Temples in India are doorway to heaven. Since time immemorial the pilgrimages of South India has been attracting devotees from different corners of the world. The centuries old temples are known for their uniqueness in design, rituals, traditions, festivals and believes.
Lets know about some most popular temples in South India
Meenakshi Temple, Madurai – Tamil Nadu
Built sometime between 16th and 18th century AD, Meenakshi temple is popular in the religious circuit all over the world. The shrine is dedicated to Lord Shiva and His consort Parvati, also called as Sundareshwara and Meenakshi. Its 12 gopuras and the tall towers are the major attraction. Each corner of the tower is furnished with stucco figures of mythological deities and animals
Tirupati Temple – Andhra Pradesh
Tirupati temple is draws countless attention of devotees all the year round. The world’s richest temple sits on the Tirumala hill(cluster of seven hills) in Chittoor district. It is devoted to Shri Venkateswara and pilgrims in order to pay special homage before the Lord, organizes an 11 days Brahmotsavam festival in the month of February.
Guruvayoor Temple – Kerala
Located 80 kms from Kochi, Guruvayoor temple is among the popular temples in Kerala. Pilgrims from different parts of the world visit the the holy abode and find pleasure to chant the holy name of Lord Krishna. It is also called as Healing Temple or Bhoolokavaikunta(heaven on Earth). The 23-ft high ‘deepastambham’(pillar of lamps) and koothambalam are the major attractions of the temple.
Lakshmi Narasimha deva Temple – Andhra Pradesh
This divine temple is located upon a 300 foot hill and is called as gateway to Vaikuntha(Vaikuntha-dwara). Pilgrims here will receive chance to offer prayer before the three forms of Lord Narasimha, namely- Jwala Narasimha, Gandabheranda Narasimha and Yogananda Narasimha. A cave inside the temple is believed to the place where the Lord manifested Himself in the form of Gandabheranda Narasimha. One can also find the sculptures of Him in the other two form.
By: Mithi Dey
Posts Tagged ‘Lord Krishna’
Pilgrimage – India Travel
October 28th, 2009Akshaya Tritiya Festival In South India
October 13th, 2009
Akshaya Tritiya is a widely celebrated Hindu festival in India. In South India, this auspicious festival is celebrated with great faith.
On Akshaya Tritiya day, the Sun and the Moon are most radiant and best placed, and hence every moment on this day is considered as auspicious. It falls on the third day (Tritiya) of the bright half moon of the Vaisakha month of Hindu Calendar which happens in April-May. This year (2008) this auspicious day comes on 7th of May, as per the Calendar (Mathrubhumi).
Akshaya means one that never diminishes, and the day is believed to bring good luck and success on whatever you initiate. Hence it has been in practice of buying valuables, especially long term assets like gold, silver etc on this day, hoping to bring good luck and prosperity.
According to Puranas, this day marks the beginning of Treta Yug. It is also the Birthday of Sage Parasurama, the sixth incarnation of Lord Vishnu. Parshurama is considered to be the personification of valour and devotion.
Another story goes like this. It is on Akshaya Tritiya day the Pandavas of Hindu epic Mahabharata, received a bowl called ‘Akshaya Pathram’ from Lord Krishna during their exile life. This bowl was meant to provide unlimited food to them, and it is said to have given infinite food. Due to this, people believe that anything acquired on this day will be replenished.
Another belief is that it is on Akshaya Tritiya day, Veda Vyasa, along with Lord Ganesha, began to write the great Hindu epic Mahabharata.
On this sacred day, people bathe in holy rivers, conduct special pujas, make donations, and visit temples. Goddess Lakshmi and Lord Vishnu are worshipped on this day.
It is also believed that doing good deeds on this day, such as giving donations generously, forgiving and forgetting the past to renew relationships, leaving bad habits and starting good habits etc will be rewarded abundantly.
By: Lakshmi Menon
