All you need to know about Bhojpur Temple

Mystery Of India
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All you need to know about Bhojpur Temple

Bhojpur Temple

The Bhojpur temple or the Bhojeshwar temple plays a predominant role in the tourism and pilgrimage culture of Bhopal. Located at a distance of 28 kms from the main city of Bhopal, this temple is actually built in the Raisen district, on the banks of Vetravati River. 

What attracts tourists from different parts of the country to this ancient temple is the huge Shiva Linga installed at the Garba Griha of the temple. Of course, on reaching this spot, you also cannot stop yourself from getting mesmerized by the scenic beauty and the serenity of the place. 

How to Reach Bhojpur Temple?

Reaching out to Bhojpur Temple is pretty easy from the capital city of Madhya Pradesh, Bhopal. Bhopal is well-connected to different other cities of the country through railways as well as through airways. 

In order to get a glimpse of the Bhojpur Temple, you can take any cab service from Bhopal and directly reach Bhojpur in the Raisen district. The best part of this 28km trip is that you can view several amazing views en-route to the temple. 

If you are an adventure lover, you can also hire 2 wheeler services from Bhopal and can drive all the way to Bhojpur. 

Best Time to Visit Bhojpur Temple

While there is no such specific timing when you can visit the temple, the best time that you can enjoy the place is from October to February. 

As the temple is located on a hilltop, you may feel the extensive heat of the Madhya Pradesh region during the summers and it can make you feel extremely exhausted. During the monsoons, the staircases and the pathway of the temple can become slippery that can lead to accidents. Hence, the best time is during and near the winter season. 

The History of Bhojpur Temple

Surprisingly, locals have different legends about the Bhojpur temple. One of the most common stories that the locals narrate is that the temple was built by the Pandavas so that their mother Kunti can offer her prayers to Lord Shiva.  

But the historians have altogether a different story to highlight about the temple. 

According to historians, the commissioning of the temple dated between the dates of 1010AD and 1053AD. It was the then king of Bhopal, Raja Bhoj who constructed and inaugurated the temple. 

As per a very famous story, Raja Bhoj was determined to fill up the entire Earth with Shiva temples due to his extreme devotion to Lord Shiva. Records mention that he constructed as many as 104 temples alone in the city of Dhara. But somehow due to several factors, not all the temples could exist till the current time and only a few ones such as the famous Bhojpur temple still stand rigidly to remind the world about this great devotee king of Lord Shiva. 

The Architecture of Bhojpur Temple

One thing that makes this temple unique is that it is not complete in terms of construction. It does not have a front covering and the reason for it is not known yet. Some historians mention that the temple work was stopped due to rain and other climatic factors and so what is visible today is the remaining parts of the temple that have been conserved. 

Images courtesy: Meha Prasad. Published with permission.

Also, it is the very first temple with an arc. There are four pillars that are responsible for bearing the weight of the dome of the temple while the inner roof of the temple is embellished with beautiful stone carvings. The entire temple is built up of sandstone blocks and there are several faux balconies to offer a jeweled look to the temple. 

The main attraction of the temple is the Shiva Linga which measures about 7.5 feet and is the longest Shiva Linga in the world to be situated in a temple. The Shiva Linga is placed on a huge square sanctum.  

When you take a tour of the entire temple, you will find many carvings on the exterior parts of the temple that add up to the beauty of the temple. 

The temple is constructed on a hilltop and when you take a view from the barricades surrounding the temple, you can experience a stunning natural view of the entire area. 

Conservation of the Temple

It was in the year 1950 when the Archaeological Survey of India found that the temple structure had weakened due to extreme weather conditions. Saving such a unique and beautiful monument was more than a mission for the team and soon the operation of conservation started in the year 1951. 

The task started first by repairing the damaged steps of the temple and then soon the task of restoring the walls and other parts of the temple started under the supervision of KK Mohammed. There were several changes made such as adding up cement along with the sandstone material so that a much durable structure can be created without compromising with the original look of the temple. 

What to Do at Bhojpur Temple?

If you are planning for a trip to the Bhojpur temple, it should not take more than an hour for the entire activity. You have to leave your vehicle at the foothills and then have to climb up the hilltop on your feet. So, make sure that you wear comfortable shoes and also that you do not bring along someone who has issues with climbing high stairs. 

You can carry flowers and prasad from the foothills for offering at the temple. Once you have reached the top and have taken the blessing of Lord Shiva, you can sit on the stairs to spend some peaceful moments, enjoying the lush view around.

Getting down from the temple, you can have at the small stalls here from where you can buy crystal Shiva linga or many other items available. For your convenience, there are also many small food joints also available here at the foothills from where you can get refreshments. 

Nalchha Mata- the idol that appears in 3 forms in a day- Mandsaur, M.P

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Nalchha Mata- the idol that appears in 3 forms in a day- Mandsaur, M.P

Nalchha Mata Temple

Established on the border of Rajasthan and Madhya Pradesh states of India, Mandsaur is said to be a town that is historically and spiritually important. Nalchha Mata Temple was established in a hamlet named Nalchha near Mandsaur Tehsil in Mandsaur District of Madhya Pradesh. It is the only of its kind in the world where Goddess Durga, in the form of Nalchha Mata, is sitting with Kalbhairav. According to the old scriptures found in the vicinity, the historic significance of the Mandsaur dates back to Mahabharatha times.

Nalchha Mata Temple Location

 Nalchha Mata temple is on the west side of the Nalchha village beside a sewer. Situated on a small hill, the temple is approximately 2.8 km away from the famous Pashupatinath Temple. The surrounding view is beautiful, and a garden of lush green grass inside the establishment also serves as a picnic spot with swings for kids. Nalchha Mata temple is one of the 180 temples around that area. In the radius of 10 km itself, one can find 127 Hindu temples. Nalchha village comes under the Nalchha Panchayat that belongs to Ujjain Division. It is 298 km away from Bhopal, the state capital of Madhya Pradesh.

Nalchha Mata Temple History

The history of this temple dates back thousands of years. Nalchha Mata temple was established in the era of King Dashratha, father of Lord Rama. Once Dashratha reached Malwa from Chitrakoot while hunting. During the hunt, Dashratha mistakenly killed Shravan Kumar, who was on the journey to the famous four abodes with his parents. Shravan Kumar was the only caretaker for his blind parents. Shravan Kumar’s parents cursed King Dashratha after this sin that he committed. For the atonement of this sin, Dashratha established the idols of Goddess Bhairavi and Lord Bhairav and worshipped them for a long time. People believe that these statues are in the same conditions as were established thousands of years back by Dashratha. Though the infrastructure has been repaired quite a few times since then, the murti of a lion at the entrance and the oil lamp holders are still the same.

 

Nalchha Mata Murti

Nalchha Mata Murti is one of its kind where deity Goddess Durga, in the form of Goddess Nalchha, is sitting along with Bhairavji. The idols of Goddess Durga and Lord Shiva are seen erected, and their murtis being together is rarely seen. These ancient murtis are said to be miraculous among the devotees.

Interestingly, the face of mata in the Murti or the idol appears like a girl in the morning, like a lady during the day and like an old woman post evening.  

Significance

It is believed that Maa Nalchha changes three times a day. She is in her childhood and puberty during the afternoon in the morning. In the night, she turns into old age.

This temple is said to be miraculous, being thousand years old. The childless couples visit every year during Navratri days to worship them. After one year, they come again with their newly born kids to thank the Goddess and Lord Bhairav for listening to their prayers. Many devotees having epidemics are also said to be cured after worshipping them. People visit from different parts of the country during Navratri, as this temple has the utmost age-old sculptures of Goddes Bhairavi and God Bhairav. The seeds of wheat are sown during Navratri in the feet of Goddess, and if they germinate nicely, then it is believed that the coming year will be filled with prosperity, and the coming monsoon will be good. Leather items like the belt and purse are strictly forbidden inside the temple premises to maintain the piousness of the temple. Moreover, the Archaeological Conservation Department of India declared the temple under-protected monuments. The temple has been added to the plan of religious tourism by the Tourism Development Corporation of Madhya Pradesh. 

Conclusion

Nalchha Mata is not only worshipped by the people of Madhya Pradesh but is also popular among distinct places of the country. The holy shrine is considered a famous place after the Pashupatinath temple, where  The premises have a good space without any city crowd. It is significant to worship Goddess Durga and Bhairavnathji during Navratri as the devotees believe that their prayers are listened to and fulfilled by them. It’s also a rare sight to see them sitting together. This ancient temple is famous among devotees to receive the blessings of Goddess Durga and Lord Shiva. Navratri is a significant time where the idol of Goddess Nalchha is covered with beautiful dresses and jewelry to celebrate the festival of Navratri.

Bhadwa Mata- the Goddess who cures

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Bhadwa Mata- the Goddess who cures

Bhadwa Mata- the Goddess who cures

During the night, Mother Goddess Shakti, who is praised and worshipped at the Bhadwa Mata Temple near Neemuch, looms around the hill, and it also looks lovely from the look of it. Everyone was mesmerized out of her sanctum sanctorum, the faith in goddesses. She goes for a walk around the temple. If her gaze falls on a devotee, the devotee will be healed of all ailments. Bhadwa Mata Temple is located in Bhadwa Village, Madhya Pradesh, about 18 kilometers east of Neemuch. Another destination for visitors is a holy site well-known throughout the state. For the locals, this temple holds great religious significance. You may encounter large crowds on weekends or religious holidays, so plan your journey accordingly. To go to the temple, you must travel 19 kilometers from town. Locals strongly believe in Bhadwa Mata, believing that bathing in a well near the temple can cure them of paralysis and Polio. The main celebration of this temple is Navaratri when priests dress Mata Idol in magnificent clothing and jewels.

Bhadwa Mata Temple History

The temple’s beginnings are unknown in antiquity. The shrine was built in its current shape during the 10th and 11th centuries AD, during the reign of the Parmar monarchs. Additions and deletions were made during the 7th, 14th, and 15th centuries. The shrine fell under the authority of Gwalior emperors in the 17th century. Bhils have been doing puja here since the 7th century. During the 15th century, the current murti of the Goddess adored in the temple was placed. The current temple tower was built in portions throughout the 14th century.

Story of Bhadwa Mata Temple

The original murti of Bhadwa Mata venerated in the temple is Ashtabhuja Mahasaraswati — Goddess Saraswati with eight arms. Later, this figure experienced a transformation, and she is now known as Goddess Bhagavati. The Mother Goddess has come here to heal her worshippers of different ailments. Mother Goddess Shakti, in this form, is kind and compassionate. The temple pond is related to the temple’s tale here. Mother Goddess has arrived here, together with the pond, to aid worshippers suffering from different incurable diseases such as smallpox and leprosy.

Bhadwa Mata Murti

The Bhadwa Mata murti is swayambhu, which means it appeared spontaneously. A gigantic crown adorns her head. The murti’s large eyes are its most noticeable feature. Murtis of nine Mother Goddesses, Brahmi, Maheshwari, Kaumari, Vaishnavi, Varahi, Narsimhi, Indrani, Shivdatti, and Chamunda, may be found in the sanctum sanctorum, at the base of the main murti of Bhadwa Mata. Ganesha, Shiva-Parvati, and Vishnu are the temple’s secondary deities venerated under the Sheshnag canopy.

Miracle Pond – Bhadwa Mata Mandir Baawdi

Bhadwa Mata Mandir ki Baawdi is a miraculous pond in the temple complex. The water from the pond, according to common belief, heals a variety of ailments, particularly skin disorders. Thousands of followers have reported that taking a dip in the pond’s water has entirely healed their illnesses. The temple is also known as Arogya Teerth because of its miraculous pond. The holy pond is positioned on the temple’s left side. Devotees use water to take spiritual baths. The most crucial day in the temple is Sunday. Pilgrims come from Madhya Pradesh, Chhattisgarh, Gujarat, Maharashtra, and Rajasthan to visit the shrine. The temple celebrates the Chaitra Navratri (March – April) and Ashwin Navratri (September – October) festivals. During these times, a nine-day fair is held.

Significance of Bhadwa Mata

Brahmi, Maheswari, Kaumari, Vaishnavi, Varahi, Narsinhi, Laundry, Shivdatti, and Chamunda are the nine Nabhdurga idols that surround the Bhadwamata statue. The Bhadwa Mata Temple is one of India’s most significant Shakti temples. Bhadwa Mata Temple worshippers receive ultimate peace of mind and spiritual strength after visiting this temple. Aarogya Theerth is the name given to the holy water Baawdi located within the temple grounds. This holy water is well-known since bathing in it is said to be a magical cure for a variety of skin ailments. This temple has a lot of religious value. Thus it gets a lot of visitors on weekends and religious festivals. Locals strongly believe in Bhadva Mata, believing that bathing in the temple’s well may heal paralyzing diseases like Polio. The main celebration of this temple is Navaratri, during which priests dress Mata Idol in gorgeous clothing and jewels.

Conclusion

Like the origins of most heavenly figures, Kali’s beginnings are believed to originate with tribal tradition firmly anchored in human history. The Atharva Veda, a compilation of hymns and mantras produced between 1200 and 1000 BCE, is where Kl first occurs. She is, however, not a deity but a ferocious black tongue, one of seven belonging to Agni, the god of fire. Kali does not debut as a person for another 450 years when the deity appears in the Devimahatmya approximately 650 CE as a warrior goddess personifying Durga’s anger. Her image at the moment is dreadful: a skeleton and terrifying crone dressed in animal hides and wielding a khatvanga, a skull-topped rod associated with tribal shamans.

Buddhist & Hindu related Kadri Manjunath Temple – Coastal Karnataka

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Buddhist & Hindu related Kadri Manjunath Temple – Coastal Karnataka

Kadri Manjunath Temple is situated in the hillocks of Kadri Hills in Mangalore (Mengaluru) district and is very near to the coast.

This ancient temple of Kadri Manjunath dates back to 10-11th centuries. It was a time when India was predominantly a Buddhist country with majority population following the middle path of Lord Buddha.  The temple was a prominent spiritual place for Buddhists across the country and specially in the southern India. 

But when Buddhism started to decline in the sub continent, many followers started worshipping Hindu Deities. Nath tribe came into predominance in this area. The temple was a center of Buddhist as well as Hindu worship for centuries but eventually it came under the Hindu fold. 

The Nath prantha followers were Shiv devotees who are also sometimes associated with tantric practices. Earlier in 10-11 century it was like a monarchy but in 12th century the king of the time gave land to build the temple. The temple got renovation again in the 14th century. 

This temple has a long history and is associated with Lord Parashuram as well. Once after killing Kshtriyas and donating his land to Kashyaps, Parashuram prayed to Lord Shiv and asked for a place to live. Lord Shiv suggested him to do penance. Parashuram threw his axe into the sea and created the place for penance. Love Shiv as committed appeared there with Goddess Parvati and stayed at Kadri. Due to this, the temple found a lot of significance in devotees of Shiv. 

One of our readers, Namrata,  visited the temple and shared her experience and knowledge via a YouTube video below. 

 

 

Kamakhya’s unique tradition of the vagina worshipping

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Kamakhya’s unique tradition of the vagina worshipping

Kamakhya’s unique tradition of the vagina worshipping

There is a total of 51 Shakti Peethas that exist in different corners of  India. But among all these 51 Peethas, the Kamakhya Shakti peetha is considered the most important and powerful one.

Now maybe a question arises in your mind that why Kamakhya Dham is so powerful than others and what makes it different from the rest 50?

We will answer all these questions in this article.

So the first question is…

 

Is it the vagina worshipping tradition at Kamakhya temple, true? – Chapter 1

Believe it or not but the vagina worshipping tradition at Kamakhya temple is true.

The root of this fact belongs to a mythological story from two Hindu Puranas. They are Kalika Purana and Yogini Tantra.

According to Kalika Purana and Yogini Tantra, when Lord Vishnu separated Devi Sati’s dead body with his Sudarshan Chakra then it got divided into 51 parts.

And all those 51 parts dropped down into different corners of India.

Somewhere dropped Sati’s hand, somewhere feet and somewhere breast. But most importantly, a part of her body, which was her vagina fallen down at a place called Kamgiri, near Nelachal hills, Guwahati.

Later in the 8th century, the ruling Mlechchha dynasty built a temple at this place and they named it ‘Kamakhya temple’ or ‘Kamakhya Dham’.

 

Chapter 2

At present, this temple is considered to be a replica of the goddess Sati’s vagina. Inside, on the main part, there is a vagina-shaped idol also vested.

They believe it as Devi Sati’s elytron.

People from all over India come here to see and worship this vagina idol around the whole year. Almost all the time, the priests of the temple keep worshiping it.

Most of the Sakta creed believes that praying this idol will fulfill their desires.

 

Why this Shakti Peetha is perused as the most powerful?

Women’s vagina is the entrance and start of human life. In Hinduism, it is considered a sacred natural phenomenon.

On the other hand, it stands for goddess Sati’s elytron; this is why its significance is much higher than the other 50 Shakti Peethas.

 

Who was goddess Sati and why did she die? –

Chapter 1

Goddess Sati was the wife of Lord Shiva and the daughter of Asurraj Daksh (devil king).  The story begins with the love between Lord Shiva and Sati.

Sati started loving and considering Shiva as her husband for the whole life; but Daksh, her father did not like it as she does.

He thought Shiva as poor and one of the gods from the lowest groups. All in all, Daksh hated him a lot.

One day contrary to her father’s desire she married Shiva through the Gandharva rites. When Daksh came to know about this fact, he went furious and immediately ended all his relationship with Sati.

 

Chapter 2

After passing a few years from this incident, one day Daksh organized a grand worship program at his palace. There he invited almost all the gods and deities, except Sati and Shiva.

Sati also had a desire to go to that program and meet her family again, but Shiva knew that they were uninvited and it was wrong visiting there. He also explained to her a lot, but due to Sati’s insistence, he obliged to go there to participate.

Finally, they went to attend the event; but seeing them both together, Daksh got very angry. Immediately, in front of the large crowd, he started insulting them very badly.

Sati gets a huge shock from this incident. Somehow she managed to bear the humiliation happened to her, but she could not bear the insult that happened to her husband.

In deep misery, she gave up her life in the fire of the Yagya.

 

Chapter 3

This time, due to Sati left her body Lord Shiva gets highly furious on Daksh. Now Lord Shiva wanted to take revenge from the all, for whom his wife had to sacrifice her body.

Due to sorrow and fury, Shiva started ‘Tandav Nritya’ around the whole world by carrying her dead body on his shoulder.

Seeing and feeling the wrath of God, the deities including Indra also started getting scared. They knew that if Shiva did not calm down, the whole world would end completely.

Therefore, finally, they went for requesting Lord Vishnu to find out a way to clam his anger down.

Vishnu tried many times but all failed. At the very end, as a way to control Shiva, he cut the goddess Sati’s dead body by his Sudarshan Chakra.

And as we mentioned, it went into 51 parts.

 

What is the secret behind the unique festival ‘Ambubasi mela’?

Every woman has menstruation every month. This is a natural law. But people of Hinduism believe that contrary to this monthly menstruation period, goddess Sati or Kamakhya has to follow her menstruation pain for only once every year.

They believe, this goddess gets menstruated in the mid of every year’s June month. Hindu people celebrate Ambubasi mela in these days.

Because of this temple is a representation of the goddess vagina therefore a belief has also been running that it gets menstruated too.

I don’t have any deep knowledge about this phenomenon but during these days the Brahmaputra River’s water near itself gets red-colored.

Most of the people believe this happens due to mother Kamakhya’s menstruation. 

 

 

The verdant Valleys of Chikmagalur

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The verdant Valleys of Chikmagalur

 

They say great ideas start with coffee. I say a great vacation also starts with coffee. But what if you start your vacation in the heart of the coffee land of the country? Waking up amidst the fresh, warm, aroma of Arabica plants and the dewy weather, is sure to drive incredible, creative thoughts and welcome you to a great vacation ahead. Just like it did to me, on the very first day when I arrived here, at my friend’s homestay, tucked within a small plantation.

Reaching Chikmagalur

Unable to resist the temptation of spending a weekend in luxurious natural surroundings, I packed for a few days, booked a reliable and licensed cab in Bangalore, and five hours and 245 Km later, I landed here. This would be my first tryst with the Coffee land of Karnataka and I came with no expectations. Perhaps, that’s why everything came as a pleasant surprise. The road leading to the plantation stay, where I would be staying for the next few days, was flanked by mist-laden valleys and rolling hills, with the mountains of Kudremukh peeping out occasionally, behind the floating clouds. It was a sheer treat for my sore urban eyes, which got more generous as I landed at the homestay.

The best part about living within a plantation is that along with fresh, organic coffee every day, you also get to indulge in farm-grown food, home-cooked meals, and coffee-based desserts. It couldn’t have been more appropriate of a vacation for a coffeephile like me!

Plantation tour

Next morning, I accompanied my friend at work at the plantation. Chikmagalur grows at least 80 varieties of coffee. I took a walk through the shaded trails through thick shrubs, bearing red and white fruits. They were well guarded by the foliage of tall trees, which kept the sunlight and rain away. Some shrubs were even partnered with a spice shrub that lends its flavor to the coffee. Farmers were busy trimming, plucking, and tending to the plants, while I walked past them. It was after the rainy season, and the musty smell of the damp soil, mixed with the smoky aroma of the raw beans and spices.

As my friend got busy with her morning chores, I carried on with my walk and found myself at the end of the groves and at the beginning of a trail that led uphill somewhere. I ended up at a mountain ridge which opened up to a panorama of the hills against the endless horizon.

The best of Chikmagalur in a day

With the idea of making the most of this exquisite locale, I planned to explore the wonders of Chikmagalur. While the town is surrounded by imposing mountains, its real charm lies in the valleys, where one can discover the most scenic waterfalls, sparkling lakes, and quaint villages, clustered around the plantations and foothills. Also, since I had the car rental with me, it made exploring much easier. The Bangalore to Chikmagalur taxi fare was reasonable enough to use for the entire weekend and also do local tours.

My cabbie was well-versed with the town, and knew some interesting places around. I first stopped at the Kemmanagundi Hills, at about an hour drive from my homestay. The rolling, green hills of Kemmanagundi against the blue horizon and the golden sunshine, will remind you of a piece of work by any classic artist. I had no words for the perfection of beauty rendered by the verdure of the grassy hills and azure sky, with patches of white clouds filling up the valleys below.  It was not just soothing for the eyes, but all my senses, as I felt the soft grass on my feet, smelled the air, while the morning breeze whistled past my ears. I spend almost half the day, walking around, soaking the atmosphere, writing, and reading.

Later in the day, on my way back, I stopped by the Hebbe Falls, around the edges of a valley. Chikmagalur boasts some of the most beautiful cascades one can ever find, and Hebbe Falls is one of them. It was a two-layered cascade, separated by a rocky landing. It says deep inside a forested area and I had to take a long walk through a narrow trail to reach the falls. The spring water was as clear and sparkling as crystal, wanting me to take a plunge. But its craggy base and steep edges said otherwise. However, the stunning views of the falls, enveloped by plantations and forests, were more than overwhelming.

…

The two days of the weekend went by like a dream, although I would wake up and smell the coffee, every day, in the literal sense! Today, as I bid adieu to this heavenly place, I promise myself to come back soon and discover more of this paradise and treat my mind, body, and soul.

 

As submitted by a user

 

 

 

A Guide to the temples on the way from Pune to Shirdi

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A Guide to the temples on the way from Pune to Shirdi

A Guide to the temples on the way from Pune to Shirdi

Like any other journey, a pilgrimage is also not just about reaching a destination but also about what you discover along the way. If the purpose of a pilgrimage is to have a divine experience, then why not have more such experiences en route? Because that is when your entire pilgrimage becomes wholesome. Take the trip from Pune to Shirdi, for example. While most pilgrims would look at Shirdi as their ultimate holy destination, there are numerous temples between these two cities which one can visit.

Temples in Rajgurunagar

The first major stop after Pune is Rajgurunagar at 44 KM. A historic town named after the great freedom fighter Shivaram Rajguru, Rajgurunagar hosts several old temples like –

Siddheshwar Temple – Sitting near the Bhima River, this is an ancient temple dedicated to Shiva. The temple structure has been restored and renovated with contemporary constructions, but its old stone pillars still speak of its heritage. There is a small pond or ‘kund’ in the center, around which the main shrines are built. The pond is fed by the underground inlet of Bhima River and is said to be holy. Stone steps lead to the pond from all sides, where you might find pilgrims taking a dip or practicing a ritual.

Ekveera Devi Temple – As you continue on NH 60, you will come across this other famous temple of Rajgurunagar. The temple houses the shrine of local deity Khandoba and is highly revered by the local communities.

For a little adventure, you can also head to the Kundeshwar Temple on the road that leads to the Shingheshwar Mountain (the highest point of Rajgurunagar). A dirt road from Pait village takes you halfway through, after which, you have to walk the rest of the way. The temple sits against the Kundeshwar Mountain and makes for a great view, especially during the monsoon. If you take a short trek from the rear side of the temple, you can also catch a glimpse of the Shingeshwar peak.

Apart from these two places, Rajgurunagar boasts many other temples within the town. You can take a quick detour from the highway and visit the Kedareshwar Temple, Khandoba Temple, Vishnu Temple at Chandiram Maharaj Math, Chinmaya Ganapati Temple, or the Shingeshwar Temple near Kude Budruk village.

Temples in Narayangaon

Another 30 to 40 Km from Rajgurunagar will take you to Narayangaon. Mostly known to travelers for its scenic natural beauty, this town is also steeped in religious history. Some of the most popular places of worship, which you can visit on your trip –

Ram Mandir – A historic temple, the Ram Mandir of Narayangaon was built by the Peshwa rulers as a gift to the Brahmins of the society. The temple celebrates Ram Navami every year, with grand rituals and hundreds of devotees from all neighboring towns and villages.

Muktabai Temple – Goddess Muktabai or Muktaai is the reigning deity of Narayangaon and this temple sitting on the banks of the Meena River, is dedicated to her. The temple is famous for the yatra of Muktai Utsav, an annual religious festival held during Ekadashi. During the yatra, the deity is carried around and her divinity is celebrated with great devotion and zeal through prayers, rituals, and music, and is one of its kind in entire Maharashtra.

Vighneshwar Temple – Also called the Vignahar Ganapati Temple, this famous religious site is located in Ozar, 17 Km from the main town of Narayangaon. It represents one of the Ashtavinayaka, or eight significant shrines of Ganesha. Besides being a revered and a popular pilgrimage site, the Vigneshwar Temple is also an architectural marvel. The colorful façade boasts murals and sculpture work. The entrance is flanked by huge statues of two gatekeepers on either side. The massive temple premise houses multiple shrines, a courtyard for religious festivals, and prayer halls.

Apart from these, you can also take a detour towards the west of the highway and explore the temples in the interiors of Narayangaon, like the Shambhu Mahadev Temple, Khandoba Temple, Temple of Kapardikeshwar in Otur, or the Girijamata Temple in Lenyadri.

Temples of Sangamner

Another 70 to 80 Km from Narayangaon, as you take the Sangamner- Kopargaon Road, you will reach Sangamner. The Shani Dev Temple is the most popular shrine of this town. To make the most of your journey, book a reliable taxi in Pune.

You can also visit the Devgad Khandoba Mandir, which sits on a small hill. There are local folklore and legends associated with the temple, making it a historic site of the town. It is dedicated to a patron saint who is the resident deity of the local community. Every year a grand fair is held on the temple premise to celebrate the saint and his miracles.

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Along with these old and famous temples along your way, the road from Pune to Shirdi is also visually delightful. The interior countryside of Maharashtra with red dirt roads and hilly terrain, do make for a great view on the drive. And if you are traveling in monsoon, you would be in for a more delightful visual treat with ample greenery and the fresh smell of the rain, which is divine in its own way. Book Savaari’s air-conditioned Pune to Shirdi cab and make your pilgrimage a fulfilling one!   

 

7 Reasons Why Gold Jewellery Is Good To Buy & Wear

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7 Reasons Why Gold Jewellery Is Good To Buy & Wear

The practice of wearing jewellery is as old as mankind. The history of Indian jewellery can be traced back 5000 years. Indian Jewellery is the creator’s artistic expression, the wearer’s emotional and aesthetic expression, and the gift givers priceless expression of love. 

Indian Jewellery has travelled through history. Starting, perhaps, from the Indus Valley civilization, through the Sangam era, the Mughal era, and the British Raj, the designs have changed, been adapted, been embellished, gained richness, but the base has always remained that precious, yellow metal – gold. 

Collection of gold jewellery for the daughter of the house as part of the wedding trousseau is a well-planned scheme in most Indian families. It often starts even before the baby reaches her first birthday and with a range of facilities to buy gold Jewellery online, it has become even more convenient.

But have you ever wondered why gold is the popular option for jewellery?

Well, here are seven reasons why… (Disclaimer: The list of reasons is not complete or comprehensive. There could be several more!)

  1. It’s Traditional

Gold jewellery is an inseparable, integral part of Indian society and culture. It is considered auspicious, a symbol of well-being and prosperity and believed to usher good luck.

Take the gold mangalsutra, for example. It is a symbol of married status. It is a way of exhibiting marital stability. No matter what the economic status of the Indian woman’s family, the gold mangalsutra is something she will definitely get at her wedding.

Wearing gold jewellery demonstrates your respect for traditions and your roots. You’ll be looked at with disdain or suspicion if you turn up at an auspicious occasion like a wedding, house-warming or any other special social event with no jewellery. And this is true across religions and regions in India, especially in South India.

 

 

  1. It’s Beneficial

Gold is believed to react well with the body’s energy and aura. Gold, according to ancient astrological beliefs, can help unblock constrictions and improve blood flow through the body. It is said to bring mental peace and dispel stress and depression. Gold tipped needles used in acupuncture unblock energy flow and reduce pain.

So, wearing gold is good for you – both physically and mentally.

  1. It’s Timeless

The magical eternity and timelessness of gold jewellery add a value to gold jewellery that is beyond measurement or quantification. Gold jewellery can be worn through generations. Some classic designs, have been around for centuries and are still in vogue. 

  1. It’s Investment

 

Buying gold has always been considered a wise investment decision. It is viewed as a better investment than paper currency, which is so dependent on several social and economic factors, both domestic and global. Jewellery given to a bride during her wedding is also seen as a source of financial security to be used in case of an emergency.

  1. It’s Versatile

 

As far as accessorizing, fashion rules and norms go, gold is the most versatile. You can wear gold jewellery during the day or night. You can wear gold jewellery to work or for an occasion. You can wear it as daily wear, or you can wear it for special events. You can wear it with any outfit, Indian, Western or Fusion. You can wear it whether you are a man, woman or child. It is age neutral. There can be none that can match gold in versatility.

 

  1. It’s Prestigious

 

The prestige attached to wearing and possessing gold is undebatable. The amount of gold one possesses is often an indication of where one can be slotted in the socio-economic scale. Of course, modern times and younger generations have perhaps changed the yardstick to measure success and affluence, but it has historically been gold. And the respect for gold will never diminish.

 

  1. It’s Beautiful

 

The seventh and last reason, but definitely and by no means the least, is that is beautiful! It can be crafted to produce aesthetic results that can elicit squeals of delight or dumbstruck silences of awe.

 

Whether it’s a simple gold mangalsutra for the neck, or an elaborate choker for the throat, the variety that is available is astounding. Gold necklace designs, gold bangle designs, gold earring designs – there are so many creative pieces available and possible, with several more waiting to be imagined and crafted!

 

So, pick up your laptop, and check out the Vaibhav Jewellers website to buy gold jewellery and temple jewellery online. On their website, you can indulge in state-of-the-art video shopping. They also offer free transit insurance on international shipments, and free domestic shipping.

Dharmasthala and Sringeri: More than just a paradise for Pilgrims

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Dharmasthala and Sringeri: More than just a paradise for Pilgrims

It was in the month of March last year when my parents wanted to visit Dharmasthala and stay at an ashram for a month. There was no plan for Sringeri at that time. My sister and I tagged along thinking it would be good to keep them company for the long drive and we will also find out the kind of place they will be staying. We managed to get a safe and reliable car on rent in Bangalore and headed towards Dharmasthala. It took us nearly seven hours via NH 75, including breaks and refueling. Finally, when we reached and got our parents settled with their accommodation and all, my sister and I decided to explore a little and extend our stay by a couple of days. We made Dharmasthala as our base and planned a quick tour.

A different Dharmasthala

Of course, Dharmasthala is primarily a pilgrimage hotspot. But we were pleasantly surprised to find two remarkable sightseeing places-

The Netravathi River Barrage- One of the most unpolluted water bodies that I had found in the open nature, this river area was quite scenic. There were arrangements for pilgrims and tourists to take bath and there was quite a crowd in the bathing areas. So we left the crowd behind and reached a natural enclave on another end of the barrage, where it was surrounded by huge boulders and lots of greenery. This site was divine in its own way and much cooler than the rest of the town.

We continued our exploration and headed to Ujire. Now, this was my sister’s suggestion. An avid reader, she always comes across strange locales that I have never heard of. Apparently, this is an obscure little town near Dharmasthala which is famous for the Bandaje Falls. It was another 25 Km from where we were. I had probably underestimated this place because once we reached, I was in absolute awe.

Surrounded by thick deciduous forests and steep cliffs of sandstone and granite, the Bandaje Falls was a real visual treat. And since it was still not peak summer, the mountain tops remained misty, adding to the drama. We could spot a few trekkers and assumed this was a good place to trek or probably camp. I asked a couple of them and learned that there is a regular trek route to the Alekan Falls nearby.

Scenic Sringeri

While talking to locals, trekkers, and people here and there en route, we figured that Sringeri, about two hours from Dharmasthala would be another interesting place to visit. This is yet another famous pilgrimage destination. They say a visit to Dharmasthala goes hand in hand with a trip to Sringeri as well.  To ensure a pleasant journey, always book a top-rated cab from Bangalore to Sringeri.

Our first stop was at Kalasa. The town is famous for a host of temples. But as I had expected, the place had more to it than being a divine destination. The town is settled in the middle of dense greenery, and I could already see how it would look during the rains. There was a hanging bridge which looked like the main attraction of the place. We were just in time for sunset. We stood there on the bridge, watching the sun paint the sky, clicking photos and wishing our parents could join us.

We stayed over for the night because we had big plans for the next and the last day of our trip.

Discovering a rare rainforest

As a kid from the 80s, I would feel nostalgic if I could be at the same location as my favorite TV show. That’s why we headed to Agumbe the next morning.

At barely 30 Km from our hotel, we could reach one of the rarest and last remaining rainforests of the country. It took us less than an hour to reach the valleys below from where most treks started. A place so rich in vegetation, that the sun hardly reaches the interiors of the forests and the adjoining valleys, keeping the region cold, dark, and moist. No wonder they call it the Cherrapunji of the south. And cutting through the monotony of green, there were these milky white waterfalls, turning the entire horizon into live painting.  As we continued to walk through the narrow, earthen roads, we could hear a few wild birds like the trogon, hornbills, and yellow-throat bulbuls. We reached all the way to the Sunset Point Hill, where there was a sighting area made for tourists to enjoy the panorama. They said one could even catch a glimpse of the Arabian Sea on a bright sunny day! It was hard to believe that we lived so close to such an abundance of nature.

With temples, mutts, and spiritual centers (like the one my parents went to), anyone seeking peace and respite from life’s complications can find solace in these pilgrimage destinations. But without visiting any of these places, we also found our place of serenity, amidst the magnificent gifts of nature. At Dharmasthala and Sringeri, I discovered the magic of Karnataka’s rich natural heritage and that changed my perception towards these destinations forever.

Food for the Soul: Go solo and treat yourself with some “ME” time

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Food for the Soul: Go solo and treat yourself with some “ME” time

Food for the Soul: Go solo and treat yourself with some “ME” time
 
In our ever-changing lives, filled with people and materialistic things, we often get so mixed up with so many personalities and need a constant fix of ourselves. No other person can tell you what you want like you can. Travelling solo can be challenging but also puts you out of your comfort zone and is a fantastic way to find yourself- mind soul and body fully in sync. So get your bike or car out and just drive away. If you don’t have one, there’ always the option of getting a self drive car. If you’ve got just weekends, spending time alone can be fun in other ways than travel too.
 
Here are some amazing solo activities you can do in and around Bangalore. This year, meet a new you and make new friends along the way!
 
 1. Take a long drive 
For those who love driving, they know what a long drive with some favourite music can do to the soul. Life is good, and nothing can make your mood better like music can. While people love drowning in their thoughts over a coffee or a book or block them altogether by binge-watching shows and tv, giving your thoughts and feelings time to sync with you is a great effort towards being happier as well as self-aware. One of the best drives you can take is an early morning drive to Nandi Hills Give this a shot!

2. Camping and Trekking tours
Luckily, the options from Bangalore are plenty if this is something that excites you. Wayanad, Chikmagalur, Coorg, Ooty are all hill stations and amazing places to go camping and trekking at. What can be more therapeutic than a book, great coffee amidst the hills, their scenic views and chilly weather? That’s a lot more than you can ask for. You can drive yourself to these places directly for camping and trekking tours that are organised or directly go with the groups that leave from Bangalore by bus/train according to the itinerary.

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3. Stand Up Comedy Shows, Plays and Movies
The best thing about stand-up comedy shows, plays or movies is that you are in your zone and connecting to somebody on stage or on the screen to see new perspectives. It’s a great way to rewind and get out of your brain. When you can laugh by yourself, trust me you’re already halfway down the road to being comfortable in your own company.

4. Food and Wine Tours

Bangalore has so many places to try that you’ll lose track of what all places were on your to-do list when you first arrived here. Try a new place each weekend, experience the thrill of learning about different wines and exploring vineyards.
 
Zoomcar offers the best self drive car rentals in Bangalore with affordable pricing and is the quickest way to find yourself the car of your choice to drive yourself around. They also have monthly car rentals. Get 24X7 assistance, fuel included pricing, quick pick up and drop off options and amazing deals!

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