Gaura Purnima

This festival celebrates the appearance of Lord Chaitanya Mahaprabhu in Mayapur, India, over 500 years ago. It is observed annually in March in temples all over the world, and especially in the Mayapur area.

Lord Caitanya Mahaprabhu is Krishna Himself appearing as His own devotee to teach us that we can gain full enlightenment simply by chanting the holy names of the Lord:

Hare Krishna, Hare Krishna, Krishna Krishna, Hare Hare/
Hare Rama, Hare Rama, Rama Rama, Hare Hare

Those who witnessed the Lord’s pastimes saw Him dance and chant with ecstatic love for God. Mahaprabhu induced many people to take up the process and taste the spiritual pleasure it bestows on anyone who begins to chant, no matter what their background or level of spiritual qualification.

The present-day International Society for Krishna Consciousness continues the work begun by Lord Chaitanya, who predicted that the chanting of the holy names of Krishna would spread all over the world.

Gaura Purnima means “Golden Full Moon,” signifying that Lord Chaitanya took birth at the time of the full moon, and that the Lord blesses everyone with the soothing, moonlike rays of His sublime teachings. His followers observe this festival by fasting and chanting the holy names. At moonrise, a sumptuous vegetarian feast is offered to the Lord and then enjoyed by all.

Links:

• Lord Chaitanya’s Teachings
• The Gaura Purnima Festival in Mayapur
• Srila Prabhupada speaks about Gaura Purnima
• Lord Chaitanya Art Gallery
• Sri Caitanya-Caritamrta, the biography of Lord Chaitanya Mahaprabhu.
• More information about the Hare Krishna Maha-mantra.

நாட் டு பே மிச்சேது

விசிட் தினமலர்.காம் அண்ட் என்ஜாய் த வேப்காச்ட் விதேஒஸ் ஒப் புட்டபர்த்தி சத்யா சாய்பாபா
பிரத் டே ஆன் ௨௩/௧௧/0௭. நாட் டு பே மிச்சேது.௨ஓ கிளிப்பிக்ஸ். என்ஜாய்.த் தினமலர்

அச்கோமடடின் அட் திருமலா.கிபிட் ஒப் யுரப்பாஜி.

CM lays foundation stone for construction

of Guest House Complex at Thirumala

Thirumala, Feb.27: The Chief Minister of Karnataka Shri B.S.Yeddyurappa laid the foundation stone for construction of new Karnataka Guest House Complex at Tirumala today.

Speaking on the occasion, the Chief Minister said that the Tirumala Tirupathi Devasthanam of Andhra Pradesh Government had allotted 7.05 acres of land on a 50-year lease basis and 500 general, 34 VIP , 12 VVIP rooms, 2 marriage halls, 2 restaurants and 16 commercial shops would be constructed on that land at a cost of Rs.93 lakhs.

The complex which would be completed in 2 years would solve a long felt need of Karnataka pilgrims to have good accommodation facilities at Tirumala. The expenditure would be borne by the Karnataka Government and contribution from the devotees of Karnataka, he said.

Thousands of devotees from Karnataka have been visiting Tirumala to seek darshan of Lord Venakteshwara. The intimate relationship between Tirumala and Karnataka dates back to Krishnadevaraya period. The relationship was further strengthened during Wadeyars’ period. Shri Dodda Krishnarajendra Wodeyar had contributed Inam lands which were fetching 600 varahs of annual revenue. To light the silver lamp weighing 1899 tholas contributed by Maharaja of Mysore which is placed in the sanctum sanctorum of Lord Venkateshwara temple even now, Karnataka Government is providing 7 kgs of pure ghee every day. The present Tirumala Tirupathi Devasthanam Chairman Shri D.K.Adikeshavalu has further strengthened the bond in resolving the problems associated with the allotment of the land, the Chief Minister said. He also lauded Housing and Muzrai Minister Shri Krishnaiah Setty for doing good work in solving the problems of pilgrims.

Minister for Housing & Muzrai Shri Maluru E.N.Krishnaiah Setty, Minister for Excise, Information, IT & BT Shri Katta Subramanya Naidu, Medical Education Minister Shri Ramachandra Gowda, Minister for Rural Development and Panchayath Raj Kum. Shobha Karandlaje, Minister for Transport Shri R.Ashok, Tirumala Tirupathi Devasthanam Board Chairman Shri D.K. Adikesavalu, Commissioner of Endowment Department Shri K. Ramanna Naik, Kolar District Commissioner Shri N. Prabhaker and other dignitaries were present at the function.

Feb. 27 being his 67^th birth day the Chief Minister had Darshan of Balaji early morning. When he was asked by the media persons what he sought for from Balaji. He said Blessings for the people of Karnataka for their well-being and prosperity.

வாட் எ ஸ்வீட் நேவ்ஸ்.கரிசன தேவோடீஸ் வ்வ்வ்/இஸ்கான் நேவ்ஸ்

Vrindavana: Krishna Balarama Temple's Live Webcam Installed

By Madhava Smullen on 15 Nov 2008

Image: vrindavandarshan.com

Sri Sri Radha-Shyamasundara of ISKCON Vrindavana's Krishna-Balarama Temple

Pilgrims travel thousands of miles across the world to cast their eyes over the beautiful deities at ISKCON’s Krishna-Balarama Mandir in Vrindavana, India. But now they can visit Krishna’s birthplace without leaving their homes.

With the help of donors and dedicated volunteers, website Krishna.com has installed a live webcam in the ISKCON temple, where the presiding deities are Sri Sri Krishna-Balarama, Sri Sri Radha-Shyamasundara, and Sri Sri Gaura-Nitai.

The current camera shows the temple interiors and Sri Sri Krishna-Balarama’s altar, and refreshes its image every twenty seconds. Cameras for the two other altars will be installed as donations to pay for them come in.

Live sound will also be added to the broadcast soon, making for a fully immersive experience. “We have a volunteer who has flown to Vrindavana and will be there for the next six months, ready to set up the live webcast sound,” says volunteer manager Manu Dasa. “We just need a few more pieces of equipment to make it happen, so any donations are much appreciated.”

Visit Krishna Balarama Mandir live at http://www.krishna.com/vrindavan

DWARKA TIRUMALA. MY DREAM.(THANKS WWW.TIRUMALA.ORG)

Temple About the Temple: “Dwaraka Tirumala” is an ancient holy place and a popular pilgrim center in Andhra Pradesh of South India. Dwaraka Tirumala is nearer to 'Eluru', the head quarters of West Godavari District, which is 42 KM away from Eluru. Dwaraka Tirumala is situated at 15KM distance from Bhimadole Junction, which is in between Vijayawada and Rajahmundry State Highway and Vijayawada, Visakhapatnam main Railway line. Sthala Puranam : This pilgrimage centre is called "Dwaraka Tirumala" after the great saint, "Dwaraka" who located the self manifested idol of Lord "Sri Venkateswara" after severe penance in a ‘Valmikam’ (ant hill). The devotees call Sri Venkateswara as Kaliyuga Vaikunta Vasa. This place is also called “Chinna Tirupati”. As per Sastras North Indian rivers like Ganges and Yamuna are considered to be more and more holy as they go up to the origin and south Indian rivers like Krishna and Godavary are more and more holy as they go down the river to its mouth to the Sea. It is why there are numerous shrines and holy bathing ghats, at close intervals, on both sides of the great grand rivers Krishna and Godavary in their lower regions. The region covered by our Dwaraka Tirumala is commanding the top most conspicuous position in India, being garlanded by these two great Indian rivers Krishna and Godavary, as pointed out by Brahma Purana. The devotees who wish to go and offer their donations, or tonsures or any other offerings to Lord Venkateswara, Lord of Tirumala Tirupati, called as “Pedda Tirupati”, due to some reason, if they are unable to go there, they can offer their donations, prayers and worship in Dwaraka Tirumala temple. Dwaraka Tirumala is a famous temple from the ancient times. According to some Puranas, the temple is popular even in Kruta yuga and is still attracting the devotees. According to Brahma Purana, Aja Maharaja, the Grand father of Lord Sri Rama also worshiped Lord Venkateswara for his marriage. On his way to the ‘Swayamvaram’ of Indumati, he passed by the temple. He did not offer prayers in the temple. The bride Indumati garlanded him, but he had to face a battle with the kings who came to the Swayamvaram. He realized that the battle was thrust on him for ignoring the temple on the way. After realizing this, Aja Maharaja prayed to the Lord Venkateswara. Suddenly the kings stopped the battle. It is a great wonder to see two main idols under one Vimana Sikharam. One idol is a full and complete statue. The other is a half statue of the upper portion of the form of the Lord. The upper potion of the form is a self-manifested idol located by Sage "Dwaraka". The saints of the yore felt the prayers to the Lord are not complete without worshipping His holy feet. So, the saints joined together and installed a full statue behind the self-manifested idol, to worship the feet of the Lord according to Vaikhanasa Agamam. It is believed that the prayers to the smaller statue of the Lord will lead to Moksha, and the big form stands for Dharma, Artha and Kama. The Tiru kalyanotsavam is celebrated twice a year. One for the self manifested idol in the month of “Vaisakha” and the other for the installed idol in the month of “Aswayuja”. MAGNIFICIENCE OF THE SANCTUM SANCTORUM: On entering the sanctum sanctorum, one feels a most inspiring and enchanting experience. The presiding mythological deity Lord Venkateswara is visible upto the Bust size and the lower portion is imagined to be in the earth. The holy feet are said to be offered to Bali Chakravarthi in “Patala” for his daily worship. The full size idol of Lord Sri Venkateswara standing at the back of the main idol is said to have been installed by the great social reformer Srimad Ramanuja of the 11 th century. The idols of Padmavathi and Nanchari are installed in the Arthamandapa facing east. This is a full equipped shrine to be a Divyasthala. COMBINATION OF SIVA AND VISHNU ON ADISESHA: The most peculiar aspect here is that the hill appearing to be a serpant in form, even to the naked eye, confirms the mythological version that Anantha, the serpant king has taken up this terrestial form of serpant hill and is carrying God Mallikarjuna on the hood and Lord Venkateswara on the tail, thus creating a happy and harmonious compromise of Vaishnavism and Saivism at a single place. RENOVATION AND ORIGIN OF THE PRESENT STRUCTURE: The magnificent monuments like, Vimana, Mantapa, Gopura, Prakara etc., stand to the credit of Dharma Appa Raoa recent ruler (1762 – 1827) and the golden ornaments and silver vahanas stand to the credit of the generous queen Rani Chinnamma Rao of Mylavaram, Krishna Dist. (1877 – 1902). These things immortalize the glory of the shrine. The main temple is a masterpiece of South Indian Architecture with its five-storied main Rajagopuram facing the south and three other gopurams on the other three sides. The Vimana is in the Nagara style and old Mukhamantapa is extended to a great extent to suit the present day needs. There are several temples of Alwars attached to the Prakara on all sides. The whole spacious compound has been paved with stone and flower trees are grown in an order as if to feast the eye of the pilgrims. Temple Tour (Holy places in the Temple): Sri Swamyvari Temple Anjaneya Swamyvari and Sri Garuda Swamivari Temples Sage ‘Dwaraka’ Statue Alwar Temples Deeparadhana Temple Four corner Mandapams Sri Tallapaka Annamacharya Statue Temple Activities for the day: Daily worships begin with “SUPRABHATAM” at 4-00 AM and end with the ringing of bells at 9-00 PM according to “VAIKHANASA AGAMA SASTRA”. 4-00 AM to 5-00 AM “SUPRABHATAM” 5-00 AM to 6-00 AM Brining of holy water daily worships, Balabhogam and distribution of Prasadam (“TEERDHAPU BINDE”) 6-00 AM to 8-00 AM Snapana (Only on Fridays) 6-00 AM to 1-00 PM Special and early “Darsanam” of “Swamy” to the devotees. 9-00 AM to 12-00 Noon Worships by the devotees (Arjita Poojas) 8-00 AM to 12-00 Noon Vedaparayanam 9-30 AM to 12-00 Noon Daily “Arjita Kalyanam” 12-00 Noon to 12-15 PM “Mahanaivedyam” and distribution of “Prasadam” 1-00 PM Close of the Temple 3-00 PM to 5-00 PM Free Darsanam (Sarva Darsan) 3-30 PM Prabhutvotsavam 6-00 PM to 7-00 PM Evening worships (Sayamkalarchana) 8-30 PM to 9-00 PM Sevakalam, Pavalimpu Seva 9-00 PM Close of the temple Darsanam: Darsanam : Darsanam is provided to devotees every day. Darsanam timings are Morning 6AM to 1 PM, 5 PM to 5.30 PM and 6.30 PM to 9 PM The ticket rate for Darsanam is free Seeghra Darsanam: This is a Special type of Darsan. People can use this type of Darsan having shorter period of time. Darsanam timings are Morning 6AM to 1 PM, 3 PM to 5.30 PM and 6.30 PM to 9 PM. The ticket rate for this type of Darsan is Rs.50/- per head Nitya Arjita Kalyanam: Nitya Arjitha Kalyanam is performed every day to Lord Sri Venkateswara. The devotees can also participate in the Celebration of Kalyanam by paying certain amount. Arjitha Kalyanam Rs. 1000/-: On payment of Rs.1000/- the Devasthanam will present one Sari, Jacket, Sanku chakra Namala Kanduva to the couple. 5 Laddus, 1 Pulihora and 1 Sarakara Pongal packet are presented. 6 persons will be allowed for Darsanam including Kalyanam performing couple and also for Anna Prasadam. Arjita Kalyanam will not be celebrated on the following Days: 1. Makara Sankranti 2. Swamy vari Vysakhamasa Kalyanotsavams (From Vaisakha Suddha Dasami to Bahula Vidiya) 3. Swamy vari Aswayujamasa Kalyanotsavams (From Aswayuja Suddha Dasami to Bahula Vidiya) 4. Solar Eclipses 5. Krishnastami 6. Pavithrotsavams (From Sravana Suddha Trayodasi to Bahula Padyami)

About the Temple

jain mandirs and byravs

In many Jain Mandirs the Lord Bairavji is called as " NAKODA BAIRAV"

NAKODA BAIRAV BHAGVAN is also "Bless ful". He offers what u want.
Just offer him Rose,flowers,Laddu or simple misri.He is happy.
In ur next visit pl visit Nakoda Bairavji and get his smily blessings

(more to follow)

RANAKPUR.A IDEAL FOR SOJOURN.(THANKS AND PHOTO COURTESY.PILGRIMAGE-COM

Ranakpur

» Visit Ranakpur. Contact us.

Ranakpur - The Jain Temples in Aravali
Ranakpur in the state of Rajasthan is one of the five most important pilgrimage sites of Jainism. It is home to an exceptionally beautiful temple complex in the Aravali ranges and a must visit for the tourists coming to this region.

Location
Ranakpur is tucked away in a remote valley in the Aravali range. It is situated around 60 km north of Udaipur in Pali district and boasts of one of the largest and most important Jain Temples in the country. The place is well connected through a road network to other places in the region.

History
Ranakpur is named after Rana Kumbha whom Dharna Sah, a Jain businessman, approached when he had the vision of his great temple to ask for the land for its construction. Renowned for some marvelously carved Jain temples in amber stone, Ranakpur is one of the five holiest places of the Jain community and exceptional in beauty. Situated at a distance of around 60 km from Udaipur, these temples were constructed in the AD 1439.

Pilgrimages Attractions of Ranakpur
The Ranakpur Jain Temple was built during the reign of the liberal and gifted Rajput monarch Rana Kumbha in the 15th century. The basement is of 48,000 sq. feet area that covers the whole complex. There are four subsidiary shrines, twenty-four pillared halls and domes supported by over four hundred columns. The total number of columns is 1,444 all of which are intricately carved with no two being alike. The artistically carved nymphs playing the flute in various dance postures at a height of 45 feet are an interesting sight. In the assembly hall, there are two big bells weighing 108 kg whose sound echoes in the entire complex. The main temple is a Chaumukh or a four-faced temple dedicated to Adinath.

The three other Jain temples in the same complex, including a temple of the Sun God, are all well worth a visit. One kilometer away from the temple complex is the temple of Amba Mata.

Sadri
Sadri, eight km away, is famous for some beautiful temples and an old dargah of Khudabaksh Baba. The Varahavtar temple and the Chintamani Parsvanath temple are the oldest of the temples situated here.

Temples at Desuri
Three temples, dedicated to Lord Shiva, Lord Hanuman and Navi Mata are among some noteworthy temples at Desuri around 16 km from Ranakpur. An old mosque situated here is also worth a visit. A temple dedicated to Parsuram Mahadeo, nestled in the hills, is also close by.

Another nearby place, Ghanerao, abounds in Hindu temples. Most notable is the temple of Gajanand with a life-size statue of the goddesses Riddhi and Siddhi. The statue in the main shrine is guarded by idols of Hanuman and Bhairon on either side.

Muchhal Mahavir temple The Muchhal Mahavir temple is situated about five km from Ghanerao in the Kumbhalgarh Sanctuary. Its distinctive feature is the statue of Lord Mahavira with a mustache. The two statues of elephants guarding the gateways are splendid examples of temple decoration. In the vicinity are the Garasia tribal villages famous for their colorful costumes. Falna Ranakpur The Jain Golden Temple in Falna, a small town in Rajasthan has a unique attraction worldwide. It is the first temple that has been constructed by the people of the Jain community. The specialty of the temple is that, from the Falna town itself about 90 Kg. of gold was donated by the ladies of the Jain community for the idolization of temple dome and Lords idol.

» Visit Ranakpur. Contact us.

Photo Credit : pics4news.com

MAHA SIVARATHRI.OM NAMASHIVAYA

Do u know nowadays,his holiness, Shri Jagatguru Badari Shankaracharya Samasthanam.from Shakatapuram is camping in Bangalore city for Mahashivratri
Chaturyama Pooja Mahotsava.

This writer had a luck of having darshan of holiness and his idols.

Do u know he has conducted whole night pooja/bhajans in Bangalore on Monday
(23/02/09) 7 Pm to 7 am ( tue 24/2/09) (IST).

u may visit NDK Kalyana Mandira,indiranagar and have darshan of Idols and his holiness.
Duly thanking the Deccan herald we reproduce the engagement col

" Sri Jagadguru Badari Shankaracharya Samsthanam: Shivaratri Chaturyama Pooja, NDK Kalyana Mantapa, 13th Main Road, Indiranagar 100 ft Road, HAL 2nd Stage, 8 am. "

RATHA SAPTHAMI

The holy RATHASAPTAMI which comes in Jan/feb is known as
MAGHASHUDDHA SAPTHAMI OR SURYA JAYANTI.

ROAD TO TOMB ( MEHR BABA JAYANTHI)

Within five days from now on,we will be reaching a Lucky day (ie 25th Feb)

the Jayanti of Mehr Baba,a spiritual Super Master,born in India 1894-1969,won

the World.But still his eternal works/ masterpieces have to be spread in our own

country.

I was rather Lucky to be called by Baba,when I was in ahmednagar some two decades back.One fine morning One of my friend became the ambassador of Baba and,called me over the Phone and put in my ears a lovely word " sir let us go to his "fort" nearby.

Within few minutes we had been to his Samadhi near Ahmednagar.However,Baba reminds me and give solace whenever I pass through " his fort"way to Delhi.My mind meet him by saying "Baba"

Avatar of Baba is a gift to the world from Zoroastrian sect of Persians.Not lacking in spiritual sense of world spiritual leaders.like Os`ho,his master pieces

Like Books/lectures/music are eternal and be read and read." one ness of the God" was essence of his open speeches and even through his silences.He observed silence for decades.But he flashed meaning of God,realisation, and route to reach him.Baba belongs to all the religions.What a message? Everybody from every religion reach "baba" and god through him.

Why not visit Mehrabad on 25/02 and taste his spiritual fragrance.Long live

lord Mehr Baba, and his spiritual fragrance distelled in Love and passion

He reaches u and calls u the moment he thinks of him.

GURU VANDANA ( SINGER.BHARADWAJ)

BANDAMMA VARA BANDAMMA GURUWARA BANDAMMA.GURUWARA BANDAMMA NINAYAMMA RAYARE NINAYMMA.

I am surely attracted by the above versions of Kannada song in praise of Guru
Ragavenra.
On the occasions like Thursday,otherwise known as guruwara what more u can
sing.
Will u also sing with me?

eyefeastsfrom TTD.( www.tirumla.org)

Feb,18, 2009 Kalpavruksha(more) Feb,18, 2009 Bhutha Vahanam(more) Feb,17, 2009 Simha(more) Feb,16, 2009 Kapileswara(more)

GREAT START

Venkatadri samam sthanam brahmande nasti kinchana,
Venkatesa samo devo na bhuto na bhavishyati