Temples in - Bihar-Jharkand

Gaya - Important place in Hinduism

We reached Gaya - 17 km from Bodhgaya in 1 hour! We were dropped at a junction, our driver took and boarded us on a share auto to be dropped at one of the 2 important temples of Gaya - Vishnu Pad temple. Gaya is located by the Falgu (Phalgu) river and very popular for Pind dhaan - ceremonies for the departed ones. Falgu river is revered as a part of Vishnu and one of the holiest rivers as per Hindu mythology. Lord Rama is believed to come to Gaya to do pind daan for his father - Dasarath and thus the practice continues.

Vishnu Pad temple

The Vishnu Pad temple is a place it is believed where Lord Vishnu's footprint is seen. Lord Vishnu sent Gayasur (who did penance to achieve the boon that anyone seeing him would attain Moksha) below the earth to avoid his boon to benefits even faulty ones. Lord Vishnu also promised food for him and hence, happens Pind daan with prayers for the departed to attain Moksha. The footprint on the rock is around 40 cm in length. When we went, the place has almost no visitors; we were fortunate to spend quality time as well as have very good darshan.

We also made a brisk walk to the river ghat - Fulgu ghat. We spent a couple of minutes as it was pitch dark and started to Mangala Gauri temple, the other important place quoted.

Maha Sakthi Peet

Mangala Gauri temple is one of the 18 Maha Sakthi Peet temples. The shrine is dedicated to Sati Devi and representing the body parts - this temple for breast. The temple main sanctum is quite small and only 10-12 members can make way inside. We had a very good darshan in around 20 minutes. We then again took an auto back to the junction, where our driver dropped us.

Jharkhand - Deoghar

We reached Jasidih around 4:15 AM by train. We had booked retiring rooms and it took us 10-15 minutes to get access to our rooms. The room was quite clean and new AC/beds made it look very good. Without any rest, we refreshed and started to Deoghar by share auto.

Deoghar - Baidyanath Dham

Deoghar is one of the 12 Jyotirlingas - Baba Baidyanath Dham. The temple is around 10 km from Jasidih railway station. We reached the temple around 6 AM. The temple is open from 4:00 - 15:30 and 18:00 to 21:00. The time we went, morning puja was going on and there was quite a long queue. Some rude locals were pulling and creating havoc in the crowd! Apart from them, the rest of the crowd was quite manageable and moved fast once the darshan was open. Going closer to the sanctum and entering in, the crowd again was making a big hype by pushing and falling over. It was quite difficult to have a satisfactory darshan, however, managed to.

We then went around other sanctums - one of them is a Sakthi peet - Maa Durga. Other sanctums were Goddess Saraswati, Lakshmi, Durga, Bhakalamukhi, Annapurna, Parvati, few others, and shrines of Lord Ram, Hanuman, Surya, Bhairav, Brahma and Ganesh. We spent around 20 minutes visiting other sanctums before came out.

In and around Deoghar

We had street-side breakfast - hot puris, potato sabji, and jalebi. The plan was to rent a car to visit Basukinath temple and other places around in Deoghar. We had 2 return tickets - one at 2 PM and another at 3:45 PM to reach back Patna. We bargained a car for  Rs.1000 to visit Basukinath alone and then added all other possible places for Rs.600.

Basukinath is around 48 km from Deoghar and is seen as a twin temple by locals along with Baidyanath temple. We reached the temple around 8:45 AM. The temple was almost a mimic of the Baidyanath temple. There was no much crowd and we had a pleasant darshan in few minutes. We also went around other sanctums which were almost similar to Baidyanath temple. Overall, we spent around 20-25 minutes here. The roads leading to Basukinath from Baidyanath temple were fantastic.

The next stop was Tapovan - which was around 7 km from Baidyanath temple. This is said to be one of the places - caves where Lord Rama meditated. This is a small hillock absolutely dominated by local touts using monkeys to make money. Beware and avoid Tapovan. One would not miss anything is this is given a miss; however, lose peace because of the local touts! We also one of the largest Solar power fields in India at Jharkand - on the way to Tapovan.

We also visited Naulakha mandir - this is located inside Deoghar and resembles Belur Math of Kolkata. The place hosts Radha-Krishna, however, again money-minded people sitting as Pandas - whom we cleanly ignored. The temple had been constructed by the then queen, whose palace is just opposite to the temple.

Rajgir

Rajgir, located around 16 km from Nalanda in Bihar. Rajgir was the first capital of the Magadha kingdom and hosts many ruins of the kingdom, spiritual places related to Buddhism and Hinduism. The place also had a lot of references in Mahabharata with Pandavas and Krishna sharing events here.

We first stopped by the Hot Springs of Rajgir known as Brahma Kund. This is a sacred place for Hindus where water from seven different springs (Saptarshi) merge and is notable for its healing effects. There are small water outlets with hot water from the sanctum of each Rishi - Agastya, Atri, Bharadwaj, Gautam, Jamadagni, Vashistha, and Vishwamitra. Finally, this water enters the Brahma Kund where pilgrims take a dip to be healed.

Distances

• Patna – Bodh Gaya – 111 km (~ 5 hours)
• Patna – Nalanda – 90 km (~ 3 hours)
• Nalanda – Gaya – 75 km (~ 3 hours)
• Gaya – Bodh Gaya – 16 km (~ 1 hour)
• Patna – Gaya – 97 km (115 km by NH)
• Patna – Deoghar – 257 km (~ 5-6 hours by train)
• Deoghar – Jasidih – 9 km (~ 20 minutes by auto)

Trip to Vrindhavan, Mathura, Gokul

About the destination

Always wanted to cover the religious destinations of Vrindavan, Mathura, and Gokul. Then, built the trip accordingly including Agra.

Trip Plan

Trip members: Karthik, Nandha
Trip date:  23 June 2019
Trip Plan: New Delhi - Vrindavan - Mathura - Gokul - Agra - New Delhi

Start from Gurgaon

I went to Gurgoan on an official trip, there was a day on the weekend available and planned to visit Vrindavan, Mathura, Gokul, and Agra. With scorching heat all around in New Delhi and surrounding states, we tried to give the best effort of things to see and move on rather than the regular type of cover all possible things in the area!

We started the day by 4 AM from Gurgaon and reached Vrindhavan around 07:15.

Vrindavan

Vrindavan is 12 km ahead of Mathura, one of the oldest cities and known for Lord Krishna spending his childhood days. The town hosts thousands to temples dedicated to Lord Krishna and Radha. Very popular old temples include Banke Bihari Temple, Madan Mohan temple, Radha Govinda temple, Rangji Temple, and some more. It is advised to take a local auto to cover all popular temples.

At 7:15, it was highly humid and hot. We first visited the Banke Bihari Temple. The temple was established by Swami Haridas. The temple was very crowded and queue management was poor by the temple authorities as well as police. Lots of elders and newborns were part of the crowd and suffered. There are 4 small doors, which are used for both entry and exit and no regulation. We squeezed in through one and came out through the other!

Beware of Monkey Menace!

Also, be aware of monkeys, they pick up glasses/specs that are being worked by people and throw it back when some food is offered. It also looks like a trained practice! So, horrible for tourists!

We came out of Banke Bihari temple and it was already hot. We planned to go to Mathura next, maybe, we should have visited Rangji temple. There are several websites claiming Krishna Janmabhoomi as Divya Desam and so as this temple.

Mathura

We drove next to Mathura - Krishna Janmabhoomi. We got dropped at a parking space and took the western entrance. There was no crowd here. Mobiles and cameras are not allowed. Cloakrooms are available for Rs.2 per device. Krishna Janmabhoomi has 2 major things to see - one, the place where Lord Krishna was born and the other, the main temple. The temple had been destroyed and rebuilt several times - every time it was pulled down by Mughal emperors. There is a Muslim prayer area created by Aurangazeb. The small room where Lord Krishna was born to Devaki and Vasudeva in a prison cell is a worship place. This is next to the main temple. The timings are 5 AM - 12 PM and 4 PM to 9:30 PM.

We had hot kachori, puri, and sabji - street food is quite popular in Mathura. It was a good simple breakfast!

Gokul

Next, we reached Gokul. Gokul is around 10 km from Mathura. Sri Navamohana Krishna Perumal Temple (Thiruvaaipaadi) is a Divya Desam temple located in Gokul (known as Ayarpadi). Sri Krishna born in Mathura was brought up by Nandagopal and Yasodha in Aayarpadi (Gokulam). This is the place where Sri Krishna spent all of his childhood days. It was difficult to locate this temple as per the maps as the streets and walkways are narrow and going around and around. Nand Mahal is the name mostly being referred locally. Temple timing is 6.00 AM to 8.00 PM.

One can visit the Gokul barrage, Yamuna river, and then visit the temple. Govind Ghat is the Yamuna river ghat near the temple. There are tourist boat rides offered here. Car parking is difficult, needs to be stopped by the ghat and not within the town of Gokul as what Google maps show. It was sweltering heat here and we had some lemon-pudina juice.

We reached the Delhi airport around 11:30 PM after visiting Agra as well and came back to Chennai by 2 AM flight.

Temples of Kanchipuram

Trip members: Karthik, Tirthankar Pal
Trip date:  2 March 2019
Trip Plan : Tambaram - Kanchipuram - Tambaram

One day plan to cover around 20 temples in Kanchipuram. We planned temples into 3 groups - one each around the popular temples - one group with Ekambareswarar Temple, one with Varadaraja Temple and the other with Kailasanathar temple. We started from Chromepet by car around 5 AM and reached Kanchipuram by 6 AM. We took the Walajabad route.

Around 6:30, we visited Varadaraja Perumal temple and Ulagalantha perumal temple, but they would be open by 5:30 and close back by 5:45 and re-open from 7:30. We reached to Kanchi Kamakshi Temple to start the trip with!

Temple Name : Sri Kanchi Kamakshi Temple
Deity : Kanchi Kamakshi (Goddess)

About : This is one of the prominent Goddess temples in India in line with Madurai Meenakshi and Kasi Vishalakshi. The Goddess Parvathi in form of Kamakshi sit in Padmasana position providing dharshan in such a pleasant way. The morning alankar was completed and we had a very satisfactory dharshan. A chakra was established by Adi Shankaracharya in 8th century in this temple after which the Goddess poses as Shantha Swaroopini.

Timing : 5:30 AM to 12:15 PM, 4 PM to 8:15 PM.

Parking : Lot of parking area around the temple

Additional Info : One of the 108 Divya Desams is also located within this temple - Sri Aadhi Varaha Perumal Temple.

Temple Name : Sri Ulagalantha Perumal temple (4 Divya Desams)

Deity : Lord Ulagalantha Perumal and Goddess Aaranavalli (Mahalakshmi)
About : This is one of the 108 Divya Desam Temples.This is a must visit temple is Kanchipuram. The temple depicts Lord Vishnu in Vamana Avatar to destroy the ego of Lord Mahabali.

Timing : 7:30 AM to 12:00 PM, 4 PM to 8 PM.

Parking : Lot of parking area in the temple and outside.

Additional Info: The temple is 200m from the Kamakshi Temple. 4 Divya Desam temples are in the same premises - Thirukkarvaanam, Thirukaaragam, Thiruneeragam, and Thiruooragam. The 3 shrines are located around one of the shrines, that of Vamana Avatar. The rest 3 precincts are called Sri Jagadeesa Perumal Temple, Sri Karunakara Perumal Temple, Sri Thirukkaarvaanar Temple.

Temple Name : Sri Chitragupta Swamy Temple

Deity : Chitraguptar
About : This is one of its kind temple - hosting Chitragupta, assistant to Yama. This is a must visit temple is Kanchipuram. 

Timing : 7:30 AM to 12:00 PM, 4 PM to 8 PM.

Parking : Parking on the main road.

Additional Info: The temple is located on the main road near the Kanchipuram Bus stand. Major festival for Chitra Pournami. He is said to keep track of good and bad deeds of human beings.

Temple Name : Sri Vaikunta Perumal temple (Divya Desam)

Deity : Lord Vaikunta Perumal - Lord Vishnu in 3 postures
About : This is one of the 108 Divya Desam Temples.This is a must visit temple is Kanchipuram for being a Divya Desam temple and for beautiful architecture. The temple depicts Lord Vishnu in three postures - standing, sitting and reclining postures. The temple dates back to 6th century. 

Timing : 7:30 AM to 12:00 PM, 4 PM to 8 PM.

Parking : Parking area outside the temple.

Additional Info: The temple is 500m from Chitragupta Temple. The temple has beautiful sculptures on the walls and pillars. One gets to see Lord Vishnu in 3 different levels inside the temple. The temple is also an ASI site.

We had breakfast at Hotel Indian Coffee House. The pongal, vada and dosa with sambhar and chutney were homely taste. Fair. The coffee was very bad, and no relation to the name of the place. There is no parking space nearby and need to park little far where on could find space. The hotel is around 100m from Kanchi Kamokoti mutt on the main road.

Temple Name : Sri Ekambareswarar temple (Pancha Bhoota Sthalam - KachiEkambam) (TNT001) and Sri Nilathingal Thundathan Perumal (Divya Desam)

Deity : Lord Ekambaranathar (Prithivi Lingam - Shiva) and Goddess Kamakshi; Nilathingal Thundathan Perumal
About : This is one of the Pancha Bhoota Stalam (Earth/land) and 276 Paadal Petra Stalams - dating back to 600 AD. This is a must visit temple is Kanchipuram. The temple also houses Nilathingal Thundam Perumal temple - one of the 108 Divya Desams. The temple is very big is size, one of the largest in India and takes some time to go around - see every deity around. The temple main gopuram is 11 stories tall and one of the tallest in India. The temple is where Goddess Kamakshi marries Lord Shiva under the mango tree - which is still there and revered much by the devotees to get married.

Timing : 6:00 AM to 12:30 PM, 4:00 PM to 8:30 PM.

Parking : Lot of parking area in the temple and outside.

Additional Info: This temple is around 6 kms from the Vellore - Sriperumpudur NH - another entrance to Kanchipuram. The Kanchipuram Idli is available in the temple prasada stall. They serve it with Podi and it was very good. Try it!

Temple Name : Sri Onakandeswarar Temple / Panjupettai Shiva Temple (TNT003) - Paadal Petra Sthalam - Onakanthan Tali

Deity : Lord Onakandeswarar (Shiva)

About : This is one of the 276 Paadal Petra Stalams.  The temple hosts two images of Ona Kantheeswarar (Shiva) in the form of lingam made of granite and is believed to be a Swayambu. There are two other shrines of Shiva namely Salantheeswarar and Jalandeeswarar.

Timing : 7:00 AM to 7:00 PM.

Parking : Open parking in the land outside temple.

Additional Info: This temple is around 1 km from Sri Ekambareswarar temple towards exiting Kanchipuram to NH. The temple is said to be built by demons Onan and Kanthan who became Shiva devotees.

Temple Name : Sri Pandava Dhootha Perumal temple (Divya Desam)

Deity : Lord Pandava Dhootha Perumal - Lord Vishnu
About : This is one of the 108 Divya Desam Temples. The temple depicts Lord Vishnu in sitting and posture - the biggest in the world in sitting posture - 25 feet. The temple is 700m from Ekambareshwarar temple.
Timing : 7:00 AM to 11:00 PM, 4:00 PM to 7:30 PM.

Parking : Parking area outside the temple.

Additional Info: The temple is also dedicated to Rohini star. Lord Vishnu gave dharshan to King Dritharashta here. Lord Vishnu went to Duryodana to get 5 houses for the Pandavas. Duryodana decided to embarrass Lord Vishnu and prepared a seat of and a deep pit below. But, as Lord Vishnu fell into the pit, he took Vishwaroopam and knocked down several.

Temple Name : Sri Anegathangavadeswarar Temple (TNT004) - Paadal Petra Sthalam - KachiAnekatangapadam

Deity : Lord Anegathangavadeswarar (Shiva)

About : This is one of the 276 Paadal Petra Stalams.  The temple is 200m from Kailasanathar temple on the left just before reaching the temple. 

Timing : 6:00 AM to 8:00 AM. But, we could see the Linga from outside. 

Parking : Very small parking area in the small lane leading to the temple; difficult to turn the car.

Additional Info: This temple is quite small. This is the place where Lord Ganesha married Vallabha.

Temple Name : Sri Kailasanathar temple (Architectural beauty)

Deity : Lord Kailasanathar (Shiva)

About : This is one of the architecturally rich temples in the Pallava kingdom. The sandstone temple and sculptures are so popular for the amazing intricacies they have. The place is absolutely stunning for the size of sculptures and the number of small meditation compartments around the temple. The whole passage (prakaram) of the temple is so decorated and one can spend lot of time going around and admiring the richness.The main shrine hosts a big lingam. A MUST VISIT temple.

Timing : 6:00 AM to 12:30 PM - 4:00 PM to 7:00 PM.
Parking : Sufficient parking area outside the temple.
Additional Info: This temple hosts an inner prakaram which is very difficult to enter and come out. The entry is a small hole replicating the womb of a mother - one needs to crawl and get out without any support on the floor as one comes out; and then the exit is a 90 degree turn one has to crawl through. This replicates the birth and death of life of human being. One can also buy beautiful bronze statues outside the temple.

Time was post noon by this temple visit and next couple of temples we visited were closed by 12. So, we decided for a break. We visited Kanchi Kamakoti peet; had dharshan of Sankaracharya peetam and went for lunch. We had lunch at Hotel Kanaga Vilas - locally popular mess. The simple veg meals was ok. We reached Varadaraja Temple by 2:15 and got to know that the temple shall open by 3 PM for dharshan. We took some rest - went around and stood in the queue by 3 PM for the dharshan.

Temple Name : Sri Varadharaja Perumal Temple (Divya Desam)

Deity : Sri Varadharaja Perumal Temple - Lord Vishnu and Goddess Perundevi
About : This is one of the 108 Divya Desam Temples. The temple depicts Lord Vishnu in multiple postures - standing, sitting and reclining. This temple is one of the biggest and oldest temples in Kanchipuram. The temple is on the entry point of Kanchipuram from Tambaram via Walajabad. The temple is said to be more than 2000 years old. The main sanctum is on an elevated place with 24 steps - depicting the letters of Gayathri mantra.
Timing : 7:30 AM to 11:00 PM, 4:00 PM to 8:00 PM.

Parking : Lot of parking area outside the temple.

Additional Info: The temple has a 40 feet long wooden idol of Lord Vishnu. The dharshan of this idol is possible once in 40 years. The temple has a golden and a silver lizard. It is said that all sins would be washed away by touching the same. Many devotees across India visit this temple to touch the golden and silver lizard. The temple also has beautiful sculptures on the pillars of the temple. It takes almost more than 1 hour to visit the 3 sanctums of Lord Vishnu in different postures, Goddess and the lizard sanctum.

The day we visited Kanchi was Aekadesi and different Vishnu temples had different practices - few closed and shall open after 6 PM while few were ready for going around the streets - veedhi ula. We roamed around for 4-5 temples and all were not enter-able. We decided to visit a Shiva temple and then come back to this cluster of Vishnu temples.

Temple Name : Sri Tirumettralinayagar Temple (TNT002) - Paadal Petra Sthalam - KachiMetral

Deity : Lord Tirumettralinayagar (Shiva)

About : This is one of the 276 Paadal Petra Stalams.  The temple is around 2 kms from Kailasanathar temple. The temple is quite small when compared to other temples of Kanchipuram. This is a 7th century temple.  

Timing : 7:00 AM to 12:00 PM; 5:00 PM to 8:00 PM.

Parking : Parking area on the road near the temple.
Additional Info: This temple is quite small. There are 2 sanctums of Lord Shiva here.

Temple Name : Sri Vazhakarutheeswarar Temple

Deity : Lord Vazhakarutheeswarar (Lord Shiva)

About : This is one of the famous Shiva temples of Kanchipuram. The temple is quite known for devotees having problems with respect to law and court. Devotees throng to this temple to get rid of any issues related to Law and believe in it for the results.

Timing : 7:00 AM to 12:00 PM; 5:00 PM to 8:00 PM.

Parking : Parking area on the road near the temple. Not so convenient.
Additional Info: This temple is quite small. The Shiva Lingham here was decorated very well and is crowded at times.

Temple Name : Sri Yathothakaari Temple - (Divya Desam)

Deity : Lord Yathothakaari Perumal / Sonna Vannam Seitha Perumal - Lord Vishnu
About : This is one of the 108 Divya Desam Temples. This temple is 1 km away from Sri Varadaraja Perumal temple. The temple is quite small and was under renovation when we went. The God is in Bhujanga Sayanam in this temple.
Timing : 7:00 AM to 11:00 PM, 5:00 PM to 7:30 PM.

Parking : Parking area outside the temple in very narrow street. The temple is walkable from Sri Ashtabuja Perumal Temple.

Temple Name : Sri Ashtabuja Perumal Temple (Divya Desam)

Deity : Lord Ashtabuja Perumal / Aadhikesava Perumal - Lord Vishnu
About : This is one of the 108 Divya Desam Temples. This temple is 1 km away from Sri Varadaraja Perumal temple on the other side of the main road. The temple is quite small and the deity was on Veedhi Ula when we went. We could not see Moolavar.
Timing : 7:00 AM to 11:00 PM, 5:00 PM to 7:30 PM.

Parking : Parking area outside the temple in small streets. The temple is walkable from Sri Yathothakaari Perumal Temple.

Temple Name : Sri Azhagiya SingaPerumal Temple (Divya Desam) - Thiruvelukkai

Deity : Lord Azhagiya Singa Perumal - Lord Vishnu
About : This is one of the 108 Divya Desam Temples. This temple is 1.2 kms from Vazhakarutheeswarar Temple - on the one way route from Varadaraja Perumal Temple to Kanchipuram town. Lord Vishnu offers dharshan in Narasimha avatar in this temple.
Timing : 7:00 AM to 11:00 PM, 5:00 PM to 7:30 PM.

Parking : Parking area outside the temple in very narrow street. The temple is walkable from Sri Deepa Prakasa Perumal / Vilakkoli Perumal Temple.

Temple Name : Sri Deepa Prakasa Perumal Temple - Vilakkoli Perumal Temple - Divya Desam - Thiruthanka 

Deity : Lord Deepa Prakasa Perumal / Vilakkoli Perumal - Lord Vishnu
About : This is one of the 108 Divya Desam Temples. This temple is 1.4 kms from Vazhakarutheeswarar Temple - on the one way route from Varadaraja Perumal Temple to Kanchipuram town. Lord Vishnu offered dharshan to Goddess Saraswati here, after posing as light for Brahma's yajna, for which Goddess Saraswati was not invited and she cursed. The temple is known for helping in education. There is Lord Hayagreva sanctum nearby.
Timing : 7:30 AM to 10:00 PM, 5:00 PM to 7:00 PM.

Parking : Parking area outside the temple. The temple is walkable - 300 m from Azhagiya Singar temple. 

Temple Name : Sri Kaarai Tirunatheswarar Temple (TNT005) - Kachi Nerikkaaraikkadu - Paadal Petra Sthalam

Deity : Lord Sathyanathaswami (Shiva)

About : This is one of the 276 Paadal Petra Stalams.  The temple is around 2 kms from Bus stand through narrow curvy roads. The deity in the form of Linga is absolutely very serene and calm; bubbling with lot of energy. 

Timing : 7:00 AM to 1:00 PM; 4:00 PM to 7:00 PM.

Parking : Parking area on the broad place outside the temple.
Additional Info: This temple is were Indra worshipped Lord Shiva and got out of his curse from Maharishi Gautama for misbehaving with Akalya.

One temple that we missed locating in Google maps and could not go was Sri Pavala Vannar Temple - 500m from Chitragupta Temple. This temple is one of the 108 Divya Desam temples and located near the Ulagalantha Perumal temple. The google maps shows different location and we could not go. We then located it late in the day as Pachai Vannar Perumal Temple. We had dinner at Hotel Sakthi Ganapathy on the road to Varadaraja Perumal temple and left back to Chennai. The dosas, sambhar and 3 varieties of chutneys were very good. We reached back around 9 PM.

Quick reference of location of temples.