106-DIVYA DESAMS. 13-KURUSHETHRA

Our virtual pilgrimage tour continues to the North Indian States and we move on to Kurushethra.

HISTORY OF KURUKSHETRA

Kurukshetra is probably the most famous religious site in India and one of the most ancient places of pilgrimage in the world. The name of Kurukshetra derives from a tribe, Kuru. By the evidence of its name and its archaeological remains there can be no doubts that Kurukshetra was occupied by the Aryans. The city is said to be as old as the Rigveda, and was also called Saryanvat.

According to Mahabharat the land between the Saraswati and Drishdvati was called Kurukshetra, which covered an area of five yojanas in radius. The territory between Tarantuka and Arantuka and between Machkruka  and Ramhrada is called Kurukshetra, Samant Panchaka and the Northern Vedi of Brahma.

Kurukshetra derives its religious sanctity from more than one source. Its religious importance has been described as the land of righteousness in Rigveda, Sathpath Brahaman, Jabali Upnishad, Puranas, Bhagwat Gita, Mahabharat and other religious books.

Kurukshetra has been delcared as the land of Dharma or righteousness in the very first shloka of Srimadbhagwad Gita and it is quite evident that the name Kurukshetra was prevelent even before the great war of Mahabharat. It was after the name of King Kuru, the ancestor of Kauravas and Pandavas this place was called Kurukshetra.

 

LOCATION

Kurukshetra town lies in the North Eastern part of Haryana State and is about 160 Kilometers North of Delhi, 39 Kilometers North of Karnal and 40 Kilometers South of Ambala. It is at distance of about 6 kilometer from Pipli an important road junction on the National Highway No.1 popularly called the Grand Trunk Road.

  Kurukshetra Railway Station, also called the Kurukshetra Junction is located on main Delhi-Ambala Railway line. There are two bus stands in Kurukshetra and one is at Pipli which is on the National Highway and easily accessible for the visitors coming from every corner of world.

HISTORY

Mythologically, the name Kurukshetra applied to a circuit of about 80 miles (128 kms.) which includes a large number of holy places, temples and tanks, connected with the ancient Indian traditions and the Mahabharata war. It covers a wide area with the present Panipat and north-west corner of the Jind district in the south and eastern part of the Patiala district in the west, and the Saraswati and Yamuna rivers at its northern and eastern boundaries respectively.

According to Manu, the tract between the old sacred rivers Saraswati and Drishadvati in Kurukshetra was known as Brahmavarta.

In the very first verse of the Bhagvad Gita,a Kurukshetra is described as Dharmakshetra, the field of righteousness. It is also known as Brajhmakshetra, the field of Brahma, the Creator. Nardak is another name for Kurukshetra, probably derived form nirdukh, without sorrow.

Many geographical names and personalities connected with Kurukshetra occur in the earliest Sanskrit literature and around this region were enacted the opening scenes of the drama of Indian history. Most of the Vedic literature was composed here and most of the social, religious and political traditions of this country arose in this region. It is therefore regarded as the cradle of Indian civilisation and culture.

Kurukshetra shot into prominence as the battle field of Mahabharta and as the birth place of the holy Gita. The great 18-day battle of Mahabharta was fought here in the ancient past between Kauravas and Pandavas for upholding the cause of dharma. It was a war between good and evil, in which the Pandavas were victorious.

Bhagvad Gita, the Song Celestial, is the divine message which lord Krishna delivered to Arjuna on the eve of the Great War when he saw the latter wavering from his duty. It epitomises all that is the best and noblest in the Hindu philosophy of life.

http://wapedia.mobi/

kurukshetra.nic.in/.../history.htm

R.Jagannathan.

106-DIVYA DESAMS-13. DWARAKA

We are covering Krishna Janma Bhoomi in our virtual tour.

Dwarka, meaning ‘Door to Moksha (Salvation)’ is a popular city of Gujarat. It was established by Lord Krishna with his elder brother Balram. The city is also known as Golden City. It was built by divine architect Vishwakarma in two days. The city is said to have been made up of diamonds and crystal, with palaces made of gold, emeralds and other precious stones.

It was the abode of Lord Krishna for nearly a 100 years. After Lord Krishna's death, the city is believed to have been submerged in the sea.

The celebration of Janmashtami in the main Dwarkadhish temple is very famous in India. Devotees from all over India throng the city of Dwarka during Janamashtami.

The celebration on Janmashtami follows the daily routine or‘Nitya Kram’ of Lord Krishna. Rituals are performed by Aboti brahmins, who are special brahmins performing these rituals for the past many centuries now.
Janmashtami Pooja

The festival day begins with mangla arti performed in the morning. Mangla arti is always performed at 7 in the morning. Beginning with 'Banta Bhog' (of milk and milk products) offered to Lord Krishna, followed by cleansing of his face with water, brushing of the idol's teeth. Then the first darshan of the day is allowed to the devotees.

Abhishek or bath of Lord Krishna
Lord Krishna is given the holy bath between 8 - 10 am and devotees are given a chance to see the abhishek which happens only twice a year. The bath is given right after the mangla arti with Panchamrit (mixture of gangajal, ghee, honey, curd and sugar).
Adorning Lord Krishna (Shringar)

After the bath, Lord Krishna is adorned with clothes and ornaments. Lord is made to wear Pitamber, a yellow coloured cloth. Ornaments consists of Chandanmala, Vyjantimala ( garland) and Suparimala (Made of Betel nut). Makeup on the face of Shri Dwarkadhish is done and he is also adorned with shankh (Conch), Discus (Chakra).

Darshan and Shringarbhog
After the adornment of Shri Krishna, the curtains are removed and devoteed are allowed to do the darshans of the Lord. This is Followed by offering of Shringar Bhog (Sweets) to the Lord. During this time, the curtains are drawn again and the devotees are not allowed to see the Lord. The Shringarbhog is prepared in the temple premises.

Shayan bhog and Shayan arti
After the evening arti, Lord is offered sweets again, devotees are not allowed the darshans of the Lord during this time. Then it is time for Dwarkadhish to sleep.

This happens around 9:00 pm. It is around 10:30 pm that darshans are opened again for the devotees during the Janmashtami celebrations.

Janmashtami Celebrations
Lord Dwarkadhish is adorned with lot of Gold jewellery and other precious stones such as Diamonds and Topaz. This happens around 11:00 pm. Utsav Bhog is offered to Lord around 11:30 pm. Devotees are not allowed to see the process of Utsav Bhog though they wait eagerly for their beloved Lord in the temple premises and sing bhajans. The devotees welcome the Lord at 12 midnight with immense enthusiasm and joy.

After nearly two hour celebrations, the temple closes at 2:00 am after the mahabhog offerings to Lord Krishna. Bal Gopal idol is kept in a cradle in the temple premises for the darshan of the general public. Thus the janmashtami celebrations finally come to an end in Dwarkadhish temple.

Janmashtami, the birthday of Shri Krishna, is celebrated with great splendour. Rows of lights are lit everywhere, kirtans and bhajans are sung, sermons are delivered and Krishna is worshipped in his infant form.

Thousands of people go to Dwarka to visit the temple and participate in the fair. After visiting the main temple, devotees go to Shankhoddhar Beyt. There are some other important temples, both old and new.

Among these is the temple of Shank-Narayan, dedicated to the Matsyavatar, the incarnation of Vishnu as a fish. This was constructed over 200 years ago.

Krishna Janambhoomi is one of the most visited tourist destination in India. The place has been named so because it is considered to be the birthplace of Lord Krishna.

Dwarka city is located in the Jamnagar district of Gujarat. It is one of the most ancient cities in India and houses the famous Dwarkadhish temple, which is one of the biggest Hindu pilgrimage places in India. The city was also called Swarna Dwarka (golden Dwarka) because of its prosperity.

It even finds reference in the great Hindu epic of Mahabharata. After Shri Krishna killed his maternal uncle Kamsa, his father-in-law was enraged. In order to take revenge of his son-in-law, he attacked Mathura 17 times, along with his friend Kalayavan.

To save the people from the threat of the war, he decided to shift his capital from Mathura to Dwarka, which was basically a piece of a land reclaimed from the sea. The city was designed and constructed by the celestial architect Vishwakarma. It was a planned city and served as the capital city of the Lord till His holy presence on the earth.

After he died, the Yaduvansh (Krishna's clan) declined. It is said that the original city built by the Lord submerged in the sea after he departed from the world. Later, one of the grandsons of the Lord constructed the Dwarkadhish Temple.

Dwarkadhish Temple is also known as the Jagad Mandir and it is made from limestone and sand. The spire of the temple is about 170 feet high. The flag on the top of the shrine is the symbol of the majesty of the Lord and is changed three times in a day. Dwarkadhish Temple has five storeys and stands on 60 pillars.

It has a unique construction and did not even budge at the time of Tsunami or Earthquake. The temple mainly has two doors, with the entrance door being called the Swarga Dwara and the exit door the Moksha Dwara.

Dwarkadhish Temple is adorned with rich carvings and is an architectural gem. It welcomes the poor and the rich alike. The temple is one of the important Moksh Dhams of India. One can have the splendid view of River Gomati from the temple, as it flows nearby. Apart from Lord Krishna, there are a number of deities present in the Dwarkadhish Temple.

The temple holds the same significance for Hindus like Mecca for Muslims. It is thronged by thousands of pilgrims each year, who come here in quest of the eternal peace.

www.bharatonline.com/gujarat/.../dwarkadhish-temple.html

On the eve of the great battle of Kurukshetra, Lord Krishna set out from Dwarka to the site of the battle, to instruct Arjuna, the Pandava, and these instructions form the text of the Bhagavad Gita. Famous for his divine compassion, Krishna was devoted to those whom he loved. When Sudama, the humble friend of his childhood, visited him  at Dwarka, he was received like a royal prince by Lord Krishna and his queen, the beautiful Rukmini. There are many other legends connected with Dwarka. It is said that when the Lord finally abandoned his body, the city slipped into the sea and its waves closed over it for ever.

Today's Dwarka, like its ancient counterpart, stand poised on the edge of the Kutchh peninsula, facing the Arabian sea. In times gone by, it was a seaport from where goods were borne to the Mediterranean world. The city was also the gateway to western India. It is clear that Dwarka was a populour town with buildings constructed of stone and brick, even before the Christian era. Its archaeological remains point to a level of prosperity unusual at that time. Throughout the centuries, Dwarka has been visited by many persons whose names illuminate the pages of history. Among these were :

Adi Shankaracharya (c 780 to 820 AD), Ramanuja (12th century A.D), the great mystic Narsinh Mehta, Mira, the devout princess from Chitor, and the great saints Kabir and Nanak.

Dwarka is an important city for Hindu Pilgrimage. This was the kingdom of Lord Krishna. The entire city was revealed by marine excavations. The city of Dwarka, renowned in myth and legend, was once the capital of Lord Krishna's empire. He is believed to have settled there after leaving Mathura, thousands of years ago. The site is undoubtedly ancient but its association with Lord Krishna gives it a sanctity which draws millions of pilgrims. It is one of India's seven oldest towns or sapta puris, where he reigned for decades as leader of a growing clan. On the eve of the great battle of Kurukshetra, Lord Krishna set out from Dwarka to the site of the battle, to instruct Arjuna, the Pandava, and these instructions form the text of the Bhagavad Gita. Famous for his divine compassion, Krishna was devoted to those whom he loved. When Sudama, the humble friend of his childhood, visited him hesitantly at Dwarka, he was received like a royal prince by Lord Krishna and his queen, the beautiful Rukmini. There are many other legends connected with Dwarka. It is said that when the Lord finally abandoned his body, the city slipped into the sea and its waves closed over it for ever. Today's Dwarka, like its ancient counterpart, stand poised on the edge of the Kutchh peninsula, facing the Arabian sea. In times gone by, it was a seaport from where goods were borne to the Mediterranean world. The city was also the gateway to western India. It is clear that Dwarka was a populour town with buildings constructed of stone and brick, even before the Christian era. Its archaeological remains point to a level of prosperity unusual at that time. Throughout the centuries, Dwarka has been visited by many persons whose names illuminate the pages of history. Among these were Adi Shankaracharya (c 780 to 820 AD), Ramanuja (12th century A.D), the great mystic Narsinh Mehta, Mira, the devout princess from Chitor, and the great saints Kabir and Nanak. Places to Visit Jagat Mandir Dwarka is famous for the temple of Dwarkadhish, the ` Lord of Dwarka' also known as Jagat Mandir or temple of the world. It is sup- posed to have been constructed over 1400 years ago, although many claim that it is even older. It houses the image of Lord Krishna and is the beacon which draws pilgrims from all over India and abroad. Magnificently built on traditional lines, the temple has five floors and is profusely carved from base to pinnacle. The festival of Lord Krishna's birth is celebrated there every year in the auspicious month of Shravan with great splendour and amidst great rejoicing. Navratri and other festivals celebrated there during the year recall special events in the Lord's life. It is during these festivals, redolent as they are with mystic fervor and joy, that the true significance of Dwarka can be understood. The Sharada Peetha This is one of the four Maths established by Jagat-guru Shankaracharya, all of which survive to this day. The Math runs an educational society, an arts college and a Sanskrit Academy, which prepares scholars for doctorates in Sanskrit and Indology. Bet Dwarka Also known as Bet Shankhoddar, Bet Dwarka is only 5 kms from Okha Junction in sea and Okha is 30 kms from Dwarka. It is said to be the place where Lord Krishna lived with his family when the ruled at Dwarka. It is also the place where Vishnu slew the demon Shankhasura. Visitors make it a point to visit the Krishna temple at this site which holds much of interest to be seen and experienced. Nageswar Mahadev The Puranas mention 12 Jyotirlingas or columns of light representing Lord Shiva, who manifested himself in that form in different parts of India. This shiva shrine near Dwarka is one of these and is there- fore accorded great respect.  How to get there ? Air Jamnagar is the nearest airport and is about 150 kms away. Visitors can travel to Dwarka from Jamnagar either by road, rail or bus. Rail Dwarka lies on the metre gauge railway line that runs from Viramgam to Okha. By rail, Dwarka is 378 kms from Ahmedabad, 217 kms from Rajkot and 137 kms from Jamnagar. Road An excellent State highway links Dwarka. State Transport Buses ply to Dwarka from various places.

www.krishnajanmashtami.com/dwarkadhish-temple-gujarat.h

R.Jagannathan.

106- DIVYA DESAMS-KRISHNA JANMA BHOOMI- MATHURA-12

We are in the midst of vertual pilgrimage tour of Vaishnava Divya desams and had the glimpse of Temples devoted to Ram.

In the next lap of our tour we will have dharsan of Lord Krishna- Krishna Janma Bhoomi.

MATHURA:

Mathura, the birth city of Bhagwan Krishna is situated on the banks of river Yamuna and is approximately 145 kms from the capital city Delhi. The town is renowned for being host to the most revered temple of Shri Krishna-the famous Krishna Janma Bhoomi Mandir. The temple is the place where lord is said to have been born thousands of years ago. Along with neighboring towns Govardhan, Nandgaon and Vrindavan, the area is a major pilgrimage site for Hindus.

According to historians, the prison cell,popularly known as 'Garbha Griha', in the temple premise is the exact place where lord Krishna was born. The stone walled cell is reminiscent of the cruelty of King Kamsa. Many statues and sculptures of the bygone era were found on excavating the site. The prison cell was gradually turned into the present beautiful temple.

Vadamathurai, Vrindavan and Govardhan comprise- Krishna Janma Bhoomi. The legends says: Rama called his brither Sathrugnan to conquer the demonic Asuran-Lavanasuran and as per the order he killed the King and built this MATHURA.

Later this place exchanged to YADHAVA Dynasty and ruled by Vasudevar.

Janmashtami, one of the most popular festivals of Hindus celebrates the birth of their beloved God, Sri Krishna. Detailed story of Janmashtami or Lord Krishna's birth has been narrated in Puranas. The entire story of Krishna Leela is enacted as drama every year during the Janmashtami celebrations here.

Janmashtami in Vrindavan

Vrindavan is quite a famous place for pilgrimage in North India. Just about 15 kms from Mathura, the birthplace of Lord Krishna, it houses nearly 5000 temples both ancient as well as modern. The holy town of Vrindavan is where Lord Krishna spent his formative years.

Rasleelas and staging of various plays
It is said that the city of Vrindavan starts celebrating Janmashtami 7-10 days before the actual date of the festival. This is done by staging various plays and rasleelas at different places in the city. Professional artistes enact various episode of Lord krishna's life. These plays are a huge drawers of devotees.

Celebrations at main Temples in Vrindavan
Although there are around 5000 temples in Vrindavan but the main temples are Banke Bihari Temple, Rangnathji Temple, Shri krishna Balram Temple, Radharaman Temple, ISCKON Temple etc.

These temples have an itenarary for the entire day, with timings fixed for various ceremonies and poojas all day long. Darshans are open for devotees even during Abhishek (holy bath) of lord Krishna.
Celebrations at Madhuban during Janamashtami

According to legend in Vrindavan, Madhuban is the exact place where Lord Krishna is said to have performed rasleelas with his beloved Gopis more than 5000 years ago. A famous folklore associated with the place is that Lord Krishna till date ascends to perform rasleela with the gopis. Anyone venturing into the place during night either dies or becomes insane. Thus no localite ventures into Madhuban during night.

The place becomes alive during Janmashtami with rasleelas being performed in the premises during the daytime. Fasting by devotees Fasting is another ritual followed by all the devotees religiously every year. Devotees observe all day long last and break it at midnight after the arrival of Lord Krishna.

It is believed by devotees that fasts act as an offering that humans can make to the Lord and bring them closer to him. Devotees cook various dishes of milk and milk products to mark the occasion. This is so because Lord Krishna was quite fond of milk and butter. Popular dishes include Kheer, Pedha, Shrikhand and Singhare ki poori.

The temple where the Alwars did the mangalasasanam of the perumal is not in existence now and the idols now found are said to be installed in the later date.

Moolavar:
The Moolavar of this Gokulam sthalam is Navamohana Krishna. Moolavar is standing posture (Nindra thirukkolam) facing east direction. Prathyaksham for Nandagopar.

Thaayar:
Sri Rukmani & Sri Sathyabama are the two Naachiyaars giving divine grace to this kshetram.

Mangalasasanam:

Periyalwar - 10 Paasurams

Andal - 5 Paasurams

Thirumangai Alwar - 7 Paasurams.

Pushkarani:
Yamuna river.

Vimaanam:
Hema Kooda Vimaanam.

www.trsiyengar.com/id265.shtml -

 

Gokul, at a distance of about 12 km from Mathura, is what is referred to  as the Tiruvaaippaadi Divya Desam. The first verse of Tiruppaavai speaks of 'Seer malgum Aaippaadi'

www.templenet.com/Tamilnadu/df072.html

Location: Gokul near Mathura
(Vada Naadu)
Vishnu: Navamohana Krishnan
Taayaar: Rukmini, Satyabhama
Theertham:Yamuna
Paasuram :Perialwar, Andal, Tirumangai
Vimaanam:Hemakoota Vimanam
Travel Base:Mathura, Agra, Delhi

 

 

 

106- DIVYA DESAMS-11. NAIMISARANYAM

We are on virtual tour of North India- particularly where the great epic Ramayana took place. After our holy bath at Triveni Sangamam we have reached the place Naimisaranyam.

Naimisaranyam can be reached by:

Located at the junction of the roads from Sitapur and Khairabad, 20 miles from Sitapur and 24 miles from the Sandila railway station. 45 miles north of Lucknow in Uttarpradesh. Naimisaranya is also known as "Nimsar" or "Nimkhar" and is located on the left bank of the river Gomati.

Here Lord as Devaraja give dharsan to pilgrims in the form of entire forest.

The legend says that Rishis approached Brahma to suggest a place where they can peacefully do Tapas to reach Narayana.

Brahma took the Grass ( Tharpa) and made it in the form of a wheel and said that he will roll the same on the earth and the place at which it stops –is the best place for doing the tapas.

It stopped at this place and hence it is called Naimisaranyam.

It is very sacred place because great mahans have done penance and Rama has set his foot here.

Legends also say when Gayasuran was killed he was cut into three pieces- one piece was thrown at Gaya, one at Naimisaranyam and the last at Badrinath. Any one does pindadhanam at these places, his ancestors will be relieved from birth for 21 generations.

The Sthala viruksha:  The entire forest itself is Sthala Vruksha.

The Pushkarani of this sthalam are Gomukhi Nadhi and Chakkara theertham. On the shore of Chakkara theertham.

There are separate sannadhis for Chakarathalwar, Vinayakar, Sri Rama, Lakshmana and Seetha. On the way to Gomukhi Nadhi, a separate temple called as "Vyasa Ghat"  can be seen.

Near to this place we can see the temple for Sukha Brahmam in the form of Bronze statue.

There is a small hill on which we can see the Hanuman Temple where Hanuman carries Lord Rama and Lakhmana on his shoulders.

There are good places to stay overnight here: Ahobila Mutt, Vanamamalai Jeer Mutt etc.

Thee is a Brindavan for Ahobila Mutt Jeer who reached Acharyan Thiruvadi here while on pilgrimage tour. They maintain the Balaji Mandir here.

The Pushkarani of this sthalam are Gomukhi Nadhi and Chakkara theertham. On the shore of Chakkara theertham,  we can see many small temples for Vinayaka, Rama ..

Mangalasasanam: Thirumangai Alwar.

Edited By: R.Jagannathan.

106 DIVYA DESAMS-TRIVENI SANGAMAM- 10

After our sacred bath at Varanasi we move on to Triveni Sangamam where Ganga, yamuna and invisible Saraswathi mingle together.

According to Hindu Dhrama- those who take the bath at the junction of these three rivers- their souls are  liberated from the bondage of repeated life cycles.

About the Triveni Sangam
The Triveni Sangam in Allahabad is a confluence of three rivers, the Gange, Yami\una and Saraswati. Of these three, river Saraswati is invisible and is said to be flowing beneath the earth. It meets the other two rivers from the base. The point of confluence is a sacred place for the Hindus, as it is of high religious importance to the Hindus. A bath here is said to wash all the sins and free human from the cycle of birth. The site of Sangam is a treat to the eyes. One can see the muddy and pale yellow water of Ganges merging with green water of Yamuna. The Ganges is only 4 ft deep, while Yamuna is 40 ft deep near the point of nexus. The river Yamuna ends at this point and Ganges continues after this till it meets sea at Bay of Bengal.

 

Prayag is one of the ancient pilgrimage centers of India, and it represents the confluence of the rivers Yamuna and Ganga, near (in) the city of Allahabad in Uttar Pradesh.  Prayag   is revered in the hymns of the Rig Veda. Tradition regards the region between the Ganga and the Yamuna as the most fertile region on earth. Prayag is referred to as Triveni Sangamam - where it is believed that the subterranian river Saraswati also meets the Ganga along with the Yamuna. Legend has it that at the time of the great deluge which submerges the earth at the end of each a eon, Prayag remains intact and that Vishnu resides here as a Yoga Murthy, on a banyan leaf in the form of a child. Vishnu is referred to as Veni Mahadeva, and Shiva is believed to be personified here as the immortal banyan tree or the Akshaya Vata Vriksham. (Alongside this tree is a shrine to Shiva). Prayag is also associated with the legend of the celestial nectar of immortality -  Amritam. A variation of the legend has it that Jupiter, the guru of the Devas, picked up the pot of the celestial nectar as it emerged from the milky ocean and made off with it, to prevent the demons from having access to it. The enraged demons chased him. In the course of the chase, the pot Kumbha overflowed, and the nectar fell into four different places on earth, corresponding to Prayag, Nasik, Ujjain and Haridwar. Offerings are made to the souls of the departed by visiting pilgrims here, as in Benares and in Gaya. Bathing at the confluence of the three rivers - Triveni Sangam is considered special in the Hindu month of Magha - when the sun resides in Capricorn - especially on Makara Sankranti, Ratha Saptami, the full moon and new moon day. Prayag is the seat of Kumbha Mela celebrations once in twelve years when the planet Jupiter resides in the zodiac sign of Taurus. Kumbha Mela is celebrated at Nasik, Ujjain and Haridwar. when Jupiter resides in the signs of Leo, Scorpio and Aquarius.

The River Ganga has a long history of reverence in India and is worshipped by Hindus as an embodiment of the transcendental personality, Ganga Ma. The total length of the river is about 2,510 km (1,557 miles). Along with the Yamuna River, it forms a large and fertile basin known as the Gangetic plains, stretching across north India and Bangladesh, supporting one of the highest densities of human population in the world. Indeed, about one in every 12 people on earth (8.5% of world population) live in its catchments area. Due to this incredible concentration of population, pollution and the destruction of habitats is a matter of serious concern. The area features prominently in today's global warming discussions, as a rise in sea level could have a devastating effect on this massive population.

Ganga in Vedas
The Ganga is mentioned in the Rig-Ved, the earliest of Hindu scriptures, in the Nadistuti (Rig Veda 10.75), which lists the rivers from east to west. In RV 6.45.31, the word Ganga is also mentioned, but it is not clear if the reference is to the river.
RV 3.58.6 says that "your ancient home, your auspicious friendship, O Heroes, your wealth is on the banks of the Jahnavi (JahnAvyAm)". This verse could possibly refer to the Ganga. [1] In RV 1.116.18-19, the Jahnavi and the Gangetic dolphin occur in two adjacent verses. [2] [3]
During the early Indo-Aryan Ages, the Indus and the Saraswati were the major rivers, not the Ganga. But the later three Vedas seem to give much more importance to the Ganga, as shown by its numerous references.
According to the Puranas, Goddess Ganga used to exist only on the heavenly planets. Then prince Bhagirath worshipped Ganga, imploring her to descend on earth. This is why Ganga is also known as Bhagirathi. In the Mahabharat also this story is mentioned. In fact, Ganga is a major character in the Mahabharat, as she is the mother of Bhisma. The devout in India believe life is incomplete without bathing in the Mother Ganga at least once in their lifetime.

The Ganga in Hinduism
Varanasi is closely associated with Ganges. The town has many temples along the banks of the Ganges. Hindu belief holds that bathing in the river on certain occasions causes the alleviation of karmic burden and helps attain salvation. Many people believe that this will come from bathing in Ganga at any time. People travel from distant places to immerse the ashes of their kin in the waters of the Ganga; this immersion also is believed to help the deceased living entity gain liberation.
Many sacred places lie along the banks of the river Ganga, including Haridwar and Kashi. Perhaps the most important sacred city on the banks of the river Ganga is Varanasi or Banaras, which has hundreds of temples along the banks of the Ganga that are often flooded during the rains. This city is an important place of worship as well as a cremation ground.
After making the pilgrimage to Kashi, people carry from the Ganges sacred water that is sealed in copper pots. It is believed that drinking water from the Ganga with one's last breath will liberate the soul. In most Hindu families, a vial of water from the Ganga is kept in every house. This is done because it is auspicious to have water of the Holy Ganga in the house, and also if someone is dying, that person will be able to drink its water.
Many believe that the water from the Ganga can cleanse a person's soul of all past sins, and that it can also cure the sick. The ancient scriptures mention that the water of Mother Ganges carries the blessings of the Lord's feet. Hence the Ganges is also known as Visnupadi [Emanating from the Lotus feet of Supreme Lord Sri Visnu].
Some of the most important Hindu festivals and religious congregations are celebrated on the banks of the river Ganga, such as the Kumbh mela or the Kumbh fair and the chhat puja. In this brief series, we will explore the history of the Melas.
Kumbh Mela is the largest religious gathering on Earth for Hindu peoples. Around 70 million Hindus from around the world participated in the most recent Kumbh Mela at the Holy city of Prayaga (also known as Allahabad).

Geography
The Gangotri Glacier in the Uttaranchal Himalayas is the origin of the Bhagirathi river, which joins the Alaknanda river at Devaprayag, also in the Uttaranchal Himalayas, to form the Ganga. The river then flows through the Himalayan valleys and emerges into the north Indian plain at the town of Haridwar. This section sees extensive Whitewater rafting and kayaking from September to March.
From the Ganges river delta, Bangladesh and India, the Ganga then flows across the broad plains of north India, (called the Gangetic Plains), and forms the major river basin of that vast region. Its tributaries include the Kosi, the Gomti, the Sone, and above all the Yamuna. The Yamuna River - a major river in its own right, and nearly as endowed with the sanctity of Religious tradition and legend as the Ganga, is in fact a tributary of the Ganga; their confluence marks the site of the pilgrim town of Prayag, now known as Allahabad. Not only sites of vast religious significance, they are also home to the most populous industrial cities of northern India, including Kanpur, Allahabad, Varanasi and Patna.
Early morning on the Ganges at the city of Varanasi, swollen by the waters of a wide basin that draws from watersheds as diverse as the Himalayas and the Aravallis, the Ganga forms a formidable current in the stretch between Allahabad and Malda, and thereafter, a large delta. Near the town of Malda in West Bengal, it undergoes its first attrition with the branching away of the Hoogly, its first distributary. The city of Kolkata (Calcutta) stands on the banks of the Hoogly. The main stream of the river, known as the Padma River, then enters Bangladesh. Here, it unites with the Jamuna branch of the even larger Brahmaputra River. The combined stream then joins with the Meghna River before flowing out to sea. In the flat plains of Bangladesh, the Ganges splits almost immediately into a dense network of distributaries, all of which finally empty into the Bay of Bengal.
The region encompassing the delta near the Bay of Bengal coast is known as The Sundarbans (Beautiful Forests) - a region of thick mangrove forests, and one of the major habitats of the Royal Bengal Tiger. Two species of dolphin can be found in the Ganges, the Ganges River Dolphin and the Irrawaddy Dolphin. The Ganges is also notable in that it contains a rare species of freshwater shark, Glyphis genetics, about which little is known.

Yamuna
The Triveni Sangam, or the intersection of the Yamuna River and Ganges River, is a particularly sacred site. The Yamuna (sometimes called Jamuna) is a major river of northern India, with a total length of around 1370 km. It is the largest tributary of the Ganga. Its source is at Yamunotri in the Uttaranchal Himalaya, which is north of Haridwar in the Himalayan Mountains. It flows through the states of Delhi, Haryana and Uttar Pradesh before merging with the Ganges at Allahabad. The cities of Delhi, Mathura and Agra lie on its banks. The major tributaries of this river are the Tons, Chambal, Betwa, Sindh and Ken; with the Tons being the largest. The Yamuna was called Ioames by the ancient Greeks, and Jomanes by the Romans.
There is some evidence indicating Yamuna was a tributary of the Ghaghra river in the ancient past. It changed its course to east following a tectonic event in north India and became a tributary of the Ganges instead.
The personification of the river, known as Yami, is the sister of the Yamaraja, the god of death, and the daughter of Surya, the Sun god. The river Yamuna is also closely tied to Sri Krsna's Vrindavan pastimes.
The area of the Yamuna is also home to the Asian Elephant. West of the Yamuna there are no elephants to be found over 900 km of the western Himalayas and their foothills. The forests of the lower Yamuna offers ideal corridors for elephant movement. The principal forests to be found here are of Sal, Khair (Acacia), and Sissoo (Rosewood) trees, and the Chir Pine forests of the Shivalik Hills.

Sarasvati
The Sarasvati River is an ancient river that is mentioned in sastra as one of the chief Rigvedic rivers. The Nadistuti hymn in the Rigveda mentions the Sarasvati between the Yamuna in the east and the Sutlej in the west, and later texts like the Mahabharat mention that the Sarasvati dried up in a desert.
The name is descended from Proto-Indo-Iranian saras-vnt-i, meaning "she with many pools" (Sanskrit saras- "pool, body of water"), cognate to Avestan Harahvaiti, the name of the Helmand River, and Old Persian Harachuwati, in Achaemenid times the name of the Arghandab River, chief tributary of the Helmand.

Most scholars agree that at least some of the references to the Sarasvati in the Rigveda refer to the Ghaggar-Hakra River, while the Helmand is often quoted as the locus of the early Rigvedic river. Whether such a transfer of the name has taken place, either from the Helmand to the Ghaggar-Hakra, or conversely from the Ghaggar-Hakra to the Helmand, is a matter of dispute.

There is also a small present-day Sarasvati River (Sarsuti) that joins the Ghaggar river.
The goddess Sarasvati was originally known as the divine personification of this river, and later she developed an identity and meaning independent from the river.

www.indiadivine.org/articles/...Triveni-Sangam/Page1.html -

www.mustseeindia.com/Allahabad-Triveni-Sangam/..

 

Edited by R.Jagannathan.

106- DIVYA DESAMS-KASI- 9

Hindu Sanadhana Dharma shows very easy way to obtain salvation. 1. Visit the temples. 2. Take bath in holy rivers. 3. Study the vedas, ithihas and puranam when ever you get time and do Aradhana at your house and offer to your Lord the Prasadam before you take it.

Taking both in holy rivers like Ganga, Cauvery, Godhavari and other punya rivers is one advice given to us. While taking you  the virtual  tour of Divya desams we also take you to the above rivers for taking bath.

The top most priority is given for taking bath in Ganga especially at Kasi.

The legend says: Siva was affected with Brahma Hathi Dosha and after wandering many places he came to Kasi-which was the abode of Vishnu. The moment he entered this place His dosha vanished. Siva requested lord Vishnu to partake this place to Him.

This place is situated between the river Vara-which removes the sins of all and the river Nasi which removes the sins committed by our body- Hence this place is called Varanasi.

Varanasi (also known as Benares, Banaras, Kashi and Kasi) is a Hindu holy city on the banks of the Ganges River in the north Indian state of Uttar Pradesh.

Varanasi has a unique culture, quite different from other places in the region, and it is one of the major cultural centres of northern India.

Varanasi is the site of the holy shrine of Lord Kasi Viswanatha (a form of Lord Shiva) and is one of the revered 12 Jyotirlingas of the Lord.

Along with its positional advantage of being on the banks of the sacred Ganges River, this has given Varanasi a place at the forefront of the Hindu religion. Varanasi is considered the most sacred place for all Hindus, irrespective of denomination.

Hindus have long believed that bathing in the Ganges or dying in the holy city of Varanasi circumvents reincarnation and hence provides a permanent place in the Swarg (Heaven). This belief that has encouraged the establishment of innumerable nearby geriatric homes and also the disposal of half-burnt corpses into the river.

This latter practice continues to cause great damage to the river's ecology, but the ministry of water resources has finally taken up the restoration of the Ganga by banning cremation on the city's ghats (ghats are the banks of a holy river, stepped to facilitate bathing).

The Tulsi Ghat is famous for its association with the poet Tulsidas (C.E 1547-1623). The Asi Ghat, situated in the south at the union of the rivers Ganga and Asi is significant for the Surya Shashthhi festival. The Ganga Mahal Ghat is an extension of the Asi Ghat, and includes a palace built by the Maharaja of Benaras in 1830. The King of Rivan's palace stands at the Rivan Ghat, another extension of the Asi Ghat.

· The Bhadaini Ghat is one of the most ancient sacred sites in Varanasi that got its name from the famous sun shrine. Janki Ghat is named after the Queen of Sursund State, and the Anandmayi Ghat after Mother Anandmayi. Vaccharaja Ghat is a holy place for the Jain community, for it is close to the birthplace of the seventh Jain Tirthankara. Beside it is the Jain Ghat, which has two Jain temples on it. Nishadraj Ghat, named after Nisad, a mythical and heroic fisherman inRamayana, is a place for boatmen and fishermen.

· The Panchkoat Ghat was built by the king of Madhya Pradesh in 1915, and the Chet Singh Ghat was built by King Chet Singh, who fought a fierce battle against the British troops of Warren Hastings at this place. Niranjani Ghat has a historical connection with king Kumaragupta, and is famous for its Kartikeya temple.

· The Dasaswamedh Ghat is where Lord Brahma is said to have sacrificed ten horses in order to celebrate the return of Shiva on earth. Manikarnika Ghat is a sacred place for cremation.

· The Man Mandir Ghat was built in 1770 by Maharaja Jai Singh of Jaipur, and is known for its 'lingam' of Someshwar, the Lord of the Moon.

· Some of the other Ghats in Varanasi are the Maha Nirvani Ghat, Shivala Ghat, Gulariya Ghat, Dandi Ghat, Hanuman Ghat, Karnataka Ghat, Mansarover Ghat, Bachraj Ghat, Kedar Ghat, and the Lalita Ghat.

Varanasi Ghats

Varanasi or Kashi is older than traditions. Varanasi presents a unique combination of physical, metaphysical and supernatural elements. According to the Hindu mythology, Varanasi liberates soul from human body to the ultimate. It is the Ganga Ghats of Varanasi that complement the concept of divinity. Ghats of Ganga are perhaps the holiest spots of Varanasi. The Ganga Ghats at Varanasi are full of pilgrims who flock to the place to take a dip in the holy Ganges, which is believed to absolve one from all sins.
There are number of temples on the bank of the Ganga river in Varanasi. It is believed that people are cleansed physically, mentally and spiritually at Ganga Ghats. It is at the Ganga Ghats where we see life and death together. For thousands of years people have been thronging these Ghats to offer their morning prayers to the rising sun.

 

106- DIVYA DESAMS-GAYA- 8

Gaya kshethram is about 2 miles from Gaya Railway Station.

Gaya is a very important place for every  Sri Vaishnavan. He has been given a final opportunity to fulfill his duties towards his departed parents-even if he has failed to do so till that date.

Gaya is significant to Hindus from the point of view of salvation to the souls of ancestors (a ritual called pindadanam). According to Ramayana,. Lord Rama came to Gaya along with Sita for pitrupaksha (or to perform pindadanam). He went to the river palguni to take bath.

In  the meantime his father Dasaratha came to the place of Sita and told her that he is very hungry and wanted food. Seetha told about Rama has yet to perform the Shrartha for him and has gone to the river. unable to bear his hunger, Dasaratha requested Seetha to offer Food for him. Sita offered him the food in the shape of mud heap. Satisfied Dasaratha returned back.

Later Rama came and started to perform the Shratha and invited his father for food. Dasaratha did not come. Sita told what happened but Rama refused to believe. Sita called palguni River, Tulasi plant etc  to witness but they kept mum-only the Banyan tree came forward to tell the truth.

Both the river and the tulasi plant earned the wrath of Seetha. That is why the river palguni is always dry and the tulasi grows in nasty place.

Since the Akshya Vadam told the truth, any one  performing  pinda Danam here- his ancestors reach Swargam straight away.

 

Vishnu padam at Gaya

There are many places in Gaya for the pilgrims to perform the Shrartha for the departed souls like Narayana Ashramam, Sankara Madam etc.

Gaya inhabitants readily come forward to participate in the pithru yagnam and after finishing the pilgrims take the pindam  to Vishnu padam and offer pinda danam.

The story of Gaya goes thus:

Gayasuran performed a big Tapas by invoking lord Vishnu and requested the lord that his body should be pure and those who touch his body are straightaway taken to vaikundam. Seeing that he is unable to do his duty Yama Dharman approached Vishnu.

As per the direction of Vishnu Brahma performed yagjam over the body of Gayasuran. Gayasuran’s head started to shake and disturbed the ceremony. Lord Vishnu came down and put one leg over the head of Gayasuran and the shaking stopped and Brahma completed the ceremony.

Gayasuran requested Lord Vishnu that since Brahma, Sivan and Vishnu-all three are there-any one who offer Pindam to the place where Vishnu kept his leg-his ancestors of 21 generations should get Moksham.

Sri Vaishnavan who performs Shratha here should leave one fruit, one leaf and one vegetable and should not take these till the end of his life.

Inside the temple, the 40 cm long `footprint' of Vishnu is imprinted in solid rock and surrounded by a silver plated basin.

The temple is situated on the banks of the Phalgu River, Gaya. The closest airport is located in Patna, four hours north.
The Poorva Exp leaves Kolkata (Calcutta) (Howrah Station) at 9.15 am (Wed, Thurs, Sun) and arrives in Gaya at 3.50 pm. The night Doon Exp leaves Kolkata (Calcutta) at 8 pm, reaches Gaya at 6 am, and then continues on to Haridwar.

lord: Sudhadarar.

Theertham: Uttara Palduni

Sthala Tree: Akshaya vadam-banyan tree.

Vimanam: Vaikunda vimanam.

A word of caution to pilgrims.

There are many pandas waiting to grab you both at the railway station and at the river. You should seek the registered Seva samitis and ashrams for arranging the Shrathams for you.

 

R.Jagannathan.

106- DIVYA DESAMS-POORI JAGANNATHA TEMPLE

Poori is in Madras-Culcatta route. Kurda Road is the point to change to POORI CULCATTA route. From Poori Station the temple is about a mile and conveyance is available of all types.

Legend has it that the original image of Jagannath was found at the foot of a fig tree, in the form of an Indranila or the Blue Jewel.  Its blinding brightness, prompted Dharma to request it to be hidden in the earth. King Indradyumna, of Malwa intending to discover this image, performed severe penances, and was instructed by Vishnu to go to the Puri seashore, and look for a floating log, and fashion an image from its trunk.

The King did discover the log of wood. Vishnu and Vishwakarma appeared in the form of artistes and prepared images of Krishna, Balarama and Subhadra  from the tree. Interestingly, the wooden images being worshipped are renewed during special occasions. New images have been installed in 1863, 1893, 1931, 1950, 1969 and 1977.

Puri is located on the gentle slope of the Nila hill, adjacent to the sea. A sacred banyan tree is revered as a manifestation of Vishnu, the ocean - Balarama and a pool- the king Indradyumna. Pilgrims are required to offer worship first at a Shiva temple, and then at the banyan tree and then at the shrine to Balarama before proceeding to worship Jagannath.  Subhadra is to be worshipped next.

The Temple: The vast temple complex occupies an area of over 400000 square feet, and is bounded by a 20 feet high fortified wall. This complex contains about 120 temples and shrines. The vimana of the Jagannath temple towers to a height of 192 feet.

Festivals: Elaborate worship services are carried out throughout the day here. There are as many as 24 festivals each year, the most important one of them being the Rath Yatra or the Chariot festival in the month June - July.  The spectacular chariot festival involves the procession of three colossal chariots bearing the images of Jagannath, Balarama and Subhadra  through the streets of Puri.

Jagannath Temple Puri - The land of Lord Jagannath, meaning 'Lord of Universe', is one of the most sacred pilgrimage spots in India. One of the four divine abodes lying on four directions of the compass; The Jagannath temple in Puri was built approximately 12th Century AD by King Chodaganga of the Eastern Ganga dynasty. The completion was later brought about by his descendant, Anangabhima Deva, during the 12th century.

Mahaprasada
Maha-prasada is pure vegetarian spiritual food offered to Lord Jagannath. Just by eating this mahaprasada one makes great spiritual advancement. Everyday, 56 varieties of prasada are offered to Lord Jagannath. The preparations are made traditionally and no onion, garlic, chillies or many varieties of vegetables (considered alien) are not used.

The celebrated Ratha Yatra Festival is said to have started in the time of Svarochisha Manu of the second manvantara and is predicted to continue until the end of the second half of Lord Brahma's lifetime. Even in the Valmiki Ramayana, it is mentioned that when Lord Rama was getting ready to leave this world, he told Vibhishan, Ravana's younger brother, to worship Lord Jagannatha, the Lord of the Iksvaku dynasty in His absence.

The Skanda Purana also fixes the date of the Ratha Yatra as the second day of the bright fortnight of the month of Ashadha, a day called Pushyami Nakshatra by astrological calculations. The Padma Purana describes that in Purushottama-Kshetra, or Jagannatha Puri, the supremely blissful Personality of Godhead pretends to be made of wood. In this way, although the Lord takes on what appears to be a material form, it is completely spiritual by the causeless mercy of the Lord for the conditioned souls who cannot perceive the transcendental domain of His.

On the day of the festival, the wooden idols of Krishna, Balrama and Subhadra are taken out in procession in three chariots to their summer temple for a week. The main chariot is 14 meters high and 10 meters square with 16 wheels. The actual construction of the carts begins two months before the festival day, on the third day of the bright fortnight of Vaisakha (April-May).
More than 600 trees, or 400 cubic meters of wood, are needed for the construction, taken from the local forests, along the banks of the Mahanadi River.

Using the  simple tools and procedures as they have for the past hundreds of years, once the basic elements are made, such as the wheels, the actual construction begins only a few weeks before the festival.

The ropes of the huge chariots are pulled by millions of devotees. In the ancient times, devotees would occasionally throw themselves in front of the chariot of Sri Jagananath, for it was believed that to be crushed to death under its sixteen wheels was to go straight to heaven.

Since Sri Jagannath is a form of Vishnu and Sri Krishna, many of the rituals observed in Puri temple are associated with events in the life of Sri Krishna. Thus, this annual Car Festival represents Sri Krishna's Journey from Gokul to Mathura.

LORD JAGANNATH.

LORD BALABADRA

LORDESS SUBHADRA

The Deities are adorned with cotton and silk fabrics, Gold Ornaments studded with precious stones, flowers of different varieties, Tulsi leaves, sandal paste, camphor. These articles are used in the daily and periodical rituals. Some important Alamkaras  or costumes of the deities are mentioned below.

1. Abakasha (Tadapa uttari)  Alamkaram.

This alamkaram  is done everyday after Mangal Aarati for the Abakash rituals. The clothes which are worn by the deities for this purpose are known as "Tadapa" and "Uttariya".

2. Sadha alamkaram.

This aloamkaram  is the normal costumes of deities which they wear five times in a day, especially after each food offering.

3. Bada Sringar alamkaram

This the last alamkaram  of the deities done everyday before the night "Pahuda". Bada Sringar alamkaram  is mostly of flowers of different colours and species. The deities wear silk clothes called 'Khandua'.

4. Chandan alamkaram.

This alamkaram  is done for 42 days starting from Akshayya Tritiya day.

5. Ganapati or Hathi alamkaram.

On the full moon day in the month of Jyestha, after the bathing ceremony is over, the deities are dressed like elephants. Lord Jagannath and Lord Balabhadra appear like Ganesh (the Elephant God).

6. Suna(gold) alamkaram.

On the 11th day in the bright fortnight of Ashada, Suna alamkaram  takes place, when the deities are in their respective chariots near the Lion's gate of Sree Jagannath temple. The deities are decorated with many gold ornaments. This alamkaram  is also known as 'Bada Tadhau' vesha and Raja Vesha is also done on Dashahara, Kartik Purnima,Pousha purnima and Dola purnima.

7. Banabhoji alamkaram

It is done on the 10th day of the dark fortnight of Bhadraba. The deities are dressed as if going for a picnic, like cowherd boys.

8. Kaliyadalana Alamkaram.

On the 11th day of the dark fortnight of Bhadraba, Lord JAGANNATH is dressed like Lord Krishna killing the Kaliya Serpent.

9. Pralambasura Badha alamkaram.

It is done on the 12th day of the dark fortnight of Bhadraba(September), Lord Balabhadra's killing of the demon Pralambasura is depicted in this Vesha.

10. Krishna Balarama alamkaram.

This Vesha is done on the 13th day of the dark fortnight of Bhadraba. Lord Jagannath and Balabhadra are dressed like Lord Krishna and Balaram.

11. Bali Baman alamkaram.

On the 12th day of the bright fortnight of Bhadraba, Lord Jagannath is dressed like "Bamana"(dwarf). Bamana is the fifth incarnation of Lord Vishnu.

12. Radha-Damodara alamkaram From the 11th dayof the bright fortnight of Ashwina to the 10th day of the bright fortnight of Kartika, this alamkaram  takes place.

13. Thiakia(Laxmi-Narayan) alamkaram.

It is done on the 11th day of the bright fortnight of Kartika.

14. Bankachula alamkaram.

It is done on the 12th day of the bright fortnight of Kartika.

15. Adakia(Tribikrama) Vesha

This is done on the 13th day of the bright fortnight of Kartika.

16. Dalikia alamkaram.

On the 14th day of the bright fortnight of Kartika, this is also known as Laxmi-Nrisimha alamkaram

17. Nagarjuna alamkaram

This alamkaram  is occasionally done in the month of Kartika, when there are six days of "Panchaka". The lords are dressed like warriors. In the recent past, this alamkaram  has been done on 16.11.1994. The previous four dates were 26.11.1993, 3.11.1968, 16.11.1967 and 26.11.1966.

18. Ghodalagi alamkaram.

During the period from the 6th day of the bright fortnight of Margasira to the 5th day of the bright fortnight of Magha(Basanta Panchami), the deities wear winter clothes.

19. Jamalagi alamkaram.

From Basanta Panchami to Dola Purnima, the deities wear modified Ghoda(Winter dress).

20. Padma alamkaram.

This vesha is done on any saturday or Wednesday between the new moon day of Magha and Basanta Panchami. "Padma" means lotus. The dress materials made of lotus, "Sola" lace and paper,gum etc.

God: Jagannathan, Krishnan, Balapadran, Subhadra- Facing East.

pushkarini: Markandeya, Varuna, Rohini.

Tree: Banyan Tree.

Vimana: Indra, Sreemandira.

There are many choultires in which the pilgrims can stay and prepare food.

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