Somnath Jyotirling in Saurashtra (GUJ)

Somnath is the first among the twelve Jyotirlinga shrines of the Lord Shiva. This temple is located at Prabhas Pattan in Saurashtra, Gujrat, India. It is one of the oldest and most revered tourist spot in India. The meaning of Somnath is "Lord of the Soma", an epithet of Shiva.

This temple is also known as "the Shrine Eternal". This temple has been destroyed and rebuilt numerous times by Islamic and Hindu kings respectively. Recently, it was rebuilt in November 1947. It stands tall among the temples of India.

According to popular tradition document legend Soma, the moon God built the temple in gold, Ravan built it in silver, and Krishna in wood built it stone. Soma constructed this as a sign after the Lord Shiva cured him of his illness. The illness was caused by Daksha Prajapati, father of his wife.

The temple opens daily from 6AM to 9PM. There are 3 daily aarti; first in the morning at 07:00, second at 12:00 and the last and third in the evening at 19:00.

Various attractions spot to visit in Somnath are: Somnath Jyotirlinga Temple,Old Somnath Temple, Panch Pandav Gufa,Balukha Tirtha, Suraj Mandir, Kamnath Mahadev Temple, Parasuram Temple, Junagadh Gate, Lakshminarayan Temple, Gita Mandir, Triveni Ghat etc.

The best time to visit this is October to March.

How to Reach Somnath:-

Nearest Railway Station:- Somnath (SMNH)

By Road:-

You can easily get regular buses to Somnath temple from major cities of the India.

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Shree Siddhivinayak Ganpati Temple

The Shree Siddhivinayak Ganesh Mandir is a famous Hindu temple of India that is devoted to Lord Shri Ganapati. It's located in Prabhadevi, Mumbai, and Maharashtra. It had been originally engineered by Laxman Vithu and Deubai Patil on November nineteen, 1801. The Shree Siddhivinayak is one in all the richest temples in Bombay, this generation of Patil is staying in state of despair close to the temple.

The temple features a little mandap (hall) with the shrine for Siddhi Vinayak ("Ganesha UN agency grants your wish"). The picket doors to the sanctum area unit engraved with pictures of the Ashtavinayak (the eight manifestations of Ganesha in Maharashtra). The inner roof of the sanctum is plated with gold, and also the central sculpture is of Ganesha.

The Siddhivinayak Mandir evolved from atiny low, small place of worship to the Grand Temple that stands nowadays within the later half the 20^th century. Temple glory has not only famous between the politicians even additionally popular between film industry and film stars, who continuously visit to hunt the blessings of Lord Ganesha.

TEMPLE SCHEDULE

Temple's Schedule (Wednesday to Monday):

05.30 to 06.00   Kakad Aarti

06.00 to 12.15   Shree Darshan

12.15 to 12.30   Naivedya

12.30 to 19.20   Shree Darshan

19.30 to 20.00   Aarti

20.00 to 21.50   Shree Darshan

21.50                Shejaarti, Temple doors closed

Temple's Schedule (Tuesday):

03.15 to 04.45   Shree Darshan

05.00 to 05.30   Kakad Aarti

05.30 to 12.15   Shree Darshan

12.15 to 12.30   Naivedya

12.30 to 20.45   Shree Darshan

21.30 to 22.00   Aarti

00.30                Shejaarti, Temple doors closed

How to Reach

Nearest Railway Station: Dadar (Western Railway)

Distance by Road: The Total distance from Dadar Railway Station (West) to Shree Siddhivinayak Mandir is 1.5 Kilometer. It is about 20 minutes walking distance. If you hire a taxi from Dadar Station, it will cost you approximately Rs.20/-

 

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Baba Kasi Viswanath Dham Varanasi

The original name of Varanasi was 'Kashi,' derived from the word 'Kasha,' that means brightness. It's additionally glorious diversely as Avimuktaka, Anandakanana, Mahasmasana, Surandhana, Brahma Vardha, Sudarsana and Ramya.

How Varanasi Got Its Name

The name Varanasi has its origin presumably from the names of the 2 rivers Varuna and Assi, for the recent town lies within the north shores of the Ganga finite by its 2 tributaries, the Varuna and therefore the Asi, with the Ganges River being to its south. Another speculation regarding the origin of the name is that the watercourse Varuna itself was referred to as Varanasi in past times, from that town got its name. this can be usually unnoticed by historians.

History of Varanasi

The land of Varanasi (Kashi) has been the noted journey spot for Hindus for ages. The Heaven is located on the banks of the watercourse Ganges River within the Indian state of province. Ganges River in Varanasi is believed to own the facility to clean away the sins of mortals. usually mentioned as Benares, Varanasi is that the oldest living town within the world. It's aforementioned to be the abode of Lord Shiva and Annapurna.

The name Kasi (another name for Varanasi) is mentioned within the Samhita. It's usually additionally mentioned as "city of temples and learning". Buddha preached his 1st sermon once enlightenment at Sarnath, simply ten metric linear unit removed from Varanasi. Knowledge, philosophy, culture, devotion to Gods, Indian arts and crafts has all flourished here for hundreds of years.

Vaishnavism and Shaivism have co-existed in Varanasi harmoniously. Jainism is additionally a section of the various religions followed here. Varanasi is believed to be the birthplace of Parsvanath, the 23rd Tirthankar so it's a noted journey centre for the Jains. With variety of temples, Mrs. Annie Besant selected Varanasi because the home for her 'Theosophical Society'. Being a prosperous town, the place was invaded by several muslim rulers so the muslim influence is additionally gift here.

The Banares Hindu University, the largest University in Asia engineered by Pandit Madan Mohan Malviya is additionally located in Varanasi. Ayurveda is claimed to be originated at Varanasi and is believed to be the premise of recent medical sciences. Varanasi is additionally noted for its trade and commerce, particularly for the best silks and gold and silver brocades, since the first days.

Varanasi has additionally been a good center of learning for ages. Varanasi is related to promotion of spiritualism, mysticism, Sanskrit, yoga and Hindi language. Ably referred to as because the cultural capital of Asian nation, Varanasi has provided the correct platform for all cultural activities to flourish. Varanasi has its own sort of classical Hindustani music, and has made outstanding musicians, philosophers, poets, and writers in Indian history, together with Kabir, Prem Chand, Tulsi Das, the noted saint-poet United Nations agency wrote Ram Charit Manas, Jaishankar Prasad, Pandit Shankar, and Ustad Bismillah Khan. The language spoken within the town is Bhojpuri, a accent of Hindi.

The history of Varanasi is incredibly recent however it but lives within the style of recent manuscripts and therefore the people traditions however most significantly through its folks.

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Maa Vaisno Devi

Chalo Maa Vaisno Devi Ke Darbar !

The Intention of creating this blog is to make all you shradlu aware as to how to reach Vaishno Devi. This blog probably will help you to explore the option to reaching there & will make your yatra more comfortable.

Vaishno Devi one of the most Holy Place in the World is located in state Jammu & Kashmir (J&K), India.

Vaishno Devi is approx 12 Kms away from Katra. Katra is well connected by Road to Jammu. Jammu is very well connected by Train, Road, Air from all metros of India.

Train Enquiry & booking can be done through http://www.irctc.co.in/ IRCTC does have package for Vaishno devi yatra. A

Rajdhani Train also run on Delhi - Jammu route on every Friday.

Now You can directly reach Maa Vaisno Devi Station Katra by train. Lots of Express and local trains are departed daily from the Jammu Railway Station. Katra is 40 Km from Jammu & Travel time would be around 2 hrs. The journey is a bit tiring and you will need to freshen up after reaching there.

It is always advisable to take an hotel for your stay there, normally it takes a day to go to the vaishno devi shrine and come back and more importantly one cannot carry all the bag and baggages.the place Katra is filled with Hotels. Your Taxi/Bus will drop you at Katra Bus station. Hotels of all budget are available in Katra. When you reach Katra you will find yourself surrounded by agents for Hotel. Basically they all are good for nothing. So I would advise you to not to listen them all. Remain calm & search hotel as per your requirement. If you did booking for hotel online then it is also fine. I come to know there are many websites which provides online hotel booking facility for hotels. You may do some googling for this. The Average Room Rent in offseason is INR350 (Non A/C Room) & INR600 (A/C Room). In Peak Season this figure would be around INR500 & INR750 respectively.

First thing you need to go is to get Yatra Parchi from Shrine Board office which is located on Katra Bus Stand. Have a good bath & if you want take a short nap then go ahead. Have a meal & start your Journey.

You can to cover 12 km yatra by following options:
1. Helicopter
2. Palki
3. Horses
4. Bus # 11 (Walk) :-)

Helicopter:- There are two helicopter services available from Katra. Helicopter drops at Sanjichat which is approx 2 km far from Vaishno Devi Bhawan. You have to walk from Sanjichat to Bhawan.

Operator 1: Air Deccan - Air Deccan charge INR1550 per passenger (Including Taxes) from you for one way ride. Time slot for Air Deccan is 11:30 AM - 1:30 PM and 4:30 - 6:30 PM. Slot timing keep changing. Please check with them for their Current time slot. The Air Deccan booking can be done through any of Deccan Travel agent or from their website is http://www.flyairdeccan.net/.

Operator 2: Himalayan Heli Service: Himalayan Heli Service is cheaper than Air Deccan. They charge INR1200 per passenger (Including Taxes). Himalyan is also operate in 2 slots & they are 9 AM - 11 AM & 2 PM - 4 PM. Time slots keeps changing so please check with Himalyan for time slots. The booking method available for Himalyan is to call them or some body will buy for you from their katra office. Till date they do not have any website. What I did I called them on their landline no & got my tickets booked. Once they will confirm your ticket on phone then it means they are booked. You no need to pay any thing over phone for booking.

The problem with Helicopter services is they wont operate some time due to weather. In my case the day was very foggy so they have halted their operation. They can give you option in another slot but concern is climate is beyond any one’s control. Me & my family have opted to walk rather than waiting. Due to that decision we saved our time because Helicopter services have resume their operation after 2 Days.

Palki:- Palki is for aged or Disables. The charges are approx INR2000 per head (Approx). Rate are fixed & written every where. If you feel that you have been asked for more then prompt local police.

Horses:- Horses are available at Banganga (Beginning point of Yatra).

Walking:- The Best choice is to walk. You can comfortably reach at bhawan by taking new way. New Road is diverted before 0.5 Km from Ardhkumari. From ArdhKumari there is a tunnel which meet new way. New way is the wide road which are more best way to watch & horses wont go from new way. New way is less steep than older way. The best part of Journey is that you will enjoy the holy environment, Scenic view, Food. Rich, Poor every one walk & keep chanting Jai Mata Di.

ArdhKumari: Ardhkumari is Garbhjun where Maa Vaishno Devi had spent 9 months period. This is the belief that one should cross this cave before going to Bhawan. But Ardhkumari is all time crowded & there is all time long waiting queues. My Suggestion check if your waiting time is within 6 hrs then you can wait else go to bhawan & visit ardhkumari in your return journey. Well this is my view. You can take decision according to your belief & choices. There is belief that any human being no matter how fatty he is, can cross narrow ardhkumari cave & Yes this is true. Once you reach bhawan, first you need to have get the Batch #.You must be tired by this time. Get a bath there. You will not forget this experience very easily. Keep your luggage & belongings in clock room. There are Rooms & Dormitory available at Bhawan. For which booking can be done either http://maavaishnodevi.org/ or Shrine Board office, Katra.

On Bhawan there are 4 gates.

Gate 1 & 2: Gate 1 & 2 are the normal gate. Gate 2 remain close maximum time. You will get entry from gate 1. If there is rush time then you could have to wait for long. Long means some time it is 2-3 days too. This kind of scenario happens only in time of Navaratas. But normally you need to wait 5-6 hrs. 

Gate 3: This is entry for Military official & there family, friends. This lines join Gate 1&2 line at last. It saves lot of time. You need to not for long irruptive of rush.

Gate 4: This is VVIP gate. For the entrant of this gate goes direct for darshan without any stoppage.

Once you will be out after having darshan. You may want to enjoy food over there. Enjoy food.

Bhairav Mandir: Bhairav Mandir is 2.5 Km far from Bhawan. This is a belief that after having darshan of Maa Vaishno Devi you need to visit Bhairav Baba mandir. Bhairav Baba Mandir's way is not good. But it is not a big issue. Best thing at Bhairon Baba Mandir that it will not be much crowded. You may rest at bhawan. Free Blankets are also available there. For every blanket you need to deposit INR100 as a Secuirty.

Hope the above information will help you. You may leave your review comments. If you would like to add more information then please go ahead. Wishing you & your family a very Happy journey.

PS: The author of this blog will not bear any responsibility of any Loss/Damage due to provided Information.

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Shirdi Sai Baba

Sai Baba of Shirdi (1838 – Fifteen October 1918; Resided in Shirdi), additionally called Shirdi Sai Baba, was a religious master and is regarded by his devotees as a saint, fakir, avatar (an incarnation of God), or sadguru, in keeping with their individual proclivities and beliefs. He was revered by each his Muslim and Hindu devotees, and during, yet as once, his life on earth it remained unsure if he was a Muslim or Hindu himself. This but was of no consequence to Sai Baba himself. Sai Baba stressed the importance of surrender to the steering of truth Sadguru or Murshad, who, having gone the trail to divine consciousness himself, will lead the adherent through the jungle of religious coaching.

Sai Baba remains a really in style saint, particularly in Asian country, and is worshiped by people round the world. He had no love for decayable things and his sole concern was fulfillment. He educated an ethical code of affection, forgiveness, serving to others, charity, happiness, inner peace, and devotion to God and Guru. He gave no distinction supported faith or caste. Sai Baba's teaching combined parts of Hinduism and Islam: he gave the Hindu name Dwarakamayi to the musjid he lived in, experienced Muslim rituals, educated mistreatment words and figures that role player from each traditions, and was buried in Shirdi. One in all his standard epigrams, "Malik Ek" ("One God governs all"), is related to Islam and Sufism. He additionally aforementioned, "Trust in Maine and your prayer shall be answered". He continuously expressed "Allah Malik" ("God is King").

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Maa Vaishno Devi Temple

Maa Vaishno Devi Temple is close to the city of Katra, Jammu and Kashmir. Katra is the Reasi district of the state of Jammu and Kashmere.  It's one among the foremost revered places of worship in India. The shrine is at associate degree altitude of 5300 feet and a distance of roughly twelve kilometres from Katra. Just about eight million pilgrims (yatris) visit the temple each year. The Sri Mata Vaishno Devi Shrine Board maintains the shrine. 

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