Monday, December 31, 2007

Lord Krishna temple, Guruvayoor



About the temple

Guruvayur appan or Lord Krishna is the presiding deity of this very popular temple in South India. It is also known as booloka vaikundam implying heaven on earth. Narayaneeyam was composed at this temple by Melpathur Naryana Battathiri.

The devotee offer anything from flowers to tulabharam where the devotee donates sugar, rice, bananas and a lot other things equal to his weight. Devotees also perform annaprasanam here which refers to feeding a baby for the first time.

Praying at this temple is said to cure the body ailments of the devotees. A visit to the temple is considered to be complete only by visiting the mammiyur mahadevan temple that is about ½ km away. Those devotees who are unable to visit that temple pray from a particular corner in the guruvayurappan temple.

The main entrance to the temple is on the east side and the temple is open from 3 in the morning to 1 in the afternoon and again from 4 to 9 in the night.

The temple management manages an elephant sanctuary known as punnathur kotta 3 kms from the temple. Here there are about 55 elephants of the temple. There is also an ancient Shiva and Bhagvathy temple here.


How to reach

Guruvayur is just 29 kms from Thrissur in Kerala. Thrissur is connected with other important cities in India by train. Regular buses both private as well as Kerala state govt buses ply between Thrissur and Guruvayur.

Nearest station: Guruvayur, Trissur
Nearest Airport: Kochi (80 kms) and Calicut (100 kms)

International flights also operate from these two airports.

Sannadhis

Guruvayoor appan (Krishna)
Ganesha
Ayyappa
Edathedathy kavil bhagavathy

Pushkarni

The temple pond is called Rudratheertham.

Search terms

Guruvayoor, guruvayur, guruvayur appan, guruvayoor appan, mammiyoor mahadevan, bhoo loka vaikundam, booloka vaikuntam, mammiyoor mahadeva

Saturday, December 29, 2007

Saranathan Temple, Tirucherai



About the temple

The temple is one among the 108 divyadesams of Sri vaishnavas and is a part of the choza naadu divyadesams. The temple has two prakarams and a huge rajagopuram. Lord Saranathan is the presiding deity here along with his consorts Sreedevi, Bhoomidevi, Neeladevi, Mahalaxmi and Sara Nayaki thayar. There is a Hanuman temple and Ganesha temple near the pushkarni.

How to reach

The temple is located 15 kms from kumbakonam in tanjore district of Tamilnadu. Bus facilities are available from kumbakonam. The bus route of Kumbakonam-Tiruvarur stops here. But it would be ideal to hire a private vehicle or auto as three other temples on the same route can be covered in one day.

Nearest railway station: Kumbakonam

Sannadhis

Saranathan with sreedevi, bhoodevi, neeladevi, mahalaxmi and Saranayaki thayar
Yoga narsimhar
Rajagopala with rukmini and satyabhama
Tiruvenkatamudaiyaan
Lord rama with Sita, laxmanan
Manavalamamunigal
Alwars

Pushkarni and Vimanam

The temple tank is known as Saara pushkarni and the vimanam is called saara vimanam.

Temple timings and Contact Details

The temple is open from 7am to 12 noon in the mornings and from 4 pm to 7 pm in the evenings.

The Priest Sri Ramudu Bhattar can be contacted at 9444004374

Search terms Tirucherai, Thirucherai, Saranathan, Saaranathan, Saranadhan, Saaranadhan.
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Sri Ranganatha temple, Srirangam


About the temple

Divyadesams are those temples where the alvars have sung songs or pasurams in praise of the presiding deity. All of them together form the naal ayiram divya prabandam. Sri Ranganatha temple of Srirangam is the first among the 108 divyadesams of Sri Vaishnavas and one of the oldest temples. It is a part of the choza naadu divyadesams. It is spread over an area of 156 acres and has 7 prakarams with 21 gopurams. There are huge walls surrounding the periya kovil. In the main sannadhi Lord ranganatha in a reclining pose on the serpent bed. The utsavar in the main sannadhi is known as Namperumal. The temple is also called Booloka Vaikuntam. The seven streets in the 7 prakarams are called

1) Dharma Varman Thiruchuttru
2) Raja Mahendran thiruveedhi
3) Kulasekaran Thiruveedhi
4) Aalinaadan Thiruveedhi
5) Agalangan Thiruveedhi
6) Thiru vikraman thiruveedhi
7) Chitthirai Thiruveedhi

How to reach

Srirangam is near Trichy in Tamilnadu. Lot of buses ply from trichy to srirangam. Staying facilities are also available at Srirangam. The temple is close to srirangam railway station.

Specialty of the temple

All the alwars have sung pasurams in praise of Lord Ranganatha in Srirangam. In all there are 247 pasurams.

There are 12 kalasams on the raja gopuram, which is the biggest in Asia.

Srirangam is the birth place of Pillai Locachariyar, Periyanambigal and Battar Vadakuthiruveethi pillai

Srirangam is also the paramapadha sthalam of Ramanujar, Thuluka Naachiyaar, Kulasekara alwar, Soodikodutha Naachi Aandal, Thondaradipodi Alwar and Thirupaan Alwar

Ramanuja’s tirumeni is still present in the sannadhi and is being preserved with a special type of oil.

Vedanta Desikar composed the Paduka sahasram in praise of the Lord Ranganatha’s feet in this temple.

Sannadhis

Lord Ranganatha
Ranganayaki thayar
Veli Andal
Chakratalvar
Amritha Kalasa Garuda
Aalavanthar
Periyazhvar
Naathamunigal
Vedantha Desikar
Manavalamamunigal
Thirupaan alwar
Thiruvaranga perumlarayar
Periya Garudan
Danvanthari
Nammazhwar
Thondaradipodi alwar
Metty Azhagiyasinger
Sriranga Nachiyar
Alwars
Acharyas

Pushkarni and Vimanam

The temple pushkarnis are known as chandira pushkarni, Cauveri, Kollidam and Vedacchurangam. The vimanam is called Pranavaakruthi.
Search terms.
Srirangam, Ranganatha, Bhooloka vaikundam, boolaka vaikundam, bhoolokha vaikundam, boolokha vaikundam, bhooloka vaikuntam, booloka vaikuntam, bhoolokha vaikuntam, boolokha vaikuntam, bhooloka vaikuntham

Friday, December 21, 2007

Sri Ranganatha Temple, Madhyarangam





About the temple

There are three rangam alongside the river Kaveri – Adhi Rangam is the Srirangapatna temple near Mysore, Anthima rangam is Srirangam in Tamilnadu and Madhyarangam temple in Karnataka close to Gagan chukki and Bhari chukki falls.
Apart from the utsavar idols we can find santhana Krishna and chakrathalwar also in the main sannadhi of the lord. In this temple, Thayar has a separate sannadhi.


How to reach

Madhyarangam is around 120 kms from Bangalore. After reaching maddur on the Bangalore-Mysore Highway, take left if travelling from Bangalore and right if travelling from Mysore side to join the Maddur Kollegal road. The same route applies to the famous Shivanasamudram Falls and Satyagala temple. Take a left from Sathyagalam Hand Post to reach the temple. The temple is just opposite this gopuram.


Sannadhis

Sri Ranganatha
Sri Ranganayaki thayar
Takshan
Ramanujacharya
Namalwar
Swami Desikan
Alwars

Search terms

Madhyarangam, madyarangam, ranganatha temple.

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Thursday, December 20, 2007

Oppiliappan Temple, Tiruvinnagaram


About the temple

Oppiliappan koil is among the 108 divyadesams of srivaishnavas. The lord is called oppiliappan meaning uppu illatha appan since he is one without salt. All the prasadam here is prepared without salt.

The lord here is present in five forms – ponnappan, maniappan, muttappan, vinnagarappan and ennappan.

The lord is 8 ft tall with bhoomidevi on the right and markandeya maharishi on the left. “Maam ekam saranam vruja’ is written on the left hand of the lord.

Lord never leaves the temple without bhoomidevi thayar since he had promised markandeya maharishi that he would never leave his daughter bhoomidevi thayar alone while asking her hand in marriage.

The lord is also known as lord Venkateshwara’s brother and so those devotees who are unable to visit tirupati to fulfill their promises can do so here.


How to reach

The temple is located at Thirunageshwaram post, close to Kumbakonam in tanjore district of Tamilnadu. Buses, autos and private vehicles are available to reach Oppiliappan temple from kumbakonam. Staying facilities are available at oppiliappan temple as well as kumbakonam.

Nearest railway station: Kumbakonam


Pushkarni and Vimanam

The temple tank is called Ahoraatra pushkarni. As compared to other pushkarnis, the devotees can take a dip in this pushkarni even at night.

The vimanam is known as sudhdananda vimanam

Temple timings and Contact Details

The temple is open from 6 am to 1 pm in the morning and from 4 pm to 9 pm in the evenings.

The priest to be contacted is Sri Kannan Bhattar (9486568159)



Search terms Uppiliappan, Oppiliappan, tiruvinnagaram, thiruvinnagaram, tiruvinagaram, thiruvinagaram, cholanaadu, choza naadu, 108 divyadesams

Monday, December 17, 2007

Nachiyar temple, Thirunaraiyur


About the temple and specialities

Lord Naraiyur nambi and nachiyar thayar preside here in a wedding posture. Special importance is given to thayar in this temple and always the first privilege to given to nachiyar. The prasadam is also first offered to the goddess only and nachiyar leads the procession in hamsa vahanam.

There is a statue of garuda here in a separate sannadhi. During Garuda sevai, the number of people required to carry garuda through each of the five prakarams of the temple keeps doubling from 4 to 128 people. Again while coming inside the temple, the weight keeps decreasing and the number of persons carrying keeps reducing by half to final 4 who carry it into the sannadhi. Worshipping Kal Garuda is said to free devotees from naga dosha and bless childless couples.

It is the only temple among the 108 divyadesams of srivaishnavas where God Naraiyur nambi has the conch and charka in front of his face.

Also, only in this temple, there are idols of the presiding deities of the 108 divyadesams of Srivaishnavas.

Another specialty of the temple is only in this divyadesam, there is brahma in standing posture inside the temple.

How to reach

The nearest town is Kumbakonam, 10 kms away. Buses from kumbakonam to tiruvarur stop at nachiyar koil. Since there are three more divyadesams on this route, it would be ideal to hire a private car or auto.

Nearest railway station: Kumbakonam

Sannadhis

Naraiyur Nambi
Vanjulavalli thayar (same sannadhi as the lord)
Kal Garuda
Yoga Narasimha
Hanuman
Sri Ram
Chakrapani

Pushkarni and Vimanam

The temple tank I known as Mani mukthi nadhi theertham while the vimanam is named after the lord as “Srinivasa Vimaanam”

Temple timings and Contact Details

The temple is open from 6.30 am to 12.30 pm in the mornings and from 4.30 pm to 8.30pm in the evenings.

Contact person is Sri Gopinathan Bhattar (9443597388).

Search terms Nacchiyar koil, nachiyar koil, kovil, garuda, kal garuda, thirunaraiyur, tirunaraiyur, naraiyur, 108 divyadesam, choza naadu divyadesam, chola naadu divyadesam, chola nattu divyadesam

Jagannathan perumal temple, Tirunandipura Vinnagaram


About the temple

The presiding deity of this temple is Jagannatha perumal. It is one among the 108 divyadesams of Sri Vaishnavas and comes under the chozanaadu divyadesams. The place is said to have got its name as Nandipura vinnagaram as nandi is believed to have done penance at this place to get blessings from Lord Vishnu. The temple is similar to the one at Puri and hence is also popular as Dakshin Jagannath.

How to reach

The place is close to Kumbakonam situated in the Tanjore district of Tamilnadu state. One can take a bus to Korukkai from Kumbakonam to reach the temple. However, since the frequency is very less, it would be ideal to hire a private vehicle as one can cover the other divyadesams on the same route easily. Autos are also available for travel to these places.

Nearest railhead : Kumbakonam railway station

Pushkarni and Vimanam

The pushkarni is called nandi theertham since nandhi is believed to have done penance here.

The vimanam here is known as Mandara vimanam.

Sannadhis

Vinnagara perumal
Sri Jagannathan (Nadanadhan)
Senbagavalli Thaayar

Temple Timings and Contact Details

The temple is open from 6.30 am to 12 noon in the mornings and from 4 pm to 8 pm in the evenings.

Contact person name is Sri. Suresh Bhattachar (9943442100)
Search terms Tirunandipuravinnagaram, thirunandipura, tirunandhipura, thirunandhipura, naadan temple, Nathan temple, Choza naadu divyadesam, chola naadu, temples near kumbakonam

Thursday, November 29, 2007

Sri Uyyavantha Perumal Temple, Tiruvithuvakodu




About the temple

The temple is situated on the banks of Bharatapuzha river in Kerala.

Uyyavantha Perumal is the presiding deity in this temple and is present in nindra tirukolam. The thayar here is known as vithuvakotu valli or padmapaani nachiyar. The temple is more famous as Anjumoorthy temple. It is one among the Malai naadu divyadesams of Sri Vaishnavas.

How to Reach

The temple is close to Pattambi on the Shoranur - Kallikottai route. Hiring a private vehicle or auto would be the ideal way to visit the temple.
Nearest railway station: Pattambi railway station

Specialty of the temple

Right behind the sannadhi for Lord Shiva, there is the sannadhi of Uyyavanta Perumal. Lord Uyyavantha is known as Abhava pirathan too. The temple exists from the Mahabharata period and there are four sannadhis in the same complex worshipped by Pancha Pandavas. One sannadhi worshipped by Arjuna, Dharma, Bheema each and the last one worshipped by Nakul and Sahadev.

Sannadhis

Uyyavantha Perumal
Vithuvakottu valli

Pushkarni and Vimanam

The pushkarni here is called Chakkara Theertham and the vimanam is Thathuva Kanchana Vimaanam.

Search Terms

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Tuesday, November 27, 2007

Navamukundan Temple, Thirunavai


Bharatapuzha River
About the temple

Navamukundan temple of Tirunavaya is located on the banks of Bharatapuzha river. The presiding deity here is Navamukundan and Malarmangai Naachiyaar thayar. It is one among the Malai Naadu Divyadesam of SriVaishnavas in Kerala state.

How to reach

Tirunavaya is located in the Chennai-Kalikottai route of Malappuram district of Kerala, close to Trissur. Edakkulam station is the nearest station to the temple and is located on the Palakkad-Mangalore rail route. The temple is 8 kms from tirur which is 43 kms from Kozhikode. By bus, one can reach Kuttipuram and take another bus to Tirunavaai.

Nearest railway station: Edakkulam
Nearest Airport: Calicut

Specialities of the temple

Specialty of this temple is that thayar has a separate sannadhi as compared to other malai naadu divyadesam in Kerala. Lord Navamukudan can be seen only from the portion above knees. The lord is also called Nava narayanan since it is believed that nine sadhus prayed to Lord Vishnu here and attained moksha. It is considered equal to Varanasi since temples of the three lords- Vishnu, Brahma and Shiva are present here. Maasi Makam is an important festival here.

Pushkarni and Vimanam

The pushkarni here is full of lotus flowers and hence known as sengamala saras, sengamala meaning lotus.

The vimanam here is known as veda vimanam, derived from the vedic knowledge of the nine sadhus who worshipped here.

Sannadhis

Navamukundan in ninra thirukolam
Malarmangai Naachiyaar (Periya Pirattiyar Laxmi)
Ganesha
Bhagavati

Search Terms

Tirunavaya, Thirunavaya, Tirunavai, Thirunavai, Tirunavaai, Thirunavaai, Navamukundan, Nava narayanan, Bharatapuzha, bharatpuzha, temples in mallapuram district
, malai naadu, malai naatu,

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Thursday, October 25, 2007

Veeranarayana temple, Gadag


About the temple

This is the place where kumarvyasa is said to have written the Mahabharata in kannada language in front of lord veeranarayana. The gopuram looks amazing with statues of various gods and goddesses. This temple is one among the pancha narayana kshetram in Karnataka established by udayavar and king vishnuvardhan.

How to reach

Gadag is around 60 kms from Hubli. Hubli is well connected with other major cities by rail and road. Deccan airways offers air services from Bangalore to Hubli. Gadag is an important railway station connecting sholapur, hubli and bellary. The distance between Gadag and Bangalore is 480 kms.

Nearest railhead: Gadag
Nearest airport: Hubli

Search terms: Gadag, gadhag, ghadag, veeranarayana

Tiruninravur Bhaktavatsalar temple

The main gopuram

Inside the first parikrama





About the temple

Bhaktavatsalar perumal is the presiding deity at Tiruninravur. The temple is one among the 108 divyadesam of Srivaishnavas and a part of tondai naadu divyadesams. The lord here is in standing position facing east. The story behind this temple goes to say that Samudraja, the father of goddess Mahalaxmi had prayed to Lord Vishnu here. Hence, the lord had come to this place and decided to stay here. Goddess laxmi also followed and hence the place is known as tiru ninra vur, the place where the lord stayed.



Another story associated with this temple is that one of the alwars, tirumangai alwar had visited this place, but left without singing a pasuram in praise of the lord. The lord apparently followed him and later he sang a pasuram praising the lord. Another pasuram was also sung for lord bhaktavastsalar by tirumangai alwar from a place called tirukkannamangai.

How to reach

Tiruninravur is 30 kms from Chennai. Suburban trains from Chennai central to Arakonam, Tiruvallur, Tiruttani and Kadambattur stop at Tiruninravur. After getting down, from one side you can reach the Chennai Tirupati highway while the other side goes to the temple and Poonamalle. Share autos, private autos and buses are available to go to the temple. Private autos charge Rs 20 one way while share autos charge Rs 5 one way. You could even walk down to the temple.

The temple is about 2 kms from the station. An alternate route is through poonamalle. Buses plying from poonamalle to tiruninravur station stop at the temple first before reaching the station.

You could also reach tiruninravur station from other places on the Chennai-Tirupati highway by bus, cross over the track and reach the temple.

Nearest railway station: Tiruninravur (suburban), Chennai Central (rail head)
Nearest airport: Chennai

Vimanam and Pushkarni




The pushkarni or temple pond is known as Varuna pushkarni while the vimanam is known as Srinivasa utpala vimanam.

Sannadhis

Bhaktavatsala perumal
Ennai petra taayar
Andal sannadhi
Sudarshanar
Adi sheshan
Acharyas
Vishwaksena

Other temples closeby

Yeri katha rama temple-

This temple is right behind the bhaktavatsalar temple. The temple is on the banks of a huge lake. Lord rama looks splendid with laxmanan, sita and hanuman.

Hanuman temple-

This temple is in front of the main entrance of bhaktavatsalar temple.

Hrudayaliswarar temple- A big Shiva temple is close to the bhaktavatsalar temple and the gopuram can be seen from Bhaktavatsalar temple. Follow this link to know more about the temple ...Hrudyaliswarar temple



Temple Timings and Contact Details

The temple is open from 7.30 am to 12 noon in the mornings and from 4.30 pm to 8.30 pm in the evenings.

The priest to be contacted is Sri Manivanna Bhattar (26390434-STD Code 044)
Search terms: Hrudyaliswarar temple, Poosalar nayanar, yerikatha rama temple, kodandarama temple, tiruninravur, tiruninravoor, thiruninravur,thiruninravoor, tinnanur, tinnanoor, bhaktavatsalar, baktavatsala, 108 divyadesam, tondai naadu divyadesam, tontai naadu, tondai naatu

Thursday, October 18, 2007

Vrindavan




About Vrindavan

Vrindavan is the place where Lord Krishna was brought up. There are numerous temples and bathing ghats along the river Yamuna in Vrindavan. The ideal time to visit is during the winter season. It would be better to hire a private vehicle for a one day tour of Vrindavan and Mathura.

The International Society for Krishna Consciousness (ISKCON) has constructed a beautiful temple here.

How to reach

Vrindavan is just 15 kms from Mathura.


Nearest Railhead: Mathura

Nearest Airport: Agra

Special Occassions

Janmasthami is celebrated in a very grand manner here.
Search Terms : Brindavan, Brindhavan, Vrindhavan, Vhrindavan

Mathura- The birth place of Lord Krishna


About Mathura

Lord Krishna, the incarnation of Lord Vishnu was born at Mathura. The lord’s parents Vasudev and Devaki were imprisoned here by King Kansa, Lord Krishna’s uncle because he was told that the eight son of Vasudev and Devaki would kill him. King Kansa kept killing all the kids born to Vasudev and Devaki. But when the eighth son was born in the form of Lord Krishna, a miracle happened and all the doors of the prison opened for Vasudev to take Lord Krishna away from the prison. Vasudev then placed Krishna in a basket and carried him across the river Yamuna to Brijbhoomi when Krishna was brought up by Nand and Yashoda. The son was then replaced by a girl child in the prison and when King Kansa came to kill the girl child, the kid took the form of a goddess and warned him that his days are numbered since Krishna is born to free the earth of Kansa’s clutches.

How to reach

Mathura is easily accessible and close to the national capital of India, New Delhi. Distance between Mathura and Delhi is 145 kms and between Agra and Mathura is 58 kms.

Nearest Rail head: Mathura
Nearest Airport: Agra


Other places of interest

Dwarkadesh temple is a worth visiting temple with paintings of Lord Krishna.

Vishram Ghat is the place where the lord is said to have taken rest after killing Kansa.

Govardhan hill- Lord Krishna is said to have lifted his hill to provide protection to people from heavy rains when he was young.

Search terms : Mathura, Madhura, Matura

Wednesday, October 17, 2007

Lord Venkateshwara Temple, Tirumala

Night View of the Temple

Day View of the Temple

About the temple:

Lord Venkateshwara temple is situated on the seventh hill Venkatachalam and popularly known as the lord of the seven hills (Vrushabadri, Garudadri, Anjanadri, Simhadri, Neeladri, Venkatadri and Seshadri). The temple is the richest temple of India, considering the amount of donations and gifts offered by devotees. Several thousands of devotees come to the temple and one has to stand for several hours to get darshan of the lord here for very few seconds. Various tickets are available and it is better to book in advance to avoid delays in having darshan. Online booking is possible and thumb impression ticket booking centres are there in various cities. Devotees keep calling out the lord’s name, Govinda Govinda while moving the queue.

The temple is one among 108 divyadesams of Srivaishnavas. The day to day activities of the temple is controlled by the TTD , which is Tirumala Tirupati Devasthanam.

Important Facts regarding the temple

The Vimanam, Ananda Vimanam of the temple is completely gold plated.

Goddess Laxmi resides on the Lord’s chest and there is a separate sannadhi for Lord Venkateshwara’s mother. An interesting story regarding this is that the Lord’s mother is overseeing the activities of the madapalli (kitchen).

How to reach:

The temple is located in chittoor district of Andhra Pradesh, India. It is easily accessible by all modes of transport.

After reaching Tirupati, one can easily travel to Tirumala by road. Several devotees also climb the hill by foot. It takes about 4 hours to reach the temple premises by foot from Alipiri.

Nearest Rail head: Renigunta Junction (Tirupati is just 10 kms from here)
Nearest Airport : Tirupati at Renigunta

Pushkarni:

The Pushkarni is close to the main temple. There is a small temple of Varaha Murthi there and it is believed that one should visit this temple first before visiting Lord Venkateshwara’s temple.

Prasadam:

The devotees are given free prasadam after darshan and free meals tickets are also distributed. The temple is very famous for its Ladoo prasadam.

Where to Stay:

There is choice between free accommodation and paid accommodation for devotees in the holy hills. There are lots of ashrams and guest houses.


Important Festival and Busy Season

Surya prabha seva

Garuda vahana seva

Hanumantha vahana

Simha vahanam seva


Mohini avataram


Hamsa vahana seva



Chinna sesha vahana seva




Sarva bhupala vahana seva




Pedda sesha vahana seva



Kalpa vruksha vahana seva



Dhwajarohana mahotsava

Snapana tirumanjana seva



The main festival of the temple is Brahmatsovam that is held during September. The tirumala hills are jam packed during this festival and during the months of April- June. Devotees visit the temples especially during the auspicious days of Vaikunta Ekadashi and New Year.

What to see :

Apart from Lord Venkateshwara temple in Tirumala hills, there are few more interesting places worth visiting.

Akashaganga :

This place is 3 kms from the temple.

Paapavinasham :



This place is just 5 kms up from the temple.

Venugopala Swami Temple : A temple devoted to Lord Krishna is there up on the hills.

All these three places are easily accessible by road. Either you could hire a private vehicle or go by Govt buses that run frequently on this route.

When you come down to Tirupati you can visit

Govindarajar Temple :

This is a very big temple right in the center of Tirupati town, close to the railway station. Lord Vishnu is the presiding deity with his consorts. The temple remains crowded most of the times. The street to the temple has lot of shops on both sides.

Kondandarama Temple :

This temple of Lord Rama and his consorts is about 15 minutes walk from Govindarajar temple and is a very old temple worth visiting. This is not so famous as Govindarajar temple, yet very calm and beautiful.

ISKCON Temple :

This is a recently built Krishna temple by the International Society for Krishna Consciousness. A very beautiful, clean and well maintained temple of Krishna, Radha and gopikas. It is close to the point from where people start walking to reach the tirumala hills.

Alamelu mangapuram :

The temple dedicated to Lord Venkateshwara’s consort, Padmavathi thayar (Alar mel mangai). Lot of buses and autos are available to reach the temple that is not very far from the city.

For more information visit http://www.tirumala.org/

For e-services (online booking for darshan and stay) visit http://www.ttdsevaonline.com/

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Monday, October 15, 2007

Rishikesh

About Rishikesh

Rishikesh is on the way to Badrinath and Kedarnath from Haridwar. It would take just a little more than half a day to cover the important places in Rishikesh. The weather remains very pleasant and cool throughout the year due to the cool Ganges and Himalayas surrounding it. Rishikesh offers lot of other adventurous activities like trekking, river rafting and is an important Yoga center. There are several temples nearby.

How to Reach

Rishikesh is only 24 kms from Haridwar and is well connected by road with all major cities.

Nearest railhead : Haridwar
Nearest Airport: Dehradun

Places to see

Lakshman Jhoola


This is a hanging bridge across the Ganga river without any pillars. It is a very old bridge and is said to be originally built by Lakshman, Lord Rama’s brother in jute. Later, it was converted into an iron bridge. It is a very nice experience crossing this suspended bridge with the view of the Ganges below and the Himalayas surrounding it.

Ram Jhoola



This is a comparatively recently constructed suspended bridge across the Ganges and this place comes before Lakshman Jhoola. It is also known as Shivanand Jhoola. Walking down 2 kms one can reach the Lakshman Jhoola.

Triveni Ghat

Taking bath in this very popular bathing spot is said to be very auspicious since three mountain streams come together at his place. A bath here is said to relieve the devotee of all the sins committed till date. Pooja is done in the evening and lamps are set afloat in the Ganges after it.

13-Storey Building (Kailashanand Mission Ashram)

This building is on one side of the Lakshman Jhoola. Every floor of the building has small temples and shops. The view of Ganges and Himalayas from the topmost floor is breathtaking.



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