tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-36142479966567675362024-03-17T20:03:15.144-07:00Punitha YatraYatra to Kashi - A Journey which draws people to the River Ganges, with an ingrated belief that these waters can absolve the sins of many generations. This Blog of mine is an attempt to Unfloding and Celebrating the Ritual Contact with the Holy Ganges. This Blog is also a guide to performing the Hindu Rites in the Right way.Let us go on a pilgrimage to the holy city within Banaras called "Kashi" - The City of Light...Jolly Rhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09360932879231762916noreply@blogger.comBlogger87125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3614247996656767536.post-53250529801738914662012-03-26T22:54:00.001-07:002012-03-26T22:56:25.702-07:00Holy Kshetram of Mathru Gaya<div><span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">Recently a friend of mine had an opportunity to visit <b>Mathru Gaya Kshetram</b> to perform sacred rites for his Mother. Besides this, many of my associates have been enquiring about this <b>Holy Kshetram</b>. For the benefit of all those who would like to know more on this, I give below the details of this Holy Kshetram, which I am sure will be of great help to one and all<b> </b>who wish to perform the rites for their<b> Mother. </b><br />
<b>About the Holy Kshetram - Mathru Gaya in Siddhpur:</b></span></div><div><span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><br />
</span></div><div><b><span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">Bindu Sarovara</span></b></div><div><span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><br />
In Hindu Philosophy several holy places have come up on the banks of sacred rivers and lakes which are religiously known as Theerthas. Most prominent and ancient among these several holy lakes five of them are known as <b>Pancha Sarovar</b>. They are,<br />
</span><br />
<ul><li><b><span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">Manasa Sarovara [Tibet]</span></b></li>
<li><b><span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">Pushkara Sarovara [Rajasthan]</span></b></li>
<li><b><span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">Bindu Sarovara [Siddhpur - Gujarat]</span></b></li>
<li><b><span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">Narayana Sarovara [Kutch, Gujarat]</span></b></li>
<li><b><span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">Pampa Sarovara [Near Hampi - Karnataka]</span></b></li>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjc2mIbFDC58Jv_0tyejy-KvAYVyFEFJlnmZEiBav28smvC6D7gv3BPtTdgy3ueKEWdepWpUZrbaECKB8YETm_DS1wIEcYgs_ncTRbgHzDVuJ1qDYPa3OIWigoRKWlZdmCR7MJ1jbHY-KU/s1600/Bindu+Sarovara-Mathru+Gaya1.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjc2mIbFDC58Jv_0tyejy-KvAYVyFEFJlnmZEiBav28smvC6D7gv3BPtTdgy3ueKEWdepWpUZrbaECKB8YETm_DS1wIEcYgs_ncTRbgHzDVuJ1qDYPa3OIWigoRKWlZdmCR7MJ1jbHY-KU/s640/Bindu+Sarovara-Mathru+Gaya1.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: small;">A view of the people performing rites in<br />
Mathru Gaya - Siddhpur </span></td></tr>
</tbody></table><div><b style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">Bindu Sarovar </b><span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">is glorified with the incarnation of</span><b style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"> Lord Sri Maha Vishnu as Sri Kapila Mahamun</b><span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">i on its banks, sanctified as the </span><b style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">Tapo Bhoomi of Sage Kardhama Prajapathi</b><span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">, the holy place where</span><b style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"> Sri Kapilaacharya had preached Moksha Gnana [Saankhya philosophy] to his Mother</b><span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">, and </span><b style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">celestial place where Devahuti attained salvation.</b><span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"> </span><b style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">Literally Bindu means a drop and Sarovar means a lake</b><span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">.</span><b style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"> It was known as a Lake of Drops [Bindu Sarovar] where tears of Lord Sri Maha Vishnu are believed to have fallen in this lake</b><span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">. </span><b style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">Bindu Sarovar is considered as holy as Triveni Sangam at Allahabad</b><span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">. </span><i style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">There are three sacred water ponds around here known as Gnana Vapi, Alpa river and Bindu Sarovar. Generally we find people taking bath in Bindu Sarovar before performing the sacred rites which is considered as highly meritorious.</i></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi6uglAo4hHQKedDPvXoUbCEOtmwfqX35rXWykuOdk57-mQGBS3KZ23LrLSh61TFa3pfMXYaVpHL7e2a74HJRB5vVR19IZkCCZjl7eRwU0c8DtCE3Datqk_44ItjP865u07ok1TpBoxh3s/s1600/Bindu+Sarovara-Another+View-Mathru+Gaya2.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi6uglAo4hHQKedDPvXoUbCEOtmwfqX35rXWykuOdk57-mQGBS3KZ23LrLSh61TFa3pfMXYaVpHL7e2a74HJRB5vVR19IZkCCZjl7eRwU0c8DtCE3Datqk_44ItjP865u07ok1TpBoxh3s/s640/Bindu+Sarovara-Another+View-Mathru+Gaya2.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: small;">Another view of Mathru Gaya - Siddhpur</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table><div><span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">Along the shore of the Bindu Sarovar we find the</span><b style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"> temples of Sri Kapila Mahamuni, Sage Kardhama Prajapathi, Devahuti, where earlier existed their hermitages</b><span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">. We also find a </span><b style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">temple of Gaya Gadhadhara</b><span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"> in the same line. On the opposite side we find</span><b style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"> a temple of Lord Shiva</b><span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"> and also other </span><b style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">temples of Hindu Deities. </b><span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">On the banks of Bindu Sarovara near the</span><b style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"> Moksha Peepal Tree</b><span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"> we find an image of</span><b style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"> Lord Parashuram offering Pinda Daan to his Mother.</b><span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"> Since then it is believed to have become a tradition to perform sacred rites to a Mother at this place.</span></div><div><span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><br />
Known to be famous as <b>Mathru Gaya Kshethram, </b>Bindu Sarovar at Siddhpur has acquired lot of religious and spiritual significance with Hindus from across the country visiting this place to perform sacred rites to their departed Mothers.<b> It is the only place in India where we find Hindus performing Mathru Shraaddha exclusively by offering Pinda Pradhanam.</b></span></div></div><div><span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiw35yLOU9CAy4VtiXIU_yawGLzt8WT-3XBQFRXzAMTdVogrORDtpybbcYCrjRSer77HC4-mT3NGXFDEwws7XPrJPd3cLOBARj-DzfzzSddaSOYurPQXeI6CTpjsD_IVvYWIF1PElXjcVg/s1600/Image+f+Lord+Parashurama+offering+PindaDaan-Mathru+Gaya4.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiw35yLOU9CAy4VtiXIU_yawGLzt8WT-3XBQFRXzAMTdVogrORDtpybbcYCrjRSer77HC4-mT3NGXFDEwws7XPrJPd3cLOBARj-DzfzzSddaSOYurPQXeI6CTpjsD_IVvYWIF1PElXjcVg/s640/Image+f+Lord+Parashurama+offering+PindaDaan-Mathru+Gaya4.JPG" width="480" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: small;">Parasuramar offering Pinda Daan-<br />
Mathru Gaya</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table><div><span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">Certain positions in the Nature have surfaced a point of level that can never be encroached upon and have to be recognized with due respect without any compromise. One such position is that of a Mother and Father, next comes the Guru. Prime importance is given to the worship of parents across the world in any religion or philosophy and more so in Hindu </span><span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">Dha</span><span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">rma.</span><span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"> </span><b style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">The famous sloka Mathru Devo Bhava, Pitru Devo Bhava, Aacharya Devo Bhava and Athithi Devo Bhava</b><i style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">, </i><b style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">is just an example of how much significance is given to these four elements of human life whose worship is considered as equivalent to the worship of God</b><i style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">.</i><span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"> We have many examples in our Hindu philosophy where several sages, devotees, great personalities, and even the incarnations of Lord Sri ManNarayana have glorified the significance of this dictum which has not changed over ages. Lord Sri Rama is quoted as the best example of putting into practice this Sanatana Dharma Sutra.</span></div><div><span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><br />
<i>In this order a Mother is given the first and the foremost prominence,</i> a unique and sacred place that can never be filled by any other element. A Mother is depicted as an epitome of benevolence, love and affection. She, with all her struggles bears a child in her womb for nine months before he/she is blessed with life in this world. She is considered as the first Guru [teacher] of a child and the one who introduces the father to a child. Hindu Dharma has given highest prominence to the role of a Mother and Father and prescribes worship of parents even after they leave this world by performing Pitru Yagna [performing sacred rites to the departed souls] by their descendants.<br />
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<div><span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><b>The uniqueness and significance of Siddhpur known as Mathru Gaya:</b></span></div><div><span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><br />
</span></div><div><span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">It is a pious place located on the banks of mythological holy river Saraswathi and the sacred lake Bindu Sarovar. It is a sacred place where Sage Kardhama did severe penance for 10000 divine years and had the darshanof Lord Sri Maha Vishnu. It is a holy place where Divine parents Sage Kardhama also known as Kardhama Prajapathi and his wife Devahuti livedand performed penance for several years. It is a place of adoration whereSri Kapilaacharya also known as Sri Kapila Bhagavan a philosophicincarnation of Lord Maha Vishnu was born to the Divine parents SageKardhama Prajapathi and Devahuti.</span></div><div><span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><br />
</span></div><div><span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"> It is a virtuous place where Sri Kapila Bhagavantha the founder and exponent of Saankhya Philosophy hadpreached Divine Knowledge to his Mother Devahuti. It is a Divine place where Devahuti attained Siddhi and Salvation and thenceforth the place came to be known as Siddhipada which in course of time referred as Siddhpur. It is also said to be the place where Lord Sri Parashurama the dynamic avathara of Lord Sri Maha Vishnu, performed sacred rites to his Mother. </span></div><div><span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><br />
</span></div><div><span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">With so much of holiness associated with the<b> Divine Mother</b>, the place popularly came to be known as <b>Mathru Gaya, the Siddhi Kshetram</b> the place which has given <b>Siddhi and Salvation [Moksha] to a Mother.</b> Lot of significance lies behind performing sacred rites exclusively to a Mother at this place. It is one of the holiest places in North Gujarat which is frequented most often by Hindus.</span></div></div><div><span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgVT8clL8D_LeXeXVrZwyCzmSgoouDWPepJiZq6cmUS3A0B6rBs_vabXxujMv1i76ZGuJfGYHEuGvqN-Mp-nDcKiIwUug9bYQa5hcJOSoQ20tJp7CoECF7RKaMKDYDynUqJaazXa4Mcinc/s1600/Moksha+Peepal+Tree-Mathru+Gaya5.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgVT8clL8D_LeXeXVrZwyCzmSgoouDWPepJiZq6cmUS3A0B6rBs_vabXxujMv1i76ZGuJfGYHEuGvqN-Mp-nDcKiIwUug9bYQa5hcJOSoQ20tJp7CoECF7RKaMKDYDynUqJaazXa4Mcinc/s640/Moksha+Peepal+Tree-Mathru+Gaya5.JPG" width="480" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: small;">The Moksha Peepal Tree - Mathru Gaya</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table><div><span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">As a part of getting discharged from </span><b style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">Pitru Rina</b><span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"> [that also includes </span><b style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">Mathru Rina</b><span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">] it is incumbent on the part of every Hindu to perform Pitru Yagna. Apart from performing these sacred rituals to the departed souls at periodical intervals on a regular basis, performing them at certain specified places has acquired lot of significance in Pitru Yagna and is considered as highly meritorious. In the process of performing such sacred rites at prominent places we find people visiting places like </span><b style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">Kasi, Gaya, Prayag, Rameswaram etc</b><span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">. and perform sacred rites to their forefathers that also include maternal spirits. </span></div><div><span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><br />
</span></div><div><b style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">Sri Kapilaacharya:</b></div><div><div><span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><br />
</span></div><div><span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><b>Lord Sri Maha Vishnu</b> had undertaken several incarnations out of which, 21 are considered to be the most important. Sri Kapilaacharya also known as<b> Sri Kapila Muni or Sri Kapila Bhagavan </b>was one of those 21 incarnations of <b>Lord Sri ManNarayana</b>. This incarnation took place during the Vedic period in Krita Yuga also known as <b>Sathya Yuga</b>. He was born to Sage Kardhamaand his wife Devahuti daughter of Swayambhuva Manuvu. It was a philosophic avathara meant for the purpose <b>of giving Siddhi [DivineKnowledge] to his Mother.</b> The Divine knowledge [Aatma Gnana], the path of self-realization preached by Sri Kapila Maha Muni to his Mother Devahutiis known as <b>Saankhya philosophy</b>. After inducting the <b>Divine knowledge to his Mother</b>, Sri Kapilaacharya left his hermitage at Bindu Sarovar having fulfilled his mission</span></div></div><div><span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiaYP4uzVpqq9kqgxti75LYa2bF-ObIeFRBQda2-vJ68b2FRGvyB4Gu7vI3HJPRe2drpDUGOu3y3BjxGMVSvq7rUqfG2vnE8XTjYoJe0Ynt3W_NHUVCbFiwIch6JnvTgPR2aTt2YAnwapQ/s1600/Temple+of+Sri+Kapila+Bhagavan-Mathru+Gaya3.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiaYP4uzVpqq9kqgxti75LYa2bF-ObIeFRBQda2-vJ68b2FRGvyB4Gu7vI3HJPRe2drpDUGOu3y3BjxGMVSvq7rUqfG2vnE8XTjYoJe0Ynt3W_NHUVCbFiwIch6JnvTgPR2aTt2YAnwapQ/s640/Temple+of+Sri+Kapila+Bhagavan-Mathru+Gaya3.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: small;">Temple of Sri Kapila Bhagavan - Mathru Gaya</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table><div><span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"></span><br />
<div><span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><b>Sri Kapila Maha Muni</b> is indirectly responsible for the descending of the Holyriver Ganges to the Earth due to a curse given by him to the sons of Sagarathat eventually led to the severe penance performed by Bhageeratha for thedescent of holy River Ganges. Kapila Theertham at the foothills of Tirumalais also associated with Sri Kapilaacharya and it is said that the Sri Kapila Mahamuni lived at this place and performed penance. The holy lake formed at this place came to be known as Kapila Theertham. Pilgrims visiting Tirumala make it a point to visit Sri Kapila Theertham before visiting Tirumala temple. The place is also sanctified by the presence of Lord Shiva known here as Sri Kapileshwara</span></div><div style="font-weight: bold;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><br />
</span></div></div><div><span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"></span><br />
<div style="font-weight: bold;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">Sage Kardhama and Devahuti:</span></div><div style="font-weight: bold;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><br />
</span></div><div><span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">Sage Kardhama was one of the greatest sages hailing from the early periodof creation and was also known as Kardhama Prajapathi. He was Brahma Manasa Puthra [mind born son]. He did severe penance for 10000 divineyears on the banks of holy river Saraswati and had the darshan of Lord Sri Maha Vishnu. As per the Lord’s direction Sage Kardhama married Devahuti the daughter of Swayambhuva Manuvu and Satharoopa Devi. The sage couple had initially nine female children and Sri Kapila Mahamuni was born as the 10th child. After the birth of Sri Kapila Mahamuni and after getting his daughters married, Sage Kardhama left his hermitage on the banks of Bindu Sarovar for renunciation. After initiation into the Tatva Gnana by his Divine son Sage Sri Kapila Mahamuni, Devahuti started practicing Saankhya Yoga and ultimately attained salvation on the banks of holy Lake Bindu Sarovar.</span></div><div style="font-weight: bold;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><br />
</span></div></div><div><span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><i>This is one such place which is exclusively dedicated to performing sacred rites to a Mother - which is Siddhpur in Gujarat State, also known as Mathru Gaya Kshetram. </i></span></div><div><span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><br />
It is said that you perform the rites on the same Thithi or on any day which is convenient to you. You may find the contact details of the Pandits who will be of help to you in performing these rites at the end of my Posting.<br />
</span><span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><b><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><b>From Chennai you have to reach Ahmadabad f</b>rom where you have trains/buses to go to Siddhpur. If you are passing through Bangalore you have a direct train from Bangalore to Jodhpur via Siddupur. For more details you may refer to</span><u style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"> <a href="http://www.irctc.co.in/" style="color: #1155cc;" target="_blank">www.irctc.co.in</a></u></div><div><span style="color: #222222; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><br />
</span></div><div><span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><b style="background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.917969); color: #222222;">Mathru Gaya [Siddhpur] - Location:</b><br style="background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.917969); color: #222222;" /><br style="background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.917969); color: #222222;" /><span style="background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.917969); color: #222222;"><b>Mathru Gaya famously known as Siddhpur [Bindu Sarovar] i</b>s located in the historical town of Siddhpur on the <b>banks of Vedic river Saraswathi in the Patan district of North Gujarat on the Ahmadabad </b>– Delhi route on the National Highway # 8B. The place is well known for cultivation of Jeera and Isabgol. The place Siddhpur is one of the most attractive tourism, religious, spiritual and heritage sites of Gujarat State. It is located at a distance of about 115 km to the Northwest of Ahmadabad and 27 km to the east of its district head quarters Patan.</span><br style="background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.917969); color: #222222;" /><br style="background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.917969); color: #222222;" /><span style="background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.917969); color: #222222;">Historically Siddhpur was under the rule of Solanki Empire later destroyed by the Muslim rulers. The place is also famously known for historical temple called Rudra Mahalaya which was damaged during Muslim invasion and only ruins are available now still attracting the tourists. The tourist value of Siddhpur is enhanced not only by its religious and spiritual significance but also by virtue of its heritage and culture.</span><br style="background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.917969); color: #222222;" /><br style="background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.917969); color: #222222;" /><b style="background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.917969); color: #222222;">How to reach Siddhpur</b><br style="background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.917969); color: #222222;" /><br style="background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.917969); color: #222222;" /><b style="background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.917969); color: #222222;">By Road</b><br style="background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.917969); color: #222222;" /><br style="background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.917969); color: #222222;" /><span style="background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.917969); color: #222222;">Distances from Ahmadabad</span><br style="background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.917969); color: #222222;" /><span style="background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.917969); color: #222222;">Siddhpur [115 km] - Patan [140 km] – Modhera [119 km] Mehsana [70 km]</span><br style="background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.917969); color: #222222;" /><br style="background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.917969); color: #222222;" /><span style="background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.917969); color: #222222;">Distances from Siddhpur to nearby places</span><br style="background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.917969); color: #222222;" /><span style="background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.917969); color: #222222;">Mehsana [45 km] - Unjha [30 km] - Patan [27 km]</span><br style="background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.917969); color: #222222;" /><br style="background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.917969); color: #222222;" /><span style="background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.917969); color: #222222;">Siddhpur is well connected by road from all important major town and cities of Gujarat. Regular bus services are available from Ahmadabad and Mehsana to Siddhpur. One can also reach Siddhpur by taxi/cab from Ahmadabad in about two hour journey.</span><br style="background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.917969); color: #222222;" /><br style="background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.917969); color: #222222;" /><b style="background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.917969); color: #222222;">By Rail</b><br style="background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.917969); color: #222222;" /><span style="background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.917969); color: #222222;">Siddhpur is on the railway map of India on the Ahmadabad – New Delhi railway line connecting major cities and towns a journey of about 3 hours from Ahmadabad.</span><br style="background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.917969); color: #222222;" /><br style="background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.917969); color: #222222;" /><span style="background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.917969); color: #222222;"><b>By Air</b></span><br style="background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.917969); color: #222222;" /><span style="background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.917969); color: #222222;">Nearest airport is Ahmadabad 120 km from Siddhpur which is well connected by air with all the major cities in India.</span><br style="background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.917969); color: #222222;" /><br style="background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.917969); color: #222222;" /><span style="background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.917969); color: #222222;"><b>On Where to Stay</b></span></span></div><div><span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><br style="background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.917969); color: #222222;" /><span style="background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.917969); color: #222222;">It is a small town with a population of about 20000 where Dharmashalas and guest houses are available in Siddhpur. Since it is nearer to Ahmadabad [about 2 hours drive] one can easily get back to the city after a days visit to Siddhpur. Nearest towns available for stay are Mehsana, Patan and Modhera.</span><br style="background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.917969); color: #222222;" /><br style="background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.917969); color: #222222;" /><span style="background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.917969); color: #222222;"><b>On What to do</b></span></span></div><div><span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><br style="background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.917969); color: #222222;" /><span style="background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.917969); color: #222222;">Siddhpur is the only place in India where Mathru-Shraaddha is performed exclusively. Generally lots of people visit this place during the Lunar month of Kartheeka Masam to perform Mathru ceremonies. These sacred rites are performed on the banks of Bindu Sarovara. Purohits/Priests are available at Bindu Sarovar and one can engage them according to their philosophy and faith for performing the sacred rites.</span><br style="background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.917969); color: #222222;" /><br style="background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.917969); color: #222222;" /><span style="background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.917969); color: #222222;">For the followers of Madhwa philosophy there is availability of Uttaradhi Mutt within the vicinity of Bindu Sarovar where good infrastructure facilities are available for stay [dormitories] and also for performance of rituals.</span><br style="background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.917969); color: #222222;" /><br style="background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.917969); color: #222222;" /><span style="background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.917969); color: #222222;"><b>Contact details:</b></span></span></div><div><span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><br style="background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.917969); color: #222222;" /><span style="background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.917969); color: #222222;">Sri Uttaradhi Mutt</span><br style="background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.917969); color: #222222;" /><span style="background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.917969); color: #222222;">Sri Kapila Madhwa Bhavan</span><br style="background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.917969); color: #222222;" /><span style="background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.917969); color: #222222;">Bindu Sarovar road</span><br style="background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.917969); color: #222222;" /><span style="background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.917969); color: #222222;">Teen Darvaza, Siddhpur -384151 [NG]</span><br style="background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.917969); color: #222222;" /><span style="background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.917969); color: #222222;">Gujarat State (India)</span><br style="background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.917969); color: #222222;" /><span style="background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.917969); color: #222222;">Contact Person: Sri Sameera Acharya Kouligi</span><br style="background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.917969); color: #222222;" /><span style="background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.917969); color: #222222;">Contact # 098258-79729 & 099139-77247</span></span></div>Jolly Rhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09360932879231762916noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3614247996656767536.post-44720772343522916612012-01-21T01:25:00.000-08:002012-01-21T01:26:08.665-08:00Sandhyavanadam Discourse<div style="text-align: justify;"></div><div style="line-height: 19px;"><span style="font-family: 'Lucida Grande', Verdana, Arial, sans-serif;"></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhSyPCkCCwmypDlmWe8uoXD-LJkEKhjDCxTmnkMIu-FUUAijeDCI-Uq9qc8mIvmALRAKaD_KyppvNh6TN8w_DNlfDmuZAwhYMUfmeWRlfEdgqgDq6_SXJAZc_nsp9f1eyoblRriU_NLHIM/s1600/M01.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhSyPCkCCwmypDlmWe8uoXD-LJkEKhjDCxTmnkMIu-FUUAijeDCI-Uq9qc8mIvmALRAKaD_KyppvNh6TN8w_DNlfDmuZAwhYMUfmeWRlfEdgqgDq6_SXJAZc_nsp9f1eyoblRriU_NLHIM/s320/M01.jpg" width="256" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: small;">The Importance of Sandhyavandanam</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table><span style="font-family: 'Lucida Grande', Verdana, Arial, sans-serif;">I present to you here </span><i style="font-family: 'Lucida Grande', Verdana, Arial, sans-serif;">Sandhyavandanam</i><span style="font-family: 'Lucida Grande', Verdana, Arial, sans-serif;"> – A Discourse by </span><i style="font-family: 'Lucida Grande', Verdana, Arial, sans-serif;">Shri Krishna Premi.</i><span style="font-family: 'Lucida Grande', Verdana, Arial, sans-serif;"> This Discourse is in Tamil Audio mp3, runs for 2 hours.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: 'Lucida Grande', Verdana, Arial, sans-serif;">I am sure this will definitely be of interest to one and all.</span><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjge6ZpJTaKSGJqrBBnV4oA8ispIPhckM5UNTXZPnuqfgD81g6QU_ZsiA3X8Bdi_0wHgF0PwftlT9-v15xk8pMQq9ycuC4f9wjf6WjlQV7T7qhfLbLI0jrDtGElTmF81TVRP-X8duhlQkg/s1600/A01.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjge6ZpJTaKSGJqrBBnV4oA8ispIPhckM5UNTXZPnuqfgD81g6QU_ZsiA3X8Bdi_0wHgF0PwftlT9-v15xk8pMQq9ycuC4f9wjf6WjlQV7T7qhfLbLI0jrDtGElTmF81TVRP-X8duhlQkg/s320/A01.jpg" width="256" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: small;">Shri Krishna Premi</span></td></tr>
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><span style="font-family: 'Lucida Grande', Verdana, Arial, sans-serif;">You may click on the link below to hear the Discourse:</span><br />
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<span style="background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.917969); color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px;">"</span><a href="http://soundcloud.com/thapas/sandhyavandhanam-upanyasam" style="background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.917969); color: #1155cc; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px;" target="_blank">http://soundcloud.com/thapas/<wbr></wbr>sandhyavandhanam-upanyasam</a><span style="background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.917969); color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px;">"</span><br />
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</span>Jolly Rhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09360932879231762916noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3614247996656767536.post-56848993628072012882011-09-13T23:38:00.000-07:002011-09-13T23:38:09.739-07:00Tharpana Manthram<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="background-color: #fffcf9;"></span><br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">Tharpanam Manthram</span></b></td></tr>
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</b></span></div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="background-color: #fffcf9; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><b>We do tharpanam regularly on :</b></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="background-color: #fffcf9;"><div align="justify" style="margin-left: 10px; margin-right: 10px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">* All Amavasya days<br />
* Four samkramanams (month beginnings)</span></div><div align="justify" style="margin-left: 30px; margin-right: 10px;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">a. mesha samkramanam,<br />
b. karkidaga samkramanam,<br />
c. thula samkramanam and<br />
d. makara samkramanam and</span></div><div align="justify" style="margin-left: 10px; margin-right: 10px;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">* Lunar and Solar eclipses.</span></div></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><b>Some rules regarding tharpanam are given below:</b><br />
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1.On the day of Tharpanam, till tharpanam is completed we are not supposed to drink/eat anything.</span></div><div align="justify" style="margin-left: 10px; margin-right: 10px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">2.On the day of tharpanam, the daily rituals like Sandhya vandhana have to be first performed. Then before tharpanam, Madhyanikam have to be performed. If you are working and need to go to office very early, do Madhyanikam immediately after Prathasandhya and then perform Tharpanam.</span></div><div align="justify" style="margin-left: 10px; margin-right: 10px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">3.Wet cloth should not be worn during tharpanam. Do not wear single veshti. Tie uthareeyam or thorthu around waist above veshti.</span></div><div align="justify" style="margin-left: 10px; margin-right: 10px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">4.Except the tharpanam during eclipse all other tharpanams are to be done after 12 noon . In cities many people go to office very early and Kanchi Sankaracharya once answered to a query that a person can do tharpanam after 6.00 AM .</span></div><div align="justify" style="margin-left: 10px; margin-right: 10px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">5.Tharpanam should be done with hand full of water and not drops or spoon full of water.<br />
The water should be poured out using the space between the thumb and the four fingers of right hand by tilting the hand to right side. (For pithru tharpanam, the water should fall on the koorcham through right hand thump).</span></div><div align="justify" style="margin-left: 10px; margin-right: 10px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">6.Every time a pinch of black til has to be taken. Care should be taken not to take it using the thumb and the index finger.</span></div><div align="justify" style="margin-left: 10px; margin-right: 10px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">7.Pithru tharpanam should always be done with poonal hanging from the right shoulder to the left side( Edam ) of the body.</span></div><div align="justify" style="margin-left: 10px; margin-right: 10px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">8. While doing tharpanam put two durbhas on the place we are going to sit - underneath folded legs. (Durbheshwaseenaha) .</span></div><div align="justify" style="margin-left: 10px; margin-right: 10px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">9.Silver, copper or brass vessels have to be used for tharpanam. Under no circumstance should steel or other metal vessels are to be used.</span></div><div align="justify" style="margin-left: 10px; margin-right: 10px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">10.Tharpanam should be done facing east. It is believed that it either should be done in our homes, in public places or holy places like sea-shore or river side.</span></div><div align="justify" style="margin-left: 10px; margin-right: 10px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">11.If Amavasya and the first of the month in which tharpanam has to be performed comes on the same day, then tharpanam for the samkramanam (first of the month) should be done.</span></div><br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: small;">Tharpanam</span></b></td></tr>
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<div align="justify" style="margin-left: 10px; margin-right: 10px;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: small;"><b>Tharpanam</b></span></div><div align="justify" style="margin-left: 10px; margin-right: 10px;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><b><br />
</b></span></div><div align="justify" style="margin-left: 10px; margin-right: 10px;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><b>Achamanam</b></span></div><div align="justify" style="margin-left: 10px; margin-right: 10px;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">Take minute quantities of water three times in the right hand and take it (swallow) with the following manthra.<br />
<b>1.Om Achyuthaya nama 2, Om Ananthaya nama 3.Om Govindaya nama</b></span></div><div align="justify" style="margin-left: 10px; margin-right: 10px;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">Then<br />
Touch with thumb both cheeks saying kesava -<b>Narayana</b></span></div><div align="justify" style="margin-left: 10px; margin-right: 10px;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">Touch with ring finger both eyes saying Madhava –<b>Govinda</b></span></div><div align="justify" style="margin-left: 10px; margin-right: 10px;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">Touch with the first finger both sides of nose saying<b>Vishno-Madhusoodana</b></span></div><div align="justify" style="margin-left: 10px; margin-right: 10px;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">Touch with little finger both ears saying Trivikrama-Vamana<br />
Touch with the middle finger both shoulders saying Sreedhara-<b>Hrishi kesa</b></span></div><div align="justify" style="margin-left: 10px; margin-right: 10px;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">Touch with all fingers the belly button saying<b>Padmanabha</b></span></div><div align="justify" style="margin-left: 10px; margin-right: 10px;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">Touch with all fingers the head saying <b>Damodara</b><br />
<br />
<b>2.Ganapathi dyanam</b><br />
<br />
Recite the following manthra slowly hitting the forehead with both fists together.:-<br />
Shuklambaradharam Vishunum Sasi Varnam ChathurBhujam,<br />
Prasanna Vadanam Dyayeth Sarva Vigna Upa Santhaye.<br />
<br />
<b>3. Pranayamam.</b><br />
<br />
Hold both Nostrils with Thumb and the little and third finger of the hands and recite the following Manthra:-<br />
<br />
<b>Om Bhoo<br />
Om Bhuva<br />
Ogum Suva<br />
Om Maha<br />
Om Jana<br />
Om Thapa<br />
Ogum Sathyam<br />
Om Tatsa vithur varenyam Bargo devasya dhi mahi dhiyo yona prachodayath<br />
Om Apa<br />
Jyothj rasa<br />
Amrutham brahma<br />
Bhoorbuvasuvarom<br />
Touch the ears three times saying<br />
Om, Om , Om </b><br />
<b>4. Sankalpam</b></span></div><div align="justify" style="margin-left: 10px; margin-right: 10px;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><b>Mamo Patha Samastha Duritha kshaya dwara Sri Parameshwara Preethyartham.<br />
Apavithra pavithro va Sarvavastham gathopi va,<br />
Ya smareth pundarikaksham sa bahyanthara suchi<br />
Manasam vachikam paapam karmana samuparjitham<br />
Sri Rama smarane naiva vyapohathi na samsaya<br />
<br />
Sri Rama-Rama Rama Thidir Vishnu thada vaara nakshatram Vishnureva cha, Yogascha karanam Chaiva sarvam Vishnu mayam jagat Sri Govinda Govinda Govinda Adya Sri Bhagavatha maha purushasya Vishnor Agnaya pravarthamanasya Adhya Brahmana Dweethiya parardhe Swetha Varaha kalpe Vaivaswatha manvanthare ashta vimsathi thame kali yuge prathame padhe ,jambu dweepe , Bharatha varshe, Bharatha Khande , Mero Dakshine Parswe , Sakabdhe asmin varthamane vyvaharike Prabhavadeenam sashtya samvatsaranam madhye ------------ --- Nama samvatsare, --------- ayane, ------------ - rithou, ------------ ---- mase, ------------ -- pakshe , Adhya --------- Punya thithou,---- --------- vasra yukthayam,,- --------- ------ nakshatra yukthayam Shubha yoga –Shubha karana, Evam guna viseshana visishtayam asyam,------ ----- Punya thithou,</b> (Poonal Edam ) ( Change the position of poonal from left shoulder to right shoulder LEFT MODE)<br />
<b>Paternal side</b>--- ------------ -------gothranaa m(tell your gothram)---- --------- - (Names of father, grand father, great grand father) sarmanaamVasu- Rudra-adithya swaroopanam asmad Pithru –Pithamaha- Prapithamahanam , -------(your Gothram) Gothraa (Names of mother. Grand mother, great grand mother ) Namnee , Vasu-Rudra-Adithya swaroopa Asmad (if mother is not alive) Mathru, pitamahi, prapithamahischa (if mother is alive then say--) pithamahi, prapithamahi, pithruprapithamahis cha,<br />
<br />
<b>Maternal side---</b><br />
------------ --------- <b>gothraanam(Ammanathu gothram)</b>---- --------- --- (if you know tell the names of maternal grand father, his father and his grand father)<b>Sarmanam vasu –rudra -adithya swaroopanam asmad mathamaha, mathru pithamaha, mathru prapithamahanam</b>, (Your maternal grand father's gothram)---- ------ gothraa ------------ --------- -(tell the names, if you know, of maternal grand mother, maternal great grand mother, Grand mother of maternal grand father) <b>Namnee, vasu-rudra –adithya swaroopa asmad mathamahi, mathu pithamahi, mathu prapithamahischa,</b><br />
<b>Ubhaya vamsa pithrunaam akshayya thripthyartham amavasya* punya kale vargadwaya pithrunudhdhisya darsa shradhdham hiranya roopna adhya karishye. Thathangam thila tharpanam cha karishye. </b><br />
<br />
(* - <b>Mesharavi punya kale</b> --for tharpanam done on Mesha sankramam(chittirai -medam first)<br />
<b>Karkadaga ravi punya kale</b>-- for tharpanam done during adi-Karkidaga Sankramam(Adi- Karkadakam first),<br />
<b>Thula ravi punya kale-</b>- for tharpanam done during thula masam first(Iyppasi- Thulam first),<br />
<b>Makara ravi punya kale</b>-- for tharpanam done on makara sankramam(Thai –Makaram first),<br />
<b>Suryoparaga punya kale</b>-- for tharpanam done during solar eclipse &<br />
<b>Somoparaga punya kale</b> --for tharpanam done during Lunar eclipse)<br />
<br />
Throw away the Durbha (only) held round the fingers along with Pavithram to the North side. Poonal valam- Change position of poonal to the left shoulder(usual mode), touch water with finger – Apa upasparsya.<br />
<br />
<b>5. Dakshina </b><br />
Poonal Edam - change position of poonal to right shoulder(left mode).<br />
<br />
Take two durbhas and keep in front of you. Assume this as Vadhyar, acharyar or Brahmanan.<br />
Take another set of two durbhas and put in front of the above durbhas(Vadhyar / Brahmanan)-and say <b>Amavasya punyakale varghadwaya pithrunudhisya asmin maya kriyamana hiranyaroopa darsa sradhdhe mama vargadwaya pithrunaam Idhamasam </b>. Put few til on the durbhas and say - tiladhi sakalaradhanai swarchitham.<br />
<br />
Take vettilai, Pakku, Dakshinai and add a drop of water and chant—Hiranya garbha garbhastham hema beejam vibhavaso Anantha punya phaladham ada: santhim prayachame. Amavasya punya kale vargadwaya pithrunudhischya darsa sradhdha prathyam nayartham idam hiranyam phala thamboola sahithammama varga dwaya pithru preethim kamayamana: thubhyamaham sampradhade (Keep the Dakshina on the durbhas)<br />
Om Thathsath.<br />
<br />
Poonal valam. Pradhakshina namaskaram:<br />
Change poonal to usual pattern from left shoulder<br />
(Chant and rotate in the same place clock wise)<br />
Devathabhya pithrubhyascha maha yogibhya eva cha<br />
Nama swaadhai swaahayai nithyameva namo nama.<br />
Yani kani cha papani janmanthara krithani cha<br />
Thani Thani vinasyanthi pradhakshina pade pade.<br />
<br />
Mama vargadwaya pithrubhyo nama:<br />
Do namaskaram – prostate in front of the koorcham.<br />
</span><span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><b>6. Arrangement of Koorcham**</b><br />
<br />
In a thambalam, plate or tharpanavatta pohini arrange the durbhas and koorcham as shown below :</span></div><div align="justify" style="margin-left: 10px; margin-right: 10px;"></div><div align="center" style="margin-left: 10px; margin-right: 10px; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"> EAST</span></div><div align="center" style="margin-left: 10px; margin-right: 10px;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"> I I<br />
I I<br />
WEST --I-- ----- ----- -I----- -> SOUTH<br />
I I<br />
I I<br />
<br />
<br />
WEST<br />
</span></div><span style="background-color: #fffcf9;"><div align="justify" style="margin-left: 10px; margin-right: 10px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><b><span style="line-height: 19px;"><br />
</span></b></span></div></span><div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 12pt; margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; margin-left: 0cm; margin-right: 0cm; margin-top: 0cm;">Arrangement of Koorcham</div><div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 12pt; margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; margin-left: 0cm; margin-right: 0cm; margin-top: 0cm;"><span> <wbr></wbr>East </span></div><div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 12pt; margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; margin-left: 0cm; margin-right: 0cm; margin-top: 0cm;"> North<img height="217" src="http://www.vadhyar.com/Kurcham.jpeg" width="300" />South</div><div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 12pt; margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; margin-left: 0cm; margin-right: 0cm; margin-top: 0cm;">West</div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="background-color: #fffcf9;"><span style="background-color: #fffcf9;"><div align="justify" style="margin-left: 10px; margin-right: 10px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><br />
</span></div><div align="justify" style="margin-left: 10px; margin-right: 10px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><br />
</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div align="justify" style="margin-left: 10px; margin-right: 10px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">** - In some families they use two koorchams – one for pithru vargam and another for mathru vargsm.<br />
<br />
<br />
<b>7.Avahanam </b><br />
Pooanal Edam - Wear the poonal in the left mode and chant with folded hands—<br />
Swamina: maya krithena anena hiranya roopa darsa sradhdhena mama vargadwaya pithara: save nithya truptha bhooyasurithi bhavantho S nu gruhnnanthu. (Anugruhnnanthaa bhooyasu:)<br />
<br />
Take two durbhas while chanting the following manthras:-<br />
<br />
a. <b>Aayatha pithara: somya gambhirai: padhibhi: poorvai: prajamasmabhyam dadhatho rayim cha deergayuthwam cha satha saaradam cha. Om bhorbuvaswarom. Asmin koorche vargodhaya pithroon dhyayami, avahayami. Put two durbhas on the koorcham.<br />
Put til-Ellu and on the koorcham saying- tiladhi sakalaradhanai swarchitham.<br />
<br />
b. If you know the names of pithrus then modify tha above Avhanam as follows:- </b><br />
<br />
Take two durbhas while chanting the following manthras:-<br />
<br />
<b>Aayatha pithara: somya gambhirai: padhibhi: poorvai: prajamasmabhyam dadhatho rayim cha deergayuthwam cha satha saaradam cha. Om bhorbuvaswarom. Asmin koorche ------------ ---gothran</b>- --------- -----(Names of father, grand father, great grand father) <b>sarmana: Vasu-Rudra-adithya swaroopan asmad Pithru –Pithamaha- Prapithamahan ,</b> ------- (your Gothram) <b>Gothraa-</b>---- --------- - (Names of mother. Grand mother, great grand mother )<b>Namnee, Vasu-Rudra-Adithya swaroopa: asmad</b> (if mother is not alive) <b>Mathru, pitamahi, prapithamahischa </b><br />
(if mother is alive then say--) <b>pithamahi, prapithamahi, pithruprapithamahis cha,</b><br />
------------ --------- gothraa(Ammanathu gothram- Your maternal grand father's gothram)-- ------------ -- (if you know tell the names of maternal grand father, his father and his grand father) Sarmana: vasu –rudra -adithya swaroopan asmad mathamaha, mathru pithamaha, mathru prapithamaha, (Your maternal grand father's gothram)---------- gothraa ------------ --------- - (tell the names, if you know, of maternal grand mother, maternal great grand mother, Grand mother of maternal grand father) Namnee, vasu-rudra –adithya swaroopa asmad mathamahi, mathu pithamahi, mathu prapithamahischa, dhyayami, avahayami- Put two durbhas on the koorcham.<br />
Put til-ellu- on the koorcham saying - tiladhi sakalaradhanai swarchitham.<br />
<br />
<b>8. Pithru tharpanam</b><br />
<br />
Do tharpanam, three times each, chanting the manthram (three times each) with ellu(til) and water directly from panchapathram. Keep the udhdharani on the koorcham to prevent the koorchm from floating on water while doing the tharpanam.<br />
<br />
<b>Pitru varga tharpanam :<br />
<br />
Pithrun swadha namastharpayami – 3 times<br />
Pithamahan swadha namastharpayami – 3 times<br />
Prapithamahan swadha namastharpayami – 3 times<br />
<br />
If mother is not alive :<br />
Mathru: swadha namastharpayami – 3 times<br />
Pithamahi swadha namastharpayami – 3 times<br />
Prapithamahi swadha namastharpayami – 3 times<br />
<br />
If mother is alive:<br />
Pithamahi swadha namastharpayami – 3 times<br />
Prapithamahi swadha namastharpayami – 3 times<br />
Pithru prapithamahi swadha namastharpayami – 3 times</b><br />
<b>Mathru varga tharpanam :<br />
<br />
Mathamahan swadha namastharpayami – 3 times<br />
Mathu: pithamahan swadha namastharpayami – 3 times<br />
Mathu: prapithamahan swadha namastharpayami – 3 times<br />
<br />
Mathamahi swadha namastharpayami – 3 times<br />
Mathu: pithamahi swadha namastharpayami – 3 times<br />
Mathu: prapithamahi swadha namastharpayami – 3 times</b><br />
Jnatha jnatha pithru varge tharpanam (Tharpanam to unknown manes of paternal & Maternal sides)<br />
<br />
<b>a.Jnaatha jnatha mama vargadwaya pithroon swadha namas tharpayami<br />
b. Jnaatha jnatha mama vargadwaya pithroon swadha namas tharpayami<br />
c. Jnaatha jnatha mama vargadwaya pithroon swadha namas tharpayami<br />
<br />
Oorjam vahantheeramrutham grutham paya keelalam parisrutham swadha stha tharpayatha me, pithroon trupyatha thrupyatha thrupyatha.</b> (Pour all water in the panchapathram on the koorcham).<br />
<br />
<b>9. Poonal valam. Pradhakshina namaskaram: </b><br />
<br />
Change poonal to usual pattern from left shoulder<br />
(Chant and rotate in the same place clock wise)<br />
<b>Devathabhya pithrubhyascha maha yogibhya eva cha<br />
Nama swaadhai swaahayai nithyameva namo nama.</b><br />
<br />
Mama vargadway pithrubhyo nama:<br />
Do namaskaram – prostate in front of the koorcham.<br />
<br />
<b>10. Udwasanam</b><br />
<br />
<b>Poonal Edam</b> - Wear the poonal in the left mode. Take til-ellu and chant—<br />
<b>Aayatha pithara</b>: <b>somya gambhirai: padhibhi: poorvai: prajamasmabhyam dadhatho rayim cha deergayuthwam cha satha saaradam cha. Om bhorbuvaswarom. Asmath koorchath yadhasthanam prathishtapayami.</b> (Put the ellu on the koorcham).<br />
<b>Shobhanarthe kshemaaya punaraghamanaayacha .</b>(Touch the koorcham with hand).<br />
<br />
<b>11. Sarva Tharpanam </b><br />
<br />
Take koorcham, untie the knot of Koorcham. Take the koorcham, other durbhas and remaining til(ellu) in hand and along with water do a single Tharpanam chanting :<br />
<br />
<b>Yesham na matha na pitha na bandhu na anya gothreena the sarve trupthimayanthu mayoth srushtai kusodhakai: Trupyatha, Trupyatha, Trupyatha.<br />
<br />
12. Pavithram visarjanam </b><br />
</span></div><div align="justify" style="margin-left: 10px; margin-right: 10px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">Remove pavithram from mothira viral, untie and put it on north side, change poonal to right shoulder and touch water.<br />
<br />
<b>13.Brahmarpanam</b><br />
</span></div><div align="justify" style="margin-left: 10px; margin-right: 10px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">Offer a hand full of water chanting.<br />
Om Tat sat Brahmarpanamasthu<br />
<br />
<b>Do Aachamanam.</b></span></div><div align="justify" style="font-size: 12px; margin-left: 10px; margin-right: 10px;"><span style="color: #666666; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br />
</span></div></span></span>Jolly Rhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09360932879231762916noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3614247996656767536.post-71994964886580483042011-09-13T22:44:00.000-07:002011-09-13T22:44:01.588-07:00Mahalaya Amavasya<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="background-color: white;"></span></span><br />
<div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><span style="background-color: white;"><h2 style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 6px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">Mahalaya Amavasya 2011 – [Sept 13-27]</span></h2><div style="color: #000099; line-height: 18px; padding-bottom: 6px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 6px; text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div style="line-height: 18px; padding-bottom: 6px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 6px; text-align: justify;"><b>Mahalaya Amavasya or Pitra Amavasya</b> is the new moon day of <b>Pitra</b><b> Paksha</b> or Mahalaya Paksha, the fortnight which is especially sacred for offering Tharpanam to the departed ancestors. It is believed that performing Tharpanams during the auspicious Mahalaya Paksha will bless your ancestors and will free them from all their sins.</div><div style="line-height: 18px; padding-bottom: 6px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 6px; text-align: justify;"></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEizlzGGkIKdXOPtlh16Qb7h4SO0AEl9aGZtAjsoC-OQJ9AkxOlCn83ZXdLGFr-wgbXteWVsQRxiSaelRSgXyzMJcsn2tzO8Xu0X831BlEGOwSvF73vNjIH350FjN4Uryp3q9alTw19ERCk/s1600/Mahalaya+Amavasya01.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEizlzGGkIKdXOPtlh16Qb7h4SO0AEl9aGZtAjsoC-OQJ9AkxOlCn83ZXdLGFr-wgbXteWVsQRxiSaelRSgXyzMJcsn2tzO8Xu0X831BlEGOwSvF73vNjIH350FjN4Uryp3q9alTw19ERCk/s320/Mahalaya+Amavasya01.jpg" width="280" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><b>Mahalaya Amavasya Tarpanam</b></td></tr>
</tbody></table></span></span></div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="background-color: white; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; line-height: 18px;">Each day in the <b>Mahalaya Paksha</b> is ruled by a particular <b>Tithi </b>and the benefits of offering Tharpanam on each day are different. Mahalaya Amavasya is the last day of theMahalaya Paksha , which is considered as the most important day in the year for performing obsequies and rites and on this day people donate food, clothes etc.</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="background-color: white;"><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><span style="background-color: white;"><div style="font-weight: bold;"><span style="background-color: white; font-weight: bold;"><br />
</span></div><div style="font-weight: bold;"><span style="background-color: white; font-weight: bold;"><br />
</span></div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">Donating Food during Mahalaya Paksha</span></span><span style="background-color: white;"></span></span></div></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="background-color: white; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; line-height: 18px;">The easiest way to access God's grace is to feed a human being starving for food. Donating food is considered to be the greatest charity of all the charities and it is believed that whoever donates food will attain an 'elevated status'. There is an interesting legend highlighting the importance of donating food from the great epic Mahabharata.</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="background-color: white;"><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><span style="background-color: white;"><div style="line-height: 18px; padding-bottom: 6px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 6px; text-align: justify;"><b><br />
</b></div></span></span></div></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="background-color: white; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large; line-height: 18px;">KARNA</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="background-color: white;"></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="background-color: white; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; line-height: 18px;">The renowned hero of the Mahabharata, Karna, was a great philanthropist and he never said no to anyone who approached him for help. He had donated huge wealth and had done all kinds of charity, except for donating food.</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="background-color: white;"></span><br />
<div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><span style="background-color: white;"><div style="line-height: 18px; padding-bottom: 6px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 6px; text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div style="line-height: 18px; padding-bottom: 6px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 6px; text-align: justify;">Karna left the earthly curl after his death and reached heaven. The great charity which he had done on the earth plane was returned to him hundredfold here, but it was all material wealth and no food at all. He then realized that although he had done all kinds of charities, he did not donate food. He prayed to the God of Death, who sent him back to earth for 14 days, to make up for this deficiency.</div><div style="line-height: 18px; padding-bottom: 6px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 6px; text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div style="line-height: 18px; padding-bottom: 6px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 6px; text-align: justify;">Karna fed the Brahmins and poor and offered oblations of water during the 14 days, which are observed in the Mahalaya Paksha. On his return to Heaven, he had plenty of food and it has been anticipated that offerings made during the period of Mahalaya Paksha benefits all the departed souls, whether they are connected to you or not.</div></span><span style="background-color: white;"><div><span style="background-color: white;"><br />
</span></div><div><span style="background-color: white;"><br />
</span></div>Charity in the form of food is important during this observance. Life depends upon food. You cannot preach religion to empty stomachs. This human body is the most important vehicle for realising God. How precious must food be which keeps the body fit for Yoga! The gift of food is the greatest gift. Therefore, give food in plenty, not only during the Mahalaya fortnight but all through the year.</span><span style="background-color: white;"><div style="line-height: 18px; padding-bottom: 6px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 6px; text-align: justify;"><br />
</div></span></span></div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="background-color: white; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">Mahalaya Paksha: Seek the Blessings of the Ancestors</span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="background-color: white;"><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><span style="background-color: white;"><div style="line-height: 18px; padding-bottom: 6px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 6px; text-align: justify;"><br />
</div></span></span></div></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="background-color: white; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; line-height: 18px;">Great enlightened beings, who have turned their body into light, visit the earth daily in their light form. Our departed ancestors also come and stay on this earth plane for 15 days in a year in our body, mind and soul and can change all these 3 positively. Even Gods cannot do what these ancestors can do for you; in fact, Gods ask you to go through your ancestors for blessings.</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="background-color: white;"><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><span style="background-color: white;"><div style="line-height: 18px; padding-bottom: 6px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 6px; text-align: justify;"><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjx9SRcOw8tO9jTHMmR9ur-4LJ2Wq92yw8Zy22JxtyxbR-WPJKNYPE7zqAkMHepeCpK1my5XtsYA1AGGGH2Z_jA7EeXVxlkSNms22sG59vVE3uFjXsfdoUeFjXROQJHMK_Lt_oFCrH3eUY/s1600/Mahalaya+Amavasya02.gif" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjx9SRcOw8tO9jTHMmR9ur-4LJ2Wq92yw8Zy22JxtyxbR-WPJKNYPE7zqAkMHepeCpK1my5XtsYA1AGGGH2Z_jA7EeXVxlkSNms22sG59vVE3uFjXsfdoUeFjXROQJHMK_Lt_oFCrH3eUY/s320/Mahalaya+Amavasya02.gif" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><b>Offering Oblations to the departed ancestors <br />
on Mahalaya Amavasya</b></td></tr>
</tbody></table></span></span></div></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="background-color: white; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; line-height: 18px;">These auspicious 15 days, Mahalaya Paksha in 2011, starts from September 13th night, right after the full moon and ends on September 27th, the Mahalaya Amavasya night. This two week period is the most important period to appreciate your departed ancestors. </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="background-color: white;"><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><span style="background-color: white; line-height: 21px;"><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><br />
</div></span></span></div></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="background-color: white; color: #333333; line-height: 17px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">The fifteen days of Mahalaya Paksha consists of 15 Tithi. They are Pratipat, Dvitiya, Tritiya, Chaturthi, Panchami, Shashti, Ashtami, Navami, Dasami, Ekadasi, Dvadasi, Trayodasi, Chaturdashi, Newmoon day [Sarvapitru Amavasya]. According to Hindu mythology, every individual's who wants to perform this Pitru Tharpanam, they should do it on the same day of their ancestor died which will fall within any one of these fifteen days.</span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="background-color: white;"><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><span style="background-color: white; line-height: 21px;"><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgBCIgQdMX4wlpjGJX-U1eVrTxjBiz0OObg14eKRyiQCL1eWSoCJO1aeiKEzoT9moWgzl-DZJF2CwlGiEOhW8fWaQAVQZleGDqIh7n-w5tc7j6LHQO6o36Tpz11voAv4aSy-3KnEtQrJPc/s1600/mahalaya+tarpan.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="182" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgBCIgQdMX4wlpjGJX-U1eVrTxjBiz0OObg14eKRyiQCL1eWSoCJO1aeiKEzoT9moWgzl-DZJF2CwlGiEOhW8fWaQAVQZleGDqIh7n-w5tc7j6LHQO6o36Tpz11voAv4aSy-3KnEtQrJPc/s320/mahalaya+tarpan.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><b>Observing Rituals on Mahalaya <br />
Amavasya</b></span></td></tr>
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</div></span></span></div></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="background-color: white; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; line-height: 21px;">Rituals and offering oblations to the souls of the departed ancestors, ends on Mahalaya day. Durga Puja rituals also commence on Mahalaya day.</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="background-color: white;"><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><span style="background-color: white; line-height: 21px;"><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><br />
</div></span></span></div></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="background-color: white; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><span style="background-color: #f6f6f6; line-height: 21px;">" If shrardham thithi falls in this period [From Purattasi to Karthigai] one should not do malaya tharpanam in the malaya paksham and should perform the Mahalaya</span><span style="background-color: #f6f6f6; line-height: 21px;"> Paksham on the next day to Shrardham " </span><span style="background-color: #f6f6f6; font-weight: bold; line-height: 21px;">.</span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="background-color: white;"><div><span style="background-color: #f6f6f6; font-weight: bold; line-height: 21px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><br />
</span></span></div><div><span style="background-color: white;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><br />
</span></span></div><div><span style="background-color: white;"><span style="color: blue; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">Watch these videos by clicking the links below:</span></span></div><div><span style="background-color: white;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><br />
</span></span></div><div><span style="background-color: white;"><a href="http://www.youtube.com/embed/GtnuIBVM2XI" target="_blank"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">http://www.youtube.com/embed/<wbr></wbr>GtnuIBVM2XI</span></a></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><br />
</span></div><div><span style="background-color: white;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><br />
</span></span></div></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="background-color: white;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><a href="http://www.youtube.com/embed/ySF26OEEqKs" target="_blank">http://www.youtube.com/embed/<wbr></wbr></a></span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="background-color: white;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><a href="http://www.youtube.com/embed/ySF26OEEqKs" target="_blank">ySF26OEEqKs</a></span></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><br />
</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><br />
</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="background-color: white; color: #333333; line-height: 17px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">Things not to do during Pitra Paksha period.</span><br />
<br />
During the period of Pithra Paksha, traditionally people do not buy or wear new clothes, and don't get a hair-cut. The day they perform the ritual, male members of the family do not even shave. Women do not wash their hair on that particular day. Auspicious works like marriage, settling marriage, any kind of birth ceremony etc. are prohibited during this period</span></span>Jolly Rhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09360932879231762916noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3614247996656767536.post-779073248582029332011-09-13T22:08:00.000-07:002011-09-13T22:08:30.445-07:00The Inter-Link of Darbhai with the Pithrus and Japa Yajna<span class="Apple-style-span" style="background-color: #f7f0e9; line-height: 21px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, serif; font-size: 15px;">I</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">t is said that when <b>appropriate manthras are recited</b>, the <b>pithrus</b> are said said to <b>receive the offerings.</b></span></span><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhdSDSoEZgITXAbq4e2fA2PkKiogH7bYGDQBYNzjWFnwl7IAwMs4HuZ4DV4MwD0VTH2jLzxER-1yzKkteArXFGDMnZm8qYgX6fjYtk82f8Gn_zreh-yvrAFYIMbByLkVYqP2sTCzp1XJTY/s1600/Japam1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhdSDSoEZgITXAbq4e2fA2PkKiogH7bYGDQBYNzjWFnwl7IAwMs4HuZ4DV4MwD0VTH2jLzxER-1yzKkteArXFGDMnZm8qYgX6fjYtk82f8Gn_zreh-yvrAFYIMbByLkVYqP2sTCzp1XJTY/s320/Japam1.jpg" width="225" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><b>Darbhai's Role in Manthras-Japam-Pithrus</b></td></tr>
</tbody></table><span class="Apple-style-span" style="background-color: #f7f0e9; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; line-height: 21px;">The sacred grass called darbhai is used as <span style="font-weight: bold;">supreme seat </span>for the departed souls and also as a means to attract them to the seat.</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><span style="background-color: #f7f0e9; line-height: 21px;"> <br />
To understand how<b> recitals and darbhai</b> go together in producing results, we must know how <b>japa yajna</b> <span style="font-weight: bold;"> </span>is done.<br />
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<b> Darbhai</b> has an important role in all <b>yajnas,</b> particularly in<b> Japa yajna.</b><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiBe0X9SJ_LIMPn098pGeoUidaya7G2OkyRzaOCFM0X0av_SOVSOCwo7QQleBc9f5HqCtmDXp2yCFjXh711NOBk9DCEBrrXc_wyeVpSjt0r8uHbTfAH9k2Eai1GkZuopzJXR7XmGBiGlec/s1600/Yajna2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiBe0X9SJ_LIMPn098pGeoUidaya7G2OkyRzaOCFM0X0av_SOVSOCwo7QQleBc9f5HqCtmDXp2yCFjXh711NOBk9DCEBrrXc_wyeVpSjt0r8uHbTfAH9k2Eai1GkZuopzJXR7XmGBiGlec/s320/Yajna2.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">Darbhai in Japa Yajna</span></b></td></tr>
</tbody></table><span class="Apple-style-span" style="background-color: #f7f0e9; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; line-height: 21px;"><b>Japa yajna </b>is considered as the supreme yajgya [<span style="font-weight: bold;">BG 10-25 “ yajgyaanaam japa yajgyah”]</span></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><span style="background-color: #f7f0e9; line-height: 21px;"> <br />
<span style="font-weight: bold;">Manu smrithi</span><span style="font-weight: bold;"> </span>describes its supreme nature in this way: [<span style="font-weight: bold;">2-85]<br />
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</span><i>“Of all the types of yajgyas sanctioned by Vedas, the best is japa yajgya which is done by utterance.<br />
This is 10 times greater than all the other yajgyas.<br />
The japa yajgya done by the lips is 100 times greater than the one done by uttering.<br />
But the japa done at mind without utterance is 1000 times greater than the one done at lips.”</i><br />
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There are rules for doing this<b> japa yajgya</b> which when followed meticulously, leads the doer to <b>Brahma dyaanam</b> and ultimately <b>Brahma gyaanam and Release.</b><br />
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<b>The kramam and Anushtaanam </b>[methods] of doing <b>japa </b>are narrated by <b>Bheeshma to Yudhistra</b><br />
in chapter <span style="font-weight: bold;">194 of Shanthi parvam of Mahabharatha.<br />
</span></span><span style="background-color: #f7f0e9; line-height: 21px;">[It should be noted here that Yama deva, Kaala deva and Mruthyu deva have<br />
specific roles and are not the same]</span></span><br />
<span style="background-color: #f7f0e9; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; line-height: 21px;"><b><br />
</b></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><span style="background-color: #f7f0e9; line-height: 21px;">These details were originally discussed by a <b>Brahmin, Yama Dharmarajan </b>[he who determines the fruits of <b>paapam and punyam </b>for the <b>jivas</b>], <b>Kaala devan</b> [he who determines the number years for a person],<br />
<b> Mruthyu devan</b> [he who removes the <b>praana vayu</b> from the body] and the <b>king Ikshvahu.</b><br />
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All these dignitaries come to the conclusion that <b>japam</b> must be done seated in the <b>midst of darbhai, </b>with darbhai in hand, darbahi at the head, surrounded by darbhai on all four sides and hidden from sight of others by being enclosed by darbhai bushes. For such a person who does the <b>japa</b> in such a way, <b>Brahma gyanam</b> will occur.<br />
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A similar way of <b>japa</b> was done by<b> Sri Rama </b>when he wanted the oceans to part ways for him to cross it.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhdZP0FsUoZ2blZ_9YFfPeibal2ioJR8j51aMR0DEhqaeiiumvnWyDcrzZMlBVRb8Jv3T2c-t7_X4CP_I_daewRFFpBHyVkbVMSDfY84MfColp5OaUfFI3XpLcT38oxgqXSfntgM8DE9Ok/s1600/darbha+sayana+raamar.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhdZP0FsUoZ2blZ_9YFfPeibal2ioJR8j51aMR0DEhqaeiiumvnWyDcrzZMlBVRb8Jv3T2c-t7_X4CP_I_daewRFFpBHyVkbVMSDfY84MfColp5OaUfFI3XpLcT38oxgqXSfntgM8DE9Ok/s1600/darbha+sayana+raamar.jpg" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">Darbhasayanam of Ramar</span></b></td></tr>
</tbody></table><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><span style="background-color: #f7f0e9; line-height: 21px;">The place where he did this </span><span style="background-color: #f7f0e9; line-height: 21px;"><span style="font-weight: bold;">Darbhaaranyam</span>, </span><span style="background-color: #f7f0e9; line-height: 21px;">was a <b>forest of darbhai. </b>This kind of complete enclosure by darbhai can have two effects.<br />
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[It is said that the <b>kushasdweepa</b>, the present day <b>Africa, </b>derived its name from the abundance of <b>Kusha grass or darbhai </b>growing in that land.]<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj7TcH9ZgkpXydtuH92Oqcehv9cqoX-qHrMImOBO3QiCkBOdTqz_osQtLF_KZMOx7MZWdZ7CmKfN0RVqzmpl6bYMSKfR6NuMQl2HnNsLdJ78KZiPfRRlOiHW_LJv4SHzXNSzBf1XCAlwwY/s1600/darbhai-1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="205" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj7TcH9ZgkpXydtuH92Oqcehv9cqoX-qHrMImOBO3QiCkBOdTqz_osQtLF_KZMOx7MZWdZ7CmKfN0RVqzmpl6bYMSKfR6NuMQl2HnNsLdJ78KZiPfRRlOiHW_LJv4SHzXNSzBf1XCAlwwY/s320/darbhai-1.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">Darbhai Grass used for Tarpanam</span></b></td></tr>
</tbody></table><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><span style="background-color: #f7f0e9; line-height: 21px;"><b>Kusha or darbhai</b> is generally associated with<b> japam </b>and control of senses or concentration and meditation on a specific form or view.<br />
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The God worshipped by the people of this place was <span style="font-weight: bold;">HrishikEsha, </span>who is the controller of <b>Indriyas.</b><br />
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The doer is protected from the doshams of various kinds –t means nothing from outside can touch him or reach him -and also this means that nothing escapes from inside too, which is, the doer is helped in retaining whatever energy is within himself or generated by his<b> japa.</b><br />
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It is perhaps to the<b> pithrus not to lose their energy</b> or disturb their <b>rupam</b> [form],<br />
while coming down to earthly plane to accept <b>tarpanam</b>, they are<b> seated on darbhai during tarpanam.</b><br />
<br />
Like the<b> manthras </b>of<b> Sandhya vandhanam,</b><br />
the <b>tarpanam manthras</b> are also derived from the <b>Vedas.</b><br />
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In <span style="font-weight: bold;">Rig veda hymn 15 on Pithrus,</span> it is said,<br />
<br />
<i> “They who enjoy pressed juices with oblation seated on sacred grass, come oftenest hither.<br />
Fathers who sit on sacred grass, come, help us:<br />
these offerings have we made for you; accept them.”</i> <br />
The ends of the darbhai act as <span style="font-weight: bold;">antennas or conductors.<br />
</span>The way <span style="font-weight: bold;">pavithram</span> is made and <span style="font-weight: bold;">Koorchcham</span> is made for tarpanam show that it is to attract something and release something once the need is over. To attract something is agreeable. But does it release is the question here.<br />
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The use of <b>koorcham in tarpanam</b> clarifies this question.<br />
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<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 12pt; margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; margin-left: 0cm; margin-right: 0cm; margin-top: 0cm;">Arrangement of Koorcham</div><div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 12pt; margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; margin-left: 0cm; margin-right: 0cm; margin-top: 0cm;"><span> East </span></div><div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 12pt; margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; margin-left: 0cm; margin-right: 0cm; margin-top: 0cm;"><o:p class=""> North<img height="217" src="http://www.vadhyar.com/Kurcham.jpeg" style="cursor: auto;" width="300" />South</o:p></div><div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 12pt; margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; margin-left: 0cm; margin-right: 0cm; margin-top: 0cm;"><o:p>West</o:p></div><br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><span style="background-color: #f7f0e9; line-height: 21px;">The <b>out-stretched end</b>s of <b>koorchcham</b> <b>attract or 'conduct' </b>the<b> pithrus</b> into the <b>aasanam of darbhai </b>[this is made out from the manthras uttered then]<br />
and they are sent back to their<b> yadhaasthaanam [</b>original abode] through it only.<br />
It acts as both way transport – to attract and to release.<br />
<br />
The <span style="font-weight: bold;">direction </span>also matters in placing them.<br />
<br />
The <b>koorcham</b> is placed in such a way that<b> its ends face the south, the land of pithrus.</b><br />
<br />
<b><br />
</b></span></span><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhnPDnCvRz80OYNvhJiNUVGlv7sp9kgusOJhNguxJNzvWjMh9qwvnHLXUQe4PLQYxv3zElxv0K_8RmjEsm4emZLa_CgbNE00_JzE_0EzdryRyoiU7CX1gVPcoKBvPMGVoFINGu2QUIpqBs/s1600/darbai.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="208" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhnPDnCvRz80OYNvhJiNUVGlv7sp9kgusOJhNguxJNzvWjMh9qwvnHLXUQe4PLQYxv3zElxv0K_8RmjEsm4emZLa_CgbNE00_JzE_0EzdryRyoiU7CX1gVPcoKBvPMGVoFINGu2QUIpqBs/s320/darbai.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">Pavithram </span></b></td></tr>
</tbody></table><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><span style="background-color: #f7f0e9; line-height: 21px;"><b>The pavithram </b>is also worn in such a way that it<b> attracts and returns </b>that which <b>reaches the wearer from different sides.</b><br />
<br />
<b> The movement of the right hand in any karma</b> around his body<br />
at regular intervals shows <b>that the protection is constantly happening around the doer. </b></span></span>Jolly Rhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09360932879231762916noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3614247996656767536.post-67696355471760962362011-09-13T04:40:00.000-07:002011-09-13T04:40:33.067-07:00The Sacred Grass called Darbhai or Kusha Grass<span class="Apple-style-span" style="background-color: white;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #111111; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><span style="background-color: white; color: #111111; line-height: 20px;"><strong>Darbha </strong>or <strong>Kusha grass</strong> </span><span style="background-color: white; color: #111111; line-height: 20px;">is a special type of grass which is used in Hindu rituals for purificatory process. This grass is wore as the ring in the ring finger of the person who is performing the rituals. There are legends as well as scientific explorations on this grass. Read on to know more about Kusha grass. </span></span></span><br />
<div style="color: #111111;"><span style="background-color: white; color: #111111;"><span style="color: black; line-height: 20px;"><strong style="color: #111111;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><br />
</span></strong></span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #111111;"><span style="background-color: white;"></span></span><span style="background-color: white;"><span style="color: black; line-height: 20px;"><strong style="color: #111111;">Darbha</strong><span style="color: #111111;"> or </span><strong style="color: #111111;">Kusha</strong><span style="color: #111111;"> grass is special element in the paraphernalia of Hindu rituals. It is scientifically known as Panic grass and of genus borage species. It can grow up to 2 feet and it appears pointed at the top. There are several references in Hindu books regardings </span><span style="color: #111111;">the grass and its utilities. In this article we shall illustrate some of the main utilities of this grass in Hindu way of life.</span></span></span></span><br />
<div style="color: #111111; line-height: 20px; margin-bottom: 1.6em;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><span style="background-color: white;"><strong><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEibboimyV41wZ2HmsLPV-88sCIfmJPRLCF5WA_Xq-uMEb4SgPPv48DPdl0u19fb0NUbwsRiCKcFG61H8173AutQ88p9LMCp7qcJYi9jADUefwaN12-raRZl-92vma6XTb0lXoyTNZKwBgw/s1600/DarbhaGrass1.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEibboimyV41wZ2HmsLPV-88sCIfmJPRLCF5WA_Xq-uMEb4SgPPv48DPdl0u19fb0NUbwsRiCKcFG61H8173AutQ88p9LMCp7qcJYi9jADUefwaN12-raRZl-92vma6XTb0lXoyTNZKwBgw/s320/DarbhaGrass1.JPG" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><b>Sacred Dharbai or Kusha Grass</b></td></tr>
</tbody></table></div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="background-color: white; color: #111111; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; line-height: 20px;"><strong>Kusha grass in Hindu books:</strong></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="background-color: white;"></span><br />
<div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="background-color: white;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><span style="background-color: white;"></span></span></span><br />
<div style="color: #111111; line-height: 20px; margin-bottom: 1.6em;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="background-color: white;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><span style="background-color: white;">Puranas and Upnishads describe that this grass came into existence after Samudra Manthan, the churning of cosmic ocean. When demigods and demons got ready to churn the cosmic ocean of milk, there was no one to support the base of Madhara mountain. Lord Vishu took the form of Tortoise [Kurma Avatar] and gave the needed support. During the churning, the hairs of the tortoise came out and washed away to the shore. These hairs turned to Kusha grass.</span></span></span></div><div style="color: #111111; line-height: 20px; margin-bottom: 1.6em;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="background-color: white;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><span style="background-color: white;">When the<b> Amrita, the nectar</b> was finally achieved, due to improper handling of the nectar, few drops of nectar fell on the grass. This further sanctified the grass giving it more healing properties.</span></span></span></div><div style="line-height: 20px; margin-bottom: 1.6em;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="background-color: white;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><span style="background-color: white;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: blue;">In Srimad Bhagavad Gita, Lord Krishna says in Chapter 6 entitled Dhayan Yoga:</span></span></span></span></div><div style="color: #111111; line-height: 20px; margin-bottom: 1.6em;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="background-color: white;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><span style="background-color: white;"><strong><em>Bg 6.11 To practice Dhyan yoga, one should go to a secluded place and should lay Kusha grass on the gorund and then cover it with a deerskin and a soft cloth……</em></strong></span></span></span></div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="background-color: white;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><span style="background-color: white; color: #111111;"><div style="line-height: 20px; margin-bottom: 1.6em;"><strong>Science says about Darbha:</strong><br />
It is given in few websites that there was a scientific study of Kusha grass. They found that this grass can absorb about 60% of radiation. It is proof that this grass has power to absorb all negative radiations in the environment.</div><div style="line-height: 20px; margin-bottom: 1.6em;"><strong>Significance of Darbha:</strong><br />
Kusha grass is meant to have Lord Vishnu’s potency. It is believed that this grass has immense purifying properties. It is worshipped by Vaishnavas on the special day in Bhadrapada month (August – September) called Darbhashtami.</div><div style="line-height: 20px; margin-bottom: 1.6em;">The significance of Darbha grass is also found in <strong>Buddhist culture.</strong> It is believed that Sakyamuni Buddha sat on a Darbha mat to meditate and got enlightened under the Bodhi tree. The capital city of Malla kingdom of Buddhist is named Kushinagara, just to honor Kusha grass. It was in this city Lord Buddha was cremated.</div></span><span style="background-color: white; color: #111111;"><div style="color: #111111; line-height: 20px; margin-bottom: 1.6em;"><strong>Darbha Grass in Hindu Rituals</strong></div></span><span style="background-color: white; color: #111111;"><div style="line-height: 20px; margin-bottom: 1.6em;"><strong>For Purification:</strong> Kusha grass is known to be the purifying object. In Kumbha poojas the grass is used to purify different objects of worship by sprinkling holy waters using the grass. Brahmins put this grass always in their houses and use for any purificatory ritual they perform.</div></span></span><span style="background-color: white; color: #111111;"><div style="line-height: 20px; margin-bottom: 1.6em;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><strong>Eclipse:</strong> Kusha grass is put on every eatable in the kitchen to keep away the harmful radiation in the environment during the eclipse. Any food without kusha grass after the eclipse is considered contaminated and thrown away for good.</span></div><div style="line-height: 20px; margin-bottom: 1.6em;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><strong>Kusha Mats:</strong> The mats made of Kusha grass are used to sit while doing meditation. During any yagnas or ceremonies pandits sit on these mats to perform the ritual.</span></div><div style="line-height: 20px; margin-bottom: 1.6em;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><strong>Kushandika:</strong> The sacrificial fire or yagna called Kushandika, these grass are used as sacrifice.</span></div><div style="line-height: 20px; margin-bottom: 1.6em;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><strong>Kusha ropes:</strong> Ropes made of this grass are used to encircle deities to purify them. Bhramacharinis or sacred women are given these ropes for their protection.</span></div><div style="line-height: 20px; margin-bottom: 1.6em;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><strong>Essence and Oil: </strong>This grass is ground up to make several items like essence and oil. The oil is known as Kusha oil which can be used in summers to get cooling effect.</span></div><div style="line-height: 20px; margin-bottom: 1.6em;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><strong>Drinks:</strong> The extract of grass is used to make cool drinks called Sharabhat. These drinks are known for their cooling effect on the body.</span></div><div style="line-height: 20px; margin-bottom: 1.6em;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">There are many more utilities of Kush grass. The word ‘Kushala’ or expert is derived from Kusha grass which infers that usage of Kusha grass makes one expert personality.</span></div><div><br />
</div></span></span></div>Jolly Rhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09360932879231762916noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3614247996656767536.post-43769682592501804482011-09-13T04:31:00.000-07:002011-09-13T04:48:29.702-07:00The Holy Grass known as Dharbham or Dharbai<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><br />
</span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">It is strongly believed that your dead ancestors are governing your destiny. No civilization however old it may be, has ever attained the level of sophistication, reached by the Yogis and Siddhars of India. What makes Tharpanam so different, so much more profitable - than any other remedy you have performed? It is said that there is enough proof that performing Tharpanam rituals<b> </b>works miracles in your life!</span><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgoDMklIOD01goFsw2djBQNDdWucP2K7uaWE-d1CroBHkTlvVrZT_8FmsulC7wJskQEGHmtolxFx5iC46kEax1eMZ7t7P60OYpGI-yIikSzJnYGDf1qDyz-gDY42LwMALx1mHaM7TpkW6U/s1600/Tharpanam.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgoDMklIOD01goFsw2djBQNDdWucP2K7uaWE-d1CroBHkTlvVrZT_8FmsulC7wJskQEGHmtolxFx5iC46kEax1eMZ7t7P60OYpGI-yIikSzJnYGDf1qDyz-gDY42LwMALx1mHaM7TpkW6U/s320/Tharpanam.jpg" width="291" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: x-small;">TharpaNam and its Significance</span></b></td></tr>
</tbody></table><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><br />
</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">It is said that:</span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><br />
</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">* The Yogis and Siddhas paid equal attention to the bodily existence, while one is alive and also the disembodied existence after one dies.</span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">* The Siddhas were an esoteric group of people who could appear at different places at different times.</span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">* They could even take the form of any human being and return to earth for a few hours visit.</span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">* It is said that these Siddhas hang our in the subtle forms in the Southern India, like Thiruvanamallai Hills, Koli Hills and the Pothigai Hills [near Kutralam]. </span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">* If one is destined to meet them, at those places, they will show up for you and bless you.</span></div><div style="font-family: arial; font-size: small;"><br />
</div><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="background-color: #f3f3f3; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; line-height: 21px;"><b>In reference to the practice of offering oblations [tarpaNam] to the departed souls [pithrus], I think it to be most appropriate in posting to all my viewers, some information on why TarpaNam must be done and the rationale of doing it.</b></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="background-color: #f3f3f3; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><span style="line-height: 21px;"> <br />
The article posted here was written by <span style="font-weight: bold;">Mr TRS Iyengar.</span></span><span style="line-height: 21px;">In the subsequent posts, I will be writing about Mahalaya Amavasya which should be observed by those of us Brahmins who do pithru karma for their ancestors and more on this mystic creation - <b>"Dharbhai".</b></span></span><br />
<div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="background-color: #f3f3f3; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><span style="line-height: 21px;"><br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><b>The Holy Grass called Dharbham or Dharbai</b></td></tr>
</tbody></table><span class="Apple-style-span" style="background-color: #f3f3f3; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><span style="line-height: 21px;"><span style="font-weight: bold;">The Holy Grass known as Dharbham or Dharbai</span><br />
<br />
by<span style="font-weight: bold;"> TRS Iyengar<br />
<br />
(<a href="http://www.trsiyengar.com/id65.shtml" target="_blank">http://www.trsiyengar.com/<wbr></wbr>id65.shtml</a>)<br />
<br />
</span> <br />
This article is on one of the practices widely used by Indian Brahmins all over<br />
using a Holy Grass named Dharbham or Dharbai.<br />
In all functions, auspicious orinauspicious,<br />
a performing person needs to wear a ring made of this Dharbham.<br />
But many have lost the reason of why it is to be used in the first place.<br />
<br />
<br />
What I learnt from my father is proved to be accurately correct by a Medicine<br />
Practitioner.<br />
<br />
A Doctor named Sadhashiv Rao, once visited my home.<br />
When thetopic turned to many subjects,<br />
I needed to tell him about the Holy Grass named<br />
Dharbham.<br />
When I told him about the usage and the values,<br />
he could not just believe my words.<br />
<br />
So, he took out a bunch of the Dharbham from me,<br />
went straight to the clinic to take an x-ray of his palm,<br />
by covering his hand<br />
with the Dharbham.<br />
To his utter surprise,<br />
he found that the grass absorbed<br />
about 60% of the radiation!<br />
<br />
<br />
When the so powerful X-ray radiation can be absorbed by the Holy Grass,<br />
why can it not absorb the ill radiations spread over the atmosphere?<br />
While chanting<br />
and reciting some Vedic phrases and versus,<br />
one needs to wear a ring made of Dharbham<br />
on his right hand ring finger.<br />
<br />
<br />
The count of leaves depends upon the function that is held viz.:<br />
for some functions related to death<br />
only Single leafed Dharbham is used;<br />
<br />
for Auspicious and daily routine<br />
a ring made of two leaves is used;<br />
for inauspicious but not death related functions,<br />
(i.e. Amavasya Tharppanam,Pithru Pooja etc)<br />
a three leaf Dharbham ring is used.<br />
<br />
And for the Temple Prayer and Pooja,<br />
a Four-leaf Dharbham ring is used.<br />
<br />
<br />
Also, when a fire ritual known as Agni Santana is performed,<br />
these Dharbham are spread all the four sides of the Agni Kundam.<br />
Also, during the Eclipse time,<br />
these Dharbham are used to cover all food items to protect them<br />
from the harmful ultra violet radiation.<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
Whenever any function is held,<br />
firstly they perform a site-cleansing act known<br />
as “Sudhhi Punyaahavachanam”.<br />
While reciting the selective versus,<br />
they hold<br />
the Dharbham bunch in their hand and<br />
placing the tip point of it over the vessel containing water.<br />
<br />
Thus the recited vibration values are absorbed by water in the<br />
vessel through the Dharbham.<br />
<br />
<br />
They found that the Holy Grass known as Dharbham has the highest value in<br />
conducting the phonetic vibrations through its tip.<br />
Later, they sprinkle the Holy water at every nook and corner of the place,<br />
where the function is held.<br />
<br />
A Dharbham without the tip is considered of no value, as the<br />
conductor-type value is lost in it.<br />
<br />
<br />
My father, Late Shri Ramabathrachariar of Mukkur,<br />
fondly called by everyone<br />
as Sriraman, has given me the immense values of Dharbham and its usage.<br />
With Sanskrit phonetic sound and vibration,<br />
using the Dharbham increases its value.<br />
<br />
<br />
The usage varies according to the functions.<br />
It is really a marvel, that<br />
in those days of Vedic Era,<br />
the Sages & Saints of Hindu land used to control<br />
the Magnetic path disturbances,<br />
just by simply using this Dharbham!<br />
<br />
<br />
Apart from the above, Dharbham cannot be planted and grown everywhere.<br />
<br />
<br />
It only grows naturally at selective places and available almost in every<br />
state in India.<br />
Some learned scholars name it after Saint Vishwaamitra -<br />
hence Dharbham is known and called as Vishwaamitra.<br />
If it is kept for a<br />
longer time, say for more than six months,<br />
then it loses it value and<br />
the power of absorbing the radiation or magnetic path control values.<br />
<br />
<br />
</span></span><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhh7S_1PSwzgsvjkcYkQoxDNT82PAVWE4o6hzwQaO2qQSFWwUuOHEtufr9bOP-iTlyRALGFg2vFvBsiZIKaxaIuq2WOAaiQc1Gj1xejDjKZ0Wvhbxl-_w8q9O82dm4gpVcZbc7xej4GNN0/s1600/Darbha+Grass.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="208" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhh7S_1PSwzgsvjkcYkQoxDNT82PAVWE4o6hzwQaO2qQSFWwUuOHEtufr9bOP-iTlyRALGFg2vFvBsiZIKaxaIuq2WOAaiQc1Gj1xejDjKZ0Wvhbxl-_w8q9O82dm4gpVcZbc7xej4GNN0/s320/Darbha+Grass.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">Dharbai - as "Pavithram"</span></b></td></tr>
</tbody></table><span class="Apple-style-span" style="background-color: #f3f3f3; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; line-height: 21px;">Dharbham cannot just be plucked straight or cut on any day;</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="background-color: #f3f3f3; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><span style="line-height: 21px;"> There is a specific Slokha that is to be recited before cutting it;<br />
<br />
That too it can<br />
be cut only on the day next to Full Moon - known as Krishna Paksha Pradamai.<br />
<br />
A Dharbham without its tip portion is not to be used for making<br />
a Ring like item known as "Pavithram".</span></span><br />
<br />
</div>Jolly Rhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09360932879231762916noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3614247996656767536.post-83006039527044254702011-04-22T03:18:00.000-07:002011-12-27T01:09:21.053-08:00Our Rameshwaram Trip - Completing our Holy Yatra of Kashi<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial; font-size: x-small;"><strong style="font-style: inherit; font-weight: bold;"></strong></span><br />
<div style="text-align: left;"><strong style="font-style: inherit; font-weight: bold;"><span style="color: #ec1111;"><span style="font-size: 20px;"></span></span></strong><br />
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<table border="0" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" style="color: black; font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: medium; font-weight: normal; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td colspan="2" height="134" valign="top" width="77%"><div><div style="text-align: left;"><div style="text-align: left;"><h2 style="font-weight: bold; line-height: 18pt; margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial;"><span style="font-family: Arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: small; font-weight: normal; line-height: normal;"><strong style="font-weight: bold;"><span style="color: #ec1111;"><span style="font-size: 20px;"><i><table border="0" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" style="color: black; display: inline !important; font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: medium; font-weight: normal;"><tbody style="display: inline !important;">
<tr style="display: inline !important;"><td colspan="2" height="134" style="display: inline !important;" valign="top" width="77%"><div style="display: inline !important;"><div style="display: inline !important; text-align: left;"><div style="display: inline !important; text-align: left;"><h2 style="display: inline !important; margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: normal;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: blue; font-size: small;">Absolve your Sins in Rameshwaram.....</span></span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: normal;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: blue;"><br />
</span></span></span></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjNqRsNRq8IlfTyHR3dZaseIF6NZ13WP7Spub1Ux7rals9IsJkoeZ4NcWunbM0pc32d1A3ShO6WvTNQwAh3tVHdAf9Migg2-CdkblkIirIWLhqwdkskmo46GMnbH-y03Xy_0zjwLUXzdR0/s1600/rameshwaram-temple+%25282%2529.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="80" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjNqRsNRq8IlfTyHR3dZaseIF6NZ13WP7Spub1Ux7rals9IsJkoeZ4NcWunbM0pc32d1A3ShO6WvTNQwAh3tVHdAf9Migg2-CdkblkIirIWLhqwdkskmo46GMnbH-y03Xy_0zjwLUXzdR0/s400/rameshwaram-temple+%25282%2529.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: blue; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">View of Rameshwaram Temple</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: blue; font-weight: normal;"></span></span><br />
<h2 style="line-height: 18.0pt; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: blue; font-size: small; font-weight: normal;"><span style="color: blue; font-weight: normal;">*Legend has it that Rama worshipped Shiva in the form of a Shiva Lingam made of earth by Sita, while returning to Ayodhya</span><span style="color: blue; font-weight: normal;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></span></h2><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: blue; font-size: small; font-weight: normal;"><u1:p></u1:p> </span></span><br />
<div style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in; mso-outline-level: 3;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: blue; font-size: small; font-weight: normal;"><br />
</span></span></div><div style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in; mso-outline-level: 3;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: blue; font-size: small; font-weight: normal;"><span style="color: blue;">*Hanuman was entrusted with the task of bringing an image of Viswanatha from<span class="apple-converted-space"> Varanasi</span>. Anticipating delay in Hanuman's return from<span class="apple-converted-space"> </span><st1:place w:st="on"><st1:place u2:st="on">Benares</st1:place></st1:place>, Rama is said to have offered worship at a pre-chosen auspicious moment to a Shivalingam fashioned out of earth by Sita. This lingam is referred to as Ramalingam or Ramanatham and the town is known as Rameswaram</span><span style="color: blue;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></span></div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: blue; font-weight: normal;"><u1:p></u1:p> </span></span><br />
<div style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in; mso-outline-level: 3;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: blue; font-weight: normal;"><br />
</span></span></div><div style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in; mso-outline-level: 3;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: blue; font-weight: normal;"><span style="color: blue;">*There is yet another Shivalingam here [Viswanatha] said to have been brought by Hanuman from Banares. This Shivalingam is referred to as Kasilingam and Hanumalingam. Prayers are offered to Viswanatha before they are offered to Ramanathaswamy</span><span style="color: blue;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></span></div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: blue; font-weight: normal;"><u1:p></u1:p> </span></span><br />
<div style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in; mso-outline-level: 3;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: blue; font-weight: normal;"><br />
</span></span></div><div style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in; mso-outline-level: 3;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: blue; font-weight: normal;"><span style="color: blue;">*Legend has it that Rama worshipped Tilakeswara at Devipatnam [also known as Navapashanam] nearby enroute to<span class="apple-converted-space"> </span><st1:country-region w:st="on"><st1:place w:st="on"><st1:country-region u2:st="on"><st1:place u2:st="on">Sri Lanka</st1:place></st1:country-region></st1:place></st1:country-region></span><span style="color: blue;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></span></div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: blue; font-weight: normal;"><u1:p></u1:p> </span></span><br />
<div style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in; mso-outline-level: 3;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: blue; font-weight: normal;"><br />
</span></span></div><div style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in; mso-outline-level: 3;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: blue; font-weight: normal;"><span style="color: blue;">*Rameswaram is known for its long ornate corridors and towers and 36 theerthams</span><span style="color: blue;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></span></div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: blue; font-weight: normal;"><u1:p></u1:p> </span></span><br />
<div style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in; mso-outline-level: 3;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: blue; font-weight: normal;"><br />
</span></span></div><div style="line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in; mso-outline-level: 3;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: blue; font-weight: normal;"><span style="color: blue;">*There are 36 Theerthams in Rameswaram of which 22 are in the temple and these waters are are said to possess medicinal properties<o:p></o:p></span></span></span></div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: small;"><br />
</span><br />
<div style="font-weight: normal; line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: small;"><span style="color: blue;">*<st1:city w:st="on"><st1:place w:st="on">Temples</st1:place></st1:city> remains closed from 01:00 PM to 04:00 PM<o:p></o:p></span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: small;"><br />
</span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: small;"><span class="Apple-style-span"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: blue;">Now let us move on to the religious aspects of this Holy Place<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: normal;">...</span></span></span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: normal;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: blue;"><br />
</span></span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: normal;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: blue;">As I have written earlier, every Brahmin, anywhere in the world, believe that in their life time, they should at least once visit Allahabad, Varanasi and Gaya, and give sacred oblations to their ancestors. Only people who have started performing Sraddhams to their father can do this. Other people no doubt can visit these places and visit the most holy temples there, but cannot do the rites for their ancestors. It is essential for the people with such intentions to do it in the proper religious manner and go there accompanied by their wife [if she is alive], and do it without being exploited and see to it that every rite is done in a comfortable manner. If younger brothers accompany the elder brothers, the eldest brother on their behalf would do most of the ceremonies and the younger brothers need not do these ceremonies again. </span></span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: normal;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: blue;"><br />
</span></span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: normal;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: blue;">First Step: Visit to Rameshwaram </span></span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: normal;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: blue;">The first step in this pilgrimage is to go to Rameshwaram, perform the Sraddham there, followed by Samudhra and Theertha Snana. After doing Samudhra Snana, we would be asked to bring sand from the sea. This is made in to three Shiva Lingams-Sethu Madhava, Veni Madhava and Bindhu Madhava.After pooja the Lingam representing Sethu Madhava is put back in to the sea. The priest then asks you to repeat the Sankalpa to the Varanasi-Prayag-Gaya pilgrimage. The sand lingams of Veni Madhava has to be deposited in the Prayag [Allahabad] and that of Bindhu Madhava in Varanasi.Then Sraddham to the ancestors is performed there. Instead of Pinda [cooked rice balls], in Rameshwaram, the pinda is made of wet uncooked rice.</span></span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: small;"><br />
</span></div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: blue;"><br />
</span></span></div></div></h2></div></div></div></td></tr>
</tbody></table></i></span></span></strong></span></span></span></h2><h2 style="line-height: 18pt; margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: blue; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: small; font-weight: normal;">காசிக்குச் செல்வதற்குமுன், இராமேஸ்வரத்தில் செய்யவேண்டிய </span></h2><h2 style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-weight: normal;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: blue; line-height: 24px;">சில ஹோமங்கள் / பூஜைகள்:</span></span></span></h2><h2 style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: blue; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-weight: normal; line-height: 24px;"><br />
</span></span></h2><h2 style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: blue; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-weight: normal; line-height: 24px;">1. சங்கல்பம்</span></span></h2><h2 style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: blue; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-weight: normal; line-height: 24px;">2. தனுர்பான பூஜை</span></span></h2><h2 style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: blue; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-weight: normal; line-height: 24px;">3. சிவலிங்க பூஜை</span></span></h2><h2 style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: blue; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-weight: normal; line-height: 24px;">4. காசிக்கு மணல் பூஜை</span></span></h2><h2 style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: blue; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-weight: normal; line-height: 24px;">5. தீர்த்த ஸ்நானம்</span></span></h2><h2 style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: blue; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-weight: normal; line-height: 24px;">6. ஹிரண்ய ஸார்த்தம்</span></span></h2><h2 style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: blue; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-weight: normal; line-height: 24px;">7. தீர்த்த ஸார்த்தம் [ஹோம விதானம்]</span></span></h2><h2 style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: blue; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-weight: normal; line-height: 24px;">8. பார்வண ஸார்த்தம் [ ஹோம விதானம்]</span></span></h2><h2 style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: blue; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-weight: normal; line-height: 24px;">9. தில ஹோமம் பூஜை</span></span></h2><h2 style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: blue; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-weight: normal; line-height: 24px;">10. சர்ப்ப சாந்தி பூஜை</span></span></h2><h2 style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: blue; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-weight: normal; line-height: 24px;">11. நாகப் பிரதிஷ்டை பூஜை</span></span></h2><h2 style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: blue; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-weight: normal; line-height: 24px;">12. சுவாமி தரிசனம் [ ருத்ர பூஜை]</span></span></h2><h2 style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: blue; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-weight: normal; line-height: 24px;">13. நவக்கிரஹ பூஜை</span></span></h2><h2 style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: blue; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-weight: normal; line-height: 24px;"><br />
</span></span></h2><h2 style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: blue; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-weight: normal; line-height: 24px;">எல்லாவித பரிகார பூஜைகளும் நல்ல விதமான முறையில் </span></span></h2><h2 style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: blue; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-weight: normal; line-height: 24px;">செய்தபின்புதான், காசி யாத்ரா தொடங்க வேண்டும். </span></span></h2><h2 style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: blue; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-weight: normal; line-height: 24px;"><br />
</span></span></h2><h2 style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: blue; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-weight: normal; line-height: 24px;">நீங்கள் நல்ல விதமான முறையில் பூஜைகளை செய்வதற்கு </span></span></h2><h2 style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: blue; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-weight: normal; line-height: 24px;">அணுகவேண்டிய நபர் [ எங்களுடைய வாதியார்] இதோ:</span></span></h2><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #2f2f2f; font-family: Arial; font-size: small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 24px;"><i><br />
</i></span></span></div><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEivFoztcJOVTS_7GqdTt12rVwtObTq8HVwK9tnjDpLAx7K6sZNnCyT2PeRQTPuN9BrOURf9G-AUBoxXihjw_ZkU6GeYvUZ6sBcSYDOHNh2cq_Z5F_1xhyphenhyphengtJA5P6WI-ZqIKGGCCeJdhJC8/s1600/Image0239.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEivFoztcJOVTS_7GqdTt12rVwtObTq8HVwK9tnjDpLAx7K6sZNnCyT2PeRQTPuN9BrOURf9G-AUBoxXihjw_ZkU6GeYvUZ6sBcSYDOHNh2cq_Z5F_1xhyphenhyphengtJA5P6WI-ZqIKGGCCeJdhJC8/s200/Image0239.jpg" width="150" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: blue; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: small;">Our Vadhyaar</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table><h2 style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #2f2f2f; font-family: Arial; font-size: small; font-weight: normal; line-height: 24px;"><br />
</span></h2><h2 style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #2f2f2f; font-family: Arial; font-size: small; font-weight: normal; line-height: 24px;"><br />
</span></h2><h2 style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="background-color: #eeeeee; color: blue; font-family: Arial; font-size: small; font-weight: normal; line-height: 24px;"><br />
</span></h2><h2 style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="background-color: #eeeeee; color: blue; font-family: Arial; font-size: small; font-weight: normal; line-height: 24px;">S. அனந்த பத்ம நாப சர்மா</span></h2><h2 style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial; font-size: small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="background-color: #eeeeee; color: blue; font-weight: normal; line-height: 24px;">இராமேஸ்வரம் - 623 526.எண்: 35, நடுத்தெரு,</span></span></h2><h2 style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="background-color: #eeeeee; color: blue; font-family: Arial; font-size: small; font-weight: normal; line-height: 24px;">தொலை பேசி: 04573 - 223371</span></h2><h2 style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial; font-size: small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="background-color: #eeeeee; color: blue; font-weight: normal; line-height: 24px;">செல்: 94433 90412</span></span></h2><h2 style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial; font-size: small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="background-color: #eeeeee; color: blue; font-weight: normal; line-height: 24px;"><br />
</span></span></h2><h2 style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial; font-size: small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="background-color: #eeeeee; color: blue; font-weight: normal; line-height: 24px;">இம்முறை, நாங்கள் இந்த காசி யாத்ராவை பூர்த்தி செய்வதற்காக செய்த பூஜைகள் கீழ் வருமாறு:</span></span></h2><h2 style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial; font-size: small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="background-color: #eeeeee; color: blue; font-weight: normal; line-height: 24px;"><br />
</span></span></h2><h2 style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial; font-size: small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="background-color: #eeeeee; color: blue; font-weight: normal; line-height: 24px;">1. சங்கல்ப ஸ்நானம்</span></span></h2><h2 style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial; font-size: small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="background-color: #eeeeee; color: blue; font-weight: normal; line-height: 24px;">2. தீர்த்த ஸ்நானம்</span></span></h2><h2 style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial; font-size: small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="background-color: #eeeeee; color: blue; font-weight: normal; line-height: 24px;">3. ஹிரண்ய ஸார்த்தம்</span></span></h2><h2 style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial; font-size: small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="background-color: #eeeeee; color: blue; font-weight: normal; line-height: 24px;">4. ருத்ர ஜபம்</span></span></h2><h2 style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial; font-size: small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="background-color: #eeeeee; color: blue; font-weight: normal; line-height: 24px;">5. சுவாமி தரிசனம்</span></span></h2><h2 style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial; font-size: small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="background-color: #eeeeee; color: blue; font-weight: normal; line-height: 24px;"><br />
</span></span></h2><h2 style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="background-color: #eeeeee; color: blue; font-family: Arial; font-size: small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 24px;">சங்கல்ப ஸ்நானம்:</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: normal; line-height: 24px;"> இந்த ஜன்மாவில் இதுவரைக்கும் [ சேது </span></span></h2><h2 style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial; font-size: small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="background-color: #eeeeee; color: blue; font-weight: normal; line-height: 24px;">ஸ்நானம்</span></span></h2><h2 style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="background-color: #eeeeee;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: blue;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial; font-size: small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: normal; line-height: 24px;"> பண்ற வரைக்கும்] ஏற்படுகிற </span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial; font-size: small; font-weight: normal; line-height: 24px;">தோஷ நிவர்த்தி [ நமது வாழ்க்கையில்].</span></span></span></h2><h2 style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial; font-size: small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="background-color: #eeeeee; color: blue; font-weight: normal; line-height: 24px;"><br />
</span></span></h2><h2 style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="background-color: #eeeeee; color: blue; font-family: Arial; font-size: small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 24px;">ஹிரண்ய ஸார்த்தம்:</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: normal; line-height: 24px;"> ஷேத்திரத்தில் பித்ருக்கள் பூர்ணமாக</span></span></h2><h2 style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="background-color: #eeeeee;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: blue;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial; font-size: small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: normal; line-height: 24px;"> வசிக்கிறார்கள். நாம் இந்த யாத்திரைக்கு </span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial; font-size: small; font-weight: normal; line-height: 24px;">வரும் போது அவர்களை </span></span></span></h2><h2 style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="background-color: #eeeeee; color: blue; font-family: Arial; font-size: small; font-weight: normal; line-height: 24px;">உத்தேசம் பண்ணி ஹிரண்ய ஸார்த்தம் செய்வது விசேஷம்.</span></h2><h2 style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial; font-size: small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="background-color: #eeeeee; color: blue; font-weight: normal; line-height: 24px;"><br />
</span></span></h2><h2 style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="background-color: #eeeeee;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: blue;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial; font-size: small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 24px;">ருத்ர ஜபம்: [சுவாமி தரிசனம்] </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: normal; line-height: 24px;">- காசிக்கு சென்று வந்த பிறகு, அலகாபாதிலிருந்து கங்கையை கொண்டு </span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial; font-size: small; font-weight: normal; line-height: 24px;">வந்து அதை பூஜை செய்து </span></span></span></h2><h2 style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="background-color: #eeeeee; color: blue; font-family: Arial; font-size: small; font-weight: normal; line-height: 24px;">ஸ்ரீருத்ரம், சமகம் ஆகிய வேத மந்திரங்களை பிராமண முகமாக </span></h2><h2 style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="background-color: #eeeeee; color: blue; font-family: Arial; font-size: small; font-weight: normal; line-height: 24px;">பாராயணம் செய்து, கங்கை ஜலத்தை இராமநாத சுவாமிக்கு </span></h2><h2 style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="background-color: #eeeeee;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: blue;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial; font-size: small; font-weight: normal; line-height: 24px;">அபிஷேகம் செய்து, சுவாமி, அம்பாளை தரிசனம் </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial; font-size: small; font-weight: normal; line-height: 24px;">செய்து, இக்காசி </span></span></span></h2><h2 style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial; font-size: small; font-weight: normal; line-height: 24px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="background-color: #eeeeee;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: blue;">யாத்ராவை இவ்வாறு பூர்த்தி செய்வது விசேஷம். </span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #2f2f2f;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="background-color: #eeeeee;"> </span><span style="background-color: black;"></span></span></span></h2><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj-2bfA2dhgDa5OjmddyOI5LJ-14ZEdDVu_z2wBE8gGQ5RUPByf6rrH-W1E1IYu2L0GHl3DSVujV5bpgIais7dD_BMKXh0n4JTT8JzFxh9hdQ-MLsLytB2ZJ31ekO5RQ7hlpD132Fd6ZQI/s1600/Image0167.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj-2bfA2dhgDa5OjmddyOI5LJ-14ZEdDVu_z2wBE8gGQ5RUPByf6rrH-W1E1IYu2L0GHl3DSVujV5bpgIais7dD_BMKXh0n4JTT8JzFxh9hdQ-MLsLytB2ZJ31ekO5RQ7hlpD132Fd6ZQI/s320/Image0167.jpg" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><h2 style="line-height: 18pt; margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: normal;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: blue; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: x-small; line-height: normal;"><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">West Side Entrance to the Temple</div><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">[Taken from from my camera]</div></span></span></h2></td></tr>
</tbody></table><h2 style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in; text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #2f2f2f; font-family: Arial; font-size: small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: normal; line-height: 24px;"><br />
</span></span></h2><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: blue; line-height: 24px;"></span></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: blue; font-family: Arial;">Iam very happy to say that all of us i.e. myself and my husband and also his sisters</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: blue; font-family: Arial;">and brothers have performed these rituals upto Gaya in a befitting manner to our </span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: blue; font-family: Arial;">ancestors and only the completion of the Rameshwaram trip was pending for quite </span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: blue; font-family: Arial;">some time.</span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: blue; font-family: Arial; font-size: 16px; line-height: 24px;"><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: blue; font-family: Arial; font-size: 16px; line-height: 24px;">In this posting of mine, I share with you all our experiences in completing this last </span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: blue; font-family: Arial; font-size: 16px; line-height: 24px;">stretch of the holy Yatra to Rameshwaram. </span></div><div style="display: inline !important; text-align: left;"><i> </i><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEguiRDg8Jd_1Z0uK7E2w-ijHpfen9K5HcvL6o5j6GnJiPSNupN-UD_Jes9YZqictb_k2zu5DFpYR1O3b4nb7m76AbUghFH7hPqqqv6OsQ40GaiGFwP_HfR866quhxr36VYH0e0G4QnQhXc/s1600/rameshwaram4jpg.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="152" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEguiRDg8Jd_1Z0uK7E2w-ijHpfen9K5HcvL6o5j6GnJiPSNupN-UD_Jes9YZqictb_k2zu5DFpYR1O3b4nb7m76AbUghFH7hPqqqv6OsQ40GaiGFwP_HfR866quhxr36VYH0e0G4QnQhXc/s200/rameshwaram4jpg.jpg" width="200" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: blue; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: small;">The Holy Place- Rameshwaram</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: -webkit-auto;"><h2 style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: blue; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: small;"><br />
</span></h2><div class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"></span><br />
<h2 style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: blue; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: small; font-weight: normal;">Performing Tila Homam at Rameshwaram:<o:p></o:p></span></span></h2><h2 style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="color: blue; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: small;"><o:p style="font-weight: normal;"> </o:p></span></span></h2><h2 style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: blue; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: small;"><strong>Tila Homam <span style="font-weight: normal;">is a powerful Vedic ritual, performed to ward off difficulties arising </span></strong></span></span></h2><h2 style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: blue; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: small;"><strong><span style="font-weight: normal;">out of </span>Pithru Dhosham<span style="font-weight: normal;"> [Ancestor Doshas], which is the outcome of non performance </span></strong></span></span></h2><h2 style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><strong><span style="color: blue; font-size: small; font-weight: normal;">of srardhams, and other rituals performed to propitiate our ancestors. Through this </span></strong></span></span></h2><h2 style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><strong><span style="color: blue; font-size: small; font-weight: normal;">homam the pithrus are satisfied and they bestow their blessings not only on us but </span></strong></span></span></h2><h2 style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: blue; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><strong><span style="font-size: small; font-weight: normal;">also on our children and grandchildren. </span></strong></span></span></h2><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"> </span></div></div></div><div class="MsoNormal"><strong style="font-weight: bold;"><span style="color: #ec1111;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 20px;"></span></span></strong><br />
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<span style="color: black; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I</span><span style="color: blue; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">t is generally said <b>"<st1:city w:st="on">Varanasi</st1:city> is the heart of the land that is <st1:country-region w:st="on"><st1:place w:st="on">India</st1:place></st1:country-region> and Rameswaram</b></span><br />
<span style="color: blue; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b> is the foot". </b>A journey to Kashi is invariably linked with a visit to Rameswaram. Many </span><br />
<span style="color: blue; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">many years ago, it was Rama who consecrated the lingam at Rameswaram to atone for his </span><br />
<span style="color: blue; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">sin of killing Ravana and all the other Rakshasas. Much, much later, in the holy city of </span><br />
<span style="color: blue; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><st1:city w:st="on"><st1:place w:st="on">Varanasi</st1:place></st1:city>, Tulsidas made His story available for the common man in his own dialect </span><br />
<span style="color: blue; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">with the Ramcharitmanas. At Rameswaram, the lingam is bathed with many materials, </span><br />
<span style="color: blue; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">as in all places but the most important of them all is the water of the holy Ganges, </span><br />
<span style="color: blue; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">obtained all the way from <st1:city w:st="on"><st1:place w:st="on">Varanasi</st1:place></st1:city>. All through the year, the temple is thronged by </span><br />
<span style="color: blue; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">devotees from all over <st1:country-region w:st="on">India</st1:country-region>, all carrying a brass or copper pot of <st1:place w:st="on">Ganges</st1:place> water as </span><br />
<span style="color: blue; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">an offering to the lord. Like in <st1:city w:st="on"><st1:place w:st="on">Varanasi</st1:place></st1:city>, the rites to one’s forefathers forms an important </span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: blue;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">part of a journey to Rameswaram.</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"> </span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: black; font-family: Arial;"><o:p></o:p></span></div></td></tr>
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</span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial;"><span style="font-family: Arial;"><span style="color: blue; font-family: Arial;">The Theertha Shraddham at Rameshwaram is traditionally performed at Dhanushkodi, the farthest point of <st1:country-region w:st="on">India</st1:country-region> in this direction, </span></span></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial;"><span style="font-family: Arial;"><span style="color: blue; font-family: Arial;">and the nearest point to <st1:country-region w:st="on"><st1:place w:st="on">Sri Lanka</st1:place></st1:country-region>, from where, it is believed that Rama built his bridge to Lanka. The whole of Dhanushkodi was destroyed by a cyclone in 1964 which wiped out the town along with its railway line. Till a few years back, there were a few ruins left as a reminder of that sad event, but now there is practically nothing left, but miles and miles of sand till we reach the sea. Only special jeeps are allowed to ferry devotees and tourists to this place. </span></span></span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial;"><span style="font-family: Arial;"><span style="color: blue; font-family: Arial;">It is a journey worth </span></span></span><span style="color: blue; font-family: Arial;">taking for the pleasure of standing of one of the end points of </span><st1:country-region style="color: blue; font-family: Arial;" w:st="on"><st1:place w:st="on">India</st1:place></st1:country-region><span style="color: blue; font-family: Arial;">. . Traditionally, after the sankalpam and prayers at Dhanushkodi, a bow and arrow are drawn and prayers offered </span><span style="color: blue; font-family: Arial;">to it, and sand from this bow is scooped up and taken to </span><st1:city style="color: blue; font-family: Arial;" w:st="on">Varanasi</st1:city><span style="color: blue; font-family: Arial;"> where it is made into a lingam and after prayers is immersed in the </span><st1:place style="color: blue; font-family: Arial;" w:st="on">Ganges</st1:place><span style="color: blue; font-family: Arial;">. We had already completed all of this ritual, right from Rameshwaram to </span><st1:city style="color: blue; font-family: Arial;" w:st="on">Allahabad</st1:city><span style="color: blue; font-family: Arial;"> to </span><st1:city style="color: blue; font-family: Arial;" w:st="on">Varanasi</st1:city><span style="color: blue; font-family: Arial;"> - </span><st1:city style="color: blue; font-family: Arial;" w:st="on"><st1:place w:st="on">Gaya</st1:place></st1:city><span style="color: blue; font-family: Arial;">. We only had to finish this Yatra and all we had to do was complete our Rameshwaram yatra by performing </span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: blue;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial;"><span style="font-family: Arial;"><span style="font-family: Arial;">Abhishekam to the lingam with the <st1:place w:st="on">Ganges</st1:place> water that we had brought from Kashi.</span></span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial;"> </span></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: blue; font-family: Arial;">[Now a days, the <b>Theertha Shraddham</b> is done on the banks of Rameshwaram </span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: blue; font-family: Arial;">sea shore itself after Dhanushkodi was destroyed].</span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: blue; font-family: Arial;"><br />
</span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial;"><span style="font-family: Arial;"><span style="color: blue; font-family: Arial;">Unfortunately, due to many personal reasons our trip to Rameshwaram once again </span></span></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial;"><span style="font-family: Arial;"><span style="color: blue; font-family: Arial;">could not materialise for a year and a half. Finally we could make it last week on </span></span></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial;"><span style="font-family: Arial;"><span style="color: blue; font-family: Arial;">April 12th, 2011. </span></span></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial;"><span style="font-family: Arial;"><span style="font-family: Arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: blue;">It was a satisfying trip on the whole. </span> <br />
<o:p></o:p></span></span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: blue; font-family: Arial;">We planned our trip to Rameshwaram and left for this holy place on April 11th, 2011. </span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: blue; font-family: Arial;">We left by Rameshwaram Express. This time, along with us [the six of us who had been </span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: blue; font-family: Arial;">to Kashi trip - you may refer my earlier posting on these details], my Athimber, </span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: blue; font-family: Arial;">Advocate Balu and Chandra Akka, my sister-in-law also accompanied us to Rameshwaram. </span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: blue; font-family: Arial;"> It was great fun going together again on this last stretch for the completion of the yatra. </span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: blue; font-family: Arial;">Our train reached Rameshwaram at 4.30am on 12th April . It was very sultry that early </span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: blue; font-family: Arial;">in the morning! </span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial;"><span style="font-family: Arial;"><span style="color: black; font-family: Arial;"><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial;"><span style="font-family: Arial;"><span style="color: blue; font-family: Arial;">We had booked our rooms in <b>Hotel Senthil Andavar,<st1:street w:st="on"><st1:address w:st="on">71 Middle Street</st1:address></st1:street>, </b></span></span></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial;"><span style="font-family: Arial;"><span style="color: blue; font-family: Arial;"><b>Rameshwaram-623 526. [Phone: 04573-221040/221043/221075]. </b> This Hotel is </span></span></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial;"><span style="font-family: Arial;"><span style="color: blue; font-family: Arial;">very close to the <b>West side entrance to the <st1:place w:st="on"><st1:placename w:st="on">Rameshwaram</st1:placename> <st1:placetype w:st="on">Temple</st1:placetype></st1:place></b> and was very </span></span></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial;"><span style="font-family: Arial;"><span style="color: blue; font-family: Arial;">convenient for us in reaching the temple in a few minutes. <o:p></o:p></span></span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: blue; font-family: Arial;"><br />
</span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial;"><span style="font-family: Arial;"><span style="color: blue; font-family: Arial;">After having reached Rameshwaram, it was time for us to start performing our </span></span></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial;"><span style="font-family: Arial;"><span style="font-family: Arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: blue;">rituals one by one since we had just one day for this. </span><o:p></o:p></span></span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial;"><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi_F7pJfhOjNP0qMe94qQPH1ev_3yXGSQ1U4aW516aI6kVn8tRfexJS0rRxoAg2EgyYalIf0mBrKcXvrVMNa_t6pEPetSQlXi4vjZnYJ6JmSbK6o7_eSqY8LqM0cwXGTZ2JdEuj1K5pIL0/s1600/Sphatika-lingam_1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi_F7pJfhOjNP0qMe94qQPH1ev_3yXGSQ1U4aW516aI6kVn8tRfexJS0rRxoAg2EgyYalIf0mBrKcXvrVMNa_t6pEPetSQlXi4vjZnYJ6JmSbK6o7_eSqY8LqM0cwXGTZ2JdEuj1K5pIL0/s200/Sphatika-lingam_1.jpg" width="199" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: blue; font-size: small;">Spastika Lingam</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: blue; font-family: Arial;">Early morning after having a bath in our room, we headed straight to the temple for </span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: blue; font-family: Arial;">darshan of the special <b>Spatika [crystal] lingam</b>, which is taken out for <b>Abhishegam</b> </span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: blue; font-family: Arial;">and darshan every morning between 5 and 6 AM. As the temple through the west-side </span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: blue; font-family: Arial;">entrance was very dark and lonely that early in the morning, we took some assistance </span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: blue; font-family: Arial;">from the guard inside and rushed to the prakaram where the Spatika Lingam abhishegam </span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: blue; font-family: Arial;">was to take place.</span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: blue; font-family: Arial;">There was a long queue for the darshan, but a special darshan ticket of Rs.50/- helped</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: blue; font-family: Arial;"> us bypass the crowd. Even then, we had to wait for about 10 minutes for our turn. It was </span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: blue; font-family: Arial;">worth the wait for two reasons – firstly, the Spatika lingam itself is beautiful and seeing the abhishegam was a divine experience. Secondly, we had nirmalya darshan of the main </span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: blue; font-family: Arial;">lingam in the sanctum. Here, it must be mentioned that the main lingam is made of sand, </span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: blue; font-family: Arial;">and is usually kept covered by a kavacham or covering, which makes it look like it is made </span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: blue; font-family: Arial;">of stone. All the abhishegams are performed to the covered lingam, for it will dissolve </span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: blue; font-family: Arial;">otherwise. The early morning darshan is probably the only time one can have a direct </span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: blue; font-family: Arial;">darshan of the original lingam. </span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial;"> </span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgEAx-dqhm0O1mQRWHQcx9JxgREH3PDFT9Qdxn11pE5vmSUdsewK82d0xoEtteuj9-NBGWgdmKJEqNzjKw1UG4Ib8jCq1HexpSDS-aVa4mThQbY1GjZIr8mJ57jN7M2MtSjXD2wuD-BJ4Y/s1600/Rameshwaram+Temple+early+in+the+morning.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgEAx-dqhm0O1mQRWHQcx9JxgREH3PDFT9Qdxn11pE5vmSUdsewK82d0xoEtteuj9-NBGWgdmKJEqNzjKw1UG4Ib8jCq1HexpSDS-aVa4mThQbY1GjZIr8mJ57jN7M2MtSjXD2wuD-BJ4Y/s320/Rameshwaram+Temple+early+in+the+morning.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: blue; font-size: small;">The dark corridors of the Temple early in the morning 5.30am<br />
[Taken from my camera]</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial;"><span style="font-family: Arial;"><span style="font-family: Arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: blue; font-size: 16px;">According to the legend, upon the advice of Rishis [sages], Lord Rama along with Sita </span></span></span></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial;"><span style="font-family: Arial;"><span style="font-family: Arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: blue; font-size: 16px;">and Lakshmana, installed and worshipped the Sivalinga here to expiate the sin of </span></span></span></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial;"><span style="font-family: Arial;"><span style="font-family: Arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: blue; font-size: 16px;">Brahmahatya [killing of a Brahmin – Ravana] while returning to Ayodhya. Rama fixed an auspicious time for the installation and sent Hanuman to <st1:place w:st="on"><st1:placetype w:st="on">Mount</st1:placetype> <st1:placename w:st="on">Kailas</st1:placename></st1:place> to bring a lingam. </span></span></span></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial;"><span style="font-family: Arial;"><span style="font-family: Arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: blue; font-size: 16px;">As Hanuman could not return in time, Sita herself made a linga of sand. When Hanuman returned with a Linga from <st1:place w:st="on"><st1:placetype w:st="on">Mount</st1:placetype> <st1:placename w:st="on">Kailas</st1:placename></st1:place> the rituals had been over. To comfort the </span></span></span></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial;"><span style="font-family: Arial;"><span style="font-family: Arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: blue; font-size: 16px;">disappointed Anjaneya, Rama had Anjaneya’s Lingam [Visvalingam] also installed </span></span></span></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial;"><span style="font-family: Arial;"><span style="font-family: Arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: blue; font-size: 16px;">by the side of Ramalinga, and ordained that rituals be performed first to the Visvalingam. </span></span></span></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial;"><span style="font-family: Arial;"><span style="font-family: Arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: blue; font-size: 16px;">This Visvalingam is just around the Prakaram of Hanuman temple</span></span></span></span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial;"><span style="font-family: Arial;"><span style="color: blue; font-family: Arial;"> </span></span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: blue; font-family: Arial;">After witnessing the abhisheagam of the Spatika Lingam, we made our way to the </span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: blue; font-family: Arial;">Hotel room and had a good, hot cup of coffee, brought specially from our Vadhyaar's </span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: blue; font-family: Arial;">house. </span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: blue; font-family: Arial;">Our programme for the day was charted out by our <b>Vadhyaar at Rameshwaram, </b></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: blue; font-family: Arial;"><b>Shri Anantha Padmanabha Sharma [ address:</b></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial;"><span style="font-family: Arial;"><span style="color: blue; font-family: Arial;"><b>No.35, <st1:street w:st="on"><st1:address w:st="on">Middle Street</st1:address></st1:street>, Rameshwaram -623 526. Phone: 04573-223371; </b></span></span></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial;"><span style="font-family: Arial;"><span style="color: blue; font-family: Arial;"><b><st1:city w:st="on"><st1:place w:st="on">Mobile</st1:place></st1:city>: 94433 90412].</b><o:p></o:p></span></span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial;"><span style="font-family: Arial;"><span style="color: blue; font-family: Arial;">He had already left instructions for us to come over to his house for begining our </span></span></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial;"><span style="font-family: Arial;"><span style="color: blue; font-family: Arial;">rituals for the day. <o:p></o:p></span></span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial;"><span style="color: blue; font-family: Arial;"><br />
</span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial;"><span style="font-family: Arial;"><span style="color: blue; font-family: Arial;"><b>We started off with the "Sangalpa Snaanam" and "Theertha Snaanam".</b> <o:p></o:p></span></span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial;"><span style="font-family: Arial;"><span style="color: blue; font-family: Arial;"><br />
</span></span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial;"><span style="font-family: Arial;"><span style="color: blue; font-family: Arial;"></span></span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial;"><span style="font-family: Arial;"><span class="apple-style-span" style="color: blue;"><span style="font-family: Arial;">We proceeded by an auto to have a dip in the holy waters of Rameshwaram sea. </span> </span></span></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial;"><span style="font-family: Arial;"><span class="apple-style-span" style="color: blue;">Even though the distance to the sea was short, we enjoyed the ride and finally made </span></span></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial;"><span style="font-family: Arial;"><span class="apple-style-span" style="color: blue;">it to the holy waters of Rameshwaram. There was much water due to high tide, but </span></span></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial;"><span style="font-family: Arial;"><span class="apple-style-span" style="color: blue;">one cannot miss noticing to what extent the sea has now been dirtied over the years. </span></span></span><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiITaLawL2Y2eFcKwtkdkywsFxUbQ70pYNmCQ5kjxHgKJYrRljz2CMPHZSeL5miqua8_Y390wNI0Cy6JiEURGqfnNe03Sn78Z9X5mBoOWUZhx3k-CDZgiP0fUSC9H_qHyh2JVl-GQivIvI/s1600/Holy+Bath.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiITaLawL2Y2eFcKwtkdkywsFxUbQ70pYNmCQ5kjxHgKJYrRljz2CMPHZSeL5miqua8_Y390wNI0Cy6JiEURGqfnNe03Sn78Z9X5mBoOWUZhx3k-CDZgiP0fUSC9H_qHyh2JVl-GQivIvI/s320/Holy+Bath.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: blue; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">A Dip in the Holy Waters of Rameshwaram, <br />
absolving the sins</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: blue; font-family: Arial;">However, the first few steps into the water are through incredibly dirty layers of waste </span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: blue; font-family: Arial;">on the sand. I only hope that in future, proper steps to clean up the area are taken, </span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: blue; font-family: Arial;">so that the pilgrims visiting the place are not hampered by the unhealthy surroundings </span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: blue; font-family: Arial;">near and in the waters of Rameshwaram. We had to advance to waist level water to </span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: blue; font-family: Arial;">actually feel clear sand under our feet. </span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial;"><span style="font-family: Arial;"><span class="apple-style-span" style="color: blue;">After having had several dips in the water, accompanied by our Vadhyaar's assistants, </span></span></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial;"><span style="font-family: Arial;"><span class="apple-style-span" style="color: blue;">we again proceeded straight to the <b>22 sacred wells,</b> drawing out the water and pouring </span></span></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial;"><span style="font-family: Arial;"><span class="apple-style-span" style="color: blue;">it over us. As the weather was so sultry outside, every bucket poured over us was indeed heavenly!</span></span></span><br />
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</span></span></span><br />
<span class="apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: collapse; color: blue;"><strong style="margin-bottom: 5px; margin-top: 5px; text-align: center;">T</strong><strong style="margin-bottom: 5px; margin-top: 5px; text-align: center;">he Theerthams of the pictures inside the Corridor and their significance is </strong></span></span><br />
<span class="apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: collapse; color: blue;"><strong style="margin-bottom: 5px; margin-top: 5px; text-align: center;">given here:</strong></span></span><br />
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<tr><td valign="top"><strong style="margin-bottom: 5px; margin-top: 5px; text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: blue; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">1.</span></strong></td><td></td><td><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: blue; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><strong style="margin-bottom: 5px; margin-top: 5px; text-align: center;">Mahalakshmi Theertham:</strong><br />
Location: South of the Hanuman pictures.<br />
significance: Dharmarajan bathed here and became rich.</span><br />
<br />
<img alt="" src="http://rameswaram.org.in/pictures/1.jpg" /></td></tr>
<tr><td></td><td></td><td></td></tr>
<tr><td valign="top"><strong style="margin-bottom: 5px; margin-top: 5px; text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: blue; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">2.</span></strong></td><td></td><td><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: blue; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><strong style="margin-bottom: 5px; margin-top: 5px; text-align: center;">Savithri Theertham:</strong><br />
Location: West of the Hanuman pictures.<br />
significance: King Kasibar got rid of his curse.</span></td></tr>
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<tr><td valign="top"><strong style="margin-bottom: 5px; margin-top: 5px; text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: blue; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">3.</span></strong></td><td></td><td><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: blue; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><strong style="margin-bottom: 5px; margin-top: 5px; text-align: center;">Gayathri Theertham:</strong><br />
Location: West of the Hanuman pictures<br />
significance: King Kasibar got rid of his curse.</span><br />
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<img alt="" src="http://rameswaram.org.in/pictures/2.jpg" /></td></tr>
<tr><td></td><td></td><td></td></tr>
<tr><td valign="top"><strong style="margin-bottom: 5px; margin-top: 5px; text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: blue; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">4.</span></strong></td><td></td><td><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: blue; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><strong style="margin-bottom: 5px; margin-top: 5px; text-align: center;">Saraswathi Theertham:</strong><br />
Location: West of the Hanuman pictures<br />
significance: King Kasibar got rid of his curse.</span></td></tr>
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<tr><td valign="top"><strong style="margin-bottom: 5px; margin-top: 5px; text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: blue; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">5.</span></strong></td><td></td><td><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: blue; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><strong style="margin-bottom: 5px; margin-top: 5px; text-align: center;">Sethu madhava Theertham:</strong><br />
Location: The Tank at the third corridor<br />
significance: One will get lakshmi;s blessings and purification of heart.</span><br />
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</span><br />
<img alt="" src="http://rameswaram.org.in/pictures/7.jpg" /></td></tr>
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<tr><td valign="top"><strong style="margin-bottom: 5px; margin-top: 5px; text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: blue; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">6.</span></strong></td><td></td><td><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: blue; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><strong style="margin-bottom: 5px; margin-top: 5px; text-align: center;">Gandhamadana Theertham:</strong><br />
Location: In the area of the Sethumadhava pictures<br />
significance: One will get riches and their sins will be absolved after getting rid of their penury.</span><br />
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<img alt="" src="http://rameswaram.org.in/pictures/12.jpg" /></td></tr>
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<tr><td valign="top"><strong style="margin-bottom: 5px; margin-top: 5px; text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="background-color: #eeeeee; color: blue; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">7.</span></strong></td><td></td><td><span class="Apple-style-span" style="background-color: #eeeeee; color: blue; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><strong style="margin-bottom: 5px; margin-top: 5px; text-align: center;">kavatcha Theertham:</strong><br />
Location: In the area of the Sethumadhava pictures<br />
signific</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="background-color: #eeeeee; color: blue; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">ance: One will not go to hell.</span><br />
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<img alt="" src="http://rameswaram.org.in/pictures/11.jpg" /><br />
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<table border="0" bordercolor="#111111" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" id="AutoNumber1" style="border-collapse: collapse; width: 600px;"><tbody>
<tr><td valign="top"><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><strong style="margin-bottom: 5px; margin-top: 5px; text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: blue; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">8.</span></strong></div></td><td></td><td><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: blue;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><strong style="margin-bottom: 5px; margin-top: 5px; text-align: center;">Gavaya Theertham:</strong><br />
Location: In the area of the Sethumadhava pictures.<br />
significance: Shelter under karpaga Virutchaga Tree</span>.</span></div></td></tr>
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<tr><td valign="top"><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #bb4477; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b><br />
</b></span></div></td><td><br />
</td><td><img alt="" src="http://rameswaram.org.in/pictures/10.jpg" /></td></tr>
<tr><td valign="top"><strong style="margin-bottom: 5px; margin-top: 5px; text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: blue; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">9.</span></strong><br />
<div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: blue; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b><br />
</b></span></div></td><td></td><td><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: blue; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><strong style="margin-bottom: 5px; margin-top: 5px; text-align: center;">Nala Theertham:</strong><br />
Location: In the area of the Sethumadhava pictures.<br />
significance: One will get Soorya Thejas and reach Heaven.</span><br />
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</span><br />
<img alt="" src="http://rameswaram.org.in/pictures/21.jpg" /></td></tr>
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<tr><td valign="top"><strong style="margin-bottom: 5px; margin-top: 5px; text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: blue; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">10.</span></strong></td><td></td><td><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: blue; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><strong style="margin-bottom: 5px; margin-top: 5px; text-align: center;">Neela Theertham:</strong><br />
Location: In the area of the Sethumadhava pictures<br />
significance: One will get the benefit of Samastha[entire] yaga and receive Agni Yoga.</span><br />
<br />
<img alt="" src="http://rameswaram.org.in/pictures/9.jpg" /></td></tr>
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<tr><td valign="top"><strong style="margin-bottom: 5px; margin-top: 5px; text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #bb4477;">1</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="background-color: #eeeeee;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: blue;">1.</span></span></span></strong></td><td></td><td><span class="Apple-style-span" style="background-color: #eeeeee; color: blue; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><strong style="margin-bottom: 5px; margin-top: 5px; text-align: center;">Sanku Theertham:</strong><br />
Location: In the inner corridor of the pictures.<br />
significance: Vathsanaba, the Sage, got rid of his sin of ingratitude.</span><br />
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</span><br />
<img alt="" src="http://rameswaram.org.in/pictures/5.jpg" /></td></tr>
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<tr><td valign="top"><strong style="margin-bottom: 5px; margin-top: 5px; text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: blue; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">12.</span></strong></td><td></td><td><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: blue; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><strong style="margin-bottom: 5px; margin-top: 5px; text-align: center;">Sakkara Theertham:</strong><br />
Location: In the inner corridor of the pictures.<br />
significance: The Sun got His hand turned golden.</span><br />
<br />
<img alt="" src="http://rameswaram.org.in/pictures/6.jpg" /></td></tr>
<tr><td></td><td></td><td></td></tr>
<tr><td valign="top"><strong style="margin-bottom: 5px; margin-top: 5px; text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #bb4477;">1</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: blue;">3.</span></span></strong></td><td></td><td><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: blue; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><strong style="margin-bottom: 5px; margin-top: 5px; text-align: center;">Brahmahathi Vimochana Theertham:</strong><br />
Location: In the inner corridor of the pictures.<br />
significance: Brahamahathi was absolved of his sins.</span><br />
<img alt="" src="http://rameswaram.org.in/pictures/13.jpg" /></td></tr>
<tr><td></td><td></td><td></td></tr>
<tr><td valign="top"><strong style="margin-bottom: 5px; margin-top: 5px; text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: blue; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">14.</span></strong></td><td></td><td><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: blue; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><strong style="margin-bottom: 5px; margin-top: 5px; text-align: center;">Sooriya Theertham:</strong><br />
Location: In the inner corridor of the pictures.<br />
significance: One will get the knowledge of the past present and the future and reach the worlds they want.</span><br />
<br />
<img alt="" src="http://rameswaram.org.in/pictures/15.jpg" /></td></tr>
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<tr><td valign="top"><strong style="margin-bottom: 5px; margin-top: 5px; text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: blue; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">15.</span></strong></td><td></td><td><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: blue; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><strong style="margin-bottom: 5px; margin-top: 5px; text-align: center;">Chandra Theertham:</strong><br />
Location: In the inner corridor of the pictures.<br />
significance: One will get the knowledge of the past present and the future and reach the worlds they want.</span><br />
<br />
<img alt="" src="http://rameswaram.org.in/pictures/14.jpg" /></td></tr>
<tr><td></td><td></td><td></td></tr>
<tr><td valign="top"><strong style="margin-bottom: 5px; margin-top: 5px; text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="background-color: #eeeeee; color: blue; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">16.</span></strong></td><td></td><td><span class="Apple-style-span" style="background-color: #eeeeee; color: blue; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><strong style="margin-bottom: 5px; margin-top: 5px; text-align: center;">Ganga Theertham:</strong><br />
Location: In the inner corridor of the pictures.<br />
significance: Gananasuruthi Rajah attained wisdom.</span></td></tr>
<tr><td></td><td></td><td></td></tr>
<tr><td valign="top"><strong style="margin-bottom: 5px; margin-top: 5px; text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="background-color: #eeeeee; color: blue; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">17.</span></strong></td><td></td><td><span class="Apple-style-span" style="background-color: #eeeeee; color: blue; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><strong style="margin-bottom: 5px; margin-top: 5px; text-align: center;">Yamuna Theertham:</strong><br />
Location: In the inner corridor of the pictures.<br />
significance: Gananasuruthi Rajah attained wisdom.</span><br />
<img alt="" src="http://rameswaram.org.in/pictures/20.jpg" /></td></tr>
<tr><td></td><td></td><td></td></tr>
<tr><td valign="top"><strong style="margin-bottom: 5px; margin-top: 5px; text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: blue; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">18.</span></strong></td><td></td><td><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: blue; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><strong style="margin-bottom: 5px; margin-top: 5px; text-align: center;">Gaya Theertham:</strong><br />
Location: In the inner corridor of the pictures<br />
significance: Gananasuruthi Rajah attained wishdom</span><br />
<img alt="" src="http://rameswaram.org.in/pictures/19.jpg" /></td></tr>
<tr><td></td><td></td><td></td></tr>
<tr><td valign="top"><strong style="margin-bottom: 5px; margin-top: 5px; text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: blue; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">19.</span></strong></td><td></td><td><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: blue; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><strong style="margin-bottom: 5px; margin-top: 5px; text-align: center;">Siva Theertham:</strong><br />
Location: South of nandi Deva in the pictures<br />
significance: Completion of Bhaira Brahmahathi</span><br />
<img alt="" src="http://rameswaram.org.in/pictures/17.jpg" /></td></tr>
<tr><td></td><td></td><td></td></tr>
<tr><td valign="top"><strong style="margin-bottom: 5px; margin-top: 5px; text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: blue; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">20.</span></strong></td><td></td><td><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: blue; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><strong style="margin-bottom: 5px; margin-top: 5px; text-align: center;">Sadyamirtha Theertham:</strong><br />
Location: In the Amman Sannathi<br />
significance: Emperor Bururoonu got rid of his curse.</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br />
</span><br />
<img alt="" src="http://rameswaram.org.in/pictures/16.jpg" /></td></tr>
<tr><td></td><td></td><td></td></tr>
<tr><td valign="top"><strong style="margin-bottom: 5px; margin-top: 5px; text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: blue; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">21.</span></strong></td><td></td><td><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: blue; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><strong style="margin-bottom: 5px; margin-top: 5px; text-align: center;">Sarva Theertham:</strong><br />
Location: In front of Lord Ramanatha's sannathi<br />
significance: Sutharishna got rid of his blindness(from birth), illness and old age and then he prospered.</span><br />
<br />
<img alt="" src="http://rameswaram.org.in/pictures/18.jpg" /></td></tr>
<tr><td></td><td></td><td></td></tr>
<tr><td valign="top"><strong style="margin-bottom: 5px; margin-top: 5px; text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: blue; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">22.</span></strong></td><td></td><td><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: blue; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><strong style="margin-bottom: 5px; margin-top: 5px; text-align: center;">Kodi Theertham:</strong><br />
Location: In the first corridor of the pictures.<br />
significance: Sri Krishna got rid of his Sin of killing his Uncle, kamsan.</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br />
</span><br />
<img alt="" src="http://rameswaram.org.in/pictures/22.jpg" /></td></tr>
</tbody></table><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial;"><span style="font-family: Arial;"><span class="apple-style-span"><br />
</span></span></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial;"><span style="font-family: Arial;"><span class="apple-style-span"></span></span></span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: blue; font-family: Arial;">As is known to one and all, this is probably considered to be the most unique and the </span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: blue; font-family: Arial;">best part of a visit to Rameswaram, as the waters from these wells is said to absolve </span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: blue; font-family: Arial;">one’s sins. It is amazing indeed that even today, after so many years, there is so much </span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: blue; font-family: Arial;">water seeping into these holy wells, which is quite unbelievable!</span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial;"><span style="font-family: Arial;"><span class="apple-style-span"><span style="color: blue; font-family: Arial;"><br />
</span></span></span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial;"><span style="font-family: Arial;"><span class="apple-style-span" style="color: blue;"><span class="apple-style-span"><span style="font-family: Arial;"></span></span><span style="font-family: Arial;"></span></span></span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial;"><span style="font-family: Arial;"><span class="apple-style-span" style="color: blue;"><span style="font-family: Arial;">On finishing the first stage of the ritual,<span class="apple-converted-space"> </span></span> we went back to our room for a change of dress </span></span></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial;"><span style="font-family: Arial;"><span class="apple-style-span" style="color: blue;">and got ourselves into the traditional nine yards saree for the ladies and panchakancham </span></span></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial;"><span style="font-family: Arial;"><span class="apple-style-span" style="color: blue;">for the men and proceeded straight to our Vadhyaar's house were all the arrangements had been made to perform the <b>"Hiranya Shraddham"</b> and also the necessary puja to the </span></span></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial;"><span style="font-family: Arial;"><span class="apple-style-span" style="color: blue;">Ganges water which we had brought from Varanasi in sealed copper pots or Gangai Sombu. The "Hiranya Shraddham" took us an hour or so, and was followed by the Puja for the </span></span></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial;"><span style="font-family: Arial;"><span class="apple-style-span" style="color: blue;"><b>Gangai Sombu /water</b>. My brother-in-law had also made some arrangements for </span></span></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: blue;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial;"><span style="font-family: Arial;"><span class="apple-style-span">chanting of <b>"Rudram"</b>, and <b>"</b></span></span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 16px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b>Veda Ghana Paarayanam</b>" </span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial;">which was rendered by </span></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: blue; font-family: Arial;">about 7 to 8 vedic brahmins. The rendering of the Rudram was so electrifying to our </span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: blue; font-family: Arial;">ears that we lost count of the time! By the time this was over, it was nearing 1pm. </span></div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial;"><span style="font-family: Arial;"><span class="apple-style-span" style="color: blue;"> </span></span></span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial;"><span style="font-family: Arial;"><span class="apple-style-span" style="color: blue;"><br />
</span></span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial;"><span style="font-family: Arial;"><span class="apple-style-span"><span style="color: blue; font-family: Arial;">As is customary, the wet clothes worn during the holy dip in the sea and for absolving our </span></span></span></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial;"><span style="font-family: Arial;"><span class="apple-style-span"><span style="color: blue; font-family: Arial;">sins at the 22 holy wells, these were given to the poor brahmins assembled at our </span></span></span></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial;"><span style="font-family: Arial;"><span class="apple-style-span"><span style="color: blue; font-family: Arial;">Vadhyaar's house, as "<b>dhanam".<span class="apple-converted-space"> </span></b><o:p></o:p></span></span></span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial;"><span style="font-family: Arial;"><span class="apple-style-span" style="color: blue;"><br />
</span></span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial;"><span style="font-family: Arial;"><span class="apple-style-span"><span class="apple-style-span"><span style="color: blue; font-family: Arial;">Our lunch was prepared at the Vadhyaar’s house by his wife, as was done earlier </span></span></span></span></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial;"><span style="font-family: Arial;"><span class="apple-style-span"><span class="apple-style-span"><span style="color: blue; font-family: Arial;">during our first visit prior to going on our Kashi trip. Talking of food, there is every type </span></span></span></span></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial;"><span style="font-family: Arial;"><span class="apple-style-span"><span class="apple-style-span"><span style="color: blue; font-family: Arial;">of cuisine available at Rameswaram – from Gujarati meals, Marwari to Jain or </span></span></span></span></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial;"><span style="font-family: Arial;"><span class="apple-style-span"><span class="apple-style-span"><span style="color: blue; font-family: Arial;">Punjabi – every region has its own restaurant. However, for one yearning to sample an </span></span></span></span></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial;"><span style="font-family: Arial;"><span class="apple-style-span"><span class="apple-style-span"><span style="color: blue; font-family: Arial;">authentic south Indian meal, there is nothing like eating at a priest’s house. There are </span></span></span></span></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial;"><span style="font-family: Arial;"><span class="apple-style-span"><span class="apple-style-span"><span style="color: blue; font-family: Arial;">lots of them around – the road opposite the main <st1:place w:st="on"><st1:placetype w:st="on">temple</st1:placetype> <st1:placename w:st="on">gopuram</st1:placename></st1:place> leading to the sea </span></span></span></span></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial;"><span style="font-family: Arial;"><span class="apple-style-span"><span class="apple-style-span"><span style="color: blue; font-family: Arial;">is lined with homes of Brahmins who make a living out of cooking. . The Kanchi or </span></span></span></span></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial;"><span style="font-family: Arial;"><span class="apple-style-span"><span class="apple-style-span"><span style="color: blue; font-family: Arial;">Sringeri mutt in Rameshwaram, also make you comfortable and arrange for food </span></span></span></span></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial;"><span style="font-family: Arial;"><span class="apple-style-span"><span class="apple-style-span"><span style="color: blue; font-family: Arial;">at very reasonable rates. This is of course a welcome gesture for the many tourists </span></span></span></span></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial;"><span style="font-family: Arial;"><span class="apple-style-span"><span class="apple-style-span"><span style="color: blue; font-family: Arial;">visiting this holy place. <o:p></o:p></span></span></span></span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial;"><span style="font-family: Arial;"><span class="apple-style-span" style="color: blue;"><br />
</span></span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial;"><span style="font-family: Arial;"><span class="apple-style-span"><span class="apple-style-span"><span style="color: blue; font-family: Arial;">After a sumptuous meal at the Vadhyaar’s house we were tired and exhausted – needed </span></span></span></span></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial;"><span style="font-family: Arial;"><span class="apple-style-span"><span class="apple-style-span"><span style="color: blue; font-family: Arial;">rest very badly. So on the instructions from our Vadhyaar, Shri Anatha Padmanabha </span></span></span></span></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial;"><span style="font-family: Arial;"><span class="apple-style-span"><span class="apple-style-span"><span style="color: blue; font-family: Arial;">Sharma, we were asked to get back at 3pm for performing abhishegam at the temple </span></span></span></span></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial;"><span style="font-family: Arial;"><span class="apple-style-span"><span class="apple-style-span"><span style="color: blue; font-family: Arial;">for the lingam. </span></span></span></span></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial;"><span style="font-family: Arial;"><span class="apple-style-span"><span class="apple-style-span"><span style="color: blue; font-family: Arial;">We rushed to our hotel rooms [ just about two houses away] and had a quick rest. </span></span></span></span></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial;"><span style="font-family: Arial;"><span class="apple-style-span"><span class="apple-style-span"><span style="color: blue; font-family: Arial;">Feeling a bit refreshed after the rest, we again were ready at the hotel foyer for the </span></span></span></span></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial;"><span style="font-family: Arial;"><span class="apple-style-span"><span class="apple-style-span"><span style="color: blue; font-family: Arial;">Vadhyaar’s assistant, who was to take us to the temple. </span></span></span></span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial;"><span style="font-family: Arial;"><span class="apple-style-span"><span class="apple-style-span"><span style="color: black; font-family: Arial;"><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgg0PrS72ZlobgXUKkrIk0gRAw1-HMtq9lfkXb3Ybz-QxNvgd92M47G3YDjBCooEUDRsmT-z-MfQJzk8lfzAOdEbKb5kXeBNS_LdpphtS-6E172cdAG1p3zKErTC9fcNHIyR1GxJEq3X_o/s1600/Image0166.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgg0PrS72ZlobgXUKkrIk0gRAw1-HMtq9lfkXb3Ybz-QxNvgd92M47G3YDjBCooEUDRsmT-z-MfQJzk8lfzAOdEbKb5kXeBNS_LdpphtS-6E172cdAG1p3zKErTC9fcNHIyR1GxJEq3X_o/s320/Image0166.jpg" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: blue; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: small;">Proceeding to the Temple in the afternoon</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: blue; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: small;">[Taken from my camera]</span></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgUO67wQ5oz_P_n9nva1wDkODJ3rCYGAwrUC3zKMKX1vLSd7d7wC78Z8xFaydQRR2IPwflzyL8jsXrQn2XST2XjOcK6mX4NWcHY6dW41FIH7YKVMUDkZHawPlXmS30J_yBe6b6FdmFnnuo/s1600/shiva+rameswaram.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgUO67wQ5oz_P_n9nva1wDkODJ3rCYGAwrUC3zKMKX1vLSd7d7wC78Z8xFaydQRR2IPwflzyL8jsXrQn2XST2XjOcK6mX4NWcHY6dW41FIH7YKVMUDkZHawPlXmS30J_yBe6b6FdmFnnuo/s320/shiva+rameswaram.jpg" width="244" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: blue; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: small;">Sanctum Sanctorum of Temple </span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: blue; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: small;">Rameshwaram</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial;"><span style="font-family: Arial;"><span class="apple-style-span"><span class="apple-style-span"><span style="color: blue; font-family: Arial;">With the guidance of the assistant, we made our way to the temple and straight to the </span></span></span></span></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial;"><span style="font-family: Arial;"><span class="apple-style-span"><span class="apple-style-span"><span style="color: blue; font-family: Arial;">sanctum where we witnessed the abhishegam of the lord with the water of one of the </span></span></span></span></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial;"><span style="font-family: Arial;"><span class="apple-style-span"><span class="apple-style-span"><span style="color: blue; font-family: Arial;">holiest <st1:place w:st="on"><st1:placetype w:st="on">river</st1:placetype> of <st1:placename w:st="on">India</st1:placename></st1:place> which we had bought from Kashi Yatra. There was not much crowd </span></span></span></span></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial;"><span style="font-family: Arial;"><span class="apple-style-span"><span class="apple-style-span"><span style="color: blue; font-family: Arial;">at this time of the afternoon and hence the abhishegam was performed in a satisfying </span></span></span></span></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial;"><span style="font-family: Arial;"><span class="apple-style-span" style="color: blue;"><span class="apple-style-span"><span style="font-family: Arial;">manner. </span></span><span style="font-family: Arial;"><br />
<br />
<span class="apple-style-span">Once the abhishegam was over</span>, it was like a huge relief for all of us and a sense of </span></span></span></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial;"><span style="font-family: Arial;"><span class="apple-style-span"><span style="color: blue; font-family: Arial;">fulfillment and also a feeling of achievement on completing this yatra successfully, as </span></span></span></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial;"><span style="font-family: Arial;"><span class="apple-style-span"><span style="color: blue; font-family: Arial;">this holy yatra took us a year and a half to complete! We were lost for words…</span></span></span></span><br />
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</span></span></span></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: blue; font-family: Arial;">A huge Nandhi in the prakaram of the temple.</span><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgN25m5DCY2Mv_wJ7126QpHYe9nIdC5iYJvBePWqEECvBpbH2Pd-D48KHZ2iHDJTv3XkVG1iJV1Eo6s2RPkNCSBLsA6DnU6XLIv3v4jDCHtBLx3qLjw5G2VRJ7hfZ6C36iBsUGaGkYPEnY/s1600/Nandhi.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgN25m5DCY2Mv_wJ7126QpHYe9nIdC5iYJvBePWqEECvBpbH2Pd-D48KHZ2iHDJTv3XkVG1iJV1Eo6s2RPkNCSBLsA6DnU6XLIv3v4jDCHtBLx3qLjw5G2VRJ7hfZ6C36iBsUGaGkYPEnY/s320/Nandhi.jpg" width="192" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: blue; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: small;">The Huge Nandhi facing the Lord</span></td></tr>
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</span></span></span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: blue; font-family: Arial;">After performing the abhishegam, we had darshan of Lakshmi Narayana and Sethu </span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: blue; font-family: Arial;">Madhava. The shrine to Sethu Madhava is near the theertham of the same name, and </span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: blue; font-family: Arial;">it is considered auspicious to have his darshan after bathing in the water of the teertham. </span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: blue; font-family: Arial;">Sethu Madhava is one of a trinity with Veni Madhava at the Sangam at <st1:city w:st="on">Allahabad</st1:city> and Bindu Madhava at <st1:city w:st="on"><st1:place w:st="on">Varanasi</st1:place></st1:city>. These are all small idols of Vishnu found at the sites at about the </span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: blue; font-family: Arial;">same period. While the Veni Madhava and Bindu Madhava idols are made of black stone, which is a rarity in the north where these idols were found, the idol of Sethu Madhava is in marble, a rare occurrence in the south. Thus, in a way these idols are unusual in their </span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: blue; font-family: Arial;">respective areas, and their names being similar, it probably led to an identification of </span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: blue; font-family: Arial;">these three idols as a trinity, and it is auspicious to see all the three idols. Worth the </span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: blue; font-family: Arial;">visit no doubt!</span><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgzNac_73hvYU44j5Wb9uPRHs76jqQ0Z06jjJ6Fkdip7DPn0HC2Py3WMliaLKUehOAG9A3rpVU2P3FgBeFl6x1idMK4TYVeFNUOJznY4JJAq2SZCDQvFwSJ1c3MU_8k06-nhaFRpdw6jR0/s1600/Sri+Parvathavarthini+Ambal+and+Sri+Ramanatha+Swamy.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgzNac_73hvYU44j5Wb9uPRHs76jqQ0Z06jjJ6Fkdip7DPn0HC2Py3WMliaLKUehOAG9A3rpVU2P3FgBeFl6x1idMK4TYVeFNUOJznY4JJAq2SZCDQvFwSJ1c3MU_8k06-nhaFRpdw6jR0/s320/Sri+Parvathavarthini+Ambal+and+Sri+Ramanatha+Swamy.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: blue; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: small;">Sri Parvathavarthini Ambal and Sri Ramanatha Swamy,<br />
Rameshwaram</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: blue; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; line-height: 20px;"><b>Parvathavardhini</b></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: blue; line-height: 20px;"> <br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">S</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">he is the consort of Lord Ramanatha and is enshrined separately to His right. There is a </span></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 20px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: blue; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Sri Chakra installed inside. Special significance is attached to a Devi shrine situated on </span></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 20px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: blue; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">the right of the Lord’s shrine. In Madurai, too, the shrine of Meenakshi is situated to the </span></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 20px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: blue; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">right of Lord Sundareshwara. On Fridays, an especially decorated image of </span></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: blue;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 20px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Parvathavardhini </span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; line-height: 20px;">is taken round the temple corridor in a golden palanquin.</span></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 20px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: blue;"><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;"><b>Lord Vishwanatha and Visalakshi</b></span></span></span> <span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span"><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhJ4Xr8K9hGgHfzQQxZfmMUX6AmkxP8ZlDgFmetiCTuV-NSRCzvsrzJbcG3-GjnMJxXZthcvfUaCN6RMSaujlgguzlpNHAuuRZrCTUYtI8jDyrO23KOdBoAwI7ctqmUg8TkaUYR7noqH6M/s1600/Vishwalinga.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhJ4Xr8K9hGgHfzQQxZfmMUX6AmkxP8ZlDgFmetiCTuV-NSRCzvsrzJbcG3-GjnMJxXZthcvfUaCN6RMSaujlgguzlpNHAuuRZrCTUYtI8jDyrO23KOdBoAwI7ctqmUg8TkaUYR7noqH6M/s320/Vishwalinga.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: blue; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: small;">Visvalingam is near the Prakaram of </span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: blue; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: small;">Hanuman temple</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table><i></i><br />
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<tr style="display: inline !important;"><td colspan="2" height="134" style="display: inline !important; text-align: justify;" valign="top" width="77%"><div style="display: inline !important;"><div style="display: inline !important; text-align: left;"><div style="display: inline !important; text-align: left;"><div class="MsoNormal" style="display: inline !important;"><div class="MsoNormal" style="display: inline !important;"><div style="display: inline !important;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: blue;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 20px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span">To the north of Ramalinga shrine, Lord Vishwanatha or Vishwalinga has a separate </span></span></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 20px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span">shrine. This is one of the two Lingas brought from Kailas by Hanuman. As per tradition, </span></span></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 20px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span">pujas are first performed to Vishwalinga and then to Ramalinga. In the first inner corridor, Visalakshi, consort of Vishwanatha, is enshrined.</span></span></span></span></div></div></div></div></div></div></td></tr>
</tbody></table><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: blue; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; line-height: 20px;"><b>Sayanagruha [Palliyarai]</b></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 20px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: blue; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"> <br />
<span class="Apple-style-span">This is in the north-eastern corner of the corridor around the Visalakshi shrine. The gold </span></span></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 20px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: blue;">image of the Lord is ceremoniously brought here every night from the main shrine and </span></span></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 20px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: blue;">placed in the Oonjal [swing] by the side of the Devi’s golden idol. The Sayana puja and </span></span></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 20px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: blue;">the early morning puja, when the Lord is taken back in a procession to the sanctum, </span></span></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 20px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: blue;">are worth witnessing.</span></span></span><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhrGFj-OOYGXZ3AUQw8gY9SukBzIbUwyCSYUQKJNwIl3uoaTx4KkfEoHFAA8vzP83UFGJh0nPK4ylgBnkWi-IMHZJWa78RBkY0VZOeTAx28AnPmDC6wKVcs8AdlzoLkN94SILaGKqH-amE/s1600/Rameswaram_Temple_Inside_11.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="238" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhrGFj-OOYGXZ3AUQw8gY9SukBzIbUwyCSYUQKJNwIl3uoaTx4KkfEoHFAA8vzP83UFGJh0nPK4ylgBnkWi-IMHZJWa78RBkY0VZOeTAx28AnPmDC6wKVcs8AdlzoLkN94SILaGKqH-amE/s320/Rameswaram_Temple_Inside_11.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: blue; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: small;">The Architectural Splendour of Rameshwaram</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: blue; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><i></i></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: blue; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"> </span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: blue;">We then made a pradakshina of the sanctum</span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: blue;">. One can notice the architectural marvels, </span></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: blue; font-family: Arial;">as we go round, visiting the many other sanctums of gods and goddesses which are </span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: blue;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial;">inside this huge temple. <br />
<br />
I think I should mention here about the Siddhars who lived in Rameshwaram. Of the many Siddhars, it is said that </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Patanjali is the founder of yoga and one among the 18 siddhars </span></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: blue;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">who have </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">attained samadhi in Rameswaram as per Bhogar's song. After talking to our assistant, we understood that his samadhi is behind the Natrajar sannidhi in the temple. </span></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: blue; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">It is also called a <b>Rudraksha Mandapam</b>. The experience to sit and meditate in this place </span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: blue;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">is awesome it is told. </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">For people who need to experience this, the sannidhi is in the right corner from the outter </span></span></div></div></div></div></div></div></td></tr>
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</tbody></table><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: blue; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">pragaram and the gate that is facing the sea. </span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: blue; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br />
</span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: blue; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Since we were running short of time, we could not see this place and hence our assistant, </span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: blue; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">who had accompanied us, was kind enough to explain in detail about this wonderful </span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: blue; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">structure. . </span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: blue; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br />
</span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: blue;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"> It is told that this </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial;">Rudrasha Mantapam stands out in all its architectural splendour - the mandapam where the idol of Nataraja, is placed. The whole mandapam is decorated </span></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: blue; font-family: Arial;">from walls to ceiling with the Rudraksha beads, which is so dear to Shiva. The canopy </span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: blue; font-family: Arial;">covering this is made of Rudrakshas. In many of the Shiva temples you can find a </span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: blue; font-family: Arial;">similar canopy of Rudrashams over the head of the main lingam which makes you </span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: blue;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial;">spell-bound admiring its architecture. </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial;"><br />
</span></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: blue; font-family: Arial;">One can also find rows of Lingams in the corridors inside of the temple. </span><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhBcJk1QkdRnWdYfV1pr4X6LOAFKNEUkeXELjorsr8YqvJnLEPhbFBcVunbNdZWKKLhJKUN22JTCw7mf4e3-UnRcdkiN4hx0xjVzVtQxccVC2BRQBdRE0hxsJjpKaiaNQWXxvGSxygJkHo/s1600/Lingams+in+the+Corridors+of+Rameshwaram.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhBcJk1QkdRnWdYfV1pr4X6LOAFKNEUkeXELjorsr8YqvJnLEPhbFBcVunbNdZWKKLhJKUN22JTCw7mf4e3-UnRcdkiN4hx0xjVzVtQxccVC2BRQBdRE0hxsJjpKaiaNQWXxvGSxygJkHo/s320/Lingams+in+the+Corridors+of+Rameshwaram.jpg" width="238" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: blue; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: small;">Row of Lingams lining the Corridors <br />
Inside of the Temple</span></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgPdneiivqBFti-j-Nj-u5GS9FcCFS8yzHxNuQgTy_GgElMP4W7yYVUwKGF6pPBN-BrcyIsbC0WlgtuBInshgf3FTU9eu0akXM5_ffH6PPHNUpC7H7JABdHISjP-mw2M13lafiBl2TA7jY/s1600/Rameshwaram+Temple6.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgPdneiivqBFti-j-Nj-u5GS9FcCFS8yzHxNuQgTy_GgElMP4W7yYVUwKGF6pPBN-BrcyIsbC0WlgtuBInshgf3FTU9eu0akXM5_ffH6PPHNUpC7H7JABdHISjP-mw2M13lafiBl2TA7jY/s320/Rameshwaram+Temple6.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: blue; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">The Spectacular Gopuram of the Temple</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: blue; font-family: Arial;">With a sense of satisfaction, we made our exit from this huge and beautiful temple </span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: blue; font-family: Arial;">considered to be so very Holy to every Hindu Brahmin. </span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial;"><span style="font-family: Arial;"><span class="apple-style-span" style="color: blue;"><br />
</span></span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial;"><span style="font-family: Arial;"><span class="apple-style-span"><span class="apple-style-span"><span style="color: blue; font-family: Arial;">Now it was time to go to our Hotel rooms and pack our bags to be off to Chennai by Rameshwaram Express leaving at 8pm that night - ready to exercise our franchise </span></span></span></span></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial;"><span style="font-family: Arial;"><span class="apple-style-span"><span class="apple-style-span"><span style="color: blue; font-family: Arial;">in the elections to be held the next day i.e. 13<sup>th</sup> of April, 2011. <o:p></o:p></span></span></span></span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial;"><span style="font-family: Arial;"><span class="apple-style-span" style="color: blue;"><br />
</span></span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial;"><span style="font-family: Arial;"><span class="apple-style-span"><span class="apple-style-span"><span style="color: blue; font-family: Arial;">Our Vadhyaar’s wife was good enough to pack our dinner packets[ tasty idlis with </span></span></span></span></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial;"><span style="font-family: Arial;"><span class="apple-style-span"><span class="apple-style-span"><span style="color: blue; font-family: Arial;">Molagapodi] which was sent to our respective Hotel rooms in time to catch our train </span></span></span></span></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial;"><span style="font-family: Arial;"><span class="apple-style-span"><span class="apple-style-span"><span style="color: blue; font-family: Arial;">to Chennai. Since we had visited all of the historical spots in and around Rameshwaram </span></span></span></span></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial;"><span style="font-family: Arial;"><span class="apple-style-span"><span class="apple-style-span"><span style="color: blue; font-family: Arial;">during our earlier visit, we did not have much to do with sight-seeing this time. <o:p></o:p></span></span></span></span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial;"><span style="font-family: Arial;"><span class="apple-style-span"><br />
</span></span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial;"><span style="font-family: Arial;"><span class="apple-style-span"><span class="apple-style-span"><span style="color: blue; font-family: Arial;">On reaching Chennai we were all left with a very satisfying feeling on completing this </span></span></span></span></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial;"><span style="font-family: Arial;"><span class="apple-style-span"><span class="apple-style-span"><span style="color: blue; font-family: Arial;">Holy Yatra. A sense of fulfillment of our rites for our ancestors, well-performed, </span></span></span></span></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial;"><span style="font-family: Arial;"><span class="apple-style-span"><span class="apple-style-span"><span style="color: blue; font-family: Arial;">once in a lifetime. <o:p></o:p></span></span></span></span></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial;"><span style="font-family: Arial;"><span class="apple-style-span"><span class="apple-style-span"><span style="color: blue; font-family: Arial;"><br />
</span></span></span></span></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial;"><span style="font-family: Arial;"><span class="apple-style-span"><span class="apple-style-span"><span style="color: blue; font-family: Arial;">Soon after having completed the Holy Yatra, as is customary, we had one more </span></span></span></span></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: blue;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial;"><span style="font-family: Arial;"><span class="apple-style-span"><span class="apple-style-span"><span style="font-family: Arial;">auspicious occasion to be performed,- that being the <b>"Samaradhana"</b>. This is usually performed after completion of any holy yatra. This is also known as </span></span></span></span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 16px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b>Brahmana </b></span></span></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 16px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: blue; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b>samaradhana</b> [calling vedic <b>brahmins and honouring them] and also to </b></span></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: blue;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 16px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b></b></span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-border-horizontal-spacing: 2px; -webkit-border-vertical-spacing: 2px; line-height: 20px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">organise <b>"sumptuous meals"</b> to one and all and satisfy the <b>Brahmanas </b>in the </span></span></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-border-horizontal-spacing: 2px; -webkit-border-vertical-spacing: 2px; line-height: 20px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: blue; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">best possible way. This was done in a befitting manner, with four Vedic Brahmanas, </span></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-border-horizontal-spacing: 2px; -webkit-border-vertical-spacing: 2px; line-height: 20px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: blue; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">on 18th April, 2011, at our residence in Chennai. </span></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-border-horizontal-spacing: 2px; -webkit-border-vertical-spacing: 2px; line-height: 20px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: blue; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br />
</span></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-border-horizontal-spacing: 2px; -webkit-border-vertical-spacing: 2px; line-height: 20px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: blue; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Some pictures taken are shown here:</span></span><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEigXUwJwwBJ4p87gvcMv_Q_BYxO8SCNsulToWPgcZScCF6iZP6Qzgm1obiKmvD-IVekuKth-piNTdr18r1na0tuibhwWTSiEQwVqXVUGl50ru-KkVlks8qrQ28BwjmgDjHY3wOTV1opu8I/s1600/Image0232.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEigXUwJwwBJ4p87gvcMv_Q_BYxO8SCNsulToWPgcZScCF6iZP6Qzgm1obiKmvD-IVekuKth-piNTdr18r1na0tuibhwWTSiEQwVqXVUGl50ru-KkVlks8qrQ28BwjmgDjHY3wOTV1opu8I/s320/Image0232.jpg" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: blue; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: small;">Samaradhana being performed</span></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEizr3VvjfyJAIykHavhXRJHSW1rYgrveGUqChJBJzK22sXjdvOkKygDCdrgPvxx4_cwaKcRIxk-I5Hk8yN9ZBZiPbW1b6BrCoh_L4g9EBw-B7Ohkg1GlI_ST1eSyQ5LT4a4UP9QRXLG5cA/s1600/Image0237.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEizr3VvjfyJAIykHavhXRJHSW1rYgrveGUqChJBJzK22sXjdvOkKygDCdrgPvxx4_cwaKcRIxk-I5Hk8yN9ZBZiPbW1b6BrCoh_L4g9EBw-B7Ohkg1GlI_ST1eSyQ5LT4a4UP9QRXLG5cA/s320/Image0237.jpg" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: blue; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: small;">Aarthi after Puja</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: blue; font-family: Arial;">Somehow, I had missed out writing on my previous visit to this holy place. Now I would </span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: blue; font-family: Arial;">like to list out the places we visited the first time we had been to Rameshwaram, prior </span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: blue; font-family: Arial;">to our visit to Allahabad-Kashi and <st1:place w:st="on"><st1:city w:st="on">Gaya</st1:city></st1:place>. </span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial;"><br />
</span></div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial;"><span style="font-family: Arial;"><span class="apple-style-span"><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #6a6a65;"></span></span></span></span><br />
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<tr><td style="font-family: arial; font-weight: bold; padding-bottom: 5px; text-decoration: none;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: blue;">Places of Interest</span></td></tr>
<tr><td style="font-family: Arial; font-weight: normal; text-align: justify;" valign="top"><div style="float: left; margin-bottom: 5px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 5px; margin-top: 5px;"><img alt="Ramanathaswamy Temple, Rameshwaram" height="83" src="http://www.oktatabyebye.com/Travel-Ideas/pilgrimage-india/images/Ramanathaswamy-Temple.jpg" title=" Ramanathaswamy Temple, Rameshwaram" width="127" /></div><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: blue;"><strong>Ramanathaswamy Temple: </strong>Located close to the sea on the</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: blue;">eastern side of the island and off the Sethu coast is the</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: blue;">Ramanathaswamy Temple. Built in the 12th century and</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: blue;">expanded over the years by several rulers, the temple spread</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: blue;">over an area of 15 acres. The temple famous for its 1220 m long corridor lined</span></div></td></tr>
</tbody></table><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: blue;"><br />
</span><br />
<div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: blue;">with 1200 gigantic granite columns which are located on a 1.5 me high platform;</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: blue;">a 53 m high gopuram and 22 sacred wells whose water is said to taste differently</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: blue;">from one another.</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: blue;"><br />
</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: blue;">The Shiva lingams are housed in the inner section of the Ramalingeshwara. High walls</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: blue;">enclose the temple, forming a rectangle with huge pyramidal gopuram entrances on</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: blue;">each side and since, it is a Shiva temple there is a huge Nandi idol 6.7 m long and</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: blue;">5 m high made of 'Sudai', a material used for sculptures on Gopuras and surrounded</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: blue;">by the portraits of Visvanatha and Krishnappa Nayaks.</span></div><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: blue;">Major festivals and pujas are performed at the Ramanathaswamy temple, in</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: blue;">connection with Thai Amavasi [Jan], Masi Sivarathiri [Feb-Mar], Thirukalyanam</span><br />
<a href="http://www.oktatabyebye.com/Travel-Ideas/pilgrimage-india/images/Agnitheertham.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Agnitheertham, Rameshwaram" border="0" height="83" src="http://www.oktatabyebye.com/Travel-Ideas/pilgrimage-india/images/Agnitheertham.jpg" width="127" /></a><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: blue;">[July-Aug] and Mahalaya Amavasi [Sept].</span></div><div style="float: right; margin-bottom: 5px; margin-left: 5px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 5px;"></div><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: blue;"><strong>Agnitheertham:</strong> Located close to the Ramanathaswamy</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: blue;">Temple is Agnitheertham, a place where Lord Rama worshipped</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: blue;">Shiva to absolve his sins of killing a Brahmin. The beach of</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: blue;">Agnitheertham is very clam and is ideal for swimming.</span></div><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: blue;"><strong>The Five-faced Hanuman Temple:</strong> Located 2 km from the</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: blue;">main temple the Five-faced Hanuman Temple houses the idols of Lord Ram, Sita and</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: blue;">Hanuman</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: blue;">that were brought from Dhanushkodi during the 1964 cyclone. The</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: blue;"><strong>floating stone</strong>, used to build the Sethu Bandanam or the bridge between India and</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: blue;">Lanka can be found in this temple.</span></div><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: blue;"><strong>Satchi Hanuman Temple:</strong> Located 3 km from the main temple, on the</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: blue;">way to the Gandamadana Parvatham, the Satchi Hanuman Temple is built on the</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: blue;">very spot where Hanuman delivered the good news of finding Sita to Rama</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: blue;">with satchi or evidence- the hoodamani or the jewel that belonged to Sita.</span></div><div style="float: left; margin-bottom: 5px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 5px; margin-top: 5px;"><img alt="Gandhamadana Parvatam, Rameshwaram" height="83" src="http://www.oktatabyebye.com/Travel-Ideas/pilgrimage-india/images/gandhamadana-parvatam.jpg" title="Gandhamadana Parvatam, Rameshwaram" width="127" /></div><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: blue;"><strong>Gandhamadana Parvatam: </strong>Situated on the highest point in</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: blue;">the island, Gandhamadana Parvatam located some 3 km</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: blue;">from the<strong> </strong>Ramanathaswamy Temple has an imprint of</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: blue;">Lord Rama's feet placed on a Chakra (wheel). The place also</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: blue;">commands some excellent views of the countryside.</span></div><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: blue;"><strong>Olaikuda Beach: </strong>Just one km from the main temple and surrounded by coral reefs,</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: blue;">Olaikuda Beach makes a nice picnic spot. The beach is also safe for swimming.</span></div><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: blue;"><strong>Pamban Road Bridge: </strong>An engineering marvel that took 14 years to complete,</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: blue;">the Pamban Road Bridge is designed like a bow over the sea to allow ships to pass</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: blue;">beneath it. The bridge is 2.34 km. long, with a clearance of 24.4 m. and it is</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: blue;">supported by 79 pillars, 64 of which are built in the sea. The bridge connects</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: blue;">Rameswaram with mainland India and is also known a</span>s <strong><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: blue;">Annai Indira Gandhi </span></strong><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: blue;"><strong>Road Bridge</strong>.</span></div><div style="float: right; margin-bottom: 5px; margin-left: 5px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 5px;"></div><a href="http://www.oktatabyebye.com/Travel-Ideas/pilgrimage-india/images/Pamban-Rail-Bridge.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Pamban Rail Scissors Bridge, Rameshwaram" border="0" height="83" src="http://www.oktatabyebye.com/Travel-Ideas/pilgrimage-india/images/Pamban-Rail-Bridge.jpg" title="Pamban Rail Scissors Bridge, Rameshwaram" width="127" /></a><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: blue;"><strong>Pamban Rail Scissors Bridge:</strong> This 2.06 km. long Rail Bridge</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: blue;">connects Rameswaram to the mainland Indian. Constructed on</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: blue;">145 stone pillars, some portion of the bridge opens up likes</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: blue;">a pair of scissors to let the ship pass under it. Though the</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: blue;">bridge was destroyed in the cyclone of 1964, it was rebuilt</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: blue;">and was operational in 45 days.</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial;"><span style="font-family: Arial;"><span class="apple-style-span"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #6a6a65;"><span style="color: black;"><br />
</span></span></span></span></span><br />
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<tr><td style="font-family: arial; font-weight: bold; padding-bottom: 5px; text-decoration: none;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: blue;"><a href="http://www.blogger.com/post-edit.g?blogID=3614247996656767536&postID=8300603952704425470" name="12f6d343d64a9f70_12f58daecd3c3639_PlacesNearby" style="text-decoration: none;"></a>Places Nearby</span></td></tr>
<tr><td style="text-align: justify;" valign="top"><div style="font-family: Arial; font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: blue;"><strong>Dhanushkodi:</strong> Located some 10 km from Rameswaram is Dhanushkodi. The place</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: blue;">is named after Lord Ram's bow. The boulders located nearby are said to be the ones</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: blue;">from the bridge that was built over the sea to cross over to Lanka [Present day</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: blue;">Sri Lanka].</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: blue;">It is also believed that Vibishana, the brother of Ravana met Lord Ram at this very</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: blue;">place. <strong>The Kothandaraswamy Temple </strong>located nearby is the only structure that</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: blue;">survived the wrath of cyclone that hit the area in 1964. The temple houses the</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: blue;">idols of Rama, Sita, Lakshman, Hanuman and Vibishana.</span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: Arial; font-weight: normal;"><br />
</span></div><img alt="Devipattinam, Rameshwaram" src="http://www.oktatabyebye.com/Travel-Ideas/pilgrimage-india/images/Devipattinam.jpg" /><br />
<div style="font-family: Arial; font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: blue;"><strong>Devipattinam:</strong> Also known as <strong>Navabashanam, </strong>this coastal village has a temple</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: blue;">dedicated to Devi who is said to have killed the demon Mahishasura at this</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: blue;">spot. The nine stones visible at low tide are believed to have been set up by</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: blue;">Sri Rama to represent the nine planets-the Navagrahas. The Hindus perform religious</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: blue;">rites for the forefathers here. Devipattinam is 70 km from Rameswaram.</span></div><div style="font-family: Arial; font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: blue;"><strong>Uthirakosamangai: </strong>Located 72 km from Rameshwaram is the renowned Shiva</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: blue;">temple of Uttarakosamangai where the Lord carved out of emerald is</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: blue;">worshipped as Mangaleshvara and the Goddess as Mangalesvari. The temple</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: blue;">has inspired many Tamil works of devotion, including the songs of the</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: blue;">Shaivite saint Manickavasagar. The temple attracts a lot of pilgrims during the</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: blue;">annual Arudhra Festival in December when the rare life-size 1.83 metres tall Nataraja</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: blue;">statue that remains covered in sandal paste throughout the year is unveiled for just one</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: blue;">day.</span></div><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #000099; font-family: verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: 15px; font-weight: 800; line-height: 15px;"><br />
</span></span></div><div style="font-family: Arial; font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;"><span style="color: #6a6a65;"><span style="color: #000099; font-family: verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 15px; font-weight: bold; line-height: 15px;"><b><span style="color: black; font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; font-weight: normal; line-height: normal;"></span></b></span></span></div><div style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 13px; font-weight: normal; line-height: 15px;"></div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: blue;">D<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">evotees throng this temple of <b>Uthirakosamangai</b> on <b>Arudra Darisanam day</b> </span></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: blue; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">every year. The <b>Sanctum sanctorum</b> of the temple is opened after a year on this </span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: blue; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">auspicious day.</span><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><img align="center" border="1" height="190" src="http://www.hindu.com/2007/01/03/images/2007010310060301.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" width="200" /></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: blue; font-size: small;">Abhishekam being performed on Natarajar.</span></span></td></tr>
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<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<center><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: blue; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; line-height: 15px;">Hundreds of devotees from various parts of the State visit Sri Mangalanathar </span></center><br />
<div align="justify" style="line-height: 15px;"><span style="color: blue; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Swamy Temple at Uthirakosamangai to witness "Arudra Darisanam"<b>.</b></span><br />
<span style="color: blue; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b>The `maragatha' Natarajar idol, </b>kept closed for the last one year after applying </span><br />
<span style="color: blue; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">sandal on it during the last year `Arudra Darisanam,' is opened for `darshan' on this </span><br />
<span style="color: blue; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">day..</span></div><div align="justify" style="line-height: 15px;"><span style="color: blue; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br />
</span><br />
<span style="color: blue; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Special pujas are performed to the Natarajar idol, after the sanctum sanctorum is </span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: blue;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">opened </span><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">after a year. </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Amid chanting of mantras, `archakas' perform milk, sandal </span></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: blue; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">and other `abhishekams' to the idol.</span></div><div style="font-weight: normal;"></div><div style="font-family: Arial; font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;"><span style="color: blue; font-family: 'Lucida Grande', 'Lucida Sans Unicode', helvetica, verdana, arial, sans-serif; line-height: 22px;"><br />
</span></div><div style="font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;"><span style="color: blue; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; line-height: 22px;">In Uthirakosamangai [mentioned 38 times in Thiruvasakam] near Rameshwaram, </span><br />
<span style="color: blue; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; line-height: 22px;">Ravana's wife Mandothari's name is inscribed in the sanctum from time immemorial.</span></div></td></tr>
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<i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #6a6a65; font-family: Arial;"></span></i><br />
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<tr><td style="padding-bottom: 5px; text-decoration: none;" valign="top"><div style="font-weight: bold;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #6a6a65; font-family: Arial; font-weight: normal;"></span></i></span></div><table border="0" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" style="font-weight: bold;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="padding-bottom: 5px; text-decoration: none;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: blue; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">Stay Options</span></td></tr>
<tr><td style="font-weight: normal; text-align: justify;" valign="top"><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: blue; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">There are many stay options available in Rameshwaram. Hotels in Rameshwaram </span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: blue; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">include various guesthouses as well as many budget hotels. For those looking </span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: blue; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">for luxury, Rameshwaram also has some good luxury hotels. Tamil Nadu Tourism </span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: blue; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Development Corporation [ TTDC ] also has a few hotels in Rameshwarm, which </span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: blue; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">offer good stay options. Tamil Nadu Hotel and Maharaja are two TTDC </span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: blue; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">hotel located in Rameshwaram.</span></div></td></tr>
</tbody></table><div style="font-weight: bold;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-small;"><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjcBwvEy97-FFg8kVo_F1k6P4pSordwvZO72eFUQIW2umv6oL99AZA0O4uEu2GA3vg-OtfcHTDLfyzGSQiTIVjZWk5IdXy2wicbtR-qICUc32g9QWbOoAonq926aASJqGWE-0VHxCA-4IU/s1600/rameshwaram-temple+02.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><i><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjcBwvEy97-FFg8kVo_F1k6P4pSordwvZO72eFUQIW2umv6oL99AZA0O4uEu2GA3vg-OtfcHTDLfyzGSQiTIVjZWk5IdXy2wicbtR-qICUc32g9QWbOoAonq926aASJqGWE-0VHxCA-4IU/s320/rameshwaram-temple+02.jpg" width="320" /></i></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: blue; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: small; font-weight: normal;">The Holy Temple - Rameshwaram</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table><div style="font-weight: bold;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><i><br />
</i></span></div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: blue; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><b>How to Reach Rameshwaram:</b></span></td></tr>
<tr><td style="font-weight: normal; text-align: justify;" valign="top"><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: blue; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><strong>By Air: </strong>Nearest airport from Rameshwaram is at Madurai [173 km].</span></div><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: blue; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><strong>By Rail</strong>: The temple town of Madurai is well connected to all the major states of </span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: blue;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">the </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">country. The town is directly connected by rail to Madras, Madurai, Trichy, </span></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: blue; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Tanjavur and Coimbatore Trains like the Sethu Express, Tirupati-Madurai </span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: blue; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Express and Tirunelveli Express connect it with other parts of South India while </span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: blue; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">two trains ply daily between the temple towns of Rameshwaram to Madurai.</span></div><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: blue; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><strong>By Road:</strong>Being an important pilgrimage town Rameshwaram is well connected to </span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: blue; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">all the main towns. The Pamban Bridge connects Rameswaram to the mainland.</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: blue; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"> Rameshwaram is 527 km [13 hrs] from Chennai, 173 km (5 hrs) from Madurai, </span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: blue; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">315 km [9 hrs] from Kanyakumari and 273 km [7 hrs] from Tiruchirapalli. </span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: blue; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">To read my earlier posting on our Kashi Yatra you may click on the link below:</span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: blue; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><a href="http://punithayatra.blogspot.com/2009/10/our-trip-to-prayagvaranasi-and.html">http://punithayatra.blogspot.com/2009/10/our-trip-to-prayagvaranasi-and.html</a></span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: blue; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">With this posting, our Holy Yatra to Rameshwaram - Allahabad - Kashi - Gaya - Rameshwaram comes to a close. I am sure all of my viewers will find this very useful and interesting too.</span></div></td></tr>
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</tbody></table></div>Jolly Rhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09360932879231762916noreply@blogger.com12tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3614247996656767536.post-15160269286732661412009-10-20T01:53:00.000-07:002011-04-28T04:36:23.231-07:00Our Trip to Prayag/Varanasi and Gaya - Sept/Oct'09<span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-border-horizontal-spacing: 10px; -webkit-border-vertical-spacing: 10px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: blue; font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">Varanasi is said to be the oldest inhabited city in the world. There are supposed to be 2,000 temples in Varanasi. It is 125km east of Allahabad, on the bank of the Ganges.</span></span><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: blue; font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-border-horizontal-spacing: 10px; -webkit-border-vertical-spacing: 10px;"><br />
</span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: blue; font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-border-horizontal-spacing: 10px; -webkit-border-vertical-spacing: 10px;">Many older people come to Varanasi to die and to be burned at the burning ghats along the river. It is believed that anyone who dies in Varanasi attains moksha (liberation). It is said that being burned at Varanasi adds to the pious credits of someone, therefore many bodies are brought here to be cremated. Many widows come here to die.</span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: blue; font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-border-horizontal-spacing: 10px; -webkit-border-vertical-spacing: 10px;"><br />
</span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: blue; font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-border-horizontal-spacing: 10px; -webkit-border-vertical-spacing: 10px;">The name Varanasi most likely stems from the two rivers, Varuna and Asi, which join the Ganges on the north and south borders of the city.</span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: blue; font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-border-horizontal-spacing: 10px; -webkit-border-vertical-spacing: 10px;"><br />
</span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-border-horizontal-spacing: 10px; -webkit-border-vertical-spacing: 10px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: blue;">The Ganges, which normally flows southeast, reverses its course and flows north for a while at Varanasi, which is considered very auspicious. There is a five-mile parikrama path that goes around this sacred city. There are 81 bathing ghats and other holy kunds, or sacred tanks.</span></span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><br />
</span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: blue;">Now let me describe the Holy Yatra we undertook...</span>.</b></span><br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #000066; font-size: small;"><b>Thanks from the Ganga.</b></span></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhW5a1R1ZLCqFwXfbzDnzWSkZCq8Rh5zgRTp7niPUNJt-b7I2ohn3Air2l8kE-JqeDjcOF198m-ESQuTeF7DKYQ7MH6jkdq8WYZto2V1OmM2JL8bI2i8l0zKIxF53qOOdcQdHSZjUcpTIc/s1600-h/Shri+Mani+Vadhyar+&+Family.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5394602961725055298" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhW5a1R1ZLCqFwXfbzDnzWSkZCq8Rh5zgRTp7niPUNJt-b7I2ohn3Air2l8kE-JqeDjcOF198m-ESQuTeF7DKYQ7MH6jkdq8WYZto2V1OmM2JL8bI2i8l0zKIxF53qOOdcQdHSZjUcpTIc/s400/Shri+Mani+Vadhyar+%26+Family.jpg" style="display: block; height: 300px; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; margin-top: 0px; text-align: center; width: 400px;" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #000066; font-size: small;">[Shri Mani Vadhyar of Varanasi with Family]</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: blue; font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><b>Our sincere thanks to our Shri Mani Vadhyaar and his family of Kashi, for having made this trip to Allahabad - Varanasi - Gaya a memorable one and making our trip ever so comfortable and satisfying in every way.</b></span></div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: blue; font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><b><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: blue; font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">Preparations for our Varanasi Trip</span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: blue; font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><strong></strong> We planned the trip to <strong>Allahabad, Varanasi and Gaya</strong> about three months before the actual date of departure<strong> i.e. 24.09.09.</strong> It was a long process and we charted out our itenarary in such a way and saw to it that we had a comfortable journey right from start to finish. There are many trains going to Varanasi from Chennai. We chose to go by Tamilnadu Express from Chennai and kept Delhi as our Base. From Delhi, we made arrangements to go to Prayag/Varanasi/Gaya and while in return, via Delhi to Chennai. As our trip was a week before Diwali, and since we anticipated rush, we purchased the tickets well in advance, both onward and return tickets. </span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: blue; font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"> We were 6 members on the whole i.e. Ramachandran and Lalitha,[myself and my Husband]; Sankar and Uma [husband's sister and brother-in-law]; Venkataraman and wife Vijayalakshmi [husband's elder brother and wife]. Another brother of my husband [Jayashankar and family], could not make this trip due to his office/ work pressure. My husband's elder sister Chandra and brother-in-law, Advocate Balu, opted out of this trip since they have been to Kashi a few years back with their family members. We ofcourse, really missed them a lot, as they are always the most sought-after and enjoyable company to be with. </span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: blue; font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"> Once our tickets were purchased and dates finalised, our next important assignement was to get in touch with our Sastrigal[Vadhyar] in Varanasi. My brother-in-law,Sankar, got in touch with our <strong>Vadhyar, Shri Palghat R. Subramanya Vadhyar[Alias] Mani Vadhyar, Address: "KERALA MUTT", B -4/59, Hanuman Ghat, Varanasi-221 001[U.P.] India. Ph: 0542-2311268 / 2275890. </strong>Shri Mani Vadhyar is known to us and this being the case, all the arangements got smoothly completed, to enable us to embark on this holy pilgrimage of ours. It is customary for the Vadhyar to arrange all facilities for pilgrims right from Allahabad, Varanasi and Gaya. Shri Mani Vadhyar assured to provide us good accommodation, food and also arrange transport and and most important, to perform pithru karyams there. </span></div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: blue; font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"> </span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: blue; font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">The Vadhyar also assists us in arranging and giving the contact name in Allahabad. and the Vadhyar's name [in Allahabad] being <strong>Shri. Prayagai S. Natesa Shastry, Theertha Prohit, Address: 116/95, Shiv Mutt & Sankar Mutt, Mori, Daraganj, Allahabad - 221 006. Ph: 0532-2500799. </strong> Once all these contact details were in hand, we had to take the next step which was purchasing of items for the various rituals/poojas, right from Allahabad/Kashi/Gaya. The items were listed out carefully for each family, and we started doing purchases. For Khasi Shraddham Dhoti for brahmana and Vadhyar: 9x5 -two Nos each, Gaya Shrraddham Dhoti for Gayawalis 9x5 five numbers [if mother is alive- four nos only]; Gaya Vadyar Dhoti 9x5 one no. Dhampathi Pooja: one set each of following: Dhoti 9x5 ; 9 yard saree with blouse piece, Mangalyam, metti, mookuthi -(one set each for one family, for Kashi). Extra blouse pieces with kannadi seepu manjal kungumam valayal about 15 sets[approx]. For those of you who are willing to afford, and depending on your budget, can buy the following items also for the various Dhanams. [ this ofcourse, depends on each individual's wish[optional], on whether to perform these Dhanams or not] For Dheepa Dhanam: 31 Brass agals with oil & thiri; for payasa Dhanam Tumblers: 12 nos For Dhasa Dhanam: Gold coin, silver coin, silver kinnam, 9x5 veshti, Shawl/porvai, Kudai, Padarakshai, Pithalai Theertha sombu, Eversilver Milk Pathiram, Eayam poosiya Curd Pathiram, Visiri, Sandhana Kattaiu, Bell, Pusthagam. </span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: blue; font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><strong>YATRA - </strong><strong>The purpose of a Kashi Yatra is to perform Vedic rites for our ancestors</strong>. The Vadhyars were extremely helpful to explain various nuances of rituals. We performed all the rites that are traditionally performed during a Kashi Yatra. I wish to share this with all of you in the hope that it may be of reference material for future. I have also provided all the contact numbers of some important people there who will be able to arrange everything for anyone who desires to perform these rituals, as was done for us, while on this holy pilgrimage. </span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: blue; font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"> <strong>Holy Yatra Begins...... </strong></span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: blue; font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><strong></strong> After a day of sight-seeing and rest in Delhi, we left for <strong>Prayag[Allahabad] from Delhi, by Prayag Express departing Delhi at 9.00 pm. </strong>Being a prestigious train, our journey was most comfortable and we reached Allahabad at 6.30AM, ofcourse, after a good night's sleep. <strong></strong> </span></div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: blue; font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"> </span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: blue; font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><strong>Prayagai S.Natesa Shastry sent his guide, one Mr. Dheeraj, to Allahabad Rly Station</strong> <strong>to pick us up,along with a vehicle for commuting</strong>. It took us about half an hour to reach the Vadhyar's house. Once we entered the <strong>Shiva Mutt</strong>, we were well received by the Vadhyar himself. He of course gave us all the instructions [in fact,charted out our timetable] of our various rituals to be done for that day. We got ourselves ready soon in the room provided for our stay. [It is customary for the Vadhyar at Shiva Mutt to provide accomodation for all the pilgrim parties who visit Allahabad to perform these rites]. <strong>The Vedic rituals began at Allahabad at around 8 am</strong>. The rituals [even the more extensive ones] take about half a day only. [early morning to lunch] <strong>Day 1 [ 28.09.2009] Day of Arrival - Allahabad [Triveni Sangam]</strong> <strong>A brief note on the Triveni Sangam:</strong> Allahabad is the city where the three greatest rivers of India meet, and continue their journey further. <strong>The Ganga</strong> weaves her way down from the Himalayas from Gangotri, passing places made sacred by her arrival, like Rishikesh and Haridwar, and passing through the industrial city of Kanpur, before arriving at Allahabad to join her sisters as she makes her way to Kashi. Yamuna also begins her journey in the Himalayas, at Yamunotri, and passes through Mathura and Brindavan, made more sacred by the association of Krishna, and finally arrives at Allahabad where she joins the Ganga to merge her identity with her. Saraswati arrives at Allahabad from god alone knows where, for she is an underground river, who remains unseen to mankind, making her presence felt at certain, extremely special places. She renders the holy Ganga and Yamuna even more pure, more sacred by her association with them at Allahabad. The place where these 3 rivers merge is the Triveni Sangam, a place where thousands and thousands congregate to pay their respects to the rivers and pray for their well being and forgiveness for their sins. The three rivers maintain their identity and are visibly different as they merge. While the <strong>Yamuna is deep but calm and greenish in colour</strong>, <strong>the Ganga is shallow</strong>, <strong>but forceful and clear. The Saraswati remains hidden, but the faithful believe that she makes her presence felt underwater. </strong>During the monsoon, when the rivers are in full flow, the confluence of the rivers is seen clearly due to the force of the water, but the same force makes having a dip at the confluence difficult. I was told[by our Guide], that during the monsoon, most devotees bathe at the riverbank for safety, while the more ardent ones who are willing to pay for the risk involved go to the confluence in a boat, where a shallow area is created by the presence of a number of boats with a kind of net suspended in between, and bathe there. We went to the confluence of the rivers by a boat. A sort of platform had been constructed there, from which we climbed down into waist deep water. We had a wonderful time bathing in the river. Felt like we could have stayed in the water for ages, if it hadn’t been for the rites and rituals we had to perform back at the mutt where we were staying. It was a wonderful experience, an experience one should never miss in his/her lifetime! </span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: blue; font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"> <strong>A number of rituals are traditionally performed at Allahabad,</strong> mainly for appeasing our ancestors. There are a number of Mutts there who perform the rites. As at Kashi, there is no standard charge, but varies according to the rites one wants to perform and your budget. </span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: blue; font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"> <strong>An interesting ritual performed at the Sangam is that of Veni Dhaanam</strong>. This is a practice followed by married women for the long life of their husbands. The husband is supposed to comb and plait the wife’s hair and after decorating it with flowers, the end of the plait is cut off and offered to the rivers. Some men even shave off their hair/beard and offer it also to the rivers. This procedure is performed while travelling by boat to the Sangam and the hair is offered along with flowers, etc at the confluence. There is nothing interesting in itself about this. What is interesting is that hair, being light normally floats on water, but at this place, the hair sinks straight to the bottom. Though hundreds of people offer their hair everyday, there is not a single strand of hair seen floating on the river. Of course, there could and will be a scientific explanation for this phenomenon, but whatever it is, it gives us proof that nature is a wonderful thing….. Call it God or simply nature, it is indeed inspiring! The Vadhyar in Allahabad deputes a Panda, who waits near the boat for our arrival and does the above rituals at the Triveni Sangaman. The Vadhyar also instructs us on how much to pay at all the places during the said rituals. The charge we paid for the Panda is Rs.25/- [or 30], depending on your satisfaction and budget. Very reasonalble infact. </span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: blue; font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"> <strong>The temple of Veni Madhava (one of the trio along with Sethu Madhava and Bindu Madhava)</strong> is a little way inside the city. It is a small temple, with a small idol of <strong>Vishnu </strong>representing <strong>Veni Madhava</strong>. According to the legend painted on the walls of the temple, there was once a rakshasa who troubled all the Devas. Narada sought an audience with him to find out his weakness, and found that he suffered from a skin infliction. He told the Asura to bathe in the Triveni Sangam at Allahabad, which the Asura proceeded to do. Amazed at finding himself cured, he wanted to possess the 3 great rivers who had cured him, and began drinking them up! When the rivers pleaded with Vishnu, he arrived in the form of Veni Madhava and killed him, restoring the rivers to their rightful place. </span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: blue;"><span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"></span> <span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><strong>The Shayana Anjaneya temple</strong> is an important one right on the banks of the river. Here, the idol of Hanuman is larger than life, carrying Rama and Lakshmana on his shoulders. Only, the idol is lying down. There are many stories about this temple. According to one, hanuman stepped over the rivers without their permission, angering them. They rose up and threw him to the ground, and crushed his ego. According to the locals, every year, the river rises and covers the whole idol before going back, which they consider absolute proof of this story. Another legend mentions that this is where hanuman emerged with Rama and Lakshmana after defeating the king of Patala, the netherworld, Ahi Ravana. Whatever the story, the temple is simple and good one to visit. </span></span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: blue;"><span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"></span> <span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><strong>The Adi Shankara Vimana Mandapam</strong>, a temple built by the Kanchi Mutt is right next to this temple. This is a 3 storeyed temple with idols and sculptures of various Gods and Goddesses. Indeed, it is worth a visit. </span> <span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><strong>Our Guide, Dheeraj</strong>, was most helpful throughout our stay, right from Allahabad to Gaya and back. </span></span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: blue;"><span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"></span> <span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"> </span> <span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><strong>On completion of the Rituals,</strong> we had a sumptuos meal at the Shiva Mutt itself.[There is a Cook for this purpose]. We were tired and hungry after performing the rituals and hence did full justice to the meal served to us. </span> </span></div><div><span style="color: blue; font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><br />
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<span style="color: blue; font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">After a satisfying day of having performed all the rituals at Allahabad, we bid farewell to our <strong>Vadhyar Shri S. Natesa Shastry and thanked him </strong>for having made our stay most comfortable and pleasant and ofcourse, needless to say, most satisying!. At around 2 pm in the afternoon, we started our jouney to Varanasi from Allahabad [by road] , by the car[Tata Sumo] rented to us by our Mani Vadhyar of Varnasai. Charges for all these types of transportation is ofcourse extra and does not include in the package[Vadhyar Sambhavanai]. Depending on your <strong>budget</strong>, you could opt for whatever type of car you prefer[A.C or Non-AC].</span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: blue;"><span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"></span><strong><span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">Enroute, we did some sight-seeing and saw the following places of interest in Allahabad. </span></strong> <span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><strong>The Allahabad fort</strong>, on the banks of the Yamuna, where we take a boat to go to the Sangam. </span> <span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><strong>The Bharadvaj Ashram</strong>, where Sage Bharadvaj lived </span> <span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><strong>Anand Bhavan-</strong> the birthplace of our first Prime Minister, Jawaharlal Nehru. </span></span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: blue; font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif; font-size: large;"> The following Religious Rituals were performed by us at Allahabad: </span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: blue; font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"> 1. <strong>Anugnai </strong>(Sankalpam) </span></div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: blue; font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"> </span><br />
<div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: blue; font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">2. <strong>Vighneshwara Puja</strong> (Prayers to Ganesha) </span></div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: blue; font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"> </span><br />
<div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: blue; font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">3. <strong>Prayschitta Sankalpam</strong> (atonement for sins committed, knowingly or unknowingly) </span></div><div><span style="color: blue; font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">4.<strong> Veni Dhaanam</strong> (Women offer a part of their hair to the river praying for the long life of their husbands. The husband plaits the wife’s hair, decorates it with flowers and cuts off the tip of the plait and offers it to the river. It is an interesting fact[as mentioned earlier] that while hair normally floats on water, at the Sangam; it immediately sinks to the river bed. Though almost all married women offer their hair here, there is not a single strand found floating on the river!!) Enjoyed the boat-ride on the whole. </span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: blue; font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"> 5. <strong>Manal brought</strong> <strong>from Rameswaram</strong> is dissolved in Triveni Sangam. </span><br />
<span style="color: blue; font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">6. <strong>Triveni Sangam Snanam</strong> (husband and wife bathe together at the confluence of the 3 rivers, holding hands. One has to go to the confluence in a boat. A sort of platform has been erected at the point for the convenience of pilgrims) </span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: blue; font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"> 7. <strong>Hiranya Shrraddham </strong></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: blue; font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><strong></strong> 8. <strong>Pinda Pradaanam, Kshetra Pindam, Tarpanam </strong></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: blue; font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><strong></strong> 9. <strong>Brumayagnam</strong><strong> </strong></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: blue;"><span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><strong></strong>10. <strong>Venimadhavar Dharisanam</strong></span><span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><strong> </strong></span></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: blue;"><span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><strong></strong>11. <strong>Vada Vrutcha Dharisanam</strong></span><span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><strong> </strong></span></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: blue;"><span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><strong></strong>12. <strong>To collect Pure Ganges water from Triveni Sangam for carrying back to home.</strong></span><span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><strong> </strong></span></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: blue;"><span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><strong></strong>13. <strong>Aram Ghat Hanumar Dharisanam</strong></span><span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><strong> </strong></span></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: blue; font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><strong></strong>14. <strong>Kanchi Kamakodi Temple visit</strong> <strong></strong> </span></div><div><span style="color: blue; font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><strong><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: blue; font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: large;">From Allahabad to Varanasi....</span> </span></div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: blue; font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"> </span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: blue; font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">After a good 5 to 6 hrs jouney, we reached <strong>Varanasi at 7 pm.</strong> We were accommodated in a newly built house/apartment called <strong>Kerala Mutt of Shri Mani Vadhyars', in Hanuman Ghat,</strong> which is a two storeyed building with a mittam for drying clothes & marble flooring. Each floor of the house has 5 rooms, two big double rooms and the other 3 are single rooms with Varandhas for drying clothes. Each floor has a common bathroom with western toilet facility. The rooms had pillows, jamukkalam and mats and cots. Extra cots in each room is provided in case we need them. Though a new construction, it is well maintained and neat. </span></div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: blue; font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"> </span><br />
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<span style="color: blue; font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">As soon as we arrived, our rooms were alloted to us. Good, hot Chappathis for our night tiffin was waiting for us on our arrival at the Mutt, which was arranged by our <strong>Mani Vadhyar,</strong> prepared by his <strong>Cook, one Balasubramanian.</strong> Incidentally, this Cook, Balasubramanian, is the one engaged [works for Mani Vadhyar] for preparing of lunch/dinner etc etc for all the pilgrims coming to Varanasi on this holy pilgrimage. We could see his utmost sincerity and dedication in the work he was rendering to so many of the pilgrims. Very applaudable indeed!</span> </div><span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"> </span> <span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"> </span> <br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: blue; font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">I should mention here that during our entire stay in Varanasi, Balasubramanian [Cook], provided us timely and ofcourse very tasty meals/tiffin and on all occassions, we did <strong>FULL JUSTICE</strong> to the meals provided! </span></div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: blue; font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"> </span><br />
<div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: blue; font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">Since we were all dead tired after our road journey, refreshing ourselves quickly, we had our night tiffin. <strong>Shri Mani Vadhyar</strong> was not in station the day we arrived and hence, <strong>his brother-in-law /caretaker and assistant, Rangan,</strong> briefed us on the various aspects of our stay and programme for the next three days in Kashi. </span></div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: blue; font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"> </span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: blue; font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><strong>The next day i.e. 29.09.09,</strong> <strong>my brother-in-law, Sankar and wife Uma, performed his father's Shrardham. </strong>The rest of us were free to go round the place and enjoy. Since we had the full day to ourselves, we went to the nearby shops and got the taste of the road-side lassi/curd etc which we found to be very, very tasty. I should mention here of the road-side shops selling poori/sabji and Jilabies...really mouth-watering and one cannot resist in asking for a second helping... We also tasted some hot..hot vadais from the Madras Hotel/Coffee Shop, near to our Mani Vadhyar's house in Hanuman Ghat! Did not miss out on the cycle-rickshaw ride through the narrrow streets of Varanasi. Wow! What an experience...!!! </span></div><div><span style="color: blue; font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: blue; font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">One should not forget to mention here about the famous <strong>Seitiar Kade in Kashi</strong>, which is a very famous landmark in <strong>Hanuman Ghat</strong>. It is in this shop that one can buy the <strong>"Gangai Sombhu"</strong> for filling up the pure ganges water collected by one and all [in plastic cans] from the Triveni Sangam on to the Sombhus. There are different sizes of Gangai Sombhus available and you can choose the size and quantity according to your budget and convenience in carrying them back to your place. The price is reasonable too. There are lots more of other eye-catching brass items available in this shop which you will wnat to take home. It is here that we bought all our Gangai Sombhus'. The shop authorities see to it that they are well-sealed and sealing is ofcourse, free of cost. </span></div><div><span style="color: blue; font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><strong><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: blue; font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><strong>As you enter this small shop</strong>, one cannot but stop to gaze in atonishment and wonder at the <strong>"Vigraham of Annapoorani Goddess",</strong> about 2 1/2 to 3 ft in height, decorated in all its splendor! Very pleasing to our eyes indeed! On enquiring about this beautiful Annapoorani Vigraham, the Proprietor says that this Vigraham is not less than 150 years old!! <strong>Nodoubt a true master-piece. </strong> </span></div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: blue; font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"> </span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: blue; font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">Another interesting piece of info that I could gather about this shop[from the proprietor's wife] is that they are originally"<strong>Shettys" from Bangalore and not "Chettiyars"</strong> as all the local people pronounce the name of the shop. This word <strong>"Shetty"</strong> has slowly, in the long run, come to be known/ pronounced as <strong>"Chettiyar Shop"</strong> by the local people and all the tourists who come to Varanasi! <strong>Hence anybody wanting to know/go to this shop can ask for the "Chettiyar Kadai", as it is called!</strong> </span><br />
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<span style="color: blue; font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif; font-size: large;">Rituals in Kashi </span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: blue; font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><strong></strong> <strong>The rituals at Kashi take place for over three days</strong> <strong>– the first day for the Maha sangalpam, the second day for Manikarnika Parvarupa [by doing homam] Shrraddham and the third day for the Pancha Teertha Shrraddham. Then, one goes to Gaya and performs the rituals there, and returns to Kashi for the Ganga Puja, Dampathi Puja and then visits the temples at Kashi. </strong> </span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: blue; font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><strong>Day 1 Kashi [Varanasi] [30.09.2009]</strong> </span></div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: blue; font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"> </span><br />
<div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: blue; font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">1. <strong>Anugnai [Sankalpam] </strong> </span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: blue; font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">2.<strong>Vighneshwara Puja</strong> [Prayers to Ganesha] </span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: blue; font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">3. <strong>Poorvanga Sangalpam</strong> </span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: blue; font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">4. <strong>Navagraha Preethi Dhanam</strong> </span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: blue; font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">5. <strong>Poorvanga Dasa Dhaanam </strong> </span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: blue; font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">6. <strong>Naandhi Shrraddham </strong> </span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: blue; font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">7. <strong>Vaishnava Shrraddham </strong> </span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: blue; font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">8. <strong>Punyaa Vajanam</strong> [purification ritual] </span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: blue; font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">9. <strong>Maha Sankalpam</strong> </span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: blue; font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">10. <strong>Prayschitta Sankalpam </strong>[atonement for sins committed, knowingly or unknowingly] </span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: blue; font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">11. <strong>Pala Daanam </strong> </span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: blue; font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">12. <strong>Mahathasirvatham</strong> </span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: blue; font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">13. <strong>Uttaranga Godaanam</strong> </span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: blue; font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">14. <strong>Chakra Theertha Snanam</strong> </span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: blue; font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">15. <strong>Manikarnika Teertha Snanam </strong> </span></div><div><strong><span style="color: blue; font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: blue; font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><strong>Day 2 Kashi [Varanasi] [01.10.2009] </strong> </span></div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: blue; font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"> </span><br />
<div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: blue; font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">1. <strong>Manikarnika Hiranyaroopa Theertha Shrraddham</strong> : This is done in Parvanroopam[Homam Valarthu] Two Brahmanal Bhojanam[Those who are budgeted can do this Hiranya roopam also] </span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: blue; font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">2. <strong>Anna roopa theertha Shrraddham </strong> </span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: blue; font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">3. <strong>Pinda Pradhanam</strong> </span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: blue; font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">4. <strong>Shethra Pinda Dhanams</strong> </span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: blue; font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">5. <strong>Thila Tharpanam</strong> </span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: blue; font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><strong>Day 3 Kashi [Varanasi] 02.10.2009] </strong> </span></div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: blue; font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"> </span><br />
<div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: blue; font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">1. <strong>Pancha Teertha Yatra</strong> [We went by a motor boat to these 5 Ghats and performed the rituals] If the persons are more, [I was told by our Ravi Vadhyar who assisted us], that two boats are engaged-the motor boat would tow two ordinary rowing boats. One boat exclusively for Rug Vedis. One boat to prepare avis and make pindams. The main motor boat for performing hiranya Shrraddham. In our case, since we were only 6 members, we took only one motor boat and performed all the following rituals. </span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: blue; font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">1. <strong>Assi Ghat (Haridwar Teertham)</strong> – this is where the Assi river merges with the Ganga. Performing the rites here is believed to give one the fruits of performing the rites at Haridwar. </span></div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: blue; font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"> </span><br />
<div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: blue; font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">2. <strong>Dashashwamedha Ghat (Rudra Sarovara Teertham)</strong> – this is the place where Brahma performed 10 Ashwamedha Yagnas, and hence it is considered sacred to perform the rites. </span></div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: blue; font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"> </span><br />
<div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: blue; font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">3. <strong>Trilochana Ghat or varana Ghatt [Vishnu Paada Udaka Teertham]</strong> </span></div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: blue; font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"> </span><br />
<div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: blue; font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">4. <strong>Pancha Ganga Ghat [Ganga, Yamuna, Saraswati, Kirana, Doodhapappa- Sangam];</strong> Bindu Madhava Temple </span></div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: blue; font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"> </span><br />
<div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: blue; font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">5. <strong>Manikarnika Ghat [Manikarnika Teertham, Chakra Pushkarni Teertham]</strong> Shethra pinda dhanams in all 5 ghatts, thila tharpanam and Bruma yagnam. </span></div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: blue; font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"> </span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: blue; font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: large;">From Varanasi to Gaya</span> </span></div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: blue; font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"> </span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: blue; font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">After our lunch, we left in the late afternoon by about 2.45 pm from Varanasi by road [A/C-Tata Sumo] to Gaya.<strong> We reached Gaya at 7.30 pm.</strong> On the way, we went to see <strong>Thulasi Archanai,</strong> <strong>Sandhana kappu to Vishnu Padham</strong>. We also went to<strong> Bodh Gaya</strong> <strong>enroute to Gaya</strong> [will narrate our experiences of Bodh Gaya in my latter section/paragraphs] </span></div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: blue; font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"> </span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: blue; font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><strong>Day 4 - Gaya [Gaya Shrardham] [03.10.2009] </strong> </span></div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: blue; font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"> </span><br />
<div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: blue; font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><strong>Gaya being located in, is a Shrraddha Bhoomi.</strong> The place where we were asked to stay was <strong>Karnataka Bhavan</strong>, but due to the powercut[almost half of the day it is told that there is no power supply in Gaya] and the climbing of steps[about 50] in the dark, we opted to book Hotel rooms nearby. The only good Hotel nearby was <strong>Hotel Gharana</strong> about half an hour's drive from <strong>Karnataka Bhavan.</strong> We experienced continuous power cuts, no sun- light in bathrooms, inadequate water in Gaya. We were also told <strong>Phalguni river</strong> is having knee deep water only and only<strong> 'Prokshanam' is possible. </strong> </span></div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: blue; font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"> </span><br />
<div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: blue; font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><strong>Gaya is a holy place revered by Hindus and Buddhists alike.</strong> While to Hindus, it is the footprint of Vishnu (the Vishnu Padam), the <strong>Akshaya Vatam</strong> and the chance of performing the Vedic rites not just for 3 generations of ancestors, but anyone and everyone that attracts them to Gaya; for Buddhists it is the sacred Banyan tree under which the Buddha attained enlightenment. Indeed the regular influx of Buddhists from all over the world has made Bodh Gaya a tourist spot in Bihar, and a tourist attraction with all kind of facilities, something like an oasis in the heart of a desert! </span></div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: blue; font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"> </span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: blue; font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><strong>Gaya is all about legends, and there are legends connected to every temple there and for every rite that is performed.</strong> </span></div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: blue; font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"> </span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: blue; font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><strong>I should let you know here [for those of you who do not know] the significance of the name of the place. 'Gaya'.</strong> According to the legend, there was once an Asura named Gayasuran, who was a great devotee of Vishnu. When the Devas couldn’t bear the trouble he caused any more, they went to Vishnu and asked for a way out. Vishnu approached Gayasuran and told him that He wanted to perform a special yagna, and wanted a special place to perform it. Gayasuran offered his heart, and Vishnu accepted. </span></div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: blue; font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"> </span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: blue; font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><strong>The yagna began,</strong> and soon, the fumes and the heat became unbearable, and Gayasuran started succumbing to it. Vishnu asked him for his final wish, and Gayasuran asked that the place he died would be immortalized by his name, and hence the name ‘Gaya’. Second, he asked that people should be allowed to perform the sacred rites (Pinda pradaanam) not only for their ancestors, but for anyone- family, distant relatives, friends and foes, non-Hindus, pets, unclaimed bodies- in short, for any dead human/creature they could think of. </span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: blue; font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">This remains the only place where <strong>Pinda pradaanam</strong> is carried out in this manner. In fact, I am told that in a normal Shrraddham , 6 pindams are made (two for each generations which are no more); in a Teertha Shrraddham , as at Kashi, Allahabad, Rameswaram, etc., 16 pindams are offered, including all ancestors on both parents side; in the Gaya Shrraddham, 64 pindams are offered, of which 16 are for the mother alone, since she carries her child for 9 whole months within her body, 16 for the ancestors, and 16 for all others as I have mentioned earlier. </span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: blue; font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><strong>Of course, all this is a matter of faith and belief, but what is there in life if we don’t have faith? </strong> </span></div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: blue; font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"> </span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: blue; font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><strong>Anyway, once Vishnu granted his wishes</strong>, he stepped on him with his foot, leaving a footprint at this holy place, and granting liberation to Gayasuran. It is this footprint which is worshipped as the Vishnu Padam. For the information of devotees, I must mention that for a fee of Rs.50/- an imprint of the Padam is taken on a muslin cloth and given. This is to be kept in the Puja room and is considered very auspicious. </span></div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: blue; font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"> </span><br />
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<span style="color: blue; font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><strong>The Pandas</strong>[priests at the temple], ofcourse have the habit of pouncing on all the devotees to extract as much money as possible. So one should be careful in dealing with them. It is best not to carry your purse with lot of cash, lest you may land in trouble. It is advisable to carry limited cash only.</span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: blue;"><span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">1. <strong>Phalguni [Falguni] Teertha Snana Maha Sangalpam</strong></span><strong><span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"> </span></strong></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: blue; font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><strong></strong> 2. <strong>Phalguni [Falguni] Teertha Snanam by way of bringing water from the river in sombu and prokshanam</strong><strong> </strong></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: blue; font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><strong></strong> 3. <strong>Phalguni Hiranya Shrraddham [this is the traditional Shrraddham performed on the banks of any sacred river, here the Falguni.] </strong></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: blue; font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><strong></strong> 4. <strong>Shethra Pinda dhanam[17] [given to cow later] </strong></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: blue; font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><strong></strong> 5. <strong>Thila tharpanam</strong> </span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: blue; font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"> 6. <strong>Vishnu Paada Hiranya Shrraddham </strong></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: blue; font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><strong></strong> 7. <strong>Pinda prathanam [64 Pindams for those who have lost mother also; if mother alive 48 pindams]</strong><strong> </strong></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: blue; font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><strong></strong> 8. <strong>Shethra Pinda Dharisanam at Vishnu Patham</strong><strong> </strong></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: blue; font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><strong></strong> 9. <strong>Mathru Shodacee[not applicable to those whose mother is alive]</strong><strong> </strong></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: blue; font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><strong></strong> 10. <strong>Akshaya Vatam Anna/Hiranya Shrraddham [with anna Shrraddham ] with homam</strong><strong> </strong>11. <strong>Akshaya Vatam Pinda Pradaanam </strong></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: blue; font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><strong></strong> 12. <strong>Shethra Pinda dhaanam</strong><strong> </strong></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: blue; font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><strong></strong> 13. <strong>Mathru Shodacee[not applicable to those whose mother is alive] </strong></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: blue; font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><strong></strong> 14. <strong>Thirupthi Dhakshinai : To ask Gaya Brahmans if they are satisfied [according to legend, the Brahmins at Gaya are not easily satisfied and it is a tradition to ask them anyway, in an attempt to satisfy them]. Acharya sambhavana [payment of the fees to the pundit]</strong> </span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: blue; font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"> 15. <strong>Saka-Pathra-Ful- Dharisanam[Oru kai-Ilai-Pazham viduthal]</strong><strong> </strong></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: blue; font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><strong></strong> 16. <strong>Bhodhi Vruksha Dharisanam</strong><strong> </strong> <strong>The next legend concerns the Falguni (or Falgu) river.</strong> There is knee deep water in the river at Gaya, though apparently, there is water upstream as well as downstream. It is clear that there is water under the ground, because, even as one digs into the ground with ones fingers, water appears. This is apparently because of a curse on the river. The story goes that Rama, along with his brothers and Sita, came to Gaya to perform the sacred rites for his father, Dasaratha. When the brothers were bathing in the river, <strong>Sita </strong>was sitting on the banks, playing with the sand. Suddenly, <strong>Dasaratha</strong> appeared out of the sand, and asked for the <strong>Pindam,</strong> saying he was hungry. Sita asked him to wait till his sons returned, so that she could give him the traditional Pindam of rice and til. He refused to wait, asking her to give him pindams made of the sand in her hand. <strong>Having no other option, she gave him the Pindam he desired with five witnesses</strong> – <strong>the Akshaya Vatam, the Falguni River, a cow, a Tulsi plant and a Brahmin</strong>. Soon, <strong>Rama </strong>returned and started the rituals. In those days apparently, the ancestors would arrive in person to collect their share, and when Dasaratha did not appear, they wondered why. Sita then told them what had happened, but Rama could not believe that his father would accept pindams made of sand. Sita now mentioned her witnesses, and asked them to tell <strong>Rama </strong>the truth. <strong>Among the five</strong>, only the <strong>Akshaya Vatam</strong> took her side and told the truth, while the others lied, trying to take Rama’s side. In her anger, <strong>Sita cursed all of them thus:</strong> </span></div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: blue; font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"> </span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: blue; font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: large;">The following are the Religious Rites [one should] we performed at Gaya: </span> </span></div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: blue; font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"> </span><br />
<div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: blue; font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><strong>1. the Falguni river henceforth would have no water at Gaya; </strong> </span></div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: blue; font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"> </span><br />
<div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: blue; font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><strong>2. the Cow would no longer be worshipped from the front as all others are- only its backside would be worshipped; </strong> </span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: blue; font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><strong>3..there would be no more Tulsi plants at Gaya , and </strong> </span></div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: blue; font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"> </span><br />
<div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: blue; font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><strong>4. the Gaya Brahmins would never be satisfied, they would always be hungry and crave for more and more. </strong> </span></div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: blue; font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"> </span><br />
<div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: blue; font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><strong>5. </strong>She then blessed the <strong>Akshaya Vatam</strong> saying that all who came to Gaya would perform the <strong>Pinda pradaanam</strong> at the Akshaya Vatam too. <strong></strong> </span></div><div><span style="color: blue; font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><strong><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: blue; font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><strong>Other temples in the vicinity are the Sakshi Gopal temple and the Mangala Gowri Temple, which is among the Shakti peethams.</strong> By the time <strong>Shrraddham</strong> was over, it was about 4.30 pm. We then had lunch at around 5pm and we left Gaya around 6 pm. We visited <strong>Bodh Gaya</strong> enroute to Gaya. We after a safe journey, finally, reached Varanasi around 11.30 Pm. </span><br />
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<span style="color: blue; font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><strong>The roads were excellent -thanks to National Highway Authority roads improvement programme of Govt. of India. Twice we stopped by the roadside, to have a cup of coffee/tea, to refresh ourselves. On the whole a very staisfying trip to Gaya indeed!</strong></span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: blue; font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif; font-size: large;">Our Bodh Gaya Visit </span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: blue; font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><strong></strong> We worship Dhakshinamurthy,Guru or preceptor. A preceptor is more than a teacher, for he not only teaches us things that extends our knowledge, but also those that enrich our lives, and make out life worth living. One of these was the Buddha. Whether we consider Him simply as a Buddhist guru, or the ninth avatar of Vishnu, it remains a fact that He was one of the greatest teachers of all time, and his legacy lives on today in the hearts of millions, some his followers, some simply his admirers. This is where Buddha came in quest of knowledge, and where he finally was enlightened. This is, truly, the birth place of Buddhism. There are, in all, seven sacred places for Buddhists, all associated with the life of Buddha. </span></div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: blue; font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"> </span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: blue; font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: large;">These are:</span> </span></div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: blue; font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"> </span><br />
<div><span style="color: blue; font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">1. Lumbini – his birthplace, now in Nepal </span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: blue; font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"> 2. Kapilavastu – his kingdom, also in Nepal </span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: blue; font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"> 3. Bodh Gaya – where he attained enlightenment, in Bihar </span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: blue; font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"> 4. Sarnath – where he gave his first discourse, in UP </span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: blue; font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"> 5. Shravasti – where he taught many of his students, near Lucknow </span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: blue; font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"> 6. Rajgir – where he loved when he fell ill, in Bihar, 80 Kms from Gaya </span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: blue; font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"> 7. Kushinagar – where he breathed his last, in Bihar.</span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: blue; font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"> <strong>Buddha spent 6 weeks at Gaya</strong>. <strong>The first week</strong> he spent under the Bodhi tree, the second inside the temple, the third near a lake (it is said that when he placed a foot on the water, a lotus appeared under it), the fourth week in the area around the temple, the fifth under another Bodhi tree (which is no more- a pillar stands in its place) answering the questions of learned Brahmins, and the 6th week at the centre of the pond. It is believed that when a severe thunderstorm approached, Adisesha himself arrived to protect the Buddha, forming an umbrella over his head with his hoods. This is the reason Buddha is sometimes counted as the 9th avatar of Vishnu. There are over 50 temples at Bodh Gaya, all built by foreign Buddhists. The most important one however, remains the Maha Bodhi Temple, where the Bodhi tree stands. But we visited only the main temple. </span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: blue; font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif; font-size: large;"> Bodhi Tree: </span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: blue; font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">This tree, though not the original one under which Buddha sat, is however, its descendant. The original tree was destroyed by the Mughals. A branch of the original tree had been taken to Sri Lanka by some Buddhist monks, and Ashoka ordered a branch of that tree to be brought and planted here. He himself took care of this tree. This second one was cut down on the orders of Ashoka’s wife because she was jealous of the attention he paid to it. Nevertheless, he got a second branch from the Sri Lanka tree and planted it. This third one was destroyed during a cyclone, and another branch planted. The present tree is the 4th. It is an amazing thing that branches from the original tree flourish wherever they are planted, all over the world! </span></div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: blue; font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"> </span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: blue; font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: large;">Explanations for the Religious terms:</span> </span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: blue; font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><em><strong>* Shrraddham</strong> </em>or performing the Vedic rites to appease one’s forefathers is of two types- Anna roopam and Hiranya roopam. <em><strong>Anna Shrraddham</strong></em> is where a certain number of Brahmins are invited, and are fed at the completion of the rituals. This is considered equivalent to feeding one’s ancestors. However, this is quite tedious, and sometimes expensive. Hence the second option, <em><strong>Hiranya Shrraddham</strong></em>, where the Brahmins are fed only symbolically. This is a quicker and cheaper alternative to the same rituals. At places like Kashi the pundits offer us the option of choosing which kind of ritual we would like to perform, depending on our time and budget. <strong><em>Naandhi and Vaishnava Shrraddham</em></strong> refer to the rites for appeasement of one’s ancestors and the Gods, respectively. <em><strong>* Pinda pradaanam</strong></em> is the ritual of offering food to three (in case of Gaya, more than that) generations of our ancestors. Balls of cooked rice and Til (sesame seeds), which are thus offered are called the pindams. <strong><em>* Dhaanam</em></strong> - Strictly meaning Charity, Daanam refers to the procedure of donating things to the Brahmins in the name of our ancestors. There is a long list of things that need to be given, starting from simple things like umbrellas, fans, and mats to more expensive things made of silver and gold. Among the more auspicious ones is the donation of a cow <strong>(Godhaanam</strong>) and land, both of which are usually done in symbolic terms. <strong>Poorvanga and Uttaranga Dhaanam</strong> refer to the things needed to be given at the beginning and end of the rituals respectively, while <strong>Dasa Dhaanam</strong> refers to a set of 10 things that need to be donated. <strong>* The Akshaya Vatam and the Vishnu Padam</strong> are the only two places where one can perform the Vedic rites not only for our forefathers, but for anyone, family, friends, acquaintances, whatever caste, religion or community they may belong to… and also for animals, our pets, abandoned bodies, etc.. This is the uniqueness of Gaya which draws thousands of people from all parts of India.</span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: blue;"><span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"></span><span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"></span><span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><strong>Day 5 Kashi [Varanasi] [04.10.2009]</strong> </span></span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: blue; font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"> 1<strong>. Ganga Puja</strong> [it is a tradition to bring back small sealed containers[Gangai Sombhu] of water from the Ganges and distribute it among our near and dear ones. One container is kept at home as it is considered sacred and one is taken to <strong>Rameswaram </strong>where it is used to perform <strong>Abhishekam to the lingam. </strong>All these containers are kept and prayed to before they are distributed.] </span></div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: blue; font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"> </span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: blue; font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">2. <strong>Dhampathi Pooja </strong>was performed. One set each of the following was offered to each of the three Dampathi's: Dhoti 9x5 ; 9 yard saree with blouse piece, Mangalyam, metti, mookuthi/Bangles, Manjal/Kumkum/Cheepu/Kannadi[Comb& Mirror][one set each]. Prayers are offered to an elderly married couple,along with two other Dampathis[since we were 3 couples], invoking them as Vishwanath and Annapurna). </span></div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: blue; font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"> </span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: blue; font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><strong>On the whole, it was a very satisying Pooja for all of us.</strong> We later, also performed the <strong>Samaradhanai </strong>[normally this function is performed on finishing/coming back, after the holy Yatra]. So we decided on performing this Ritual<strong> </strong>while in Kashi itself. This was performed with <strong>6 Brahmanas,</strong> followed by Bhojanam[lunch] for the 6 Brahmanas and us. Depending on your budgeting, <strong>Dakshnai</strong> is given to each of the Brahmanas, seeing to it that they are fully satisfied and happy. </span></div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: blue; font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"> </span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: blue;"><span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><strong>3. Vadhyar Sambhavanai</strong>. </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">This is performed after the </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><strong>Dampathi Pooja</strong></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"> to the Main </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><strong>Vadhyar</strong></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"> </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><strong>at Kashi</strong></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">, who is instrumental in making this trip worth the effort, right from A to Z. Depending on your budget, a good amount is offered as </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><strong>"Sambhavanai</strong></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">" to the Vadhyar. Normally, the amount works to Rs.8,000/- to 10,000/-. On being very much satisfied with the way in which our </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><strong>Shri Mani Vadhyar </strong></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">conducted/guided us in performing all the Rituals, right from Prayag/Varanasi & Gaya, a good sizable amount was offered as "Sambhavanai" to the Vadhyar.[each of the 3 couples separately]. It was really worth the money spent!</span></span></div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: blue; font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"> </span><br />
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<strong><span style="color: blue; font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">We also visited the following Temples in Varanasi: </span></strong><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: blue; font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><strong></strong> 1. Dhundi Ganapathi </span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: blue; font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"> 2. Sozhiyamman Dharisanam </span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: blue; font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"> 3. Kala Bhairavar Dhaisanam(Kasi Kayiru Vanguthal) </span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: blue; font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"> 4. Bhanaras Hindu University- Birla Temple </span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: blue; font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"> 5. Kala Bhairavar Dhaisanam </span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: blue; font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif; font-size: large;"> RAM NAGAR FORT </span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: blue; font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><strong></strong> <strong>Kashi might be the abode of the gods,</strong> but it also been <strong>ruled by various kings</strong>, who left their imprint on the city. <strong>The Raja Ghat</strong> on the river, for example, was built by one of them, and history tells us that one of the kings actually jumped from one of its high turrets while trying to escape the British troops during the mutiny, and actually succeeded! </span><br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj1QeJcJntDuIuQpVmUTVu7_3Z7Nyqu7Ha13rX6NFiZTyuYqeIrglSHA2BIekX9dRUpDxC1aGJ3levreLXDsSxQnitnZz5cQgPkvx5xPb1rZcsV9FjG9cerQVQyQJftf3ZnUAvbtm-aUQY/s1600/Varanasi+RamNagar+Fort.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj1QeJcJntDuIuQpVmUTVu7_3Z7Nyqu7Ha13rX6NFiZTyuYqeIrglSHA2BIekX9dRUpDxC1aGJ3levreLXDsSxQnitnZz5cQgPkvx5xPb1rZcsV9FjG9cerQVQyQJftf3ZnUAvbtm-aUQY/s1600/Varanasi+RamNagar+Fort.jpg" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: blue; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: small;">Ram Nagar Fort, Varanasi</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: blue; font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><strong>The last remnant memory of the kings of Benares is the Ramnagar Fort</strong> <strong>and Palace</strong> on the opposite banks of the Ganga, in a section of which the present scion of the royal family still resides. The palace is about 15Kms away by road, and an auto takes about half an hour to reach there. One can also opt for a more interesting and relaxing option- that of taking a row boat to the palace across the river. I am told that the journey will take about a good one and a half hours, but the sheer bliss one can experience makes every minute worth it! <strong>The palace</strong> has now been converted into a <strong>museum,</strong> which closes around 4:30PM. If you want to have a leisurely stroll among the various antiquities displayed, make sure you keep at least 2 hours for the palace alone. </span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: blue; font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"> <strong>Though we missed seeing this palace</strong>, our <strong>Guide, Dheeraj</strong>, and some of the people known to us, were very helpful in giving some interesting details about this Fort. It seems to be a good place to go sight-seeing, <strong>across the River Ganga. </strong></span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: blue; font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><strong></strong> <b>While doing all Karma/rituals we prayed for all our family members and sought the blessings of all pithrus. </b><strong>We are thankful to God Almighty, for making this trip possible. On the whole, this holy pilgrimage was most satisfying and above all a memorable one. Our sincere thanks to our Mani Vadhyar and his team for giving us full support and making our stay most comfortable. Also our sincere thanks must be said to our Guide, Dheeraj, without whom, and together with his valuable guidance, we would have not enjoyed our sight-seeing and going to important religious places etc. I should mention here that all of us derived a lot of mental peace, happiness and satisfaction, always to be remembered and cherished for many, many more years to come.</strong></span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: blue; font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><strong></strong> In this connection, for those of you who have not gone through my earlier posting on Kashi Rituals, you can log on to my website URL: </span></div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: blue; font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"> </span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: blue; font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><a href="http://punithayatra.blogspot.com/" onclick="return top.js.OpenExtLink(window,event,this)" target="_blank">http://punithayatra.blogspot.com/</a> [my August posting] </span><br />
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<div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: blue; font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif; font-size: large;">Some of my/our experiences on Kashi Ghatts and temples: </span><br />
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<div><span style="color: blue; font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><strong>There are 64 Ghatts</strong>. I give below some of my descriptions on a few of the Ghatts we visited..</span></div><div><span style="color: blue; font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><strong><br />
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<span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: blue;"><strong>Assi Ghat</strong> is where the<strong> Assi river merges with the Ganga</strong>, this is the southern extreme of the city. Just next to this is the <strong>Tulsi Ghat</strong> where <strong>Tulsidas breathed his last</strong>. Then comes the<strong> Hanuman Ghat</strong>, which is where we stayed. Next to this is the <strong>Karnataka state Ghat</strong>, where there is a palace built by the <strong>Maharaja of Mysore</strong>. These two Ghats are<strong> full of mutts and ashrams</strong> belonging to south India, and hence is full of south Indians at any time </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #20124d;">of the year. </span></span> </div><span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"> <span style="color: #20124d;"></span></span> <br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: blue; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: small;">Harischandra Ghat</span></td></tr>
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<span style="color: blue; font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">Next comes the <strong>Harischandra Ghat,</strong> which is the place associated with the legend of the <strong>truthful king, Harishchandra,</strong> and the trials and tribulations he underwent. This is one of the <strong>burning Ghats of the city</strong>, where bodies of people of all castes and communities are consigned to flames.</span> </div><span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"> <span style="color: #20124d;"></span></span> <br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEih5BfVFzVNDkmleEvM6uBj9qjDoBFI46AMB-yne6P9kF6TLD1HLm4psm5PoObylyUDFhjq4dZGlI7kbhyxYYGNM_Qm8WWD_3Lw9rRvuurWbobqsSv4_M9mp7SVD1Ht_Bu_KR_gvOGkaws/s1600/varanasiDasasvamedha+Ghat.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="212" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEih5BfVFzVNDkmleEvM6uBj9qjDoBFI46AMB-yne6P9kF6TLD1HLm4psm5PoObylyUDFhjq4dZGlI7kbhyxYYGNM_Qm8WWD_3Lw9rRvuurWbobqsSv4_M9mp7SVD1Ht_Bu_KR_gvOGkaws/s320/varanasiDasasvamedha+Ghat.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-border-horizontal-spacing: 10px; -webkit-border-vertical-spacing: 10px; font-family: Verdana, Arial, sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: blue; font-size: small;">Dasasvamedha Ghat</span></span></td></tr>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: blue;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">Further upstream is the </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><strong>Kedar Ghat</strong></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">, with the </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><strong>Kedareshwar temple</strong></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">, followed by the </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><strong>Kshameshwar Ghat</strong></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"> and then the </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><strong>Narad Ghat</strong></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">. The Narad Ghat, incidentally, is the only Ghat on which</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><strong> people don’t bathe.</strong></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"> In mythology, </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><strong>Narada </strong></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">is depicted as the naughty saint who always creates trouble (with the best motives of course!), and it is believed that a couple bathing on this Ghat will start fighting amongst themselves!</span></span></div><div><span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><span style="color: #20124d;"><strong><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhfRM6ZStOj5cP24ta1NrrNzx4Hl-G2NT_yXhR6X_-RoH_rWNAMbi9L8nPpuIqc96XGgzxjQ_0WFwpcAURLCiLryySMgZN1FoKK_U9yU-RWVAQ89KGUbOAzqxoTcEmVVTu2-Mgrzj1-uvM/s1600/varanasiScindia+Ghat....jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhfRM6ZStOj5cP24ta1NrrNzx4Hl-G2NT_yXhR6X_-RoH_rWNAMbi9L8nPpuIqc96XGgzxjQ_0WFwpcAURLCiLryySMgZN1FoKK_U9yU-RWVAQ89KGUbOAzqxoTcEmVVTu2-Mgrzj1-uvM/s320/varanasiScindia+Ghat....jpg" width="212" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-border-horizontal-spacing: 10px; -webkit-border-vertical-spacing: 10px; font-family: Verdana, Arial, sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: blue; font-size: small;">Scindia Ghat...</span></span></td></tr>
</tbody></table><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: blue;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><strong>The Raja Ghat</strong></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"> is one belonging to the </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><strong>royal family of Varanasi</strong></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">, while the </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><strong>Shitala Ghat</strong></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"> has a temple of </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><strong>Shitala Devi</strong></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">, who is prayed to, to avoid the pox. </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><strong>The Rana Mahal Ghat</strong></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"> was built by </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><strong>Maharana Pratap</strong></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">, and is a fine example of Rajasthani architecture, as is the </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><strong>Maan Mandir Ghat</strong></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"> further up, attributed to </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><strong>Man Singh</strong></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">, which also has an </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><strong>observatory on top</strong></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">. </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><strong>The Lalitha Ghat</strong></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"> is the one </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><strong>nearest to the Vishwanath and Annapurna temples.</strong></span></span><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjXNyafIgtK0QENB0UbhMTIOHvypp0AD7yDgb3Ridrn9JbgfyXBiWEeG6DJEBys1ICP4UiKgw5h2utqiE5FydH8jbNSX2oKuY1pSHE8sf81eGbmqcBOXE_RGCK1HXaf_rZfKVNkys1NP4Y/s1600/varanasiManikarnika+Ghat.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="212" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjXNyafIgtK0QENB0UbhMTIOHvypp0AD7yDgb3Ridrn9JbgfyXBiWEeG6DJEBys1ICP4UiKgw5h2utqiE5FydH8jbNSX2oKuY1pSHE8sf81eGbmqcBOXE_RGCK1HXaf_rZfKVNkys1NP4Y/s320/varanasiManikarnika+Ghat.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-border-horizontal-spacing: 10px; -webkit-border-vertical-spacing: 10px; font-family: Verdana, Arial, sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: blue; font-size: small;">Manikarnika Ghat</span></span></td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-border-horizontal-spacing: 10px; -webkit-border-vertical-spacing: 10px; font-family: Verdana, Arial, sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: blue; font-size: small;">view the burning ghats</span></span></td></tr>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: blue;"><span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">Next is the famous <strong>Manikarnika Ghat,</strong> where<strong> Parvati</strong> is believed to have dropped her <strong>ear rings</strong>. This is also a <strong>burning Ghat</strong>, where <strong>funeral pyres burn day and night, every single day.</strong> It is believed that there is always a pyre burning on this Ghat, at any time of the day or night. </span> </span></div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: blue;"><span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"> </span> </span><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEikfrkyEAi3Ad5JdQhSTYP60KTrZ5-8wILrsnCukSZem-2Fd8CFZ39ZmjW3vpWBW2GJ83a2lvvW0m_iymQhB9ig-_qui77Q_xJvYux4k-jkU_LkEZxUn9J25Xy-O6p0qJ5SD97ioojMw2I/s1600/varanasiManikarnika+Kund.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEikfrkyEAi3Ad5JdQhSTYP60KTrZ5-8wILrsnCukSZem-2Fd8CFZ39ZmjW3vpWBW2GJ83a2lvvW0m_iymQhB9ig-_qui77Q_xJvYux4k-jkU_LkEZxUn9J25Xy-O6p0qJ5SD97ioojMw2I/s320/varanasiManikarnika+Kund.jpg" width="212" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-border-horizontal-spacing: 10px; -webkit-border-vertical-spacing: 10px; font-family: Verdana, Arial, sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: blue; font-size: small;">Manikarnika Kund </span></span></td></tr>
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<span style="color: blue; font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">Till about 100 years back, the ashes of a pyre burning at midnight would be taken to the Vishwanath temple for the lingam for Abhishekam, but this practice has now been stopped. The fortune of being cremated at this Ghat is solely reserved for Hindus. </span> </div><span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"> <span style="color: #20124d;"></span></span> <br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgECwQLnalnJC2In4LB4_78n0tQSmYz3nIj3qFpEanC2JLyPDlxi3WdagMZf9oKT_bzD25P4gpd7ivjSeOCfiCrpoOFTeBVcLUIsRPYxNwoscbH-xHV9S6g0bsl-qPAzxMAjtZ_3yK7cfs/s1600/varanasiLord+Vishnu%2527s+footprints.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="221" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgECwQLnalnJC2In4LB4_78n0tQSmYz3nIj3qFpEanC2JLyPDlxi3WdagMZf9oKT_bzD25P4gpd7ivjSeOCfiCrpoOFTeBVcLUIsRPYxNwoscbH-xHV9S6g0bsl-qPAzxMAjtZ_3yK7cfs/s320/varanasiLord+Vishnu%2527s+footprints.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-border-horizontal-spacing: 10px; -webkit-border-vertical-spacing: 10px; font-family: Verdana, Arial, sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: blue; font-size: x-small;">Lord Vishnu's footprints- Chakra-Pushkarini </span></span></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhoNVymIPQUQBr0-SJ94C_FmJE03k0myRIKMl9tPW0qnep7zoz_WK0HwqUTLaYOZZjMD7azPTLSkOhG-2MD3vICLQubp9jDljwEAZ7EigND6BM0WMh1ofCXBp-LHIOB06O-hvb_u0nPnH0/s1600/varanasiPancha-ganga+Ghat.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="212" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhoNVymIPQUQBr0-SJ94C_FmJE03k0myRIKMl9tPW0qnep7zoz_WK0HwqUTLaYOZZjMD7azPTLSkOhG-2MD3vICLQubp9jDljwEAZ7EigND6BM0WMh1ofCXBp-LHIOB06O-hvb_u0nPnH0/s320/varanasiPancha-ganga+Ghat.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-border-horizontal-spacing: 10px; -webkit-border-vertical-spacing: 10px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: blue; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: small;">Pancha-ganga Ghat</span></span></td></tr>
</tbody></table><span style="color: blue; font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">Then we come to the <strong>Panchaganga Ghat</strong>, which is among the more important ones. Here, it is believed, <strong>5 different rivers merge,</strong> and when the river is in full force during the monsoon, the currents of the 5 rivers can be seen. </span><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEghWhYf44bFEBvYNnFkL_-gPIs5X1PvCHYvjgqswjr5RpO43fKOHfznbwXpFFADhvgH_GRNE3upR7tjdFYKx0lDepZ0KPHT7pgsQxw9CLw-qtT6BjeRsPSJiCWLcj3OKuEwLBiyWsDjFKQ/s1600/varanasiAlamgir+Mosque+built+by+Aurangzeb.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEghWhYf44bFEBvYNnFkL_-gPIs5X1PvCHYvjgqswjr5RpO43fKOHfznbwXpFFADhvgH_GRNE3upR7tjdFYKx0lDepZ0KPHT7pgsQxw9CLw-qtT6BjeRsPSJiCWLcj3OKuEwLBiyWsDjFKQ/s320/varanasiAlamgir+Mosque+built+by+Aurangzeb.jpg" width="213" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-border-horizontal-spacing: 10px; -webkit-border-vertical-spacing: 10px; font-family: Verdana, Arial, sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: blue; font-size: small;">Alamgir Mosque built by Aurangzeb</span></span></td></tr>
</tbody></table><span style="color: blue; font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">On this Ghat are the <strong>Bindu Madhava Temple,</strong> and the <strong>mosque</strong> built by <strong>Aurangzeb</strong> after he demolished the original temple. </span><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgZ2ovZMDHRD9w1NCM6W8bt-0LiaIioRWRIExdmBl2o3ZynWpypZaRPVLqG1iBah47s-5xWJWF-97kTllkJlmRwmfAL0dbGC1pxuZpblZuLKBjydgO7GitYtbUF93nnrqrnFrj7C-_V_T8/s1600/varanasiDeity+of+Bindu+Madhava.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgZ2ovZMDHRD9w1NCM6W8bt-0LiaIioRWRIExdmBl2o3ZynWpypZaRPVLqG1iBah47s-5xWJWF-97kTllkJlmRwmfAL0dbGC1pxuZpblZuLKBjydgO7GitYtbUF93nnrqrnFrj7C-_V_T8/s320/varanasiDeity+of+Bindu+Madhava.jpg" width="212" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-border-horizontal-spacing: 10px; -webkit-border-vertical-spacing: 10px; font-family: Verdana, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12px;"><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: blue;">Deity of Bindu Madhava</span></b></span></td></tr>
</tbody></table><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: blue;"><span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">The last of all the Ghats is the <strong>Varuna Ghat</strong> where the</span><strong><span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"> river Varuna merges with the Ganga. </span></strong> <span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">It is sheer pleasure to go for a boat ride in the evening on the Ganges. </span></span><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiDj78NjzV_aAmGE6yNzGoWQUzwltCawVaDDUNifRV1_36lYIy20pH9QJWR8RTWDTaAsp60hhLppgFNO5BgVU3SQtqml_JlJZ-5EArfropMCPiVKPGD13_Vdfp2YuFcTUaV1_Qyj_HMzYA/s1600/varanasiThe+Adi+Keshava+Vishnu+Temple.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiDj78NjzV_aAmGE6yNzGoWQUzwltCawVaDDUNifRV1_36lYIy20pH9QJWR8RTWDTaAsp60hhLppgFNO5BgVU3SQtqml_JlJZ-5EArfropMCPiVKPGD13_Vdfp2YuFcTUaV1_Qyj_HMzYA/s320/varanasiThe+Adi+Keshava+Vishnu+Temple.jpg" width="219" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-border-horizontal-spacing: 10px; -webkit-border-vertical-spacing: 10px; font-family: Verdana, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: blue;">The Adi Keshava Vishnu Temple</span></span></td></tr>
</tbody></table><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-border-horizontal-spacing: 10px; -webkit-border-vertical-spacing: 10px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: blue; font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">Millions of pilgrims a year come to Varanasi. The three most important ghats are Manikarnika, Dasaswamedha, and Pancha-ganga.</span></span><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiERMRiHZ-9ue5XylCf4VpcT7zqDoOatjAIb2M7nbP6KeZ_3bPcajC2u8FIiv0parDIZu0KHZ84yVcOTpaLnrNoXIcFP3qkTKy-VGk5PUUll5Bnsuz-btxZQhTosvmHPEdc9xaqIWTG8sU/s1600/varanasi+Pilgrims+taking+Bath.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="212" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiERMRiHZ-9ue5XylCf4VpcT7zqDoOatjAIb2M7nbP6KeZ_3bPcajC2u8FIiv0parDIZu0KHZ84yVcOTpaLnrNoXIcFP3qkTKy-VGk5PUUll5Bnsuz-btxZQhTosvmHPEdc9xaqIWTG8sU/s320/varanasi+Pilgrims+taking+Bath.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: blue; font-size: small;">Pilgrims taking their Holy Bath</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-border-horizontal-spacing: 10px; -webkit-border-vertical-spacing: 10px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: blue; font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">To bath at these three ghats is called Tri-tirtha Yatra. Also important are Asi Sangam and Varuna Sangam. To bathe in these five places is call Pancha-tirtha Yatra. You are supposed to bathe in these five ghats in a certain order. First you bathe in Asi Ghat, then Dasaswamedha Ghat, then the ghat by the Adi Keshava Temple near the Varuna River, then Pancha-ganga, and then Manikarnika...</span></span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-border-horizontal-spacing: 10px; -webkit-border-vertical-spacing: 10px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: blue; font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">..After taking bath at these five places, most pilgrims then go for darshan of Visvanath, Annapurna, and Sakshi Vinayaka [the witnessing Ganesh].</span></span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: blue; font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">You should take a simple row boat and not the motor boat. There are motor boats too nowadays, but the pleasure the Ganga is waiting to give you, cannot be experienced in a fast boat. </span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: blue; font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif; font-size: large;"> Sunset on the Ganga </span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: blue; font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"> We had a wonderful time on the river. Time stood still, and one can experience the sheer joy and peace while on the Ganga. We watched the colours of the water change as the sun set over the horizon, we saw birds returning back to their nests after a days work, We could spot on how adept the seagulls and kingfishers were at catching fish. It was a sight we shall never forget. The beauty of nature is not as apparent in the landscape as it is in the life that makes up the landscape. </span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: blue; font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"> The climax of this wonderful boat ride on the Ganges is the Ganga aarti. The aarti is performed every evening at 7 PM on the main Ghats of the river, the most prominent being, on the Dashashwamedha Ghat. </span><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjnBJVblh9qkOBWs56fwvoTnReVhyiDJMVze1KawXsmc3yuuYrliZXhfZooy-JY5zWMsmVb1Ta6lhD1LOX8p_thQyfkKuKNXvRGj9i66ekz1CtLEE9GpOrBJWqDua1VW9z91ru_XS3Ajms/s1600/varanasiGanga-puja.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjnBJVblh9qkOBWs56fwvoTnReVhyiDJMVze1KawXsmc3yuuYrliZXhfZooy-JY5zWMsmVb1Ta6lhD1LOX8p_thQyfkKuKNXvRGj9i66ekz1CtLEE9GpOrBJWqDua1VW9z91ru_XS3Ajms/s320/varanasiGanga-puja.jpg" width="212" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-border-horizontal-spacing: 10px; -webkit-border-vertical-spacing: 10px; font-family: Verdana, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12px;"><b>Ganga-puja</b></span></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjHTxlKAMLltYOpnYdkU3l_WYFkz_q3zHIPc251USsfX_pKcVYWSLn9swHkpoOu2QNJjziY3_MO7YqQIlw0EiXloq6M6SMNiIN-U2SN9UkRnr0gxjYKfN9bzC3HhGDHSBEx2U3wHNKQoyY/s1600/varanasiOffered+First+to+Ganga.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="212" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjHTxlKAMLltYOpnYdkU3l_WYFkz_q3zHIPc251USsfX_pKcVYWSLn9swHkpoOu2QNJjziY3_MO7YqQIlw0EiXloq6M6SMNiIN-U2SN9UkRnr0gxjYKfN9bzC3HhGDHSBEx2U3wHNKQoyY/s320/varanasiOffered+First+to+Ganga.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-border-horizontal-spacing: 10px; -webkit-border-vertical-spacing: 10px; font-family: Verdana, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: blue;">....are offered first to mother Ganga...</span></span></td></tr>
</tbody></table><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: blue;"><span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">The chants and the singing of the aarti songs created a wonderful atmosphere and the river and Ghats are full of people taking in this wonderful sight. </span> <span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"> </span> <span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><strong>While the Pandas[priests]</strong> perform the <strong>traditional aarti to the river</strong>, laymen and women like us light up earthen lamps and gently let them down into the river, where they float down like glittering jewels. It is a sight that has to be seen to be believed, and it is certainly an uplifting experience, impressioned in our minds.....never to forget! </span> <span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><strong>Dheeraj our Guide,</strong> right from Allahabad to Gaya and back and our boatmen whom we rowed with, were like <strong>Guha from Ramayana Epic</strong>. All the boatmen know how to converse in Tamil, which makes it all the more easier to move with them while on boat or when going sight-seeing and during performing of rituals. May be they were born in/were <strong>Brahmins in Poorva Janmam</strong>. They in fact know many of the rituals that we perform.</span></span></div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: blue;"><span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"></span> </span><br />
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<span style="color: blue; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-border-horizontal-spacing: 10px; -webkit-border-vertical-spacing: 10px;">The people and pilgrims joyfully worshipping the holy river Ganges...</span></span><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhxgE7MpJ7G75LreyMu6AyBXt904GbHXXAfdsGyffYEFm0hpFP92NG-ADTWXZ_JEIrK-9PHqG4KsEKxL-PfjklCb0k6RQe6c45UdledkZMPCu4wdJkAruFVYGsLlfgPOL6GRW8_bvyAdgg/s1600/varanasiWorshipping+Ganga.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="212" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhxgE7MpJ7G75LreyMu6AyBXt904GbHXXAfdsGyffYEFm0hpFP92NG-ADTWXZ_JEIrK-9PHqG4KsEKxL-PfjklCb0k6RQe6c45UdledkZMPCu4wdJkAruFVYGsLlfgPOL6GRW8_bvyAdgg/s320/varanasiWorshipping+Ganga.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-border-horizontal-spacing: 10px; -webkit-border-vertical-spacing: 10px; font-family: Verdana, Arial, sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: blue; font-size: x-small;">People/Pilgrims worshipping the holy river Ganges...</span></span></td></tr>
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<span style="color: blue; font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">I should mention here that <strong>Dheeraj, our Guide</strong>, is like a <strong>Man Friday to Mani Vadhyar's family.</strong> Most trusted and efficient person one can be with and ofcourse not to say the least... sincere chap and very hard-working! </span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: blue; font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif; font-size: large;"> What is Varanasi without the Ganga? </span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: blue; font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">The river is the <strong>lifeline</strong> of the city. The city revolves around the river with everyone coming there to have a dip.. With its source in the Himalayas, the Ganges never dries up. Of course, with the kind of pollution that we are creating, and the kind of garbage that is put into the river, only the lord knows if this will last! There wasn’t too much water in the Ganges. We had to climb down<strong> 50 to 60 steps</strong> on the <strong>Hanuman Ghat</strong> to reach the water. Each step was so high, climbing back up was an exercise in itself. If we lived in Varanasi, <strong>we would surely, never put on weight! </strong> <strong>The Ghats are scrupulously cleaned every day-</strong> the minor ones by people with brooms and buckets of water, the important and crowded ones by jets of water. It is a sight that brings some joy and relief to one’s heart. Half-burnt dead bodies are no longer thrown in the river. <strong>Authorities are posted on the burning Ghats to make sure that the bodies are burnt completely. </strong> </span></div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: blue; font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"> </span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: blue; font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><strong>In spite of this, one finds that the sight of the Ghats on the Ganges is not a pleasant one even now.</strong> I believe that this has nothing to do with the authorities, but with the people themselves. People worship the Ganges as their mother, but don’t think twice before defiling her by throwing plastic bags and other dirt in her .Nothing will change until the mentality of people changes, and that is going to be a slow process. </span></div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: blue; font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"> </span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: blue; font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><strong>When we were performing all the rites and rituals</strong>, it struck me that in those ancient days, <strong>[my mother used to tell me]</strong> that when people prayed to the Ganga and offered so many things to her, all those things were <strong>biodegradable.</strong> <strong>All the containers were made of leaves, and the offerings were easily soluble, or were eaten by the fishes.</strong> <strong>Today, everyone comes here to perform the same rituals, but everyone takes a shortcut by using plastic and non-degradable substances and making the Mother Ganga dirty.</strong> </span></div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: blue; font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"> </span><br />
<div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: blue; font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><strong>I am of the opinion that people are more environment friendly today than ever b</strong>efore, and this is what gives me hope. It is a heart-breaking sight to see the <strong>Ganga </strong>being <strong>polluted </strong>in a bad way and it is my/our sincere request to all of you who read this article and visit <strong>Kashi to</strong> keep these things in mind, and <strong>avoid polluting</strong> the river in any way that you can. </span></div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: blue; font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"> </span><br />
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<span style="color: blue; font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">Let us do our bit for the environment and for this Wonderful and Sacred River. I am sure It might not be much, but it will be a beginning, if each one of us does our bit in being <strong>environment-friendly.</strong></span> </div><span style="color: #20124d;"> <span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"></span></span> <br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEig34gmeC3RJQguOi9Dwjz8br0eYxRgymwtenpMfyaiFLbGdQRPNJnoEP7QyzjDUh9CxyrMXDyHab-_1POB5wUOz78DFNAhVEGSLyFVOTCRyBBPcWuK317192K8hG0NPUGU0UDTX1xVz1w/s1600/varanasiCrowded+Streets.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEig34gmeC3RJQguOi9Dwjz8br0eYxRgymwtenpMfyaiFLbGdQRPNJnoEP7QyzjDUh9CxyrMXDyHab-_1POB5wUOz78DFNAhVEGSLyFVOTCRyBBPcWuK317192K8hG0NPUGU0UDTX1xVz1w/s1600/varanasiCrowded+Streets.jpg" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: blue; font-size: small;">The Crowded Streets of Varanasi</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table><strong><span style="color: blue; font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-border-horizontal-spacing: 10px; -webkit-border-vertical-spacing: 10px; font-weight: normal;">In the old part of the city there are numerous mazes of thin, very crowded streets, which makes the place very interesting.</span></span></strong><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi3TGqTRzkgnCT6_DmatLZhkMM8F1GzNabRe_r4uwF6MfVgweXsbHW_rwfHtSsDUJnxRlOdVIaWrkHZdaiPXKF9HSvc-fWj9JAcTmU-bhBq9DkaPRxnYHnj67z9Yk_gS3iSK_qfhYYRhv0/s1600/varanasiNarrow+Lanes.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi3TGqTRzkgnCT6_DmatLZhkMM8F1GzNabRe_r4uwF6MfVgweXsbHW_rwfHtSsDUJnxRlOdVIaWrkHZdaiPXKF9HSvc-fWj9JAcTmU-bhBq9DkaPRxnYHnj67z9Yk_gS3iSK_qfhYYRhv0/s1600/varanasiNarrow+Lanes.jpg" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: blue; font-size: small;">The Narrow Lanes of Varanasi</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table><strong><span style="color: blue; font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-border-horizontal-spacing: 10px; -webkit-border-vertical-spacing: 10px; font-weight: normal;">The streets are so narrow, that one can easily get lost here..</span></span></strong><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: blue; font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">The Temples that must be visited:</span></span><br />
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<div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: blue; font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><strong>The Vishwanath and Annapurna temples</strong> are the most popular and famous temples in Kashi, and the main reasons for a visit. However, our ancient texts mention a few more temples which are important and must be visited to complete the circuit of temples. </span></div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: blue; font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"> </span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: blue; font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: large;">The Kashi Visalakshi Temple</span> </span></div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: blue; font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"> </span><br />
<div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: blue; font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><strong>Visalakshi is the second consort of Shiva in this holy city of Kashi</strong>. This temple is one among the<strong> 52 Shakti peethams</strong>, and is part of the famous triad of temples- <strong>Kanchi Kamakshi,</strong> <strong>Madurai Meenakshi and Kashi Visalakshi.</strong> This small temple is situated in one of the narrow lanes around the Vishwanath temple, and it is mainly south Indians who seek out this temple. </span></div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: blue; font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"> </span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: blue; font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">Though the temple is quite small, the idol of the goddess is very beautiful. Behind the main stone idol of the goddess is another idol [some say it is a silver casting, others say it is an idol], believed to be the idol prayed to in ancient times. </span></div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: blue; font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"> </span><br />
<div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: blue; font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">The priest there, told us that it is the <strong>swayambhu idol of the goddess</strong>, while others refute this claim. Whatever it is, it is certainly worth a look, so remember to look behind the idol when you visit the temple. <strong>Adi Shankaracharya</strong>, when he visited the temple, performed prayers to renew the powers of the temple and the goddess which had borne the brunt of several invasions. He also installed a <strong>Sri Yantram</strong> there, and it is to this <strong>Yantram that puja is done</strong>. <strong></strong> </span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: blue; font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><strong>Kumkum archana to this Sri Yantram is considered very special, and can be performed by asking the pujari there.</strong> On Diwali day, <strong>the Goddess is decorated in Silver Pavadai. </strong> </span></div><div><span style="color: blue; font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><strong><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: blue; font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">NATTUKOTTAI CHETTIAR CHATHIRAM</span> </span><br />
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</strong></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: blue; font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">Our Guide Dheeraj narrated this to me : For those of you who go during Deepavalli, one can never miss the Thanga Visalakshi with Diamond studded Mangalyam and Velli Golusu was decorated which will be kept in a podium in Chathiram for three days from Diwali Day. Karaikudi Chettiars will assemble in a large number there. It is a sight to be seen. [We went a week before Deepavalli and hence could not see this] </span></div><div><strong><span style="color: blue; font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: blue; font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: large;">The Kala Bhairav temple</span> </span><br />
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<div><span style="color: blue; font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"> </span></div><div><span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><span style="color: blue; font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">Kala Bhairav is the guardian deity of Kashi. He occupies the position of a guard/ watchman with a dog as his vehicle, and is regarded as one of the forms of Shiva himself. In Kashi, there are 8 Bhairav temples, collectively called <strong>Ashta Bhairav</strong>. <strong>These are - Kala Bhairav, Dhandapani, Veera Bhairav, Batuk Bhairav, Aashu Bhairav, Aananda Bhairav, Rudra Bhairav and Ruru Bhairav</strong></span></span><br />
<span style="color: blue; font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><strong>.</strong></span> </span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: blue; font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"> </span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: blue; font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">Among these, <strong>Kala Bhairav</strong> is the most important one, visited by all those who visit Kashi. Dhandapani, or the one who wields a stick, is the one who decides on the punishment, while Kala Bhairav is the one who enforces his decision. In the words of our guide, Dhandapani is the commissioner, while Kala Bhairav is the constable. As usual, it is the constable who is more feared, than the commissioner himself! </span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: blue; font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"> </span></div><div><strong><span style="color: blue; font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: blue; font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><strong>The specialty of this temple is the sacred thread available there. These threads, known as Kashi threads. They are supposed to ward off evil forces, and are in great demand. </strong> </span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: blue; font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"> </span></div><div><div><strong><span style="color: blue; font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><br />
</span></strong></div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: blue; font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: large;">The Bindu Madhava Temple </span> </span><br />
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</span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: blue; font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"> </span></div><div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: blue; font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">Among the ancient temples in the must-visit list of Kashi temples is the <strong>Bindu Madhava Temple.</strong> This temple is also <strong>one of a trinity- Veni Madhava at Sangam in Allahabad, Bindu Madhava at Kashi and Sethu Madhava at Rameswaram.</strong> All these three temples are small, simple affairs, with similar idols which are rather small in size. <strong>The Bindu Madhava Temple</strong> is best approached from the <strong>Panchaganga Ghat</strong>. There is, of course a road, but one which is rarely used by the pilgrims. The original temple was apparently a big and important one, but was destroyed by Aurangzeb, who (as usual) built a mosque over it. The mosque stands proudly till date, though a couple of turrets have fallen recently, while the new temple is a small one, practically invisible until we reach it. </span></div><div><span style="color: blue; font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><strong><br />
</strong></span></div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: blue; font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif; font-size: large;"> The Chozhi Mata Temple </span><br />
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</strong></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: blue; font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"> <strong>A visit to Kashi is incomplete without a visit to the Chozhi Mata Temple.</strong> This temple is known by various names such as <strong>Chozhi or Cowrie Mata, and Gauri Mata temple</strong>, and the name owes its origin to the cowries or shells which are thrown to the goddess as offering. <strong>The goddess her is considered to be a sister of Shiva.</strong> <strong>According to legend, Shiva sister</strong> had her temple within the ancient temple complex. However, when she saw thousands of common people touch and hug her brother while praying, she became jealous and tried to stop this practice. At this, Shiva became angry. "He was at Kashi so that the common people could pray to him the way they liked" He said, and as punishment, banished her, and sent her out of the temple. She repented and prayed to Shiva for mercy, and finally he relented. He could not take back the curse, but He decreed that al those who visit Kashi should visit her too. <strong>A trip to Kashi would be ineffective if one returned without visiting her</strong>. Hence it is a practice to visit the <strong>Chozhi Mata Temple</strong> after visiting all the temples in Kashi and performing all rituals. One can buy cowries outside the temple, throw a few on the goddess and ask her to bless them by bestowing on them the fruits of their Kashi Yatra, and bring back a few cowries as Prasad. This temple is en-route to BHU and is quite easy to find, as it is frequented by quite a large crowd at all times. </span></div><div><span style="color: blue; font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><strong><br />
</strong></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: blue; font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><strong>Do visit this temple and make your Yatra a success! </strong> <strong></strong> <strong>The Annapoorni Temple </strong> <strong></strong> <strong>Food is one of the basic necessities of life</strong>, and it is no wonder that we say <strong>‘Annam Brahma’, food is God.</strong> It is the mother who provides food for the child, and it is again no wonder that we pray to the goddess Parvati as Annapurna, the one who gives us food. It is believed that Parvati gave Alms to Shiva, and she is depicted with a bowl in one hand and ladle in the other, serving food to Shiva, standing in front of her, with his begging bowl in His hand. The most popular temple of Annapurna is at Kashi followed by the one at Horanadu, in Karnataka Sef & Mohana have seen Horanadu. </span></div></div><div><span style="color: blue; font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><strong><br />
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<span style="color: blue; font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><strong>The temple of Annapurna at Kashi</strong> is right next to the <strong>Vishwanath temple</strong>. This temple is attached to the Annapurna Mutt. A highlight of this temple is that on the day before Diwali, a golden idol of Annapurna is opened for darshan. This idol can be seen only on that day and two succeeding days only, and it is indeed a great sight! Annapurna sits in the middle with her trademark bowl and ladle. On her left is Lakshmi (Sridevi- the goddess of wealth) and on her right is Bhudevi [the goddess of the earth]. </span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: blue; font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><strong>During Deepavalli,,all these idols are of pure Gold. In front of them stands Shiva, made of silver, asking for alms. </strong> In the sanctum of the temple, the idol of the goddess is a small one, which is always decorated in a sari when open for darshan. A silver mask covers her face, and little else can be seen. All the idols of Annapurna available show her in a sitting position, and we naturally assumed that that was how she was in this temple. <strong>However, during Deepavalli,</strong> it is customary that the idol of Annapurna is made of black stone, quite small, and she is in the standing position. The image is simple, holding only the bowl and ladle. It is said that the smile on her face is so charming, so real, it will almost seem as if She[the Goddess] is standing in front of us! Though we did not have the opportunity to see this beautiful sight, we could very vividly visualize the picture/scene in our minds, as the priest in the temple narrated and explained these in detail. </span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: blue; font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><strong>The Abhishekam </strong>is performed at 10:30AM every morning, It is worth a wait! <strong>Another specialty of this temple</strong> is that <strong>food is served to all devotees throughout the day…</strong>.food is too simple a term for what is virtually, a feast. Free coupons are available at the temple office and the food is served in a hall behind the temple. It is believed that the goddess takes her food only after making sure that all her devotees have had their fill. Try to partake of this Prasad at least once during your stay in Kashi. It is also a tradition to perform some service before taking food here. So many devotees take their turn in serving a few devotees before starting to eat. </span></div><span style="color: blue; font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"></span><br />
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<span style="color: blue; font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">This was a wonderful experience in itself, and a practice that must be encouraged. We offered a token amount as contribution towards "Anna Dhaanam" and derived a great sense of satisfaction on having done this at this temple in Kashi. </span> </span></div><span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><span style="color: blue; font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"></span></span><br />
<div><span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><span style="color: blue; font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"> </span></span></div><div><span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><span style="color: blue; font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><br />
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<span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: blue;"><span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">Precious moments.....unforgetable memories.....they are. </span> <span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"> </span> <strong><span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">The Kashi Vishwanath Temple </span></strong> <strong><span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"></span></strong> <span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><strong>Kashi is known as the land of Shiva</strong>.. Everything in Kashi not only revolves around the main temple of<strong> Vishwanath, as Shiva is known here</strong>, but He is also believed to be in control of everything that happens in this holy city. Normally, in Hindu mythology, the nine planets, or Navagrahas, who govern our actions, are independent, and perform their duty without interference from the Gods (a case of not even God interfering with nature and her rules). </span></span> <span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"> <span style="color: #20124d;"></span></span> </span></span><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiWNxdAWzS4NtRkOwdg8MNazItcPBRlsS7u1mvB9Ac75cwJ21Z8ddUF2iESCKeBBNfx5qXXP17NbNv3L1NO7eJNJe_25o0BQhcnjVRWWhp8GJ05NiXhlVMTTiHBHoXnItS1IbNYs89vK0U/s1600-h/kashi-vishwanath-varanasi.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" sr="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiWNxdAWzS4NtRkOwdg8MNazItcPBRlsS7u1mvB9Ac75cwJ21Z8ddUF2iESCKeBBNfx5qXXP17NbNv3L1NO7eJNJe_25o0BQhcnjVRWWhp8GJ05NiXhlVMTTiHBHoXnItS1IbNYs89vK0U/s320/kashi-vishwanath-varanasi.jpg" /></a> </span></span></div><span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><span style="color: #20124d;"><strong><br />
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<span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><span style="color: blue; font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><strong>However, Kashi is a special city, an exception to this rule, where Shiva even governs the Navagrahas</strong>. It is believed that <strong>Lord Saneeshwara [Saturn]</strong> once came to catch Shiva for the period of <strong>7 ½ years</strong> [what is commonly called<strong> Saade-saati</strong>] , and found himself unable to enter the temple. <strong>He is believed to have stayed outside the temple, and hence the temple of Saneeshwara outside the Vishwanath temple is much frequented by pilgrims who light oil lamps here, hoping to escape the clutch of Sani[Saturn].</strong> </span></span></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><span style="color: blue; font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"></span> <span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"> </span> <span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">There are just too many legends to explain why Kashi is sacred, and why Shiva chose to reside here. </span> <span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"> </span> <span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">I read an article sometime back, where the writer explains in scientific terms, that in this area, the Ganges flows in a curve, in the northward direction. The curvature and the force of the river led to the formation of a natural amphitheatre, or natural steps in simpler terms. This probably attracted our forefathers to this place, who built Ghats where the steps had formed, to have a bath, and installed their patron deity, Shiva as the lord of this place. </span> <span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"> </span> <span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">In order to avoid the confusion, let us not discuss the legends and accept the fact that here, Shiva is called </span><span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><strong>Vishwanath or Vishweshwar, the lord of the world. </strong>Kashi or Benares has been ruled by various great kings, some distinguished ones, and some not so famous. It even passed through a phase of being ruled over by the Buddhists. But the ancient temples, which saw so many rulers come and go, could not survive the onslaught of the Mughals. The temples were destroyed, not once, but a number of times by various Mughal invaders, leaving no trace of what the original temples might have looked like. </span> <span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"> </span> </span></span><br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhF0ADanmaB27EO6hU1yS5Lv32zDBWZO5xZH_sMZT17Ol4bTCaoh81G2HwDadzKdGuBiapHqpYPGdExseH-N9SnW1Uyyka14jCsQcpZpW8Cltl1-QziDjnvHERwWOxy13kXtKjPART_RZk/s1600-h/VK1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" sr="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhF0ADanmaB27EO6hU1yS5Lv32zDBWZO5xZH_sMZT17Ol4bTCaoh81G2HwDadzKdGuBiapHqpYPGdExseH-N9SnW1Uyyka14jCsQcpZpW8Cltl1-QziDjnvHERwWOxy13kXtKjPART_RZk/s320/VK1.jpg" /></a> </span></span></div><span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><span style="color: #20124d;"><strong><br />
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<span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><span style="color: blue; font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><strong>The temple, as it stands today,</strong> owes its existence to the Queen of Indore, Rani AhilyaBai Holkar. It was she who, seeing the sorry state of affairs here, not only provided the funds, but also made all the arrangements for building the temple. She was certainly a great woman, much ahead of her time, who took up the task of restoring to their glory, many of the ancient temples of India, which had suffered at the hands of plundering monarchs. The temple of Somnath is another such temple. Among the other temples which she helped build are the ones at Dwaraka, Triambakeshwar, and Parali Vaidyanath. </span> </span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: blue; font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"> The present temple stands beside a mosque that had been built by Aurangzeb over the ruins of the original temple. The sacred idol, the Shiva lingam, had been hidden in a well, hoping to prevent its destruction. This well, now known as the <strong>Gyaana Vapi</strong> (well of knowledge) stands in an area between the temple and the mosque.</span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: blue; font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><strong>Though Kashi is a place of great sanctity</strong>, <strong>it is also infamous for the Pandas, or a class of priests, who charge exorbitant amounts of money.</strong> If you talk to anyone who has visited Kashi, you will be sure to hear tales of how they have been overcharged and been taken for a ride by these people. The same goes for the temple too. However, the temple administration is now making efforts to remedy the situation. The first step it has taken in this direction is the creation of its own website. This site has been well organized, with complete details about the temple, as well as the pujas conducted, the timings of the different Aarthis, and the charges for the various offerings. Best of all, it is possible to book pujas on the net well in advance, and arrange whether you want the puja to be performed in your presence, in which case the ticket allows you an entry into the temple bypassing the long queue, or in your absence, in which case, the Prasad is sent to you by post. This is a good system, and must be appreciated. Of course, at this point of time, this does not entirely bypass the earlier system of paying money to the Pandas/Priests. These days, there are a number of people who book for the pujas, and one often gets relegated to the back row from where we can hardly get a glimpse of what is going on. A little extra from your wallet goes a long way in getting you a prime position to watch the puja. <strong>We attended the Saptharishi Aarthi in the evening on one of the days we were in Kashi..</strong> </span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: blue;"><span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">We were already late for Vishwanathar temple. So we hurried to Lord Vishwanathar temple. We had to literally run down the very narrow lanes of Kashi and it took about 20 minutes for us to reach this temple. We were completely exhausted when we reached the place. But what an experience it was! This is probably my most exciting hour of my/our life. This is the time I was waiting to happen – finally it is happening. We were taken through few metal detectors and physical search by cops at the entrance of the temple. The entrance of the temple is not like any of our South Indian temples – no grand gopurams or great paintings etc. Before you realize that you are inside a temple, you are already inside Lord Vishwanathar temple. This is a small temple – made in marble. We moved to a place that has 4 entrances at the center is a big square shaped brass/copper border – inside which is the holy abode of Lord Vishwanathar lingam. This whole square is filled with water, vilva leaves, rudraksha and the we did prokshanam of that water in our head , touched the lingam and were asked to quickly move out by the pundas (priests) there. </span><span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><strong></strong></span> <span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">We stepped out of that sannidhi and waited outside in the small praharam. I must tell about the praharam. We were sitting on a plantform-like structure and something touched my back and I looked back and there are hundreds of small shiva lingams in a row. Then I started walking around the temple and you could see lingams everywhere in the temple - once again, this is the first time I am seeing so many lingams. </span><span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"></span> <strong> </strong> In the meanwhile, our guide, Dheeraj, took money from us to buy tickets and also to let us watch the saptharishi puja sitting close to the sannidhi. The plan was to let us stand near and watch the puja. But me and my husband were literally pushed up the steps to watch the proceedings [there are three steps from which we can see the puja] and the others in the bench. We were told to wait for some more time to start the puja. <strong> </strong> I was expecting huge crowd to come and witness the Saptharishi Puja but found only 20 or so folks. I was surprised. It was 7.25PM – they put one bench on which my brothers and sister-in-laws were seated. Before us 4-5 people were sitting on the floor. It was odd to sit on the bench when Lord Vishwanathar is on the floor level. However, I was not allowed to standup from the steps as another punda already did a perfect job of collecting money from another guy who was going to stand and witness. So I was sitting on the staircase from which I got a good view of the puja.. </span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: blue;"><span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><strong>Saptharishi Puja</strong></span><span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"></span> <strong> </strong> <span style="font-family: 'trebuchet ms';">All seven pundas assembled there – they looked very fresh – probably just took their bath – vibuthi smeared all on their foreheads, big rudraksha malas around their necks, clean white dhotis etc. They started emptying the water from the lingam and wiped the whole place. All the preparations started for the puja. Soon they started chanting Sama Vedam. This is my first time listening to Sama Vedam. Once they started the abhishekam, people who knew Shri Rudram started chanting. All the abhishekams were over. Then they started the alankara. They brought the five-headed snake crown for the Lord. Unlike the ones we see in south or in most places, each head of the snake will be at different levels and looking at different sides. Once it is set on the top of the lingham, the whole thing is decorated with flowers. The way pundas decorate the lingham with flower is a divine art. They decorate it in such a way that not one flower falls off and yet you could see the lingham to some extent.</span></span> <br />
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</span></div><span style="color: blue; font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">Between 8.15 PM and 8.30 PM is the time for deeparathanai. This is an out of the world experience for anyone to witness. All the seven pundas will ring seven bells at the same time, their hands are extremely synchronized the they chant the sama veda in the same pitch, the deepams are lifted and lowered – all at the same stroke. When they all take the deepam closer to the lingham, it appears like the snakes are moving! This not happened once – almost every time I look closer, the pundas are lot more synchronized. All the devotees sitting there are completely mesmerized – if anyone wants to experience the “oneness”, this is probably the only place for that. The way the priests gets excited are little scary at times – it looked like they forgot their bodies and deep into a different state – a Samadhi state except that the hands are mouth are doing synchronized actions. The sound from those bells is deafening – makes you not to think of anything other than Lord Parameswaran. There is an absolute silence from the devotees. At one point, I just turned back for something and saw lots of people standing right behind us – not even a small sound from them. Devotees are standing in all 4 entrances to witness this outstanding puja to Parameswaran. Without HIS blessing we can’t even put a foot forward.If we have HIS darshan, He will take us closer to Him. Our trip is one fine example. </span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: blue;"><span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"></span><span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">Seeing these Aartis is an experience which must not be missed. We were absolutely spellbound seeing the way in which they decorated the Shiva lingam, the chanting of the mantra and clanging of the bells; pure ecxtasy...carrying you to a world of oblivion and magic... I would say.....seeing is believing.... I have no words to describe the atmosphere during the final aarthi, which was simply divine, to say the least! On hearing the Mantras and the way it is performed, one can feel the vibration running through his/her body - a feeling so extraordinary and exulting that one can never ever experience anywhere in the world!! An experience to behold!</span></span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: blue; font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">Finally at the stroke of 8.30PM, the entire puja was over. The moment after the puja was over, people started to walk out. What a satisfying and wonderful experience on the whole!</span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: blue; font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"> </span></div><div><strong><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: blue; font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: blue; font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">This Holy Yatra was indeed worth the efforts taken - and thoroughly, an out of the world experience for us all! </span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: blue; font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">With this, my holy Yatra, starting from Rameshwaram, to Allahabad - Kashi - Gaya comes to a close. I am sure all of you will find this interesting and useful. </span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: blue; font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">The next Holy Yatra is to Rameshwaram to complete this Yatra. For knowing the details of this Yatra, you may log on to the following URL on our trip to Rameshwaram:</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: blue; font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><a href="http://punithayatra.blogspot.com/2011/04/our-rameshwaram-trip-completing-our.html">http://punithayatra.blogspot.com/2011/04/our-rameshwaram-trip-completing-our.html</a> </span><br />
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</span></div><div style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"></div></div></div></div></div>Jolly Rhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09360932879231762916noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3614247996656767536.post-78636933077545442912009-09-17T22:06:00.000-07:002009-09-17T22:21:10.482-07:00Bodh Gaya - The Seat of Supreme Enlightenment<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiiJqZIAH14PvL4bPVkiXJv6kdX1LjtLV6TFrPMRxxHfiX5Emds3nThsJ8-3bNPb1hgyVRPTGxIclokDvubplJp3_iifwX7F_cu65WCNkBM9qDTRPcQ9LE_9UyPfVorPl_tLt6wdvBKVUM/s1600-h/bodhgaya1.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5382672693897797330" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 282px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiiJqZIAH14PvL4bPVkiXJv6kdX1LjtLV6TFrPMRxxHfiX5Emds3nThsJ8-3bNPb1hgyVRPTGxIclokDvubplJp3_iifwX7F_cu65WCNkBM9qDTRPcQ9LE_9UyPfVorPl_tLt6wdvBKVUM/s400/bodhgaya1.jpg" border="0" /></a>
<div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhGDK68bDi8uJWz34VAfPJ1GdG-lGzQczXzTg89s_ltwQtHsB4kT-mSkLR2If385BuH7IVQIV1-FDOECgrn3UH7__elJ7bQsaLN7DDSUnWSAlli-y3Mm7Z8cU91Po47Yhtr91_F4jmBy4s/s1600-h/bodhgaya03.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5382672437162904322" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 301px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 350px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhGDK68bDi8uJWz34VAfPJ1GdG-lGzQczXzTg89s_ltwQtHsB4kT-mSkLR2If385BuH7IVQIV1-FDOECgrn3UH7__elJ7bQsaLN7DDSUnWSAlli-y3Mm7Z8cU91Po47Yhtr91_F4jmBy4s/s400/bodhgaya03.jpg" border="0" /></a>
<div><strong><span style="color:#ff0000;"> Seat of Enlightenment: The Diamond Throne, Vajrasana.
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<div><strong><span style="color:#000066;">"Bodh Gaya is the place where Gautama Buddha attained unsurpassed, supreme Enlightenment. It is a place which should be visited or seen by a person of devotion and which would cause awareness and apprehension of the nature of impermanence".</span></strong></div>
<strong><span style="color:#ff0000;">Bodh Gaya
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<div><span style="color:#000066;"><strong>Location </strong>: Bihar</span></div><div><span style="color:#000066;"><strong>Attractions </strong>: Bodhi Tree, Bodhi Sarovar.</span></div><div><span style="color:#000066;"><strong>Famous As</strong> : The Land Of Enlightenment Of Buddha.</span></div><div><span style="color:#000066;"><strong>Best Season</strong> : Betwe<img class="gl_bold" alt="Bold" src="http://www.blogger.com/img/blank.gif" border="0" />en February And April. </span></div></div></div>Jolly Rhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09360932879231762916noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3614247996656767536.post-79037456547904959202009-09-17T21:33:00.000-07:002009-09-17T21:44:51.653-07:00Bodh Gaya - The Land of Enlightenment<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiJblBEYUJe7DlsCOoMjmbjyzij-9zxFbc2EeldUe3SOqMfJN0vYIFGZhO_gZUi6yHO5RsYgn_fPnnl8y7ur2EuzeQRRI_By1SmWQJL4uiHC1vKPeKNzUOVlLiBIbymooRjMCoRLXnZh04/s1600-h/Bud5.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5382663369560104130" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 266px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiJblBEYUJe7DlsCOoMjmbjyzij-9zxFbc2EeldUe3SOqMfJN0vYIFGZhO_gZUi6yHO5RsYgn_fPnnl8y7ur2EuzeQRRI_By1SmWQJL4uiHC1vKPeKNzUOVlLiBIbymooRjMCoRLXnZh04/s400/Bud5.jpg" border="0" /></a>
<div><strong><span style="color:#000066;">THE LAND OF ENLIGHTENMENT</span></strong></div>
<div><strong><span style="color:#000066;"></span></strong></div><div><span style="color:#000066;"><strong>Holding extreme religious importance to the Buddhists</strong>, <strong>Bodhgaya lies13 km south of</strong> <strong>Gaya</strong>, beside the <strong>river Phalgu</strong>. It was here, that the <strong>Lord Buddha</strong> sat under the <strong>Banyan tree and attained enlightenment</strong>, and a descendant of that original tree still flourishes there today. </span></div>
<div><span style="color:#000066;"></span></div><div><span style="color:#000066;"><strong>Bodhgaya </strong>is small and quiet town, which is the most important of all the <strong>Buddhist sites</strong> in the world.<strong>The Maha Bodhi temple</strong> <strong>of Bodh Gaya</strong> is one of the important places of worship for the Buddhists. Apart from being a vital Buddhist centre, it is also a significant archaeological site. <strong>Devout Buddhists and tourists from all over the</strong> <strong>world visit Bodhgaya</strong>, to study Buddhism and the art of meditation, or to simply absorb the aura of solemn splendour that surrounds the place. </span></div>
<div><span style="color:#000066;"></span></div><div><span style="color:#000066;"><strong>Brief history</strong>:</span></div>
<div><span style="color:#000066;"></span></div><div><span style="color:#000066;"><strong>Marking the holy spot of the enlightenment</strong> <strong>of the Master</strong>, this site is looked upon with greatest sanctity and became a flourishing <strong>Buddhist establishment</strong> with numerous temples, <strong>stupas and monasteries</strong>. </span></div>
<div><span style="color:#000066;"></span></div><div><span style="color:#000066;"><strong>According to tradition</strong> a large number of shrines and memorials were erected at the site to commemorate the incidents before after enlightenment but only few now can be recognised. Of the earliest shrines, traditionally attributed to<strong> Asoka</strong>, only vajrasana or the sandstone throne with the characteristic <strong>Mauryan polish</strong> and decorative designs has survived and is seen beneath the <strong>holy Bodhi tree</strong>. </span></div>
<div><span style="color:#000066;"></span></div><div><span style="color:#000066;"><strong>To the Sunga period </strong>belongs a portion of the sandstone railing carved with bas-reliefs, typical of the age. The remaining portion of the railing pertains to the <strong>Gupta period</strong>. The main brick-built shrine known as the <strong>Mahabodhi temple</strong> which appears to have been originally erected in <strong>circa 2nd century A.D.,</strong> is encumbered with the heavy renovations, the four corner-towers being an arbitrary addition of circa 14th century. <strong>Its central tower</strong>, standing on a <strong>high plinth,</strong> is <strong>about 55m high</strong> and is a <strong>straight-edged pyramid of seven storeys,</strong> relieved by pilasters and chaitya-niches, substantially agreeing with its description<strong> left by the Chinese pilgrim Hiuen Tsang.</strong> The remaining shrines and stupas mostly belong to the <strong>Pala period</strong> (<strong>9th to 12th century). </strong></span></div>Jolly Rhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09360932879231762916noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3614247996656767536.post-53572075219532653772009-09-17T21:23:00.000-07:002009-09-17T21:33:14.806-07:00Bodh Gaya - Prime Sites<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgDaBghAJq7HvC5P8QE1oR1XjHf-Aog4Oyv_tDFcowZBzO5yuq1JOHPTiQnJbekPkhReKmPXZJZCvueRYnCNFaI0K6ygJ8JzgkHdDEq7BaaywbOffXjYEFE1LdUPpK-EWXOXPNwQxA52e0/s1600-h/Bud4.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5382660220292788626" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 250px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgDaBghAJq7HvC5P8QE1oR1XjHf-Aog4Oyv_tDFcowZBzO5yuq1JOHPTiQnJbekPkhReKmPXZJZCvueRYnCNFaI0K6ygJ8JzgkHdDEq7BaaywbOffXjYEFE1LdUPpK-EWXOXPNwQxA52e0/s400/Bud4.jpg" border="0" /></a>
<div><strong><span style="color:#000066;">PRIME SITES IN BODH GAYA</span></strong></div>
<div><strong><span style="color:#000066;"></span></strong></div><div><strong><span style="color:#000066;">Mahabodhi Temple at Bodhgaya ( World Heritage Sites )</span></strong></div>
<div><strong><span style="color:#000066;"></span></strong></div><div><span style="color:#000066;"><strong>The Mahabodhi Temple</strong> Complex is one of the four holy sites related to the life of the Lord Buddha, and particularly to the attainment of Enlightenment. The first temple was built by Emperor Asoka in the 3rd century B.C., and the present temple dates from the 5th or 6th centuries. It is one of the earliest Buddhist temples built entirely in brick, still standing in India, from the late Gupta period. </span></div>
<div><span style="color:#000066;"></span></div><div><strong><span style="color:#000066;">Bodhi Tree:</span></strong></div>
<div><span style="color:#000066;"></span></div><div><span style="color:#000066;"><strong>Towards the West of the Maha Bodhi temple</strong>, is the tree where Gautam Buddha did his meditation and attained enlightenment. </span></div>
<div><span style="color:#000066;"></span></div><div><span style="color:#000066;"><strong>Bodhi Sarovar</strong>:</span></div>
<div><span style="color:#000066;"></span></div><div><span style="color:#000066;">Before going in for meditation, Buddha took bath in this pond. This pond is situated towards the west of Bodhi temple. The pond is situated in a very attractive place and is worth visiting. </span></div>
<div><span style="color:#000066;"></span></div><div><strong><span style="color:#000066;">Chankamana: </span></strong></div>
<div><span style="color:#000066;"></span></div><div><span style="color:#000066;"><strong>Towards North of the Bodhi Temple,</strong> is a platform with <strong>foot impressions of Buddha</strong>. Apart from these ponds and platforms, there are many temples built by the people of various nations like the Tibet temple, the Japanese, the Thai, the Lankan and the Bhutan temple. These temples are also a major attraction for the tourists and devotees, who visit Bodh Gaya.</span> </div>Jolly Rhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09360932879231762916noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3614247996656767536.post-36337289207148017212009-09-17T21:15:00.000-07:002009-09-17T21:23:40.365-07:00Bodh Gaya - An Excursion<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhVzZcmYnhS_x-byO_pBTBS_rcm5AVChddH0RJJEz3pktPfHKzpgKFAUNMQFmKV-h2eLj1RvUYxz71HbYmNqsQotHdT0RmhCiF1PWCOruXQwThKP1MIbKleRIXMKYxKRJgYVNTC-CNAgCE/s1600-h/Bud3.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5382658155557263074" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 266px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhVzZcmYnhS_x-byO_pBTBS_rcm5AVChddH0RJJEz3pktPfHKzpgKFAUNMQFmKV-h2eLj1RvUYxz71HbYmNqsQotHdT0RmhCiF1PWCOruXQwThKP1MIbKleRIXMKYxKRJgYVNTC-CNAgCE/s400/Bud3.jpg" border="0" /></a>
<div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgoR6hCjV1-s2r_Xyl7yWM8Z0qi5uy7O2sTtFfrLHqpaVlkh4SLvP84VIejsulrscBzOAjthmugAiJpPuFY9nI1kIYlxAtvQ_Ryr3XM_jroZrLSsfItFOtZYFeJ6ojmi1gI1XSYjNBs8Qs/s1600-h/Bud1.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5382657982482791794" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 309px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgoR6hCjV1-s2r_Xyl7yWM8Z0qi5uy7O2sTtFfrLHqpaVlkh4SLvP84VIejsulrscBzOAjthmugAiJpPuFY9nI1kIYlxAtvQ_Ryr3XM_jroZrLSsfItFOtZYFeJ6ojmi1gI1XSYjNBs8Qs/s400/Bud1.jpg" border="0" /></a>
<div><strong><span style="color:#000066;">EXCURSION FROM BODHGAYA</span></strong></div>
<div><span style="color:#000066;"><strong>Barabar Caves</strong>: <strong>57 Kms from Gaya</strong> are some earliest carved out Buddhist caves. The interior of these caves is chiselled to a wonderful polish. The carvings in the caves reflect the skill with which these caves are carved out. These caves were built some where in the 3rd century and are fine examples of the skill, which the Indian mason had attained at that time. These caves are believed to be of Mauryan period and considered to be the origin of Indian cave architecture</span></div>
<div><span style="color:#000066;"><strong>Deo</strong> : <strong>20 kms from Gaya</strong> is located the Sun temple of Deo. In fact, this place is famous for the 'Chhat' festival, which is held in the month of October-November. </span></div>
<div><span style="color:#000066;"><strong>Dungeswari</strong> : <strong>The place is famous for the caves where Buddha had</strong> <strong>meditated </strong>for some time. It was in these caves that he concluded that the ultimate knowledge can not be attained through mortification of the flesh. These caves are 12 kms from the main town of Bodh Gaya. </span></div>
<div><span style="color:#000066;"><strong>Rajgir: Just 15 kms from Nalanda</strong> is located the complex of <strong>temples and monasteries</strong>. The place is called Rajgir. It is one of the most important tourist places in India. Being located in a valley, </span><strong><span style="color:#000066;">Rajgir is a very scenic place.</span> </strong></div></div>Jolly Rhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09360932879231762916noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3614247996656767536.post-14604527615121073312009-09-17T21:02:00.000-07:002009-09-17T21:14:57.903-07:00Bodh Gaya - Travel Information<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgaXMKw9qe9NFM5xF5ss-WkdtQLNBsxjiML9jPDdV-K_h-BcGMXxXUsTtUzaDgPbhbXCH9JgdQhvzHP_BfYosmefNQwUvGGgwy2rXl8Kgcrzmd2V23v7_p3EsUHMxlUbRrX1IEPt7RC9pw/s1600-h/bodh-gaya.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5382655918256729554" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 300px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgaXMKw9qe9NFM5xF5ss-WkdtQLNBsxjiML9jPDdV-K_h-BcGMXxXUsTtUzaDgPbhbXCH9JgdQhvzHP_BfYosmefNQwUvGGgwy2rXl8Kgcrzmd2V23v7_p3EsUHMxlUbRrX1IEPt7RC9pw/s400/bodh-gaya.jpg" border="0" /></a>
<div><strong><span style="color:#000066;">TRAVEL INFORMATION ON BODHGAYA</span></strong></div>
<div><span style="color:#000066;"></span></div><div><strong><span style="color:#000066;">HOW TO GET THERE</span></strong></div>
<div><span style="color:#000066;"></span></div><div><span style="color:#000066;"><strong>Air:</strong> The closest airport is Patna airport (112 km from Bodhgaya).</span></div>
<div><span style="color:#000066;"></span></div><div><span style="color:#000066;"><strong>Rail:</strong> The Railways Department has provided Gaya, the neighbouring city, with a number of trains which connect the city with all the parts of India. The Rajdhani and Kalka Mail have their stoppages here. Gaya is a junction and one can change trains for the other train routes. </span></div>
<div><span style="color:#000066;"></span></div><div><span style="color:#000066;"><strong>Road:</strong> Bodhgaya is connected by road to Gaya, which is connected, to the Delhi-Calcutta Highway junction (on Grand Trunk Road). Gaya is also connected to Dobhi (22 km) and Patna (105 km). </span></div>
<div><span style="color:#000066;"></span></div><div><span style="color:#000066;"><strong>WHERE TO STAY IN BODH</strong> <strong>GAYA</strong></span></div>
<div><span style="color:#000066;"></span></div><div><span style="color:#000066;">Buddha International, Buddha Vihar, Bihar Tourist ComplexITDC Bodhgaya Ashok.</span></div>
<div><span style="color:#000066;"></span></div><div><strong><span style="color:#000066;">SHOPPING IN BODH GAYA</span></strong></div>
<div><span style="color:#000066;"></span></div><div><span style="color:#000066;"><strong>Apart from sweets,</strong> one can buy some <strong>handicraft items</strong> and decorative pieces made out of stone. Though sea is very far from this place, do not be surprised if you find items made from sea shells. <strong>Behind the Bodhi Mandir in Bodh Gaya is a huge market for foreign goods</strong>. But before buying any thing here, make sure that you are buying the original and not a forged item. There are no such markets in Gaya, which can be suggested for shopping.</span> </div>Jolly Rhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09360932879231762916noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3614247996656767536.post-64396419697423806592009-09-17T20:31:00.000-07:002009-09-17T21:02:04.598-07:00Bodh Gaya - Other Useful Information<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjEnFRd4PN0REBTxAviMoU50wNTKqUeaWo8ANe-Zb9f3aL7yN-GQyIYVpgrZyuZVdw19JpmtpG0NOzWDVdWURHZ8WyJXBt9tNgLz9yxvOGf-J6u7LTuWkgUlpKabTt2BVEVVsX5E7jIUo0/s1600-h/bodhgaya-india.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5382652422677191394" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 300px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 300px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjEnFRd4PN0REBTxAviMoU50wNTKqUeaWo8ANe-Zb9f3aL7yN-GQyIYVpgrZyuZVdw19JpmtpG0NOzWDVdWURHZ8WyJXBt9tNgLz9yxvOGf-J6u7LTuWkgUlpKabTt2BVEVVsX5E7jIUo0/s400/bodhgaya-india.jpg" border="0" /></a>
<div><strong><span style="color:#000066;">OTHER USEFUL INFORMATION </span></strong>
<div><span style="color:#000066;"><strong></strong></span></div><div><span style="color:#000066;"><strong>Tourist Reception Centre</strong>: Bodh Gaya, Bihar. </span></div>
<div><span style="color:#000066;"><strong>Distance of near by cities</strong>: Patna: 116 kms; Bihar Sharif : 91 kms; Bihar Sharif : 91 kms; Ranchi : 341 kms; Nalanda: 77 kms; Calcutta: 495 kms. </span></div>
<div><span style="color:#000066;"><strong>International Center for Meditation</strong>: 5 kms from Bodh Gaya, near the Magadh University. </span></div>
<div><span style="color:#000066;"><strong>GENERAL INFORMATION: </strong>Population: Approx. 27000. Climate: Extreme type of climate, with very hot summer and cold winter. </span></div></div>Jolly Rhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09360932879231762916noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3614247996656767536.post-64680131995926648152009-09-16T03:51:00.000-07:002009-09-16T04:30:38.848-07:00Hotels in Varanasi - Hotel Varanasi Ashok (ITDC):<p><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjTXHB2qFmdc9sxaMgl70-PfPC0LOZIwrmsaq9GsvYjJvdZX2V9Mz7OlBAfHr5CuKjsNSwAR0TIXR0eKmWULIsJ0ZdQH2_huF4oh_NhbZze_zqkpNcQw68M40maSexfgt-YkvPM4x3srKw/s1600-h/varanasi-ashok.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5382019858176737218" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 192px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 142px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjTXHB2qFmdc9sxaMgl70-PfPC0LOZIwrmsaq9GsvYjJvdZX2V9Mz7OlBAfHr5CuKjsNSwAR0TIXR0eKmWULIsJ0ZdQH2_huF4oh_NhbZze_zqkpNcQw68M40maSexfgt-YkvPM4x3srKw/s400/varanasi-ashok.jpg" border="0" /></a> </p><ul><li><span style="color:#000066;"><strong>11. Hotel Varanasi Ashok (ITDC), The Mall, Cantt. Ph : (0542)2346020 - 30</strong>
<strong></strong></span></li></ul><p><span style="color:#000066;"><strong>Location:</strong> City Center</span></p><p><span style="color:#000066;"><strong>Property Type</strong>: Business And Leisure Hotel</span></p><p><span style="color:#000066;"><strong>Hotel Varanasi Ashok</strong> is located in the ancient and venerable city for Hindus, it is a modern 5-storeyed structure. The property is situated on the <strong>Mall Road in</strong> <strong>the cantonment</strong> area of Varanasi. It is an ideal location to explore the wonders of this unique city, and experience the pulse of a glorious civilisation.</span></p><p><span style="color:#000066;"><strong>Accessibility:</strong> Airport (Domestic): 22KM., City Center: 4KM., Railway Station: 1.5KM., Shopping Center: 4KM.</span> </p><p>*******************************</p><p><span style="color:#000066;">For more details on Hotels and on-line bookings, you may click the link below:</span></p><p><a href="http://www.hotelscombined.com/City/Varanasi.htm">http://www.hotelscombined.com/City/Varanasi.htm</a></p><p> </p>Jolly Rhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09360932879231762916noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3614247996656767536.post-67311769275931570012009-09-16T03:31:00.000-07:002009-09-16T03:51:16.099-07:00Hotels in Varanasi - Hotel India ( 3 Star Hotel )<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiusFFaINGm7lnKqn2Qj3q8nkkW3C213vC96GGBljZDfM_f7wWelqic5YrVOf6Khluve_hXLvVZc9aGmFOjSrZTiKuShR24xL1ljkS4-TkHEw1uQgeq-EkyxP_mTx8c_sl9IOaC2jJJEZ4/s1600-h/hotel-india.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5382014157376639826" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 192px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 142px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiusFFaINGm7lnKqn2Qj3q8nkkW3C213vC96GGBljZDfM_f7wWelqic5YrVOf6Khluve_hXLvVZc9aGmFOjSrZTiKuShR24xL1ljkS4-TkHEw1uQgeq-EkyxP_mTx8c_sl9IOaC2jJJEZ4/s400/hotel-india.jpg" border="0" /></a>
<ul><li><strong><span style="color:#000066;">10. Hotel India ( 3 Star Hotel ), 59 Patel Nagar, Cantt. Ph : (0542)2342912, Fax : (0542)234832</span></strong></li></ul><p><span style="color:#000066;"><strong>Hotel India</strong> is placed in the most peaceful of greener environments of the city of Varanasi. With easy accessibility & strategically located, it serves its customers with personal touch of hospitality. Hotel India promises you a luxurious and peaceful stay promising you a time that would made make you want to come back & enjoy its hospitality again.</span></p><p><span style="color:#000066;"><strong>Accommodation </strong>: 80, luxurious air-conditioned rooms including 15 executive rooms & 3 Porsche suits await the guests at the Hotel. Room facility includes colour Televisions (with satellite channels) & a Refrigerator in each room. The attached bathrooms are compact with hot & cold running water. </span></p><p><span style="color:#000066;"><strong>Hotel India</strong> surpasses your dreams of perfect Hotel and promises for a pleasant stay in Varanasi. </span></p>Jolly Rhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09360932879231762916noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3614247996656767536.post-37223668217967778822009-09-16T03:25:00.000-07:002009-09-16T03:31:20.653-07:00Hotels in Varanasi - Hotel Ganges View<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjnWdFuK3WwofqNojrUirPAeK8UI3x1b5W9qwBiDQdQa_Ugbt9HYlemJuOdY_9vv5NXQ1r_mrwwkMTFsfI_gBK7R69uRLwB-I0TM-MH_wYMpSfIY-ObZdw_4nCxHweAtw4BThexTULdBq0/s1600-h/hotelgangesview_std.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5382010636211992274" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 300px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjnWdFuK3WwofqNojrUirPAeK8UI3x1b5W9qwBiDQdQa_Ugbt9HYlemJuOdY_9vv5NXQ1r_mrwwkMTFsfI_gBK7R69uRLwB-I0TM-MH_wYMpSfIY-ObZdw_4nCxHweAtw4BThexTULdBq0/s400/hotelgangesview_std.jpg" border="0" /></a>
<ul>
<li><span style="color:#000066;"><strong>9. Hotel Ganges View, Assi Gh</strong><strong>at. Ph : (0542)2313218</strong></span></li></ul><p><span style="color:#000066;"><strong>Hotel Ganges View</strong> is situated on the bank of river <strong>Ganga at Asi Ghat</strong> which is among one of the <strong>five major sacred places, Pancha Tirtha, of Kashi or Varanasi.</strong> It’s the place where river Asi joins Ganga on her northward flow. The place marks the southern boundary of the holy city and remained the abode of saints and seers, poets and pundits. </span></p><p><span style="color:#000066;"><strong>Saint poet Tulsidasa</strong> wrote a part of his celebrated epic, <strong>Ramacharitamanas,</strong> at this place nearly four hundred years ago.</span></p>Jolly Rhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09360932879231762916noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3614247996656767536.post-50937121985086458722009-09-16T03:15:00.000-07:002009-09-16T03:24:21.280-07:00Hotels in Varanasi - Hotel Palace On Ganges ( 3 Star Equivalent Hotel )<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhSumHzxtiWtV1wLcOKdvrLuNYtLmTb-6PSdjDrhbi0QWVlXpaKuzcbBIXwycqxB2arlp9Cwak835RwAT6R8Wl1uf30F56ZMhZuNunWmQQ9oypiy4qkQKHb0er32I6UtnaNmxUJz7QgQBU/s1600-h/palace-on-ganges.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5382009013849297202" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 192px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 142px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhSumHzxtiWtV1wLcOKdvrLuNYtLmTb-6PSdjDrhbi0QWVlXpaKuzcbBIXwycqxB2arlp9Cwak835RwAT6R8Wl1uf30F56ZMhZuNunWmQQ9oypiy4qkQKHb0er32I6UtnaNmxUJz7QgQBU/s400/palace-on-ganges.jpg" border="0" /></a>
<div><strong><span style="color:#000066;">8. Hotel Palace On Ganges ( 3 Star Equivalent Hotel ), Address: B-1/158, Assighat, Varanasi</span></strong></div>
<div><strong><span style="color:#000066;"></span></strong></div><div><span style="color:#000066;"><strong>Location:</strong> City Center</span></div>
<div><span style="color:#000066;"></span></div><div><span style="color:#000066;"><strong>Property Type: </strong>Heritage Hotel</span></div>
<div><span style="color:#000066;"></span></div><div><span style="color:#000066;"><strong>Ideally located</strong> barely minutes from the <strong>Major Shopping Business Comp</strong>lex, 1.5 Km. from <strong>Ganges Ghat</strong> and 50 m. from <strong>Assi Ghat</strong>. <strong>Hotel Palace on Ganges</strong> has coined all distinct cultures of India and accordingly altogether forty two rooms under one Grand Heritage Hotel roof are designed and dedicated to each of those provincial cultures.</span></div>
<div><span style="color:#000066;"></span></div><div><span style="color:#000066;"><strong>Accessibility:</strong> Airport: 25KM., Ganges Ghat: 1.5KM., Railway Station: 4KM.
</span></div>Jolly Rhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09360932879231762916noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3614247996656767536.post-3277607072968446972009-09-16T03:02:00.000-07:002009-09-16T03:14:55.502-07:00Hotels in Varanasi - Heritage Pallavi International Hotel ( 3 Star Hotel )<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEguG5yL1A2WsOnKsB6GxhaurTDDnz2dwfA-sF3ePf15i-4UDuP2A3JIG6i_T6fnAH19vm9HP-eeVl7Grmp0qAe8ihvSNzl0GLql2jPwYVYGhxuIE32rf5x4Zp4gd7QyKgvXP2hqNgKuUS4/s1600-h/pallavi-international.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5382005879824565074" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 192px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 142px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEguG5yL1A2WsOnKsB6GxhaurTDDnz2dwfA-sF3ePf15i-4UDuP2A3JIG6i_T6fnAH19vm9HP-eeVl7Grmp0qAe8ihvSNzl0GLql2jPwYVYGhxuIE32rf5x4Zp4gd7QyKgvXP2hqNgKuUS4/s400/pallavi-international.jpg" border="0" /></a>
<ul>
<li><strong><span style="color:#000066;">7. Heritage Pallavi International Hotel ( 3 Star Hotel ),Hathwa Market, Chetganj. Ph : (0542)2356939 </span></strong></li></ul>
<p><span style="color:#000066;"><strong>Location:</strong> </span></p><p><span style="color:#000066;">City Center</span></p><p><span style="color:#000066;"><strong>Property Type:</strong> Heritage Hotel</span></p><p><span style="color:#000066;">The scenic beauty of Holy Ganges river enchanted the erstwhile rulers of "Hathwa Raj" to construct this palace during middle of 19th century. With the passage of time and for suitable utilisation, the palace was converted into a heritage class hotel depicting the ancient Indian culture with its paintings, carvings and antiques.</span></p><p><span style="color:#000066;"><strong>Accessibility:</strong> Airport (Dom): 22KM., Bus Stand: 1KM., Ghats: 1KM., Railway Station: 1.5KM., Sarnath: 10KM., Shopping Center: 0.5KM.</span></p>Jolly Rhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09360932879231762916noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3614247996656767536.post-85450113020731215142009-09-16T02:48:00.000-07:002009-09-16T03:02:39.186-07:00Hotels in Varanasi - Hotel Diamond: Bhelupur<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiD0ITPj7rO6lRGbAV2vfyIiewJXT9D4FADw3EMJeTH02Le_uul-WEH65ry-gAs_Ojmb7FQrvQOu9aDcPc-BpMMsrfPMjeOFHelOcR6Q6Vo2MUp8LwFDNRpMickd3GNi0lOil698uMYnwc/s1600-h/hoteldiamond.22160041_std"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5382003424526425154" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 142px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiD0ITPj7rO6lRGbAV2vfyIiewJXT9D4FADw3EMJeTH02Le_uul-WEH65ry-gAs_Ojmb7FQrvQOu9aDcPc-BpMMsrfPMjeOFHelOcR6Q6Vo2MUp8LwFDNRpMickd3GNi0lOil698uMYnwc/s400/hoteldiamond.22160041_std" border="0" /></a>
<ul>
<li><strong><span style="color:#000066;">6. Hotel Diamond: Bhelupur, Ph : (0542)2310696 - 700</span></strong></li></ul>
<p><span style="color:#000066;"><strong>Diamond Hotel</strong> is the city’s most centrally located downtown hotel. Walking distance from the Ghats of Varanasi and the revered temples of the holy city, the hotel is also in close proximity to the Banarsi Saree market and the Banaras Hindu University. Its location makes it ideally located for all – businessmen, tourists, and pilgrims.</span></p>
<p><strong><span style="color:#000066;">Location:</span></strong><span style="color:#000066;"><strong>
</strong>5 kms from Ramnagar fort 12 kms from Sarnath2 Kms. from Banaras Hindu University22 Kms. from Varanasi Airport5 Kms. from Varanasi Cantt. Railway Station & Bus Terminal16 Kms. from Mughalsarai Railway Station
<strong></strong></span></p>
<p><span style="color:#000066;"><strong>Services </strong>: </span></p>
<p><span style="color:#000066;">24 hour room service, laundry, lockers, bank, foreign exchange counter, car rental, car park, doctor on call, credit card facility.</span></p>Jolly Rhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09360932879231762916noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3614247996656767536.post-73032857491590362012009-09-16T02:41:00.000-07:002009-09-16T02:48:49.487-07:00Hotels in Varanasi - Hotel Clarks Tower ( 4 Star Hotel )<p><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjWTRUiIabvA5FR3Y0H4xqjcjWOTzZ4WSR7GkMM6sy3VpbKZX1W2tUZvpLhaGWIgRZSJZ3OwT5zdUQnwcoXMKOo2X3IN4wyfhXCgxhleLigKEB17M8TGLrLVDjiZxIKOaCOS0i2v9BqnmY/s1600-h/clarks-tower.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5381999653371427602" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 192px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 142px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjWTRUiIabvA5FR3Y0H4xqjcjWOTzZ4WSR7GkMM6sy3VpbKZX1W2tUZvpLhaGWIgRZSJZ3OwT5zdUQnwcoXMKOo2X3IN4wyfhXCgxhleLigKEB17M8TGLrLVDjiZxIKOaCOS0i2v9BqnmY/s400/clarks-tower.jpg" border="0" /></a> </p><ul><li><strong>5. Hotel Clarks Tower ( 4 Star Hotel ),The Mall, Varanasi</strong></li></ul><p><strong>Location:</strong> City Center</p><p><strong>Property Type</strong>: Business And Leisure Hotel</p><p><strong>Hotel Clarks Tower</strong> is located 21 Kms away from airport, 3 kms from railway station and 7 kms from downtown, old city & riverfront & 7 kms from Sarnath. It is newly-constructed modern hotel, ideally located in the calm and serene surrounding. It has tastefully decorated rooms housed in a modern building.</p><p><strong>Accessibility:</strong> Airport: 21KM., <strong>Railway Station</strong>: 3KM., Sarnath: 7KM. </p>Jolly Rhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09360932879231762916noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3614247996656767536.post-70903335539862662962009-09-16T01:42:00.000-07:002009-09-16T02:41:02.610-07:00Hotels in Varanasi - Hotel De Paris<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgKjaNcpcyoW6g8lAn8_NFs8VrrueOo6sSBgrrDaARzxW5dkbNtJ5lS8a0qEwB2ie461V7Dbl5xd58sCmltad9PLH9VzLEEIM8y4wfyqld_hb0Dw0IlGlvZljrZTqBvUiMVB3BoQmStS5g/s1600-h/hoteldeparis.22155812_std"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5381996224122571666" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 225px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 140px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgKjaNcpcyoW6g8lAn8_NFs8VrrueOo6sSBgrrDaARzxW5dkbNtJ5lS8a0qEwB2ie461V7Dbl5xd58sCmltad9PLH9VzLEEIM8y4wfyqld_hb0Dw0IlGlvZljrZTqBvUiMVB3BoQmStS5g/s400/hoteldeparis.22155812_std" border="0" /></a>
<ul>
<li><strong><span style="color:#000066;">4. Hotel De Paris, The Mall, Cantt. Ph : (0542)2346601-8</span></strong></li></ul><p><span style="color:#000066;"><strong>Location </strong>: 20 kms from Airport, 1.5 kms from Railway Station, 6 kms from Downtown Area.</span></p><p><span style="color:#000066;"><strong>ROOMS :</strong> 50,Rooms All with Bath Attached and all Double.
</span></p>
<p><strong><span style="color:#000066;">CORPORATE & OTHER FACILITIES </span></strong></p><strong><ul><li>
</strong></li></ul><span style="color:#000066;">Restaurant
A/C Bar
Lobby
Room Service
Parking
Tennis Court
Money Exchange
Fax
Travel Counter
Packed meals for overland travellers.</span>Jolly Rhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09360932879231762916noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3614247996656767536.post-58164162573898668192009-09-15T23:27:00.000-07:002009-09-16T00:25:05.466-07:00Hotels in Varanasi - Hotel Hindustan International<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiqvNiocoTK_8Uf_xe71oeXRXAh2IxQL8x-hWHC93mIbOg2II5u8Y59LS1DBqZ9PPgEzQZG3ArABWqFOkh2zQktlNA5iokEaRYa-jHjCHVhCrkt4ijasgn36lAja7cbqdQe-P-W7XDwpqY/s1600-h/HindusthanH.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5381962321942459026" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 235px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 157px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiqvNiocoTK_8Uf_xe71oeXRXAh2IxQL8x-hWHC93mIbOg2II5u8Y59LS1DBqZ9PPgEzQZG3ArABWqFOkh2zQktlNA5iokEaRYa-jHjCHVhCrkt4ijasgn36lAja7cbqdQe-P-W7XDwpqY/s400/HindusthanH.jpg" border="0" /></a>
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<li><strong><span style="color:#000066;">3. Hotel Hindustan International, C-12/3, Maldahia. Ph : (0542)2351484-90</span></strong></li></ul><p><span style="color:#000066;">Enticing guests with its' location, this leisure hotel, with beautifully decorated rooms and excellent service is close to both the commercial area and attraction spots. <strong>The Hindustan International Hotel in Varanasi</strong> welcomes guests in its' elegant sky-lit atrium and offers stylish, well maintained rooms with comfortable beds as well as modern facilities.</span></p><p><span style="color:#000066;"><strong>LOCATION:</strong> 20 kms from Airport, 1 km from railway station & 2 kms from downtown area.</span></p><p><span style="color:#000066;"><strong>ACCOMODATION</strong> : 108 rooms.The magic of Benares is best experienced with a slow boat ride down the river at dawn.</span></p><p><span style="color:#000066;"><strong>Leisure:
</strong></span><span style="color:#000066;"></span></p><ul><li><span style="color:#000066;">Swimming pool
Health club.
Multicuisine restaurant.
</li></ul></span><span style="color:#000066;"></span><p><span style="color:#000066;"><strong>Other Facilities & Services:
</p></strong></span>
<ul><li><span style="color:#000066;">Business Centre.
Shopping Arcade.
Health Club.
Swimming Pool.
Doctor on call.
Laundry.
Money Changer.
Fax, Safe Deposit.
Travel Desk Service.</span></li></ul>Jolly Rhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09360932879231762916noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3614247996656767536.post-76752828739961057512009-09-15T23:10:00.000-07:002009-09-15T23:27:38.504-07:00Hotels in Varanasi - Hotel Clarks, Varanasi<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhyLnYY_0g6Hc8FupnYajDhPu9v6QTBBWEi5FbXYYrncUFYTV3yUHjOabYzaTYRKOP1_kbUdWM5KW-X6WMLC4w-qWA1lzPB92fD9MeDxnrfEBbzaBEGMWD0Ac13wcxDhGGr-XQT8WfGK54/s1600-h/Clarks.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5381947818188917650" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 314px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhyLnYY_0g6Hc8FupnYajDhPu9v6QTBBWEi5FbXYYrncUFYTV3yUHjOabYzaTYRKOP1_kbUdWM5KW-X6WMLC4w-qWA1lzPB92fD9MeDxnrfEBbzaBEGMWD0Ac13wcxDhGGr-XQT8WfGK54/s400/Clarks.jpg" border="0" /></a>
<ul>
<li><span style="color:#000066;"><strong>2. Hotel Clarks Varanasi, The Mall, Cantt. Ph : (0542)2348501-10</strong></span></li></ul><p><strong><span style="color:#000066;">Location: </span></strong></p><p><span style="color:#000066;">21kms from Airport3 kms from Railway Station7 kms from Downtown, Old City, and Riverfront7 kms from Sarnath (where Lord Buddha preached his first sermon)</span></p><p><span style="color:#000066;"><strong>Hotel Clarks Varanasi</strong> is an island of tranquility in the ancient city of Varanasi. Making the stay here truly unforgettable, are a whole range of modern amenities. The splendid structure of this hotel dates back to over half a century. Which is why the spacious rooms have a colonial accent, with wide verandahs opening on to lush gardens. Complementing this luxury are the choicest of restaurants, an outdoor swimming pool in a secluded garden, splendid conference halls, and a business centre equipped for efficient service.
</span></p>
<p><span style="color:#000066;"><strong>Guest Rooms</strong>: 113 tastefully furnished rooms, including 10 Executive rooms, 9 Deluxe rooms and 2 Suites. These spacious rooms are aesthetically designed and tastefully furnished. All rooms have individually controlled airconditioning, attached bathrooms, satellite television, free in-house movies and international direct-dialing facility.
</span></p>
<p><strong><span style="color:#000066;">Dining & Entertainment:
</span></strong></p>
<ul>
<li><span style="color:#000066;">Amrapali - Serving Continental, Chinese, Indian and Mughlai cuisine.
Kadambari - 24 hour Coffee Shop.
Sonargaon - Village theme Restaurant.
Tarang - Lobby-level bar and tea lounge.
24-hour in-room dining.
Amrit Rao Peshwa Haveli - For ethnic dining, on the banks of river Ganges Cultural programmes on the banks of river Ganges at Amrit Rao Peshwa Haveli, and at the hotel. </span></li></ul>Jolly Rhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09360932879231762916noreply@blogger.com2