5 Jyotirlingas in Maharashtra – The Pillar of Light of Lord Shiva

• • Aurangabad, Beed, Hingoli, Maharashtra, Nashik, Pune • Tags: , , , ,

Maharashtra, As the name indicates, Maha means great, and Rakshtrika means Ratta, the tribe/dynasty of pretty chiefs. It is the second-largest state in India. Because of the fantastic natural beauty, rich cultural heritage, and over 1000 years old temples, Maharashtra is a famous state in India.

It is also known for caves, rock-cut architecture in Ajanta Ellora Caves- One of the UNESCO as World Heritage Site.

Maharashtra is an industrialized state of India. Maharashtra’s prime cities include Mumbai, Pune, Nashik, Nagpur, Shirdi, and Kolhapur.

Maharashtra is blessed with so many temples dedicated to Lord Shiva, called Jyotirlingas. Trimbakeshwar, Bhimashankar, Grishneshwar, Parli Vaijnath and Aundha Nagnath. These five jyotirlingas together are also called Pancha Jyotirlingas of Maharashtra.

More about 5 Jyotirlingas in Maharashtra

1. Trimbakeshwar, Nashik

Trimbakeshwar is the holiest place in Maharashtra, and it is one of the 12 jyotirlingas. The unique feature of this jyotirlinga is Linga has three faces of three Gods, Lord Brahma, Lord Vishnu, and Lord Shiva. It is believed that those who visit the Trimbakeshwar get salvation, and Every 12 years across the globe, devotees came here for Mahakumbh. It is 28 km from Nashik, situated near Bhrhamgiri, from which River Godavari flows. Trimbakeshwar temple is built by the third Peshwa Balaji Bajirao (1740 – 1760).

Trimbakeshwar is the home of Lord Shiva and famous for rituals like Narayan Nagbali Puja, Kaal Sarp Dosh Puja, Tripindi Shardha, Rudhra Abhishek, Mahamrityunjay Jaap, and Kumbh Vivah. Performing puja at Trimbakeshar is more effective than performing in any other place. Purohit Sangh Trimbakeshwar performs all these pujas. These are all authorized Panditji and have legal Birthright given by Shrimant Nanasaheb Peshwa to perform puja called “TAMRAPATRADHARI PUROHITS.” Online Puja booking is also available.

For more details, please visit, www.trimbakeshwar.org

  • Temple Opening Hours: Everyday 5:30 am to 9 pm
  • Entry Fee: Entry is free. VIP darshan pass is also available. (Cost Rs. 200)
  • Best time to visit Trimbakeshwar is from November to February, as the weather is pleasant and the temperature is between 7 and 32 degrees Celsius.

2. Bhimashankar Jyotirlinga, Pune

Bhimashankar Temple is located in Khed Taluka, 127 km from Pune in Maharashtra. Bhimashankar is famous for being home to one of the twelve jyotirlingas and situated near the popular trekking destination of Karjat. Lord Shiva is known as “Ardhanareeshwara” in this temple. There is approximately 230 step, and you should budget 1 to 2 hours for Darshan. River Bhima originates from Bhimashankar. Pooja like Abhishek, Rudrabhishek, Mahapuja- MahaNaidya, Laghurudra-Bhrahman Bhojan are perfomed by Bhimashankar Guruji. Abhishek and other Puja timing is 12.30 pm to 2.30 pm.

For more details, please visit, https://bhimashankar.co.in/

  • Temple Opening Hours: Every day, 4:30 am to 12 noon and 4 pm to 9:30 pm.
  • Entry Fee: Entry is Free.
  • Best time to visit Bhimashankar is from June to August.

In addition to this, you can also visit the Bhimashankar Wildlife Sanctuary, which is opened any time of the day but should not visit after dark. It might not be safe to visit a wildlife sanctuary at night time.

3. Grishneshwar, Aurangabad

Grishneshwar Temple is dedicated to Lord Shiva, located just near to Ellora caves about 35km away from Aurangabad, Maharashtra. The temple, which has been built in the 13th century, was repeatedly destroyed and rebuilt during the period of the Mughals, and the temple was rebuilt in the 18th century. Today, the temple famous not just as a jyotirlinga but also as a key attraction in Maharashtra tourism, especially for travelers visiting the Ellora Caves. If you want to perform Abhishek in the temple, It is compulsory to wear Dhoti for Men and Saree for Women.

Jyotirlinga means “Pillar of Light” or “Column” The pilar or Stambha indicates that there is no beginning or end. Grishneshwar means ‘Lord of compassion. When Lord Vishnu and Lord Brahma had an argument about who was the Supreme God, Lord Shiva emerged as a column of light and asked each one to find the ends. Neither Brahma nor Vishnu could do it. It is believed that the places where these columns of light fell are where the jyotirlingas are located.

If you are planning to Visit Grishneshwar jyotirlinga, then you will definitely have a great trip. With the Grineshwar temple, visit “Ellora caves” too, which are just 2km from this temple, and don’t forget to visit “Daulatabad Fort,” which is 17.5km (Only 28min by Car) from Grishneshwar temple. It will be worth visiting Daulatabad Fort.

Want to know more, please visit, https://grishneshwar.org/

  • Temple Opening Hours: every day, 5:30 am to 9:30 pm
  • Entry Fee: Entry is Free
  • Best time to visit Grishneshwar temple is June to September.

4. Parali Vaijanath, Beed

Parli Vaijanath jyotirlinga is located Beed district of Maharashtra, primarily known for the temple. The temple is approximately at the height of 75-80 feet from the ground. It is believed that the Vaijanath temple is built out of one stone on a small hill. Temple on a small hill attracts a large number of devotees all over the year. Parali is also famous for a Thermal power station.

Parali city is blessed with a healing atmosphere. Because of the healing atmosphere, Parali Jyotirlinga is called Vaidhyanath. Devotees are allowed to touch the Shiva Lingas, and this helps in healing various health benefits.

As Parali is a meeting point of Hari Hara, along with Lord Shaankaras, Lord Krishnas festivals are also celebrated in Parali Vaijanath. Puja like Abishek, Pindaan, kaal Sarp Puja are performs by Guruji. While performing Abhishekam, Male devotees are not allowed to wear clothes above the waist.

For more details: https://www.vaijnathjyotirling.com/

  • Temple Opening Hours: 5 am to 3.30 and 6 pm to 9 pm.
  • Entry Fee: Entry is Free.
  • Best time to visit Vaijanath Jyotirlinga is February to April.

5. Aundha Nagnath Temple, Hingoli

Aundha Nagnath is the 5th jyotirlinga in Maharashtra. Aundha Nagnath Jyotirlinga is an ancient Shiva temple situated at Aundha Nagnath in Hingoli district, Maharashtra. This temple is built by Yudhisthira, the eldest Pandava, while 14years of exile.

Temple is Beautifully designed with Hemadpanthi architecture is situated is about 60,000sq. Ft area. On Shivratri and Vijayadashmi, a large number of devotees visit this temple.

It is believed that Devotees who are praying at this temple can safeguard themselves against all poisons.

  • Temple Opening Hours: 4 am to 9 pm.
  • Entry Fee: Entry is Free.
  • Best time to visit Aundha Nagnath Temple is any time of the year. Please avoid the summer season as heat can get unbearable.

This is all about 5 Jyotirlingas in Maharashtra. To visit all these 5 Jyotirlingas, you need 3 Night 4 Days.

(Note: This is guest post written by Prachi Dongre)

About: Diwan-i-Am or The Hall of Public Audience

• • Delhi •
About - Diwan-i-Am or The Hall of Public Audience (Red Fort, Old Delhi, India)

About: Diwan-i-Am or The Hall of Public Audience – This photo was taken at Red Fort in Delhi.

दीवान-ए-आम

दीवान-ए-आम या ‘सार्वजनिक दर्शकों का हॉल’; यह वह स्थान था जहाँ शाहजहाँ (ए.डी.1628-58) ने आम जनता का स्वागत किया और उनकी शिकायतें सुनीं।

सामने एक आंगन के साथ, यह मूल रूप से ड्यूटी पर प्रमुखों (उमरस) द्वारा उपयोग किए जाने वाले मेहराबदार अपार्टमेंट से घिरा हुआ था। नौ नक्काशीदार मेहराबदार उद्घाटन के एक प्रभावशाली अग्रभाग के साथ, ‘हॉल को सोने के प्लास्टर के काम से अलंकृत किया गया था। पूर्वी दीवार के मध्य में, ‘बंगाल जड़’ से ढकी एक संगमरमर की छतरी खड़ी है, जिसके नीचे सम्राट का सिंहासन रखा गया था। सिंहासन के नीचे अर्ध-कीमती पत्थरों से जड़ा एक संगमरमर का मंच, जिसका उपयोग वज़ीर (प्रधान मंत्री) द्वारा याचिकाएँ प्राप्त करने के लिए किया जाता था।

छत्र के पीछे, दीवार को बहु-रंगीन पत्थरों (पिएट्रा ड्यूरा वर्क) से जड़े सुंदर पैनलों से सजाया गया है, जो फूलों और पक्षियों का प्रतिनिधित्व करते हैं, कहा जाता है कि इसे फ्लोरेंटाइन जौहरी ऑस्टिन डी बोर्डो द्वारा निष्पादित किया गया था।

(English to Hindi Translation by Google Translate)

About: Lahori Gate – The Main Entrance to the Red Fort

• • Delhi •
About: Lahori Gate (Red Fort, Old Delhi, India)

About: Lahori Gate – The Main Entrance to the Red Fort – This photo was taken at Red Fort in Delhi.

लाहौरी गेट

लाल किले का मुख्य प्रवेश द्वार लाहौरी गेट पर है और महलों तक एक छत वाली सड़क के माध्यम से पहुंचा जाता है, जिसके दोनों ओर मेहराबदार अपार्टमेंट हैं, जिसे छत्ता चौक कहा जाता है, किले की पश्चिमी दीवार पर स्थित, लाहौरी गेट, उन दिनों लाहौर की ओर जाता था, जो अब है पाकिस्तान में।

चौकोर, आयताकार और नुकीले मेहराबदार पैनलों से सजा यह राजसी तीन मंजिला प्रवेश द्वार अर्ध अष्टकोणीय टावरों से घिरा है जिसके ऊपर दो खुले अष्टकोणीय मंडप हैं। इनके बीच सात छोटे संगमरमर के गुंबदों वाली बौनी युग्मित छतरियों की एक स्क्रीन है। पूरी दीवार के चारों ओर जारी ज्वाला के आकार की लड़ियाँ प्रभावशाली हैं।

इस गेट को शाहजहाँ के बेटे औरंगजेब (ए.डी. 1658-1707) द्वारा एक बार्बिकन प्रदान किया गया था, जिसका प्रवेश द्वार उत्तर की ओर था। ऐसा कहा जाता है कि शाहजहाँ ने जेल में रहते हुए औरंगजेब को लिखा था, ‘तुमने किले को दुल्हन बना दिया है और उस पर पर्दा डाल दिया है।’

(English to Hindi Translation by Google Translate)

गुरुद्वारा श्री पॉँवटा साहिब संक्षिप्त इतिहास

• • Himachal Pradesh, Sirmaur • Tags:
Gurdwara Sri Paonta Sahib (Sirmaur, Himachal Pradesh, India) Brief History

Gurudwara Sri Paonta Sahib (H.P.)

Brief History

1. Guru Gobind Singh Ji Maharaj came here on April 14, 1685, at the invitation of King Medini Prakash of Nahan and stayed here for about 4 and a half years. It was here that he got King Medini Prakash Sirmaur Pati and Fateh Shah Tehri Garhwal treaty done.

2. It was here that Guru Gobind Singh’s eldest Sahibzade Ajit Singh was born from the womb of Mata Sundari (1686 AD).

3. Here, Guru Maharaj ji built Garh Paonta (Fort) in an area of ​​1 and a half miles and made the general public proficient in weapons and war policy.

4. While staying here, Guru Sahib composed Jaap Sahib, Akal Stuti, Dasam Granth, and many Bani.

5. Going from here to Kalsi, Kalpi Rishi was brought in a palanquin with great respect, whose liberation took at this place.

6. By building a residence here, he fought a war against many hill kings on the field of Bhangani and won in which two sons of Peer Buddhu Shah Sadhaure Wale, a nephew, and many other disciples were martyred.

7. At this place, Guru Maharaj presented a comb, a small kirpan, and a decree to Peer Buddhdu Shah.

8. Here Guru Gobind Singh ji along with his poets used to decorate the court of poets. Here, being pleased with the beautiful poetry of Chandan Kavi, he awarded 65,000 coins.

9. From this place, five Sikhs were sent to Kashi to study Sanskrit and got many ancient literatures translated into vernacular languages.

10. The foundation stone of this city was laid by Guru Gobind Singh Ji Maharaj.

गहवर वन का महात्म्य

• • Mathura, Uttar Pradesh • Tags:
Greatness of Gahavar Van

Gahavar-Van is the secluded place of the sweet pastimes of Sri Radharani. To enter where even the lovely Shyam-Sundar has to wear a disguise. Swami Haridas ji, who expressed his devotion towards Banke Bihari ji of Vrindavan, has also beautifully described the pastimes of Gahavar-Van.

This divine forest was lying desolate. It was declared a reserve forest after 46 years of struggle by Saint Shri Ramesh Baba. Still, its form was pathetic. The Braj Foundation renovated it in 2006-2010. Inside its boundary wall, parikrama-marg, drip irrigation, and benches were made and here the living deities of Jugaljodi along with four friends were installed in the natural environment in the middle of Nikunj. Gahavar-Van is 3 km far from Barsana.

(Hindi to English Translation by Google Translate)

My Memorable Journey from Jaisalmer to Tanot Mata Temple

• • Jaisalmer, Rajasthan • Tags:

Jodhpur to Jaisalmer journey – The direction board indicates Tanot Mata Temple distance, and I decided to tour.

The next day early morning 10:20 we drive towards the temple via hired cab if not Royal Enfield Thunderbird Twinspark motorbike. Driving solo in a remote area may be troublesome if the Tyre gets punctured. Windmills on both sides of the road were very impressive by Suzlon as we drove. I remember somewhere within Maharashtra maybe near Pune I saw a few windmills but was far from the road unable to watch closely and today I am driving very close to windmills – Hundreds in numbers.

JAL HAI TO KAL HAI

SAVE WATER

Border Roads Organisation important written message. Water is precious – we agree. Water bottles must be for this tour. Traffic is less. More we drive further less vegetation and less population only sand and dune on both sides of the road. To drive within barren land, I had in dreams. Dream fulfilled. ‘Road’ – starring Vivek Oberoi, Antara Mali, and Manoj Bajpai few scenes within the movie was also shot within similar road condition – rewind memories as we drive. The drive will be remembered always. Will say – if you are visiting Jaisalmer you should visit Tanot to experience the desert where the only road is man-made rest is natural.

The driver parks the cab in front of Ghantayali Mata temple.

Jaisalmer to Ghantayali Mata Temple distance is approx. 117 kms.

Total travel/journey time from Jaisalmer to Ghantayali Mata Temple is 2 hours approx.

Tanot is a little far. We first stop here and then at Tanot temple – said the driver.

Summer: 4:30 am to 10:00 pm

Winter: 5:00 am to 9:30 pm

Hawan (holy ritual) – Thursday

On summer days the area must be very hot and in winter very cold nights because all around as far as I can see is dune and sand. Living within such conditions is brave. After prayers, donation the wish was to know more about the temple. The priest of the temple directed us toward a close-by location.

Broken idols and writings mentioning the miracle of the Goddess during the 1965 war. Pakistan army men fired at their own army men believing as enemies. They became blind when they tried to open Goddess jewelry. They killed each other when a few of their army men tried to stop others to break idols. And the story of Ghantayali mata – a boy saw the miracles of mata at this very place.

After reading and prayers, we re-started the journey further towards Tanot. A six km drive cab was parked.

Jaisalmer City to Tanot Mata Temple distance is 123 km approx.

Total journey/travel time from Jaisalmer to Tanot Mata Temple – 2 hours 20 minutes approx.

ASK NOT WHAT YOUR COUNTRY CAN DO FOR YOU,

ASK WHAT YOU CAN DO FOR YOUR COUNTRY.

Quote by John F. Kennedy welcomes you. We walk towards the temple remembering Wagah Border (Amritsar) ceremony saw a few years ago.

Bhagwati Shree Aawd Devi (Mata Tanot Rai) was born on Tuesday 808 Vikram Samvat (year 752) as the first daughter of Mamdiya Ji resident of Chelak. She showed many miracles and was also known as Nagnechi, Kale Dungar Rai, Bhojasari, Degrai.

847 Vikram Samvat Tanot last ruler King Bhati Tanurao laid the foundation of Tanot and 888 Vikram Samvat Tanot Fort and Tanot temple foundation was laid.

India – Pakistan 1965 war Pakistan dropped about three thousand shells within this area near the temple and about 450 shells were dropped within the temple area but due to divine power all shells went blind and no damage was done. Goddess blessings again in the year 1971 soldiers fought bravely against the Pakistan army’s sudden attack in Longewala and destroy Pakistan tanks, and vehicles and won the battle.

Mata Shree Tanot Rai is having special importance for the army, villagers, and devotees. The temple is the crown of Jaisalmer situated at Tanot Village – the old capital of Bhati Rajputs.

A small museum displaying unexploded shells dropped by the Pakistan army during war mentions miracles of Goddess Shree Tanot and photographs from the war field. And

  • BADA VYAKTI USE KAHA JATA HAI, JO CHOTA SE CHOTA BAN SAKE
  • KISI KO BHI DUKH DIYE BINA JO KUCH KIYA JATA HAI WOH PRAGATI KEHLATI HAI

And many more..

Prayers and donations. A memorial at the temple entrance with details about the 17 – 19 November 1965 Tanot war. I inquire – visiting the border possible? Closed nowadays for civilians – said, the army man.

Anyways, the tour is a mixture of three subjects: Nature, the Temple, and devotion.

I was hungry. A small canteen run by an army man nearby. Tea and bread pakora we had. Very less tourists present maybe conveyance an issue. While returning I saw vultures and a few mud houses situated within barren land. Tough weather conditions but a home is a home.