Breaking News - Assembly Elections for five states announced; NOTA option introduced

New Delhi: The Election Commission on Friday announced the schedule for Assembly Elections to be held in five states, namely Delhi, Rajasthan, Madhya Pradesh, Chhattisgarh and Mizoram.

Chief Election Commissioner VS Sampath said Delhi and Mizoram will go to polls in single phase on December 4, while voting will be held in Rajasthan on December 1, and in Madhya Pradesh on November 25.

Chhattisgarh will have two-phase polls on November 11 and 19.

The counting of votes will be held together for all five states on December 8.


The model code of conduct has come into force with immediate effect in all five states.

The 'None Of The Above' (NOTA) option for negative voting will be provided in these elections, as desired by the Supreme Court, Sampath said.

In Delhi, Chief Minister Sheila Dikshit is seeking a record fourth straight term in office.

The full Election Commission met earlier this morning to finalise the dates for the Assembly Elections.

The panel has already asked the Union Home Ministry for 60,000 paramilitary personnel to be deployed in five states ahead of the polls.

The Assembly Elections are crucial as they are being considered a semi-final before the General Elections in 2014.

Detailed Poll Schedule: 

Madhya Pradesh: 

Date of issue of Gazette Notification: Nov 1
Last date of filing of nomination: Nov 8
Date of scrutiny of nomination: Nov 9
Last date of withdrawal of nomination: Nov 11
Date of polling: Nov 25 

Chhattisgarh: 

First Phase 

Date of issue of Gazette Notification: Oct 18
Last date of filing of nomination: Oct 25
Date of scrutiny of nomination: Oct 26
Last date of withdrawal of nomination: Oct 28
Date of polling: Nov 11 

Second Phase 

Date of issue of Gazette Notification: Oct 25
Last date of filing of nomination: Nov 1
Date of scrutiny of nomination: Nov 2
Last date of withdrawal of nomination: Nov 4
Date of polling: Nov 19 

Rajasthan: 

Date of issue of Gazette Notification: Nov 5
Last date of filing of nomination: Nov 12
Date of scrutiny of nomination: Nov 13
Last date of withdrawal of nomination: Nov 16
Date of polling: Dec 1 

Delhi: 

Date of issue of Gazette Notification: Nov 9
Last date of filing of nomination: Nov 16
Date of scrutiny of nomination: Nov 18
Last date of withdrawal of nomination: Nov 20
Date of polling: Dec 4 

Mizoram:

Date of issue of Gazette Notification: Nov 9
Last date of filing of nomination: Nov 16
Date of scrutiny of nomination: Nov 18
Last date of withdrawal of nomination: Nov 20
Date of polling: Dec 4

Counting of votes on December 8

Other Salient Points of the EC Press Conference

Over 11 crore electorate in all five states
630 Assembly seats in total in five states
Photo coverage in electors rolls and issue of EPIC is near 99-100%
Total polling stations 1 lakh 30 thousand
EVMs to be used in all five states
There will be Voter Awareness Observers for the first time
EC officials to go door-to door to give Voter ID card
Educating voters on the SC ruling on convicted lawmakers and declaration of all assets by candidates 

gangasagar_mela_ganga_sagar

Makar Sankranti is one of the most auspicious occasions for the Hindus, and is celebrated in almost all parts of India and Nepal in a myriad of cultural forms, with great devotion, fervour, and gaiety. It is a harvest festival. Makar Sankranti is perhaps the only Indian festival whose date always falls on the same day every year: 14 January, with some exceptions, when the festival is celebrated on 13 January or 15 January. Makar Sankranti is also believed to mark the arrival of spring in India.

History

Makar Sankranti is the day when the glorious Sun-God begins its ascendancy and entry into the Northern Hemisphere and thus it signifies an event wherein the Sun-God seems to remind their children that 'Tamaso Ma Jyotirgamaya'—may you go higher and higher, to more and more Light and never to Darkness.

To Hindus, the Sun stands for knowledge, spiritual light and wisdom. Makar Sankranti signifies that we should turn away from the darkness of delusion in which we live, and begin to enjoy a new life with bright light within us to shine brighter and brighter. We should gradually begin to grow in purity, wisdom and knowledge even as the Sun does from the Day of Makar Sankranti.

The festival of Makar Sankranti is highly regarded by the Hindus from north to south. The day is known by various names and a variety of traditions are witnessed as one explores the festival in different states.

Owing to the vast geography and diversity of culture in India, this festival is celebrated for innumerable reasons and in innumerable ways depending on the climate, agricultural environment, cultural background and location. On this day children fly kites.

Date and significance

Makar Sankranti has an astrological significance, as the sun enters the Capricorn (Sanskrit: Makar) zodiac constellation on that day. This date remains almost constant with respect to the Gregorian calendar. However, precession of the earth's axis (called ayanamsa) causes Makar Sankranti to slide further over the ages. A thousand years ago, Makar Sankranti was on 31 December and is now on 14 January. Five thousand years later, it shall be by the end of February, while in 9,000 years it shall come in June.[citation needed]

While the traditional Indian Calendar is based on lunar positions, Sankranti is a solar event. So while dates of all Hindu festivals keep changing as per the Gregorian calendar, the date of Makar Sankranti remains constant over a long term, 14 January. Makar Sankranti is celebrated in the Hindu Calendar month of Magha.

Makar Sankranti is a major harvest festival celebrated in various parts of India. Many Indians also conflate this festival with the Winter Solstice, and believe that the sun ends its southward journey (Sanskrit: Dakshinayan) at the Tropic of Capricorn, and starts moving northward (Sanskrit: Uttarayaan) towards the Tropic of Cancer, in the month of Pausha on this day in mid-January. There is no observance of Winter Solstice in the Hindu religion. Makar Sankranti commemorates the beginning of the harvest season and cessation of the northeast monsoon in South India. The movement of the Sun from one zodiac sign into another is called Sankranti and as the Sun moves into the Capricorn zodiac known as Makar in Sanskrit, this occasion is named as Makar Sankranti in the Indian context. It is one of the few Hindu Indian festivals which are celebrated on a fixed date i.e. 14 January every year (or may be sometimes on 15 January (leap year)).

Makar Sankranti, apart from a harvest festival is also regarded as the beginning of an auspicious phase in Indian culture. It is said as the 'holy phase of transition'. It marks the end of an inauspicious phase which according to the Hindu calendar begins around mid-December. It is believed that any auspicious and sacred ritual can be sanctified in any Hindu family, this day onwards. Scientifically, this day marks the beginning of warmer and longer days compared to the nights. In other words, Sankranti marks the termination of winter season and beginning of a new harvest or spring season.

All over the country, Makar Sankranti is observed with great fanfare. However, it is celebrated with distinct names and rituals in different parts of the country. In the states of northern and western India, the festival is celebrated as the Sankranti day with special zeal and fervour. The importance of this day has been signified in the ancient epics like Mahabharata also. So, apart from socio-geographical importance, this day also holds a historical and religious significance. As it is the festival of Sun God and he is regarded as the symbol divinity and wisdom, the festival also holds an eternal meaning to it.

Lots of new changes in Shri Shri Mehndipur Balaji

Hello Friends recently, i had visit shri shri mehndipur balaji m totally surprise there lots of changes in temple like Darshan Que system completely change also you will get babaji darshan in very short time. really it's very nice.

Jai ho mehndipur balaji maharaj ki

Best Regard
Vikas 

Salasar Balaji

Salasar Balaji or Salasar Dham in India is a place of religious importance for the devotees of Hanuman. It is located in the town of Salasar, on National Highway 65 near Sujangarh in Churu district, Rajasthan. The temple of Balaji, another name of Hanuman, is situated in the middle of Salasar and attracts innumerable worshippers throughout the year. On Chaitra Purnima and Ashvin Purnima large fairs are organized which millions of devotees visit as they pay homage to the deity.
Salasar Balaji is in the religious circuit that includes the pilgrim centers of Rani Sati Temple and Khatushyamji, which are both located close to it. Initially a small construction, the temple of Salasar Balaji is now considered to be a Shakti Sthal (a place of power) and Swayambhu (self creation) by faith, belief, miracles and wish fulfillments of the devotees.

Legend
There are several theories concerning the origins of Salasar Balaji.
One claims the discovery of the site by Ginthala Jat of Asota village in Nagaur district of Rajasthan. On one Saturday of Shraavana shukla Navami samvat 1811 (1754 AD), a miracle happened. A Ginthala Jat farmer of Asota village was ploughing his field when all of sudden the plough was hit by a stony thing and a resonating sound was created. He dug up the soil of that place and found an idol covered with sand. His wife reached there with his lunch. The farmer showed the idol to his wife. She cleaned up the idol with her saree. The idol was that of Balaji i.e. Hanuman. They bowed their heads with devotion and worshipped Balaji. The news of appearance of Balaji soon spread in the Asota village and reached the Thakur of Asota. That night Balaji appeared in Thakur's dream and ordered him to send the idol to Salasar in the Churu district. Same night a devotee of Hanuman, Mohandas Maharaj of Salasar saw Hanuman or Balaji in his dream too. Balaji told him about the idol of Asota. He immediately sent a message to the Thakur of Asota. The thakur was surprised to discover that Mohandas knew even minor details without coming to Asota. Certainly it was due to the divine powers of Balaji. The idol was sent to Salasar and was consecrated at the place presently known as Salasar Dham.[1]
A slightly modified version to the same story indicates that upon seeing the dream of appearance of the Hanuman, the Thakur of that village ordered the idol to be shifted to Salasar and placed at the temple for the religious rituals to be performed. He brought two bulls, placed the idol on its cart and left them in the open courts believing to build the temple at the place where the bulls would stop. The place where the bulls stopped was given the present name of Salasar. Many of the villagers, shopkeepers and traders shifted their living to Salasar and thus a new village was formed.

Mohandas Maharaj

Sri Mohandas Maharaj was a great devotee of Hanuman. He practiced great penance and asceticism at the present Balaji temple at Salasar. It is said that Hanuman, pleased with his devotion, often appeared in his dreams. Worried with his immense devotion, Mohandas' sister Kanibai wanted to get him married against Mohandas desires to remain single. He convinced his sister by telling her that the girl with whom he decides to marry will die on the day of the marriage and thereby accomplished his desire to remain bachelor. The temple of Salasar Balaji was constructed by him and was maintained under his surveillance thereafter. Several years later, Mohandas handed over the temple and worship responsibilities to his nephew Udayram and appointed him the first pujari of the temple. He spent the rest of his life worshiping Hanuman with great devotion before taking samadhi (act of consciously and intentionally leaving one's body at the time of enlightenment). In his honour, Sri Mohan Mandir is constructed near the Balaji temple where the footprints of himself and Kanibai are still worshiped by all the devotees visiting the Balaji temple. This is also the samadhi sthal of both the devotees. The Holy Ramayana is being continuously read here since the last eight years.

Deity

The principal deity of the temple is Hanuman who receives veneration of millions of devotees here along with other deities. The idol of Balaji here is different from all other idols of Hanuman. Unlike other projections and idols of Hanuman, Balaji possess round face with moustache and beard making it the most unique idol among the other idols of Hanuman all over the world. It is believed that drinking water of the wells of the Salasar is due to the blessings of the Balaji.

Construction

The Temple was constructed on the 9th day the bright half of Shraavana in the samvat 1811 (1754 AD). Inspired by the strange dream and the unusual appearance of Balaji in the dream, the founder of the temple Mohandas Maharaj, got constructed a mud-stone temple initially with the help of Muslim craftsmen Noora and Dau of Fatehpur Shekhawati. The place was later developed into a concrete temple with the help of the successor of Sikar Jagirdar Rao Devi Singh who contributed in the construction of the temple as he was once saved from the loot by Dungji-Jawaharji by the blessings of Balaji. Later, inspired by Mohandas' devotion towards Balaji, his descendants Kaniram and Ishwardas developed and renovated the temple which took the present form of a large temple complex. A patta of the land was made in the name of Balaji in the presence of Shobhasar Thakur Dhiraj Singh, Salasar Thakur Salim Singh and elders of Tetarwal Jats

Architecture

The temple was constructed over a period of about 2 years while using bricks, stones, cement, lime mortar, and marble. While white marble stone has been extensively used throughout the construction of the temple, the entire circulatory path, the Sabha Mandap (prayer hall) and the Sanctum Sanctorum is covered with artistic works of Gold and Silver. The vestibule, the doors and the utensils used in worshiping are made of silver. The main gate is made up of carving works of white marble. The temple shrine and the sanctum sanctorum are decorated with floral patterns and other kinds of mosaic works done in Gold and Silver to give the temple a rich look. The idols placed were built of a high quality sculpture

Administration

While the worship of the deity is managed by the Brahmins priests from the Dadhich clan, the temple is managed and maintained by the trust Hanuman Sewa Samiti. They also look after the management of the fairs, social works, public and private facilities such as the maintenance of road, water supply, charitable hospitals, in the village. Over the years, there have been many Dharamshalas and restaurants constructed here to stay and eat comfortably.

Timings

The temple is open to devotees from early morning 4:00 AM till 10:00 PM in the night. However, the temple is not closed at all on some special occasions such as Hanuman Jayanti, as the number of pilgrims visiting the place reaches millions on one single day

Religious Aspects

The aim of the temple is to propagate the devotion of Hanuman and thereby the devotion of Rama. Thousands of visitors choose to come on feet, while some on prostrated movement showing their intensity of devotion for Balaji

Rituals

Coconut Tying

Of many rituals and traditions performed at the temple, the most widely followed is the tying of coconuts with moli (sacred red threads) in the temple premises by a large number of devotees. It is widely believed that such practice helps them to fulfill their wishes, if done with sincere faith. The practice was originated by the Jagirdar of Sikar, Rao Raja Devi Singh. Devi Singh did not have a son. He heard about Balaji and came to this place and tied a coconut on a tree to fulfill his wish of having a son. He was later blessed with a handicapped son Rao Raja Laxman Singh after ten months. Thus the custom of tying coconuts to fulfill wishes continues at the temple from that time on wards

Savamani

The other widely followed practice is the offering of food (weighing up to 50 kg) by the devotees to their deity, referred to as Savamani. The term "Savamani" is derived from the word "Sava" meaning one and a quarter in Hindi and the word "Mun" or "Maund", a mass unit weighing about 40 kg; thus adding the total up to 50 kg. Though the food is mostly prepared by the cooks of the temple kitchens, the process is now being outsourced to several independent shopkeepers & food-caterers due to the increasing number of offerings everyday. Several delicacies like Dal, Baati, Churma, Boondi, Peda & Laddu is chosen for Savamani. The food after first being offered to the deity, is later used as part of family celebrations, distributed over to family and relatives or donated to the needy.

Activities

Some of the regular activities of the temple 

include

Regular worships of the deity

Performing Aarti on fixed time slots

Feasting of Brahmins and other mendicants

Recitation of Ramayan

Recitation of Kirtan & Bhajans

Arrangement for Savamanis

Recitation of Sundar Kand on every Tuesday in union by the singers.

Arrangement of stay for the visitors

Around the temple

Dhunia of Mohandasji: The holy fire lit by Mohandas Maharaj is still burning. The devotees consider the holy ashes called Vibhuti as sacred and eating a bit of it is believed to cure diseases. Some take it back home believing it to bring good luck and prosperity.[1]

Sri Mohan Mandir: Near the Balaji temple is the footprint of Mohandas and Kanidadi. This is the samadhi sthal of both the devotees. The Holy Ramayana is being continuously read here since the last eight years.

Akhand Hari Kirtan: Akhand Hari Kirtan (chanting of the name of Rama) is also continuing from the past twenty years in the temple premises of Balaji.

Temple of Anjani Mata: Anjani Mata is the mother of Hanuman. Her Holy temple, also believed to be the home of Balaji is situated one kilometer from the main Salasar Dham Temple on the Lakshmangarh - Salasar Road.

Gudavadi Shyam temple: This temple is one kilometer from the main Salasar Dham Temple. Two bullock carts from the times of Mohandas are placed here.

Shayanan Mata Mandir: The place is situated about 15 km from the temple on a unique hillock in the desert area and is supposed to be about 1100 years old.

Festivals and fairs

Sri Hanuman Jayanti / Chaitra shukla Chaturdashi and Purnima: The major festival is witnessed by millions of devotees from every part of the country.[1]

Ashvin Shukla Chaturdashi and Purnima: The fair is also witnessed by millions of devotees.

Bhaadra Shukla Chaturdashi and Purnima: This fair is as attractive as the rest fairs. Free food and sweet drinks are distributed to all.

Daily Aries Horoscope- 17/09/2013

Aries Horoscope for 17 Sep 2013

Bhakti Ekk Shakti, A day of recreation and fun. Stick to your budget to avoid financial constraints. You will be somewhat irritated with the behavior of the people around you today. Time to refresh your friendship by reminding good times you shared. Your married life will take a beautiful change with some ever-lasting love moments. Not a very good day for traveling.

Lucky Number: 1
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Taurus Horoscope for 17 Sep 2013

Bhakti Ekk Shakti, Health problems are just around the corner- therefore make a routine for regular exercise and believe that prevention is better than the cure. Financial problems ruin your ability to think constructively. Help from family members take care of your needs. Behave properly while going out with your mate. Your aptitude to learn new things would be remarkable. Rash driving and risk should not be taken while on the road.

Lucky Number: 9
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Gemini Horoscope for 17 Sep 2013

Bhakti Ekk Shakti, Chances of your recovering from physical illness are high which will enable you to participate in sports competition. Wise investments will only fetch returns- therefore be sure where you put your hard-earned money. Those seeking emotional reassurances may find their elders coming to their aid. Love life will be vibrant. A day of careful moves- so don't present your ideas until you are sure it won't fail. Pending problems need to get sorted out soon and you know that you have to start somewhere- so think positively and start putting efforts today.

Lucky Number: 7
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Cancer Horoscope for 17 Sep 2013

Bhakti Ekk Shakti, Try to relax in-between work and avoid late nights. Be secretive about your investments and about your future goals. Control your tongue as it could hurt the sentiments of your grandparents. It is better to remain silent than waste your time in babbling. Remember we give meaning to life through sensible activities. Let them feel you care for them. Professional achievement and benefits for those at work. Don't wait for things to happen-go out and search for new opportunities. A day when changes might be made at the last minutes to your plans.

Lucky Number: 1

==========================================

Leo Horoscope for 17 Sep 2013

Bhakti Ekk Shakti, Your giving attitude would be a blessing in disguise as you are likely to be liberated from many vices like doubt discouragement lack of faith greed attachment egoism and jealousy. Improvement in finances will make it convenient for you to pay your long-standing dues and bills. Make sure you have approval of others before you make changes to your home environment. Control your passion it may put your love affair in jeopardy. Partnership projects will create more problems than positive results- You will be especially angry with yourself for allowing someone to take advantage of you. A sparkling laughter filled day when most things proceed-as you desire.

Lucky Number: 9

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Virgo Horoscope for 17 Sep 2013

Bhakti Ekk Shakti, Health will remain fine despite a busy schedule. Certain important work will come to a halt due to bleak financial position. Spouse remains cooperative despite your erratic behaviour. Instant romance could come your way if you go out with friends in the evening. It seems that you are going to spend the most beautiful moments of your married life this time. You need to move out and rub elbows with people at high places.

Lucky Number: 7
==========================================

Libra Horoscope for 17 Sep 2013

Bhakti Ekk Shakti, Some tensions due to legal matters likely. Don't be lured into dubious money ventures-Investment should be handled with extreme care. Your children would do their best to keep you happy. Today you will miss true love in your life. Don't worry everything changes with time so will your romantic life. Get involved in jobs which are of creative nature. Unexpected travel for some proves hectic and stressful.

Lucky Number: 1

==========================================

Scorpio Horoscope for 17 Sep 2013

Bhakti Ekk Shakti, Keep yourself involved in activities that will help you keep your cool. Property deals will materialize and bring fabulous gains. Younger brother or sister may seek your advice. Secret affairs can ruin your reputation. You will feel that your creativity has been lost and you find it extremely difficult to make decisions. Listen to the advice given by others-if you really want to be benefited today. 

==========================================

Sagittarius Horoscope for 17 Sep 2013

Bhakti Ekk Shakti, You are likely to enjoy some sporting activity which will maintain your physical fitness. Today financial losses seem likely if you invest on the words of others. You will have great time with friends but take extra care while driving. Don't involve yourself in something improper as it could put you in some trouble. Concentrate on your work and stay clear of emotional confrontations. Resist associating with people that will harm your reputation.

Lucky Number: 8

==========================================


Capricorn Horoscope for 17 Sep 2013

Bhakti Ekk Shakti, You might receive a false information which will bring mental pressure. You will make some extra cash today if you play your cards well. Help your brother to keep the things under control. Do not give unnecessary air to a conflict rather try to solve them amicably. May be disappointed in love but don't lose heart as lovers are ever sycophantic. Today you will be in the spotlight- and success is well within your reach. If you run from a situation- it will follow you in the worst possible way.

Lucky Number: 8

==========================================

Aquarius Horoscope for 17 Sep 2013

Bhakti Ekk Shakti, Maintain your mental health-which is prerequisite for spiritual life. Mind is the gateway of life because everything whether it is good/bad comes through mind. It helps in solving life problems and endows one with requisite light. You will be presented with many new financial schemes today-Weigh the pros and cons carefully before making any commitment. A day when listening and working on the suggestions of other people will be important. Romantic feelings will be reciprocated today. You need to use your contacts to get around seemingly difficult issues. Don't be eager to let others know how you feel today.

Lucky Number: 6

==========================================


Pisces Horoscope for 17 Sep 2013

Bhakti Ekk Shakti, A day when smile will perpetually be on your face and strangers will seem familiar. Financial problems ruin your ability to think constructively. Visit to a religious place or a saintly man brings solace and peace of mind. Your courage would win the love. Be discreet and courageous especially in face of opposition that might arise at work place. Rash driving and risk should not be taken while on the road.

Lucky Number: 4

Tirumala Venkateswara Temple

Tirumala Venkateswara Temple is a Hindu temple in the hill town of Tirumala, near Tirupati in Chittoor district of Andhra Pradesh. It is around 600 km (370 mi)[2] from Hyderabad, 138 km (86 mi)[3] from Chennai and 291 km (181 mi)[4] from Bangalore.
The Tirumala Hill is 853m above sea level and is about 10.33 square miles (27 km2) in area. It comprises seven peaks, representing the seven heads of Adisesha, thus earning the name Seshachalam. The seven peaks are called Seshadri, Neeladri, Garudadri, Anjanadri, Vrushabhadri, Narayanadri and Venkatadri. The temple is on Venkatadri (also known as Venkatachala or Venkata Hill), the seventh peak, and is also known as the "Temple of Seven Hills". The presiding deity of the temple is Lord Venkateswara, a form of the Hindu god Vishnu. Venkateswara is known by other names: Balaji, Govinda, and Srinivasa.[5] The temple lies on the southern banks of Sri Swami Pushkarini, a holy water tank. The temple complex comprises a traditional temple building, with a number of modern queue and pilgrim lodging sites.
The temple is the richest pilgrimage centre, after the Sree Padmanabhaswamy Temple in Thiruvananthapuram, Kerala, of any faith (at more than INR 50,000 crore[6][7]) and the most-visited place of worship in the world.[8][9][10] The temple is visited by about 50,000 to 100,000 pilgrims daily (30 to 40 million people annually on average), while on special occasions and festivals, like the annual Brahmotsavam, the number of pilgrims shoots up to 500,000, making it the most-visited holy place in the world.[11]
There are several legends associated with the manifestation of the Lord in Tirumala. According to one legend, the temple has a murti (deity) of Lord Venkateswara, which it is believed shall remain here for the entire duration of the present Kali Yuga.

History of the temple

Medieval history

Bhoga Srinivasa Murthy idol was donated to the sacred shrine by the then Pallava queen Samavai some 1,500 years ago. According to the temple history the queen of pallava dynasty Sri Kandavan Perundevi(7'th century AD) 18 inch silver idol of Bhoga Srinivasa Murthy in the earlier years of the seventh century.[14][15] Coronation ceremonies of the emperors were also held at Tirupati. In 1517 Krishnadevaraya, on one of his many visits to the temple, donated gold and jewels. It enabled the Vimana (inner shrine) and the roofing to be plated with gold. The Maratha general Raghoji Bhonsle set up a permanent administration for the conduct of worship in the temple. The rulers of Mysore and Gadwal endowed large gifts to the temple.

The Pallavas of Kanchipuram (9th century AD), the Cholas of Tanjore (10th century), and Vijayanagara pradhans (14th and 15th centuries) were committed devotees of Lord Venkateswara. During the invasion of Srirangam by Malik Kafur in 1310-11 AD, the Ranga Mandapam of the temple served as the shelter for the presiding deity of Srirangam, Ranganatha Swamy. Later, under the rule of the Vijayanagara emperors, was when the temple gained most of its current wealth and size, with the donation of diamonds and gold.[16] In 1517 Vijayanagara ruler Sri Krishna Deva Raya, on one of his many visits to the temple, donated gold and jewels, enabling the Vimana (inner shrine) roofing to be gilded. Statues of Sri Krishna Deva Raya and his spouse stand in the premises of the temple. After the decline of Vijayanagara Empire, kings from states such as Mysore and Gadwal worshiped as pilgrims and gave ornaments and valuables to the temple. Maratha general Raghoji I Bhonsle (died 1755) visited the temple and set up a permanent administration for the conduct of worship in the temple.[17] There is an idol of Raja Todar Mal who was the revenue minister of Akbar, greeting pilgrims in the premises of the 

Modern history

In 1843, with the coming of the Madras Presidency, the administration of the Sri Venkateswara Temple and a number of shrines was entrusted to Seva Dossji of the Hathiramji Mutt at Tirumala as Vicaranakarta for nearly a century until the Tirumala Tirupati Devasthanams (TTD) was established as a result of the TTD Act in 1932.

After independence Andhra state was created on linguistic grounds, wherein Tirupati which had and still has a majority of Telugu speaking population was assigned by Govt. of India, integrating it as part of Andhra.

TTD is operated by a Board of Trustees that has increased in size from five (1951) to fifteen (1987) through the adoption of Acts. The daily operation and management of TTD is the responsibility of an executive officer who is appointed by the government of Andhra Pradesh.

The temple attracts approximately 75,000 pilgrims every day. The annual budget, estimated at Rs 10 billion in 2008, runs charitable trusts whose funds are derived from the budget and donations from the devotees.

Temple today

TTD is operated by a Board of Trustees, and has increased in size through adoption of various Acts from five in 1951 to fifteen in 1987. The operations and management of TTD is the responsibility of an Executive Officer (EO), who is appointed by the government of Andhra Pradesh.

The temple attracts, on an average of approximately 60,000 pilgrims every day. The popularity of the temple can be judged by its annual budget. The annual income is estimated at INR 10 billion in 2008. Most of its income is derived from the donations in SriVari Hundi. Devotees donate to the TTD, which runs into the millions of rupees. TTD, the organisation running the welfare of the temple, runs various charitable trusts, whose funds are derived from the budget, and donations from the devotees.

Songs and hymns

The outpouring divine grace of Sri Balaji inspired Tallapaka Annamacharya to sing His glories in Telugu and in Sanskrit. Of the 36000 songs composed by him, only 12000 are available. Keertanas like 'Brahma Kadigina Paadamu' and 'Adivo Alladivo Sriharivaasamu' are popular even today.

Purandaradasa was another who composed thousands of songs regarding Lord Venkateswara. Only a few hundred of his songs are available. 'Daasana Maadiko Enna', 'Nambide Ninna Paadava Venkataramana' are worthy of mention.

Ramabhakta and Sri Tyagaraja (writer of over 4000 songs), were also among the devotees of Lord Venkateswara. 'Tera Teeyagarada', 'Venkatesa! Ninnu Sevimpanu' are among his well-known Keertanas on the Lord Venkateswara.

Vimanam

The vimanam is a monumental tower with a golden roof. Its inner temple or vimanam houses the main deity, Lord Sri Venkateswara. The deity stands directly beneath a gilt dome called the Ananda Nilaya Divya Vimana. This exquisitely wrought deity, called the Mulaberam, is believed to be self-manifested, and no human being is known to have installed it in the shrine. The Lord wears a gold crown with a large emerald embedded in the front. On special occasions, he is adorned with a diamond crown. The Lord has a thick double tilaka drawn on his forehead, which screens his eyes. His ears are decorated with golden earrings. The right hand resting on his lap. His left hand is akimbo. His body is dressed with yellow clothing tied with gold string and a gold belt with gold bells. He has a yajnopavita (sacred thread) flowing down crosswise from his left shoulder. He bears Sri Lakshmi Devi on his right chest and Sri Padmavathi Devi on his left chest. His feet are covered with gold frames and decked with gold anklets. A curved gold belt encompasses his legs. The Ananda Nilaya Divya Vimana was covered with gilt copper plates and surmounted with a golden vase in the 13th century, during the reign of the Vijayanagara king Yadava Raya.The ancient and sacred temple of Sri Venkateswara is located on the seventh peak, Venkatachala (Venkata Hill) of the Tirupati Hill, and lies on the southern banks of Sri Swami Pushkarini.

It is by the Lord’s presidency over Venkatachala, that He has received the appellation, Venkateswara (Lord of the Venkata Hill). He is also called the Lord of the Seven Hills.

The temple of Sri Venkateswara has acquired unique sanctity in Indian religious lore. The Sastras, Puranas, Sthala Mahatyams and Alwar hymns unequivocally declare that, in the Kali Yuga, one can attain mukti, only by worshipping Venkata Nayaka or Sri Venkateswara.

The benefits acquired by a piligrimage to Venkatachala are mentioned in the Rig Veda and Asthadasa Puranas. In these epics, Sri Venkateswara is described as the great bestower of boons. There are several legends associated with the manifestation of the Lord at Tirumala.

The temple has its origins in Vaishnavism, an ancient sect which advocates the principles of equality and love, and prohibits animal sacrifice.

The sanctum sanctorum which houses the awe-inspiring idol of the Lord of the Seven Hills is situated in the main temple complex of Tirumala.

Bangaru Vakili

From the Tirumamani Mandapam, one can enter the Bangaru Vakili (Meaning Golden Entrance in Telugu) to reach the inner sanctum sanctorum. There are two tall copper images of the dwarapalakas Jaya and Vijaya on either side of the door. The thick wooden door is covered with gilt plates depicting the dasavataram of Sri Maha Vishnu.

The doorway is directly in line with the Padi Kavali and the Vendi Vakili(Meaning Silver Corridor in Telugu). It admits pilgrims to the Snapana Mandapam.

Suprabhatam is sung in front of this door.

Garbha Gruha

The Garbhagruha or sanctum is where the idol of Lord Sri Venkateswara is placed. The idol stands majestically in the Garbha Gruha, directly beneath a gilt-dome called the "Ananda Nilaya Divya Vimana".

This idol, called the Mulaberam, is believed to be self-manifested. As there is no known sculptor possessing the capability to sculpt idols of god so proportionately. Further, no human being is known to have installed it in the shrine.[23]

The idol of the Lord wears a gold crown (Kiritam), which has a large emerald embedded on its front. On special occasions, it is replaced with a diamond kiritam. On the forehead of the idol, two thick patchs of tilak drawn with refined camphor, almost covers the eyes of the idol. In between the two white patches is a Kasturitilakam made of saffron.

Golden makara kundalas hang to the ears of the idol. The palm of its raised right hand is embedded with a gem-set Sudershana Chakra, and the left palm with the Holy Cone. The slightly outstretched front right hand, has its fingers pointing toward the feet, as if Lord is the only recourse to his devotees to dissolve in him and enjoy eternal bliss. The akimbo of the front left hand implies lord's protection to devotees, and to show that the Samsara Sagara (Ocean of Life) is never deeper than to hip's height, if they seek his refuge.

The body of the Idol is spun with a Gold-stringed-Pitambaram, with a belt of golden-bells. The idol is decorated with precious ornaments. It has a sacred thread flowing down, cross from the left shoulder. It bears Goddess Lakshmi on the right chest and Sri Padmavathi Devi on the left. Nagaabharanam ornaments are on both of the idol's shoulders.The lotus feet are covered with gold frames and decked with clinging gold anklets. A strong curved belt of gold encompasses the legs. During Abhishekam, we can have darshan of Goddess Lakshmi.

The Ananda Nilaya Divya Vimana was covered with gilt copper plates and covered with a golden vase, in the thirteenth century, during the reign of the Vijayanagara king, Yadava Raya.

Pilgrims are not allowed to enter the Garbha Gruha (beyond Kulasekhara padi (path))

Ramanuja

Ramanuja(1017-1137 C.E) (Holy People of the World: A Cross-Cultural Encyclopedia)[26] born in Tamil Brahmin family in the village of Sriperumbudur, Tamil Nadu,(Philosophers and Religious Leaders: An Encyclopedia of People Who Changed the World Lives & Legacies)[27] was the architect of Tirupati and the father of the Sri Vaishnava community.[28] He was responsible for managing the worship procedures and other affairs of the Sri Venkateswara temple. His shrine was built around the 13th century. It overlooks the western end of the Tirumamani Mandapam. There are two tall copper images of the Dvarapalas (door guardians) Jaya and Vijaya on either side of the door. The door is covered with gilt plates depicting the Dashavatara of Sri Maha Vishnu. The doorway is directly in line with the Padi Kavali and the Vendi Vakili. It admits pilgrims to the Snapana Mandapam. Suprabhatam is sung in front of this door. The right hand of the stone image of Ramanuja is held in the gesture of exposition (vyakhyana mudra), and the left hand in the form of boon bestowal (varada hasta) or of holding a book (pustaka hasta). The shrine figures prominently during the festival of Adhyayanotsavam, which is a typical Pancharatra observance. Special worship is conducted in this shrine during Gandhapodi Utsavam and Bhashyakara Utsavam. The presiding deity of Ramanuja is taken in a grand procession to meet Malayappa near the Padi Kavali.

Jeeyar Mattam was established by Ramanuja, with the call of the Divine that made today's Chinna Jeeyar Swamy the young Srimannarayana Ramanujacharyulu to take up the ascetic order of JEEYAR(Lion) at a very young age of 23 years. He is reckoned very high among the monks of the India and abroad as the pioneer and Crusader of Peace.

Annamaya

Sri Tallapaka Annamacharya (or Annamayya) (May 9, 1408 – February 23, 1503) was the official songmaster of the Tirumala Venkateswara Temple, and a Telugu composer who composed around 36000 keertana songs, many of which were in praise of Venkateswara, the presiding deity of the temple. The musical form of the keertana songs that he composed have strongly influenced the structure of Carnatic music compositions, which are still popular among Carnatic music concert artists. Sri Annamacharya is remembered for his saintly life, and is honoured as a great Bhakta/devotee of Bhagwaan Govinda by devotees and saintly singers.

He is widely regarded as the Pada-kavita Pitaamaha (grand old man of song-writing) of the Telugu language. Annamacharya is said to have composed as many as 36,000 sankeertanas[29] (songs) on Bhagwaan Govinda Venkateswara, of which only about 12,000 are available today.

Annamacharya considered his compositions as floral offerings to Bhagwaan Govinda. In the poems, he praises Venkateswara, describes his love for him, argues and quarrels with the Lord, confesses the devotee's failures and apprehensions, and surrenders himself to Venkateswara. His songs are classified into the Adhyaatma (spiritual) and Sringaara (romantic) sankeertanas genres. His songs in the "Sringaara" genre worship Bhagwaan Venkateswara by describing his amorous and romantic adventures of Venkateswara and Alamel Manga, while others describe the Bhakti of his devotees. In his later keertanas, he espouses subjects such as morality, dharma and righteousness. He was one of the first few who opposed the social stigma towards the untouchable castes in his era, with his sankeertanas explaining that the relationship between God and human is the same irrespective of the latters' color, caste and financial status, in beautiful yet powerful usage of words in his songs "Brahmam Okkate Parabrahmam Okkate..." and "E Kulajudainanemi Evvadainanemi..."

His choice of words gives a mellifluous tone to his songs, charming the listener. His prodigious literary career earned him a place among the all-time greats of Telugu literature.

Tarikonda Venkamamba

Tarikonda Venkamamba born 1730) was a poetess and staunch devotee of Lord Venkateswara in the 18th century. She wrote numerous poems and songs. Her first poem was Tarikonda Nrusimha Satakam and it was followed by Nrusimha Vilasa Katha, Siva Natakam and Balakrishna Natakam as Yakshaganam and Rajayogamrutha Saram, a Dwipada Kavyam. These works were completed when she was in Tarikonda. On her return to Tirumala from Tumburakona caves, Venkamamba composed Vishnu Parijatham, Chenchu Natakam, Rukmini Natakam and Jala Krida Vilasam and Mukthi Kanthi Vilasam (all Yaksha Ganams), Gopi Natakam (Golla Kalapam-Yakshaganam), Rama Parinayam, Sri Bhagavatham, Sri Krishna Manjari, Tatva Keerthanalu and Vashista Ramayanam (Dwipada), Sri Venkataachala Mahatyam (Padya Prabhandam) and Ashtanga Yoga,Saram (Padyakruthi).

Tyagaraja

Kakarla Tyagabrahmam (May 4, 1767–January 6, 1847), colloquially known as Tyagayya and Tyāgarājar, was one of the greatest composers of Carnatic music or classical South Indian music. He, along with his contemporaries Muthuswami Dikshitar and Shyama Shastry, forms the Trinity of Carnatic music. He was a prolific composer and highly influential in the development of the South Indian classical music tradition. Tyagaraja composed thousands of devotional compositions, most of them in praise of Lord Rama — most of which remain very popular even today. Of special mention are five of his compositions called the Pancharatna Krithis (English: 'five gems'), which are often sung in programs in his honor.

His compositions in praise of Lord Venkateswara include - 'Tera Teeyagarada', 'Venkatesa! Ninnu Sevimpanu' among others.

Deities in the temple

1. Moolavirat or Dhruva Beram — The main stone deity of Lord Venkateswara is called Dhruva Beram (beram means "deity", and dhruva means "pole star" or "fixed"). The deity is about 8 feet (2.4 m) from the toes to the top of the crown and is considered the main source of energy for the temple.
2. Kautuka Beram or Bhoga Srinivasa — This is a tiny one-foot (0.3 m) silver deity, which was given to the temple in 614 AD by Pallava Queen Samavai Perindevi, and has never been removed from the temple from the day it was installed. This deity is popularly known as Bhoga Srinivasa, because it enjoys all the Bhoga (worldly pleasures) which the Moolavirat has. This deity sleeps in a golden cot every night and receives Sahasra Kalashabishekam every Wednesday. This deity is always placed near the left foot of Moolavirat and is always connected to the main deity by a holy Sambandha Kroocha. The deity is always faced at an angle of 45 degrees towards the devotees, because it holds a Prayoga ("ready to strike") Chakra.
3. Snapana Beram or Ugra Srinivasa — This idol of the Lord represents the anger part of Lord Venkateswara. He remains inside the sanctum sanctorum, and comes out on only one day each year: on Kaishika Dwadasi, before the sunrise. Snapana means "cleansing". The idol is cleansed daily with holy waters, milk, curds, ghee, sandalwood paste, turmeric, and so on

1. Utsava Beram — This is the form of the Lord which comes out of the temple to see the devotees. This deity is also called Malayappa, and its consorts are Sridevi and Bhudevi. These three deities were found in a cave called Malayappan Konai in the holy Tirumala Hills. Originally Ugra Srinivasa was the Utsava Beram (the procession deity), and frequently disastrous fires were happening whenever the deity was taken out for processions. People prayed to the Lord for a solution. The Lord appeared in dreams, and ordered the people to find a suitable set of idols hidden in the Holy Tirumala hills for the Utsavar (procession). The hunt began, and the villagers called the idol they found Malayappa, which means "King of the Hills". After these idols were brought to the temple, the number of programmes increased to include Nitya Kalyanaotsavam, Sahasra Deepalankara Seva, Arjita Brahmotsavam, Nityaotsvam, Dolotsavam, and others. Jewels worth millions of rupees have been donated as offerings to these idols.
2. Bali Beram or Koluvu Srinivasa — This panchaloha idol resembles the main deity, and represents the presiding officer for all activities and rituals in the temple. The idol is also called Bali Beram. Koluvu Srinivasa is regarded as the guardian deity of the temple that presides over its financial and economic affairs. Daily offerings are made to the deity, with a presentation of accounts. Every year during July i.e. according to Hindu calendar "Dakshinaya Sankaramana" the temple celebrates "Anivar Asthanam" which is the end of the fiscal year.

Worship

The names ascribed to the main deity are Balaji, Srinivasa, Venkateswara, Malayappa (Father of hill in Tamil), Elumalaiyaan(Lord of seven hills in Tamil), Edukondalavadu (Lord of seven hills in Telugu) and Venkatachalapathy' 'or Venkataramana. The goddess Sri or Lakshmi (Vishnu's consort) resides on the chest of Venkateswara; thus, he is also known by the epithet "Srinivasa" (the one in whom Sri resides). The goddesses Lakshmi and Padmavathi reside on either side of his chest. The deity is considered the Kali yuga varada, that is, 'the boon-granting Lord of Kali yuga'. (Kali yuga is the fourth and final age of the Hindu cycle of ages). The temple is held in particular reverence by the sect who hails from "Naimisharanya" (north India), known as the Sri Vaikhanasa/ Adhi Vaikhanasas followers of Sri Vikanasa Muni.

For worshippers, the deity Venkateswara symbolises goodness. When people travel to Tirupati, they chant the mantra yelumalaynukku Govinda Govindaor venkat rama Govinda (In Tamil),Yedu Kondala Vada Venkataramana Govinda Govinda (in Telugu) or Om namo narayanaaya or Om Sri Venkatesaya Namah (in Sanskrit). Lord Venkateswara is believed by followers to be a very merciful form of Vishnu, being the fulfiller of every wish made to him by the devotees.

Several composers composed beautiful kirtanas about Lord Venkateswara, the most notable amongst them being Tyagaraja and Annamacharya, who composed mostly in Telugu. Annamacharya (1408–1503) was a legendary devotee of Lord Venkateswara and composed songs almost exclusively about the deity.

Lord Vishnu is worshiped in the Temple as per Vaikhanasa traditions. The ancient texts of the sage Marichi (the Bhagvad Shastram and Vimanarchana Kalpam) state that Lord Vishnu here should be worshipped six times a day.

1. UshaKala Aradhana — worship (or Aradhana) should start and finish before sunrise
2. Prathakala Aradhana — worship should start after sunrise and finish before noon
3. Madhyanika Aradhana — worship should start and finish at noon
4. Aparahana Aradhana — worship should start when the sun starts to descend
5. SandhyaKala Aradhana — worship should start and finish around the sunset
6. Ardharatri Aradhana — worship should start after the horizon is completely dark

All the Aradhana is done by hereditary Vaikhanasa priests, who have performed the services for generations. Only these priests have the right to touch and offer services to the Lord. These set ofArchakas are called Mirasidars (owners and shareholders of the temple). The four families of the Tirumala Temple which are in this Mirasi are the Gollapalli, Peddintti, Paidipalli, and Tirupathammagari family.

To assist the Archakas in temple work and rituals,other Vaikhanasa who don't belongs to this family & Jeeyar Mattam established by Ramanuja, would take care of the temple work. Currently Thridanda Ramanuja Chinna Jeeyar Swamy heads the Jeeyar Mattam established by Ramanuja.

Epigraphical lore of Tirupati

This Temple bears on its walls several inscriptions which are of historical, cultural and linguistic importance. The number of inscriptions on the Hill Temple and in the temples of Lower Tirupati and Tiruchanur exceed one thousand and they furnish a continuous and authentic record of the transactions of the Tirumala Tirupati Devasthanams for over seven or eight centuries. We have evidence to believe that many early inscriptions on the walls of the temples have disappeared beyond recovery due to restorations and renovations undertaken from time to time.

As many as 1060 inscriptions are found engraved on the walls of the temples under the management of the Devasthanam. They are published by the T.T, Devasthanams and are classified as follows:

• Sri Venkateswara's Temple, Tirumala : No. of inscriptions. 640
• Sri Govindaraja's Temple, Tirupati : No. of inscriptions. 340
• Other Temples : No. of inscriptions. 80

Excepting a few, almost all the epigraphs of the Tirupati Temples are in Tamil language and in alphabet interspersed with Grantha characters. About 50 inscriptions are in Telugu and Kannada.

Additionally, in the temple there is a unique collection of about 3000 copper plates on which the Telugu Sankirtanas of Tallapaka Annamacharya and his descendants are inscribed. This collection forms a valuable source of material for a historical linguist in Telugu, apart from its importance to musicologists.

Under the patronage of almost all important dynasties of South India, this sacred Temple of Tirumala enjoyed the full benefits and glories. The Pallavas, the Cholas, the Pandyas, Kadavarayas, Yadavarayas, Telugu Cholas, Telugu Pallavas, Vijayanagara kings (Sangama, Saluva and Tuluva lines) have left the marks of their patronage and endowments on the walls of the Temples of Tirumala and Tirupati.

Temple activities

Prasadam

The world famous Tirupati Laddu is given at Tirumala Temple as prasadam. Recently the Trust has taken Geographical Indication of Laddu prasaddam, hence, no one can prepare the same Laddu. Many other prasadams are also available including daddojanam (curd rice), pulihora (tamarind rice), vada and chakkera-pongali (sweet pongal), miryala-pongali, Appam, Paayasam, Jilebi, Muruku, Dosa, seera (kesari). Free meals are given daily to the pilgrims. On Thursdays, the Tirupavadai seva is conducted, where food items are kept as naivedyam to Lord Srinivasa.

Hair tonsuring

Many devotees have their head tonsured as "Mokku" an offering to God. The daily amount of hair collected is over a ton. The hair thus gathered is sold by the temple organization a few times a year by public auction to international buyers for use as hair extensions and in cosmetics, bringing over $6 million to the temple's treasury.This is the second highest income generating activity in the temple next to the Hundi Collection.

When Lord Balaji was hit on his head by a shepherd, a small portion of his scalp became bald. This is noticed by Neela Devi, a Gandharva princess. She feels "such an attractive face should not have a flaw". Immediately she cuts a portion of her hair and with her magical power she implants it on his scalp. Lord Balaji notices her sacrifice. As hair is a beautiful aspect of the female, he promises her that all his devotees who come to his abode should render their hair to him, and she would be the recipient of all the hair received. Hence it is believed that hair offered by the devotees is accepted by Neela Devi. The hill Neeladri, one among seven hills is named after her.

Hundi (donation pot)

It is believed that Srinivasa had to make arrangements for his wedding. Lord Kubera credited money to the god Venkateswara (a form of the god Vishnu) for his marriage with Padmavati. Srinivasa sought a loan of one crore and 14 lakh (11,400,000) coins of gold from Kubera and had Viswakarma, the divine architect, create heavenly surroundings in the Seshadri hills. Together, Srinivasa and Padmavathy lived for all eternity while Goddess Lakshmi, understanding the commitments of Lord Vishnu, chose to live in his heart forever.In remembrance of this, devotees go to Tirupati to donate money in Venkateswara's hundi (donation pot) so that he can pay it back to Kubera. The hundi collections go as high as 22.5 million INR a day.Devotees offer gold as a token of their love for God. The annual gold offering goes as high as 3000 kg

Thulabharam

One of the most important offering in this temple, is the ‘thulabharam.’ In the Thulabaram ritual, a devotee sits on a pan of a weighing balance and the other pan is filled with materials greater than the weight of the devotee. Devotees usually offer sugar, jaggery, tulsi leaves, banana, gold, coins. This is mostly performed with newborn babies or children.

Arjitha seva (paid services)

Pilgrims can view and participate (in a limited fashion) in the various sevas performed to Dhruva bera (main idol), Bhoga Srinivasa, Sri Malayappa swami and other idols in the temple.

When pilgrims purchase arjitha seva tickets, they get the opportunity to see a seva performed to the Lord, obtain prasadam in the form of vastram (clothes), akshantalu (sacred and blessed rice) and food articles (laddus, vadas, dosas, pongal, rice items) and a darshan of the utsava murti

The Seven Hills

The seven hills, also called Saptagiri (Template:Lang-Te), represent the Saptarishi (seven sages). They sometimes called the Sapathagiri. Hence the Lord is named Saptagirinivasa. The following are the seven hills:

Gaaligopuram on Tirumala walkway from Tirupati

Mokalla mitta gopuram Tirumala hills Andhra Pradesh

• Vrushabhadri — Hill of Nandi, the vahana of Lord Shiva
• Anjanadri — Hill of Lord Hanuman
• Neeladri — Hill of Neela Devi — It is believed that hair offered by the devotees is accepted by Neela Devi. It is because of boon granted by Lord Venkateswara to Neela Devi.
• Garudadri or Garudachalam — Hill of Garuda, the vahana of Lord Vishnu
• Seshadri or Seshachalam — Hill of Sesha, the dasa of Lord Vishnu
• Naraynadri — Hill of Narayana. Srivari Padalu are located here
• Venkatadri — Hill of Lord Venkateswara

Festivals

The town celebrates most Vaishnava festivals, including Vaikuntha Ekadasi, Rama Navami, and Janmashtami with great splendor, while the Brahmotsavam celebrated every year during September is the most important festival in Tirumala. The temple receives millions of devotees over the short span of a week. Other major festivals include Vasanthotsavam (spring festival), conducted in March–April, and Rathasapthami (Magha Shuddha Saptami), celebrated in February, when Lord Venkateswara's deity is taken on procession around the temple chariots.

Katra Travel Guide - Maa Vaishno Devi

Maa Vaishno Devi
Maa Vaishno Devi is a famous Indian Goddess having a temple near Katra, J&K. It is on a mountain and a climb of about 14 km has to be undertaken to reach it. While most devotees prefer to walk both ways, many of them ride a pony for part of or entire journey. There are Palkis available for the elderly. Please note unless you are exremely fit and used to doing daily strenous exercise, it is advisable to avoid climbing steps in the upward journey as this could lead to extreme pain in calves & thighs the next day. A mix of steps and walking could be done during the return journey.

Following are the options to reach Maa Vaishno Devi temple from Katra.
1. Katra to Ardh Kuari - 6 KM.
 a). Walk - 3 hours
 b). Pony - Rs. 380 (as on 20/04/2013)- 1 hour
 c). Pitthu - for luggage or small babies - Rs. 140 - 3 hours

2. Ardh Kuari to Maa Vaishno Devi Bhawan - 6 KM
 a). Walk - 3 hours
 b). Pony - Rs. 380 (as on 20/04/2013)- 1 hour
 c). Pitthu - for luggage or small babies - Rs. 140 - 3 hours
 d). Electric Vans - Only for elderly people or handicap - Rs. 300 - 30 Minutes

3. Katra to Maa Vaishno Devi Bhawan directly - 12 KM
 a). Helicopter - Rs. 800 (as on 20/04/2013) one way - 8 Minutes
 b). Palki - for elderly - approx Rs. 3000 - 6 hours
 c). Walk - 6 hours
 d). Pony - Rs. 700(as on 20/04/2013) - 2 hours
 e). Pitthu - for luggage or small babies - Rs. 260 - 6 hours

4. Maa Vaishno Devi Bhawan to Bhairo Baba temple - 2 KM
 a). Walk - 2 hours
 b). Pony - Rs. 150 - 45 minutes
 c). Pitthu - for luggage or small babies - 2 hours
5. On the way back - Similar are the options on the way back. However, on the way back, you can go directly from the Bhairo Baba temple to Ardh Kuari. You don't need to come back via Bhawan.
The Shri Mata Vaishno Devi Shrine Board  which manages the temple has its website with extra details.
The best season to visit vaishno devi is during October-March as you can visit the original cave of Mata vaishno devi and accommodation is very cheap also at that time.
Ardh Kuari
Main Bhawan Dormitories available here for you to rest after the climb!
Kal Bhairav Temple
  Other attractions
   
Do

. The main attraction is the visit to Maa Vaishno Devi temple.
. A day trip from Katra to Shiv Khori cave temple may also be made after returning back fom Maa Vaishno Devi Bhavan. This famous cave temple is located 80 km from Katra. The devotees have to walk 3 km to reach this cave. This place is connected with Jammu and Katra by buses.
   
Eat

Most 3 star and above hotels have very good vegetarian food. There are hundreds of other restaurants in the main Katra market. On the way to Bhawan - you have many options of eating snacks and having cold and warm beverages. At some places run by the trust you can have good lunch of rice and rajma.
    
Drink

Alcohol drinking is prohibited on the way to Darshan.

Sleep

Hotel Sunchick, (in Vaishino Devi). Rs700/day for a double.  edit
National Guest House (ranka), 27,arihant colony,pushkar road,ajmer (close to Katra bus stand and Hotel Chirag International), ☎ 01991-232165/094192-15791/098581-63803. Clean and spacious rooms. 24hrs checkout. Rs600-700/day for a double/triple. (13.10.12,15.10.12) edit

Tulsi Vivah Complete Story

   Tulsi Vivah

Tulsi Vivah is the ceremonial marriage of the Tulsi plant (holy basil) to the Hindu god Vishnu or his Avatar Krishna. This ceremony can be performed any time between Prabodhini Ekadashi - the eleventh lunar day of the bright fortnight of the Hindu month Kartik to the full moon of the month (Kartik Poornima) but usually it is performed on the eleventh or the twelfth lunar day. The day varies from region to region.The Tulsi wedding signifies the end of the monsoon and the beginning of the Hindu wedding season.

Legend 

Tulsi is venerated as a goddess in Hinduism and sometimes considered a wife of god Vishnu. She is often called as Vishnupriya, the beloved of Vishnu. The legend behind Tulsi Vivah and its rites are told in the scripture Padma Purana.
According to Hindu scripture, the Tulsi plant was a woman named Vrinda (Brinda), a synonym of Tulsi. She was married to the demon-king Jalandhar. Due to her piety and devotion to Vishnu, her husband became invincible. Even god Shiva, the destroyer in the Hindu Trinity could not defeat Jalandhar. So Shiva requested Vishnu - the preserver in the Trinity - to find a solution. Vishnu disguised himself as Jalandhar and violated Vrinda. Her chastity destroyed, Jalandhar was killed by Shiva. Vrinda cursed Vishnu to become black in colour and he would be separated from his wife. Thus, he was transformed into the black Shaligram stone and in hisRama avatar, his wife Sita was kidnapped by a demon-king and thus separated from him. Vrinda then burnt herself on her husband's funeral pyre or immolated herself due to the shame. The gods or Vishnu transferred her soul to a plant, henceforth which was called as Tulsi. As per a blessing by Vishnu to marry Vrinda in her next birth, Vishnu in form of Shaligram - married Tulsi on Prabodhini Ekadashi. To commemorate this event, the ceremony of Tulsi Vivah is performed.

Another minor legend narrates that Lakshmi - the chief consort of Vishnu - slew a demon on this day and remained on earth as the Tulsi plant.

Ritual 

The marriage of Tulsi with Vishnu/Krishna resembles the traditional Hindu wedding. This ceremony is conducted at homes and also at temples. A fast is observed on the Tulsi Vivah day till evening when the ceremony begins. A mandap (marriage booth) is built around the courtyard of the house where the Tulsi plant is planted. The Tulsi plant is usually planted in centre of the courtyard in a brick plaster called Tulsi vrindavana. It is believed that the soul of Vrinda resides in the plant at night and leaves in the morning. The bride Tulsi is clothed with a sari and ornaments including earrings and necklaces. A human paper face with a bindi and nose-ring - may be attached to Tulsi. The groom is a brass image or picture of Vishnu or Krishna or sometimes Balarama or more frequently the Shaligram stone - the symbol of Vishnu. The image is clothed in a dhoti. Both Vishnu and Tulsi are bathed and decorated with flowers and garlands before the wedding. The couple is linked with a cotton thread (mala) in the ceremony.
In Maharashtra, an important ritual in the ceremony is when the white cloth is held between the bride and the groom and the priest recites the Mangal Ashtaka mantras. These mantras formally complete the wedding. Rice mixed with vermilion is showered by the attendees on Tulsi and Vishnu at the end of the recitation of the mantras with the word "Savadhan" (literally "be careful" implying "You are united now". The white curtain is also removed. The attendees clap signifying approval to the wedding. Vishnu is offered sandalwood-paste, men's clothing and the sacred thread. The bride is offered saris, turmeric, vermilion and a wedding necklace called Mangal-sutra, worn by married women. Sweets and food cooked for an actual wedding are cooked for Tulsi Vivah too. This ceremony is mostly performed by women.The prasad of sugar-cane, coconut chips, fruits and groundnut is distributed to devotees.
The expenses of the wedding are usually borne by a daughter-less couple, who act as the parents of Tulsi in the ritual wedding. The giving away of the daughter Tulsi (kanyadaan) to Krishna is considered meritorious to the couple. The bridal offerings to Tulsi are given to a Brahmin priest or female ascetics after the ceremony.

In two Rama temples in Saurashtra, the ceremony is more elaborate. An invitation card is sent to the groom's temple by the bride's temple. On Prabodhini Ekadashi, a barat bridal procession of Lalji - an image of Vishnu - sets off to the bride's temple. Lalji is placed in a palanquin and accompanied by singing and dancing devotees. The barat is welcomed on the outskirts of Tulsi's village and the ceremonial marriage is carried at the temple. At the bride's side, Tulsi is planted in an earthen pot for the ceremony. People desirous of children perform Kanyadaan from Tulsi's side acting as her parents. Bhajans are sung throughout the night and in the morning the barat of Lalji returns to their village with Tulsi.

SHRI KALKAJI MANDIR (TEMPLE)

Kalkaji Mandir,कालकाजी मंदिर, दिल्ली भारत, also known as Kalkaji Temple, is a famous Hindu mandir or temple, dedicated to Hindu Goddess Kali. This temple is situated on Kalkaji Mandir (Delhi Metro) in the southern part of Delhi, India, in Kalkaji, a locality that has derived its name from this famous temple and is located opposite Nehru Place business centre. The temple is easily accessible by all forms of public transport on Kalkaji Mandir (Delhi Metro) and is near Bus Terminus-Nehru Place and Railway Station-OkhlaThe general belief is that the image of the Goddess Kalka here is a self-manifested one, and that the shrine dates back to Satya Yuga when the Goddess Kalika had incarnated and killed the demon Raktabija along with other giant demons.


General information

Kalka or Kalkaji Mandir is amongst the oldest and the most reverend ancient temples of India. The temple is dedicated to goddess Kalka or Kali, an incarnation of Durga. It is also called 'Jayanti Peetha' or 'Manokamna Siddha Peetha'. 'Manokamna' literally means desire, 'Siddha' means fulfillment, and 'Peetha' means shrine. So, it is believed to be the holy shrine where one gets the blessings of Maa Kalika Devi (Goddess or Mother Kalika) for the fulfillment of one's desires.

The temple complex is situated on Kalkaji Mandir (Delhi Metro), कालकाजी मंदिर मेट्रो स्टेशन in between the Nehru Place bus terminus & business center and Okhla railway station & industrial area, and is right beside the famous Bahá'í Lotus Temple. Close by to the temple, on a hill in the East of Kailash neighbourhood and near the ISKCON temple, lies an Edict of Ashoka, dating 3rd century BC.

Devotees attend the Kalkaji temple throughout the year, but the culmination point of their prayers and celebration comes during the festival of Navratri twice a year. This is a nine-day Hindu festival, in Spring and Autumn during which a large fair is organized here. Devotees gather and sing various hymns and songs praising Goddess Durga.

History

While the Hindu scriptures have multiple references and legends regarding the birth and acts of the Goddess Kali, the legend which tells about the circumstances attending to the birth of Maa Kalika Devi at the Kalkaji Mandir is as below:

        Millions of years ago, the gods who dwelt in the neighbourhood of the present temple were troubled by two giants and were compelled to prefer their complaint to Lord Brahma, 'the god of all'. But Lord Brahma declined to interfere, and referred them to the Goddess Parvati. Out of the mouth of Maa Parvati sprung Kaushki Devi, who attacked the two giants and slaughtered them, but it so happened, that as their blood fell on the dry earth thousands of giants came into life, and the battle was maintained by Kaushki Devi against great odds. Maa Parvati took compassion on her offspring and out of the eyebrows of Kaushki Devi came maa Kali Devi, 'whose lower lip rested on the hills below and the upper lip touched the sky above. She drank the blood of the slaughtered giants as it poured out of their wounds; and the goddess obtained a complete victory over their enemies. Maa Kali Devi then fixed her abode here, and she was worshipped as the chief divinity of the place.

It is believed that the Goddess Kalkaji, pleased with the prayers offered and rituals performed by the Gods on the advice of Lord Brahma, appeared on this mount, known as Surya Koota Parvata, and blessed them. Ever since, the Goddess took this holy place as her abode and has been fulfilling the wishes of her devotees. During the Mahabharata, Lord Krishna and the Pandavas are said to have worshipped this Goddess during the reign of Yudhisthir.

References in History

According to the Government records, the temple of Kalkaji is said to have a very ancient origin, but the oldest portions of the present building is believed to have been constructed not earlier than the 1764 AD by the Maratha rulers.[4] In 1816 A.D. Mirza Raja Kidar Nath, the Peshkar of Akbar II, is said to have made some additions to it. Over the last five to six decades, a considerable number of dharamshalas have been erected in the vicinity by the Hindu bankers and merchants of Delhi place. It is said that Baba Balak Nath of Nath Sampradaya, i.e. the Kanpata Yogis (who have rings pierced in the ears) visited this holy place hundreds of years ago. He is believed to have had the darshan of Goddess Kalika who asked him to stay here and get the temple reconstructed, which by then was completely ruined due to neglect. From that time onwards the yogis of Nath Sampradaya have been serving the Goddess and are enthroned as Mahant. Baba Sandhya Nath, Baba Sahaja Nath, Mahant Prithvi Nath, Mahant Rama Nath are remembered with great respect. They were renowned yogis of their time empowered with special spiritual powers and visions.

Modern Structure

The temple complex, as it stands today, is constructed of brick masonry, finished with plaster (now with marbles) and is surrounded by a pyramidal tower. The Central Chamber which is 12-sided in plan diam. (24' I.M.) with a doorway in each side is paved with marble and is surrounded by a verandah 8'9" wide and containing 36 arched openings (shown as the exterior doorways in the Parikrama). This verandah encloses the Central Chamber from all sides. About the middle of this arcade opposite the eastern doorway there are two red sandstone tigers sitting on a marble pedestal on which the inscription engraved on the marble railings is repeated. The language of the inscriptions is Urdu and the characters on the railings as well as on the pedestals are nastaliq without any pretensions to antiq mvbm,cuity. Between the tigers there is stone image of Kali Devi with her name engraved on it in Hindi, and a trident of stone standing before it.

Ritual
The major ritual consists of offering and bathing the idol (Mata Snanam) with milk followed by an Aarti every morning (6 AM) and evening (7:30 PM). This, in turn, is followed by hymn recitation. Offerings can be purchased just before the entrance of the temple. Visitors should be alert in the area as the place is very crowded and there can be Pickpockets. The Puja archana and other rituals are performed turn by turn (Monthly Basis) by Pujaris consisting of more than 1000 families who are the descendants of 4 main clans (Thulas) of Brahmin pujaris and one clan of Jogis/Mahants.

The atmosphere around the temple is airy and bright with lights which stay during the whole night. Devotees also try to meditate there and a tantric aarti is held in the evening.


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