Kashi,
also known as Varanasi, is one of the oldest and most sacred cities in the
world. It is a major pilgrimage site for Hindus and a center for art, culture,
and spirituality. Here are 11 important places to visit in Kashi:
The Shri Kashi Vishwanath Temple in Varanasi is a cornerstone of Hindu devotion, revered as one of the twelve Jyotirlingas, the most sacred abodes of Lord Shiva. This ancient temple, which has been destroyed and rebuilt multiple times, is renowned for its striking gold-plated spire, a testament to its architectural grandeur and spiritual importance. It attracts thousands of pilgrims daily who undertake the arduous journey to seek the blessings of Lord Shiva, with the profound belief that a visit to this holy site and a dip in the Ganges River can lead to moksha, or ultimate salvation
Dashashwamedh Ghat:
is
the most renowned and bustling ghat on the banks of the Ganges River in
Varanasi. It is steeped in Hindu mythology, with legends stating that Lord
Brahma created it to welcome Lord Shiva, or that he performed 10 Ashwamedha
Yagnas (horse sacrifices) here. The ghat is celebrated for the spectacular and
spiritually charged evening Ganga Aarti, a daily fire ritual where a
synchronized team of priests offers prayers to the holy river. This mesmerizing
ceremony, which involves the rhythmic waving of large multi-tiered lamps,
ringing of bells, and chanting of mantras, draws thousands of devotees and
tourists who gather on the steps and in boats to witness the profound display
of devotion.
Assi Ghat
c.Assi
Ghat: Situated at the confluence of the Ganges and Assi rivers,
this ghat is known for its peaceful and spiritual ambiance. It is a popular
spot for morning prayers, yoga, and the "Subah-e-Banaras" ceremony, a
cultural and spiritual event held at sunrise.
Manikarnika Ghat
d.Manikarnika
Ghat: As the main cremation ghat in Varanasi, it holds immense
religious significance. Hindus believe that a person cremated here attains moksha,
or liberation from the cycle of rebirth, and the pyres are said to burn
continuously.
Sankat Mochan Hanuman Temple
e.Sankat
Mochan Hanuman Temple: Dedicated to Lord Hanuman, this temple is
believed to have been founded by the saint-poet Tulsidas. It is a place where
devotees seek relief from their troubles, and it hosts an annual classical
music and dance festival.
Durga Temple
f.Durga
Temple: Also known as the "Monkey Temple," this
18th-century temple is dedicated to Goddess Durga, the deity of power and
strength. It is easily recognizable by its bright red color and traditional
Nagara style of architecture.
g.New
Vishwanath Temple (Birla Mandir):
New Vishwanath Temple
Located within the Banaras
Hindu University (BHU) campus, this modern temple is a replica of the original
Kashi Vishwanath Temple. Built with white marble, it is unique for being open
to people of all castes and religions.
Tulsi Manas Temple
h.Tulsi
Manas Temple: This temple is dedicated to Lord Rama and is
significant as the very place where the medieval saint Tulsidas is believed to
have composed the epic Hindu poem, Ramcharitmanas. The walls of the
temple are inscribed with verses and scenes from the work.
Kaal Bhairav Temple
i.Kaal
Bhairav Temple: Dedicated to a fierce manifestation of Lord
Shiva, this ancient temple serves as the residence of the "Kotwal"
(guardian) of Kashi. It is a ritual for locals and pilgrims to seek his
permission before staying in or leaving the city.
j.Bharat
Mata Mandir:
Bharat Mata Mandir
A unique and secular temple, it is dedicated
to "Mother India." The temple, inaugurated by Mahatma Gandhi, houses
a large, carved marble relief map of undivided India instead of traditional
idols of deities.
Sarnath
k.Sarnath:
Located near Varanasi, Sarnath is a crucial Buddhist pilgrimage site where Lord
Buddha delivered his first sermon after achieving enlightenment. The area
contains historical ruins, including the Dhamek Stupa and the Ashoka Pillar,
and is a center for Buddhist culture and learning.
Sarnath, situated close to Varanasi, holds immense significance as a pivotal Buddhist pilgrimage destination where Lord Buddha delivered his first sermon, the Dhammacakkappavattana Sutta, following his enlightenment. The archaeological site is home to a wealth of historical ruins, most notably the Dhamek Stupa, a massive cylindrical structure marking the spot of the original sermon, and the Ashoka Pillar, erected by Emperor Ashoka in the 3rd century BCE to spread the Buddhist faith. Beyond its historical ruins, Sarnath is a vibrant hub for Buddhist culture and learning, housing numerous monasteries, temples, and museums that attract pilgrims, scholars, and tourists from around the world.
South India is a treasure
trove of ancient and awe-inspiring temples, each a testament to centuries of
rich history, architectural brilliance, and profound spiritual devotion. These
sacred sites attract millions of pilgrims and tourists alike, offering a
powerful glimpse into India's vibrant cultural heritage.
Here are some of the most
famous and amazing temples, considered powerful pilgrimage sites in South
India, often highlighted by sources like "Geethanjali - Travel Saga":
Andhra Pradesh:
Sri Venkateswara Swamy Temple (Tirumala
Tirupati Devasthanam), Tirupati: One of the wealthiest
and most visited temples in the world, dedicated to Lord Venkateswara (a
form of Lord Vishnu). Pilgrims often undertake a rigorous journey to seek
blessings here.
Sita Ramachandra Swamy Temple,
Bhadrachalam: Attracts thousands of devotees,
especially during Ram Navami, and is dedicated to Lord Rama.
Veerabhadra Temple, Lepakshi:
Known for its Vijayanagar style, a massive Nandi statue, a "hanging
pillar," and intricate murals.
Karnataka:
Virupaksha Temple, Hampi:
A prominent part of the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Hampi, dedicated to
Lord Shiva, showcasing the grandeur of the Vijayanagara Empire.
Chamundeshwari Temple, Mysuru (Mysore):
Located on top of the Chamundi Hills, this temple is one of the 18 Shakti
Peethas in India, dedicated to Goddess Durga.
Chennakeshava Temple, Belur:
A stunning 12th-century creation by the Hoysala dynasty, covered in
detailed carvings that tell stories.
Group of Monuments at Pattadakal:
A UNESCO World Heritage Site, showcasing a blend of Dravidian and Nagara
styles of architecture.
Murudeshwar Temple, Murudeshwar:
Famous for its towering gopuram and the second tallest statue of Lord
Shiva in the world, located along the Arabian Sea.
Guruvayur Temple, Guruvayur:
Known as the "Dwarka of the South," this temple in Kerala is
dedicated to Lord Krishna and is one of the most revered in the region.
Kerala:
Sree Padmanabhaswamy Temple,
Thiruvananthapuram: Dedicated to Lord Anantha (a form of
Lord Vishnu), it's renowned for its intricate architecture and has gained
global attention for its treasure vaults.
Sabarimala Shri Ayyappa Swamy Temple,
Sabarimala: A major pilgrimage site dedicated to Lord
Ayyappan, attracting millions annually, known for its unique traditions
and challenging pilgrimage journey.
Guruvayur Temple, Guruvayur:
Dedicated to Lord Krishna, often referred to as the "Dwarka of the
South."
Vadakkunnathan Temple, Thrissur:
A majestic temple dedicated to Lord Shiva, known for its classical Kerala
architecture.
Tamil Nadu:
Brihadeeswara Temple, Thanjavur:
A UNESCO World Heritage Site and a masterpiece of Chola architecture from
the 11th century, dedicated to Lord Shiva, featuring an awe-inspiring
216-foot-tall vimana carved from a single granite stone.
Meenakshi Amman Temple, Madurai:
An architectural marvel dedicated to Goddess Meenakshi (Parvati) and Lord
Sundareswarar (Shiva), famous for its towering gopurams adorned with
thousands of intricately carved figures.
Sri Ranganatha Swamy Temple, Srirangam:
Considered the largest functioning Hindu temple complex in the world,
dedicated to Lord Ranganatha (a reclining form of Vishnu), located on an
island in the Cauvery River.
Ramanathaswamy Temple, Rameswaram:
One of the twelve Jyotirlingas of Lord Shiva and a part of the Char Dham
pilgrimage, known for its remarkable corridor, the longest in the world.
Group of Monuments at Mahabalipuram
(Mamallapuram): A UNESCO World Heritage Site featuring
ancient rock-cut temples, mandapas, and shore temples, showcasing Pallava
dynasty architecture.
Kanchipuram:
Known as the "City of a Thousand Temples," it boasts an array of
ancient Dravidian architectural marvels like the Kailasanathar and
Ekambareswarar temples.
Nataraja Temple, Chidambaram:
Dedicated to Lord Shiva as Nataraja (the cosmic dancer), with deep
mythical roots and ancient traditions.
Arunachaleswarar Temple, Tiruvannamalai:
Located at the foot of Mount Arunachala, this temple dedicated to Lord
Shiva is a significant pilgrimage site, especially during the Karthikai
Deepam festival.
Kumari Amman Temple, Kanyakumari: Dedicated
to Goddess Kanyakumari (an avatar of Goddess Parvati), located at the
southernmost tip of mainland India.
These temples offer not just
spiritual solace but also an incredible journey through South India's artistic,
historical, and cultural grandeur.
Experience the breathtaking Thrissur
Pooram sample fireworks, lighting up the evening sky in preparation for
Kerala’s grandest temple festival! This prelude to the main Pooram fireworks
showcases vibrant pyrotechnic artistry, thrilling spectators with
stunning displays of colors and rhythmic bursts.
Held at the Vadakkunnathan
Temple grounds, the sample fireworks give festival-goers a glimpse of the intensity
and grandeur expected on the main event day. Each faction competes to
create a visual masterpiece, blending tradition, creativity, and precision
in a spectacular show.
Stay tuned as Thrissur
Pooram 2025 unfolds with its iconic elephant processions, percussion
ensembles, and electrifying fireworks—a celebration like no other!
Thrissur
Pooram in 2025 is scheduled to be held on Tuesday, May 6th. This grand
festival is celebrated at the Vadakkunnathan Temple in Thrissur, Kerala, and is
known as the "Mother of all Poorams" due to its grandeur, traditions,
and vibrant cultural events dedicated to Lord Vadakkunnathan (Lord Shiva). The
festivities actually begin a week before with a flag-raising ceremony
(Kodiyettam) on April 30th, followed by fireworks.
Given your location in Dubai
and past interest in Kerala-related topics, you might be considering attending.
Here's some information that might be helpful:
Flights from Dubai to Kochi
(the nearest major airport):
Based on recent searches,
there are direct flights available from Dubai (DXB) to Kochi (COK) in early May
2025. Airlines such as SpiceJet, Air India, IndiGo, Emirates, and Air India
Express operate these routes. You can expect flight durations of around 4
hours. Prices may vary depending on the date and airline. It would be best to
check specific dates closer to May for the most accurate flight details and
prices.
Accommodation near Thrissur
Pooram:
Here are some accommodation
options near Thrissur Pooram with links where available:
The Travancore royal family has a rich
and complex history. Here's a summary of key aspects:
Historical Significance:
They were the ruling house of the Kingdom of
Travancore, a princely state in what is now the southern Indian state of
Kerala.
Their rule spanned from the 17th century until 1949,
when Travancore merged with independent India.
The family has a long lineage, with connections to
ancient dynasties like the Cheras, Pandyas, and Cholas.
Key Rulers:
Notable rulers include Marthanda Varma, who is
credited with consolidating the kingdom, and Swathi Thirunal, known for
his contributions to music and arts.
Chithira Thirunal Balarama Varma was the last ruling
Maharaja.
Matrilineal Succession:
The Travancore royal family followed a matrilineal
system of inheritance, meaning that succession passed through the female
line.
Sree Padmanabhaswamy Temple:
The family is closely associated with the Sree
Padmanabhaswamy Temple in Thiruvananthapuram.
They are considered custodians of the temple, and its
vast treasures have drawn significant attention.
Modern Status:
While their formal ruling powers ended with India's
independence, the Travancore royal family continues to hold cultural and
religious significance.
Currently, Sree Moolam Thirunal Rama Varma is the
current titular Maharaja.
Attingal Ranis:
The female members of the Royal family are known as
Attingal Ranis.
It is important to note that the family has a long and storied
history, with many layers of cultural and historical significance.
It is a spectacle to behold when the
rulers of the Travancore dynasty are reborn. Thiruvananthapuram resident Yuhab
Ismail created this video Mr. Yuhab Ismail Creative Designer. #TravancoreRoyalsAI , #KeralaRoyaltyReborn ,#AIHistoricalFigures, #CreativeAI ,#YuhabIsmail #AIHistory
Ettumanoorappan
refers primarily to Lord Shiva as he is worshipped at the Ettumanoor Mahadeva
Temple in Ettumanoor, Kerala, India. Here's a breakdown of key details:
Ettumanoor
Mahadeva Temple:
This
is an ancient Shiva temple located in the Kottayam district, of Kerala.
It's a
significant religious site in Kerala, known for its rich history and artistic
heritage.
The
temple showcases traditional Kerala architecture and intricate mural paintings.
One of
the most famous murals is the depiction of Nataraja.
Ettumanoorappan
(Lord Shiva):
The
deity worshipped here is Lord Shiva, known as Ettumanoorappan.
Devotees
believe that Ettumanoorappan embodies different aspects of Shiva throughout the
day.
Key
Festivals:
The
annual festival, particularly the Ezhara Ponnana procession, is a major
highlight.
Ezhara
Ponnana refers to "seven-and-a-half golden elephants," which are
displayed during the festival.
The
festival is celebrated in the Malayalam month of Kumbham (February-March).
Historical
and Cultural Significance:
The
temple has a long history, with legends linking it to ancient sages and even
the Pandavas.
The
Ezhara Ponnana offering is believed to have been donated by a Travancore ruler.
The
temple is a repository of Kerala's artistic and cultural traditions.
In
essence, Ettumanoorappan is the revered deity of a historically and culturally
significant temple, drawing devotees and visitors with its spiritual aura and
artistic treasures.
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