Mandodari Temple, Betki, Goa

Mandodari Temple, Betki, Goa

Mandodari Temple is a Hindu Temple dedicated to Goddess Shakthi located in Betki Village near Marcel Town in Ponda Taluk in North Goa in the Indian state of Goa. Mandodari is considered as village deity of Betki Village.

Legends & History

The word Mandodari is from Mand (water) with Udar (stomach). It means someone who is born in the water. Few people confuse this temple with temple dedicated to Mandodari, wife of Ravana, demon king of Lanka. It is believed that the temple was built in honor of the children, who were sacrificed for the betterment of village and free flowing stream of water. There is no well water in Betki village so the main source of water in this area is streams. This is how the village started worshiping this deity.

The Temple

This is a small temple with sanctum and extended Mandapam. Mandodari is considered as village deity (gramadevata) of Betki Village. She is housed in the sanctum.

Connectivity

The Temple is located at about 700 meters from Betki Bus Stop, 4 Kms from Marcel, 4.5 Kms from Marcel Bus Stand, 14 Kms from Karmali Railway Station, 16 Kms from Ponda, 24 Kms from Panjim and 36 Kms from Goa Airport. The Temple is situated close to Marcel Town in North Goa District.

Location

Betal Temple, Amona, Goa

Betal Temple, Amona, Goa

Betal Temple is a Hindu Temple dedicated to Lord Shiva, located in Amona Village in  Bicholim Taluk in the North Goa district of Goa, India. Betal of this temple is considered as local village deity of Amona Village.

History

Betal is considered as the deity of indigenous people of India. The deity was worshipped by the Gauda tribe, Goa‘s earliest settlers, and later embraced by the Nath Panthis between the 10^th & 13^th Century CE.

The Temple

Presiding Deity is called as Betal, a form of Lord Shiva. The Idol is in standing posture. He is in the form of a warrior. He is considered as village deity of Amona.

Connectivity

The Temple is located at about 1.5 Kms from Amona Junction Bus Stop, 7 Kms from Sanquelim, 14 Kms from Karmali Railway Station, 25 Kms from Panjim and 36 Kms from Goa Airport. The Temple is situated on Carambolim to Sanquelim route via Marcel.

Location

Chaturdasha Temple, Agartala, Tripura

Chaturdasha Temple, Agartala, Tripura

Chaturdasha Temple is a Hindu Temple dedicated to fourteen tribal deities located in Old Agartala in West Tripura District in the Indian state of Tripura.  This temple was built in honour of fourteen deities, together called the Chaturdasha Devata. 

Legends

According to the legends, the tyrant King of Tripura was killed by Lord Shiva. Once his widow, Harabari came to the river to bath and found the fourteen Gods are chased by a maddened buffalo. She helped the Gods to fight and win against the buffalo. The Gods decided to visit the palace with Harabari as a token of gratitude and lived there. Thus, during the annual Kharchi Festival, buffaloes are sacrificed since then.

History

Udaipur fell to Samser Gaji, forcing King Krishna Manikya to shift his capital to Agartala. This temple was built in honour of fourteen deities, together called as Chaturdasha Devata, by King Krishna Manikya Debbarma of Tripura in Agartala in 1761 CE.

The Temple

For brief details, please refer below link;

https://hindutemples-india.blogspot.com/2020/05/chaturdasha-temple-agartala-temple.html

Temple Opening Time

The temple will not be opened after noon and visitor can only get darshan of the Gods after 8.00 AM to 12 noon.

Festivals

For brief details, please refer below link;

https://hindutemples-india.blogspot.com/2020/05/chaturdasha-temple-agartala-festivals.html

Connectivity

The Temple is located at about 9 Kms from Nagerjala Bus Station, 12 Kms from Agartala Railway Station and 17 Kms from Agartala Airport. The Temple is situated on Old Agartala. National Highway 8 connects Agartala to Assam and the rest of India by road.  The highways (NH44, NH 44A) connect Agartala with Silchar, Guwahati, Shillong, Dharmanagar and Aizawl. A bus service connects it to Dhaka.

Location

Golu Devata Temple, Ghorakhal, Uttarakhand

Golu Devata Temple, Ghorakhal, Uttarakhand

Golu Devata Temple is a Hindu Temple dedicated to Lord Golu Devta, a tribal deity (form of Lord Shiva) located in Ghorakhal in Nainital District in the state of Uttarakhand, India. Golu Devta or Lord Golu or Goril Devta is the legendary God of the Kumaon and eastern Garhwal region of Uttarakhand State. Ghorakhal literally means ‘a pond for water to horses’. Ghorakhal is a picturesque site, with natural serenity and placidity. 

Legends

For brief details, please refer below link;

https://hindutemples-india.blogspot.com/2020/05/golu-devata-temple-ghorakhal-legends.html

The Temple

This Temple is situated at an altitude of 2000 meters above the sea level. It is situated near Bhowali and is the seat for Army school, known as Sainik School Ghorakhal, established in 1966 at the Ghorakhal Estate of the Nawab of Rampur. This Temple is situated on Ghorakhal hill overlooking the school and Bhimtal lake. Some scenes of Madhumati 1958 classic by Bimal Roy, which was shot extensively around Nainital had some scenes shot at Ghorakhal as well. Also, Vivah 2006 movie had few scenes shot at this temple.

Golu Devta is seen in form of Lord Shiva, his brother Kalva Devta is in form on Bhairava and Garh Devi is form of Shakti. The Ghorakhal temple is characterized by the large number of bells hanging in the premises. These bells are hung by the devotees as offerings making a wish or in thanksgiving on the fulfillment of one’s wish. Sacrifices of goats are offered to the deity which was, at one time, a sort-of law court, that decided several pleas received from the distressed people of the region. 

Prayers

Ghorakhal Golu Devta Temple is one of a kind temple, in that place the devotees come with prayers, not only with devotion, but with a physical piece of paper. These are left in the Golu Devta temple. Visitors can see the plain papers, to legal bond papers, beautiful colourful sheets, to even some job application forms hang here. Once the prayers are answered the devotee comes back and puts up a brass bell. Looks like size of the bell is proportional to the prayer answered since you’d see bells of all sizes hanging here, thousands or lakhs in number.

It is popular belief that Golu Devta dispenses quick justice to the devotee. Golu Devta is offered Ghee, Milk, Curd, Halwa, Poori, Pakauri and head of Goat sacrificed. Two Male Goat sacrifice (Bali) is performed. Preferred black in colour. One in the temple of Golu Devta and the other outside temple in remote location. The sacrificed goat is received as Prasada of pooja. Golu Devta is known as God of justice and prayed with great pride and enthusiasm.

Connectivity

The Temple is located at about 5 Kms from Bhowali Market, 15 Kms from Bhimtal, 16 Kms from Nainital Bus Stand, 17 Kms from Nainital, 33 Kms from Kathgodam Railway Station, 58 Kms from Almora, 67 Kms from Pantnagar Airport and 314 Kms from New Delhi Airport. It is situated near Sainik School Ghorakhal.

Location

Hiram Raj Temple, Barsur, Chattisgarh

Hiram Raj Temple, Barsur, Chattisgarh

Hiram Raj Temple is a Hindu Temple dedicated to the Hiram Baba, chief protector of Barsur, located in Barsur Town in Dantewada District in the Indian state of Chhattisgarh. Barsur is located on the banks of Indravati River.

History

Hiram Baba was considered as chief protector during the rule of the Naga rulers. It was believed that Hiram Baba used to protect the city from this hill of Barsur. The Naga rulers established Hiram Baba's temple on this hill of Barsur in reverence. This Temple was attacked by Mughal invaders. The Hiram Baba statue kept in the temple was thrown down from the hill, causing Hiram Baba's statue to be broken. Later, it was saved by a villager of Barsur. He kept Hiram Baba's statue under the rock in the foot hills. Even today the statue of Hiram Baba is kept under the hill.

The origin of the word Barsur is believed to be from the word Balsuri, Balsuri became famous as Barsurgarh later.  Inscriptions and coins circulated by Nala Dynasty Kings have been found in Chhattisgarh and Dandakaranya region. King Bhavdatt Varman of Nala Dynasty gained victory over many places of Southern Bastar. A Gangavanshi ruler of Odisha in 850 AD invaded Dandakaranya region and established his Kingdom. One of his son, started ruling over Bastar. He made village Barsur on the banks of river Indravati, as their capital.

Remnants of ancient capital can be seen to this day. Gangavanshi rulers constructed many temples in Barsur, among them Mama Banja temple is still in good condition. Nagavanshi rulers gained victory over Gangavanshi rulers in 11^th century CE, and they also made Barsur as their capital. Later, Nagavanshi ruler Jagdeshbhusan Dharavarsha transferred his capital from Barsur to Taaralpal, present day Dantewada. Still Nagavanshi rulers built many temples and excavated lakes in Barsur.

The last Nagavanshi ruler Harishchandra was defeated by the ruler of Kakatiya dynasty, Raja Annamdev. After this incident, importance of Barsur and Bastar went to obscurity. It is believed that there were about 147 temples and an equal number of ponds here during its heyday. Mama Bhanja Temple, Chandraditya Temple, Battisa Temple, Twin Ganesha Temple, 16 Pillar Temple, Hiram Raj Temple, Bhairava Temple, few ruined temples and lakes dated to 11^th Century AD can be found at present in Barsur.

The Temple

This is a Hill temple. The Temple can be climbed accessing a paved stairway. The Temple architecture is quite different and unique as this temple has no foundation. This temple was built on a rock boulder without foundation. The Temple was in dilapidated condition.

Connectivity

The Temple is located at about 3 Kms from Battisa Temple, 19 Kms from Geedam Bus Station, 20 Kms from Geedam, 26 Kms from Geedam Railway Station, 40 Kms from Dantewada, 81 Kms from Bastar, 92 Kms from Jagdalpur, 94 Kms from Jagdalpur Railway Station, 95 Kms from Jagdalpur Airport, 156 Kms from Bhopalpatnam, 310 Kms from Raipur and 314 Kms from Raipur Airport. The temple is situated on Jagdalpur to Bhopalpatnam route.

Location

Jagannath Temple, Puri, Odisha

Jagannath Temple, Puri, Odisha

Jagannath Temple is a Hindu Temple dedicated to Lord Vishnu, located on the eastern coast of India at Puri, a famous pilgrimage town in the state of Odisha, India. The temple is an important pilgrimage destination. It is considered by many Hindus to be one of the four holiest places (dhams) and is particularly revered by Vaishnavas as the home of Krishna in his form of Jagannatha, Lord of the Universe. It is strictly forbidden for non-Hindus to enter the Jagannatha temple.

The Puri temple is famous for its annual Ratha yatra, or chariot festival, in which the three principal deities are pulled on huge and elaborately decorated temple cars. These gave their name to the English term Juggernaut. Unlike the stone and metal icons found in most Hindu temples, the image of Jagannath is made of wood and is ceremoniously replaced every twelve or nineteen years by an exact replica. The temple is sacred to all Hindus and especially in those of the Vaishnava traditions.

Many great saints, such as Ramananda and Ramanuja were closely associated with the temple. Ramanuja established the Emar Mutt near the temple and the Govardhan Mutt, which is the seat of one of the four Shankaracharyas. It is also of particular significance to the followers of the Gaudiya Vaishnavism whose founder Chaitanya Mahaprabhu, was attracted to the deity, Jagannath, and lived in Puri for many years. Odisha has Konark as the Surya Kshetra, Puri as the Vishnu kshetra, Bhubaneshwar as the Hara Kshetra and Jaipur as the Parvati Kshetra.

Bhubaneshwar, Konarak and Puri constitute the Golden triangle of Orissa, visited in large numbers by pilgrims and tourists. Puri is also known as Sri Purusottama Dhama or Martya Vaikuntha, the abode of Lord Vishnu on earth. Other names are Srikshetra (best of all sacred centers), Purusottama Kshetra (the abode of the supreme being), Nilachal, Nalagiri, Sankha Kshetra, and Jagannatha Dhama. The Temple is located at about 2 Kms from Puri Bus Stand and 3 Kms from Puri Railway Station.

Legends

For brief details, please refer below link;

https://hindutemples-india.blogspot.com/2020/01/jagannath-temple-puri-legends.html

History

For brief details, please refer below link;

https://hindutemples-india.blogspot.com/2020/01/jagannath-temple-puri-history.html

The Temple

For brief details, please refer below link;

https://hindutemples-india.blogspot.com/2020/01/jagannath-temple-puri-temple.html

Pooja Timings

For brief details, please refer below link;

https://hindutemples-india.blogspot.com/2020/01/jagannath-temple-puri-pooja-timings.html

Entry & Darshan

Only Hindus and Buddhist and Jain groups able to prove their Indian ancestry are permitted to enter the temple. Visitors not allowed to enter may view the temple and precinct from the roof of the nearby Raghunandan Library. There is some evidence that this policy came into force following a series of invasions by foreigners into the temple and surrounding area. The temple is open from 5:00 am to midnight.

Unlike in many other temples devotees, can go around and behind the idols. During the special darshan, or parimanik darshan, devotees pay a small fee to go right up to the statues. All devotees are allowed to go right up to the deities during the Sahana mela (general appearance) 7-8:00am without paying any fees. Non-Hindus can walk within the walls and see the beautiful garden, but they are not allowed in the temple building.

Festivals

For brief details, please refer below link;

https://hindutemples-india.blogspot.com/2020/01/jagannath-temple-puri-festivals-there.html

Religious Significance

For brief details, please refer below link;

https://hindutemples-india.blogspot.com/2020/01/jagannath-temple-puri-religious-significance.html

Veshas

For brief details, please refer below link;

https://hindutemples-india.blogspot.com/2020/01/jagannath-temple-puri-veshas-dresses.html

Food Offerings

For brief details, please refer below link;

https://hindutemples-india.blogspot.com/2020/01/jagannath-temple-puri-food-offerings.html

Sevayats

For brief details, please refer below link;

https://hindutemples-india.blogspot.com/2020/01/jagannath-temple-puri-sevayats.html

Contact

Jagannath Temple,

Puri – 752001

Odisha, India

Phone: +91 6752 223 002 / 222 002 / 222 033 / 222 034

Fax: +91 6752 223 939

Email: jagannath.or@nic.in / dmpuri@ori.nic.in

Connectivity

For brief details, please refer below link;

https://hindutemples-india.blogspot.com/2020/01/puri-odisha-connectivity-puri.html

Location