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Pralayakaleswarar Temple in Pennadam Tamil Nadu

Here is Some Information about Pralayakaleswarar Temple in Pennadam Tamil Nadu india.


Location: Pennadam near Vriddachalam, Villuppuram
Built in:1000-2000 years old
Built By:Kochenken
Dedicated to:Lord Pralayakaleswarar
Entry:Free
Photography: Allow
Temple Timing:6.00 am to 11.00 a.m. and from 5.00 to 9.00 p.m.
Significance:One of the most temple of Pralayakaleswarar
Visiting Timing: 30 Mins
Phone:+91- 4143-222 788, 98425 64768
Best time to Visit: All time
Nearest Railway Station:Cuddalore
Nearest Air Port:Chennai and Trichy Air Port

About Pralayakaleswarar Temple 

Virgins (Penn in Tamil), Divine cow (Aa) Kamadenu and Elephant (Gadam) worshipped Lord here, hence the name Penn- aa- Gadam  Pannagadam which in later changed as Pennadam.People pray to Lord of the temple seeking cure from hand ailments.Devotees perform abishek to Lord Shiva and offer vastras.

Speciality of Sri Pralayakaleswarar Temple, Pennadam 

Nandhi, the bull vehicle of Lord Shiva, that once turned the other side to prevent floods destroying the place, is still in the same position facing the entrance of the temple. This is the birth place of celebrated saints Kalikamba Nayanar and Meikandar. Also Saint Maraignana Sambandar in the Saivite Guru tradition lived here. There are three windows around the sanctum sanctorum which facilitates darshan of the Lord from all sides.

History of Pralayakaleswarar Temple 

The reputation of the temple is beyond human imagination. Indira, the king of Devas needed flowers form Earth to perform Shiva Puja in his place. He sent two maidens to earth to bring flowers, who found them in plenty but stayed here itself seeing a Shivaling in the garden and began doing pujas. As they did not return, he sent the Divine cow Kamadenu to bring them back. Kamadenu found the maidens and only joined them in the Shiva puja by pouring its milk on the Lord. As it did not return, he sent his white elephant Iravadham in search of the, The elephant, seeing them in worship also joined the camp by standing in such a way creating a cool shadow so that Sun did not hurt the Shivalinga. Finally, Indira himself came down, saw the maids, cow and the elephant and also joined them in the worship. All returned together with the blessings of Lord Shiva.

How to Rich Pralayakaleswarar Temple


By Bus: Pennadam is 18 km from Vruddhachalam and 12 km from Thittakudi. Bus facilities are available from both ends.

By Rail: The Nearest Railway station is Cuddalore Junction.

By Air: The Nearest airport is Chennai and Trichy Airport.

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Shankaracharya Temple in Srinagar Jammu Kashmir

Here is Some Information about Shankaracharya Temple in Srinagar Jammu Kashmir India.


Location: On Gopadari Hill, in south-east of Srinagar
Built in:371 BC
Built By:Raja Gopadatya
Dedicated to:Lord Shiva
Entry: Free
Photography: Allow
Temple Timing: 6:00Am to 10:00Pm
Significance: One of the most temple in srinagar
Visiting Timing:30 Mins
Best time to Visit:September-October
Nearest Railway Station:Jammu
Nearest Air Port: Badgam

About  Shankaracharya Temple  

The Shankaracharya temple is housed in the Srinagar district on the hill known as Takht-e-Suleiman. It is at a height of 1100 ft. above surface level of the main city on the peak of the hill. The Shankaracharya Mandir in Kashmir is dedicated to Lord Shiva and is thought to be the oldest shrine for worship in the Kashmir valley.
The temple as it is today has undergone many repairs throughout its life. Ever since under the rule of Lalitaditya and then repairs were undertaken by Zain-ul-Abideen after the temple got damaged in an earthquake. The repairs were also carried out during the Governorship of Sheikh Mohi-ud-Din. Maharaja Gulab Singh, a Dogra ruler, who is credited for the stone steps that form a part of the passage to the shrine. In 1925, the electrification of the temple was done.
The structure of the temple boasts about the architectural style of those times. However, many additions and changes have been made to the original structure. Erected on a high octagonal platform, the temple can be reached by a flight of steps. The fencing walls of the steps have some inscriptions on them. Inside the temple, there is a Persian inscription that dates back to period of Shahjahan. 

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

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

History of Shankaracharya Temple 

The temple was built by Jalauka, the son of the great Emperor Ashoka, about 200 B.C. 
King Gopadatta of Kashmir who ruled from 79 to 109AD, rebuilt it and dedicated the temple to Jyesteswara. The hill was called Gopadri and the village at its foot on the south is still called Gopkar.

Mulla Nadri wrties in the first history of Kashmir, "Tarikh-i-Kashmir", 1420AD:
"Raja Ach ascended the throne and ruled for 60 years. He founded the town of Achabal in Kotiar, Kashmir. After his death, his son Gopananda ruled the country, under the name of Gopadatta. During his reign many temples were built and repaired. At that time the dome of the temple on the top of Solomon hill had cracked. He asked one of his ministers, named Sulaiman, who had come from Persia, to repair the cracked dome of the temple. On this, the local Hindus raised objections saying that as Sulaiman was an infidel and followed another religion, he had no right to repair the sacred temple of the Hindus.

During this very period, Hazrat Yuzu Asaph arrived from the Holy Land, Bait ul Maquaddas, to the Holy Valley, Wadi a Aqddas, and proclaimed his ministry. He absorbed himself in prayers day and night, and having attained an elevated position in virtue and piety, he declared to the people of Kashmir that he was the messenger of God. He called upon the people to follow the words of God, and many believed in him. Thereupon, Raja Gopadatta referred the objections of Hindus to him for his decision. It was under his orders that Sulaiman, whom the local Hindus named Sandiman, completed the repairs of the cracked dome of the temple, in the year 54. Sulaiman also had engraved the following inscriptions on the stones leading to the stairs of the temple: "During this period Yuzu Asaph declared his Ministry. He was Yusu, the Prophet of the Children of Israel".

In a work by a Hindu it is said that this Prophet was in reality Hazrat Issa, the Soul of God - on whom be peace and salutations. He had assumed the name of Yuzu Asaph during his life in the valley. The real knowledge is with Allah. After his demise, Hazrat Issa, on whom be peace and salutations, was laid to rest in the tomb in the locality of Anzimar. It is also said that the rays of prophethood used to emanate from the tomb of this Prophet. Raja Gopadatta passed away after having ruled for 60 years and 2 months."
The present struture probably dates back to the 9th century AD and are dedicated to Lord Shiva. 
The temple was renamed Sankaracharya, under a Hindu Maharaja in 1848.

How to Reach  Shankaracharya Temple 

By Air: The nearest Airport is approx. 25 Kms away in Badgam Dist, for the temple. This Airport is connected with major cities of India .

By Rail: Jammu is the nearest railway station to Srinagar, which is at a distance of 290 km. Jammu railway station is well connected to all major cities in India by rail. Direct train services are available from Delhi, Chennai, Bangalore and Trivandrum.

By Road:The Highway NH1A connects the Kashmir valley with India. Every sort of transport to suit every budget from Buses to Taxis ply on this Highway. It takes around 10 to 12 hours to cross this mountainous road which crosses some beautiful spots and the famous Jawaharlal Tunnel linking Kashmir Valley with India.
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Ayyappa Temple in Sabarimala Western Ghat Kerala

Here is Some information about Sabarimala Temple in Western Ghat Kerala India.




Location:  Swamy Ayyappan Road, Pampa Triveni, Sabarimala, Kerala India
Dedicated to:Lord Ayyappa
Entry:Free
Photography:Allow
Temple Timing:6:00Am to 10:00Pm
Significance: Holy pilgrimage of the Hindus
Festivals: Makaravilakku or "Makar Sankranti" and Maha Vishuva Sankranti
Visiting Timing:30 Mins
Best time to Visit:Oct to March
Live Darshan: Click Here
Nearest Railway Station:Kottayam, Chengannur
Nearest Air Port: Thiruvananthapuram


About Sabarimala Temple





Sabarimala is a Hindu pilgrimage center located in the Western Ghat mountain ranges of Pathanamthitta District in Kerala.Sabarimala Sree Dharma Sastha Temple, dedicated to Lord Ayyappa, is the most famous and prominent among all the Sastha temples in Kerala. The temple is situated on a hilltop (about 3000 feet above sea level) named Sabarimala in Pathanamthitta district.The shrine of Sabarimala is one of the most remote shrines in southern India yet it still draws three to four million pilgrims each year. It is believed that "Parasurama Maharshi" who retrieved Kerala from the sea by throwing his axe, installed the idol of Ayyappa at Sabarimala to worship Lord Ayyappa.

This is one of the most ancient temples in Kerala. It is believed that the deity of the temple was consecrated by Lord Parasurama at the foot of Sabari hills for which reference has been made even in Ramayana. The temple attracts pilgrims not only from the southern states of Kerala, Tamil Nadu, Karnataka and Andhra Pradesh but also from other parts of country and abroad.

There is a Vavar Thara very close to. The deity is Vavar, the friend of Ayyappa and a Sufi saint is at the close proximity to the main temple. Ayyapa cult gifts much importance for secularism and communal harmony and has turned out to be a model for the whole world. Another significant aspect of the pilgrimage is that all the pilgrims whether rich or poor, literate or illiterate are all equal before Lord Ayyapa and all of them address each other as Ayyappa or Swamy.

Sabarimala is believed to be the place where Lord Ayyapa meditated soon after killing the powerful demon, Mahishi. Another mythology says that its 'Parasurama Maharshi' who uplifted Kerala from the sea by throwing his axe and installed the idol of Ayyappa at Sabarimala.

To enter the Sabarimala temple, the pilgrim has to pass Pathinettampadi (holy eighteen steps). The holly eighteen steps that lead to the shrine have been figuratively called Ponnu Pathinettampadi, 'Ponnu' being an epithet to denote the holy touch of lord's feet. But now 'Ponnu' has become literally true because the steps have been covered with Panchaloham. Each of these eighteen holy steps represents a desire one must conquer in life, it is believed. Only those who observe 41 day's of austerity as ritual can only carry erumudi and can climb these steps.


History Sabarimala Sree Ayyappa Temple



There is no accurate history about how and when the pilgrimage to Sabarimala began.It is believed that the deity of the temple was conducted by Lord Parasurama at the foot of Sabari hills for which reference has been made even in Ramayana. The temple attracts pilgrims not only from the southern states of Kerala, Tamil Nadu, Karnataka and Andhra Pradesh but also from other parts of country and abroad.Sabarimala is believed to be the place where Lord Ayyapa meditated soon after killing the powerful demon, Mahishi. Another mythology says that its ‘Parasurama Maharshi’ who uplifted Kerala from the sea by throwing his axe and installed the idol of Ayyappa at Sabarimala.History about the worshiping method of god is that there are five methods of workship like Shaivites, Shaktists and Vaishnavites. At first there are three devotees section -first one is Shakti who used meat, liquor and drugs to worship their deity, second the devotees of Vishnu who followed strict penance and continence, and last one the devotees of Shiva who partly followed these two methods.In 1950 unknown persons destroyed the temple by breaking the ‘Sri-kovil’ and the main idol of worship, and set fire to the temple. The temple was reconstructed in 1971 underwent a major revamping.

About Sabarimala Festival


Sabarimala is a well-known pilgrim center of Kerala. The temple observes an annual festival where hundreds of devotees come after observing complete abstinence from the worldly affairs. Sabarimala festival is celebrated from the month of November to mid January. During this time, Mandal Puja and Makar Sankranti Puja are the two main occasions when temple is visited by thousands of people. Makar Sankranti (14 Jan') is considered as the most propitious day of the pilgrimage. 

An amazing fact about Sabarimala Temple is that this shrine is open to people from all religions, castes, creed or color. The preponderance of pilgrims is made by men, who are required to observe fast for forty days. During this period, one needs to observe celibacy and undergoes daily prayer rituals. Young Girls, who have not yet attained the age of puberty and Women, who have reached the phase of menopause can attend the pilgrimage to Sabarimala. 

Before starting the journey, devotes take a ritual bath in the sacred river 'Pamba', which is assumed to wash away one's sins. Devotees carry packs enclosing contain conventional offerings like coconut filled with ghee, camphor and rice on their heads. When they arrive at the temple steps, they break the coconut here and continue forward to get the glimpse of the Lord.


How to Rich Ayyappa Temple in Sabarimala



By Air: Thiruvananthapuram International Airport is located 184 km away from the Ayyappa temple. Another one is Kochi International Airport is located 214 km away from the temple. From the respective bus stations pilgrimage can get buses to Pamba operated by KSRTC.

By Rail: The nearest railway Station to this famous temple is Chengannur which is located about 93 Km from Pamba. Chengannur is located in the main rail route between Trivandrum and Kottayamand is connected by rail to all other railway stations in India. People coming from rest of India or north Tamil Naidu can come via Train till Ernakulam or Kottayam or Kayamkulam or Mavelikkara or Chengannur Railway stations. Form there they can board buses to Pamba.

By Road:Pampa is the nearest place to Sabrimala from where the temple is just 5 Km away. Pampa can be accessed only by road. KSRTC operates various bus services to the temples from various cities of Kerala.KRSTC operates buses from tvm Central, Punalur, Kottarakkara, Chengannur, Kottayam, Erumely, Pathanamthitta, Ernakulam, Kumily and many more places . During pilgrimage season there are frequent bus services to Pamba by KSRTC.

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Ranganathaswamy Temple in Srirangam Tamil Nadu

Here is Some information about Ranganathaswamy Temple in Srirangam Tamil Nadu India.

Location:  Srirangam, Near Trichy, Tamil Nadu
Built in:between the 14th and 17th centuries
Dedicated to:Lord Ranganathaswamy
Entry: Free
Photography:Allow 
Temple Timing: 6:00 Am to 10:00pm
Significance: One of the holy abodes of Lord Vishnu
Visiting Timing: 30 mins
Best time to Visit: Oct to march
Nearest Railway Station: Bangalore
Nearest Air Port: Bangalore Airport

More Information about Ranganathaswamy Temple

The Sri Ranganathaswamy Temple in Srirangam, Tamil Nadu India is a Hindu temple dedicated to Lord Ranganatha, a reclining form of Lord Vishnu. It is the first and foremost among the 108 Divya Desams, the holy abodes of Lord Vishnu.
The temple occupies an area of 156 acres (6,31,000 square meter) with a perimeter of 1,116m (10,710 feet) making it the largest temple in India. Srirangam temple can be easily termed as the biggest functioning Hindu temple in the world (it's termed as biggest "functioning" because Angkor Wat is the biggest but non-functioning Hindu temple in the world). 

The temple is enclosed by 7 concentric walls and the total length of these seven walls is 32,592 feet or over six miles. There are total of 21 gopurams in this temple. The weight of the Gopuram is 24,880 tons and the entrance is 11 3/4 width and height is 24 3/4. The 7 walls are referred to as the 7 worlds. The 7th wall is the outer wall which can be seen and it is 3072 feet in length and 2521 feet in breadth. For 7 prakaarams, 7 thiruveedhi (streets) are found. 7th thiruveedhi is called "Chitthirai Thiruveedhi" where bigh houses and bunglows are found. Sixth Veedhi, which is found in Sixth prakaaram is called "Thiru vikraman thiruveedhi" fifth veedhi om 5th prakaram is Agalangan Thiru veedhi". Fourth veedhi in 4th prakaram is "Aalinaadan Thiruveedhi". Third veedhi in 3rd prakaram is "Kulasekaran Thiruveedhi". Second veedhi in 2nd prakaram is "Raja Mahendran". And in the first prakaram, Emperumaan Sri Ranganathan in Kidantha Kolam gives seva and this is called "Dharma Varman Thiru chuttru (circle). Among the marvels of the temple is a "hall of 1000 pillars" (actually 953). 

The Gopuram of Sri Rangam is popularly called as "Raja Gopuram" and it is the biggest gopuram in the Asian Sub - Continent. The height of the Gopuram is 236 feet high with 13 Nilays. 12 Kalasams are kept on the top of the Gopuram. It took almost 7 years to complete the Gopuram. The Rajagopuram did not reach its current height of 73 m. until 1987, when the 44th Jeer of Ahobila Mutt initiated the process with the help of philanthropists and others.

There are in total eight Svayam Vyakta Ksetras ("self-manifested shrines"), of Lord Vishnu, according to Sri Vaisnava philosophy namely, Srirangam, Srimushnam, Venkatadri, Saligramam, Naimisaranyam, Totadri, Pushakara and Badrinath. Of these, Srirangam is the first and of foremost importance. The temple is situated in an island - enclosed by Kaveri river and Kollidam river.

Architecture of Ranganathaswamy Temple 

The huge temple complex covers an area 156 acres (6, 31,000 m²) with a perimeter of 1,116m (10,710 feet). Having one of the largest temple complexes in India, Sri Rangam Temple is regarded as one of the biggest functioning Hindu temple in the world. Seven concentric walls, which lengthen to 32,592 feet, mark the boundary of this temple. 

The striking architecture of the temple spell bounds the onlooker with its charm. Comprising 21 Gopurams (towers), the sheer size of the temple appears awe-inspiring. Apart from other magnificent structures, "Hall of 1000 pillars" gathers the main attraction. It is an excellent example of planned-theatre like structure. Opposite to it, there lies "Sesha Mandap" with its best sculptures.

History of Sri Ranganathaswamy Temple 

The credit of building the Sri Ranganathaswamy temple goes to the rulers of the Vijayanagara Empire. Later, The Hoysala kings and Hyder Ali made additional expansions to the temple. The Hoysala kings, Mysore Wodeyar kings and the kings of Vijayanagara have contributed a lot towards the expansion of the temple structure.Other shrines within the temple complex are those of Lord Srinivasa, Sri Krishna, Vaishnava Acharya and Vaishnavite Gurus. This idol is supposed to be the biggest statue of Vishnu in the reclining form. The temple’s main entrance has huge pillars and you can find twenty four different Vishnu forms.
As per mythological studies, river Cauvery on her way forms three big islands. These islands are the Shivanasamudra of Karnataka, Srirangapatna and Srirangam. It is believed that devotees who visit these three temples, all in one day will surely attain salvation. The Kotarothsava festival dedicated to Lord Ranganatha is celebrated with great pomp and splendour. Devotees from faraway places come here to be a part of these ostentatious celebrations. This is the best time to visit the temple.

How to Reach Ranganathaswamy Temple 

By air: The Nearest Airport is Bangalore.

By Rail: The Nearest Railway Station is Mysore.

By Bus: Srirangapatnam is on the way to Bangalore and lies on the Bangalore-Mysore State Highway.There are a number of state run buses that ply from Bangalore to Mandya.

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Hoysaleswara Temple in Halebid Karnataka

Here is Some Information about Hoysaleswara Temple in Halebid Karnataka india.


Location: Halebid, Karnataka
Built in:12th century
Built By:Delhi Sultanate.
Dedicated to:Lord Shiva
Entry:Free
Photography:Allow
Temple Timing: 6:00Am to 10:00 Pm
Significance: One of the largest temples dedicated to Lord Shiva in South India
Visiting Timing: 30 Mins
Best time to Visit:Any time
Nearest Railway Station: Hassan Railway station 27KM
Nearest Air Port: Mangalore Airport

About Hoysaleswara Temple 

The Hoysaleswara temple is dedicated to Lord Shiva, who is the destroyer of the Universe as per Hinduism. This temple was built during the 12th century and the Hoysala King Vishnuvardhana built it. During the 14th century the Muslims invaded Halebidu and looted its riches and wealth. The temple was razed and neglected by the rulers. Hoysaleswara was also referred to as Dwarasamudra or Dorasamudra. The distance from Belur to Halebidu is about 16 kilometres; Hassan to Halebidu is about 31 kilometres.

Hoysaleswara Temple has two shrines, one dedicated to Hoysaleswara and another for Shantaleswara (named after Shantala Devi, queen of King Vishnuvardhana). Standing on a raised platform, the temple is made out of Chloritic Schist (Soapstone, also known as potstone). Both of the shrines are located next to each other, facing the east direction. The shrine comprises the Shiva lingam (phallic form of Lord Shiva), the universal symbol of Lord Shiva. 

Besides the other shrines, there is one shrine that is dedicated to Lord Surya. Here, Sun God is depicted in the 7 ft tall image. The halls comprise huge images of Nandi, the attendant of Lord Shiva. Hoysaleswara Temple stands as a testimonial of the bygone era. The outstanding structure of the temple has been accredited for being the epitome of Hindu architecture.

History of Hoysaleswara Temple  

The Shiva and Parvathi temple was built by King Vishnuvardhana. It was the Shaivas who contributed money and wealth for building this beautiful temple. During this time, the Chennakesava temple which was a Vaishnava temple was being built. The building of the Hoysaleshwara temple was carried out as a competition to the Chennakesava temple. The temple has a very big tank which was built during the 11th century. The water to this tank is supplied from the Yagachi River.
Architecture for Hoysaleswara Temple 

The remarkable structure of this temple has been acclaimed as a perfect exemplar of Hindu style of architecture. Its architecture is often regarded as the 'supreme climax of Indian architecture'. In the exteriors, many projections and recesses in the walls make the structure quite complex; in contrast to it, the interiors appear simple. The exterior walls of the temple have a splendid assortment of stone sculptures. 

Hoysaleswara Temple is particularly known for its wall sculptures that are imprinted right from the outset of the outer wall. Opening with an image of dancing Ganesha on the left hand side of the south entrance, the series ends with a different image of Ganesha on the right hand side of the north entrance. The whole collection has not less than 240 images. The most complicated of all sculptures, are traceable in the beams, over two of the entryways, one on the southern entryway and other on the eastern entryway. 

The interiors of the temple are quite plain except for the lathe turned pillars that dash in rows flanked by the north and south doorways. Making the forefront of the each shrine, the four pillars are the most elaborate having 'madanika' sculptures in their brackets. The massive temple has four porches serving as its doorways. Generally, only one porch is left open for entry that lies in the north. 

The superstructure on the shrines is known as 'Sunakasi', which used to be a row of ornamented miniature roofs on top of the attics of the hall, are all gone astray. Even the towers of the shrines are not there. The temple was constructed at a height to grant adequate horizontal and vertical space to illustrate large and small sculptures.

Garuda Pillar 
Garuda Stambha (Pillar) is an attention-grabbing structure of Hoysaleswara Temple. Garudas were known to be the selected bodyguards of the kings and queens. They used to live and move with the Royalty with the sole aim to defend their master. At the death of their master, they committed suicide. In the southern side, the pillar demonstrates heroes flanking knives and cutting their own heads. The inscription on the pillar commemorates Kuruva Lakshma (bodyguard of Veera Ballala II).

How to Rich Hoysaleswara Temple  

By Air: Mangalore is the nearest domestic airport, which is 168 km away and Bangalore is the nearest international airport, which is 222 km away. Taxi cab costs about Rs 2500 from Mangalore and Rs 3500 from Bangalore. Mangalore air terminal is connected to Bangalore and Chennai. Bangalore airport is well connected to almost all airports in India. International flights to major foreign cities are also operated from Bangalore.

By Rail: The nearest railway station is Hassan, which is 27 km from Halebid. It takes about Rs 400 for taxi to reach Halebid from Hassan. Hassan is connected to many cities in Karnataka and neighboring states.

By Road: Halebid is well connected by KSRTC bus services. It is connected to all major cities nearby, including Bangalore, which is 222 km away from Halebid. Private buses are available from Bangalore majestic bus station to Halebid, costing about Rs 600.

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