Majestic Temples of India

Markandeshwar Temple Puri, Odisha Markandeshwar Temple is situated at Puri of Odisha. Temple is located north of the famous Jagannath temple of Puri. Markandeshwar Temple Temple is very famous Temple and one among PanchaTirthas of Puri and also one of the fifty two sacred Shiva places of the country. Story says that Markandeya Muni was saved by Shiva Maha pralaya here. It is also said that Mahavishnu too protected Markandeya. The place where Mahadev saved Markanda is known as Markandeya, later he did tapasya to Shiva here & constructed temple on the same place. Our Temples, Our Pride Har Har Mahadev

Jagannath Temple Puri, Odisha Jagannath Temple, situated at Puri of Odisha, is an architectural Wonder. Maha Prabhu Jagannath gives darshan his with sister Subhadra & brother Balabhadra. Flag flows in opposite direction to the wind. Chakra always faces us from wherever position we see. Kshetra is one among Char Dham. Puri Jagannath Temple is known as Sankha Kshetra. Indradyumna Raja built Jagannath Temple, after Mahavishnu instructed him in dreams to find Nila Madhab. King found an Iron rod in water, which Mahavishnu told him, that is his heart & will remain always on this land. Raja thus placed the rod here and started to worship which is present Jagannath Mandir. Vimana of the temple is about 214 ft height. On the top is Nilachakra, a huge metal wheel made up of 8 metal (Asta dhatu), circumference is 36feet. Maha Prasad or Bhog to Jagannath is very famous which are cooked in earthen pots. Chhappan bhog or Mahaprasad, offering of 56 items are offered to Prabhu Jagannath every...

Lingaraja Temple Puri, Odisha Lingaraja temple is situated at Bhubaneswar of Odisha. Paramashiva is worshipped as Tribhuvaneshwara and city was derived from this name. Shivalingam is Swayambhu here and considered as Ekamra khetram, Ekamra means under Mango tree. Both Mahavishnu and Paramashiva are equally given importance here in the form of Hari Hara. Temple tower is about 180ft tall and believed to be built by Somavamsi dynasty also represents Kalinga architecture.

Varadaraja Perumal Kovil Kanchipuram, Tamil Nadu Varadharaja Perumal Kovil, located in Kanchipuram District of Tamil Nadu is one among 108 Divya Deshams. Mahavishnu is worshipped here as Varadaraja Perumal & Devi as Peundevi Thayaar. Moolavar is Nindra thirukolam( standing). Sthala Puranam says that, Brahma Deva was advised to do Ashwamedha Yagnam here because, doing 1 yaagam here is equal to koti yaagam. While performing yagam Brahma failed to invite Saraswathi Devi, which made her angry. Devi came here as Vegavathi river to destroy Yaagam. Brahma Deva prayed to Mahavishnu who came and reclined here to stop the river & thus Yagam was completed & Mahavishnu came in Punyakoti Vimanam & resided here. Brahma did Prathista of Mahavishnu made of Athi tree. Perumal is Varadarajar means He who bestows all wishes. Utsava murti of Varadarajar emerged from yajna kuntam. Murty has scars on face as came from Yajna. The Vigraham which Brahma did Prathista is kept in Temple Pond Anan...

Thirumanancheri Temple Mayiladuthurai, Tamil Nadu Thirumanancheri Temple is located in Mayiladuthurai District of Tamil Nadu. Paramashiva is Kalyanasundareswarar & Parvathi Devi as Kokilambal. Temple is very famous Parihara Sthalam for Marriage related issues. It is believed that Paramashiva married Parvati Devi here. Thirumanan means marriage. Thirumanancheri refers to the place where marriages take place. Story says that once Parvati expressed her wish to get married to Paramashiva in Earth. As a result Devi took the form of cow. Mahavishnu, Devi's brother took the form of cowherd to protect her. From the divine fire of Bharata muni ashram, Devi transformed to her original form and thus divine marriage between Paramashiva and Parvathi Devi took place here. It is also believed that, during the marriage of Paramashiva and Parvathi Devi, Agasthya Muni came here and did Prathista of Vigraham. Parihara poojas to remove marriage related issues are very common here and after marriag...

Amirthakadeshwarar Temple Thirukadaiyur, Tamil Nadu Amirthakadeshwarar Temple is situated at Thirukadaiyur in Tamil Nadu. Paramashiva is Swayambhu here as Amirthakadeshwarar and Parvathi Devi as Abhirami Amman. Temple is one among Paadal Petra Sthalam. Sthala Puranam says that while Devas & Asuras  found the Amirtham from Parkadal, they forgot to worship Vigneswara. Ganesha who got angry with this took Amritha Kalasham & came here. Amirtha kalasam became Shivalingam & thus Paramashiva is Amirtha kadeshwarar. Vinayagar is known by Kallavinayagar here. Markandeya was born to Mrikandu and Marudmati after many years of Tapasya. Markandeya was an exemplary son but it was said that he will live only upto 16years. A great Shiva Bhaktha Markandeya always prayed here at Thirukadaiyur. At the age of 16 When Yama came to take Markandeya, he embraced Shivalingam tightly. Shiva appeared as Kalasamhara Murthy and protected Markandeya here. Temple is very famous Sthalam for Shatyabdap...

Panachikkadu Kshetram Kottayam, Kerala Temple is one among 108 Durgalayas in Kerala. Story says that once there lived a Namboodiri at Kuzhippuram illam. He went to Mookambika Temple for seeking her blessings to have a child. He spend years in the temple & on return, at Panachikkadu he placed his Olakuda ( Umbrella) down & went to bath. Namboodiri was not able to lift Umbrella afterwards. Later he was told that Devi Mookambika was with him accompanying in the Umbrella. Thus Prathishta of Devi was done here. Saaraswatha Gritham is given to the children here, a medicine for memory by the blessings of Devi. Vigraham is covered with creepers & shrubs. Navaratri is very famous here. Many children are brought here and Aadyaksharam ( first education) on Vidyarambam day. Vidya means Knowledge and Arambham means beginning, which is performed on the last day of Navratri. In a plate of rice Hari Sri Ganapataye Namah is written by small children and same in sand is written by anyone who...

Thiyagarajaswamy Temple Chennai, Tamil Nadu Arulmigu Thiyagarajaswamy Temple at Chennai of Tamil Nadu, is one among Paadal Petra Shiva Sthalam, where Moovar, Appar, Thirugnanasambandar &Sundarar has sung hyms. Shiva is Adipureeswarar / Thiyagarajar & Parvathi Devi, Vadivudai Amman. Vadivudai Amman sannidhi is one among 51 Shakti Peethas. Paramashiva is Swayambhu lingam in the form of an Ant hill. Sthala Puranam says that during the time of Maha Pralayam, Paramashiva took the form of a huge fire to make water recede, and stayed here as Swayambu lingam under a Makizha tree. It is said that this is the first (Adhi in Tamil) Swayambu lingam that appeared in the earth after the Pralayam & thus Shiva is  Adhipureeswarar. It is said that to fight with Madhu and Kaidaba, Mahavishnu worshipped Shiva here, and brought back all the Vedas from them at this place. There are two sannidhi for Shiva, Sri Adipureeswarar & other for Sri Otreeswarar, two separate sannidhi for Devi Vad...

Mahalakshmi Temple Kolhapur, Maharashtra Mahalakshmi Temple, located in Kolhapur of Maharashtra is situated on the banks of the Panchganga River. Temple is one of 18 Maha Shakti Peethas. Maa is called Ambabai which means Divine Mother. Story says that, after Brighu Muni kicked Mahavishnu in the chest, Lakshmi Devi, who reside in his chest got angry & came down to earth. The place where Devi came down to earth from Vaikunta is Kolhapur. Another story says about an asura called Kolhasur. Devi destroyed Kolhasur who was disturbing lives of people here. Asura requested Maa for the city to be renamed after him, which is why the city is now called Kolhapur. It is believed that this is Mahavishnu's favourite place as Devi chose to live here. Murti of Mahalaxmi is in black stone with four arms, standing position of about 3 feet. Mahalakshmi temple is so designed that twice a year, the sun rays fall on the Murti which is called Kironatsav. Sree Mahadevyai Namaha

Satyanarayana Temple Annavaram, Andhra Pradesh Sri Veera Venkata Satyanarayana Swamy Temple Annavaram is located at East Godavari of Andhra Pradesh. Ancient temple of Mahavishnu who is Swayambhu, is situated on the banks of river Pampa. Temple is in hilltop of Ratnagiri named after Ratnakara son of Meru Parvat. Meru has two sons Bhadra and Ratnakara. Bhadra worshipped Mahavishnu and turned into Bhadrachalam where Shri Rama settled. Ratnakara who also worshipped Mahavishnu turned Ratnagiri where Satyanarayana Swamy resides. Story also says about a Brahmin who had a dream that vigraham is left abandoned in hill. He informed Maharaja and thus Vigraham was found and Prathista was done. Satyanarayana pooja is very important here. Satyanarayana swamy resides along with Anantha Lakshmi Devi on one side and  Paramashiva on the other side. Satyanarayana swamy should be worshipped with truth and commitment through which one attain mukthi.

Abhirami Amman Temple Thirukkadaiyur, Tamil Nadu Abhirami Amman Sannidhi at Amritaghateswarar temple is situated at Thirukadavur of Tamilnadu. Amritha Ghata Eswarar means who gives moksham. Abhirami means She who is attractive in every moment of time. Abhirami Amman fulfills wishes of all her devotees. Story of Abhirami Bhattar is very famous, who was a great devotee. His original name is Subramanian. Bhattar will sit hours infront of Amman without any other thoughts. One day King Sarabhoji visited the temple & he saw Abhirama Bhattar in Devi Upasana. Raja asked him what is he praying to on this Amavasya day. Bhattar who was seeing only Devi's face which is shining brightly told that it is Pournami. King was angry at this and he told that he will be beheaded if Moon did not appear that day. Abirami Pattar realized what he said and prayed to Devi to protect him as he answered them in her thoughts. Bhattar was made to sit in a platform tied with ropes and fire was lit down. He st...

Sthanumalayan Temple Suchindram, Tamil Nadu Sthanumalayan or Thanumalayan Temple Is located in Suchindram district of Kanyakumari. Trimurthis are worshipped here, Sthanumalayan refers as Sthanu means Paramashiva, Mal means Mahavishnu, Ayan means Bramha. Sthala Puranam says that Indra Deva got relieved from a curse after praying to Shivalingam here. Suchi means purify, and Suchindram means place where everything is purified. It is said that Indra deva visits & does pooja here everyday at night. Another story is about Atri Muni and his Anasuya Devi. Anasuya Devi was highly devoted wife. One day Trimurthis came like Brahmins to test her. Devi treated them with utmost care without knowing who they were. But the Brahmins told her that they will accept food only if she serve without her clothing. With Pati bhakti Anasuya Devi converted all the 3 Brahmins to small kids and thus she gave the infant her milk. Atri Muni returned with Parvathy, Lakshmi and Saraswathi Devi and An...

Nellaiappar Temple Tirunelveli, Tamil Nadu Arulmigu Nellaiappar Temple is located in Thirunelveli of Tamil Nadu. Temple is 1 among Paadal Petra Sthalam, also 1 among Pancha Sabha which represent Tamira Sabha. Temple is famous for music pillar and architecture. Paramashiva is worshipped here as Nellaiappar & Devi as Kanthimathi/Gandhimath Amman. This place was once a bamboo forest & a milkman named Rama Konar used to give milk to the palace. While walking through forest he stumbled upon something and fell down with entire milk. This incident happened at the same place everyday. When Maharaja asked the reason Konar describes this. Raja tries to clear the bamboo but blood came while using axe. Maharaja builts a temple here to Shivalingam which is present Nellaiappar. Another story is about Veda Sharma who was a Devotee of Paramashiva. Using paddy which he collect, and water from river he used to do poojas daily. One day, when he was drying the paddy which he had collected it start...

Shri Gandi Veera Anjaneya Swamy Kshetra Kadappa, Andhra Pradesh Located in Kadappa Dist. of Andhra Pradesh Veera Anjaneya Swamy, also called Abhayahasta Anjaneya is situated on the banks of River Papaghni.Story is related to Ramayana, where Shri Rama drew Anjaneya's picture in a rock. Shri Rama completed the drawing except Hanuman's little finger on left hand. Later when Vigraham was made referring the picture, little finger was also made. But the finger got cut by itself & it started bleeding. It is believed that Hanuman want it just like how Rama drew him. It is also said that hearing the news of Rama's Victory with Ravana, Vayu Deva decorated this place with golden flowers to welcome him. Jai Shri Ram Jai Shri Hanuman

Sri Varasidhi Vinayaka Temple Kanipakkam, Andhra Pradesh Sri Varasidhi Vinayaka Temple is located in Chittoor District of Andhra Pradesh. Ganapathy is Swayambhu here and it is believed that size of Vigraham is increasing daily. Sthala Puranam says that, there were three brothers who were handicapped & were digging a well to to water their field. The tool they used to dig well, fell, and suddenly blood started to come out from there. Three brothers got rid of their disabilities at that time. Shocked villagers rushed to the spot and found a Vigraham of Ganapathy. Eventhough villagers  dug more, feet of the Vigraham could not be found. Even today, Ganapathy is seen inside a well. It is also believed that vigraham will grow day by day to show that truth always prevails. So it is a practice here to take oath here before Vinayakar to prove their innocence. Vinayaka Chaturthy is very famous here. Om Gam Ganapathaye Namah

Thiruvanparisaram (Thirupathisaram) Temple Kanyakumari, Tamilnadu Thiruvanparisaram Thiru Kovil is located in Kanyakumari District. Temple is one among the 108 Divya Desham. Mahavishnu is worshipped here as Thiruvazhmarban and Lakshmi Devi as Kamalavalli. Many stories are related here. Vibheeshana, after attending the Ramar Pattabhishekam was gifted Ranga Vimanam which he had to place at Srirangam. On the way back to Lanka,Vibhishana is said to have visited and prayed here wishing Shri Rama darshan. Mahavishnu gave darshan as Shri Rama, thus Rama, Mata Sita, Lakshmana are seen near Moolavar. Another story is about King Kulasekhara came here where his horse got lost. While searching he found horse at Soma Theertham, Koil Theertham. It is said that Kulasekhara worshipped Perumal and built the temple here and named it Thiruvanparisaram. Thiru means respect, Vazh means live, and Marban, Heart. Mahavishnu is believed to have held Lakshmi Devi by her heart here, thus worshipped as Thiruvazhm...

Is Radha Rani's Story included in Srimad Bhaghavatam ? Messages between Srimati Radha Rani and Shri Krishna are send through a parrot named Shuka. Shuka was very dear to Radha, and was present till Radha Rani reached Goloka. While leaving Radha tells Shuka to spread Krishna Leela's to the whole world. Thus the parrot Shuka was reborn as Vyasa Muni's son Shuka. Shuka Maharshi recites Bhaghavatam to Parikshit maharaja when he gets cursed that his death will happen in 7days by Takshak's( serpant) bite. While telling Shri Krishna stories if Shuka Muni says Radha's name then he will go to indefinite Yoga state. Thus was the attachment Parrot had with Radha and Krishna. Without telling Radha's name, Shuka Muni will take a deep breath, closing his eyes for sometime. In one sloka Shuka Muni recites Radha's name as  "Aaradhita". The particular sloka is Anayaradhito nunam Bhagavan harir isvarah Yan no vihaya govindah Prito yam anayad rahah That one Gopi has ...

N amakkal Anjaneyar Namakkal, Tamil Nadu Namakkal Anjaneyar Temple is located in Namakkal District of Tamil Nadu. Anjaneyar here is about 18ft tall seen with folding hands praying to Narasimha Murthy. There is no roof in sannidhi, eventhough many tried to construct everything failed. Story says that, Once Anjeneya was carrying a Saligrama from Mandakini river, was surprised to see Mahalakshmi here. Devi was praying for Bhaghavat darshanam in the form of Narasimha. As Saligrama must not be kept on the ground Anjaneya requested Mahalakshmi Devi to hold Saligrama, while he finished his bath. Hanuman didn't return on correct time and Mahalakshmi placed the saligrama on the ground. Saligrama grew to a hill & Mahavishnu gave darshan as Narasimha here. Thus Anjaneyar also stayed here worshipping Narasimhar here. Vada Mala is very famous here. Jai Hanuman 🙏🕉🙏

Brahmacharini Temple Varanasi, Uttar Pradesh On Day 2 of Navaratri Maa Brahmacharini is worshipped. Form of Durga Devi who is  represented as a symbol of severe tapasya.  Brahmacharini Temple is located close to Durga Ghat at the bank of the river Ganga in Varanasi. Maa Brahmacharini is carrying a rudraksha mala & Kamandalu. The rudraksh represents her tapasya for Shiva. Brahmacharini means who lives in an Ashrama  who pursues the sacred religious knowledge. Maa Brahmacharini is also known as Tapaswini. Story says that when Parvati realised that she was destined to marry Paramshiva, she decided to do Tapasya as adviced by Narada Muni. Devi did extreme tapasya. Worshipping Maa grants fulfillment of unlimited wishes and one obtains her qualities of discipline and self control. Jai Maa