Tulsi Manas Mandir, Varanasi, Uttar Pradesh, IN

Deities: Lord Rama
Location: Varanasi, Uttar Pradesh
Attraction: Verses of Ram Charita Manas
Built in: 1964
Significance: A Holy City for the Hindus
Tourist Attractions: Religious places, Banaras Hindu University.
Best time to visit: October to April

Tulsi Manas temple is one of the most famous temples of Varanasi. 7 kilometres from the Station. It is also an important tourist attraction of the holy city. The Tulsi Manas temple is located near the famous Durga temple. It was built in white marble in the year 1964. The temple has been made more charming by the magnificent landscaping around it.

The Tulsi Manas temple is dedicated to lord Rama. It is believed to be built at the same place where Tulsidas wrote the famous Indian epic, Ram Charita Manas. The walls of the Tulsi Manas temple are engraved with verses and scenes from the Ram Charita Manas, the Hindi version of the Ramayana.

The main Gate of temple will be in marble with the inscription “Shri Tulsi Manas Mandir” Haridwar. On the right side of after the entrance, there will be an attractive Tulsi Garden where a statue will be installed depicting the scene of the famous verse: “Tulsi Das chandan ghisen /tilak det Raghuvir.” On the left side there will be a beautiful pond, which will have the four Ghats (Banks). Four statues will be installed on each bank of the pond with different subjects. On the northern bank the statues will depict Shri Kakbhushundji, while on the southern bank of the pond will depict Shri Yagywalkaji Maharaj relating to the Ramayana to Shri Bhardwaj Muni. On the eastern ghat Shri Ashuthosh Shankar (Lord Shiva) will be shown relating Ramayana to Mother Parvati, and on the western bank Mahamana Goswami Tulsi Das Ji will be shown composing of Ramayana. A little way ahead, there will be a big Hall of Shri Manas Mandir having three imposing temples. In the middle, there will be Ram Darbar with Lord Shiva and mother Durga on each side. Besides idols of Lord Ganesha and other gods and goddesses will be installed in traditional way described in the Shastras (ancient scriptures). Also there will be idols of Rishi’s, gods and goddesses mentioned in Ramayana. On the marble wall of the Hall will be inscribed all Chaupayees. Dohas, Chhandas and Sorathas (different types of couplets used in literature) along with the innovations at the beginning of all the kands (sections of Ramayana). There will also be pond here where there will install four idols. Also there will be a depiction of Shri Ram Chandra Ji applying Tilak on the forehead of Shri Goswami Tulsi Das Ji.

Legend:
This temple is a very modern temple built only recently in the year 1964. The ancient Indian epic Ramayana was largely beyond the understanding of the common people of the country because it was written in Sanskrit, a language in which only a learned few were versed. Goswami Tulsi Das took upon himself the responsibility of translating the Ramayana into Hindi. This would considerably reduce the number of people who were being deprived of such a fantastic literary work. He composed his Ram Charit Manas at this very spot in Varanasi or Kashi. His composition gained tremendous popularity. Ram was always acclaimed and recognized not just as a good king but also as a great king. People read of him in Ram Charit Manas and started eulogizing him. Blessed with unparallel dignity and a lot of virtues, he came to be worshipped by his countrymen. He made a permanent place for himself in the heart of his countrymen and so did Tulsi Das who carved a niche for himself in the literary world. Years later a temple in honour of Lord Ram was constructed at the very spot where Tulsi Das had written of him and the temple was named Tulsi Manas Temple as a mark of respect and reverence for him.

Other Attraction: Some of the most important temples of Varanasi are:
Durga temple
Vishwanath temple
Sankat Mochan temple
Bharat Mata temple.
Sarnath temple
Banaras Hindu University (BHU)
Archaeological Museum
Bharat Kala Bhavan
Buddhist Stupas

How to Reach:
by Air: Varanasi is well connected and accessible to major Indian cities and tourist spots. There are daily domestic flights to and from Varanasi to several cities in India.
by Rail: There are two railway stations in Varanasi, the Kashi Junction and the Varanasi Junction (also known as Varanasi Cantonment One can also catch trains from Mughalsarai, just 10 km south of Varanasi.
by Road: Varanasi has a good network of roads. Frequent public and private buses and road transport to all the major towns of Uttar Pradesh and nearby areas.

Visit http://www.etirth.com/ for more information on Temples, Ashrams, Gurus, Festival and Daily Panchangam (Hindu ephemeris).

If you love to read visit http://www.kathavarta.org/ for Religious stories.

Last but not least, if you want to visit above Holy Pilgrimage, please contact and visit our associate partner http://www.yatrakhoj.com/ and e-mail at yatrakhoj@yahoo.com.

Sankat Mochan Mandir, Varanasi, Uttar Pradesh, IN

Deities: Lord Hanuman
Location: At Sankat Mochan Gali, Varanasi, UP, India
Significance: An Ancient Temple
Best time to visit: around whole year

Sankat Mochan temple is one of the sacred temples of Varanasi. It is located in the southern part of Varanasi, near the Banaras Hindu University. It is dedicated to the Hindu God, Hanuman. The word "Sankat Mochan" means one who helps in removing sufferings Lord Hanuman. Tulsidas, the author of the famous Hindu epic Ramacharitamanasa, founded the Sankat Mochan temple. According to Hindu mythology, one who visits the Sankat Mochan temple regularly, his wishes get fulfilled. Lord Hanuman at this temple brings good luck to the devotee.Every Tuesday and Saturday, thousands of devotees queue up in front of the Sankat Mochan temple to offer prayers to Lord Hanuman. According to Vedic Astrology, Hanuman protects human beings from the anger of planet Saturn and those who have ill placed Saturn in their horoscope visit the Sankat Mochan temple to get remedy. People put "Sindoor" on the statue and offer "laddoos" to Lord Hanuman. The "Sindoor", from the statue of Lord Hanuman is put on the foreheads of devotees.

On 7 March 2006, one of the three explosions hit the temple, while the aarti was in progress in which numerous worshippers and wedding attendees participated. The crowd helped each other in rescue operation after the explosion. These explosions did not shatter the faith of devotees as very next day a big number of devotees resumed their worship as usual. The mandir still continues to be attended by thousands of Rama and Hanuman devotees who chant Chalisa and Sundarkad (also provided in form of booklet in temple for free).

Sankat Mochan Temple was founded by Tulsidas who was the author of the Tulsi Ramayan, which is the Hindi version of the Hindu epic Ramayan originally written by Valmiki. Tradition promises that regular visitors to the temple will gain special favor of Hanuman. This is supposed to be the most effective way for appeasement of Shani. While it is suggested that Hanuman did not hesitate in engulfing in his mouth the sun, the lord of all planets, humbling all the gods and angel, making them to worship for sun's release. Some astrologers believe that worshiping hanuman can neutralize the ill-effect of Mangal (mars) ad practically any planet that ha ill effect on human life.

Legend:
Sankat Mochan Temple was established in 1950. The idea for constructing a religious temple was mooted by the noted religious figure-Baba Neeb Karori Ji Maharaj, who visited the site and was transfixed by the deep dark woods, emerald meadows, and the majestic Himalayas. He became so impressed that he stayed in a hut for ten days and took the momentous decision of establishing a Hindu temple on the location.

Festival:
Celebration of the birthday of Hindu God Hanuman, the festival takes place annually at the ancient Sankat Mochan Temple in Varanasi. Classical Indian music and drama performances carry on all night and into the following morning. Maestros from all around India usually play for free for this special occasion. Programs are organized over 5 days and are rehearsed extensively by the performers during the year leading up to the event. The temple is also known to have the most monkeys of any shrine in the city so don’t be alarmed if the patron next to you is not entirely human.

How to reach:
One can easily reach Sankat Mochan Temple by taking local Buses, Rickshaws or by hiring Taxis from Varanasi.

Visit www.eTirth.com for more information on Temples, Ashrams, Gurus, Festival and Daily Panchangam (Hindu ephemeris).

If you love to read visit www.KathaVarta.org for Religious stories.

Last but not least, if you want to visit above Holy Pilgrimage, please contact and visit our associate partner www.YatraKhoj.com and e-mail at yatrakhoj@yahoo.com.

Jhakhu Mandir, Shimla, Himachal Pradesh, IN

Deities: Lord Hanuman
Location: Shimla, Himachal Pradesh
Best time to visit: September to November
STD Code: 0177

No visit to the state capital Shimla is complete without visiting Jakhu Hill. At the centre of the town in Shimla is the ancient Temple for Lord Hanuman.

This hill looms over Shimla town and is the geographical nucleus. This temple is dedicated to the monkey God Hanuman. Jakhu Temple is east of the town centre near the highest point of the Shimla ridge at 2455 m. A steep 45 minute walk from Scandal Point, it offers fine views over the surrounding valleys out to the snow-capped peaks, and over Shimla itself. Jakhu is also a beautiful spot to see the morning sun rise and sun set. Appropriately, there are many monkeys around the temple.

It is said to be existing from the times of Ramayana and is said to be formed when lord Hanuman visited Jakhu hill. As per legends, Hanuman visited this place during the famous Rama - Ravana fight. Lakshman, the younger brother of Rama, was critically injured during the fight and the only medicinal herb “Sanjivani” which could have saved his life was available in the Himalayan range.

Hanuman came to Himalayas, but got confused, so as to which was the particular herb. Out of desperation, he dug out the whole mountain, which contained the herbs and flew to Lanka, where injured Lakshman waiting for him. On his way back, Hanuman rested on the Jakhu hills, and the top of the mountain got flat by his and mountain’s weight.

The temple of Jakhu has since been highly revered by the locals. The shrine of the temple is the foot prints of Hanuman. In most of the Hanuman temples in India. There are hundreds of monkeys in and around the temple. Though mostly very peaceful, they can attack a person, if provocated. Pilgrims offer them eatables, which they readily accept.

Ravana, the king of Lanka. The faithful nature of Hanuman is often illustrated by his representations being found guarding forts and palace entrances. The British never placed hanuman on top of Jakhu hill to guard the township. The temple site predates the British Raj.

How to reach:
by Air: Shimla Airport is at Jubbarhatti, 23 kms from city and is connected to Chandigarh, Kullu, and Delhi.
by Rail: Shimla is connected to Kalka (96 kms) on Meter Gauge and it takes around 6 Hrs from Kalka to reach Shimla.
by Road: Shimla is connected by road to all the major towns.

Visit www.eTirth.com for more information on Temples, Ashrams, Gurus, Festival and Daily Panchangam (Hindu ephemeris).

If you love to read visit www.KathaVarta.org for Religious stories.

Last but not least, if you want to visit above Holy Pilgrimage, please contact and visit our associate partner www.YatraKhoj.com and e-mail at yatrakhoj@yahoo.com.

Hanuman Mandir, New Delhi, IN

Deities: Lord Hanuman
Location: Baba Kharak Singh Marg, New Delhi
Constructed By: Maharaja Jai Singh
Built in: 1724
Also known as: Anjaneya Temple

This small but elegant temple located at Baba Kharak Singh Marg(old Irwin Road) about 250m southwest of near Connaught Place was built in 1724. It is very popular among the devotees of Lord Hanuman. This temple is of little architectural importance. The residents of Delhi are, however, particularly devoted to it. The original temple appears to have been constructed by Maharaja Jai Singh about the same times as the Jantar -Mantar, but has undergone large scale renewals since then.

The 24-hour chanting of the mantra 'Sri Ram, Jai Ram, Jai Jai Ram', since August 1, 1964, has earned a place in the Guinness Book of Records.

The idol in the Delhi Hanuman Mandir represents the Lord in a very young age, that of a Balak (young child). The idol faces south and is known as the Bala Hanuman. In the left hand of the Lord Hanuman idol is a Gada (a weapon) and the right hand rests over his chest as in prayer. The main Dwar (gate) of the Hanuman Mandir is adorned with embossed artwork that depicts the great epic "Ramayana" completely. The temple was rebuilt and renovated during the late seventies. Apart from being considered as a sacred place, the temple is also known for 'mehendi' work done on the hands of ladies outside the temple. Lord Hanuman Temple of Delhi gains a special significance every Tuesday, when it is thronged by thousands of devotees.

Surrounded by lac (plastic) bangle and religious offering stalls, and women touting mehndi (temporary henna tattoos), it is extremely popular and always busy. It is even more hectic on Tuesday when there is a market and during festivals when devotees dressed as Hanuman leap and jump around the place.

Yatra Yatra Raghunath Kirtanam
Tatra Tatra Krita Mastaka anjalim
Bashpawari Pari purna lochanam
Marutim nammascha rakshas antakam

That means:
That wherever the deeds of Sri Rama are sung, At all such places does Hanuman cry tears of devotion and joy, At all such places does his presence remove the fear of demons.

Festival:
The temple comes alive before sunrise and the idol of Sri Hanuman is worshipped with oil, a puja that is unique to Hanuman Jayanti. Loud and colourful processions fill the streets, with devotees wearing masks and tails and carrying large idols of Sri Hanuman. The birthday of the Hindu monkey god is celebrated in true style because he is considered the living embodiment of the true Karma Yogi (one whose devotion is demonstrated through work or service).

How to Reach:
by Road: Tourists can either take local buses from various points within the city to reach the monument, which is located near Connaught Place (CP), the heart of the city, or they can hire auto-rickshaws and taxis or metro rail. From CP one can take a stroll till the temple.
by Air: Nearest International Airport: Indira Gandhi International Airport

Visit www.eTirth.com for more information on Temples, Ashrams, Gurus, Festival and Daily Panchangam (Hindu ephemeris).

If you love to read visit www.KathaVarta.org for Religious stories.

Last but not least, if you want to visit above Holy Pilgrimage, please contact and visit our associate partner www.YatraKhoj.com and e-mail at yatrakhoj@yahoo.com.