Kalighat Kali Temple - Originally It Was A Small Hut Beyond Era

KALIGHAT KALI TEMPLE

AT

KOLKATTA

Located in one of Kolkata’s oldest neighborhoods, Kalighat is a renowned center of goddess worship and place of pilgrimage, where devotees have come for centuries to surrender themselves at the feet (literally) of the Divine Mother. 

Local folklore relates that Kalighat, once a jungle region, was inhabited by head-hunting tribal people and Kapaliks (“skull-bearers”) who worshipped the dark goddess with human sacrifice.

Mythologically, such references to “tribal people” and outcasts are often employed to assert Kali’s position as a marginal goddess who exists outside of the societal fold. 

Although the origins of this shakti pith are obscured in myth, allusions to an important Kali temple in this area date from the middle of the 12th century and it cannot be argued that this place has a direct association with Kali from ancient times (Roy 16).

The original temple was a small hut. A small temple was constructed by King Manasingha in the early Sixteenth century. The present temple was erected under the patronage of the Sabarna Roy Chowdhury family of Banisha. It was completed in 1809. 

The Haldar family claims to be the original owners of the temple property. But this was disputed by the Chowdhrys of Banisha. In the nineteen sixties a committee was formed for the administrative management of the temple with representation from the Government and the Haldar family.

The Government of West Bengal has taken a lot of interest in improving the temple which is also one of the biggest tourist attractions. They have sanctioned funds for improving the temple. 

An office cum guest accommodation was constructed at a huge cost some years back. The building is now being run by the Tourism Development corporation as a guest house. Accommodation is available for pilgrims here

The temple is crowded on Tuesdays, Saturdays and Sundays. It is less crowded early in the morning before 8.A.M. If you can, plan your trip for a Wednesday early morning. Make your visit to the temple a worthwhile and pleasant experience.

Udayagiri Fort - It Is An Excellent Example Of The Inventive Skills Of Earlier Period

UDAYAGIRI FORT

AT

NELLORE

Udayagiri Fort is located about 100 kms from Nellore atop a hill at a height of 3079 feet. It boasts of great natural beauty with lush vegetation and beautiful waterfalls. Access to fort is only by steps and there is no road to the fort.

During the rule of the Gajapathis and the Vijayanagar Rulers, this town grew to great splendor. The ruins of 365 Temples found in the town reflected the sculpture and architecture of various periods.

The structures on the hill such as the Ranganatha Temple reflects Chola culture, the Balakrishna Mandiram reflects Pallava culture and the Paruveta Mandapam reflects Vijayanagara culture. Other structures include Chinna Masjid and Pedda Masjid.

Udayagiri Fort is located at an altitude of 3079 feet above sea level. Situated around 100 kms from Nellore, the fort is in a picturesque environment. The village Udayagiri is situated on hilltop and this hill is famously known as Sanjeevi Hills.

A wide range of plants of medicinal value is found here. Evidences available on Udayagiri relate its history from 14th century. The place was then the capital of Langula Gajapati and then it was ruled by the famous Krishna Devaraya of Vijayanagar around 1512.

The fort had been under the control of various rulers including Cholas, Pallavas and subsequently it came into the hands of Vijayanagar rulers. It was conquered by Islamic rulers as well.

There were 13 buildings in the fort and several temples as well. The influences of various rulers that ruled the fort can be seen in the temples constructed by them during their reign. The fort, in overall, is a blend of various cultures and a fine example of the artistic skills of the bygone era.

A great sufi saint belonging to the 18th century. Rahamathulla Nayab Rasool got absorbed in the higher selfhere. every year the sandal festival is celebrated on the 29th of Rabi-UI-Aval month.

The hill of Udayagiri is also popularly known a Sanjeevi Hills as ther are so many medicinal plants on the hill. this place can be developed on par with Golconda Fort of Hyderabad. It is possible to introduce attraction like Light and sound show etc.,

By Air

Chennai is most convenient city to reach Udayagiri through airplane. Chennai is only 280 km far from Udayagiri and local buses are available for the destination. Other big airports available for Udayagiri are Hyderabad and Bangalore (only 380 kms away).

By Rail

Closest railway station is Kavali located at only gap of 75 kms from Udayagiri. Hyderabad is next big closer city for Udayagiri placed at 410 km distance. Direct bus is available from Hyderabad for Udayagiri. Some other Telangana regions are also having buses for Udayagiri such as Nizamabad, Warangal and Karimnagar.

By Road

If you have planned to visit the spot then closer station to reach Udayagiri is Nellore located at only gap of 96 kms. Road is the best mode to reach Udayagiri as the hills are quite dangerous to drive so you must be careful if going through own vehicle. State buses are running daily from various parts such as Kavali, Atmakur, Nellore and Ongole.

Appanapalli Bala Balaji – It Is Considered As Next To Tirupati

 

APPANAPALLI BALA BALAJI TEMPLE

AT

EAST GODAVARI

The temple is located 13 kms from Amalapuram. It is famously called as Sri Bala Balaji Devastanam. Located on the shores of Vynateya River, the significance attached to the temple can be gauged by the fact that it is considered second Tirupati.

Appanapalli, a remote village in Mamidikuduru Mandal of East Godavari District, situated on the holy banks of river Vynateya has attained reputation as second Tirupathi of Konaseema being the abode of Lord Bala Balaji.

The village Appanapalli derived its name after a Rushi called "Appana" who did THAPASSU for the good of the world. This place in olden days was famous for well-read Brahmins in Vedas who used to spend their time in reciting hymns and performing sacrifices as ordained in the scriptures.

The location of the temple is awe-inspiring as it is surrounded by Godavari River on three sides and to its fourth side is the Bay of Bengal. Wide expanse of paddy fields, coconut grooves, jack trees and mango trees in the area immediately win you over.

Your spirits soar to great heights at the amazing setting of the temple. The sculptures in the temple try to challenge the natural scenery outside by drawing your attention to the intricate designs and workmanship involved in the making. You are going to be hooked by the extraordinary beauty of the place.

Vakulamatha wants to see lord as a child, on request of his mother Lord self-manifested here. here is the story, Molleti Rama Swamy a coconut vendor, son of Molleti Munaiah and Mangamma, is an ordent devotees of Lord Venkateswara.

He used to visit Tirupati regularly, Once Lord in the form of a child appeared in the dreams of the devotee and told him that he will manifest in his village. One day rama swamy noticed Lord Balaji Idol in the Weighing pan, he named the Idol as Bala Balaji and installed the idol.

 By Air

Nearest domestic airport is at Rajamundry which is 84 km away

By Train

Nearest railway station is at Palkollu which is 35km away

By Bus

Direct bus is available from Rajamundry and palakollu