INDIAN TOURIST PLACE: 2012

Monday, 24 December 2012

Jeen mata ji Sikar

Jeen mata ji

Jeenmata Dham is abode of Jeen Mata. Mata is an incarnation of the Durga. Her abode is nestled in the picturesque Aravalli hills in Raiwasa, District Sikar, State of Rajasthan in India, 115 kms from Jaipur-the state capital. The sacred shrine of JeenMata is belived to be thousands of years old. Millions of devotees throng the temple round the year. The congregation of devotees assumes a much colourful look during bi-annual Navratri celebrations - held twice a year in the solar calendar months of Chaitra(around February-March) and Ashvin(around October-November)-popularly known as the Navratris (nine holy days).

Jeenmata temple is surrounded by thick forest on all sides, enveloped in tall mountain curtains from all sides. Its full and real name is Jayantimata. The year of its construction is not known, however the sabhamandapa(congregation hall) and pillars are definitely very old. It is believed that the Pandavas (ancient rulers of Hastinapur state of India),

came to the thick forests of this temple during their exile from Hastinapur. The Pandavas spent part of their exile here incognito and reconstructed the mandir in the style of its present architecture. The place has acquired a great religious importance and is held sacred by all. A natural grace of serenity is lent by the lushgreen vegetation and rich flora and fauna of the surroundings.

Harshnath Temple Sikar

Harshnath Temple

The Harshnath temple, belonging to the 10th century, is located on the Aravalli Hills near Sikar. The remnants of the ancient Shiva temple can be seen at the site. Another The Harshnath temple, belonging to the 10th century, is located on the Aravalli Hills near Sikar. The remnants of the ancient Shiva temple can be seen at the site. Another Shiva temple, constructed in the 18th century by Shiva Singh of Sikar, is situated near the Harshnath temple.

Harsh Nath Temple is regarded as the celebrated temple, located at 11 kms away from Sikar. The divine rest, Harsh Nath temple is the ultimate pattern of finest structural design and architectural grandeur of bygone era. Harsh Nath Temple is the distinguished shrine of 10th century placed on the famous hill of Harsh Nath.
Every year thousand of visitors made their way to Sikar just for gaining the history of structuring the Harsh Nath temple. As the temple locates on the hill it gives pleasure for worldwide adventurous tourists too. Harsh Nath Temple also provides an important evidence in making Sikar an ancient town of Rajasthan.

Khandela, Sikar, Rajasthan

Khandela Dham

Khandela, Khandela, Sikar, Rajasthan

A temple complex near Khandela village known as "KHANDELA DHAM" has been built. In addition to individual temple of all Devi listed below, temples of Lord Gganeshaji and another temple of Mahadevji has been built here. It is taking the shape of biggest pilgrimage for all Khandelwal Vaishya families. It is only about 50 km from Jaipur and all of you must visit it.In addition to individual temple of all Devi listed below, temples of Lord Gganeshaji and another temple of Mahadevji has been built here. It is taking the shape of biggest pilgrimage for all Khandelwal Vaishya families. It is only about 50 km from Sikar and all of you must visit it.

Ganeshwar Neem ka Thana sikar

Ganeshwar

Neem ka Thana, Udaipurwati, sikar, sikar, rajasthan

Ganeshwar & Baleswar both 15 km. away from Neem ka Thana on different roads and 80 km. from Sikar via Udaipurwati. Ganeshwar is a pilgrimage as well as a salubrious Picnic spot. The hot sulphur springs here is a major draw. A dip in the spring, it is believed, cures skin diseases. It is an ancient site. Excavations in the Ganeshwar areas have revealed the remains of a 4000 years old civilizations. Close by is Baleshwar, yet another worth visiting site, ponds and old Shiva temple is there surrounded by Aravali Hills.

Khatu Shyam Ji Sikar, Rajasthan

Khatu Shyam Ji

Khatu, Sikar, Sikar, Rajasthan

The legend of Shyam Baba can be traced back to the medieval Mahabharata. Barbareek was the son of the great Pandava brother - Bhim and Nag Kanya - Ahilawati. Barbareek, from his childhood was very brave and a great warrior. He learnt the art of fighting from his mother. Lord Shiva, pleased with him, gave him the three infallible Arrows (Teen Baan) and Agni Dev (Fire God) gave him the Bow, which would make him victorious in the three worlds.

The battle of Mahabharata was inevitable between the Pandavas and Kauravas, and having got the news, Barbareek wanted to witness the great war. He promised to his mother, that if he felt the urge, to participate in the battle, he would join the side which would be losing. He rode on the Blue Horse (Leela Ghora) equipped with the three arrows and the bow. The omnipresent Lord Krishna, disguising himself as a Brahmin, stopped Barbareek to examine his strength. He even tried to mock Barbareek saying that he was going to the great battle with only three arrows.

On this, Barbareek replied that only one arrow was enough to destroy all the enemies in the war, and it would then return to his quiver. If all the three were used, it would create havoc in the three worlds. Lord Krishna challenged him to tie all the leaves of the peepal tree under which he was standing, with one arrow. Barbareekaccepted the challenge, removed one arrow from his quiver and released it from his bow.

The arrow tied all the leaves together within moments. But Lord Krishnahad one leaf under his foot. The arrow then started revolving around his foot, and he asked the boy, whom would he favour in the war. Barbareek reiterated that he would fight for the side which loses. Lord Krishna knew that defeat of Kauravas was inevitable, and if this vrave boy joins them, the result would be in their favour.

The Brahmin (Lord Krishna) then wanted charity from the boy. Barbareek promised him anything he wished. Lord Krishna asked him to give his head in charity. The boy was shocked, but he maintained his promise. He requested the Brahmin to disclose his identity. Lord Krishna showed him his divine form.

He explained to Barbareek that before the battle, in order to worship the battlefield, head of the bravest Kshatriya needs to be sacrificed. And he considered Barbareek to be the bravest, and hence asked for his head in charity.

Barbareek requested that he wanted to see the battle till its end, and his wish was granted. Thus on the12th day of Shukla Paksha of Falgun month, he gave his head to Lord Krishna (SHISH DAAN). The head was placed atop a hill near the battlefield from where,

lohargal Tour jhunjhunu Rajasthan

lohargal Tour

lohargal, jhunjhunu, rajasthan

Lohargal is a beautiful place of great tourist interest, situated in the Jhunjhunu District, Rajasthan. It is famous for its natural scenic beauty. Lohargal is 68 km from Jhunjhunu via Nawalgarh and Udaipurwati. It is situated at a distance of 10 km from Udaipurwati.
Lohargal has great historical importance – regarded as the place of Bhima, one of the heroes of the great epic of India – the Mahabharata. The holy shrine of Lohargal is situated at the foot hills of the Aravalli Ranges.
In the Varāha Purana, a place named Lohārgala is stated to be ruled over by the Mleccha kings. [1]
There is a holy water tank at Lohargal, where pilgrims who cannot afford to go all the way to Varanasi come to wash away their sins. According to myth a might army of Pandavas came to bathe here after a glorious victory on the battle fields only to find that their weapons and armour dissolved in the water. The literal meaning of Lohargal is Loha (Iron)+Gal (To melt), means that melts the iron.
Other tourist attractions worth visiting include Malket, Barkhandi, Gyan Bawari, Bhim Kund and Chetan das Bawari. A large fair, held here every year from Krishna Janmashtami to Amawashya, is a major draw.
The nearest bus station is at Golyana. Regular buses are available to Nawalgarh, Udaipurwati and Sikar.
Shri Navrang Singh Jakhar inaugurated the Lohargal Jat Dharmsala on 30 June 2004 along with Sahib Singh Verma, the Chief Minister of Delhi. The attempts of Navrang Singh Jakhar to develop this site has made a good centre for tourists.

Rani Sati Jhunjhunu Rajasthan

Rani Sati

Jhunjhunu, Jhunjhunu, Rajasthan

Rani Sati mandir is one of the most famous temples in Rajasthan. It is situated in Jhunjhunu town. It has a history of more than 400 years and is a testimony to feminine bravery and spirit which certainly captures the attention of all tourists. This temple is also famous for its magnanimous and rare paintings. It is also one of the oldest existing Indian pilgrimages.
A special Pujanutsav is held on the occasion of Bhado Amavasya (no moon day). This day the temple is crowded with devotees in huge number. People from all over the country visit this place to offer their puja to Goddess Sati Devi. The most remarkable feature of this famous temple is that it does not hold any painting or statue of either female or male gods. Instead a trident depicting power and force is worshipped religiously by the followers. However one can surely find a beautiful portrait of Rani Sati in the pradhan mand. The temple consists of colorful wall paintings and is structured with white marbles.
In the complex of Rani Sati temple there is also Hanuman Temple, Sita Temple, Ganesha Temple and Lord Shiva Temple. The regular ‘prasad’ distribution takes place after every ‘aarti’. There are also arrangements made for the meals in day time on payment basis. The temple is situated within city limit of Jhunjhunu. It is beautiful and intricately crafted, not to forget the golden pot at the top of the temple.

History of Rani Sati Temple
It is the firm belief of Marwaris from Rajasthan that Rani Sati is an avatar of Maa Durga. The Marwari society of Rajasthan as well as from all other part of the country worship Rani Sati dadi daily in their houses.
The history of Rani Sati starts from the time of Mahabharata. It is believed that Rani Sati was Utera, wife of Abhimanyu (son of Arjun). When Abhimanyu was killed in the battlefield, Utera decided to be Sati along with Abhimanyu’s funeral. However amidst all this Lord Krishna came to her rescue and pursued her against her decision. He also granted her wish of being married to Abhimanyu and her desire to be sati in her next life.
As granted by Lord Krishna, in her next life she was born as the daughter of Gursamal in the village of Thukaye in Rajasthan. She was named – Narayani. Abhimanyu took birth in Hissar as son of Jaliram and named – Thandhan. Thandan and Narayani got married and were leading a peaceful life. He was in possession of a beautiful horse which was being eyed by the son of king of Hissar from quite some time. Thandan refused to hand over his precious horse to the king’s son. The king’s son then decides to forcefully acquire the horse and thus challenges Thandan for a combat. However Thandan fights the battle bravely and kills the King’s son instead. The enraged king thus kills Thandan in front of Narayani in the battle. Narayani symbolic to female bravery and power fights with the king and kills him. She then commanded Ranaji (the caretaker of the horse) to make immediate arrangements for her to be set a blazed along with her husband’s cremation.
Ranaji playing a vital role in fulfilling her wish to be sati with her husband is then blessed by Narayani that his name will be taken and worshiped along with her name and since then she is known as Rani Sati.

Sunday, 23 December 2012

Salasar Bala Ji

Salasar, Salasar, Churu, Rajasthan

Salasar Balaji is a religious place for the devotees of Lord Hanuman. It is situated in Churu district of Rajasthan. Salasar Dham attracts innumerable Indian worshipers throughout the year. On Chaitra Purnima and Ashvin Purnima large fairs are organized every year where more than 6 to 7 lakhs of people assemble here to pay their homage to the deity. Hanuman Sewa Samiti looks after the management of the Temple and the fairs. There are many Dharamshalas to stay and restaurants to eat. The temple of Sri Hanuman is situated right in the middle of the Salasar town.

Salasar town is a part of district Churu in Rajasthan and it is situated on the Jaipur - Bikaner highway. It is at a distance of 57 kilometers from Sikar, 24 kilometers from Sujangarh and 30 kilometers from Laxmangarh. Salasar town lies under the jurisdiction of the Sujangarh Panchayat Samiti and is well connected with Delhi, Jaipur and Bikaner by regular bus service run by the Rajasthan State Road Transport Committee. Indian Airlines and Jet Air fly to Jaipur, from where Salasar is 3.5 hours drive via a taxi or a bus. Sujangarh, Sikar, Didwana, Jaipur and Ratangarh are the nearest railheads for Salasar Balaji. This city is about 170 kilometers from the city of Pilani that hosts the Birla Institute of Technology and Science. The road from Delhi to Bold textPilani is very good and Balaji is often accessed via that route by people approaching from the direction of Delhi.

Fastivals

The temple of Salasar Balaji was initially as small as a hut. Faith, Belief, Miracles and many a "Mannat" (Wish) fulfillments, have made Salasar Dham a "Shakti Sthal" (A Place of Power) and has become a must visit pilgrimage for all Hanuman Bhakts (Devotees).

Around the temple

->Dhunia of Mohandasji:
The holy fire lit by Bhakt Mohandasji is still burning. The devotees take holy ashes called "Vibhuti" from here.
->Sri Mohan Mandir:
Near the Balaji temple is the footprint of Mohandasji and Kanidadi. This is the Samadhi Sthal of both the devotees. The Holy Ramayana is being continuously read here since the last eight years.
->Akhand Hari Kirtan:
In the temple premises of Lord Balaji. Akhand Hari Kirtan (Chanting of the name of Rama) is also continuing from the twenty years.
->Temple of Anjani Mata:
Anjani Mata is the mother of Hanumanji (Balaji). Her Holy temple, also believed to be the home of Balaji is situated one kilometer from the main Salasar Dham Temple on the Lakshmangarh - Salasar Road.
->Gudavadi Shyam temple:
This temple is one kilometer from the main Salasar Dham Temple.

Festivals:

Sri Hanuman Jayanti:
Chaitra Shukla Chaturdashi and Purnima - Lacs of devotees arrive here on Sri Hanuman Jayanti from every corner of the country.
How to Reach

One can either land at Delhi or Jaipur from any part of the country by Rail / Road / Air and from there, one can reach Salasar Balaji.
Location:

Salasar is in district Churu (Rajasthan) Situated at Jaipur - Bikaner highway. 57 kilometres from Sikar and 24 kilometers from Sujangarh. Salasar is in Sujangarh Panchayat Samity.

Air: Indian Airlines and Jet Air are having flights up to Jaipur, from where it is 3.5 hours drive in Taxi or Bus.

Road: From Delhi:

New Delhi -> Gurgaon -> Rewari -> Narnaul -> Chidawa -> Jhunjhunu -> Mukundgarh -> Laxmangarh -> SalsarBalaji (318 Kms) (You will be leaving NH-8 from Rewari road from rewari to jhunjhunu are worst)(Shortest route)

From Jaipur:

1> Jaipur -> Chomun -> Sikar -> Salasar

Rail:

Siker, Jaipur nearest Rail head to Salasar Balaji.

From Delhi - Jaipur:

Dee Porbndr Exp (9264) , AlaHazrat Exp (4311), BeBhuj Exp (4321), Mfp Pbr Express (9270), Uttaranchal Exp (9566), Garib Nawaj Exp (5715), Dli Jsm Express (4059),

Hw Adi Mail (9106), Jammu Aii Exp (2414), Ashram Express (2916), Mandor Express (2461), Rajsthn S Krant (2463), Dee Jp Sf Spl (0232), Dee Bdts G Rath (2215),

Ajmer Shtbdi (2015), Adi Sj Rajdhani (2958)

Air Routes:

There are many flights available from delhi to jaipur and can be searched.

shakambhari Jhunjhunu

Shakambhari

udaipurwati, jhunjhunu, rajasthan

The Demon Durgam had acquired all the four books of total knowledge (The Veda) from Lord Brahma through penance. He also gets a boon from Lord Brahma that makes sure that all the pujas, yajnas and havis being offered to the Gods reach him instead making him invincible.
Durgam became very arrogant and started tormenting the whole world. As the consequence, it did not rain for one hundred years and the whole world was hit by very severe drought.
The rishis and munis take refuge in the caves of the Himalayas, and meditate upon the Supreme Devi. The Goddess appeared in front of them bearing a wonderful form!
She had countless number of eyes upon Her that gave Her the name SATAKSHI. She was carrying grains, cereals, vegetables, greens, fruits and other herbs - and was hence called SHAKAMBARI.
She was so moved by their plights that tears rolled down from her eyes for nine continuous days and nights. The tears took the form of a river, as the result of which the drought came to an end.
The rishis, munis and the Gods then requested that she recover the Vedas, which were in possession of Durgam. Durgam came to know that people were living happily through his messengers and immediately attacked with a large army.
The Goddess protected the frail rishis, munis, Gods and others by putting up a huge wall of fire around them, and then let Her discuss hover around it. There ensued a tremendous battle between the Devi and Durgam.
From Her body manifested the ten most powerful powers who never been in universe before Dashamahaavidya and 64,000 other goddesses. At last the Goddess called Satakshi/Shakambari, killed Durgam with her trident and recovered the Veda from his possession. At that very moment all the mantras and japas that were performed by the rishis, munis and Gods had performed earlier but were absorbed by the demon Durgam due to his boon, transformed into a bright light of a 10,000 Suns and entered the Devi. She then handed over The Veda to the deities. Ishwari also knowns as Durga as she had killed the demon Durgam.

Fatehpur Shekhawati

Fatehpur , SIKAR, Rajasthan

A beautiful haveli purchased by a French artist Nadine Le Prince. It has been built in 1802 by a rich family of traders, the Devra, who were also officers at the court of the local Kings. Since 1999, Nadine Le Prince has entirely restored this palace and all the frescoes, restoring these to their originals. . She is doing much to preserve and restore the wonderful and unique heritage of havelis in Shekhawati working with other associations to give them a second life.

fatehpur haveli

That's why she has opened a cultural center , which she created in order to exhibit french and Indian modern artists, and to confront old and contemporary art. The "Kala Dirga Gallery of Contemporary Art" shows especially pieces made by artists about India ; the "Saraswati Gallery" is more about traditional themes of Rajasthan, through different kinds of painting ; there are also two little "Tribal Art Galleries" exhibiting the artistic work of tribes, as Patachitras and Madhubani. The aim of this project is to offer to the visitor a large panorama of works and points of view toward India. Thus, the exhibited artists belong to very differents origins : French renowed artist, Jaipur Fine Art Schools Teacher or Shekhawati Local Painters.

bhiti chitra

Nadine Le Prince has also established a program for artists in residence and she's planning to organize some cultural events as dance and music shows to make this enchanting palace becoming a lively place for art in all his shapes. The others havelis, which are notable are Harkishan Das Saraogi Haveli and Vishnunath Keria Haveli.
The town has blessings of many religious mentors, it includes Dargah of Hazrat Nazmudin , Temple of Do-Janti Balaji Dham (which is famous for its exterior hand made stone bricks construction and in-side Lord Sun painting)etc. It got few workshops which repair and create antic furniture and other suff for sale, some of which are very good and available for purchase.

Baba Rameshwar Dass Temple

25 Kms From Narnaul, Haryana , Tibba Basai, Mahendergarh, Hariyana

Rameshwar Dass Temple was built by Baba Rameshwar Dass and is located at Bamanwas, about 25 km from Narnaul in Mahendergarh District. This temple is dedicated to Lord Shiva. The main wall of the temple separates the village of Tibba Basai in Rajasthan.

The temple has a 10 feet high Shivling. It has a spacious hall with marble flooring and decorated walls. Marble idols of gods and goddess are arranged in the hall. The walls of the temple are adorned with painted idols and the morals of the Bhagavad Gita, the Ramayana and other religious epics. There is a huge idol (40 feet) of Lord Hanuman on the main Baba Rameshwar Dass Dham Tibba Basai in Rajasthan

Baba Rameshwar Dass Dham Tibba Basai in Rajasthan

entrance.

An annual fair is conducted on Ramnavami. Haryana Roadways provides bus services from Narnaul bus stand to this temple.

Inside the temple is a unique 10 feet high Shiva Linga that stands installed besides other images of Lord Shiva. On the walls of the temple the preaching of the Gita, the Ramayana and other religious epics are written. The painted idols on walls and marble are unique. The idol of Lord Hanuman on the main entrance of the temple is so huge (having a height of 40 feet approximately) that probably it has no comparison in Northern India.

People of Haryana and Rajasthan have great devotion for Baba Rameshwar Dass. The devotees from all over India come for having a glimpse of the image of Baba and due to the help rendered by these devotees, this huge temple could be raised. The Baba came to this place in the beginning of 1963 and the construction work of this temple was started.

A very rush is coming on this temple so to look this bus service of Haryana Roadways is also available from Narnaul bus stand to the temple.

So after reading this article you should go at this temple once and find more interesting facts of this.

Mehandipur Balaji

Mehandipur Balaji Temple is dedicated to Lord Hanuman, who is a symbol of courage in Hindu mythology and is located 3km off the Agra Jaipur Highway and approximately 100km from Jaipur. The temple priests carry out exorcisms on Tuesdays and Saturdays and lots of people bring their friends and relatives to relieve them of evil spirits. It is believed that the deity in this temple has divine power to cure a person possessed with evil spirit.Hundreds of 'Sankatwalas', as the possessed people are refereed to in local lingo, throng to the temple everyday to offer prayers and have 'darshan'. The temple has also become a home and the last respite for the victims.The 'Mahant' of the temple, Shri Kishor Puri Ji, prescribes the treatment. It can include reading holy texts, following a strict vegetarian and simple diet, and even afflicts physical pain to one's body. However while the exorcism is being performed only the priests and the possessed are allowed inside and the scenes can be disturbing for many people. The possessed scream, shout, dance, talk to themselves, shake their heads vigorously, bang their heads on the wall or floor while the priests chant mantras.

To reach Balaji temple one has to take a bus from Agra or Jaipur and ask the driver to stop at the Balaji Temple crossing. The temple is situated halfway between Agra and Delhi.

Dedicated to- Lord Hanuman.
Temple Attractions- Shrine of Balaji, Pooja griha, Court of Pret Raja and Bheruji temple are worth visiting within the temple.
Main Events- Shri Hanuman Jayanti, Krishna Janamashtami, Vijaya Dashami or Dashehara, Jal Jhoolani Ekadashi, Deepawali, Annakuta, Sharad Poornima, Makar Sankranti, Shiva Ratri, Rama Navami, Holi and so on are the fairs and festivals that are celebrated in this Mehandipur Balaji Temple.
Visit Timings- During summer, the temple remains open up to 9.00 pm in summer and up to 8.00 pm in winter.
Though medical science may despise such practices and call it blind faith or superstitions, but the devotees regard and revere the supernatural power of Balaji and thousands of victims are believed to have been healed and drive evil influences by visiting this temple.