Anu
Full Member
Posts: 162
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Post by Anu on Mar 30, 2011 10:29:52 GMT -5
Please post information about your favorite temples.
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Anu
Full Member
Posts: 162
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Post by Anu on Mar 30, 2011 10:53:19 GMT -5
Guruvayoor Krishna TempleI have been to Guruvayoor temple once and would love to visit it again. It has got very divine ambience. It is located in Thrissur district, Kerala. The divine idol installed here represents the enchanting form of Sree Krishna endowed with the four lustrous arms carrying the conch Panchajanya, the discus Sudarshana Chakra, the mace Kaumodaki and the lotus. By Road: From Thrissur city there are regular private and State-owned Kerala State Road Transport Corporation (KSRTC) buses. By Rail: Guruvayur Railway Station lies in the Thrissur-Guruvayur Section. It is the last station in this section. By Air: Cochin International Airport is the nearest airport, which is 87 KM from Guruvayur. THE TEMPLE CUSTOMS: - Only Hindus are allowed to enter the temple.
- The temple pond on the northern side is known as Rudratheertham. Devotees can purify themselves by taking bath here and can enter the temple preferably with wet clothes.
- Do not enter the temple wearing shirt, banyan, pyjama, lungi, chequered clothes, chapels etc. There are facilities to keep them outside the temple.
- Do not take video camera, mobile phone, radio, tape recorder etc. inside the temple wall
- Do not take, camera inside the Nalambalam
- Do not touch on the big altar stone (Balikkallu) by foot
- Immediately after marriage , the couples should not enter the Nalambalam.
- Do not spit in the temple premises
- Do not retain babies and children for a long time within the Nalambalam.
- The receipt for the remittance for offerings (Vazhipad) can be obtained from the booking counters on the ground floor of the oottupura. Be careful not to get deceived by fraud agents for such bookings.
- Receipts obtained for the feeding of the poor etc. should be put inside the box for the purpose in front of the booking counter.
- Such items as miniature human figures, replicas of hands, legs, eyes, abnormal body eruptions etc. made of gold and silver can be obtained from the temple official, who are available near the Kodimaram (Flag-staff). Keep these on the platform of the Kodimaram and offer prayers. Put the amount you wish to offer in the Bandaram (Hundi). Do not buy these items from outside, which are fakes.
- Udayasthamana Pooja, Vilakku, Bhagavathy Chuttuvilakku, Namaskaram, Krishnanattam and offerings of the like , have to be booked in advance.
- Ornaments and such other costly offerings can be put in the Bhandaram.
- Offerings and the relevant letters should be sent to the Administrator, Guruvayur Devaswom, Guruvayur - 680101, Kerala. Complete information about offerings and full address of the person making the offerings in bold capital letters should be given on the money order coupon or covering letter of DD. If these are not given, the amount sent will be put in to the Bhandaram.
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Post by saidevotee on Mar 30, 2011 11:05:21 GMT -5
Kanipakam Ganapathi TempleI have always wanted to go there - Don't know when I'll be blessed with such an opportunity. Kanipakkam Temple is located in Chittoor district, AP. Sthala Puranam:
"Kani" means wetland and "Pakam" means flow of water into wetland. According to the legend of the temple there were three brothers and each one had a handicap. Viz., Dumb, Deaf and Blind. They were earning out their livelihood by cultivating a small piece of land. In olden days water was drawn from the well by way of 'Piccota System'. As one of them used to irrigate the field through the channels, the other two used to ply on the Piccota. On one such operation they found that the water in the well got dried up and they could no longer continue their job. One of them got into the well and started digging it up. He was taken aback to see the iron implement hitting a stone like formation. Later, he was shocked to see blood oozing out from it. Within in a few seconds the entire water in the well, turned blood red in colour. Thus, startled by this divine sight, all the three became normal getting rid of their deformities. As soon as the villagers came to know about this miracle, they thronged to the well and tried to deepen the well further. But their attempt proved futile because the 'swayambhu' idol (the self-manifested) of Lord Vinayaka emerged from the swirling waters. Even today the idol is in the original well and the springs of the well are perennial and the eternal. During the rainy season, the holy water from the well overflows even today. Another striking and strange feature of the idol is that it is still growing in size. Travel:
You can reach chittoor by rail or road. There are trains that travel via Katpadi or tirupati, but do not touch Chittoor. In such cases, Katpadi (just 35km from Chittoor) or Tirupati (70 km from Chittoor), are convenient points to alight. From Katpadi/Tirupati, you can reach Chittoor by train or bus.
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Post by saidevotee on Mar 30, 2011 11:13:38 GMT -5
Chilkur Balaji Templewww.chilkurbalaji.orgThis temple is located in Hyderabad, AP. Twenty Five kilometers from Hyderabad off the Vikarabad road and on the banks of Osmansagar is the picturesque village of Chilkur with its hoary temple dedicated to Sri Balaji Venkateshwara. Sthala Puranam:
The temple is one of the oldest in Telengana, having been built during the time of Akkanna and Madanna, the uncles of Bhakta Ramdas. According to tradition, a devotee who used to visit Tirupati every year could not do so on one occasion owing to serious ill-health. Lord Venkateshwara appeared in his dream and said, "I am right here in the jungle nearby. You don't have to worry." The devotee at once moved to the place indicated by the Lord in the dream and saw a mole- hill there, which he dug up. Accidentally, the axe struck Lord Balaji's idol covered by the mole-hill below the chin and on the chest, and surprisingly blood started flowing profusely from the "wounds", flooding the ground and turning it scarlet. The devotee could not believe his eyes when he saw this. Suddenly he could not believe his ears also when he heard a voice from the air which said,"Flood the mole-hill with cow's milk. "When the devotee did so, a Swayambhu idol of Lord Balaji accompanied by Sridevi and Bhoodevi(a rare combination) was found, and this idol was installed with the due rites and a temple built for it.
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Post by saidevotee on Mar 30, 2011 11:21:13 GMT -5
Annavaram SatyaNarayana Swamy Templeannavaramdevasthanam.nic.in/Annavaram the holy village of East Godavari district, Andhra Pradesh , is situated at a distance of two miles from Annavaram Railway Station on the Vijayawada-Visakhapatnam broad gauge section of the Southern Railways and 45 Kms from East Godavari District Head Quarters Kakinada Town. Annavaram village touches the foot of the sacred Ratnagiri Hill on which the temple of Sri Veera Venkata Satyanarayana Swamy is situated. Places to visit: * The temple sree veera venkata satyanaryana swamy in the main temple on the ratnagiri hill. * The temple Sri sita rama ,as keshatra palakulu . * The shrines of vana durga and kanaka durga near by.Godess Vanadurga held in great venaration and devi is said to be seen even to this day in the nights going about the holy precincts perpetually guarding the lord. * The temple of gramadevatha (Village deity ) is in the village at the foot of the hill. Travel:By Road: Devasthanam Buses - 2 buses run from Rajahmundry to up hill both sides by 1pm to 2pm APSRTC Buses - A.P.S.R.T.C Buses every Half An Hour Via Annavaram to Rajahmundry to Visakhapatnam vise versa. - Every 15 mintus buses available Tuni to Kakinada via Annavaram and surroundings Villages vise versa. By Train: Most of the trains passing between Kolkatta - Vijayawada line will stop at Annavaram Station By Air: The nearest Airport at east side of Annavaram is situated at Visakhapatnam. Annavaram is at a 3hrs distance from Visakhapatnam. APSRTC runs buses via Annavaram every half an hour The nearest Airport at West side of Annvaram is situated at Rajahmundry. Annavaram is at a 3hrs distance from Rajahmundry. APSRTC runs buses via Annavaram every half an hour
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Post by vaigaipuyal on Mar 30, 2011 11:36:23 GMT -5
Tiruttani Murugan Templemurugan.org/temples/tiruttani.htmThis is our family deity - our ever merciful Lord. Thiruttani murugan Temple is the famous temple dedicated to Lord Subrahmanya is situated 51 miles away from Madras, on the way to Tirupati, on the railway line to Bombay. The temple is situated on a small hill, which is reached over a flight of 365 masonry steps. It is one of the six famous abodes of Lord Subrahmanya. Apart from its puranic greatness, Saint Arunagirinathar has praised this hill as the chosen place for worship by devas and the favorite abode of saints performing prolonged tapas. He also compared this hill to Sivaloka (Bhuloka) and as the very soul of the world. Sri Muttuswami Deekshitar, who lived 200 years ago (one of the trinity of Karnatic music) had his inspiration in Tiruttani when the Lord (in the guise of an old man) met him on the steps and sweetened his tongue with the prasadam of this temple, which impelled him to sing his first song on Lord Murugan of Tanikai.
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Post by vaigaipuyal on Mar 30, 2011 11:55:51 GMT -5
Palani Murugan Templepalani.org/Legend: Sage Agastya wanted to take two hills—Sivagiri and Sakthigiri—to his abode in the South and commissioned his disciple Idumban to carry them. Idumban bore the hills slung across his shoulders, in the form of a kavadi one on either side. When he was fatigued, he placed the kavadi near Palani to take rest. At this stage, Subrahmanya or Muruga had been outwitted in a contest for going round the world. Ganapati had won the prized fruit (pomegranate or mango) by simply going round His parents. Long after, this, Subrahmanya came sweating on His peacock to find that the prize had already been given away. In anger, the frustrated child left the divine parents and came down to Tiru Avinankudi at the Adivaram (pronounced Adivâram. It means foot of the Sivagiri Hill). Siva pacified Him by saying that He (Subrahmanya) Himself was the fruit (pazham) of all wisdom and knowledge; nee —you. Hence the place was called 'Pazham Nee' or Palani. Later, He withdrew to the hill and settled there as a recluse in peace and solitude. When Idumban resumed his journey, he could not lift the hill. Muruga had made it impossible for Idumban to make it. In the fierce battle that ensued, Idumban was killed but was later on restored to life. Idumban prayed that: - whosoever carried on his shoulders the Kavadi, signifying the two hills and visited the temple on a vow, should be blessed and
- he should be given the privilege of standing sentinel at the entrance to the hill.
Hence we have the Idumban shrine halfway up the hill where every pilgrim is expected to offer obeisance to Idumban before entering the temple of Dandâyudhapani. Since then, pilgrims to Palani bring their offerings on their shoulders in a kavadi. The custom has spread from Palani to all Muruga shrines worldwide. Travel:
Palani is reached by just three hours drive from any of the nearest airports: Coimbatore, Madurai and Tiruchy. It is an important railway station on the Dindugal-Coimbatore line. The nearest tourist information office is at Madurai. There is a Palani Devasthanam Information Centre at the Palani bus stand.
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Post by suhasini on Mar 30, 2011 12:02:51 GMT -5
Chennai Ashtalakshmi TempleAshtalakshmi temple is in a very picturesque location - in the coast of Bay of Bengal. It is a famous temple that the eight forms of Mahalakshmi and hence called Ashtalakshmi. Mahavishnu and his consort Mahalakshmi are the main deities here in the Ashtalakshmi temple in Chennai. Lord in the form of Srinivasa and Goddess Padmavathy are the festival deities worshipped here. The eight forms of Lakshmi in the temple are Dhana Lakshmi, Vidya Lakshmi, Dhanya Lakshmi, Veera Lakshmi, Sowbhagya Lakshmi, Santhan Lakshmi, Karunya Lakshmi and Mahalakshmi. The Goddess Andal is also there. The Vimanam is the Ashtanga Vimana. A unique feature of this temple is that the sea is considered as the temple tank. There are a flight of steep stairs leading to the different shrines of the temple. The temple is also home to shrines of Ganesha, Ayyappa and Anjaneya.Apart from the above stated forms of Mahalakshmi, there are other forms also found here which include Adhilakshmi, Dhanalakshmi and Vijayalakshmi. The physical appearance of the temple is itself extremely beautiful and glorious. Ashtalakshmi temple is one of the prides of Chennai. The temple is situated alongside the famous Besant Nagar beach. The temple is easily accessible from the city as this area is well connected with buses and other modes of transport. source
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Post by suhasini on Mar 31, 2011 15:59:21 GMT -5
MelMaruvathur Adhiparasakthi Amman www.omsakthi.org/goddess/goddess.htmlThis temple is in a town Melmaruvathur between Chennai and Dhindivanam (92 kms from Chennai). The presiding deity is Adhiparasakthi. The Amman blesses all her devotees with immense happiness and Her grace. Unmarried girls should take blessings of the seven Goddesses in the Peetam: Amman will protect you like a Mother - after all, She is our Amma who is showering her bliss and grace on us all.
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Post by suhasini on Mar 31, 2011 16:09:49 GMT -5
Mangadu Kamakshi Temple www.mangadukamakshi.com/Mangadu is a small town situated 24 Kilometers away from Madras in between Kundrathur and Poonamallee. Sthala Puranam:
Siva and Devi were sporting in their garden in the Mount Kailash. Devi in her playful mood closed the eyes of Lord Siva. Immediately the whole creation fell into eternal darkness. Goddess craved Siva's pardon. Lord Siva directed Goddess to the earth for performing severe penance. Goddess came and started her severe penance on the Panchagni in Mangadu. Goddess performed penance on the Panchagni, resting the left leg on the Panchagni,folding the right leg. Her left hand is raised above her head, holding a jabmala. This can be seen in this Mangadu Temple as Tapas Kamakshiamman. Puja Vidhanam: My mom and I used to visit this temple on every Sunday for 7 weeks - It is called Mandalam. Every time two fresh lemon fruits are to be offered and they have to get back one lemon and the same has to be kept in the pooja. When they come next week, they have to bring the old, which was kept in pooja, with two other fresh lemons. (If this is not clear, anyone in the temple will be give you very clear instructions. Don't worry) And on the 7th week, we bring sweetened milk with elaichi and distribute to the devotees in the temple. Please note, on Sundays there will be a huge crowd. Try to reach the temple before 6AM to avoid rush. I think, the temple is open from 5AM on sundays.
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Post by paneersoda on Apr 1, 2011 2:35:03 GMT -5
Parthasarthy temple is a famous Vishnu temple located in the Triplicane area of the city. It is an extremely famous temple with devotees pouring in from the entire state for worship. Sri Venkatakrishna Swamy is the presiding deity of the temple. The temple has a famous tank called Pagal Pathu. A bath here is supposed to give a lot of prosperity. There are a lot of legends and mythologies attached to this temple It is believed that King Sumati prayed to Lord Vengadu to give him Darshan in the form of a Charioteer to Arjuna as in the Bhagavad Gita. This is Parthasarathy. He was asked to go to Vrindaranya, which is the present Triplicane and get the darshan. It is believed that Atreya mahirshi also chose this place for worship. The temple is supposed to have been renovated by the Pallava dynasty. The idol is made of black granite. The other images present with the deity include that of Rukmini and Satyaki, Balarama, Pradhyumna and Aniruddha are also seen here. Monthly panchaparva festivals are conducted for Sri Parthasarathy.The Brahma utsava is conducted annually. The other important shrines that are worshipped include that of Sri Ranganatha on Adi Sesha, Sri Telli singa Perumal, Sri Chakravarty Tirumangan and Andal. The temple has many assets in the form of rare jewels, property and government bonds. This is one of the oldest temples in Chennai and is revered by everyone Source : www.tourismchennai.com/parthasarathy-temple.htmlOfficial website for the temple. www.sriparthasarathyswamytemple.org/
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