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Lakhamandal Temple Dehradun – Timings, History and Guide

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Lakhamandal temple is dedicated to Lord Shiva. It is present in the Dehradun district of Uttarakhand. The name the complex has origins in the words ‘Lakha‘ meaning ‘many‘ and ‘Mandal‘ meaning ‘Temples or Lingam‘. Moreover, devotees believe that a visit to this temple is capable of absolving one’s sins.

Lakhamandal – Facts

Deity Lord Shiva
Location Jaunsar-Bawar region of Dehradun district, Uttarakhand
Best Time to Visit October to March
Darshan Timings 7 AM to 6 PM
Entry Fees Free
Dress Code Traditional Wear
Festivals Mahashivratri

The Shivling here is made of graphite which shines on pouring water on it.

It also ends the miseries of life. River Yamuna flows near the village in which Lakhamandal is present. It is also a part of the Char Dham Yatra destinations within Uttarakhand.

What are the timings of Lakhamandal?

Here are the timings of Lakhamandal:

OpenClose
Timings7 AM6 PM

What is the significance of Lakhamandal?

The significance of Lakhamandal is the main attraction of the temple complex is a Shivalingam made of graphite. When water is poured over Shivalingam, it reflects the light and shines, hence illuminating its surroundings. Also, the temple has the northern Indian style of architecture (Huna architecture).

Lakhamandal Intro
The Shivling is made of graphite which shines on pouring water on it.

Beliefs also say that a person who dies in front of the twin statues of Manav and Danav momentarily returns to life. This is because Manav keeps the person alive while Danav takes the person’s soul to Lord Vishnu’s divine abode.

What is the history of  Lakhamandal?

Lakhamandal History 1
Lakshyagraha – A house of shellac.

The history of Lakhamandal is that the temple is present near the place where Duryodhana conspired to burn Bhaskara alive in Lakshyagraha (a house of shellac). Moreover, two statues of Manav and Danav are present near the main shrine and devotees consider them to be of Pandava brothers Bhima and Arjuna.

Lakhamandal History 2
The statue resembles Jai and Vijay, the doormen of Lord Vishnu.

These statues are the dwarpals (door guards) of the shrine. They also resemble Jai and Vijay, the doormen of Lord Vishnu. Dhundhi Odaari is a cave present near Lakhamandal and devotees believe that it is the place where Pandavas hid in order to protect themselves from their cousin Duryodhana. Dhund means “fog” and odaari means “cave“.

Lakhamandal History 3
Pandavas hid in the Dhundhi Odaari cave in order to protect themselves from Duryodhana.

Festivals celebrated at Lakhamandal

The main festival celebrated at Lakhamandal is:

  • Mahashivratri: This festival is in the honor of Lord Shiva. Devotees believe that he is the Adi guru who is the source of the Yogi tradition.  It is observed by remembering Shiva and chanting prayers, fasting, doing Yoga, making offerings to the deity, as well as meditating.
Lakhamandal Festivals
Mahashivratri is celebrated at the temple.

How to reach Lakhamandal?

Here’s how to reach Lakhamandal:

  • Air: The nearest airport is Jolly Grant Airport in Dehradun (130 km away).
  • Train: The nearest railway station is Dehradun railway station (107 km away from Lakhamandal).
  • Road: Buses to Chakrata are available from ISBT Kashmere Gate. One can hire a bus or taxi from Chakrata to Lakhamandal.

Where to stay near Lakhamandal?

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

  • Hotel Shiva Residency: The property offers a multi-cuisine restaurant, conference hall, doctor on call, safe deposit lockers, travel desk, laundry, secretarial services, generator back-up as well as Wi-Fi internet facility.
  • Hotel Saffron Leaf: 4 km from ISBT and Dehradun Railway Station, the hotel offers a fitness center, travel assistance, and a multi-cuisine restaurant.
  • Hotel LP Residency:  The hotel is a perfect retreat for visitors and business travelers. It offers WiFi, parking, laundry, room service, credit card acceptance and many more. 

Please carry valid ID proof such as Aadhar Card. It is needed at the time of booking of the rooms.

What are some temples near Lakhamandal?

Some of the temples near Lakhamandal are:

  • Kashi Vishwanath Temple, Uttarkashi: The temple is one of the most sacred temples in Uttarakhand, dedicated to Lord Shiva. It is present on the banks of river Bhagirathi and is one of the Char Dham Yatra destinations within Uttarakhand. The Shiva lingam here is 56cm in height and is tilted towards the South. The lingam is a Swayambhu, that is, the lord has manifested the lingam himself. During the Magh Mela, devotees visit the temple to take a holy dip in the river Bhagirathi. It is also a part of the Char Dham Yatra destinations within Uttarakhand.
  • Shakti Temple: This temple is present on the opposite side of the Vishwanath temple in Uttarkashi and is in honor of Goddess Parvati. Also, the main attraction of the temple is a huge ‘Trishool‘ which is 6 meters high. Moreover, it is over 1500 years old.
Lakhamandal Nearby

Chittaranjan Park Kali Mandir Guide – Timings, Poojas, and History

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Chittaranjan Park Kali Mandir or CR Park Mandir is situated in the Bengali-dominated locality, CR park of south Delhi. It was founded in 1973, first as a small temple shrine for God Shiva. It was soon added with Goddess Kali and was later – by late 1980s – developed into what is today’s CR Park Mandir complex that hosts three shrines devoted to God Shiva, Goddess Kali, and Radha-Krishna.

A modern age temple, the architecture, during its expansion in the 1980s, took the form of Bengal terracotta temple art. It has grown into a cultural and traditional hub of Bengalis in Delhi. As Bengalis are synonymous to the grandeur celebrations of Durga pooja, the tradition of celebrating the pooja at this temple began in the late 1970s.

Situated on a small hill top, the mandir is known for its calm and serenity within the hustle – bustle of Delhi. It is surrounded by a vast garden which was declared as the ‘Best Kept Garden’ by Agri-Horticulture Society in 1999. The mandir complex also houses halls for cultural functions and discourses, and spaces crafted to accommodate festivals like Durga Puja, library, tirthashram, homeopathy, naturopathy yoga centres, children’s park, and a musical fountain.

The mandir maintains a Charitable ‘Balanada’ Dharmashala, viz., ‘Yatri Niwas’ – meaning a ‘Traveller’s Home’, and a canteen.  Any visitor to the city is welcome here, and would be accommodated for a maximum of seven days at a nominal price.

CR Park 2

Chittaranjan Park Kali Mandir History

  • A resolution to build a temple was taken in 1973 by the residents of CR Park, and a steering committee, ‘Chittaranjan Park Kali Mandir Society’ was formed.  A proposal for the construction of a temple within two acres lands on the ‘Rock Garden’ was sent to the government in 1974.
  • On 25th April 1974 on the eve of ‘Akshay Tritiya’, a Shivlinga was installed in a temporary shed.
  • Foundation of Kali Mandir was laid in 1979, and the idol of Goddess Kali was established on 21st February 1985.
  • The Radha-Krishna establishment and temple inauguration was conducted in February 1994.
  • The terracotta ar
  • The Musical Fountain in the mandir complex was inaugurated by Dr. Anita Bose, daughter of Netaji Subhash Chandra Bose in February 2013.

Significance of the Chittaranjan Park Kali Mandir

  • In 1947, during the India – Pakistan partition, the state of Bengal separated into two entities – East Bengal in Pakistan and West Bengal in India. A large group of government employees who was a refugee of East Bengal migrated to Delhi. Forming East Pakistan Displaced Persons (EPDP) Association, they lobbied for a residential colony in 1954.
  • In 1967, the 218-acre barren rocky land was assigned to the applicants with refugee status. 2147 people with the status were given plots in the area now known as Chittaranjan Park or CR Park.
  • The colony was founded with plots going exclusively to migrants from East Bengal; but over time, it attracted general Bengali settlers resulting in demographic diversification.
  • The residents of CR Park founded and established the Chittaranjan Park Kali Mandir by 1980s.
  • The Kali Mandir soon grew into a traditional hub of all the Bengalis in Delhi with various religious and cultural activities all round the year.
  • Durga pooja is celebrated, during Durgashtami, at the mandir annually; with barrels of Bengal-specific flowers, such as Shuli (night flowering jasmine) and blue-lotus, flown in fresh for pooja everyday, and includes a typical Bengali cuisine, bhog.

Chittaranjan Park Kali Mandir Timings

Due to the extreme variation of temperature in Delhi, the mandir timings change according to the season.

Summer (April – October): 4.45am – 12.30pm & 5.00pm – 10.00pm

Winter (November – March): 5.45am – 1.00pm & 4.30pm – 9.00pm

Everyday Arati timings are as follows:

AratiSummerWinter
(April – October)(November – March)
Mangal Arati4.45am – 5.15am5.45am – 6.15am
Puja8.00am8.30am
Bhog Arati11.20am – 11.50am11.20am – 11.50am
Sandhyarati6.30pm – 7.30pm6.00pm – 7.00pm

Musical Fountain Timings

Tuesday – Sunday: 7.00pm – 7.15pm (after Sandhyarati. No show on Mondays)

Poojas and Rituals at Chittaranjan Park Kali Mandir

Regardless of any particular ritual or pooja, this shrine is an emblem of great fidelity. Various customary Bengali poojas are offered to the Gods on special occasions.

  • Bipattarini Pooja – The Bipattarini Pooja/Vrata is observed by women on the Panchami, fifth day of the Shukla paksha(waxing moon) in the month of Ashadha according to the Hindu calendar, in order to overcome troubles. Bipattarini is an avatar of Goddess Durga. Legends established her name, Bipada – Tarini, which literally means ‘deliverer from troubles’.
  • Jagadhatri Pooja – ‘Jagadhatri’ is the ‘Protector of the World’. She is celebrated on Gosthastami. It is also referred to as another Durga Pooja as it also starts on Asthami tithi and ends on Dashami tithi. The date of the pooja is decided by the luni-solar Hindu calendar.
  • Satyanarayan Pooja – It is done on special occasions and during times of achievements as an offering of gratitude to God Vishnu.
  • Shani Pooja – Shani Pooja is performed to appease planet Saturn; it is sought for mental peace and to get rid of various diseases.
  • Shradh Ceremony – ‘Shraddha’is a Sanskrit word meaning anything or any act that is performed with all sincerity and faith. Shradh Ceremony is a ritual that one performs to pay homage to one’s ancestors, especially to one’s dead parents.
  • Til Tarpan – It is a specific form of Tarpan (offering made to divine entities) involving libationsoffered to the Pitrs (deceased ancestors) using water and sesame (Til) seeds during a death rite.

The mandir also celebrates Kali Mandir Pratistha Diwas, Shiv Mandir Pratistha Diwas, and Radha Krishna Mandir Pratistha Diwas to commemorate the mandirs’ installations.

Mandir also assists devotees in conducting personal obeisance.

Hari Sabha and Ladies regularly conduct Sankirtan and evening Kirtan (devotional songs), at the three temple shrines.

Festivals Celebrated at CR Park Mandir

  • Durga Pooja – Durga Pooja festival marks the victory of Goddess Durga over the evil buffalo demon Mahishasura. Celebrated all over India, it is the biggest festival of the year for Bengali Hindus.
  • Maha Shivratri – It is a festival celebrated annually in reverence of the God Shiva. Shivratri is celebrated during the night by keeping a “jaagaran” – a night-long vigil with worship, as it is believed that God Shiva saved the universe from darkness and ignorance.
  • Ram Navami – It is a festival celebrating the birth of the god Ramato King Dasharatha and Queen Kausalya in Ayodhya.
  • Neel Sashti – It is the day in the Bengali month of Chaitra when Bengalis celebrate the marriage of Lord Shiva with Devi Parvati by offering puja to the Lord.
  • Holi Milan – It is a spring festival, also known as the festival of colours or the festival of sharing the love.

Activities

Apart from the religious activities, CR Park Kali Mandir Society conducts and organizes many sports, cultural, developmental, and social activities throughout the year. They accept donations, whatever amount they may be, and use the amount for the service of God and mankind.

Sports & Cultural Activities

The ‘Chittaranjan Park Mandir Society’ actively promotes cultural and sports events.

  • As a part of cultural events, it celebrates Naba Barsha (Bengali Poila Baisakh/ New Year), birth anniversaries Bengali dignitaries such as Rabindranath Tagore, Netaji Subhash Chandra Bose, Ishwar Chandra Vidyasagar, Rishi Aurobindo, Thakur Sri Sri Maa Sarada, Swami Vivekananda and Acharya Jagadish Chandra Bose.
  • Arranges exchange of Cultural Artists from different states and region for varieties of the programme.
  • Arranges four days cultural programmes by selected artists during Durga Pooja.
  • Emphases are given more on local talents for their exposure. Similar programmes are also arranged by the prominent artist on other public pooja days.
  • Organises Children’s day in the month of January. The programme is for the children and by the children. A platform is provided for them to expose their hidden talents. The programme is conducted by children themselves.
  • Netaji Subhash hall is set to organise regular religious discourses by different religious and philanthropic organisations.
  • Cultural Division felicitated to Bengali dignitaries, who have excelled in different fields, every year as “Gunijan”
  • Organizes Annual Sports in January every year.

Social Activities

The CR Park Mandir Society exhibits tremendous socio-economic values through their charitable and social events.

  • Running free Homeopathy and Naturopathy Dispensaries
  • Running Free Reading Room and Library. About 5000 books covering all sections are stacked in the library. There is a special section for the children. A good number of Magazines and News Papers are subscribed on a regular basis.
  • Running free Yoga Centre
  • Assisting students from Under-privileged section in meeting their educational expenses
  • Organizes free Bengali Learning Classes every week
  • Assisting the patients from down-trodden sections towards their medical expenses
  • Assisting the senior citizens who are staying alone in the colony, in case, they suddenly fall ill or otherwise.
  • Facilitate the citizens to meet together in the Mandir Prangan everyday for the exchange of views and pleasantries.
  • Making donations to Religious Organization for the pursuit of their religious activities.
  • Organizing “Daridra Narayan Sewa” once a month.

Where to eat

The mandir hosts a canteen, attached to the Dharmashala, which provides both veg & non-veg cuisines at nominal rates.

For the food savvies, Chittaranjan Park area houses a variety of traditional Bengali veg & non-veg cuisine (it is home to one of the city’s main markets for freshwater fish, an important part of Bengali Cuisine).

Where to Stay

The ‘Yatri Niwas’, a charitable Dharmashala, has 30 double bedded rooms with attached bathrooms. Common hot water during winter, and room coolers during summer are provided by the Dharmashala. It accommodates any visitor of the city for a maximum of seven days at a nominal price with a two-month advance booking.

There are also several hotels and lodges in and around CR Park area which provide good accommodation options, with several markets nearby.

How to reach

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

By Air: Indira Gandhi International Airport is the official airport of Delhi, and is around 15.2km from CR Park Kali Mandir.

By Rail: Delhi Junction Railway station is the major rail station of Delhi. It also has full-fledged metro rail system also operating within the city.

The nearest metro station is Nehru place metro station, 2 km from CR Park guest house.

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

Nearby Temples

Delhi is a city with rich history housing several monuments and temples with great cultural and political significance. Below are some of the places which are nearby CR Park.

  • Kalkaji Temple – Built in the mid-18th century, Kalkaji temple/Mandir is a renowned temple dedicated to Kalka Devi or Goddess Kali. Certain changes and additions were made to the temple in mid-19th century by Raja Kedarnath, treasurer of Emperor Akbar II. The whole temple is built using white marble and granite. In the sanctum sanctorum is the stone that represents Goddess Kali, housed in a 12-sided structure. There are many Dharmashalas (rest houses) in the vicinity of the temple, built with donations from devotees. The temple is open to devotees from 6 am to 10 pm every day.
  • Lotus Temple – Bahá’í Temple, popularly known as the Lotus Temple is a masterpiece of 20th-century architecture which was designed by Fariburz Sabha, a Canadian Bahá’í of Iranian descent. Built between 1980 and 1986, it is the latest among the seven Bahá’í temples across the world. Shaped akin to a half-open lotus, light and water have been used as fundamental elements of design of this house of worship. Set among sprawling green lawns, the petals of the grand lotus are surrounded by nine pools that represent floating leaves. The Lotus Temple is conducive to meditation. There are no priests, idols, pictures, sermons or rituals. Religious discrimination does not exist here as its symbol, the lotus, connotes peace, purity and a manifestation of God. It is open to all free of cost from 9 am to 7 pm, six days a week except for Mondays.
  • ISKCON Temple – Built in 1998, ISKCON Temple is one of the 40 temples built by the International Society for Krishna Consciousness (ISKCON). The actual name of the temple is Sri Radha Parthasarthy Temple, popularly known as Hare Krishna Temple. It has three shrines dedicated to Radha–Krishna, Sita–Ram and Guara–Nitai. Decorated beautifully with fresh flowers, the air is thick with spiritual discourses and chants, enhancing the divine atmosphere. Multimedia shows are organized regularly to educate the devotees about the Hindu epics. One can savour a delicious Saatvik (pure vegetarian) meal at ‘Govinda’, the temple cafeteria. It is open daily from 4.30am to 1 pm and from 4.30pm to 9 pm.

Elephanta Caves

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Elephanta Caves

Elephanta caves is one of the most significant monumental designs of Maharashtra. It not only adds to the beauty and heritage of the state but also contributes to tourism as one of the most famous tourist spots of India.  The famous Elephanta Caves also termed as Gharapurichi Leni or Gharapuri are a set of carved caves situated on Elephanta Island or Gharapuri. The island is positioned on the arm of the Arabian Sea and it consists of two group of caves- the first is a hefty group of five Hindu caves and the second is a smaller group of two Buddhist caves. The Hindu caves encloses rock cut stone sculptures demonstrating the Shaiva Hindu sect which is primarily dedicated to Lord Shiva.

The rock cut architecture of the caves has been dated back to the period in between the 5th and 8th centuries and the identity of the respective original draughtsmen is still in a state of ambiguity. The caves are carved out of solid basalt rock and all these caves were painted beautifully on the past but as of now only the outlines linger.  The main cave was basically a Hindu place of worship untilbastal rock

the Portuguese rule began in 1534. This war led to relentless damage of the caves but were later refurbished in the 1970s and was also designated as the UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1987 to preserve the beauty and glory of the caves and at present they are maintained by the Archaeological Survey Of India.

Elephanta Caves

History and Legend of Elephanta Caves

It is believed that no inscriptions on any of the island have been discovered and the ancient history of the island is speculative. As per the legend about the caves, the Pandavas, heroes of the Hindu epic  Mahabharata and Banasura, the demon disciple of Lord Shiva were both ascribed with constructing temples or cut caves to live. It is also a popular belief that according to the local tradition, the caves are not believed to be man made.

The Elephanta Caves do not have a precise date and acknowledgment of their origin. According to Archaeological excavations  few of the Kshatrapa coins date back to the 4th century A.D. According to the historical origin of the caves, the origin of the caves can only be mapped out to the conquer of the Mauryan rulers of Konkan by the Badami Chalukyas emperor Pulakesi II in a sailing battle in 635 A.D.  Following the battle, the Elephanta was then termed as Puri or Purika and was also doled out as the capital of the  Konkan Mauryas.  Some of the historians feature the caves to the Konkan Mauryas and also marked that the caves dated back to the mid-6th century.

The Chalukyas who conquered the Kalachuris as well as the Konkan Mauryas are believed to be the initiator of the main cave by some people in the mid-7th century. The Rashtrakutas are the last pretenders of the main cave which is estimated to the early 7th to late 8th century. It is also believed that the Elephanta Shiva cave to a certain extent bears a resemblance to the 8th century Rashtrakuta rock-temple Kailash at Ellora.

Significance of the Elephanta Caves

  • One of the most significant feature of the Elephanta caves is that the Trimurti of Elephanta portraying the three faces of Shiva is similar to the Trimurti of Brahma, Mahesh and Vishnu which was the the royal emblem of the Rashtrakutas.
  • The nataraja and Ardhanarishvara monuments are also featured to the Rashtrakutas.
  • At the entrance, there are four doors with three open doorways and a passageway at the back.
  • An astonishing fact about the Elephanta caves is that each wall consists of large carvings of Shiva which is more than 5 meters in height. The central Shiva relief Trimurti is positioned on the south wall and is edged by Ardhanarisvara on its left and Gangadhara to its right.
  • The rest of the sculptures interrelated to the legend of Lord Shiva are also seen in the main hall at premeditated locations in the restricted cubicles which include Kalyanasundaramurti portraying Lord Shiva’s marriage to the Goddess Parvati, Andhakasuravadamurti or Andhakasuramardana, the slaying of the demon Andhaka by Lord Shiva and Shiva-Parvathi on Mount Kailash which is the abode of Lord Shiva.

Apart from these, the following are the imperative features of the Elephanta Caves:

Main Hall

  • Ravana lifting Kailash
  • Shiva-Parvati on Kailash
  • Ardhanarishvara
  • Trimurti
  • Gangadhara
  • Wedding of Shiva
  • Shiva slaying Andhaka
  • Nataraja
  • Yogishvara
  • Linga

East Wing Shrine

  • Kartikeya
  • Matrikas
  • Ganesha
  • Dvarapala

West Wing Shrine

  • Yogishvara
  • Nataraja

Festivals celebrated at Elephanta Caves

The major festival celebrated at Elephanta Caves is the festival of Music and Dance which is being organised every year by the Maharashtra Tourism Development Corporation (MTDC) ever since 1989. This festival is one of the major attractions of the Elephanta caves which have the propensity to grab the attention of audience worldwide.  The main emphasize of the festival is the elucidated Maheshmurti which is basically the Shiva idol in the main cave of the island.  The festival also includes group of people performing the Folk dance. These folk dances are executed by the local fisher folk and the ethnic local food assortments add an extra tinge to the vibes of the festive fun. Over the years, the festival has successfully become a major tourist magnetism for the people of the country in particular and the world in general for the incoming domestic and foreign tourists.

Elephanta Caves Timings

  • The Elephanta Caves is open on all days of the week except for Monday
  • The opening hours are from 7:00AM in the morning to 7:00PM in the evening
  • The visiting hours vary from 4 to 5 hours
  • The entry fee per person for Indians is Rupees 10
  • The entry fee per person for Foreigners is Rupees 250

How to Reach :  Road , Rail, Air

By Road:  Multiple transportation facilities are available for Elephanta Caves from Mumbai and nearby areas. Boat and Ferry ride facilities are also available from Gateway of India.

By  Rail : Mumbai is one of the major railway junctions and all parts of India are connected with Mumbai. Therefore, trains are always available on everyday basis from Mumbai ,     Bandra or Lokmanya Nagar junctions. Local trains from Chatrapati Shivaji Terminal or Churchgate are also available.

By  Air : The nearest airport to reach Elephanta Caves is the Mumbai Chatrapati Shivaji International Airport.

Where to Stay

There are numerous hotels and lodging facilities in and around the Elephanta Caves. Some of them are:

  • Hotel Milan International
  • Hotel Parle International
  • Hotel Airlines International
  • Ibis Mumbai Airport
  • Taj  Santacruz
  • Bawa International
  • Hotel Transit

Where to Eat

There are numerous reasonable restaurants in and around Elephanta caves with multiple cuisines. Some of them are : Elephanta Port Restaurant and Bar, Britannia and Company Restaurant, China Bistro, Bistro Grill, Le Cafe, VIG Refreshment, Ladoo Smart, West 1, Fruits and Foods Island, Sindh Pani Puri House, The Korner House, Aroma Garden, Bar-B-Que Corner, Cafe Amar, Veggie’s Delite, Rajkot Farsan Mart, Spice Kitchen, Arkshita, Croissants, Blue Park Restaurant, Hotel Sadanand Restaurant, Spring Onion, Sweet Passions, Hotel Vishnu Restaurant, Toran, Olde Baileys, Ming China, Salt ‘N’ Pepper, Vasant Refreshments, Oceanic, Ribbons and Balloons, Kunjvihar, Hotel Shree Devi Restaurant, Koolers, National Hindu Restaurant, Kaboom.

Baglamukhi Temple – Timings, Poojas, and History

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Baglamukhi Temple is a popular Hindu temple dedicated to the Mahavidya Goddess Bagalamukhi which is located in the city of Amleshwar to the south of Raipur town in the Indian state of Chhattisgarh. The temple was established by Param Pujaya Shri  Pitambara Pithadhishwar Yogiraj Youdhishthir Ji Maharaj. The temple was established on 16th May and the most sacred occasion to visit the temple during Navratri.

There is an immense significance of Goddess Bagalamukhi who is one among the ten Mahavidyas in Hinduism. She is believed to smash the misconceptions and delusions of her enemies and protects them from their enemies with her cudgel. Popularly known as Pitambara Maa in the northern part of India, Bagalamukhi is the wisdom goddess who symbolizes the potent force of primeval female.

The word Baglamukhi has been derived from “Bagala” meaning bride and “Mukhi” meaning faced. Her name symbolizes “the one with the face that has the power to capture or control”. She represents the hypnotic power of the Goddess.

Another meaning of her name is crane faced. Goddess Bagalamukhi has golden complexion and she is always seen in a yellow dress. The Goddess sits on a golden throne which lies in the midst of an ocean of nectar which is full of yellow lotuses and her head is adorned with a crescent moon. In sacred texts, the Goddess is described as the Dwi-Bhuja or the two handed and the Chaturbhuja or the Four handed.

According to the Dwi-Bhuja depiction, she is described as Soumya or mild where she holds the club in her right hand that is used by her to beat a demon and she pulls out his tongue with her left hand. With this image, she exhibits the power of Stambhana where she can stun or paralyze the enemy into silence. The devotees of Bagalamukhi worship her for this boon.

Bagalamukhi has another name Pitambara Devi as well as Brahmastra Roopini and according to the name she turns everything into its opposite like knowledge into ignorance, speech into silence, power into impotence and defeat into victory. The Goddess allows her devotees to master their weaknesses.

Baglamukhi Temple History

According to Hindu mythology once a huge storm erupted over the earth and this storm threatened to destroy the creation and all Gods assembled in Saurashtra region. Goddess Bagalamukhi at this point emerged from Haridra Sarovara appeased by the prayers of God and calmed down the mighty storm. From then onward, she was worshiped by her devotees as a form of Goddess Parvati.

Significance of Baglamukhi Temple

Bagalamukhi Devi, also known as Pitambara Maa exists is a Shakti. Thus, Goddess Bagalamukhi represents potent female primeval force and is the one among ten forms of wisdom Goddesses.

There are very few Baglamukhi Temple in India and some of the main Baglamukhi Temple dedicated to her are as follows:

  1. Aligarh: A major district headquarters in the state of Uttar Pradesh with a Maa Baglamukhi Temple in Biharipuram. The temple lies 4 km from Aligarh Railway Station and 135 km from New Delhi.
  2. Haridwar: A pilgrimage temple in the Uttarakhand State has a Maa Bagalamukhi Siddhi Peeth near Bhagiradhi Vidyalayam.
  3. Ludhiana- A major district head quarter in Punjab State has a Maa Bagalamukhi Mandir just 6 km from Ludhiana Junction Railway Station.
  4. Nalkhera: This is a Nagar Panchayat in the Shajapur district in Madhya Pradesh State with a Bagalamukhi Temple and is 107 km from Ujjain.
  5. Pappankulam: This is a small village in the Tirunelveli district of Tamil Nadu and this is a location for Shri Bagalamukhi Devi Temple.
  6. Raigarh: A major district headquarters in Chhattisgarh State has a Bagalamukhi Mandir and is just 1.5 km from Raigarh Railway Station.
  7. Sameli: A small village in the Kangra District of Himachal Pradesh State has a Bagalamukhi Temple.
  8. Tewar: A small village near the Kachnar city of Jabalpur district in Madhya Pradesh State has a Bagalamukhi Temple just 16 km from Jabalpur.

Baglamukhi Temple Timings

Baglamukhi Temple is open on all days from 9 AM to 6 PM.

Festivals Celebrated at Baglamukhi Temple

Navaratri that is a major festival dedicated to Goddess Durga and Shakti is one of the most celebrated temples in the Maa Pitambara temple. The baglamukhi temple hosts a major celebration before Dussehara. During the occasion, all forms of Shakti including Maa Baglamukhi are revered and a major ritual that runs a length of 9 days is celebrated here. Special arrangements are made for complete and enriching worshiping procedures for the deity and the methodologies adhere to the principles of the Vedas.

During this time, many yogis and Tantriks pray to the Goddess for special powers and people from all parts of the country visit the region to enjoy the exemplary decorations and celebrations in this part of the country. The celebrations involve many processions and there are elaborate preparations for Prasadam and religious Poojas during the time in Amleshwar.

The Baglamukhi temple also hosts a huge celebration on the occasion of Guru Purnima during navratri celebrations and also special poojas are arranged during Vasant Panchmi. These are perfect occasions to begin any religious proceedings or sadhanas.

Poojas and Rituals at Baglamukhi Temple

Like the Kamakhya Temple of Guwahati, the Bagalamukhi temples too are considered to be the centers of Tantricism. Here there are temples dedicated to ten Mahavidyas. These temples are powerful Bagulamukhi Siddha Peeth where the Goddess is worshiped by Yogis for special powers.

The major difference between Baglamukhi temple and any other temple is that if someone worships all Gods in these temples, they would be worshiping all 33 types of Gods and Goddesses together at one place.

Maa Baglamukhi is the eighth mahavidya and is invoked for the destruction of the enmity. She is the supreme divine force and was believed to be invoked by Lord Rama to destroy Ravana along with his descendants. All offerings that are made by the devotees to the deity in the temple are in compliance with the Vedic rules.

The holy chants that reverberate the temple premises during the rituals are performed with Divine grace. The Bagalamukhi Yantra also is of paramount significance for offering Pooja to the deity and for the successful completion of the rituals. It protects the devotees and also shields them from the negatives forces of enmity.

How to Reach Baglamukhi Temple: By Rail, Road, and Air

The Amleshwar Temple lies about 15 km from Raipur Airport and is at a distance of 25 km from Durg. It is accessible by train, approximately 5 km from Raipur Railway Station and also well connected through buses. The nearest airport, railway station, and bus stands are at Raipur. The temple can be reached by various modes as follows:

By Air: The major airport near Raipur is Swami Vivekanand International Airport located at Mana, 15 km south of Raipur. All major cities are connected to Raipur through flights.

By Rail: Raipur junction is the main railway station that is connected to the entire country through major trains.

By Road: Raipur is well connected to all other major cities of the country via regular buses and the major bus stations are at Raipur.

Where to Stay and Eat

Although Amleshwar is a small place and doesn’t have many boarding and lodging options, still Raipur being a close city can be a comfortable place to stay at while visiting. There are many 4 star and 5 star hotels in Raipur like Hotel Piccadilly, Hotal Mayura, Hotel Babylon International and Hotel Madhuban.

Nearby Temples

Chattisgarh has many ancient temples that are both a tourist attraction as well as a pilgrim for devotees. Here are some major temples of the region:

  1. Amarkantak Temple: Located at the height of 3500 feet at Maikal Mountains, the temple is a major pilgrim spot for Hindus and the spot is the source of the most venerated mighty River Narmada.
  2. Bambleshwari Temple: Located at Dongargarh in the Rajnandgaon district in Chattisgarh. The temple is on a hilltop of 1600 feet. Another temple the Chhoti Bambleshwari is situated at ground about 1.5 km from the main complex. The twin shrines are revered by numerous people during Jyoti Kalash is lighted during Navratri before Dussehra.
  3. Bhoramdeo Temple: Situated in the midst of mountain ranges, this temple in Chattisgarh is dedicated to Lord Shiva. The main temple is built in stone and the complex has a total of four temples. The architecture of the temple is its uniqueness and the carvings are worth having a look at. The temple is named as Khajuraho of Chattisgarh.
  4. Champaran Temple: The village is at a distance of 60 km from Raipur and is the birth place of Saint Mahaprabhu Vallabhavacharya who was the founder of the Vallabh sect.
  5. Danteshwari Temple: Dedicated to Goddess Danteshwari the temple represents the 52 Shakti Peeth across the country and was built in 14th century by Chaulakyas of the south. Every year during Dussehera, thousands of pilgrims visit the temple and the presiding deity is takes out for a mega procession
  6. Hatkeshwar Temple: The Mahadev Ghat o situated on bans of River Kharun and this is a holy shrine of the Hindus. The presiding deity of the temple is Lord Shiva.
  7. ISKCON Temple: Raipur has a major ISKCON temple dedicated to Lord Krishna and many Vaishvaites come here to pray to the Lord. The temple is located behind Maharishi Vidya Mandir in Raipur.
  8. Madwa Mahal: The Shiva temple is close to the Bhoramdeo Temple and has a Linga over 16 pillars. The temple was built in 1349 CE.
  9. Mahamaya Temple: Dedicated to Goddess Durga and Lakshmi, this temple was built in the 12th century and is one of the 52 Shakti Peeths.

Raipur is a place with immense natural beauty, lush green spots, flora and fauna and has many places to visit and for the purpose of sightseeing. Thus, whenever one happens to visit the temple they should also take out some time to explore the nearby tourist spots that extremely popular among the locals as well as among the tourists. Here are some other major attractions of Raipur:

  1. Gandhi Udhyan: One of the major tourist spots in Raipur, the Gandhi Udyaan has many tourist attractions for a rejuvenating time. The place is built with world standards, innovative layouts, extraordinary architecture, and well-thought execution that makes it a place and highly coveted point of tourist interest. One can carry the camera and capture the special moments at Gandhi
  2. Madku Dweep: The place is situated on the tranquil waters of the Shivnath River and it is an island of great beauty with lush and splendid waterfalls. The place is filled with visitors during Shivratri and Paush Purnima The place is also a major spot for archeological excavation and 19 temples had been found on this island.
  3. Nandavan Garden: The garden is open all days of the week except Sunday from 9 am to 5 pm and is a major place of natural beauty in the city of Raipur. The place is a sure way to refresh after a busy weekday. The place is best to explore fabulous designs, interesting themes, colorful landscapes, amusing characters, ambient music, props, and merchandise.
  4. Urja Park: The place is great to get into the spirit of adventure and a great place for sightseeing and family visit. The place is great for rejuvenation and has an extraordinary architecture for finding fulfillment on outing and camping.

Therefore, do visit Raipur and the nearby Maa Pitambara (Bagalamukhi) Temple at Amleshwar whenever you happen to find time with the family and enjoy the religious bliss of this spot while devoting your time to the presiding Goddess here who is the provider of special powers and wisdom to all her devotees. The revered deity is one of the most sacred and sought out among the Hindus and thus, they get the best spiritual outcomes by praying here.

Chintamani Ganpati Temple – Ashtavinayak Guide – Timings, Poojas and Significance

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Chintamani Ganpati Temple is dedicated to Lord Ganesha and is one of the eight Ashtavinayak Temples in Maharashtra. The temple is in Theur in Haveli Taluka. Chintamani Ganpati temple has specially designated sections for meditation. The main mandap consists of wood with a stone fountain at its centre.

Planning to visit this temple? Have a look at our Ashtavinayak Yatra Tour Packages.

Chintamani Ganpati Temple – Facts

Deity Lord Ganesha
Location Theur, Maharashtra
Significance Part of Ashtavinayak Temples
Best Time to Visit July – November
Darshan Timings 6:00 AM to 1:00 PM | 2:00 PM to 10:00 PM
Entry Fees Free
Vehicle Parking Fees20 to 30 Rs (As per vehicle)
PhotographyNot Allowed
Dress Code Traditional
Festivals Badrapat, Magh and Rama-Madhav Punyotsav
Few more interesting facts on Chintamani Ganpati Temple at Theur in Maharashtra

Chintamani Ganpati Temple – Timings

The timings of Chintamani Ganapati Temple are:

TimingsFromTo
Morning Darshan6 AM1 PM
Evening Darshan2 PM10 PM
Darshan Timing on Angarkhi Chaturthi 4 AM11 PM
Maha Aarti Timing 7:30 AM
Maha Prasad Timing 10 AM1 PM
Madhyan Aarti Timing 12 PM
Shejaarti Timing 10 PM
  • Notes/Tips: Plan to spend 1-2 hours for darshan. On weekends, the rush will be more. During the festivals of Ganesh Chaturthi and few other Ganesh festivals, devotees have to wait for 3 – 4 hours for darshan.

Donations by devotees on Abhishek, Ekadashi, Sahastravartana, and so forth are done by Priests. Prasad and Angara (wholy fiery remains) are sent by post.

What are the poojas and sevas conducted at Chintamani Ganpati Temple?

Timmings and Pooja Rituals in Chintamani Ganpati Temple
Devotees waiting for the start of the auspicious aartis and rituals in Chintamani Ganpati Temple

Here are the poojas and rituals that take place at Chintamani Ganapati Temple:

Poojas and Rituals
Sahastravartan
Abhishek
Ekadashi

Devotees may make the appropriate payments at the temple and receive the Holy Prasad and ashes of Yagna.

The famous Chintamani Ganpati temple has a separate section known as Overry where devotees can meditate peacefully.

What is the significance of Chintamani Ganpati Temple?

The significance of Chintamani Ganapati Temple is that Lord Chintamani is the God who brings peace mind. The idol of Lord Chintamani faces east. The Lord’s eyes are precious gems. The Mahadwar or the main gate of the temple is north-facing, and a road connects it to river Mula Muth.

There are numerous little temples inside the temple complex like Mahadeva temple. Also, there is additionally a Vishnu-Lakshmi temple and a Hanuman temple. So while doing the temple Parikrama, those temples can be equally viewed. Since the legend of Chintamani occurred under a Kadamba tree, therefore, the village of Theur has another name- Kadambapur.

Lord Chintamani is the family deity of Shree Madhwarao Peshwa. Shree Madhwarao spent his last days at the temple and breathed his last while chanting the Lord’s name. Saint Morya Gosavi did severe penance at Theur. Pleased with his penance, Lord Ganesh emerged from the nearby river Mula Muth as two tigers and granted the saint with Siddhi.

It is beleived that Kapila Muni received this gem through worshipping Lord Shiva at Talaiaalankaadu near Thanjavur in Tamilnadu. Legends says that he walked on his head to reach the shrine.

Significance of Chintamani Ganpati Temple in Theur
One of the many different temples that can be found inside the temple premises while doing the parikrama.

What is the architecture of Chintamani Ganpati Temple?

Architecture of Chintamani Ganesh Temple in Theur
The temple was build in around 18th Century CE during the Peshwa rule and has vivid architectural style.

It is portrayed as one of the largest and increasingly acclaimed of the Ashtavinayak temples. The temple’s entryway situated toward the North is moderately smaller. The central icon of Chintamani Ganpati faces East. The temple has a wooden Sabha-mandapa which was built by Madhavrao. The lobby of the temple additionally has a black stone drinking fountain in it.

There are a number of smaller hallowed shrines in the temple complex. Behind the temple is the Peshwa Wada also known as the Peshwa Palace. Once it was the living arrangement of Madhavrao. Today the everyday activities of the temple are conveyed from this spot.

While there is no definite date of the origin of these places of worship, the present temple was built during the Peshwa rule in the eighteenth century CE.

The fascinating history of Chintamani Ganpati Temple in Theur
The valiant and devoted ruler of the Peshwas Shree Madhwarao Peshwa who constructed the present structure of the temple Chintamani Ganpati.

What is the history of Chintamani Ganpati Temple?

History of the Chintamani Ganapati is that there is no record of the person who built it. However, devotees believe that it exists since ancient times. Also, Chintamani Ganpati is related to the Saint Morya Gosavi, a staunch devotee of Lord Ganesh. Moreover, his descendants constructed the main temple structure.

Following a hundred years, Madhavrao Peshwa raised the Sabhamandap of the temple. A couple of years prior to the Shikhar (peak), of the temple was blessed in gold. As Peshwas visited these spot frequently, the two 5 metal bell purchased from Europe was one kept in Mahad and another one was kept here.

After the passing of Madhav Rao Peshwa, his wife performed Sati, the beautiful garden in the temple was made in her memory.

It is said that Emperor Aurangzeb had offered many grants to this temple. These days the organization of this temple is administered by Chinchwad Temple Trust.

Legends related to Lord Ganpati of Chintamani in Theur
The divine idol of Lord Ganpati at the shrine of Chintamani Temple in Theur.

What are the legends of Chintamani Ganpati Temple?

Legend of Theur: Lord Brahma was once feeling very restless and plagued by an unwavering mind. He then meditated to Lord Ganesh in this village to help him to pacify his restless mind. The name Theur is a derivative of the Sanskrit word – Sthavar, which means stable. Since Lord Ganesh helped clear Lord Brahma’s worries, the Lord became popular as Chintamani Vinayak.

Legend of Chintamani: King Abhijeet and his wife did severe penance and gave birth to Ganaraja, also known as Guna. When Ganaraja visited Sage Kapila’s ashram, the sage took the help of the precious jewel – Chintamani to serve food to the prince. However, the greedy Ganaraja wanted the jewel for himself and forcibly took it from the Sage.

Goddess Durga advised Sage Kapila to seek Lord Ganesh’s help. Then, Lord Ganesh defeated Ganaraja under a Kadamba tree, retrieved the precious jewel and took it back to sage Kapila. So, the sage rewarded Lord Ganesh by putting the jewel around his neck. Henceforth the Lord became famous as Chintamani Vinayak

What are the festivals celebrated at Chintamani Ganpati Temple?

Festivals of Chintamani Ganpati Temple in Theur
The festival of Ganesh Chaturthi celebrated with much pomp and glory in the temple.

Some festivals celebrated at Chintamani Ganapati Temple are:

Bhadrapat: Lord Ganesh’s birth celebrations known as Ganesh Chaturthi or Vinayak Chaturthi is a key festival in the state of Maharashtra. In Theur, Lord Chintamani’s birthday is a big event during Bhadrapat Shudh (August / September)

Magh: The Dwaryatra festival held during Magh Shudh, the Chintamani Ganpati Temple is bustling with arrangements. Devotees celebrate the celebrations in Magh Shudh  until Ashtami, or the eighth day (January – February)

Rama-Madhav Punyotsav: A fair is organized in the month of Karthik by the temple as part of the Rama-Madhav Punnyotsav. This commemorates the death anniversary of the temple patrons Madhavrao and his wife Ramabai.

The town of Theur sits at the conjunction of three noteworthy provincial rivers Mula, Mutha and Bhima, making it a picturesque delight.

How to reach Chintamani Ganpati Temple?

Here’s how to reach Chintamani Ganpati Temple:

  • By road: Theur is nearly 25 km from Pune. Several state-run buses operate from Pune and Mumbai to Theur. In the event you are self-driving you can take Mumbai to Khandala road course. After crossing the Bhor Ghat, the town of Theur can be seen which is situated in Haveli Taluka, Pune District.
  • By rail: The nearest railway station to Theur is in Pune. The Pune station connects to major Indian cities. Pune Junction railroad station associates the city with all the prime Maharashtra cities. There are a few mail/express trains and superfast trains connecting the city from south, north, and west.
  • By air: The nearest airport is at Pune, which connects to all major Indian cities. Lohegaon Airport or Pune Airport is a universal air terminal, found 15 km far from Pune downtown area. Regular flights from Bangalore, Jaipur, Delhi, Goa, Mumbai, Hyderabad, Chennai, and Nagpur lands in the airport. Theur is 22 km from Pune Airport.

Where to stay near Chintamani Ganpati Temple?

There are not many places to stay for accommodation at Theur. Therefore, pilgrims usually consider staying at Pune which is just 25 km from the Temple.

Where to eat near Chintamani Ganpati Temple?

  • There are no restaurants at Lenyadri except for the Yatri Niwas which offer food options.  Therefore, devotees opt to eat at the smaller restaurants on the highway or at Junnar.
  • Moreover, one can consider having lunch inside the temple premises served by the foundation. A small amount of Rs 15 is charged for having Lunch in the temple. In this thali, you get the opportunity to eat rice, dal/lentil, aloo chana curry dish, chappati, and sooji halwa/Sheera.
  • The temple volunteers served the food while you sit in a table and chair. Lunch timing is from 12 to 2 pm.

What are some temples near Chintamani Ganpati Temple?

Bhima Gada: Adjacent to the Girijatmaj Temple, cave no. 6 houses a Buddhist stupa. This is popular as Bhima’s Gada. This stupa has good acoustics that allows sounds to echo.

What are some other Ashtavinayak Temples?

Other Ashtavinayak Templess
The different idols of Lord Ganesh in the other seven temples that come under the Ashtavinayak Yatra

Here’s a list of the other Ashtavinayak Temples:

Mayureshwar Temple, Morgaon: Devotees begin and end their journey at the Mayureshwar Temple. The temple derives its name from the legend of Mayureshwar – Lord Ganesh riding a peacock, who defeated a demon at this place. The Mayureshwar Temple is in Moregaon, 63 km from the Chintamani Temple.

Siddhi Vinayak Temple, Siddhatek: It is believed that Lord Vishnu appeased Lord Ganesh at this place. Lord Vishnu then proceeded to slay the demons known as Madhu and Kaitabh. Moreover, Lord Siddhi Vinayak is the only idol with the trunk pointing towards the right. The Siddhi Vinayak Temple is in Siddhatek, 100 km from the Chintamani Temple.

Ballaleshwar Temple, Pali: As the name suggests this temple is named after Lord Ganesh’s devotee Ballal. This is the only Ganesh Temple whose name is after a devotee. The Ballaleshwar Temple is in Pali, 140 km from the Chintamani Temple.

Varadha Vinayak Temple, Mahad: Lord Ganesh is Varadha Vinayak, the Lord who grants boons and wishes. The Varadha Vinayak Temple is in Mahad, 150 km from the Chintamani.

Girijatmaj Temple, Lenyadri: Goddess Parvathi is believed to have performed penance at this place to have a child. The deities prayers were answered when Lord Ganesh was born. The temple gets its name from the words Girija (Parvathi) and Atmaj (son). The Girijatmaj Temple is in Lenyadri, 110 km from the Chintamani Temple.

Vighneshwar Vinayak Temple, Ozar: King Abhinandan’s prayer was disturbed by Vighnasur, the demon who was sent by Lord Indra. So King Abhinandan sought helped from Lord Ganesh who defeated the demon at this place. The Vighneswar Vinayak Temple is in Ozar, 105 km from the Chintamani.

Mahaganapati Temple, Ranjangaon: To defeat the demon Tripurasura, Lord Shiva is believed to have worshipped Lord Ganesh here. The Mahaganapati Temple is in Ranjangaon, 42 km from the Chintamani.

Frequently Asked Questions about Chintamani Ganpati Temple –

Is there online booking available for Chintamani Ganpati Temple?

Entry to the temple is free and no booking is needed to visit the temple.

Where we can stay near Chintamani Ganpati Temple?

Being 25 km from the temple of Theur, Pune is the best option for lodging.

What is the best mode of transportation from Pune to Theur?

Hiring a Cab or a Uber is the best and fastest mode to reach Theur.

What is the fuel cost of self-drive from Pune to Theur?

The cheapest way to reach Theur from Pune is self-driving where the fuel will cost you around ₹180 – ₹270 for 23 km.

What is the nearest airport to Chintamani Ganpati Temple in Theur?

Lohegaon Airport in Pune is the closest airport to Chintamani Ganpati Temple in Theur.

What is the temperature in Chintamani Ganpati Temple, Theur?

The maximum temperature in summer can reach till 35°C. The minimum temperature that can fall down is 13°C in winter.

What is the significance of Chintamani Ganpati Temple, Theur among the Ashtavinayak Yatra?

The Chintamani Ganpati Temple comes in 5th number during the Ashtavinayak Yatra.

What is the prasad’s usually offered in the temple?

Ladoo and Modak prasad which are known to be favorite of Lord Ganesh are offered in the temple.

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