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AMARANATH TOUR(Lord Shiva Shrine)

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AMARNATH YATRA Ameshwara: The Immortal Lord By Sameer C Mohindru
State Jammu and Kashmir
Location At the head of the Sind Valley in Kashmir, to the north of Anantnag at an altitude of 12,723 ft, Amarnath is flanked by the Great Himalayan Range to the north and the Sachkach (Sasakat) Mountains to the south
Distances 338 km NE of Jammu, 144 km NE of Srinagar (via Pahalgam), 114 km NE of Srinagar (via Baltal)
Duration 2-6 days
Route from Srinagar NH1A to Khanabal via Avantipura; state highway to Chandanwari via Anantnag and Pahalgam; trek to Amarnath Alternative route State highway to Baltal via Ganderbal and Sonamarg; trek to Amarnath
Route from Jammu NH1A to Khanabal via Udhampur, Patnitop and Verinag; rest as above

Fact File: When to go, and how
Darshan at the holy cave used to be open from early July (Ashad Purnima) to early August (Shravan Purnima) with the yatra concluding on the day of the Raksha Bandhan Festival. Over the years, the number of pilgrims has swelled and the duration of the yatra increased to 45 days in 2004 and 60 days last year (2005), starting from Vyas Purnima.
Over 400,000 yatris performed the pilgrimage in 2005. Nearly 60 pilgrims, including 11 women, died due to cardiac arrests and accidents in the course of this ardu­ous journey. Earlier, the yatra used to be open only to registered pilgrims. Nobody was allowed to proceed on the yatra without prop­er registration through the designated branch­es of the Jammu and Kashmir Bank Ltd nation­wide. Watch out for an advertisement in the leading national dailies some time in June, 2-3 months before Raksha Bandhan. A medical fitness certificate was a must before registering as a pilgrim to get the yatri permit. The registration process is still undertaken but with the duration of the yatra having been doubled to two months, the rules have been relaxed. In 2005, pilgrims were allowed to pro­ceed from Baltal, one of the two routes to visit the holy cave, without registration, from 21st June onwards. The yatra formally began for the registered pilgrims only a fortnight later.

For those who choose to go as registered yatris, and this is recommended, the date and route (Pahalgam or Baltal) for darshan are mentioned in the permit and not interchangeable later. The application form can also be downloaded from the J&K Bank website (jkbank.net) after the yatra has been announced. Earlier, the yatri had to get himself declared fit from a medical officer. In 2005, a self-declaration of fitness was also allowed. Please note that unlike the Manasarovar Yatra, there is no selection-rejection process here. Nor is the Amarnath Yatra an organised trip in the sense of the Manasarovar Yatra, where one is part of a group and moves along with them.

Yatris have the option of proceeding on their own initiative, or opting for a package provided by the JKTDC or other travel agents. This writer went with a group of 60 people, without any assistance from travel agencies, hiring a tourist bus for Pahalgam from Patiala, Punjab. It will be a good idea if people go in groups, small or big. JKTDC does offer packages for Amarnath Yatra. This can be considered too. Con­trary to the perception of many, the Amarnath Yatra is quite affordable. To register for the yatra you need to contact the desig­nated J&K Bank branch. This can be a very frustrating experience as there are long queues, with crowds jostling with each other to get the earliest possible date for darshan. In many branches, permits for early dates of darshan are cornered by those organising langars for their associates, or by travel agencies who ferry pilgrims in groups by buses and cars. Only a limited number of permits per day of darshan per branch are issued. Last year, with the relaxation of rules, many pilgrims went without the official permits before the yatra began formally, and even later.

The routes
There are two routes to the holy cave:


From Pahalgam
Pahalgam/ Nunwan-Chandanwari (16 km)-Pissu Top (3 km)-Seshnag (9 km)-Panchtarni (13 km)-Amarnath Cave (6 km)

Night-stay facilities are only available at Pahalgam, Seshnag, Panchtarni and the holy cave (though most yatris on this route return to Panchtarni on the day of the darshan itself)

From Baltal
Baltal-Domail (2 km)-Burari Marg (5 km)-San­gam Ghati (5 km)-Amarnath Cave (3 km)

There is no overnight accommodation available between Baltal and the holy cave; the entire stretch has to be covered in a single day. Pilgrims on this route halt for the night in tents at some distance from the holy cave. If the weather conditions are favourable, those who are fast can even return to Baltal the same day making it a one-day pilgrimage. Baltal is now becoming the preferred route for many pilgrims who want to undertake the Amarnath Yatra in less time

The Pahalgam route is considered the more sacred route. It is through this route that Chhari Mubarak, the holy mace of Lord Shiva, reaches the cave shrine on the day of Raksha Bandhan. The base camp is in Nunwan, 3 km before Pahalgam, where tented accom­mo­dation is available. Pilgrims also have the option of staying in hotels at Pahalgam. Early in the morning, pilgrims are allowed to proceed from Nunwan and Pahalgam to Chandanwari, a distance of 16 km, by mini-buses and taxis but not heavy vehicles. It could take more than 2 hrs to cover this short distance because the road is very narrow and the vehicles have to negotiate steep, treach­erous bends, many a time waiting for the traffic from the opposite direction to pass. It requires skilled driving, to say the least. From Chandanwari onwards the track gets even steeper, and is accessible only on foot or by pony or dandi (palki).

The Baltal route is shorter but steeper and prone to landslides. Baltal is 95 km from Srinagar. Pilgrims have to stay in tents at the base camp here, which is akin to the one in Nunwan. Helicopter service revived in recent times, which has added a whole new dimension to the Amarnath Yatra by ferrying those who do not wish to trek and can afford the prohibitive cost of air travel, is also avail­able on this route. In 2005, the privately owned Jagson Airlines flew helicopters with a capacity of five passengers each (two return flights daily), connecting Srinagar to the holy cave (Rs 25,000 return trip). Also, on an average, 20 return flights operated daily between Baltal and the Amarnath Cave shrine (Rs 10,500 return trip).

Communications
BSNL, the government owned public utility, installs telephone booths at Pahalgam, Chandanwari, Baltal, Sonamarg and Mani­gam, while the police’s Tele­commu­nication Department provides wireless facilities for coordination along the hilly track. Bharti Tele­com or Airtel provides mobile telephony across J&K but, usually, handsets do not receive signals on the trek beyond Chandanwari because of high altitudes.

Getting There
The Amarnath Yatra begins from Pahalgam/ Nunwan and Baltal.

By air: The nearest airport is Srinagar. The distance from Srinagar to Pahalgam is 96 km and Srinagar to Baltal is 95 km. Average cost of a cab is Rs 600-700. Local buses are also available (Rs 100-140). Travel in a group and enquire about rates from a number of cab drivers before zeroing in on one of them.

By rail: The nearest raihead is Jammu, which is well connected to the rest of the country by trains.

By road: Buses are available from the main Jammu Bus Stand to Pahalgam (315 km) — deluxe (Rs 200), semi-deluxe (Rs 155), and ordinary (Rs 130). To Baltal (400 km), the same journey costs Rs 240, Rs 200 and Rs 160 respectively. Also, 7-seater and 5-seater taxis are available from Jammu to Pahalgam (Rs 360 and Rs 540 per person respectively). The frequency of buses is erratic and depends on the availability of passengers. It is better to proceed in a group in a taxi. It will be difficult to get a direct bus for Baltal from Jammu for few passengers (buses are especially hired by groups of more than 50) and, unless one goes by taxi, a night halt will have to be made at Srinagar. However, the journey to Pahalgam can be made in a single day by both bus and taxi.

Private air services: Private carriers have to pay 10 per cent of their gross revenues to Sri Amarnathji Shrine Board (SASB). Fares on these carriers are more expensive by almost that much.

Jagson Airlines (3rd Floor, Vandana Building, 11, Tolstoy Marg, New Delhi-110001; Tel: 011-23721593-94, 23328579-80; Email: jagson_id@eth.net) offers helicopter services to the holy cave. For current fares check jagsonairline.com

Air Deccan Trans Bharat and Himalayan Heli-skiing lease helicopters to SASB, and the state-run JKTDC.
Other ExpendituresChandanwari to the holy cave and back: coolie/porter labour Rs 1,100; dandi/ palki Rs 7,000; pony Rs 2,300 Bantal to holy cave and back: coolie/ porter labour Rs 700; dandi/ palki Rs 3,500; pony Rs 1,100. It may be noted that these rates are only indicative and will finally depend on the bargaining, which takes place on the spot

Weather disruptions
Landslides triggered by torrential rains on the Srinagar-Jammu National Highway can some­times lead to a late start or temporary sus­pension of the pilgrimage. The climatic con­ditions are very uncertain. Rain or snow­fall may take place at any time or place during the yatra. It is to be particularly noted that abrupt changes in temperature might occur. Sunny weather may be followed by rain or snowfall within a short time. The temperature may even fall to -5º C. Pilgrims may also expe­rience breathlessness at high altitudes.

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It is essential to pack warm woollen clothing, stockings and trousers, jacket, rain­coat, umbrella, waterproof shoes, flashlight, walking stick, monkey cap and gloves. After snowfall and avalanches caused large-scale damage to life and property during the 1996 yatra, the Sengupta Com­mission had recommended restricting the number of yatris to 3,500 per day, including 700 yatris via the Baltal route for a 30-day yatra. The recom­mendations are difficult to implement due to the rush of pilgrims; the actual daily count of pilgrims is more than double the recom­mended number.

Security arrangements
It is a tribute to the grit and determination of the soldiers of the Indian Army, Border Security Force (BSF) and the Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF) that the previous three Amarnath pilgrimages have been largely free of violence. In fact, many bids by militants to disrupt the yatra were foiled during this period.
Credit goes to the jawans who brave the cold every year and begin clearing the trek from Chandanwari and Baltal to the holy cave, long before the actual yatra begins. Removing the snow and the boulders to make the trail negotiable is a mammoth task to say the least, and yet it is performed by the armed forces with great commitment. Anantnag District, where the holy cave is located, has been a hotbed of militant activity since long but pilgrims from all over the country are able to throng here for the yatra thanks to the security cover.

A multiple cordon security blanket is thrown along the yatra route. While the Indian Army mans the heights to prevent any infiltration from the mountains, BSF personnel dot the trekking route. The safety of the camps put up for the yatris at night halts is handled by the CRPF jawans. The idea is that even if militants breach one cordon, they will be checkmated by one of the remaining two.

While it is not easy at all to penetrate the multi-layered security net thrown around the Amarnath Yatra base camps in Baltal and Nunwan, it is not impossible either, given the determination of the fidayeen (suicide terror groups). The Nunwan Base Camp was set up in 2001, following the terrorist attack in Pahalgam the previous year, when at least 25 people including 16 pilgrims were killed and 60 others injured. It resembles a fort dotted with heavily armed security personnel.

The 2002 attack on the Nunwan Camp, which led to the loss of some lives, is illustrative of how even the tightest security can be breached. In the words of an officer of the Armed Forces, the Nunwan Base Camp is “a natural fortress in which we take special pride”. The entire camp is cordoned off with barbed wires and iron gates; CRPF sharpshooters maintain round-the-clock vigil. Entry and exit points are separate and exclu­sive. A similar camp is set up on the other route at Baltal too.

There is a sharpshooter guarding the camp after every gap of 50-100m. Gates are shut between 10 pm and 7 am. All vehicles are stop­­­­­ped one kilometre from the Nunwan Camp, where pilgrims are frisked thoroughly by Jammu & Kashmir police personnel, and the luggage is checked with the help of snif­fer dogs and X-ray machines.

Vehicle parking has been kept at a 500m distance from the base camp, and no vehicle other than the ones designated by security is allowed to enter the cordoned area. The 16-km stretch from Pahalgam to Chandan­wari, from where the trek begins, is covered by pilgrims in a hundred mini-buses and taxis especially designated for the purpose.

Security personnel are on the constant look out for militant movement, a partic­ular­ly difficult task as thousands of pony-men and pitthuwallahs are pressed into service during the yatra. In 2001, a militant carrying explo­sives in the guise of a pony-man was arrested in Panchtarni. On another occasion, a fidayeen was found to have posed as a lame pilgrim and packed explosives into his hollow crutches. In 2001, militants also attacked a camp in Seshnag disguised as sadhus. Security forces encourage yatris to opt for the shorter Baltal route via Srinagar, which is considered relatively secure.

Tourist Offices
Director Tourism
Tourist Reception Centre, Srinagar
Tel: 0194-2452690-1
Telefax: 2479548

Director Tourism
Tourist Reception Centre
Vir Marg, Jammu
Tel: 0191-2548172; Telefax: 2548358

Directorate of Information
J&K Govt
Mubarak Mandi, Old Secretariat
Church Lane, Opp Ansari Motors
Srinagar
Tel: 0194-2452294
Email:dipjk@jk.nic.in, jmt_info@sancharnet.in

Points to be kept in mind
1. Ensure you are physically and mentally fit for the journey as the yatra involves trekking at altitudes of 14,000 ft. Get yourself med­ically examined and certified fit for the journey. While on the yatra, walk slowly and steadily. At least a month before the yatra, start preparatory exercises: even a brisk walk of about 4-5 km a day will be beneficial. Yogic breathing exercises like Pranayama will help combat the lack of sufficient oxygen at high altitudes

2. Do carry woollens, including body warmers, windcheaters, raincoats, sleeping bags, waterproof shoes with sufficient grips, a torch with sufficient batteries, and walking sticks. Blankets are available in the tents set up on the way to the holy cave

3. Keep a slip with your name, address, and also the name of the accompanying yatri in your pocket

4. Women are advised to avoid saris and opt instead for salwar kameez or trousers

5. There are medical camps set up by the government for the yatra. It is still advisable to carry your own personal medical kit with painkillers, and medicines for stomach ache, fever, cough and common cold. Some water and dry eatables may also be carried

6. Hire only pony-men and porters registered with the government. Don’t walk far away from the ponies carrying your luggage. Keep the identity card of the pony-man or porter with you during the course of the journey

7. Smoking and drinking alcohol are strictly prohibited on the yatra. Strictly vegetarian meals are customarily served

8. Do not relax at places where warning signs are fixed. Do not attempt short-cuts en route

9. Do not touch or tamper with the holy linga, or throw any offering at it

10. Do not defile any place at the shrine or en route

11. Do not strain yourself too much on steep gradients; go slow if need be

12. Do not break traffic discipline or try to overtake others on difficult stretches of the route

13. Do not pay more than the prices fixed by the government for porters, ponies, dandis and accommodation

14. Do not use disposable plastic around the base camp and during the trek to avoid pollution of the pristine region

15. Apart from the essential woollens, travel light. Food is available at the langars while blankets and quilts are provided in the tents

16. In view of the hazardous nature of the yatra, pilgrims may insure themselves, preferably before departure from their home towns. Arrangements for insurance are also available at the two base camps during the yatra period. However, natural death is not covered under the accident insurance (offered to all yatris by the government at a nominal premium of Rs 10)

India’s syncretic and inclusive culture, its ethos of secularism and religious fervour and an ordinary Kashmiri’s struggle for survival are all encapsulated in the annual Amarnath Yatra. Pilgrims on the Amarnath Yatra stride through an exceptionally enchanting route, upward both physically and metaphorically, to meet the shining glory and greatness of god. It is believed that in a state of heightened devotion, the pilgrim per­ceives, with his mind’s eye, Lord Shiva in his eternal splendour. No wonder, Shiva as Amarnath is the Immortal or Deathless Lord, the absolute spirit of the universe.

The joys of this extraordinary pil­grimage are such that the arduous trek is not a deterrent, nor is the lack of basic sanitation facilities en route, or heights of over 14,000 ft that have to be traversed to reach the only ice linga in the world. In geographical parlance, the linga of Amareshvara could have been like any other stalagmite — ice formations that grow, usually upward from the floor of caves. Here, the formation is a huge, perfectly shaped swayambhu linga, an extraordinary sight that never fails to move, amaze and convince pilgrims of Amarnath’s unquestionable divinity. Around the deity is woven a common thread, which unites the stories of priests, pilgrims, security personnel, langars, pony-men, pitthuwallahs (porters), travel agents, shopkeepers and devotees.

Each yatri has a tale to narrate about how the yatra has defined his life. Many experience such overwhelming peace that they keep returning year after year, never satiated. I first went as a student in the year 2000 and, on my return, landed my first job. Since then, the pilgrimage to Amarnath has become an annual journey.

LEGENDS AND MYTHOLOGY
In Hinduism, there are strong links between the sublime and silvery Hima­layan peaks, and Lord Shiva. Kalidasa described the Himalaya as the “laughter of Shiva”. Inside the Amarnath Cave, a pure white ice-mound is formed and water trickles down in a slow rhythm, drop by drop, from the top. The source is believed to be the holy Ramkund Lake, situated above the cave. The mound piles up to take the shape of a linga, which begins to rise indiscernibly to be at its full height on the nights of the full moon. Wise men say that the Shivaling waxes and wanes with the phases of the moon. Since it is believed that Shiva manifested himself first on the day of the full moon in the month of Shravan (August), it is considered auspicious to go on a pilgrimage to Amarnath during this month.

It was here that Shiva narrated the Amar Katha, the secret of immortality, to Parvati, his consort, the graceful daughter of the Himalaya. For a long while, it is said, Shiva procrastinated but Parvati remained resolute in her wish to hear the secret of the cosmos. Finally, Shiva decided to indulge her. He started for a lonely place where no living being could hear what he was to say. He chose the spot that is now the Amarnath Cave. In the course of his journey, he left Nandi, his bull, at Pahalgam (from Bailgaon). At Chandan­wari, he released the moon from his locks. By the banks of the Lake Seshnag, he forsook the snakes around his neck. He decided to leave his son Ganesh at Mahagunas Parvat (Mahaganesh Hill). At Panchtarni, Shiva left behind the Panchabhoota (Earth, Water, Air, Fire and Sky), which together make a living being. Finally, he entered the holy Amarnath Cave along with Parvati. Here, he seated himself upon a deerskin. To ensure that no living being would overhear, he created Kalagni, the fire, which was to destroy every living thing in and around the holy cave. Shiva then started narrating the secret of immortality to Parvati. Fatefully, a pigeon’s egg was lying beneath the deer skin asan (seat), unharmed. The pair of pigeons, which were born out of this egg, became immortal, having heard the Amar Katha. Every year, pilgrims still spot pigeons residing on the roof of the cave, having made it their eternal abode.

Seshnag symbolises the cosmic ocean in which Lord Vishnu reclines in eternal repose. Once, terrorised by a mighty asura who had received a boon from Shiva that he would not be killed by the lord himself, the devas went to the bank of the Seshnag Lake to pray to Vishnu. Pleased, Vishnu rose from the lake, seated upon the back of the mighty serpent, the thousand-headed Seshnag, who destroyed the asura. It is considered very auspicious to bathe in the Seshnag Lake and several devout pilgrims do so despite its icy cold water.

It is in the plains of Panchtarni that Shiva danced the tandava as he left behind everything on his way to the Amarnath Cave. So immersed in ecstasy was he that his locks were undone and five streams of the Ganga (together making up the Panchtarni) fell to the ground.

A BRIEF HISTORY
The Amarnath Cave is referred to in the Bhrngish Samhita, Nilmat Purana, Kal­hana’s Rajtarangini, and the Mahat­mayas of Amarnatha and Amresh­vara Kalpa. According to Kalhana’s Rajtarangini, Samdi­mat (34 BCE-17 CE), a great devotee of Shiva who rose from the position of minister to be the king of Kashmir, “used to worship a linga of snow above the forests, which is not found elsewhere in the world, during the delightful Kashmir summers”. Kalhana also narrates the legend of Naga Surava, who gave his daughter Chan­dralekha in marriage to a Brahmin youth and carved a place for him besides his own abode in Shushram Naga (Seshnag). Kalhana says, “It is seen to this day (ie, 1148-49) by pilgrims proceeding to Amareshvara (Amarnath).”
The fact that Zain-ul-abdin (1420-70), the pious Muslim ruler of Kashmir, also visited

Amarnath has been docu­mented by his chronicler Jonaraja.
Francois Bernier, the French physician who accompanied Emperor Aurangzeb to Kashmir in 1663, recorded that after visiting Trisandiya, Verinag, Achabal and Wular Lake, he was in Sind Valley when Aurangzeb called him back. He writes in Travels in Moghul Empire, “I was pursuing the journey to a grotta full of wonderful congealations, two days journey from Sangsafed when I received intelligence that my Nawab (Aurangzeb) felt very impatient and uneasy on account of my long absence.” Bernier’s book was edited by Vincent A Smith, who observes, “The grotta full of wonderful congealations is the Amarnath Cave, where blocks of ice stalagmites formed by dripping water from the roof are worshipped by many Hindoos… as images of Shiva.”

Vigne, in Travels in Kashmir, Ladakh and Iskardu (1842) says, “The ceremony at the cave of Amarnath takes place on the 15th of the Hindu month of Sawan, 28th July… not only Hindoos of Kashmir but those from Hindoostan of every rank and caste can be seen, collecting together and travelling up the valley of Lidder towards the celebrated cave.” Vigne himself, after returning from Ladakh and Tibet by 1840-41, during the rule of Maharaja Sher Singh, son of Ranjit Singh, attempted to visit Amarnath along the traditional route via Seshnag in late season, but was forced to return from the Wawjan Pass due to bad weather.

Walter R Lawrence mentions in Valley of Kashmir (1895) that Brahmins of Mattan joined the pilgrims to Amarnath and further up at Batkot, the Maliks used to take charge of the pilgrimage. Accord­ing to Lawrence, the Maliks were sup­posed to keep the track in order, guide and escort the pilgrims, carry the sick, and ensure nothing was stolen; they received one-third of the offerings made at the Amarnath shrine. The other two shares used to go to the Pandits of Mattan and the Giri Mahants of Amritsar, who used to and still lead the pilgrimage with Chhari Mubarak (Holy Mace), but now from Srinagar. During the Sikh rule in Kashmir, Amritsar was the starting point of the yatra but in the 1940s, pilgrims started embarking from Srinagar.

The tradition of dividing the offerings into three has now been done away with. In the year 2000, the shrine was taken over by the state government and currently its affairs are managed by the Shri Amarnathji Shrine Board headed by the Governor of Jammu and Kashmir, with compensation awarded to the earlier beneficiaries.

THE YATRA
While proceeding to Amarnath, think of its rich history and legends. Was it not Shiva and Parvati themselves who first traversed the trek? Countless pilgrims, many of them great sages, have walked upon this path. Swami Vivekananda and Swami Ramtirath undertook the pilgrim­age to Amarnath. A thousand years earlier, Adi Shankaracharya walked this way to see Shankara himself. Interestingly, VS Naipaul also went on the Yatra when he visited India, before writing his first book on the country. In his gripping account of the pilgrimage, he speaks of his joy and that of other pilgrims as they make their way to the cave. Now is your chance for a brush with sacred history.

The yatra also reflects the ethos of Indian multiculturalism. It is one of those rare events in the Hindu calendar in which the organisers are primarily Muslims. Many locals say it was a Muslim shepherd who discovered the cave while searching for his missing goat. Many members of the Sri Amarnathji Shrine Board are Muslim. The 200-odd makeshift shops that come up along the route and sell puja items are owned by Muslims. The pony-men, luggage carriers and tent owners, who render excellent service under tough conditions, are all Muslim too, and they claim proud privilege in providing support. No words can be fulsome in their praise.

Sadhus form a large, easily identifiable part of the yatra. As one of them pointed out, the yatra can be a botanist or geologist’s delight. He told us of the rare herbs and wild flowers that grow upon the uninhabited mountains in the region, which could cure ailments that still baffle modern physicians.

THE JOURNEY BEGINS
The Amarnath trail is along thick and green woodlands of breathtaking beauty. The playful stream of the Lidder River meanders alongside, sparkling bright and pure. From Chandanwari, which is the confluence of the Asthan Marg and Seshnag rivers, there begins a terribly steep 3-km ascent to Pissu Ghati (10,403 ft) in what is perhaps the toughest part of the pilgrimage, reminding yatris that the path to salvation involves superhuman struggle.

A feeling of having reached an ethereal destination overwhelms yatris when they arrive at Seshnag Lake (11,712 ft, 1.5 km long, 1.2 km wide) — so striking is the beauty, the setting and the colour of this great water body, enhanced even more in the moonlight. Surrounded by mighty peaks, this primal scenery untouched by civilisation is the setting for the first night halt (after Pahalgam). In the stillness of the pine-scented Himalayan night, legends of love and revenge associated with Seshnag are recounted around campfires.

Second only to the trek up the Pissu Ghati is the formidable climb from Seshnag to the Mahagunas Top or Waw­jan (15,091 ft). Pilgrims climb slowly and breathlessly for 6 km to reach it, the highest point in the entire course of the pilgrimage, where they cross over from the Lidder Valley to the Sind Valley. The third and the last camp en route to the cave is at the green meadows of Panchtarni, reached by a 7-km descent from Mahagunas Top.

On the way from Mahagunas Top to Panchtarni comes Paushpatri, where one of the best langars of the yatra – with a surprising variety of dishes ­­– is organised, by Delhi-based Sri Shiv Sevak Society. Do note that Paushpatri is not the night halt, Panchtarni is. The Amarnath Cave is 6 km from Pan­ch­tarni but involves a narrow spiral­ling trek. One false step, and the pilgrim or pony can fall 2,000 ft to the Panchtarni plains below.

From Panchtarni, an early morning’s start is recommended for there is a long queue at the entrance to the cave. For about a kilometre, pilgrims have to travel over solid ice through a deep ravine, with the holy cave, a huge aperture in the mountain, clearly in sight. To the left of the cave, the Amaravati River flows down the mountain, where many devotees bathe before entering the cave. For those who do not wish to bathe in the icy water, water is heated up (Rs 10-20 per bucket); a handful of makeshift changing rooms are available.

The holy cave is of colossal dimensions and faces south. Its outer mouth measures about 40 yards across, and it is about 75 ft high and at least 80 ft deep, sloping down into the mountainside. Inside, a central ice formation, rising to about 7 ft and ending in a glistening cone, is the ice linga of Shiva. To its right is another block of ice (6 ft high, 3 ft in diameter), revered as Ganesh, and a smaller ice figure is Goddess Parvati. Inside the Amarnath Cave is another very small cave to the right of the Shivaling, from which a chalk-like sub­stance is taken by pilgrims as vibhuti (sacred ash), and holy water is collected. Despite the large crowds and hasty darshan, for those who journey with faith, the visit to the home of the Himalayan mendicant who is both destroy­er and heal­er, is an immensely rewarding experience.

Unfortunately, on Shravan Purnima, the ice linga is no longer to be seen in full bloom, having disappeared much earlier to the great disappointment of many pil­grims. In fact, there is a raging debate over the ways and means of preserving the ice linga for the entire period of the yatra. Over the years, as the number of pilgrims increased from a few thousands to a couple of lakhs, heat generated from humans and the flashes of camera lights led to the ice linga going into relaxation (melting) within a few days of the yatra. It is to prevent this that the Shrine Board had mooted temperature regulation of the cave complex but the idea is opposed by many pujaris and pilgrims on the grounds that nothing unnatural should be used to protect the natural. The matter is now subjudice. Another idea that is mooted is that darshan should be allowed from a safe distance of, say, 100-150m. The mouth of the cave is so big that devotees can see the linga from a distance, much before entering the cave itself, provided man-made paraphernalia such as huge bells, marble platforms, statues, stairs, iron railings and gates are removed and the ground levelled. Many pilgrims are also not happy with the extension of the yatra to two months from the previous one-month duration, saying it contributes to the early melting of the ice linga. The Shrine Board has taken the view that with more and more people trekking their way up to the cave, more time is needed to ensure darshan of the linga for all. As a logical corollary, for darshan to take place, the ice linga must be preserved and hence the need for scientific devices to ensure its longevity. There are economic implications too as a longer duration for the yatra ensures a boost for tourism in J&K, as many who come as pilgrims also visit Srinagar, Sonamarg and Gulmarg as tourists.

After darshan, devotees can return to Panchtarni in time for lunch and con­tinue to Seshnag to spend the night, and return to Pahalgam the next day. They also have an option of returning via Baltal on the day of the darshan itself.
Chhari Mubarak: Shiva’s silver mace

The yatra commences with the ceremony of Chhari Mubarak at the Dashnami Akhara in Budshah Chowk, Srinagar. It is led by the mahant of the akhara, Deepender Giri. If at all there is anything other than the ice linga that is important in this pilgrimage, it is this holy silver mace, which represents the mystical powers of Shiva. The Bhrngish Samhita says that Shiva gave the chhari to Rishi Kashyap and commanded that it be carried to Amarnath each year. Sym­bolically speaking, after the prayers, the yatri acquires a sort of symbolic walking stick. It helps him spiritually by remind­ing him of his resolve at the akhara temple when his faith begins to waver in face of a long and arduous journey.

On Vyas-Purnima, Chhari Mubarak leaves Srinagar for Pahalgam to perform the bhoomi-puja and dhwajarohan (raising of the flag) ceremonies, marking the yatra’s beginning, and then returns the same evening for other rituals.

A fortnight before Raksha Bandhan on Samawati Amavasya (August), Chhari Mubarak visits the Shankaracharya Tem­ple in Srinagar, where puja is per­formed. The next day, when the bright half of the month begins, it goes to the Sharika Bhawani Temple, at Hariparvat in down­town Srinagar. After two days, Chhari-sthapana (establish­ment of the chhari) and dhwajarohan ceremonies are performed at the Dashnami Akhara. A day later, on the festive occasion of Nag Panchami, Chhari pujan is performed at the akhara. Five days later, the chhari procession then leaves for the holy cave shrine of Amarnath.

On the way to Pahalgam, prayers are offered at Durganag Temple in Srinagar, the Sureshwar Temple at Sonawar, the Shiva temples at Pampore and Bijbehara, and at Martand-Tirth, the ancient Sun Temple at Mattan in Anantnag District. On Dashami, Chhari Mubarak stays at Pahalgam. The next morning, the procession leaves Pahalgam and stays for the night at Chandanwari, followed by night halts at Seshnag and Panchtarni respectively.

On Raksha Bandhan, Chhari pujan is performed at the holy cave. Those pilgrims who do the yatra on the last few days, and that too from the Pahalgam route, to be in the holy cave on the day of Raksha Bandhan can go along with the Chhari, which is taken by a religious congregation led by Deepender Giri. However, many prefer to go early as they are apprehensive that the linga will go into relaxation. The holy mace is then brought back to the Pahalgam base camp for a visarjan (immersion) ceremony in the Lidder River
Where to stay
Tented accommodation is available along the way at the night halts and has to be secured on the yatri’s own initiative (Rs 50-100 per night). You can bargain. The night halts are at Nun­wan (Pahalgam), Seshnag and Panch­tarni. Rows of tents for rent line the high Himalaya in these places. Quilts, pillows, mattresses and kerosene oil lanterns are provided. Tent owners also provide hot water for an additional charge. A tent accommodates around 10-12 persons. A large group can always hire an entire tent, or tents. There are a handful of makeshift toilets but most yatris manage in the open. With the number of pilgrims increasing with each passing year, the beauty of the places en route is bound to be defiled.
Where to eat
The trek may be quite arduous but langars (community kitchens) do make things a lot easier. Dotting the entire trek, they not only provide food and basic medication, but also accommodation, and sanitation facili­ties to some extent. The money col­lected through­out the year as charity by Shiva sevak mandals (volunteer groups) and sami­tis (committees) is put to good use during the yatra.

Weeks before the yatra begins, around 100 langars from states such as Gujarat, Rajasthan, Uttar Pradesh, Delhi, Haryana and Punjab (the last contributes the maximum number) stack up their tents, rations, personnel and gas cylinders in a couple of trucks, and head for the place earmarked for them to set up their temporary kitchen. From the base camp, their journey is even tougher than it can be for any pilgrim as sacks and tins are loaded on ponies and taken to places, which remain uninhabited for most part of the year.

There may not be a culinary delight worth its name that is not found during the course of this yatra, thanks to the langars. Paranthas, milk, biscuits, chappatis, dal, rice, sweets, dosa, kheer, tea and bread — everything is available. Half a dozen of these langars are located at each of the major halts on the yatra. Yatris are advised not to carry too many eatables during the pilgrimage as ample high-quality food items, biscuits, tea and water are available at the langars.

These langars are also the venues of late-night revelry, where Shiva-bhakts drink milk, gather in camaraderie and dance to the tune of lilting scores, celebrating in the name of Gauri-Shankar and shouting slogans such as Bhole ki fauj karegi mauj (Shiva’s army will enjoy). Unfortunately, like many things associated with the yatra, such as its duration and the need to preserve the ice linga, the management of the langars has also been a subject of controversy. The number of langars and the period for which they should be set up are often contentious issues. Authorities also discourage pilgrims from spending nights at the langars, citing security reasons. The langars provide free accommodation while the accommodation provided by the J&K Tourism and other tentwallahs costs an average of Rs 50-100 per night.

VARANASI THE HOLY SHRINE

In Telugu Varanasi is known as "KAASI". As per Hindu beleif there will be no more birth if dies in Kaasi. Mostly Telugu people visit Kaasi with this beleif and they settle in Kaasi in olde age and waiting for death. Death rituals are being performed on the bank of River GANGA.

The cultural capital of India, Varanasi in Uttar Pradesh is a major center for spiritualism, mysticism, Hinduism and Indian philosophy. Also known as Benares and Kashi, Varanasi is one of the oldest surviving cities worldwide and an important pilgrimage destination not only for Hindus, but for Buddhists and Jains as well. Learn more about Varanasi in touristplacesinindia.com before you plan to travel to Varanasi.

Home to numerous Hindu temples, ashrams and ghats, which are among the main attractions for visitors, Varanasi also boasts of several Buddhist Stupas and Jain temples. A melting pot of Indian civilization, Varanasi receives hordes of pilgrims and devotees every year from all corners of the world, who are attracted by the religious places and other tourist attractions of the town.

KAALABHAIRAVA is incharge of VARANASI. One must visit kAALABHAIRAVA TEMPLE in Varanasi for the completion of Kaasi tour

Since time immemorial, Varanasi has continued to be an important cultural and religious centre in northern India. Besides, the city is also famous for the Benares Gharana (school) of Indian classical music developed here. Another prominent feature about Varanasi is that the town houses the distinguished Banaras Hindu University. At various points of time in history, Varanasi served home to many an eminent Indian philosopher, poet, writer, and musician. The local people of Varanasi are famous as advocates of literature, music, Vedic philosophy, arts, crafts and architecture.

Historical information about Varanasi:The ultimate pilgrimage spot for Hindus since the days of yore, Varanasi is believed to have been the abode of Lord Shiva and Goddess Parvati, who stood upon this land at the beginning of time. Mark Twain had rightly said "Benares is older than history, older than tradition, older even than legend, and looks twice as old as all of them put together." The city has been a seat of learning and civilization for more than 3000 years. For centuries, the town has witnessed the flourish of knowledge, philosophy, culture, devotion to Gods, Indian arts and crafts. With the holy Buddhist pilgrimage spot of Sarnath being just 10 km away from Varanasi, the latter is also holy place for Buddhists. Believed to be the birthplace of Parsvanath, the 23rd Jain Tirthankar, Varanasi is also a pilgrimage place for Jains.

Accommodation, Climate and Clothing: There is no dearth of hotels, resorts and guest houses for tourist accommodation in Varanasi. These resorts provide tourists with comfortable and luxurious retreat amid the mystic air of the city. Varanasi enjoys a pleasant winter, but a slightly harsh summer. Monsoon season brings torrential rains to the city. However, the months of October-November and February-March are generally comfortable and sunny. The ideal kind of clothing in Varanasi can be cotton clothes in summers and light woolens for winters. Touristplacesinindia.com offers online information about Varanasi in Uttar Pradesh, and tourist attractions in other parts of India.

Reaching Varanasi:

Situated on the banks of the holy River Ganges, Varanasi in Uttar Pradesh is one of the world’s oldest living cities. A major cultural and religious centre in northern India, Varanasi is steeped in tradition and mythological legacy and is a much revered pilgrimage destination for not only Hindus, but Buddhists and Jains as well. Before planning any tour to Varanasi, you must be well equipped with all relevant information about Reaching Varanasi. An important center for spiritualism, mysticism, Hinduism and Indian philosophy, Varanasi is also known as Benares and Kashi. The main attractions of this temple town are the numerous Hindu temples, ashrams and ghats, Buddhist Stupas and Jain temples.Varanasi flaunts a well-developed transport network which connects the city to all major cities and states in India by air, rail and road. Touristplacesinindia offers detailed travel guide on How to Reach Varanasi.

By Air
Reaching Varanasi by air is very convenient because Varanasi is well connected by air to major Indian cities. Daily domestic flights ply between Varanasi and several other cities in India. Besides the state-owned Indian Airlines, there are many private operators that operate regular air services from Varanasi to various cities in the rest of India. The daily flights serving Delhi-Agra-Khajuraho-Varanasi route provide regular air access to Varanasi.

By Rail
Being located in the heartland of the North Indian plains, Varanasi is well connected by rail to major Indian cities like Delhi, Kolkata, Mumbai to name a few. The Kashi Junctions and Varanasi Junction (also known as Varanasi Cantonment) railway stations in Varanasi flaunt excellent rail connectivity. Reaching Varanasi by rail can be a lot easier if you board the Rajdhani Express from Delhi or from Kolkata that passes through Varanasi. Regular trains are also available from Mughalsarai, just 10 kms south of Varanasi

By Road

Positioned on the flat Gangetic plains, Varanasi is very well connected by a network of roads and road transport to all the major towns of Uttar Pradesh and surrounding areas. Regular public and private buses ply in the city.Touristplacesinindia.com offers online information on reaching Varanasi in Uttar Pradesh. Browse through this site for more detailed information on tour packages for Varanasi.

The religious capital of India, Varanasi in Uttar Pradesh, is a renowned pilgrimage and tourist destination in India. Being one of the oldest cities of the world, Varanasi (also called Banaras and Kashi) attracts a large number of people from all over the globe. For thousands of years, Varanasi has enjoyed prominence as a leading destination for mysticism, spiritualism, Indian philosophy and Hinduism. There are several tourist attractions in Varanasi that are worth visiting. Steeped in tradition and mythological legacy, the city of Varanasi situated on the banks of the holy Ganges in Uttar Pradesh is one of the most important pilgrimage destinations not only for Hindus, but for Buddhists and Jains also. Varanasi being mainly associated with Hinduism, the numerous Hindu temples, ashrams and ghats constitute the main tourist attractions in Varanasi. Nevertheless, tourist places in Varanasi also include several Buddhist Stupas and Jain temples, which lure numerous devotees and regular tourists to the City of Lord Shiva. Among the major tourist attractions in Varanasi are the Ganga Ghats which constitute the main center of rituals and religious activities. Among the prominent temples in Varanasi are the Durga temple, Sankat Mochan temple, Vishwanath temple, Tulsi Manas temple and Bharat Mata temple. Of these, the Bharat Mata Temple contains a huge relief map of the Indian subcontinent and Tibetan plateau. Also prominent among the places to see in Varanasi, Uttar Pradesh is the Alamgir Mosque, which showcases a fine blend of Hindu and Mughal styles of architecture. Some other tourist attractions in Varanasi which are worth visit include the Benaras Hindu University (BHU), the Archaeological Museum at Sarnath which houses the National emblem of India and the Ashokan pillar, Bharat Kala Bhavan and the Buddhist Stupas and temples at Sarnath.
Tourist Information On Varanasi
Tourist Guide In Varanasi
Tourist Accommodations In Varanasi
Tourist Destinations In Varanasi
Tourist Sites Near Varanasi

Banaras Hindu University – Popularly known as BHU, this is an internationally renowned University that had played an integral part in the Indian independence movement. Today, it ranks as one of India’s greatest centers of learning.

Bharat Kala Bhavan – Located within the BHU campus, Bharat Kala Bhavan is an art-and-architecture museum, which puts to display a huge collection of Hindu and Buddhist sculptures, paintings and various other artifacts.

Jantar Mantar – An observatory built by Jaipur’s Maharaja Jai Singh, Jantar Mantar was built to measure the local time, declination of the Sun, the stars and planets, and to determine eclipses. Till date, it contains several masonry instruments to record the same, including the Krantivritta Yantra, Samrat Yantra, Digansha Yantra, Prakash Yantra, Ram Yantra, Dhruva Yantra and Disha Yantra.

Ramnagar Fort – Located on the opposite bank of the Ganges, about 14 kms from Varanasi, this fort is the ancestral home of the Maharaja of Banaras. Touristplacesinindia.com offers online information on Varanasi in Uttar Pradesh, and tourist places in other parts of India.

Tourist attractions in Varanasi:

India’s cultural capital, Varanasi – The City of Light, is the ultimate pilgrimage destination of all devout Hindus in search of salvation from the cycle of birth and rebirth. One of the world’s oldest living cities, Varanasi is "older than history, older than tradition, older even than legend” as Mark Twain had rightly remarked. Situated on the banks of the holy River Ganges in the state of Uttar Pradesh in India, Varanasi is believed to have been the abode of Lord Shiva and Goddess Parvati, who stood upon this land at the beginning of time. Steeped in tradition and mythological legacy, Varanasi is also considered sacred because of the presence of the mighty Ganges River, which, many believe, possesses miraculous powers to wash away the sins of mortals.

Varanasi – The City of Light attracts scores of pilgrims and devotees from all corners of the world. A Tour to Varanasi can be the experience of a lifetime, a self–discovery of its own kind, whereby your body and soul will experience an eternal oneness.

Though the origin of Varanasi is not clearly known, the town is believed to have witnessed the flourish of knowledge, philosophy, culture, devotion to Gods, arts and crafts. Every year, hundreds and thousands of devout Hindus flock to this holy city, with a wish to expiate their sins. Since time immemorial, Varanasi has attracted hundreds and thousands of pilgrims and tourists from all corners of the world.

An important cultural and religious centre of northern India for ages, Varanasi is also renowned for the Benares Gharana (school) of Indian classical music which had its origin here. The City of Lord Shiva is also home to the distinguished Banaras Hindu University (BHU), one of the greatest centers of learning in India. Besides, Varanasi has been home to numerous eminent Indian philosophers, poets, writers, and musicians. The local people of Varanasi are true exponents of literature, music, Vedic philosophy, arts, crafts and architecture.

Among the main tourist places in Varanasi are the numerous Hindu temples, ashrams and ghats, several Buddhist Stupas and Jain temples. The Ganga Ghats are the main center of rituals and religious activities in Benares. The prominent Hindu temples worth visit while on Varanasi tour packages include the Durga temple, Sankat Mochan temple, Vishwanath temple, Tulsi Manas temple and Bharat Mata temple. Touristplacesinindia.com offers online information on Varanasi in Uttar Pradesh, and tourist places in other parts of India.

NAVAGRAHA TEMPLES Kumbakonam(Tamilanadu state)

The NAVAGRAHAs are under control and command of Mother Parameswari. Planets impact upon each individual's life, right from the moment of the Birth. Our fate is deterimined by the movement of planets from one constellation to another.Kumbhakonam is the famous town which is surrounded by NAVA GRAHA Temples.





Tanjore is famous for ancient Siva temple which was built by CHOLA kings, one must be visited and see the architech of the temple.

A cluster of nine temples in the temple belt of the erstwhile Chola empire of Tamilnadu is referred to as the Navagraha temples -that bear the common thread of their association with the nine celestial bodies referred to in Indian astrological beliefs.


1. SURYANAR ( SUN god) is located Suryanar koil,Kumbakonam,Adurthai nearly 48 KM from Tanjore.(Approxmate travel time is 75 Minutes.

The Suryanaar temple dedicated to the Sun God Surya was constructed during the period of the later Cholas.


Surya - God of the Sun



Sunrise to sunset is the route the Sun takes in his giant golden chariot harnessed to seven horses. Here, Surya's chariot is driven by Aruna, the Morning Star or Dawn.yac-caksur esa savita sakala-grahanamraja samasta-sura-murtir asesa-tejahyasyajnaya bhramati sambhrta-kala-cakrogovindam adi-purusam tam aham bhajamiTranslationThe sun who is the king of all the planets, full of infinite effulgence, the image of the good soul, is as the eye of this world. I adore the primeval Lord Govinda in pursuance of whose order the sun performs his journey mounting the wheel of time.PurportCertain professors of the Vedic religion worship the sun as Brahman. The sun is one of the hierarchy of the five gods. Some people target in heat the source of this world and therefore designate the sun, the only location of heat, as the root cause of this world. Notwithstanding all that may be said to the contrary, the sun is after all only the presiding deity of a sphere of the sum total of all mundane heat and is hence a god exercising delegated authority. The sun performs his specific function of service certainly by the command of Govinda.
Sri Brahma Samhita 5.52A.C. Bhaktivedanta Swami Prabhupada
--The sun is not stationary; it is also moving like the other planets. The sun's movements determine the duration of night and day. When the sun travels north of the equator, it moves slowly during the day and very quickly at night, thus increasing the duration of the daytime and decreasing the duration of night. Similarly, when the sun travels south of the equator, the exact opposite is true -- the duration of the day decreases, and the duration of night increases. When the sun enters Karkata-rasi (Cancer) and then travels to Simha-rasi (Leo) and so on through Dhanuh-rasi (Sagittarius), its course is called Daksinayana, the southern way, and when the sun enters Makara-rasi (Capricorn) and thereafter travels through Kumbharasi (Aquarius) and so on through Mithuna-rasi (Gemini), its course is called Uttarayana, the northern way. When the sun is in Mesa-rasi (Aries) and Tula-rasi (Libra), the duration of day and night are equal.On Manasottara Mountain are the abodes of four demigods. East of Sumeru Mountain is Devadhani, where King Indra lives, and south of Sumeru is Samyamani, the abode of Yamaraja, the superintendent of death. Similarly, west of Sumeru is Nimlocani, the abode of Varuna, the demigod who controls the water, and north of Sumeru is Vibhavari, where the demigod of the moon lives. Sunrise, noon, sunset and midnight occur in all these places because of the movements of the sun. Diametrically opposite the place where the sunrise takes places and the sun is seen by human eyes, the sun will be setting and passing away from human vision. Similarly, the people residing diametrically opposite the point where it is midday will be experiencing midnight. The sun rises and sets with all the other planets, headed by the moon and other luminaries.The entire kala-cakra, or wheel of time, is established on the wheel of the sun-god's chariot. This wheel is known as Samvatsara. The seven horses pulling the chariot of the sun are known as Gayatri, Brhati, Usnik, Jagati, Tristup, Anustup and Pankti. They are harnessed by a demigod known as Arunadeva to a yoke 900,000 yojanas wide. Thus the chariot carries Adityadeva, the sun-god. Always staying in front of the sun-god and offering their prayers are sixty thousand sages known as Valikhilyas. There are fourteen Gandharvas, Apsaras and other demigods, who are divided into seven parties and who perform ritualistic activities every month to worship the Supersoul through the sun-god according to different names. Thus the sun-god travels through the universe for a distance of 95,100,000 yojanas (760,800,000 miles) at a speed of 16,004 miles at every moment.



2.CHANDRAN (MOON god) is located Thingalur,TanjoreKumbakonam,Adurthai nearly 18 KM from Tanjore.(Approxmate travel time is 30 Minutes

Kailasanathar temple represents Chandrastalam (associated with the moon) in the scheme of the Navagraha temples.



Demigods - Planetary Deities - Chandra

Chandra - Soma - God of the Moon



The moon is situated 100,000 yojanas above the rays of the sunshine. Day and night on the heavenly planets and Pitrloka are calculated according to its waning and waxing. Above the moon by a distance of 200,000 yojanas are some stars, and above these stars is Sukra-graha (Venus), whose influence is always auspicious for the inhabitants of the entire universe.Above Sukra-graha by 200,000 yojanas is Budha-graha (Mercury), whose influence is sometimes auspicious and sometimes inauspicious. Next, above Budha-graha by 200,000 yojanas, is Angaraka (Mars), which almost always has an unfavorable influence. Above Angaraka by another 200,000 yojanas is the planet called Brhaspati-graha (Jupiter), which is always very favorable for qualified brahmanas. Above Brhaspati-graha is the planet Sanaiscara (Saturn), which is very inauspicious, and above Saturn is a group of seven stars occupied by great saintly persons who are always thinking of the welfare of the entire universe. These seven stars circumambulate Dhruvaloka, which is the residence of Lord Visnu within this universe.
Srimad-Bhagavatam Introduction to Chapter 5A.C. Bhaktivedanta Swami Prabhupada--Above the rays of the sunshine by a distance of 100,000 yojanas [800,000 miles] is the moon, which travels at a speed faster than that of the sun. In two lunar fortnights the moon travels through the equivalent of a samvatsara of the sun, in two and a quarter days it passes through a month of the sun, and in one day it passes through a fortnight of the sun.PurportWhen we take into account that the moon is 100,000 yojanas, or 800,000 miles, above the rays of the sunshine, it is very surprising that the modern excursions to the moon could be possible. Since the moon is so distant, how space vehicles could go there is a doubtful mystery. Modern scientific calculations are subject to one change after another, and therefore they are uncertain. We have to accept the calculations of the Vedic literature. These Vedic calculations are steady; the astronomical calculations made long ago and recorded in the Vedic literature are correct even now. Whether the Vedic calculations or modern ones are better may remain a mystery for others, but as far as we are concerned, we accept the Vedic calculations to be correct.



3. Kuja or Angaraka or Chevvai is located Vaideswaran Koil,Kadira Mangalam Kuttralam nearly 34 KM from Tanjore.(Approxmate travel time is 45 Minutes .



Demigods - Planetary Deities - Mangala

Mangala - The Planet Mars



Mangala is depicted as a red-skinned horseman on a white ram.Situated 1,600,000 miles above Mercury, or 8,800,000 miles above earth, is the planet Mars. If this planet does not travel in a crooked way, it crosses through each sign of the zodiac in three fortnights and in this way travels through all twelve, one after another. It almost always creates unfavorable conditions in respect to rainfall and other influences.

Koyil near Mayiladuturai is an ancient Shiva temple bearing a shrine to Angaarakan and is referred to as the Angaarakastalam.

4. BHUDHAN is located Thiruvengadu,Mangaiyar Madam nearly 28 KM from Tanjore.(Approxmate travel time is 45 Minutes

Mayiladuturai is referred to as Aadi Chidambaram and it bears shrines to Nataraja, Aghoramurthy and is referred to as the Budhastalam in the scheme of the Navagraha temples .



Demigods - Planetary Deities - Budha

Budha - The Planet Mercury



Budha is the son of Chandra (the Moon) and Tara (the North Star).Mercury is described to be similar to Venus, in that it moves sometimes behind the sun, sometimes in front of the sun and sometimes along with it. It is 1,600,000 miles above Venus, or 7,200,000 miles above earth. Mercury, which is the son of the moon, is almost always very auspicious for the inhabitants of the universe, but when it does not move along with the sun, it forbodes cyclones, dust, irregular rainfall, and waterless clouds. In this way it creates fearful conditions due to inadequate or excessive rainfall.


5.GURUis located Alangudi towards papanasanam nearly 28 KM from Tanjore.(Approxmate travel time is 45 Minutes

The Aabatsahayeswarar temple at Aalangudi bears a shrine to Dakshinamurthy and is referred to as the Gurustalam.



Demigods - Planetary Deities - Brihaspati

Brihaspati - The Planet Jupiter



Divine Sage and Tutor of the GodsSituated 1,600,000 miles above Mars, or 10,400,000 miles above earth, is the planet Jupiter, which travels through one sign of the zodiac within the period of a Parivatsara. If its movement is not curved, the planet Jupiter is very favorable to the brahmanas of the universe.

6.SUKRAN is located Kanjanoor nearly 6 KM from Tanjore.(Approxmate travel time is 30 Minutes

The Agneeswarar temple at Kanjanoor near Kumbhakonam is referred to as the Sukrastalam in the scheme of the Navagraha temples.



Demigods - Planetary Deities - Shukra

Shukra - The Planet Venus


Shukra is a divine sage and tutor of the demons.
Here he is riding a rabbit.tata uparistad usana dvi-laksa-yojanataupalabhyate puratah pascat sahaiva varkasya saighrya-mandya-samyabhirgatibhir arkavac carati lokanam nityadanukula eva prayena varsayams carenanumiyatesa vrsti-vistambha-grahopasamanahTranslationSome 1,600,000 miles above this group of stars is the planet Venus, which moves at almost exactly the same pace as the sun according to swift, slow and moderate movements. Sometimes Venus moves behind the sun, sometimes in front of the sun and sometimes along with it. Venus nullifies the influence of planets that are obstacles to rainfall. Consequently its presence causes rainfall, and it is therefore considered very favorable for all living beings within this universe. This has been accepted by learned scholars.


7.SANISWARARN(SATURN god) is located Thirunallar PONDY state nearly 57 KM from Tanjore.(Approxmate travel time is 60 Minutes

The ancient pilgrimage center of Tirunallaar bears shrines to Tyagaraja and Saneeswara.


Demigods - Planetary Deities - Shani

Shani - The Planet Saturn



Situated 1,600,000 miles above Jupiter, or 12,000,000 miles above earth, is the planet Saturn, which passes through one sign of the zodiac in thirty months and covers the entire zodiac circle in thirty Anuvatsaras. This planet is always very inauspicious for the universal situation


8 Ragu is located Thirunageswaramnearly 62 KM from Tanjore.(Approxmate travel time is 75 Minutes

The Naganathar temple at Tirunageswaram near Kumbhakonam has a shrine dedicated to Raahu.



Demigods - Planetary Deities - Rahu

Rahu - The Lunar Eclipse



In this connection, the darkness occurring before the full moon, the lunar eclipse, can be explained as being another planet, known as Rahu. According to Vedic astronomy, the Rahu planet, which is not visible, is accepted. Sometimes the Rahu planet is visible in the presence of full moonlight. It then appears that this Rahu planet exists somewhere near the orbit of the moon. The failure of modern moon excursionists may be due to the Rahu planet. In other words, those who are supposed to be going to the moon may actually be going to this invisible planet Rahu. Actually, they are not going to the moon but to the planet Rahu, and after reaching this planet, they come back. Apart from this discussion, the point is that a living entity has immense and unlimited desires for material enjoyment, and he has to transmigrate from one gross body to another until these desires are exhausted.
Srimad-Bhagavatam Purport 4.29.69A.C. Bhaktivedanta Swami Prabhupada
--
siras tv amaratam nitamajo graham aciklpatyas tu parvani candrarkavabhidhavati vaira-dhihTranslationRahu's head, however, having been touched by the nectar, became immortal. Thus Lord Brahma accepted Rahu's head as one of the planets. Since Rahu is an eternal enemy of the moon and the sun, he always tries to attack them on the nights of the full moon and the dark moon.PurportSince Rahu had become immortal, Lord Brahma accepted him as one of the grahas, or planets, like the moon and the sun. Rahu, however, being an eternal enemy of the moon and sun, attacks them periodically during the nights of the full moon and the dark moon.
Srimad-Bhagavatam 8.9.27A.C. Bhaktivedanta Swami Prabhupada--a-kalanka gauracandra dila darasanasa-kalanka candre ara kon prayojanaeta jani' rahu kaila candrera grahanakrsna krsna hari name bhase tri-bhuvanaTranslationWhen the spotless moon of Caitanya Mahaprabhu became visible, what would be the need for a moon full of black marks on its body?Considering this, Rahu, the black planet, covered the full moon, and immediately vibrations of "Krsna! Krsna! Hari!" inundated the three worlds.PurportAccording to the Jyotir-veda, a lunar eclipse takes place when the Rahu planet comes in front of the full moon. It is customary in India that all the followers of the Vedic scriptures bathe in the Ganges or the sea as soon as there is a lunar or solar eclipse. All strict followers of the Vedic religion stand up in the water throughout the whole period of the eclipse and chant the Hare Krsna maha-mantra. At the time of the birth of Lord Caitanya Mahaprabhu, such a lunar eclipse took place, and naturally all the people standing in the water were chanting Hare Krsna, Hare Krsna, Krsna Krsna, Hare Hare/ Hare Rama, Hare Rama, Rama Rama, Hare Hare.




9. KETHU is located Perumballam,Poompuhar Road nearly 14 KM from Tanjore.(Approxmate travel time is 30 Minutes.

The Naganathar temple at Keezhperumpallam near Mayiladutrai has a shrine dedicated to Ketu.

Ketu - Comet - Decapitated Body of Rahu



It is sometimes said that when one is influenced by evil stars like Saturn, Rahu or Ketu, he cannot make advancement in any prospective activity.

The above NAVAGRAHA Temples attached with Lord SIVA temple. One must first visit SIVA TEMPLE then go to Navagraha temples

ORISSA TOUR

Bhubaneswar, the capital of Orissa, is also popularly known as the "Temple City of India". Being the seat of Tribhubaneswar or 'Lord Lingaraj', Bhubaneswar is an important Hindu pilgrimage centre.


Lord Jagannath Temple, Puri

The world famous temple of Lord Jagannath is stands on the seashore of Bay-of – Bengal. It is famous for its beautiful structural designs and the Lord of all Universe Lord Jagannath. It’s called Srimandir (Great Temple). The height of the main temple is 214.8 ft. from the road level. The present temple is credited to the King Anantavarman Chodaganga Dev (1073-1147 AD) of the illustrious Ganga Dynasty. Photo More about Lord Jagannath Temple

click Puri.

Lord Jagannath Temple, RCM Campus, Chakadola Vihar, Bhubaneswar ( Second tallest temple) click for more
Other Temples around Srimandir Puri.

Sri Gundicha Temple, Puri
Sri Lokanath, Puri Temple (Temple of Lord Siva)
Alarnath
Sakshigopal
Ramachandi

Konark, The Sun Temple (13th Century AD by The King Narasimha Dev of Ganga Dynasty). To know more click Konark.

Lingaraj Temple, Bhubaneswar (11th century AD)
Rajarani Temple, Bhubaneswar (11th century AD) (King-Queen Temple) having great architectural value.
Mukteswar Temple, Bhubaneswar
Brahmeswar Temple, similar to the Mukteswar Temple with more developed sculptural panels especially meant for musicians and dancers. Using of iron beams. Open for all (Non-Hindus).

Bhubaneswar Temple
Ananta Bashudev Temple, Bhubaneswar built by the Queen Chandrika Devi in1278 AD.
Kedargouri Temple, Bhubaneswar Dedicated to Lord Siva who is called Kedareswar and Goddess Gouri. It is situated within the same premises next to Mukteswar Temple. It is built by The King Lalatendu Keshari.
Mohini Temple – Situated on the southern bank of Bindusagar, The sacred tank near Lingaraj Temple, Bhubaneswar.
Yogini Temple
Ram and Krishana Temple.
Sri Ram Temple on Janapath in Kharavel Nagar, Bhubaneswar.
Lord Krishna Temple promoted by ISKON (International Society for Krishna Consciousness) on NH- 5, Nayapalli, Bhubaneswar.

Huma’s Leaning Temple – Huma is 32 KM from Sambalpur and 350 KM from Bhubaneswar is adorned with a leaning temple dedicated to Lord Bimaleswar. On the river mahanadi, it is a scenic spot of great excellence. The Kudo fishes here are believed to belong to lord Siva and they are very friendly to visitors.

Baladevjew Temple, Kendrapada - 95 KM from Bhubaneswar. (The temple of Lord Balabhadra the brother of Lord Jagannath).

Pataleswar Temple, Budhikomna, Nuapada – 115 KM from Bhawanipatna. Made entirely of brick in Trirath Style. The architectural design is highly appreciated by the art-lover and general visitors.

Samaleswari Temple, Sambalpur – Temple of Goddess Samalai situated beside the river mahanadi. 321 Km From Bhubaneswar.

Nrusinghanath Temple – It is 164 KM from Sambalpur via Baragarh. This temple is stands at the foot of the Gandhamardana Mountain whose ancient name was Parimalagiri.

According to Hiuen-Tsang, the Chinese traveler, this place was a center of Buddhist scriptural learning.
Gupteswar Temple- The temple of Lord Siva is 52 KM from Jeypore the District Head Quarter of Koraput.
Ranipur Jharial – 42 KM from Titlagarh of Bolangir district is well known for the sacred seats of Chausathi Yoginis. It is also called Soma tirtha of Lord Someswar Mahadev ( Lord Siva).

The temple is fully built of bricks and biggest of all here.
Harisankar – The temple of lord Sankar (Lord Siva) and Lord Hari (Lord Jagannath) situated on the Gandhamardan mountain in the Bolangir District.

Kapilas, Dhenkanal – Kapilas is famous for the temple of Lord Chandra Sekhar ( Lord Siva) which is situated on the top of the mountain 223 ft. high from ground.


Kantilo Nilamadhab – It is in the district of Nayagarh and around 100 KM from Bhubaneswar. Famous for the temple of Lord Nilamadhab on the bank of river Mahanadi. Here the beauty of nature is really unbelievable.
Ladubaba Temple, Saranakul – It stands at Saranakul 13 KM away from Nayagarh is famous for the temple of Lord Siva built by the King of nayagarh Ladukeswar Singh Mandhata in his own name.

Raghunathjew Temple – 15 KM from Nayagarh famous for his Gold Cobra on the top of the temple.
Bhagabati Temple – It is one of the famous Saktipitha of Orissa.

This temple of Goddess Bhagabati Situated at Banapur 105 KM from Bhubaneswar and 5 KM from the railway station of Balugaon.

Cuttack Chandi- It stands on the heart of the former capital of Orissa the historical silver city Cuttack famous for the temple of Goddess Chandi.

Dhabaleswar – The Temple of Lord Siva stands on an islet in the middle of the river mahanadi at a distance 5 KM from Cuttack city. There is a saying that to save a devotee The God had turned a black bullock in white.

Charchika, Banki – It is situated in a small town of Cuttack district famous for the temple of Goddess Charchika the another name of Goddess Maa Durga.

Bhattarika – The Temple of Goddess Bhattarika situated on the bank of river Mahanadi, to the east of Baramba Block of Athagarh sub-division of Cuttack district.

Jhankad Sarala – This is famous for the temple of Goddess Sarala 40 KM from Cuttack.

Khirichora Gopinatha – It is at Remuna 9 KM from Balasore famous for the temple of Khirichora Gopinatha (Lord Krishna) widely visited by the devotees.

Akhandalamani – It is famous for the Temple of Lord Akhandalamani (Siva) situated at Aradi 10 KM from Chandabali beach in the district of Bhadrak.

Tara Tarini – It is situated 32 KM away from Berhampur on the top of Hill. The temple of Tara Tarini reached by ascending a large number of steps. A beautiful spot for picnic and its beauty of nature is highly enjoyable in the winter.