Book Rooms and Guest house starting @ 299 per day in katra Call : 9858594872 (Ram darbar)

Query form

Thursday, June 30, 2011

Travel experience to Vaishno Devi Temple

We started to Delhi in AP Express. As a part of our tourist package, we visited Chandigadh Gardens, Dharmalasla through Kulu Manali, Tibet Monastry and also Shakti Peeths Brijeswari, Chamundi Maatha, Jwalamukhi. Later we started to Kangda in Jammu. 

History

Dakshapati decides to do Yagna. He invites all the goddesses except his son-in-law God Parama Shiva. Inspite of her husband's unwillingness Dakshayani attends the Yagna. She faces a great insult. She sacrifices her life by jumping into the Yagnagundam. Knowing this, Shiva takes her wife's dead body on his shoulder and starts doing a violent dance called Tandavam. To stop this, Lord Vishnu uses his Sudarshana Chakram and breaks Dakshayani's body into pieces. All this pieces fell all over India. The places where the pieces of her dead body fell, became Shakti Peeths.

In Kangda, in the place where the ear part of goddess fell, she is worshipped as Brijeswari Maatha, in the place where her tongue part fell, she is worshipped as Jwala Mukhi and the place where her eyes fell, she is worshipped as Naina Devi and at the place of her head part, the goddess is worshipped as Vaishno Devi.

The scenic beauty around the temple will not make you leave that place. It was full of trees and snow. Small water falls are also found here.

On the way to temple

There is a tight security all over Jammu. We can see the alertness and punctuality of the security people working there by their checkings everywhere at various turns and bends along the way.

At night 8'o clock we went to Yatra Nivas. We registered our names. We had our dinner, took rest for 3 hours and woke up early 2AM. We had our bath and started to Vaishno Devi temple by foot. It is 14KM distance. We were initially scared as we thought it would be dark and we had to walk in night both to and fro. But, there were good lightings all the way. All the way, there were many piligrims moving up and down the hill. There were halts to sit for a while on the way. Almost for half a distance, all types of food items and pooja items are available. There were Coffee and Tea stalls maintaned by big companies. Even though the road is good, the mountain is straight upwards. So, we faced a bit difficult to walk. 

People who can't walk can use Horses and Palanquins. Horses cost Rs.800 to 1000 and Palanquins cost Rs.4000. Recently Helicopter facility is also made available. It costs Rs.2000 and easiest way. It takes just 8 minutes. But, you have to reserve it earliar itself. Other wise you have to wait endlessly. Also, Helicopter facility depends on weather conditions. The other persons who came with us, waited at Helipad till the evening for Helicopter as the weather conditions are not good and went back without Maatha's Darshanam. We reached half distance shivering in that cold weather. 

Battery Autos are available from that half, but only for Old age people and Physically Handicapped. It costs Rs.100. Also the coupouns for autos would be given only after 8:30 AM. At every step, security people will be checking you. You have to show your registration slips at every check. We forgot all our pain in walking by Saying Jai Maatha Di. It took more than One and half hour in queue for darshanam. 

In the temple

Police and Defence Security were present all over the temple. Belts, Cameras, Cellphones are strictly prohibited. Free lockers are available for them.

After darshanam, we had to search for food. For only Rs 30, puri and rice is available there. It is surprising to see Dosa, Idly and other South Indian food at that price. From there, we started to Bhairava Nath Temple. It was 3-4 KM distance. We went on horses. Only one way journey costs Rs.150 to 200. It is compulsory that we have to visit this temple. Then only our Darshanam for Vaishno Devi Maatha completes. 

Return from temple

There is another way to directly go down the hill without coming to vaishno devi temple again. It was 5PM by the time we reached foot of hill. We took rest in hotel that night.

Later we visited Golden Temple in Amritsar, Vaga Border, Jalianwala Bagh, Kurukshetra and then went to Delhi.

Begging is strictly prohibited in Vaishno Devi temple. So, you don't find any beggers there. Sounding horn is also not allowed. There is no pollution at all. That was a great experience.

Vaishno Devi Mandir

At a distance of 50 kms from Jammu Katra acts as a base camp for piligrims and tourists going to Vaishno Devi.A trip to the Holy shrine of Mata Vaishno Devi, is an enchanting experience both for the body and soul.For the believers it's a spiritual journey and all about fulfillment of wishes.The holy shrine is actually a cave 61 kms North of Jammu and a 13kms trek from the base station at katra.Devotees undertake a tough yatra to reach the shrine.Darshan takes place round the clock throughout the year.At a distance of one km from Katra is Banganga.You need a registration slip to cross this point.The slip can be obtained from the Yatri registration centre from near the bus stand.You have the option of getting it even on-line.The slip has to be shown while entering the Darbar and this determines your number in the queue for Darshan.

The Vaishno Devi temple attracts lakhs of devotees every year.The number of devotees visiting the temple per year now has crossed 5 million. This is because of the absolute faith of the devotees who visit the temple from all parts of India and abroad.
You also have the option of reaching the Darbar via helicopter but real adventure lies in taking a little pain and going enmass on foot.The Goddess is represented in three divine aspects.

1.Mahakali-The fierce form of Goddess.

2.Saraswati-Goddess of Knowledge and 

3.Lakshmi-Goddess of Wealth.

According to legend the trip is not complete until you visit the Bhairavnathe temple,one and a half kilometres away atop an adjacent hill.

How to get there:


The only way to get there is by road.Taxis are available from almost all places in Jammu to Vaishno Devi temple.The charges depend upon the place you start your travel from.

Where to stay:


Vaishnavi Dham:
Double Bedded, AC, Carpetted@Rs. 650/- 
Suite, AC Carpetted@Rs. 900/-
Niharika Phase - I:
Double Bedded Non-AC, Non-Carpetted@Rs. 500/-
Niharika Phase - II:
Double Bedded, AC, Carpetted@Rs. 700/-
Main Bhawan Complex:
Double Bedded@Rs. 800/-
Four Bedded@Rs. 1200/-
Vaishnavi & Gouri Bhawan:Six Bedded Hut@Rs. 1000/-
Dormitory accommodation is available @ Rs. 60/- per bed at Katra,Saraswati Dham and @ Rs.80/- per bed at Bhawan.
 


A one day trip to Vaishnodevi

Vaishnodevi is a famous Indian pilgrimage center located in the state of Jammu & Kashmir. It is close to the summer capital, Jammu.

I was then ('04 - '05) working at Faridabad, an industrial town of state Haryana close to New Delhi. On 26.02.05 (Saturday), I planned and started to Vaishnodevi. I decided to travel alone. From Faridabad, I left around 5.00 pm and reached I.S.B.T (Inter State Bus Terminal), New Delhi. I have reserved a seat to Jammu for a bus which is about to start at 6.30 pm.

Since it is the lean season, I found no trouble in getting a bus. Usually huge rush presents. In case of train, it is still worse.

Jammu is about 12 - 14 hours journey from New Delhi. The bus reached Jammu at 6.30 am. Then boarded a bus to Katra, which is about an hour journey. Katra is the basement of the foot path starting towards Vaishnodevi. The temple is reached by trekking about 14 km. Other facilities like pony ride, dolly services and helicopter services are also available.

At Katra, I took a bath near the bus stand, on a traveler bath house. I started my journey at about 8.00 am. The government is issuing token / ticket for the journey. Since it is a journey on the hillside were land slides and shooting stones are possible, it is also act as a free insurance token for the victim. Usually mishaps does not happen.

On the foothill, the river Ganges flows. People use to bath here before starting their journey and do their prayer at the temple present there. There are lot of shops present for purchasing provisional, food items and offerings.

On the way on uphill, I enjoyed the natural scenery and thanked the mother nature. There are shops on all the way. Government has mended the footpath properly and lighting provided everywhere. There are usually two ways to reach the temple. One way leads to temple via Ardha Kuwari. Also short route is available with stairs, but advising elders and heart patient to follow the sliding footpath.

Since, it is a terror striking area, Government has setup an military base here and one has to cross the check post before entering the foothill.

Almost at the middle of the journey, A temple called Ardha Kuwari (Kumari), found. The place is said to be, where the goddess hide herself there when Bhairavnath chases her for about ten months. So the temple is designed such that one has to crawl inside out and the structure is like mother's womb. The crawling is to remind every one of their birth.

After the visit and collecting luggage from the cloak room (for security reason, luggage are not allowed inside the temple premises), again started my travel.

Since it was on February, Snow fall on the way near the temple enchanted my soul. I really enjoyed the situation.

About 1.00 pm, reached the top. There again has to take bath in a ice chilling water. There are separate bath areas for ladies and gents. Then redressed and kept my luggage in the cloak room.

I bought offerings (they call it as "Bhent") for Goddess near the temple premises itself. Showing my ticket and entered the queue and after security check allowed to enter the sanctum. I felt lucky as there was literally no one in the queue and in the sanctum just there was one family in front of mine. So I had enjoyed the sight of the goddess in the sanctum for a long time.

The goddess here is of the stone form called as "Pindi". Three adjacent stones, which are considered to be the three form of Goddess "Shakthi". The water of the river Ganges flow just below the sanctum. Produced my offerings and collected the tokens.

Then came out and on producing the tokens, I had given a bag contains Goddesses "Prasad".

Collected my bag at cloak room and had a lunch there itself at about 1.30 pm (I had taken fast till the visit of the sanctum) and started my downhill journey. On the way back, reached Bhairavnath temple (After Goddess defeated him, he prayed to goddess that people will shun him. On that she gave him a boon, that people who come to visit me, will also visit you to complete their journey), which is about 2 km from the temple. There is a way from Bhairavnath to the Katra, but closed due to snow fall on those areas.

On a non stop journey, I reached the foothill about 4.30 pm and purchased dry fruits as a mark of my pilgrim trip. Took immediately a bus to Jammu. There I got reservation for a bus to New Delhi, which is about to start at 7.30 pm. I reached New Delhi by 7.30 on 28.02.05.

Do & Don't

* Chant / shout goddess name "Jai mata di".
* Not to carry any thing made of leather (Purse, Belt, Camera cover, etc.,) inside temple premises.
* Free Cloak rooms are available.
* Not to walk out of the paved way.
* Government run free rest halls are available with good facilities.
* Not to use Garlic and Onion prepared food.
* Not to use alcoholic beverages and other drugs.

Wednesday, June 29, 2011

Vaishno Devi Tour Package from Mumbai

Pilgrimage is an expression of one’s belief. There is undoubtedly an invisible force that compels zillions of devotees to visit these well defined pilgrimage centers. Shri Mata Vaishno Devi is one such chief Hindu pilgrimage center that is frequented by countless travelers despite the chilly cold weather and expected landslides. It is the indomitable faith in the superpower that draws people to the Holy Shrine of Vaishno Devi.

At Packagesworldwide.com, we specialize in organizing Vaishno Devi Travel packages. If you are on the lookout for professional Vaishno Devi tour operators, we are here for your help. Our Vaishno Devi Tour packages are inclusive of hotel reservation and transportation services. All you got to have is the strong devotion and will power!



Perched at a height of 5300 feet, Shri Mata Vaishno Devi is located in a hill cave (Trikuta Mountain) in Jammu & Kashmir. The base camp for Shri Vaishno Devi Temple is Katra which stands at a distance of nearly 650 km from Delhi, 48 km from Jammu and 410 km from Chandigarh. Katra is the place from where the pilgrims begin their religious journey. From Katra, it takes nearly 13-14 km to reach Darbar. The path is well maintained and dotted with a number of cafeterias and eating joints. Public utilities are also available easily. The devotees will not face any problem while crossing the route. For those who have a problem in walking such a long distance have the provision of hiring ‘pithoos’ etc.

The significance of the shrine lies in the fact that it contains divine pindis manifesting Goddess Parvati in three distinct forms – Maha Lakshmi, Maha Kali and Maha Saraswati.

Although devotees throng the religious place all round the year, the path gets relatively difficult to cross in winters. During this time, the roads are usually cordoned off as a result of excessive rainfall and snowfall.

So, get ready to receive the blessings of Goddess Shakti!

We also arrange

Vaishno devi tour packages from mumbai

Vaishno devi tour packages from delhi

Twist & turn to the religious trip of Vaishno Devi

An advice passed down from one pilgrim to the other from time immemorial: A trip to Vaishno Devi is not complete unless you pay obeisance to Bhairon Nath. And, if I may add: No trip to the cave goddess is complete unless you visit Patni Top and Sanasar too — a detour that will add some element of fun and challenge to an otherwise religious trip.

The nearly 14-km climb to the temple amid cries in praise of the goddess is a moving experience in itself. The scenes of the frail and the children overcoming all odds in their quest to reach the goddess leave a lasting impression on fellow travellers. Especially, considering there are no murmurs of protest despite the hardships on the way to the hilltop.

It was a couple of months ago, after a long period of indecision and delay, that my near and far ones, both in relation as well as with their place of residence, were able to freeze on the idea to visit the Trikuta Hills, the abode of Vaishno Devi. Once decided, I wasted no time in purchasing our travel tickets, lest the plan changed again. We took an early morning flight from New Delhi to Jammu. Within four hours of stepping out of my home in Gurgaon, we were walking the tarmac of the Jammu airport, ready for our onward journey. As advised by friends, we hired a taxi to Katra, the base town for the hill temple. Unfortunately, we could not book a seat on choppers to the shrine as it was cloudy and unsafe. We reached Katra in two hours and spent some time checking out hotels. We managed to negotiate our stay at almost half the printed rates.

Tuesday, June 28, 2011

Top 10 Sacred Dips in India Where You can Wash off your Sins

Indians are religious and God fearing people. We in our normal routine life engage in lot of religious act like visiting the temple, feeding the cow or watering the holy Tulsi plant. Apart from upholding the Indian tradition, our piety could be love towards God, fear, a mix of both or ways of creating bond with almighty God or simply a way of communication with Him. While there are varied religious activities which Indians indulge in, perhaps the one considered most holy and sacred is taking a dip in the waters of holy rivers. We believe that taking a dip in the sacred rivers would free our souls from the accumulated sins and can release us from the wrench of life.

So here we list Top 10 Sacred Dips in India to take a holy bath and free the souls:
Cauvery River
River Cauvery is considered to be a very sacred river of the southern region of India. It originates from the Brahmagiri Hill in the Western Ghats in Coorg district of Karnataka. The river flows through the states of Tamilnadu and Karnataka in southeastern direction. Thousands of devotees and pilgrims take a holy dip in Cauvery and worship Lord Shiva during various festivals as menitioned in the Taml calendar. The devotees indulge themselves in the holy dip and prayer with the belief of attaining Moksha. The river and the details of its holiness and fame are inscribed in the Tamil literature.

Godawari River
The river Godawari begins at the Western Ghats and flows towards the Eastern Ghats in the southern region of India. Godawari originates from the hills situated in the village Tryanibak at Nasik district in the state of Maharashtra. A dip in the river Godavari is considered very sacred. It is believed that according to the Hindu calendar any individual who will take a holy dip here in the month of Makar or Shravan will be able to cleanse his/her sins. After the dip people take a darshan of Lord Shankara in the Someshwar and Kapaleshwar temples.


Triveni Sangama, Bhagamandala
Bhagamandala is a small pilgrim town and famous for the confluence of three rivers Cauvery, Kannike and mythical river Sujyoti(underground). A dip in the Triveni Sangama(confluencing point) is considered very auspicious. After taking a dip in the Triveni Sangama, devotees worship at the Bhagandeswara temple and then proceed to the holy place Talacauvery, about 8 kilometers to the west.


Ganga Ghats
Ganga Ghats situated at Varanasi are considered to be the holiest places in Varanasi. The Ganga Ghats are always full of pilgrims who flock to the place to take a holy dip in the river Ganges. Be it any special festival or daily ritual a holy dip in Ganges is believed to absolve all from the pangs of birth and death. According to Hindu mythology, Varanasi, the city of Lord Shiva, liberates souls from the human body.


Ganga Sagar
The 2700 Km journey of Mother Ganga ends here to get merged with Bay of Bengal. Also known as Sagar Island, Ganga Sagar is in Southeastern part of West Bengal, India and considered as a religious spot for Hindu pilgrims. It’s about 80 km south of Kolkata, cut off from the main land by Muriganga River. A holy dip in Ganga Sagar is of tremendous impact as it is believed to clear all the accumulated sins. After the dip the pilgrims set for Kapil Muni ashram. Also the devotees head for Fairgrounds, Sea beach at South Sagar, Ramkrisna Mission Ashram and Chimaguri Mudflat.


Tapi

River Tapi flowing through the city of Surat is considered very sacred among the Hindu pilgrims. It is believed that Lord Rama had taken a holy dip in this river to gain Moksha to his father King Dashrath. A holy bath during the solar eclipse is considered of great importance as the river Tapi is believed to have arisen from the sun. Tapti is also known as Suryaputri so this celestial event is the confluence of father and daughter.

Har ki Pauri, Haridwar
One of the most famous and visited sites of Haridwar, Har ki Pauri is considered as one of its five main holy sites. It is believed that this is the place where two Hindu Gods Lord Shiva and Lord Vishnu appeared in the Vedic era. It is also believed that Brahma, the Hindu God of Creation, performed yagana here. It is said that holy footprints of Lord Vishnu is present and preserved in this ghat. People visiting Haridwar take a holy dip here and then worships, attain prayer and float diyas and offerings. It is also known as Brahmakund. Besides the regular dip special festive days in the Hindu calendar evidence thousands of pilgrims accumulating here for a holy dip.


Sangam
Sangam, also known as Triveni Sangam, situated in Allahabad, is a site famous for the merge of three holy rivers Ganga, river Yamuna and the mythical Saraswathi. The confluence offers excellent view during the sunrise and the sunset. Kumbh Mela (held once in 12 years), Ardhkumbh Mela (held once in 6 years), and Maha Mela (held every year) are held on the banks of Sangam during which pilgrims flocks to take a holy dip in the union of three rivers.


Saryu
The ancient holy river Saryu, situated in Ayodhya is known to be the birth place of Lord Rama. Thousands of devotees assemble here during the festivals marked in Hindu calendar like Sawan Jhula Mela, Nag panchami, Ram Navami to take holy dips and free themselves from accumulated sins.


Kudala Sangama, Bagalkot
Kudala Sangama Sukshetra is sited in Bagalkot District, 15 km from the Almatti dam. It’s a sacred confluence of two holy rivers Krishna and Malaprabha. Kudala Sangama is also a center of pilgrimage for devotees of the Lingayat faith. Devotees take holy dip at Kudalasangama and then proceed for the Kudalasangameshwara, Basavanna`s Aikyamantap and other places of worship.

Essence of Kali Puja

When we think of the pujas, the first thoughts are about the exotic pandals, the larger than life idols, the noise and the fine clothes people drape themselves in for the evening. But is this really what the pujas are about? Would anyone spend so much money to erect these exotic residences only to house a set of clay idols on a brightly lit stage? Clay is definitely not an ancient mechanism to pave the way to the spiritual world of the Goddess. So what exactly are we missing that is the main element of this worship?

Observing the decoration, my eyes traveled from the sculptural marvel to the potency at the feet of the clay idols. There "it" stood, a tantrik representation of the Goddess, what looked curious to my ignorant self but started making a lot of sense as the evening progressed. The structure was simple, covered with a cloth and decorated with vilva leaves and hibiscus flower garlands. At its feet were scattered a lot of marigold in offering. On one side was a loaded chilum and on the other side was a curious arrangement of small pots and darbha grass tied into the shape of a triangle with a rectangular piece resting over it. The central tantrik shrine had a shoot rising out of it that held bangles. All this was curiously enclosed within a fence of 4 sticks in the 4 corners tied together with a red thread. Next to this was lit an oil lamp glowing quietly in this flood lit stage.

And then the priest walked in, an old man dressed in red, symbolizing the colors of the divine Mother. This was the opportune moment to rush up to him and ask him all that I could possibly know. And slowly I began to discover the mysterious tantrik representation.

What lay hidden beneath the cloth was the traditional kalash, a pot containing sacred water with possibly a dash of rose water to add fragrance to it. Above it was placed a coconut, not in the traditional kalash representation with its outer fiber removed, but horizontally with its green outer cover intact with the stalk rising out of it. This held the bangles of different kinds, red glass bangles followed by that of shankha [shell] and iron [loha]. There was a pot of water on one side and above it was darbha tied with red thread forming a triangle, possible a yantra representation of the Goddess. Above it was a rectangular wooden piece with a mirror embedded with Swastika painted on it. Above that was placed a perforated pot. While the puja would have had many more ingredients in place like Panchagobbo [5 extracts of the cow], Panchasashya[5 food grains], Panchapallab [5 varieties of leaves] etc. my interest floated towards the meaning of this arrangement which, to the common man outside of Bengal, would have looked curiously new.


The theory behind this arrangement was wonderful as the priest explained it. Water is poured into the perforated pot at regular intervals to bathe the form of the goddess. The water flows over the mirror which reflects her form in the clay idol standing in front, symbolically bathing her as it trickles into the pot below. At anytime, the Divine mother can be viewed through the mirror. A loaded chillum is offered along with incense next to the oil lamp. All other items are lined up to be offered during arti.

And then the dholak began, rhythm so profound that it could send anyone into a trance. My feet tapped the floor as I clapped following the beats and my heart danced into the night with the three mothers. It was the best Kali Ma arti I had ever seen! The beats grew stronger and faster and the priests held up the fire, dancing in divine trance as they showed the great mother the flame. Fire was followed by the fan, choury, shankha, mud pots with food offering, sindhur chubri with a small mirror, comb, bangles etc and sweets, bananas, and finally the dhoop. The evening came to an end and the drumming halted making us realizing how deafening this trance really was. Kali Ma worship came to a close as man and divinity slowly came out of their spiritual trance.

Monday, June 27, 2011

Vaishno Devi Yatra Do's

Before proceeding for the Yatra, do obtain a Yatra slip from Yatra Registration Counter, near Bus Stand, Katra without which one can not proceed beyond Banganga Check Post.


Do get your room reservation done from the Central Office, Shri Mata Vaishno Devi Shrine Board , Katra in case you want to avail rented accommodation at Adhkawari, Sanji Chhat or Bhavan.

Do seek permission from Central Office for using Video Cameras/Handy Cam.

Do confirm the rates of the Porters, Ponies and Palkis before hiring them & ensure that the Porter or the man accompanying the ponies has a valid registration card.

Do obtain a cash receipt for any cash paid at the Shrine Board outlets.

Do put your offerings in the donations boxes kept at various locations or deposit your donations at the donation counters against a proper receipt.

On arrival at Bhavan, do obtain the group number at the Yatra Slip Check Post to get into the queue for Darshans.

Do abide by the procedures and wait for your turn for the Darshans.

Do bathe and wear clean clothes before you enter the queue for the Darshans.

While inside the sanctum sanctorum, do focus your attention on the Holy Pindis of the Goddess and not on any Murtis or idols, as the Goddess has manifested Herself in the form of the Holy Pindis.

Do keep the environment clean. Throw your disposables in the dustbins only.

For any kind of Assistance Do contact offices of

Shri Mata Vaishno Devi Shrine Board at:

Room No. 8, Kalika Bhavan, Bhavan.

Office of the Incharge Sanji Chhat

Office of the Asstt. Manager, Adhkawari.

Office of the Asstt. Manager, Banganga.

Office of the Chief Executive Officer, Central Office, Katra.

Do Co-operate with the security agencies for security checks.

Do help out the Co-Pilgrims and respect their sentiments.

Do take proper care of your cash and belongings and beware of any theft or pick-pockets.

Do bear with the Management during the ‘Morning’ and ‘Evening Aarti’ when the Darshans are closed for about two hours each day.


DONT's


Don’t come to the Holy Shrine for any purpose other than the Darshans of the Deity.

Don’t carry too much jewellery or cash with you.

Don’t each Non-Vegetarian food.

Don’t Smoke or Consume Liquor or other intoxicants whilst on the pilgrimage.

Don’t Play Cards/Chew Pans at Bhavan and enroute.

Don’t throw plastic bags or other disposable on the track, instead use the dustbins provided alongside the track.

Don’t use Soaps or Oils at Bathing Ghats.

Don’t attempt to use stairs closed for repairs or the shortcuts during the pilgrimage. It can be dangerous.

Don’t leave your luggage with strangers instead deposit the same in the Cloak Rooms at various locations.

Don’t eat any thing offered by a stranger.

Don’t paste posters or mutilate the property of the Shrine Board as the same is an offence under the J&K Defacement of Property Act.

Don’t rush for Darshans, but move along a queue and keep patience.

Don’t encourage begging on the track.

Don’t Chant ‘Jai Mata Di’ aloud when inside the cave for Darshans in order to facilitate the Yatris ahead of you, to have proper Darshans of the deity. Chant ‘Jai Mata Di’ in your heart instead.

Don’t offer any cash or jewellery in front of the Holy Pindis rather put the same in the Donation Boxes/Jewellery Boxes.

Don’t attempt to offer any illegal gratification to any functionary of the Shrine Board or any tout for obtaining any out of the turn favours.

Don’t carry any leather items, cameras, combs, pens, cigarettes, weapons or any other prohibited object while getting into the queue for Darshans.

Don’t go to Bhairon Temple before having the Darshans of the Holy Deity at Bhavan. This is prohibited by tradition.

Don’t play stereos very loudly whilst on the pilgrimage or play film songs.

Don’t crowd the place just outside the exit tunnel, instead keep moving.

Don’t rush in for Darshans or crowd the entry point of the queue. Wait for the turn of your group number and get into the queue only when your group number is announced on the Public Address System.

Friday, June 24, 2011

BSNL launches telecom services for Amarnath Yatra

Pan-India telecom operator BSNL today announced the launch of telecom services covering the Amarnath Yatra pilgrimage, which will enable nearly 3 lakh devotees to stay connected with their loved ones back home.

The Amarnath Yatra is organised every year by the Jammu & Kashmir government in the months of July and August.

"We have made BSNL GSM coverage available on the entire Amarnath Yatra route. Pilgrims may like to carry BSNL mobiles to avail uninterrupted coverage," state-run BSNL CMD R K Updhyaya said.

Every year, around 3 lakh pilgrims visit Amarnath Yatra, for which the devotees have to trek to a height of 14,500 feet.

Tuesday, June 21, 2011

Quotes by Swami Vivekananda

Here are some famous inspirational Swami Vivekananda Quotes and Sayings. Swami Vivekananda, the chief disciple of Sri Ramakrishna Paramahamsa, was an inspiring personality for not only India but also in the western countries. Swami Vivekananda founded the Ramakrishna Mission in 1897 to spread the teachings on Sri Ramakrishna Paramahamsa.

All power is within you. You can do anything and everything. Believe in that. Do not believe that you are weak; do not believe that you are half-crazy lunatics, as most of us do nowadays. Stand up and express the divinity within you.



 Even the greatest fool can accomplish a task if it were after his or her heart. But the intelligent ones are those who can convert every work into one that suits their taste.



“The earth is enjoyed by heroes”—this is the unfailing truth. Be a hero. Always say, “I have no fear.”



Desire, want, is the father of all misery. Desires are bound by the laws of success and failure. Desires must bring misery. The great secret of true success, of true happiness, is this: the person who asks for no return, the perfectly unselfish person, is the most successful. ~ Quotes by Swami Vivekananda

Download Mata Maha Lakshmi Astakam for free

Download Mata Maha Lakshmi Astakam for free. Mahalakshmi Astakam is the Hindu devotional stotra address to Goddess Lakshmi Devi, the divine consort of Lord Vishnu. Chanting Mahalakshmi Ashtakam with great devotion will help to remove all your financial worries and attain financial wealth and prosperity in life with the blessings of Goddess Laksmi

Maha Lakshmi Ashtakam Stotra MP3 Free Download



Santoshi mata's KATHA in English

(If you want in Hindi Katha.... please see after that in Roman)

There was an old woman, she had seven sons. Six of them were working hard and one was lazy and not working. The old woman would make food and feed the six sons, whatever remnants were there she would serve the seventh son. The younger son was innocent and was not aware of this.

One day he told his wife - "See, how much my mother loves me?" She said - "Why not, she gives you the remnants of everyone to eat." He said, "What, how can such a thing be? Till the eyes see, I cannot believe what you say. The wife laughed and said, " Will you believe once you see yourself?"

After a few days there was a festival in the house. Seven types of food and laddoo [sweet dish] were prepared. To check out the truth he made an excuse of headache and went to the kitchen and laid down covering his face with a thin cloth, through which he was watching everything. The six brothers came into the kitchen for food. He saw his mother had spread beautiful seats for them and served them the seven varieties of foods. She was serving them the food with love. He kept on watching. The six brothers ate their food and got up. The mother took from their plates the leftovers and from the pieces of the ladoo, made a ladoo out of it.

After clearing the leftovers, the mother called out to the son- " Get up son, the six brothers have eaten and gone. You are left, get up. When will you eat?" He started saying, "Mother I do not wish to have food. I am going out of the country." The mother said, "If you are planning to go tomorrow go today." He said, "Yes, Yes. I am going today only."

Saying this he left the house. While leaving the house he remembered his wife. She was in the cow stable making cakes of cow-dung. He went there and said, "I am going away to another country for some time. You stay in peace and do your duty." She said, " Go in peace do not worry about me. I will stay in the care of Lord Rama, Lord be with you. Give me something of yours to remember, in all your worries and work do not forget me."

He said, " I have nothing, only this ring. You take this and give me something of yours as a remembrance." She said, " What do I have? I have only this hand full of cow-dung." Saying thus she put her hands filled with the cow-dung as a mark on his back. And he went away.

Thus walking and walking he reached a far land where he reached the shop of a merchant. Going there he said, " Brother, keep me as your servant." The merchant needed one so he asked him to stay. The boy asked him. "How much salary he would give?" The merchant replied, "You will be paid after I see how you work."

He got the job from the merchant. He used to work from morning 7am to 2pm in the afternoon. In a few days, he managed the transactions, accounts, selling of the items to the customers and managed all the work. The merchant had seven to eight servants and they were all astonished. He was very intelligent. The businessman seeing his work made him his partner sharing 50% of the profits within 3 months. In 12 years he became a famous businessman and the owner left all the work on his shoulders and went out of the country.

Now what happened to the daughter-in-law, kindly listen?

The mother-in-law and father-in-law started troubling her a lot. The complete household burden was put on her and she was also sent to collect wood from the forest. During this time, the grain from which the rotis [chapathi] are made- the husk [bhoosa] was removed and the roti was made and kept for her and in the broken coconut shell water was kept. This way the days passed by.

One day, while when she was going to collect the wood on the way, she met many women who were doing the Santoshi Mata Vrat [fasting]. She stood there and heard the story, then she asked them, "Sisters, you are doing this fast for which God, and doing this fast-what fruit do you achieve? What are the rules to perform this fast? If you can explain to me the steps to perform the rituals of this fast I would be highly obliged to you."

Then one of the women said to her, -"Listen, this is the vrat [fast] of Santoshi Mata. From this calamity, poverty is wiped out. Wealth comes in. All worries are removed. If there is happiness in the house, the mind is happy and peaceful. Barren woman begets a child. If the husband has gone out he will return immediately. Unmarried girls get their own choice of husbands. Court cases which are being on for long time would be resolved fast. If there are quarrels in the house, there will be peace and happiness, prosperity will be there in the house, money and land will be got, sickness would go away and thus whatever desire you have in the mind this Santoshi Mata's blessings will fulfill them. There is no doubt about it."

She then started asking, "How is this fast kept? Could you please explain to me? I would be very grateful to you."

The woman began explaining- "Buy 1 ¼ Anna jaggery and grams (olden days we had Anna's and 16 Anna's made a rupee). If you desire you can buy for 5 ¼ Anna's or 1 ¼ rupee as per your capacity you can buy, without any botheration as per your devotion and love you should buy. Right from 1 ¼ paise to 5 ¼ Anna's upto your capacity of strength and devotion you can buy. Every Friday, keep a fast - do not eat food and listen or read this story. There should be no break, continuously follow the rules and keep the fast. If you do not get anyone to listen to the story, then light a lamp with ghee or keep the vessel with water in front of you and read the story but see that the rule is broken. Continue till the results happen following the rules and performing the fast. On the fulfillment of the desire do the Udyapan (final day).

Within 3 months the mother fulfills the desire - in between if one's stars (astrological) is not favorable, then too the mother fulfills the desire. On the fulfillment of the desire only should the Udyapan be done, not in between. On the Udyapan day one should make 2 ½ kg grounded cashew, kheer and gram curry. You must feed 8 boys with this food. As far as possible let the boys be from the close- immediate family members that is elder/younger broth-in-law's son, relatives and family. If they are not there, then you can get other relatives or from the neighbor's son can be invited. Give them food and as per your capacity give them gifts and complete the rules of the rituals of the Mata. On that day no one should eat sour items in the house.

After hearing this old woman's daughter-in-law went away. On the way she sold the wood she had collected and with that money she purchased jaggery and grams and prepared for the Mata's vrat (fast). Walking along she saw a temple and she started inquiring "Whose temple is this?" Everyone started saying, "This is the temple of Santoshi Mata (Mother)." Hearing this is the temple of the Mata she went in and fell at the feet of the Mother.

She started praying very sadly. "Mother, I am an ignorant woman, I do not know the rules to perform this vrat. I am very unhappy. Hey Mother! Goddess of the world please remove my unhappiness, I have come to your shelter."

Mother got compassion, one Friday passed and the next Friday somebody brought a letter from her husband and the third Friday she received the money sent by him. Seeing this, the elder brother-in-law and his wife made faces. In so many days so much money has come, what is so great? Boys started taunting her,"Money has started coming, now respect for Kaki (brother's wife) will increase, brother!"

"Letter comes, money comes it is good for all of us." Saying thus with eyes full of tears she went to the Santoshi Mata's temple and at the feet of Mateshwari (Goddess Mother) she started crying. "Mother! When did I ask for money? What work do I have from money? I have only work with my husband. I have prayed to see my husband again and serve him."

Then the Mother being pleased said, "Go daughter! Your husband will come." Hearing this she became happy and returned home and started doing her work.

Now Mother Santoshi started thinking, " I said this to the innocent woman. But from where will her husband come? He does not even remember her in his dreams! I will have to go to him to remind him." In this way, Mataji went in the dreams of the old woman's son and began saying.

"Wealthy man's son, are you sleeping or awake?" He replies, "Mother I am neither sleeping nor awake. Kindly tell me what do you wish to instruct to me?" Mother started saying, " Do you have a family - Yes or No?" He replied, "I have everyone, Mother! Mother-father, wife I have nothing less." Mother said, "Innocent son! Your wife is taking lots of trouble, your father - mother is giving her plenty of trouble. You should inquire about her."

He said, "Yes, Mataji, I know about it but how do I go back? This is another country, there is no limit of buying and selling transactions, there is no road for going which I can see." Mother started saying, listen to me, "In the morning after having taken bath, take the name of Santoshi Mata, burn a lamp with ghee. Then go and sit in the shop. Slowly your liabilities will be over. Your stores will be sold. By evening heaps of wealth will be formed."

Now he got up early and shared his dream with his friends. They all told him, "Do any dreams come true?" One old man said, " Listen to me, instead of doubting the truth or falsehood of the dream, following what God has instructed what will you loose? Now listen to the old man. After bathing, pray to Santoshi Mata, light a lamp of ghee, and go and sit in the shop."

In a short while what does he see, the borrowers started returning the money and the lenders started taking back their money? People started buying the stocks in cash only. By evening he had collected plenty of wealth. In his mind he continuously took the name of Mata and watched the miracle. Being happy he purchased jewelry, clothes and things to take to his house. Having completed the work here he immediately left for his hometown.

There the wife has gone to the forest to collect wood, on the return she rested at the Santoshi Mata Temple. This was her regular everyday place of halt to rest. Seeing the dust flying from far she asked Mataji, " Oh Mataji, Why is this dust flying? " Mother says to her, " Oh daughter! Your husband is coming. Now make three bundles from the wood. One you keep on the bank of the river, one in the temple and the third keep on your head. Seeing the bundle of wood your husband will have desire and he will stop at the temple, make some snacks. And then go to the mother". Then carrying the burden of wood remove it from your head and in the center of the lane cry out three times loudly, " Take, mother-in-law! Take the bundle of wood, give me the roti of husk and in the coconut shell give me water! Today which guest has come? Listen to the Mother, daughter-in-law."

The daughter-in-law said, "Ok, Yes Mother!" Then happily made three bundles from the wood. She kept one at the bank of the river, one in the temple of Mataji and at that time one traveler reached there. Seeing the dried wood the desire to rest and make some food came in his mind. After resting he went to the village. He met everyone with love.

At the same time the wife comes along with the bundle of wood. Keeping the heavy bundle of wood in the compound, she cried out loudly, "Take mother-in-law, take the bundle of wood, give me the husk roti, give me in the broken coconut shell water. Today who has come?"

Hearing this the mother-in-law to hide her trouble says, "Daughter-in-law! Why do you say thus?

Your Lord (husband) has come. Come in have sweet rice meal, wear clothes and jewelry!"

Meanwhile hearing the voice the husband comes out and seeing the ring gets astonished. He asks his mother, " Mother, Who is this lady?" The mother says, "Son, she is your wife. Today 12 years have passed, from the time you left she roams about like an animal in the whole village. She does none of the household chores. Four times she comes and eats, seeing you she is asking for husk roti and water in the coconut shell."

Being ashamed he said, " It's alright mother! I have seen her and seen you also. Now give me the keys of the other house so I can live there." Then the mother said, "It's alright son! As you wish." Here is the bundle of keys, which she threw forcefully on the floor.

He picked the keys and went to the next house. Opening the room on the third floor he kept all the things. Within one day the house was decorated like a King's palace.

Now what happens? The wife started enjoying happiness; meanwhile the next Friday comes. She told her husband, " I want to do the Udyapan of Santoshi Mata Vrat." Her husband said, " Very good! Do it happily."

Immediately she started preparing for the Udyapan. She went to invite the sons of her elder brother-in-laws for lunch. She accepted the invitation but the other middle sister-in-law teaches her son, " See! All of you ask for sour item by which her Udyapan would not be completed."

The boys came for the lunch; they ate stomachful helpings of Kheer. But remembering the words of the mother began saying, "Give us something sour, we do not like eating Kheer. Seeing it we are feeling uneasy." The daughter-in-law started saying, " No one will get any sour item. This is the prasad of Santoshi Mata." The boys stood up and said, "Give money!" The innocent daughter-in-law knowing nothing gave them money. The boys at that moment stubbornly purchased imli (tamarind) and started eating.

Seeing this the Mother cursed the daughter-in-law. The soldiers of the King arrested her husband and took him away. The brothers and sister-in-law started falsely making statements, "Always looting, he has collected this wealth." The soldiers of the King took him away. Now everything will be known once he gets beating in the jail. The wife could not bear to hear this statement. Crying she went to the temple of Mataji.

She began saying, " Mother! What is this you did? Why did you make me cry?" Mother said, "Daughter, you have done the Udyapan and spoiled the Vrat. So soon you forgot all the talks."

She started saying, "Mother I have not forgotten, nor committed any sin. The boys made me forget and forgetting I gave them money, forgive me Mother!" Mother said. " Does one forget thus?" She said,"Mother please forgive me, I will do your Udyapan again." Mother said, " Now make no mistake". She says, " Now no mistake will be committed. Mother please tell me now how will he come." Mother said, " Go daughter, you will find your husband coming on the way."

She went from there and on the way she found her husband. She asked him, "Where did you go?" Then he started saying, " He had earned so much of wealth so the King wanted him to pay the taxes, he had gone to pay the taxes." Being happy she said, "Good thing happened, let's go home."

They went home.

After few days once again Friday came, she said to her husband- "I want to once again do the Udyapan of Mataji." The husband said, "Do it."

She again went to invite the sons of her elder brother-in-laws. The sister-in-laws taunted her and started teaching the sons, " You all in the beginning only ask for sour item." The boys started saying, " We do not like eating Kheer, we get uneasy, give us something sour to eat." She said, "You will get no sour item, if you desire then eat only." Then she got the Brahmin's sons and started feeding them. As per her capacity in place of money she gave each one -one fruit. This pleased Santoshi Mata.

With the blessings of the Mother in the New Year she got a moon-like son. Taking her son everyday she went to the Mataji's temple. Mother thought, "She is coming everyday, today why should I not go to her house and see her on this pretext." Thus thinking, Mata made a fearful form. With jaggery and gram made a thin face and on top made horns and mosquitoes were hovering around. Putting her foot on the doorstep the mother-in-law shouted. "See, some wicked witch is coming. Boys drive her away, otherwise she may eat anyone." The boys got frightened and started closing the windows.

The daughter-in-law saw through one peephole. Happily in a maddening voice she was screaming. " Today my Mataji has come to my house." Saying thus she moved her child whom she was feeding milk. Meanwhile the mother-in-law got angry.

She said, " Prostitute, why are you getting excited?" She banged the child. Meanwhile with the aura of the Mother everywhere there were boys standing. She said, " Mother, the fast which I am keeping this is the same Santoshi Ma". Saying thus she opened all the doors and windows of the house. Everyone caught the feet of Mataji and prayed to her, "Hey Mata, [dear mother] we are fools, sinners, we do not know the rules of your fast, spoiling your fast we did very big mistake. Hey Jagatmata- Mother of the world! Forgive our mistake." This way the Mother became happy.

How Mother rewarded the daughter-in-law in the same way reward everyone. Those who read the story their wishes are fulfilled.

Say Santoshi Mata ki Jai.

Saturday, June 18, 2011

How to Do Surya Namaskar Steps Mantras

Learn how to do Surya Namaskar, its advantages, Surya Namaskar mantras, and the step by step poses and position of the 12 postures of Sun Salutation. Surya Namaskar, which literally means ‘Salutation to The Sun’, is a complete meditative technique and one of the popular forms of Hatha Yoga. Surya Namaskar includes Asanas, Pranayama, Mantras and Mudras and practicing this technique daily is beneficial for the health of the individuals. The Pranayama of Surya Namaskar helps for the flow of fresh oxygen into your body and mind and the various body movements stretch all the important organs of the body. Surya Namaskar includes the combination of 12 different postures with a specific breathing pattern which helps to strengthen and unblock the whole system


How to do Surya Namaskar - Sun Salutation Steps & Postures



Morning is the right time to practice Surya Namaskar as the early morning sunrays are rich source of Vitamin D which is required for strong bones and clear eyesight. You can use a carpet or a small piece of cloth for doing this. There are twelve mantras for each of the twelve postures and these mantras are to be recited for each posture.




Following are the different postures in Surya Namaskar

Surya Namaskar First Posture Namaskarasana



First Posture – Namaskarasana



You should be in a standing position with palms folded in front of your chest, feet together and toes touching each other. Breathe as usual and recite the mantra.



Mantra - Om Mitrayah Namaha



Advantages - The mind and body turn out to be healthy



Second Posture – Parvatasana



Surya Namaskar Second Posture ParvatasanaLift your arms over your head and shoulders, with palms touching each other. The biceps should touch the ears. Inhale and stretch your abdomen to the maximum extent and tilt backwards.



Mantra - Om Ravaye Namah



Advantages - A good exercise for the shoulders and the food pipe (Esophagus). Vision is also enhanced.



Third Posture - Namaskara Hastapadasana



Surya Namaskar Third Posture Namaskara HastapadasanaBreathe in deeply and hold the breath. Bend forward without folding the knees and keep the palms on the floor. Touch your knees with the forehead and exhale deeply. Initially, if you are not able to keep the palms on the floor, you can just touch it with the fingers.



Mantra - Om Suryaya Namaha



Advantages -  This exercise is a remedy for belly and digestive ailments. The chest and hands become strong and your body grows to be well balanced. Also, diseases of the feet and fingers are set right.



Fourth Posture - Ekapada Prasaranasana



Surya Namaskar Fourth Posture Ekapada PrasaranasanaBreathe in and drag your right leg backward, with the knee and fingers of the foot touching the floor. Press hard the abdomen and belly such that they touch the left leg. Now raise your head as high as possible and look upward. Hold breath and resume in the posture for sometime. 



Mantra - Om Bhanave Namaha



Advantages - As this exercise stretches the small intestine and the seminal vesicles, it is a good remedy for constipation and diseases of the liver. Besides, thinness of the semen and diseases of throat are also corrected.



Fifth Posture - Bhudharasana



Surya Namaskar Fifth Posture BhudharasanaBreathe in deeply and hold it. Pull both the legs backwards and keep the thumbs of the feet, ankles and knees touching each other. Keep the head, waist, the back and the elbows in a line and bend forward with the palms on the floor. Your body looks like a bow now.



Mantra - Om Khagaya Namaha



Advantages - This movement helps to relieve from the pains - especially of arms, legs and the knees. It is also good for the abdominal disorders.



Sixth Posture - Ashthanga Pranipatasana



Surya Namaskar Sixth Posture Ashthanga PranipatasanaInhale and hold the breath. Keep the knees on the floor and make the chest and forehead to touch the floor. The palms are to be placed on the side of the chest. Ensure that the abdomen should not touch the floor and drag it.



Mantra - Om Pusane Namaha



Advantages - This exercise makes the arms strong and if ladies perform this Asana before getting pregnant, the child could be prevented from many diseases.

Surya Namaskar Seventh Posture Bhujangasana

Seventh Position – Bhujangasana



Inhaling the breath, lower your waist and raise your upper body. Now look upwards and keep the arms straight.



Mantra - Om Hiranya-Garbhaya Namaha





Surya Namaskar Eight Posture BhudharasanaAdvantages - Apart from toning up the body and the back muscles, this Asana improves eyesight. Disorders related to the reproductive system and the irregularities in female’s menstrual cycle are corrected. Also improves blood circulation.





Eighth Posture – Bhudharasana



This position is the same as that of Bhudharasana, explained in fifth position.



Surya Namaskar Ninth Posture Ekapada PrasaranasanaMantra - Om Marichiye Namaha



Ninth Posture - Ekapada Prasaranasana



Repeat the process of fourth position.





Mantra - Om Adityaya Namaha



Surya Namaskar Tenth Posture Namaskara HastapadasanaTenth Posture - Namaskara Hastapadasana



The position is same as that of the third one.



Mantra - Om Savitre Namaha



Eleventh Posture – Parvatasana



The procedure is same as that of step two.



Surya Namaskar Eleventh Posture ParvatasanaMantra - Om Arkaya Namaha



Twelfth Posture – Namaskarasana



Same as that of first position



Mantra - Om Bhaskaraya Namaha



This full round of Surya Namaskar can be repeated as many times as possible.

Surya Namaskar 12th Twelfth Posture Namaskarasana
“Om Sri Savitra Soorya Narayanaaya Namah”

Thursday, June 16, 2011

CHAR DHAM YATRA

Tour and Travels operator for Char Dham Darshan

We provide services for travel and tour in India, especially in the Himalayas. Below is a description of our Char Dham tour in the Himalayas. Char Dham mean the 4 very important holy places of Yamunotri, Gangotri, Badrinath and Kedarnath.
We can also provide trekking tours Hemkund Sahib and many more u can ask, in case of any new query. We provide hotels,food and vehicles. Our team members are always ready for you. We will try our best for solving your problems.

Char Dham

Char Dham is referred to the four Hindu religious place in Uttarakhand state of India. These are Yamunotri, Gangotri, Badrinath and Kedarnath. Traditionally, the Char dham yatra is undertaken from the west to the east. Thus, the yatra starts from Yamunotri, then proceeding to Gangotri and finally to Kedarnath and Badrinath.

Amongst the four CharDham-Darshan, Yamunotri and Gangotri are dedicated to goddesses Yamuna and Ganga respectively. On the other hand, Kedarnath is dedicated to Lord Shiva while Badrinath is dedicated to Lord Vishnu.

Moreover, people also visit mathura vrindavan . Thus, people visit all these places in aspiration of washing away their sins and to attain salvation, by the blessings of the Lord.They fell satisfaction by vrindavan darshan. You can take the help of char dham yatra map.

Yamunotri

Yamunotri is another religious spots in the state of Uttarakhand. It is one of the in India and holds great religious importance. Char DhamYamunotri is the source of sacred river Yamuna and also the goddess Yamuna. In effect, it is one of the must visit places from travel and tourism point of view.

Gangotri

One of the four sites amongst the holiest places, Char Dham in India, is Gangotri. This sacred city is located in the northern part of the state of Uttarakhand. It is known as the source of River Ganges and also the Goddess Ganga. Gangotri is an ideal location for all those who wish to take a dip into the oceans of divinity, as well as those have a thirst for adventure. This makes Gangotri an ideal spot in terms of travel and tourism. Gangotri also has a strong historical past and bears the eternal feel of antiquity. According to mythological records, King Bhagirath did penance here, after which, as per Lord Shiva's wishes, River Ganges came down on earth. However, to save the earth from the fierce force of the river, Lord Shiva held her in his locks. Thus, river Ganges is also known as Bhagirathi here.

Kedarnath Badrinath

Kedarnath Badrinath yatra is a sacred town situated in the state of Uttarakhand of India. It can even be called as one of the best Char Dham places as it is located at Himalayas, near the river Mandakini. People also like ti visit amarnath darshan. You can also visit by helicopter to badrinath. Very interesting sites are there where you can find different facilities provided for amarnath travels and tours. Visitors can take the help of chardham map for convenience.


Badrinath

Badrinath Temple is one of the holiest Hindu shrines in India. It is situated in the hill town of Badrinath in the Chamoli district of Uttarakhand state. Along the river Alaknanda, the temple is essentially a Lord Vishnu shrine. Also known by the names Badri Vishal and Badrinarayan, it is one of the Char Dham sites and the one amongst 108 Divya Desams. This has contributed to the fact that Badrinath is vital with reference to travel and tourism.

There are a number of hot water pools here namely Tapt Kund, Narad Kund etc. These pools are filled with hot steaming water in the winter months

Haridwar Rishikesh

Although people visit haridwar to rishikesh by helicopter. The tourist like its natural beauty and of course religious. There you find ashram at rishikesh. The Kedarnath is dedicated to Lord Shiva and is built by Adi Sankaracharya. The temple remains open only for a period of six months, due to heavy snowfall in the winter months. The temple is not directly reachable by road.

Mathura Daan Ghati Temple


Daan-Ghati is one of the two main temple constructions in Goverdhan, close to Mathura, India. The structure of the other temple is famed as “Dasvisa”.

Inside the temple of Daan Ghati, there is a beautiful deity who is in the form of a rock actually. It is belief that every year, the deity of Daan Ghati temple is to be going down on the earth by the minority millimeters. According to local citizens, they are sure regarding this matter but there is a lake of scientific proof.

After the period of time, slowly the place of the main shrine of the town has been taken over by the Daan Ghati temple. Another fact added that there has been quite a little of commercialization of the temple structure.

Regeneration of this temple was started by a Daan-Ghati management committee. In 1970, Daan Ghati temple was constituted by Late Shri Gopal Prasad Kaushik. - One of the well-known citizens of the town.

With the passing of the time, the committee was handled by different people at dissimilar times. Common place is lobbying there and latterly a government appointed receiver who is in charge of the temple management and also he has the responsibility to run the temple.

This place has become an interesting place for tourist and commercial interests are also growing.

Durga Temple - Varanasi

The Durga Temple is located in Ramnagar, Banaras ( - or Varanasi), Uttar Pradesh, India. It is said that This Durga Mandir was constructed before 500 years but currently it is under control of a regal family of Banaras. This Durga Mandir is devoted to Goddess Durga-the powerful deity of Hinduism.


The Durga Mandir is built with a very large stone and a beautiful pond which raises the beauty of the temple is there. The temple of Goddess Durga boasts of its excellent work with fine stone. The work art of this temple is reputed as tremendous example of “North Indian Stone work arts”.


The Durga Mandir is based on the square form, square stage including the square campus. The temple has stage which contains some rooms where the “Yogas” are performed and sometimes it also used the staff. There are lots of green plants and trees which raise the atmosphere of the temple very cool. There is a place where visitors can walk in the campus of the building.

Temple Structure

The temple is based on square shape. It has a square campus. The main building of temple is built of a square shaped stage. The shape of building is also square. The stage of the temple contains rooms in it, which are used for temple's staff purposes and sometimes, for Yagya.

The campus is a green campus with trees and plants. Visitor can walk around the main temple building in the campus. It's useful since, some worshippers walk around the building of temples for religious reasons in Hinduism.

The temple has a huge square pond in front of it. The pond is with stone stairs in all sides and four watch pillars on each corner. There is a shade made of stone also at one side of the pond.

The stone work on the walls of temple building also emphasizes the square shape. The temple wall has designs built in square shaped blocks and ornamental scrawls.

Wednesday, June 15, 2011

Warangal 1000 pillars temple

Tourist Information of Warangal

Where is Warangal 1000 pillars Temple Warangal is 145 km northeast of the state capital of Hyderabad. Warangal is the administrative seat of Warangal District. It is the fourth largest city in Andhra Pradesh with a population of nearly 656,298 in the year 2009.

How to Reach Warangal 1000 pillars Temple
By Road:Busses from Hyderabad,Karimnagar
By Train:Trains from Hyderabad


History of Warangal 1000 pillars Temple
Warangal was the capital of a Hindu Shaivaite kingdom[citation needed] ruled by the Kakatiya dynasty from the 12th to the 14th centuries.The old name of this newly formed city is Orugallu. 'Oru' means one and 'Kallu' means stone. The entire city was carved in a single rock, hence the name Orukallu meaning 'one rock'. The city was also called Ekasila nagaram. The Kakatiyas left many monuments, including an impressive fortress, four massive stone gateways, the Swayambhu temple dedicated to Shiva, and the Ramappa temple situated near Ramappa Lake. The cultural and administrative distinction of the Kakatiyas was mentioned by the famous traveller Marco Polo. Famous or well-known rulers included Ganapathi Deva, Prathapa Rudra, and Rani (queen) Rudramma Devi. After the defeat of PratapaRudra, the Musunuri Nayaks united seventy two Nayak chieftains and captured Warangal from Delhi sultanate and ruled for fifty years. Jealousy and mutual rivalry between Nayaks ultimately led to the downfall of Hindus in 1370 A.D. and success of Bahmanis. Bahmani Sultanate later broke up into several smaller sultanates, of which the Golconda sultanate ruled Warangal. The Mughal emperor Aurangzeb conquered Golconda in 1687, and it remained part of the Mughal empire until the southern provinces of the empire split away to become the state of Hyderabad in 1724 which included the Telangana region and some parts of Maharashtra and Karnataka. Hyderabad was annexed to India in 1948, and became an Indian state. In 1956 Hyderabad was partitioned as part of the States Reorganization Act, and Telangana, the Telugu-speaking region of Hyderabad state which includes Warangal, became part of Andhra Pradesh.The Orugallu Fort and Veyyi Stambhala Gudi (Thousand Pillar Temple) have history, architecture and sculpture and are probably among the best of Indian temples. Kakatiya dynasty, that ruled Andhr a region from 750 AD – 1325 AD – for 575 years, still lives in the ruins of the fort and almost intact temple. You can get a first hand of the dynasty’s taste for sculpture in Veyyi Stambhala Gudi or 1000 Pillar Temple. It has a catchy and apt name. Are there thousand pillars? Yes there are – of many varieties and sizes; some of them are even part of others! The pillars that support the central ‘Natya Mandapam’ (dance floor) are large and made of multiple blocks of stone.The other catch is psychological. When you hear“Veyyi Stambalu” (thousand pillars) you imagine a farm of pillars. For my expectation, the temple was much smaller. More so because a mandapam (see left of the picture below), that contributes 400 of 1000 pillars, was dismantled by the Archeological Survey of India for reconstruction. Unlike pillars in other temples of India, pillars of the main temple, are tightly knit and form its walls and so don’t seem like there are 600 of them.The temple is star shaped with tree shrines devoted to Rudradeva (Shiva), Vishnu, and Surya (Sun). Interestingly, the third deity is not Brahma who is part of the Trinity of God [as in the Trinity (which consists of Brahma, Vishnu, and Shiva) in Suchindrum] because the Kakatiyas worshipped Lord Shiva and Lord Surya and not so much Brahma. On the fourth side is Shiva’s vehicle, Nandi or Bull.Unlike most temples in India that face east, 1000 pillar temple faces south. Because, the Kakatiyas, worshipers of Lord Shiva, wanted early morning sun rays to fall directly on Shiva Lingam. So, of the three shrines, Shiva’s shrine faces east and other shrines face south and west. On the fourth side is Nandi. Adding to the uniqueness, the Nandi in 1000 pillar temple looks east, unlike most Nandis in Indian temples that look west.
Places to be seen in Warangal
This temple is one of the finest examples of Kakatiya architecture and a testimony to the Vishwakarma Brahmin's excellence in sculpture. Built by Rudra Deva built in 1163 in the style of Chalukyan temple art, it is star shaped and triple shrined. Recently, when the archeological department was conducting excavations, they found a water well below the kalyanamandapam, which leads to the conclusion that the foundation of this wonderful structure was built on water!
Importance of Warangal 1000 pillars Temple
Unlike pillars in other temples of India, pillars of the main temple, are tightly knit and form its walls and so don’t seem like there are 600 of them.The temple is star shaped with tree shrines devoted to Rudradeva (Shiva), Vishnu, and Surya (Sun). Interestingly, the third deity is not Brahma who is part of the Trinity of God [as in the Trinity (which consists of Brahma, Vishnu, and Shiva) in Suchindrum] because the Kakatiyas worshipped Lord Shiva and Lord Surya and not so much Brahma. On the fourth side is Shiva’s vehicle, Nandi or Bull.Unlike most temples in India that face east, 1000 pillar temple faces south. Because, the Kakatiyas, worshipers of Lord Shiva, wanted early morning sun rays to fall directly on Shiva Lingam. So, of the three shrines, Shiva’s shrine faces east and other shrines face south and west. On the fourth side is Nandi. Adding to the uniqueness, the Nandi in 1000 pillar temple looks east, unlike most Nandis in Indian temples that look west.

Zarasangam Sri kathakisangameshwara swamy

Tourist Information of Zarasangam Where is Zarasangam Sri kathakisangameshwara swamy Temple Zarasangam Sangameshwara Swamy Temple: Located 26 km from Medak. How to Reach Zarasangam Sri kathakisangameshwara swamy Temple

By Road:Busses from Hyderabad
By Train:Trains from Hyderabad


History of Zarasangam Sri kathakisangameshwara swamy Temple this temple is supposed to be the place where the trinity of the Hindu Pantheon Brahma, Vishnu & Maheshwara united and hence it is called Sangameshwaram. Ketaki flower is considered a very auspicious offering to Lord Sangameshwara. Also known as Sapta Nandi Sangam, this is the sacred confluence of the Bhavanasi and Krishna Rivers. This scenic spot has a temple with a wooden Lingam. Thousands of pilgrims congregate here on Mahasivaratri day. In olden days ,a apsara named kruta told wrong evidence for that lord shiva angrily punished her.after that she was born as a tree with so many flowers to it.she was worshiped with ketaki and she will be borned on the earth then she get moksham if she worshiped with ketaki flowers. After completing viswashruti program ,bhrama was finding the place to medidate he worshiped lord paramashiva present near ketaki tree and he appeared . for his meditation lord shiva excepted his desire and told that I will accept all the puja’s life long here only told to brahma. From that time maheshwara was in the shape of arrow idol lingam,from that time he was worshiped by ketaki. Here lord shiva as called as ketaki Sangameshwara because brahma had darshan of lord shiva and ketaki worshipped. In krutayugam,king sri krupandra bupaludu was suffering from skin disease.he worshipped every god in every where.but no use.one day ketaki went to forest for hunting in the mean while he was feeling thusty ,he was searching for water he found a pond.he draink the water and went home.by drinking that water he was cured from disease suffering of it.
Places to be seen in Zarasangam
Ketaki flower is considered a very auspicious offering to Lord Sangameshwara. Also known as Sapta Nandi Sangam, this is the sacred confluence of the Bhavanasi and Krishna Rivers. This scenic spot has a temple with a wooden Lingam.
Importance of Zarasangam Sri kathakisangameshwara swamy
In shravana masam and karthika masam every Monday,on amavasya day pilgrims come here to worship god and offer puja’s.for parvathi devi kukum archana is conducted.

BUDDHA Temples in India

Amaravathi Temple

On the southern bank of the River Krishna in Guntur district lies the modern day town of Amaravati. The capital of the later Satavahanas, it was known as Dhanyakataka and was an important junction with trade routes branching out in all directions. And along these trade routes were spread Buddhism and Buddhist influence. Thus one has a string of Buddhist sites today all along the coast, northwards and southwards from Amaravati. The vibrant ports in the east were utilised to launch Buddhism overseas Burma and Sri Lanka were brought into the Buddhist fold. Today Amaravati contains a huge stupa covered with marble sculpture. The imposing structure is 38 metres high and has a number of carvings portraying the life of Buddha. Amaravati was considered the most sacred pilgrim centre of Buddhists in India. The town is just 60 kms from Vijayawada and about 35 kms from the district headquarters city of Guntur. Though there is accommodation available at Amaravati in the form of a tourist complex and government traveller's bungalows, tourists prefer hotel accommodation at Vijayawada or Guntur.

Anupa Temple

While the Nagarjunasagar dam was being constructed, excavations revealed ruins of an ancient Buddhist university. As the reservoir would submerge the ruins, the entire site was shifted and reconstructed 4 kms away at Anupu near Nagarjunasagar.

Bavikonda Temple

Most parts of North Coastal Andhra Pradesh were part of the ancient Kalinga kingdom. At Bavikonda near Visakhapatnam, an extensive Buddhist settlement was unearthed. The name Bavikonda means hill of the wells. This would be because the settlement has its own drinking water wells. There are several stupas and a big congregation hall. The site is approachable from the port city of Visakhapatnam.

Battiprolu Temple

Located near the Krishna River of Guntur district, Bhattiprolu has what is considered to be the most ancient stupa. The ancient name of this settlement was Prathipalapura and the pre-Mauryan Stupa contained a Buddhist relic. The crystal casket in which the relic was secured is at present worshipped at the Mahabodhi Society temple at Kolkata. The Maha Chaitya built to enshrine the relic at Prathipalapura is over 40 metres in diameter. Bhattiprolu is about 40 kms from Guntur and can be reached by road or even rail on the Repalle line. State transport buses ply frequently from Guntur.

Chandavaram Temple

In the neighbouring Prakasam district lies Chandavaram, on the bank of the Gundlakamma Rivulet. The stupa here is unique and in that it is double-terraced and located atop of a hillock and could be considered the highest in elevation, next comes the Dharmarajak stupa at Taxila. The village is about 150 km from Vijayawada and approachable by road.

Thotlakonda Temple

In the same district of Visakhapatnam, 16 kms along the picturesque Vizag-Bhimili road lies Thotlakonda, where a number of stupas, viharas and chaityas belonging to the Hinayana school were found. A unique discovery providing evidence of maritime trade during that period was Satavahana coins bearing on the obverse of a ship with two masts, anchored to the shore. The site can be approached via the road running along the coastline between Visakhapatnam city and Bheemunipatnam (Bhimili), the second oldest municipality in the country.

Monday, June 13, 2011

Vaishnodevi Packages Details : Tour Packages with Helicopter

Shri Mata Vaishno Devi Shrine is one of the most Religious & Hindu Pilgrimage destination in India, located at a height of 5300 feet on the holy Trikuta Hills of the Shivalik Hill Range. Maa Vaishno Devi shrine is conveniently located from Delhi. The Town Katra is 50 Kms away from Jammu and 35 Kms from District HQ Udhampur and is linked by road. The Mata Vaishno Devi Shrine is one of the most popular Shrines of India.

The holy cave shrine of Vaishno Devi is nestled in a beautiful recess of the Trikuta Mountains forming a part of the lower Himalayas. It is located 61 km north of Jammu at a height of 5,200 feet above the sea level in the state of Jammu and Kashmir. In the cave there are images of three deities viz. the Mahakali, Mahalakshmi and Mahasaraswati.

We, at Best Tours & Travels welcomes you to Holy Tour of Maa Vaishno Devi. We offer journey to Maa Vaishno Devi Shrine & Hotel Booking in Jammu / Katra & all other travel arrangements.

VAISHNODEVI PACKAGES DETAILS(Single) (One Night 2 Days)


Cost of the package is Rs 8,750/-


Packages Includes :
All Ac Return transfer From Airport or Railway Station.
One Helicopter Tickets with VIP Dharshan.
One Night stay in Hotel Bhawani z Paradise with Breakfast and Dinner.
SPECIAL NOTE : RATE CAN BE CHANGE ACCORDING TO HELICOPTER FARE


Super Deluxe Package (One Night 2 Days)
Cost of the package is Rs 10,000/-



Packages Includes :
All AcReturn transfer From Airport or Railway Station.
One Helicopter Tickets with VIP Dharshan.
One Night stay in Hotel Country inn & Suites And K C Residency with Breakfast & Dinner.

Train to Vaishno Devi from next year

Pilgrims to Vaishno Devi shrine will be able to travel directly to Katra base camp when the Udhampur-Katra rail line becomes operational next year.

While the Katra station is almost ready, work on the Udhampur-Katra line is underway and expected to be commissioned by December 2012, a senior Northern Railway official, involved with the project, said.

The 53-km long Jammu-Udhampur rail line is already operational. Once the 25-km-long Udhampur-Katra line, part of the Kashmir rail link project, is operational then trains can come directly to Katra from anywhere, he said.

Katra town in Reasi is the base camp for pilgrims to Vaishno Devi shrine where an estimated 10 million devotees pay obeisance every year.

The Udhampur-Katra rail route, estimated to cost Rs. 960 crore, passes through inhospitable terrain making it an extremely challenging engineering project.

The official said the 25-km-long route consists of seven tunnels and about 30 small and big bridges including a bridge taller than the Qutub Minar. "The total length of seven tunnels is 12 km on the Udhampur-Katra rail route. While construction of five tunnels is completed, work is going on in two tunnels - T1 and T3.

Wednesday, June 8, 2011

CHARDHAM YATRA WITH IRCTC

IRCTC launches Chardham Yatra Packages in the domestic tourism market.These Holiday variant packages comprises of best of the services including accommodation in Standard Hotels, Vegetarian meals, Transport and Sight seeing of various Holy tourist attractions

Char Dham is referred to the four Hindu religious sites in Uttarakhand state of India. These are Yamunotri, Gangotri, Badrinath and Kedarnath. Nestled in the lap of majestic Himalayas, these four sites are the epicenter of religious activity in north India.
Price starting from:
Ex Delhi: Rs.20400/-
Ex Haridwar: Rs 18900/-

Kedarnath - The Kedarnath shrine, one of the 12 jyotirlingas of Lord Shiva, is a
scenic spot situated, against the backdrop of majestic Kedarnath range.Badrinath - one of the most celebrated pilgrimage spots of the country, Badrinath is situated at an elevation of 3,133 mts.
Price starting from:
Ex Delhi: Rs.17250/-
Ex Haridwar: Rs 15950/-

The temple was constructed in the early 18th century by a Gorkha Commander Amar Sigh Thapa. The origin of the holy river is at Gaumukh, set in the Gangotri
Glacier, and is a 19 km trek from Gangotri
Price starting from:
Ex Delhi: Rs.15100/-
Ex Hardiwar: Rs.14000/-

Badrinath is the most important of the four sites in India's Char Dham pilgrimage. Badrinath is in the Garhwal hills, on the banks of the Alaknanda River.Badri refers to a berry that was said to grow abundantly in the area, and nath refers to Vishnu.
Price starting from:
Ex Delhi: Rs.15100/-
Ex Hardiwar: Rs.14000/-

Tuesday, June 7, 2011

Another train for Vaishno Devi on June 11

After receiving overwhelming response to Vaishno Devi pilgrimage tour, the Indian Rail Catering and Tourism Corporation (IRCTC) has decided to run another special train for the cave shrine situated in Jammu on June 11.

The first train will be flagged off on June 5 from Lucknow. As the special train now has a houseful board tagged on it several days before its scheduled departure date, the IRCTC officials have decided to run another train to meet the demands of the passengers. Hundreds of passengers returned disappointed from IRCTC booking offices after coming to know that the special train had no berth to offer.

A person willing to travel to Vaishno Devi shrine is required to pay Rs 2,052 for getting his seat confirmed in the special train. The IRCTC officials claimed of offering the cheapest tour package, which includes travelling fare, lodging and accommodation, meals, bus fare from Jammu to Katra etc.

Enter your email address:

Delivered by FeedBurner