October 11, 2015 by anilrajput

Shalabhanjika , Monalisa in Stone , Museum , Gwalior Fort

Shalabhanjika is a price less stone statue of a lady of World fame Ancient India art work recovered from Gyaraspur near Sanchi and Vidisha in Madhya Pradesh now kept in the museum of Gwalior Fort under high security , special permission is required from the Archaeological Survey of India to visit this particular chamber.
There were two such sculpted statues installed at the entrance of Sanchi Stupa , during the raids of Mugal King Aurangzeb’s army one of it was destroyed and this one was thrown in the forests of Gyaraspur, later to be recovered in 19th Century . In early 1980 a Visitor French Tourist Group named it Monalisa in Stone

Shalabhanjika , Museum , Gwalior Fort

The beauty of this stone statue is the creation of very clear strange smile on a face by the sculpture , it is probably sculpted during 10 – 11 th AD , the waist holds lower garment across her broad hips and her full bloomed body which has a bare torso with a pearl necklace around her neck , a long necklace falling between her breasts and then one chain going down up to her naval . Eyes and bowed eyebrows , sharp nose , ear rings , her hair with bun decorated with jewelry and precious stones . The lady seems to be standing under a Saal tree holding a branch . She is also known as the Tree Goddess . The Sanskrit name Shalabhanjika means “A lady breaking Saal branch”

Shalabhanjika

Shalabhanjika are found mostly at the entrances of Stupa . The sandstone beams across the gateways were held up by bracket figures like this, representing female tree spirits called Yakshika . In an ancient Indian fertility rite, beautiful young girls were said to usher in spring by kicking a tree trunk while breaking off a branch, so as to arouse it into blossoming. the Shalabhanjika Yakshika serves as a fertility symbol associated with the spirit of the tree and earth to ensure the auspiciousness of the site where the Stupa is built.

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October 10, 2015 by anilrajput

Dandi Hanuman Ji Temple, Bet Dwarka, Gujarat

Dandi Hanuman Ji temple is situated in Bet Dwarka island about 5 km from the main temple of Lord Krishna , this temple is unique as it is the only temple where Lord Hanuman Ji though Brhamchari ( bachelor) is with his son Makardhwaj , without his Mugdhar (Mace). It is a small temple at a spot where Lord Hanuman Ji met his son for the first time in the sands of Gulf of Kutch at the entrance of Patal lok

Dandi Hanuman Ji Temple Bet Dwarka , Gujarat

The image of Makardhwaj is on the left side taller than his father Lord Hanuman on a closer look one finds Makardhwaj image is full but Hanuman Ji is shown above the thighs between the two there is one Dand (club) instead of Gada (mace). Makardhwaj left leg is little raised and crushing a demons skull tail is resting on ground. Right hand is raised above the shoulder in blessing form and left hand is on chest / heart Lord Hanuman Ji right hand is raised above the shoulder and resting on the back of head, left hand is resting on chest/heart , tail is raised above the right shoulder and face is shown in a relaxed mood.

Makardhwaj and Dandi Hanuman Ji , Bet Dwarka , Gujarat

The legend is that at the time of Ram and Ravan battle , the twin step brothers Ahi Ravan and Mahi Ravan of Ravan disguised them self as Vibhishan and Jamvant , kidnapped Lord Ram and Laxman and took them to Paatal Lok to sacrifice them to their deity , Lord Hanuman went in search and reached the Paatal entrance where he was challenged by a Vanara ( monkey) , upon asking who he is he identified himself as son of Lord Hanuman Ji . Hnuman Ji was Bharamchari ( bachlor ) upon asking him if he ever met his father and how he is father because he is a bachelor , Makardhwaj replied that when Hanuman Ji burnt Lanka with his tail and went to the sea to dip his tail in the water to extinguish the fire at that time the sweat from his body dropped and a it was swallowed by a Magar (Crocodle ) and he was born in the kitchen of his foster mother Chandersena who is in service of the demon twin brothers and he is also employed by them to not to allow any one to enter the Paatal Lok , at this point Lord Hanuman Ji gave his introduction and wanted to enter , hearing the noise Chandersena came out and upon knowing the story agreed to help Lord Hanuman Ji and after killing the twin brothers Lord Hanuman Ji bring Lord Ram and Laxman back to the safe place , before leaving, upon the request of Chandersena they made Makardhwaj the King of Paatal Lok .
Legend is Lord Krishna requested Lord Hanuman Ji and his son Makardhwaj to take care of security of Bet Dwarka .
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October 9, 2015 by anilrajput

Nageshvara Jyotirling Temple, Dwarka, Gujarat

Nageshvara Mahadev or Nagnath temple is about 12 km from Dwarka on road to Bet Dwarka , it is one of the 12 Jyotirlingams while other 11 are situated in the other parts of India . It is the first Joyotirlinam on the earth . There are two more Jyotirlings with same name as the place described in the Vamana Puran and Shiva Puran (old texts ) the Daruka Vana means the forest of Deodar Trees which grows at a height of 2000 mtrs. and above in Himalayas and suppose to be a place called Jageshwar in Uttrakhand . The second place is Anudha in Satpura Hills of Maharashtra state
Legend about the discovery of this place is, during their Vanavasa period Pandavas reached this place and they saw a cow flows its milk every day from its fodder into a lake on its own volition. The Pandavas doubted a divine presence , all five brothers emptied the water from the lake and started digging it. To their surprise a Shiva Lingam emerged out of it and they constructed a temple here , the present temple is a new structure over the old one .
Legend according to Shiv Purana, a devotee of Lord Shiva , Supriya a merchant while travelling in a boat was attacked by a demon Daaruka. The demon imprisoned him along with others at Daarukaavana . Supriya advised all prisoners to recite the mantra ‘Aum Namaha Shivaya’. When Daruk came to know about it he wanted to kill Supriya , at same time Lord Shiva appeared in the form of a Jyotirlingam and killed the demon Daruk with the Paasupata Astram.

Nageshvara Mahadev Temple, Dwarka Gujarat

There is one more legend associated with the position of Shivalingam and Gomugam , a devotee named Naamdev was in front of the Lord singing the devotional songs , other devotees wanted him to move away from in front of Shivalingam as his body is hiding the view of Lord , Naamdev asked them to suggest one place in which the Lord does not exist , the angry devotees carried him out of the temple and and left him on the South side , when they returned to their surprise , they found that the Lingam was now facing South with the Gomugam facing east.

Lord Shiva at Nagesvara temple Dwarka , Gujarat

Shankaracharya had established his Western Math (Kalika Peeth) here , it is considered as one among the seven moksh-daayi cities.
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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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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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April 24, 2015 by anilrajput

Yatra Chardham – Joshimath

Joshimath is also called the Jyotirmath established as one of the four main “pithas” by the Adi Shankaracharya in four different places in India the other three are Shrigeri in South , Puri in East and Dwarka in west. It is at a height of 1890 meters from sea on the Rishikesh – Badrinath highway 220 km from Rishikesh and Badrinath is further 42 km, it is situated at the confluence of river Alaknanda and Dhauli Ganga the Vishnu Prayag. This town is also the winter seat of Sri Badrinath at the Vasudeva Temple, other important temples are the Lord Narshimha the incarnation of lord Vishnu, the Hanumaan , the Gaurishankar, the Ganesha, the Nau Devi and the Surya .
Around Joshimath
This place is famous for base camp for many treks , Auli is at 3940 meters from sea level , from Joshimath there is a Asia’s longest 4 km Ropeway to reach here , it has the famous Ski slopes beautiful views of Nanda Devi peak , Mana and Kamet also a close view of the peak Hathi Ghora Palki and behind it the Neelkanth. There are many trekking routes starts from here , the Gorson, Tali and Kauri Pass, Khulara and Tapovan. Valley of Flowers can be reached from here upto Govindghat by road and the trek 14 kms to Ghangharia and then three km trek to the Valley of Flowers, from Ghangharia the Hemkund sahib the famous Sikh shrine and a temple dedicated to Laxman the younger brother of Lord Ram is situated , it is the place where Tenth Sikh Guru Gobind Singh Ji meditated in his previous birth which he mentioned in his book Bichitra Natak. Nanda Devi National Park is 24 km from here. Oldest tree in India the Kalpvriksh since the time of Adi Shankracharya is in Joshimath.
Most of the pilgrims stay a night at Joshimath before proceeding for Sri Badrinath , Sri Hemkund Sahib or Valley of Flowers journey and Lokpal Temple trek, it is a single road from here and traffic is allowed turn by turn in both direction for two hours.
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