Pataleshwar Mahadev Temple, Nahan, Sirmaur, Himachal Pradesh, India

Pataleshwar Mahadev Temple, Nahan, Sirmaur, Himachal Pradesh, India 

Location

The temple is located in the village Patalian near Panwata Sahib in Himachal Pradesh. It is 5 km away from Panwata Sahib on Nahan-Yamuna Nagar road, and vehicle can reach up to the temple campus. Dense forests and Eco - friendly atmosphere brings  supernatural peace among the visitors.

( Shivlingam )

In the Hindu month of Shravan,  akhand path of Shiva purana and japa of Maha Mrityunjaya is arranged. After finishing the celebration a fair and bhandara is organized on a large scale in which large number of people gather and enjoy.

It is a Swayanbhu Shivlinga(self created) and believed that it came out from the earth without any efforts. It is believed that that in ancient time a lion roared daily near the temple in the morning and evening. There is also a beautiful statue of Nandi and snake god which is installed in front of the temple. Many saints came here time to time and meditate here.

History of the Temple

During the exile period of Pandavas, the brother Arjuna meditated hard for lord Shiva. Being pleased, lord Shiva appeared himself before Arjuna and told him for boon. Arjuna prayed lord Shiva to retain himself at this place in the form of Shiva linga for public welfare. Lord Shiva accepted his prayer and told him that one who worships him and pours water on the Shivling will be blessed and fulfilled with all his wishes.

The place where lord Shiva standing a shivling started to come out from the earth by itself. Coming out of the shivling from the earth leads to name Pataleshwar Mahadev.

It is told that every year on Shivratri the Shivlinga increases by an inch. That is why  Pataleshwar Mahadev shivling is unique in the world and has become the centre of religious faith for Hindus. On some height, the temple of  siddh Baba Balaknath temple is situated in front of Pataleshwar Mahadev. The devotees after worshipping shivling go to the Balaknath temple for darshan.

Festivals

The main festival is celebrated in Shravan month. People from nearby villages come here all the month for worship and pour water on the Shivlinga.

Shivratri-a fair on large scale is organized by the local people.

A bhandara is also arranged in Shivratri.

Places to visit

1. Panwata Sahib gurudwara

2. Nahan fort and places near Nahan

How to reach

Panwata Sahib lies on the nh-73 that connects the city of Chandigarh and Dehradun. There are frequent bus sevices from major cities of Himachal, Punjab and Haryana.

Accommodation

Panwata Sahib is the nearest city where one can stay. There are so many hotels and rest houses for comfortable stay.

Tarapith Temple, Rampurhat, Birbhum, West Bengal, India

Tarapith Temple, Tarapith, Rampurhat, District Birbhum, West Bengal, India

Location

[ Tarapith Main Temple ] 

Tarapith is a small village near Rampurhat town in the state of West Bengal. The temple here is dedicated to Maa Tara. It is a tantrik temple and deity of the tantric aspect is Maa Tara. The temple is a medium sized temple and situated adjacent to cremation ground ( Maha Smashan). It is among 52 Shaktipeethas of Sati cult. It is believed that this Sidhpeeth grants enlightment,wisdom, happiness and siddhees to her devotees. There are two idols of Maa Tara is installed in the temple which are in two forms.

[ Gentler Mother Form ]

One is mother some form and second is a fearsome form of Goddess. The stone idol is a mother some form in which Lord shiva as a child in the lap of Maa Tara, sucking milk from her breast. The other image is a metal image wearing garlands of skulls and protruding tongue. The forehead of the metal idol is adorned with red vermilion. The priest of the temple took a small amount of kumkum by his finger and apply on the foreheads of the devotees as a blessing of goddess.

[ Fearsome form ]

Legend

The legend behind the temple are many, but few are being described here.

1. It relates to the story of  Sati cult.  King Daksha Prajapati, father of Goddess Parvati, invited only his daughter in the Yagana organised by him. Lord Shiva was not invited. Parwati, the consort of Shiva felt it as her insult. Unable to bear this humiliation she gave up her life by jumping in to the fire of Yagna. Knowing about this tragic turn of events Lord Shiva went wild with anger.  Then Guardian of the universe, Lord Vishnu took the responsibilities to calm Lord Shiva. He decimated her body by Sudarshana chakra which fell on the earth in Indian subcontinent. It is said that the back (pitha) of sati fell here and this place became one of the Shakti peeth.

2. As per Hindu mythology, during the churning of the ocean the poison came out and no body was ready to consume it. Then to save the earth, Lord Shiva took the poison in his throat. By the intensity of the poison, burning started inside the throat of Lord Shiva. Then Sati in the form of Maa Tara, breast fed Lord Shiva to relieve him from burning sensation.

3. According to an another legend,  Sage Vshistha was her devotee and did deep meditation of her but not succeeded to please her. By the order of a divine voice he went to meet Lord Buddha. Buddha is supposed to be an avatar of Lord Vishnu as per Tibetan mythology. Buddha advised him to go to Tarapith , the abode of Tara and try to please Maa Tara by meditation. Then Sage Vashishtha did deep meditation by chanting  03 lac Tara mantra. Maa Tara became pleased from his devotion and appeared before him. But Sage told her to appear in the form of mother sucking her breast by Lord shiva. Tara then incarnated herself in that form as he wish and turned in to a stone idol. Since then this form of Maa Tara is being worshipped  in Tarapith.

In Bengal Kalighat, Tarapith and Nabdwip are known as pilgrimage of Bengali Hindus.

Puja and Rituals

This temple is an important place of worship forTantrik Sadhkas. The worship includes blood offerings and particular hymns sung and rituals of the cremation ground. The devotees offers coconut, banana, silk sarees, and whisky.

The mother form of Goddess is a soft and gentler aspect of Devi. The priests of the temple worship with great reverence to draw her motherly aspect from the fierce depiction for the welfare of devotees. For this they sung hymns and poems in her praise.

There is a tank very near to the temple, where the devotees took bath before and after entering the temple. The pond is believed to have a healing power and even can restore the life to the dead. A small quantity of blood of Goats in a bowl after sacrifice is offered to Goddess.

Animal Sacrifice

Animal sacrifice is a a daily procedure here. Generally Goats are sacrificed here at the place assigned for it and in the temple campus. The devotees who offer animal sacrifice seek blessings from goddess. They bathe the goat being sacrificed in the sacred tank over there. Then the goat after some rituals brought to the place of slaughtering. Then a small quantity of blood in a bowl is offered to Goddess and worshipped for happiness of their family

[ Slaughtering place ]

Cremation Ground (Maha Shmasan)

It is located on the river side and near to the temple. The cremation ground is believed to be the place of Tantrik Siddhi, hence an integral part of the Shaktipeeth. It is believed that Maa Tara in shadow form wanders in the cremation ground in night to fulfil her thirst of blood. Tantriks believe that cremation ground is the residence of Maa Tara who has attraction towards bones, skulls and skeleton.

[ Cremation Ground ] 

Bamakhepa, a Siddh tantrik

[ Bamakhepa ]

In 19 th century, a Sadhak named Bamakhepa was an ardent devotee of Maa Tara. There are two words in his name Bama and Khepa. Bama means a Saint who believed in left handed path ie Bammarg, a tantric way of worship and Khepa means ‘Mad’ in Bengali. He achieved many Siddhis by the grace of Mother Tara. He was perfect in yoga and Tantric Sadhana. People in distress came to him for blessings.in this way Bamakhepa can truly be said to have been a Holy mad man with supernatural power. A film in his name was also made and released in Bengal on his life history.

Where to Stay

Tarapith is a small town but due to the importance of this place as a pilgrimage the devotees visit this temple in good numbers on regular basis. There are many budget hotels are available there in Rampurhat town for a comfortable stay. Some of them are namely Amantran hotel, Sonar Bangala hotel, and hotel chakra nayan tara.

Places to Visit Nearby

Shantiniketan

A famous place of education Shantiniketan is located in Birbhum district of Bengal and easily approachable from Rampurhat. The university here is named as Vishwa Bharti University established by Rabindra Nath Tagore who called it the university that communion of the world with India. One should must visit this place.

[ View of Shantiniketan ]

How to Reach

By rail

Rampurhat is a railway station on eastern railway and well connected by railway network of India. From Howrah. and major   cities of Jharkhand, Bengal and Bihar direct trains are available to reach Rampurhat. .

By road

From Jharkhand and Bengal Rampurhat is well connected by good roads. But from Bihar public transport is not available frequently.but can reach here by his own car or hired taxi.

By air

There is no airport nearby. Hence journey by air is not is troublesome. 

Tara Devi Temple, Soghi, Shimla, Himachal Pradesh, India.

Tara Devi Temple, Shoghi, Shimla, Himachal Pradesh, India

Location

Tara Devi temple is located in Shoghi on the top of a hill named Tarav hill, 15 km west to the state capital town, Shimla of Himachal Pradesh. On Kalka – Shimla highway Shoghi is a small town and a narrow gauge railway station of Northern railway. It is also a beautiful place of tourism importance in Himachal. From Shoghi one can go to the temple by his own car, hired taxi or by a shared auto available from Shoghi.

From Shoghi to the temple one can enjoy the beauty of nature by sweet smelling of lush green forest of pine and breeze touching softly infusing a freshness and vigour in the devotees. After reaching the temple a superb panorama view of Shimla can be seen. It seems that Maa Tara sees every body from here and keeps everyone of the territory under her protection.

[ Maa Tara Temple]

[ View of Shimla] 

The temple is an ancient, about 250 years old. The main deity inside the temple is Maa Tara who is among the 9th youngest sister of Maa Durga. A wooden idol of Maa Tara is installed inside the temple. On Shardey Navratra a fair and festival is organised in which a large gathering is witnessed. Bhandara of Mata is also organised by the local villagers and their devotees.

Significance of Maa Tara form of Devi

Maa Tara literally means Star is the second among Maha Das Vidyas form of Durga. It is a Tantrik manifestation of Durga, Kali or Parwati.

As the star in the sky looks beautiful but continuously self com busting thing. Similarly Maa Tara is believed at core as the absolute, unquenchable hunger that propels the life of the creatures.

As per Hindu mythology Maa Tara and Kali are similar in appearance. Both have a fear full appearance in Hindi called Bhayankari.

[ Maa Tara Idol in Shoghi] 

Maa Tara is blue and Maa Kali is black in appearance wearing minimal clothing. Maa Tara wears a tiger skin where as Kali wears only a girdle of severed human arms.

As per Devi Bhagwat (a Hindu holy book) Maa Tara is one who created first seed from which the entire universe took birth in the form of Lord Narayana (Vishnu).

History of the Temple

The temple was constructed about 250 years ago by the King of the Sen dynasty of west Bengal. This ancient temple have a beautiful and attractive wooden idol of Tara Devi. it is believed that Maa Tara brought here from the eastern state of Bengal by the king of Sen dynasty. Maa Tara was his family Deity. The king used to wear a locket in his upper arm in which the image of Maa Tara was encased.

Later on the king established Kyonthal as his dynasty. In the 96Th generation Bhupendra Sen was the king of Kyonthal dynasty. One day he was hunting in the dense forest of Juggar nearby the present temple he experienced the presence of his family deity Maa Tara with her watchmen Bhairav and Lord Hanuman. He felt that Maa Tara ordered him to construct a temple of her and install my the idol in it. The king immediately donated 50 Bigha of Land and constructed a temple there and installed a beautiful wooden idol of Maa Tara.

Later on king Balbir Sen of the same dynasty had a dream in which Maa Tara directed him to installed her idol on the top of Tarav hill. Pandit Bhawani Datta, the priest of his family then ordered a famous artist of the area to prepare an Ashtadhatu idol of Maa Tara. Then this idol was installed on Tarav Parwat with proper rituals where it stands with all majesty and grandeur even today. 

Since then and even today the family members of Sen dynasty do puja and rituals with full vigour and enthusiasm on Shardey Navratra and organises a fair and bhandara in the temple premises.

During Navratra a special puja is organised here with a fair over here in which a large gathering is witnessed. Bhandara for all devotees is arranged on this occasion.

Temples to Visit Nearby

Jakhu Temple

[ A large statue of Lord Hanuman ]

Basically, the temple is dedicated to Lord Hanuman. It is believed that Lord Hanuman rested here during his long journey to Himalaya in search of sanjeevini booty for Lakshman. One should must visit this temple while in Shimla.

Sankatmochan Mandir

[ Sankat Mochan Mandir]

It is situated in the heart of Shimla town. An ancient and religious temple of Lord Hanuman.

Bheem Kali temple

[ Bheem Kali Temple ]

It is an ancient temple about 800 yrs old and one of the Shaktipeethas for the Shivaites constructed in Tibetan architectural style worth visiting.

How to reach

By Rail

Shoghi is a narrow gauge railway station on Kalka- Shimla route of northern railway. Get down at Shoghi station and take a auto or taxi to reach the temple.

By Road

Seoghi is situated on Kalka – Shimla highway at a distance of approximately 75 km. Buses from delhi, Chandigarh,and all major cities of Himachal, Punjab, Haryana ply regularly. Luxury buses are also available easily.

By air

Nearest air port is Shimla only 7 km away from Shogi. One can hire a taxi on the air port and reach easily Tara devi temple.

Timings

Timing to visit the temple is from 7.00 am to 6.30 pm daily.

Best time to Visit

Except the rainy season one can visit the temple through out the year. Shimla is an important tourist place and it is advised that one should must visit this temple while on tour to Shimla.

Where to Stay

Shimla is the capital town of Himachal. Hotels of every budget are available here for a comfortable stay.

Uchhaith Durga Temple, Uchhaith, Benipatty,Madhubani, Bihar, India.

Uchhaith Durga Temple, Uchhaith, Benipatty, Madhubani, Bihar, India.

Location

Uchhaith Durga Temple is located in the village, Uchhaith, subdivision Benipatty, district Madhubani in the state of Bihar. It is a famous temple of Mithila region and visited by a number of  deotees regularly

Devi Bhagwati is believed to be in Jagrat (awaken) state and a Siddhpeeth. In front of the main temple, a temple of Lord Shiva is situated along with small temples of other Gods constructed by the devotees time to time. There is a hall in the temple campus in which the images related to the life history of Kalidas are kept and maintained beautifully.

[ Temple of  Bhagwati]

[ C M of Bihar at the Temple ]

A tributory of River Kamla is flowing just below the temple. In the south east side of the temple there is a Sanskrit school known as the school of Kalidas (the great Poet) as per the villagers and survey records. It is believed that four Vedas were read and taught here in the ancient time.

There is a pond in the temple campus which was cleaned a few years ago and a number of images were found in it. The images were transferred to Patna museum for its historical importance.

The priest inside the temple are all of Vaishnava cult. The temple is their ancestral property. There is no trust or temple committee to maintain the temple. 

The ladies of the locality bring pitha made of flour and milk as a special offer for the Goddess on Vijaya Dashmi.

The earth of the temple campus is believed as a pious and powerful earth..The local people take away with him a small amount of earth, from the temple campus and make small Pindis (small globes) in there houses on the occasion of sacred thread (janeu) of their sons. 

A small amount of the earth is kept in Darbhanga at Mithila Institute of Post Graduate Studies and Research in Sanskrit.

Legend (Story of Kalidas)

According to a legend there was a Sanskrit school on the east side of the temple. A river Kamala was flowing in the middle of the school and the temple.

According to a story, Kalidas (the great poet) being neglected by his wife came to the school and appointed there as a cook. 

He was illiterate. After some time, in the rainy season heavy rain started which resulted, a severe flood in the river. The Puja, rituals evening lighting and Aarti were managed by the students of the school. But today, crossing the river in such a situation was felt impossible. Then they planned to send Kalidas for this work. They thought that he is a foolish and poor, so prepare him to go to the temple would not be difficult for them. Any how they convinced him and Kalidas became ready to go to the temple. They also told Kalidas to leave any mark in the temple as a proof of his presence 

Kalidas became agree and jumped in to such a swollen and turbulent water of the river and any how managed to cross it. He then went to the temple lighted the lamp and did Puja and rituals there. 

Now he started to think about the proof of his arrival to the temple. He saw that the roof above the lamp was black due to the burning of the lamp. He took some soot of the lamp and wanted to write some thing on the wall. But he found no space for it. 

Then he wanted to put it on the face of Maa Bhagawati. Mata Bhagwati then appeared before him and  hold his hand and told that I am pleased by your devotion that in such a flood you came here regardless of fear of life. 

She told him to ask whatever he wish. Now, he recalled the abuse of his wife for his foolishness and asked Devi to give him knowledge, education and wisdom. Devi then directed him to go to the school and touch as many books as he can. Immediately after this incident he returned to the school and touched all the books of Vedas and other holy books belonging to the students. 

In this way, he became a renowned scholar just by touching books. Later on, this great poet of Sanskrit wrote mahakavya like Kumashambhava, Raghubansa, and Meghdoota etc

According to an another legend famous among the locals, Late Maharajadhiraj Sir Rameshwar Singh of Darbhanga desired to reinstate the head of the image.

An order was passed and the head of the image was carved out. After that Maharajadhiraj had a dream that I am the creator of the world and you want to create my head, is it a right decision taken by you. 

This makes the Maharaja disturbed mentally. The same dream also happened to the Head priest of the temple. After a discussion it was decided to place the carved head beside the image, keeping usual offerings.  The stone head is still lying in the temple precincts and Puja and rituals are done in usual way.

How to Reach

By rail

Madhubani is the nearest railway station connected to the major cities of India. Direct trains for Delhi, Mumbai, Kolkata, are available from Madhubani.

By road

North Bihar have now good roads. one can reach here by his own car or taxi conveniently.

By air

Patna is the nearest airport. From Patna airport one can reach Mdhubani in 4 - 5 hours.

Where to Stay

Madhubani is a District town. Although star Hotels are not available, but medium and lower budget hotels are many. Madhubani is the main centre of Mithila culture. One can see and know about its beauty after a brief stay.

Must watch this Video:

Chhat Feitival in Mithila,Bihar, India.

Chhath Puja in Mithila (Bihar)

History in brief

Mithila, as described in Hindu Epic Ramayana, was the kingdom of King Janaka (also known as Videha). King Videha was not only a brave king but was also well versed in Vedas and Shashtras like Rishi Maharshi. He was a Karmyogi having no attachment with the luxury of the kingdom.

At present, almost half area of Bihar and few districts of Nepal is known as Mithila region.

Darbhaga is a district of Bihar and is the main centre of Mithila culture and its related activity. In Mithila tradition there are many festivals and fairs celebrated and enjoyed with gaiety, enthusiasm in his own style. Excluding the National festivals the main festivals of Mithila and Bihar is Chhat Puja. The history relates Chhath puja to the period of Mahabharat. It is believed that Karna, the son of Sun God started the rituals of Chhath Puja to Honor Sun God.

Chhath Puja

Chhat Puja is basically, worshipping Sun God on the sixth day of bright half of Hindi month Kartik, generally falls in October – November. It is also called Surya shashthi. The origin of this festival is Mithila and later on it spread ed in rest of Bihar and other states of India. Chhath is considered as thanks and gratitude to Sun God sustaining the life on earth and a request for granting of certain wishes of devotees. In Hindu belief Sun is among an important God and a source of energy.

It is a four days celebration which includes fasting, preparing prasad, rituals and other works. It is a festival in which cleanliness is must and maintained at every stage from beginning to the end.

Day 01 (Nahay Khay celebration)

On this day, the main devotee, or Chhath brati (mostly lady) take a holy dip in the river nearby preferably Ganga,or Kosi. Where there is no river, the devotees used to take bath at home. They bring water of holy river that is used in preparing special offerings. The house and its compound is cleaned properly in all respect. The main devotee or the Chhath brati is called Parvaitin. She is supposed to take meal once, on this day. It is the 4th day of the Hindi month Kartik.

[ Parvaitins bringing water ]

Day 02 (Panchami)

This day is also known as Kharna. Again, the house is cleaned properly. The main devotee observe fasting for the whole day and break the fast after sunset. Worshipping earth Goddess is performed at this time. The offerings prepared today are kheer (made of rice and milk), Puri, Banana. Raw sugar (gur) only is used to prepare any sweet item of the offering. This offering is called Kharna prsadam and distributed among the relatives and friends. The fast of the Chhath brati starts from this time which lasts for 36 hrs. This fast is so tough that even a mouthful water is not allowed to take during fast.

[ Prepairing Kharna Prasaddam ]

Day 03 (sanjhia aragia)

Sanjhia Arag, literally means the evening prayer of Sun God by pouring water in front of the setting Sun. On this 3rd day the whole family member spent their time in preparing prasadam which are the special one. Before preparing prasadam the utensils being used are washed and cleaned properly. A bath before entering the kitchen is must for everyone involved in preparing prasadam. The offering consists of deep fried sweet rolls of ground wheat flour which is called Thekua or khabouni by the locals. All types of fruits available in the market are brought as offering. Pieces of sugarcane and raw coconut is must in Chhath puja.

The prepared Prasadam and all fruits are kept in a type of container made of bamboo material called Soop. In the evening keeping all Soops in a big basket carried to the reservoir or a pond by one of the family member on his head. All the family members, relatives and neighbours with the parvaitins moves to the pond to make offerings to the setting Sun. Chhat songs are also commonly sung by the devotees. These songs reflects the history, culture and mythology of each state in which the ritual is performed.Though now a days the folk songs are replaced by remixed Bollywood songs.

[ Soops of prasadam] 

[ Kosi riuals]

Large numbers of devotees gathers on the bank of the chat ghat to receive blessings from Sun God and Parvaitin. The scene becomes like a carnival. There after they returned to home.

In the night of the third day witnesses a colourful event known as Kosi. A canopy is made from five sugarcane sticks and earthen lamp lighted below the canopy along with a basket full of prasadam. These five stick represents the five basic elements of nature from which the human body is formed. This ritual is specially performed by the family who had recently celebrated the occasion of a child birth or a marriage ceremony. Later on the lighted earthen lamp is carried to the pond in the morning of the fourth day for worshipping of rising Sun God.

[ chhath offerings] 

[ Lalu ji offering Arag ]

Day 04 (Bihania Aragh)

In the early morning of the fourth day, again go to the same place and in the same way for the morning offering. to Sun God The morning offering is called Bihania Aragh. 

The festival is concluded after the Parvaitin break her fast and Prasadam is distributed among the devotees, friends and relatives present at the chhhath Ghat.

Must watch this video

Murudeshwar Temple, Murudeshwar, Bhatkal, Uttara Kannada, Karnataka, India

Murudeshwar Temple, Murudeshwar, 

Taluka -  Bhatkal, Uttara Kannada, Karnatka, India

Location

Murudeshwara Temple is located in Murudeshwara town, taluka Bhatkal, district Uttara Kannada in Karnataka state of India. It is built on a small hill named Kanduka hill, which is surrounded by the Arabian sea, on three sides.

[123 ft tall Statue of Lord Shiva]

Murudeshwara is a railway station on Kokan railway,2 km away from the temple. The temple is dedicated to Lord Shiva and Murudeshwara is his another name.

The Lingam installed inside the temple is called ATMA LINGAM, (Soul of Shiva). It is believed the Hindu Gods achieved immortality and power by worshiping the devine Atma – Lingam.

The temple is modern and equipped with lift and other facilities generally required by the visitors. The sanctum sanctorum (Garbha Griha) was kept undisturbed and is in its original form even today. That is why, the sanctum is still dark. 

The devotees performing special pujas like Rudrabhisheka, Abhisheka and Radhotsva etc can see the deity standing before the threshold of the sanctum and the Lingam is illuminated by the oil lamps held close by the Priest. The Lingam is a rough rock stone inside a hollowed spot in the ground

Statue of Lord Shiva

There is a large statue of Lord Shiva, 123 ft in height is constructed in the temple complex which is considered as the 2ND tallest statue in the world.

The statue is constructed in such a style that direct sunlight falls on it which made it visible from a long distance. Originally the statue had four arms and was painted in gold paint but one arm having a small drum (Damru) is terminated by the strong wind. The two life size elephant are the guard of the temple at the entrance.

Raja Gopura

A twenty storied and 249 ft high Gopura is constructed over the temple.. The present temple and Gopura as stands now is constructed by a famous businessman and philanthropist R N Shetty of Karnataka. 

At the entrance, two life sized concrete elephant stands as the guard for the temple and Gopura.

[ A 20 Storied GOPURA ]

Meaning of Gopura

Gopura is a large monumental,and pyramidal tower usually constructed over the entrance gate of the temple especially in southern India.

Legend

The legend is almost similar to Baba Baidyanath Lingam Deoghar (Bihar). Murudeshwar, the another name of Shiva.is associated to the period of Lord Rama annd Ravana.

Ravana, the Lanka king wanted to be immortal and powerful by the blessings of Lord Shiva by achieving the Atma - lingam to be installed it in Lanka.

He started deep meditation of Lord Shiva and succeeded to please Him. Lord Shiva is known as most generous Hindu God and is well known for his generosity.

Lord Shiva then appeared before him an asked what he want. Ravana then asked Lord Shiva that he want to establish Atma Lingam at Lanka. At this, Lord Shiva became agree and permitted him to carry with a condtion that it (Atma – Lingam) should not be placed over the ground during the course of his journey to Lanka. Ravana then became agree for it.

All Gods get worried by this happening. Lord Vishnu being the guardian of the universe thought athat if Ravana succeeded in his aim, he may obtain immortality and create havoc on the earth. He then directed Sage Narada to prevent Ravana from carrying Lingam to Lanka.

Lord Vishnu then blocked the Sun to make it appear as dusk. This was the time of doing his rituals for Lord Shiva. As planned by Sage Narada, Lord Ganesha appeared before him in guise of a Brahmin. Ravana then requested him to hold the Lingam till the time of his rituals..

Lord Ganesha warned him that he would call him thrice, if not appeared in time then he would place the Lingam on the earth. As predicted, Ravana could not return in time. Ganesha had already placed the Lingam on the ground. Lord Vishnu then removed the illusion and it was day light again. 

Knowing about the trick, Ravana became angry and tried to damage or uprooted the Lingam from the ground, but he could not Due to the force exerted by Ravana, some pieces scattered and fell down at Suratkal. resulting a temple at this place and named Sadashiva temple

Now Ravana started to damage the covering, lid and, case of Atma Lingam and threw them one by one. Sajjeshwar, Guneshwar, Dhareshwar are the temples constructed where these articles fell down.

Finally Ravana threw the cloth covering of the Lingam to a place which was known as Mrideshwara. Mrideshwara is now known as Murudeshwara.

.

Places to visit Nearby 

Murudeshwara temple is treated as a popular pilgrimage centre in south India. It is also a place of tourist interest due to its natural beauty and a picturesque site. The sea on three sides and a small hill having temple on it is a place to watch the sunset. Beautiful beach and Netrani island provides boating, snorkeling, and scuba diving opportunities.

[ Sea Beach]

The visitors become spellbound while watching the spectacular scenery of the Shiva statue and the surrounding exotic location.

Murudeshwara Fort, Sirsi, Karwar, Gokarna, Kollur, Udapi, Manglore, Dharmashthala and Subrmanya are the nearby attractions worth visiting.

.

How to Reach

By rail

Murudeshwar is a railway station on konkan railway and is only 2 km away from the temple. Some of the trains from Mumbai and Manglore stop here. But from Banglore one has to take train for Bhatkal.

By Road

From                    Distance

Banglore               455 km

Manglore              162 km

Shimoga               188 km

Hubli                    219 km

Panjim                  214 km

The distance above is by road. Roads are good and well connected from major cities of India

By air

Manglore International airport is 165 km away. Hubli and Panjim airport are the two alternatives.

Best time to Visit

Winter season is always supposed to be the best time to visit those area situated near sea. Hence November to February is the best time.

Mata Janki Temple, Janakpurdham (Janakpur), Dhanusha, Nepal.

Mata Janki Temple, Janakpurdham (Janakpur), Dhanusha , Nepal

Location

Mata Janki temple is located at Janakpur (also called Janakpurdham), district Dhanusha in Nepal. It is an important tourist destination in tarai plain of Himalaya.

Janki Temple

The temple is situated in the centre of the town. Janakpur is called DHAM indicating this religious place in the category of Hindu pilgrimage.

As he name indicates, this temple is dedicated to Mata Janki (Sita), who was the consort of Lord Rama. Janki temple is regarded as the most important religious site of the town. Janakpur is also characterised by the presence of numerous ponds and are considered sacred. At present most of them dried up or were encroached due to mismanaged urbanization, killing the beauty of the ancient heritage.This historical town houses many ancient temples,monasteries, arts and crafts of many deities.

The temple is also known as Naulakha temple as nine lakhs rupees of that time was the construction cost of the temple.

Importance of this Region

Janakpur is the region from where the famous Mithila culture originated. In the ancient time Janakpur was the capital of the Mithila kingdom, ruled by King Janak who was also named as Videha.

This place is rich in terms of cultural and religious heritages from the ancient time. It is known as the birthplace of Mata Sita. Mithila is deeply associated with our Hindu holy epic Ramayana.

Mithila has given many legend like Vidyapati, Mandan Mishra, Nagarjuna. Madhubani paintings  of Mithila is famous world wide. The spoken Maithili is heart touching with pleasant in hearing even without knowing the meaning. Chhat Puja (worshiping Sun God) was originated from Mithila.

A Saint Shurkishore Das Nepali was the founder of modern Janakpur. He was a great poet and devotee of Goddess Sita. He wrote Sita upnishad which contains the process of Puja and rituals.

About the Temple

The kingdom of Nepal and Queen Vrish Bhanu of Tikamgarh provided aid to Gorkha soldier General Amar Singh Thapa to build the temple in 1910 AD. It is called that Goddess Sita was found from the earth at the very spot and to commemorate her birth a temple was constructed at this place.

The architects of the temple resembles to Mogul – Rajput architecture style in Nepal. The huge temple has 60 rooms, stages, prayer rooms,stores, and sitting rooms. Fully built in bright white marble and constructed in the area of 4860 sft. The domes of the temple are in mixed style of Islamic and Rajput culture. It is a three story temple being 50 m in height.

All the rooms inside the temple are well decorated .The temple is adorned with artistic engravings, paintings, with beautiful lattice windows and turrets.

The sactum houses the idols of Lord Rama, Mata Sita and other related deities..

Legend

The legend is narrated in Hindu epic Ramayana. According to it Mata Janki is described as the daughter of Earth Goddess and adopted by King Janak and Queen Sunaina.

King Janak found her while ploughing as a part of Yagna. Mata Janki is also known as Vaidehi, Maithili, Sita and she is the central female character in Hindu epic Ramayana. Lord Ram is supposed to be the Avatar of Lord Vishnu and Sita as Avatar of Mata Lakshmi.

Sita is an ideal example of dedication, self sacrifice, courage and purity. According to Rigveda Sita is a Goddess who blesses the land with good crop.

Festivals

There are many festivals organised here in which the devotees from India Nepal and locals gathers in large numbers. The main festivals are -Ram Noami - is the birthday of Lord Ram, Vivah Panchami – the day commemorates the marriage of Lord Ram and Mother Sita 

The idol of Ram and Sita in the form of a procession is circulated around the town with joy and vigour. The devotees in thousands from India and Nepal participate in these procession every year.

Best time to visit

September to March is the best season to visit Janakpur as the weather is pleasant and several festivals fall during this period.

Places to Visit Nearby

Ratna Sagar Temple

Ratna Sagar pond is situated at a walking distance from Ramanand chowk, a landmark of the town. It is supposed to be the most sacred pond having a beautiful garden all around. Ratnasagar temple is on the bank of the pond in which beautiful idols of Ram-Sita are installed.

Shri Sankatmochan Temple

At a distance of 10 Mt's walk, this temple is dedicated to Lord Hanuman and is famous in the surrounding area. The people believe that worshipping at the temple fulfils the desire of the devotees.

Dulha Dulhi Temple

[ Ram Sita as Bride-Groom ]

The idols of deities Ram Sita in form of bride- groom is installed here.The idols are kept in a huge glass box looks attractive.

Ram Mandir

The temple is located in between Janki temple and Dhanush Sagar. Huge fairs are organised here on Ram Nawami, Vivah Panchami and Chhat Puja.

Vivah Mandapam

This is the place where marriage ceremony is celebrated every year on Vivah Panchami. 

[ Vivah Mandapam ]

Dhanusha Dham

A huge rock, in the shape of a part of a bow is believed to be the part of the broken Shiv Dhanush. There is also a huge pond here called Dhanush Sagar

How To Reach

By Rail

[ Janakpur Railway Train as usually seen ]

Jaynagar is a railway station of Indian railway connecting Delhi and rest of India. From Jaynagar a narrow gauge train for Janakpur is operational being the only train connecting India and Nepal. Travelling by this train may be a unique experience in one's life.

By air

Janakpur has a domestic airport with most of the flights connects it to Kathmandu.

By Road

Nepal has good roads. One can enter Nepal by any check post on the boarder. Buses from every major cities of Nepal are available for janakpur.

Where To Stay

Janakpur has many good hotels and restaurants which offers food and accommodation on genuine rates. Some of them are- Hotel Manaki, Hotel Welcome, Hotel Rama, Hotel Sita Palace, Hotel Adarsh, Hotel Sitasaran, Hotel Janki Batika Palace.etc.

There are also cheaper lodges and Dharamshalas, available for stay. Pagal Baba Dharmshala is famous one at Janakpur.