7 Wonders of India: Golden Temple

Golden Temple Amritsar


The Shining Splendor':

The temple is located on a small island in the centre of a pool called the amrit-sar ('pool of nectar') and is connected to land by a marble causeway.The golden colour comes from the overlay of gold foil, hence the name. Golden Temple has a unique feature, here the devotees have to step down to offer their homage unlike other temples where the devotees have to climb up to offer their salutation.

This wonderful temple of God has been built at the lowest level because it represents the humility of Guru Nanak. The architecture of the temple is considered as the epitome of dexterity and creativity and it represents a unique harmony between the Muslims and the Hindus.

View of Golden Temple

Patrolling guards are present all the time to ensure that visitors respect the basic rules when visiting the temple. As long as the rules are respected, visitors of all religions are given a warm welcome. Symbolically, it has entrances on all four sides to show that it is open to worshippers of all castes and creeds.


Around golden temple:

Akal Takht- All commandements affecting the community as a whole were and still are issued from here.

Baba Atal- A nine storeyed tower built in the memory of the Atal Rai, son of Hargobind.

Guru Ka Langar- Cooked food is serviced in the kitchen of the Golden temple24 hours to all visitors irrespective of their caste, creed or nationality. Everyday approximately around 40,000 visitors share their meals here.

Sri Guru Ram Das Niwas- this is a free hostel for the pilgrims maintained by the temple authorities. There are plenty of niwas to make your stay comfortable such as Guru Nanak Niwas, Akal Rest House and more.

Central Sikh Museum- This museum has paintings of Sikh Gurus, saints, Sikh warriors and other prominent leaders who have contributed towards the development of Sikh religion.

Golden Temple Amritsar, India




Transport: » By Air: Amritsar is connected by air with Delhi and Shrinagar.

By Rail: Amritsar is connected by rail with Delhi, Calcutta, Bombay, Varanasi, Wagah (Attari Border) and some other places in India.

By Road: Amritsar is connected by bus with Ambala, Chandigarh, Delhi, Ferozepur, Jammu etc. Some of the road distances are as follows:- Jammu 216 kms, Ferozepur 160 kms, Chandigarh 235 kms, Delhi 435 kms and Wagah 29 kms.

Jagannath Rathyatra Jamalpur Ahmedabad

Lord Jagannath Rathyatra


The State of Gujarat in India conducts Jagannath Rath Yatra similar to the world famous Puri Jagannath Ratha Yatra and the most popular is the Ahmedabad Rath Yatra. In 2010, the date of Rath Yatra in Gujarat is July 13. The Rathas used in the Rath Yatra are small in size compared to the huge Rathas in Puri. In Gujarat, Rath Yatra is also held in many cities and towns like Bhavnagar, Vadodara, Gandhinagar, Surat and Porbandar.

The Rath Yatras in various cities, towns and villages in Gujarat take place on the same day when the Puri Jagannath Rath Yatra takes place. Three small chariots with the idols of Lord Jagannath (Krishna), Balarama (Balabhadra) and Subhadra are pulled by the devotees through the cities, towns and villages. Thousands of devotees throng the streets on the day to have a ‘darshan’ of the deities.

The Ahmedabad Rath Yatra has a history of more 130 years. The procession begins from the Jagannath temple in Jamalpur locality in Ahmedabad city and passes through a 14 km route. One of the main attractions during Ahmedabad Rath Yatra is the procession of caparisoned elephants. Decorated elephants take part in almost all the important rituals associated with the Ahmedabad Rath Yatra.

Another important feature is the participation of Akhada Sadhus and Mahants and the numerous floats with different themes. After a day-long procession, the chariots with deities return to the Jamalpur Jagannath Temple.

The Ahmedabad Jagannath Rathyatra from the Jagannath temple at Jamalpur in Ahmedabad is one of the popular Lord Jagannath Rath Yatras in India. In 2010, it is the 132nd edition of Rath Yatra and it is available live online. The Ahmedabad Rath Yatra will begin at 0700hrs on July 13, 2010 from the Jamalpur Jagannath temple and will return back to the temple after passing through the streets at 2030 hrs.

Jagannath (Jagdish)Temple Ahmedabad Gujarat video youtube

Link – Watch Ahmedabad Rath Yatra 2010 Live Online

The Most Important Jain Shrines Of India

The innumerable Jain Shrines that dot in India speak of a myriad intimate association with the lives and activities of the Jain Tirthankars (Jain religious preachers), who spread the message of peace, non violence, love and enlightenment.

It is this that has attracted and moulded the sentiments of millions of people across the nation as well as the world. Today, around 3.2 million Jain devotees live in India. India holds immense attraction for all those who desire to see the great Jain architectural splendour, and to know and understand the teachings of the great Tirthankars- the liberated souls who, through hard penance, freed themselves from the cycle of birth and rebirth. And, offered to humanity the recourse to salvation, freedom from the ocean of Phenomenal Existence and liberation from the Cycle of rebirth through Jainism.

The essence of this great religion and its preaching is palpable in the cave temples, in the elaborately decorated carved stones and in the numerous illustrated manuscripts. Spread across Uttar Pradesh, these religious places are some of the best destination options for tourists and pilgrims. To explore history, religion, art and culture of the Jains in a state of pure bliss.


Dilwara Temples, Rajasthan

The Jain Dilwara temples of India are located about 2½ kilometers from Mount Abu, Rajasthan's only hill station. These temples dating back from the 11th to the 13th century AD are world famous for their stunning use of marble. The five legendary marble temples of Dilwara are the sacred pilgrimage of the Jains.

They are an overwhelming blend of simple beauty and exquisite elegance. The marble temples have an opulent entranceway. The simplicity in architecture verily reminds one that Jainism as a religion "encouraged honesty and frugality".

The temples reside amidst mesmerizing surroundings of mango trees and wooded hills. A high wall, shimmering luminous in the sunlight, shrouds the temple complex.

Although the Jains built some beautiful temples at other places in Rajasthan but none come close to these in terms of architectural perfection. The ornamental detail spread over the minutely carved ceilings, doorways, pillars and panels is simply marvellous and has to be seen to be believed.


Palitana Temples, Rajasthan

Amongst all the Jain temples, Palitana temples are considered to be the most sacred. Located on Shetrunjaya hills there are 863 temples, exquisitely carved in marble. No one is allowed to sleep overnight including the priest, because the temple city has been built as an abode for the Gods.

The town is considered by many Jains to be more important than the temple covered hills of Bihar, Gwalior, Mt Abu and Girnar. Palitana was the capital of a princely state of the Gohil Rajput clan. It is also one of the greatest tourist attractions in Gujarat for foreign tourists.

Ranakpur Jain Temples, Rajasthan

Ranakpur

Ranakpur in the state of Rajasthan is one of the five most important pilgrimage sites of Jainism. It is home to an exceptionally beautiful temple complex in the Aravali ranges and a must visit for the tourists coming to this region. SravanabelagolaSravanabelagola, a great centre for Jain culture is situated at a distance of about 100 kms from Mysore and is famous for its colossal statue of Gomateshwara who is also referred to as Lord Bahubali. Carved out of monolithic stone, the imposing 17 metre high statue of Gomata towers stands in majestic splendour and is visible even from a distance of 20 kms. Starkly simple, the beautifully chiselled features of the statue embody serenity. His perfect lips are turned out at the corners with a hint of a smile, viewing the world with detachment.

Falna Ranakpur

The Jain Golden Temple in Falna, a small town in Rajasthan has a unique attraction worldwide. It is the first temple that has been constructed by the people of the Jain community. The specialty of the temple is that, from the Falna town itself about 90 Kg. of gold was donated by the ladies of the Jain community for the idolization of temple dome and Lords idol.

The innumerable Jain Shrines that dot in India speak of a myriad intimate association with the lives and activities of the Jain Tirthankars (Jain religious preachers), who spread the message of peace, non violence, love and enlightenment.

It is this that has attracted and moulded the sentiments of millions of people across the nation as well as the world. Today, around 3.2 million Jain devotees live in India. India holds immense attraction for all those who desire to see the great Jain architectural splendour, and to know and understand the teachings of the great Tirthankars- the liberated souls who, through hard penance, freed themselves from the cycle of birth and rebirth. And, offered to humanity the recourse to salvation, freedom from the ocean of Phenomenal Existence and liberation from the Cycle of rebirth through Jainism. The essence of this great religion and its preaching is palpable in the cave temples, in the elaborately decorated carved stones and in the numerous illustrated manuscripts. Spread across Uttar Pradesh, these religious places are some of the best destination options for tourists and pilgrims. To explore history, religion, art and culture of the Jains in a state of pure bliss.

The most important Jain shrines of India

Dilwara Temples, Rajasthan The Jain Dilwara temples of India are located about 2½ kilometers from Mount Abu, Rajasthan's only hill station. These temples dating back from the 11th to the 13th century AD are world famous for their stunning use of marble. The five legendary marble temples of Dilwara are the sacred pilgrimage of the Jains. They are an overwhelming blend of simple beauty and exquisite elegance. The marble temples have an opulent entranceway. The simplicity in architecture verily reminds one that Jainism as a religion "encouraged honesty and frugality". The temples reside amidst mesmerizing surroundings of mango trees and wooded hills. A high wall, shimmering luminous in the sunlight, shrouds the temple complex.

Although the Jains built some beautiful temples at other places in Rajasthan but none come close to these in terms of architectural perfection. The ornamental detail spread over the minutely carved ceilings, doorways, pillars and panels is simply marvellous and has to be seen to be believed.

Palitana Temples, Rajasthan

Amongst all the Jain temples, Palitana temples are considered to be the most sacred. Located on Shetrunjaya hills there are 863 temples, exquisitely carved in marble. No one is allowed to sleep overnight including the priest, because the temple city has been built as an abode for the Gods. The town is considered by many Jains to be more important than the temple covered hills of Bihar, Gwalior, Mt Abu and Girnar. Palitana was the capital of a princely state of the Gohil Rajput clan. It is also one of the greatest tourist attractions in Gujarat for foreign tourists.

Ranakpur

Ranakpur in the state of Rajasthan is one of the five most important pilgrimage sites of Jainism. It is home to an exceptionally beautiful temple complex in the Aravali ranges and a must visit for the tourists coming to this region. SravanabelagolaSravanabelagola, a great centre for Jain culture is situated at a distance of about 100 kms from Mysore and is famous for its colossal statue of Gomateshwara who is also referred to as Lord Bahubali. Carved out of monolithic stone, the imposing 17 metre high statue of Gomata towers stands in majestic splendour and is visible even from a distance of 20 kms. Starkly simple, the beautifully chiselled features of the statue embody serenity. His perfect lips are turned out at the corners with a hint of a smile, viewing the world with detachment.

Falna Ranakpur

The Jain Golden Temple in Falna, a small town in Rajasthan has a unique attraction worldwide. It is the first temple that has been constructed by the people of the Jain community. The specialty of the temple is that, from the Falna town itself about 90 Kg. of gold was donated by the ladies of the Jain community for the idolization of temple dome and Lords idol.

ISKCON UK Rathayatra 2010 London

Rathayatra is celebrated by devotees of Lord Krishna all over the world after being introduced to the west in 1967 in San Franscisco by His Divine Grace A.C. Bhaktivedanta Swami Prabhupada and his first American disciples.

Rathayatra is the International Society for Krishna Consciousness' biggest street festival - it features three huge, wooden chariots pulled by hand accompanied by: singing, chanting,drums,cymbals,and dancing.

The procession ends with a stage show, festival and delicious vegetarian prasadam feast.

This website has information about the history of Rathayatra, the origin of the festival, and up to date news on UK Rathayatras (and some further afield).

The first UK Rathayatra was held in London in 1969.

It went to Battersea Park for several years in the 1980s and 90s. Now it goes to Trafalgar Square as originally.


Rathayatra 2009-2010 London

Meenakshi Amman Temple Madurai Tamil

Hindu Belief : According to Hindu legend, Shiva came down to earth in the form of of [Parvati]. Parvati had earlier descended to earth in the form of a smaSundareswarar to marry Meenakshi, an incarnation ll child in response to the great penance of Malayadwaja Pandya, the ruler of Madurai.

After growing up to adulthood, she began ruling the city. The Lord appeared on earth and proposed to her. The marriage was supposed to be the biggest event on earth, with the whole earth gathering near Madurai. Vishnu, the brother of Meenakshi, was traveling to preside over the marriage from his holy abode at Vaikuntam.

Due to a divine play, he was tricked by god [Indra] and delayed on the way. Meanwhile, the marriage was presided over by a local god from Thirupparankundram [Pavalaakanivaai Perumal].

This is celebrated annually as 'Chitirai Thiruvizha' in Madurai. During the period of Nayakar rule in Madurai, the then ruler Thirumalai Nayakar linked the 'Azhakar Thiruvizha' and the 'Meenakshi Wedding'. Hence born the 'Azhaghar Thiruvizha' or 'Chithirai Thiruvizha'.

Modern History : The history of the original structure is not properly known, but Tamil literature speaks about the temple for the last couple of millennia. [Thirugnanasambandar], the famous Hindu saint of [Shaiva] philosophy, mentioned this temple as early as the 7th century, and described the Lord as Aalavai Iraivan.

Temple of Madurai, India

The temple was believed to have been sacked by the infamous Muslim invader Malik Kafur in 1310 and all the ancient elements were destroyed. The initiative to rebuild the structure was taken by first Nayak King of Madurai (King Viswanatha Nayak : 1559-1600 A.D.) under the supervision of Ariyanatha Mudaliar, the Prime Minister of the Nayak Dynasty and the founder of the Poligar System. Then came the most valuable contributions of King Thirumalai Nayak circa 1623 to 1659. He took considerable interest in erecting many Complexes (Veeravasantharayar Mandapam) inside and outside the temple and he built Vasantha Mandapa for celebrating vasanthorsavam and Kilikoottu Mandapam, corridors of Teppakulam etc., was built by Rani Mangammal. Meenakshi Nayakar Mandapam was built by Rani Meenakshi.

Sri Mahamariamman Temple, Kuala Lumpur Malaysia. Batu Caves

Batu Caves is a limestone hill, which has a series of caves and cave temples, located in Gombak district, 13 kilometres (8.1 mi) north of Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia. It takes its name from the Sungai Batu or Batu River, which flows past the hill. Batu Caves is also the name of the nearby village.

The cave is one of the most popular Hindu shrines outside India, dedicated to Lord Murugan. It is the focal point of Hindu festival of Thaipusam in Malaysia.

The limestone forming Batu Caves is said to be around 400 million years old. Some of the cave entrances were used as shelters by the indigenous Temuan people (a tribe of Orang Asli).

As early as 1860, Chinese settlers began excavating guano for fertilising their vegetable patches. However, they became famous only after the limestone hills were recorded by colonial authorities including Daly and Syers as well as American Naturalist, William Hornaday in 1878.

In 1890, Pillai, who also founded the Sri Mahamariamman Temple, Kuala Lumpur, installed the murti (consecrated statue) of Sri Subramania Swamy in what is today known as the Temple Cave. Since 1892, the Thaipusam festival in the Tamil month of Thai (which falls in late January/early February) has been celebrated there.

Rising almost 100 m above the ground, Batu Caves temple complex consists of three main caves and a few smaller ones. The biggest, referred to as Cathedral Cave or Temple Cave, has a 100 m-high ceiling, and features ornate Hindu shrines. To reach it, visitors have to climb a steep flight of 272 steps.

At the base of the hill are two more cave temples, Art Gallery Cave and Museum Cave, both of which are full of Hindu statues and paintings. This complex was renovated and opened as the Cave Villa in 2008. Many of the shrines relate the story of Lord Murugan's victory over the demon Soorapadam. An audio tour is available to visitors.

The Ramayana Cave is situated to the extreme left as one faces the sheer wall of the hill. On the way to the Ramayana Cave, there is a 50-foot (15 m) tall murti of Hanuman and a temple dedicated to Hanuman, the noble monkey devotee and aide of Lord Rama. The consecration ceremony of the temple was held in November 2001.

The Ramayana Cave depicts the story of Rama in a chronicle manner quite effectively. The cave is well lit and allows the visitor to stroll leisurely viewing the depictions along the irregular walls of the cave. One might experience the feeling that one is strolling through the giant intestines of the mighty demon, Kumbhakarann, brother of King Ravana of Lanka.

A 42.7m (132 feet high) high statue of Lord Muruga was unveiled in January 2006, having taken 3 years to construct. It is the tallest Lord Muruga statue in the world.

Sri Mahamariamman Temple, Kuala Lumpur Malaysia.

Lord Venkateshwara Temple Birmingham UK

Lord Venkateshwara Temple, Birmingham, United Kingdom

Europe’s largest Hindu temple has opened in Britain – on the site of a former rubbish dump. More than 10,000 visitors are expected at the £6.5million Sri Venkateswara Balaji Temple in Tividale, near Dudley, West Midlands, by Sunday, the close of a five day festival of inauguration.

The complex has been built on 12.5 acres of wasteland in an industrial area close to the M5 motorway.The temple has been constructed in the style of the ancient and sacred temple of Sri Venkateswara in Tirupati, India. The site has been funded by a £3.3m lottery grant from the Millennium Commission and has taken more than three decades to come to fruition.

The Hindu Temple of Shri Venkateswara (Balaji) in Tividale is the culmination of deeply felt spiritual aspirations and one of the most remarkable achievements of the Hindu communities in the United Kingdom.

The temple is set in a 21.5 acre site, with a number of different shrines and other facilities and it has grown over a 10-year period to become physically the largest South Indian temple precinct in Europe. Much more than simply a physical complex, it brings together a remarkably wide cross-section of Hindus into a vibrant, thriving organization, and is now recognized as one of the leading Hindu institutions in this country.

Current Temple opening Timings:

Weekdays Morning: 8.30 a.m – 1 p.m Evening: 4 p.m -9 p.m
Weekends’ Morning: 8.30 a.m – 2.30 p.m Evening: 4 p.m -9 p.m

Shri Venkateswara Balaji Temple UK Exclusive Video