Reviews - Books I Read - DRJG: May 2022

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Unusual Temples of India (Devalaya Book 1)

by Anuradha Goyal (Author)

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Wonderful.

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Contents

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Title Page

Introduction

Ode to Mother India – Bharat Mata Temples Across India

Temple of the Visa God – Chilkur Balaji at Hyderabad

Where Rats Rule - the Karni Mata Temple at Deshnoke Near Bikaner

Golu Devta – God of Justice at Chitai Almora in Kumaon Hills

Yogmaya Temple at Mehrauli – Oldest Living Temple in the Oldest Living Part of Delhi

Khatu Shyam – God of the Defeated from Mahabharat

Chausath Yogini Temple Hirapur – a 9th CE Gem of Odisha

Unique Rudra Shiva Sculpture of Tala in Chhattisgarh

Hidimba Devi Temple at Doongri Van Vihar in Manali

Home to Million Miniature Shiva Lingas - Jangamwadi Mutt at Kashi

Brahma Temple - the Temple on the Edge of Pushkar Lake

Kanyakumari - the Bride Who Waits Eternally

Rukmini Temple – Meet the Queen of Dwarka

Devaki Krishna Temple, Marcel, Goa

Chottanikkara Temple in Kochi That Cures Mental Problems

Baba Mandir at Nathula Pass

Padi Igguthappa Temple – Meet the Presiding Deity of Coorg

Yadagirigutta – Abode of Narasimha Swamy Avatar of Vishnu

Temple of Devrani Jethani at Tala, Bilaspur, Chhattisgarh

Other Unusual Temples

About The Author

Praise For Author

Books By This Author

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REVIEW

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Introduction

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" ... So, in Delhi, I met Yogmaya - the sister of Krishna. The daughter of Yashoda and Nanda, who was exchanged with him at birth. Bharat Mata, though existed in concept, her temples came up in the last 100 years or so, making her the Goddess who rules over the whole of Bharatvarsha - as it is defined in the scriptures. There are few Yogini temples that are left to us. I was fortunate to visit one of the practicing ones.

"There are deities that we know from stories of the scriptures, but it is not very often that we see temples dedicated to them. Sometimes we see them as subsidiary deities or as family or Parivar Devta but rarely we see temples dedicated to them. Brahma Temple at Pushkar is well known, not many people know of Rukmini Temple in Dwarka or the only known temple with Devaki and Krishna as the presiding deity."

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May 31, 2022 - May 31, 2022.

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1. Ode to Mother India – Bharat Mata Temples Across India

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"Bharat Mata Temples are very few and fairly new in India. However, they have deep roots in the Indian historical and cultural context. The earliest reference of the word Bharti comes in Apri-Suktas of Rigveda where she is mentioned as Vakdevi or the Goddess of speech. Along with this, it mentions a clan named Bharata whose king was Bharata. Mahabharata mentions the land as Bharatvarsha. There was a Kuru king, a Chandravanshi, who was called Bharata. Vishnu Puran mentions the extent of Bharat as the north of seas and south of Himalayas and as the land where the progeny of Bharata lives."

Author is confusing, as many people do these days, Bharatmata with Bharati, latter being indeed the Goddess of not only speech but far more, and in fact identified as Saraswati; Sri Aurobindo identifies the two names with yogic realities of human body with soul.

Bharatmata on the other hand is literally Morher India, the Deity that personifies India.

Funnily enough India may not have realised that the concept of a nation personified as Deity isn't unique to India, although worship or even identification and recognition as Deity might be so. There's Britannia, as in 'Rule, Britannia', and on the Rhine there's a huge Germania too. France, somehow, one would think has a more personified Jeanne d'Arc, even if neither worshipped nor recognised yet as Deity as such. Tour de France has final day end with twenty rounds around in Paris, her gold statue shining prominently as the tour goes frantically around.

"She came into vogue during the Indian independence movement. We see it mentioned in the ‘Vande Mataram’ song by Bankim Chandra Chatterjee. It became a part of his famous 1882 CE novel Anand Math that was based on the backdrop of Bengal famine. The story too had strong imagery of her. Visually, Abanindranath Tagore, the artist nephew of Rabindranath Tagore created the first painting of Bharat Mata in 1905 CE. She is depicted wearing a saffron sari with four hands like most goddesses in India are. In her upper hands, she holds the scriptures and a piece of white cloth. In lower hands, she has a sheave of paddy and an Akshmala. Her hands hold the essentials of human life – Shiksha-Diksha-Anna-Vastra i.e. education, initiation, food, and clothing.

"Remember this was also the time when Bengal was partitioned by the British. And there was a response by artists like Tagore against the partition. Many nationalists interpreted it as the mother who is asking her sons to liberate her. Sister Nivedita was so impressed by this painting that she wanted to have it printed in millions and distributed across every home from Kedarnath to Kanyakumari. Many versions of this painting were subsequently made. The original is now on display at the Victoria Memorial Hall Museum in Kolkata."

Most people treat it as conceptualisation, not realizing there's a reality behind it.

"Bharat Mata Temple at Varanasi

"Her temple at Varanasi on the campus of Mahatma Gandhi Kashi Vidyapeeth is unique in many ways. It is not a temple in the traditional sense of a temple which is typically dedicated to a deity. The temple celebrates the ‘Akhand Bharat’ as it is described in our ancient scriptures. Politically, it would include the present-day countries like Afghanistan, Pakistan, Bangladesh, Myanmar, and Sri Lanka. It celebrates the very land that is called Bharat. The land that has been personified as Ma Bharti."

No - the land that has been personified as Bharatmata.

Bharati isn't the same. She's Saraswati.

"A detailed map of India or Bharat is created using the marble from Makrana. The topography is clearly mapped to the scale in ratio of 1 Inch:6.4 Miles. So, when you see different mountain ranges, you see them in the same proportion as they exist on earth. Overall, there are more than 450 peaks depicted on the map, along with water bodies, rivers, oceans, plateaus, and the vast plains. Smallest of islands on the oceans can be seen just like the highest peaks of Sagarmatha and K2. What you would find missing is anything man-made on the map, be it political boundaries or be it any structures. I was told that the water bodies are duly filled with water and the map decorated with flowers on Independence Day and Republic Day. The map is surrounded by a pillared corridor that allows you to walk around and appreciate it closely."

It's also the concept and map Mother and Sri Aurobindo identified as India and as Bharat Mata.

"From a note by Babu Shiva Prasad Gupta, a board at the temple tells us that he was inspired to create this temple when he saw a similar map made on the floor at a Vidhwa Ashram or widow home in Pune. ... 24 Lakh chants of the Gayatri Mantra were done at the temple before it was opened to the public.

"Mahatma Gandhi formally inaugurated it in 1936 CE by giving the Purnahuti or the final offering in the Yagna performed at the temple. Verses from all Vedas were chanted as the doors of the temples were opened for the public. It was totally funded by the industrialist and freedom fighter Babu Shiv Prasad Gupta. His family still continues to take care of the temple. Gupta Ji was also the one who set up the Kashi Vidyapeeth among many of his other philanthropic projects. Names of chief architect Durga Prasad and his team are rightfully inscribed on the temple walls."

"Bharat Mata Temple at Haridwar

"Unlike the Varanasi temple, the one at Haridwar is a frequently visited temple. Often on the itinerary of most pilgrims to the city. Built-in 1983 by Swami Satyamitranand Giri and inaugurated by Indira Gandhi, this 8 story temple may be the tallest in the city. It provides a great vantage point to look at the different arms of Ganga flowing through this ancient city also called Gangadwar. You can see the ranges of Rajaji National Park from here surrounding the Ganga.

"Each of the 8 floors is dedicated to a different theme. The ground floor is dedicated to Mata and has an imposing Murti for her. I slowly moved past it as the massive queue slowly crawled through the room.

"● First Floor or Shoor Mandir is dedicated to heroes of India and that includes many freedom fighters.

"● The second floor or Matri Mandir is dedicated to women’s power and has women warriors and saints like Meerabai and Lakshmibai.

"● The third floor or Sant Mandir is dedicated to the saints of India.

"● The fourth floor is dedicated to different religions that coexist in India.

"● The fifth floor is dedicated to Shakti or Devi – the divine feminine in India.

"● The sixth floor is dedicated to Vishnu and his various Avatars are depicted.

"● The seventh floor has Shiva in the form of a presiding deity of the temple."

"Bharat Mata Temple at Kanyakumari

"This temple is also located on the same premises as Vivekananda Kendra in Kanyakumari. The temple has a Murti of Swami Vivekananda surrounded by 5 mother figures:

"● Parvati – the mother of Kartik and Ganesh

"● Shakuntala – The mother of Bharat

"● Jijabai – The mother of Shivaji Maharaj

"● Sharada Devi – the Guru Ma of Vivekananda

"● Mata Amritanandamayi – the current saint who also inaugurated this temple in 2017.

"There is a 12 feet tall golden Murti of her holding a flag in her left hand with a right hand in Abhay mudra. A golden lion matching her radiance stands just behind her telling us she is the incarnation of Durga."

"Temple in Deogiri or Daulatabad Fort

"11th CE Deogiri Fort built by Yadava Kings near the present-day city of Aurangabad in Maharashtra has seen so many changes of hands over time. Today, in its premises, in the place of an ancient temple is a Bharat Mata temple. It is difficult to guess the date of this temple. The temple is very old as the pillars around it tell us. The Murti of Bharat Mata must have been installed much later. One Shekhawati Haveli in Mandawa has a large mural of her on its walls."

It's certainly new, post seventies, post probably 1980.

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May 31, 2022 - May 31, 2022.

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2. Temple of the Visa God – Chilkur Balaji at Hyderabad

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Very, very interesting.

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May 31, 2022 - May 31, 2022.

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3. Where Rats Rule - the Karni Mata Temple at Deshnoke Near Bikaner

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Funny, one heard about it - of all places! - in Germany, from a neighbour, who'd seen a documentary and was asking questions. We saw that later, on an infochannel. Discovery, or National Geographic, one of those.

Trust West to document only what would be shocking to general public back home, but not explain context, much less connotation or depth of another culture. Another visitor was surprised Hindu funerals have priests, too, and invocations for further journey of the soul.

Also the misinformation in the documentary - as informed by the neighbour in Germany - was that people at the temple pray to the rats. This seems to be untrue, since there's no such tidbit here, not even close. And this author would certainly have included that, either a proper explanation, had it been so.

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May 31, 2022 - May 31, 2022.

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4. Golu Devta – God of Justice at Chitai Almora in Kumaon Hills

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"Golu Devta is the deity of justice or Nyay in the Kumaon region of Uttarakhand state. India is full of deities for all kinds of reasons and seasons. You have a deity for every kind of request you have for them. Remember the Visa God of Hyderabad, who grants your wish to get a visa of the desired country. Or, Khatu Shyam in Rajasthan, who is the God of the defeated. We have Karni Mata temple near Bikaner, where rats rule as her clan. In the same series, come with me to Almora in Kumaon hills of Uttarakhand. A few kilometers from Almora town towards Pithoragarh, there is a small but very important temple. This is the temple of Golu Devta. We visited it on our way to Jageshwar Dham. Almost everyone in Almora told us to pay a visit to the Devta. It is their insistence that first conveyed to me the importance the deity holds in this region.

"Golu Devta is considered an avatar of Shiva as Gaur Bhairav. He rides a white horse and is considered the one who always does justice. They say, if you ask with a clear conscience, he fulfills every wish. He is the Isht Devta of the region and also Kul Devta of many people here. You could also see him as the presiding deity of the Kumaon hills. There are many legends associated with the origin of the deity of justice."

"One legend connects him to Katyuri Kings who ruled Kumaon or Kurmanchal as it was then known from 7th-12th CE. ... "

It occurs to one only now, as one reads the last bit above, despite having known this name - from a classmate of sixties - that this region identifying itself as Kourmaanchala might have a reason steeped in history of the region. Dashaavatara identifies Kourma, tortoise, as second Avataara. Himalayan ranges rising from the ocean is part of knowledge of ancient Indian history.

Very touching account.

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May 31, 2022 - May 31, 2022.

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5. Yogmaya Temple at Mehrauli – Oldest Living Temple in the Oldest Living Part of Delhi

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"Yogmaya Temple in Mehrauli, located right behind the famous Qutub Minar complex is probably the oldest living temple of Delhi. Mehrauli itself is one of the oldest inhabited areas of Delhi. It was the first capital of the pre-Islamic era and all the rulers ruled from here. It had a strong Hindu and Jain imprint at some point in time. Most of them were destroyed to create a Muslim identity for the area. Temples were destroyed to create mosques and build the tallest minarets.

"One temple that survived all the destruction was the Yogmaya temple. As you go from the Qutub complex towards the Mehrauli bus stand, on your right you would see a stone gate with two lion figures adorning both its sides. Enter the gate and walk about 150 meters or so and you would see the temple on your left. Jain scriptures mention this Mehrauli area of Delhi as Yoginipura, probably named after this temple. It is not too difficult to co-relate this as ancient Jain temples like Dadabari are still present in this area."

"The Yogmaya temple aka Jogmaya temple is an ancient Hindu temple. It is believed to be more than 5000 years old, taking it to the Dwapar Yuga when the Mahabharata war happened. Goddess Yogmaya is believed to be an incarnation of Adi Shakti Mahalaxmi. It is one of the 51 Shakti Peethas. Head of the Devi had fallen here in the Pindi or a stone form. She is supposed to be a one with dominant Sattva Guna, hence no animal sacrifices, no non-vegetarian food, or wine are permitted in this temple.

"Yogmaya was the sister of Sri Krishna, born to his foster parents Yashoda and Nand. When Kamsa tried to kill her by way of hitting her newborn head on a slab of stone, she flew away from his hands. She announced that the child who would eventually kill him has already taken birth. She then went to the Vindhyachal Parvat and lived there as Vindhyavasini. A temple there on the hill duly celebrates her. Even in Durga Saptashati, she is mentioned as born to Yashoda and Nanda in this cycle of time."

"Some sources mention that Krishna himself had built this temple. The story goes that Krishna and Arjun came to pray at this Yogmaya Temple during the Mahabharata war. When Arjun’s son Abhimanyu was killed by Jayadrath, he took a vow that he would kill Jayadrath by next evening or self-immolate. The next day, Kauravas kept Jayadratha away from Arjun, making it impossible for him to be killed. It is at this point in time that Arjun and Krishna came to this temple and asked the Devi to help them. She with her Maya created a temporary eclipse that gave Arjuna an opportunity to kill Jayadratha. Yet another legend says that Yudhisthira had built this temple after the Mahabharata war. For me, all these stories just establish the antiquity and continued worship of Yogmaya.

"Yogmaya is the Kuldevi of Chauhan kings who ruled from Qila Rai Pithora in Delhi. One wonders how this ancient temple survives all the waves of invasions on the city of Delhi. For the longest time, it must have lived literally in the eye of the storm. It was first attacked by Ghazni and then later Islamic invaders. In mid-16th CE, Hindu king Vikramaditya Hemu restored this temple.

"In the late 17th CE, Aurangzeb ordered the destruction of all temples including this one. His army trying to destroy it had a strange experience. During the day whatever they used to break, used to come up again at night. They started losing their hands in the process. When this kept repeating, Aurangzeb gave up and this is how it managed to survive. You can see a long room built around the temple. They were trying to convert it into a mosque. Remember, temple structures are always square and mosques have a longish room. This room now works as a storehouse for the temple, used to store the food items that are used to feed the needy.

"It is safe to assume that temples may have been constantly preserved by the local population who worship the mother Goddess. A little known fact about this temple is that India’s great uprising of 1857 was planned on the premises of this temple. Yogmaya temple is supposed to be one of the five surviving temples in Delhi from the Mahabharata period. Another old temple is Bhairav Temple right outside Purana Qila which was the site of Pandava’s Indraprastha. Other old temples are located close to Nigam Bodh Ghat and in the lanes of old Delhi like Khari Baoli."

"Location wise, it should fall within the walls of Lal Kot – the early 8th-century fort of Delhi built by the Tomar kings. There was a sun temple in the vicinity of this temple, but that can not be traced now. It is a rather small temple. You would tend to miss it till you get to know its long history. There is supposed to be a temple tank or Johad called Anang Tal to the north of the temple, which I could not see."

"There are many other temples dedicated to Yogmaya across India.

"Some of them are:

"● Vindhyavasini at Vindhyachal near Varanasi

"● Yogmaya Temple at Barmer

"● Yogmaya Temple at Jodhpur

"● Yogmaya Temple at Vrindavan

"● Multan currently in Pakistan

"● Alamthuruthy in Kerala

"● Yogmaya Temple near Agartala in Tripura."

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May 31, 2022 - May 31, 2022.

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6. Khatu Shyam – God of the Defeated from Mahabharat

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" ... He is called Barbarik and he always supports the one who is defeated. ... "

"Barbarik is the grandson of Bhim – the second Pandav of Mahabharata. His parents are Ghatotkach and Maurvi. Ghatotkach was the son of Bhim and tribal princess Hidimba. Legend is that Barbarik was a brave warrior. He carried a unique triple arrow – or a bow with three arrows. The three arrows could finish any war in a minute. The first arrow would mark the people who need to be protected. The second arrow would mark the people to be killed and the third arrow goes and kills the ones who need to be killed. Since he was brought up by his mother Maurvi, he always followed her advice. Maurvi taught her son to be on the side of the defeated always."

One recalls this last bit being said about Ghatotkacha and Hidimba, but perhaps one's memory - or listening at the time one heard - was at fault.

"When the Mahabharata war was declared, Barbarik, being a warrior, wanted to participate in the war. On his way to Kurukshetra, he met Krishna. Krishna tested the powers of his triple arrow and was impressed. He was now worried that if Barbarik fought, he would finish the war and be left as the only survivor. He also calculated that he would fight from the side that is being defeated and would be switching sides every day – leading to the same result. Krishna realized that Barbarik’s participation in the war had to be stopped. He wanted Pandavas alive at the end of the war. Krishna asked for Barbarik’s head as it was required to begin the war – the head of a brave person was required as a war ritual. Barbarik agreed but as a last wish, he asked Krishna that he wanted to witness the war. Krishna then placed his head on top of a hill and Barbarik witnessed the whole Mahabharata War. At the end of the war, he was asked – who won the war? He said – Krishna. Everyone else was just acting as he wished them to. Krishna gave a boon to Barbarik that in Kaliyug, he would be known by his name. This is how he got the name – Shyam."

"It is said that the head of Barbarik was offered to river Rupawati by Lord Krishna Himself. The head was later found buried at the Khatu village in Sikar district of Rajasthan. It was discovered when a cow started giving milk on top of this head. It was handed over to a Brahmin who worshipped it and meditated on it to reveal the story.

"Roop Singh Chauhan – the then ruler of the region then received an order to build a temple in his dream. Hence came the first temple of Khatu Shyam in 1027 CE. Temple was built on the 11th day of the Shukla Paksha in Phalgun month of the lunar calendar. It is the same day when Barbarik had offered his head to Krishna before the Mahabharata War. In some versions of the legend, it was the queen of Roop Singh Chauhan – Narmada Kanwar who dreamt of the Khatu Shyam. A stone idol in unique black stone was also found. This is the idol that is worshipped in the main temple today. ... "

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May 31, 2022 - May 31, 2022.

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7. Chausath Yogini Temple Hirapur – a 9th CE Gem of Odisha

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"Chausath Yogini Temples are very unique temples. Right from unusual circular shapes with Yoginis carved all around the circle to the missing ceiling in these temples, they intrigue any student of temple architecture. For me, it was a long wait to visit this first Chausath Yogini temple of the 5 such temples known. 2 of them are in Odisha and 3 in MP. However, I did discover another one – dilapidated but practicing temple at Jirapur near Mandu. So, that makes the total count of such temples to 6."

" ... Kalapahad, a converted Muslim general of 16th CE is believed to have attacked this temple as well and broken the Murtis. He is famously known as the destroyer of Puri and Konark temples."

" ... Chandi Path or Devi Mahatmya is primarily used to worship the goddesses. Yoginis are not Sapta Matrikas, not Dash Mahavidyas, not Nav Durgas. They are a group of demi-goddesses who always live together and work together."

"The circle has 60 Yoginis, the other four were on the central square platform called Chandi Pitha. Of these 4, only 3 are there right now, and one is missing. There are 4 sculptures of 4 Bhairavas in 4 niches here. Devi temples always have the presence of Bhairava.

"Yogini No 31, as you move clockwise is Mahamaya, the presiding deity of this temple. ... A large Diya or lamp is burning in front of her. The priest told me that it has been burning since eternity. I wondered how it managed to stay alive during rains and during the cyclones that this region is prone to. He said, they cover it well and it stays. This fact made the Diya very special for me, and it is the eternal flame since the time the temple was built."

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May 31, 2022 - May 31, 2022.

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8. Unique Rudra Shiva Sculpture of Tala in Chhattisgarh

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"The most important piece of sculpture at Tala is a more than two meters high figure in red sandstone called Rudra Shiva. This is a unique piece of sculpture that is not found anywhere else in archeological history. This one of its kind pieces that to me looked more like a Yaksha figure but for the Raudra or Ugra (aggressive) expression that it carries. It has been named Rudra Shiva. Another potential reason why it might have been inferred as Shiva is that Shiva is known as Pashupatinath or the Lord of the animals. And this figure portrays that aspect of him through various animal figures sculpted as body parts of this image. I think this can be the signature sculpture of Chhattisgarh. "

"The Devrani Jethani temple complex where this statue is currently housed was placed during the Gupta period but there is no clue about the date of this particular statue. From the style also it is so unique that it is difficult to map it to a certain period. Going by the bulkiness it could belong to an ancient period or it could be later folk art."

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May 31, 2022 - May 31, 2022.

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9. Hidimba Devi Temple at Doongri Van Vihar in Manali

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"Surrounded by tall Deodar trees, a narrow walkway takes you to the Hidimba Devi temple in Manali. Temple kind of merges with its dull-colored surroundings and yet stands out courtesy its elaborate roofs with a metal canopy on top. Hidimba Devi is the presiding goddess of Manali, an area that is home to many Gods, Goddesses, and Rishis."

" ... Hidimba in Manali is believed to be an incarnation of Durga. People come to her with all their problems with a belief that she will help them out of it."

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May 31, 2022 - May 31, 2022.

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10. Home to Million Miniature Shiva Lingas - Jangamwadi Mutt at Kashi

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"It is one of the oldest Mutts in Varanasi. Literature dates it back to Satyuga ... "

"No one knows how many Shiva Lingas are there in this large premises spread over 50,000 sq feet. Some say, no one can count. If I say a few lakhs it may be a gross underestimate. It is located very close to the popular Dashashwamedh ghat. That is where the famous evening Ganga Arti takes place. ... "

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May 31, 2022 - May 31, 2022.

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11. Brahma Temple - the Temple on the Edge of Pushkar Lake

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" ... The city of Pushkar revolves around the Brahma temple and Savitri temple located on the hill nearby. It is said that in the 4 Yugas or era of Human existence on earth, there are 4 key pilgrimage places associated with each Yuga. In the first one or Satyuga, it was Naimisharanya, in the second i.e. Treta it was Pushkar, in the third or Dwapar it was Kurukshetra and in the fourth or the current one called Kaliyuga it is Ganga. ... "

"Most people believe the main lake to be the only lake in the city. However, there are three ancient lakes that get a mention in scriptures like Padma Puran. ... Brahma Pushkar is the main lake that we visited above. "

"Rudra Pushkar

"It is a beautiful lake, little on the outskirts of the city. If you drive from Jaipur, you will meet this lake before entering the city. It is popularly known as Budha Pushkar or the old one. The lake has lovely high ghats built in stone. You see the hills on the other side reflecting in the peaceful waters of the lake. Bathing ponds are built next to ghats. ... "

"Vishnu or Madhyam Pushkar

" ... Both this and Rudra Kund follow the typical stepwell architecture like Chand Baori in Abhaneri."

"Panch Pandav Tirth

"Closer to the foothills, there is a small Nageshwar Mahadev temple with 5 different ponds. Each pond is associated with one of the Pandava brothers and named Nag Kund, Chandra Kund, Surya Kund, Padma Kund & Ganga Kund. I was told that the place is popular for the removal of Kaal Sarp Dosh. This place is a little away from the city and you would need a local guide."

"Brahma Temple

"Brahma Temple is the most popular temple associated with the myth of the creation of Pushkar lake itself. The temple is believed to be built by Rishi Vishwamitra. Adi Shankaracharya also built the temple during his travels. It came under attack during the time of Aurangzeb and was rebuilt by the Maharaja of Ratlam. Late evening, in fading light, I could see a lovely stepwell with a circular well in the middle. Small temples exist around it. A board there says this is the confluence of Chandra and Saraswati River. It used to be a big lake once but is only a stepwell now. Thursdays are important pilgrimage days for this Tirth."

" ... Poornima or full moon night and Amavasya or new moon night are special for this temple. Among these Kartik Purnima that falls 15 days after Diwali is the most auspicious."

"Atpateshwar Temple

"Atpateshwar Temple is the oldest Shiva temple in Pushkar. The temple is below the ground level. You have to go down a flight of stairs, walk through a tunnel-like narrow pathway to reach the small chamber that has the ancient Shivalinga. It is believed that the stone changes color many times a day. I could not observe this but it must be an interesting phenomenon as there is no sunlight that reached this Shivalinga.

"The story goes that this is where Shiva attended the Yagna conducted by Brahma. There are old paintings on the walls of this temple that depict the 12 Jyotirlingas in rust-red color. The paintings are fading but they still look beautiful. The Shivalinga has a snake surrounding it, probably the Shiva here is present as Nageshwar or Pashupatinath. Along with Shivalinga, there are ancient images that suggest that there potentially was a bigger temple here.

"There is a new temple right next to the old temple, the Nandi on the road here looks quite old. There is a strange play of old and new in these two temples.

"Varaha Temple

"Varaha Temple near Varaha Ghat is an ancient temple. There is a large image of Dharamraj on the temple platform. In the sanctum, there is a beautiful Murti of Varaha Avatar of Vishnu. The temple looks like a Haveli. However, it is when you go behind the temple for a Pradakshina that you see the old stone structure of the temple, bereft of all the Murtis that would have adorned the niches. I sat behind the temple and wondered where these Murtis would have traveled if they are still lying in some museum or some private collector’s collection somewhere or they have merged back with the earth."

"Rangnathji Temple (Old)

"Rangnathji Temple is built in a south Indian Dravidian style with a tall Gopuram. The temple complex is large and probably as big as it always was. The priests follow the south Indian style of Pooja. No one is allowed inside the temple when Pooja is going on. The 11th CE temple belongs to the Ramanujacharya sect of Vaishnavas. The main temple is dedicated to Vishnu as Rangnath Ji. There are subsidiary temples dedicated to Lakshmi and Kodamba. You can see the murals all around the temple. A curious thing in this temple is a tall tower outside the temple Prakara. This is used to keep the filled copies of Ram Nam Lekhan Japa. The temple has a small museum that displays all the festival carts of the temple. It also has an image gallery of all the important places to see in this holy town. No photography is allowed though."

"Vishwakarma Temple, dedicated to divine architect Vishwakarma.

"Devnarayan and Ramdev Temples, that are worshipped by Gujar Samaj.

"Shani temple, a replica of what you see in Shani Shignapur in Maharashtra.

"Giridhar Gopal Mandir, a lovely temple with beautiful wall murals that used to be Parshuramacharya Ashram once upon a time.

"108 Mahadev Mandir at the ghat by the same name.

"A tall 5 story Hanuman Mandir near a crossing"

"Savitri Mata Temple

"This is the most popular of Devi Temples of the town as it is inherent to the story of the creation of the city. Savitri Temple sits on the top of the triangular hill. There are two ways to reach it, by taking 400 odd well-maintained stairs that would take you about an hour or so, or the ropeway that would take you on top in 5-6 mins. If you feel adventurous enough, you can trek to the top. Temple itself is small, with a marble Murti of Savitri Devi and her daughter Saraswati. A small shop sells the items that are generally offered to the goddess. I spent some quiet moments at the ancient temple. The view of the town from this temple is breathtaking. The evening when I was there, a rainbow emerged straight out of the lake. You see the formation of the city guarded by the hills. To get that view in one panorama is probably the most memorable visual of Pushkar, its landscape, and its story."

"Hinglaj Mata Temple – on the ghats of the lake."

"Any ancient pilgrimage place in India is also home to ashrams of many Rishis or sages. This place has the Ashrams of Agastya Muni, Vishvamitra, and Jamadagni Rishi. You need to trek to reach most of these ashrams."

"Pushkar Parikrama

There are various Parikramas or circumambulation paths that go around this holy region. Padma Puran mentions 4 different Parikrama routes that go around Pushkar. A 7.5 Kos or roughly 21 KM Yatra takes place during the time of the fair that is completed in three days. ... "

"Did you know this town is a 100% vegetarian city?"

"Lanes around Brahma Temple and the lake are full of street markets. Here are some of the souvenirs you can pick up from the town:

"● Kuber Murti in Ashtadhatu

"● Rosewater

"● Gulkand – a dish made of Rose

"● Swords to display on your walls

"● Handcrafted bags or jewelry

"● Lac Bangles

"● Camel products"

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May 31, 2022 - May 31, 2022.

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12. Kanyakumari - the Bride Who Waits Eternally

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"It is believed that Rishi Parashar had built this temple for Kanyakumari and installed her Murti. It is counted among the Shakti Peethas of Devi spread across the Indian Sub-Continent. It is believed that the right shoulder of the Devi Sati fell here when Shiva was carrying her dead body and performing the Tandava."

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May 31, 2022 - May 31, 2022.

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13. Rukmini Temple – Meet the Queen of Dwarka

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Interesting point - in North and through most of India, temples of Krishna are either only as himself - young, boyish, posed with a flute - or with Radha by his side. In Maharashtra, Rukmini is with Vitthala, a manifestation of vishnu, identified more with Krishna than any other Avataara. Rukmini was daughter of Vidarbha, now part of Maharashtra. Maharashtra has plays singing paens of her goodness and virtues. Satyabhama, younger and jealous second wife of Krishna, however, is the favourite figure in tamilnadu as a consort of Krishna, which affirms her being daughter thereof.

So it's nice hearing about Rukmini Temple in Dwarka.

"We all know Rukmini was the first queen of Sri Krishna. She is the one he first married, followed by Jambavati and Satyabhama. The popular image of Sri Krishna associates him with Radha more than any other Shakti in his life. When you go to Braj Bhumi it is all about Radha. It is more of Radha Kshetra – the area where she dominates. When you are in Dwarka – it is all about her. Radha is present but most people bow down to Rukmini. This was the first time I personally saw her prominence, I was intrigued. I heard her stories in Dwarka. And I visited her temple that still stands outside the Dwarka’s city limits. I saw the board announcing Rukshmani (that is how people of Dwarka call her) Vivaah or wedding. After I came back home, I did a bit of reading. And there is so much I learned about her – the princess of Vidarbha, the incarnation of Mahalaxmi and the Pattrani or primary queen of Sri Krishna."

" ... Bhagwad Puran mentions that Rukmini thought only Sri Krishna is equal to her in Gunas or an equal match. She is believed to be the most beautiful woman ever in Indian Scriptures. She is, after all, an incarnation of Mahalaxmi. As Laxmi, she is Narayan’s Shakti and as Rukmini, she is Krishna’s shakti."

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May 31, 2022 - May 31, 2022.

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14. Devaki Krishna Temple, Marcel, Goa

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Would this be due to the then Portuguese government of Goa forcing church and suppression of Hinduism, to the extent of massacre of Brahmins and priests, apart from other atrocities such as soldiers raiding homes and any other venues where any Hindu ceremony were being performed? Goa Hindus are still known for getting through Hindu celebrations with lightening speed.

" ... Marcel that was originally called MahaShaila. ... "

Could be Marushaila, or Matrshaila.

" ... It is dedicated to motherly emotion with mother Devaki holding the child Krishna in her arms. It was originally located on Chorao Island that was then called Chudamani. Legend is that when Vasco Da Gama visited, he fell on his knees assuming that this is the image of mother Mary. But was obviously annoyed when he discovered them otherwise. As per their website, Devakikrishna was the principal deity of Chorao island. And festivals like Shigmotsav would start only after invoking this deity on Chorao Island. From Chorao, it was initially shifted to Mayem near Bicholim. And then to its current location in Marcel.

"The present shrine probably dates to 1842 CE. On the left of the premises of Devaki Krishna is the shrine of Ravalnath and together these are called Devaki Krishna Ravalnath temples. ... "

" ... many elderly people are seen distributing food, especially sweets like Laddus, Jalebis, Biscuits, Pooran Polis, or simple Puris. They go around distributing and even insisting that everyone have something before the real action begins on the muddy ground. This was amazing. There was no stall, no food was being sold, no commercial activity. Everyone was fed affectionately by the village elders. ... "

Author describes women feeling safe despite males frolicking.

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May 31, 2022 - May 31, 2022.

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15. Chottanikkara Temple in Kochi That Cures Mental Problems

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"Chottanikkara in its Sanskritized version would be Jyotikara – the one who enlightens. She is the Adi Parashakti addressed by common names like Bhagwati and Devi. She is the ultimate power, in whom live the three different manifestations of her – Mahakali, Mahalakshmi and Mahasaraswati. No wonder she is worshipped in a white Sari in the morning as Saraswati and at noon as Mahalakshmi in bright red Sari with elaborate Shringar. In the evening she is worshipped as Mahakali or Durga draped in blue. I visited the temple in the morning and got to see the Saraswati Swaroop. Mookambika Saraswathi of Kollur is believed to be present in the temple in the mornings. Mookambika Temple doors are opened only after the Goddess Saraswathi returns there late morning."

" ... The main deity is in Laterite stone also called Rudraksha Shila in Sanskrit. It is believed to be self-manifested. ... Other deities present along with them are Brahma, Siva, Ganesh, Subramanya, and Sastha."

"Kizhukkavu Temple

"This is an old temple located at a level below the main temple and connected via a flight of stairs. There is a temple pond located between the two. The presiding deity at this temple is Bhadrakali. I am told this is a very powerful Puja called Guruthi Pooja is done in the evenings, especially on Friday at this temple. Guruthi means sacrifice, but these days it is food that is offered as part of this puja. It is supposed to have a therapeutic impact on women suffering from mental problems or even schizophrenia. People who feel impacted by evil spirits also visit this temple."

" ... Makam Thozhal is the annual bathing ritual of the deity when she visits the temple pond and then goes on a procession with seven elephants. ... "

"Temple Shops

"The authorized temple shop next to the main temple sells the used items of the temple like oil lamps and the Saris worn by the deity. All the things used in the prayers at the temple are precious to the devotees of the Devi. I have never seen a shop like this anywhere else in any temple. There are a few shops located between this temple and the Old Kavu temple downstairs where you can buy all kinds of artifacts. The popular items are the pictures of Chottanikkara Amman. Strictly no photography is allowed in the temple. So, you see only a few images of the temple on the Internet or temple website too."

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May 31, 2022 - May 31, 2022.

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16. Baba Mandir at Nathula Pass

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"Nathula Pass is known as the gateway for Indo-China trade, it was once a part of the famous silk route that traders used. About 17 km before Nathula Pass and 12,400 ft above sea level is beautiful Tsomgo lake which was frozen when I visited in mid-March. ... Close to Nathula pass is this unique temple called Baba Mandir. Baba Mandir is not dedicated to any deity or any saint, as they are also called Baba at times. It is a temple dedicated to an Army man who served the Indian army’s 23 Punjab Regiment and it is believed he continues to serve. His name was Sepoy Harbhajan Singh and he came from Kapurthala district of Punjab. Born in 1946 in a Sikh family, he was recruited into the Indian Army in 1966. In 1968, he was posted at Sikkim-Tibet Border. In Oct 1968, he was leading a mule column from his battalion headquarters at Tukla to Deng Chukla both in the remote areas of East Sikkim. He slipped and fell into a glacier or an icy cold fast-flowing river and died."

" ... As per local lore, even the Chinese army believes in the legend of Baba. When there is a flag meeting between the two armies, an empty chair is kept for him. ... "

"A formal memorial ceremony takes place in October when flowers are offered to all those who have laid down their lives in the line of duty. Informally, Army personnel posted at Nathula Pass contribute a small amount that is formally sent to his family in Kapurthala. He also continues to draw his pension. In fact, the train carrying his pension goes with an empty berth in the train from New Jalpaiguri to his hometown in Punjab. This is his annual holiday. I find this an absolutely fascinating way of keeping a brave colleague alive."

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May 31, 2022 - May 31, 2022.

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17. Padi Igguthappa Temple – Meet the Presiding Deity of Coorg

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"Padi Igguthappa Temple, dedicated to Igguthappa is the most important deity of Kodavas and Kul Devta of Kodagu or Coorg. In ancient times, he was probably the God of rain and crop. The crop being the basis of survival of humans and rain being the survival of crops makes sense. The first crop of Paddy is still offered to the Lord every year at this temple by the local farmers. After this, the harvest festival called Puttari officially begins in the Coorg region."

"The main deity at Padi Igguthappa temple is Subramanya or Karthik who is considered a son of Shiva and Kaveri Amman, considered an avatar of Gauri. Temple houses the Murtis of both Shiva and Igguthappa. In this region, river Kaveri is Kaveri Amma, omnipresent deity of Coorg and its people. ... "

"Puttari typically falls in mid-December when the Sun is in Rohini Nakshatra. ... "

No, Sun enters Ashwini around mid-March, and stays in each of 27 nakshatras for slightly more than 13 but considerably less than 14 days; so Sun entering Rohini would be around third week of April.

" ... Pujari Ji said he himself or his family members perform the Tandav Nritya. They have taken elaborate training for the same. A Tulabhar is done every Wednesday and Saturday in the temple. He also told us that people come here to pray for rains, in case the rains do not come as expected. He, in fact, quoted an example of an official of Tata Coffee who also came here to pray the year rains were not good. It seems within hours of performing the puja the rain gods obliged."

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May 31, 2022 - May 31, 2022.

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18. Yadagirigutta – Abode of Narasimha Swamy Avatar of Vishnu

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"On the outskirts of Hyderabad lie many small gems to be explored. Yadagirigutta is one of them. I visited it almost towards the end of my stay in Hyderabad along with Kolanupaka and Bhongir. It is the abode of the god Narsimha Swamy.

"Yadagirigutta – Abode of Narsimha Swamy

"It is a stone hill standing alone in the midst of a valley. Best known for the temple on its top the Shri Lakshmi Narsimha Swamy temple. ... Literature tells me that this temple finds mention in the Puranas indicating its antiquity. The name comes from an ancient sage called Yadrishi who did penance here. ... "

" ... presiding deity. But it turned out to be a stone inside a natural cave on top of which the temple-like structure has been built. There is a fire that is said to be ON all the time, without any apparent fuel. There is an idol, but that is an Utsav murti or the idol used for the festivals to symbolically take the God out of the temple for a tour. ... "

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May 31, 2022 - May 31, 2022.

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19. Temple of Devrani Jethani at Tala, Bilaspur, Chhattisgarh

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" ... This particular place around the meeting point of Maniyari and Shivnath rivers seems to be dominated by the Shaivites. Though the region as a whole is dominated by the legends of Ramayana. We were told that Tala, in particular, is known for Tantric practices. Here are two temples of Devrani Jethani.

"Temple of Devrani Jethani, Bilaspur – Chhattisgarh Tourist Place

"There are remains of two ancient temples here. Both lie at a distance of a few meters from each other and are popularly known as Devrani Jethani temples. Legend is that they were built for the wives of two royal brothers."

Author describes what seems to be ruins, but doesn't say who destroyed them and when.

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May 31, 2022 - May 31, 2022.

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20. Other Unusual Temples

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"Tanot Mata Temple near Jaisalmer - A temple where the bombs refused to burst."

This one has been talked of, even shown, on dome documentaries on the subject of wars fought by India since independence.

"Om Banna Temple - Where a motorbike is worshipped.

"Chinese Kali Temple - Worshipped by the Chinese community in Kolkata."

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May 31, 2022 - May 31, 2022.

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May 18, 2022 -

May 30, 2022 - May 31, 2022.

Purchased March 09, 2022.

Language ‏ : ‎ English

Format: Kindle Edition

Kindle Edition

ASIN: - B08DJ9C2MV

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https://www.goodreads.com/review/show/4753754634

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Reviews - Books I Read - DRJG

Tuesday, May 31, 2022

Unusual Temples of India (Devalaya Book 1), by Anuradha Goyal (Author).

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