Category Archives: Religious Destinations India

Religious Destinations India

Places to visit in Govardhan

Places to visit in Govardhan Located at a distance of 23 km to the west of Mathura, Govardhan is an important place of religious importance in Uttar Pradesh among the Hindus. The narrow hill of Giriraj which is made up of sandstone and is 8 km in length houses the famous “Govardhan Hills”. The Govardhan Hill is associated with Lord Krishna. People from far and wide of India come to worship the “Govardhan Parvat” to seek divine blessings from Lord Krishna.

According to a historical legend, Lord Krishna had once lifted the entire Giriraj Hill on his finger tip for seven days and nights to save the people of Braj from torrential rain. It is said that Lord Indra had become very jealous of the little boy with divine powers and so He decided to show His strength and power by bringing down heavy rain in the area. However, Lord Krishna saved the people by lifting the mountain.

The city of Govardhan is adjacent to a large tank known as the “Mansi Ganga”. The people of this area still believe that the tank was the result of “Divine Intervention” by Lord Krishna, Places to visit in Govardhan.

Govardhan has a long religious history and thousands of devotees flock the area during the time of festivals.

The famous temple of Haridev and the Kusum Sarovar also attracts many devotees from all over the world. Many foreigners also visit the place in search of “Truth” and peace.

The Govardhan Hills look spectacular on a moon lit night which captures the imagination of a poet. It is said that if one takes a round of the Divine Hill, he or she will receive eternal blessings Places to visit in Govardhan.

Mathura
Places to visit in Govardhan

Places & Temples to visit in Govardhan

“Govardhan” or “Giriraj Ji” – the name itself reminds us of Lord Krishna as one of his names is Shri Govardhannathji! Since childhood, every one of us has heard the beautiful story of Indramaanbhang Leela many times and we surprise ourselves as to how a child lifted Shri Govardhan Parvat for seven days or how a child killed so many Asuras? In this blog, we take you to the best Govardhan Parikrama places that come in parikrama marg, distance to cover those places, and best time to do parikrama.

Vraj Bhumi is the only sacred place where you can see the location of all those leelas of shri Krishna that resides in the district of Mathura, Uttar Pradesh. You are one of the luckiest people if you’re planning to visit there and willing to feel the existence of Lord Krishna at every corner of the Vraj!

Places to visit in Govardhan

Daan-Ghati Mandir

Daan Ghati is a temple where deity is believed to be in the form of a rock, which is said to be going down in earth by a few millimetres every year. Local people, who have been witnessing this, confirm it, though there is no scientific proof Vrindavan Mathura Tour Package.

Goverdhan Parikrama

Govardana Parikrama (going 21 kilometres around the path) is a sacred ritual performed by many believers as spiritual purification. There is no time limit for performing this Parikrama. This ritual of Parikrama is considered to be even better if it’s done with milk. A clay pot filled with milk, with a hole at the bottom, is carried by the devotees in one hand and a pot filled with dhoop (incense smoke) in another. An escort continuously fills up the pot with milk till the parikrama is completed Places to visit in Govardhan.

Radha Kunda

Radha Kunda (well) is known to be the sacred bathing place of Radharani. She had rebuked Krishna, saying that he became impure by killing a bull, the symbol of religion. She suggested that he could purify himself by taking bath in all holy rivers.

Rather than travelling to all sacred places, he struck the ground with his heel and water from all holy rivers appeared. The place was then known as Shyama-kunda. In a competitive mood, the Gopis led by Radharani also created a kunda by digging the earth with their bangles. Thus, Radha kunda appeared Places to visit in Govardhan.

Mansi Ganga Kunda

Manasi Ganga used to be a large lake, but has gotten much smaller over the years. It is said that Radharani and Krishna would go boating on this lake. Even though it is a large, there are buildings blocking it, so you can barely see it from the road. But, ask anyone and chances are they will know where it’s located.

Kusum Sarovar

25-minute walk from Radha Kunda, this sandstone monument is usually a peaceful place, not visited by many people. The ghats at this kunda and the buildings above were built in 1764, by Jawahir Singh, the king of Bharatpur, in honour of his father Raja Suraj Mall. The main tomb has beautiful paintings on its ceiling Places to visit in Govardhan.

Mukharvind of ShreeNathji at Jatipura

Hundreds of devotees visit this temple daily to worship with milk and flowers. Many of them begin their Govardhan Parikrama from this point. The place is always alive with positive vibrations and energy.

Places to visit in Govardhan

Best Time For Govardhan Parikrama

Kusum Sarovar remains open for tourists throughout the year even on public holidays. However, considering the weather in Mathura, October to March end is the best season to plan a trip to Govardhan and its nearby places. Owing to extreme temperature in summer (April-July), planning a vacation to this beautiful place is not recommended during this time.

Govardhan Parikrama Distance

The entire Govardhan Parikrama is around 23 km. Usually, it takes 5-6 hours to complete the parikrama.

How to reach?

Located just 28 km away from Mathura, Kusum Sarovar is on the right side of Govardhan parikrama route. It can be easily reached by local transports like taxi, auto-rickshaw from Mathura. Located 26 km from Kusum Sarovar, Mathura railway junction is the nearest railway station. Situated at a distance of 191 km, Indira Gandhi International Airpot, New Delhi is nearest one to this place.

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Religious Destinations India

Most Famous Temples In Varanasi

Most Famous Temples In Varanasi also knows as Banaras or Kashi. Do you know that apart from Baba Kashi Vishwanath temple there are many other temples famous for tourist attraction in Varanasi city? Baba Vishwanath Temple is one of the famous Shiva Temple in India Varanasi.

People are trying to find out how many Temple in Varanasi? Well, it’s hard to answer how many temples are in Varanasi. The question sounds like how many droplets are there in a gallon of water. You can find temples at every nook and corner of the city. The more you visit the city, the more you discover the temples.

Most Famous Temples In Varanasi

Kashi Vishwanath Mandir

Situated on the western banks of the River Ganga, Kashi Vishwanath Mandir is one of the 12 holiest jyotirlingas or sacred centers of Shiva worship across India. This significant Varanasi Shiva temple even finds mention in the holy Puranas. While the temple has been subjected to destruction and re-construction a number of times over the course of history, it has never bowed to the dictates of time and even today it stands as one of the most popular religious sites in Varanasi.

One of the fascinating facts about this temple is that it features a gold dome and a gold spire on top. Legend has it, that if you make a wish after seeing the dome, Lord Shiva fulfills your wish Varanasi Tour Package.

Address: Lahori Tola, Varanasi

Timings: 4:30 AM to 11 PM, and open all days

Best Time to Visit: Maha Shivratri

Most Famous Temples In Varanasi

Bharat Mata Mandir

This is one of the most significant temples in the city located on the Mahatma Gandhi Kashi Vidyapith campus, and is visited by people from all corners of the country. The temple is believed to be one of a kind as it is one of the few temples that are dedicated to Mother India and is touted as one of the greatest and most famous religious sites in Varanasi. The place is a beautiful spiritual retreat for all its devotees. The temple was built by one of the freedom fighters, Babu Shiv Prasad Gupta in 1936, and does not have any deity, but features a relief map of the country carved in marble Most Famous Temples In Varanasi.

Address: Cannt Road, Guru Nanak Nagar Colony, Chetganj, Varanasi

Timings: 9 AM to 8:30 PM, open all days

Best Time to Visit: Independence Day, Gandhi Jayanti and Republic Day

Most Famous Temples In Varanasi

Sankat Mochan Mandir

This temple is dedicated to the all powerful Lord Hanuman, and is frequented by devotees who can be seen chanting verses related to the lord, praying to him to save them from all troubles. The temple is located along River Assi, and was constructed in the early 19th century under the initiative of the famous freedom fighter and educationist, Madan Mohan Malaviya.

The main idol is embellished beautifully with marigold flowers and lip-smacking besan ke ladoos are a special Prasad here. The temple is visited by thousands of devotees every Tuesday and Saturday and one can see devotees feeding the monkeys who live here, which is considered auspicious Most Famous Temples In Varanasi.

Address: Sankat Mochan Saket Nagar Road, Saket Nagar Colony, Sankata Mochan Leprosy, Varanasi

Timings: 6 AM to 9:30 PM, and open all days

Best Time to Visit: Hanuman Jayanti

Kanaka Durga Mandir

One of the important holy places to visit in Varanasi is the Kanaka Durga Mandir, which is adjacent to a kund. The temple has an interesting story related to it. Legend has it that the existing idol of the Goddess is not a man-made structure, but appeared by itself in the temple complex. Also known as the Monkey Temple, the shrine is a fine example of the Nagara style of architecture that is prevalent in North India, and is adorned with multi-tiered spires. The temple is believed to have been constructed in the 18th century under the reign of a Maharani from Bengal Most Famous Temples In Varanasi.

Address: 27, Durgakund Road, Anand bagh, Bhelupur, Varanasi

Timings: 6 AM to 10:30 PM, and open all days

Best Time to Visit: Navratri and Nag Panchmi

Sankata Devi Mandir

One of the most recognized temples in Varanasi, is the Sankata Devi Mandir situated next to the Sindhia Ghat. Here, the Sankata Devi, a four armed idol is worshiped. The temple features a massive statue of a lion which is also her wahana or vehicle. Besides, you can also see statues of nine planets in the temple. On both sides of the Goddess, there are idols of Lord Hanuman and Lord Bhairava. It is believed that Pandavas during their exile had visited this place to worship Goddess Sankatha. According to mythological beliefs, Sankata Devi or Goddess of all Answers protects her devotees from all the dangers in life with her magical powers.

Address: CK 21/20, Shitala Gali, Garwasitola, Ghasi Tola, Varanasi

Timings: 4:30 AM to 1 PM and 5 PM to 10 PM, open all days

Best Time to Visit: Navratri

Annapurna Devi Mandir

This temple is dedicated to Goddess Annapurna, an incarnation of Goddess Parvati and the symbol of food and nourishment. The temple enshrines a golden image of Maa Annapurna who is said to protect the entire Kashi from food crisis. The temple was erected during the early 18th century by Maratha Peshwa Baji Rao, who was one of the generals of the Maratha Empire. It is said that Parvati fed Shiva with her own hands after she came back to Kailasha and the Lord agreed to the fact that material world cannot be dismissed as an illusion, something he was not ready to accept before, thus upsetting Goddess Parvati.

Every year, during the grand Annakoot festival, the temple brightens up with a real carnival spirit, and coins are meted out to the pilgrims. It is said that one who worships these coins ardently can achieve peace and prosperity in life. Being one of the most popular religious sites in Varanasi, it brims with devotees throughout the year.

Address: D 9, Annapurna Math Mandir, 1, Vishwanath Gali, Godowlia, Varanasi

Timings: 5 AM to 9 PM, and open all days

Best Time to Visit: Round the year

Lalita Gauri Temple

This is one of the most beautiful and historic temples in the holy city of Varanasi, dedicated to Goddess Lalita Gauriand, and it is situated on one of the ghats of the Ganges named after the Goddess herself. Constructed in the 19th century under the orders of King of Nepal, Rana Bahadur Shah, the temple complex also houses the famous Nepali Mandir. Rana Bahadur Shah took exile in Varanasi from 1800 to 1804 and called himself as ‘Swami Nirgunanda’, and decided to build a ghat to house replica of Pashupatinath Temple in Varanasi. According to legends, one who worships this goddess with all his heart will attain massive wealth and prosper a lot in future.

Address: Ghats of varanasi, Ghasi Tola, Varanasi

Timings: 5:30 AM to 9:30 PM, and open all days

Best Time to Visit: Round the year

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Religious Destinations India

Jagannath Temple, Puri

Jagannath Temple Puri in Odisha is one of the four must-visit pilgrimage sites for Hindus because of Jagannath Temple that forms the part of Char Dham in India. Puri is a beach city located on the coast of Bay of Bengal which is one of the favourites among people of West Bengal for a short trip.

Having gained popularity among hippies back in the 1970s due to the legalisation of Bhang, Puri is still a popular destination among backpackers, however, the availability of bhang is now limited. With a plethora of hotels and homestays, the local tourist like to stay near the New Marine Drive and the backpackers prefer to stay near Chakra Tirtha. The Rath Yatra (chariot festival) which takes place during the month of June-July should not be missed if you are planning to visit during this time.

Known as the resting place of Lord Shiva, the majestic history and heritage of Jagannath Temple Puri date back to the 3rd century B. C. Puri, Konark and Bhubaneshwar complete the Golden Triangle of Orissa, with their religious significance and cultural heritage being the centres of tourism in this state. There are a lot of places near Puri that one must visit, like the Chilika lake, Puri beach, Gundicha Ghar and the very famous Sun temple of Konark. Puri is soon turning into an industrial hub with major manufacturing companies coming here.

Jagannath Temple

Some of the architectural feats of the temple

The main temple is constructed in such a way that no shadow of the temple falls on the ground at any time of the day.

The Nilachakra – Or the Blue wheel perched on top of the temple is made of eight metals or asta dhatu. It is believed that if you see the Nilachakra it is as good as seeing the Lord himself.

The flag or the Patitapabana flows in the opposite direction of the wind and is changed every day at sunset and is changed every day. The feet of changing the flag’s rests with a family appointed by the King. They have been doing this ritual for over 800 years, climbing 165 meters, bare feet without any support.

The Mahaprasad or the offering to the Lord is prepared on fire lit by wood charcoal and rice and vegetables, cereals etc. are put in earthen pots and placed on the fire one on top of the other. The pot on the top cooks first.

The Aruna stambha- the 33 ft monolith structure pillar in front of the Singhadwar or the main entrance of the temple was originally located at the Sun Temple, Konark.

Another unique feature of the temple is that the idols of the holy trinity are carved out of wood rather than stone or metal idols. They are also the only deity with the trappings of mortality.

Jagannath Temple

Festivals

There are many festivals and rituals associated with the Lord, we list a couple.

Devasnana Purnima – the annual bathing ritual, where the holy trinity has brought out from their sanctum on seated in a raised platform and bathed with purified water drawn from a well within the temple premises.

Chariot Festival – This happens during the month of June/July. During the festival, the Lord comes out to the street to greet his devotees, people irrespective of caste, creed & colour can seek his blessings.

Jagannath Temple

Religious places of attraction in Puri

Apart from tourism attraction the prominent religious attraction at Puri is its Jagannath temple, which is built in the 12th century by the Ganga dynasty. Other prominent attractions are its all festivals. Among all celebrations Rath Yatra or Chariot festival is the most pious one. The Rath Yatra or Chariot festival, one of the much-awaited Hindu festivals, honors the Lord Jagannath’s visit along with his siblings – lord Balabhadra and deity Shubhadra – to the temple of Queen Gundicha. As many as three new splendid chariots are created for the elegant Rath Yatra Puri that believed as the journey of the Gods – Lord Jagannath and his siblings – every year.

And that’s not all about Puri. The city also witnesses a lot of vibrant festivals and fairs. Have you ever heard of the ‘Pancha Tirtha‘ bathing spots of the city? These include the Mahodadhi of the Puri Sea near Swargadwar, the Rohini Kunda, the Indradyumana Tank, the Swetaganga Tank, and the Markandeya Tank. The sea, the beach, and the aura make the land all the more welcoming.

Shree Jagannath Temple Puri

The Jagannath Puri temple was built in the 12th century by the ruler of the Ganga Dynasty. Lord Jagannath, Lord Balabhadra and Devi Subhadra are the main deities that are worshipped here. “Rath-Yatra” is the most pious festival of Puri that is associated with the Rath Yatra.

Ganesh Temple

The temple that was built decades ago is dedicated to Lord Ganesha or Vinayaka. The temple is an intricate piece of art, adorned with numerous carvings and patterns.

Markandeswara Temple

Markandeswara Temple is located near Bindu Sagar, and was built in honor of Lord Shiva in the 13th century. The temple is visited by numerous devotees and travelers who pay their homage to the Lord and seek blessings.

Narendra Tank

Erected in the 15th century, Narendra Tank is located at Mauza Dandimala Sahi. This tank is a sacred place where the famous Chandana Yatra popularly known as ‘Chandana Pushkarini’ takes place.

Puri Beach

The Puri Beach is one of the best places to bask out the days of your Puri tour. The beach provides impeccable sunrise and sunset views. Moreover, one can find numerous food stalls that offer the best sea food in Puri.

Swargadwar Beach

The word Swargadwar stands for “door to heaven”. The beach is one of the most visited places in Puri that boasts serenity and the best beach experience in the city.

Best time to visit puri

Weather in Puri is highly influenced by sea as it lies on the banks of Bay of Bengal. The tropical climate of Orissa with pleasant winters, hot and humid summers and heavy rainfalls makes the period from October to April the best time to visit Puri. White Sands of Puri Beach attract lots of tourists to Puri from October to April

How to Reach Puri

Puri is located close to Bhubaneswar which has great air, road and rail connectivity. Puri itself is accessible by road and rail from most major parts of India. Here is how to reach Puri:

By Air : Biju Patnaik airport at Bhubaneswar is the nearest airport, which is nearly 56 km from the heart of the Puri city. The airport is connected to Delhi and Mumbai. International travelers need to get connections through Delhi or Kolkata.

By Train : Puri is a major railway junction. Regular direct train services are available from many cities in India, including Bhubaneswar, New Delhi, Chennai and Kolkata.

By Road : Puri is connected with the neighbouring cities through well constructed roads. Buses are considered to be the main option to travel to Puri as the bus stand in near the Gundicha Temple. Bhubaneshwar and Cuttack can be reached in 15mins by bus.

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Religious Destinations India

Sanwariaji Temple Chittorgarh

Sanwariaji Temple is situated on the Chittorgarh-Udaipur Highway in the town of Mandaphia. It is at a distance of around 70 Km from the Udaipur city. Tourists from all over the country visit the temple to worship Lord Krishna in the temple. The idol of Lord Krishna is of ‘Dark Krishna’ also known as Sanwariya Ji with a flute. This is the reason why the temple is named so. Actually ‘Sanwariya’ means the color black and since the idol of Lord Krishna is also black, the name justifies itself.

The temple holds a great importance to the followers of the Vaishnava section. Devotees have boundless faith for Sanwariya Ji and they come in the number of hundreds every day. The architecture of the temple has been very great. The temple is grand in both area and height. Once your eyes will see the huge temple you will be left astonished. There is a ‘Shikhar’ on the main temple of Sanwariaji Temple which has a remarkable height. The carvings on the walls of the temple are no less attractive. One can clearly see how much of plan, creativity, and efforts the makers had to put in there.

It is believed that the temple is the luckiest for the businessman. There are a surprising number of wealthy businessman coming from all around the country and have struck a deal of profit sharing with the god Religious Places in Rajasthan.

Sanwariaji Temple

History of Sanwariaji Temple

Sanwariaji Temple In Mewar, 1840, during construction of a road from Udaipur to Chittor in the village of Bagund, a babool (acacia) tree was hindering the construction. When it was removed by digging out, three statues of Lord Krishna appeared in form of Sanwaliya. One of the statues was taken to Mandaphiya, one to Bhadsoda and the third remained at Chapar, at the very place where it was found. All three locations became temples. These three temples are located close to each other, within the 5 km distance. The three temples of Sanwaliya Ji became renowned and devotees visit them in large numbers since then. Among these three temples, Mandaphia Temple is recognized as the Sanwalia Ji Dham (abode of Sanwaliya).

According to a legend, these idols were made by Naga monks, which were hidden in the ground for fear of the invaders.

Near this place is Bhadasoda village which has a history of more than 1000 years. Pritha, the sister of Veer Prithviraja Chauhan, the ruler of Ajmer and Delhi, was married to Rana Samar Singh of Chittor. After marriage, the slaves and the Charan chieftain who came to Chittor with Prtiha were given 12 villages in Jagir by Rana Samar Singh. These villages also included Bhadasoda village

Puraji Bhagat, the very famous householder saint of the Suthar caste, lived in Bhadasoda. Under his direction, these idols were handled and kept safe. An idol was taken to Bhadasoda village, where a temple was constructed by ruler of Bhinder Thikana by instruction of Bhagatji and , the temple of Samwalia ji Was built. The second idol was taken to the village of Mandafia, a temple was constructed there too, which became famous with timee. Even today, thousands of travelers from far and wide come to visit every year.

Sanwariaji Temple

Sanwariya Seth Temple Darshan Timings

Other than this Temple, you can also visit the nearby temples in Chapar and Badsoda. Here comes the Sanwariaji Temple timings for free Darshan, every Monday to Sunday.

Regular Poojas Timing
Temple opening/ Aarti 5.30 a.m
Rajabhog, Aarti and Prasad10.00 to 11.15 a.m
Morning Hours5.00 a.m to 12.00 p.m
Evening Aarti20.00 p.m to 21.15 p.m
Bhajan and Keerthan21.15 p.m to 23.00 p.m
Shayan23.00 p.m
Sanwariaji Temple

Best Time To Visit

Sanwariaji Temple is a renowned shrine that draws a large number of tourists and devotees from different parts of the state. Although it can be visited throughout the year, there are certain occasions like Janmashtami, Vaikuntha Ekadashi, and Govardhan Pooja etc. when people visit this temple extensively.

How To Reach Sanwariaji Temple

The Dabok Airport is nearer to Chittorgarh, which is at a distance of 70 Km. Once you reach Dabok Airport through a flight, from there you can take road transport to reach Chittorgarh till you reach the Temple. If you are interested in travelling by train, then you can train from Delhi, Mumbai, Ahmedabad, Udaipur, Ajmer. Kota or Jaipur to reach Chittorgarh. From there you can use road transport to reach the Sanwaria Seth Temple. Moreover, to reach Chittorgarh through bus service, private buses are available from the busiest cities like Mumbai, Jaipur, Delhi, Ahmedabad, Udaipur, and Kota.

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Religious Destinations India

Jeen Mata Temple

Jeen Mata Temple is a village of religious importance in Sikar district of Rajasthan, India. It is located at a distance of 29 km from Sikar town in south. Jeenmata Temple is an ancient temple dedicated to Jeenmata, the Goddess of Power. The sacred shrine of Jeenmata is believed to be a thousand years old.

Jeenmata temple is situated near the hill 10 km from village Rewasa. It is surrounded by thick forest. It was originally known as Jayantimala. The year of its construction is not known however the sabhamandapa and pillars are definitely very old.

Mugal Emperor Aurangzeb wanted to completely destroy the Jeen Mata Temple. Being invoked by her priests, the Mata let out her army of bhairons (a species of fly family) which brought the Emperor and his soldiers to their knees. He sought pardon and the Kind hearted Mataji excused him from her anger. Aurangzeb donated akhand (Ever-glow) oil lamp from his Delhi palace. This lamp is still glowing in the sacred sanctorum of the Mata.

Jeen Mata Temple

Jeen Mata Temple History

The sacred shrine of Jeen Mata is believed to be more than thousand years old. The exact period of its construction is unknown. It is believed that during the exile period, the Pandavas rebuilt the temple in the present style. The temple of Jeen Mata Temple was a place of pilgrimage from ancient times and was renovated and rebuilt several times. The temple is surrounded by a natural grace of serenity due to lush green vegetation and rich flora, fauna.

The architecture of the temple is very elegant. The main hall has twenty-four pillars which are engraved with flora and fauna, dancers and deities. The main temple has an extremely tall Shikhar. The Sanctum Sanctorum is constructed of the marble. The gates are made of silver.

Jeen Mata Temple

Best time to visit

The best time quoted to visit the Jeen Mata Temple is said to be that in the monsoon season. Plan on a weekend with your near and dear ones and experience the religion and spirituality along with the nature’s beauty Religious Places in Rajasthan.

Jeen Mata Temple

How To Reach Jeen Mata Temple Sikhar

By Air: The temple is 121 km away from the Jaipur International airport. On reaching the airport, you can hire a cab, taxi or an auto and reach this temple. This airport connects the city to different other main cities of India.

By Rail: Sikar Railway station is located at distance of 26.9 kms from the Jeen Mata Temple. This railway station has many trains passing through it which connects it to many other cities of India.

By Road: Sikar town is just 29 kms away from Jeen Mata Temple. One can board the local or state transport buses and reach the temple which is located in Jeen Mata Village.

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Golden Temple Amritsar

Golden Temple Amritsar India (Sri Harimandir Sahib Amritsar) is not only a central religious place of the Sikhs, but also a symbol of human brotherhood and equality. Everybody, irrespective of cast, creed or race can seek spiritual solace and religious fulfilment without any hindrance. It also represents the distinct identity, glory and heritage of the Sikhs.

To pen-down the philosophy, ideology, the inner and outer beauty, as well as the historical legacy of Sri Harmandir Sahib is a momentous task. It is a matter of experience rather than a of description.

As advised by Sri Guru Amar Dass Ji (3rd Sikh Guru), Sri Guru Ram Dass Ji (4th Sikh Guru) started the digging of Amrit Sarovar (Holy Tank) of Sri Harmandir Sahib in 1577 A.D., which was later on brick-lined by Sri Guru Arjan Dev Ji (5th Sikh Guru) on December 15, 1588 and He also started the construction of Sri Harmandir Sahib. Sri Guru Granth Sahib (scripture of the Sikhs), after its compilation, was first installed at Sri Harmandir Sahib on August 16, 1604 A.D. A devout Sikh, Baba Budha Ji was appointed its first Head Priest.

Golden Temple

History of Golden Temple

The land for the Golden Temple was donated by the Mughal emperor Akbar on which construction began in 1574. The foundation was overseen by the fourth and fifth Sikh Gurus, and the construction was completed in 1601. It has been restored and embellished continuously over the years. In the 19th century, the inverted lotus-shaped dome was inlaid with 100 kgs of gold and decorative marble. This took place under the patronage of Maharaja Ranjit Singh who was a legendary warrior king fondly remembered by the Sikh community.

In 1984, the then Prime Minister of India, ordered an attack on the armed Sikh militants hiding inside the Golden Temple premises. In the fight that ensued, over 500 people were killed, and Sikhs all over the world were enraged by this sacrilege of their holy site. The Sikh community did not allow the central government to undertake the repair of the damage caused to the temple, undertaking the work themselves. The temple has been substantially built since then, but the incident remains fresh in the memory of the locals.

Golden Temple

Architecture of Golden Temple

  • The Golden Temple is a mesmerising blend of Hindu and Islamic architectural styles and appears to be floating at the end of a long causeway. It has an elegant marble lower level embellished with animal and flower motifs in pietra dura work, which is also seen on the Taj Mahal.
  • Above this is the shimmering second level, circumscribed in intricately carved gold panels, topped by a 750 kg gold gilded dome. The gleaming inner sanctum sees the priests and the musicians continuously chanting the Guru Granth Sahib, piling on to the already intense religious atmosphere.
  • After paying obeisance, pilgrims generally retreat to the second floor, which has the intricately painted gallery.
  • The Hari Mandir (central temple) is connected to the pathway by a marble causeway which is known as Guru’s Bridge. This path symbolises the journey of the soul after death. Embraced by marble stairways, this tank is believed to have healing powers that can cure many diseases.
Golden Temple

How to reach Golden Temple

The Golden Temple can be reached by local transport such as auto and cycle rickshaws which are the cheapest and most convenient mode of transportation. It also has car rental companies from where you can hire a car and reach the temple. The Golden Temple Trust also arranges free bus services from the Amritsar Railway Station.

Air: The Amritsar airport known as Raja Sansi International Airport is situated at a distance of 11 Km from the city. One can take taxis from there to reach the Golden temple.

Rail: Amritsar shares a very strong rail network with Delhi. Taxis and three wheelers like cycle rickshaws and e-rickshaws ferry passengers to the Golden temple.

Road: Traveling from Delhi to Amritsar by road is one of the best options since both the cities are connected with a flawless highway network.

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Top Attractions, Religious Destinations India

Moti Doongri Ganesh Temple

Moti Doongri Ganesh Temple, the small hill in Jaipur, Rajasthan which means hill made of pearl also because this hill truly resembles a pearl drop. It is quite popular in tourist and devotee for its famous Ganesh temple, the most auspicious and important temple of Jaipur. Lord Ganesh holds very special importance in Hinduism and every auspicious occasion starts with Ganesh Vandana only – the Vighnaharta Dev Lord Ganesh.

The great history is associated with Moti Dungari Ganesh shrine, it said that the King of Mewar was heading back to his palace after a long tired trip and had placed gigantic Ganesh idol on a bullock cart. The king had decided that he would build a temple for the idol of Lord Ganesh wherever the bullock cart stopped and the cart stopped at the foot of the Moti Doongri hill, where the temple is situated today. Then temple construction was entrusted to Seth Jairam Paliwal and Mahant Shiv Narain who built this temple in four years and completed in 1761.

The entire complex resembling Scottish castle was built at the site for Maharaja Madho Singh’s son at top of hill and Ganesh Temple was housed within it. The surrounding palace is not open for visitors as it is a private property belongs to royal family but the temple is open for all. This temple get famous as Moti Doongri Ganesh Temple as it was built at the bottom of Moti Doongri hill and becomes the one of the most significant temples in Jaipur.

Moti Doongri Ganesh Temple

Visiting Hours of Moti Doongri Ganesh Temple

Morning Time: 5:30 am to 1:30 pm
Evening Time: 4:30 pm to 9:00 pm

Moti Dungri Temple History

The Moti Doongri Ganesh Temple is situated at bottom of the Moti Dungri hill as well as the fort of Moti Dungri in Jaipur, Rajasthan. The icon of the god Ganesha established in the temple is said to be more than five hundred years old, and also was brought here in 1761 by Seth Jai Ram Pallival who was accompanying Maharaja Madho Singh I, from Udaipur. It was brought to Udaipur from Gujarat. The temple was built under Pallival’s supervision.

The trunk of the sindoor-colored Ganesha icon is rightwards. Devotees offer laddu sweets, at least, 1.25 lakh devotees pay respect to Ganesha every year. A fair is organized every Wednesday in the temple complex.
There is a lingam (icon of the god Shiva) in the Moti Dungri Fort complex, which opens to visitors once a year on Mahashivratri, the festival of Shiva. The Birla Mandir temple devoted to the deities Lakshmi Narayan is situated south of Religious Places in Rajasthan.

Moti Doongri Ganesh Temple

Architecture of the Temple

The Moti Doongri Ganesh Temple is widely acclaimed for the architectural and spiritual point of view. Spanned over an area of nearly 2 kilometres, the Ganesha Temple is known for its pattern work on marbles that are engraved with legendary descriptions. There are three domes in the temple which represent a combination of Indian, Islamic and Western symbols. The Moti Dungri Temple of Ganesha is also famous among the tourists for its scenic view and the picturesque as well as the breathtaking location where it is located on.

The chief responsibility of the architecture and designing was given to Seth Jai Ram Pallival and also the Chief Priest of the King of Mewar, Mahant Shiv Narayan Ji. The Construction of the temple with the finest stone and the exquisite marbles of Rajasthan was completed in 4 months time period Rajasthan Pilgrimage Trips.

Moti Doongri Ganesh Temple

How To Reach Moti Dungri Ganesh Ji Mandir

This Temple is in Jaipur which is well connected with the rest of India via air, train or road. Excellent public transport of the Jaipur will make you feel better. You can land on the Jaipur Airport after reaching there either you can book a cab or you can visit the Bus-Stand for taking a Deluxe Bus to the temple.

By Road: Moti Doongri is located in the heart of Jaipur city near the University of Rajasthan. Nearest bus stand is University bus stand. It is in Agra-Bikaner road.

By Rail: Moti Doongri, Jaipur is well connected through Jaipur Railway station to major cities railway stations like Delhi, Agra, Mumbai ,Chennai, Bikaner, Jodhpur, Udaipur, Ahmedabad.

By Air: Moti Doongri can be reached through Jaipur Airport, also called Sanganer Airport which is well connected with regular domestic flights to Delhi, Kolkata, Mumbai, Ahmedabad, Jodhpur, and Udaipur.

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Religious Destinations India

Pandupol Hanuman Ji Mandir

Pandupol Hanuman Ji Mandir, located inside the Sariska National Tiger Reserve of Rajasthan, is one of the most visited locations in Sariska. An enchanting spring emerges from hard and compact rocks at Pandupol or Pandu Gate. The Hanuman Temple here enshrines a huge idol of Lord Hanuman. During the rainy season, waterfall can be found at this place, and birds of various kinds can also be spotted. Langurs and macaques can also be seen in the premises of the temple. The temple is located at a distance of 60 kms from Alwar city.

The simple architecture and beautiful location adds more beauty to this temple. Located inside the lush green surroundings of Sariska National Park and Tiger Reserve, this ancient temple is one of the most visited tourist places in Alwar. Pandupol temple represents a true blend of nature, architecture and history to its visitors.

The Pandupol temple in Sariska Alwar is devoted to Lord Hanuman. Lord Hanuman is considered as a God of extreme power, incredible strength and mightiest of all warriors. According to devotees of lord Hanuman dispels all fears and spirits due to this reason lord Hanuman is one of the most worshipped god figures in Indian religion. The holy shrine of Pandupol Hanuman Ji Mandir is worshipped by all hindus with pure devotion and respect because they believe that lord Hanuman will protect their family with all types of supernatural powers and evil spirits.

It is said that the Hanuman temple was founded by Sant Nirbhaya Dassji Maharaj, who was a devotee of Lord Hanuman and hence in this thick forest, he founded this temple of Hanuman ji which has been now fully constructed and attracts thousands and thousands of people. Situated midst the game century of Sariska, the place has special charm. On every Tuesday and Saturday, people visit the temple in great numbers because these two days are held sacred to Lord Pandupol Hanuman Ji Mandir.

Pandupol Hanuman Ji Mandir

Pandupol hanuman mandir history and Story

According to Mahabharata Pandavas during their exile lived here for some period of time; it is believed that Bheem (Strongest among Pandavas) hit the mountain to make the way; since the way was made by Pandavas the place got the name Pandupol Hanuman Ji Mandir which literally means “Gate of Pandavas”. One narration in Mahabharata suggests that it is the very same place where Lord Hanuman destroyed the proud Bheem of being strongest in all worlds.

Since that incident a temple was constructed here dedicated to Lord Hanuman; to the level of amazement the main deity is an idol of Lord Hanuman which is in sleeping position which is a very exclusive posture as most of the temples have the idols of Lord Hanuman in either standing or sitting posture.

Pandupol hanuman mandir timings – The age of temple is unknown but it is believed to be very old; on every Tuesday & Saturday a large number of devotees reach at Pandupole temple as Tuseday & Saturday are days which are dedicated to Lord Hanuman in Hindu mythology. Because of its miraculous deity & rich mythological importance Pandupole Temple is among the most celebrated temple dedicated to Lord Hanuman in Rajasthan; the devotees of this temple are not only from just Rajasthan but across India.

Pandupol waterfall images: In Mansoon there many naturally waterfall created that is popular among the visitors. At that time lost of people visited Pandupol Hanuman Ji Mandir.

Pandupol Hanuman Ji Mandir

Significance of the deity

Hanumanji, the Monkey God, who was the most beloved devotee of Lord Rama, is worshiped here. The place has developed into a holy place as also a picnic spot and hence people from the surrounding areas and other towns as far as 150 to 200 kms away come to this place and have a darshan of Pandupol Hanuman Ji Mandir. They offer him bhog of Dal, Bati and Churma.

Architecture of the Temple

Although there is no conscious effort of any architectural contrivance, nevertheless the simplicity of the temple in itself attracts pilgrims, visitors and tourists. More is added to the beauty of the temple by the lush green hills around, the forest hills and dales, flora and the fauna Religious Places in Rajasthan.

Material used for the construction of the temple is – Locally available building material has been used for the construction of the temple.

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Religious Destinations India

Kashi Vishwanath Temple

Kashi Vishwanath Temple is one of the most famous Hindu temples dedicated to Lord Shiva. It is located in Vishwanath Gali of Varanasi, Uttar Pradesh in India. The Temple stands on the western bank of the holy river Ganga, and is one of the twelve Jyotirlingas, or Jyotirlingams, the holiest of Shiva Temples. The main deity is known by the names Shri Vishwanath and Vishweshwara (IAST: Vishveshvara) literally meaning Lord of the Universe. Varanasi city was called Kushi in ancient times, and hence the temple is popularly called Kashi Vishwanath Temple. The etymology of the name Vishveshvara is Vishva: Universe, Ishvara: lord, one who has dominion.

The Temple has been referred to in Hindu scriptures for a very long time as a central part of worship in the Shaiva Philosophy. It has been destroyed and re-constructed a number of times in history. The last structure was demolished by Aurangzeb, the sixth Mughal emperor who constructed the Gyanvapi Mosque on its site. The current structure was built on an adjacent site by the Maratha ruler, Ahilya Bai Holkar of Indore in 1780.

Since 1983, the temple has been managed by the government of Uttar Pradesh. During the religious occasion of Shivratri, Kashi Naresh (King of Kashi) is the chief officiating priest.

Kashi Vishwanath Temple

History of the Kashi Vishwanath Temple

Kashi Vishwanath temple is located at western bank of River Ganges in the holy city Varanasi Tour Packages. Jyotirlinga in the Kashi Vishwanath temple has an extraordinary and exclusive importance in the religious history of India. It attracts devotees from all across the world. The management of the temple was taken under UP Government on 28th January, 1983. The current temple is constructed by Late Maharani Ahilya Bai Holkar of Indore in 1780.

A Naubatkhana (in front of the temple) is constructed by the Collector Mohd. Ibrahim Khan in 1785. The two domes of the temple were covered by the gold (offered by the Punjab Kesari Maharaja Ranjeet Singh) in 1839. And the third dome was gold plated by the Ministry of cultures and Religious affairs of Uttar Pradesh Government.

Kashi Vishwanath Temple

Architecture of Kashi Vishwanath Temple

The Kashi Vishwanath Temple is a collection of smaller shrines that are located in The temple complex consists of a series of smaller shrines, located in a small lane called the Vishwanatha Galli near the river. The main temple is constructed in the form of a quadrangle and is surrounded by the shrines dedicated to other deities. These temples are dedicated to Kaalbhairav, Dhandapani, Avimukteshwara, Vishnu, Vinayaka, Sanishwara, Virupaksha and Virupaksh Gauri. Made out of black stone, the main Shivalinga of the temple is 60 cm tall and 90 cm in circumference and is enshrined in a silver altar.

A holy well by the name of Gyaan Vapi is situated here as well, which is believed to be the site where the Shivalinga was hidden to protect it from foreign invaders. Structure of the temple is composed of three parts. The first is a spire on the temple of Lord Kashi Vishwanath Temple, the second a gold dome and the third is the gold spire atop the Vishwanath carrying a flag and a trident Varanasi Attractions.

Kashi Vishwanath Temple

How to Reach:

The temple is situated only about 5 km away from the Kashi Vishwanath Temple Varanasi railway station. If you are commuting from anywhere in the city, the best way to reach your destination is through taxi or an auto rickshaw. The actual temple is, however, located inside the Vishwanath Gali which is not a motorable road and you will have to walk your way up to the temple threshold.

By Air : There is direct daily flight connection between Varanasi and New Delhi. It also connects Varanasi to Delhi, Agra, Khajuraho, Calcutta, Mumbai, Lucknow, Gaya, Chennai, Ahmadabad, Hyderabad, Bhuvaneshwar etc. Terminal Manager Babtpur Airport : 0542-2623060 Airport Director : 0542-2622155

By Train : Varanasi is an important and major rail junction. The city is served by trains from all metros and major cities across the country. New Delhi, mumbai, Calcutta, Chennai, Gwalior, Meerut, Indore, Guwahati, Allahbad, Lucknow, Dehradun… the city has direct rail connections. Varanasi Cantt Railway Station Enquiry number 135.

By Road : Some important road distances are: Agra 565 km., Allahabad 128 km., Bhopal 791 km., Bodhgaya 240 km., Kanpur 330 km., Khajuraho 405 km., Lucknow 286 km., patna 246 km., Sarnath 10 km., Lumbini (Napal) 386 km., Kushi Nagar 250 km. (via Gorkhpur), UPSRTC Bus Stand, Sher Shah Suri Marg, Golgadda Bus Stand.

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Religious Destinations India

Ambika Mata Temple

Ambika Mata Temple is located in a village called Jagat in the Udaipur district of the state Rajasthan, in India, Ambika Mata Temple is dedicated to Ambika Devi. Ambika Devi is another form of Goddess Durga, and the shrine present in this temple is said to be some source of energy or Shakti which is the pure energy of the goddess.

This temple was built in the year 961 AD and has been maintained by several organizations over the years. It is now being protected and preserved by the Archaeology and Museum department of the state Rajasthan. Ambika Mata or Ambika Devi is considered as the presiding deity of the village.

The scriptures on the walls and the stones present in the temple showcases a variety of tales of Ambika Devi or Goddess Durga. And the idol of Goddess Durga shows the fierceness which represents the power of the goddess. This temple is also connected to Jain religion, therefore devotees from different religions visit this temple. Tourists from across the states and globe definitely add Ambika Mata Temple to the list of places to visit when they are visiting Udaipur.

Apart from the idol of Goddess Durga or Ambika Devi, idols of Goddess Lakshmi and other devis are also present in the temple. The temple was built according to the Maru Gurjara architecture style, therefore, it is slightly different from other temples built in that of the 10th century. It is a one of kind temple which you should visit once in a lifetime Religious Places in Rajasthan.

Ambika Mata Temple

History of the Ambika Mata Temple, Jagat

Widely known for its intricately detailed carvings, the Ambika Mata Temple traces its origins long back in history to about 961 AD. It is estimated that that it is highly possible that the Ambika Mata Temple was constructed during the rule of either Rawal Allat or Rawal Narwahan, by Samvapura, who was a son of Valluba. With its images of Goddess Durga and many other female divine figures, it is said that the temple dates back to the 10th century. At this temple, the primary deity worshipped is Goddess Ambika who is believed to be the goddess of power.

Owing to its location in the Jagat Village, near Udaipur, this small shrine built in a rock crevice is also often referred by the name of Jagat temple by the local people. Apart from its glorious history, the temple boasts of an outstanding architectural structure which is pretty rare to see somewhere else. Though not huge in size, but in terms of art and architecture, Ambika Mata temple is undeniably a piece of art that catches the attention of people from all over the country.

Ambika Mata Temple

Jagat Temple Architecture

Ambika Mata Temple was only an elevated altar at the time of the Pratihara period a long time ago. Only a principal image of the Goddess is placed here. It comprises a columned prayer hall called Mandapa which has projections on two sides and a small loggia in obverse. This prayer hall has windows with magnificently carved panels and its ceiling rises shapes in the pyramid shape. Prayer hall also attracts as it has carved panels of Lord Ganesha. Temple also has outstanding architecture depicting various sculptures which include Gods and Goddesses, dancers and singers of the divine court.

Jagat temple has an artistic facade which depicts mythological stories in the set in alcoves. These alcoves beautifully depict scenes including Goddess Ambika Mata Temple. These sculptures are under the protection of numerous miniature leaves. Visiting this temple makes you feel a closeness to those almighty.

Best Time to Visit

There is no such specific time to visit the temple. One can visit the temple at any time of the year and seek blessing from the goddess. Apart from that, during morning and evening time, one can go for aarti and puja to this temple.

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