Konar - The Sun temple

Konark - world famous SUN temple

About The City
Experience the age old legacy of Konark and take a fulfilling journey to self-discovery. In this contemporary world, ruled by techno-gizmos, it is hard to encompass the work that has gone into the architectural prodigy of the enchanting Sun Temple of Konark by the sweat of the brow and the skill of the hand.. Black stone was used in the construction of Konark temple in the beginning of the 13th century and is an astounding architectural masterpiece by itself. Konark has something for the gorgeous inclined tourist too…interesting museums, tranquil beach, cultural events and a fulfilling shopping experience. Konark is situated on the seashore, about 33 km north of Puri and 64 km from Bhubaneshwar.
Location of Konark
The legendary city of Konark is located 30 km north of Puri and 64 km from Bhubaneshwar and is very near to the coastline. The Sun temple, which is the main attraction here, was constructed in the 13th century. It was in ruins till the early 1900. In 1904, sand and debris around the temple was cleared and the sheer magnitude of its architect's imagination revealed itself.



Excursions from Konark

Chaurasi
Chaurasi is a famous site of the shrines devoted to Laxminarayanan, Amareshras and Barahi. Dating back to the 9th century AD, Barahi is the diety and worshipped according to tantrik practices. She is a mother goddess with the face of a boar and is depicted holding a fish in one hand and a cup in another.
Kurum
The village Kurum is located at a distance of 8 km from Konark. Specimens and exhibits of 7th & 8th century have been found in this unknown village. In this century Hinduism & Buddhism were merged with each other. However, in Hieun Tsang's writings (634 AD) Kurum has been referred to as a wealthy, prosperous and well-populated village. Among the numerous specimens there are a sort of script on stone, ancient coins, Buddhist caves etc which were recovered from the underground of UGME School. Enthusiasts can take an auto or a car from Konark and may visit the thatched room of the teacher Sri Braja Das adjoining the school, where these specimens are kept under his supervision.

Pipli
On the way to Konark is Pipli, famous for its exquisite applique work, which depict the essence of Oriya culture. It is also the home of the most colourful and original awnings, canopies, garden and beach umbrellas, shoulder and hand bags etc. The cocktail effect of the colours is certainly a feast for the eyes.

Ramachandi
Ramachandi, a enchanting tourist spot, 7 kms from Konark, is situated at the confluence of the river Kusabhadra and the Bay of Bengal. The deity of Konark, Goddess Ramachandi, is worshipped here.

Kakatapur
45 kms from Konark, Kakatapur is situated in the Prachi valley and is popular for its shrines of Goddess Mangala and Banadurga. legend has it that the directions for reaching the holy log from which is created Lord Jagannath's icon comes from her. The famous 'Jhamu Yatra' is held in April-May when devotees walk over a narrow trench strewn with embers.

Konark Beaches
Konark also has enticing beaches within the circumference of 3 km from the temple. You can see here local fishermen at work. Closer to the beach lies the sacred pond, Chandrabhaga, place where Samba, son of lord Krishna, was cured of leprosy. In the month of Jan/ Feb for a couple of days (full moon phase of Magha) it also is the site of a big religious festival called the Magha Saptmai Mela. Thousands of pilgrims converge on the pool to take a holy dip in its curative waters and then shuffle off to the beach to watch the Sun rise over the sea. This is followed by a worship of the Nabagrahas (nine planets).

Astranga
A famous fishing harbour, Astranga lies 55 kms from Konark. Washed by the waters of the Bay of Bengal, with its magnificent sunsets, the place really lives upto its name.

Halebidu - Preserved Oldest Heritage and culture

Halebidu -
A place where culture and heritage is preserved in the form of great shiva temple..

Facts And Figures

* Total Population: 3000
* Best time to visit: October - February
* Area: 2.248 sq km
* Languages: Kannada and English
* STD Code: 08177


Formerly known as Dwarasamudra, Halebid is also referred as the Gem of Indian Architecture. Once the capital of the Hoysala Empire after Belur, Halebid is famous for the remnants of the glorious Hoyasala period and has one of the finest Hoysala temples. Location

Halebid is in Hassan district in Belur taluk, 16 km east of Belur and 34 km from Hassan.

Best Time To Visit

The best time to visit Halebid is between the months of October and February.

History

Halebid flourished as the capital of the Hoysala Empire during the 12th & 13th centuries. During the reign of Veeraballala II, the grandson of Vishnuvardhana, it reached the pinnacle of its greatness and saw its fall in 1327 AD when it was conquered by Muhammad Bin Tughlaq.

Tourist Attractions

• Shiva Temples:

The twin Shiva Temple with a common platform have two garbhagrihas - one housing the Vishnuvardhana Hoysaleshwara Linga and the other Shanthaleshwara Linga.

• Hoysaleshwar Temple:

The construction of this temple started in 1121 AD, but never completed. This is a scriptural extravaganza, richly endowed with most finely detailed scrollwork in stone.

• Nandimantapa:

In front of the Hoysaleshwara is the Nandimantapa and behind that is a shrine of Surya with a 2-m-tall image. The place has a Parshwanatha basadi with highly polished pillars in which strange images of on-lookers are reflected.

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Museum of Archaeological Survey of India:

This museum is located in the temple premises displaying sculptures, woodcarvings idols, coins and inscriptions of 12th and 13th centuries.

• Kedareshwara Temple:

This is another monument built by Ketaladevi, Ballala II's Queen.

Places around Halebid

• Belur:

A famous temple town in Karnataka, Belur is especially renowned for the grand Hoysala Temple Complex. Also known as Dakshina Varanasi, Belur is located in Hassan district.

• Somnathpur:

Located 38 km from Mysore, the 13th century Keshava Temple in Somnathpur is the best-preserved most complete monument of Hoysala architecture.

Fairs And Festivals

Though there are no major fairs and festivals in Halebid, the Mahamastakabhisheka of the 17-m-high statue of Lord Bahubali (Gomateshwar) in Shravanbelgola after every 12 years is celebrated grandly. On this occasion, the statue is smeared with thousands of pots of coconut oil, yoghurt, ghee, bananas, jaggery, dates, almonds, poppy seeds, milk, saffron and sandalwood. This statue is said to be the tallest monolithic structure in the world.

Where to stay

Some of the major hotels in Halebid, offering a remarkable blend of tradition and modernity as well as a comfortable stay, are Hotel Hassan Ashok, Hotel Southern Star, Hotel Suvarna Regency, Hoysala Village Resort, etc.

How To Reach

• By Air

The nearest airport is at Bangalore about 226 km away.

• By Rail

The nearest railhead is in Hassan.

• By Road

Halebid is well-connected by a network of roads to Bangalore, Mysore and Mangalore. Regular buses ply from Hassan.

Places to See in Kathmandu

Narayanhity Durbar - Royal Palace in Kathmandu

Shiv Parvati TempleThe temple of lord Shiva - Pashupatinath is a richly ornamented pagoda with two tiered golden roof and silver doors.

Guheswari Temple: Its another historic and holy shrine dedicated to the goddess Guheswari, near Pashupatinath.

Akash Bhairav Temple: Situated in the main market avenue, called Indra Chowk, it is a three storey temple. The image of lord Akash Bhairav is displayed on the occasion of Indra Jatra, the festival of Indra, The rain God.

Hanuman Dhoka (Durbar Square):

Built between the 12th and the 18th centuries, this complex of palaces, courtyards and temples is the historic seat of royalty. It used to be the seat of ancient Malla kings of Kathmandu. The durbar Square, protected as a UNESCO World heritage site, epitomizes the religious and cultural life of the people. Other than a 17th - century stone inscription set into the wall of the palace with writings in 15 languages, interesting things to see here are: Taleju Temple (Built by King Mahendra Malla in 1549 A.D., Kal Bhairav, the god of Destruction Nautalle Darbar, Coronation Nasal Chowk, the Gaddi Baithak, the statue of king Pratap Malla, the big bell, big drum, the Jagannath Temple and three museums including the numismatic museum and the Tribhuvan Museum. Photography is prohibited inside the museums.

Kumari Ghar: Situated in the vicinity of Hanuman Dhoka Palace is the temple of Kumari - the living Goddess, the goddess acknowledges the greetings from her balcony. With profusely carved wooden balconies and window screens, the building is simply majestic.

Kashthamandap: A temple located near the temple of kumari, from which the city of Kathmandu derives its name. Tradition as identify King Laxmi Narasingha Malla as the builder of the sixteenth century temple. As per the legends, it was constructed from the wood of a single tree.

Ashoka Vinayak: Also Known as Kathmandu Ganesh or Maru Ganesh, this small but very important temple is situated just behind the Kasthamandap.

Jaishi Dewal: Positioned on one of the main routes of the chariot festivals of Indra Jatra, Gai Jatra and other festivals, the Shiva Temple of Jaishi Dewal is famous for its erotic carvings.

Balaju (Lhuti): Situated below the Nagarjuna hills, about 4-5 kms northwest of the city center, Balaju (Water) Garden features 22 stone water sprouts (hiti) carved in the shape of sea dragons and dating from the mid eighteenth century. Besides a Sprawling garden of stone water spouts, balaju offers religious shrines, fish ponds, and a replica of the statue of Budhanikantha.

Budhanikantha (Bhuijasi) Situated below the shivapuri hills, Buddhanikantha is about eight km north of Kathmandu. The hub of the temple complex is remarkable coSwayambhunath Stupalossal statue of the hindu god Vishnu reclining on the coils of a cosmic serpent. This great stone figure is one of the masterpiece of stone sculptures of Lichchavi period, and is supposed to have been built in the fifth century.

Swayambhunath (Samhengu): Listed as a world heritage site, this is one of the world's most glorious Buddhist sites in Nepal. Its established is linked to the creation of the Kathmandu Valley out of a primordial lake. Three km west of Kathmandu this site is situated on a hillock about 77 m. above the valley. Painted on the four-sides of the spire bases are the all seeing eyes of Lord Gautam Buddha, the founder of Buddhism.

Bouddhnath:(Khasti or Dew Drops) Lying some 6 km to the east of Kathmandu, this colossal and ancient stupa is one of the biggest in the world, and the largest in the valley. A world heritage site, Bouddhnath is supposed to have been built by using dew to mix the mortar as Kathmandu was reeling under a severe drought during its construction. The stupa looms 36 meters high and presents one of the most Swayambhunathfascinating specimens of stupa design.

Changu Narayan Temple: A world heritage Site, this temple dedicated to the Hindu god vishnu, is situated on a ridge overlooking the valley, some 12 km to the east of Kathmandu city. The temple is one of the finest specimens of pagoda architecture. Exquisite wood and stone carvings are its remarkable features.

Kirtipur: Situated on a ridge 8-10 km south-west of Kathmandu, this ancient newar township has many things to offer, from old shrines, temples, artistic old houses to people dressed in old traditional costumes. Chilamchu stupa and the temple of Bagh Bhairav are major attractions here. And so is the natural fortress, this town is, with a proud and courageous history.

Dakshinkali: Dedicated to the hindugoddess kali, this temple, some 22 kms away from the city center on the southern rim of the valley, is one of the most popular places for worshippers. Tuesday Saturdays are most auspicious ones when the ritual of animal sacrifice is performed before the deity. Moreover, this place has now been developed and has become a popular picnic spot.


Swayambhunath Kathmandu

Chobhar: Enroute to Dakshinkali, about 9 km southwest of Kathmandu is the Chobbar Gorge. Lord Manjushree was the one who made the narrow gash in the hills, all the water of valley drain through which. Visiting the temple of Adinath on the top of a hill here. Offers an added advantage of having a panoramic view of snowcapped mountain peaks.

Shekha Narayan: In between Dikshinkali and chobhar, is situated the temple of Shekha Narayan, representing one of the four Narayans of the valley. Others are: I changu Narayan(Kathmandu Changu Narayan Bhaktapur and Visankhu Narayan (Patan).

Singh Durbar: Earlier the residence of Rana Prime Minister this grand imposing palace is now the secretariat of the Government of Nepal.

Narayanhity Durbar: It is Nepal's present Royal Palace. A famous historic spout - Narayanhity - is one of the major attractions in the palace complex.

Sundarijal: Nature has chosen Sundarijal to unveil some of its exotic scenic beauty. Wondersome waterfalls, cataracts and some some superb rock formations some of the constituents of this magnificent picnic spot.

Tundikhel: The old city of Tundikhel have some of the precious landmarks of the valley. A 59.29 m tower, built by Bhimsen Thapa in 1832, stands at the south-western end of Tundikhel. The tower is known as Dharahara or Bhimsen stambha. Also belong to the same period is Sundhara fountains with golden water spouts, located at the foot of the Dharahara.

Martyr's Memorial Gate: This memorial arch is situated between bhimsen stambha and Bhadrakali temple. It contains the statue of late king Tribhuvan Bir Bikram Shah as well as the busts of four other martyrs.

Bhadrakali Temple: Near the Sahid gate is the temple of goddess Bhadrakali. This is one of the main "Shakta" temples of Kathmandu and is also known as "Lumarshi Temple".

A marvellous village shilparamam - Hyderabad

Culture and heritage should be preserved for the future generations. In this scenario, Andhra pradesh government has taken a wonderful step to preserve the olden days life style and cultures in the Art.

If its neighbour is distinguished as a centre of excellence in IT education, Shilparamam, a contrast in time and substance to the Cyber Towers, is memorable as a unique achievement in reviving and preserving centuries-old handicrafts and folk forms of theatre and dance. On display at the crafts village is the colourful and magnificent artistry of the countryside in all its splendour. The setting is exquisitely scenic and serene, encompassing 50 acres of greenery, millenia-old rock formations and undulating landscape. The vast expanse of land of this beautiful village is a gift of the Andhra Pradesh government to the South Zone Cultural Centre.



The annual All-India Festival of Arts and Crafts held here in February brings to the limelight the cultural and artistic traditions from every nook and corner of the country and is a unique opportunity to take home a piece of India.

Potential buyers can come and pick up objects of art directly from the artisans without having to deal with middlemen.

At Shilparamam, every season brings with it the mood of festivity and an occasion to celebrate. Here Indian festivals are celebrated in the most traditional way and unique festivals bring together talents from the world over.

At the heart of this picturesque crafts village, designed along the natural slopes, is the amphitheatre where performances ranging from classical music concerts and dances to contemporary English plays are staged.

Further inside is the boating facility with both peddling and rowing boats. Shiparamam is a perfect place to take a day off from the busy city life.

How to reach: Shilparamam is about 25 km from Hyderabad railway station and 31 km from Hyderabad bus station. Located at Madhapur, it is easily accessible by road and well connected by public transport.

How to Reach This Place

Road : Hyderbad, being Capital city is well conected by Road from all major cities in Andhra Pradesh and Karnataka, Tamilnadu, Maharastra and Orissa.

Rail : Being headquarter of South Central Railway , Well connected from all major cities of India. Hyderabad & Secunderabad Rly Stations.

Air : Has international airport.

Taj Mahal - A sign of Love

For centuries, the Taj Mahal has inspired poets, painters and musicians to try and capture its elusive magic in word, colour and song. It is one of the most flawless architectural creations of the world. Since the 17th century, travellers have crossed continents to come and see this ultimate memorial to love, and few have been unmoved by its incomparable beauty.

Taj Mahal stands in the city of Agra, in the northern Indian state of Uttar Pradesh, on the banks of the Yamuna River. It was built in the memory of the beautiful Arjumand Bano Begum, who won the heart of a Mughal prince. She was married at 21 to Emperor Jahangir’s third son Prince Khurram and stayed loyally by his side through good times and bad: in the luxurious royal palaces of Agra as well as the transient tents of war camps.

In AD 1628, Khurram became king after a bloody battle of succession: he took the name Shahjahan or “King of the World” and showered his beloved begum with the highest titles. She became Mumtaz Mahal, the exalted of the palace and Mumtaz-ul-Zamani, the exalted of the Age. But Mumtaz Mahal was not destined to be queen for long.

In 1631, Shahjahan went on an expedition to the south and, as always, Mumtaz Mahal accompanied him. But she died in childbirth at Burhanpur. She had borne Shahjahan fourteen children, of whom four sons and three daughters survived. When Mumtaz Mahal died, she was just 39 years old. Shahjahan was inconsolable and contemporary chronicles tell of the royal court mourning for two years. there was no music, no feasting, and no celebration of any kind.
Construction Of The Mausoleum - Taj Mahal
Work on the mausoleum began in 1633 and 20,000 workers laboured for 17 years to build it. The most skilled architects, inlay craftsmen, calligraphers, stone-carvers and masons came from all across Indian and lands as distant as Persia and Turkey. The master mason was from Baghdab, an expert in building the double dome from Persia, and an inlay specialist from Delhi.

Yemen sent agates, the corals came from Arabia, the garnets from Bundelkhand, onyx and amethyst from Persia. Mumtaz Mahal’s final resting-place was ornamented like a queen’s jewel-box.
Reaching Taj Mahal By Air
Domestic aircarrier, Indian Airlines runs daily flights connecting Agra to Delhi, Khajuraho and the holy city of Varanasi. Kheria Airport is about 6 km from the Agra city centre and can be reached by taxis and auto-rickshaws at fixed rates, Rs 75 for the former and Rs 50 for the latter.


Indian Airlines has two offices :
-- Hotel Clarks Shiraz, Taj Road, Agra.
-- Kheria Airport.

Reaching Taj Mahal By Rail
Agra is well connected by excellent train services to Delhi such as the Shatabdi Express (2 hrs), Taj Express (2.5 hrs), Intercity Express (3 hrs).

Railway Stations :
-- Agra Cantt Rly Stn, Enquiry: 131, 133. Reservation: 364611
-- Raja-ki-Mundi Rly Stn, Contact: 354477
-- Agra Fort Rly Stn, enbquiry: 132, 135 Reservation: 364131
-- Tundla Rly Stn on Ferozabad Rd (for changing trains) 05611-22631

Reaching Taj Mahal By Road
Express bus services (a/c and non-a/c) are available from Delhi, Jaipur, Lucknow, Gwalior, and Jhansi. For those driving to Agra, the distances are :
-- Mathura - 58 kms.
-- Bharatpur - 60 kms.
-- Gwalior - 118 kms.
-- Delhi - 203 kms.
-- Jaipur - 236 kms.
-- Khajuraho - 393 kms.


Taj Mahal Tours
Conducted sightseeing tours to all these places leave daily at 10.00 am from the Agra Cantt. Railway Station. Tickets are available at the station or can be booked in advance at the Northern Railway Reservation Office. The Taj Mahal is closed to visitors on Mondays.

Local Transport around Taj Mahal
Most hotels conduct sightseeing tours. Auto-rickshaws, tongas, cycle-rickshaws, and taxis are available, rates negotiable, depending on distance as they have no meter. Inter-city buses also operate on a point-to-point basis at fixed rates. Both A/C and non A/C Coaches and Tourist taxis can be hired at Agra for local sightseeing.

Akshardham- New Delhi

Akshardham History--
A mega temple complex, Akshardham, in New Delhi, one of the biggest and most intricate places of worship ever constructed, is drawing hordes of visitors and seems set to become a major tourist attraction. Constructed by the BAPS (Bochasanvasi Aksharpurushottam Swaminarayan Sanstha) foundation, builders of more than 600 temples worldwide, on the banks of the Yamuna river, near Noida Mor in East Delhi, it is widely being heralded as one of the greatest monuments India has ever produced.

Highlights
The complex is huge … spread over 100 acres of land

• It is made entirely of white marble (symbolizing purity and peace) and the red sand stone so characteristic of Delhi monuments
• No steel has been used in its construction
• It is a fusion of several styles of North Indian temple architecture - Rajasthani, Orrisan, Gujarati, Mughal and Jain
• It is estimated to have cost Rs 200 crore
• It has been funded from donations
• It was completed in only 5 years, probably a world record of sorts
• Over 300 million man hours of service were rendered in its completion by 11,000 volunteers

Downloads..
Akshardham- Screensaver | Akshardham- 1 min video| Akshardham - 3 min video | Akshardham 17 min video|
map..








click the map to enlarge..
Contact details..

Major contact addresses where information regarding BAPS is available:

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New Delhi:
Shri Swaminarayan Mandir (B.A.P.S.),
'Swaminarayan Akshardham', N. H. 24,
Near Noida Mor, New Delhi,
INDIA - 110092
Tel: (011) 2201 6688, 2202 6688
Fax: (011) 2201 5757

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USA National Headquarters
BAPS Swaminarayan Sanstha
81 Suttons Lane
Piscataway, NJ 08854-5723, U.S.A.
Tel: (1-732) 777-1414
Fax: (1-732) 777-1616

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For more contact details please refer ....Global network

Travel Lovers - Must Visit sites...

Travel lovers

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