Thursday, 11 October 2012

Gayatri Devi (Navratri)

Sri Gayatri Devi 

durga devi


Goddess Gayathri devi  the goddess to be worshipped during the third day of Durga Navarathri. Gayathri devi is the goddes of wisdom .She is allso known as mother goddess for puranas,hindi epics ,ithihasa ,upanishads and all other hindu sacred texts , in kanaka durga temple, vijayawada the third day during durga navrathri is dedicated to sri gayatri mata.
 
Gayatri Mantra is the mother of all mantras. The glorious Gayatri (Gayathri Mantra) is an impregnable spiritual armor that protects the worshipper and shows him the brightest light of the greatest spiritual revelation. That is the purpose and power of Gayatri mantra. In Sanathana Dharma (popularly known as Hinduism, meaning religion found on the other side of river ‘indus’) Supreme impersonal Godhead is the parabrahman, the Matha (mother) is the transcendental consciousness and is the Para Shakthi (power). This Para Shakthi is known as Gayatri and is the very cause of all that was, all that is and everything that will be of existence. When she manifested the trigunas or the three qualities: the sattva (poise, pure), rajas (passion) and tamas (stupor), these three qualities possessing the Supreme consciousness that is parabrahman, manifested into the world as Brahma, Vishnu and Siva. Brahma took over Sattvaguna, Vishnu absorbed Rajoguna and Siva the Tamoguna. Brahma, Vishnu and Siva gained the powers of creation, preservation and destruction through their worship of the Divine Mother Gayatri by chanting Gayatri Maha Mantra. Worship of Gayatri Devi can even confer the powers of the trimurthis. That is the power the Gayatri Mantra, Greatest Mantra of all.  
 


Wednesday, 10 October 2012

Navratri


Navarathri is an important Hindu Festival celebrated all over India . The word Navaratri literally means nine nights in Sanskrit, nava meaning nine and ratri meaning nights . The 10th day is commonly referred to as Vijayadashami or "Dussehra".

The goddess Durga Navratri decorated with nine incarnations. Including an avatar

 Bala Tripura Sundari devi
 
 durga devi

Bala tripura sundari devi is the second day goddes during Durga Navarathri celebrations in Vijayawada and most of the other temples in south India. Bala tripura sundari is a 16 years old virgin girl form of  mother goddess.

Although  Tripura Sundari is worshipped as the mother of the universe  involved in Shri vidya shakti , the goddess is allso worshipped as Bala Tripura sundari devi . In some devine texts ,she is reffered as one of the powers or the manifestations of Lalita tripura sundari devi.

In Bala tripuura sundari moolamantram ,she is decribed as the divine combinations of wisdom of goddes saraswathi , magnetic energy of goddess Maha kali and the prosperity of Lalita tripurasundari devi.

Thursday, 4 October 2012

Visit Srisailam

Srisailam  is situated in Nallamala Hills of Kurnool district, it is also a holy town and mandal in  Andhra Pradesh, India. It is located on the banks of River Krishna, hyderbad is located about 212 km north of Srisailam.

god siva


Bhramaramba Mallikarjunaswamy Temple dedicated to Lord Mallikarjuna Swamy (a form of Shiva) and Devi Bhramaramba (a form of Parvathi) is located here and it is one of the 12 Jyotirlinga temples dedicated to Lord Shiva. Srisailam Dam, located 132 km from Nandyal and 212 km from Hyderabad  is a multipurpose dam built across River Krishna and caters to the irrigation and power needs of the state.

The Bhramaramba Mallikarjuna Temple located in Srisailam is one of the 12 Jyotirlinga temples dedicated to Lord Shiva.


siva temple

The origins of this temple have been lost in antiquity. The Skanda Purana has a chapter called Srisaila Kandam dedicated to it, which points to the ancient origin. This is confirmed by the fact that saints of the past millennia have sung its praises. It is said that Adi Sankara visited this temple and at that time he composed his Sivananda Lahiri.

Srisailam is referenced in the ancient Hindu Puranas, and the epic Mahabharata.
Shiva's sacred bull Nandi is said to have performed penance at the Mahakali temple till Shiva and Parvati appeared before him as Mallikarjuna and Brahmaramba. The temple is one of the 12 hallowed jyotirlingas; Lord Rama himself installed the Sahasralinga, while the Pandavas lodged the Panchapandava lingas in the temple courtyard.
brahmarambika


Heroic legends from the Mahabharata and Ramayana are sculpted in stone on the temple walls and the Mahabharata epic refers to Srisailam as Sri Parvata — the blessed hill. You can hear the buzzing of a bee through a tiny hole in the Brahmaramba temple, where Parvati, in the form of a bee, slayed the demon Mahisasura.

Visit  Srisailam temple www.hoparoundindia.com

Monday, 1 October 2012

Kalahasti temple

Srikalahasti the temple of Lord Siva is located in chittur district, Andhra Pradesh. It is one of the most famous temple in India. It is located on the banks of the river Swarnamukhi. Srikalahasi temple is 500 years old temple. Build under the governance of srikrishna devaraya of vijayanagaram empire .


Dakshina kailasam


Srikalahasti name is originated from a story, that is Lord Siva disguised as Vayu (air) observed that the spider (Sri), cobra (Kala) and Elephant (Hasti) use to worship Lord Siva very devotedly. So this place is called as Srikalahasti..
Dakshana kasi


Srikalahasti is nearer to Tirupati.The transportation facility is very good.Srikalahasti is popularly known as Dakshina Kailasam and Dakshana Kasi , etc.. This temple is famous for Rahu Ketu Sarpa Dosha Nivarana  pooja.

There are many temples in Srikalahasti some of them are:
1. Kannappa temple


bhakta kannappa

2. Veyi Lingalakona

kalahasti

3. Durga temple


kalahasti durga devi


For more Holy places www.hoparoundindia.com


Thursday, 27 September 2012

Sharan Navarathri in vijayawada kanakadurga temple


Vijayawada is famous all over the world for the temple of Kanaka Durga, also called as Sri Durga Malleswara Swami Temple. The Kanaka Durga temple is situated on Indrakeeladri Hills of Vijayawada. Kanaka Durgamma as the locals call is the presiding deity and is said to be the Goddess of power, riches and goodwill. The temple is said to be the second largest temple in Andhra Pradesh and equally popular as Tirumala.





There are inscriptions of different dynasties found in the temple. Hiuen Tsang, the Chinese traveller visited this temple. Thousands of devotees from various parts of the state and city visit the temple especially during Dussera festival in the month of September/October.


The nine days of Navarathri (in the month of September-October) is celebrated with great pomp. The goddess is decorated in nine different forms on each day- Balatripura Sundari, Gayathri, Annapoorna, Maha Lakshmi, Saraswathi, Lalitha Tripura Sundari, Durga Devi, Mahishasuramardini and Raja Rajeshwari Devi. On Vijaya Dasami day, the tenth day, the deities are taken in a swan-shaped boat, beautifully illuminated and decorated with flowers, around the Krishna River. This event is popularly known as "Theppotsavam".

NINE INCARNATIONS OF DURGA DEVI


 Day 1:SRI SWARNA KAVACHALAKRUTA DURGA DEVI


Day 2: SRI BALA TRIPURA SUNDARI DEVI



Day 3: SRI ANNAPURNA DEVI


Day 4:SRI GAYATRI DEVI


Day5: SRI LALITHA TRIPURA SUNDARI DEVI



Day6: SRI SARASWATI DEVI


Day7: SRI MAHA LAKSHMI DEVI



Day8: SRI DURGA DEVI


Day9: SRI MAHISHASURA MARDHINI DEVI



Day10: SRI RAJA RAJESWARI DEVI


  Visit kanakadurga temple and more famous temples @www.hoparoundindia.com



 

Wednesday, 29 August 2012

Switzerland of India

Manali is a city in the Kullu Valley of the Kullu district in Himachal Pradesh. Its geographical coordinates are 32.2396 degrees North, 77.1887 degrees East and is located at an altitude of 1,926 meters above sea level. Located in the Himalayan valleys, the area is mainly irrigated by the Beas River and the Sutlej River.
Kullu District shares its boundaries with Spiti and Lahul on North East, Kangra on North West, Mandi on South West and Shimla and Kinnaur on South East.
Manali derived its name from Manavalaya i.e. the abode of Manu. As per the mythological tale Manu was the only survivor of the Mahajal Pralay (meaning the great flood) in the ancient history of civilization. It was Manu who was believed to be the father of the human race.
Manali is nested in the Kullu district of Himachal Pradesh. It is about 40 km from the district headquarters Kullu. Manali is the enchanting origin point where trade was commenced in the ancient past. The route crossed Rohtang and Baralacha passes and goes via Lahul and Ladakh to Kashmir extending upto Spiti.
Manali is a mesmerizing romantic paradise and a very popular honeymoon destination. Tourists from all over the country including overseas countries love to spend the summer in Manali. The winters are ideal for a cozy holiday and for snow lovers. Manali is an amazing destination for adventure sports where one can enjoy the sport of your choice. The Tourism Department has also very liberally encouraged the sports all over the state and has created extremely comfortable and helpful facilities for sports lovers. The hills and valleys are so fascinating that one wishes to stay back here forever away from all the stress, noise and pollution that haunt city life.



Tibetan Market
The Tibetan Market located on the Mall road in the heart of the city is a major shopping place for tourists. Beautiful Tibetan handicrafts and carpets is the highlight of the market at economical prices. Shopping in Manali without a visit to this market is in vain.

Winter Carnival
Manali is the place to enjoy chilled winters, snowfalls and bon fires. The winter carnival is the most awaited event in the valley. Declaredas a state level festival, the carnival attracts a lot of inquisitive tourists and fun lovers. Cultural groups and students from various colleges of India visit Manali to participate in the carnival. The festival is held at 'Manu Kala Kendra' in Manali inthe second / third week of January for fivedays. The festival includes artist’s performances; competitions in classical music (vocal and instrumental), folk songs, folk dances, classical dances, group dances, group songs, fancy dress, film songs, film dances, one act plays, and street plays. The competition for the youngsters includes the Men's Personality Contest and Winter Queen Contest. There is a huge crowd that gathers to view this contest. On the last day of the carnival the Winter Queen contest and Men's Personality contest is held. The chief guest gives away the prizes to all the winners of the five-day long festival.



Sports
River Rafting, Skiing, Paragliding, Trekking, Hiking, Mountaineering, Kayaking, Mountain Biking, River crossing, Jeep Safari, Motor Cycling, Rock Climbing, Angling
Jeep Safari–The Jeep Safari takes visitors to a beautiful ride of the highest mountain highways of the world. The ride goes from Manali to Lahaul and then to Leh, Ladakh thorough the Rohtang Pass. The drive is magnificent and views the beautiful hill and valley view. Visitors can also drive through the rocky wasteland of Spiti through the Kunzum pass towards Tabo, the "Ajanta of the Himalayas" and Spiti Valley. This is a splendid experience of one’s life time where you are the closest to nature and its landscapes.

River rafting– Rafting is an amazing adventure for water lovers. Rafting facilities are offered by private operators and also tourism department. Water sports center has been set up to provide the adventure sports option to tourists. Rafting is done on the high and low tides of River Beas. Kayaking is also great fun at the Pandoh Dam on the way to Mandi. Rafting is done from morning to evening based on the climatic conditions and water waves. It is a real thrilling experience for sports men and also for tourists who are doing it for the first time. The sport is equally enjoyed by children also. Professional guidance is a must for this sport else it could be hazardous. Tourists need to check the registration license of the guide issued by the District
Administration.



Paragliding– It is organized in Kullu valley throughout the year at Solang Valley. The valley is located 14 kms from Manali and also in other locations like Marhi, Fatru, Bijli Mahadev etc. The sport has two kinds of flights:

1. Short flights: It is ideal for visitors who are new to the sport. The visitor is taken 100 - 150 meters up the slope from where he takes a flight along with the pilot in the two seater paraglider. The flight lasts for approximately 60 - 90 seconds.

2. High flying: This flight lasts longer and is ideal for those who are more experienced and daring. The flight lasts for about 20-30 minutes. Flightsare arranged at Fatru, Kothi and Bijli Mahadev.

Trekking–It is a more popular and a sport that is done by almost every tourist who visits Kullu. Comfortable walking shoes, water proof warm jacket, woolen / tennis socks, stockings, sunglasses, headgear, water, food, torch, first aid box, umbrella and rucksack are the essentials that one needs to carry while going on this expedition. Local guides and tour operators are available to guide visitors to the right path of trekking.



Skiing–The popular slopes for skiing are the Rohtang Pass and Solang Nallah. Easy slopes are ideal for beginners by taking course or hiring an instructor for a short while from the Directorate of Mountaineering and Allied sports or any agency that is registered with department of Tourism. Skiing is done throughout the year at Rohtang pass. Experienced skiers really enjoy heli-skiing during winter. Beas Kund, Chandertal and Malana glaciers are the most popular among ice climbers.

Camping- Camping is a complete stress busters and an ideal getaway from the hectic city life. The landscapes and freshness of the environment takes one close to nature and is a great rejuvenator. The dense woods of the cedar forests and the mountain valleys fulfill one’s desire to live in raw natural environment and camping is the right choice. You don’t need an expert or any kind of a practice for this. It is a very simple way to enjoy nature. Professional guidance is needed to choose the right site and follow eco-friendly rules. The Beas Kund Camp at Rohtang Pass is a popular camping destination. Raison and Shoja also have beautiful camp sites. Solang valley, Kothi and Manali camp have luxury camping amidst the Apple Orchids. The other camping sitesare Malana, Pulga and Kheer Gangain.Camping equipment, training, safety precautions and experienced trainers and guides are available in abundance from local tour operators and Tourism department. A number of adventure lovers carry their own tents and enjoy camping with friends and family. A number of tour operators provide camping packages that include tent accommodation, food, adventure activities, bonfires and a whole lot of fun activities.  The best time for camping is from April to June and from September to October.



Mountaineering– A great adventure that is widely enjoyed by visitors. There are a number of unexplored and popular peaks in the area that are great fun to climb. Proper equipment, water, food, comfortable shoes, first aid box and road map are the essentials for this sport.

The Mountaineering Institute in Manali is located at a distance of about 3 km from the main city junction near the River Beas. It provides training facilities for basic and advance climbing both for Indian nationals and foreigners. Skiing and trekking equipment can be hired from the institute by booking in advance. It also offers accommodation and boarding arrangements.

The nearest big town from Manali is Kullu which is about 40 km. Kullu is another great holiday destination and is also referred to as the “Valley of Gods”.

Friday, 24 August 2012

Visit Sri Vara Siddhi Vinayaka Temple

There is a general belief that Lord Ganesha is the upholder of truth and in Kanipakam, many people experience this belief when they confront the idol of Lord Ganesha. Day-to-day disputes between people are resolved by taking a special oath. The accused in the dispute are made to take a dip in the pushkarini (Temple tank) and swear before the lord. There are instances when the person who committed the sin accepts his mistake as soon as taking the dip or much before entering the temple. It is said that the lord makes the sinner repent and feel guilty for his sinful deeds. To experience this divine power, one has to visit this beautiful temple of Lord Ganesha at Kanipakam.

kanipakam




There are some other temples to visit like Sri Manikanteswara Swami temple and Sri Varadaraja swami temple around the Kanipakam temple.