SOMNATH TEMPLE- [GUJARAT-INDIA]
The shore temple of Somnath is believed to have been built in 4 phases-in gold by Lord Soma, in silver by Ravi, in wood by lord Krishna and in stone by Bhimadeva. Tales of its riches brought in a series of invasions, but each time the temple was raided, whether by Muhammad Ghazni who took back the silver doors and treasures or by Aurangzeb in a fanatical vein, it was restored by zealous Hindu worshippers to its original glory. The present incarnation of the temple was commissioned by Sardar Patel, the much loved Gujarati leader, in the 1950s. The temple has imposing architecture, a 50 meter high shikara tower, intricate carvings, silver doors, a pretty Nandi, the Shivalinga, a number of holy idols and images, and a splendid location facing the Arabian sea. SHAMLAJI TEMPLE - [GUJARAT-INDIA]
The ancient Hindu temple of Shamlaji, built during the Solanki Rajput period, is a splendid work of architecture with fine carvings and an aura of devotion. Some of the shrines here date from the 1`st century BC or even ealier. The main aarti attracts numerous pilgrims. During the Kartik Poornima period, Shamlaji is the site for a massive fair. Shamlaji is believed to have been an important site for Buddhism in Gujarat before the Solanki rule.
SHRINATHDWARA TEMPLE-[RAJASHTHAN-INDIA] When Aurangzeb embarked on a policy of total destruction of Hindu temples, the custodians of the idol of Shrinathji of Govardhan near Mathura, left that place with the idol in search of a safe heaven. While several other princes were diffident, it was Maharana Raj Singh who dared to provide refuge. In 1672 AD Shrinathji was installed in a new temple built in Sinhad, now called Nathdwara on the banks of the Banas. Ever since Nathdwara is a place of great sanctity for the vaishnavas of the pushtimargi or vallabha sect. Nathdwara is known for Pichwais [Large paintings on cloth depicting legends from the life of Lord Krishna] and Haweli music [ devotional music, akin to dhrupad singing with composition meant for various seasons, festivals and sections of the day ] Shrinathji is the image of Lord Krishna. There are two different types of pooja - one is 'Nityotsava', daily routine and another 'Varshotsava', occasional or special. The former includes " Mangla, Shringar, Gwal, Rajbhog, Uthapan, Bhog,Arti and Shayan." Where as the later includes "Prakatyotsava, Patotsava, Basantotsava, Dolotsava, Nand Mahotsava, Shardotsava, Snan Yatra, Janmashthami, Gopashthami and Anna koot"etc PUSHKER TEMPLE-[RAJASHTHAN-INDIA] The Pushkar Lake is considered to be one of the holiest pilgrimage sites in India, the only one in the country associated with Lord Brahma. The place simply teems with the devotees and the holy men or sages in various garbs who come to the temple (Jagat Pita Shri Brahma Mandir) to pray and take a holy dip in the sacred waters of the Pushkar Lake. EKLINGJI TEMPLE-[RAJASHTAN-INDIA] This impressive, white marble temple dates to around the 15th century. Eklingji, Lord Siva, is the patron deity of the royal family of Udaipur. Eklingji is known as Kailashpuri, the abode of Lord Siva. Inside the temple are silver doors, silver lamps, and a silver bull. There is a black marble, four-faced deity of Lord Siva in the temple. There are some other temples in the village.
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