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chikucab · 2 years ago

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Book A Taxi Service And Plan A Weekend Gateway From Lucknow

Table Of Content

Introduction

Top 5 Places To Visit Around Lucknow

Conclusion

Introduction

Gaining importance from the year 1528, when Mughal Emperor Babur captured the city of Lucknow, it has always been on the ascending trend ever since. Continuing the legacy, the Nawabs governed Lucknow for a long time. During this reign of the Nawabs, Lucknow became the hub for art, craft, literature, poetry, music, and a lot of other fine arts. As of today, Lucknow holds the position of being the capital city of the state of Uttar Pradesh and also the cultural and architecture hub for the Nawabi style. Along with lot of historical important monuments like Bara Imambara, Chota Imambara, Rumi Darwaza, and a lot more, the citizens of Lucknow are blessed to have various towns and cities to go to for a weekend gateway with their family and friends. The roadways in Lucknow are extremely well-maintained and thus booking a taxi service in Lucknow with Chiku Cab to travel to outstation cities is an ideal option to commute. Let’s have a look at the top 5 towns and cities you can plan for a weekend gateway from Lucknow.

Top 5 Places To Visit Around Lucknow

· Naimisharanya

Located near Lucknow at a distance of roughly 70 kilometers, Naimisharanaya is located at the banks of the river Gomti and is a place of religious importance to the Hindus. The temples of Shri Lalita Devi Temple, Balaji Temple, and Hanuman Garhi make this place a pilgrimage spot for the followers of Hinduism. It is believed that if you take a dip or a bath in the Chakra Tirth and Dadhichi Kund you are freed from all the sins that you have performed in your current as well as past life thus leading you towards salvation. Some spiritual important places to visit in Naimisharanya are the Suth Gaddi, Vyas Gaddhi, Hawan Kund, Satrupa, Dashashmemedha Ghat, etc. Cab service in Lucknow with Chiku Cab is the best way to commute to Naimisharanaya.

· Dewa Sharif

The Dewa Sharif is a small town where the shrine of the world-renowned Sufi saint Haji Waris Ali Shah is located. Though, it is majorly a Muslim pilgrimage spot, people of all faiths visit this shrine to seek the blessings of the sacred tomb. The shrine is built in an architecture of beauty and the interiors too are designed in a magnificent way. Situated at just 30 kilometers from the main city of Lucknow, Dewa Sharif is also famous for the ten-day fair that is hosted every year during the months of October and November. This fair is an art filled meeting with events like Mushaira, Music Performances, and Kavi Sammelan which are the highlights of this fair.

· Nawabganj’s Bird Sanctuary

The hub of nature and wild photography lovers, the Nawabganj Bird Sanctuary is located at a rough distance of 50 kilometers from Lucknow. The dense tree structure in this Bird Sanctuary is the nest or rather the home to various birds like Siberian Crane, White-Neck Stork, Cotton Teal, Indian Roller, and loads more. Along with birds, you can even get lucky to watch Deers in their natural surroundings and a few reptiles which are placed in an enclosure for safety. It is great picnic spot for families and nature lovers.

· Bithoor

Another place of spiritualism near Lucknow is the small town called Bithoor, situated at a nominal distance of 90 kilometers from Lucknow. This town is on the banks of the river Ganga and is mythologically a very important town for the Hindus. You can get glimpses of the Ramayana at the Siddhi Dham Ashram as well as the Valmiki Ashram to recollect the whole story. When in Bithoor try visiting Patthar Ghat, Bramhavart Ghat, Deepa Mallika Stambh, amongst other places of sight-seeing importance.

· Ayodhya

Although located at a little more distance than the rest of the towns and cities, Ayodhya, the Janm-Bhoomi of Lord Rama lies at a distance of 125 kilometers from Lucknow. It is considered auspicious if you take part in the aarti, a ritual followed by the Hindus at Ram Janmbhoomi Temple, Raja Mandir, Hanuman Garhi Mandir, and Knack Bhavan. Ayodhya is also a place of historical monument importance with places like Moti Mahal, Bahu Begam Ka Maqbara, and Gulab Bari. If you are planning a holiday to Ayodhya, try to plan it during Diwali and Dusshera when the whole city is vividly in enthusiasm and frolic.

Travelling to all the above-mentioned locations along with other places too is now feasible with outstation cabs in Lucknow with Chiku Cab.

Conclusion

There are a lot of weekend gateway options from Lucknow depending on your taste and liking. But one factor remains common and that is the commuting option – taxi service in Lucknow with Chiku Cab. Book your cab now by just dialing 844-844-5504 and have a trip well planned without any tensions and hassles.

#cab service in Lucknow #taxi service in Lucknow #car hire in Lucknow #car rental in Lucknow

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altughuner-blog · 5 years ago

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Mahalakshmi temple and Kolhapur – you probably hear these words in the same breath. From a pilgrim and travelers’ perspective, both mean the same. Most visit the city for the darshan of Mahalakshmi goddess.

Mahalakshmi Temple Stock Photos – Shutterstock

Kolhapur is an ancient city in Maharashtra on the banks of Panchganga river. It is mentioned in many scriptures like Devi Gita of Devi Bhagwat Puran and other Shakta texts. It is also known as Karvirpur Kshetra and Mahalakshmi is also known as Karveerpur Vasini – the one who lives in Karvirpur. The city still revolves around Ambabai – another name of Mahalakshmi.

An old image from Ambabai website

Kolhapur is named after asura Kolhasur who was killed by the Devi. It was his dying wish that the city is named after him.

The temple is a Shakti Peeth, one of the most important Devi temples in India. The number of Shakti Peethas vary depending on which text you are looking at, but Mahalakshmi of this city is always a part of that list. It is a Maha Shakti Peeth.

Mahalakshmi Temple or Ambabai Mandir

It is at the heart of Kolhapur just like Kanchi Kamakshi is at the heart of Kanchipuram. The whole town revolves around the holy place.

Landscape view of the entrance

I had first visited the temple on my Deccan Odyssey trip. It was a quick darshan, but with a promise to come back. It took me a few years to go back. This time we landed in the city around 4 AM and headed straight to the temple. We reached just in time for the morning ritual of waking up the goddess. I could not have asked for more.

Mahalakshmi Temple Architecture

When you enter, you see the base of the big structure in dark grey stone. You get a hint of Chalukyan architecture. Most of the sculpted images on the walls are broken.

The architecture of the Mandir

If you understand Indian temple architecture, you can make out a lot of Madanika or Sur Sundari figures. The literature points out that these were probably 64 yoginis carved on the niches all around. It is difficult to identify or count them as it is covered by many things at the moment. Some deities can also be seen.

On the steps leading to the mandir, I could see a huge Varaha image holding the Bhudevi in its mouth.

Shikhara’s

The Shikhara’s is painted in pale lemon yellow with saffron outlines. The Shikhara’s are triangular or conical in shape and look like a much later addition to the original mandir. Were the original Shikharas destroyed or they were simply renovated, I am yet to find the answer.

Conical Shikhara in pale lime color

From the ground level, it is difficult to understand the formation of Shikharas. There are 5 Shikharas in all. The central one is on top of Koorma Mandap and the four in four cardinal directions surrounding it are on the temples of Mahalakshmi, Mahakali, Mahasaraswati, and Ganapati. The one on top of the presiding deity is the tallest of them.

Typical Maharashtra style Deepstambhs stand in one corner. It would be a pleasure to see them lit up like olden days. I was told they are lit up on the festival days.

Deepstambh of Ambabai Mandir

The main entrance gate is called Mahadwar, you see the deity as you enter from this gate. There are other entrances in North and East called Ghati and Purva Darwaja respectively.

Varaha Holding Bhudevi – Mahalaxmi Temple Kolhapur

There used to be two ponds in the complex called Kashi and Manikarnika but they no longer exist now.

The main temple is surrounded by many small ones.

Mahalaxmi Murti

The main Murti of Mahalaxmi is in black stone. It is four-armed Mahalakshmi in standing pose, about 3 feet in height.

Kolhapur Mahalakshmi or Karvirpurvasini

If you want to see the Murti, visit early in the morning for the first Arti called Kakad Arti. You will witness the waking up the Goddess by singing songs. After which, her clothes are changed and morning Alankar is done. During the Abhishek, you get to see the Murti.

During the Arti, few women are allowed to sit inside the Garbhgriha. It is a divine experience to sit next to the goddess as the deep goes around her and the bells ring all around.

Old photo of Murti of Mahalakshmi Devi

The big Alankar Arti is done around afternoon time. Sri Mahalakshmi is dressed in a colorful silk Sari and then adorned with lots of jewelry. I would later find the same jewelry designs in the markets of the city.

Ambabai Murti from Ambabai website

The Pradakshina path or the circumambulation path around the sanctum is rather plain compared to the rest it. It was built in 11th CE by King Gandaraditya of the Shilahara Dynasty indicating that temple pre-dates it. Try tapping the wall just behind the deity and you will hear a different sound from the other stones around it.

Mahakali & Mahasaraswati

To the right of Mahalaxmi’s Murti is a small temple dedicated to goddess Mahakali. On the left, is another dedicated to Mahasaraswati. Together the three deities constitute the highest trinity of Shakti representing the three guns – Rajas, Tamas & Satva. All three images are in the main temple. As per Durga Saptashati, Mahakali and Mahasarawati emerge from Mahalakshmi.

Opposite the sanctum is a small Ganesha mandir.

Koorma Mandap

In front of the sanctum, there are two mandapas. First one is called Darshan mandap and is used to have darshan of Mahalakshmi.

The second is Octagonal Rangmadapa called Koorma mandapa as the central stone or Shila is carved in the shape of a tortoise. It is also called Shankh Tirth Mandap as this is where the priest stands to sprinkle the Tirth on the devotees using a Shankh or a conch shell.

I stood there as the priest came with the water used for the Abhishek of the Mahalakshmi as he sprinkled it generously on us using a conch shell. People close their eyes and open their mouths to take the water in.

All these constructions are in dark black stone.

Matulinga

Right above the sanctum of Mahalakshmi temple, there is a cave-like temple with a Shiva linga called Matulinga along with Ganesha and Nandi. You have to take a flight of stairs to reach this. This gives the impression of being a cave temple.

Matulinga mandir is opened briefly after the early morning Arti, and you are allowed to visit it. I think it is kept closed for the rest of the day.

Matulinga shrine dates back to 12th CE. The linga represents the linga that is carved on the crown of Mahalaxmi as it was not visible to the devotees.

Sri Yantra

In one wall niche, there is a Sri Yantra carved. Haldi, Kumkum and flowers are offered to it just as they are offered to the main deity.

It is covered with glass so it is difficult to see it properly.

Other Temples in the Mahalakshmi Temple complex

Navgrah

Navagraha – Dedicated to the nine planets

Sheshashayee Vishnu – This octagonal structure closer to the eastern gate has a panel of 60 Jain Tirthankaras. It is suggested that this was dedicated to Neminath. However, as of now, Vishnu sits here comfortably.

Vitthal Rukmai

Old photo of Datta Temple in Ambabai Mandir complex

Datta mandir

Radhakrishna, Kalbhairav, Siddhivinayak, Sinhavahini, Tuljabhavani, Lakshmi-Narayana, Annapurna, Indrasabha, Rameshwar, Narayanswami Mahara, Jyotiba and Temlai Bai mandir.

Festivals of Mahalakshmi Temple Kolhapur

Every Friday night, around 9:30 PM, Palki of Mahalakshmi goes around the mandir. I missed attending this, but hopefully, I will get to go there again, soon. Some prominent festivals celebrated here are:

Navaratri

Being a Devi Mandir, Navaratri is the biggest festival here. For 9 days during Ashwin or Sharad Navaratri is full of celebrations. The daily Alankar of the Devi is grand. A palki procession takes places every evening.

Navratri Decorations

On the 5th day of the Navratri, called Lalita Panchami, Devi visits Tryambuli Bai mandir located few km away. This is her annual visit to her sister. On the way she stops at Shahu mill where she is offered Puja. The local ruler called Chhatrapati offers her a symbolic sacrifice by cutting a pumpkin with a sword in the presence of a Kanya.

On Ashtami or the 8th day of Navratri, she is offered a one cannon salute. This tradition was started by Rani Tarabai – the daughter-in-law of Chhatrapati Shivaji. After this, she goes around the town in a Palki and is offered Paan-Supari and other things like Sari, flowers, Puja.

Kironatsav

The Kolhapur Mahalakshmi temple is so designed that twice a year, the sun rays fall on the Murti.

On 31st Jan and 9th Nov – Sun rays fall on the feet of Mahalakshmi 1st Feb & 10th Nov – Sun rays fall on the middle of the Murti On 2nd Feb & 11th Nov – Sun rays fall on the entire body of the deity

This is the engineering marvel here.

At Vidyashankara Temple in Sringeri too, the sun rays fall as per the movement of the sun through 12 zodiac signs depicted on different pillars.

Rathotsav

In April, the Utsav murti of Mahalakshmi goes on a ride on her chariot. There is a golden Palki that is worth seeing.

Markets around

Outside the mandir, there were shops selling colorful Saris, bangles, jewelry, coconut and bunches of Lotus flowers, to be offered to the Goddess.

In the evening, the lanes around are full of eateries and hawkers selling all kinds of Kolhapuri street food.

Kolhapuri Saaj

The jewelry of Mahalakshmi can be seen here on the official website. You can buy the same jewelry in imitation, in silver or in gold in the lanes around.

I spent an evening looking at all kinds of jewelry that was made using small coins with Mahalakshmi in it. Some are made using coral beads adding a bright color to the gold. Some are made with small balls of gold. There were pendants with Mahalakshmi on it.

I saw a lot of women buying their Mangalsutras here along with something with the goddess on it. After all, she is the giver of prosperity and jewelry is the ultimate sign of auspicious prosperity.

Other Devi Temples

Kolhapur is a town dominated by Devi Temples. Let us visit them one by one.

Just like the three main deities are present in the Mahalakshmi temple complex, the three deities are also present in the city.

Mahakali Temple

Mahakali Sanctum

If you walk towards Rankala, roughly a kilometer down the road you will find an arch on your left. Enter the narrow lane and you will find a small but ancient temple on your left. I discovered this by chance while walking around the city.

We saw an ancient Murti of Mahakali. Again we got lucky as the Abhishek was going on and we could see the Vigrah in its original form.

Next to it is a smaller mandir with Rasai Devi in it. I could not gather much about her.

Renuka Devi Temple

Sri Renuka Devi Murti

Renuka Devi who is a form of Mahasaraswati is located on the other side. It is small but very interesting one. It has a smaller mandir dedicated to Parshuram who is the son of Renuka & Rishi Jamdagni. Another one is dedicated to Matangi Devi.

Renuka-Jamdagni Wedding Invite

Renuka Devi here is believed to be a form of Yellama Devi too.

I discovered an interesting ritual here. Celebrating the wedding of Renuka and Jamadagni. A board outside announced an open invitation for the wedding that was due in a few days.

Tulja Bhawani Mandir at Bhawani Mandap

Bhawani Mandap is the old Palace. Tulja Bhawani is the Kuldevi or the family deity of the royal family of the region. Her mandir continues to be in the old palace premises through the palace itself moved to a new palace in Kolhapur.

The open courtyard is where I got to see Dand Patta or the martial arts by the Maratha women during my earlier trip to the city. Watch the video:

youtube

Triambuli or Temlai Devi Temple

This is a small one located a few kilometers away. This is the mandir that goddess Mahalakshmi visits of Lalita Panchami or 5th day of the Navratri.

Triambuli Devi Mandir

The story goes that when Mahalakshmi was fighting asura Kolhasur, she was assisted by the daughter of the ruler here. However, after the fight was over, Devi forgot about her and the girl was annoyed. So, Devi visited her and blessed her that she would be worshipped in Kolhapur. She also promised that she would pay an annual visit to her mandir. The tradition continues.

Triambuli or Temlai Devi Idol

Triambuli Devi or Temlai as she is fondly called is treated as the younger sister of Mahalakshmi.

There is also a mandir dedicated to Magai Devi close by.

Kapileshwar or Kapil Tirth Mandir

Ancient Kapileshwar Mandir or Sri Kapil Tirth

Not too far, there is a Mandi or the vegetable market. We walked into the market just out of curiosity or maybe some divine forces led us to it. We discovered a small but ancient Kapileshwar Mandir here. Standing on typical Chalukyan pillars it is an ancient Shiva temple.

Later, at the town hall museum, we discovered many artifacts that have been discovered from an excavation that was carried out in this complex. We also learned that the market is at a place where the temple tank used to be.

In fact, all the temple tanks of the city no longer exist.

Sri Yantra Carved on a Linga at Town Hall Museum in Kolhapur

My biggest discovery was a Sri Yantra carved on the Yoni like a Shivalinga usually is. This is a unique carving that I have not seen anywhere else.

At the museum, I realized how big pilgrimage center or Shakti Khsetra of the city must have been at some point in time.

Travel Tips

The city is well connected with big cities like Pune and Mumbai. It is also well connected by train and bus network

There are ample hotels in Kolhapur city. Sayaji is the only luxury hotel I know of. We stayed at Maratha Residency and it was a decent place to stay within a reasonable budget.

Mahalakshmi Temple opens for visitors at 4:30 AM and remains open till 9:30 PM or so.

No photography is allowed inside the premises. You can take the structure from a distance.

There are shops inside as well as outside the Mandir where you can buy Puja items. It gets very crowded, especially on Fridays and festival days.

Other temples are open from morning to evening. They were practically empty with the countable number of people when I visited.

The post Mahalakshmi Temple – Jewel Among Kolhapur Temples appeared first on Inditales.

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altughuner-blog · 5 years ago

Photo

Mahalakshmi Temple Stock Photos – Shutterstock

An old image from Ambabai website

Kolhapur is named after asura Kolhasur who was killed by the Devi. It was his dying wish that the city is named after him.

Mahalakshmi Temple or Ambabai Mandir

It is at the heart of Kolhapur just like Kanchi Kamakshi is at the heart of Kanchipuram. The whole town revolves around the holy place.

Landscape view of the entrance

Mahalakshmi Temple Architecture

When you enter, you see the base of the big structure in dark grey stone. You get a hint of Chalukyan architecture. Most of the sculpted images on the walls are broken.

The architecture of the Mandir

On the steps leading to the mandir, I could see a huge Varaha image holding the Bhudevi in its mouth.

Shikhara’s

Conical Shikhara in pale lime color

Typical Maharashtra style Deepstambhs stand in one corner. It would be a pleasure to see them lit up like olden days. I was told they are lit up on the festival days.

Deepstambh of Ambabai Mandir

The main entrance gate is called Mahadwar, you see the deity as you enter from this gate. There are other entrances in North and East called Ghati and Purva Darwaja respectively.

There used to be two ponds in the complex called Kashi and Manikarnika but they no longer exist now.

The main temple is surrounded by many small ones.

Mahalaxmi Murti

The main Murti of Mahalaxmi is in black stone. It is four-armed Mahalakshmi in standing pose, about 3 feet in height.

Kolhapur Mahalakshmi or Karvirpurvasini

During the Arti, few women are allowed to sit inside the Garbhgriha. It is a divine experience to sit next to the goddess as the deep goes around her and the bells ring all around.

Old photo of Murti of Mahalakshmi Devi

Ambabai Murti from Ambabai website

Mahakali & Mahasaraswati

Opposite the sanctum is a small Ganesha mandir.

Koorma Mandap

In front of the sanctum, there are two mandapas. First one is called Darshan mandap and is used to have darshan of Mahalakshmi.

All these constructions are in dark black stone.

Matulinga

Matulinga mandir is opened briefly after the early morning Arti, and you are allowed to visit it. I think it is kept closed for the rest of the day.

Matulinga shrine dates back to 12th CE. The linga represents the linga that is carved on the crown of Mahalaxmi as it was not visible to the devotees.

Sri Yantra

In one wall niche, there is a Sri Yantra carved. Haldi, Kumkum and flowers are offered to it just as they are offered to the main deity.

It is covered with glass so it is difficult to see it properly.

Other Temples in the Mahalakshmi Temple complex

Navgrah

Navagraha – Dedicated to the nine planets

Vitthal Rukmai

Old photo of Datta Temple in Ambabai Mandir complex

Datta mandir

Radhakrishna, Kalbhairav, Siddhivinayak, Sinhavahini, Tuljabhavani, Lakshmi-Narayana, Annapurna, Indrasabha, Rameshwar, Narayanswami Mahara, Jyotiba and Temlai Bai mandir.

Festivals of Mahalakshmi Temple Kolhapur

Navaratri

Navratri Decorations

Kironatsav

The Kolhapur Mahalakshmi temple is so designed that twice a year, the sun rays fall on the Murti.

This is the engineering marvel here.

At Vidyashankara Temple in Sringeri too, the sun rays fall as per the movement of the sun through 12 zodiac signs depicted on different pillars.

Rathotsav

In April, the Utsav murti of Mahalakshmi goes on a ride on her chariot. There is a golden Palki that is worth seeing.

Markets around

Outside the mandir, there were shops selling colorful Saris, bangles, jewelry, coconut and bunches of Lotus flowers, to be offered to the Goddess.

In the evening, the lanes around are full of eateries and hawkers selling all kinds of Kolhapuri street food.

Kolhapuri Saaj

The jewelry of Mahalakshmi can be seen here on the official website. You can buy the same jewelry in imitation, in silver or in gold in the lanes around.

I saw a lot of women buying their Mangalsutras here along with something with the goddess on it. After all, she is the giver of prosperity and jewelry is the ultimate sign of auspicious prosperity.

Other Devi Temples

Kolhapur is a town dominated by Devi Temples. Let us visit them one by one.

Just like the three main deities are present in the Mahalakshmi temple complex, the three deities are also present in the city.

Mahakali Temple

Mahakali Sanctum

We saw an ancient Murti of Mahakali. Again we got lucky as the Abhishek was going on and we could see the Vigrah in its original form.

Next to it is a smaller mandir with Rasai Devi in it. I could not gather much about her.

Renuka Devi Temple

Sri Renuka Devi Murti

Renuka-Jamdagni Wedding Invite

Renuka Devi here is believed to be a form of Yellama Devi too.

I discovered an interesting ritual here. Celebrating the wedding of Renuka and Jamadagni. A board outside announced an open invitation for the wedding that was due in a few days.

Tulja Bhawani Mandir at Bhawani Mandap

The open courtyard is where I got to see Dand Patta or the martial arts by the Maratha women during my earlier trip to the city. Watch the video:

youtube

Triambuli or Temlai Devi Temple

This is a small one located a few kilometers away. This is the mandir that goddess Mahalakshmi visits of Lalita Panchami or 5th day of the Navratri.

Triambuli Devi Mandir

Triambuli or Temlai Devi Idol

Triambuli Devi or Temlai as she is fondly called is treated as the younger sister of Mahalakshmi.

There is also a mandir dedicated to Magai Devi close by.

Kapileshwar or Kapil Tirth Mandir

Ancient Kapileshwar Mandir or Sri Kapil Tirth

In fact, all the temple tanks of the city no longer exist.

Sri Yantra Carved on a Linga at Town Hall Museum in Kolhapur

My biggest discovery was a Sri Yantra carved on the Yoni like a Shivalinga usually is. This is a unique carving that I have not seen anywhere else.

At the museum, I realized how big pilgrimage center or Shakti Khsetra of the city must have been at some point in time.

Travel Tips

The city is well connected with big cities like Pune and Mumbai. It is also well connected by train and bus network

There are ample hotels in Kolhapur city. Sayaji is the only luxury hotel I know of. We stayed at Maratha Residency and it was a decent place to stay within a reasonable budget.

Mahalakshmi Temple opens for visitors at 4:30 AM and remains open till 9:30 PM or so.

No photography is allowed inside the premises. You can take the structure from a distance.

There are shops inside as well as outside the Mandir where you can buy Puja items. It gets very crowded, especially on Fridays and festival days.

Other temples are open from morning to evening. They were practically empty with the countable number of people when I visited.

The post Mahalakshmi Temple – Jewel Among Kolhapur Temples appeared first on Inditales.

0 notes

altughuner-blog · 6 years ago

Photo

Govardhan Parvat, Yamuna and Braj Bhumi – these are the only three things that have existed since the time of Sri Krishna. So, tells me the boatman who took me on a boat ride on the Yamuna in Mathura. It was repeated by every priest I spoke to, every learned man I interacted with in Braj Bhumi. Everything else you see belongs to the Bhaktas – the devotees of Radha Krishna. Not that bhaktas are treated any less in Braj.

Govardhan Puja at Braj Bhumi

At Govardhan, the hill and every stone of this hill are sacred. You see the stones being worshipped everywhere. Somewhere they are decorated and given a human feel with eyes and makeup, at another place they are worshipped just like that. Priests will show you the signs of feet or cows or Radha Krishna on these stones. They believe these stones have seen Radha Krishna do their Leela and they carry their imprints. Each stone is treated like Krishna and Radha.

They say the stones should not be taken out of Braj Bhumi. You will hear stories of people who tried to smuggle the stones out of Braj Bhumi and met with disaster. Ecology is best preserved with rituals I guess.

A Parikrama or circumambulation of the Govardhan Parvat is very popular among the devotees. Around the year you can see people doing the Parikrama. This time in Braj Bhumi, I decided to do the Parikrama of Govardhan Parvat. I did it on an e-rickshaw. First things I discovered was the different types of Parikrama that you can do.

Different Types of Govardhan Parikrama

108 Dandvat Parikrama of Govardhan Parvat

Walking Parikrama – This is the most common and probably the easiest way to do Parikrama. You start at a point and walk in the clockwise direction with the Govardhan Hill always on your right and finish at the same point. Depending on how fast you walk, walking Parikrama can be done in 6-8 hours not counting any rest stops you take.

Doodh Parikrama – In this Parikrama you hold a pot of milk in your hand as you walk or drive around Govardhan Parvat. You keep offering the milk continuously. Most of the times, people make a small hole in the pot and just hold it as they move. As you walk, you can see the lines of milk on the path.

Sohni Seva Parikrama – This is a parikrama done with a broom, where you clean as you do the Parikrama. The name of this parikrama itself says – the one that makes the place beautiful. How incredible! Imagine a built-in system to make sure that a place that is visited and worshipped by so many cleans itself.

Dandvat Parikrama – Dandvat means doing the Parikrama with your whole body. You lie on the floor with your both hands, both feet, both knees, chest, and forehead touching the ground. You mark where your hands reach with a stone and then stand at the same place to again touch your whole body to the ground. It is very difficult. After each Dandvat you do a Pranam. People who do this regularly take about 8-10 days to finish it. They do a part of it every day.

Couple Dandvat Parikrama – In a great example of Ardhnarishwara, many couples do the Dandvat Parikrama together. Alternate Dandvats is done by the husband and the wife. This reduces the effort spent by half. I saw many couples doing a Dandvat, where the wife starts from where the husband’s hands reach and then, husband stands where the wife’s hand touch the ground.

108 Dandvat Parikrama – This will amaze you. In this, the devotee carries 108 stones with him. He does 108 Dandvats at the same place before moving on. I saw many Sadhus doing this Dandvat on the Govardhan Parikrama. You have to see them to believe, how hard it is. It takes years for one Parikrama to be done. You cannot move more than 5-10 meters in a day. You will see many of these piles of stones throughout the Parikrama path. It tells you the number of people undertaking this. It seems they would be doing this for most of their lives. Where else have you seen such dedication?

How long is Govardhan Parikrama?

The whole Govardhan Parikrama route passing by the various temple, ponds, and groves is about 21 km.

Every Shila or Rock is Worshiped

Soft Earth walking path on most of the route allows you to walk easily, even barefoot, like the most walk. This path was pretty clean and broad in most places. Only when the villages pop up, you need to walk on the tar road.

Govardhan Parikrama route is pretty easy to do, with literally no ups and downs. At many places, you have the option to walk along the road or walk through the trees close to the hill.

Govardhan Parikrama Route

It is a circular route that goes around the Govardhan Parvat. You can start and end the Parikrama from anywhere on the route, with your Sankalp. I will narrate as I did it.

Daanghati Mandir

Most people coming from Mathura start the Parikrama from Daanghati Mandir. The temple façade showcases the Krishna carrying Govardhan Parvat on his little finger is relatively news.

Daanghati Mandir at Govardhan

Daanghati temple gets its name from the Daan or tax that little Krishna used to collect from Gopikas who wanted to do Govardhan Puja. Once they gave Radha to him as Daan, which is precisely what he wanted.

It is actually a temple complex with many small temples. A Govardhan rock is decorated in a way that it looks alive and human. This is what is worshipped everywhere in Govardhan.

Laxmi Narayan Temple

Laxmi Narayan Mandir

Opposite the Daanghati temple is lovely Laxminarayan temple in stone, built in 1903 by a wealthy family of Hathras. Next to the police station, there is a small area marked for Govardhan Puja that is done every morning and evening. This is a rather modern structure.

Mansi Ganga

Mansi Ganga is a sacred lake in the middle of Govardhan village. It is said that once Nand and Yashoda, the foster parents of Sri Krishna wanted to visit Ganga. On their way, they halted here for the night. By morning, Krishna brought the Ganga here from his mind, and it got the name Mansi Ganga.

Mansi Ganga at Braj Bhumi

This lake is surrounded by many temples. As I took a walk around the lake, I could see the Govardhan rocks being worshipped outside every home, in every temple, and under every tree. The lanes around Mansi Ganga have lovely little houses that take you back in time. I saw intricate paintings under the arches of some of the temples. The lake is surrounded by many big and small temples. Let me mention some of them for you:

Ancient Thakur Haridev Ji ka Mandir

Thakur Hari Dev Ji Mandir – A narrow lane led me to Thakur Hari Dev Ji temple in red sandstone. It is believed that it is at this spot that Sri Krishna stood when he held the Govardhan Parvat on his finger.

Painted ceilings of homes and temples around Mansi Ganga

Brahma Kund – This is a small Kund on the periphery of Mansi Ganga which seems to be a recently renovated and then immediately neglected.

Chakreshwar Mahadev Temple – This is the most incredible temple I saw on the whole Govardhan trail. It is a Shiva temple with 5 Shivalings in the shape of a Chakra. A carved stone behind retells the story of Krishna carrying the Govardhan Parvat on his finger. The story goes that when Govardhan Parvat was lifted, the water started gathering in the pit. Shiva appeared in the form of a Chakra or a wheel to flush it out. This temple commemorates that.

Shivalingas at Chakreshwar Mahadev Mandir near Mansi Ganga

I found the formation of the Chakra with five ancient Shivalingas very unique as if the stone sculpture behind it. I could not gather all that is on the sculpture but there is yantra with 9 boxes, there is Brahma on it and the top panel depicts the Govardhan lifting scene. There is conch carved and a figure that looks like Hanuman.

Chakreshwar Mahadev Mandir Shila

A Nandi in black stone tells its age with its eroding stone. Devi images in brass surround the Chakreshwar Mahadev.

Kunds Around Govardhan Hill

Govardhan like the rest of Braj Bhumi is full of Kunds or small man-made ponds. They say there are more than 250 Kunds in Braj Bhumi. You get to see a lot of them on this Govardhan Parikrama. Each Kund has a story associated with Krishna. Let me tell you about some of them.

The entrance of Sankarshan Kund on Govardhan Parikrama Route

Sankarshan Kund – Sankarshan is another name of Dau Balram, the elder brother of Sri Krishna. This Kund has a lovely image of Balram at one end and two Dwarpalas in stone stand on either side of a gate. Boards in sandstone tell you the story of this Kund, that connects it to Patal Lok and Sesh Naag. A small temple of Balram stands next to the Kund.

Gauri Kund – where Gopika Chandravali used to come and worship Gauri with an intent to meet Krishna.

Neep Kund – where Sri Krishna and his friends made Dona or bowls from the leaves of Palash tree for eating curd.

Govind Kund – Where Indra did the Abhishek of Sri Krishna after surrendering to him.

Gandharv Kund – Where the celestial Gandharvas sang when Krishna’s Abhishek was being done.

Airawat Kund

Apsara Kund – Where Apsaras or celestial maidens used to take a bath

Naval Kund – it was originally called Poonchhkund after the Poonchhari village but was renamed Naval after the queen of Bharatpur who renovated it.

Surbhi Kund – Where the celestial Surbhi cow came to give milk to Indra for the Abhishek of Krishna.

Indra Kund – where Indra prayed to Sri Krishna.

Airavat Kund – where the celestial elephant of Indra brought waters from Akash Ganga or the Milky Way.

Rudra Kund

Rudra Kund – Where Shiva as Rudra prayed to have darshan of Krishna

Maad Kund aka Udar Kund – Kund belonging to Maad community

Suraj or Sukhta Kund

Bicchalukund – where Radha Krishna used to play hide and seek.

Uddhav Kund – assume it belonged to Krishna’s cousin and friend Uddhav

Lalita Kund – Located close to Radha Kund, it is named after one of the Sakhis or friends of Radha. In Shakta tradition, Lalita is the supreme goddess and you do see a temple dedicated to her next to the Kund.

Radha Kund & Shyam Kund

Radha Kund is the most important Kund, for Radha is the ruling deity of Braj. Twin Kunds Radha-Shyam Kund are separated by a narrow strip and beneath the strip the later feeds the former.

Radha Kund & Shyam Kund

Radha Kund, they say was dug by Radha herself with her bangle, but it had no water. While Shyam Kund has the water from all holy rivers and oceans, and the same water filled Radha Kund as well. This comes wrapped in a love story that is best listened standing on the narrow strip between Radha Kund and Shyam Kund.

18. Kusum Sarovar

Kusum Sarovar

The Kusum Sarovar is the most beautiful and the best-maintained pond of Govardhan. The canopies at the other end reflecting in its quiet waters create a lovely and soothing image. There is something royal and humble about this Kund. I was there during the day, with the sun shining on my head and its waters, it still looked stunning.

A Shivalinga looks at the Sarovar, built by the royal family of Rajasthan.

However, the flowers that the name ‘Kusum’ promises are not to be seen anywhere.

19. Chandra Sarovar – This is a little off the main Parikrama Marg. It is believed that at this spot, the moon stopped to enjoy the Ras Lila of Sri Krishna. What makes it an important place to visit is that it is the place of Surdas – the famous 16th CE Bhakti poet.

Surdas Samadhi near Chandra Sarovar

His samadhi exists in the form of a small temple and you can still hear the students here singing his poetry. Visiting Surdas brought back his poetry I had read in school- Maiyya Mori Mein Nahi Maakhan Khayo!

Villages on Govardhan Parikrama Marg

You pass through many small villages on Govardhan Parikrama Path, each with its own story of Sri Krishna. Some key ones are:

Aanyaur – This is the original village of Srinathji of Nathdwara used to live. His original temple and the Murti was here in a temple on Govardhan Parvat. During the Mughal invasion, this Murti was taken from here to Agra and from there to Nathdwara near Udaipur. A small Braj like environment exists in Nathdwara where Srinathji continues to live.

Aanyaur gets its name from Aan + Aur.

Sri Krishna lifted the Govardhan Parvat for 7 days. After that, he was very hungry. In fact, 56 Bhog comes from the calculation of these 7 days. A day in India is divided into 8 Prahars, so 8X7 = 56. So, the people of Braj prepared 56 meals for him, one for each Prahar. However, he was so hungry that he kept asking for more – Aan Aur in Braj Bhasha. This is how the village gets its name.

Poonchhari – 3 Km south of Aanyaur village is Poonchhari village. It is famous for the Poonchhari ke Lautha Ji ka Mandir. Now, who is this Lautha Ji?

He was a friend of Sri Krishna. They used to practice wrestling together as kids.

Poonchhari ka Lautha Temple

When Krishna had to leave Braj Bhumi for Dwarka, he asked Lautha to come along. Lautha however, did not want to leave Braj Bhumi. He said, he would live without eating or drinking anything till Krishna returns. Krishna blessed him that he would live a healthy life even without eating.

We know that Krishna never came back to Mathura, once he left it. People believe that Krishna will come back one day for Lautha, and he is worshipped at his temple in Poochhari village.

It is a small but very lively temple, where lots of people come to ask for their wishes. Murti here does look like it is a Pahalwan or a wrestler with a big mustache.

Jatipura – Mukharvind – It is a small village that is best known for Mukharvind temple. At the open temple, a huge rock is worshipped by the devotees by offering it milk. Rock is decorated or Shringar is done differently at different times of the day. The narrow lane leading to the temple is full of vendors selling milk. A scene of Krishna lifting the mountain is depicted on top of the hill.

Jatipura Mukharvind Temple

Jatipura gets its name from the Jyoti or illumination of the Srinathji when he was eating.

Next to Mukharvind temple, on top of the hill is Gopalji temple where the Srinathji Murti originally was. People of Govardhan still believe that Srinathji still comes back here to sleep after Sandhya Arti in Nathdwara. This means Jatipura is on the other side of Aanyaur village, across the hill.

A little ahead Sri Giriraj Dandwati Shila which is again a part of Giriraj Parvat is special. 7 rounds around it are equivalent to Govardhan Hill. So, if you cannot walk the whole 21 km, this is your shortcut.

Sakhitada – This is the village of Chandravali – a Sakhi of Sri Krishna.

The shape of Govardhan Parvat

People in Govardhan, connect the shape of the Govardhan Parvat with that of a cow. Different points of the parikrama are connected with different parts of the cow like Poonchhari village with its tail. However, some think it is a standing cow, and others think it is a sitting cow and the locations change accordingly.

Govardhan Parvat or Hill

No matter what you choose to believe in, what you know is that at Govardhan Puja is nothing but Gau Puja. Krishna and Cow cannot be separated.

A book I read also suggests that its in the shape of a dancing peacock. Well, this bird is also associated with Krishna.

In between temples and Kunds, the path passes through small forests with trees that were mostly dried in March. The hill itself looks like a pile of big stones. Here and there you will see smaller stones balanced on top of each other. This is something you see across cultures near the hills and mountains.

Story of Giriraj Parvat

The story of Krishna lifting the mountain is well known. Krishna wanted the Brajwasis or the people of Braj not to worship Indra. Indra replied by making it rain heavily. Krishna then lifted the Govardhan Parvat on his little finger for 7 days to give shelter to people. After 7 days, Indra’s pride was broken and Krishna’s supremacy established. The whole of Braj celebrates this event as if it happened yesterday.

Hanuman & Braj

Yet another story that links it to Treta Yug or the time of Sri Ram. When the Ram Setu was being built at Rameshwaram for the army of Sri Ram to cross the sea, monkeys were picking up mountains to make the bridge. Hanuman was carrying a mountain from the Himalayas.

In the meantime, the Ram Setu was built and Nal & Neel, the architects of the bridge announced that no more stone was needed. They instructed everyone to keep the hills in their hands wherever they are. You guessed it, Hanuman was at Braj Bhumi and this is where he kept the hill, before moving on to Sri Lanka.

This story links the stories of 7th and 8th Avatar of Vishnu – Ram & Krishna. It makes the Govardhan hill even more reverential for it has is associated not just with one, but two avatars of Vishnu.

Rules for Govardhan Parikrama

Do not climb on Govardhan Hill.

Keep the hill on your right as you walk. Do not show your back or your feet to the sacred hill.

Do not wash your feet in any of the ponds, taking a bath is permitted.

Keep quiet & do not engage in worldly conversations. Basically, focus inside rather than outside.

Start the Parikrama by worshipping at a temple and repeat it after you finish.

Travel Tips for Govardhan Paravat Parikrama

Soft shoes available for doing Govardhan Parikrama

It is advised that you do the parikrama in a day if you are doing the normal Parikrama by walking.

People do split it up in 2-3 days if they can not walk 21 km in one day. If you do not have time and energy, take an e-rickshaw and they will take you around in an hour with all stops at the temples.

Ideally, you should walk barefoot. If you can’t, there are soft sleepers available at shops here for as low as Rs 50/- that you can wear and walk.

Water, Juice, and food are easily available on the parikrama route. You can walk as light as you want. Do cover your head, for the sun can get really strong during the day.

Start as early as possible, it would help you avoid the sun.

Govardhan Hill is considered sacred, do not climb on it.

Govardhan does have new age resorts coming up. So, if you plan this trip for this parikrama, it may be easier to stay in Govardhan. Mathura is about 25 km from here and so is Vrindavan.

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