Baijnath Mandir, Palampur, Himachal Pradesh, IN

Deities: Lord Shiva
Location: At a distance of 16 km from Palampur in the Beas valley, Himachal Pradesh
Built by: Ahuka and Manyuka
Built in: 1204 A.D
Significance: Water of this temple has medicinal properties.

Baijnath Temple is a revered shrine of Himachal Pradesh. Baijnath Temple is dedicated to Lord Shiva. According to the inscriptions on the walls, Baijnath Mandir was built by the two native merchants by the name of Ahuka and Manyuka in 1204 A.D. In the porch of the temple, the two long inscriptions state that before the present temple, there was a shrine of Lord Shiva at the same spot.

The structure of this temple gives the hints of the early medieval North Indian style of architecture. This type of structure used to be known as 'Nagara' style of temple. The architectural style has been imbibed from Orissan style, which is very much unique in the state of Himachal Pradesh. The exterior walls of the temple have numerous alcoves with images of gods and Goddesses from the Hindu pantheon.In order to enter the temple, one has to cross the vestibule that has a large 'Mandap' in the centre and two huge balconies on either side. The temple has fortifications, leaving space for two entrances in the north and the south. Just before the Mandapam, there is small porch placed on four columns. Here, a huge image of Nandi (the bull of Lord Shiva) is placed. The door leading to the sanctum is speckled with many images of artistic nature.

Legend:
Lord Shiva is commemorated here as Vaidyanath (the Lord of Physician) and is placed in the form of 'Lingam' (phallic form of Lord Shiva). The main sanctum comprises five projections on every side and a tall curved Shikhar (spire). The history of Baijnath temple is inscribed on the stone slabs inside the complex. As per the beliefs, Ravana (King of Lanka) had worshipped Lord Shiva in this temple.

According to the legend, it is believed that during the Treta Yuga, Ravana in order to have invincible powers worshiped Lord Shiva in the Kailash. In the same process, to please the almighty he offered his ten heads in the Havan Kund. Influenced by this extra ordinary deed of the Ravana, the Lord Shiva not only restored his heads but also bestowed him with powers of invincibility and immortality.

On attaining this incomparable boon, Ravana also requested the Lord Shiva to accompany him to Lanka. Shiva consented to the request of Ravana and converted himself into ling. The Lord Shiva asked him to carry the ling and told him that he should not place the ling down on the ground on his way. Ravana started moving in south direction and reached Baijnath where he felt the need to answer the nature’s call. On seeing a shepherd, Ravana handed over the ling to him and went away to get himself relieved. On finding the linga very heavy, shepherd kept the ling on the ground and the ling got established there and the same is in the form of Ardhnarishwar.

In the town of Baijnath, Dusshera festival in which traditionally the effigy of the Ravana is consigned to flames is not celebrated as a mark of respect to the devotion of Ravana towards Lord Shiva. Another interesting thing about the town of Baijnath is that there is no shop of goldsmiths.

The water of this temple is believed to contain medicinal properties, which can cure diseases of people. Due to this reason too, Baijnath Temple receives thousands of people every year. Shivaratri is the major festival that is observed at this temple with full gusto and fervour. Devotees visit the temple during this time to seek the blessings from the God.

Besides the shrine of Lord Shiva, there are many other small shrines dedicated to Gods and Goddesses. In the early 20th century, the temple was suffered from an earthquake. Raja Sansar Chand made an effort to renovate the temple after the calamity. The temple complex acquires lush green gardens, which makes a perfect foreground to the ancient and unique structure of this temple. Baijnath temple is considered as a part of Indian Heritage, so security arrangements are made here to avoid any unwanted element.

How to reach:
One can easily reach Baijnath Temple by taking regular Buses or by hiring taxis from anywhere in Himachal Pradesh.

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.

Madhukeshwara Mandir, Karnataka, IN

Deities: Lord Shiva
Location: Banavasi, Karnataka
Significance: Presiding deity is a honey colour lingam
Best time to visit: October to March
STD Code: 08384

Banvasi was the capital of the Kadambas, the first kingdom of ancient Karnataka. This is where the eminent poet Pampa wrote his poems.

The Madhukeshwara Temple, famed for its architecture, derives its name from the honey-coloured lingam in the inner sanctum of the temple. An imposing Nandi faces the lingam. Of special interest is the intricately carved stone cot, which was actually used by the kings Built around 1500 years ago.

Madhukeshwara temple is the major attraction of Banawasi. It is around this the village has grown. The temple provides the earliest evidence of the architectural splendor of the ancient times of the Kadamba dynasty. It is dedicated to the Lord Shiva was modified with additional structures by later dynasties. This unique feature of the temple illustrates how the architectural styles evolved from the 9th Century to present times.

The innermost sanctum sanctorum is built in a very plain style with minimal carving on the door and the lintel. The Sankalpa mantapa in front reveals the influence of the Chalukyan style. There is a seven foot huge Nandi idol made of a single stone. The Nritya mantapa or the dancing hall was added during the Hoysala period and has exquisite carving on the pillars and the ceiling. This is the spot where the legendary Shantala challenged the famed musician Allama Prabhu. She went on to become the wife of king Vishnuvardhana and inspired the renowned dancing sculptures of Belur and Halebid.

Legend has it that he was originally Mayura Sharma, a Brahmin studying in Kanchipuram. Humiliated by the Pallava princes, he vowed revenge. He took up the study of warfare or Kshathriya Vidya and became a warrior king who established the Kadamba dynasty in 345.A.D.

Festival:
The annual cultural festival "Kadambotsava" is held in the month of December. Now, centuries later, Banavasi is returning to its former glory as a cultural capital. Every December, folk dancers, classical musicians, drama troupes, Yakshagana artistes assemble for 'Kadambothsav', a huge cultural festival bringing together artistes and performers from all over south India. This big event, organized by the state government, is attended by dignitaries and eminent literary personalities.

How to reach:
by Air: Hubli Airway situated 102 kms from sirsi.
by Rail: Nearest rail head is Shimoga is 112 km away.
by Road: Sirsi is 18 km away

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.

Bull Mandir, Karnataka, IN

Deities: Lord Shiva
Location: In Basavangudi, Bangalore, Karnataka
Built by: Kempe Gowda
Built in: 1537AD
Also known as: Nandi Temple
Attraction: 5 meter tall bull
Best time to visit: December to January

The "Bull Temple" is found in Bangalore the capital of Karnataka. Bangalore is relatively a new city and it dates as recently as 1537 when the Vijaynagar Kingdom made a grant of land to an ally called Kempe Gowda. In the 18th century, Haidar Ali, Tipu Sultan and the Wodiyar dynasty of Mysore strengthened it. The British later enlarged it and shifted the main cantonement from Srirangapattanam to a much higher and healthier Bangalore.

Bull Temple is one of the places to visit in Bangalore. Kempe Gowda made many temples.The height of the idol is approximately 15 ft and it is approximately 20 feet long. The Temple is positioned at the southern end of Bull Temple Road in Bangalore. The term 'Basavangudi' is derived from the word 'Basava', which means 'Bull'.

Importance:
A Bull started grazing on the well-grown crop enraging a farmer who hit the bull with a club. The bull sat stunned and was suddenly transformed into a stone. The shocked farmers then decided to build a temple for the bull to atone for what they had done, but were shocked to see that the bull was growing taller! The worried farmer then prayed to Lord Shiva who advised him to retrieve a trident buried a few feet away from the bull and place the trident on the forehead of the stone statue to stop it from growing.

Legend:
The surrounding area, known as Sunkenahalli had groundnut growing farmers. A bull started grazing on the well-grown crop enraging a farmer who hit the bull with a club. The bull sat stunned and was suddenly transformed into a stone. The shocked farmers then decided to build a temple for the bull to atone for what they had done, but were shocked to see that the bull was growing taller! The worried farmer then prayed to Lord Shiva who advised him to retrieve a trident buried a few feet away from the bull and place the trident on the forehead of the stone statue to stop it from growing. This was done and the bull stopped growing. The thankful farmers decided to place their first crop of groundnut as an offering to the bull. Though in reality there is a trident on the forehead of the bull, this story is a legend and lacks historical evidence. Hence, this handsome Bull Temple was built and the bull apparently took the hint and stayed away from the groundnuts. The thankful farmers continue to hold a Groundnut Fair (kadalekayi parishe) near the temple premises every year, to show their gratitude. It is one of the places to visit in Bangalore. Kempe Gowda got constructed many temples dedicated to Anjaneya (God of Power), Vinayaka (God of good fortune), Nandi (Shiva's bull mount).

One can see in the shrine atop the hill a massive garlanded black and shiny Nandi (Shiva's mount, the bull) ensconced, which dates back to 1786. The size of the Nandi is overwhelming. At the back is a small Lingam shrine. Its modern Gopuram rises, gracefully and majestically. The underground "Sri-Gavi Gandadhareshwara Temple" is equally fascinating, where on every year on January 14th (Makara Sankranti) it is believed that a ray of light passes between the horn of a Nandi outside the temple and lights the idol kept inside. Three levels of excavations have been carried out in the cave. One can see the black stone Hanuman. On the way to the Bull Temple there is one a temple dedicated to the Elephant God Ganesha.

Architecture:
The architectural style of the temple rejuvenates the notion of Dravidian architecture. In the vicinity of this temple, there is a shrine of Lord Ganesha by the name of Dodda Ganesha Temple. The unique feature about this shrine is that the huge image of the Lord is made out of 110 kilograms of butter after every four years. It is amazing to know that the butter never melts. After every four years, the butter deity is broken and distributed amongst the devotees.

Festival:
Bull temple is a buzz with great activity during the Shivratri festival.

Local festival Kadalekaye Parishe (Ground nut fair) at the Bull Temple includes a groundnut eating festival. The farmers offer their first harvest collection to Nandi (November-December). The temple is busy always with some ceremony that is on all the time at the temple premises. On weekends, musicians present their concerts at the temple.

How to reach:
One can easily reach Bull Temple by taking local Buses, auto rickshaws or by hiring taxis from Bangalore.

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.

Sri Kalahasti, Andhra Pradesh, IN

Deities: Lord Shiva
Location: near Tirupati, South India
Built in: 12th century
Built by: Chola king
STD Code: 08578

Kalahasti is located near the pilgrimage town of Tirupati and is visited by thousands of pilgrims. This temple is also associated with Rahu and Ketu, (of the nine grahams or celestial bodies in the Indian astrological scheme). This famous Saivite temple in Kalahasti, 38 km from Tirupati, is one of the Panchabhoota Kshetras. Located on the banks of river Swarnamukhi, Sri Kalahasti Temple is one of the most ancient temples in South India.

This temple has one of the elemental lingas, the vayu (air) linga. There is a lamp inside the inner sanctum that is constantly flickering despite the lack of air movement inside. The air-linga can be observed to move even when the pujaris close off the entrance to the main Deity room, which does not have any windows. You can see the flames on several ghee lamps flicker as if blown by moving air. The linga is white and is considered Swayambhu, or self-manifested.

Kalahasti is surrounded by two sacred hills. The Durgamba temple is on the northern hill. On the south hill there is the shrine of Kannabeswara, in memory of the Sage Kannappa, who offered an eye to the Lord. When he tried to offer his other eye as well, the Lord mercifully stopped him. There is also a temple dedicated to Subramanya on one of the surrounding hills.

The main linga is untouched by human hands, even by the priest. Abhisheka (bathing) is done by pouring a mixture of water, milk, camphor, and panchamrita. Sandal paste, flowers and the sacred thread are offered to the utsava-murti, not the main linga.

This temple is one of the most impressive Siva temples in India. It features an enormous, ancient gopuram (tower) over the main gate. The tower is 36.5m (120 feet) high. The entire temple is carved out of the side of a huge stone hill. It was built in1516 by King Krishnadeva Raya.

The temple is run by neatly dressed Saivite Brahmins, who conduct the worship of the various deities inside. Inside the temple you will find the tremendously ornate and splendid architecture that South India is famous for. Elaborately designed pillars, altars, and paraphernalia abound.

This ancient temple dedicated to Lord Shiva is one of the panchabhootha stalams (temples celebrating Lord Shiva as the embodiment of the primary elements), Out of total five elements, air being the element in case here, the other four temples being Tiruvannamalai (fire), Chidambaram (space), Thiruvanikkaval (water) and Kanchipuram (earth) respectively. Sri Kalahasthi is located near the pilgrimage town of Tirupathi and is visited by thousands of pilgrims.

Legend:
Lord Shiva is worshipped here in the form of Vayu Linga (one of the elements air). The legend says that Sri (spider), Kala (cobra) and Hasti (elephant) worshipped Lord Shiva here and attained Moksha. Hence this place is known as Srikalahasti.

A statue that shows all three animals is situated in the main shrine.

The Skanda Purana, Shiva Purana, and Linga Purnas mention about Srikalahasti. The Skanda Purana says that Arjuna visited this place, worshipped Kalahastiswara, and met the sage Bharadwaja on the top of the hill. It is believed that Kannappa (also called as Bhakta kannappa), a tribal devotee has worshipped Shiva at Srikalahasti.

Brahma, the God of creation, is said to have worshipped Lord Shiva, and bathed in the swarnamukhi river to get rid of "sisuhathya patakam" (the sin of killing children).

The river Swarnamukhi got its name from a belief that gold was found in its stream. Swarna means gold and Swarnamukhi means gold faced in Sanskrit.

The sukabrahmashrama was established by a noted scholor (equally well in Sanskrit and English) called Sri Vidya Prakasananda Giri Swamy. He is known for his knowledge on Hindu philosophy. He delivered so many talks on Hindu Dharma. His short stories are much talked about among the folklore. The main characterestic of his stories is the lucidity in style that makes essence of the story understandable even to a layman.

Festival:
Maha Shivaratri which occurs in the Tamil month of Maasi (Feb 15 through March 15) is one of the greatest festival seasons here, and the celebrations are marked by processions of the deities. The fifth day of the festival in the month of Maasi coincides with the Maha Shivaratri the Shiva Linga of Srikalahasti Temple is considered to be one of the five important Lingas. According to Hindu mythology the five lingas represent the five great elements namely - Water, Fire, Ether, Air and Earth, established in the five great 'Kshetras'. At Srikalahasti Temple Lord Shiva is worshiped as Vayu Linga of the wind God. A flame present in the Garbhagraha of the temple flickers even though no wind can enter the shrine.

Other Attraction near by:
Sri Varahaswami Temple
Sri Venkateshwara Temple
The Swami Pushkarini
The Akashganga Waterfall
The Papa Vinashanam
The Great Geological Arch
Sri Bedi Anjaneyaswami Temple
Japali Hanuman Temple
TTD Gardens
Sri Padmavathi Temple at Tiruchanoor

How to reach:
by Air: The nearest airport is Tirupati 38 km. It is reachable.
by Road: from Tirupati, Chennai or Gudur, the main junction in Madras-Vijayawada by Rail line. The local transport is by taxis or autos. Andhra Pradesh State owned Bus services are also available.

Temple Address:
Sri Kalahastiswaraswamy vari Devasthanam
SriKalaHasti
District- Chittor 517 644
Andhra Pradesh
INDIA

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.

Hanamkonda Thousand Pillar, Andhra Pradesh, IN

Deity: Shiva, Vishnu, Surya, Nandi
Location: Warangal, Andhra Pradesh
Known As: Thousand Pillar
Best time to Visit: All year around

Warangal, the ancient capital of the Kakatiyas is at a distance of 142 km from Hyderabad by rail. It is home to the Hanumakonda thousand pillared temple. Palampet near Warangal in Andhra Pradesh is home to brilliant Kakatiya art as seen in the Ramappa temple, that is near the ancient engineering marvel that is the 13th century Ramappa tank.

An inscription near the temple dates it to the year 1163 to the period of King Rudra of the Kakatiyas.

The Hanumakonda temple consists of three separate shrines to Rudreshwara (Shiva), Vasudeva (Vishnu) and Surya, a narrow platform in the middle, and the thousand pillared hall in front. At the entrance to the temple is the Nandi Mandapam with a typical Kakatiya Nandi.

All of the three sancta are richly decorated with pilasters and bas reliefs. Although named the thousand pillared hall, the number of pillars here is about 300.

Other Kakatiya temples:
Enroute to Palampet from Warangal, there are the Katachpur and the Jakaram temples. At Ghanpur, further beyond Palampet, there is a temple resembling the Hanumakonda thousand pillared temple, surrounded by several shrines, all now in ruins.

How to reach:
by Road: APSTRC and Private buses connect Warangal with Hyderabad, Vijayawada, Karimnagar, Khammam and some other districts.
by Rail: Warangal has a railway station and is well connected by rail to important cities of India. by Air: The nearest airport is at Hyderabad, 157-km away.

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.