Vairat Devi Temple, Chikhaldara, Maharashtra

Vairat Devi Temple, Chikhaldara, Maharashtra

Vairat Devi Temple is a Hindu temple dedicated to goddess Vairat Devi in Vairat Hills in Vairat village near Chikhaldara Hill Station in Chikhaldara Taluk in Amravati District in the Indian state of Maharashtra. Vairat Devi is considered to be the presiding deity of this village.

The Temple

The original temple is inside a natural cave and situated to the west of the Vairat Hills. The access to this temple is difficult. Devotees have to hang themselves with a rope and pass through the deep valley. After reaching the other side of the valley, people have to trek through the rocky climbs of the hills to reach the entrance of the cave. Devotees need to climb down the steps and the temple is situated at a depth of about 150 feet. There is a natural kund at this temple. A new temple has been built in the centre of the village for the benefit of the devotees.

Connectivity

The temple is located at about 11 Kms from Chikhaldara Bus Stand. Chikhaldara is located at about 27 Kms from Semadoh, 34 Kms from Paratwada Bus Stand, 36 Kms from Paratwada, 49 Kms from Harisal, 58 Kms from Kolkas, 83 Kms from Amravati, 85 Kms from Amravati Railway Station, 95 Kms from Shahanur and 224 Kms from Nagpur Airport. Chikhaldara is situated at about 36 Kms to the north-west of Paratwada. Chikhaldara is well connected to the cities of Paratwada, Amravati, Akola, Betul, Khandwa and Burhanpur by road. MSRTC plies buses from Nagpur to Chikhaldara via Amravati-Paratwada.

Location

Ramling Temple, Yedshi, Maharashtra

Ramling Temple, Yedshi, Maharashtra

Ramling Temple is a Hindu temple dedicated to Lord Shiva located in Yedshi Village in Dharashiv Taluk in Osmanabad (Dharashiv) District in the Indian State of Maharashtra. The temple is situated in the Yedshi Ramling Ghat Wildlife Sanctuary.

Legends

Ramling:

As per legend, Lord Rama had installed the Shiva Linga of this temple during the Vanavasa in search of his wife Sita. As the Linga was installed by Lord Rama, it came to be called as Ramling. It is also believed that Lord Rama created the waterfall situated near the temple with his arrow for providing water to the devotees visiting this temple.

Jatayu:

As per legend, Jatayu attacked Ravana, the demon king of Lanka at this place while Ravana was carrying away Sita by force. However, Jatayu lost the battle and died at the hands of Ravana. Hence, this temple has a shrine for Jatayu for his valiant efforts.

The Temple

This temple is facing towards east and is situated in a valley The temple is situated in a valley surrounded by mountains from all sides. The temple is situated at lower elevation and can be reached after descending down around 60 steps. The temple consists of sanctum, sabha mandapa and an open courtyard. The sanctum enshrines the presiding deity, Ramling in the form of Shiva Linga. There is a shrine dedicated to Jatayu can be seen in the temple premises. There is a small waterfall situated behind the temple. The top of the waterfall can be reached after a small trek.

Connectivity

The temple is located at about 3.5 Kms from Yedshi, 3.5 Kms from Yedshi Bus Stand, 6 Kms from Yedshi Railway Station, 15 Kms from Dharashiv Railway Station, 22 Kms from Dharashiv, 34 Kms from Barshi, 73 Kms from Latur, 220 Kms from Chhatrapati Sambhaji Nagar Airport and 261 Kms from Pune Airport. The temple is situated on the Barshi to Latur route. Regular buses are available from Barshi, Dharashiv and Latur.

Location

Mahadev Temple, Mangeri, Maharashtra

Mahadev Temple, Mangeri, Maharashtra

Mahadev Temple is a Hindu temple dedicated to Lord Shiva located at the top of the Mangeri Mahadev Mountain in Sangrampur Taluk in Buldhana District in the Indian state of Maharashtra. This temple is situated in the midst of the Amba Barwa Wildlife Sanctuary. The temple is situated in a small cave. This temple opens only once a year on the third Monday of Shravan.

An annual procession is taken out during the Shravan month of Marathi calendar. It is said that Sonaji Maharaj of Sonala had spent considerable amount of time here. The temple is about one hour’s trek from the Mangeri Mahadev Forest Camp. The Mangeri Mahadev Forest Camp can be reached after a trek of about two hours from the Shemba forest Camp of the forest department.

Connectivity

The Shemba forest Camp is located at about 9 Kms from Sonala, 35 Kms from Telhara, 36 Kms from Jalgaon Jamod, 43 Kms from Akot, 43 Kms from Akot Railway Station and 286 Kms from Nagpur Airport. The Shemba forest Camp is situated at about 9 Kms to the north of Sonala on Akot to Jalgaon Jamod route.

Location

Rishiyan Ashram, Barha Kotra, Uttar Pradesh

Rishiyan Ashram, Barha Kotra, Uttar Pradesh

Rishiyan Ashram is a Hindu pilgrimage site located in Barha Kotra Village in Mau Tehsil in Chitrakoot District in Uttar Pradesh, India. This pilgrimage site consists of caves and ancient Hindu temples situated amidst forest in hilly terrain. This site is protected as monuments of national importance by the central Archaeological Survey of India.

Legends

For brief details, please refer below link;

https://hindutemples-india.blogspot.com/2025/01/rishiyan-ashram-barha-kotra-legends.html

The Caves & Temples

Rishiyan Ashram has two caves. Four Shiva Lingas seated on a single yonipitha can be seen in the first cave. The second cave has arrangements for rest. The place has remains of three 10^th century CE temples. One of the temple is called as Bhar Deul. One of the temple is situated near the caves. A stream can be seen flowing near the caves. The stream forms a lake downhill which is situated on the way to the core area of Rishiyan Ashram. Sugaria Pathri is one of several hillocks situated around this place. Rock paintings made by the hunter gatherers can be seen in this hillock.

Connectivity

The temple is located at about 16 Kms from Mau, 18 Kms from Bargarh Railway Station, 22 Kms from Shankargarh, 43 Kms from Prayagraj Airport, 65 Kms from Prayagraj and 73 Kms from Chitrakoot. The temple is situated at about 16 Kms to the east of Mau on Chitrakoot to Prayagraj route via Shankargarh.

Location

Surya Narayan Temple, Kuchaman, Rajasthan

Surya Narayan Temple, Kuchaman, Rajasthan

Surya Narayan Temple is a Hindu Temple dedicated to Lord Surya located in Kuchaman City in Nawa Tehsil in Didwana Kuchaman District in the western Indian state of Rajasthan. The temple is one of the state protected monuments in Rajasthan declared by Archaeological Survey of India.

Legends

As per legend, Lord Indra installed the idol of Surya here and built the temple subsequently.

The Temple

This temple is situated on a small hillock. This temple has been constructed in such a way that the morning sun rays fall at the feet of the Lord twice a year (March and September). These rays reach the feet of the deity through the 5 main doors.

Connectivity

The temple is located at about 750 metres from Kuchaman Bus Stand, 12 Kms from Kuchaman City Railway Station, 29 Kms from Nawa, 43 Kms from Didwana, 97 Kms from Ajmer, 118 Kms from Jaipur and 128 Kms from Jaipur Airport. The temple is situated on the Nawa to Didwana route.

Location

Ubeshwar Mahadev Temple, Udaipur, Rajasthan

Ubeshwar Mahadev Temple, Udaipur, Rajasthan

Ubeshwar Mahadev Temple is a Hindu Temple dedicated to Lord Shiva located in Udaipur City in Girwa Tehsil in Udaipur District in the western Indian state of Rajasthan. The temple is located on a hill in the Ubeshwar area of Udaipur City.

The Temple

This temple is situated on a hill at an altitude of about 900 meter above sea level. The temple is facing towards east. The temple consists of sanctum and mandapa. The sanctum enshrines the presiding deity, Ubeshwar Mahadev in the form of Shiva Linga. There is a holy pond called Gangu Kund in the temple premises. There is a small rivulet next to this temple which flows only in rainy season.

Connectivity

The temple is located at about 21 Kms from Udaipur City Bus Depot, 21 Kms from Udaipur City Railway Station, 23 Kms from Rana Pratap Nagar Railway Station and 41 Kms from Udaipur Airport. Udaipur is located at about 20 Kms from Eklingji, 46 Kms from Nathdwara, 102 Kms from Nimbahera, 111 Kms from Chittorgarh, 128 Kms from Sirohi, 163 Kms from Mount Abu, 250 Kms from Jodhpur and 396 Kms from Jaipur. Udaipur lies on the intersection point of East West Corridor, Golden Quadrilateral, National Highway (NH) 76 and National Highway (NH) 8, midway between Delhi and Mumbai. Udaipur is well connected to the major cities of India by land, rail, and air.

Location

Agasti Temple, Akole, Maharashtra

Agasti Temple, Akole, Maharashtra

Agasti Temple is a Hindu Temple dedicated to Sage Agastya located at Akole City in Akole Taluk in Ahmednagar District in Maharashtra, India. This temple complex stands over a small hillock. The temple is situated on the northern bank of Pravara River.

Legends

As per legend, Lord Rama along with his wife Sita and his brother Lakshmana visited the ashram of Sage Agastya at this place during his exile. During their visit, Sage Agastya offered him a powerful arrow which Lord Rama later used to kill Ravana during the epic Ramayana battle. It is also said that Sage Agastya taught for the first time taught about the agriculture to the people in Dandakaranya during his stay here. 

The Temple

This temple complex is facing towards east and stands over a small hillock. The temple complex consists of three major shrines. The central shrine is dedicated to Sage Agastya and the other two major shrines are dedicated to Dattatreya and Mahadeva & Vithala Rukmini respectively. Pictures narrating the life of Sage Agastya can be seen in the Agastya temple. There are two tanks in front of the Dattatreya shrine. There is a temple dedicated to Lord Rama along with Lakshmana, Sita and Hanuman and Saint Goroba Kaka situated next to this temple complex. There is a Ram Kund situated in front of the Ram temple.

Festivals

Maha Shivaratri is the most famous festival celebrated here. There are three annual pilgrimages from Agasti Temple towards Pandharpur, Alandi and Trimbakeshwar respectively.

Connectivity

The temple complex is located at about 1.5 Kms from Akole Bus Stand, 25 Kms from Sangamner, 36 Kms from Bhandardara, 72 Kms from Nashik, 87 Kms from Nashik Airport, 119 Kms from Ahmednagar and 162 Kms from Pune Airport. The temple complex is situated at about 1.5 Kms to the north of Akole Bus Stand on Bhandardara to Sangamner route.

Location

Mahadev Temple, Gairaha, Uttar Pradesh

Mahadev Temple, Gairaha, Uttar Pradesh

Mahadev Temple is a Hindu Temple dedicated to Lord Shiva located on top of a hillock in Gairaha Village in Mauranipur Tehsil in Jhansi District in the state of Uttar Pradesh, India. The temple is protected as monuments of national importance by the central Archaeological Survey of India.

History

The temple was built during the reign of King Kirtivarman (1060 – 1100 CE) of Chandela dynasty.

The Temple

This temple is situated on top of small hillock. This temple is facing towards east and stands over a low raised platform. The temple consists of sanctum, antrala, sabha mandapa with lateral transepts and entrance porch. The sabha mandapa and the entrance porch are crowned with pyramidal style superstructure. The lintel of the sanctum doorway has image of Lord Shiva at the centre.

He is flanked by Brahma on the right side and Vishnu on the left side. The sanctum enshrines the presiding deity, Gairaha Mahadev in the form of Shiva Linga. The lower part of the shikhara is perpendicular while the upper part has a slight curve. There are ten images depicting the legends of Lord Shiva on the perpendicular sides. The sanctum is crowned with nagara style shikara.

Connectivity

The temple is located at about 7 Kms from Bangra, 23 Kms from Mauranipur Railway Station, 25 Kms from Mauranipur, 36 Kms from Barua Sagar, 54 Kms from Jhansi, 133 Kms from Khajuraho Airport and 157 Kms from Gwalior. The temple is situated at about 7 Kms to the north of Bangra on Mauranipur to Jhansi route.

Location

Shesh Shaiya Idol, Bandhavgarh, Madhya Pradesh

Shesh Shaiya Idol, Bandhavgarh, Madhya Pradesh

Shesh Shaiya Idol is an idol of Lord Vishnu located inside Bandhavgarh National Park at the base of Bandhavgarh Fort in Umaria District in Madhya Pradesh, India. The idol is located on the main entrance of the footpath towards the fort. The idol is one of the state protected monuments in Madhya Pradesh declared by Archaeological Survey of India.

Legends

Charanganga:

As per legend, the water from all the lakes in the region were engineered by the ancient kings, to join together and designed in such a way that the waters emerged from the feet of this 32 feet long reclining Vishnu Idol. Thus, the stream came to be called as Charan Ganga (Charan means Feet and Ganga means Ganga river). This river is also called as Vetravali Ganga and has never been dried up. There is a unique blue-green algae, known as cyanobacteria in the waters of Charan Ganga. This bacteria is known to produce large amounts of oxygen. As the river originate from the feet of Lord Vishnu, the water of this river is considered to be sacred.

Bandhavgarh:

As per legend, Lord Rama requested Vanaras Nala and Neela to build a fort at this place after the battle of Lanka. Lord Rama gifted this fort to his brother Lakshmana. Thus, the fort and the place came to be called as Bandhavgarh (Bandhav means brother and Garh means fort). This fort is situated within the Bandhavgarh National Park. Lakshmana is also called as Bandhavdeesh here and a temple dedicated to him can be seen atop the hill.

History

This idol is believed to have been commissioned in 10^th century CE. The Bandhavgarh fort was occupied by several dynasties like the Maghas, Vakatakas, Chandelas, the Gonds, the Sengars and the royal family of Rewa during the course of its history. The fort was extended by Raja Vyaghra Dev of Rewa during his reign. It is believed that this fort was used as intelligence quarters by Maharaja Gulab Singh and Maharaja Martand Singh of Rewa. Bandhavgarh is the favourite hunting grounds for the kings from the Rewa Kingdom.

The Idol

This idol of Vishnu is located at the base of Bandhavgarh fort. The idol is located on the main entrance of the footpath towards the fort. The idol is about 32 feet long and depicted in reclining posture. He is resting on the seven-headed serpent Adisesha. Thus, he came to be called as Shesh Shaiya. Lord Shiva and Lord Brahma can be seen near to this idol. Thus, the devotees can have darshan of the Trimurtis in single place. The river Charanganga originates from the feet of this idol.

There is a rectangular pool of spring water situate beneath the idol. The green cover on the pool is because of the presence of a unique blue-green algae, known as cyanobacteria. This bacteria is known to produce large amounts of oxygen. This pool serves as the drinking spot for the animals during summer but during the monsoon season, it receives a lot of devotees who throng here to worship the Lord Vishnu.

Connectivity

This idol of Vishnu is located at the base of Bandhavgarh fort. The fort is located at about 10 Kms from Tala, 35 Kms from Umaria, 36 Kms from Umaria Railway Station, 63 Kms from Beohari, 82 Kms from Shahdol, 183 Kms from Jabalpur Airport and 228 Kms from Khajuraho Airport. The fort is situated at about 10 Kms to the south of Tala on Umaria to Beohari route.

Location