JEGANNATH TEMPLE

JEGANNATH TEMPLE

AT

PURI

 The Jagannath temple of Puri is located on the eastern coast of India,at Puri in the State of Odissa.

The Puri temple is built on a gigantic raised platform in the heart of the city, The temple complex is enclosed by a wall about seven meters high -including the 0 height of the platform. The area of this platform is more than 4,20,000 sq.ft.

Jagannath Temple in Odisha (Orissa) consists of four entrance gates. They are named as Singhadwara, Ashwadwara, Hathidwara and Vyaghradwara and these names refer to lion, horse, elephant and tiger. 

The temple complex is surrounded by a wall, on each side of which is a gopura or gate, over which rises a pyramid-shaped roof. Being the largest temple in the state, it has a complex covering several square blocks with dozens of structures including a mammoth kitchen.

The name Jagannath literally means the Lord of the Universe. King Indradyumna first established the temple of Lord Jagannath here on the Nilachala hill with the Deity being installed by Lord Brahma himself.

jagannatha is not the only deity worshipped in the temple, though it is known as the 'Jagannatha Temple'. But along with Jagannatha, two others namely, Balabhadra, and Subhadra are also worshipped here.

 These three, constitute the basic and fundamental Trinity and are considered to be the forms and manifestations of the omni-present, omni-scient and omni-potent supreme power.

Sudarsan who is supposed to be the fourth important divine manifestation is also worshipped with the celebrated trio and these four are known as the Caturdha murti or the four-fold divine images.Besides, Madhava, a replica of Jagannatha, Sridevi and Bhudevi are also installed in the sanctum sanctorum and worshipped.

By Air

Nearest airport to Puri is Bhubaneshwar's Biju Patnaik airport, at a distance of nearly 60 kilometres. Daily flights connect this airport with major Indian cities like Delhi, Mumbai, Kolkata, Chennai and Vishakhapatnam.

By Train

Puri is a terminus on the East Coast Railway having direct express and super fast train links with New Delhi, Mumbai, Kolkata, Okha, Ahmedabad, Tirupati etc. Some important trains are Kolkata (Howrah) Puri Howrah Express, Jagannath Express; New Delhi; Purushottam Express. Khurda Road Station, 44 km, from Puri is convenient rail head for train to Chennai and Western India.

By Road

The bus stand near the Gundicha Temple provides connections to Bhubaneswar and Cuttack, service every 10-15 minutes. Minibuses to Konark leave every 20-30 minutes and also from Jatiababa Chhak. There are direct buses for Kolkata and Visakhapatnam.

AMBER FORT

AMBER FORT

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JAIPUR

Amber Fort is located in Amer from Jaipur, Rajasthan state, India. It is one of the principal tourist attractions in the Jaipur area, located high on a hill. Anber Fort Was Built By Raja Man Singh I.

Amber Fort is known for its artistic style, blending both Hindu and Rajput elements. With its large ramparts, series of gates and cobbled paths, the fort overlooks the Maota Lake, at its forefront.

Amer Fort is the best tourist attraction of Jaipur and the sprawling complex combines both immense fortifications with unexpected beauty and charm.

The fort which visitors are able to explore today dates from the 16th century and is situated on a natural ridge 11 km north of Jaipur.

The structure has four different parts, each with a separate entrance. The main entry to the fort is through the 'Suraj Pol' or Sun Gate which opens up into the main courtyard.

This east-facing gate is also the main entrance to the palace and its position with respect to the rising sun is the source of its name. The 'Jaleb Chowk' is one of the four courtyards of the Amer Palace.

The 'Sila Devi' Temple is right at the entrance to the main palace grounds. The second courtyard is famous for its 'Diwan-i-Aam' (Public Audience Hall), the 'Sheesh Mahal' and the 'Sukh Mahal'.

A very famous attraction here is the 'Magic Flower', a fresco carved out of marble.The Amer Fort was built in red sandstone and marble and the Maotha Lake adds a certain charm to the entire Fort.

Major attractions of Amer are : Diwan-e-Aam, Diwan-e-Khaas, Ganesh Pol, Jaleb Chowk, Singh Pol, Jai Mandir, Yash Mandir, Sukh Mandir, Sheesh Mahal (Hall of Mirrors), Suhag Mandir, Shila Devi Temple, Bhool Bhulaiya, and Zanana Dyodhi .

There were two ways to reach the Amber fort as it is situated on a hill. One was for elephant riding, and another was walk-way which was in natural raw shape of hill and rock way.

Now, the walk-way is modified in shape of new cemented staircases. Now, one road from bottom of the hill to Amber fort for vehicles also has been constructed, but to enjoy the trip of Amber fort, the walk-way or elephant riding is most preferable.

 Riding an elephant uphill seems a cliche for tourists. But it really helps feeling the ambience and plunging deeper in India. The elephant ride offers a skyline view of the Pink city and a mesmerizing sight over Maotha Lake.

Visiting Hours : 8:00 AM – 6:00 PM
Indian : Rs. 25.00  Student : 10 Foreigner : Rs. 200.00  Student : 100

Light Shows Timing (Onwords)  In English : 7.30 pm- Entry Fee : Rs. 200.00 

In Hindi : 8:00 PM-Entry Fee : Rs. 100.00

Elephant Ride at Amber Palace for two persons Rs. 900/-.

By Air

The Jaipur Airport is situated at Sanganer, 7 km (domestic terminal) and 10 km (international terminal) from the main city. It connects the city to all the major parts of India as well as some of the major overseas countries.

By Train

The nearest railway station to amber fort is Merta Road Jn Railway Station which is 8 km away from Amber Fort. Jaipur is well connected to almost every part of India through the means of Indian Railways. There are several trains which connect this city.

By Bus

Jaipur, the pink city is linked with the all the major cities of India through the network of National Highways 8, 11 and 12 to name a few. There's also a very good bus service between Jaipur and Delhi provided by Rajasthan State Road Transport Corporation (RSRTC) with the buses at about every half an hour to and from both sides.