KALKAJI TEMPLE, DELHI

Delhi has witnessed several dynasties, many political outcomes and an unequal number of religious influences. These influences rule the religious aspects of the city.

This is natural because whenever people settle, they do need a place to pray. Every locality has religious structures like Temples, Churches, Mosques and Gurudwaras.So, one of the most prominent religious attractions of the Delhi is –Kalkaji Temple.

Kalkaji Temple also known as Kalkaji Mandir is a famous, Hindu mandir, dedicated to Hindu Goddess Kali or Kalka, an incarnation of Durga, situated near the Okhla Industrial Area of Delhi. 

Devotees attend the Kalkaji Temple throughout the year. This Temple prides itself on an existence of about 3000 years. The Temple was built in the middle of 18^th century and the oldest portion of the existing Temple dates back to 1764. In the middle of the 19^th century, Raja Kedarnath, Peshkar of Emperor AkbarII made certain changes and additions to the Temple. It is believed that the original Temple was used by Pandavas and Kauravas to worship Goddess Kali.

But now, the modern structure of the Temple has changed a lot – now the Temple is a 12 sided structure completely made out of the White marble and Black Granite tiles. This structure houses the black stone that denotes Goddess Kali. The Temple building is very simple and has no ornamentation as such. There are a number of inns (Dharamshala) around the main structure.

As the Temple stands on a hill and looks marvelous when lit in the evening. Though, prayers are held four times a day But, the special Tantric Aarti at 7 in the evening is a must watch. Every day, the idol of the deity is bathed with milk and other holy items in the morning. And then, draping her with a bright Red Brocade Sari is a major ritual here. People coming to the Temple can purchase offerings from the Vendors sitting just before its entrance. 

The Puja, Archana and other rituals are performed turn by turn (monthly basis) by Pujaris.The atmosphere around the temple is airy and bright with lights which stay during the whole night, devotees also try to meditate here. The Temple gains special importance during the period of “Navratras” which lasts for all most nine days. During Navratras the Temple is decked up like a bride. At that time, a fair is held at Kalkaji Temple and is attended by thousands of devotees. One can hoards of hawkers near the Temple during the fair, which are often accompanied by groups singing hymns and songs eulogizing the Goddess. 

Kalkaji Temple is one of the most beautiful places for workship in Delhi. The Durga Puja festival is also celebrated by the Temple. Most of the devotees who have been regular visitors to the place attribute their life’s successes, accomplishments and glory to Goddess Kalka. For those visiting Delhi, a visit to this divine place of “Faith and Workship” is a must on their itinerary. Over the years, Kalka Temple has also come to be known as the “Temple of Final Justice”.

“Goddess Kalka or the “Goddess of Justice” is epitome of Justice, who delivers fair justice to those in her divine refuge. This is one court which supersedes every other court of law in the world, simply because the judgement delivered here, can just not be over ruled or argued because the chief justice happens to be Maa Kalka.

There’s indisputably no one more benevolent and loving than Maa Kalka as even for the sinners who come and seek penance, “Her Majesty” makes them go through the salvation phase, and once they are purified, readily showers them with the choicest of her blessings. Such peerless is this place that devotees can actually feel heavenly vibrations in the literary sense here”. 

For the true devotees, Divine Mother grants instant boons and rewards. Besides, it is a general conviction and belief that the Goddess answers all her devotees’ problems and ensures that no one goes empty handed from her imperial and blissful Temple.

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BALAJI TEMPLE, RAJASTHAN

 The land of desert-Rajasthan is a vibrant land of colours valor and royalty. The entire territory of this desert land resound the pure and beautiful melodies of hymns, sung with love and devotion. The religious places in Rajasthan are not only places of worship, but also monuments of great artistic beauty.

Religious places in Rajasthan evoke a pure feeling of harmony and dignity. A number of tourists across the globe visit these places and get mesmerized by its charm and aura. The grand architectural edifices make one feel that eternity has been preserved by mortal men, who have built stunning architectural wonders to act as places of worship. There are many religious places in Rajasthan which should not be missed while you are touring Rajasthan. It will give you an insight to the rich culture and heritage of India.

Balaji Temple is one such place; the Mehandipur Balaji Temple is situated in the Dausa district of Rajasthan. According to legend, the present day form of the “Divine Trinity” found in the Mehandipur Dham appeared around 1,000 years ago in a valley admist the hills of the
Aravali range.

Shri Ganesh Puriji Maharaj who was the 11^th Mahant of this pilgrimage center, used to say that this area was covered by a thick and dense forest full of wild animals, once upon a time. One of the ancestors of Shri Mahantji had dreams in which Shri Balaji Maharaj had indicated three divine deities and a magnificent Temple. He had also heard a divine voice ordering him to get up and be prepared for Shri Balaji - Hanuman’s duty. He was unable to see initially but, after years of “Sadhna”, Lord Balaji finally appeared and showed him the place in the forest where the Temple and the three divine forms were found.

Balaji Temple at Mehandipur in Rajasthan is a very powerful place. It is believed that the deity in this Temple has divine power to cure a person possessed with evil spirits. Hundreds of “Sankatwalas”, as the possessed people are refered to in local lingo, throng to the Temple everyday to offer prayers and have “Darshan.” 

The Temple is made up of gold and silver. The Temple is pretty big and has complete security. There are few things to notice inside the Temple. One is the big Havan Kund where Yagya is performed every day. It is said that if, you take few of that ashes inside your mouth, it heals your body. Yagya is a ritual performed to give offerings and thanks to Gods into a scared fire which is lit in the Haven Kund.                                

 The victims with serious cases of spirit possession, who tends to get violent, are even shackled in chains within the Temple premises. Thus, within the Temple premises one can see the ailed placing heavy stones on their body for reducing their pain.

This may appear a bit anachronistic at the first glance but, thousands of people are believed to have been cured in this way. Festival time (Holi, Hanuman Jayanti and Dusshera) are regarded as the most auspicious time to emancipate from the evil spirits.

The Temple has also become a home and the last respite for the victims. The Mahant of the Temple prescribes the treatment. It includes the reading of holy texts, following a strict vegetarian and simple diet.

People suffering from malignant spirits and black magic or spell get their relief when they make an appeal for relief to Shri Bhairav ji and Shri Pret Raj Sarkar, who holds his court and awards punishment to the malignant spirits, ghosts, goblins, ghouls, evil eyed witches etc. Shrine of Balaji, Court of Pret Raja, Puja Griha, Bhairar Ji Temple and Ram Darbar are some of the spots worth seeing.

Two fairs are organized in the month of April in the Mehandipur Temple. Lakhs of devotees came here on Hanuman Jayanti as well as fair. 

Religious ritualistic performances, charity, feeding the poor, homeless and incapacitated people, water supply for all and fodder for cows and stray animals are the activities of this Temple.

This Temple of Balaji is well connected with having a frequent service of buses on Agra-Jaipur highway, either via Alwar-Manwa or Mathura-Bharatpur-Mahwah. And the nearest Railway Station at Bandikui which is also an option to reach this shrine.

Though, medical science may discard such approach to the ailment as self-deceptions based on blind faith, but for the believers the power of Balaji is something super-natural, something beyond metaphysics. 

Rajasthan culture opens up a whole new world of luxury, ancient traditions and rituals and numerous performing and visual art forms. The impact of the brilliant hues of the land as well as its topographical and religious diversity is clearly visible in all aspects of culture of Rajasthan.

The religious diversity of Rajasthan is reflected in the importance and beauty of the several places of Hindu, that are flourishing here and Balaji Temple is among them, one of the major pilgrimage centre of Rajasthan which makes this place an extraordinary site to visit, for thousands of his devotees.

MANSA DEVI TEMPLE, HARIDWAR

As the Legends said, when the Gods left their footprints on the land of Haridwar, metaphorically they also left an indelible mark on the spiritual ethos of every Hindu-more so, the devout, who would later follow their holy paths all across this blessed land. Haridwar, due to its geographical location stands as the gateway to the pilgrimages of Uttarakhand. Haridwar has always remained as a major Shaktipeeth for the devotees. And one such prominent most visited Temples of North India; in Haridwar is Mata Mansa Devi.

Mata Mansa Devi is a Hindu Temple dedicated to Goddess Mansa Devi, the consort of Vasuki who is the king of snakes. The Temple location on the Bilwa Parvat Hill adds much to its overall beauty. Though the Temple lies on hilltop, visitors do not face any difficulty in reaching the Temple. The Temple magnetizes hordes of devotees and pilgrims from all over due to its ancient history and religious significance. 

The Temple is constructed by Maharaja Gopal Singh and the year of construction of Temple is 1811-1815AD. The main Temple is dedicated to Mansa, who is workshiped in the Sanctorum in the form of “Pindi”, as well as in her anthropomorphic form executed on a marble. In the sanctum sanctorum she is worshiped with Devi Saraswati and Lakshmi in the form of Pindi (stone pebbles). Originally the pindi’s were only worshiped by the devotees. However in modern times, a marble bust of the deity was got sculpted for giving an attractive human look (form) to the deity. She is beautifully decorated with crown and other ornaments.  

Interestingly, the architecture of the main Temple is not consonance with the Shivalik region where usually typical Nagara or Curvilinear spirals Temples were erected. This is in sharp contrast to the environment of the region architecturally, speaking the Temple has been built in panchavati pattern in which at four cardinal corners stand four shrines with the main shrine(fifth shrine) being located at the centre. 

Hindus believe that if; you pray to the Goddess with a pure and grateful heart, she is sure to fulfill your wishes. For a “Darshan” (visit) of the Goddess, devotees need to stand in the queue at the Temple site. The prime attraction of the Mansa Devi Temple includes two awe-inspiring sculptures. While one of the Goddess of Mansa Devi Temple of Haridwar has eight arms, the other one stands in the shrine with five arms and three mouths. The unique traits of the two presiding deities make Mansa Devi Temple one of the outstanding religious appeals of Haridwar. 

Close to the Temple on the hilltop is a holy tree, around which devotees tie threads to get their wishes fulfilled. They seek the blessings of Goddess Mansa Devi. Not only in Haridwar, but Temple of Mansa Devi is known and reverted in the whole of Northern India. Apart from getting glimpse of the Goddess at the Temple, visitors can also feast their eyes upon the magnificent view of the town of Haridwar from hilltop.

Twice in a year millions of devotees pay obeisance during Navratra Mela held in Ashwin and Chaitra months and Temples remain open throughout the day. These mela’s are of 9 days duration each time and concludes on the 9^th day. On the 7^th and 8^th day of Navratras the Temples of shrine complex are closed only for two hours during the night for cleaning and maintenance of the Temples. For the rest of

Navratras the Temples remain open for Darshan from 5:00am to 10:00pm. 

To reach the hilltop you can use the cable cars. Otherwise if, you are looking for a light dose of adventure, you can choose to trek up to the Temple. However, arrangements of ropeway and trolley are also available to arrive at the Temple premises. The shrine Board makes elaborate arrangements for the comfortable stay and Darshan for the devotees.

Known for ubiquitous Shrines, Ashrams and Ghats, Haridwar is one of those tourists’ sites of India, where infinite numbers of devotees come every year. Each and every Temple of Haridwar tells of a distinct Mythological Saga. The local people of Haridwar have deep faith in the Gods and Goddess of these Temples. Such is the charm of the sacred locals of Haridwar that even tourists from other countries visit the place in large numbers.

Thus, Mata Mansa Devi Temple, in a way, enhances the holy tradition of Haridwar which persists in the place from many past centuries. 

BHARAT MATA TEMPLE, HARIDWAR

A paradise for nature lovers, Haridwar presents a kaleidoscope of Indian culture and civilization.Haridwar’s importance as a scared city is derived from its position and the supposed spiritual purity of its water, which is carried by the pilgrims to every corner of the Subcontinent for the use of purification ceremonies.

 According to Hindu Mythology, Haridwar is considered as one of the seven holiest places of our country, and one more reason which makes this place unique in itself, is situated in - Sapt Sarovar near Ashram at Haridwar i.e. Bharat Mata Temple.

The Temple is a holy place of its own kind. Actually, the Bharat Mata is the representation of India in the form of a Mother Goddess. She is usually depicted as a woman clad in a Saffron sari holding a flag and sometimes accompanied by a Lion. The image of the Bharat Mata formed with the Indian Independence movement of the late 19thcentury.

The Temple was founded by Swami Satyamitranand Giri, on the banks of the Ganga in Haridwar. It was inaugurated by Indira Gandhi; the former prime minister of India, in 1983.The Temple represents a spiritual essence, a transcendental idea of universe as well as expressing universal Hinduism and Nationhood.

The image of Bharat Mata was an icon to create nationalist feeling in Indians during the freedom struggle Bharat Mata standing on green earth and blue sky behind her, feet with four lotuses, four arms meaning -divine power, white halo and sincere eyes; and gifts Shiksha,Diksha,Anna,Vastra of motherland to her children.

As the conception of Bharat Mata predates the partition of India, she is intended to represent “Aryavarta”, the motherland of Hinduism in Hindu Nationalism, not merely restricted to the Secular Republic of India, and Bharat Mata remains a symbol of the “Vision of a unified Motherland” in Hindu nationalist Indian land

The eight- storied Temple is tall to the approximately height of 180ft.Elevators are installed in the Temple to aid the pilgrims. Each floors of the Temple are dedicated to Mythological legends, Religious Deities, Freedom Fighters and Leaders.

Ø The first floor- salutes all the brave sons and daughter of Mother India, who sacrificed their lives to maintain and enhance her honour. A statue of the mother herself stands amidst all these gallant personalities, which include- Subhash Chandra Bose, Veer Savarkar, Mahatma Gandhi, Chatrapati Shivaji, Guru Gobind singh, Rani of Jhansi and more. 

Ø The second floor “Shoor Mandir” is dedicated to the glory of Indian woman and the holy wedlock of India. 

Ø The third floor “Matru Mandir” of the Bharat Mata Mandir in Haridwar- celebrates the achievements of honored women like – Meera Bai, Savitri and Matiri etc. 

Ø While, the fourth floor “Sant Mandir “showcases the features of great saints from different religions of India. And uphold the Indian philosophy and the concept of Sainthood. 

Ø The assembly hall with walls depicting symbolic co-existence of all religions practiced in India and paintings portraying history and beauty in various provinces of India are situated on the fifth floor. 

Ø The various forms of the Goddess of Shakti can be seen on the sixth floor in different forms like-Durga, Parvati, Sati, Radha, Saraswati, Kali etc. 

Ø The seventh floor is devoted to all the incarnations of Lord Vishnu, the preserver form of the holy Hindu Trinity. 

Ø The eighth floor holds the shrine of Lord Shiva from which devotees can gain a panoramic view of Himalayas, Haridwar and the splendor of the entire campus of Sapta Sarovar.

One can easily reach Bharat Mata Temple by taking local Buses, Tongas, Rickshaws or by hiring Taxis from Haridwar. As well as Haridwar junction Railway Station is well connected by trains, located on the south side of town, within walking distance to most hotels. 

The depiction of India as a Hindu Goddess implies that it is not just the Patriotic but, also the religious duty of all Indians to participate in the Nationalist struggle to defend the Nation. The motto “Bharat Mata Ki Jai” (Victory for Mother India) is used by various Hindu Organizations and by the Indian Army. It is a kind reverence to all those, who played a vital role in the formation of the country. Thus, the vast spectrum of India is reflected in the various modes, which the Haridwar- Bharat Mata Temple projects.

SUN TEMPLE, GWALIOR

Indian architecture encompasses a multitude of expressions over space and time, constantly absorbing new ideas. The result is an evolving range of architectural production that nonetheless retains a certain amount of continuity across history. 

And one such architectural wonder, is located at a stone’s throw distance from the residency at Morar in Gwalior city i.e. The Sun Temple. The Temple fairly naturally is consecrated to the holy Sun God. The Temple not only derives its classification from the famous Sun Temple at Konarka in Orissa, the architecture too is inspired by the same. 

The Surya Mandir or the Sun Temple was constructed in 1988 by G.D.Birla, the famous industrialist of India. The city of Gwalior dates back to the 8^th century and has been witness to some of the greatest Rajput clans like the Prathiharas, the Kachwahs and the Tomars. Stories go around that Maharaja Suraj Sen of the Kachwaha dynesty was down with a deadly disease and was cured by the hermit saint Gwalipa. It was out of gratitude to him that Suraj Sen. built the city of Gwalior.

The Sun Temple or Surya Mandir is one of the spectacular shrines and architectural edifices that dot the countryside of the ancient city of Gwalior, while it is not very old; the Sun Temple happens to be one of the most respected shrines of Gwalior.  

The exterior of the Sun Temple is constructed in Red sand stones. Unlike the exterior of the Temple, the captivating interior has been constructed using White marble and houses a beautiful carved sculpture of Lord Surya. One can also find beautiful carved figurines of Hindu Gods on the exterior of the Temple. 

The massive chariot shaped Temple has twelve pairs of wheels symbolizing the 12 months, each pair representing the dark and bright halves of the lunar period attached to the seven horses(representing seven rays of the sun) to pull structure through the air. The wheels each about the 10feet in diameter are carved in relief along the longer sides of the platform upon which the Temple stands. They are remarkable for their extensive detail and elaborate design, each wheel is rendered with intricately carved spokes, hubs and pins. 

The Temple is located in a serene ambience and a well –maintained garden within the Temple premises is very attractive as well as it also serves as a perfect place to relax. 

Although a newly constructed Temple, this stunning shrine witnesses a large crowd of tourists and pilgrims all year round, making it one of the most sought after religious destinations of Gwalior. One can also find beautiful carve figures of Hindu Gods on the exterior of the Temple. 

The Sacrosanct Sun Temple attracts myriads of tourists who flock to the city to catch a glimpse of the same. The Temple is located at a distance of approximately 5kms from the local bus stand and the railway station and happens to be one of the much coveted tourists attractions on a tour to Gwalior. 

Due to the peaceful atmosphere of this Sun Temple, thousands of devotees gather here to render their prayers. It makes one astounded - that a shrine of comparatively modern origin holds such a highest regard and become one among the most sought after pilgrimage centers in the city.