Itanagar Hill Station - It Is A Land Of Dawn Lit Hills

ITANAGAR HILL STATION

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PAPUM PARE

Indian tourist place ItaNagar is our next destination. This Capital city of Arunachal Pradesh (AP) is an enthralling city that fascinates you with charming attitude. ItaNagar is covered with snow peaks in north east side. The Himalayan hills are easily viewable from the city and river Brahmaputra is flowing through the city in south direction. This famous Indian tourist place is full of exciting places. Citizens of ItaNagar are music lovers so voyagers are going to enjoy the musical environment in the city. Experts call this city as land of dawn lit hills. 

The unique magnificence and splendor of the state of Arunachal Pradesh and its exquisite capital, Itanagar is a joy to visit. The warmth of the music loving populace and the amicable weather throughout the year are other reasons that attract tourists in hordes towards this quiet state. Itanagar, the ‘Land of Dawn lit Mountains’ is divided into two parts, the other is known as Naharlagun. A warm but pleasant climate prevails in Itanagar all through the year

Earlier tourism in Arunachal Pradesh was limited, though the state is open now for the visitors. The issue with the Arunachal government was the pollution created by the travelers. However, for city welfare the gateways are open now and voyagers can reach the different parts of AP at any occasion. Languages spoken in the region are English, Hindi, Aptani, Assamese, Adi and Nishi. 

Some Of The Important Places In Itanagar:

Ita Fort: ItaNagar is popular for Ita fort and the city name is derived from the fort as well. To reach such spot travelers have to go into right direction from the central part of capital complex of Papum Pare region. Its construction was done during the ruling period of Ahom Empire. 

Nehru Museum: next place to visit in town is Jawaharlal Museum operated by AP Government. To learn historical events of the town its better place to reach. This place will entertain you about the woodcarvings, creations, musical instruments, textiles types and handicrafts products created at such period. 

Ganga Lake: Also known as Gyakar Sinyi is another tourist spot of ItaNagar. This elegant and uncluttered pond is identification of the town. Gyakar Lake is able to attract visitors and its natural beauty is attracting voyagers throughout the year. 

ItaNagar Wildlife Sanctuary: national park of ItaNagar is major attraction for travelers. This wildlife is favorite place for biologists. There are lots of trees and flora that balance the place perfectly. 

Namdapa National Park: A park popular for wild cat is our next attraction of ItaNagar. View of snow bound Himalaya ranges from this park is special to watch. 

Buddha Temple: a holy place with some magical effect is another travelers spot. A shrine sacred by Dalai Lama located imposing hills is favorite place of ItaNagar. 

Rupa: A beautiful hill town known as Rupa located close to Tenga River is best spot. Its scenic charm and the meeting point of river Tenga is wonderful. 

Tipi: a peak known as Tipi is last but not least spot of ItaNagar. This snowed peak is having deep valleys with diverse types of Orchids. 

Ziro: ItaNagar is not only the capital of AP but it is also the political hub for the state. Ziro is closer hill area reputed for amazing views of valleys. Its located few Kms away from ItaNagar so travelers must visit the Ziro. 

People can enjoy adventure sports like trekking, paragliding, skiing, etc. in ItaNagar. 

By Air

The nearest airport to Itanagar is located at Lilabari in Assam, which is nearly 67 km away from Itanagar. This airport is well connected by flights from Guwahati. Pawan Hans provides helicopter facility between Itanagar and Guwahati, thrice a week.

By Train 

Harmuti in Assam is the nearest railhead, which is nearly 52 km away from Itanagar. Taxi services from the railway station to Itanagar charges around Rs 500 – 600. Harmuti is well connected with North East railway stations.

By Bus

Overnight super express buses connect Itanagar with Guwahati, which takes about 12 hours. Arunachal State Transport buses connect Itanagar with other North East cities in India.

Six Warhouses Of Lord Murugan In Tamil Nadu

SIX ABODES OF LORD MURUGAN

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TAMILNADU

Arupadaiveedu (Six Abodes of Lord Murugan) are six temples of Hindu God Murugan, son of Lord Shiva situated in the state of Tamil Nadu, South India. Lord Murugan is known by different names such as Karthikeyan, Skandan, Vadivelan, Subramanian and Murugan at various temples. Lord Murugan is worshiped primarily in areas especially in Sri Lanka, in all over India, Mauritius, Philippines, Indonesia, Malaysia and Singapore. His six most important shrines in Sri lanka also in India are the Six Abodes of Lord Murugan also known as ‘Arupadai Veedu’, literally meaning six warhouses. In India, all the six temples located in Tamil Nadu. The famous six abodes of Lord Murugan (Arupadai Veedu Temples) are listed with sort by sequence:

Thiruparankundram Murugan Temple

Thiruchendur Murugan Temple

Palani Murugan Temple

Swamimalai Murugan Temple

Thiruthani Murugan Temple

Pazhamudhircholai Murugan Temple

Brahmotsavam Festival - It Is Celebrated Nine Days At Tirumala

BRAHMOTSAVAM FESTIVAL

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TIRUMALA

Source:templedetails

Srivari Brahmotsavam is an annual festival celebrated at Tirumala Tirupati Sri Venkateswara Temple in Tirupati city of Andhra Pradesh, dedicated to Lord Vishnu, known as ‘Lord Venkateswara’,also named as ‘Lord Balaji’ as the chief presiding deity. Srivari Brahmotsavam is celebrated annually with great grand manner during the months of September – October for nine days in Tirumala.It was said that Lord Brahma, the God of creation, was the origin of this Brahmotsavam (Brahma’s Utsavam).

Lord Brahma was believed to be worshipped Lord Sri Venkateswara on the banks of sacred temple tank (Pushkarani) of Tirumala and thanked Him for the protection of humankind. And hence for this reason, this festival holds the name of Lord Brahma and is considered as a sacred purifying ceremony to honor Lord Brahma. Lord Brahma was revered in Sri Venkateswara Sahasranama stotram, one of the Hindu religious scripture which emphasize the importance of Lord Vishnu.

Lord Brahma was honored by the activity of carried on a small empty chariot called “Brahma Ratham”, which will be processioned twice in a day during the Brahmotsavam festival of Tirumala. During the ‘Brahmotsavams’ of Tirumala Venkateswara temple, Lakhs of devotees visits the temple to get the blessings of Lord Sri Balaji. And the fulfillment and josh experience experienced by the devotees is termed as ‘Vaikunth Anubhav’.

This festival is celebrated during the Sun is transiting in Kanyaa (Virgo) raasi in the zodiac, that generally coincides with Navarathri festival of Aaswayuja maasam (Telugu Month) as per Lunar calendar. Annual festival at Tirumala known as Saalakatla Brahmotsavam or Vaarshika Brahmotsavam will be held (after transit of Sun into Kanyaa raasi) for nine days with the 9th day coinciding with Sravana Nakshathra. Sravana Nakshathra is parameter for conclusion of Brahmotsavam.

Once in every three years when an extra month (Adhika Masa) comes according to Panchanga,Two Brahmotsavams will be performed. One in the month of Nija Bhadrapada (Telugu Month) and the other in the month of Aswayuja (Telugu Month) [during September and October respectively]. In normal course Srivari Brahmotsavam is performed in the month of Aswayuja only. Thus the Tirumala Sri Venkateswara temple celebrates Brahmotsavam twice in a year depending on the occurrence of Adhika masa.

Adhika masa is an additional month in the Hindu Lunar calendar and exists once in three years.This is taken into consideration only by the calendars that follows Lunar based calculations. Whenever, the year contains Adhika masa, Tirumala celebrates both the Brahmotsavams, Salakatla Brahmotsavam festival and Navaratri Brahmotsavam festival. Otherwise, the Tirumala temple celebrates only the Navaratri Brahmotsavam festival in a grand manner. The two Brahmotsavam festivals of Tirumala Sri Venkateswara temple are named as ‘Srivari Salakatla Brahmotsavam’ and ‘Srivari Navaratri Brahmotsavam’.

Date	Morning	Night
02-10-2016 [Sunday]	ANKURAARPANAM	--
03-10-2016 [Monday]	DHWAJAROHANAM	PEDDA SESHA VAHANAM
04-10-2016 [Tuesday]	CHINNA SESHA VAHANAM	HAMSA VAHANAM
05-10-2016[Wednesday]	SIMHA VAHANAM	MUTHYAPU PANDIRI
06-10-2016 [Thursday]	KALPA VRIKSHA VAHANAM	SARWA BHOOPALA VAHANAM
07-10-2016 [Friday]	PALLAKI UTSAVAM[MOHINI AVATARAM]	GARUDA VAHANAM
08-10-2016 [Saturday]	HANUMANTHA VAHANAM,SWARNA RATHAM	GAJA VAHANAM
09-10-2016 [Sunday]	SURYA PRABHA VAHANAM	CHANDRA PRABHA VAHANAM
10-10-2016 [Monday]	RATHOTSAVAM	ASWA VAHANAM
11-10-2016 [Tuesday]	PALLAKI UTSAVAM	CHAKRASNANAM DHWAJA AVAROHANAM(CHAKRASNANAM)

By Air

Hyderabad Airport is the nearest airport. There are daily flight services operated from the major cities of India to Hyderabad.

By Train

Tirupathi is a major junction in South Central Railways. Indian Railways [1] operates direct trains from nearby metro cities – Bangalore, Chennai, Hyderabad and other major Railway stations to Tirupathi. Trains can be boarded at nearby cities – Renigunta

By Road

National Highway NH 205 passes through Renigunta and hence is accessible from Chennai (4-6hrs), Bangalore (6½+ hours), and Hyderabad (10-12 hours) and other nearby cities.

Swamimalai Murugan Temple - Lord Murugan Taught Here To Lord Shiva About The Meaning Of Pranav Mantra OM

SWAMIMALAI MURUGAN TEMPLE

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THANJAVUR

Source:templedetails

The Swamimalai Murugan Temple, also known as Swaminathaswamy Temple is situated in Swamimalai in Thanjavur district of Tamilnadu, which is dedicated to Lord Murugan and also one of the ‘Arupadai Veedu Temples’. It is said that, Swamimalai Murugan Temple was in existence from 2nd century BC, built by the King Parantaka Chola I. The mythology says that when Lord Brahma, the Lord of all creations, at the time of visiting Mount Kailash He disrespected Lord Murugan. The ever playful child Lord Murugan in angry asked Lord Brahma for the meaning of Pranav Mantra “OM”.

Lord Brahma was unable to reply and admitted his ignorance towards Lord Murugan. And hence Lord Murugan knocked Lord Brahma on His forehead and imprisoned Him. All the creations came to a standstill, since Lord Brahma was imprisoned. And the Devas prayed Lord Shiva to get Lord Brahma released. When Lord Shiva asked Lord Murugan to release Lord Brahma from imprisonment, Lord Murugan demanded that the punishment was for His ignorance and unawareness of knowing the meaning of the Pranav Mantra “OM”.

Lord Shiva asked Lord Murugan whether He Himself aware of the meaning of Pranav Mantra. Lord Murugan replied He knew the meaning and it will be taught only when Lord Shiva accept Him as Guru (Teacher) and listen to Him as a disciple. Lord Shiva accepted the request of Lord Murugan and listened to the explanation of Pranav Mantra as a devoted disciple, hence the place came to be known as Swamimalai. The temple placed on the hill is reached by climbing 60 steps which represents the sixty months of the ancient Tamil calendar.

Lord Murugan is said to be the solver of all problems in human life like child boon, family prosperity, happy wedding life, longevity, wisdom and so on. Swamimalai Murugan Temple is treated as the most sacred place as where Lord Murugan preached the Pranav Mantra “OM” to His father Lord Shiva when He was a child. Swamimalai Murugan Temple is the fourth temple among the six sacred shrines of Lord Murugan, named as Arupadai Veedu Temples. 

The presiding deity of Swamimalai Murugan Temple is ‘Lord Swami Nathan’ (Lord Murugan), the teacher of Lord Shiva, located at the top of the hill. And the important sacred shrines of Lord Sundareswarar (Lord Shiva), and Goddess Meenakshi (Goddess Shakthi) and Lord Ganesh are located at downhill. The boundaries of the temple contains the idols of Lord Dakshinamurthy, Lord Chandikeswarar, Goddess Durga and Navagrahas.

In this temple Lord Murugan is seen with an Elephant as His Vahan (Vehicle) instead of Peacock in the sanctum. This elephant is named as ‘Airavadham’ presented to Lord Murugan by Lord Indra. The temple graces with a well called ‘Vajra Theertha’ represents the three divine powers Itcha Shakti, Gnana Shakti, and Kriya Shakti. Swamimalai Murugan Temple has three Gopurams (gateways) and three Praharams (precincts) and contains six daily rituals at various times.

Festivals

Monthly Kirutikai festival

Temple Car festival – April

Visakam festival – May

Navaratri festival – May

Skanda Shashti festival – October

Tiru Karthikai festival – November or December

Taippucam festival – January

Pankuni Uttiram festival – March

Pooja Timings

Viswaroopa darshan – 05.30 AM

Udhaya Maarthandam – 06.00 AM

Mudhal Kaala Sandhi, Siru Kaala Sandhi and Periya Kaala Sandhi – 08.00 AM

Kalasandhi – 9.00 A.M

Uchikala Poojas – 12.00 P.M

Sayaratchai – 05.30 P.M

Rendam Kalam – 08.00 P.M

Arthajama Pooja – 10.00 P.M

By Road

The Tamil Nadu State Transport Corporation has buses that connect Swamimalai to almost all the major cities of the state. One can avail of regular buses to Swamimalai from Kumbakonam, Trichy, Chidambaram and Chennai.

By Train

Swamimalai does not have a train station, and the nearest station is Kumbakonam, at a distance of 5 kilometers from Swamimalai.

By Air

The nearest airport to Swamimalai is in Trichy, and it is situated at a distance of ninety kilometers away.

Thiruchendur Murugan Temple - It Is Only The Temple Located Near The Sea Shore

MURUGAN TEMPLE

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THIRUCHENDUR

Source:templedetails

The famous Thiruchendur Murugan Temple,dedicated to ‘Lord Murugan’ is located in Thoothukudi (Tuticorin) District of Tamilnadu and also one of the Arupadai Veedu Temples. The word Thiruchendur denotes sacred and prosperous town of Victory. Thiruchendur temple is trusted to be a sign of Lord Murugan’s victory over the demon king Surapadman. A legend reveals that,after ‘Surasamharam'(Killing of Surapadman) Lord Murugan wished to worship His Father Lord Shiva here. So,the divine architecht named as Mayan constructed the shrines here. Even now Lord Murugan is seen in the posture of worshiping Lord Shiva in the Sanctum Sanctorum of Thiruchendur Murugan Temple.

According to the poem of ‘Thirunavukkarasar'(one of the Nayanmars)who lived in the 7th century, this ancient temple might have been built during that period. The Temple towers was consecrated by ‘Desigamoorthy Swamigal’ of Thiruvavaduthurai Aadeenam about 300 years ago. The Raja Gopuram of the temple has nine storeys high at 137 feet.To indicate this,there are nine Kalasams(copper finial stoopies) at the top of the Gopuram.

Raja Gopuram of most of the temples in Tamilnadu has been placed in the Eastern direction.But here only it is placed in the western side and also named as Mela Gopuram. This Gopuram was constructed 300 years ago. The temple and Gopuram will be visible at sea for twelve miles around. Originally, the Temple was built by sandstone, and due to corrosion by the sea near the temple the structure of the temple started to disintegrate. A sannyasin named ‘Mouna Swami’ in 1900 A.D. started the rework. And over 72 years, the three Pragarams were constructed by black granite stone.

Among the Six chosen temples (Arupadai Veedu temples) dedicated to Lord Murugan in Tamilnadu, Thiruchendur Temple is known as the Second Arupadai Veedu Temple. The six Arupadai Veedu temples are:-

Thiruparankundram Murugan Temple

Thiruchendur Murugan Temple

Palani Murugan Temple

Swamimalai Murugan Temple

Thiruthani Murugan Temple

Pazhamudhircholai Murugan Temple

It is the only temple which is located near the sea shore. The other five temples are situated in mountain region. The Raja Gopuram of this temple is situated in western gate and it is the only temple which does not have Eastern gateway. Lord Murugan is worshipped by various names in Tamil Language. Some of the names are ‘Lord Subramaniar’,’Lord Senthil Andavar’,’Lord karthikeyan’,’Lord Shanmugar’and so on. In this temple, Lord Murugan is represented in various forms:

Moolavar (Lord Balasubramanyar or Lord Subramania Swamy)

Shanmugar (Utsavar)

Jeyanthinathar

Kumaravidanga Peruman

An image of the Thiruchendur Lord Murugan

An image of the Thiruchendur Lord Murugan

Lord Murugan defeated Surapadman, who was a powerful demon and also intimidating Devas. On defeating Surapadman, Lord Murugan converted Surapadman into a Peacock and a Chanticleer. The peacock turned to be the vehicle for Lord Murugan and so He is called as ‘Mayilvahanan’(Peacock is named by ‘Mayil’ in Tamil language and ‘Vahanam’ means vehicle). He also set the Chanticleer as His flag.

Many deities presides in this temple. Most important major deities are ‘Lord Ganesh’ as ‘Vallaba Vinayagar’, ’Lord Shiva’  (as ‘PanjaLingam’), ’Lord Dhakshina Murthy’, ’Lord Bhairavar’, ’Lord Anjaneyar’, ’Goddess Valli’, ’Goddess Devasena’, ’Goddess Aandal’ and so on. ‘PanchaLingam'(Five Lingams) is located on the left side of the Sanctum sanctorum of Lord Murugan. It is believed to be that Lord Murugan worshipped His Father Lord Shiva here thru these five Lingams. A little place apart from the temple is a Sandstone Cave Temple which is dedicated to Goddess Valli, consort of Lord Murugan.

The Sannathi Street of Thiruchendur Murugan Temple is the longest among all the other temples in Tamilnadu. The holy visit to the Thiruchendur Murugan Temple will be fulfilled only by visiting ‘Nazhi Kinaru’ (A Holy Well). ‘Nazhi Kinaru’ is a 14 square feet well and there is one smaller well inside this well with 1 square feet. The water in the larger well seems to be salty, whereas, in the small well the water will be clear and it tastes sweet. This is because the Legend to be believed that Lord Murugan’s troops were thirsty and so He planted His spear at the spot of small well and caused fresh water to spark out from the large brackish well.

The temple will be opened from 5.00 am till 9.00 pm. The poojas in this temple are performed as per “Kumara Thandiram Murai”.

Thirupalli Eluchi	– 5.10 am
Viswaroopam Darshan	– 5.30 am
Dwajasthamba Namaskaram	– 5.45 am
Udaya Marthanda Abishegam	– 6.15 am
Udaya Marthanda Deeparadhanai	– 7.00 am
Kalasandhi pooja	– 8.00 am to 8.30
Kalasha pooja	– 10.00 am
Uchikala Abishegam	– 10.30 am
Sayaratchai pooja	– 5.00 pm
Arthasma Abishegam	– 7.15 pm
Arthasama pooja	– 8.15 pm
Ekanda Seva	– 8.30 pm
Ragasia Deeparadhanai	– 8.45 pm
Nadai Thirakappaduthal	– 9.00 pm

Vaikasi Visagam – (May – June)

A large number of devotees, participate in this festival.

The procession of Lord Jayanthinadhar with Goddess Valli and Goddess Deivanai is conducted in the night.

Avani Festival – 12 days in the month of August – September

On this Avani festival, 7th, 8th and 10th day functions are more important.

• 7th day – Sikappu Sathi Festival
• 8th day – Pachai Sathi Festival
• 10th day – Car Festival

Skanda Sasti Festival – 7 days in the month of October – November

On this festival, devotees undertake fasts for six days.Thousands of devotees stay in this temple during these six days.

• On the 6th day, Surasamharam is demonstrated in this temple.
• On the 7th day, Thirukkalyanam of Goddess Deivanai is celebrated in a very grand manner.

Masi Festival – 12 days in the month of February – March

• 7th day – Sikappu Sathi Festival
• 8th day – Pachai Sathi Festival
• 10th day – Car Festival
• 11th day – Floating Festival

By Road

This temple is located near Tuticorin city of Tamilnadu. (40Km from Tuticorin bus stand) There is also state run buses and private buses from tuticorin and Tirunelveli. It is 55 km from Tirunelveli and 75 km Kanyakumari. There are several buses from Madurai (185kms)

By Train

Every day there is an express train (Tiruchendur EXP) from Chennai and four passenger trains from Tirunelveli.

By Air

Tuticorin Airport – 30 Kms

Madurai Airport – 168 Kms