Amba Mata Temple - Gujarat

Amba Mata mandir which is located in Junagadh in Gujarat is one of the very ancient temples of India. It is situated at the top of the Girnar Mountain. The Girnar Mountain is one of the impotent pilgrimage sit of Junagadh, which is itself a very picturesque town of India. Amba Mata is a very highly sublime pilgrimage center for the Hindus. The temple attracts more than thousands of pilgrims from all parts of the country, throughout the year. 

The construction of this Temple in Gujarat was during the period of 12th century. The Temple has the wonderful view of the down town on the Girnar Mountain.

Significance of the Temple :

According to legends about the temple the tonsure ceremony of Lord Krishna did take place in this religious site. A golden yantra exist in the Amba Mata Temple with 51 'shlokas' on it and in the courtyard of the temple premises the folk drama called 'Bhavai' is performed.

Ambaji (Banaskantha district) is the seat and dedication to Ambe Mata, the mother goddess. Devotees here pay honor to her during Navratri with song and dance. Navratri festival in Gujarat is comparable as the worship of Saraswati in Bengal. Ambe Mata is considered as the Adya Shakti- the primordial female power the mother goddess. The Ambaji temple does not cannot an idol it has only a yantra engraved in a niche and the shrine is made of marble. Large number of devotees here visits during the Purnima fairs held on the full moon day of Kartik, Chaitra, and Bhadrapad and also Navratri is celebrated on a grand scale here. Ambaji is one among the 64 Shakti Piths. The Shakti Piths are engraved at those places where the pieces of Sati's body fell. 

It came about this way. Lord Shiv's father-in-law Daksha Prajapati felt very much insulted when the son-in-law did not stand up to receive him. 

In order to slight him he organized ayagna and did not invite Shiv.Sati went to the yagna uninvited. She too felt slighted when people failed to take note of her presence. According to Puranas she fell into the sacrificial fire. Shiv picked up her body and rushed about in great grief. Vishnu had to intervene. He cut up the body with his discus, so that Shiv may regain his composure. According to tradition one of the pieces fell at Ambaji. A short distance from Ambaji is the Gabbar Hill. It is said that the goddess revealed herself on the Hill and left her footprints. 

Time to Visit :

Devotees visit this temple in large numbers every year especially on Purnima days. Bhadrapadi Purnima is the being regarded as the main festival when a big fair of devotees comes at Ambaji. 

Temple Timings :

Arti of Mataji is carried out regularly Every Day at about 6-00 a.m. in the morning.

Seasons Timing During Summer In Morning from 7.00 to 10.45 In Noon from 12.30 to16.30 In Evening from 19.30 to 21.15 During Monsoon In Morning from 7.00 to 11.30 In Noon from 12.30 to16.30 In Evening from 19.00 to 21.00 During Winter  In Morning from 7.00 to 11.30 In Noon from 12.30 to16.00  In Evening from 18.00 to 20.30

How to reach the Temple

• Through Air the nearest airport is located at Ahmedabad approximately 179 kms.

• Through Road the Ambaji. Palanpur is 144 kms.

• Through Railways the Ahmedabad Ambaji is 179 kms. By road from Ahmedabad. From Ambaji. The nearest railhead to is Palanpur located 60 kms.

Jambukeswarar Temple, Thiruvanaikaval

Sri Jambukeswarar is the name of Lord Shiva and worshipped at Thiruvanaikoil. It is one of the Panchabhoota Stalams (signifying the 5 natural elements) and represents water ('Neer'). The other four temples are Kalahasti, for wind, Triuvannamalai for fire, Chidambaram for space, and Kanchipuram for earth.

It is one of the 275 Paadal Petra Sthalams, where all the four most revered Nayanars (Saivite Saints) have sung glories of the deity in this temple.

Sri Jambukeswara is an embodiment of the element water and is referred to as Appustalam. Even today one can see water oozing out near the Shivalinga idol in the temple. The Shivalinga ('Swami') here is called as 'Appu Linga'.

Legends :

According to the mythological scriptures, Devi Parvathi in Her Incarnation as Devi Akilandeswari performed penance in the Jambu forest (Thiruvanaikoil). She made a Lingam out of water from the river Cauvery, and installed it under the Venn Naaval tree (the Venn Naaval tree on top of Saint Jambu) and commenced her worship. Hence the Lingam is known as Appu Lingam (Water Lingam). Lord Siva at last gave darshan to Devi Akhilandeswari and taught Her Siva Gnana. Devi Akhilandeswari took Upadesa (lessons) facing East from Lord Shiva, who stood facing west.thiruvanaikoil temple thiruvanaikoil temple thiruvanaikoil temple.

According to mythological interpretations, Devi Akhilandeswari took Upadesa (lessons) facing East from Lord Shiva, who stood facing West. Hence this Temple is also revered as a Upadesa Sthalam. Since Devi Akhilandeswari worshipped Lord Shiva in this temple, even today at noon the 'Archakar' (priest) dresses like a female and performs Puja to Lord Jambukeswara and the holy Cow. A specifice breed of black cow, called Karam Pasu is brought to the Temple for puja. As the Devi was like a student and Lord Jambukeswara like a Guru (teacher) in this temple, there is no Thiru Kalyanam (marriage) conducted in this temple for Lord Shiva and Devi Parvathi, unlike the other Shiva temples. The Shrine of the Devi Akilandeshwari and the Shrine of Lord Prasanna Vinayaka opposite the Devi Shrine are in the shape of the Pranava Mantra called "OM".

About the Temple :

The temple at Tiruvanaikaval is a big one covering an area of about 18 acres with high walls and gopurams on all the 4 sides. The temple has 5 prakarams. The main sanctum sancotrum (the 5th prakaram) can be reached by entering a series of Gopurams (Towers). The shrine for female deity Akilandeswari is situated in the 4th prakaram. Thiruvanaikoil temple was built according to 'Saiva Aagama Sasthra'. According to Saiva Agamam, the temple reflects the human body and the idol of Lord Shiva is considered as the soul. Many other kings like Pandiyas and Nayakars of Madurai later renovated this temple. The 2nd and 3rd praharams were built in 13th century A.D. and the 4th Praharam was constructed in the late 13th century A.D.

There are many mandapams in the temple, a 1000 Pillar, on the North West corner of the 3rd praharam and a 100 Pillar Mandapam on the North East corner of the 3rd Praharam, Vasanta mandapam (The mandapam is surrounded by pool of water where Lord Shiva and Goddess Akilandeswari are worshipped on summer evenings), Somaskandha mandapam, Nataraja mandapam, Trimurthi mandapam, etc. The thousand-pillared mandapam looks like a chariot.

There are many interesting legends in this temple. When the king "Thirruneetru Sundara Pandiyan" was constructing the 5th Praharam wall on the East Side, he was running out of money to pay to the labourers for the next day of work. On that night in the Kings dream Lord Shiva asked him to continue the work. As per the Lords wish the King continued the construction and at the end of that day a Sanyasi (saint) came there and he gave the labourers pinches of sacred ash. That sacred ash turned into gold equivalent to the work done by them. Then only the King and others came to know that the Sanyasi is none other than the Lord himself. Because of this instance the East Side praharam is known as "Vibhoothi" (sacred ash) praharam.

Pooja Timings :

Ushakkala Pooja - 6.30 am - 7.30 am

Kaalasandhi Pooja  - 8.00 am - 8.45 am

Uchikkala Pooja - 11.00 am - 12.00 pm

Saayaraksha Pooja - 5.00 pm - 5.45 pm

Ardhajama Pooja - 9.00 pm

Theerthams 

There are nine Theerthams (Holy Water Points) near this temple.

�  Sreemath Theertham:This is nothing but the water spring oozing inside the Sanctorum of Lord Shiva.

�  Rama Theertham:This is outside the temple. Just directly opposite to the temple across the G.S.T Road. You can see this on the way to the Srirangam. This is where the �Thai Poosam theppam� festival is celebrated. This Theertham is full of beautiful Lotus flower plants.

�  Chandra Theertham

�  Agni Theertham:This is the well in the South East corner of 3rd Praharam. Just opposite on the side of Vasantha Mandapam and temple Nandhavanam.

�  Indira Theertham :This is in the 3rd Praharam opposite to Kasi Viswanatha Swami sannathi.

�  Akasthiya Theertham

�  Jambu Theertham: This is in the South West 3rd Praharam near the old Jambukeshwara temple (Opposite to Sangareshwarar temple and opposite to Kubera Linga)

�  Surya Theertham:This is in the South West corner of the 4th praharam. Just opposite to the 1000 pillar mandapam. This Tank is architecturally beautifully built with two stories of Mandapams around the tank. Each mandapam built with 100 pillars. �Theppam� festival is celebrated in this tank in the Tamil month �Aadi� on �Pooram� day (the day when the star is Pooram, which is the star of Akilandeswari).

�  Brahmma Theertham:This is in the South side of 4th Praharam (South Car Street).

Festivals Celebrated at this temple :

• Vaikasi - Vasantha Urchavam (10 days)
• Aadi - Aadipuram festival (10 days),Aadi Friday is celebrated.
• Purattasi - Navarathiri festival (10 days)
• Thai - Thai Poosam, Thai theppam (Float) festival Special poojas are performed during Fridays of Thai month.
• Panguni - Brahmotchavam (40 days)
• Car festival and Panchaprakara festival are important festivals.

Benefits of worshipping at this temple:

Devotees worshipping here are blessed both in this birth and in next birth.One who worships Goddess Ahilandeswari will be blessed with good education and intelligence, marrige and wishes for child are fulfilled. By coming around the fifth divine wall known as "Thiruneetran thirumathil one with gets fulfilled.

Travel Info :

• By Air - Trichy has an airport (5 kms from the city). Indian Airlines connects Trichy with Chennai, Sharjah, Kuwait and Colombo. Air Lanka Service connects Tiruchirapalli with Colombo.
• By Rail -Trichy is an important junction on the Southern Railway. It connects almost all important Indian places like Chennai, Tirupathi, Trivandrum, Mumbai, Delhi,Varanasi,  Kolkotta, Kanyakumari, Rameswaram, Bangalore, Coimbatore, Mysore, Kochi, and Mangalore.
• By Road - Trichy is well connected by road with important places and Southern Cities including Trivandrum, Bangalore.

LIST OF FESTIVALS IN THE MONTH OF AUGUST 2016 IN TIRUMALA

August 5 : Srivari Purusaivari Tototsavam

August 6 : Naga Chaturdi

August 7 : Garuda Panchami

August 13 : Srivari Pavitrotsavalu Ankurarpana

August 14-16: Annual Pavitrotsavams

August 15 : Independence Day, Chatrasthapanotsavam at Narayanagiri

August 18 : Hayagreeva Jayanthi, Sri Vikhanasa Jayanthi, Sravanopakarma,

Shravana Pournami Garuda Seva

August 19 : Gayatri Japam, Srivaru enters Vikhanasacharya sannidhi

August 25 : Gokulastami Asthanam

August 26: Utlotsavam

Yadagirigutta Lakshminarasimha Swamy Temple

Sri Lakshminarasimha Swamy Temple  is situated on a hillock in the Nalgonda district, newly formed state of telangana.

The sanctum sanctorum or Garbhagriha is located in a cave, under a huge slating rock, which covers half the abode.Huge number of devotees visit the temple on Sundays and public holidays.

Significance :

In Tretayugam, there lived a sage by the name of Yadarishi, son of the great sage Rishyasrunga and Santa Devi who did penance inside a cave with the blessings of Anjaneya (Hanuman) on this hill between Bhongir (Bhuvanagiri) and Raigiri (Now in Nalgonda district of Andhra Pradesh, India). Pleased with his deep devotion, Lord Narasimha, an incarnation of Lord Vishnu appeared before him in five different forms as Sri JwalaNarasimha ,Sri  Yogananda,  SriGandabherunda, Sri Ugra and Sri  Lakshminarasimha. All these five forms (roopas) are presently worshipped within the temple. They later manifested themselves into finely sculpted forms that later came to be worshiped as Pancha Narasimha Kshetram.

There are Purana and traditional accounts of this Shrine, which are widely popular among the devotees. There is mention about the origin of this temple in the Skanda Purana, one of the famous 18 puranas

Another Legend also has it that Sriman Narayana, pleased with YadaRushi penance, sent Sri Anjaneya to direct the rishi to a holy spot, where the Lord appeared to him in the form of Sri LakshmiNarasimha. This spot is marked by a temple located at the foot of the Yadagiri hillock, and is located about 500 meters from the present temple. There the sage worshiped the Lord for many years.

After Yadarishi attained moksha, a number of tribals, Knowing of the Lord�s presence, came to worship Him at this temple. But, not being very learned, these devotees began to engage in improper worship. Because of this, Sri LakshmiNarasimha moved into to the hills. The tribals searched for many years to find their Lord, to no avail.

After many years had passed, the Lord appeared in the dream of a devout lady among the tribe, directing her to a large cavern wherein He revealed Himself to all as five majestic Avatars.The Aradhanam and Puja in this temple are performed according to Pancharatra Agamam. The puja vidhanam (Worship procedure) was set by Late Sri Vangeepuram Narasimhacharyulu who composed Yadagiri Suprabhatam, Prapatti, Stotram, Mangalashasanam and served as Sthanacharya of this temple.

Beliefs

Lord Narasimha is believed to have been worshiped by sages (rushis). The region of Yadagirigutta is reputed to be a �Rushi Aradhana Kshetram� or the place of worship for sages.

As the belief goes, Lord Narasimha has taken on the role of a �doctor� and is known as �Vaidya Narasimha� by his devotees at this shrine to cure many chronic diseases and the role of a �do gooder� to those who are under the influence of bad planets, witch craft and black magic. Many instances are cited of the Lord appearing in the dreams of the devotees, and administering medicines and operated the patients and blessed them with good health. Many devotees tell of vivid dreams in which the Lord comes to heal them from chronic or terminal illnesses, and even mental or emotional problems. A mandala Deeksha (40 day) pradakshina is very popular made by many devotees to get cured of a long standing ailment or chronic disease. Often, the Lord Himself has imparted mantrOpadEsham to select devotees in their dreams.

Visiting Hours :

Temple is opening at 4.00 a.m. early morning and it will be closed by 9.30 p.m. In peak days like Sunday/Saturday /Festival Days the temple would be opened one hour earlier than the schedule time.

Darshanam Timings : Morning

04-00 am to 4-30 am	Suprabhatam
04-30 am to 5-00 am	Binde teertam
05-00 am to 5-30 am	Bala Bogam
05-30 am to 6-30 am	Nijabhishekam
06-30 am to 7-15 am	Archana
7-15 am to 11-30 am	Darshnamas (All)
11-30 am to 12-30 am	Maharaja Bogamu
12-30 am to 3-00-pm	Darshanams
03-00 pm to 04-00 pm	Dwarabandanamu

Darshanam Timings : Evening

04-00 pm to 5-00 pm	Special Darshnams
05-00 pm to 7-00 pm	Darshanams (All)
07-00 pm to 7-30pm	Aaradhana
7-30 pm to 8-15 pm	Archana
8-15 pm to 9 -00 pm	Darshnamas (All)
9-00 pm to 9-30 pm	Maha nivedhana
9-30 pm to 9-45 pm	Shayanostavams
9-45 pm	Temple close

SEVAS TIMINGS :

• Kalyanamu : 08-00 am to 11-00 am 
• Jodu savas : 05-30 pm to 07-00 pm
• Suprabhata Seva  from 4.00 am. to 4.30 am
• Nijabishekam from 5.30 am to 6.30 am. 
• Sahasra Namarchana  from 6.30 am to 7.15 am. 
• Kunkumarchana from 8.30 am to 9.00 am. (at Yaga Shala) 
• Kalyanothsavam from 10.00am to 12.00pm
• Pavalimpu Seva from 9.00 pm to 9.30pm.

PRASADAM COUNTERS : Prasadam Counters are located near to the main temple entrance

Timings : 7-00 AM  TO    9-00 PM 

Saturday, Sunday and other important days the Counters were opened from 7 AM to 9 PM un-interruptedly. 

Separate Counters for Ladies are also arranged whenever necessary.

Distribution of free prasadam:

100 Kgs of Pulihora prasadam and 6 Kgs of Daddojanam prasadam is being distributed freely to the piligrims in the temple daily.

FESTIVALS :

Bramhostavams

Every year SriSwamy vari Brahmothsavams are being performed during the months of  Palgunam i.e. from Shudha Vidiya to Dwadasi for (11 ) days (normally in the of month  Febrauary & March).During the Brahmothsavams  cultural programs like Harikathas, Bajans,  Vocal recites, Upanyasams, Bharatha Natyams and Dramas were arranged with the well known artists and Scholars from the different places. 

Jayanthi

Sri Swamy vari Jayanthi Mahotsavams will perform from Vysakha Sudha Dwadasi to Chathurdashi. The programs were also arranged at the time of Narasimha Jayanthi,.Various Parayanams like Ramayan, Maha Bharath , Bhagawath Geetha, Kshetra Mahathyam, etc were arranged at the time of Brahmothsavams and Jayanthi. The Peethadhipathis & Mathadhipathis who visited this temple are also given their Pravachanams to the Devotees.

Swathi

Sri Swamy vari Astothara Satha Ghatabhisekam will performs  every month on Swathi Nakshatram (i.e Birth star of Swamy varu) at 4-30 AM to 7-00 AM  as per Agama Shastra procedure.

Pavithrostavams

Sri Swamy vari Pavithrotsavams will performs from Shravana Shudha Dashimi to Dwadashi.

Adhyanotsavams

Sri Swamy vari Adhyayanotsavams will perform Six days fromvaikunta Ekadasi

Dhanurmasams

During the Dhanurmasam days,  every day at early morning Margali will be held in the Temple and  Thiruppavai Keerthanams will be rendered  by  Archakas which were written by Andal Ammavaru.

Annakutothsavam

Annakutostavam will perform on the day of Kartheeka Pournami .

            .

   OTHER IMPORTANT FESTIVALS CELEBRATED

1.  Ramanuja Thirunakshathram.

2.  Nammalvar Thirunakshathram

3.  Manavala Mahammavari Thirunakshatram

4.  Thirumanjari alwar Thirunakshatram

5.  Thiruppavari alwar Thirunakshatram

6.  Andal Thirunakshatram

7.  Sri Krishna Janmastami

8.  Margali Masam

9.  Sri Rama Navami

10.              Maha Shiva Rathri

11.              Devi Navarathrulu

12.              Hanumath Jayanthi

Accommodation :

The Devasthanam is having Suffiicient number of  Choultries  , dormitories and cottages for providing accommodation to the devotees and V.I.P.s including A.C Rooms  to stay on the uphill.  In the down hill the Devasthanam is having  Rooms   and  halls for staying of the pilgrims. 

Do�s And Don�t�s 

Do�s

� Do pray Lord Pancha Narasimha Swamy varu before pilgrimage to Yadagirigutta.
� Do contact Devasthanam information centre for enquiry, temple information and for pooja details etc.
� Do concentrate on Lord Narasimha Swamy Varu and Goddess Andal Ammavaru inside the temple &
         Kshetrapalaka Anjaneya Swamy Varu.
� Do deposit your offerings in the hundi only.

Don�t�s 

� Don�t come to Yadagirigutta for any purpose other than worshipping of Sri Swamy Varu and Ammavaru.
� Don�t smoke at Yadagirigutta temple surroundings.
� Don�t consume alcoholic drinks at Yadagirigutta temple surroundings.
� Don�t eat non-vegetarian food in the Kshethram.
� Don�t carry any weapon inside the temple, kindly switch of your mobiles.
� Don�t wear any head guards like helmets, caps, tubans and hats inside the temple premises.
� Don�t perform �Sastanga Pranama� in Antaralayam.
� Don�t take much time while performing �Darshanam� to Swamy varu in Garbhalayam.
� Don�t buy spurious prasadams from street vendors.
� Don�t encourage beggars at Yadagirigutta.
� Don�t spit or create nuisance in the premises of the temple.

OTHER TEMPLES :

1) Pushkarini Sri Anjaneya Swamy Temple(uphills)
2) Sri Ramalingeshwara swamy temple (uphills at entrance of east side)
3) Sri Ramalayam. (uphills)

HOW TO REACH :

Yadagirigutta is just 55 kms from Hyderabad.

Mahakaleshwar in Ujjain

Mahakaleshwar Jyotirlinga is one of the most famous Hindu temples dedicated to Lord Shiva and is one of the twelve Jyotirlingams, which are supposed to be the most sacred abodes of Shiva. It is located in the ancient city of Ujjain in the state of Madhya Pradesh, India. The temple is situated on the side of the Rudra Sagar lake.

One of the 12 Jyotirlingas in India, the lingam at the Mahakal is believed to be swayambhu (born of itself), deriving currents of power (Shakti) from within itself as against the other images and lingams which are ritually established and invested with mantra-shakti. 

The idol of Mahakaleshwar is known to be dakshinamurti, facing the South. This is a unique feature, upheld by tantric tradition to be found only in Mahakaleshwar among the 12 jyotirlingas. The idol of Omkareshwar Shiva is consecrated in the sanctum above the Mahakal shrine. The images of Ganesh, Parvati and Karttikeya are installed in the west, north and east of the sanctum sanctorum. To the south is the image of Nandi. 

LEGEND :`

According to the a five year old boy named Shrikar was enthralled seeing the devotion of king Chandrasena of Ujjain towards Lord Shiva. He took a stone and by considering it a linga started worshipping it regularly. Others thought that his worship as merely a game and tried to dissuade in all ways. But all the efforts went in vain. On the contrary the devotion of Shrikar increased day by day. Pleased by the boy�s devotion Lord Shiva assumed Jyotirlinga form and resided in the Mahakal forest.

Another Legend has it that a demon by name Dushana tormented the residents of Avanti and that Shiva appeared from the ground and vanquished the demon, and then upon the request of the inhabitants of Avanti, took up permanent abode here as Mahakaleshwara Jyotirlinga. Also in Ujjain is the temple to Parvati - Harasiddhi Devi temple.

ABOUT TEMPLE IN BRIEF :

The temple is a three tiered one, with Mahakal at the lowest level, which is actually below the ground. At the middle (ground) level is a temple to Omkareshwar, and over it is a shrine to Nagachandreshwara. This is an interesting shrine which is opened only on Nagapanchami day every year. 

Temple Timings:-

The main temple opens at 3:30 am .The Bhasma Arti is performed between 4:00 am and 6:00 am. Between 7:30 am to 8:15 am the Naivadya Arti is performed. Between 10:30 am to 11:15 am,the Mahabhog Arti is performed. In the evening, the Sandhya Arti is organised at 6:30 pm to 7:15 pm and Shayan Arti at 10:30 pm. The temple closes at 11:00 pm.

Mahakal and Bhasma Arti:-

To attend Bhasma Arti in Mahakaleshwar is desire for every Hindu devotee. Mahakal and Bhasma Arti are synonymous with each other. Bhasma means ash. Mahakaleshwar is the only Jyotirlinga temple,where the Bhasma Arti is performed. Amidst vedic chants and strotras and sounds of cymbals, conchs and damru, the Bhasma arti is performed every morning (Except the second day of Mahashivaratri) from 4:00 am to 6:00 am to the Lord Mahakaleshwar. The Bhasma is prepared by burning dried cow dung. The mahant of the Akhil Bhratiya Mahanirvani Akhada or his representative offers the Bhasma.

The Bhasma Arti has its own protocols. During Bhasma Arti, no one can enter in the garbhagriha for worship wearing regular clothes. Only males wearing sola or silk clothe on their loins are allowed to enter into garbhagriha.At the time of Bhasma Arti,women are not allowed to enter inside. The devotees enjoy watching the great puja sitting in Sabhagruha just outside the garbhagriha. On next day of Mahashivaratri, the Bhasma Arti is held in afternoon after removal of the Lord's Sehra (bridegroom�s floral crown).This happens only once a year.

FESTIVALS : 

The main festivals of this temple are NITYA YATRA, SAWARI, HARIHARA MILANA 

BEST SEASON TO VISIT :

OCTOBER TO MARCH

HOW TO REACH :

BY ROAD - WELL CONNECTED TO ALL CITIES

BY TRAIN - NEAREST RAILWAY STATION IS UJJAIN

BY AIR - NEAREST AIRPORT IS INDORE 53KM