MAHA NAVARATRI 2009 AT KOLLUR MOOKAMBIKA TEMPLE IN KARNATAKA

Maha Navaratri or Sharada Navratri is the biggest event at Kollur Mookambika temple of Udupi district in Karnataka. Maha Navaratri 2009 celebrations start on Sept ember 19 and ends on 28 September. The festival of Navratri is witnessed by few lakhs of devotees from the State, Tamil Nadu, Pondicherry, Kerala and Andhra Pradesh. On Saturday, the Kalasha Sthapane puja is held. This ritual followed by ‘Shatarudrabhisheka,’ and some other pujas.

Sharada Sthapane, Chandika Yaga and Rathotsava are some main events during Navratri. The Utsava idol of the temple is taken out for pradakshina around the temple. Purnakumababhisheka is also performed. Mahadeeparadhana and Suhasini Puja are performed daily during nine days of Maha Navaratri in the temple.

On the first day, one Suhasini is offered puja and on ninth day nine Suhasinis are offered Puja. Every day, one Suhasini is added for the Puja. After Suhasini Puja, the women are allowed to enter into the Lakshmi Mantapa, the inner portion of temple. Generally, women are not allowed to enter into the Garbha gudi or other inner portions of the temple.

Vijaya Utsava is the main ritual on performed Vijayadasami during which the Utsava idol of Goddess Mookambika is carried to the Shukla Theertha and brought back to the temple.

Vidyarambha at Mookambika Temple in Kollur:

Vidyarambha ritual is held on Vijaya Dashami in the temple. On September 28 in 2009, rituals such as Sharada Puja and Sharada Visarjane (immersion of Sharada idol) are performed in Saraswati Mandir. This ritual marks the beginning of education for children.

During Vidyarambha, the symbol of ‘Om’ is written on the tongue of children, aged between two and five years with a twig of turmeric. Saraswati Mandir has a great significance in which Jagadguru Sri Adi Shankaracharya composed ‘Soundarya Lahari’.

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Durga Navaratri 2009 celebrations at Sri Bramaramba Temple in Srisailam – Dasara Sharan Navaratri Utsavalu 2009

Durga Navaratri or Dasara Utsavam is one of the biggest events in Bhramaramba Mallikarjuna swamy temple located at Srisailam in Kurnool district of Andhra Pradesh. Durga Navratri 2009 celebrations will from 19th September 2009 and ends with Shami Puja on Vijaya Dashami day, 28th September 2009. During the celebrations, special pujas and archanas are offered to Lord Mallikarjuna swamy. Bhramarambika Devi worshipped in 9 forms of Navadurga. Vahana sevas to Goddess Bramaramba and to Lord Mallikarjuna are the most eye-catching events.

Dasara Navratri begins with the Ganapati Pooja followed by the Kalasa Sthapana and ends with Poornahuthi. Special pujas, Archanas are performed on these days along with Navaratri special pujas like – Kumari Puja, Suhasini Puja and Dampati Puja.

Srishailam is the most sacred place in South India where one of the Dwadasa Jyothirling (12 prominent Shiva temples) and one of the Astadasha Shakti Peethas (18 prominent temples of Goddess Shakti).

Durga Navaratri 2009 Calendar – Dates, Alankaras and celebrations during Navaratri 2009:

19 September 2009 – Shailaputri Alankaram – Brungi Vahanam seva

20 September 2009 – Brahmacharini Alankaram – Mayura Vahanam seva

21 September 2009 – Chandraghanta Alankaram – Ravana vahana seva

22 September 2009 – Kushmanda Alankaram – Kailasa Vahana seva

23 September 2009 – Skandamata Alankaram – Sesha vahana seva

24 September 2009 – Katyayani Alankaram – Hamsa vahana seva

25 September 2009 – Kalaratri Alankaram – Gajavahana seva

26 September 2009 – Mahadurga Alankaram – Nandi vahana seva

27 September 2009 – Siddidayini Alankaram – Ashwa vahana seva

28 September 2009 – Bhramaramba devi Alankaram – Nandi vahanam seva

Navratri celebrations begin on 19th September at 8 am with several special pujas like Yagashala Pravesham, Ganapati Puja, Swasthi Punyahavachanam, Deeksha Sankalpam, Kankana Puja, Rudrayaga Sankalpam, Deekshadharana, Kankana dharana, Mandaparadhana and Kalasha shtapana Puja. At 10.30 am Chandiyaganga Akhanda sthapana, Vaasthu puja, Vaasthu homam and at 4’o clock in the evening Parayanam and Japanushtana are performed. At 5’o clock on the same day, Ankurarapana, Agni Prathishta, Navavaranarchana, Kumkumarchana, Rudrahomam, Chandi homam and at 9 pm Suhasini Puja, Kalaratri Puja, Maha mangala harati, Neerajana mantra pushpam and Teerth Prasad Vitharana are performed.

Special pujas will be performed from 20th to 27th September as per the temple schedule and rituals. On 28th September, Vijaya Dashami day, Shami Puja is performed in the evening and then after Navaratri celebrations will be concluded.

Official Temple Website

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Durga Navaratri 2009 in Kanakadurga Temple at Vijayawada

Durga Navratri at Kanakadurga temple at Vijayawada, Andhra Pradesh, is the most celebrated festival season. 2009 Navaratri Utsavalu begins on September 19 and ends on September 28 with Dasara (Vijaya Dashami). With Kalasha Sthapana Pooja, celebrations will start at the temple. On Padyami, the first day of Navarathri, Goddess Durga is decorated in Sri Swarna Kavachalankrutha Durga Devi Alankaram. On concluding day, Vijaya Dashami, Durga is worshiped in Sri Rajarajeshwari Devi Alankaram.


Here is the list of Alankarams of Goddess Durga during Sharan Navarathri 2009:

* Day 1 – Ashwayuja Padyami – Sri Swarna Kavachalankruta Durga Devi – 19 September

* Day 2 – Ashwayuja Vidiya – Sri Bala Tripura Sundari Devi – 20 September

* Day 3 – Ashwayuja Thadiya – Sri Annapurna Devi – 21 September

* Day 4 – Ashwayuja Chavithi – Sri Gayatri Devi – 22 September

* Day 5 – Ashwayuja Panchami – Lalitha Panchami – Sri Lalitha Tripura Sundari Devi – 23 September

* Day 6 – Ashwayuja Shashti – Maha Shashti – Sri Maha Lakshmi Devi – 24 September

Sri Maha Lakshmi Avataram

* Day 7 – Ashwayuja Saptami – Maha Saptami – Sri Maha Saraswati Devi – 25 September

* Day 8 – AashwiyujaSuddhaSapthami & AashwiyujaSuddhaAshtami – Durga Ashtami – Sri Saraswathi Devi & Sri Durga Devi – 26 September

* Day 9 – Ashwayuja Navami – Maha Navami – Sri Mahishasura Mardhini Devi – 27 September

* Day 10 – Ashwayuja Dashami – Vijaya Dashami – Dasara – Sri Rajarajeshwari Devi – 28 September

On Vijaya Dashami, the Navaratri celebrations will be concluded with Teppotsavam when Kanakadurga is taken out for a procession in the river Krishna. Theppotsavam 2009 date is 28 September.

It is to be noted that Maha Saraswati Devi alankaram is also remained on 26th September 2009 till 8 am. Darshanam will start from 10 am. Two hours will be allotted to decorate the Goddess in Durga Devi alankara. Teppotsavam is started at 5 pm on 28th September 2009.

Courtesy: Official website

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VISHWAKARMA – THE LORD OF ARCHITECTURE

Vishwakarma is the presiding deity of all craftsmen and architects. Son of Brahma, he is the divine draftsman of the whole universe, and the official builder of all the gods' palaces. Vishwakarma is also the designer of all the flying chariots of the gods, and all their weapons.
The Mahabharata describes him as "The lord of the arts, executor of a thousand handicrafts, the carpenter of the gods, the most eminent of artisans, the fashioner of all ornaments ... and a great and immortal god." He has four hands, wears a crown, loads of gold jewelry, and holds a water-pot, a book, a noose and craftsman's tools in his hands.

Vishwakarma Puja:

Hindus widely regard Vishwakarma as the god of architecture and engineering, and September 16 or 17 every year is celebrated as Vishwakarma Puja — a resolution time for workers and craftsmen to increase productivity and gain divine inspiration for creating novel products. This ritual usually takes place within the factory premises or shop floor, and the otherwise mundane workshops come alive with fiesta. Vishwakarma Puja is also associated with the buoyant custom of flying kites. This occasion in a way also marks the start of the festive season that culminates in Diwali.

Vishwakarma's Architectural Wonders:

Hindu mythology is full of Vishwakarma's many architectural wonders. Through the four 'yugas', he had built several towns and palaces for the gods. In "Satya yuga", he built the Swarg Loke, or heaven, the abode of the gods and demigods where Lord Indra rules. Vishwakarma then built the 'Sone ki Lanka' in "Treta yuga", the city of Dwarka in "Dwapar yuga", and Hastinapur and Indraprastha in the "Kali yuga".

'Sone Ki Lanka' or Golden Lanka:

According to Hindu mythology, 'Sone ki Lanka' or Golden Lanka was the place where the demon king Ravana dwelled in the "Treta yuga." As we read in the epic story Ramayana, this was also the place where Ravana kept Sita, Lord Ram's wife as a hostage.

There is also a story behind the construction of Golden Lanka. When Lord Shiva married Parvati, he asked Vishwakarma to build a beautiful palace for them to reside. Vishwakarma put up a palace made of gold! For the housewarming ceremony, Shiva invited the wise Ravana to perform the "Grihapravesh" ritual. After the sacred ceremony when Shiva asked Ravana to ask anything in return as "Dakshina", Ravana, overwhelmed with the beauty and grandeur of the palace, asked Shiva for the golden palace itself! Shiva was obliged to accede to Ravana's wish, and the Golden Lanka became Ravana's palace.

Dwarka:

Among the many mythical towns Viswakarma built is Dwarka, the capital of Lord Krishna. During the time of the Mahabharata, Lord Krishna is said to have lived in Dwarka, and made it his "Karma Bhoomi" or center of operation. That is why this place in nothern India has become a well known pilgrimage for the Hindus.

Hastinapur:

In the present "Kali Yuga", Vishwakarma is said to have built the town of Hastinapur, the capital of Kauravas and Pandavas, the warring families of the Mahabharata. After winning the battle of Kurukshetra, Lord Krishna installed Dharmaraj Yudhisthir as the ruler of Hastinapur.

Indraprastha:

Vishwakarma also built the town of Indraprastha for the Pandavas. The Mahabharata has it that King Dhritrashtra offered a piece of land called 'Khaandavprastha' to the Pandavas for living. Yudhishtir obeyed his uncle's order and went to live in Khaandavprastha with the Pandava brothers. Later, Lord Krishna invited Vishwakarma to build a capital for the Pandavas on this land, which he renamed 'Indraprastha'.

Legends tell us about the architectural marvel and beauty of Indraprastha. Floors of the palace were so well done that they had a reflection like that of water, and the pools and ponds inside the palace gave the illusion of a flat surface with no water in them.

After the palace was built, the Pandavas invited the Kauravas, and Duryodhan and his brothers went to visit Indraprastha. Not knowing the wonders of the palace, Duryodhan was flummoxed by the floors and the pools, and fell into one of the ponds. The Pandava wife Draupadi, who witnessed this scene, had a good laugh! She retorted, hinting at Duryodhan's father (the blind king Dhritrashtra) "the son of a blind man is bound to be blind." This remark of Draupadi annoyed Duryodhan so much that later on it became a major cause for the great war of Kurukshetra described in the Mahabharata and the Bhagavad Gita.

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LORD KHEDBRAHMA IN GUJARARAT

History

Khedbhrama also know for its historical values, Lord Brahma’s Temple and goddess Amibika birth place, Jain Temple of Mahavir and Adivasi population. Legends has story that she was born in this town, people from across the countries comes here for visit every year.There are only two temples of Lord Brahma in the world ,one in Pushkar & second in Khedbrahma.

According to Padmapuran this is an ancient teerth being known as Brahmpur in Saty Yug; Agnikhet in Treta; Hiranyapur in Dwapar and talukhet in Kali Yug. Puratan Brahmakshetra says that many Digambar temples were also present in this locality. An inscription of Samvat 1256 is present in the ancient Aditi Vav. Many rise and falls have taken place here. The present jain temple is considered to be building 500 years ago.

Transportation

From Ahmedabad it is 122 KM far. From Himmatnagar it is 52 KM far. AND from ambaji it is only 50KM far.

Khedbrahma also has bus-station of state transport (GSRTC) and railway station where only two trains comes in a day.

Villages of khedbrahma Taluka:Matoda,Radhivad,Agia,Derol,Metral,Poshina,etc

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LORD ADI BRAHMA TEMPLE IN KHOKHAN, (KULLU)

In the village of Khokhan, about 4 kms. from Bhuntar in the Kullu Valley, is a large wooden temple dedicated to the worship of Adi-Brahma. Kullu, once known as Kulanthpitha, has been called "the end of the habitable world", being located in the far reaches of Himachal Pradesh.

The temple is located close to Bhuntar, on a road beginning in Shamshi, and moving towards the village of Khokhan. The temple is positioned at about same elevation as the Dayar temple of Lord Vishnu, across the valley.

The presiding Deity of the Khokhan temple, Sri Adi Brahma is located in the center of the temple, with Garh Jogni and Manikaran Jogni on his left and right sides. The temple is made of wood and stone in a pagoda style. The attendant rath is fixed with one ashta-dhatu, eleven silver, and two brass mohras.

In his book, Temple Architecture of the Western Himalaya, author O.C. Handa describes the temple structure and environs in some detail. As in the case of the Brahmadev temple at Kanappa Hill, the Deity is described as a "lingam", but is not to be confused with the traditional linga form associated with the worship of Shiva. Rather, linga has been used to describe Brahma's Chaturmukha (four-faced) form, and bas relief temple sculpture murti forms.

"Situated about 5 km. away from the shawl town of Shamshi, next to Bhuntar, on the Chandigarh-Manali National Highway No. 21, Khokhan is a sizeable farming village of about sixty houses in the lower Beas Valley. The village is not so well known, even in the neighboring area. The ancient, magnificent, multi-tiered pyramidal wooden temple in the heart of the village, dedicated to Adi Brahma, had also, thus, remained unknown to the scholars and researchers until Penelope Chetwode-John Nankivell team noticed its nostalgic grandeur some two decades ago.

This temple has assumed greater significance, for it is the finest of the four temples so far identified with Brahma in the Kullu Valley. The other three are at Phati-Kanaun, Shilpihar, and Rahala villages. Besides these, there is a significant temple of Adi Purkha, which is also traditionally associated with Brahma at village Tihri (Uttarsal) in Mandi district. Another temple of Brahma exists at Surla Charan in Nahan tehsil of district Sirmaur.

The prefix 'Adi' to 'Brahma' may be the extant evidence of Buddhist influence, which remained the popular dominant religion in the upper Beas valley, before it was superceded by the Brahmanic traditions.

The temple is laid out on a square plan, measuring approximately 900 x 900 cms. externally. The outer edge of plinth is defined by the sturdy deodar wood plinth-beams, which are lap-jointed on the corners. On these plinth beams, massive pillars are placed on the corners, with two in between each side. A 190 cm. wide verandah runs on all sides, leaving a square area, 520 x 520 cms. externally, for the sanctum. The sanctum has a sunken floor. In the sanctum, there is a 150 cm. tall black stone lingam, which the villagers believe belongs to the original foundation of this temple, when a 10th-11th century stone temple stood at this site.

The Adi Brahma temple at Khokhan is a dehra of the Deity. He has his bhandar in a village across the mountains, where his moharas and are enshrined. Usually the dehra remains closed, and is only opened to receive the Deity, when he comes out on his rath from his bhandar.

The four-tiered magnificent hansakara structure of the Adi Brahma temple is about 2,000 cms. tall. The formal arrangement of the temple as a whole is graceful, although the bottom tier is disproportionately wider. The upper three tiers are richly ornamented with graceful and high-raised supporting brackets. These lend an aura of sublime dignity to this edifice."

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PUSHKAR BRAHMA TEMPLE

Though Brahma, the Creator of the Universe, is one of the Gods of the Hindu Trinity, yet his importance has virtually diminished in the hearts of the Hindus of India. This is so because respect for Brahma has been beclouded by the respect for Vishnu (preserver of Universe) and Shiva (destroyer of universe). Having created the universe, the work of Brahma is considered completed, though that of Shiva and Vishnu is still continuing. As such both these Gods command more respect from the people.

There is another reason, or perhaps a belief, associated with this diminishing value of Lord Brahma. Mythical legend has it that Brahma once decided to perform a yagna and for this he needed a place on earth. He was on his search for a place when the lotus flower in his hand fell off and landed in Pushkar. Hence, he announced Pushkar as the venue for the yagna (Pushp means flower while kar means hand). However, unfortunately, his wife Savitri was not present with him at that point of time. Due to this Brahma married a local maid, Gayatri who completed the formalities of Yagna with him. When Savitri arrived at the spot and discovered Gayatri, she was infuriated. She cursed Brahma that Pushkar would be the only place where he will be worshipped by his devotees in future.

The Brahma Temple in Pushkar, being the only one in the country dedicated to the Creator of Universe, as such has great significance amongst the devotees. Thousands of devotees visit this shrine every year to pray before Lord Brahma. Though there are numerous other temples dedicated to different Gods in Pushkar, yet the place is more renowned as the abode of Brahma.

The Brahma Temple

The Pushkar Brahma Temple is located on the banks of the Pushkar Lake. The temple was originally built in the 14th century and stands on a raised platform. Marble steps lead upto the temple that has a red spire and an image of Hans, the vehicle of Lord Brahma, on the top of the main doorway to distinguish it from numerous other temples nearby.

A lovely silver carved turtle can be seen sitting with its face towards the sanctum sanctorum. The black and white chequered tiles floor around the turtle is full of silver coins donated by the devotees with their name and the birth and death anniversary date of their loved ones engraved on it.

The four headed image of Lord Brahma is in a cross legged position with Savitri on his right and Gayatri on the left side.

The temple becomes specially important during the Kartika Purnima in the months of October- November. This is the time when the sleepy town of Pushkar comes alive with the joyous Pushkar festival. It is also the time which marks the period during which Brahma performed his Yagna in Pushkar. Numerous people with deep faith in their hearts take a holy dip in the water of Pushkar Lake and bow their head before the Jagat Pita, Lord Brahma.

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LORD BRAHMA'S TEMPLES IN WORLD AND HEADS OF LORD BRAHMA

Amongst the thousands of Hindu religious places of worship in the world, Only three Temples are dedicated to our Supreme Creator Brahma Ji - Why?

In the Hindu Trinity of Brahma-Vishnu-Shiva, Lord Brahma is the Creator of the Universe and all living beings are said to have evolved from him. Brahma is also believed to have created the Saptarishi, or seven great sages, to help him create the Universe.

When Brahma creates the world, it remains in existence for 1 of his days, which means 2,160,000,000 years in terms of Hindu calendar. The world is said to exist for one Kalpa, or one day in the life of Brahma. Brahma is then believed to go to sleep for one night, which is as long as a Kalpa. When Brahma goes to sleep at the end of his day, the world perishes in fire. When HE awakens, HE again restores the whole creation.

This process (Pralaya) goes on till 100 years of Brahma's life is completed, which is the life span of Brahma. When this period ends, HE himself loses his existence, and HE and all Gods and Sages, and the whole universe get dissolved into their constituent elements. And this whole process of creation and destruction repeats itself ceaselessly, the world getting re-created endlessly...

Inspite of the above immense role, Why only three Temples of Brahma in the World?

Legend has it that Lord Brahma is said to be very liberal with granting boons and is easily pleased when prayed to without any thought as to who is praying and asking him for a boon. HE is rather callous in granting boons to the demons unguardedly.

All the deadly demons, from Hiranyakashipu to Ravana, received their boons from Brahma, which made them singularly notorious in destroying the noble virtues of the world. Then it became necessary for Lord Vishnu to appear in his various reincarnations to kill these demons.

That is why the cult of Brahma's worship declined as HE became unpopular amongst religious devotees who began to deem Brahma as the sole God of worship for the demons. Another reason why Brahma is not widely worshipped is the belief that being the Creator, his work is complete, at least for the time being.

Hence, there are innumerable temples of Lord Vishnu and Lord Shiva around the world, while Lord Brahma has only 3 temples, all in India, one at Pushkar Lake in Rajasthan, another in Khokhan - Kullu Valley and the other at Khedabrahma in Gujarat.

And how many Heads does Lord Brahma have ?!

Well, again Legend has it; Brahma originally possessed one Head. From a part of his own body, HE created a woman Shatarupa (a face with 100 beauties). She is also known as Savitri, Brahmi, Saraswati (Goddess of Knowledge), Gayatri (the triple hymn or the Gayatri Mantra), Sandhya. And is the Consort of Lord Brahma.

Brahma fell in love with his own female creation and could not take his eyes off her extraordinary beauty. Shatarupa felt shy and tried to evade his gaze by moving away on all sides. To follow her wherever she moved, Brahma created his 5 heads.

According to the Puranas, Brahma and Vishnu were once arguing over who was superior of the two. They discovered from the Vedas that Shiva was the Supreme Being. Brahma however, spoke disparagingly about Shiva. In anger, Shiva opened his fiery 3rd eye, and burnt off the head, which had spoken, and therefore Brahma was left with 4 heads.
Brahma's 4 heads represent the 4 directions (Poorab, Pashchim, Uttar and Dakshin), 4 Vedas (Rig, Yajur, Sama and Atharva) and the 4 Varnas (Brahmins, Kshatriyas, Vaishyas and Shudras) in Hindu Religion.

According to Shiva Purana, from the incestuous union of Brahma and Shatarupa was born Svayambhuva Manu, the progenitor of Man, and from him in turn all creatures as depicted in Manu-Smriti. According to Manusmriti, the span of a human life is 100 years. Every Hindu man should spend a part of his life in each of the 4 Ashrams to fulfill his obligations: to the sages by studying (Brahmacharya), to his ancestors by raising male progeny (Grihastha), to the Gods by performing penance and sacrifices (Vanaprastha), and for the salvation of his soul by renouncing the world (Sanyasa). This was assuming, of course that he lived his full life span.

Lord Brahma is also the Creator of the Beautiful Ahilya, whom He married off to Sage Gautama. She became a piece of rock, being cursed by her husband, because she was seduced by Indra, The King of Heavenly Spirits. She was brought to her natural form when the rock was touched by Lord Rama's feet, and then Ahilya got reconciled with her husband, Sage Gautama.

Brahma's abode is known as Brahmaloka, which is said to contain all the splendors of earth and of the heavens of the other Gods. His vehicle or Vahana is a white swan or goose, which has magical abilities: it can separate soma and milk from water. Therefore the bird Goose, is also a symbol of sifting good from evil. His Consort Saraswati, is the Goddess of wisdom and science, the Mother of the Vedas, and the Inventor of the Devanagari script.

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AYODHYA HINDU LORD SRI RAM’S BIRTH PLACE

AYODHYA HINDU LORD SRI RAM’S BIRTH PLACE

Ayodhya is an ancient city of India liying on the bank of Ghaghara (Gogra) River, this is situated ion the east of Faizabad district of Uttar Pradesh. It . Ayodhya is considered as one of the seven sacred cities of the Hindus because of its association in Ramayana. The word Ayodhya is Sanskrit means "not to be warred against". Ayodhya is regarded as the birthplace of Rama. Many Hindus believe Rama was born at the place called Ram Janmabhoomi, the site of the demolished Babri Mosque.

Lying on the banks of River Ghagru or River Saryu, Ayodhya is one of the most ancient cities of the Indian subcontinent. The historical significance of this place is extreme. Situated just 10 kilometers from the district headquarters of Faizabad, Ayodhya is a city if temples of several religions. Ayodhya is believed to the birthplace of the seventh incarnation of Lord Vishnu, Lord Rama. In the old books of the Hinduism religion as well the great epic Ramayana, it is said that Manu founded the city of Ayodhya. During the time of Lord Gautama Buddha, Ayodhya was called Ayojjha according to the scripture of Pali language. Under the colonial rule of the British, the city of Ayodhya and the administrative area around it was called Oudh. After Manu, Ayodhya became the capital of the successors of the Surya Monarchy. The lost celebrated king of this dynasty was Lord Rama. In the ancient times Ayodhya was known as `Kosaldesa` and the region has been described as "a city built by Gods and being as prosperous as paradise itself". From the ancient times, the place was noted for `Asvamedha Yajna`. According to the epic and puranic ages, Ayodhya again rose to prominence in the 6th century B.C., during the times of Lord Buddha. According to the Jain traditions the five tirthankaras were born at Ayodhya including the very first one known as Rishabhadeva. The languages prevalent in this city are Hindi, Avadhi and English.

According to the Skand and some other puranas the city of Ayodhya was one of the seven most sacred cities of India. It was also the venue of many events in the Hindu mythology and today it is preeminently a temple town. The most illustrious ruling dynasty of the Ayodhya region was Ikshvakus of the solar clan Suryavansa. In the later decades came the great Raghu after whom the family came to be known as Raghuvamsa. The grandson of Raghu was Raja Dasaratha who was the illustrious father of Lord Rama. The story of the epic Ramayana has been moralized by Valmiki and made immensely popular by the masses through centuries. The cultural assimilation of this city is remarkable. The people of Ayodhya celebrate along procession of festivals throughout the year with much pomp and show. The main festivals of this city are Shravan Jhoola Mela, Ram Navami, Ram Vivah, Ramayan Mela, Rathyatra, Parikrama Mela, Diwali, Dussehra and Holi.

Today, Ayodhya is a small, rustic city with ancient Hindu architecture predominating, and with some Mughal influence. The majority of the people who live here are Hindus and there are a minority of Muslims, Jains and Buddhists.

History of Ayodhya

Ayodhya was the capital of the Hindu kingdom of Kosala which was the court of king Dasaratha who was the 63rd monarch of the Solar line. He was the son of Vivaswan. It is said that it was he who founded the city of Ayodhya. Dasaratha was the father of Rama Chandra, the hero of Ramayana.

According to the Ramayana, Ayodhya was ruled by the House of Ikshvaku, who was the son of Manu. Ayodhya is also the birthplace of the five Jain Tirthankars. The city is also important in the history and heritage of Buddhism. Many Buddhist temples, monuments and centers of learning having been established here during the age of the Mauryan Empire and the Gupta Dynasty.

During the Ghaznavid raids and Ghorid invasions, Ayodhya was the victim of pillage and plunder. When the city was under the clutches of Muslim rulers it lost its strategic and economic importance.

Geography of Ayodhya

Ayodhya is situated on the bank of the river Sarayu in Uttar Pradesh. It is located at 26.8° N 82.2° E. The place has an average elevation of 93 metres. The place was the capital of Kosala,the Hindu kingdom. It is said that the total area of Ayodhya is 250 km square.

Places of interest in Ayodhya

All places of worship in Ayodhya are not only of Hindu religion. The region of Ayodhya has a host of tourist spots, which attracts thousands of tourists every year. The major tourist attractions in this city are the Hanuman Garhi, Ramkot, Kanak Bhawan, Mani Parbat and Sugriv Parbat, Swarg Dwar, Treta ke Thakur, Nageshwarnath temple. The other popular places of interest include Tulsi Chaura, Brahma Kund, Shri Rama Janaki Birla Temple, Gurudwara Brahma Kund Ji, Valmiki Ramayan Bhawan, Ram Katha Museum, Tulsi Smarak Bhawan, Ram Ki Paidi. Reaching the Ayodhya city is very convenient in the present times. This city is well connected with all the major destinations of India. The local transports available here are taxis, tongas, buses, tempos and cycle-rickshaws. The nearest airports to Ayodhya are Amausi Airport, which is 134 kilometers away, and Bumrauli Airport, which is 166 kilometers away. This city is also located on the broad gauge Northern railway Line on the main route of Lucknow and Mughal Sarai. Some of the major road distances to Ayodhya are Lucknow, Gorakhpur, Allahabad, Jhansi, Varanasi, Sravasti and Gonda. Quality accommodation is available in Ayodhya. Several guesthouses and hotels are found in this city and serve the travelers and business people alike.

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LORD SRI KRISHNA 'S DWARAKA

DWARAKA

Dwaraka is located on the extreme western end of Kathiawar peninsula, where the River Gomti meets the Arabian Sea. Dwaraka is one of the four most important holy places of the Hindus and attracts tourists from all over the world. The Lord Krishna also established his capital at Dwaraka after he left Mathura. The importance, foundation, planning and glory of Dwaraka as the golden city is described in various Hindu epics like Mahabharata, Harivamsha, Sijupdlavadha, Bhagvad Gita, Skand Purana, Vishnu Purana and Mahabharat. The architecture of the old Dwaraka city was majestic and wonderful.

HISTORY OF DWARAKA

The city of Dwaraka has a very large and old traditional history. Dwaraka was the capital of the western coast of Saurashtra. Dwaraka was a large, well fortified and the prosperous city due to the sea trade which prevailed in this city. This region was full of flowering and fruit-bearing trees. Due to fear of the attack by Jarasangh and Kaalayvan on Mathura, Shri Krishna and Yadavas left Mathura and arrived at the coast of Saurashtra. They decided to build their capital in the coastal region and invoke the Vishwakarma, the deity of construction. However, Vishwakarma said that the task can be completed only if Samudradev, the Lord of the sea provide some land. Shri Krishna worshipped Samudradev, who pleased by the prayers decided to gave them the land measuring 12 yojans from the sea near the western shores of Saurashtra and thus the Lord Vishwakarma laid the foundation of Dwaraka. Lord Krishna later set up his capital at Dwaraka, on the banks of river Gomati. This beautiful city was also known as Dwaramati, Dwarawati and Kushsthali. It was a well planned city and had well organized six sectors, residential and commercial zones, wide roads, palaces and many public utilities. A hall called "Sudharma Sabha" was built to hold public meetings. The city was one of the busiest ports during the Mahabharata period. After the end of the war of Mahabharata, Shri Krishna lived for 36 years at Dwaraka. It was also the land of the Ekalavya and the saint Dronacharya. According to the legends, the Dwaraka city met a sudden end due to the fury of the sea. According to some other legends, immediately after the death of the Lord Krishna, Dwaraka disappeared into the sea. Attempts are being still made to rediscover the lost Dwaraka from the sea. In the early eighties, an important archaeological site was found at Dwaraka.

Tourist Attractions in Dwaraka

The major tourist attraction in Dwaraka is the famous Dwarkadhish temple, the 'Lord of Dwarka', also known as the Jagat Mandir or temple of the world. This temple is dedicated to the Lord Krishna and was constructed over 1400 years ago. This temple has a 5 floors supported by 60 columns. This temple attracts pilgrims from all over the world. Besides the Dwarkadhish temple, there are various other temples in Dwarka.

How to get here

By Air: The nearest airport is located at Ahmedabad which is about 216 kms from Dwaraka.

By Rail: Dwaraka is connected with direct trains with Ahmedabad on the western railway.

By Road: Dwaraka is easily connected with various cities of Gujarat. It is about 216 kms from Ahmedabad and 798 kms. from Mumbai via Ahmedabad.

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