A Trip to Kasi-Gaya-Allahabad-Ayodhya-Nepal-Muktinath-Oct2010

Our Journey started @ 12.00 from Central station on 15th Sep 2010…….

Day 1 :  (Sep 15, 2010, Wednesday)

On 15th Sep 2010  we took the  SANGHAMITRA EXPRESS  to Varanasi.  

On enquiry we found that the train SANGHAMITRA EXPRESS   which runs between Bangalore to Varanasi   &  Vice versa  is  reaching Chennai Central at the same time due to which there are lots of confusion for the passengers!!!!

Day 2 : (Sep 16, 2010, Friday)

Train journey.


Day 3 : (Sep 17, 2010, Friday)

We reached Mughal Sarai Railway Station and from their  we travelled by Jeep to our  place of Stay at Varanasi after 45 minutes of Travel

VARNASI

About the temple
Kashi Vishwanath Temple  is one of the most famous Hindu temples dedicated to Lord Shiva and is located in Benaras, the Holiest existing Place of Hindus, where at least once in life a Hindu is expected to do pilgrimage, and if possible, also pour the remains (ashes) of cremated ancestors here on the River Ganges. It is in state of Uttar Pradesh, India. The temple stands on the western bank of the holy river Ganges, and is one of the twelve Jyotirlingas, the holiest of Shiva temples. The main deity is known by the name Vishwanatha or Vishweshwara meaning the Ruler of the universe. The temple town that claims to be the oldest living city in the world, with 3500 years of documented history  is also called Kashi and hence the temple is popularly called as Kashi Vishwanath Temple.

The temple is widely recognized as one of the most important places of worship in Hindu religion and most of the leading Hindu saints, including Adi Sankaracharya, Ramakrishna Paramhansa, Swami Vivekananda, Goswami Tulsidas, Swami Dayananda Saraswati, Gurunanak have visited this site   A visit to the temple and a bath in the river Ganges is one of many methods believed to lead one on a path to Moksha (liberation). Thus, people from all over the nation, try to visit the place at least once in their lifetime. There is also a tradition that one should give up at least one desire after a pilgrimage the temple, and the pilgrimage would also include a visit to the temple at Rameswaram in South India, where people take the water samples of the Ganges to perform prayer at the temple and bring back the sand from near that temple. Due to the immense popularity and holiness of this temple, hundreds of temples across the nation have been built with the same style and architecture.





We had bath in the Holy River Ganges.  At The Hindu’s punya Boomi Varanasi, we took bath in ganges with enormous happiness. We took sangalpam in the river and thanked God for giving this opportunity to visit Kasi, . It is one of the important wishes in every Hindu’s mind to visit Kasi and bath in Ganges during his life time.
After getting suggestions from our Guide we spoke to Boat Man Mr.Babulal  (whose article has been published in Mangayar Malar and Kumudham Bakthi Special abt VARANASI TRIP)  and  fixed a boat for our family members of 10 to show us all the GHATS  in the  river Ganges.
There are over all 84 bathing ghats in the city, the most notable being the Dashashwamedha Ghat and the Manikarnika Ghat, where it is said that there is continuous burning of dead bodies at all times.
The other most important Ghats are
Dashashwamedha Ghat NIshadra GhatPrayag GhatAdi Keshva Ghat
Manikarnika Ghat*
Jain Ghat
Ganesh Ghat
Trilochana Ghat,
Asi Ghat
Vatsya Raj Ghat
Scindia Ghat
Panchganga GhatTulsi Ghat Chauki Ghat
Varuna GhatRaja Harichandra GhatChaumsathi Ghat
Kedara GhatDigpatiya GhatLalita Ghat

 *where it is said that there is continuous burning of dead bodies at all times)


We spent our afternoon in the hotel and in the evening at 4 pm,  we started to the World famous Temple – KASI VISALAKSHMI, ANNAPOORANI, KALA BHAIRAVAR AND VISWANATHAR for darshan

We all went in a CYCLE RICKSHAW till the market place after which we went with the Guide arranged by Ms. Deepa to Temple.

We proceeded in the narrow lanes and reached Kasi Viswanathar temple. The temple is located in the middle of a lane filled with lot of shops. The entrance and tower are not clearly seen from out side. The road is very slippery due to the heavy drizzling. All the people are thoroughly checked before allowing to the temple.
We had wonderful Darshan at Kasi Vishwanathar temple and then they took us to Kasi Visalaskhi Temple and then to Anna Poorani temple and Finally to Kala Bhairavar Temple. Their we placed the Kala Bhairavar thread and prayed to god and brought back that prasadam.


Kasi Viswanathar                                
Kasi, the Punya boomi for Hindus,  gave us a pleasant and  wonderful memories.

5 THINGS IN VARANASI TO BE NOTED
·         Pasu Mutadhu
·         Palli Sapthamidadhu
·         Poo manakadhu
·         Karudan Parakadhu
·         Ponnam naaradhu



Day 4 : (Sep 18, 2010, Saturday)

We started from Kasi at 8.00 a.m. to  proceed to Gaya … enroute we visited  Saranath and reached Bodhgaya at 4.30 in the evening and we all stayed  in a HOTEL at Bodhgaya  as in GAYA  they had improper supply of electricity. Very good planning by Nepal Pilgrim and travels. 

SARANATH

About Saranath

Sarnath  is the deer park where Gautama Buddha first taught the Dharma, and where the Buddhist Sangha came into existence through the enlightenment of Kondanna. Sarnath is located 13 kilometres north-east of Varanasi, in Uttar Pradesh, India.   Buddha delivered his first sermon in Sarnath after attaining Nirvana. The Chaukhandi Stupa commemorates the spot where the Buddha met his first disciples



BODHGAYA

About Bodhgaya

Bodh Gaya  is one of the most important and sacred Buddhist pilgrimage center in the world. It was here under a banyan tree, the Bodhi Tree,
Bodh Gaya or Bodhgaya  is a religious site and place of pilgrimage associated with the Mahabodhi Temple Complex in Gaya district in the Indian state of Bihar. It is famous for being the place of Gautama Buddha's attainment of Enlightenment  and supreme knowledge to become Buddha.
For Buddhists, Bodh Gaya is the most important of the main four pilgrimage sites related to the life of Gautama Buddha, the other three being Kushinagar, Lumbini, and Sarnath


Day 5 : (Sep 19, 2010, Sunday)

GAYA

From the Hotel at Bodhgaya, we started  to Gaya to perform the  Sratham we started at 6 a.m.
As usual, the favous palguni river was dry and people just spilled the water  in their head and took some water in the pot to perform the Pooja.

Meanwhile ladies were asked to cook the Rice for pidas and they requested to make pindas separately for RELATIVES, MOTHER AND FRIENDS AND OTHERS.

Gaya is the only place, where ladies were allowed to put PINDAS for their ancestors.

About Gaya
Gaya finds mention in the great epics, Ramayana and Mahabharata. Rama along with Sita and Lakshmana visited Gaya for offering PIND-DAAN to their father Dasharath. In Mahabharata, the place has been identified as Gayapuri. About the origin of the name ‘Gaya' as referred to in Vayu Purana is that Gaya was the name of a demon (Asura) whose body was pious after he performed rigid penance and secured blessings from Vishnu. It was said that the Gayasura's body would continue to be known as Gaya Kshetra.
The historic representation behind this Gaya Shratham  was told that…

When Rama and Seetha were in the forest, they have to perform the Pinda Pooja for Dasarada Maharaj. On the day of Pooja, Rama with his brother left to bring all the things required for the Pooja.

Meanwhile seethe was preparing food for the Pooja and at Heaven, maharaj Dasaradha was feeling hungry and came to Seetha’s kudil and asked her to feed with food as he cannot wait till Rama to performs his Pooja.

Seetha initially didn’t accept but as Dasaradha maharaj insisted,  she feed him with the Food under the Akshay vadam Tree. Maharaja Dasaradhar Blessed  seetha and went.

When Rama returned, Seetha explained  him that Maharaj Dasaradar came and had food,  he didn’t accept it.  Seetha said that  when I gave food for Dasaradhar, these people were their.

PALGUNI RIVER & Vriksham and  a BRAHMIN SAW IT;

When  Rama enquired, due to fear,these people said  NO we didn’t see anything. But  Akshaya Vadam said the truth and Rama due to happiness said that who ever feed  food for their ancestor under this tree would be blessed for ever  The Vishnu Padam and Akshaya Vadam is still exist in Gaya.


Hence Rama due to Anger, gave sabam to those people who lied

PALKUNI – Never in your life you can run with huge water
BRAHMIN – You can never get your wish fulfuled in this place

Gaya was empowered by Lord Vishnu to offer salvation to sinners on earth.  A pilgrimage centre of the Hindus, believers come here from far and near to offer funeral cakes or  'pindas' to relieve the souls of their dead ones from the eternal wheel of rebirth.The temple of Vishnupad is believed to have been built over the footprints of Lord Vishnu


Palguni River and Shratham


After the Devasam the food was served at the Sastrigral’s place and we left to hotel from their. Even the nite dinner food was arranged for those who did the Pooja. From the BodhGaya Hotel, we  drove back to Varanasi.

Reached Varanasi at 8.30 and had a wonderful Dinner and we were told that the next day we need to start at 7.00a.m. to Allahabad,

Day 6 : (Sep 20, 2010, Monday)


We said bye bye to Varanasi and started to Allahabad enroute we went to  SitaMari & Valmiki Ashram

Near to Sitamari, we went to  Valmiki Ashram where  Seetha’s kid lavan and kuchan had spent their childhood.

Sitamari is the place where Sita  entered into the Jwala ( Agni kundam ) but was taken by her Mom  BoomaDevi inside the earth. On the Ground Floor, you could see a wonderful temple in which Sita’s smiling idol will be kept. but on the basement, you could see Seetha’s idol which shows that she is fed up this life even after proving herself and decided to quit this world and go back to her mom….

Seetha’s face is well portrayed in the idol.

Sitamari
 

Valmiki Ashram : the place where lavan and kuchan had their padasala in Valmiki Kudil and later at this place only  they had tied up the ASHWAMEDHA HORSE of Ramar.


Valmiki Ashram
We reached Allahad (the Triveni Sangamam) at 3.45 and we stayed in Shubhanjali Hotel which is very near to the Railway station.

ALLAHABAD

About Allahabad
Allahabad  is a name given by Mughal kings to the ancient Prayag  being the second oldest city of India, in the North Indian state of Uttar Pradesh and administrative headquarters of Allahabad District. Allahabad is one of the fastest growing cities in India at present. It is located 205 kilometres (127 mi) south of state capital Lucknow. The ancient name of the city Prayag (Sanskrit rferes to it as a "place of sacrifice") and is believed to be the spot where Brahma offered his first sacrifice after creating the world. It is one of four sites of the mass Hindu pilgrimage Kumbh Mela, the others being Haridwar, Ujjain and Nashik. It has a position of importance in Hindu scriptures for it is situated at Triveni Sangam, the confluence of the holy rivers Ganges and Yamuna, and the ancient Sarasvati River.
Many government offices of both central and state government are present in the city, such as the Allahabad High Court, the Principal Accountant General Office (AG office), the Uttar Pradesh Public Service Commission Office, Uttar Pradesh Police Head Quarters (PHQ), headquarters of the North Central Railway, the regional office of the Central Board of Secondary Education and the Uttar Pradesh Board of High School and Intermediate Education , Uttar Pradesh Madhyamik Shiksha Seva Chayan Board Allahabad ,Principal Controller of Defence Accounts (Pensions) Allahabad, etc.

Allahabad is home to seven out of fourteen Prime Ministers of India. Jawaharlal Nehru, Lal Bahadur Shastri, Indira Gandhi, Rajiv Gandhi, Gulzarilal Nanda, Vishwanath Pratap Singh and Chandra Shekhar were all either born in Allahabad, were alumni of Allahabad University or got elected from a constituency in Allahabad


In the evening, we were given time to go for sight seeing on our own and we spent our time in the HEAVY RAIN by going to Anjeneyar Temple and Veni Madhava Temple temple. Since it is Monday, Ananda Bhavan is closed and we couldn’t go over thr.



Day 7 : (Sep 21, 2010, Wednesday)

Early morning we started from Allahabad to visit the following places:

Our  first destination point was CHITRAKUT, where actually seethe and rama during their vanavasam stayed. Here is the place, where  Bharath took the Rama Padhuka from the Ramar.  Here is the place where Rama has worshiped the Lord  Kamadhanath and even today the mandir is well maintained.  From this place the hill will be seen as bow of rama


When Godavari heard that  Rama has come with his wife to this chitrakut place, she wanted to see them hence without others knowing, she came beneath the earth and touched rama’s feet the this place called GUPT GODAVARI, Here  the Godavari river is silently passing thro the caves and inside the cave we can see the statue of  Rama, Seetha and Lakshman. Also the Adisesan is engraved in the ceiling of this cave which is to be noted.  

Gupt Godavari
After our lunch, we started to the place called  Sathi Anusuya Cave where, Seetha Madha learnt the Padhivirada dharm from Sathi Anusya.  Here like Sholingur, you can see enormous amount of Monkeys walking in the road alongwith us.

Sathi Anusuya Cave

Madha Anusuya idol and Lord Brahma Lord Vishnu and lord Shiva were in the form of babies.



While Rama and Seetha were in the forest, they use to spend time in the river bank of river Mandagani, which is  called Janaki Kundh.
Spatiga Sila

One day, when  rama was sleeping in the lap of Seetha, Kakasuran, came in the form of Crow and disturbed Seetha Madha.  Rama saw this and got angry and took the Darbai and made it as a BRAHMASTRAM to kill that Arakan.  Kakasuran went all over the world but couldn’t find a solution to get rid of this Brahmastram  hence returned back to Ramar and fell down in his padhuga and seeked his blessings. Since the brahmastam is triggered without  fetching the result it should not return, Rama took the eyes of the CROW and blessed him. 


On the way back to  Allahabad, we went to RAM DHARSHAN, a palace where  the entire Ramayana Kaviyam is predicted by way of Idols made out of marbles. 

RAM DHARSHAN

Returned back to  Allahabad and halted at the same hotel.


Day 8 : (Sep 22, 2010, Tuesday)

From the place of stay at ALLAHABAD, morning we went to TRIVENI SANGAMAM for holy bath at the three rivers joining place.  (GANGA YAMUNA SARASWATHI)

About Triveni Sangamam

It is believed that it is at the Sangam, that a few drops of the nectar 'Amrit Bindu' fell ... making its waters truly magical. At the Sangam, the waters of the Ganges and the Yamuna can be distinctly seen to merge into one. It is during the Kumbh Mela and the Ardh Kumbh that the Sangam truly comes alive ... attracting the devout from all across the country. The holy Sangam is the site for most of the important fairs and festivals the year round.



TRIVENI SANGAMAM
   

They took us in the Boat to the centre of the Triveni Sangamam and helped us to have holy bath in the River. we carried the holy Ganga water on the way to our homeback in cannes.

On the riverside of the Triveni Sangamam, we have Sankara Vimana Mandapam where there are three temples in storeyed building ,


Sankara Vimana Mandapam

Only place in north india where Lord Anjaneyar is seen in reclining posture and Sankara Vimana Mandapam  which  is a three storeyed building… on the ground floor kamakshi amman is thr and in second floor – kailasanathar and in third floor – Lord Balaji. The view of Yamuna,Ganga and Sangam is clearly seen from the Manadapam.

We started from  Allahabad at 10.00 a.m. and reached at Naimisaranyam at night 7.00 p.m. a long journey

We Stayed at Naimisarayam, one among the 108  Diva Desam


Day 9 : (Sep 23, 2010, Thursday)

About Naimisāranyam 
It was an ancient forest mentioned in the epic Mahabharata. It lay on the banks of the Gomati River (in Uttar Pradesh) .  The story regarding the importance of this forest is that, after the great battle of Mahābhārata, sages and saints led by the great sage Saunaka, who were very much concerned about the beginning of Kali yuga, approached Brahma. Being aware of the extreme effects of the yuga, they urged Brahma to show them a place which can stay untouched by the effects of Kali. Brahma takes out a sacred wheel (Chakra) and rolls it down on the earth and says, where ever that wheel stops, that would be the place. The sages follow the wheel, which stops in the forest of Naimisharanyam. Thus, they make it their abode for further penance.
The Alvars during the early medieval period of Tamil history (between the seventh and the tenth centuries CE) worshipped Vishnu and his avatars through their hymns. This collection of their hymns is known as Divya Prabhandham. Mangalasasanam means 'praying that the holy shrines be happy all the time'. The Srivaishnava shrines that were sung about by the Alvars are called Divya Desams.

At 7.00 we started our day by travelling in CHINNAYANNAI from Naimissarayanm place of stay  and went to the river Gomathi and had a excellent bath.  After that first we went to Sakthi Peedam  of RajaRajeswari Temple  and then we went to Balaji Temple which is nicely architected .

On the way back we went to Devanatha Swamy Temple which is one among the 108 divadesam and from their we went to the  Chakratheertham  which is known to be the Theertham to remove all your Sin and disease


Chakratheertham
After which we went to  VyasarGadi where vysar maharishi had spent 1000 years to do yagam and also to write the maha bharatham and other kaviyams.

Vysargadi




Finally we went to Hanuman temple and then to Ahobila Narasimhar Sannidi which is also called Ahobila Madam and it is one among the 108 Diva desam.


Reached Ayodhya at 3.30 and got the news abt Ayodhya Verdict and hence we were allowed to see the Lord Rama’s temple at Ayodhya. We were the first troupe to enter the Ayodhya Temple after the High court judgement verdict on 23rd Sep 2010.



There was huge protection in and around the temple and we were thoroughly checked before entering the temple. Had a wonderful darshan of Lord Rama at ayodhya, one among the 108 divyadesam. After which we visited the following places

About Ayodhya

Ayodhya is said to be one of the most ancient, magnificent and holy of Hindu cities  and was the capital of the powerful Hindu kingdom of Kosala (Kaushal). It is on the banks of the  Saryu  River, bathing in which is supposed to destroy even the deadliest of sins.
 This city was ruled by 'Surya Vanshi'  great king Dasaratha, the 63rd monarch of the Solar line. King Dasaratha's son 'Shri Rama' was believed to be the incarnation of Lord Vishnu. Lord 'Shri Rama' was born here. In the Atharvaveda, this place was described as a city that was made by gods and was as prosperous as heaven itself.



Amongst the 'Mokshdayani Puris' of the world meaning "the lands of spiritual bliss and liberation from the karma-bandhan," Ayodhya city holds a leading place, along with cities such as Varanasi, Dwarka and others. Ramcharitmanas and other respected Hindu scriptures like the Vishnu Puran, Shrimad Bhagvat Mahapuran and others emphasize the importance of living and visiting such religious places. According to them, these spiritually charged cities increase the Punya (or 'fruits of virtuous and righteous actions') and Paap ('fruits of a person's wrong doings') of an individual many times over. Therefore people visiting and living in such holy cities are found doing noble and virtuous deeds
Model Temple plan of Lord Rama Janma Bhoomi


  


Madha Kaikeyi has gifted this Kanaka Bhavan to Seetha for her wedding

Kanak Bhavan, (Kaikeyi ratna palace )

This is famous temple of Ayodhya. As per mythology it is gifted to Sita by mother Kaikai after marriege. This is private palace of lord SitaRam, here all statue of SitaRam.

  






Ram Dharbar

It is the place where RAM had his official meetings and gatherings

 

We halted that nite at Hanuman palace , which is surrounded by the Monkeys all over the place and who actually lifted all our luggages and food particles


Day 10 : (Sep 24, 2010, Friday)

Early morning we had bath at River sarayu and  started from Ayodhyah by saying  tears filled bye bye  and reached Gorakpur at 3.00.

At 5.00 p.m. we started from Gorakpur and reached Bairwa (Nepal border) at nite 9.30. we were made to stay at a Guest House at  Bhairawa

Day 11 : (Sep 25, 2010, Saturday)

Started from Bhairawa  at 6.45 a.m. in the morning  to proceeded to Gajendra Moksha Stalam .

About Gajendra moksha 
Gajendra moksha  is  0Puranic legend from Bhagavata Purana. Lord Vishnu came down to earth to protect Gajendra(elephant) from the death clutches of Makara (Crocodile).
Gajendra was the King of elephants. One hot day, he proceeded to the lake with his family to cool off in its fresh waters. But from within the lake a crocodile appeared who attacked him and would not let go of him. When the family and relatives saw ‘death’ coming close to Gajendra, and everyone realised that everything was lost, they left Gajendra alone. Gajendra prayed to god Vishnu to save him. Vishnu came to the aid of Gajendra, who offered a lotus to the god. Vishnu attacked the crocodile and saved His Loved One.
Gajendra, in his previous life was a great devotee called Indradyumna who was also a great king. One day, Agastya, a great sage came to visit the king. Indradyumna did not receive the Sage with the respect that the latter expected. The enraged Agastya cursed the king to become an elephant in his next birth, as he sat heavy on his seat and did not rise to greet him.
The crocodile in its last life was a king called HuHu in the Gandharva planet. Once while enjoying himself in the waters, he pulled the leg of a sage. The enraged sage cursed the king to become a crocodile in his next life. The repentant HuHu asked for pardon. The Sage proclaimed that though he could not retrieve the curse, the crocodile would be liberated from the cycle of birth and death when Gajendra would be saved by the Lord God Himself.

We had bath in the River Kandagi and had good darshan of Lord Gajendra.

We proceed to Pokra from their and reached  Pokra  Guest House at 9.30p.m.

Day 12 : (Sep 26, 2010, Sunday)

As our flights were cancelled to Jomson due to bad weather, we had one full  day of rest and we went for sight seeing at Pokra which includes even the Shopping and Boating at the Asia’s deepest lake – Phewa.
Varahi Temple





Day 13 : (Sep 27, 2010, Monday)


Morning 6.30 we started from the hotel and came to the Pokra Airport and prayed God to get our flight without any hassle. And in batches we got our flight to Jomson and we reached Jomson at 7.45a.m. The flying time was just 30 mint from Pokra to Jomson.

We finally got our flight to Jomson.

At Jomson we were served good Breakfast after which we started our journey towards Muktinth at 8.30. First from our  place of stay we walked around 1 kilometer to a place where the Jeep was waiting for us. From their we went by Taxi to the  point of Muktinath. From their we need to walk around  1.5  kilometers  in the hill side which took for us 45 to 60 mint to reach the Hill Top of Muktinath Temple. One among the 108 Divya
Desam.

MUKTINATH

About Muktinath Temple

The temple is at an altitude of 3750m.  Muktinath is an important pilgrimage place for both Hindu & Buddhist. The holy shrine at Muktinath is in a grove of trees and includes a Buddhist Gompa and the pagoda style temple of Vishnu Temple, Containing an Image of Vishnu.

The holy shrine, which is said to have risen on its own, is one of eight such shrines (the others include Srirangam, Sri Mushnam, Tirupati, Naimisaranyam, Thottadri, Pushkaram and Badrinath). It is also one of 108 Vaishnava shrines.

Water Spouts
Around the temple is a wall from the temple which there are 108 waterspouts (Dhara) name of “Muktidhara”. The 108 faucets in the cast in the shape of bulls' heads, pour fourth-sacred water closely arranged in a semi-circle with a gap of hardly a foot between the faucets, at a height of seven feet. The water from Gandaki River continuously flowing through the mouth of the bull. Pilgrims who visit the temple take a holy bath in each of these spouts. But as the water is ice cold it requires burning desire and courage to take a holy bath here. Hindu devotees take bath under chilled water of 108 waterspouts “Muktidhara” believing that it brings them salvation.

We crossed  these rivers and hill side  while we travel by Taxi


As we walk thro the hill, we could see the wonderful mountain side  sceneries.

Way  to Lord Mukthinath Temple




While we walk , we could see the mountain fully covered with snow.  And we need to cross some small rivers to reach the hill top




On reaching  the temple, we found that there are 108 spouts from where the Holy water falls  all thro 365 days  and in which people take bath to clean their sin.

The Holy water is too cold . All  devotees take their sacred bath even in the freezing temperatures.




108 Spouts which flows the Holy Water 



We had a  very good darshan of Lord Muktinath and we were inside the temple for more than ½ an hour having prayed  the Divya Prabandam
Narasimha Gompa.  Temple and Statue


On the left of  Muktinath temple, there is temple called Narasimha Gompa and here the  statues in Sangdo Gompa are made in different periods by differents artists, as one can see at a close look. Much  research has to be done though, to know more on the backgrounds of the statues in this gompa as well as the other temples at Muktinath.

After darshan at  narasimha temple  we proceeded to Jwala Muki temple which is in the right side of the muktinath temple

Jwala Mai Temple:



 


Even more sacred is the water that issues from rock inside the ancient Tibetan style “Jwala Mai Temple” sound of flowing river is situated south and  a short distance below the of Muktinath Temple. Inside this Gompa, behind a tattered curtain, are small natural gas jest that produce Continuously burning flame, the Jwala Mai temple has a spring and there are three eternal flames “Holy flame from soil”, “Holy flame from rock” and “Holy flame from water” fed by natural gas. Currently two flames are continuously burning. The Hindu believes that this miracle of fire lighting was offering made by Brahma himself , (the creator of universe) set water on fire.  Hindus worship the fire as Jwala Mai (Lit. Goddess of fire).

I kneeled on the floor with my forehead almost touching the ground to see the small 2-inch high blue flame that has been burning here for thousands of years. We now know that this eternal burning flame is actually natural gas. Pilgrims have been coming here for more than 3000 years to witness this natural combination of water, air and fire at one spot.

Inside the Jwala Mai Temple
 

We started from Muktinath at 3.30 and while returning in Jeep we found the water level has risen in the stream and we could feel the chillness slowly starting. At 5.45 to 6 we reached Jomson and we stayed at the Hotel at  Jomson where we got excellent food for our dinner.


Day 14 : (Sep 28, 2010, Tuesday)

Morning we took the first flight at 8.00 from Jomson to Pokra and from  there  we  had a very long travel to reach  kathmandhu, the capital of Nepal to have darshan at the famous PASUPATHINATH TEMPLE. On our way we had good darshan at Manakama Devi Temple

About Manakama Devi Temple

Manakamana is the name of a Hindu Goddess. It is believed that the Goddess fulfills the wishes of the people. The term ‘mana’ means the ‘heart’ or ‘soul’ and ‘kamana’ means the ‘wish’.
The cable car in Nepal takes you up on a spiritual adventure to the abode of Mankamana, the wish-fulfilling Hindu Goddess. Even if you have no wishes to make (assuming that you have got it all or you are not a believer), this place offers a unique look into Nepali people's faith in the Goddess Mankamana. The Mankamana temple overlooks terraced fields, and the Trisuli and Marshyang-di river valleys.


The Altitude of the Manakama Hill is 1302 Meters and around 3 Kms length the Cable car is operated  with 0.6 km speed  and 31 cable cars are  operated. A cable car can accommodate 6 persons at a time.

Manakama Devi Temple

After having good darshan at Manakama Devi temple we started the travel towards Kathmandu to have darshan at Lord Pashupathinath.  We reached Kathmandhu at 5.30 and   there was heavy traffic due to which we reached the Pashupathinath temple in the evening at 6.45 due to which we need to rush to the temple as it will get closed at 7.00.


About Pasupathinath Temple

Pashupatinath Temple  is one of the biggest Hindu temples of Lord Shiva in the world, located on the banks of the Bagmati River in the eastern part of Kathmandu, the capital of Nepal. The temple served as the seat of the national deity, Believers in Pashupatinath (mainly Hindus) are allowed to enter the temple premises. Anyone not born in Nepal or India is considered a non-Hindu by the temple authorities. Non-Hindu visitors are allowed to have a look at the temple from the other bank of Bagmati river. It is regarded as the most sacred among the temples of Lord Shiva (Pashupati). Here Lord shiva is called Chaturmukha as in the Lingam we can see Four Face of Lord Lord

One day Lord Shiva grew tired of his palace atop Mt. Kailash and so went in search of a place where he could escape to. He discovered Kathmandu Valley and, without telling anyone, he ran away from his palace and came to live in the Valley. He gained great fame there as Pashupati, Lord of the Animals, before the other gods discovered his hiding place and came to fetch him. He disguised himself as a majestic deer and would not help the other gods when they asked for his help. When Shiva did not yield to their pleas, they planned to use force. God Vishnu grabbed him by his horns and they shattered into pieces. Vishnu established a temple and used the broken horns to form a linga on the bank of the Bagmati River. As time went by, the temple was buried and forgotten. Then a cow was known to have secretly sprinkled her milk over the mound. Apparently, when the cow herders dug around the spot, they found the lost lingas and again built a temple in reverence.

The cremation ground is near the temple and it is popular place to be cremated. The ashes of persons cremated are sprinkled into the waters of the Bagmati, eventually to be carried to the Ganges.



Pasupathinath Temple

After very good darshan Pashupathinath, we were taken for Shopping to buy Rudhraksham, spatiga mala, Shaligramam, Coral, etc.

Night we stayed in the place called Bhagwan Mahaveer Jain Niketan and early morning we started at 4.00 am to proceed to Jalnarayana Temple and Guheswari temple.


Day 15 : (Sep 29, 2010, Wednesday)

Started from the  place of stay  and reached Jalnarayana temple at 4.30 and had good darshan and from their we went to Guheswari Temple.

About  Jal Narayana Temple

The 5m-long image of Vishnu as Narayan was created in the 7th or 8th century from one monolithic piece of stone and is the most impressive, if not the most important, Vishnu shrine in the country. It was sculpted during the Licchavi period, probably somewhere outside the valley, and laboriously dragged here.
Narayan lies peacefully on a most unusual bed: the coils of the multiheaded snake, Ananta (or Shesha). The snake's 11 hooded heads rise protectively around Narayan's head. Narayan's four hands hold the four symbols of Vishnu: a chakra disc (representing the mind), a conch shell (the four elements), a mace (primeval knowledge), and a lotus seed (the moving universe).
During the early Malla period, Vishnuism went into decline as Shiva became the dominant deity. King Jayasthiti Malla is credited with reviving the popularity of Vishnu, and he did this in part by claiming to be an incarnation of the multi-incarnated god. To this day, the kings of Nepal make the same claim and because of this they are forbidden, on pain of death, from seeing the image at Budhanilkantha.
The sleeping Vishnu image, which lies in a small sunken pond enclosure, attracts a constant stream of pilgrims, and prayers take place at 9am every morning (the best time for photos due to the angle of the sun).
Vishnu is supposed to sleep through the four monsoon months, waking at the end of the monsoon. A great festival takes place at Budhanilkantha each November, on the day Vishnu is supposed to awaken from his long annual slumber.
Non-Hindus cannot enter the enclosure, but there are some unobstructed views from outside the fence surrounding it.



Lord Vishnu as Jalanarayana






About Guheswari temple

Guheswari Temple Kathmandu, Nepal Guheswari temple, also spelled Guhyeshwari or Guhjeshwari temple is one of the revered holy temple in Kathmandu, Nepal. This temple is dedicated to Goddess Parvati. It is believed that Lord Shiva wandered the world carrying the body of Sati after she burned herself to death. During this process, her yoni, the female sexual symbol, fell at this place. King Pratap Malla built this temple in the 17th century.  The temple name originates from guhya (cave) and ishwari (goddess). Non-Hindus are not allowed to enter this temple. Guheswari Temple is located near Pashupatinath temple. It represents female force.


We reached Guheswari temple at 5.00 and at that time, there was huge crowd inside the temple to have the darshan of Lord Parvathi. This temple is one among the Sakthi Peedam.





On our way to Janakpuri, we  clicked this photo.

We reached Janakpuri, the birth place of goddess seethe  and had a rushing darshan in the evening 

JANAKPURI

About Janakpuri

Mithila is the birth place of Sita and it is now called Janakpuri | Janakpuri is now situated in Nepal
Mithila, birth place of Sita, mentioned in epic Ramayana is now in Nepal and the present name of it is Janakpuri.
.
King Janaka decided to perform a yagna to escape from a famine that continued for 12 years in his kingdom. He installed a Shivalingam at a distance of 3 Yojanas from Mithila. That lingam is called Jaleshwar. He worshipped the Lingam and selected a place from a little distance and started ploughing the field. He found a small box in the earth. There was a baby inside the box. Since the baby was found out from the earth she was named ‘Sita’. That place was called Sitamarhi. Jaleshwar temple is located in the route of Sitamarhi and Janakpuri. One can see the palace where Sita lived in a small village called Janakpuri Dham. This is a very big palace. A part of this palace was built with marble. It has very beautiful sculptures. Statues of Lord Rama, Sita made in black stone look beautiful on a silver platform. There is a temple of Rama near this palace. King Janaka’s temple is opposite to Sita’s temple and Hanuman’s temple is situated on the right side of Sita Temple.  At the back of Sita’s temple there is a marriage mandapam that is said to be the place where Rama married Sita. This is a marble construction. Open place behind the marriage mandapam is called Ranga Bhumi. King Janaka’s court is believed to be in this place. It is also believed that Lord Rama broke Shiva’s bow here.




Vivaha mandapam -  The place where the weddings took place!



There is a separate sannidhi for each of the four couples.Also, The place where the weddings was held, the place where the King Dasaratha (and his group) and King Janakha (along with his group) were sitting is also depicted with nice statues.


Raja Janak’s palace







Till today there is no equivalent to the below mentioned  5 things. If it found, then the Janakpuri Palace will be immersed inside the Earth

Ramar  vida  Sirandha Arasar illa
Seethava  vida Sirandha karpukarasi illa
Bharathana vida Siranda sagodharan illa
Lakshmanan vida siranda machinan illa
Hanumana vida siranda Bhagthan illa







Hanuman Temple which is near to Janakar’s palace


Overnite we stayed  at  Janakpuri and next day morning we started from Janakpuri to Gorakpur.
We bid bye to the to our  Team for their marvelous coordination in the tour.

Day 16 : (Sep 30, 2010,  Thursday)

Morning we started from janakpuri at 6.30 and had a very long travel and  enroute we halted at Bairawa at 7.00p.m.  for  Dinner and we  finally reached Gorakpur at 9.30 p.m.  Overnite we stayed  in a Hotel near to Gorakpur  Railway Station  inorder to catch the Raptisagar train the next day morning at 6.20 to Chennai


Day 17 : (Oct 1, 2010,  Friday)

Bye Bye to Gorakphur and we took the Train at 6.25 & Reached Chennai on Oct 2, 2010 at 11.00p.m.


Day 18 : (Oct 2, 2010,  Saturday)

Full day travel in train and reached Chennai at nite 23.00 hours..
Three Cheers to Chennai… Hipip Hurree
       

62 comments:

  1. Awesome I feel like being there for the occasion. Great write-up and nostalgic pictures. Thanks for sharing

    Thanks,

    Kumbh Mela Festival 2013 | Sufi Music Journeys

    ReplyDelete
  2. Nice Trip. Pics are so impressive. I really appreciate your article! I will visit here more often and look forward to your new article! See more information about Places near Allahabad .

    ReplyDelete
  3. thank you for your great post.kashi is one of the saptmokshdayi in india & the famous hindu temple dedicated to Lord Shiva and is located in Varanasi, the holiest existing place of Hindus, where at least once in life a Hindu is expected to do pilgrimage.

    ReplyDelete
  4. This comment has been removed by the author.

    ReplyDelete
  5. A wonderful set of pictures providing a glimpse into this holy city !! Really lures you to visit it once. I recently visited the city and had a chance to go around witnessing the charm and spirituality.

    To know about my experiences in the city, please do visit my blog post The Sangam City - Erstwhile Prayag - Allahabad

    ReplyDelete
  6. that is really beautiful . Thanks for sharing your experience with us . Its beautiful . Mansarovar Yatra

    ReplyDelete
  7. It was great reading your travel experience. Have not been to all these places, but recently got the chance to explore Allahabad tourism. Click here to know about various places to visit in Allahabad :)

    ReplyDelete
  8. PitambariTours.com is a travel Agency in Delhi, India. Offering Varanasi Tour Packages at very lowest rates. For more information, Please Mail us - info@pitambaritours.com, dhirendra@pitambaritours.com And Call us - +91- 9350206060 / 011-42342030 / 9350836060.

    ReplyDelete
  9. Muktinath yatra packages is a huge pilgrimage place for both Buddhist and Hindu. It is located 18 km north east of Jomsom at a height of 3800m. Its main temple is a pagoda-shaped temple devoted to lord Vishnu.

    ReplyDelete
  10. Muktinath Yatra Package is a significant pilgrimage place for together Hindu & Buddhist. The sacred shrine at Muktinath is in a copse of trees and includes a Buddhist Gompa and the pagoda mode temple of Vishnu Temple, Containing an icon of Vishnu.

    ReplyDelete
  11. dear all pilgrim
    we are from gorakhpur near nepal border
    any types assistance for muktinath,kailash mansarowar yatra,or nepal tour with pashupatinath temple
    just give message here or whatsapp no (+91)9198595775
    or visit
    http://www.muktinathtourandtravels.in/

    ReplyDelete
  12. Thank you providing description of trip to Gaya. It is ranked as one of the most famous sacred sites in the world. I would like to add to it that there are many places to visit in Gaya which are mentioned in the great epics, Ramayana and Mahabharata. It is one of the major tourist attractions of Bihar.

    ReplyDelete
  13. Varanasi is a good place to see here , which is the site of many gods , many come from far away.
    Thanks for sharing

    ReplyDelete
  14. Great article, It is related to religious, If you are planning historical trip Taj mahal tour by car is one of the best option.

    ReplyDelete
  15. Nice Article, This is a Great religious post. i appreciate to the holy areas for Varanasi.

    ReplyDelete
  16. Varanasi - Holy city (city of Ganges’s)

    Varanasi is the very important city of Varanasi is the very important city of Hindus because Varanasi was found in lord Shiva . The Pandavas, the heroes of the Hindu epic Mahabharata, are also said to have visited the city in search of Shiva to atone for their sin of fratricide and Brāhmanahatya that they had committed during the climactic Kurukshetra War. It is regarded as one of seven holy cities which can provide Moksha; vanarasi as also known as banaras, kashi. it is north Indian city on the bank of holy river Ganga in uttar pradesh Varanasi grew as an important industrial center, famous for its muslin and silk fabrics, perfumes, ivory works and sculpture. The Buddha is believed to have founded Buddhism here around 528 BC when he gave his first sermon, "The Setting in Motion of the Wheel of Dharma", at near by Sarnath. Varanasi Tour has many attraction like Aghor Peeth, the Alamgir Mosque, the Ashoka Pillar, the Bharat Kala Bhawan (Art Museum), the Bharat Mata Temple, the Central University for Tibetan Studies, the Dhanvantari Temple, the Durga Temple, the Jantar Mantar, the Kashi Vishwanath Temple, the Sankat Mochan Hanuman Temple, the Mahatma Gandhi Kashi Vidyapith, the New Vishwanath Temple on the BHU campus, the Ramnagar Fort, the Riverfront Ghats, the Tulsi Manas Temple.

    Delhi Agra Jaipur Varanasi Tour is the most populer Destinations in India.
    Person:- Suman
    Mobile :- +91- 9837332533
    E- Mail : indiatourvoyages@gmail.com
    website :- www.indiatourvoyages.com

    ReplyDelete
  17. Thanks for sharing such a nice article, Buddhist Pilgrimage Tour is best tour for all the person. It is nice tour option.

    ReplyDelete
  18. Wonderful post!!! Genuinely loved this kind of post. Although I want much more information on like precious subject matter.

    ayodhya research institute | ayodhya co

    ReplyDelete
  19. Religious Tours India, Pilgrimage Tour Packages, India Religious Tour, India Holy Tour, India Religious Tour Packages

    VISIT
    Religious Tourism

    For Packages visit
    Pilgrimage Tour Packages

    ReplyDelete
  20. Touritor is the best option when you are going for Varanasi tour. Tour Guide in Varanasi, Personal Tour Guide Varanasi.

    ReplyDelete
  21. Thanks for sharing, This is the perfect blog for Varanasi tour.
    Best Tour Guide for Varanasi
    Varanasi Tour Guide

    ReplyDelete
  22. Thanks for sharing information, it help us a lot for our varanasi tour.
    Best Tour Guide for Varanasi
    Tourist Guide in Varanasi



    ReplyDelete
  23. Good religious trip blog about the religious capital of our country. Very detailed and descriptive information about temples and ghats and rivers.

    Allahabad Cab Booking

    ReplyDelete
  24. Golden Triangle Tour With VaranasiVery Good Post and entire details of All Places, as you have given informative details. Also Great Pic Varanasi is very nice tourist Destination in India

    ReplyDelete
  25. Photos you shared in this blog is so wonderful and nicely clicked. Thanks for sharing your experience and photos with us. Keep posting like this.

    ReplyDelete
  26. nice blog for get more informtion about rajasthan by this blog Pilgrimage Tour Packages In India we can search many forts,places ,museum,etc.you can deeply get knoweldge about madwa,jaipur and other places

    ReplyDelete
  27. Great blog, thanks for sharing this wonderful blog with more information. Loved reading this blog, this blog really helps the people who are planning their trip to these places. Travel to those places by booking your bus tickets in advance with exciting Bus Ticket offers.

    ReplyDelete
  28. Bharat Taxi provides you car rental services, cab services, taxi services, tour and travel services for traveling any place India. You can check Our car rental services for travel any place.

    ReplyDelete
  29. Thank you for sharing this information.Best option when you are going for India tour.
    Best Tour Guide for Varanasi
    Book Best Tourist Guide Varanasi

    ReplyDelete
  30. Nice Information provided in the blog.
    Vasant Kamal provide best #Chennai to #Shirdi #tour #Package by #flight in affordable price. Vasant Kamal arranged peaceful trips and enjoyable visit to the temple and location transportation by providing excellent service from Chennai. Chennai to Shirdi Tour Package by Flight.

    ReplyDelete
  31. Golden Triangle tour can be the most amazing tour of your life as it will take you to all the places of Delhi, Agra, and Jaipur.
    golden triangle tour with varanasi
    golden triangle tour with udaipur

    ReplyDelete
  32. Beautiful pictures! Varanas is the most beautiful and religious place in India.
    golden triangle tour with varanasi

    ReplyDelete
  33. We also arrange for separate family / friends group and customized trips at an un beatable costs chennai to shirdi tour package by flight, Shirdi package, Kasi Tours, Tirupati tour package

    ReplyDelete
  34. Very nice and informative post...the way you have captured this pic is ultimate..
    same day taj mahal tour by car
    golden triangle tour with varanasi

    ReplyDelete
  35. Indeed really awesome post and pictures you captured. Thank you so much for sharing it. If you are looking for a religious place then you go with this tour.
    same day varanasi tour
    same day varanasi tour by car

    ReplyDelete
  36. very nice post. The write up is amazing. Varanasi is a great place, full of positivity. You feel too close to your culture. And Sarnath is just 10 kms away from varanasi. Read my new post, Three Things to do in Sarnath.

    ReplyDelete
  37. Delhi, Agra, Jaipur, India has always been a favorite tourist spot. The best way to experience this miscellany of India with Golden Triangle Tour with Varanasi. This tour package cover the 3 cities along with Varanasi.


    ReplyDelete
  38. Travel Tourister provides Tour operators in Nepal who are highly experienced and guides tourist very keenly and provides the Attractive Tour Packages in Nepal including Nepal Adventure Tour Packages, Nepal Family Tour Packages and Nepal Holiday Tour Packages. Call us at +91 9971482795
    Nepal tour packages
    Nepal honeymoon tour

    ReplyDelete
  39. You captured great pics in your trip. If anyone want to visit religious and historical place in North India then i suggest you the best tour Golden Triangle Tour with Varanasi. This tour cover all the popular places in North India.

    ReplyDelete
  40. Allahabad is famous for Sangam and Kumbh. Nevertheless, the city has much more to offer to the tourists. The City has more attraction like Park, Temples and much more. Also to visit the Triveni Sangam (confluence of three sacred rivers Ganga, Yamuna & Saraswati), The place is considered to be one of the most sacred in Hindu religion.We can also visit Hanuman temple Triveni Sangam, and Anand Bhawan (Nehru’s house). To visit these places you have to hire a Cab service at Varanasi which will be available at a very cheap and best services.

    ReplyDelete
  41. This comment has been removed by the author.

    ReplyDelete
  42. Hi Everyone! I got this blog has great information for readers. I like you post very much not only for excellent images or good quality content but they way you have described everything. Great going, Keep Sharing. Dharamshala Tour Packages ! Dharamshala Volvo Booking

    ReplyDelete
  43. A responsibility of thankfulness is all together to share such a chief information.This post is especially crucial for me.
    Book budget hotels in port blair
    Book budget hotels in havelock
    Book budget hotels in neil island

    ReplyDelete
  44. The Ganges, which normally flows southeast, reverses its course and flows north for a while at Varanasi, which is considered very auspicious. There is a five-mile parikrama path that goes around this sacred city. There are 81 bathing ghats and other holy kunds, or sacred tanks.
    https://www.bharattaxi.com/varanasi

    ReplyDelete
  45. Thanks a lot for giving proper tourist knowledge and share the different type of culture related to different places. If you are planning for your holiday and searching for the beautiful place to spend your time then you can wander around this vibrant city. Bharat Taxi is one of the leading taxi and cab service provider in all over India. https://www.bharattaxi.com/delhi

    ReplyDelete
  46. Thanks a lot for giving proper tourist knowledge and share the different type of culture related to different places. Bharat Taxi is one of the leading taxi and cab service provider in all over India. taxi booking in varanasi can be done via few clicks on our portal, you will get an unforgettable moment while using our taxi services in Varanasi. Visit:- https://www.bharattaxi.com/varanasi

    ReplyDelete
  47. Nepal, better known as “God’s abode” is a marvelous destination which offers highest mountain Everest, tigers of southern Terai, plush natural panorama and lots more to the tourists.

    Trinetra Tours is an undoubted name in tour and travel industry which provides flawless tour and travel services globally. If you too wish to swing around the majesty, rituals and belle of best Nepal tour packages.

    ReplyDelete
  48. Thank you so much for sharing beautiful article of the Muktinath temple tour.
    We are local travel agency from Kathmandu, offers Muktinath Temple Tour at affordable price with the best services.

    ReplyDelete
  49. Thanks for providing this informative and comprehensive blog. This is very interesting article. A very nice post about Rameshwaram.The pictures are really beautiful and the way you explained about the places to visit in Allahabad is really awesome. Great place to hang up with friends and family. Nice blog and thanks for sharing this traveling experience. If you plan to go trip in then the cab booking is really most important part of your trip. So here you can get the best cab for make your trip beneficial fun with Us. We are providing Taxi Services in all over India. For more details visit our sites:- Taxi Services in Allahabad.

    ReplyDelete
  50. Hi
    Varanasi, once known as Benares or Banaras and Kashi, is a historical city in northern India. The city is sacred to Hindus and Jains and also one of the oldest continuously inhabited cities in the world, with settlements dating back to the 11th century BC. Many Hindus believe that dying in Varanasi brings salvation/nirvana and so they make the trip to the city when they realize that they are close to death.

    Very interesting post, we enjoyed each and everything as per written in your post. Thank you for sharing this article because it’s really informative. If you are planning for your holiday and searching for the beautiful place to spend your time then you can wander around this vibrant city. It really helps people to plan for future trips. If anyone want go to visit these places and your Online Bus Ticket Booking advance in Bus Ticket Bookings and get more Bus Ticket Offers.

    ReplyDelete
  51. Congratulation for the great post. Those who come to read your Information will find lots of helpful and informative tips. Places to Visit in AYODHYA

    ReplyDelete
  52. Mind blowing blog, I really inspired
    Enjoy the best tour of 4 Days 3 Nights Golden Triangle Tour of Agra, Delhi & Jaipur @ very affordable prices which include a private car, well- experienced guide lunch camel safari and monuments tickets also so don’t be late… Other than this you can also book this type of tour.
    2 Nights 3 Days Golden Triangle Tour
    4 Nights 5 Days Golden Triangle Tour
    5 Nights 6 Days Golden Triangle Tour

    Thanks & best regards
    Rahul Rathor (Classic Tours India)
    Info@classictoursindia.com

    ReplyDelete
  53. Here are 10 Popular Places to Visit in Varanasi in 2020 are not restricted to ghats and temples only. There are historic forts & museums, cool cafes. The old city has great places that never fade in your memory once you visit the place.

    ReplyDelete
  54. Thanks for sharing impressive blog, all images are amazing. Allahabad is very beautiful city and and there have many places to visit for sightseeing.
    Visit for us -
    Outstation Cabs
    Car Rental
    Cab Service
    Taxi Booking
    Car Booking
    Online Taxi Booking
    Car on Rent
    Online Car Booking
    Online Cab Booking
    Cab Rental
    Cab Hire

    ReplyDelete
  55. I just gone through your content and it was wonderful. I just remembered my days in India for Taj Mahal tour by Luxury Car. It was really enjoyable and wonderful. I will visit again for taj mahal day tour

    ReplyDelete
  56. This comment has been removed by the author.

    ReplyDelete