The twin city of Mathura and Vrindavan resound with the stories of Lord Krishna till date; located 15 kms from Mathura,the city has more than 5000 temples dedicated to him. The place got its name from sacred tulsi also known as Vrinda. It is said that the place was a vine of tulsi groves hence the name Vrindavan. God spent quite a few years in Vrindavan also known as Braj bhoomi. The city has both centuries old as well as modern temples.
Though there are quite a few popular temples like Radha Raman temple, Rangaji temple, Radha Vallabh temple, ISKCON temple but the most revered among them is.... Read more...
June 07 2010 | North India Temples | 3 Comments »
10 kms north of Varanasi is Sarnath, one of the three holiest sites for Buddhists. It was here that after attaining enlightenment Buddha gave his first sermon in 528 BC. In 640 AD, the Chinese traveller Hiuen Tsang visited the site and recorded his impressions of Buddhist vihara (monasteries), a statue of the Buddha turning the wheel of law (Dharmachakra) and stupas of stone. With the resurgence of Hinduism and fading popularity of Buddhism, the site was ultimately abandoned around the 9th century AD and fell into ruins with the coming of Muslim invaders. Today, it has regained its importance .... Read more...
June 07 2010 | North India Temples | No Comments »
The oldest living city in the world, Varanasi is the ultimate destination of all Hindu pilgrims searching for moksha from the cycle of birth and re-birth. The word ‘Kashi’ originated from the word ‘Kas’ which means to shine. Kashi is mentioned repeatedly in the scriptures – the Brahmanas, Upanishads and the Puranas. It is the oldest center of learning and the University here is still widely respected for its Sanskrit, Philosophy, and Arts faculties. Hyuen Tsang, the Chinese traveler visited Varanasi in the 7th century.
Stepped in tradition and mythological legacy,.... Read more...
June 07 2010 | North India Temples | No Comments »
It is one of the panch Kedars. The face of Lord Shiva is worshipped at Rudranath temple in a natural rock temple as Neelkantha Mahadeva. Lord Shiva is worshipped here as Neelkantha. The temple is situated amid thick forest at a height 2286 mtrs. From Gopeshwar 4 kms motorable road is available upto village Sagar from where 20 kms. trek leads to Rudranath and can be approached from Joshimath as well, by trekking about 45 kms. The temple provides magnificent view of Hathi Parvat , Nandadevi, NandaGhunti, Trishuli and many other.
There are numbers of holy Kunds (Tanks) near Rudranath temple namel.... Read more...
June 07 2010 | North India Temples | No Comments »
According to mythology, Hindu Gods have always had their abode in the austere, silent mountain pinnacles. Here they have performed the severest penance to attain omnipotence and from here have flown the sacred rivers – ‘Amrita’ or life-giving water. In this area from where all the holy rivers have taken their birth, are the four ‘Dhams’ or as popularly known as in the ‘Shastras’ as Kedarkhand. In the remote heights ranging from 3,050-3,584 meters (10,000 to 11,760 ft) are the “Char Dhams” – the Yamunotri, Gangotri, Kedarnath and Badri.... Read more...
June 07 2010 | North India Temples | No Comments »
Thousands travel to Garhwal every year, worshippers on pilgrimages come here to realize their God, climbers with mountaineering and trekking on their minds, mavericks with river running in their blood, skiers to get the adrenaline pumping and academicians to propound new theories on mankind! You can find your own interpretation, your own Garhwal headspace to retreat into when you need some soul food.
Garhwal is often called devbhumi or the abode of gods. Every inch of this land is steeped in mythology and every glade has its story. The reason is not far to seek as the Ganga and the Yamuna – .... Read more...
June 07 2010 | North India Temples | No Comments »