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Tuesday, April 29, 2008

Somnath - Abode of Lord Shiva

One of the 12 Jyotirlings – places where Shiva is believed to reside, Somnath is a place of great significance for Historian and the pilgrims as well. Situated close to Prabhas Patan in Gujarat, Somnanth is known for its temples. Historically, Somnath was demolished a number of times by Mahmud of Ghazni. However, the present day temple was last reconstructed in the year 1950. At the time of country’s independence only relics of the deserted temple stood at the site. Sardar Ballabh Bhai Patel visited Prabhas Patan and pledged to reconstruct the temple. On advice of Mahatama Gandhi, Sardar Patel set up a trust for collecting donations to construct the temple. Today, a statue and a plaque outside the temple entrance commemorate Sardar Patel’s role in its reconstruction.

Dedicated to Lord Shiva, Somnath temple is believed to one of the 12 places in the country where Shiva reside. Devotees also believe that this Jyotirling is the first to emerge out amongst the entire dozen lingas. Legend has its that Soma, the Moon God, married the 27 daughters of King Daksha. Of all the sisters, Rohini was pretties and dearest to Soma. So, the other 26 sisters complained about this to their father, the king cursed Soma – the moon – to wane steadily. As the moon dimmed and nights became darker, panic spread. All the gods rushed to Shiva for help, who perform Soma to perform penance. Soma built a lingam on the seashore in Prabhas and worshipped Shiva for six months. At last, Shiva granted Soma a boom that he would wax and wane cyclically every month. Later the place came to be known as Somnath, as the word means Soma’s lord – Shiva.

Other Temples in Somnath
Of all the temples at Prabhas Patan, Somnath is the most popular and magnificent temple. Somnath temple is also the youngest temple, dates back to up to 800 years old. Just 100 yards from Somnath temple is a small temple built by Ahilya Bai Holkar, queen of Maheshwar in Madhya Pradesh. Further down the road lies Triveni Ghat – a confluence of the sea and three rivers namely Hiran, Saraswati and Kapila. Parallel to Hiran there is a row of temples, the most important among them is a small cupola called Dehotsarg. Dauji ki Gufa (Balram’s Cave) is another temple close to it. Prabhas Patan also has a sun temple, which looks older than any other surviving structures there.


Factfile
Somnath is situated at a distance of about 400 km from Ahmedabad, which can be covered by road or rail. State transport buses and private luxury coaches connect Somnath to important places of Gujarat. As there is no direct bus service to Somnath, so you have to reach Porbandar first. From Porbandar bus services are available to Veraval. You have to take auto-rickshaws to cover the seven km stretch between Somnath and Veraval.

Thursday, April 17, 2008

Vaishno Devi – Proceed on the Sublime Journey

If faith can move up above the lofty mountains, then go with faith and scale those tough mountains, that is asked of you. The ‘divine call’ of Goddess Vaishno Devi draws scores of devotees to ascend steep pathways and serpentine queues through snow-covered mountains and lush green forests around, to the sacred and mystical shrine. A common belief is found that when Mata Vaishno Devi sends a ‘Call’ to her devotees, then pilgrims finds themselves compelled to move towards the holy shrine of Vaishno Devi, chanting ‘Jai Mata Di’.

Hindus belief that anyone who walks the Himalayan trail to shrine of Vaishno Devi, to seek a boon does not return disappointed. Shrine of Mata Vaishno resides in a holy cave in the shape of three natural rock formations called Pindies. Nestling on top of the Trikuta hill at a height of 1,700 mt is the sacred cave shrine of Mata Vaishno Devi. Situated at a distance of 61 km from Jammu, the cave is 30 mts long and just 1.5 mt high. Interestingly there are no statues or idols inside the holy cave, while at the end of the cave are shrines dedicated to the three forms of the mother Goddess namely Mahakali, Mahalakshmi and Mahasarasvati.
Pilgrims can enter inside the shrine in small groups through a narrow opening.

The aarti is performed twice a day at the shrine. The pujaris (priests) perform aarti before the holy deity, first inside the sanctum sanctorum and then outside the cave. The jyoti (divine lamp) is lighted and the puja thaali used in aarti is brought outside the holy cave. After the bhajan, the chief priest comes out from inside the sanctum and distributes prasad and charanamrit to the devotees. Rejuvenated with the aarti, the devotees rush to the cave for a darshan of the pindies. It is believed a privilege to have a darshan (glimpse) during the auspicious days of Navratra.

Essential Amenities Available for Pilgrims on Way to Shrine
For making the yatra a comfortable and satisfying experience the Shrine Board and the state government have made essential arrangements for pilgrim on way to shrine. On the entire stretch from Banganga to Bhawan, over 70 shelter sheds have been constructed, the path is inlaid with tiles and illuminated with vapour lamps. At regular distances over 100 toilet blocks with over 600 seats, including Western type seats have been constructed.


Around 125 water points and 50 water coolers have been installed on the trek to provide clean drinking water to the pilgrims. Along the route at vantage viewpoints around 20 restaurants have been constructed. Well-equipped medical centres and shops selling toiletries, provision items, camera rolls, medicines, shoes, caps, raincoats, walking sticks and eatables can be found along the trek route. Banks, police stations and post offices can be found at important locations.

Reaching the Vaishno Devi Shrine
Katra the base camp is about 50 km from Jammu and 650 km from Delhi. From Katra, Vaishno Devi shrine is 13 km up. Buses and taxis are available to Katra from Jammu at regular intervals. A walk along the pleasant and relatively easy mountain path takes you from Katra (2,500 ft) to Saanjhi Chhat (6,200 ft), from where you descend to 5,200 ft where Bhavan, the shrine complex is situated.

Air Deccan helicopter service connects Katra with Saanjhi Chhat, the highest point in the mountain trek. From Saanjhi Chhat the routes get divided to Bhawan and Bhairon Mandir. One should keep in mind that from the helipad, Bhawan is about 2 kms away, and it is difficult to find any other means to cover that distance.


Another option is the battery operated van from Adhkuwari, which runs from the midpoint of the Yatra, after one has covered the initial distance of 6 km by traditional means. The other option is the traditional palki (palanquin) carried by four persons.

Wednesday, April 9, 2008

Incredible India International Campaign

Started in 2006-07 the Incredible India International Campaign has shown positive results and attracts more and more number of foreign tourists each month. When talked about India a myriad of vibrant image captivates the mind. Of course, an image speaks volumes but seeing is believing is truth, hence, a desire obviously born in everyone’s mind to see for what one has just seen in an image. India’s incredible depth and dimension, captured on the lens, stays in the mind and stirs the heart and soul, until the time comes to visit this wondrous land. Incredible India International Campaign calling out to travellers of the world to come and experience the incredible land. Here I am providing the brief overview of the charming land of India and highlights of the incredible India international campaign.

Incredible Festivals – Festivals are integral part of day to day life of India people. In fact, almost everyday in India is a festival in itself, hardly one festival overs the other knocks on the door. On the whole, the Indian calendar is all about festivals and celebration is a way of life in India. Come India during the popilar festivals of Holi, Diwali, Dusshera and join the fun.


Incredible Backwaters –
God’s own country India is criss-crossed by the picturesque backwaters which serve as a poet’s inspiration, an artist’s muse and a refuge for the frayed nerves. The gorgeous backwaters of Kerala promise a serene beauty, all in its own league. Board a houseboat and enjoy a peaceful vacation alongwith your family. Silence of backwaters is so intense that you can hear your own heart palpitating and gasping at the beauty around you.

Incredible Himalayas – The Great Indian Himalayas stands majestically and runs in the northern part of the country from west to east. For a million years, the Himalayas have quietly challenged the adventurous whilst calming the spiritual amongst mankind. With snow-capped mighty peaks, dotted with pine trees the Himalayas provide the perfect balm to the frayed mind. The Himalayas is also home to a number of beautiful hill stations which provide a welcome break from the crowded cities. Are you looking for peace or wish to conquer the mighty peaks then Indian Himalayas is calling you.

Incredible Adventure – Indian topography comprises of plains, rivers, lakes, forests, mountains etc which make the ideal base for a variety of adventure sports. From aero-sports to water sports, you can enjoy almost all kind of adventure sports in India. Set the pulse racing, be it the ‘crossfire’ or the ‘roller coaster’ white water rapid, the adrenaline rush that these thrilling currents promise are to be found nowhere else in the world. So, don’t wait, come and surrender yourself to the great Indian adventure.

Incredible Temples – India is a land of varied religions and people follow different religions. Hinduism, Islam, Jainism, Christianity, Buddhism are the main religions followed. Majority of the people in India follow Hinduism and temples are the worshipping places of them. At all places of worship you will find thousands of people all gathered to celebrate their devotion. Visit the temples of India and get your mind, body and should soothed.

Incredible Monument – Alexander Pope once said, "What oft was thought of, but never expressed so well", but Mughal Emperor Shahjahan expressed this universal emotion so nicely that words fall short. Yes, Taj Mahal one of the seven wonders of the world is India’s pride. The colossal structure is considered synonymous to love and reminds us the eternal love story of Shahjahan and his beloved wife Mumtaz Mahal. The white marble monument epitomises how ‘incredible’ India truly is, the beauty, overwhelming and surreal. Like Taj Mahal there are hundreds of other interesting monuments in India known for their historic significance, architecture or other specific characters.

Incredible Art – India is home to skilled artisans who have made their name in international level with their unique creations. You can experience the uniqueness of Indian art at every nook and corner, at every anticipated step, be it the hands of a bride to be painted with henna, the back of a rickshaw or the street walls. Invigorating colours, patterns and tangible textures speak aloud. Artisans of the country paint their imagination on all all the available elements around including leaves, stones, tree-barks etc. Come to land of the artisans and watch the dream of the life unfold.

Incredible Spirituality - Spirituality has centuries old connection with India and all over the country there are thousands of worship places where you can get the spiritual feel. With over a million gods and goddesses and home to almost all the faiths of the world, India offers the perfect path to salvation. Sitting on the peaceful banks of a river or high up in the mountains, deep in meditation, chanting the mantras and reaching Goa, all melts into one desire to be with God. For experiencing the ultimate salvation visit India and take refuge for a soul uplifting experience.

Incredible Networking – Unquestionably India is one of the best MICE destinations in the world, facilitating a hassle free networking environment and a host of inviting recreations. For us business is business and there are no ifs, ands or buts. Zero-in on India and reach out to the world.

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