October 7, 2015 by anilrajput

Kalo Dungar Rann Kutch , Gujarat

Kalo Dungar or Black Hill also called Panchchhamayi is situated 25 Km from Khavada and 97 km from Bhuj , it is about 460 meters, highest point in the Rann of Kutch , one can have a panoramic view of the vastness of the Great Rann and it is difficult to distinguish between the land and skyline . Tourists are not allowed beyond this point as being very close to the Pakistan & India International border.One can see the India Bridge built over the marshy land.This is a small neck of water channel that connects the Rann with Arabian Sea, it is from here most of monsoon tides spill over on to Rann. Army unit stationed here keeps a vigil round the clock for any undesired movement in the Rann .

Kalo Dungar , Kutch , Gujarat

View of Great Rann from Kalo Dungar

On top there is a temple dedicated to the Lord Dattatrey the holy Trimurti ( Trinity) of Brahma (Creator), Vishnu (Protector) and Mahesh/Shiv (Destroyer) in one body. Twice in a day, wild Jackals are offered boiled-rice as Prasad this ritual is being followed for over four centuries , Jackals really comes by a very interesting sound screams Ang Leo by the Local Pujaari, Prasad is distributed only after feeding the Jackals .

Lord Dattatreya temple, kalo Dungar, Kutch , Gujarat

Legend about Jackal feeding is , once Lord Dattatrey stopped at Kalo Dungar and saw a pac of hungry Jackals , Lord offered his body parts to feed them and the body keep regenerating the parts . Another legend is once there was a King who did penance at Kalo Dungar , Lord Dattatrey wanted to test him and appeared in front of him as a hungry Jackal and asked for food , the King prepared boiled rice and offered to them , the Jackal said we are flesh eaters and can’t eat the rice , to this the King offered flesh from his own body , Lord Dattatrey pleased with the devotion blessed the King and since then Jackals are fed boiled rice twice every day.

Wolves feeding point, Kalo Dungar, Kutch , Gujarat

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October 6, 2015 by anilrajput

Bet Dwarka Temple , Gujarat

Bet Dwarka an island is situated next to the shores of Okha which is about 29 km from Dwarka, in the Gulf of Kutch , also known as Bet Shankhodhara and Ramandeep , It was a residence of Lord Krishna while Dwarka was his ruling / political seat , the name Bet Dwarka came from the incident of Lord Krishan’s childhood friend Sudama meet him and gave Bhet (Gift) of Tandul-Poha (Rice).

Ferry from Okha port to Bet Dwarka

After crossing the 5 km creek by a ferry one is to walk about 10 minutes to reach the temple.
It is believed that Lord Krishna stayed at Bet Dwarka with his wife to save himself from scorching heat. The temple has a huge statue of the Lord Krishna platted in gold. The Temple’s shikhar is in one straight line with Sharda shakti temple and Devki ji (Krishna’s mother) temple sikhar. It is also the seat of Lord Chaitanya Mahaprabhu. it is said that Bet Dwarka is the holiest pilgrimage place for the Vaishnav’s Hindus . Bet Dwarka now is abode of 20 Vishnu temples, 23 shiv temples, including well known Dhingeshvara , Nilkantheshwar, Abhaya , Dhara shakti peeths along with other 14 Devi temples. Nine Hanuman temples including well known Hanuman Dandi

Main entrance Lord Krishna Temple Bet Dwarka Beyond this gate photography is prohibited inside

The lane in which this temple is , flooded by small shops selling shells, rosary beads , old coins , photos , idols of Lord Krishna, local crafts and refreshments . 500 year old temple is built by Shri Vallabhacharya, it enshrines an idol of gold believed to be made by Lord Krishna ‘s wife Rukmini , tradition is to present the Brahmins here with donations of rice.
Lord Buddha also stayed in Bet Dwarka, there is a Stupa and on one of the chajja ( Gallery) in the main temple there is an image of Lord Buddha . Bet Dwarka has glorious history as Meera Bai of Chittor , arrived from Rajasthan and merged with the graceful image of Lord Krishna. Nana Saheb Peshava ( leader of 1857 war with British forces ) spent the last years of his life in Bet Dwarka.
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October 5, 2015 by anilrajput

Rukmini Devi Temple , Dwarka , Gujarat

Rukmini Devi Temple is also known as Rukshmani Devi Temple situated just outside the Dwarka City in the North direction near the road leading to Bet Dwarka , its construction is of 12th Century with beautiful carvings on pillars and the dome.
It is located on the banks of Bhagirathi River, the Mandir comprises of a beautiful marble deity of Devi Rukmini, with four hands or Chaturbhuja. These four hands hold Shanka, Chakra, Gada and Padma, which symbolic of her being reincarnation of Goddess Ma Lakshmi.

Rukmini Devi temple Dwarka Gujarat

Rukmini was younger sister of Rukmi and daughter of King Bhishmaka of Vidharba , Rukmi was friend of lord Krishna’s uncle Kansa and never wanted his sister to have relation with Krishna, while coming out of temple Rukmini spotted Krishna and fled with him on his chariot , Krishna won the war with Rukmi and wanted to kill him but Rukmini prayed to forgive him and Krishna let him go after shaving his head . Krishna had 16108 wife and made Rukmini Patrani (the chief queen ), to celebrate their marriage they invited Sage Durvasa for a feast , Durvasa accepted the invitation on a condition to accompany them if Krishna and Rukmini will pull his chariot instead of bull or horses, on the way Rukmini felt thirsty and requested Krishna to fetch some water for her , Krishna hit the ground with his feet and Bhagirathi appeared at that place and escaping the eyes of Sage Durvasa , gave water to Rukmini to drink, Durvasa saw this and got angry because he felt insulted being a guest he was to be fed first , he cursed that the Dwarka will not have sweet water , that the Krishna and Rukmini will not live together for 12 years .

Lord Krishna and Rukmini Devi statue

The Rukmini temple is built outside the Dwarka at a place where lord Krishan gave water to Rukmini and had separation due to the curse of Sage Durvasa , away from Dwarka’s Jagat Mandir, even today the drinking for Dwarka is fetch from 100 kms. away It is widely believed among the devotees that the pilgrimage is incomplete if a devotee doesn’t go to offer prayers at Rukmini Temple even if he worshiped the Lord at Dwarkadheesh temple.

Carvings at dome , Rukmini Devi Temple Dwarka

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October 4, 2015 by anilrajput

Dwarkadheesh Temple Dwarka Gujarat

Dwarkadheesh temple dedicated to Lord Krishna is also known as Jagat Mandir , Dvaramati, Dvaravati, and Kushsthali in the ancient holy books , situated on the west banks of Gujarat on Arabian sea , it is here Lord Krishna established his capital after moving out of Mathura , is worshiped as Dwarkadheesh , the king of Dwarka , it is also the place where Lord Vishnu killed the demon named Shankhasura. some distance from here is one of the 12 Jyotir Lingas (columns of lights) specifically manifesting Lord Shiva named Nageshwar Mahadev is in the sanctified place of Dwarka.

River Gomti and Dwarkadheesh Temple Dwarka

The original city got submerged into the sea,the recent excavations in the sea near the shore confirms the existence of a well fortified area .
The original temple was built by Vajranabhji the Great Grand Son of Lord Krishna at a site which was a formal residence of Lord, around 400 BC . The present temple was constructed in 16th Century, it rises up to a height of 51.8 meters, consists of 60 exquisitely carved pillars and a number of sculptures ,The temple is built of soft limestone and consists of a sanctum, vestibule and a rectangular hall with porches on three sides. The main entrance is from the North the Moksha Dwar and the gate on South is called the Swarg Dwar leads down 56 steps to river Gomti . On top of the shikhar there is huge flag made from 52 yards of cloth , it is changed five times in a day .

North gate the Moksha dwar Dwarkadheesh Temple

The deity of Lord Dwarkadhish is made of shiny black stone and is about 2.25 ft in height. The four hands of the deity carry a conch, the Sudarshana Chakra ,Gada ( a mace ) and a lotus, and this image is popularly known as ‘Shankh Chakra Gada Padma Chaturbhuj’.
The Temple is considered to be one of the holiest in Chardham , established by Adi Shankaracharya in 8th Century .
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October 2, 2015 by anilrajput

Man Mandir , Fort Gwalior

Gwalior Fort built in 8 th Centenary over a sand stone steep rock hill , the earlier records mention 525 AD King Mihirkul and Teli Ka Mandir of 875 AD structures in this area but fort came in existence during the Pal Dynasty of Kachwaha Rajput his 86 generations ruled over 989 years. Pratihar Dynasty ruled for Seven generations, then in 1196 AD there was Turk ruler Qutub ud Din Aibek and Iltumish had a control at this fort , it was taken under control from them by Narasingh Rao .

Man Mandir, Gwalior Fort

Tomar Rajputs took over in 1398 AD and held it till 1576 AD , in between Ibrahim Lodhi , Babur , Humayun , Sher Shah Suri and Adil Shah Suri for some time had control . It was Hemu ( Hem Chandra Vikrmaditya ) attacked Adil Shah Suri from here .
Mughal rulers made it a prison for the political prisoners and carried assassination of many Mughal family members .
Jats from Gohad ruled here from 1740 to 1783 , Maratha leader Maha Ji Shinde in 1844 AD finally got it from the British East India Company .

Blue Paint , Man Mandir , Gwalior Fort

The main decoration and additions were done during the Raja Man Singh Tomar’s period 1486 AD-1516 AD , Man Mandir and Gujri Mahal were added , the Jahangir Mahal and the Shah Jahan Mahal were also added to commemorate the visit of Mogul Kings, wonderful architecture,and beautiful art work done on its front as well as some interior walls. Surrounded by concrete walls of sandstone, the Gwalior Fort encloses three temples, 6 palaces and several water tanks. The Fort also contains many other marvels of medieval architecture. The Gujari Mahal is one such structure whose outer covering has survived the many battles the Fort has encountered. The main attraction is the Blue Tiles used and rows of yellow ducks, Banana Trees , Tiger and Elephants at outer walls and many other places , which is is actually a paint on the wall with different layers .

Plate representing Aura of Sun , Man Mandir Gwalior fort

Gujari Mahal was built by Raja Man Singh for his wife Mrignayani who was a Gurjar Girl from a nearby village , she demanded a independent Palace and water for daily use from Rai River near her village as a marriage condition .

Royal Private Chambers, Man Mandir , Gwalior Fort

The Jauhar Kund, which marks the spot where the women of the harem burnt themselves to death after the defeat of the King of Gwalior in 1232.

Royal Chambers decorated Ceiling, Man Mandir , Gwalior Fort

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September 26, 2015 by anilrajput

Gangotri Yamunotri |Helicopter Service

The road journey which covers Yamunotri and Gangotri from Rishikesh takes Five days of not only difficult driving in the Himalayas but also danger of falling rocks and road blocks due to heavy traffic on the roads during the Yatra period from May till mid June . Helicopters carry 4-5 person at a time depending upon the maximum carry load of 300 kg.

Yamunotri Temple and Yamuna coming down from Kalind Glacier

Opening of helicopter service has reduced the journey time to few hours and Do Dham Yatra is completed in two days . Helicopters carry 4-5 person at a time depending upon the maximum carry load of 300 kg. with a night stop at beautiful place , Kharsali a village which is having the oldest Lord Shani temple next to the helipad or Harsil which happens to be the Maha Prayag of Eight rivers in to Bhagirathi ( Jalandhari, Vishnu Ganga, Lakshmi Ganga, Pawan Ganga, Telangna, Bhim Ganga, Kheer Ganga , Kakora and Hatya Harini) , an age old temple dedicated to Lord Vishnu and a temple dedicated to Ma Durga at a place where Maharishi Markandey wrote the Durga Saptshati are worth a visit.

The flight operations are from Dehradun a 45 minute flight for Kharsali ( the starting point for 6 km trek for Yamunotri ) , the Yatris can do the trek , perform pooja at Yamunotri and return in 4-5 hrs at the helipad one can visit the oldest temple of lord Shani Dev at Kharsali village , one can stay a night at Kharsali or fly same day for Harsil a 20 minutes flight . Jeep/ Car will take you to a 26 km drive to the Gangotri temple , on way are Bhairo temple and the deepest gorge in Asia , after performing the pooja return to Harsil for a night stay and Dinner

Mayank peak Harsil

Next morning after breakfast transfer to the helipad for return flight for Dehradun a 45 minutes flight . All above arrangements are also available ex Delhi .
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September 22, 2015 by anilrajput

Opium Ceremony | West Rajasthan

Opium Ceremony or Amal – Ka – Dastur or Riyan is a ritual practiced in the Thar Desert areas of Western Rajasthan possessing, serving and consuming opium is illegal, serving the drug to guests has been ages old ritual for the people of this part specially among the Rajputs and Bishnoi communities to build strong relations among the two person and community, Ladies are not part of these ceremonies.

Amal Ka Dastur , Opium Granule and Poppy Bulb

Amal Ka Dastur , Apparatus used for preparation

Right from preparing, serving and then consuming it is a proper religious ceremony . Opium granules are dissolved in water , ground and mixed with jaggery, sugar, saffron and milk and then strained in a wooden pot filtered by using cloth cap upside down and extract is collected again in a wooden pot .

Amal Ka Dastur , Opium, Jagary, saffron and milk are grounded

Amal Ka Dastur the mixture is filtered and extract is collected

First of all it is offered to the lord Shiva and then to the gathering .

Amal Ka Dastur , first offering to Lord Shiva

The opium ceremony, where it is taken in small doses, is an important part of any social occasion, be it a birth, a wedding or a funeral in the Thar region of West Rajasthan The ritual is followed by all the castes but it is most prevalent and important ritual among the Bishnoi and the Rajput community, each ceremony has a different name for the occasion

Amal Ka Dastur , Few drops are taken on palm and licked

Riyan Ceremony is a big gathering for a marriage , a birth of a child or just a community social gathering . People present their are offered the dose one by one by the elder of a family who first washes the palm and wipe it with one end of his Turban ( Pagadi) and few drops are put on the palm which is immediately consumed by the guest . Attendance in such gathering means support to the host family and not accepting the opium is treated as an insult .

Amal – Ki – Manuwhar ( Amal means Opium , Manuwhar means To offer) in this ceremony the family offers the small doses of the extract to the people to show their gratitude by their presence .

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September 21, 2015 by anilrajput

Kanoi Village, Maganiyars and Sand Dunes , Jaisalmer

Kanoi is a desert village towards West about 35 km from Jaisalmer on Sam road with beautiful virgin Sand Dunes , about 400 small brick and mud houses with a population of about 3000 people of mixed castes living here since many generations in harmony .

Kanoi Village house

The different communities live in the Kanoi village are Rajputs , Suthars ( carpenters ) take care of the daily simple need machines and tools in the village , the Kumhars ( potters ) take care of the supply of pots used in daily house hold jobs and making pots for carrying water , few Brahaman ( Priest ) community is also there .

Kanoi village , Nomads huts

There are the Manganiyars who also call them self the Mirasi a Muslim community, patronized by the Royal families and the wealthy merchants families in North India for many generations.

Kalbelia girls and Manganiyars or Mirasis at Kanoi , Jaisalmer

They are the people who have protected the cultural heritage of singing of Rajasthani Folk Music and also preserving their age old musical instruments like Sarangi , Kartal , Bhopang , Morchang , Algoja , Dholak , Dhol , Kamaicha . Kanoi village is a nursery for the Manganiyars or Mirasis , they train the young boys in singing and playing the age old musical instruments , narrating the myths and fables, history and legends, of Kings and Conquerors, Sages , Sufis and Saints from the region. Ladies are restricted they do only the household jobs they even feel shy in the presence of outsiders. It is only the Kalbelia ( Snake Charmers ) girls who accompany the musical groups for performances with Merasis or Maganiyars
Kanoi village has produced the world fame Rajasthani Folk Singers and Musicians Mr. Chandan Khan and Sadak Khan earned world fame at Bharat Mahotsav in 1980 at Moscow and then many European Countries , tradition is carried forward by Mr. Jalal Khan and Mr. Khudu Khan and many more youngsters . Their music is complex and secular, its roots spread wide, though chiefly in Hindustani classical music . They have traveled , entertained and received appreciations from all over the world for their Music .
The profession of people in Kanoi village beside the agriculture is Animal Husbandry , Sheep, Goat , Camel and Cows which are the integral part of their life . The agriculture is depend on the rains , the villagers have dug the drains which collects the water when it rains and pour it in a series underground water tank , this water is used for drinking and daily use

Rain water collected and diverted to Kanoi village through the drains

People are poor , living extreme hard life but always welcoming the visitors with smile .

Foreigners enjoying Sand Dunes of Kanoi Village , Jaisalmer

The only palace to stay in Kanoi is Desert Spring Camp , it has 11 Royal Tents and 15 Comfort Tents , every evening there is a Rajasthani folk dances , puppet show and Maganiyar’s folk songs .
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September 17, 2015 by anilrajput

Abhaneri Step-Well: Architectural Wonder of 8th century

Abhaneri – A Small Village near Jaipur, Rajasthan

Abhaneri is a small village in Rajasthan near Jaipur, while driving on National Highway 11A towards Agra, after crossing Dausa at Sikandara take a left turn on a State Highway 25 to Bandikui, then turn right at Gular Chauraha for Abhaneri, total distance from Jaipur is 96 Kms, upon entering into the Abhaneri, first visible structure is a ruins of a Hindu temple of Goddess Harshat Mata built in 7-8th century AD, considered to be Goddess of Joy and Happiness, it is built on a double platform, on the walls are the statues & sculptures of Gods and Goddesses which depict images from daily life, built by King Chand, ruins of the temple still boasts the architectural and sculptural richness of medieval India, this city was known as “Abha Nagari“.
The Harshad Mata Temple built around 7-8 century AD
The Harshat Mata Temple built around 7-8 century AD

The walls of the temple carved with images and sculptures of Gods and Goddesses depicting images from daily life
Chand Baori, A Step-Well
Just next to the temple is a enclosed rectangular courtyard type of structure, upon entering one reaches a Jharokha and coming down stairs on left one can see, the Baori (Step-Well) on right, something which is unique to India, it is a water reservoir which not only has water also respite from heat in dry summers it is about 64 ft deep narrowing towards the bottom criss-crossing steps provided with double flight of steps on three sides reach the the water surface, it is one of the deepest and the largest step-well in India, the geometrical pattern of stairs gives the different magical images of the stairs, the light and shadow makes one spell bound, the stairs are on the three sides while on the one side are the three storied pavilion with beautiful carved jharokhas, the galleries supported on Pillars and two projecting balconies enshrining beautiful sculptures. This surrounding area is semi desert, shrubs and small trees mainly the Kikar and Ber (Ber Berry), Amla (Goose berry) are found, there are only two seasonal rivers Banganga and Morle, agriculture is totally dependent on rains and ground water. Chand Raja was from the Gujara Pratihara clan claiming to be the descendant of Lord Ram’s younger brother Laxman, they were at their peak during 6-10th century AD, almost North of India, founder of this dynasty was Raja Hari Chandra and once dominated the Rajasthan, their capital city was Mandore near Jodhpur, during this period open pavilion temples were built the best examples are the temples are at Khajuraho in Madhya Paradesh and Osian in Rajasthan.

The beautiful arched hallway in front of the step-well adds to the beauty of Abhaneri Step-Well

[quote]The front view of the Abhaneri Step-Well, A Marvelous piece of Architecture[/quote]

Full view of the stairs of the Abhaneri Step-Well, which gives a sense of magical touch

A closer look on the double flight stairs of the Abhaneri Step-Well

The magical look of the stairs in the Step-Well

Anil Kumar Rajput – Managing Director at Promark Travel, is in the travel trade since 1980, Hes has worked in India and abroad. A boxer, a Rifle Shooter and a Para Jumper in his college days, as a Boy Scout and NCC cadet, attended camps at many places which developed his interest in traveling and to explore new places, trekking and photography, loves driving to adventurous places , owns a business (promarktravels.com) which caters all the travel needs of it’s clients. Connect with him on Facebook (htttp://www.facebook.com/anil.k.rajput) and Twitter (@PromarkTravels)

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September 16, 2015 by anilrajput

Jaisalmer , City and Fort , Rajasthan

Jaisalmer Fort

Jaisalmer a World Heritage City founded atop the Trikuta Hill in 1156 AD by Maha Rawal Jaisal Singh a Bhati Rajput , Sixth in his ruling generation, the earlier city was Loduvra , still has a Jain temple remembering its past .
A yellow stone which is available in abundant around is used in the architecture of this city . It has given the identity of being named as Sonar Qila or The Golden City of India .

World famous Balcony in stone at Patwa Haveli, Jaisalmer Fort

This city had a strategic location on route for trading caravans en route Persia , Middle East , Egypt ,Africa , Sindh , North and Central of India carrying Silk and Spices .
The Bhati Rajputs are Chandravanshi claims to be decedents of Lord Krishna , In 1293 AD the Turk emperor Ala Ud Din Khilji invaded India and captured the Fort , the Bhati Royal families migrated for safety to various places like Jaisal , Larkana , Talwandi . It was after 1627 AD when Mughal Emperor Shajahan took over , the Rawal Sahal Singh acknowledge his patronage and then in 1818 AD the King Mulraj accepted the political alliance with the British . After the 1947 AD the creation of independent India and Pakistan the trade route was shifted to Mumbai port and city lost its importance as a trade route.

Main entrace Toran gate Jain temple , Fort Jaisalmer

In Jaisalmer water is scarce as it is part of Thar Desert it is almost entirely a sandy waste . There are no perennial streams, and only one small river Kakni which flows for about 48 km and then vanishes into Rann Kutch . Amar Sagar was the water reservoir used as a main source of water which got dried up due to increase in demand for agriculture .

House , living Museum , Fort Jaisalmer

In 1367 AD Rawal Gadsi Singh excavated a lake now known as Gadsisar Lake a water conservation tank to fulfill the water requirements of this dry city, till 1970 AD before the Rajasthan Canal came in , it was the main source of water for Jaisalmer

Gadsisar Lake , Jaisalmer , Rajasthan

This city remained strategically important due to skirmishes between India and Pakistan , roads , rail head and the Rajasthan Canal served to revive the surrounding desert areas.

Kanoi Village , Desert Spring Camp at Sand Dunes

Tourism is a major industry in Jaisalmer , famous for its Sand Dunes , Desert wild life , Camping , Camel and Jeep Safaris around Jaisalmer attracts tourists from all over the world.

Sunset at Kanoi , Sand Dunes, Desert Spring camp

Tourists from all over the world come and stay at Desert Spring Camp to have an experience of Sunset and Sunrise in the Thar Desert .
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