The Karni Mata temple: A World famous temple where Rats are also worshiped as God

Karni Mata was a female Hindu sage born in the Charan caste and is worshipped as the incarnation of the goddess Durga by her followers. She is an official deity of the royal family of Jodhpur and Bikaner. During her life-time she laid the foundation stone of two of the important forts in Rajputana. She lived an ascetic life, and temples were dedicated to her in her lifetime. The most famous of all of her temples is the temple of Deshnoke, which was created following her mysterious disappearance from her home. The temple is famous for its rats, which are treated as sacred and given protection in the temple.




The Karni Mata temple at Deshnoke, 30 km from Bikaner, in its present form was completed in the early 20th century in the late Mughal style by Maharaja Ganga Singh of Bikaner. The temple was further enhanced by Kundanlal Verma of Hyderabad-based Karni Jewellers in 1999. The huge silver gates to the temple, and the marble carvings were also donated by him.

Throughout the year pilgrims from around India come to pay religious tribute to Karni Mata at the Deshnok temple. Outside Rajasthan she is respected and loved in areas like Gujarat, Madhya Pradesh, and Haryana. During Navratri thousands come to the temple on foot. If one of the rats is killed, it must be replaced with one made of solid gold. Sighting a white rat amidst hordes of black rats is considered specially auspicious.

According to a local legend, Karni Mata, the 14th century mystic and an incarnation of Hindu goddess Durga, implored, Yama, the god of death to restore to life, the son of a storyteller, and upon his refusal she incarnated the dead son, and all of the storytellers as a rat, under her protection.

Karni Mata was born on October 2, 1387 in the village of Suwap in the Jodhpur district of Rajasthan. The seventh daughter of Mehoji Charan and his wife Deval Devi, her original name was Ridhubai. According to legend, she earned the honorific name Karni at age six by miraculously curing her aunt. Mata," a term meaning "mother," was commonly added to the names of those worshiped as mother goddesses. She married Dipoji Charan of the village of Sathika around AD 1415 but did not live a conventional "married life."

Later on she herself arranged the marriage of her husband with her younger sister Gulab. She lived in her in-laws' village for about two years before leaving with her followers and a herd of cattle to live a nomadic life, camping at sunset. One such a camp was made at village Jangloo, but a servent of Rao Kanha who was ruler of the place denied them access to water for people and cows. On this Karni Mata declared her follower Rao Ridmal of Chandasar as new ruler of the village. And moved on to the further journey. When she reached near Deshnok, Rao Kanha himself came to oppose her camping but he died. Karni mata stopped further wandering and started living there. Her husband Depoji died in AD 1454. Rats became sacred in her temple when Karni Mata's stepson Laxman drowned in a tank he was attempting to drink from.

Karni mata implored Yama, the god of Death; though he at first refused, Yama eventually relented, permitting Laxman and all of Karnimata's male children to be reincarnated as rats. In AD 1453 she gave her blessing to Rao Jodha of Jodhpur in conquering Ajmer, Merta and Mandor. In 1457 she went to Jodhpur at Rao Jodha's request to lay the cornerstone of the fort at Jodhpur.




Her first temple was constructed in village Mathaniya during her life-time by her follower Amra Charan. In AD 1472, she arranged the marriage of Rao Bika (the fifth son of Rao Jodha) and Rang Kunwar (daughter of Rao Shekha of Pungal) to turn the enimity of the Rathor and Bhatian families into friendship. In 1485 she laid the foundation stone of the fort of Bikaner at the request of Rao Bika. In 1538, Karniji went to visit Maharaja of Jaisalmer. She was travelling back to Deshnok with her stepson Poonjar and few other followers on 21 March AD 1538. They were near Gadiyala and Girirajsar of Kolayat district in Bikaner district where she asked the caravan to stop for water. She disappeared there at the age of 151 years.






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Shri Swaminarayan Mandir, Mumbai

Shri Swaminarayan Mandir,
Mumbai is a Hindu temple and a part of the Swaminarayan Sampraday. This Swaminarayan Temple is located in the Bhuleshwar area of Mumbai and is the oldest Swaminarayan Mandir in Mumbai, being over a hundred years old.

The present Mandir has a tri - spire structure and the Murtis installed are that of Laxminarayan Dev, Ghanshyam Maharaj, Hari Krishna Maharaj, Gaulokvihari and Radha. It is a Shikharband Mandir and comes under the Laxminarayan Dev Gadi (Vadtal). This temple is one of many in the Bhuleshwar area that led to the birth of Phool Galli (or flower market) in Bhuleshwar due to the high demand of flowers in these temples.

On Vaishakh Shukla Ekadashi, 1868, Ranchhoddas Pranjeevandas built the first ever Shree Swaminarayan temple in Mumbai by breaking and rebuilding his own residence. The deities of Hari Krishna Maharaj, Gaulokvihari and Radhika were instated by Acharya Maharajshri Bhagwatprasadji Maharaj.

The present tri-spire temple structure was built and the deities of Ghanshyam Maharaj and Lakshminarayan Dev instated on the occasion of Vaishakh Shukla Dwadashi, 1903 by Acharya Maharajshri Lakshmiprasadji Maharaj.

Swaminarayan’s devotee, Rao Bahadur Sheth Curumsey Damjee contributed towards this temple’s reinstatement with all material, physical and intellectual resources. His close associate and friend Shree Mathurdas Vaishnav too donated Rs. 25,000/- towards this work.

The Swaminarayan temple at Bhuleshwar has an elaborately carved frontage which is really a visual treat in an otherwise shaby surrounding. There are twenty five steps leading to the audience hall (Sabhamandap). There are the shrines dedicated to Ganesha and Hanuman on the left and right of the audience hall. There are three main shrines. In the shrine on the east there are idols of Hari Krishna Maharaj, Gaulokvihari and Radhika; the shrine at the centre has the idols of Ghanashyam Maharaj, Narayan and Laxmi; while the shrine on the west houses the resting place for deities. Over the Sabhamandap is a dome upon which are painted the scenes from the Krishnalila (Sports of Krishna). The dome is supported by fifty four pillars. There is a big audience hall on the first floor where religious discourses are held regularly.

The festivities celebrated at the temple are Ram Navami/Swaminarayan Jayanti, Janmashtami, Vaman Jayanti, Nrisinha Jayanti, Mahashivratri, Ganesh Chaturthi, etc. Apart from these, the festival of Hindola is also celebrated as part of festivities during the month of Shravan in the Indian Calendar.

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Walkeshwar Temple

Walkeshwar Temple also known as the Baan Ganga Temple, is a temple dedicated to the Hindu god, Shiva located in Walkeshwar, near Malabar Hill neighborhood, in South Mumbai precinct of the city of Mumbai, India. It is situated at the highest point of the city, and close to the temple, lies the Banganga Tank.

Legend has it that Hindu god, Ram paused at that spot on his way from Ayodhya to Lanka in pursuit of the demon king, Ravana who had kidnapped his wife, Sita. Then Lord Rama was advised to worship Shiv lingham and he is said to have constructed the original lingam of sand, after getting tired of waiting for his brother, Lakshman to bring an idol. The name is etymologically derived from the Sanskrit word for an idol made of sand - Valuka Iswar, an avatar of Shiva.

As the story progresses, later when Ram was thirsty, as there was no fresh water readily available (except sea water), he shot an arrow and brought Ganga over here. Hence Bana (arrow in Sanskrit) Ganga. The water that feeds the tank stems from an underground spring at that spot, despite the proximity to the sea. The temple and the attached fresh water Banganga Tank were built in 1127 AD by Lakshman Prabhu, a Gaud Saraswat Brahmin minister in the court of Silhara dynasty Kings who ruled Thane, and the islands of Mumbai during 810 to 1240 AD.
The temple was destroyed by the Portuguese during their reign over Mumbai (Portuguese Bom Bahia) in the 16th century. It was rebuilt due to the generosity of Mumbai businessman and philanthropist, Rama Kamath, another Gaud Saraswat Brahmin (known in British records as 'Kamati') in 1715. The main temple has been substantially reconstructed and many smaller temples have come up around the Banganga Tank. By 1860, the temple started attracting greater crowds and 10 to 20 other temples had come up around it and 50 dharamshalas.
The temple is generally busy every month only during the full moon, and at Amavasya (new moon). In the past it was a favorite of the Malabar pirates who used to frequent the islands during the 16th and 17th centuries.
It is currently the site of an annual Hindustani classical music festival, which in 2005 featured musicians like classical singers Rajan and Sajan Mishra, and Santoor maestro Shivkumar Sharma. A branch of the Shri Kashi Math, a famous religious seat of Gaud Saraswat Brahmins, is located on the western bank of the tank.





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Shree Siddhivinayak Ganapati temple

The Shree Siddhivinayak Ganapati Mandir is a Hindu temple dedicated to Ganesh. It is located in Prabhadevi, Mumbai, Maharashtra. It was originally built by Mr. Laxman Vithu and Mrs. Deubai Patil in November 19th, 1801 The temple has a small mandap (hall) with the shrine for Siddhi Vinayak ("Ganesh that grants your wish").

The wooden doors to the sanctum are carved with images of the Ashtavinayak (the eight manifestations of Ganesh in Maharashtra). The inner roof of the sanctum is plated with gold, and the central statute is of Ganesh. In the periphery of the temple, there is a Hanuman temple as well. The Siddhivinayak Mandir evolved from a small, tiny place of worship to the Grand Temple that stands today in the later half of the twentieth century.[citation needed] The glory to the temple was bought not only by the politicians who frequented the temple but also numerous bollywood filmstars who continuously visit the temple to seek the blessings of Lord Ganesha.

Siddhivinayak is well known as “Navasacha Ganapati” or “Navasala Pavanara Ganapati” in Marathi (which means 'Ganapati bestows whenever humbly genuinely prayed a wish') among devotees. The Siddhivinayak temple receives donations of around Rupee 100-150 million every year, which makes it Mumbai city's richest temple trust. In 2004, the Siddhivinayak Ganpati Temple Trust, which operates the temple was accused of mismanaging the temple donations. Consequently the Bombay high court appointed a committee headed by retired judge V P Tipnis to scrutinize the trust's donations and probe the allegations. The committee reported that, "The most shocking aspect of the matter is that there is no method or principle followed for particular institutions.

The only criteria for selection was recommendation or reference by trustees or the minister or a political heavy-weight, generally belonging to ruling party". In 2006 the Bombay High Court directed the State Government, the Siddhivinayak Temple Trust and the petitioner Keval Semlani to prepare "suggestive guidelines" for using the temple's trust funds.





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The Amarnath caves

The Amarnath caves are one of the most famous shrines in Hinduism, dedicated to the god Shiva, located in the Indian state of Jammu and Kashmir. The shrine is claimed to be over 5,000 years old and forms an important part of ancient Hindu mythology.

Inside the main Amarnath cave lies an ice stalagmite resembling the Shiva Linga, which waxes during May to August and gradually wanes thereafter. This lingam is said to grow and shrink with the phases of the moon, reaching its height during the summer festival. According to Hindu mythology, this is the cave where Shiva explained the secret of life and eternity to his divine consort Parvati. There are two other ice formations representing Parvati and Shiva's son, Ganesha.

The cave is situated at an altitude of 3,888 m (12,760 ft), about 141 km (88 mi) from Srinagar, the capital of Jammu and Kashmir. The Central Reserve Police Force, Indian Army and Indian Paramilitary Forces maintain a strong presence in the region due to security concerns.

Aryaraja (34 BCE-17CE) used to spend “the most delightful Kashmir summer” in worshiping a lingam formed of snow/ice “in the regions above the forests”. This too appears to be a reference to the ice lingam at Amarnath. There is yet another reference to Amareshwara or Amarnath in the Rajatarangini (Book VII v.183). According to Kalhana, Queen Suryamati, the wife of King Ananta (1028-1063), “granted under her husband’s name agraharas at Amareshwara, and arranged for the consecration of trishulas, banalingas and other”.

In his Chronicle of Kashmir, a sequel to Kalhana’s Rajatarangini, Jonaraja relates that that Sultan Zainu’l-abidin (1420-1470) paid a visit to the sacred tirtha of Amarnath while constructing a canal on the left bank of the river Lidder (vv.1232-1234). The canal is now known as Shah Kol.

In the Fourth Chronicle named Rajavalipataka, which was begun by Prjayabhatta and completed by Shuka, there is a clear and detailed reference to the pilgrimage to the sacred site (v.841,vv. 847-849). According to it, in a reply to Akbar’s query about Kashmir Yusuf Khan, the Mughal governor of Kashmir at that time, described among other things the Amarnath Yatra in full detail.

It is a popular pilgrimage destination for Hindus - about 400,000 people visit during the 45-day season around the festival of Shravani Mela in July-August, coinciding with the Hindu holy month of Shravan.

Devotees generally take the 42 km (26 mi) pilgrimage on foot from the town of Pahalgam, about 96 km (60 mi) from Srinagar, and cover the journey in four to five days. There are two alternate routes to the temple: the longer and more traditional path from Srinagar, and the shorter route from the town of Baltal. Some devotees, particularly the elderly, also ride on horse-back to make the journey.

The cave is situated on an area where terrorists and bandits were very active about a decade ago, however the situation has considerably eased recently.

Shree Amarnathji Shrine Board (SASB) former chief executive officer Arun Kumar was reported in The Hindu as saying "The Shivlingam has melted owing to the rise in temperatures. It is a normal phenomenon; weather affects its shape and size". The other ice lingams had not completely melted. Many environmentalists blamed global warming for the incident. The SASB has authorized the installation of a cooling system to preserve the formations in coming years.

On 26 May 2008, the Government of India and the state government of Jammu and Kashmir reached an agreement to transfer 100 acres (0.40 km2) of forest land to the Shri Amarnathji Shrine Board (SASB) to set up temporary shelters and facilities for Hindu pilgrims. Kashmiri separatists opposed the move and there were widespread protests in Kashmir. Due to the protests, the J&K State government relented and reversed the decision to transfer land. As a result, Hindus in the Jammu region launched counter-agitations against this roll back.






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Hari Parbat

Hari Parbat is a hill overlooking Srinagar, the largest city and summer capital of Jammu and Kashmir, India. It is the site of a Durrani fort, built in 1808. It has the Muslim shrines of Khwaja Makhdoom Sahib and Akhund Mullah Shah on the southern slope and Parvati temple on the western one. On the southern side of the outer wall there is a Gurudwara, which commemorates the visit of Guru Hargobind Singh.

The first fortifications on the site were constructed by the Mughal emperor Akbar in 1590. He built an outer wall for the fort, and planned a new capital called Nager Nagor to be built within the wall. That project was never completed. The present fort was built in 1808 under the reign of Shuja Shah Durrani.

Nestled below the imposing Mughal Fort is the shrine of Sheikh Hamza Makhdum. Also known as Makhdoom Sahib, Mehboob-ul-Alam and Sultan-Ul-Arifeen. Shrine is towards the southern side of Hari Parbat Hill. It is one of the most sacred shrines in Kashmir. This double storied, many-pillared structure displays a remarkable architectural style. This shrine is visited not only by Muslims but by people of all faiths, throughout the year. Makhdoom Sahib, also called Hazrat Sultan, was a Sufi saint.

Gurdwara Chatti Patshahi, Kathi Darwaja, Rainwari, Srinagar is one of the most important Sikh Gurudwaras in Kashmir. It is believed that the sixth guru of Sikhism traveled through Kashmir, stopping to preach occasionally and stayed for few days.


The hill is considered sacred by the Kashmiri Pandits due to the presence of temple of Sharika. Temple is of goddess Jagadamba Sharika Bhagwati. She has 18 arms and is regarded as the presiding deity (`isht`-Devi) of Srinagar city. The goddess is represented by a Swyambhu Shrichakra (Mahamaha Shrichakra), also called Mahashriyantra, which consists of circular mystic impressions and triangular patterns with a dot (bindu) at the center. Sharika Devi is believed to be a form of Durga Mata or Shakti.

According to legend, the Hari Parbat hill was once a huge lake inhabited by the demon Jalobhava. The inhabitants called on the goddess Parvati for help. She took the form of a bird and dropped a pebble on the demon's head, which grew larger and larger until it crushed the demon. Hari Parbat is revered as that pebble, and is said to have become the home for all the gods of the Hindu pantheon. Another version of the myth says that two demons, Tsand and Mond, occupied the fair valley. Tsand hid in the water near the present location of Hari Parbat and Mond somewhere above the present Dal Gate, and both terrorized the people of the valley. The gods invoked Parvati who assumed the form of a Haer (myna) and flew to Sumer, picked up a pebble in her beak, and threw it on the demon Tsand to crush him. The pebble grew into a mountain. Parvati is worshipped as Sharika in Shri Tsakra (an emblem of cosmic energy pervading the universe) occupying the middle part of the western slope of the hill. The hill is also called Predemna Peet.

On the birthday of Sharika Bhagwati, the devotees make a sacrificial offering of `Taher-charvan' (Taher - rice boiled with turmeric powder and mixed with oil and salt; Tcharvan - cooked liver of goat) to the goddess. This day is celebrated as Har Navum.

Many mosques were built by Muslims in the Hari Parbat area since the time of the Afghan Ghaznavids and Afghan Ghurids. The present fort, called Hari Parbat Fort, was built by the Durrani Afghan rulers of Kashmir in 1808.





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Maha Kali Mandir in Reasi of J&K state

Maha Kali Mandir is the most prominent temple in Reasi town situated in district Reasi of J&K state. It is located on a hilltop close to the Reasi Bus Stand in the heart of the main city. It is said that 300 years ago Kalika Mata came in the dream of Pandit Jagat Ram Sharma and indicated her presence in the form of a Pindi (stone) lying under ground on this hill. On excavation of the area the Pindi was found. Thereafter a small temple was constructed on the hill and Pandit Jagat Ram Sharma became the caretaker.

Over the years the temple has gained prominence due to a strong belief of the people in Kalika Mata. The local people have contributed to the development of this temple. The devotees visit the temple in large numbers during the days of Navratri. this temple is worth visiting.





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Kheer Bhawani

Kheer Bhawani is a temple dedicated to the worship of the goddess Kheer Bhawani (originally just Bhawani) constructed over a sacred spring of hers in a natural setting. The worship of Kheer Bhawani is universal among the Hindus of Kashmir. The temple is situated at a distance of 14 miles east of Srinagar near the village of Tula Mula. The term kheer refers to the food used to propitiate the goddess, which became part of the name. As is the custom with Hindu deities, she has many names: Maharagya Devi, Ragnya Devi, Rajni, Ragnya Bhagwati, and so on.
Around the temple is an area covered with smooth and beautiful stones. In it are large, antique chinar trees beneath which the pilgrims sit or sleep on mats of grass. The colour of the spring changes. While most of the colours do not have any particular significance, the colour black is taken as an indication for inauspicious times for Kashmir. In 1886 Walter Lawrence, the British Settlement Commissioner for land, noted during his visit to the spring that its color was having a violet tinge.

Maharagya was pleased with the devotion of Ravana and appeared before him and Ravana got an image of the goddess installed in Sri Lanka. But the goddess became displeased with the vicious and licentious life of Ravana and so didn't want to stay in Sri Lanka. Therefore, under the command of the goddess, Hanuman got the image from Sri Lanka and installed it at the holy spot of Tula Mulla.

The mention of Kheer Bhawani is found in Kalhana's Rajtarangini. Kalhana writes that the sacred spring ofTula Mula is situated in a marshy ground. The name of the spring is Mata Ragini Kund.

Maharagini is the form of Durga Bhagvati. The Brahmins of Kashmir worship this spring and pilgrims from every comer of the country visit to have the darshan of the place.

In Rajtarangini Tula Mula is considered very sacred and the Brahmins of Tula Mula were very great and powerful. The spring of Maharagya was very sacred. Thousands of years ago many floods occurred in Kashmir and the sacred spring of Tula Mula also was inundated under its sway and the holy place could nowhere be traced. All around was water. At last Kashmir's Yogi Krishna Pandit had a dream in which the goddess appeared to him and ordered that she would swim in the form of a snake at the proper place and that he should stick large poles and when the water subsided there the holy spot was discovered. This event happened during the Samvat 1941.

The mention of this temple is also found in Abul-Fazal's book Aini-Akbari in which is written that the area of Tula Mula extended over the area of hundred bighas of land, which got sunk in the summer season and formed into a marsh.

Swami Rama Tirtha and Swami Vivekananda also visited here to have the darshan of the place.

With the pouring of milk and throwing of sugar candy in the spring by the pilgrims, a thick and solid layer was formed at its bottom. When it was cleared, the ruins of an old temple and shrine slabs engraved with figures were discovered. Here many images were also found but nobody rebuilt the temple till the Samvat 1969 when Maharaja Pratap Singh who was the disciple and worshiped this goddess, got a marvelous temple of marble made in the midst of the spring which shines like a pearl in a shell. The marble temple was completed in 1920s. Some people are of the opinion that there was a mulberry tree near holy spot of Kheer Bhawani which, in Kashmiri, is called Tul Mul. But Tul Mul is also derived from the Sanskrit phrase-Tul Muli-that is of great value. This means that all other pilgrim centres are of lesser value than this one. It is said that after Ravana finished the worship of the goddess he offered the kheer (rice pudding) to the goddess which she accepted and since then it is called Kheer Bhawani.

In early 2008, there were plans to modify the basic design of the marble structure. The project was sponsored by Capt. Kapil Raina and family. However, Dr. Karan Singh, who is the Trustee of the Dharmarth Trust that looks after the affairs of this shrine and many other Pandit shrines of Kashmir, refused to carry this proposal forward. He believed Pandit community generally won't be happy with the act of changing the look of the old structure.






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Khrew

Khrew or Khreuh is a town and a notified area committee in Pulwama district in the Indian state of Jammu and Kashmir. Khrew has an average elevation of 1,607 metres (5,272 feet).

As of 2001[update] India census, Khrew had a population of 10611. Males constitute 55% of the population and females 45%. Khrew has an average literacy rate of 65%, higher than the national average of 59.5%: male literacy is 75%, and female literacy is 55%. In Khrew, 7% of the population is under 6 years of age.

Majority of people in Khrew are followers of Islam. 99% of the population are Sunni Muslims, 1% Hindus and others.

Khrew is also famous for an important temple of Kashmiri Pandits. It is a temple which is dedicated to Jawala Bhagwati - the Goddess of fire. The temple is reached by a flight of stone steps. Mela Jawala Mukhi is held here annually on the 14th day of the bright fortnight of Savan (July-August) when pilgrims visit this shrine from all corners of the country. At bottom of the hillock is a spring where people take a dip before making the ascent.

The holy places of Muslims in Khrew are Sabir Shah, Syed Mantaqi, and Baba Qasim Sahab.

The cement factory, saffron growing by the farmers and the business of saffron, almonds and walnuts are the main economic drivers of Khrew. The Cement has generated good employment in the area but at the same time due to the air pollution caused by the dust coming out of chemney of this factory there has been considerable decline in production of wall nuts, almonds, saffron and other crops. In the month of march 2009 four more cement factories started in this area. The name of the cement indstris are as given:- J&K Cements additional line of 600TPD, TCI, Dawar, Cemtac, green valley and Itifaq. Khrew has also got Military Engineering Service base.

Up to late 1990s, there was not enough means of communicatios like telephone, internet, mobile in Khrew. But, since then, much improvement has occurred in this area. Now, there is an Electronic exchange with 2000 channels, BSNL,3 Airtel,Aircel,Reliance etc.mobile towers with about 50000 channels.

There are about 7 schools private English medium there and also two higher secondaries one for boys and one for girls. North Top Institute is the best English medium school in the area besides Light House and MET schools being other good quality schools. Arabic Literature darasgah namely Gousia darasgah near sabir shah chowk was started in 2000 by Sahil Sidiq and till now hundreds of students are learning islamic literature there. There is one government hospital here.





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Shankaracharya Temple.

Shankaracharya Temple is an ancient temple that finds its origin in the 4th century. Located on Gopadari Hill in the south-east of Srinagar, Shankaracharya Temple lies at a height of 1100 feet above surface level of the city. The temple is easily accessible from the city by regular buses from Srinagar. In order to ensure a comfortable journey, one can opt for taxis that are readily available throughout the city.

In 371 BC, the temple is said to have been built by Raja Gopadatya. At that time, the temple was named as 'Gopadari', after the name of the King. It is believed that Shankracharya, the great philosopher, lived here during his trip to Kashmir. The legend left the place centuries ago, ever since, the temple came to be known as Shankaracharya Temple.

The structure of the temple boasts about the architectural style of those times. However, many additions and changes have been made to the original structure. Erected on a high octagonal platform, the temple can be reached by a flight of steps. The fencing walls of the steps have some inscriptions on them. Inside the temple, there is a Persian inscription that dates back to period of Shahjahan.



The main shrine is in the shape of a circular chamber and provides a breathtaking view of the valley. After numerous repairs, the ceiling of the main chamber appears to be modern in its approach. Shankaracharya Mandir is regarded as the oldest temple in the valley of Kashmir. Throughout its life, the temple has seen many repair and renovation works.

The first work of renovation is considered to have taken place during the reign of Lalitaditya. When the temple got damaged in an earthquake, the second repairs were done by Zain-ul-Abideen, under the rule of Sheikh Mohi-ud-Din. The stone steps that lead to the main shrine, are known to be built by Maharaja Gulab Singh. In 1925, the facility of electricity was made possible at Shankracharya Temple.






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Shankaragaurishvara temple

Photograph of the Sankaragaurishwara temple at Patan, on the road between Srinagar and Baramula in Jammu and Kashmir, taken by John Burke in 1868.


The Shankaragaurishvara temple is dedicated to the Hindu God Shiva and located in Patan near Baramula, India.

The temple was built by Shankaravarman of Kashmir's Utpala dynasty who ruled between 883-902 C.E. It is presently in a dilapidated condition and worship is no longer conducted. It is built in a style similar to the Shankaracharya temple

This general view of the west façade, with a measuring scale and a figure posed in the foreground, is reproduced in Henry Hardy Cole's Archaeological Survey of India report, 'Illustrations of Ancient Buildings in Kashmir,' (1869), in which he wrote, 'The Temple of Sankara Gaureshwara is elaborately carved, and some of the deatails are are as a sharp and clear as when first cut. The degree of elaboration in the porch-like projections and interior carvings...The repetition of the pediments one above the other, together with the highly decorated pillars in the porches, all prove that the style of building practised in Kashmir since the erection of the Jyeshteswara Temple, had in the progress of time followed the natural tendency for greater elaboration.' Modern Patan, located about 27 kms from Srinagar, is the site of Shankarapattana which was founded by Shankaravarman of Kashmir's Utpala dynasty (ruled 883-902) as his capital. By this time Kashmir had become a great centre of the Shaivite religion and philosophy. Like his predessor Avantivarman, Shankaravarman built two temples of which only the ruins remain, the Sankaragaurishwara Temple and the Sugandhesha Temple. Both dedicated to Shiva, they are seen as a late flowering of Kashmiri temple architecture. The former is named after the ruler and the latter is said to be named after his queen. They are built to much the same plan as earlier temples but their stones display a greater refinement and precision of cutting and carving.



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Raghunath Temple

Raghunath Temple, with seven shrines each with its own Sikhara, is one of the largest temple complex of north India, and is located in the Indian state of Jammu and Kashmir. The temple was built during the period 1835-1860 by Maharaja Gulab Singh and his son Maharaja Ranbir Singh. The temple has many gods, but the presiding deity is Rama, an avatar of Vishnu.

Raghunath Temple is a well-known holy shrine of the Hindus. Located in Jammu, Raghunath Mandir is one of the largest temple complexes of the Northern part of India. The temple is dedicated to Lord Rama, who is believed to be an incarnation of Lord Vishnu. In 1835, the construction of this temple was started by the founder of Jammu & Kashmir, Maharaja Gulab Singh. After the death of Gulab Singh, it was completed by his son, Maharaja Rambir Singh in 1860. One can easily reach this temple from Srinagar/ Jammu Airport by hiring taxis or by taking regular buses from the cities.

The huge temple has seven shikhars (spires), where every shrine has its own shikhar. On the very entrance of the Temple, a portrait of Maharana Ranbir Singh and an image of Lord Hanuman embellish the site. The central shrine is dedicated to Lord Raghunath/ Rama, who is the presiding deity. Apart from the main shrine, the other shrines encompass various incarnations of Lord Vishnu. There is a shrine of Lord Surya (Sun God), which is another striking shrine. There are many idols of different forms of the God.

Inside the temple, there are other shrines that house huge statues of the Hindu Gods and Goddesses. It is noteworthy to mention that gold sheets cloak the interior walls on three sides of this temple. It also has a gallery, where various 'Lingams' (phallic form of Lord Shiva) and 'Saligrams' are placed. Raghunath Temple comprises almost all the images of the Hindu Pantheon, which is quite uncommon. The sermons and rituals of the temple include both morning and evening Aarti.

A glimpse of Mughal artistry can be seen in the architecture of Raghunath Temple. The carvings and arches are really beautiful and grasp the major attention. There is a library in the temple complex, where rare Sanskrit manuscripts are kept. People visit this temple in large numbers to pay their homage to the deity and get the blessings from the God.

On 30 March 2002 when two suicide bombers attacked the temple. Seven persons including three security forces personnel were killed and 20 were injured. While the Hindus were performing puja in the temple complex on 24 November 2002, fidayeen attack by terrorists took place, when two suicide bombers stormed the temple which resulted in the deaths of 13 devotees and injuries to several devotees.





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Shivkhori

Shivkhori is a famous cave shrine of Hindus devoted to lord Shiva, situated in district Reasi of Jammu and Kashmir state in India. In Udhampur district, there are many shrines such as Mata Vaishno Devi, Sudhmahadev, Pingla Mata, Mahamaya Chountra Mata, Merhada Mata, Baba Dhandar, Siad Baba. Shiv Khori is one of them located in village Ransoo of Pouni block in tehsil Reasi of the Udhampur district, which attracts lakhs of devotees in a year. Shiv Khori is situated in between the hillocks about 140 km north of Jammu, 120 km from Udhampur and 80 km from Katra. Buses and light vehicles go up to Ransoo, the base camp of pilgrimage surrounded by lush green mountains. People have to traverse about 3 km track on foot which is recently being constructed by the Shiv Khori Shrine Board, Ransoo duly headed by the District Development Commissioner, Udhampur as chairman and Sub Divisional Magistrate, Reasi as Member Secretary.

Khori means cave (Guffa) and Shiv Khori thus denotes Shiva's cave. lt is about 200 metres long, one metre wide and two to three metres high natural cave contains a self made lingam, which according to the people is unending. The first entrance of the cave is so wide that 300 devotees can be accommodated at a time. It is double chamber being quite spacious to accommodate large number of people. The inner chamber of the cave is smaller.

The passage from outer to the inner chamber is low and small, at one spot it divides itself into two parts. One of these is believed to have led to Kashmir where Swami Amarnath cave is existing. It is now closed as some sadhus who dared to go ahead never returned.[citation needed] To reach the sanctum sanctorum, one has to stoop low, crawl or adjust his body sideward. Inside a naturally created image of Lord Shiva, about 4 metres high, is visible. The cave abounds with a number of other natural objects having resemblance with Goddess Parvati, Ganesha and Nandigan. The cave roof is etched with snake formations, the water trickles through these on Shiva Lingam. Pigeons are also seen here like Swami Amar Nath cave which presents good omens for pilgrimages.

A number of legends have propounded about the discovery of this holy cave. One of the most important legends among them is that a demon named Bhasmasura after a long meditation of Lord Shiva obtained blessing to end the life of any one with that blessing. After obtaining it, the said devil tried to end the Lord Shiva-On seeing the evil design of the demon, the Lord Shiva run to save himself from the power of the demon and entered in this cave which is presently known as Shiv Khori. After this, Lord Vishnu in the guise of Mohini came forward and asked the demon to dance with her according to her tune. As and when the demon started dancing as per the actions of Mohini, the said demon took his hand at his head and with his own power, he was himself destroyed. As per the legend 33 crores deities exist in this cave in shape of pindies and natural milky water is falling on them from the top of the cave.in this cave there is also a cave which directly go to amarnathji accordind to a saint who lived there nameeed as bababa ramesgirigi



As per the other legend regarding discovery of this cave is that the historic Shiv Khori cave is believed to be discovered by a Muslim shepherded. He was in fact in search of his missing goat and went by chance inside the cave to find the same. However he was very much startled to see a number of saints inside the cave, who were impressed by Lord Shiva's divine power and he too started pooja there. Later on the shepherd disclosed this to a number of other people in spite of his promise made with the saints not to disclose about them or this cave. It is said that the shepherd after narrating it to other people handled. According to the legends it is believed that a number of famous saints have been closely associated with this cave, who had spent decades inside this cave for spiritual attainment and meditation.

About 40 to 50 year ago, only a few people knew about the Shiv Khori shrine but it has gained much popularity during the last few decades. In earlier times the number of yatries was just in thousands but after the constitution of Shiv Khori Shrine Board during December 2003, the number of devotees has superseded previous records as the number of devotees in year 2005 crossed 3 lakhs (300 thousands). This year it is expected to cross 5 lakh tourists. 30 percent devotees reach the shrine from within the state and 70 percent from different states of the country like Punjab, Haryana, Delhi, U.P., MP, Bihar, Gujrat and Rajasthan, etc.

A 3-day Shiv Khori mela takes places annually on Maha Shivratri and thousands of pilgrims from different parts of the state and outside visit this cave shrine to seek blessings of Lord Shiva. Maha Shivratri festival is usually held in the month of February or during first week of March every year. Keeping in view the increasing rush of pilgrims to the holy cave shrine, the Shiv Khori Shrine Board has taken up a number of steps to develop this spot in a bid to provide more and more facilities to the devotees, like construction of Shrine Guest House at a cost of Rs.19 lakh at village Ransoo, the base camp of yatra, Reception Centre and Pony shed at an estimated cost of Rs.79.59 lakh, tile work of entire 3-km long track is nearing completion, plantation of ornamental and medicinal plants on track and development of parks etc. Other arrangements like electrification of the cave with modern techniques, provision of oxygen and electric generators, exhaust fans, construction of shelter sheds for yatris with toilet facilities near the cave site, 15 shelter sheds en route Ransoo to cave shrine, railing from the base camp to cave, additional facility of 15,000/EfnrKing water reservoir, proper sanitation, provision of 25 KV capacity electric transformer, clock room, starting of permanent bus services from Katra, Udhampur and Jammu, Police post and Dispensary and a STD PCO are under active consideration of the Shiv Khori Shrine Development Board.

To meet the ever growing rush of devotees in having smooth darshans of the Lord Shiva, an exit tunnel has been constructed by the shri Shivkhori Shrine Board this year in February.

Recently, the management and development of the Shiv Khori has been taken over by Sri Mata Vaishno Devi Shrine Board who is looking after VaishnoDevi pilgrimage.





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Vaishno Devi Mandir

Vaishno Devi Mandir is one of the holiest Hindu temples dedicated to Shakti, located in the hill of Vaishno Devi, Jammu and Kashmir, India. In Hinduism, Vaishno Devi, also known as Mata Rani and Vaishnavi, is a manifestation of the Mother Goddess.

The temple is near the town of Katra, in Jammu district in the state of Jammu and Kashmir. It is one of the most revered places of worship in Northern India. The shrine is at an altitude of 5200 feet and a distance of approximately 12 kilometres (7.45 miles) from Katra. Approximately 8 million pilgrims (yatris) visit the temple every year and it is the second most visited religious shrine in India, after Tirumala Venkateswara Temple. The Shri Mata Vaishno Devi Shrine Board maintains the shrine. A rail link from Udhampur to Katra is being built to facilitate pilgrimage.




According to a Hindu epic, Maa Vaishno Devi took birth in the South of India in the home of Ratnakar Sagar, Her worldly parents had remained childless for a long time. Ratnakar had promised, the night before the birth of the Divine child, that he would not come in the way of whatever his child desired. Ma Vaishno Devi was called Trikuta as a child. Later She was called Vaishnavi because of Her taking birth from Lord Vishnu's lineage. When Trikuta was 9 years old, She sought her father's permission for doing penance on the seashore. Trikuta prayed to Lord Vishnu in the form of Rama. During Shree Rama's search for Sita, He reached the seashore along with His army. His eyes fell on this Divine Girl in deep meditation. Trikuta told Shree Rama that She had accepted Him as Her husband. Shree Rama told Her that during this Incarnation He had vowed to be faithful to only Sita. However the Lord assured Her that in Kaliyuga He would manifest as Kalki and would marry Her.

In the meantime Shree Rama asked Trikuta to meditate in the cave found in the Trikuta Range of Manik Mountains, situated in Northern India. Ma decided to observe the 'Navratra' for the Victory of Shree Rama against Ravana. Hence one reads the Ramayana during the 9 days of Navratra, in remembrance of the above connection. Shree Rama promised that the whole world would sing Ma Vaishno Devi's praise. Trikuta was to become famous as Vaishno Devi and would become immortal forever.

With the passage of time many more stories about the Mother Goddess emerged. One such story is about Shree-Dhar.

Shree-Dhar was an ardent devotee of Ma Vaishno Devi. He resided in a village called Hansali, 2 km away from the present Katra town. Once Ma appeared to him in the form of a young bewitching girl. The young girl asked the humble Pandit to hold a 'Bhandara'. (A feast to feed the mendicants and devotees) The Pandit set out to invite people from the village and near-by places. He also invited 'Bhairav Nath' a selfish demon. Bhairav Nath asked Shri-Dhar how he was planning to fulfill the requirements. He reminded him of the bad consequences in case of failure. As Panditji was lost in worry, the Divine girl appeared and told Him not to be despondent as everything had been arranged. She asked that over 360 devotees be seated in the small hut. True to Her word the Bhandara went smoothly with food and place to spare. Bhairav Nath admitted that the girl had supernatural powers and decided to test Her further. He followed the Divine girl to Trikuta Hills. For 9 months Bhairav Nath was searching for the mystic girl in the mountains, whom he believed was an incarnation of the Mother Goddess. While running away from Bhairav, Devi shot an arrow into the Earth from which water gushed out. The resultant river is known as Baanganga. It is believed that by taking a bath in Baanganga (Baan: Arrow), a believer of the Mother Goddess can wash away all his sins. The banks of the river, known as Charan Paduka, are marked by Devi's foot imprints, which remains intact till date. Vaishno Devi then took shelter in a cave known as Garbh Joon near Adhkawari where she meditated for 9 months attaining spiritual wisdom and powers. Her meditation was cut short when Bhairav located her. Vaishno Devi was then compelled to take the form of Maha Kali when Bhairav tried to kill her. The manifestation of the Mother Goddess took place at the mouth of the Holy cave at Darbar. The Goddess then beheaded Bhairav with such sheer force, that his skull fell at a place known as Bhairav Ghati, 2.5 km from the Holy Cave.



In his dying moments, Bhairav pleaded for forgiveness. The Goddess knew that Bhairav's main intention in attacking her was to achieve salvation. She not only granted Bhairav liberation from the cycle of reincarnation, but also granted him a boon, whereby every devotee, in order to ensure completion of the pilgrimage, had to visit Bhairav Nath's temple near the Holy cave after the darshan of the Goddess.Meanwhile Vaishno Devi assumed the shape of a rock with three pindis (heads) and immersed herself into meditation forever.

Meanwhile, Pandit Shree-Dhar became impatient. He started to march towards Trikuta Mountain on the same path that he had witnessed in a dream. He ultimately reached the cave mouth. He made a daily routine of worshiping the 'Pindis' in several ways. His worship pleased the Goddess. She appeared in front of him and blessed him. Since that day, Shree-Dhar and his descendants have been worshiping the Goddess Mother Vaishno Devi.




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Surajkund Crafts Mela

-- Surajkund Crafts Mela, the brainchild of the tourism department of Haryana, started on a vibrant color on Monday, February 2 in Faridabad . The fair was inaugurated by Vice President of India, Mohammad Hamid Ansari at Surajkund village in Faridabad.

Union Tourism Minister Kumari Selja, Haryana Governor Jagannath Pahadia, state Chief Minister Bhupinder Singh Hooda and Rajasthan Chief Minister Ashok Gehlot were among a few who accompanied the vice-president to the fair. The ambassadors of Tajikistan, Egypt and Armenia and the minister counsellor (Commercial) in the Thai embassy were also present on the occasion.

Mr. Ansari and other dignitaries were given a traditional welcome.

The traditional Mela

More than 400 craftspersons from India, 31 artisans from other countries and hundreds of folk artists from rural areas of India participate in this mega event.

Countries other than members of South Asian Association for Regional Cooperation (SAARC) - Tajikistan, Afghanistan and Egypt put up their stalls in the fair.

A traditional ‘Rajasthani – Shekawati Gate’ has been set at the entrance of the Mela, to showcase the Theme State of the year – Rajasthan. The gate is adorned with a white marble look and the whole passage is made to display 'Ghat ki Ghuni', a popular passage on the Agra-Jaipur highway.

The colourful show had dances by various dance troupes.

History of Surajkund

Launched in 1981, Surajkund is an annual fair that showcases rich art and crafts and folk tradition from all regions of India.

The mela is held during the first fifteen days of February every year at the village of Surajkund.

Surajkund Mela derives its name from Tenth Century amphitheater, Sun Pool.

The mela brings together crafts persons like potters, embroiderers, weavers, wood carvers, metal workers, stone smiths, painters etc.

Several thatched roof platforms are specially created in order to display and sell the beautiful handicrafts by the talented artisans and craftsmen.

Stating that the entire venue would radiate with the flavour of Rajasthan, be it colour, cuisine and customs during the fortnight-long event, Rajasthan Principal Secretary Usha Sharma said, “We have been chosen as the theme State after a long time. The Shekhawati gate is going to be the main centre of attraction.

Then we have Chowkidhani, crafts, porcelain, mirror work, painting. We will showcase block printing and textiles from our State. For food connoisseurs there would be our traditional dal bati choorma.”

As a part of this fifteen day colourful fair, there will be cultural programmes and competitions every evening. Folk dances of every State, magic shows, acrobats, kite flying, painting, rangoli, rides and shows for kids and music recitals etc. will be performed in an open air theatre named Natyashala.

Several food stalls will also be available which will serve traditional Indian cuisines in banana leaves and clay pots.

The fortnight-long Surajkund Crafts Mela that offers a glimpse of rural Indian handicrafts as well as traditional items from South Asian countries was inaugurated by Vice-President Hamid Ansari at Surajkund in Faridabad district of Haryana on Monday.

Mr. Ansari was given a traditional Rajasthani welcome at the Shekhawati Gate that has been renovated and given a white marble look. Rajasthan is the theme State this year and 417 craftspersons from 23 States and 31 artisans from Tajikistan, Egypt, Nepal, Afghanistan, Bhutan, Sri Lanka, Thailand and Bangladesh are participating in the fair this year.

The Vice-President first visited the section displaying crafts from SAARC countries and interacted with Tajikistan Deputy Minister of Culture Azizi Faogat Abdukahhorazoda.

Applauding the efforts made by the Surakjund Mela authorities in showcasing arts from various countries on a common platform, Mr. Ansari pointed out that the participation by foreign countries at the mela will give a fillip to Indian tourism and enhance the status of craftspersons. It will also help in promoting art, crafts and culture of India in different destinations across the globe, he added.

Mr. Ansari said it was heartening to see women from rural and illiterate backgrounds earning for themselves and the international platform instilled confidence in them. He met a family which came from Kota district of Rajasthan which is known for its famous Kota Doria fabric.

Tajikistan Embassy counsellor (Political) Munizifakhon Babadjanova said: “Our participation in the Surajkund Crafts Mela is a culmination of many factors. In 2008 we had Tajikistan cultural programme in India. Last year, President Pratibha Patil visited our country. In the mela we want to give a touch of our country.”

Tajikistan has come up with exquisite bedcovers and table cloths, daggers, hats and silver and coral jewellery items. On the entertainment front, the partner country has brought in eight dancers who will perform a different dance each day. “Every day they will appear in new dresses and perform a new Tajik dance. This is their first visit to India and they find the atmosphere here very congenial. They can speak a smattering of Hindi and find Indians a friendly lot,” said a representative from the Tajikistan Embassy.

Satyanarayan from Punjab has come with 2,000 hand-made and intricately designed juttis from Patiala. “The juttis have been prepared by me and my karigars. My forefathers were also in this trade and I have come here to popularise Punjabi juttis. This is my second participation and I hope to attract both Indian and foreign buyers.”

National Award winner Indramani Moharana from Orissa is displaying handcrafted statues of goddesses and dancing figures. He is annoyed over the fact that he has been allotted a stall located on the periphery of the mela venue.

“I am unable to carry the six-foot-tall statues as my stall is far away from the gate,” he added.



src-The Hindu

Tourists walk back after swimming at Anjuna beach in the western Indian state of Goa, March 14, 2008. A recent string of high-profile sexual assaults on tourists in Goa culminated in the alleged rape of a 9-year-old Russian girl last week, prompting tourism officials to blame tourists' revealing bikinis for provoking locals. (Punit Paranjpe/Reuters)


NEW DELHI, India — Once upon a time, the beaches of Goa were known for free love. But as a string of high-profile sexual assaults on tourists culminated in the alleged rape of a 9-year-old Russian girl last week, the idyllic strip of sand along the Arabian Sea is fast gaining a fearful reputation.

The answer? According to the state's ministry of tourism, those cute pre-teens in two-pieces are asking for it.

“You can't blame the locals; they have never seen such women. Foreign tourists must maintain a certain degree of modesty in their clothing. Walking on the beaches half-naked is bound to titillate the senses,” New Delhi's Mail Today newspaper quoted Pamela Mascarhenas, Goa's deputy director of tourism, as saying Friday.

GlobalPost could not reach Mascarhenas for comment. But a spokesman for the Goa tourism department confirmed that — far from marking a departure from official policy — the official's remark echoed previous statements by the tourism minister himself.

“I have not talked to her [Mascarhenas] on this issue directly,” said Swapnil Naik, director of the Goa tourism department. “But I think that sentiment has also been echoed by our minister in one or two statements. There is a degree of cultural shock for our native population when they see certain type of dressing.”

Goa has been on the boil since Jan. 28, when a 9-year-old Russian girl was allegedly raped by two Indian men. Following close on the heels of the alleged rape and murder of Scarlett Keeling, a British teenager, in 2008, the incident sparked an immediate media feeding frenzy, as local TV channels broadcast interviews with the victim's mother and the 9-year-old girl herself. The ongoing story culminated Jan. 30 with a scare headline reading, “No Bikinis On Goa Beaches.”

Naik said that there is no plan to ban bikinis. “It's totally false,” he said. “There was no such statement made.”

Earlier in January, Goa Tourism Minister Francisco Pacheco announced that the government would no longer feature women in bikinis in its advertisements. The state has not barred other tourism organizations for promoting fun in the sun, and it has not yet made any noises about imposing a dress code on the state's revelers.

But weeks before Mascarhenas' remark, the minister's statement irked many Indians, who felt it implied that rape victims invite assault by dressing in particular ways. “Goa is a family holiday destination and not a sex tourism destination,” Pacheco said Jan. 7. “We will make sure that bikini babes do not symbolize Goa tourism in future.”

“In India they still morally land the responsibility on the victim if the victim is a woman, because of cultural conditioning,” said 35-year-old Anurashi Shetty, a resident of Donapaula Goa. “[The impression is always that] she must have done something to provoke it. It's a national mindset.”

That mindset includes many government servants.

“The general impression that the government felt is going out to the domestic tourists and others is that Goa is a place where you can dress whichever way you want, and that may be one of the reasons for the rape cases and security problems we have been having recently,” Naik said.

On Jan. 29, Goa police arrested Aman Bharadwaj, prime suspect in the alleged rape, in Mumbai. The central government and Goa administration have reportedly both been under pressure from Russia's embassy in New Delhi. But the speedy apprehension of a suspect may not warm diplomatic relations for long as India's glacial court system grinds down victim and accused alike.

After the incident, the embassy criticized the Goa police for failing to protect tourists and threatened to recommend that Russians — the second-largest group of visitors to Goa — avoid the state in the future.

"We are shocked and deeply outraged by the reports about the disgusting incident in India's well-known resort in Goa when a 9-year-old child from Russia became another victim of a rapist," the Russian Embassy said in a statement.

Comments about the way the 9-year-old victim may have been dressed will not be a balm on Goa's troubled waters.


By Jason Overdorf - GlobalPost
Published: February 1, 2010 06:45 ET




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