My Visit to Naimisharanya

 

 Chakra Thirth Kund

            

Chakra Narayana

Badri Narayana Temple

                 

Bhuteshwar Mahadev Mandir

Sri Lalita Devi Mandir

     

Sri Lalita Devi -- ancient idol

         

Sri Lalita Devi inner sanctum

Sri Mahvishnu

Sri Satyanarayan Mandir

Mishrik Dadhichi Kund

Shringi Rishi shrine

Vyas Gaddi

Hanuman Gharhi

Hanuman Gharhi

Havan Kund

                                                                         Trishakti Dham

                                                                        Deva Puri

Naimisharanya is considered as the holiest place where many gods and sages stayed and did penance beside the banks of the Gomati River.  During Satya Yuga Naimisharanya is considered as the holiest place; in Tretha Yuga Pushkar as a sacred thirth; during Dwapara Yuga, Kurukhetra as the holy place and during Kali Yuga, the Ganges as most sacred thirth. This fact shows Naimisharanya as the most ancient sacred place revered by all sages and gods. This place is mentioned in many legends and Puranas glorfying its purity and spiritual grandeur. It is said that one who does penance here for twelve years goes to Brahma Loka.

The name of the place suggests that once it was a forest where many sages and saints stayed doing penance or composing sacred works. Sage Vyasa stayed here and composed puranas and classified Vedas. He taught the sacred Vedas and Puranas to his disciples like Suta and others. Suta also expounded Puranas to his disciples like Vaishampayana and other 88,000 sages and disciples. The sacred 5000-year old banyan tree is still seen here where sage Vyasa taught his disciples. Just nearby there is a holy shrine with an elevated conical seat called “Vyasa gaddi.” One who meditates and does yoga here can get rid of his incurable diseases. Similarly one can also see “Suta gaddi” the place where Suta enlightened his disciples on Puranas and other holy lore. Manu chose this place for performing penance for 23,000 years along with his spouse Satarupa to get Vishnu as their beloved son. Just near Vyasa Gaddi one can see a shrine for Lord Satyanarayana since Veda Vyas narrated Satyanarayana Vrata Katha here to Suta who in turn told it to Shaunak and other rishis.

The word Naimisha also suggests the legend in which Lord Vishnu was said to have killed Durjaya and his army of demons in a nimish or moment. Lord Vishnu also killed Gayasura here. The head of the demon fell at Badri (Kapali Gaya), his feet at Gaya (Pada Gaya) and his middle part of the body fell at Naimisharanya (Nabhi Gaya). So many people come here to perform Shradh or tarpanams (oblations) to their forefathers for their salvation. Lord Rama performed Ashwamadha Yagna here after killing Ravana. This Ghat is called Ashwamedh Ghat. Some people say that Sita entered the earth at the same place.  One can see shrines for Narada and Shringi Rishi nearby.  Dadhichi Kund  is seen at Misrikh at a distance of ten kms from here. Dadhichi sacrificed his life so that Indra could prepare his weapon Vajra and other divine weapons from the spine and bones of Dadhichi’s body to kill Vritrasura.

At present one cannot see any forest dotted with hermitages. Naimisharanya is a small town in Sitapur district at a distance of 32 kms from Sitapur and 90 kms from Lucknow. Of course we can see lush greenery and huge trees while passing by the road. A cluster of temples are seen around a circular Kund called Chakra Thirth. According to legend at the beginning of Kali Yug, sages approached Brahma and requested Him to show a sacred place where they can do penance and perform yagnas. Lord Brahma then sent a wheel rolling and asked them to stay at the place where the wheel stops. The wheel rolled away at great speed and stopped at this place cutting the ground below. A powerful spring of water emerged from the ground in circular shape. The sages prayed to Lord Brahma to stop this disaster. Brahma in turn prayed to Lalita Devi who at once controlled the flow of water. So this pond formed by the rolling Chakra or wheel is called Chakra Thirth. It said that all holy rivers are present in the waters of this pond. Hence many pilgrims take holy bath here and perform rites to their forefathers. Especially on Full Moon and New Moon days many devotees come here to take holy bath and perform rituals and worship. The steps near the Chakra Thirth are very slippery covered with moss. there is a risk of people slipping there. So the steps of the ghat should be maintained neat and clean.

 Around Chakra Thirth one can see many shrines and holy places. In Bhooteshwar Mahadev temple one can see a big Mukha Linga with small idols of Maha Vishnu, Ganesh, Kartikeya, Surya, Kali, Dadhichi and Lord Brahma. In Gokarnanath temple the Linga is seen in a small pit. In Badrinath temple we see a bright yellow colored shrine with a pillared corridor. In Suryanarayana temple a Shiva Linga with a Srichakra carved behind it is seen.

Lord Vishnu is seen here sitting with one leg folded crosswise with attenadants serving him. Naimisharanya is considered as one of the 108 holy Vaishanavite Divya Khetras where Lord Vishnu manifested Himself in His effulgent form. The holy shrine of Lalita Devi is a must visit as She is the presiding deity of this holy place and one’s visit is not complete without having her darshan. Inside the sanctum a small marble idol is seen draped in red clothes. Just near the exit the original idol of Lalita Devi seen beside a sacrificial altar. The pandas pester us demanding not less than 500/- for offering coconut to the goddess. This place is treated as one of the 108 Shakti Peethams where the heart of Sati fell when Lord Vishnu cut off the body of Sati with His Sudarshan Chakra when Sati immolated Herself in sacrificial fire during Daksha’s yagna. As per Brahma’s request Lalita Devi appeared here for destruction of demons here.

 Just near Chakra Thirth there is a place called Pandav Khila where Pandavas stayed during their exile period. This is the place where King Virat had a fort. In 1305 this fort was re-built by a Hindu minister of Allauddin Khilji. Now only a room is seen with statues of five Pandava brothers along with Draupadi and Lord Krishna. Just near this place Hanuman Garhi is seen with a huge statue of Lord Hanuman bearing Ram and Lakshman on his shoulders. Lord Hanuman is said to have emerged from Patal Lok here after conquering Abhiravan.

 A little distance from here one can also see Sri Balaji temple, Sri Trishakti Dham temple and Devpuri temple with 108 idols of various gods and goddesses. So one should spend at least one or two days to see all these holy shrines. We spent only a few hours here and so did not have enough time to see all these holy temples. The serene atmosphere with mighty trees and ponds will surely impress any devotee with a sense of tranquility and immense devotion. But the authorities should streamline the organization so that devotees are not chased and harassed by the priests who always ask for money without performing rituals and poojas in a proper way. This creates a very bad and disappointing impression on devotees who come here with so many expectations. The temple timings of Naimisharanya are from 5.00 a.m. to 12.00 p.m. and from 4.00 p.m. to 9.00 p.m. Many great saints and sages visited this place. Saint Tulsidas is said to have composed Ramcharithmanas here. Saint Surdas resided at this place. Shankaracharya during his tour of India visited this place. Let us try to preserve the sanctity of this place where great Sages and Maharshis stayed and did penance and wrote great works and puranas.

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        18th October, 2019                                                           Somaseshu Gutala

MY VISIT TO HANUMANSETU TEMPLE

 

This is one of the most popular and frequently visited Hanuman temples in Lucknow. Other hanuman temples in Lucknow are the New Hanuman temple at Aliganj. Dakshinamukhi Hanuman temple in Hazrathganj and Chhachhi Kuan Hanuman temple in Aliganj. This Hanuman temple is seen on the side of the new bridge which comnnects Hazrathganj and the Lucknow University. Hence this temple is called Sankatmochan Hanuman Sethu Mandir. Previously the old temple was near the old bridge called ‘Monkey Bridge.” Swami Neem Karauli Baba established this old temple.  In 1960 the bridge collapsed due to heavy floods. The temple was also washed away. But miraculously nothing happened to the idol inside the temple. A new bridge was constructed and the idol was installed by Karauli Baba in the new temple on January26, 1967. (Basant Panchami). Baba’s chamber can still be seen in the old temple at a lower level from the new temple.

 The design of the new temple and the new bridge were done by Sri Kanvide Rai & Co.The 6.5 foot idol was made of a single marble stone and was sculpted in Jaipur.  The oval shaped pooja hall can accommodate nearly 250 people to participate in Pooja activities. On the walls beautiful mural sculptures of Ram and Lakshman are seen on one side while Rama, Lakshman and other vanara army are seen performing Shiv pooja on the other side. In the inner sanctum the idol of Hanuman is seen standing majestically revealing Ram and Sita enshrined within his bosom. In this temple many devotees write their problems and submit them at the feet of the Lord. Before closing hour all these letters are read by the priest and the devotees believe that the Lord would listen to their problems and help them in solving their personal issues.

 Special poojas are done on every Tuesday of Jyesht month (May and June) considered to be a very auspicious time for worshipping Hauman. Abhishek, Havan, recital of Ramcharitmanas , bhajans and cultural performances are performed during this period. Many people offer wheat, sweet puri and jaggery as Prasad to the Lord. Every Tuesday nearly 30,000 devotees come here for darshan. Prasad is distributed to all people in an orderly manner. Annadan (distribution of food) is done for more than one hundred poor people every day. The temple also runs a free homeopathic dispensary to serve the poor people. The opening hours of this temple are from 5.00 a.m. to 12.00 p.m. and from 4.00 p.m. to 9.00 p.m. Many political dignitaries and other celebrities visit this temple to worship this powerful deity.

                              +++++++++++++++++++++++++++

            13th october, 2019                                    Somaseshu Gutala

My Visit to Mankameshwar Temple, Lucknow

                         

                         

                             

In Lucknow most of the temples are small with simple construction without much sculptures and carvings. Most of them were re-constructed by Mahants with the co-operation of philanthropists and devotees. This temple though small has wonderful frescoes carved on friezes on four sides of the temple tower. We find the carvings of Durga, Kalabhairav and Hanuman emerging out of the mouth of the demoness Surasa. This temple is located between Hasanganj and Daliganj area in the heart of the city on the left bank of the Gomati River. This temple is managed by Mahant Devagya Puri (Arunima Singh), the first woman Mahant in Lucknow. She is a very active person taking part in social service programs like swatchhata and in maintaining communal harmony.

 According to legends King Lakshman came here after leaving Sita in exile and worshipped Lord Shiva to get mental peace. Later a temple with twent-three golden urns was built by King Navdhanu after conquering his enemy. In twelfth century this temple was destroyed and plundered by Yemeni invaders. Five hundred years ago Naga sadhus re-built this temple. The name of the Lord itself suggests that he is the God who fulfills the desires of the devotees. The Shiv Ling is of black granite on a raised pedestal. It is covered with a silver casing to prevent erosion. Devotees can enter the inner sanctum and worship the Lord directly. In most of the Shiva temples in Lucknow the Nandi idol is not seen in front outside the inner sanctum facing the Lord. A small statue of idol is seen in the sanctum in one corner. In the small niches of the sanctum small marble idols of Goddess Parvati, Ganesh and other deities are seen.

 Here Aarti is done both in the morning at 4.00 a.m. and in the evening at 8.30 p.m. The temple is open from 5.00 a.m. to 12.00 in the morning and from 3.00 p.m. to 11.00 p.m. in the evening. On Mondays the devotees can have darshan only from 4.00 a.m. to 12.00 in the daytime only. The temple hall decorated with many bells looks very attractive. In the month of Sravan and during Maha Sivaratri the temple conducts special poojas and ceremonies. During Aarti time many devotees come here and believe that darshan during aarti time will fulfill their desires. The nearby places are Hanuman Setu temple, Bara Imambara and Rumi Darwaaza.

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    8th October, 2019                                   Somaseshu Gutala

My Visit to Chandrika Devi Mandir, Lucknow.

                         

 
                           

                   

                   

                    Chandrikdevi Idol in form of three pindis

                       
                       

                                                     Yagyashala

                     
                             

                   

                                                              Statue of Shiva at Mahisagar Thirtha

                       

  This is a very ancient temple dating back to Ramayana period. The name of this temple is mentioned in Skanda Purana. This temple is seen on the banks of the Gomati River in Kathvara village beside the National Highway No.24 between Lucknow and Sitapur. This temple is nearly 28 kms from Lucknow. We went there by taxi. The presiding deity is a form of Durga or Chandi. The road is very smooth flanked by fields and greenery and small houses.  The temple is seen on an elevated platform. A welcome arch is seen at the entrance of the temple. A row of shops greets the view of the pilgrims who have to go through a queue. A colorful bundle of votive pieces of pink cloth and a number of bells are seen hanging in the temple hall. In the inner sanctum a row of three small pindis (Linga form) symbolizing Chandi is seen. On the right side Nava Durgas in the form of pindis are seen. These idols are said to be installed by Sage Narada according to some legends. The present idols were installed by Thakur Beni Singh Chauhan, the landlord of Kathwara village nearly two hundred and fifty years ago. 

According to legends Rajkumar Chandraketu, son of Lakshman, founded Lakshmnapuri (later called as Lucknow). Once he was travelling with Ashwamedha horse through a dense forest which appeared quite dark and dreadful. He prayed to Durga, who appeared there with bright moonlight and blessed him. He established a temple here. So the goddess is called Chandrika. In Dwapara Yuga Pandavas, during their exile period visited this place and Yudhistir performed a Yagna here. Ghatothkacha’s son, Barabareeka, on Krishna’s advice did penance here for three years to acquire mighty powers. Some Puranas say that Lord Chandra was freed from Daksha’s curse when he came and bathed in the holy pond. Yudhistir’s son, Sudhanwa worshipped the Goddess and hence this place is also called Sudhanwa Kund.

In twelfth century this temple was destroyed by the army of Sayyad Salar Masud Gazi. Two hundred and fifty years ago villagers found the idol in the cavity of a neem tree. They informed the landlord of the village. He built a temple and a Vedi for performing Homas. The temple pond is called Mahisagar Theertha. A small bridge is seen across the pond with a beautiful statue of Lord Shiva in meditating posture. At the back of the temple there is a small shrine for Kala Bhairav.

 In this temple special poojas are done during Amavasya (new Moon) and during Nava Rathri festival.  The temple timings are from 5.00 a.m. to 1.00 p.m. and from 4.00 p.m. to 11.00 p.m.  Aarti is performed three times in this temple at 6.00 a.m. 1.00 p.m. at 7.00 p.m. You will find this temple in scenic surroundings surrounded on three sides by the Gomati River. The temple surrounding have to be maintained clean. Beggars and other children are freely roaming in the temple hall asking visitors for money. This practice should be stopped. They should not be allowed to enter the premises of the temple. The historic importance of the temple along with the legends should be displayed on the board so that the pilgrims can understand the significance of the temple.

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    2nd october, 2019                               Somaseshu Gutala

Bhairava, the Almighty Lord and Protector (Part- II)

     

In many Shaivite temples one sees a shrine for Bhairava in Northeastern corner. Bhairava is regarded as the guardian or Kshetrapalaka of the main temple. Our trip to Kashi is incomplete if we do not visit Kala Bhairava’s temple. He is the sole guardian of Kashi and the sixty-four ghats are under the protection of Bhairava. The manifestation of Bhairava from the angry fierce third eye of Shiva happened when Lord Brahma became very much proud of his power and declared Himself as the Supreme Brahman without paying heed to Lord Vishnu’s warnings. Bhairava subdued Brahma’s ego and illusion by cutting off his fifth head. Brahma realized his mistake and worshipped Shiva with humility. This episode clearly reveals that Bhairava removes our false ego and illusion or maya. But the use of violence causes evil effect even on gods. So Lord Bhairava wandered through various worlds carrying Brahma’s skull which stuck to his left palm. He visited various Punya Khetras (holy places) and bathed in various rivers to get rid of Brahma Hatya Dosha. Ultimately when he entered the sacred city of Kashi, he was freed from his sin. Bhairava stayed there as the guardian of that holy city. Here he resides in his eight manifestations.

 In Vriddha Kaleshwara temple Ashitanga Bhairava is seen in the premises of Maha Mritunjay temple in front of the Amritha Kundam. In the Durgakund temple, Chanda Bhairava is seen. Krodha Bhairava is seen in Kamaccha. Kapala Bhairava is seen at Alaipur, Varanasi. Ruru Bhairava is seen near Hanuman Ghat. Unmattha Bhairava is located near Sadak Deora Village, Panchakoshi Road. Samhara Bhairava is located near Gai Ghat. Bhishana Bhairava or Bhootha Bhairava is located near Kashipura, Maidagin, Varanasi. Kaala Bhairava is located at Bharonath near Vishehwara Ganj,Varanasi.The place where brahma's skull fell down from His palm is called Kapalamochan Thirtha.

The presence of Bhairava is seen in all fifty one Shakti Peethas where the parts of Sati’s body fell when Lord Vishnu cut off her body to distract Shiva from his grief and anger. Shrines for Bhairava are also seen in twelve Jyothirlinga Kshetras. There are eight manifestations of Bhairava to give protection from evil forces and bless good people with success, wisdom, strength, victory and supernatural powers or Siddhis. Worship of Bhairava gives prosperity, prevents apamrityu (premature death), removes harmful effects of evil spirits,  prevents the bad effects of Lord Saturn, relieves debts, and gives good progeny.From each of the eight Bhairavas eight more subordinate Bhairavas emerged as protectors of creation making the total number of them as sixty-four. Kashi is the Bhairava kshetra where all sixty four Bhairavas stay protecting the ghats and holy shrines. Bhairava as the Lord of Time and Space controls evil spirits, devils and black magic.

Ruru Bhairava

Asitanga Bhairava

                      

Chanda Bhairava

Krodha Bhairava

                      

Kapala Bhairava

Unmathha Bhairava

                    

Bheeshana Bhairava

 Samhara Bhairava

       

 Asitanga Bhairava (gives creative ability) in eastern direction with blue complexion is seated on a swan. His consort is Brahmi.  Ruru Bhirava (gives divine knowledge) is seen in south east direction with white complexion riding on a bull and his consort is Maheshwari. Chanda Bhairava(gives energy and defeats rivals)  with golden complexion  in the south is seen riding on a pea-cock with Koumari. Krodhana Bhairava (gives power to do great things), black in complexion, is seen riding on an eagle with Vaishnavi in southwest direction. Unmattha Bhairava (controls negative ego), with golden complexion is seen riding on a horse with Varahi in western direction. Kapala Bhairava (ends all unrewarding work and actions) with pink complexion is seen with Indrani riding on an elephant in the northwestern direction. Bheeshana Bhairava (obliterates evil spirits and negativity) with red complexion is seen riding on a lion along with Chamundi in the north while Sarva Shatru Samhara Bhairava (complete dissolution of negative karmas) with white complexion is seen in northeast riding on a dog with Chandi as His consort. Generally there are no separate shrines for these eight consorts as they are considered as different forms of Bhadra Kali or Bhairavi.

                   

                                 Swarnakarshana Bhairava

    

In Tiruvisainallur one can see the shrine of Swarnaakarshana Bhairava built by the great master Sri Vembu Sidhar. Swarnakarshana Bhairava with golden complexion and golden hair is seen here with a crescent moon holding lotus flowers in his two upper hands and holding a Kalash (pot) with nectar in his lower right hand and embracing his consort seated on his left thigh and with his other hand showing Abhaya Mudra (sign of protection).Worshipping this Lord gives wealth and prosperity. He is also known as Dhanakarshana Bhairava.

  In the Southern India one can see many Bhairava shrines in many ancient temples. In Chidambaram Nataraja temple, Swarna Bhairava shrine is seen just a step below the main hall (Chitra Sabha) of Sri Nataraja temple. In olden times the priests used to keep a brass plate at the feet of the Lord Bhairava and chant Bhairava mantra sixty four thousand times. The next morning they found the brass plate turned into a plate of gold. They used to sell that plate and divide the amount among themselves. According to some legends, Bhairava plucked off the fifth head of Lord Brahma in Myladuturai (Kutulam) .After twelve years of wandering Bhairava visited Khetrapalakapuram where he was relieved of his Brahmahatya  dosham. Lord Ganesh with white complexion (Sveta Vinayagar) asked Him to leave His trident there. Lord Ganesh threw that trident into a pond called Shoola Theertham. So here the Lord is seen withojut holding a trident. Lord Kala Bhairava here was worshipped by Brahma, Indra, nine planetary deities and Pandavas.

In Nagapattinam of Karyayoganar temple,  Samhara Bhairava’s shrine is seen in north facing south. The pond here is called Pundarika Theertham which was formed by the flow of Ganges from Shiva’s matted locks and from waters of many temples. So it is called Sarva Theertham. In the months of November and December devotees take their holy bath here to get rid of their sins. In Thiruvannamalai Arunachaleshwara temple, inside the Rajagopuram Kala Bhairava with eight arms is seen. In Seergazhi Sattainathar temple located in Sirkali, Tamilnadu, Ashtabhuja Bhairava with eight hands is seen in the northern part of the  Hall. In Tanjavur Brihadeeswara temple Lord Bhairava with eight hands is seen facing east close to the big Nandi at the entrance to the Garbhagriha (Inner sanctum). In Yogasivanaadhar temple at Kumbhakonam there are four Bhairavas called “Chaturyuga Bhairavas”. In Patteswaram one can see one of the biggest Bhairava idols. In Cholapuram, at a distance of twelve kms from Kumbhakonam on Kumbhakonam to Tirupanadal route, there is Bhairaveswara Linga which was worshipped by sixty-four Bhairavas.  In Arullolinadhar temple in Vairavanpatti, Karaikudi, Lord Bhairava has a separate sanctum and is named as “Marthanda Bhairava.” In Sri Thygaraja temple at Thiruvarur and in Sri Bhuvanagirishwara temple at Thiruchirapalli, one can see shrines for Bhairava. In Sringeri (Karnataka) Bhairava with three legs is seen. In Adichunchangiri Mutt there is a shrine for Kala Bhairava. 

                        

              Kalabhairava temple, Ramareddy

                       

In Karnataka Lord Bhairava is the supreme deity for the community called Vokkaligas who consider Bhairava as caretaker and punisher. In Maharashtra Kala Bhairava is regarded as a guardian deity of the Village (Grama devata) and referred as Bhairavnath.  In Panagal Pachchala (Telengana), Bhairava is seen in Someshwara temple. In Isannapalli (also called Ramareddy, Kamareddy District, Telengana State) there is a famous Kalabhairava temple established in 18^th century during the rule of Rajanna Chowdari who ruled Domakonda and Ramareddy with Bikanoor as his capital town. The statue is smeared with sindoor  and decorated with a five-hooded serpent over His crown. The water in this temple pond never dries and has medicinal properties. There is a well (called Moola Bhavi) nearby and devotees after taking bath in the temple pond enter the shrine with wet clothes and perform abhishekam to the Lord with the water drawn from this well. The gigantic peepal trees around provide a shady shelter and fresh air to pilgrims. Previously the main deity was installed under the shade of the peepal tree without any roof. But later the temple was built with tower and mandapas. Many devotees having family troubles, incurable physical ailments and mental complaints come here to worship the Lord and obtain His grace.  People of this area regard this holy temple as holy as Kashi Kshetra. Previously there used to be eight shrines of Bhairava set up in nearby places. But except this shrine all others went out of existence.

  Thus Bhairava, the fierce manifestation of Tatpurusha form of Rudra, bestows protection from malefic effects of planets, nullifies the negative effects of black magic and removes Pitru Dosha and other other adverse conditions. As the Lord of Time and space he blesses his devotees and punishes the vicious people who try to harm them. He is Yoga Bhairava for ascetics, Gnana Bhairava for Yogis, Ugra Bhairava for warriors and Bhoota Bhairava (Lord of five elements) for protecting people from natural calamities. As Vatuka Bhairava He killed Mundakasura who tortured Brahma. As Maha Bhairava along with his consort Pratyangira he killed Andhakasura.  So one should understand Bhairava tatwa as the omnipotent divine timless consciousness that protects devotees and punishes the sinners and evil spirits.

               Namo Bhootha natham Namo Prethanadham

               Namo Kala Kalam Namo rundamalam

               Namo Kalika prema lolam Karalam

               Namo Bhairavam Kashika Kshetrapalam.       

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        28th September, 2019                            Somaseshu Gutala