take you back in time when South Indian temple architecture was at its peak. The Keshava Temple is one of the most well-preserved temples of the Hoysala reign.

Keshava Temple

History and Legend of Keshava Temple Somanathapura

The glorious history of Karnataka is treasured at the Keshava Temple.

  • The Hoysala Kingdom was one of the most prominent dynasties of South India. Their kingdom ranged from Karnataka, to Tamil Nadu and Andhra Pradesh. South Indian art and architecture flourished during the reign of the Hoysala dynasty.
  • The Keshava Temple was constructed by General Somanatha of the Hoysala monarch, Narasimha III. The temple hence is also known as the Somanatha Temple.
  • The temple was built during the 1254 – 1291 AD. The inscriptions engraved on a slab outside the temple during 1269 – 1550 AD provide detailed information about the time of construction of the Keshava Temple.
  • It is believed that the Keshava Temple was the last major temple built by the Hoysala dynasty.
  • As per the information of Archaeological Survey of India, the original idol of Lord Keshava went missing and later it was replaced.
  • One of the myths state that the deities were removed from the temple by the Britishers and taken away.

Significance of the Keshava Temple Somanathapura

The Keshava Temple of Somanathapura is a must-visit for historians and tourists who wish to get back to the golden time of Indian architecture.

  • The Keshava Temple is an epitome of Hoysala architecture. Even the platform of the temple is unique in a star shaped layout. This layout is significant as it is believed that it was used for ‘pradakshina’ that is for circumambulation of the temple, a mandatory ritual of Hinduism and Buddhism.
  • The Keshava temple represents the Trikutchala form. There are three sanctums to the north, south and west of the temple. There are three antaralas and a navarang within the temple.
  • The Keshava temple is known for its fine carvings both at the interiors and exterior walls. Even the ceilings and the doors depict marvellous ornamentation.
  • The ceilings of the Keshava temple depict sixteen different types of Hoysala art and hence are no less than pieces of gems.
  • There is a relief sculpture of Narasimha on the outer wall of the Keshava Temple.
  • The images of Keshava, Venugopala and Janardhana adorn the ceiling of the sanctums and are surrounded by spectacular shikara images.
  • While the central sanctum is dedicated to Lord Keshava, the southern sanctum houses the deity of Lord Venugopala and the northern sanctum has the idol of Lord Janardhana.
  • Some of the fine sculptures found at the Keshava Temple are that of Lord Vishnu, Lord Ganesha, Goddess Lakshmi and Saraswati.
  • There are also images of mythological figures and demons within the temple, like that of Rati, Manmatha and Mahisasura.
  • The Keshava Temple was built within a massive enclosure over a raised platform. This shrine comes with sixty four cells.
  • The basement of the outer wall of the exhibits friezes of finely carved elephants, scrolls, scenes from Indian epics of Mahabharata and Ramayana and mythological stories, legends and folklores. All the events are sculpted in a clockwise direction, that is, in the direction of ‘pradakshina.’
  • Visitors can get a vivid picture of the religious beliefs of Hinduism as the images of gods and goddesses along with their vahanas remain frozen at the walls of the Keshava temple.
  • The presence of the line of elephants at the lowest course of the basement is symbolic as it presents that the elephants are carrying the burden of temple on their backs.
  • The battle field of the Hoysala times is depicted by the horse riding soldiers tampering the fallen warriors.
  • The daily life of ancient Karnataka
  • Another important fact about the Keshava temple is that you can get names of some of the sculptors engraved at the pedestals of the sculptures, like that of Mallithamma, Masanathamma, Chameya and Bhameya. From these details it can derived that Mallithamma is sculptor for most of the images and also have constructed the northern shikara of the Janardhana cell.
  • The seven feet tall stone slab which stores inscriptions in Kannada language related to the construction and upkeep of the Keshava Temple is also embellished with intricate cravings.
  • The rock windows of Keshava temple are amazing. While these rock cut windows provide ample amount of sunlight to enter the shrine, the lathe turned pillars characterise the Hoysala temples.
  • The entire temple is cloistered and it is believed that the numerous cells within the temple complex used to have idols of different deities of Hindu religion.
  • The southern colonnade consists of typical lathe tuned pillars while the northern colonnade is a mix of simple and lathe turned pillars. The western colonnade has just one lathe turned pillar and the rest are simple. This is just one asymmetrical flaw that is found in the planned complex of the Keshava Temple.
  • There is a red post box within the temple complex, attached to a large tree. If a visitor posts postcard in the box, it would be stamped with a unique Somanathapura stamp, which is one of its kind in the whole world.

Keshava Temple Somanathapura Timings

  • Keshava temple is open for visitors from 8.30 am to 5.30 pm.
  • It is advised to visit the temple during early morning hours as you need to walk throughout the temple bare footed.
  • Winters are the best time to visit the temple to avoid the scorching heat of the sun.
  • If you visit the temple just after the monsoons, you can also check out the enchanting beauty of the nearby Shivanasamudra waterfalls.

Keshava Temple Food Timings

As the Keshava Temple is just a sightseeing spot and is not functional at present, hence there is no arrangement of food or prasada at the temple.

Dress Code at Keshava Temple

Though there is no particular dress code to enter the Keshava Temple complex, there are restrictions related to footwear. Tourists need to keep their footwear outside the temple complex.

Festivals celebrated at the Keshava Temple

Keshava Temple bears the history of the 12th century Hoysala kingdom and it is no more used for worship. Hence at present there are no festivals that take place at this temple complex.

Poojas and Rituals at Keshava Temple Somanathapura

The Keshava Temple is a major sightseeing place at Karnataka. Worship of the deities does not take place here and hence visitors have no scope to witness any rituals and pooja at this temple complex.

How to reach: Road, Rail and Air

By Air: The Bangalore international airport is the nearest airport to Somanathapura.

By Train: the nearest railway station to the Keshava Temple is the Mysore rail head. You can get frequent trains from Chennai, Mumbai and Delhi to Mysore. From Mysore railway station tourists can avail taxis to the Keshava Temple.

By Road: By road the Keshava temple is almost 2 hrs from Bangalore, lying at 180 km from the capital city. You can avail taxis to get to the site. The Maddur- Malavalli- Bannur- Somnathapura road is the best way to reach the Keshava Temple. Tourists travelling by road are advised to take the Malavalli road from Maddur, then a right turn from the Malavalli City Junction that goes towards Bannur. From the main junction at Bannur, a left turn takes the visitors to the temple.

Tourists can also opt for the Bangalore- Mysore road and take a diversion Srirangapatana bridge. The Keshava Temple is approximately 50 km from the district headquarters of Mysore. There are a number of private buses that ply between Mysore and Somnathapura, but it is advisable to visit the place via private cars as you have many sites to visit around the Keshava Temple.

Hotels in Somanathapura: Where to stay

Accommodation facilities are not available at Somanathapura. Tourists are suggested to stay at Bangalore or Mysore. United 21, Mysore, Regaalis Mysore, Hotel Dasaprakash, Mannars Residency, the Quorum, Royal Orchid Metropole are some of popular hotels located near the Keshava Temple. From budget to premium rooms, all types of rooms are available here.

Where to eat

There are no such restaurants near the Keshava temple. Tourists can have coffee, tea and cold drinks at a nearby canteen. Restaurants are available near T Narsipura. If you are travelling by road, you will also find some eateries on the Mysore road, serving authentic South Indian cuisines.

Nearby Temples

The district of Mysore is known for its quaint villages, each one treasuring a marvellous temple. Some of the nearby temples that you can check out on the way to the Keshava temple are:

  • Chennakesava Temple, Belur: One of the finest examples of Hoysala architecture, the Chennakesava Temple is located near to the Keshava Temple. Life seems to be frozen in the stone sculptures of gods, goddesses and mythological figures of this shrine.
  • Nanjanagudu: Lying on the banks of River Kapila, this temple is dedicated to Lord Shiva. This temple is historically important as it is believed that the Shiva Lingum of the temple was placed by the famous Rishi Gauthama and was also worshipped by Parashurama when he was on his journey to cleanse his sin of killing his mother.
  • Talkadu– Located at 25 km from Somanathapura, this place lies at the banks of River Cauvery. Lord Shiva in the form of Vaidyanatheswara is worshipped here. The place is also famous for its sand dunes. It is believed that several temples are still buried under the sand dunes. Some of the famous temples found here are the Pateleshwara Temple, Viadeyshwara Temple, Maruleshwara, Kritinarayana, Gourishankara and Anandeshwara Temples. An interesting fact is that the Shiva Lingum of Pateleshwara Temple changes colour; it is red in the morning, black in the afternoon and white in the evening.
  • Sri Rudra Devasthana, Vijayapura: This temple is known to fulfil the good desires of the devotees and numerous pilgrims visit the temple every year to attain salvation, wealth, cure diseases and gain knowledge. The temple is dedicated to Lord Shiva.
  • Sri Varadaraja Temple, Hammige: Dedicated to Lord Vishnu, this temple comes with a rich history.
  • Tirumakudal Narasipura: Located at the Mysore district, this site is famous for Kumbhmela at South India. The temple is dedicated to Lord Shiva and is worshipped in the form of two Shiva Lingums, Someshwara and Markandeshwara.
  • Vishvanatha Temple, Krishnapura: This temple is dedicated to Lord Shiva and also consists of a chapel near it. Hence this quaint, ebony tree fringed village quietly preaches the message of unity among diversity. The place also has the Krishnapur Matha, one of the eight mathas established by Sri Madhavacharya, one of the famous Dvaita philosophers.
  • Ranganatha Temple, Sriranga Patna: Located at the Mysore district, this temple was built by the Ganga dynasty of the Vaishnavite cult. The temple showcases a blended architectural style of Hoysala and Vijaynagara temple designs.

Hence visit Keshava temple this vacation to witness how stone gained life in the expert hands of Indian artisans during the golden days of Indian architecture.

Parli Vaijnath Temple Guide – Timings, Poojas, and History

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Parli Vaijnath Temple or Parli Vaidyanath Temple is located in Parli, in the state of Maharashtra and belongs to the celebrated list of 12 Jyotirlingas of Shiva. The Vaijnath Temple Linga is also popular as Dhanavantari and Amriteshwari. The Linga consists of the Saligram stone and has a very smooth surface.

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

Parli Vaijnath Temple – Facts

Deity Lord Vaijnath (Lord Shiva)
Location Parli, Maharashtra
Significance Jyotirlinga
Tours 5 Jyotirlingas of Maharashtra Tour
Darshan Timings 5:00 AM to 9:00 PM
PoojasRudrabhisek
Entry FeeGeneral Darshan – Free
VIP Darshan – Rs. 150/- per person
Best Time to VisitJune to August
FestivalsShravan Maas, Mahashivratri
Nearest AirportNanded
Nearest Railway Station Parli
Jyotirlingas in
Maharashtra 		Sri Aundha Nagnath, Sri Trimbakeshwar,
Sri Grishneshwar, Sri Bhimashankar
https://youtu.be/S0gU60I5V7w
Parli Vaijnath Temple Video

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

The 5 Jyotirlingas of Maharashtra

What are the timings of Parli Vaijnath Temple?

Parli Vaijnath temple opens at 5:00 AM in the morning and closes at 9:00 PM in the evening. The temple also performs various rituals during this time. The devotees can be a part of these rituals such as aarti and poojas.

The timings of the Parli Vaijnath Temple are as follows:

Rituals Timings
Darshan5:00 AM – 9:00 PM
Abhishek5:00 AM – 7:00 AM
Afternoon Pooja1:00 PM – 1:30 PM
Bhasma Pooja3:00 PM – 5:00 PM

What is the significance of Parli Vaijnath Temple?

Parli Vaijnath Jyotirlinga
The Parli Vaijnath Jyotirlinga is said to be the last among all the Jyotirlingas.

People believe that since Lord Vishnu hid both the Amrit and the Dhanavantari in the Linga,  anyone who touches the Linga can receive the power of Amrit. Parli is also a meeting place of Hari Hara. Festivals of both Hari (Vishnu) and Hara (Shiva) are celebrated here.

Devotees are allowed to touch the Parli Vaijnath Linga during worshipping and this helps in healing and reaping various health benefits. In fact, devotees themselves perform the Abhisheka here and they use the Bilva leaves purchased outside the Parli Vaijnath Temple precincts.

Devotees from all walks of life, castes, and religion are welcome to visit this sacred Parli Vaijnath Temple. There is absolutely no discrimination. According to Puranas, Lord Vaidhyanath blessed sage Markandeya and he became immortal.

Rani Ahilyabai brought in special stones from the Trishul Devi mountain range for the Parli Vaijnath renovation. A minaret outside the Parli Vaijnath has special Gwakshas (windows). When the sun’s rays pass through the windows, they fall directly on the Shiva Linga. at this time, the priests offer special prayers and poojas to the Sun God.

The waters of the nearby Harihara Teerth is brought to the Parli Vaijnath daily for the Linga pooja.

What is the history of Parli Vaijnath Temple?

The history of Parli Vaijnath Temple is that it was built in the 1700s. It was renovated by Rani Ahilyabai Holkar, the Queen of the Maratha Malwa Kingdom at that time. Two very popular legends are associated with this temple. One legend talks about the Amrit and the other talks about the demon king Ravana and his quest to own Shiva.

Legend of the Amrit

Samudra Manthan
The Samudra Manthan was the churning of the Ocean of Milk and out came 14 ratnas, including Vish and Amrit.

When the Gods and Demons were churning the ocean and competing for the Divine Nectar or Amrit, fourteen gems emerged from the process. It included Dhanavantari and Amrit.

Just as the demons were about to pounce on the Amrit, Lord Vishnu grabbed both Dhanwantri and Amrit and hid them inside a Shiva Linga. The angered demons tried to break the Linga, but when they touched it bright light emanated. This scared the demons and they fled from the place.

Since this is the place where the Devas successfully received the Amrit, the village became popular as Vaijayanthi and therefore the temple as Parli Vaijnath.

Legend of Ravana and Shiva Linga

The demon King Ravana did severe penance and even cut off his heads to please Lord Shiva. Moved by his sacrifice, Lord Shiva offered several boons, and Ravana requested that Lord Shiva come to Lanka. The Lord accepted and instructed Ravana to carry his Shiva Linga and warned him not to keep it down anywhere till he reached his destination.

During the journey, Ravana wanted to take a break and instructed a shepherd to carry the Linga for a while. Unaware of the Lord’s instruction, the shepherd put the heavy Linga down for a brief moment. The Lord thus stayed there at the place and became popular as Vaidhyanath.

What are the sevas and poojas performed at Parli Vaijnath Temple?

The sevas and poojas that take place at Parli Vaijnath Temple are:

PoojaTimings
Somvar PoojaEvery Monday
Shadopachar5:00 AM
Shringar Pooja6:00 PM

What are the festivals celebrated at Parli Vaijnath Temple?

Mahashivaratri, Vaikunth Chaturdashi, Tripuri Pournima, Vijayadashami and Chaitra Padva are important festivals. There is a unique practice during these festivals – priests present Bilva leaves to Lord Vishnu, which is usually an offering to Shiva. Similarly, they offer the Tulsi leaves to Lord Shiva, which is usually an offering to Vishnu.

Some of the festivals celebrated at Parli Vaijnath are:

  • 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 entire village of Parli.
  • Mahashivratri: It is the day when Lord Shiva married Goddess Parvati. It usually occurs in late February to early March.
  • Vijayadashami: Also known as Dussehra, this festival signifies the victory of good over evil and is celebrated after the nine days of Navratri.

How to Reach Parli Vaijnath Temple?

Here’s how to reach Parli Vaijnath:

  • Air: The nearest airport is in Nanded, 105 km from the Parli Vaijnath.
  • Train: The nearest station is Parli and is 2 km from the Parli Vaijnath. Direct trains operate from Secunderabad, Kakinada, Manmad, Vishakapatnam, and Bangalore.
  • Road: Several buses connect from Aurangabad, Mumbai, Pune, Nagpur and other nearby cities.

Where to stay near Parli?

There are a number of budget accommodations available at Parli where one can stay. You can also find accommodation in the state-run MTDC cottages.

Where to eat nearby?

Most of the hotels that offer accommodation also have in-house restaurants where travelers can eat. Restaurants can be found at the Parli Vaijnath temple area. Travelers usually choose to eat in Ambajogai area, which is 20 km away from the Parli Vaijnath, as one can find more restaurant options in this area.

What are some temples nearby?

Exploring Jyotirlingas in Maharashtra
There are four more Jyotirlingas in Maharashtra apart from the Parli Vaijanath Temple.

Some temples near Parli Vaijnath are:

  1. Yogeshwari Temple, Ambajogai: The Yogeshwari Temple is for Goddess Yogeshwari who married Parli Vaijnath. Puranas say that by the time the wedding party arrived at Parli, the auspicious time had passed and the entire party turned into stone. The Yogeshwari temple is 25 km from Ambajogai.
  2. Aundha Nagnath Jyotirlinga Temple: The Aundha Nagnath Temple in the village of Aundha Nagnath in Maharashtra is the first of the Jyotirlingas. The temple is 118 km from the Parli Vaidhyanath temple.  Yudhishtra, the eldest of the Pandava brothers built the temple during their exile. It is a part of the well known 5 Jyotirlinga tour in Maharashtra.
  3. Bhimashankar Jyotirlinga Temple: The Bhimashankar Jyotirlinga Temple is near Pune and is 387 km from Parli Vaijnath. The Linga here is self-manifested and is one of the five Jyotirlingas in Maharashtra.
  4. Grisheshwar Jyotirlinga Temple: Temple is located in Verul, Beed District, Maharashtra. This temple is the last of the Jyotirlingas and for devotees who undertake the Jyotirlingas pilgrimage, a visit to this temple completes their journey. Grishneshwar temple is 246 km from Parli.
  5. Trimbakeshwar Jyotirlinga Temple: The Trimbakeshwar Temple is in the town of Trimbak, Nashik District, Maharashtra. The temple is 397 km from Vaijnath Temple. The Linga has three faces symbolizing Lord Shiva, Lord Vishnu, and Lord Brahma.

Frequently Asked Questions about Parli Vaijnath Temple

Is the Parli Vaijnath Temple open throughout the year?

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

What is the entry fee?

The entry to the Parli Vaijnath Temple is free of cost.

Can anyone visit the Parli Vaijnath temple?

Yes. Anyone from any caste, creed, and religion can offer their prayers at the temple.

Is there any online darshan facility available?

No. There is no facility for online darshan available.

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

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

Which is the best time to visit the Parli Vaijnath Temple?

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

What is the weather like during the summer?

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

What are winters like in Maharashtra?

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

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

Ksheera Ramalingeswara Swamy Temple Palakollu Guide – Timings, Poojas, and History

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Ksheera Ramalingeswara Swamy temple in the West Godavari district of Andhra, Palakollu is a grand temple of Lord Shiva that is one of the Pancharama temples. The presiding deity here is Lord Shiva whose form was established by Lord Vishnu. Locally this temple is also famous as Pedda Gopuram.

What is the history of Palakollu Ksheera Ramalingeswara Swamy Temple?

According to history, Palakollu Ksheera Ramalingeswara Swamy temple was constructed during the reign of Chalukya Bhima of Chalukya dynasty in the 9th century. Sri Velupathi designed it’s Prakara during the 10th century. The architecture is a clear reflection of the art practised during the Chalukya dynasty reigns.

During the 14th century, Sri Alladu Reddy built the Gopuram. During the 17th century, there was construction of Kalyana mantapam (choultry) and Ashtha Bhuja Lakshmi Narayanaswamy alaya.

What is the significance of Palakollu Ksheera Ramalingeswara Swamy Temple?

Significance of Ramalingeswara Swamy is that the Shivalingam at the temple is the tallest one and has a unique milky white color. The shiva lingam which is popular as moola virat is visible from all four sides of the sanctum sanctorum or garbha griha.

In addition one can also view several other gods like the Sun God, Devi Parvati and Lakshmi, Veera Bhadra, Kanaka Durga, Nataraja, Shankara, Radha Krishna from all four sides.

Locally there is a saying that staying for a day at Ksheerama is equal to staying at Varanasi.

The temple has 72 pillars made of black stones.

Timings of Palakollu Ksheera Ramalingeswara Swamy Temple

Here are the timings of Ksheera Ramalingeswara Swamy Temple:

TimingsFromTo
Open6:00 am8:00 pm

How to reach Palakollu Ksheera Ramalingeswara Swamy Temple?

Here’s how to reach Palakollu Temple:

  • Road: buses are frequently available from all the parts of Andhra Pradesh moving towards Bhimavaram to Palakollu.
  • Rail: trains are also very easily available on a regular basis from the Vijaywada railway junction.
  • Air: The nearest aiport is Vijawada from where regular flights are available.

Where to stay near Palakollu?

Some of the places where one can stay near Palakollu are:

  • Palavalli Boutique Resorts which is 12km from Palakollu town centre has a great location where guests enjoy their peace and solitude.
  • Falcon Nest Hotel behind the coastal city centre at Bhimavaram is a grand place to check in.

What are some temples near Palakollu?

Some of the temples near palakollu are:

  • Sri Someswara Temple which is 117 km from Vijaywada is one of the Pancharama Kshetras where one can visit to offer prayers to the Lord. Devotees also believe that Lord Chandra installed the main Lingam.
  • Sri Venkateswara Swamy Temple is another pilgrim place to visit during this trip. It is on the top of the Seshachala hill in Tirumala.
  • Shri Lingaraj Temple is a famous Hindu temple in honour of lord Harihara, a form of lord Shiva and is one of the oldest and largest temples in Bhubaneswar, the capital of the East Indian state of Odisha (formerly Orissa). The temple is the most prominent landmark of the Bhubaneswar city.