Anbil 14th May 2010

Anbil Mariamman koil

Very famous temple. The goddess is big in sitting position. she was wearing the yellow sari. From the gate itself we can have the darshan. The crowd was there. The priest does the pooja in simple and good manner

We try to find the famous Shiva temple we missed, then went to Anbil perumal koil

Anbil perumal koil
It is a divyadesam. A small temple no one was there when we went so waited for some time in the sannidhi Moolavar in reclining posture. In thiruvadi both sridevi and boodevi thayar doing the pada seva. It is very difficult to view the tiruvadi. Bhattar is very patient. Giving elaborate explanations we enjoyed it. it is saint valmiki’s birth place. Urchavar is one the six azhagars. He is very beautiful. Named Vadivazhagiya nimbi.

Story
There was a Hunter. He was threatening or killing the persons who are passing the forests for foods and money. One day sage narada was passing thru the forest. He was caught by hunter. He told the hunter what ever the deeds you do, you have to repent for it. It is not shared by your family members. But the hunter is furious hearing this & told Naradha his family will support him. To confirm that he tied naradha in a tree and found that their family members told what ever the misdeeds hunter does for the family he only has to face consequences. Then he got the gyanam from naradha and repeated the nama japa of rama later he was know as Valmiki

Then we moved to kattu azhagiya singar koil.

kattu azhagiya singar koil.

It is famous temple in srirangam.It is was 8.30 evening the temple closes. We came just before the closing time.The thirai was placed waited for 10 minutes. We are blessed with last arti of the day.The perumal is in sitting postion with thayar. Moolavar is swayambu moorthy.

Thantonri malai, 14th May 2010

Story
A devotee named somasarama visited various temple wishing for child. On his way he reaches the place where river Amaravathi and cauvery confluence. There his instincts guided him to the southern banks of river Thamirabarani. A divine voice reveals that he will be welcomed by people there. As he was walking on the southern bank he was greeted by people of Thanthondrimalai they requested him to guide them in constructing a temple. As they were around the hill they saw light at the place where the temle is now situated. Somasarma guided the people to built a temple at this spot. After the temple was constructed, the divine voice orders Somasarma to come and worship here along with his wife. Somasarma returns with his wife and worship God Kalyana Venkataramana swamy who appears in the form of Thiruppathi Venkatachalapathi and blesses them with child. He requests God to bless anyone worshipping here the same blessing of worshipping at Thirupathi. Kalyana Venkata Ramana swamy fulfills his wish. From that day wnwards this temple is konown 'Then Thiruppathy'. Devotees belive that worshipping at this temple as the same benefit of worshiping at Thiruppathi. As the presiding deity appeared infront of devotees on his own this region is called Thanthondrimalai.

Sadasiva brahmendral put one yatram in this temple. He blessed a boy for king Sarabhoji in this temple. Next year he got baby boy.


This is our kuladeivam. So we went along with all our family members.(Amma, Kanaka patti, Murali,Sharada, Prakruthiyai, Prithiviyai, Myself, Bhavani, Srinath, Srinidhi, Hari, ramya, Visaka, Vasu, mama and attai)
We started from home around 8am and reached 10.30 Thanthondrimalai.

The temple is in the hillock having approximately 50 steps. opposite to the temple tank is there, due to the govt action the tank is cleaned and having the nice look.
Had a good darshan. No crowd so waited in the sannidhi for 30 minutes.
The moolavar is called kalayana venkatramana swamy. He is holding conch & chakra in two hands. The other one is vardha hasta, the other one holding his hips. The head is slightly looking down if look carefully. Moolavar is swamyambu moorthy.

http://thanthonrivenkataramanar.org/index.htm

Then we traveled to Nammakkal Anjaneya sannidhi. The uchikala pooja was going on the screen was put. So we went to Narashimar temple. We went to thayar sannidhi then Narashima sannidhi. Narashima in sitting posture. Still his hand have the stains of blood.during the aarthi this is clearly visible.

Then we moved to anjaneya temple. The temple closed at 1pm The clock is nearing 1PM. So we rushed to the temple after our darshan it is closed. We our very fortune to have the darshan of anjaneya. It is a big anjaneya like nanganallur anjaneya.

Gunaseelam 13th May 2010

We ( Prakrithiyai, Prathiviyai,Saradha, Hari, Ramya, Visaka, Bhavani, Srinath, Srinidhi and mysellf) went to this temple on 13th may 2010

We went in the evening time it was Thursday. we waited for some time in the queue.
The Prasanna venkatachalapathy was fully covered with chandanam. He is in chandana kappu. Only on Thursday’s chandana kappu is adorn by lord here.
The lord requires this chandana kappu to cool himself from heat wave(agni). It gives total body is visible. we enjoyed to see lord full trim body
We cannot able to take out over eyes. It is a good feast to our eyes.
Then we moved to next temple UTHAMAR KOIL

More details can be seen in the below link
http://www.gunaseelam.com/BasicMain/SourcePHP/PhotoGallery/MainEntrance.php

Srirangam on 5th May 2010

Srirangam
Koil yenral srirangam Perumal yenral Namperumal Thayar yendral perundevi thayar
A big temple with 7 praharams.

We ( Narayanan, Prakrithiyai, Prathiviyai, Saradha and mysellf) went to this temple on 5th may 2010
We had a good darshan of ranganathar, sri ramanujar and Radhaalingakrishna.

Radhaalingakrishna sannithi is in Chandra pushkarni tank.
Only open to public 5.00 - 530 in the evening only few knows this. We asked the rama priest to assist us in having a darshan of Radha alinga krishna. He told us to come at 5pm. We went to udayavar sannithi in the way back we have seen the 21 temple gopurams. In Ramanujar sannithi the eyes very good looks like real eyes.
We went to top of the temple and seen all the 21 temple gopurams
We went to art exhibition and seen the old coins and other things carved in ivory. all are treat to our eyes. We returned to ramar sannithi and asked the priest for opening the gate. He told immediately he already opened the doors and waiting for us.
We went and seen the vedavyasar sannidhi. I always feel we have not given more importance to vyasa, so satisfied by seeing this.
Then we have seen the beautiful Radha alinga Krishna in white dress which is shared by both which depicts both jeevathma and paramathma are one. krishna here teaches radha how to play the flute. We captured this in our heart and came out.

Baroda temples - 3

PAVAGADH KALI TEMPLE

We (myself & Narayanan) went to Pavagadh temple on 15th Feb 2010.
We have taken bus to Pavagadh bus stand near halol. Approximately 50km from baroda.

From there we have taken one jeep to ambaje temple. Jeep traverse for 6 km in the forest area and hill top. the ride is very nice. The front seat is filled with 6 persons. The jeep is filled with 20 persons and five person standing outside the jeep in the steps. In the pin curves we are worried about the standing persons outside the jeep.but they are local peoples not worried and enjoying the trip.

Then we have taken the cable car to reach the temple. Cable car moves to the height 500 meters. It is very nice and thrilling experience it moves to the top steadily. When cable car crosses the post we think it will hit the post but it moves without hitting the post. our hands are clutching the metal bar out of fear. Form there we have to walk and claim 50 steps to reach the mataji kali temple

Finally we entered into temple in the hilltop. small temple. A small queue. God face only placed in the sannidhi. It is covered with full of red kumkum.we came out a small steps goes to temple top there is another kali with 12 hands with filled with weapons.

Then we came down sppedly Against The Clock because 5pm the cable car closed for the day. We have to walk down for 6-7km that we don’t want to do. But people come here mostly by walking enjoying the walk in the mountains.

We catch the cable car, Jeep & bus and returned safely to our hotel.

Baroda temples - 2

AYYAPPA TEMPLE

We (Myself, Ramani & Swamidurai) went to Ayyappa temple in Badra. The temple is neat and tidy. The temple architecture is same like kerala temples. Ayappan is main deity. In inner round we saw vinayaka and Bhgavathi amman.in outer round we saw Vishnu and another amman and navgrahas.

ISKCON TEMPLE

Then we went to ISKCON temple on there is a discourse going on about Bhavat gita, we waited for some time then Night arati was taken place. We enjoyed seeing the Chatram, Chamaram upcharas.In this there is special sanku (counch) blowing. It is nice to hear the sound. It went on for 3 times. In andal pasuram we know to wakeup the krishna by blowing the sanku. Here for to sleep Krishna they do it.

All krishnachaitanya, nityanada, Krishna radhe every one was wearing the red dress.
The yellow mala in their neck. Good feast to our eyes. In the hall there are drawing on Krishna leela. We enjoyed everything and went to hotel in the temple and had Gulab jamum sweet.
Now our eyes and heart are filled with sweet Krishna and radhe. Our stomach is filled with sweet.but the real sweet is we said the nama
“ HARE KRISHNA HARE KRISHNA KRISHNA KRISHNA HARE HARE
HARE RAMA HARE RAMA RAMA RAMA HARE HARE”

http://www.iskconbaroda.com/


MURUGAN TEMPLE

We went to Murugan temple near railway station. it is a small temple in the first floor.
It is near madras international hotel. Near by few book stalls are there we can get tamil books and magazine sold here.

The temple is newly modified and painted. The temple is here from 70’s.
Once you enter into the temple you feel you are in tamil nadu. The archaka is a tamilan. All speaks tamil. The tape also plays the tamil songs.

Vinayaka, shiva, muruga and lakshmi sannidhis in one row and anjaneya and navagrahas in other side.
The mala is apt fitting to the gods I asked priest the mala is plastic or original because it is very nice they have joined the flowers in very good manner without any gaps.
The yellow and red flower for the black color god it suits perfectly.
We prostrated before the god. The people around the temple watched us. Because they don’t prostrated fully like tamilians.
(In tamil nadu Gents will do ashtanga namaskaram touching 8 parts of the body in the ground. Ladies will do Panchanga namaskaram touching 5 parts of the body in the ground)

Baroda temples - 1

Friends
I am in Vadodara for my company project. I am in Vadodara for the past one month.
My project is nearing the final stage. I planned to visit near by places

First I visited the SAYAJI BAGH on 22nd January 2010. It is very near to my hotel ADITI. So I just walked to the park. From Vadodara railway station there are plenty share autos plying to the park. It is just 1km from the station.

Sayaji Bagh of Vadodara was built in 1879 by Sayajirao. Spread over 110 acres. Park is filled with lot of flowers, heap of grass and trees The one of the main attraction is the big clock. It is next to MS University. So, lot of students with their girl friends occupying the garden.

In the park we can find Baroda Museum and Art allery, founded by the Gaekwads in 1890s, The museums holds various exhibits belonging to many different subjects, viz. natural history, archeology and geology. One can also come across ancient manuscripts written by the Jain and Buddhist preachers on palm leaves and Mughal miniatures in the museum. Baroda Museum and Art Gallery also houses ancient Jain sculptures. It remains open from morning 10.00 hours to evening 5.00 hours everyday, except Thursday.

There is a ZOO and Birds sanctuary. There is a small toy train for kids.

The museum is very beautiful while watching all the pictures another person also roving alone. So I just talked to him he is Mr Amar singh Working as a IT professional. So we chatted a lot. He also want to see few places in vadodara. So we jointly seen the park.

Sayaji Bagh at Vadodara also contains a planetarium that remains open throughout the week, except Thursday. In the entrance we can see the SUNDIAL used for measuring time in olden days.

Inside the park there is a small Shiva temple behind this there is small Hanuman Temple. It remember the Ramayana when the hanuman is seen as a avatar of shiva by ravana. In the morning time most of the persons walking in the park will peep into the temple with their sports dress and shoes. It is nice seen it shows their heart than the dress code. There are several speakers in the walk ways it will be connected to the FM radio it is spreading the nice bajans in the morning


Photos can be seen in the below link
http://likes.forums-free.com/vadodara-wallpapers-t74.html


We then taken a share auto to Nyaya mandir. First we thought it is a temple. Then the automan told after dropping us. It is court. The architecture is good. They say it is Byzantine architecture. Earlier days the kings used the same place as court the place still used as a local court and judgments are given by Judges.
We moved here and there in the court. Finally we found the court used by kings. It is massive hall with balcony. The ceiling is very high approximately 2 floors high.
It is open to public from morning 11.00 to evening 5.00.

Opposite we can find the SHIV SAGAR Lake. In this a tall standing Shiva is placed.
It is a very big lake.

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Next day (23rd January 2010) I called my office colleague Mr THUSAR to accompany me. He knows Hindi & Gujarati languages. We finished our office work quickly and started to DAKOR DWARAKANATHJI temple in the afternoon.
There are frequent buses to dakor. It is a pilgrim center very famous for the Krishna temple. In full moon days from vadodara few pilgrims walks to this place.
It is approximately 50 km from vadodara. We have taken the bus at 1,30 PM and reached around 3.00PM. It is a very small village. The temple is walkable distance approximately 0,5 km from the dakor bus stand. On the way both sides there are plenty of shops selling Krishna photos, drums and other fancy items toys etc. those Krishna’s welcome us and speaking with his eyes. We can’t take away the eyes from the photos too.
We went near the temple and they said the temple open timing in the evening 4.00 to 7.30 pm only. So we went to the lake opposite to the temple
Roamed for some time and back to the temple at 4pm. Lot of people waiting outside.
The gate is marked with surya, Chandra, trees etc. once the gate is opened we all went inside we have to claim 10 steps to have darshan of dwarakanathji. The evening Aarthi started. After that priest just sit in the mandap and do the prayer. The dwarakanathji is in white dress. It is very silkly. It is aptly fitted to him. only one flower garland which add beauty to him. The bhakthas seeing the god say in chors “dhathi joorji ki jai” “dwarakanathji ki jai” Most of them clap here to get the attention of bhagwan. All show there sweets to bhagwan and do manasika naivaidyem. The hall is decorated with different type of painting it contains rasa lila and other Krishna leelas treat to our eyes.

The temple has four entrance. While doing pradhakshina we can see the live dwarakanathji in TV The CCTV technology is used here. nice to have moolastan on TV
Then we went to the lake again to spend some time and came back to vadodara.

http://www.ranchhodraijidakor.com/


EME temple

Next day is Sunday. One of my old office colleague stays in Vadodara. His name is Mr Saravanan working L&T. I called him to join the temple visit. So we went to EME temple on 24th January 2010. Situated in the cantonment near Fatehgunj it is a small and beautiful Shiva temple. Managed and maintained by the Army peoples.

The temple is constructed by army peoples in 14months and initiated by a Christian jawan. The temple contains islam style dome structure, church style tower on top kalasa by hindu style. There is Sivalinga with a bell in front of it. If you hit the bell the water flows from the pot to shivalinga. The Pot with water is placed above shivalinga. Like a child we hit the bell few times.

We came around the temple there is a radha krisha, Rama, Shiradi sai baba, Vinayaga, and Anjaneya,
Then there is a small cave in that like amaranth there is a small shivalinga on ice. The darkness in the cave & shiva nama from the tape will steal your heart.
There are plenty of statues around taken from Archeology department. Which are arranged in an order. Finally there is Buddha in sitting pose. All the places are clean and tidy even in amidst of trees. Hats off to them.