Wednesday, March 10, 2010
Sri Lakshminarasimha Swamy TempleYadagiri Gutta
Yadagirigutta is a popular Hindu Temple of Narasimha Swamy, an incarnation Lord Vishnu It is situated on a hillock in the Nalgonda district, Andhra Pradesh, India.[1], 60 kilometers from the city of Hyderabad. It has huge devotees visiting on Sundays and public holidays.
The temple is quite popular and is busy throughout the year with different events of the God. The annual brahmotsavam is held in the month of March, it includes Yedurkolu, The Celestial Wedding and Divya Vimana Rathotsavam. [2]
Lord Narasimha is also known as Yadagiri, hence the name.
Yadagirigutta (Temple) Mythology
In Tretayugam, there lived a sage by the name of Yadarishi, son of the great sage Rishyasrunga and Santa Devi who did penance inside a cave with the blessings of Anjaneya (Hanuman) on this hill between Bhongir (Bhuvanagiri) and Raigiri (Now in Nalgonda district of Andhra Pradesh, India). Pleased with his deep devotion, Lord Narasimha, an incarnation of Lord Vishnu appeared before him in five different forms as Jwala, Yogananda, Gandabherunda, Ugra and Lakshminarasimha. They later manifested themselves into finely sculpted forms that later came to be worshiped as Pancha Narasimha Kshetram.
There are Purana and traditional accounts of this Shrine, which are widely popular among the devotees. There is mention about the origin of this temple in the Skanda Purana, one of the famous 18 puranas.
Glowing bright atop the sikharam of garbha griha (Sanctum Sanctorum) of this cave temple is the golden Sudarshana Chakra (about 3 ft x 3ft) of Lord Vishnu (whose reincarnation is Lord Narasimha), the adornment as well as the weapon is a symbol this temple is identified by from as far away as 6 km. It is said that many years ago the chakra moved in the direction from which the devotees came as if like a compass guiding them towards the temple.
Lord Narasimha is believed to have been worshiped by sages (rishis). The region of Yadagirigutta is reputed to be a "Rishi Aradhana Kshetram" or the place of worship for sages.
As the belief goes, Lord Narasimha has taken on the role of a "doctor" and is known as "Vaidya Narasimha" by his devotees at this shrine to cure many chronic diseases and the role of a 'do gooder' to those who are under the influence of bad planets, witch craft and black magic. Many instances are cited of the Lord appearing in the dreams of the devotees, and administering medicines and operated the patients and blessed them with good health. Many devotees tell of vivid dreams in which the Lord comes to heal them from chronic or terminal illnesses, and even mental or emotional problems. A mandala (40 day) pradakshina is very popular made by many devotees to get cured of a long standing ailment or chronic disease. Often, the Lord Himself has imparted mantrOpadEsham to select devotees in their dreams.
Another Legend also has it that Sriman Narayana, pleased with Yada's penance, sent Sri Anjaneya to direct the rishi to a holy spot, where the Lord appeared to him in the form of Sri LakshmiNarasimha. This spot is marked by a temple located at the foot of the Yadagiri hillock, and is located about 5 km from the present temple. There the sage worshiped the Lord for many years.
After Yadarishi attained moksha, a number of tribals, hearing of the Lord's presence, came to worship Him at this temple. But, not being very learned, these devotees began to engage in improper worship. Because of this, Sri LakshmiNarasimha moved into to the hills. The tribals searched for many years to find their Lord, to no avail.
After many years had passed, the Lord appeared in the dream of a devout lady among the tribe, directing her to a large cavern wherein He revealed Himself to all as five majestic Avatars.
The Aradhanam and Puja in this temple are performed according to Pancharatra Agamam. The puja vidhanam (Puja procedure) was set by Late Sri Vangeepuram Narasimhacharyulu who composed Yadagiri Suprabhatam, Prapatti, Stotram, Mangalashasanam and served as Sthanacharya of this temple
Sri Maha Vishnu Came from out of the pillar as per the desire of Bhakta Prahladha and killed Hiranya Kashyapa,who is father of Prahladha ,who is beloved devotee of Maha Vishnu
In Ancient days Sri Yada Maharshi son of Sri Rushyashrunga Maharshi with the Blessings of Anjaneya Swamy had performed great penance for Lord Narasimha Swamy. After securing blessing for his penance Lord Narasimha had come into existence in Five Avatharas called as Sri Jwala Narasimha, Sri Yogananda Narasimha, Sri Ugra Narasimha, Sri Gandaberunda Narasimha, Sri Lakshmi Narasimha. As such this is known as “Pancha Narasimha Kshetram”. The devotees who worship this deity with devotion, the problems faced by them in regarding their “Graha”, the difficulties through evil spirits and their all mental problems are being cured by the God & Godess. All the difficulties faced by the devotees are being cured through herbal medicines like fruits, flowers and Tulasi Teertham. The devotees who believe the Lord. He is appearing to them in their dreams and conducting operations also.
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Saturday, February 27, 2010
How to Reach Shirdi Saibaba
By Air
The nearest airport to Shirdi is at Nashik, 75kms away, Aurangabad is at a distance of 150kms, which is connected by all the major towns of India. You can also come till Mumbai by air and travel down to 296kms to reach Shirdi. Mumbai has both international and domestic airports that grant connectivity to the world. Domestic airport in Pune is about 231kms from Shirdi. There are regular public and private transport operators that ensure your easy access to the sanctum of Saibaba.
By Rail/Train
Kopergaon on Daund-Manmad Line is an important railway station about 16kms from Shirdi. This station is on the route of the Karnataka Express from New Delhi to Bangalore. Manmad is another important station about 58kms from Shirdi which carries a number trains from Mumbai and Delhi. Shirdi has a computerized Railway Ticket Booking Center within the temple premises. From here you can have railway tickets of whichever destination all through India.
By Road
Shirdi can be reached by taking a Bus from almost all major cities of Maharashtra. Shirdi is on the Ahmednagar-Manmad Highway, 250 km from Mumbai and 75 km from Nashik. MTDC runs buses from all major destinations.
Main temples in India
Vaishnodevi Temple:
The holy cave shrine of Vaishno Devi is said to have been built by the five Pandavas. The length of the cave is about 98 ft. The symbols of a large number of gods and goddesses of the Hindu pantheon can be seen here.
Within the cave are ancient images of three deities, the Mahakali, Mahalakshmi and Mahasaraswati. Popular belief holds that anybody who walks up to the shrine of Vaishno Devi to ask for a boon rarely goes back disappointed. There are many who journey here year after year to pay obeisance, regardless of their faith or belief, creed or class for Mata Vaishno Devi transcends all such barriers.
The canopies of the idols are made up of silver and gold. Pilgrims from all over India throng the place all the year round. One has to acquire a pass at Katra, to visit the shrine.
Tirupati Venkateshwaswami Temple:
The Puranic conception of the hill is that it represents the body of Adisesha (a seven hooded serpent) the seven hills being his seven heads, on top of which Lord Vishnu the protector of the world rests. One of the most important pilgrimage in India, the temple draws millions of pilgrims and is believed to be the busiest pilgrimage centre in the world.
The temple of Tirupati Balaji in south India is one of the most revered and sacred shrines in the country. Millions of devotees visit the temple to seek to blessings of Lord Vishnu-the patron deity of the temple.
The shrine is a unique example of the Dravidian architecture. The temple has an exquisitely carved Gopuram facing the east. The Vimana is completely covered with the gold plate, Ananda Nilayam.
Golden Temple:
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.Amritsar derieves its name from Amrit Sarovar, the holy tank that surrounds the fabulous Golden Temple.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.
Madura Meenakshi Temple:
Madurai is called the `Athens of the East' because of the way myth meets life here. Legends of warrior princesses, the gods falling in love and divine promises abound.
Originally called Madhurapuram because honey (madhu) is said to have dripped off the locks of Shiva here, Madurai is now the second largest city in Tamil Nadu. is now among the most important pilgrimages for Hindus.
The original temple was built by Kulasekara Pandya, but the entire credit for making the temple as splendid as it is today goes to the Nayaks. The Nayaks ruled Madurai from the 16th to the 18th century and left a majestic imprint of their rule in the Meenakshi - Sundareswarar Temple.
Haridwar:
Haridwar located in the foothills of the Himalayas, represents the point where the Ganga reaches the plains. Haridwar is an ancient pilgrimage site, held in reverence for centuries. Haridwar stands as the gateway to the four pilgrimages of Uttrakhand. Mentioned as Mayapuri, Gangadwar, Mokshadwar in the ancient scriptures and epics. Legend has it that the holy Ganga, the holiest of all rivers, which flows through this sacred city has actually been sanctified by the powerful Trinity of Hindu mythology and the centre of the pantheon - Lord Brahma, Vishnu and Mahesh.
Shiridi Saibaba Temple:
The Shirdi Saibaba Temple, located at Shirdi, Maharashtra, India attracts millions of devotees of all religions, castes and creed who come to pay homage to Shri Sai Baba. The temple is a beautiful shrine that was built over the Samadhi of Shri Sai Baba.
Shirdi is a small village in Kopargam taluk, in Ahmadnagar District of the Maharastra State. When Baba was physically present at the age of 20 in Shirdi, it was a small village of 80 thatched houses with mud walls. Today it is a big town with palatial modern buildings and shops.Thursday is the day Saibaba is specially worshipped. On this day devotees from all over India visit Shirdi for Darshan of Saibaba.
Khajuraho Temples:
The fascinating temples of Khajuraho, India's unique gift of love to the world, in the state of Madhya Pradesh, were built between 950 and 1050 A.D. Khajuraho derives its name from the Khajur tree (the date palm tree) which can be found in abundance in the area. Khajuraho is a well visited tourist center. This village houses several temples built in the Indo Aryan Nagara style of architecture.
Khajuraho is a fascinating village with a quaint, rural ambience and a rich cultural heritage. The Khajuraho temples are internationally famous for the erotic sculptures that adorn the walls.
Varanasi:
Varanasi is one of the oldest cities in the world . Known as the city of temples and learning , it sis a place of great pilgrim significance. Lord Shiva seems to have found this city. This place is the center of learning and the tradition has been kept alive even today. Varanasi is the city which enshrines the very essence of hinduism. Also known as Kashi and Banaras, home to some of the most ancient monasteries, this is the place where scholars still come to acquire knowledge. The river-front of the city is decorated by hundreds of well built ghats which is a unique feature. Banaras has been famous for the 'Gharanas' in the Classical Music and Singing.
Shiridi Sai Nivas
Shiridi Sai Baba, the great saint's temple is located in this town of Shirdi. We reached this town at midnight and we didn't find any trouble in getting a decent room in a hotel. There are plenty of hotels available around the temple. This is one of the famous pilgrim place of Maharashtra and many devotees across the country and from outside visit Baba's shrine. There are many temples in and around Shirdi.
Morning you can have the Arati darshan (holly visit ) at 5 PM. More devotees visit the shrine on Thursday. There is a wale inside the temple campus which was used by Baba to water the plants. Cameras and mobile phones are not allowed inside the temple. Don't forget to take Prasad after your darshan.
After darshan we left Shirdi for another pilgrim place Nashik. On the way to Nashik we found many devotees walking bare footed with saffron cloth on their heads. This is a painful journey performed by many devotees to get the blessings of Baba.
Shiridi Temple is located in Maharastra
Shiridi Temple is located in Maharastra
Shri Sai Baba Sansthan, Shirdi was established in the year 1922 to carry out the noble service of Shri Sai Baba. From the year 1922 to August of 1989 the establishment staff provided various facilities for the devotees. On May 4,1990 Bhoomi Pujan of ‘Sai Baba Bhakta Niwas’ was performed. A building to accommodate 3500 devotees, having 560 self-contained rooms and two spacious halls has been constructed.
Sai Baba used to cure many diseases. Shri Sai Baba Sansthan, Shirdi built a ‘Shri Sainath’ Hospital to continue to provide service to patients.
The Sansthan runs a ‘Prasadalaya’ to provide lunch and dinner to the devotees. Nearly a 1000 devotees can take Baba’s prasad at the same time. The kitchen of the Prasadalaya is equipped with modern cooking machineries and is free of pollution. Food-packets are available to the devotees from 8:00 in the morning to 12:00 noon. There is a canteen service available to the devotees day and night.
The Sansthan is publishing various photos and books on Shri Sai Baba in many languages. The trust has started English medium schools three years ago.
Our Company is having branches in all over A.P. at Tirupathi, Vijayawada, Kurnool, Anantapur, Khammam, Nalgonda, Visakhapatnam, Kakinada, Rajahmundry, Eluru, Siddipet, Wagangal, Karimnagar, Nizamabad, Mahboobnagar, Kadapa, Hyderabad and Kukatpally
SHIRIDI
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Sunday, February 14, 2010
Hanuman - the Personification of Servitorship
Hanuman Deity in a flying pose, at Neem Karoli Baba temple in Taos (New Mexico) |
HDG A.C. Bhaktivedanta Swami Srila Prabhupada
"Yes, the nine devotional process and how, by each process, one becomes perfect, just like Pariksit Maharaja, simply hearing, and Sukadeva Gosvami, simply chanting, reciting Bhagavatam. So both of them got salvation. Laksmi, she is simply pada-sevanam, giving massage to the lotus feet of the Lord. Arjuna simply made friendship with Krsna. Hanuman simply worked as a hard servant. He doesn't know what He is... "Lord Ramacandra wants it." Then it is done. Jump over. He does not know any philosophy. He has got bodily strength, so whatever Ramacandra says, he'll do. He was asked to bring that medicine for Laksmana. He did not know where to find it. "Take this whole mountain." (laughter) He was not intelligent. "Fight! We have to fight with Ravana. Then block his whole city by throwing stones and trees and dirt." Everything became blocked. They could not move. So in one side he is born of animal life, he had no higher intelligence, but his staunch desire, that "I shall serve Lord Ramacandra..." By that... Only this desire made him perfect."
Srila Prabhupada Room Conversation, 01-13-77, Allahabad
Right Photo: Hanuman conquers Ahiravana. Here Hanuman is carrying Rama and Lakshmana while rescuing them from the demon Ahiravana (also known as Mahiravana). This story does not appear in early Ramayana versions, but is so well-known that has become part of the "story." Ahiravana was a demon magician, who was called by Ravana (his father) for help in the struggle against Rama's army. Ahiravana kidnaps Rama and Lakshmana, whom he intends to offer as human sacrifices to the Goddess. The divine brothers wait passively to be rescued by Hanuman, who is this story's real hero. This story points to Hanuman's growing role in popular piety, and also his popularity as an intercessory deity for the majestic but all-too-distant Rama. I am indebted to Philip Lutgendorf for this identification. For more on the Ahiravana story, see his "Hanuman's Adventures Underground: The Narrative Logic of a Ramayana Interpolation," in Mandakranta Bose's The Ramayana Revisited (Oxford U. Press, 2004).
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"In the same Hayasirsa-pancaratra, after Nrsimhadeva wanted to give benedictions to Prahlada Maharaja, Prahlada did not accept any material benediction and simply asked the favor of the Lord to remain His eternal devotee. In this connection, Prahlada Maharaja cited the example of Hanuman, the eternal servitor of Lord Ramacandra, who also set an example by never asking any material favor from the Lord. He always remained engaged in the Lord's service. That is the ideal character of Hanuman, for which he is still worshiped by all devotees. Prahlada Maharaja also offered his respectful obeisances unto Hanuman. There is a well-known verse spoken by Hanuman in which he says, "My dear Lord, if You like You can give me salvation from this material existence, or the privilege of merging into Your existence, but I do not wish any of these things. I do not want anything which diminishes my relationship with You as servant to master, even after liberation."
Nectar of Devotion, Chapter 4
"After rising from bed the next morning, Sri Caitanya Mahaprabhu visited the local temple, where there was a deity of Hanuman. After offering him obeisances, the Lord departed for South India.
Purport: In almost all the cities and towns of India there are temples of Hanumanji, the eternal servant of Lord Ramacandra. There is even a temple of Hanuman near Govindaji temple in Vrndavana. Formerly this temple was in front of the Gopalaji temple, but that Deity Gopalaji went to Orissa to remain as Saksi-gopala. Being the eternal servant of Lord Ramacandra, Hanumanji has been respectfully worshiped for many hundreds and thousands of years. Here even Lord Sri Caitanya Mahaprabhu set the example in showing how one should offer respects to Hanumanji."
Caitanya-caritamrta, Madyam lila 8:300
"Devotees also offer their respects to Hanuman, who always remained a servant of Lord Rama. The great devotee Hanuman prayed:
bhava-bandha-cchide tasyai
sprhayami na muktaye
bhavan prabhur aham dasa
iti yatra vilupyate
"I do not wish to take liberation or to merge in the Brahman effulgence, where the conception of being a servant of the Lord is completely lost."
Caitanya-caritamrta, Adi lila 6:42
Sri Prasannanjaneya Swamy Temple History
Sri Prasannanjaneya Swamy Temple History
According to the history Sri Lakshminarasimha Swamy temple which is there on Singarakonda hill was built in 14th century, during the regime of King Devarayalu. There is an evidence of Sila Sashan written on the Garuda Stambham says that this temple was built during the year 1443-44. The following are the strong beliefs.
During the 14th century, Singanna a devotee of Lakshminarasimha Swamy used to live in a village near by the hill. His daughter named Narsamma used to take their cows for gazing on the hill. They observed that one of the cows was not giving milk for several days. To find out the reason, Singanna followed the cow secretly and observed that the cow went to a rock on the hill and stood. A boy came out of the rock and sucks the milk from the cow and disappeared. Singanna felt that his beloved God Sri Lakshminarasimha Swamy only came as a boy and took the milk from the cow. Singanna built the Sri Lakshminarasimha Swamy temple on the hill with this belief. Later on people started calling this hill as Singarakonda.
Around 210 years ago (end of 17th century), during the inauguration of Dwaja Stambham in the premises of Sri Lakshminarasimha Swamy temple, thousands of devotees were witnessed that a Yogi installed Sri Prasannanjaneya Swamy idol at Bhavanasi tank below the Singarakonda hill and disappeared. The devotees started praying Sri Prasannanjaneya Swamy at Singarakonda.
There is another strong belief that Sri Hanuman was stayed a day at Singarakonda during his way to Srilanka to search Sita Devi. This could be the reason that Sri Prasannanjaneya Swamy idol is facing south which is a very rare Sri Hanuman darshan for devotees.
As per the Vastu Pandits, this Pilgrimage center has a very good Vastu, as North-East is having a big Bhavanasi tank with full of water and South-West is having Singarakonda hill. Sri Lakshminarasimha Swamy as the kshetra Palaka is another speciality for this temple.
singarakonda photos
Photo Tour
Sri Nettikanti Anjaneya Swami (kasapuram)
Mukha Dwaram | Garbhagudi | Sivalayam on The Hill | ||
Koneru | Hill View | Park for Pilgrims | ||
Book Store | Shops for Pooja Contents | Cottages | ||
Cottages | Side Entrance | Garbhagudi | ||
MORE PHOTOS... | ||||
Sloka |
History
Kasapuram , a Village in Guntakal Revenu Mandal , in Anantapur District , Andhra Pradesh is one of the pilgrim centeres. Nettikanti Anjaneya Swamy is the presiding deity in this village. He is the Kalpatharu and Varapradata of his devotees
Kasapuram , a Village in Guntakal Revenu Mandal , in Anantapur District , Andhra Pradesh is one of the pilgrim centeres. Nettikanti Anjaneya Swamy is the presiding deity in this village. He is the Kalpatharu and Varapradata of his devotees. People from far and near through this place day in and day out, particularly during the month of Sravana to pay their obeisance to GOD and pray for his blessings.
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During 1509-1530 AD when Vijaya Nagar was ruled by Sri Krishnadevaraya , in his spiritual Guru Parampara , there was one acharya by name Sree Vyasaraya (of Madhvacharya order).This Acharya observed that the king was afflicted with a peril known as "Kuhula".To ward off this evil the swamy ruled the kingdom for one hour thirty six minutes(4 Ghatis). Sree Vyasaraya installed at different places 732 idols Lord Anjaneya. Sree Vyasaraya attained nirvana in 1539 AD . On the fourth day of Sukla Paksha (bright half) in the month of Phalguna.