Golden Temple

The Golden Temple is the result of Sikh Guru Arjan Dev's envision of a temple reflecting resoluteness, strength and indestructibility of the faith. His majesty had named the temple as Harmandir and wanted it to reflect the clarity, simplicity and logic of the new Sikh movement. The Temple is situated in the midst of a pool symbolizing the synthesis of Nirgun and Sargun: the spiritual and temporal realms of human existence. Rather than drawing attention to its external manifestations Arjan Dev wanted it to show the power of inner faith and self-motivation, by changing the usual architecture of making high temples. He designed it lower than the ground level to signify his motive. Moreover four entrances, rather than only one Harmandir symbolizing that the four castes of Kshatriyas, Brabmins, Sudras and Vaisyas are equally important to the formation of a better society. There is no agreement or proof to the fact that actually who laid the foundation stone of the Harmandir, or the year in which it was laid. The Sarowar surrounding the temple had been lined with bricks and steps had been built so that desiring devotee could bath in the sacred pool. The original structure in the pool was modest in scale, in stunning contrast to the Renaissance buildings of that period in Europe and built with simple materials. The gilding, marble, mirror and inlay work came much later, in the nineteenth century, with changing perceptions of the folklore or due to the wish of some lavish powerful person . When we asked Michael George, a visitor from Canada, on how he felt about Golden temple. This is what he had to say, “ I was on my pilgrimage tour and Golden Temple was a part of it. The name itself created a lot of curoisity but I never imagined that this place would be real gold .. It gave me golden moments to cherish.”

Gulbarga in South India would soon have a Golden Temple Sri Sharanabasaveshwar Temple in Gulbarga, is proposed to be redesigned on the model of the Golden Temple in Amritsar.

With an architecture that is true blend of Hindu and Muslim styles, the Golden Temple is a two storeyed marble structure, with an imposing dome of pure gold. The golden dome is meant to represent an inverted lotus flower. The interior of the temple is decorated with semi precious stones, frescoes and glass work. The Akal Takht, or immortal throne, established by Guru Hargobind, was the repository of ancient weapons, used by the Sikh warriors and Gurus. The original copy of the Granth Sahib is ceremoniously returned to the Akal Takht, at night, which is kept in the Golden Temple during the day. “ The first thing that I noticed was the Golden Dome and my instant question to my guide was “ Is this real Gold?” For a moment I thought when India have so much gold to put on monuments that why is it called a poverty struck state. But slowly as I moved on the very thought faded out and I was completely mesmerized by the beauty of Golden Temple.” added Michael George.

Golden Temple Renamed Harimandar Sahib Golden Temple undergo a name change and now would be called " HARIMANDIR SAHIB" . This decision was taken by reputed Sikh Organizations in the state. UNESCO World Heritage Site has been sent a notification regarding this.

• The Jubi Tree, planted 450 years ago, by the Golden Temple's first high priest is believed to possess special powers. Guru-ka-Langar or the communal canteen provides free food to all visitors, regardless of colour, creed, caste or gender.
• The Golden Temple visitors must remove their shoes and cover their heads, before entering the temple premises.
• Listen to Gurbani Kirtan
• Visit the Pool of Nector

The Gold would always shine in mind and soul, especially if it is the gold of this temple. It won’t leave your mind at all and would give you no other choice ut to actually eulogise its beauty. “Nothing much, all that I remember is Gold and the pool. But I feel that is more than for me to cherish. “ concluded George Michael. Getting There By Air : Amritsar and Chandigarh connected to other cities in India by regular flights. By Rail : Chandigarh, Amritsar, Ludhiana, Pathankot, and Jalandhar are the major railway hubs in the state By Road : Connects to all the major cities of India with well made mettaled roads. Excursion : Chandigarh

Ganga

India, which boasts the river Ganga, must qualify as one of the most sacred stretches of land in the world. From it icy origin in the Himalayas, the Ganga is the spiritual lifeline of India, at once a physical and a metaphysical destination: to die on its banks is salvation; to bathe in its water is believed to be in God’s arm. Rising in the Himalayas and emptying into the Bay of Bengal, it drains a quarter of the territory of India, while its basin supports an immense concentration of people.There is no better way to see the Ganga than to travel up to the river’s origin, the perfect setting for which is Haridwar. Just above Haridwar is Rishikesh, another important scared center. The Ganga does not become the Ganga until the Bhagirathi merges with the Alaknanada. At this point, nestled amidst the gorges created by the two rivers sits the town of Devprayag. Because of its vital location, Devprayag is one of the more important centers of pilgrimage. The 100 km drive from Uttarkashi to Gangotri takes one through several breathtaking sights. The valley narrows as one nears Gangnani, as stopover with hot sulfur springs and a temple of Rishi Parashar. Nearer Gangotri is Bharonghati, where pine forests and a gushing Bhagirathi greets the tired soul. From Bhagirathi to Gangotri is a12-km stretch that affords brilliant views. Varanasi The city is the oldest living city of India and deeply attached with the river Ganga for religious importance. The city is the main center of Hinduism for thousands of years. On the bank of river Gange,there are several Hindu temples revered by 1000,000 pilgrims who visit the city every year. It is an ancient believe to get salvation and remit all sins if one dip in the holy water of Ganga in Varanasi. Varanasi is also famous for Ghats (steps on the bank of river Ganga). There are at least 100 ghats in Varanasi. All the rituals, sadhus and cremation are done on it. Despite of filthy look and lack of modern charm, Varanasi still hold a mystic charm one cannot escape. Gangotri Gangotri is small pilgrim town on the bank of river Bhagirathi, one of the tributaries of Ganga. It is situated in the state of Uttarakhand and known as one of the four sites in the Char Dham pilgrimage circuit. Gangotri is revered as a place where goddess Ganga seat. The serene ambiance of Gangotri instill a sense of spiritualism, everyday a ritual of aarti ceremony happens, which is equally impressive. From Gangotri to Gaumukh (the actual source of river Ganga) trek, which is almost 18 km affair is also popular among adventurer. Gangotri mainly serve a resting place for many tourists as from here one can venture into different treks like Gangotri-Gaumukh or Gangotri – Kedarnath. Rishikesh At a height of 1360 feet above the sea level, Rishikesh represents the gateway to the Himalayas. The Ganga rushing through the Himalayan foothills is a memorable sight. Rishikesh is also place of yogis and saints who practise penance for nirvana. The beauty at sunset from the Lakshamjhula is breathtaking. The whole ambiance around Rishikesh is purely devotional where the atmosphere is embellished with music, religious songs and ritual practices. Haridwar Haridwar is the place from where Ganga reaches the plain. It is an age old pilgrimage site respected and visited by thousands of pilgrims every year. Whole of Haridwar is dotted with several Hindu temples and ashrams. During the Kumbh festival on the bank of river, the place is herded with people across the world to experience a divine path. Like Varanasi, it is also known for its ghats. Har-Ki-Pauri is the main ghat where you can witness the exquisite aarti occurs in the evening. Prayag It is the place where Ganga merges with Yamuna, other holy river of India. Prayag in located in Allahabad in the state of Uttar Pradesh, is recognized as an ancient pilgrimage site and a famous kumbh mela occurs at every 12 years. Invaluable Suggestions Ganga is the holiest river in India. so while visiting Ganga and its pilgrimage site, do not show derogate gesture that affect on Hindu sentiments. There is no conduct of dress but avoid skimpy dresses. Ganga is India’s natural treasure and also considered as Eco-tourism spot. So maintain all the Eco-tourism norms. River Ganga is about 1557 miles long (2506 km). The Ganges basin is about 200 to 400 miles (322 to 644 km) wide. The river Ganga originates at Gangotri glacier on the southern slopes of the Himalayas, some 14, 000 feet above sea level. River Bhagirathi and Alaknanda join each other at Devprayag to form River Ganga. The mouth of River Ganga forms a vast delta, the Sundarban delta (the largest delta in the world).

Ganesh Chaturthi

In Hindu mythology lord Ganesh is one of the popular gods. The elephant god is symbol of wisdom and prosperity. The god with long nose, shrewed eyes, and a pot belly epitomizes wisdom and good luck. Lord Ganesh is revered all across India as a master of clearing obstruction from life. In India particular people worship Ganesh before opening a new enterprise. Ganesh is also a patron god of traveling. In the month waxing moon period that comes between 20th August and 15th of September the birth celebration of Ganesh celebrates all over India with much pomp and glory. Though it is much elaborate in Maharashtra and one shouldn’t miss the joy during this festival in the city. Ganesh Chaturthi is the birth celebration of Lord Ganesh and is celebrated by Hindus all over the world and especially in India its a huge event. In Maharashtra the ten day event has been celebrated in an absolute joyous way, on the festival day, the deity of lord Ganesh is placed on a platforms in homes and offices and people pay their homage. There is long ritual happens where priest clad in red silk dhoti believed to instill life in deity by chanting encoded mantras. There are 16 ways to pay tribute to lord Ganesh after that he has been served with various food. Through out the ritual a hymns from the Rig Veda and Ganapati Atharva Shirsha Upanishads are chanted. The main attraction of Ganesh Chaturthi is the immersion of Deity on the 1th day. In Maharashtra its a huge event, the large procession is taken through the street with much fanfare. People seems crazy about the event, young lads are dancing, singing while carrying the idol on their head or sometimes in a chariot. The procession is believed a ritualistic see off Ganesh to the celestial journey to his abode Kailash mountains also carrying away all the misfortunes of people with him. The famous yelling of ‘ Ganapati Maurya’ is thudding in the atmosphere. After a final offerings, people carry him to river or sea and immerse him. Invaluable Suggestions Be careful while traveling with the procession of Ganesh. It is revoltingly crowded so take care of your bag baggages. Avoid to ride any vehicle while moving through the crowd. Its better to walk with the crowd. Avoid taking children with you in the procession. Do not forget to taste the delicious cuisines during the Ganesh Chaturthi. There are some places where beautiful done tents are there for worship of lord Ganesh. These venues also serve for free medical check ups, charity for the poor, films , dramatic performance and other activities during the festive days. When To Go: This festival is celebrated in the month of avani on chaturthi (4th) day which comes after the new moon. That comes between 20th August and 15th of September. Where To go : Although Ganesh Chaturthi is famous in all over India but it is huge occasion in Andhra Pradesh and Maharashtra. Festival is celebrated all over the states with much fanfare. The ten days festival is absolutely delight. How To Go : Capital of Andhra Pradesh, Hyderabad is well connected by airways and railways by all major cities. All the major airline swill take you to Hyderabad. Maharashtra is also well connected with all major cities specially places like Mumbai , Nasik, Nagpur and Pune is very accessible to other parts of India

Dilwara Jain Temples tourist attraction india

Magnificent translucent shell treatment on marble, Dilwara Jain temple is an artist’s dream in marbles. A sacred pilgrimage for Jains, located in the Mt. Abu is illustrious for its sheer elegance and beauty of marble carved architecture. There are five Jain temples in Rajasthan all known for beautiful architecture. The surrounding ambiance of mango trees and wooded hills add more jewels to the magnificence of temples. The temples are dedicated to Jain’s saints (Tirthankars) stores rare illustrated manuscripts and treatises. Jain faith inspire simplicity and so their temple reflects. Though the temples are heavily carved and decorated but surprisingly the simplicity rules the temples. The temples create a magical divine ambiance. The temples constructed accordance with north Indian architectural style. The temples are believed to built in accordance of Vastu shastra , each room in the temple is sanctum sanctorum where idols are kept. One of the prominent part of the temple architecture is the roof called shikhara, which is on the top of Grabha Griha. The temples are also built on a height and steps to follow to the main entrance. The architectural style is known as Nagra. There are total of five temples in a small village called Dilwara. Five Dilwara Temples The Vimal Vashi Temple – It glorifies the first Jain Tirthankar, Adinath. The temple is categorized into different corridors and subsequently many cells. Each cell consist of smaller idol of Tirthankar. The hallmark of the temple is carver corridor, pillars, arches as well as ceilings. The carvings were taken from different Hindu and Jain mythology. Rang Mandap is also knowen as grand hall have 12 richly decorated pillars, arches and a central dome. The beautiful female figurines playing musical instruments carved on the pillars. The Luna Vashi Temple – Luna Vashi temple is dedicated to 22nd Jain Tirthankar, Shri Nemi Nathji. The architecture is more or less like Vimal Vashi where the Rang Mandap has a central dome with ornamented pendent. There are 72 figures of Jain Tirthankars and 360 Jain monks figures depicted on the circular band. The Kirti Stambh in Luna Vashi temple is also famous for its beauty. Pittalhar Temple – The impressive statue of Tirthankar Adinath made up of five metal is worth to see. Most of the statue is made up of Brass. The temple is also consists fo Rang Mandap, Garbha Griha and other halls. Parshavanath Temple – This one is remarkable structure boasting of tallest shrines among all shrines. Also known as Khartar Vashi temple, was constructed in the 15th century. The beautiful exterior carving is often compared with Khajuraho temples. Mahaveer Swami Temple – The temple has an important religious significance as the temple is dedicated to 24th Jain Tirthankar Mahavir. Prime attraction is the painting on the upper walls of the temple. The temple was constructed in 16th century. Other Attractions Gaumukh temple – The temple is name dafter the spring that comes out from the sculpted cow’s head. A fabulous hill temple against a scenic backdrop. Sunset Point – It is one of the favorite place of tourists where you can witness the spectacular view of sunset against a backdrop of lush green hills. Honeymoon Point – Nobody knows why it is called the honeymoon point. Perhaps it is the most romantic place in Mount Abu especially in the early evening hours. From the top of the point you will see the enchanting lush green valleys and plains. Garden And Parks - There are plenty of beautiful gardens and parks spread through out the hills. To spend some leisure hours in gardens and parks can be included in your itinerary. Invaluable Suggestions The temples are open to non Jain visitor from noon to 6 pm. Photography is strictly restricted in temple premises. Leather bags are also not allowed inside the temple. You can find taxis from the town to Dilwara or you can also stroll out to there, which will take around 1 hours. Do not take any guides from the Dilwara. It is better to take a travel agent’s help , they will provide you registered guide. Always carry photocopies of passport, travel documents with you. Carry traveler’s check with you. By Air :The nearest airport is at a distance of 185 kilometers at Udaipur, which connects all major cities in India. By Train : Railway connectivity is excellent. The railway is at a distance of 28 kilometers. By Road : Mt. Abu is 185 km from Udaipur. It takes seven hours to reach Udaipur by buses.

Chardham tourist attraction india

The Four Holy Shrines In the folds of the snow-coated mountains and lands of the lofty Garhwal Himalayas in Uttarakhand are located the holy Hindu shrines of Badrinath, Kedarnath, Gangotri and Yamunotri. They together form the Char Dham or the Four Holy Shrines. The region is referred as the land of the gods in the ancient Puranas. Scores of pilgrims visit the shrines by trekking actively along the mountain paths, all for a unification with the divine. Over the centuries, these sights have been described in holy scriptures as the places where devotees could earn the merits of all the pilgrimages put together. Subsequently, temples were built at these sanctified sights. Badrinath Situated at a height of 3,133 m, Badrinath is said to be matchless in its sanctity when compared to other pilgrimages. It is located in the Narnarayan range against the imposing Neelkanth peak. The Badrinath temple stands in a beautiful valley on the bank of the Alaknanda River and is dedicated to Shri Badrinathji, that is Shiva the Preserver. It traces its origins to Adi Shankaracharya in the 8th century, though legend has it that the temple stands on the site of an earlier shrine. Kedarnath Kedarnath is at a height of 3,581 m, is the sight of one of the 12 Jyotir-lingas in the country. The temple built of solid gray stones stands against the backdrop of Kedarnath range. According to legend, the Pandavas came here to pray to Lord Shiva after their victory in the great battle of Kurukeshtra to atone for killing their own kin in the course of the war. However, Lord Shiva kept eluding them and sought refuge at Kedarnath in the form of a bull. On being trailed, he plunged into the ground, leaving only the hump exposed on the earth, which is worshipped at the shrine. His arms are believed to have surfaced at Tungnath, his face at Rudranath, belly at Madmaheshwar, his locks and head at Kalpeshwar. These spots where he reappeared (together with Kedarnath) form the Panch Kedar. All these places are located in the Garhwal Himalayas and can be visited from Kedarnath by road and subsequent trekking. The present temple at Kedarnath traces its origins to the 8th century, having been resurrected by Adi Guru Shankaracharya. It stands adjacent to the site of an ancient temple built by the Pandavas. The samadhi or final resting place of Shankaracharya is behind the temple. Gangotri 18 kilometers downstream from Gaumukh is Gangotri. It is an important pilgrim site located at 3,048 m above sea level. The Gangotri glacier is the original source of the river. There is a temple dedicated to Goddess Ganga and the sacred stone where Raja Bhagirath is believed to have worshipped Lord Shiva. Submerged in the river here is the natural rock Shivling where Lord Shiva is believed to have received the Ganges (called Bhagirathi here) in his locks. It is visible in the winter months when the water level recedes. Yamunotri The shrine of Yamunotri, at a height of 3,235 m, is dedicated to the river Goddess Yamuna. The temple of Goddess Yamuna is the main pilgrim site and there are many thermal springs in the vicinity. Also present is a divya shila, a rock pillar that is worshipped before entering the Yamunotri temple. Location - located at a height of 3,000 m above sea level, amidst Himalayas. Climate - Pleasant Coming to Char-Dham By Air : The nearest airport from Rishikesh is at Jolly Grant, 18 km away. By Rail : Rishikesh is also connected by train services with Haridwar, the nearest broad-gauge railway station. By Road : Regular bus services also operate to the city from all the important centers in the northern region. Related Traveller's Storie(s) Allahabad - The City Of Sangam- By Ankit Surekha Badrinath - A Confluence Of Spiritual Fervor - By Ramashish Chaturvedi Chakrata – A gift Of Nature To Dehradun - By Dheeraj Deewedi Nainital- Paradise Of North- By Niranjan Kumar Haridwar- Sacred Place Of Uttarakhand- By Ginny Bansal Dhanaulti – A Paradise In Uttarakhand-By Abhishek Kumar