Importance of SRI KALAHASTEESWARA- SIVA Devotee

Srikalahasti is one of the ancient holy places of our country. It is believed that many saints attained 'mukthi' (Salvation) at this unique and important Sivakshetra. The presiding deity of this punyakshetra is Srikalahastheeswara.

The Sivalinga of Srikalahasthi is one of the five supreme lingas representing the five great fundamental elements namely Fire, Water, Air, Sky and Earth. The lord appears here in his self-manifested form. Among the Panchabhuta lingas, Srikalahastheeswara is worshipped here as Vayulingeeswara. When all the lamps in the sanctum glow steadily, one can notice two lamps flickering now and then, proving the Lord's inhalation and exhalation

Srikalahastheeswara swamy temple is 40 kms away from Tirupati, situated on the Tirupati-Nellore Highway.

It is also known as 'Dakshina Kailasa' and 'Dakshina Kasi'. Amongst the most sacred Shivite temples, the temple of Srikalahastheeswara has a unique position. According to history, the temple was built during the Pallava and Chola period. The temple architecture is rich and splendid.

The name Srikalahasthi is a compound of three names.

 SRI KALA HASTI

Sri' meaning spider, 'Kala' meaning serpent and 'Hasti' means elephant.

They worshipped Lord Siva and attained salvation. It is stated that when the lord appeared before them and asked them to express their wish, they requested him that the place be named after them.

The most important Devote was

'Bhakta Kannappa'

The another Devote was 'Bhakta Kannappa' he give his Eye’s to Lord Siva and Changed his name as 'Bhakta Kannappa' before his name was “Tennan”

Lord is stated to have all the Navagrahas on it. Once upon a time a hunter worshipped the lord. It so happened that the Lord's eyes began to bleed profusely and the 'hunter-devotee' spontaneously plucked his own eyes with an arrow and placed them on the Linga. This act of absolute surrender and devotion, earned him the name - 'Bhakta Kannappa'.

The River we call as - Swarnamukhi

The river Swarnamukhi which flows on the northern side of the temple adds to its beauty and sanctity. The presiding Goddess here is 'Sri Gnana Prasoonambika' - the flower of divine knowledge. Besides being a 'vara prasadini' (wish fulfiller) she is also 'gnana prasadini' (knowledge provider). On Fridays, the resplendent sight of the Divine Mother, when she is clad in 'Bangaru Pavada' (Golden Robe) permeates the heart of an ardent devotee and fully satisfies ones tender longings to behold the 'Lokamatha' (Mother of the world) within these mortal eyes.

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My trip photos to HAMPI - part 1

Hampi is one of finest historical sites of ancient age in the world. It was the initial capital city of famous historical Vijayanagara Empire located on the bank of Tungabhadra River about 11 km away from Hospet City. Hampi is a small location covered an area of 25 sq. km. and it is totally bounded by mountains (Anjaneya, Malyavanta and Matanga Hills) by the three sites and rest one site is bordered by Tungabhadra River. It is believed by Hindus that Hampi was a kingdom of Monkeys (according to the Ramayana) before Vijayanagara Empire in pre-ancient age (around 1 CE) when the city was known as Kishkindha.

The traditional culture of Hampi will drag your mind to be a witness of this culture and architecture. Hampi was served as capital city of Vijayanagara Empire more over 200 years (around 1336 AD to 1565 AD). Vijayanagara Rulers decorated and designed this city with lots of lovely temples, palaces, market streets and monuments which made this location one of the famous ancient metropolises in India. This super ancient landscape is selected as a World Heritage site by UNESCO.

Hampi tourism, Karnataka(A image one top of Matanga Hills of the Hampi historical site)

Although Hampi was an ancient super metropolis but today it is in ruins and turned in to a rural location. Many villages are located around this historical site where agriculture is main source of income. If you planned to trip Hampi then the season during October to February would be the best season (winter) to you when lots of Hindu religious festivals are organized. Temperature levels (12°C to 20°C) also stay pleasant in this time. Usually, the climate of Hampi remains hot and humid in summer (March to June) when temperature can reach up to 41°C.

How to Reach to Hampi 

Hospet is a small city of Karnataka served as a gateway to Hampi. It is located just 11 km away from Hampi. You can use any medium of transportation (air, road or train) to reach here. But finally you have to go through Hospet Town. After reaching this town you will get a regular basis bus services from this Town to Hampi. It takes around 31 minutes to reach Hampi from Hospet.

Travel by Railways: Hospet Railway Station is the nearest from Hampi located about 12 km away. This station is directly connected to major cities of Karnataka include neighboring state Goa (Vasco Da Gama). Major cities which are directly connected to Hospet Station are Bangalore, Bijapur, Hubli, Guntakal, Kolkata, Goa, Hyderabad, etc. if you are a traveler from northern India then best option is to reach Bangalore first.

Travel by Roadways: There is a bus terminal at Hospet Town ant it directly connected to Bangalore, Hyderabad, Goa and Hubli by roadways. Bangalore is connected to Hospet by the NH-4 which extended up to Chitradurga, after that you have to drive through NH-169. Travelers who pass through the Hyderabad city have to follow this root- Hyderabad-Mahboobnagar-Raichu-Gangawat-Hampi. You will get local buses or private taxi/auto-rickshaw from Hospet to Hampi.

Travel by Airways: The airstrip of Tornagallu is the nearest to Hampi which is just 33 km away from Hospet. Bellary is the second nearest airport to Hampi located about 61 km away. Other closer airports of Hampi located little away from the city like, Belgaum 191 km and Bangalore International Airport 351 km. Bellary and Tornagallu are domestic airports provided limited services specially from the city Banglore and Goa . Bangalore International Airport would be suitable, if you are a traveler from far away to the city. 

Sri Sathya Sai - Prashanthi nilyam - A spiritual resort

Prasanthi Nilayam, ‘The Abode of Supreme Peace’, is the Ashram (spiritual resort) of Bhagawan Sri Sathya Sai Baba near the village of Puttaparthi in the Anantapur District of the South Indian state of Andhra Pradesh. Nestled amongst a chain of hills and with the river Chitravathi flowing towards its east, this valley houses the Mandir (shrine), residential complexes for devotees, the headquarters of the Sri Sathya Sai Seva Organization and the Sri Sathya Sai Central Trust.

Bhagawan Baba spends most of the year in Prasanthi Nilayam, and hence, this hallowed township is the destination for thousands of spiritual aspirants of varied cultures, faiths, races, languages and socio-economic strata from all over the world to behold His divine form and experience His pure love.

Location

Prasanthi Nilayam is located in the Anantapur District of the state of Andhra Pradesh in South India. Click on the square to zoom in beside the map.

The Sri Sathya Sai Institute of Higher Medical Sciences, Prasanthigram or the super-speciality hospital is a 230-bed hospital that provides quality medical care at the tertiary level completely free of charge to all, irrespective of caste, creed, economic status, race or religion. The hospital provides free medical services in the disciplines of Cardiology/Cardio-Thoracic Vascular Surgery, Urology, and Ophthalmology. It was inaugurated by the then Prime Minister of India on 22nd November 1991 in the divine presence of Bhagawan Baba on the eve of His 66th Birthday celebrations.

The unique architecture of the hospital and the atmosphere of love and peace that pervades it have inspired people to hail it as a ‘Temple of Healing’. The main altar or Prayer Hall at the center of the building, with a massive dome rising 90 feet high, is visited by many to find succour and comfort in communion with God.

Location
It is located about 5 kms from the Prasanthi Nilayam Ashram.

Timings:
Visitors are permitted from 12.30 p.m. to 2.30 p.m. on weekdays. The hospital is closed to visitors on Sundays and public holidays.

For more information please contact the Public Relations Office of the hospital. Phone: 08555 287388 (Extension: 508).

Hill view statues:

Chaitanya jyothi- knowledge enchrichment center


Hanuman Temple
The Hanuman Temple is located in the village of Puttaparthi at the northern end of the Gopuram road. The temple is associated with a remarkable incident that occurred during Bhagawan’s childhood days. One day, young Sathya and His friends visited the temple to perform the customary circumambulation. They had gone around the sanctum sanctorum once and preparing to go around again when Sathya suddenly stopped and stood rooted to the spot as if held by some invisible force. Some of his stronger mates tried to move Him but couldn’t. He explained to His wonderstruck friends that it was Lord Hanuman who was holding Him back, and even as He said these words the boys could see Lord Hanuman holding Sathya’s feet tightly and saying, “Lord, it is I who have to circumambulate you”.

Stadium-


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Meditation Tree

The meditation tree is a banyan tree planted by Bhagawan on 29th June 1959, under which He has installed a ‘Yantra’, a copper plate with mystic markings on it. This ‘Yantra’, measuring about 15 inches X 10 inches, was materialized out of the sands of river Chitravathi by Bhagawan sometime in April 1959 when He had gone to the banks of the river along with some devotees, as He often would during those days. Bhagawan has said that such plates, known as ‘Yantras’, are an aid to meditation as they help develop concentration of the mind and control of the senses. He has also declared the tree will attract Yogis (spiritual adepts) who have reached a certain level of attainment in their spiritual pursuits.

Location
It is located about halfway up the road leading from the Sri Sathya Sai General Hospital to the Administrative Block of the Sri Sathya Sai Institute of Higher Learning.

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Planetarium:-

The Sri Sathya Sai Space Theatre or Planetarium, with a seating capacity of 200, organizes shows every Thursday in two languages – English and Hindi. It employs a SPITZ SPACE SYSTEMS-512 to simulate the night sky and educate the public on the wonders of astronomy. The theatre has facilities that permit its use as a classroom. It acts as a catalyst in creating interest and also increasing the understanding of the basic concepts of astronomy, mathematics, physics and other disciplines in the students of the school and the college. In fact, the Sri Sathya Sai Institute of Higher Learning is the first university in the country to employ a planetarium for educational purpose.

It was inaugurated by Bhagawan on 22^nd November, 1985.

Location
It is situated on the main road, opposite to the Higher Secondary School Boys’ Hostel in the Sri Sathya Sai Vidyagiri campus.

Timings
The planetarium organizes shows every Thursday in English and Hindi.

English	10.00 a.m. to 10.45 a.m.
Hindi	11.00 a.m. to 11.45 a.m.

Entry passes
Free passes are issued at the South Indian Canteen Coupon Counter (in front of West-2) every Wednesday from 10.00 a.m. onwards on first-come-first-serve basis.

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Golden Temple Vellore South India Tamilnadu

The India's second largest Golden temple of hindus attracting many foreign tourists. In this scenario I would like to provide some photos, when the temple was under construction.

Sripuram Vellore Golden Temple is a spiritual park at the foot of a small range of green hills at a place called Malaikodi in the city of Vellore in Tamil Nadu, India. An important feature is Sripuram Lakshmi Narayani temple or Mahalakshmi temple whose Vimanam and Ardha Mandapam is overlaid with gold inside the temple and exterior.

The 20 hectares and was constructed by Vellore-based Sri Narayani peedam led by spiritual leader Sri Shakti Amma, also known as Amma Narayani Temple, which is 55 000 square meters is a set of prints and sculptures in gold. The lighting is arranged so that the temple glitters even at night. The Sripuram is the largest structure of gold.

VELLORE GOLDEN TEMPLE -SOUTH INDIA TAMILNADU. VIDEO

Even SATARIA a wreath at the foot of the Lord is divided into solid gold weighing 1 kg. Towards the exterior of the temple is in the form of a star. Walls records monitoring amma.All Sakthi lessons must pass through the shape of the star to the shrine. The Golden temple Praharam  resembles the Indian Parliament.

The landscape of Sripuram is natural. The temple garden is well maintained

natural  fertilizers.

The atmosphere around the Sripuram temple makes you peaceful. Ecopond Sarvatheertham where all the major rivers waters  are gathered .The pond is wonderful for birds  supplemented by more than 20 thousands, trees of various species.

Uniqueness in Sripuram Mahalakshmi temple is the Star Path.The  Star path makes human body calm and peace .