Navagraha Mandir, Assam, IN

Deities: Surya, Chandra, Mangal, Budha, Guru, Shukra, Shani, Rahu, Ketu
Known As: Navagraha (Nine Planets)
Location: Citracala, Guwahati, Kamrup District, Assam
Best time to Visit: Best to check with Kamrup District office, Assam

Introduction:
The temple of Navagrahas is situated in the south-eastern part of the Guwahati town on the crest’ of a hill known as Citracala. The temple contains nine phallic emblems of Shiva covered with cloths of different colours sacred to the nine planetary gods, namely, Surya (Sun), Chandra (Moon), Mangal (Mars), Budha (Mercury), Guru or Brihaspati (Jupiter), Shukra (Venus), Shani (Saturn), Rahu (Dragon’s head) and Ketu (Dragon’s tail).

The Navagrahas or the nine planets are thus represented in the Shastras:-

"Surya’s great chariot has one wheel and is drawn by seven horses; he has a lotus in each hand, wears armour and has a shield over his breast, has beautiful straight hair, and is surrounded by a halo of light.”

"Chandra is represented in white colour, clothed in white garment, surrounded by a halo and adorned with ornaments and garland of all sorts of flowers.”

"Mangal is represented in fire-like red colour, clothed in red garments, seated upon Simhasana, with three arms bearing Gada, Shula, Shakti weapons and as one in an Abhaya or Varada pose.”

"Budha is represented in yellow colour, clothed in yellow garment, with three arms bearing Khadga, Khetaka, Gada and one in Varada pose.”

"Brihaspati is represented in yellow colour, clothed in golden yellow garments with three arms bearing Kamandalam, Aksamala, Danda and one in Varada pose. Sometimes this planet is represented with two arms having a Pustaka and an Aksamala.”

"Shukra is represented in white colour, clothed in white garments, having four arms and bearing the same weapons as Brihaspati. Just like him it is sometimes represented with two hands bearing Nidhi (treasure) and Pustaka.”

"Shani is represented in black colour, clothed in black garments, small in stature and somewhat lame in one leg. He has two arms bearing a Danda and an Aksamala and sometimes one in Varada pose.”

"Rahu is represented on a Simhasana or a silver chariot drawn by eight horses. According to some it possesses four arms, three of which bear Khadga, Khetaka, Shula and one in Varada pose and sometimes he possesses two arms carrying a book, a woollen.”

"Ketu is represented in dark colour having two arms in Abhaya pose and a Gada, and sometimes on a chariot drawn by ten horses."

Visit www.Kundlee.com for more information on Vedic indian astrology and Moon signs.

The present temple of Navagrahas was built during the time of King Rajesvar Singh in 1752 A.D. The upper part (Sikharam) of the temple was destroyed by the great earthquake and was rebuilt with corrugated iron-sheet. The Garbhagriha, built of brick, however, exists. Regular worship is carried on by the votaries even at present.

In 1753 A.D. King Rajesvar Singh also excavated a tank at little distance from the temple of Navagrahas so that the temple goers might have an easy and perennial supply of water. The tank, known as Silpukhuri, continues to be as full of water as it doing was when it was first excavated and sup plies water daily to the needy.

A stone inscription fixed on the walls of the temple records the construction of the same by Tarun Duarah, under the orders of King Rajesvar Singh. The temple was consecrated to the Navagrahas in 1674 Saka Era (1752 A.D.). K. L. Barua thinks that this temple is the origin of the name Pragjyotisa Pura or the City of Eastern Astrology as Assam was called in the early period.

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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.

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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).

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Saneeswara Bhagawan, Tiruvallur, Tamil Nadu, IN

Deities: Lord Shani
Location: Tiruvallur, Tamil Nadu
Other Deities: Darbharanyeswarar, Praneswari (Goddess).

The Saneeswarar temple of Sri Dharbarenyeswaraswamy Devasthanam attracts devotees not only from India but also from other Countries. This temple is unique in its kind and is the only temple dedicated to Lord Saturn where he is a blessing God having "ABHAYAHASTHAM".

Saturn is the most powerful planet affecting the life of every human being. The most dreaded Shaneeshwara was able to trouble everyone including Lord Shiva Himself. Devotees are requested to visit Shaneeswara temples and do special Poojas to please Him and get relief from their sufferings.

Saturn's position in your Horoscope indicates how well you accept responsibility, whether you are self-disciplined, and what delays and opposition you can expect to encounter. When its influence is prominent you tend to be reliable, trustworthy and patient. Saturn gives the power to endure, and provides the tenacity and perseverance to realize your potential.

As a negative influence, Saturn can make a person overly ambitious, calculating and selfish, solitary, inhibited and unhappy. Its negative influence is associated with inflexibility, cruelty, humourlessness and pessimism. Saturn also represents illness, handicaps and misfortune. Saturn is our destiny. It rules fate, the things we cannot escape, and the payment we must make for what we receive.

The Markandeya purana vividly describes the birth of Saturn. Samja, the wife of the Sun could not bear the intense heat of her husband. She created a duplicate of her form called Chaya, left her in the house and went away to her parents. The Sun not aware of this plot lived with Chaya, thinking her to be his wife, she begot a son to Sun and he is Saturn.Saturn is called Sanisvara. Sani means slow moving. In legends too, he is described as a lame person. The Sun begot Yama through his first wife Samja. In quarrel between Yama and Sani, the latter suffered an injury resulting in this deformity.

Silpa Ratnakara, describes Sani as black hued, having eagle as his mount, wields sula, wearing blue garments, blue flowers and ornaments. In the south, the crow is represented as his vehicle. Saturn seized Nala and he had to undergo several troubles on that account. Finally he bathed in Nala Tirtham, a sacred pond in Tanjore District near Karaikkal and got rid of the seizure.Today a big temple adorns the spot with the Nala Tirtham by its side. There are two separate sanctums, one for Darbavanyesvara and the other for Saturn. The main deity is a Vidangan.

It is a natural rock, and is known as Maragatha Lingam. At the time of the transit of Saturn in Rasis, devotees throng in lakhs to have a dip in Nala Tirtham and worship Sani. Small lamps of clay are filled with gingelly oil and lit. Thousands of such lamps are lit in the corridor and from far it looks like a bonfire. The legends declare that Sani is propitiated by offering gingelly oil, icon and cakes made of sesame grains. Besides, the temple authorities also arranged special VIP entrance tickets.

A famous legend associated with the Tiruvallur temple is that King Nala got rid of the aspect of Sani Bhagavan only after taking bath in the Brahma Thirtham of the temple, and on worshipping the God at Tiruvallur temple. Legend is that Lord Saneeswara was once waiting to catch Nala, noticed that he had not washed the back portion of his feet, while preparing for his prayers. Using this oppurtunity Saneeswara caught hold of Nala. As soon as Saneeswara caught Nala, tribulation started in his life. In a gambling he lost his kingdom to Pudkaran. Nala departed to the forest with his wife Damayanti after sending his children to their granpa's house. Saneeswaran continued troubling Nala even at the forest and made him leave his wife in the forest. A snake namely Karkodakan sent by Saneeswara bit Nala that made him black and look ugly. This legend depicts the serious effects of aspects of Sani Bhaghwan on a person's life. It is not that Saneeswaran is a destroyer alone. He is revered to be both, a giver and a destroyer It is believed that those who worship him are blessed with pleasures and all that they desire in their life.

Festival:
The transit of Lord Saturn from one house to another house in the zodiac once in two and half years is known as `Sani Peyarchi’ and Saturn who moves slowly takes 30 years to complete a round covering all the 12 Rasis (Zodiac Signs).

Lakhs of devotees from various parts of the country on Sunday thronged Tirunallar, the famous pilgrimage centre to offer prayers to Lord Saneeswara Bhagawan at the Lord Dharbaranyeswarar temple in connection with the “Sani Peyarchi” festival. Special ‘abishekams’ and ‘poojas’ were performed to Lord Saneeswara Bhagawan and, after adorning the ‘Gold Kavacham’ to the deity.

Special archanas were performed to Sani Bhagawan at Sri Vasishteswaraswamy temple at Thittai near Thanjavur which is called the Guru Parihara sthalam where a separate temple for Guru Bhagawan exists, at Sri Ramalingaswamy temple (108 Sivalayam) at Papanasam, Suryanarkoil, Navagraha Kshetra for Sun, near Aduthurai, Thingalur, Navagraha kshetra for Moon near Thiruvaiyaru etc.

Saturn comes into the life of each and every person some time or other, depending upon the horoscope at the time of his birth. So everyone should worship Him.

Sani Mantras:
Samanya Mantra:
Aum Sham Shanayshchraey Namah.
Beej Mantra:
Aum Praam Preem Praom Saha Shanayshchraey Namah.
Puranic Mantra:
Neelanjansamaabhasam Raviputram yamagrajam.
Chhayamartandasambhutam tam namami Shanayshchramm.
Vedic Mantra:
Aum Sham no deveerbhishtay Aapo Bhavantu Peetye.
Sham Yorabhi ratra vantu Naha.

How to reach:
by Air: The nearest airport is Tiruchirapalli, 168 Kms. away
by Rail: The nearest Railway Station is Nagore, 10 Kms. away from here.
by Road: Karaikal is connected directly from Chidambaram, Mayiladurai, Kumbakonam, Thanjavur, Thiruchirappalli, Thiruvarur, Velankanni, Nagappattinam and Nagore.

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.