Jyotiba Temple – It Is Family Divine Being Of The Scindias Of Gwalior

JYOTIBA TEMPLE

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KOLHAPUR

If ever you go to Kolhapur, the one place that you must include in your travel itinerary is Jyotiba, the holy shrine of Lord Kedarnath up in the hills near the bustling city with its true Maratha flavour. 

It is not for nothing that Jyotiba is called the ‘The King of the Deccan’. Throughout the year the deity draws devotees in huge numbers. Also, it is known for being the family deity of the Scindias of Gwalior.

Jyotiba temple is an important Hindu religious destination located at an altitude of 3124 feet above sea level in the Panhala range of Maharashstra. It is believed that the main deity the Jyotiba is formed from the souls of three Primary Gods, Brahma, Vishnu and Shiva. Legendery stories tell that Jyotiba is formed to kill the demon Ratnasur.

The shrine of Lord Kedarnath has its faithful across not just Maharashtra but also Goa and Karnataka. Close to the Panhala Fort, it can be reached within half-an-hour from Kolhapur, situated as it is at a short distance of about 20 kilometers north-west of the Mahalakshmi Temple.

 The original name of the hill that hosts the shrine is Ratnagiri, which is now called Wadi-Ratnagiri. Ancient as it is, the temple of Jyotiba has been renovated three times till date and the present reconstruction was carried out in 1730 CE by the ancestors of the Scindia family of Gwalior.

The original deity is in ‘Shivlinga’ form and known as Kedareshwar. The Bhairav idol, Kedarnath or Jyotiba, was an addition in time. The deities that are important along with that of Jyotiba are those of Yamai and Chopadai.

 It is said that this shrine was under the control of the Nathpanthis for a long time. Mythology has it that this Bhairav was brought from North India and installed at Wada Ratnagiri by the goddess Mahalakshmi in order to kill Ratnasura, a demon.

The Jyotiba hill has 12 ‘jyotirlingas’ installed around the main Kedareshwar shrine and for many this is one of the main pilgrimage destinations. It is said that these jyotirlingasfrom all over India were installed here by Kedarnath or Jyotiba himself. An annual fair of Jyotiba takes place on the full moon night of the Hindu months of Chaitra.

Distance from Mumbai: 377 kms.

Jyotiba is 18 km north-west of Kolhapur.

Contact Details:

Shri Kshetra Jyotiba Dongar,

Taluka Panhala,

Dist - Kolhapur

Our Lady Of Snow Church - It Was Built In One Of The Portuguese Architecture Style

OUR LADY OF SNOW CHURCH

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TUTICURIN

Our lady of snow church is located in Tuticurin in the state of Tamilnadu.In fact, Our Lady of Snows, is fondly called in Portuguese senhora, Das Nevis which means Our Lady of Snows.

 She has been given the unique title of Yelu Kadalthurai, Yega Adikala Thai in Tamil which means the Mother of Refuge for the seven major coastal villages, viz Vembar, Vaippar, Thoothukudi (Snows Basilica, Tuticorin), Punnaikayal, Virapandianpatinam, Thiruchendur and Manapad (Thoothukkudi District).

Our Lady of Snows Shrine Basilica (Snows Basilica) at Tuticorin is a renowned shrine of virgin Mary stood up at seashore in the year 1582. Here we bring you all the features about our shrine basilica and its services.

 We welcome all people to visit this legendary shrine and get the blessings of Mother Mary. We describe the features of the church and bring you important ceremony.

The origin of the holy rosary has a rich history that continues to bring peace to peoples lives. The word rosary itself comes from the Latin word rosarium, which means rose garden or garland of roses. 

When you pray the Rosary it is like taking a peaceful walk through Mary’s rose garden. A garden filled

The beautiful statue of Our Lady of Snows has always been looked upon as a miraculous one, as many miracles are said to have occurred in the Shrine from the time of its installation at St. Pauls Church, Tuticorin

The Shrine Basilica of Our Lady of Snows is fascine East; constructed in the Portuguese architecture; it houses the celebrated and miraculous statue of Our Lady of Snows, most beautifully carved out of wood and hence it is a great piece of art. Thus the Shrine Basilica of Our Lady of Snows deserves to be called a Basilica in the true sense of the word!

In 1982, when the Church of Our Lady of Snows celebrated the 400th anniversary, Pope John Paul II raised it to the status of Basillica through his apostolic letter Pervenute illa Dei Beatissimae Genitricis Effigies dated 30th July 1982.

It is the greatest honor for a church to be raised to the status of a Basilica. The Greek word Basilica signifies a Royal Hall. In course of time, this word has come to mean a large and beautiful hall. 

In ancient times, the whole World in general and Rome in particular, erected large halls for administrative purposes. The first hall bearing the name of Basilica existed in Athens. But after the fall of Greeks, the Romans popularized it. 

It was Julius Caesar who artistically constructed the hall of Basilica Julia for administrative purposes. They are somewhat similar to the Durbar Halls in ancient Indian places.

Christ being the king and His Church being His Audience the larger Christian Churches in Rome, came to be called Basilicas. Naturally these Basilicas were large, roomy, bright and ornamental.

Today, for a church to be raised to the status of Basilica certain conditions are to be fulfilled.The Church, usually is built with front facing the east.Generally it is built in one of the classical styles of architecture.

It should contain some works of art or house the body of a Saint or a celebrated statue venerated in the land or it should be a place of pilgrimage

By Air

Nearest Air Port at Vagaikulam 14 kms from Thoothukudi. Daily Flight to Chennai

By Rail

Connected to Chennai, Mysore, Bangalore, Tirunelveli, and Tiruchendur.

By Road

Good connectivity by Road. Frequent bus services to all important   places.

Railway Passengers Will Be Recommended Optional Travel Insurance By IRCTC

IRCTC will soon provide an insurance cover of Rs 10 lakh to all train travellers at a premium of just Re 1.

When introduced, this is going to be a big deal for every train traveller. Starting September 1, railway passengers will be offered optional travel insurance by IRCTC.

The facility, which will be initially introduced on a trial basis, will allow passengers to opt for a travel insurance for a premium of just Re 1 while booking an e-ticket from the IRCTC website.

Although the insurance cover is available for all e-tickets, irrespective of the class, the scheme won't be available for sub-urban trains.

Offered by IRCTC in partnership with with ICICI Lombard General Insurance, Royal Sundaram and Shriram General, the scheme will offer travellers and their families a compensation of up to Rs 10 lakh in the event of death or permanent total disability, Rs 7.5 lakh for permanent partial disability, up to Rs 2 lakh for hospitalisation expenses, and Rs 10,000 for transportation of mortal remains in the event of death or injury from a train accident or other 'untoward incident' including terrorist attacks, dacoity, rioting, shoot-out or arson, as well as for short termination, diverted route and Vikalp trains.

The scheme offers travelers or their families compensation of up to Rs 10 lakh in the event of death or permanent total disability, Rs 7.5 lakh for permanent partial disability, up to Rs 2 lakh for hospitalization expenses and Rs 10,000 for transportation of mortal remains in the event of death or injury from a train accident or other 'untoward incident' including terrorist attacks, dacoity, rioting, shoot-out or arson, as well as for short termination, diverted route and Vikalp trains.

Train accident and untoward incident cases will be as per definition under Sections 123 read with Sections 124 and 124A of the Railways Act, 1989.

The claims intimation should be immediate but not later than four months after the event. The insurance company will process the claim and send the cheque within 15 days of the receipt of document.

In case of cancellation of tickets, IRCTC will make an automatic refund of the premium amount after deduction of administrative charges to the passenger on the same account that was used to book the ticket.

Here Are A Few Destinations In Rajasthan That You Must Visit This Monsoon

The monsoons make for an amazing time to explore the beauty of Rajasthan. Here are a few places you must visit.

There's hardly a person alive who would not like to travel to Rajasthan. Well, it's just not heritage that attracts so many travellers to this colourful state. Rajasthan has a bit of everything--right from wildlife to hills to heritage. And trust us on this--monsoons are a great time to explore all of that. In fact, in a few places, it's even better than the winters, which is usually considered to be the peak season. After all, the dark clouds and the rain-soaked greenery gives a picturesque glow to the landscape. Here are a few destinations in the state that you must visit this season.

Ranakpur

Not many travelers have heard of this place. But interestingly, this is one place in rajasthan where you can see the real charm of the aravalli range, which is said to be earth’s oldest mountain range. While the entire landscape is covered by a carpet of green, the dark grey clouds overhead add a soothing hue to the 360-degree view of the surrounging hills.

While you are here, go on a nature walk and spend a day visiting the ancient Jain temple which is the main tourist attraction of this place. Dedicated to Tirthankara Adinatha, this temple is known for its architecture. The intricate marble carvings covering most of the interior space of the temple are stunning. You can spend hours here taking in the beauty and taking photographs of the place. Don't forget to have the prasad meal offered here. It's pure vegetarian, but we bet it's one of the most delicious meals you will ever have.

If you have time, pay a visit to Bera wildlife sanctuary--a place where you can spot leopards. It is located at a distance of just 6o km from Ranakpur. For a dose of heritage, visit the Kumbhalgarh Fort, which is located at a distance of 33 km from Ranakpur.

Distance from Delhi: 627 km
Stay:Mana Hotel

Bundi

Another lesser-known destination of Rajasthan, Bundi is a place where you can see the beauty of Rajasthan's traditional culture in its purest form. Filled with narrow lanes and Brahmin-blue houses, the city is home to numerous lakes, hills, bazaars, and temples at every turn.

Unlike other popular destinations of Rajasthan, this place doesn't have every street crowded with tourist crowds. A walk through this city will bring you in close encounters with the state's folk art (displayed through the wall paintings adorning the houses) and delicious street food available at the several local stalls. Besides, the local bazaars of this place promise authentic experiences to shopaholics.

Apart from all this, Bundi happens to be one of the best places to witness the colourful festival of Teej that Rajasthan is known for. This year, the celebrations will take place on the 5th of August. Bundi's heritage is dictated by the Bundi Palace which offers amazing panoramas of the town.

Distance from Delhi: 493 km
Stay: The Hadoti Palace

 Bhainsrorgarh

Located at a 57 km picturesque drive from Kota, Bhainsrorgarh is a place where you can experience Rajasthan rather differently than you have always imagined it to be. Bordering the state of Madhya Pradesh, the Chambal River and its surrounding landscape add beauty to this place.

You can go on a nature hike along the river and end it with a picnic lunch inside the verdant forests of Chambal or row to the beautiful river island. Taking time out to walk up to the 9th century Badoli temples also offers a refreshing experience to explorers. Apart from this, a trip to Bhainsrorgarh is incomplete without a stay at the Bhainsrorgarh Fort, which is a boutique heritage hotel perched beautifully on the top of a cliff overlooking Chambal River.

Distance from Delhi: 575 km
Stay: Bhainsrorgarh Fort

Udaipur

No matter how many times you have visited this place or no matter how much you have read about it, the City of Lakes can be rediscovered in a new way every single time you are there. Apart from the City Palace, Lake Pichola and other popular tourist attractions of this place, Udaipur is one destination in Rajasthan that boasts of a Monsoon Palace.

Built by Maharana Sajjan Singh of the Mewar dynasty in 1884, the Monsoon Palace is located on the top of one of the hillocks of the Aravalli Range, thus offering a panoramic view of the city under the beautiful monsoon clouds.

Distance from Delhi: 663 km
Stay: Jagmandir Island Palace

Bharatpur

Located at an easy driving distance from Delhi, Bharatpur makes for a perfect weekend getaway for birders living in the national capital. The place is known for the Keoladeo National Park (formerly Bharatpur Bird Sanctuary), which is home to more than 350 avian species including a good number of rare and migratory species.

The UNESCO World Heritage Site is a wildlife photographer's haven and can be best explored on foot. Also, one must not miss out on a boat ride, which is less popular yet promises an amazing experience for both birders and nature lovers.

Distance from Delhi: 223 km
Stay:Bharatpur Forest Lodge

Mcleodkanj - Get Pleasure From The Dusk You Have Never Seen Before

MCLEODKANJ HILL STATION

Mcleodganj is a beautiful town situated near upper Dharamsala. Nestled amidst majestic hills and lush greenery, this town is culturally blessed by a prominent Tibetan influence owing to the major settlement of Tibetans here.

Mcleodganj has one of the most mesmerizing landscapes in the entire state of Himanchal Pradesh and attracts a lot of tourists throughout the year. The towns of Dharamsala, Mcleodganj, Bhagsu Nag and Kangra are situated very close to each other and tourists must cover all these destinations while travelling here.

 Few of the most eminent and religiously significant monasteries in India are located here, including the Namgyal Monastery and Tsuglagkhang, where the spiritual leader Dalai Lama resides. Besides them, tourists must also visit the scenic Dal Lake and Triund, which are apt for quiet picnics

Mcleodganj being one of the most popular tourist destinations in the state has a wide of accomodations to offer to the tourists. One can get anything from budget and homestays to high end luxury hotels and resorts here. Tourists looking to splurge can go for the Asia Health Resorts.

Mcleodganj is located in upper Dharamsala and is one of the favorite tourist destinations of Indians and foreigners alike. It is located at an altitude of 1700 meters above the sea level in the Indian state of Himachal Pradesh.

 The city is known as the seat of the famous Buddhist figure, the Dalai Lama. Named after David McLeod, it is a very popular learning center of Tibetan culture and the teachings of Buddhism.

It has been given the name, Little Lhasa that speaks about the influence of Buddhist culture in this city. The town is architecturally grand as it has many temples, monasteries and ancient structures that catch the eye of the beholder.

 The whole environment of the place is made serene and tranquil by the lifestyle and religious practices of the Buddhists.

Mcleodganj is considered to be blessed by nature and has been provided by the most amazing scenic charms and splendid environment. Apart from the Buddhist pilgrims, many tourists visit this beautiful town to witness the magnanimities it has to offer

By air

Gaggal Airport or Kangra Airport at Dharamshala is about 20 km away from McLeod Ganj and is well connected to Delhi, Kullu and Chandigarh. After reaching the airport, travellers can hire taxis or take buses to reach their destination, which takes around an hour.

By train

Pathankot Railway Station, situated approximately 90 km away, is the closest broad gauge railhead serving those headed to McLeod Ganj. Some of the popular trains available from Delhi for Pathankot are Jammu Mail and Uttar Sampark Kranti. Once you reach Pathankot, take a taxi or bus from outside the station, which is easily available.

By road

A number of state owned and private buses connect McLeod Ganj with other cities like Delhi (500 km), Chandigarh (250 km) and Dharamshala (20 km). In New Delhi, most of the buses leave from the Kashmiri Gate ISBT and Majnu-ka-Tilla (a Tibetian camp). Deluxe buses of Himachal Pradesh Tourism are also available from Himachal Bhawan. One can also drive to McLeod Ganj from Delhi via NH 1, a journey of about 10 hours

Dhuandhar Falls – You Can Perceive The Beauty Of Falls While Cable Car Travelling

 DHUANDHAR FALLS

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JABALPUR

Dhuandhar falls are located at a distance of 18 kilometers from Jabalpur. Dhuandhar falls is actually located on the narmadha river, one of the five holy rivers of India. It is believed that a dip in the holy river can wash away one’s sins.

One can take a dip in the cool water along the banks upstream, roam around the viewpoints, click photographs or just sit back and enjoy nature’s tranquility.

 Visitors never miss out on the shopping aspect, as marble artifacts from the local vendors close to the waterfalls make for great souvenirs.

‘Dhuan’ means smoke. The mist created by water falling on hard rock creates visuals of smoke emanate from the river bed. Hence it is called Dhuandhar or Smoke Cascade.

The white water pummels down to form a gorge known as the Marble Rocks.

Dhuandhar Falls have two access points i.e. east coast and west coast. To the east is the town of Bhedaghat and to the west is the cable car service.

The Dhuandhar Falls are a part of the town of Bhedaghat. The sangemarmar rocks below the waters add color to the waters, ranging from white, grey to green and even blue!

 The marble rocks present in the area, provide livelihood to the locals, as they make marble statues of Hindu Gods, handicrafts and trinkets, which are available for sale to the tourists.

 One can go for boating or practice photography in the lap of nature. The water content of the DhuanDhar Falls is quite high when compared to the other waterfalls.

The depth of the pool beneath the cascade. The origin of the River Narmada creating Dhuan Dhar Falls is at Amarkantak. Amarkantak is located at a distance of 220 kilometers from Jabalpur.

 The places of visit in Jabalpur apart from the Dhuan Dhar Falls are Bandarkoodni, Panchwati, Chaunsath Yogini Temple, Marble Rocks, Monkey’s Leap, Madan Mahal Fort, Tripursundari Temple, Kanha National Park, Gwarighat, Bhedaghat, Rani Durgavati Museum, Hanuman Tal, Bargi Dam and Chauragarh Fort.

By Air

Nearest airport is the Jabalpur Airport. It is around 10kms away from the main city. The airport is connected to the other major domestic airports on daily basis. One can get taxi or auto to reach the city.

By Train

Jabalpur Railway Station is a major railhead. One can get taxi or an auto to reach the destination.

By Road

Well maintained roads are connected other cities and states. One can get many government operated buses and private buses for different destination from Jabalpur’s main bus stand.

From Jabalpur ISBT shared auto runs till Dhuandhar fall. The journey was around an hour long and charges 25 Rs.  The origin of Narmada is Amarkantak which is around 220 km from Jabalpur.

Attukal Temple – Attukalamma Cares Her Devotees Like A Mother Does Her Children

ATTUKAL TEMPLE 

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TRIVANDRUM 

The Attukal Bhagavathy Temple is one of the ancient temples dedicated to the divine mother in Kerala. It is very close to the famous Sri Padmanabha Swamy temple in Trivandrum.

It is popularly described as the Sabarimala of women, since women form the major portion of the Devi’s devotees. The Goddess in the temple of Attukal is worshipped as the Supreme Mother, creator of all living beings as well as their destroyer.   

All pilgrims who visit the Sri Padmanabha Swamy Temple make it a point to visit the shrine of the supreme Mother known as Attukalamma.

Attukal temple is the abode of the goddess, who is the supreme preserver and destroyer. She cares her devotees like a mother does her children. For the devotees, Attukal Devi (Attukal Amma or Attukal Bhagavathy) is supreme power, capable of delivering all the wishes of her devotees.

 Several women devotees testify the supreme power of this shrine, and tell you how Attukal Devi has blessed them with progeny and wishes of bountiful life.

Devotees from all parts of India come and bow before the all powerful goddess, seeking an end to their afflictions and to receive blessings.

 The temple is just 2 Km from the main city center of Thiruvananthapuram and is located at a rural-looking area, although the surroundings are highly urbanized.

Attukal Bhagavathy Temple exhibits a unify of Tamil and Kerala form of architecture. The gateway of the temple is stunning with delicate work.

Furthermore, the temple has beautiful idols of Mahisasurmardini, Goddess Kali, Rajarajeshwari, Devi Parvati and Lord Shiva.

  

There are two idols of the Goddess here. The original deity is adorned with golden ornaments and precious stones. The other one is placed just beside that. 

The architecture of Attukal temple has elements of both Kerala and Tamil architecture styles. 

The exteriors of the temple are carved with hundreds of sculptures of gods, goddesses, the stories of Dasavataram of Lord Vishnu,Goddess Kannagi (Kannaki), Dakshayaga etc. The main building also depicts Goddess Kali, Sree Parvathy, Lord Siva, Rajarajeshwari, and several others. 

The Gopura (main rise building) is covered by such idols, which surely are a work of a team of artisans under the leadership of an able sculptor.

The temple doors and internal corridors also have several sculptures of Gods like Lord Ganapathi (Ganesh), Lord Siva, etc.

By Air 

 The nearest airport is Thiruvananthapuram International Airport, located at Valiyathura is about 7 Km from the shrine. Many international air carriers operate daily international flights to Middle East, Male and Sri Lanka from Thiruvananthapuram.

By Rail 

 The nearest Railway station is Trivandrum Central Railway station located at Thampanoor is about 2 Km from the shrine.

By Road 

 Trivandrum Central Bus Station located at Thampanoor is about 2 Km from the shrine and the City Bus Station located at EastFort is about 1.5 Km form the shrine.