Bhimashankar Jyotirlinga Temple in Pune Maharashtra

Bhimashankar Temple, one of the 12 Jyotirlinga temples dedicated to Lord Shiva, is situated in Bhavagiri (Bhorgiri) village, 50 km north-west of Khed, in Maharashtra, India. Bhimashankar Shiva Mandir is about 110 km from Pune in the Ghat region of the Sahyadri hills (Sahayadri Ranges). The temple is situated on the banks of River Bhima, it is from here Bhima Rive flows south east and merges with the Krishna River near Raichur. Bhima Shankar Temple gives a beautiful view of the forts, the rivers and the hill stations nearby. Grishneshwar Temple near Ellora and Trimbakeshwar Temple (Tryambakeshwar) near Nashik are the other two Jyotirlinga temples of Shiva in Maharashtra.
Bhimashankar Temple Architecture
Dating back to the 18th century, the Bhimashankar Jyothirlinga Temple was built by a Peshwa ruler in the Nagara style of architecture and also has influences from the Indo Aryan style of architecture. The temple has a wooden entrance which is beautifully carved. This ancient Jyothirlinga temple is said to have constructed over a Swayambhu (self-emanated) Shiva Linga. The sanctum is seen at a lower level. The pillars and gateways of the temple are adorned with carvings of scenes from mythology. Nana Phadnavis, (a great prime minister of the Maratha Empire during the Peshwa rule in Pune), built the shikhara (the rising tower) of the temple. There is also a small temple dedicated to Lord Shani within the Bhimshankar temple premises. At the entrance of the temple is the image of Nandi (the celestial bull).

A shrine dedicated to Kamalaja, an incarnation of Goddess Parvati, is situated near the Bhimashankara Temple. Kamalaja is said to have helped Shiva in his battle against Tripurasura. There are also images of the Shivaganas (Shiva Ganas) - Shaakini and Daakini, who helped Shiva in the battle against the demon. Lord Shiva was called Tripurantaka, for his destruction of Tripurasura. A holy tank called Mokshakund thirtha is located behind the Bhimashankara temple. It is where the Rishi Kaushika is said to have taken bath. Other important thirthas are the Sarvathirtha, the Kusharanya thirtha where the Bhima River begins to flow eastward, and the Jyanakund. 

Bhimashankar Temple Puja Timings

The temple is opened from 04:30 AM to 11.30 AM. Shringar Darshan is from 3:30 PM to 7:30 PM (except Pradosham on Monday or Amavasya or Grahan or Mahashivratri. Kartihik Month, Shravan Month - No Mukut and no Shringar Darshans).

Evening Aarti is conducted from 7:30 PM to 8:00 PM. Darshans from 8:00 to 9:30 PM and the temple is closed at 9:30 pm.

The temple opens daily at 4:30 am and closes at 7:30 PM. The time for normal darshans at Bhimashankar Temple are from 5:15 AM to 11:30 AM, 12:30 PM to 2:30 PM, and 3:30 PM to 7:30 PM. No Abhishekam will be done between 11:30 am to 11:50 am.

Bhimashankar Temple Festivals

Mahashivratri is the major famous Hindu festival celebrated here in a grand scale.

Best Time to Visit Bhimashankar Temple in Maharashtra

Best time to visit Bhimashankar shrine is from August to February. Though, anytime of the year is good to visit Bhimashankar, it is better to avoid visiting the place during summer and during monsoon when trekking is not advisable. 

Tourist Attractions near Bhimashankar Temple

Bhimashankar Wildlife Sanctuary is the major tourist place to visit near Bhimashankar Temple. The Giant Indian Squirrel is one of the most important attractions of the sanctuary.

The Hanuman Lake, Gupt Bhimashankar (source of river Bhima), Gupta Bhimesh, Nag Phani Peak (Nagphani or Duke’s Nose), Bombay Point, Sakshi Vinayak, Shivneri Fort, and Dimbhe Dam are other tourist places to visit in Pune while visiting Bhimashankar Temple.

How to reach Bhimashankar Temple in Pune

By Flight / Air

Pune Lohegaon Airport is the nearest airport.

By Train

Karjat Railway Station, managed by the Central Railways, is the nearest railhead to reach Bhimashankar Temple is at Pune. The temple can be reached from Karjat on the Pune - Mumbai section of the Central railway.

By Bus / Road

Easiest way to reach Bhimashankar Temple by road is to drive from Pune along the Pune - Nasik highway and turn off at Manchar, situated around 65 km from Pune. Bhimashankar is around 68 km from Manchar. (Driving route will be like this Pune - Rajguru Nagar - Manchar - Ghodegoan - Bhimashakar)

If coming from Mumbai Take Mumbai Pune Expressway, exit at Talegaon, from Talegaon – Chakan - Left Turn - Rajgurunagar - Manchar - Left Turn Drive 50 km Bhimashankar

State buses ply from Pune to Bhimashankar twice a week. During the Mahasivaratri festival, buses ply frequently. As there is no proper road from Karjat to Bhimashankar, pilgrims who wish to go on foot during festivals use this road. Pilgrims near Mumbai drop in to Bhimashankar from Karjat via Khandas.

Eruthavoor Muruga Temple Balaramapuram Thiruvananthapuram

Eruthavoor Subramanya Swamy Temple or Eruthavoor Muruga Temple is a famous Thiruvananthapuram Temple situated on the Balaramapuram - Kattakada Road in Kerala. Famous as the Kerala Pazhani Temple, this Lord Murugan Temple enshrines Balasubramanya Swamy or Child Muruga as the presiding deity. Similar to Palani Temple, Eruthavoor Subramanyaswamy Temple is situated on top of a Hill and one need to take a flight of 242 stairs to reach the temple.
Gods and Goddess Worshipped
A shrine of Lord Ganapathi can be seen on the left side of the sanctum sanctorum and on the right side is the shrine of Goddess Parvati. A shrine dedicated to Yogishwaran (Lord Shiva) and an idol of Arumughan or Shanmukha (Muruga with 6 faces) can also be seen inside the temple. The shrine of Nagaraja and Nagakanya or the Snake Gods is on the right side of the temple entrance.

Temple Pooja Timings

Eruthavoor Balasubramanya Swamy Temple is open daily from 5 AM to 9.30 AM and 5 PM to 7.30 PM. On Sundays, the temple will be open till 10.30 AM and on Shasti days and Fridays, the temple will be open till 2 PM. Evening opening and closing hours are the same.

Ayilya Pooja will be held on all monthly Aayilyam days at 9.00 AM. On all Sundays, Annadhanam will be served from 8.30 AM for people visiting the shrine.

Temple Details

Eruthavoor Murugan Temple is an ancient temple and currently under renovation. Devotees throng to the temple on Shasti Days, and during the other festival days related to Lord Murugan such as Vaikasi Vishakam or Vaigasi Visakam and Thaipooyam or Thai Poosam Festival. Devotees can enjoy beautiful views of the sunset and vast greenery as the temple is a top the hill. Devotees can also see Peacocks – the Vahana of Muruga - near the temple entrance.

How to Reach Eruthavoor Muruga Temple

The temple is situated 15 km south of Thiruvananthapuram city on the Balaramapuram - Kattakada Road. Those coming from Pravachambalam – Kattakada Road needs to take right turn at Naruvamoodu Junction and travel around 2 km towards Balaramapuram to reach the temple. The nearest major bus station is Balaramapuram.

Balaramapuram Railway Station, on the Thiruvananthapuram Central – Kanyakumari Railway line, is the nearest railway station to reach Eruthavoor Temple.

Ashtamangalyam 8 Auspicious Materials

Ashtamangalyam consists of a group of eight Auspicious Materials which are carried on a large bronze vessel for offerings. “Ashta” literally means “eight” and “Mangalyam” literally means “marriage or other holy occasions”. Ashtamangalyam is an important component of various Hindu rituals and poojas.

Ashtamangalyam is prepared in different methods.

It should be noted that the eight ingredients of Ashtamangalyam varies according to the different occasions for which it is prepared. The eight auspicious ingredients according to the ancient Hinduism book Suddhi Thatvam are Brahmin, Cow, Fire, Gold, Ghee, Sun, Water and King.

Other popularly components prepared for Ashtamangalyam are

(1) Rice, Paddy, Tailed Mirror, Sandal, Reddish Kumkum, Khajel, Grandh (book) and Washed Clean Cloth.

2) Nira (Paddy), Nazhi (Rice), Vilakku (Small Holy Lamp), Gold, Mirror, Adorned Girl and Flower Vessel.

3) Gold, Rice, Sandalwood, Valkannadi (traditional mirror of Kerala), Small casket containing vermilion, Kasavu Mundu (dhoti with a gold brocade border), Vilakku, and Kindi (vessel).

4) Rice, Grain, Gold, Kasavu Mundu, Val Kannadi, Kunkumam, Dashapushpam and Kanmazhi (Kajal or eye liner)

5) Nirapara, Vilakku, Gold, Mirror, Coconut, Book, Cheppu (small pot) and Curd.

6) Nira, Nazhi, Betel Wine, Vilakku, Areca Nut, Coconut, Jaggery, and Banana.

Thiruvallam Sree Parasurama Temple Thiruvananthapuram

Thiruvallam Sree Parasurama Temple is the only Lord Parasurama Swami Temple in Kerala, situated around 7 km from Thiruvananthapuram city. Lord Parashurama is the 6th avatar of Lord Vishnu. This centuries old granite temple is famous for the ‘Balitharpanam’ or ‘Vavu Bali’ – a Hindu religious ritual of offering homage to the departed souls of forefathers. It is believed that Guru Adi Sankaracharya made the ‘Bali’ for his mother at the temple. Believed to be built during the 12th and 13th century by a legendary Chera King Athiyaman Perumal, Sri Parasuramaswamy Temple is a protected monument by the Archaeology Department of Kerala.
Significance of Temple
One of the unique features of Sree Parasurama Temple is that the temple has separate shrines for the Trimurtis of Hindu religion – Mahavishnu, Lord Shiva and Lord Brahma. Another speciality is that the temple is located at the Triveni Sangama (merging of 3 rivers) of Karamana River, Killi River, and Parvathiputhanar River – and hence considered a holy spot to perform bali ritual.

Temple Festivals and Rituals

Thiruvonam Arattu and Parasurama Jayanti are the two important festivals celebrated at Sree Parasuramaswamy Temple.

Karkidaka Vavu Bali at Parasuramaswamy Temple

Karkidaka Vavu Bali or Vavubali Tharpanam is one of the most important ritual conducted at the temple. Karkidaka Vavu is the new moon day in the Malayalam month of Karkidakom (July - August). During the Karkidaka Vavu day people of Kerala perform Vavu Bali on the guidance of a priest or an elderly person. Some of the important accompaniments needed for performing Bali Tharpanam include Darbha (a type of long grass), cooked rice, sesame (Ellu), pavithram (ring made of darbha grass), water and banana leaves.

How to reach Sree Parasurama Temple

Sree Parasurama Swamy Temple in Thiruvallam is on the Thiruvananthapuram - Kovalam Bypass road around 6 km south of Thiruvananthapuram city in Kerala. Thiruvananthapuram Central Railway Station is the nearest railway station and Trivandrum Bus Station is the nearest bus station. Thiruvananthapuram International Airport is just 10 km away from the temple.

Ambalapuzha Sree Krishna Temple in Alappuzha Kerala

Ambalappuzha Sree Krishna Temple is a famous Hindu Lord Krishna temple situated 14 km south of Alappuzha in Kerala, India. Ambalapuzha Temple was built by the erstwhile ruler of Chembakasserry Sree Pooradam Thirunal Devanarayanan Thampuran during 15th – 17th AD. It is believed that the idol of Sree Krishna of Guruvayoor Temple was brought here for safekeeping during the raids of Tipu Sultan in 1789. The temple is also famous for its unique prasadam, the delicious Ambalapuzha Palpayasam – a sweet porridge made of rice, milk, and sugar. Ambalapuzha Sri Krishna Temple is often refereed as Dwaraka of South.

Ambalapuzha Unnikannan

Ambalappuzha Sri Krishna Temple enshrines Lord Krishna in the form of Parthasarathy – an aspect of Lord Krishna taken during the Mahabharata war. Lord Krishna is popularly known here as Unnikannan (child Krishna). The idol of Krishna here is carved out of black granite stone holding a whip in His right hand and a conch in the left.

History of Ambalapuzha Krishna Temple

It is believed that one day Pooradam Thirunal Thampuran and Saint Vilwamangalam Swamiyar was traveling along the backwaters and heard melodious sound from a flute. Vilwamangalam Swamiyar, an ardent devotee of Krishna, had a vision of Lord Krishna playing flute on a Peepul tree. Feeling the presence of God, Thampuran decided to build a temple at this place. 

Ambalapuzha Temple Festivals

Ambalapuzha Arattu is the main festival celebrated at the temple for 10 days during the Malayalam month of Meenam (March – April). An important feature of the temple festival is the Velakali - a unique martial dance form performed during temple festivals. 

Ambalapuzha Moolakazhcha is another important ritual held in the temple during the Malayalam month of Mithunam on the Moolam asterism (Mool Nakshatra).

Champakulam Boat Race is held on the Prathista day (idol installation day) of Ambalapuzha Sreekrishnan idol in the temple.

Interesting Facts about Ambalapuzha Temple

The temple is associated with the birth of famous performing art form of Kerala – Ottamthullal. It is believed that legendary Malayalam poet Kalakkaththu Kunchan Nambiar gave birth to this unique art form in the Ambalappuzha Temple premises. The Mizhavu (a big copper drum used as a percussion instrument in performing arts) used by Kunjan Nambiar is still preserved in an enclosure in the temple.

Thunjathu Ezhuthachan, who is considered as the father of Malayalam language, is believed to have penned Adhyatma Ramayanam Kilippattu (a translation of the Ramayana and Mahabharatham or Mahabharatha ) in the temple.

How to reach Ambalappuzha Sree Krishna Temple

Ambalapuzha Temple is situated around located 14 km from Alappuzha (Alleppey)    . Frequent buses are available on the Alappuzha - Ambalapuzha route. Ambalapuzha is about 60 km from Ernakulam and 120 km from Thiruvananthapuram, the state capital.

Railway Station

Alappuzha Railway Station is the nearest railway station to reach Ambalapuzha.

Airport

Cochin International Airport is the nearest airport, 64 km away.

Koodalmanikyam Temple of Bharata in Irinjalakuda Thrissur

Koodalmanikyam Temple or Koodal Manikyam Bharatha Temple is an ancient Hindu temple located in Irinjalakuda, a small town in Thrissur District of Kerala. Kudal Manikkam Temple is the only temple in India dedicated to Lord Bharata, the brother of Lord Rama. He is worshiped here as Lord Sangameshwara. Sangameswara is a Sanskrit word which in Malayalam translation means Koodalmanickyam. Koodalmanikyam Bharatha Temple is also one of the four temples in Kerala which form a set known as Nalambalam (Four Temples), of which each temple dedicated to the 4 brothers Rama, Bharata, Lakshmana and Shatrughna of the Hindu epic Ramayana.
The Koodalmanikyam Temple sanctum sanctorum is round shaped and is covered with copper plates. There is a six-foot Thaazhikakudam at the pinnacle which adds beauty to the temple structure. The lord here is Chathurbahu Vishnu with Conch, Chakra, Gada and Japamaala. However, it is believed that the Lord is Bharatha, the brother of Lord Rama. According to myths, Bharatha was anxiously waiting for the return of Rama from exile for fourteen years. He heard from Hanuman that Rama has reached Ayodhya and was much relieved and happy. Bharatha is worshipped in his happiest mood here. Lord Hanuman is seen at Thidappilly (the holy kitchen).
The annual 11 days Koodalmanikyam Temple festival 2012 is from 2nd May 2012 to 13th May 2012. 
Temple Structure
Koodalmanikyam Temple is a 9th century temple with splendid architectural beauty. Built in traditional Kerala style of architecture, the temple spreads over a wide area and is surrounded by massive wall with gorgeous gateways on the East, South and West. The temple’s Western and Eastern approach ways to the inner temple features huge porches which can accommodate even 21 elephants. The eastern gateway (Gopuram) is a remarkable structure with numerous carvings embedded into its front wall. One can enter the outer quadrangle from the Gopuram. Located on the southern courtyard is the Koothambalam, the temple hall for performing Koothu and Koodiyattam. There are murals on the walls on either side of the eastern entry to Chuttambalam.
Koodalmanikyam Temple is surrounded by four vast ponds. Of which the Kuttan Kulam, located outside the compound on the eastern side, and Kulipini Theertham, located inside the compound are the two largest. Legend has it that Kulipini Maharshi performed a great ritual sacrifice, at the spot of Kulipini Theertham. Kudal Manikkam Temple is also a centre of temple arts like Kathakali, Koothu, Koodiyattom and Thullal.
Temple Poojas
Most of the temples in Kerala conduct five poojas and 3 seevelis a day. While Koodalmanikyam Temple conducts only three Poojas per daily and seevelis are performed only during the annual arattu festival. Floral offerings include Lotus, Tulasi and Chethi. No other flower is taken for Pooja.
Offerings
Thamaramala (Lotus garland) is an important offering to the deity. It is believed that if a lotus garland is offered before starting any new project or before the commencement of any important function, the deity bestows success.
Temple Festivals
Koodalmanikyam Temple is renowned for the annual Kudalmanikyam Arattu Festival held for 11 days in the Malayalam month of Edavam (April – May). This famous event starts one day after the Thrissur Pooram and ends on the next Thiruvonam day. The festival attracts a number of devotees to watch the color, music, Orchestra and Fine Arts which cannot be seen anywhere in Kerala.

Another major festival celebrated is the Thriputhari on the Thiruvonam nakshatram in the Malayalam month of Thulam (October-November). The newly harvested rice is first cooked and offered to deity and then distributed to devotees. Next day is a special offering called Mukkudi, an Ayurvedic mixture, a divine medicine for all diseases.
Nalambalam Yatra
Nalambalam Yatra, also spelled Nalanbala Yathra, is a unique pilgrimage conducted during the Malayalam month of Karkitakam, the last month of Malayalam Calendar. The pilgrims visit four temples in Kerala – Sri Rama Temple at Triprayar (22 Km North west of Irinjalakuda), Koodalmanikyam Bharatha Temple at Irinjalakuda, Lakshmana temple at Moozhikkulam (30 km south-west of Irinjalakuda) in Ernakulam District and Satrugna Temple at Payammal (5 km south of Irinjalakuda). It is believed that worship at these four temples on the same day is exceptionally worthy.
Temple Timings
The temple is opened from 03:00 am to 11.30 am and from 05:00 pm to 8.15pm.
How to reach Koodalmanikyam Bharatha Temple
Irinjalakuda is located 20 km south of Thrissur and 16 km north of Kodungallur (Cranganore) famous for the Kodungallur Bhagavathy Temple.
Irinjalakuda Railway Station, managed by the Southern Railways, is just 9 km from the Koodalmanikyam Bharatha Temple. Guruvayoor – Chennai Egmore Express, Venad Express, Kanyakumari - Bangalore Express, Parasuram Express, Thiruvananthapuram-Kannur Express and Chennai-Alappuzha Express passes through Irinjalakuda Railway Station.
Thrissur Railway Station or Thrissivaperur Railway Station is another major railhead around 20 km from Irinjalakuda.
Koodalmanikyam Bharatha Temple is about 45 km from International Airport at Kochi.
Nearby Attractions
Sree Sivakumareswara Temple, Trikakkara Vamanamurthy Temple (14 km), Sree Viswanathapuram Temple, and Kodungallur Bhagawati Temple (Sree Kurumba Bhagavathy Temple) (16 km) are the nearby famous temples in Kerala. Unnayi Warrier Smaraka Kala Nilayam and Natanakairaly are other major attraction in Irinjalakuda.

Kumbh Mela 2013 Dates

Kumbh Mela 2013 Dates from 14th January 2013 to 10th March 2013. Kumbha Mela is regarded as the largest religious gathering which takes places once in 12 years at four holy locations in India – Allahabad, Nasik, Ujjain and Haridwar. Kumb Mela 2013 will be taking place in Allahabad – Prayag – Sangam in Uttar Pradesh in India. Hindus takes snan (holy dip) on sacred rivers during Kumbh Mela and it is believed that taking bath on the important dates of Kumbha Mela will help to attain Moksha.
Main Bathing Dates During Kumbh Fair 2013
14th January 2013 – Makar Sankranti
22nd January 2013 – Paush Shukla Paksha Ekadasi
27th January 2013 – Paush Purnima
6th February 2013 – Paush Krishna Paksha Ekadasi
10th February 2013 – Mauni Amavasya (The Most Important Date)
15th February 2013 – Basant Panchami Snan or Vasant Panchami
21st February 2013 – Jaya Ekadasi
25th February 2013 – Maghi Purnima (Highly auspicious date)
10th March 2013 – Mahashivratri