#vishvanath

[jeevanjali]

Kashi Vishwanath Ashtakam: गङ्गातरंगरमणीयजटाकलापं , आप भी करें श्रीकाशीविश्वनाथाष्टकम् का पाठKashi Vishwanath Ashtakam: श्री व्यास महर्षि ने विश्वनाथ के नाम से जिस शिव तत्व की कल्पना की थी, वही हमारे शरीर में भी विद्यमान है। इसलिए आद्य शंकराचार्य ने अपने स्तोत्र में कहा है कि शरीर ही काशी है

[astrovkshastri]

Sanand Manand Vane Vasantam (Kashi Vishvanath - Shiv Mantra) Meditation ...

[chikushiva]

Sanctum of Lord Shiva: The Sacred Jyotirlingas

India is the land of gods, polytheistic culture, and exuberant people. The country is famous for its unity in diversity, colorful ambiance, and royal heritage. The nation of spirituality—India—is what we are known for. The country witnessed numerous saints who transcended the realm of the physical with faith in their hearts and devotion in their souls. Even in modern times, the faith hasn't vanished yet! On a broader scale, there are three prominent deities worshipped in their various forms: Shiva—the destroyer, Vishnu—the preserver, and Shakti—the mother of the Universe. There are separate shrines to revere each form in their myriad incarnations; the most prominent shrine is of Lord Shiva—the 12 Jyotirlingas. These 12 Jyotirlinga names are based on the manifestation of Shiva in different forms.

Ever wondered what the story behind the Jyotirlingas is?

According to Hindu mythology, Jyotirlinga refers to the “Pillar of Light,” which symbolizes Shiva’s eternal formless nature, and all that is in the universe merges back to the one. Once Lord Vishnu and Lord Brahma had tussled over who the supreme deity was, an infinite pillar of light emerged, which was Lord Shiva himself. There the battle of power ended, and Vishnu and Brahma submitted to Shiva, acknowledging him as supreme of all. The legend of the 12 Jyotirlingas is popular, and it is also considered that those who visit the holy shrines of Lord Shiva attain perpetual bliss and ultimate realization.

Where are the Jyotirlingas located?

After knowing the legend behind the Jyotirlinga, the next step is to locate the places to experience this eternal bliss. Here we are providing your name with place list of 12 Jyotirlingas:

Somnath - Gujarat:

Located in Saurashtra, Gujarat, it is considered one of the first Jyotirlingas, which holds immense importance in Hindu culture. The story is that the God of the Moon, Chandra Dev, was cursed by his father-in-law, Daksha. He was seeking relief when he reached Lord Shiva, who blessed him and freed him partially from the curse. This incident led to the establishment of Somath as Shiva’s most compassionate form.

Mallikarjun—Andhra Pradesh:

This Jyotirlinga is located in Srisailam, Andhra Pradesh, present on the serene banks of the Krishna River, and holds deep spiritual significance in Hinduism. Mention of the Jyotirlinga is found in the Shiva Purana and Skanda Purana. This temple is considered sacred as it is considered that Lord Shiva and Devi Parvati, his consort, resided here, making the shrine one of the unique temples where Shaivism and Shaktism combine.

Omkareshwar—Madhya Pradesh:

Located in the Khandwa district of Madhya Pradesh, Omkareshwar is a name that appears prominently in 12 Jyotirlingas. According to ancient scriptures such as the Skanda Purana, there is a legend famous according to which it is believed that the shrine is located on a mythical island known as Mandhata, which is in the shape of the symbol Om that represents eternal cosmic energy. It is believed that visiting the temple liberates the devotees from any kind of physical ailment and helps in breaking the cycle of birth and death.

Kedarnath - Uttarakhand:

One of the Char Dhams, Kedarnath, located in the enigmatic Himalayas, the Kedarnath Temple is the most sanctified place of spiritual significance in India. According to historical legend, it is believed that the Pandavas, the fighters of the Mahabharata—the greatest war—sought Shiva’s blessings to emancipate from the sins of war. Nestled in the Himalayas is a perfect place to meditate and attain spiritual liberation.Kedarnath, a prominent name in the 12 Jyotirlingas, placed in Uttarakhand, is charged with high spiritual energy.

Kashi Vishwanath—Varanasi:

Located in the timeless city of Varanasi, Kashi Vishvanath is one of the popular places in modern times because of its ancient aesthetics and spiritual significance. It is considered the abode of Vishwanath, or “Lord of the Universe.”. Located in one of the oldest continuously inhabited cities in the world, Kashi, now known as Varanasi, the temple attracts millions of tourists every year, and the gathering of devotees exceeds the capacity on significant days like Mahashivratri.

Trimbakeshwar—Maharashtra:

Situated in Nashik, Maharashtra, the temple is a unique place in itself as it incorporates the unity of three supreme powers of the universe, namely, Brahma, Vishnu, and Mahesh, the holy trinity of Hindu mythology. The temple is also famous because the famous river named Godawari has its source in the temple.

Viadyanath - Bihar/Jharkhand:

Also known as Baijnath, this temple represents Shiva as the divine healer. The devotees believe that worshipping in the temple sets them free from sins, and Shiva grants healing from physical and mental ailments as a fruit of pure devotion.

Nageshwar - Gujarat:

Located near the kingdom of Krishna, Dwarika, Gujarat, the temple is dedicated to Shiva in the form of “Lord of the Serpent” or Naga. The mythology says that the temple was established in ancient times to redeem from the curse of the Lord of Serpents—Karkotaka. The temple is famous for its natural surroundings and traditional architecture.

Ramnathsawmy - Rameshwaram:

In Tamil Nadu, Ramnathswamy is located in the city of Rameshwaram. The temple was established at the place where Lord Ram worshipped Shiva before waging war on the kingdom of Ravana–Lanka, to bring back his consort Devi Sita, who was held captive by Ravana, the demon king.

Anudha Nagnath—Maharashtra

Located in the Hingoli district of Maharashtra, Anugh Nagnath is one of the prominent names in the 12 Jyotirlingas. Anugh typically means Grace of Serpents, which symbolizes one of the forms of Shiva as Nageshwara. It offers a place for spiritual awakening and co-establishing a deeper connection to Lord Shiva.

 Mahakaleshwar Jyotirlinga—Ujjain:

One of the Swayambhu/self-manifested forms of Lord Shiva is also popular with the name Mahakal, or the timeless form, which symbolises the eternal existence of the supreme being and everything that has arisen from that one and will merge back to that wholeness. Also known for being one of the seven “Moksha Puris” from the ancient scriptures, it is an essential pilgrimage for Hindus.

Bhimasankar—Maharashtra:

Situated in Pune, Bhimshankar is believed to be the site where Lord Shiva fought a fierce battle with the demon Bhima, and after defeating him, the place was restored to peace and became the holy shrine of Shiva.

Final thoughts:

Now we know that the 12 Jyotirlingas are the most sanctified pilgrimage in India, reverberating with spiritual energy, and are twelve different attributes of Shiva in their physically manifested forms. The 12 Jyotirlingas name list  has been provided to give you insight into their significance and context for how they came into existence. Shiva is unique among Hindu gods due to his complex nature. He is Bhairav—the Lord of Death, Mahakal—the great time, Bholenath—the innocent one, and Nilkanth—the one who drank the Halahal poison. All these forms of Shiva have been revered for millennia in the country with great devotion for the attainment of Moksha—the ultimate realisation.

[adityatodi]

Dasain 2024 (Banaras, Hyderabad, Mumbai)

October 09, Wednesday (Day 1) Flight from Kathmandu to Varanasi at 7:15am At airport Channi Didi’s parents (Piku Uncle and Aunty there) to see her and Kavi Check in at Taj Ganges Varanasi Breakfast at Ram Bhandar (Poori Bhaaji) Sweta didi comes to hotel Drive around BHU campus, see Papa’s hostel Gurtu, Birla Mandir, Sanktmochan Hanuman Chaat at Deena Chaat (really tasty, especially the Gulab Jamun) Go towards Ghaat for Boat ride Evening Aarti and boat ride Dinner at Vatika Pizzeria by Assi Ghaat (yummy Applie pie)

October 10, Thursday (Day 2) Morning visit to Kashi Vishvanath Temple Chana kachori nearby and also Lakshmi Chaiwala Chaai and Toast Go to Sarnath and take a tour of the archaeological site, mediate there, go to the museum and see the original Ashoka Pillar India Emblem Capital Chill in Swimming Pool Visit Piku Uncle house Dinner at Baati Chokha with Piku Uncle

October 11, Friday (Day 3) Chill at Cafe Mangi Ferra Eat at Kashi Chaat Start our Street Tour (through bylanes, Lakshmi Chaiwala, Blue Lassi, Pashupati, Kashi Vishwanath corridor) Chill at Hotel Brijrama Take boat to Guleria Kothi and have Indian food there Kaal Bhairav Mandir darshan Back to hotel-meet with Sagun (Anil Mamaji’s relatives daughter) and her husband Umang

October 12, Saturday (Day 4) Akaasa Air flight from Varanasi to Hyderabad. Sweta didi flying to Kolkata Andhra Thaali lunch at Southern Mirchi Check in at Taj Krishna Drive around Go to The Quorum at Knowledge Park to play pedal-ball Drive then metro to go to Uppal Rajiv Gandhi Stadium to watch India vs Bangladesh match. India makes it’s highest T20 score and second highest ever (297 runs)

October 13, Sunday (Day 5) Breakfast at hotel Round Table brunch with Jijus round table friends, us and Amogh Off the shelf bookstore. Sunita Mamiji we meet here Gelato from Roast Jiju showed us his Housing Colony: Trail Dinner at Akshat Jiju and Sachi didi’s place (Sunita Mamiji, Ayush, Sachi Didi, Jiju, Arjun Bhaiya, Sonali Bhabi and Uncle, Aunty) Akshat Jiju drove us around the city

October 14, Monday (Day 6) Yoga with Amogh Breakfast at Nani’s Nap at hotel Lunch at Roast and Tour of their facilities Madhu Mausi’s place Dinner at Madhu Mausi and Mausaji’s restaurant

October 15, Tuesday (Day 7) Check out of hotel Dosa and Idli at Panchakattu Dosa Tour around Amazon Office with Bhaavya Go to Silent Studio for floatation in the dark Nilofuer Cafe with Sachi didi, Nirvaan and Aayush Anu Mausi’s place for dinner and leave for airport (Amogh drops) Flight from Hyderabad to Mumbai Hang out at Tulja’s place with Tullu and Ankur while we wait for Didi and Jiju to come from Kolkata

October 16, Wednesday (Day 8) Breakfast at Didi’s place Work from home Lunch at Didi’s place Go for drive and have cold coffee and then sevpuri and bhelpuri at Altamount Road Came home for online meeting Dinner at Americano in Fort Drive around

October 17, Thursday (Day 9) Global Vipassana Pagoda (Museum, 1-Day course) Hang out at Tulja’s place and order in food

October 18, Friday (Day 10) Shashi Mausi comes to meet Pooja Bhua’s house Bina Bhua’s house Pick up Mansi and Didi and go to Right Place for sandwich Mansi showed NSCI Club Coffee with Didi and Mansi at Cafe Eve Chill at home Breach candy Club with Namita Didi and Pratik Jiju. Ran into Anu Aga and her daughter (Thermax)

October 19, Saturday (Day 11) Go to Vaibhav to meet. Kunal Bhaiya/Priyanka Bhabi/Bhuaji/Fufaji/Shivani Didi/Shikha Bhabi/Extended family Coffee at Greenr with Sweta Didi Comedy show Aakash Gupta at Shanmukhananda Auditorium Snacks at Gurukripal Surya Hospital for Tulja’s delivery Baby Girl born Go to Raju ki Chaai for late night snacks

October 20, Sunday (Day 12) Work from home Go to hospital to meet Tulja and Baby Ayush Bansal/wife Nikita and daughter Avyaa also met. Seeing Ayush probably after 10 years if not more Chaat at Elco Market Drive around Juhu/Bandra Take DreamTrust call from car Didi had her first Karwa Chauth so ritual in terrace and dinner at home

October 21, Monday (Day 13) Marina Hotel went to the coffee shop Bay Leaf with Sweta didi to just talk Lunch at Pizza by the bay Gelato from Comm Walk around grocery store Benzer Go to Boojee Cafe in Bandra with Didi and Ayush Surya Hospital to see Tulja and Baby Karuna Naniji and Nanajis house in JB Nagar to meet them Dinner at Prithvi Cafe with Ayush, Ankit, Ishu, Ankur, Didi Shiv Sagar for rose falooda Back home

October 22, Tuesday (Day 14) Ujjawal Jiju and Didi came to drop me to the airport Hung out in airport with Ayush Mumbai to Kathmandu flight

[sri2annapurna]

8 Serving Divine Delights: Enjoy Maha Shivratri Feasting at Sri Annapurna!

Milk Cake: A Cake that is not a cake

As Maha Shivratri dawns upon Varanasi, Sri Annapurna invites you to revel in the divine delights that our sweet shop has to offer. From Kheer to Til ke Laddu, Thandai to Khoye ki Barfi, and Milk Cake, each sweet dish is a testament to our commitment to tradition and excellence. Join us on this sweet sojourn as we celebrate Maha Shivratri with flavors that 

fast all day. On Mahashivaratri, the Kashi Vishvanath temple is the focal point of religious activity and worship in Varanasi, with thousands of devotees flocking there to pray to Varanasi's dwelling god, Lord Shiva.

In Hindu mythology, there are numerous stories about the origin of Mahashivaratri. One of its famous stories of the Mahashivaratri celebration is when the Devas (Gods) and Asuras (demons) churned the Ocean of Milk. According to legend, while both Gods and Demons were churning the Ocean of Milk in search of amrita (water of immortal life), they discovered a variety of odd chemicals, including the fatal poison. When they touched the poison, it burst into lethal fumes, threatening to cover the entire cosmos in darkness. When the Gods realized that the universe was doomed, they went to Brahma and Vishnu, but neither could help, so they turned to Lord Shiva, who condensed the fumes with his trident.

As Maha Shivratri approaches, Sri Annapurna unfurls a feast that resonates with the divine. Our sweet offerings are not just desserts; they are a symphony of flavors, a celebration of the rich culinary heritage that defines Varanasi.

Thandai: Sip the Essence of Tradition Quench your thirst with a pinch of tradition in our Thandai, a drink that transcends time and refreshes the soul. Sri Annapurna, the classic mithai shop in Varanasi, invites you to savor the aromatic blend of spices and nuts that make our Thandai a divine elixir. It's not just a beverage; it's a tradition in a glass, a sweet journey through the heart of Varanasi.

Kheer: A Creamy Ode to Tradition Begin your Maha Shivratri feast with our heavenly Kheer, a creamy concoction that pays homage to tradition. Made with love and the finest ingredients, each spoonful is a journey into the heart of Varanasi's culinary legacy. Sri Annapurna takes pride in presenting this classic Indian rice pudding, a sweet embrace that exceeds time.

linger in your heart long after the feasting is done. At Sri Annapurna, every sweet moment is a celebration of the sweet life we share with you. 

[govishvanathlove]

Success is walking from failure to failure with no loss of enthusiasm. #motivationsportive #Motivation #successquotes #inspiration #dailyinspiration #dailymotivationalquotes #vishnupanth #vishvanath https://www.instagram.com/p/B6PZD5HBVNS/?igshid=prjwtvi4am0i

[weelectronicstudentreviewstuff]

Kangana posts pic from Kashi Vishvanath trip Image Source : TWITTER/@KANGANATEAM Kangana Ranaut at Kashi Vishvanath Kangana Ranaut was in the mood for spiritual nostalgia over the weekend, as she took to social media on Saturday and shared a picture from the time she visited Kashi Vishvanath Temple in Varanasi.

[astrovkshastri]

Sanand Manand Vane Vasantam (Kashi Vishvanath - Shiv Mantra) Meditation ...

[chikushiva]

Sanctum of Lord Shiva: The Sacred Jyotirlingas

India is the land of gods, polytheistic culture, and exuberant people. The country is famous for its unity in diversity, colorful ambiance, and royal heritage. The nation of spirituality—India—is what we are known for. The country witnessed numerous saints who transcended the realm of the physical with faith in their hearts and devotion in their souls. Even in modern times, the faith hasn't vanished yet! On a broader scale, there are three prominent deities worshipped in their various forms: Shiva—the destroyer, Vishnu—the preserver, and Shakti—the mother of the Universe. There are separate shrines to revere each form in their myriad incarnations; the most prominent shrine is of Lord Shiva—the 12 Jyotirlingas. These 12 Jyotirlinga names are based on the manifestation of Shiva in different forms.

Ever wondered what the story behind the Jyotirlingas is?

According to Hindu mythology, Jyotirlinga refers to the “Pillar of Light,” which symbolizes Shiva’s eternal formless nature, and all that is in the universe merges back to the one. Once Lord Vishnu and Lord Brahma had tussled over who the supreme deity was, an infinite pillar of light emerged, which was Lord Shiva himself. There the battle of power ended, and Vishnu and Brahma submitted to Shiva, acknowledging him as supreme of all. The legend of the 12 Jyotirlingas is popular, and it is also considered that those who visit the holy shrines of Lord Shiva attain perpetual bliss and ultimate realization.

Where are the Jyotirlingas located?

After knowing the legend behind the Jyotirlinga, the next step is to locate the places to experience this eternal bliss. Here we are providing your name with place list of 12 Jyotirlingas:

Somnath - Gujarat:

Located in Saurashtra, Gujarat, it is considered one of the first Jyotirlingas, which holds immense importance in Hindu culture. The story is that the God of the Moon, Chandra Dev, was cursed by his father-in-law, Daksha. He was seeking relief when he reached Lord Shiva, who blessed him and freed him partially from the curse. This incident led to the establishment of Somath as Shiva’s most compassionate form.

Mallikarjun—Andhra Pradesh:

This Jyotirlinga is located in Srisailam, Andhra Pradesh, present on the serene banks of the Krishna River, and holds deep spiritual significance in Hinduism. Mention of the Jyotirlinga is found in the Shiva Purana and Skanda Purana. This temple is considered sacred as it is considered that Lord Shiva and Devi Parvati, his consort, resided here, making the shrine one of the unique temples where Shaivism and Shaktism combine.

Omkareshwar—Madhya Pradesh:

Located in the Khandwa district of Madhya Pradesh, Omkareshwar is a name that appears prominently in 12 Jyotirlingas. According to ancient scriptures such as the Skanda Purana, there is a legend famous according to which it is believed that the shrine is located on a mythical island known as Mandhata, which is in the shape of the symbol Om that represents eternal cosmic energy. It is believed that visiting the temple liberates the devotees from any kind of physical ailment and helps in breaking the cycle of birth and death.

Kedarnath - Uttarakhand:

One of the Char Dhams, Kedarnath, located in the enigmatic Himalayas, the Kedarnath Temple is the most sanctified place of spiritual significance in India. According to historical legend, it is believed that the Pandavas, the fighters of the Mahabharata—the greatest war—sought Shiva’s blessings to emancipate from the sins of war. Nestled in the Himalayas is a perfect place to meditate and attain spiritual liberation.Kedarnath, a prominent name in the 12 Jyotirlingas, placed in Uttarakhand, is charged with high spiritual energy.

Kashi Vishwanath—Varanasi:

Located in the timeless city of Varanasi, Kashi Vishvanath is one of the popular places in modern times because of its ancient aesthetics and spiritual significance. It is considered the abode of Vishwanath, or “Lord of the Universe.”. Located in one of the oldest continuously inhabited cities in the world, Kashi, now known as Varanasi, the temple attracts millions of tourists every year, and the gathering of devotees exceeds the capacity on significant days like Mahashivratri.

Trimbakeshwar—Maharashtra:

Situated in Nashik, Maharashtra, the temple is a unique place in itself as it incorporates the unity of three supreme powers of the universe, namely, Brahma, Vishnu, and Mahesh, the holy trinity of Hindu mythology. The temple is also famous because the famous river named Godawari has its source in the temple.

Viadyanath - Bihar/Jharkhand:

Also known as Baijnath, this temple represents Shiva as the divine healer. The devotees believe that worshipping in the temple sets them free from sins, and Shiva grants healing from physical and mental ailments as a fruit of pure devotion.

Nageshwar - Gujarat:

Located near the kingdom of Krishna, Dwarika, Gujarat, the temple is dedicated to Shiva in the form of “Lord of the Serpent” or Naga. The mythology says that the temple was established in ancient times to redeem from the curse of the Lord of Serpents—Karkotaka. The temple is famous for its natural surroundings and traditional architecture.

Ramnathsawmy - Rameshwaram:

In Tamil Nadu, Ramnathswamy is located in the city of Rameshwaram. The temple was established at the place where Lord Ram worshipped Shiva before waging war on the kingdom of Ravana–Lanka, to bring back his consort Devi Sita, who was held captive by Ravana, the demon king.

Anudha Nagnath—Maharashtra

Located in the Hingoli district of Maharashtra, Anugh Nagnath is one of the prominent names in the 12 Jyotirlingas. Anugh typically means Grace of Serpents, which symbolizes one of the forms of Shiva as Nageshwara. It offers a place for spiritual awakening and co-establishing a deeper connection to Lord Shiva.

 Mahakaleshwar Jyotirlinga—Ujjain:

One of the Swayambhu/self-manifested forms of Lord Shiva is also popular with the name Mahakal, or the timeless form, which symbolises the eternal existence of the supreme being and everything that has arisen from that one and will merge back to that wholeness. Also known for being one of the seven “Moksha Puris” from the ancient scriptures, it is an essential pilgrimage for Hindus.

Bhimasankar—Maharashtra:

Situated in Pune, Bhimshankar is believed to be the site where Lord Shiva fought a fierce battle with the demon Bhima, and after defeating him, the place was restored to peace and became the holy shrine of Shiva.

Final thoughts:

Now we know that the 12 Jyotirlingas are the most sanctified pilgrimage in India, reverberating with spiritual energy, and are twelve different attributes of Shiva in their physically manifested forms. The 12 Jyotirlingas name list  has been provided to give you insight into their significance and context for how they came into existence. Shiva is unique among Hindu gods due to his complex nature. He is Bhairav—the Lord of Death, Mahakal—the great time, Bholenath—the innocent one, and Nilkanth—the one who drank the Halahal poison. All these forms of Shiva have been revered for millennia in the country with great devotion for the attainment of Moksha—the ultimate realisation.

[tezlivenews]

काशी विश्वनाथ-ज्ञानवापी मस्जिद मामले में हिन्दू पक्ष को झटका, हाई कोर्ट ने सर्वे कराने के आदेश पर रोक लगाई

काशी विश्वनाथ-ज्ञानवापी मस्जिद मामले में हिन्दू पक्ष को झटका, हाई कोर्ट ने सर्वे कराने के आदेश पर रोक लगाई

हाइलाइट्स पुरातात्विक सर्वेक्षण कराने के लोवर कोर्ट के आदेश को हाई कोर्ट में दी गई थी चुनौती हाई कोर्ट ने कहा- पहले से एक कोर्ट में चल रहे केस पर दूसरी अदालत फैसला नहीं दे सकती 8 अप्रैल 2021 को ज्ञानवापी परिसर के पुरातात्विक सर्वेक्षण का आदेश दिया था अभिषेक कुमार झा, वाराणसीकाशी विश्वनाथ मंदिर और ज्ञानवापी मामले में गुरुवार को हिंदू पक्ष को हाई कोर्ट से बड़ा झटका लगा है। ज्ञानवापी परिसर के…

[himachalnewsdaily]

CM Briefs Governor About Loss Due To Flash Flood Incidents In Various Parts Of State

CM Briefs Governor About Loss Due To Flash Flood Incidents In Various Parts Of State

SHIMLA, 14th July, 2021. Chief Minister Jai Ram Thakur called on Governor Rajendra Vishvanath Arlekar at Raj Bhavan, today and briefed about the incidents of recent flash flood in various parts of the State. He apprised that district administration in coordination with NDRF team was working on war-footing to provide relief and ensure rehabilitation of affected families. He said that rupees four…

[govishvanathlove]

It does not matter how slowly you go, so long as you do not stop. #successquotes #hardwork #success #successstoryinthemaking #thoughtofday #motivationforyourday #Motivation #inspirationalquotes #vishnupanth #vishvanath https://www.instagram.com/p/B5mAAiZBcw4/?igshid=loloirozhnmg

[prabhupadanugas]

[13.111-13.124] Various villagers came to offer gifts, and among them was Sita Thakurani, the wife of Advaita Acharya, who immediately detected the divinity of the child. Out of maternal affection she gave Him the name “Nimai”, which would ward off any unfavourable influences. Nilambhara Chakravarti, a renowned astrologer, predicted the transcendental influence of the child and named Him Vishvambhara: the maintainer of the entire universe. The local villagers affectionately called Him ‘Gauranga’ due to His beautiful golden complexion. The sun of Shri Chaitanya had finally arisen to dissipate the darkness of kali-yuga. As the maintainer of the universe, Vishvambhara taught the world what life’s priority really is. Though maintenance of the body is essential, one should not forget the necessity of the soul: to reawaken pure love of God. The great teacher Vishvanath Chakravarti Thakur thus summarises Shri Chaitanya’s precepts: “The Supreme Personality of Godhead, the son of Nanda Maharaja, is to be worshiped along with His transcendental abode, Vrindavana. The most pleasing form of worship for the Lord is that which was performed by the gopis of Vrindavana. Shrimad-Bhagavatam is the spotless authority on everything, and pure love of God is the ultimate goal of life for all men. These statements, for which we have the highest regard, are the opinion of Shri Chaitanya Mahaprabhu.” To summarise, Shri Chaitanya came to teach four things: • The goal: pure love of God. • The object of love: Shri Krishna (who resides in Vrindavana). • The shining example of love: Gopis of Vrindavana. • The guidebook for developing love: Shrimad-Bhagavatam. Shri Krishna Chaitanya Prabhu Nityananda Shri Advaita Gadadhara Srivasa adi Gaura Bhakta Vrnda Hare Krishna Hare Krishna Krishna Krishna Hare Hare Hare Rama Hare Rama Rama Rama Hare Hare https://youtube.com/c/HearSrilaPrabhupada https://youtube.com/user/AmritanandadasRPS https://sites.google.com/view/sanatan-dharma https://m.facebook.com/HDG.A.C.Bhaktivedanta.Svami.Srila.Prabhupada.Uvaca/ https://www.bhagavad-gita.us/famous-reflections-on-the-bhagavad-gita/ https://vanisource.org/wiki/760308_-_Morning_Walk_-_Mayapur https://www.instagram.com/p/Cphr46uII_S/?igshid=NGJjMDIxMWI=

[buzz-london]

Kashi Vishvanath temple corridor

[ancienthinduism]

art.sensuality.hinduism . an equisite perfection of sculptures ~KHAJURAHO

~ kandariya mahadev temple

Khajuraho was an ancient city in the Madhya Pradesh region of northern India. From the 10th to 12th century CE it was the capital of the Chandella kings who ruled Bundelkhand. Khajuraho is popular for its group of artistic temples which were built by the Chandela rulers between the 10th and 12th Century. Chandela rulers were the great patrons of art and this is the reason that the Khajuraho group of temples is known for its sculptural wealth. Despite Khajuraho’s once great reputation as an important cultural centre there are no surviving non-religious buildings, but the presence of 35 Hindu and Jain temples make it one of the most significant historical sites in India today and worthy of its name given by the 11th century CE Muslim historian Abu Rihan Alberuni as ‘the City of the Gods’. Khajuraho is listed by UNESCO as a World Heritage Site.There were some 85 temples constructed during the aforementioned period but only 25 temples remain in the complex today.

The Khajuraho temples are even mentioned in the records of Al Biruni and Ibn Battuta. All the temples are built out of fine sandstone except Chausath Yogini, Brahma and Lalguan-Mahadeva temples constructed out of granite.

HISTORICAL BACKGROUND ~

Most of the Khajuraho temples were built between 950 and 1050 CE during the Chandela Dynasty. According to histories, the temple site had 85 temples by 12th century and 25 only survived, of which the Kandariya Mahadeva Temple built by King Vidyadhara is the famous for its intricate sculptures and arts. Kings Yashovarman and Dhanga are famous for their construction of The Lakshmana Temple and Vishvanatha Temple respectively.

Many of the currently surviving temples contain inscriptions that most of them are built between 970 and 1030 CE. The first recorded mention of the Khajuraho temples is in the accounts of Abu Rihan al Biruni in AD 1022 and the Arab traveler Ibn Battuta in AD 1335.

Khajuraho is believed to be the religious capital of Chandelas. The group of temples was enclosed by a wall with 8 gates, with each gate flanked by 2 date/palm trees. Hence, it is called as Khajura-vahika meaning Date Bearing. Khajuraho is also mentioned as Jejakbhukti in historical records.After the fall of Chandela Dynasty, Muslims invaded the region and the temples were hidden under forests from 13th to 18th century until they were rediscovered by T.S. Burt, a British surveyor in 1830.

The Chandelas were followers of the Tantric cult which believes that gratification of earthly desires is a step towards attaining the ultimate liberation. Tantrism has been mostly misunderstood and the Philosophical part of Tantras like the Mahanirvana Tantra have been totally forgotten. This was one of the reasons why Tantrics perished. Nevertheless it remains a distinct path of Spiritual Practice though it has very few followers all over the world.

Categories of Sculptures

Based on their nature, the sculpture in Khajuraho is categorized into five. The first group of sculptures is the cult images. The second category of images that occur in the niches comprises of enclosing divinities, family, and the attendants. The third and the most dominant group of sculptures are that of the apsaras and the sura-sundries who are portrayed in dancing postures and graceful nymphs respectively.

The fourth group of sculptures is secular images depicting scenes like teacher and student, dancer and musicians, erotic couples, etc. The last category of sculptures is that of animals including the mythical beasts. We find the sculptural art at its zenith in the Kandariya Mahadeva Temple.

~a close architectural overview of Kandariya mahadev temple, khajuraho.

The Importance of the Erotic Sculptures

Amongst all the group of sculptures mentioned, the erotic sculptures are considered to be exemplary in highlighting the sensuous human emotion. To quote art historian Krishna Deva, ‘the sculptural art of Khajuraho surpasses the medieval school of Orissa in revealing the sensuous charms of the human body’. Some consider the erotic sculptures as an illustration from the ancient text of Kamasutra. The stress is laid on considering sex as a source of creation. The sensual element has always been described in the ancient literature and folk tradition.

Western, Eastern and Southern Group of Temples

~ Vishvanath temple

~Lakshmana temple

The western group of temples is the most visited ones by the tourists. It comprises the Lakshmana temple, the magnificent Kandariya-Mahadeva Temple, Chitragupta temple and Vishvanath temple. Kandariya Mahadeva is the largest monument in Khajuraho with its architecture depicting the splendid and considerably taller sculptures and also the Central style of architecture. The eastern group of temples includes the Brahma temple, Vamana temple, and other Jain temples.

Means of Transport ~

By Air: The nearest airport is Delhi International Airport. From Delhi , a connecting flight plies to the Khajuraho Airport which is 2 km from the Khajuraho City.

By Train: Khajuraho has its own railway station named after the famous temple. The railway station is around 5 km away from the popular tourist spots of Khajuraho. Rental cars are available from the station premise to Khajuraho temples.

By Road: Khajuraho is well connected by roadway to major cities like Jhansi, Orchha, Katni, Chattarpur etc. Many kinds of buses are available that one can select from to reach Khajuraho from different parts of North India.

‘The basic Universal Divine Energy (Shakti) is a symbol of the union of man and woman and it is the main spiritual emotion in Hindu art depicted in the man-woman sculptures seen in Amravati, Khajuraho, Konark, etc.Here Divine Energy (Shakti) manifests  in the man-woman union, the basis of Vedic art and culture. Sculptures in the Ajanta caves are also a depiction of the man and woman, but sexual congress is prohibited in the sculptures’.  Bharatiya SanskrutiKosh, pages 166-169