SCIENTIFIC REASON WHY VISIT TEMPLES ?

WHY TO VISIT TEMPLES ?

(Scientific Reason)

There are thousands of temples all over India in different size, shape and locations but not all of them are considered to be built the Vedic way. Generally, a temple should be located at a place where earth's magnetic wave path passes through densely. It can be in the outskirts of a town/village or city, or in middle of the dwelling place, or on a hilltop. The essence of visiting a temple is discussed here.

Now, these temples are located strategically at a place where the positive energy is abundantly available from the magnetic and electric wave distributions of north/south pole thrust. The main idol is placed in the core center of the temple, known as "*Garbhagriha*" or *Moolasthanam*. In fact, the temple structure is built after the idol has been placed. This *Moolasthanam* is where earth’s magnetic waves are found to be maximum. We know that there are some copper plates, inscribed with Vedic scripts, buried beneath the Main Idol. What are they really? No, they are not God’s / priests’ flash cards when they forget the *shlokas*. The copper plate absorbs earth’s magnetic waves and radiates it to the surroundings. Thus a person regularly visiting a temple and walking clockwise around the Main Idol receives the beamed magnetic waves and his body absorbs it. This is a very slow process and a regular visit will let him absorb more of this positive energy. Scientifically, it is the positive energy that we all require to have a healthy life.

Further, the Sanctum is closed on three sides. This increases the effect of all energies. The lamp that is lit radiates heat energy and also provides light inside the sanctum to the priests or *poojaris* performing the pooja. The ringing of the bells and the chanting of prayers takes a worshipper into trance, thus not letting his mind waver. When done in groups, this helps people forget personal problems for a while and relieve their stress. The fragrance from the flowers, the burning of camphor give out the chemical energy further aiding in a different good aura. The effect of all these energies is supplemented by the positive energy from the idol, the copper plates and utensils in the *Moolasthan*am / *Garbagraham*. *Theertham*, the “holy” water used during the pooja to wash the idol is notplain water cleaning the dust off an idol. It is a concoction of Cardamom,*Karpura* (Benzoin), zaffron / saffron, *Tulsi* (Holy Basil), Clove, etc...Washing the idol is to charge the water with the magnetic radiations thus increasing its medicinal values. Three spoons of this holy water is distributed to devotees. Again, this water is mainly a source of magneto-therapy. Besides, the clove essence protects one from tooth decay, the saffron & *Tulsi* leafs protects one from common cold and cough, cardamom and *Pachha Karpuram* (benzoin), act as mouth fresheners. It is proved that *Theertham* is a very good blood purifier, as it is highly energized. Hence it is given as *prasadam* to the devotees. This way, one can claim to remain healthy by regularly visiting the Temples. This is why our elders used to suggest us to offer prayers at the temple so that you will be cured of many ailments. They were not always superstitious. Yes, in a few cases they did go overboard when due to ignorance they hoped many serious diseases could be cured at temples by deities. When people go to a temple for the *Deepaaraadhana*, and when the doors open up, the positive energy gushes out onto the persons who are there. The water that is sprinkled onto the assemblages passes on the energy to all. This also explains why men are not allowed to wear shirts at a few temples and women are requested to wear more ornaments during temple visits. It is through these jewels (metal) that positive energy is absorbed by the women. Also, it is a practice to leave newly purchased jewels at an idol’s feet and then wear them with the idol’s blessings. This act is now justified after reading this article. This act of “seeking divine blessings” before using any new article, like books or pens or automobiles may have stemmed from this through mere observation.

Energy lost in a day’s work is regained through a temple visit and one is refreshed slightly. The positive energy that is spread out in the entire temple and especially around where the main idol is placed, are simply absorbed by one's body and mind. Did you know, every Vaishnava(Vishnu devotees), “must” visit a Vishnu temple twice every day in their location. Our practices are NOT some hard and fast rules framed by 1 man and his followers or God’s words in somebody’s dreams. All the rituals, all the practices are, in reality, well researched, studied and scientifically backed thesis which form the ways of nature to lead a good healthy life.

The scientific and research part of the practices are well camouflaged as “elder’s instructions” or “granny’s teaching’s” which should be obeyed as a mark of respect so as to once again, avoid stress to the mediocre brains

KAILASANATHAR TEMPLE (One of the Finest Pallava Architechture)

The Kailashnath temple situated at Putleri Street 1.5 km from Kanchipuram. is an ancient temple fine specimen of the Pallava architecture. The Pallava king Rajasimha started the temple in the 7th century AD and was completed by his son Mahendra. It is the oldest structure in Kanchipuram and the finest example of Pallava architecture in South India. The foundation of the temple is made of granite while the superstructure is carved out of sandstone.

The circumambulatory path around the sanctum is made in such a manner that it requires visitors to climb the up and down a flight of seven stairs and to crawl through narrow ways.

The temple is adorned with the sculptures of the Lord Shiva in 64 poses, which presents a picture of different aspects of mythology. The fresco paintings embellish the inner walls of the shrine. The temple is unique in its architecture and is viewed more as an architectural wonder than as a holy place.

It is not a major pilgrimage center. Pujas are offered regularly here to the Lord Shiva-Kailashanatha. The festival of Shivaratri is held here once every year.The Innumerable Forms Of Lord Shiva
Of all the temples in India, no other edifice has been so elaborately filled with all the 64 aspects of Lord Shiva and something else. Two circuits, one outer and another around the sanctum adorn this temple. It is not mere walls that fringe the corridor. Small shrine-like cells have been constructed along the entire length of both sides and filled with the various exploits of Lord Shiva, not found anywhere else.

Shiva Lilarnavam, Sambu Nadaname and such other literatures have exquisitely described the dances of Lord Shiva. Come straight to this temple and walk around the corridor. The cells on the periphery are small, while on the inner wall they are big with big images.

Lord Shiva's leg outstretched and piercing the high heavens; Gajantaka who attired himself with the torn skin of the elephant Asura, with Uma standing coyly nearby; Bhikasadana who with his comely figure disturbed the hearts of the wives of the sages, and as a charming Mohini lured the sages from their rituals; "Ardanari", a half blended with Uma; "Sandya Thandava Shiva who danced at dusk wielding a Trisula (also spelt as Trishula); Gangadara who stemmed the force of Ganga in his locks; Brahma-Chiracheda murthi who clipped off the fifth head of Brahma by his nail; "Vishapaharana" who arrested the poison Alahala in his throat; Gowriprasada who changed the colour from black to a golden hue; "Chanda Thandavan" with "Rowdram" (anger), "Karunai" (mercy), "Sringar" (amour), "Bayam" (fear), "Nagai" (Smile) and "Veeryam" (Valour) exhibited in his face.

Thiripurantakan who without a single weapon destroyed the Asuras (demons) with his mere smile, Kritarjunamurti in the guise of a hunter, Chandesvara Anugraha, LinGodbavar, Bairava, Harihara are some the innumerable forms of Lord Shiva that can be witnessed here.

SOMANATH TEMPLE,GUJARAT

Significance

According to the legend, Soma or the Moon God built the temple in gold, Ravana in silver, and Shri Krishna in wood. Soma was cursed by his father-in-law Daksha to wane because Soma loved only one of his wives, all of whom happened to be Daksha's daughters. His other wives complained about this negligent behavior of Soma to their father Daksha, and thus the curse. He then built a Shivlinga at the Prabhas tirth (a Hindu pilgrimage) and prayed to Lord Shiva who removed the curse partially because asked upon by Soma's one wife (the one that he loved more than others). Thus, causing the periodic waning of moon.Pleased by the prayers Soma (Moon god), Lord Shiva decided to rest in that Lingam till eternity, and thus the Jyotirlingam.

Timeline

The first temple of Somnath is said to have existed before the beginning of the common era.

The second temple, built by the Yadava kings of Vallabhi in Gujarat, replaced the first one on the same site around 649 CE.

In 725 CE Junayad, the Arab governor of Sind, sent his armies to destroy the second temple.The Gurjara Pratihara kingNagabhata II constructed the third temple in 815, a large structure of red sandstone.

Somnath temple, 1869

In 1024 CE, the temple was once again destroyed by Mahmud of Ghazni who raided the temple from across the Thar Desert. The temple was rebuilt by the Gujjar ParamaraKing Bhoj of Malwa and the Solanki king Bhimadev I of Anhilwara, Gujrat (present dayPatan) between 1026 and 1042. The wooden structure was replaced by Kumarpal (r.1143-72), who built the temple of stone.

In 1296 CE, the temple was once again destroyed by Sultan Allauddin Khilji's army.According to Taj-ul-Ma'sir of Hasan Nizami, Raja Karan of Gujarat was defeated and forced to flee, "fifty thousand infidels were dispatched to hell by the sword" and "more than twenty thousand slaves, and cattle beyond all calculation fell into the hands of the victors". The temple was rebuilt by Mahipala Deva, the Chudasama king of Saurashtra in 1308 AD and the Linga was installed by his son Khengar sometime between 1326 and 1351 AD.

In 1375 CE, the temple was once again destroyed by Muzaffar Shah I, the Sultan of Gujarat.

In 1451 CE, the temple was once again destroyed by Mahmud Begda, the Sultan of Gujarat.

In 1701 CE, the temple was once again destroyed by Mughal Emperor Aurangzeb. Aurangzeb built a mosque on the site of the Somnath temple, using some columns from the temple, whose Hindu sculptural motifs remained visible.

Later on a joint effort of Peshwa of Pune, Raja Bhonsle of Nagpur, Chhatrapati Bhonsle of Kolhapur, Queen Ahilyabai Holkar of Indore & Shrimant Patilbuwa Shinde of Gwalior rebuilt the temple in 1783 AD at a site adjacent to the ruined temple which was already converted to a mosque.

Konark Sun Temple , Odisha

Konark Sun Temple

Peek into the past:
The most notable marvel of Orissan art is the stately Sun Temple of Konark, Built in AD 1250, during the reign of the Eastern Ganga King Narasimhadeva-I. The temple was built with the intent to enshrine the image of Sun ("Arka"), the patron deity of the place. The temple was built is an interesting fashion, in the shape of a colossal chariot, carrying the sun God, Surya, across the heavens.

Crowning Glory of Orissa- Konark Sun Temple:
The exquisite Sun temple is a living monument of Orissa's glorious past, frozen on the sands of time. The Sun Temple of Konark is regarded as the peak of art and architecture in the ancient Kalinga era. The entire temple complex in Konark was designed in the form of a huge chariot drawn by seven spirited horses on twelve pairs of exquisitely carved wheels. The sanctum symbolises the majestic parade of the Sun God and marks the apex of the Orissan architectural style.

Prime attractions:

Konark dance festival: The three-day cultural extravaganza, held every year in the month of December, captivates the audience from world over. Various Indian classical dance forms like Bharatnatyam, Kathak, Odisi, Kathakali etc perform here. Besides the classical dance forms, Chau-Orissa's own folk dance form is also performed during the festival.

Konark beach: This beach Offers spectacular views of sunrise and sunset. One of the finest beaches of the east coast is the the sprawling beach of Konark known as Chanrabhaga. Thousands of pilgrims assemble here on Kartik Purima and Magha Saptami to take a holy dip in the sea.

Visit Konark Temples ! Contact Us

» Ramachandi Temple:
About 10 km along the beach is the famous Ramachandi Temple on the banks of the river Kushabhadra. It is an ideal picnic spot.

» Balighai: 20 kms from Konark the unspoiled beach is girdled by casurina forests.It has a Sea Turtle Research Center.

» Beleswar(20 km): Saiva Shrine and Sea Beach

Chariot Temple:
The main temple complex consists of a sanctuary, its attached porch(jagamohan) and an isolated pillared edifice. The whole fabric was designed as the celestial chariot of the Sun God who is believed to course across the sky in a chariot of seven horses. The twelve pairs of wheel, which possibly symbolise the twelve months, are carved against the three sides of the platform and two side, of the front(east) staircase.

Sailors once called this Sun Temple of Konarak the Black Pagoda because it was supposed to draw ships into the shore and cause shipwrecks. The nata mandir in front of the Jagamohan is also intricately carved.There are carvings in the erotic style adorning the base and the ceiling of the temple. There are three images of the Sun God, positioned to catch the rays of the sun at dawn, noon and sunset. The beauty of Konark cannot be expressed in words. It has to be visited, seen and savoured again and again.

Plan Your Trip:
The grandeur of the Sun temple can be witnessed in one day. However the surrounding areas require you to spend some more time. Climate: The climate of Konark is suitable for tourists to visit throughout the year. The pkush greenery in the surrounding area attracts heavy monsoons in Konark. The best season to visit Konark is between October and March.

Wheels To Konark:
» By Air: Nearest airport Bhubaneshwar- 64 kms is connected with Calcutta, Delhi, Hyderabad, Madras and Nagpur.

» By Rail: Nearest railheads Puri- 31 kms and Bhubaneshwar- 64 kms are connected with the major places.

» By Road: Konark is well-connected with Bhubaneshwar as well as the major places.

PHOTOS OF TIRUPATHI

TIRUPATI, ANDHRA PRADESH

Tirumala Venkateswara Temple (Tamil: திருமலை திருப்பதி கோவில்,Telugu: తిరుమల వెంకటేశ్వర దేవాలయము), is aHindu temple in the hill town of Tirumala, near Tirupati in the Chittoor district of Andhra Pradesh, earlier Tamil Nadu South India. It is around 150 km (93 mi) from Chennai, 500 km (310 mi) from Hyderabad, and 250 km (160 mi) 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, Vrushabadri, 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" (Saptagiri सप्तगिरी in Sanskrit,Ezhumalai ஏழுமலை in Tamil). 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 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 center, after the Sree Padmanabhaswamy Temple in Thiruvananthapuram, Kerala, of any faith (at more than INR 50,000 crore) and the most-visited place of worship in the world.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 annualBrahmotsavam, the number of pilgrims shoots up to 500,000, making it the most-visited holy place in the world.

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. Tirumala has remained a highly frequented pilgrimage site in Tamilakam throughout most of its history and was a principle temple in the country of Tondai Nadu before the territory was transferred to Andhra Pradesh in the 20th century CE. Almost all the epigraphs of the temple are in Tamil and interspersed with Grantha characters and 50 inscriptions are in Kannada and Telugu,thanks toKrishnadevaraya in 16th century.

Murugan Temple,Bantu caves,Malaysia

Batu Caves is a limestone hill that has a series of caves and cave temples in the Gombak district, 13 kilometres (8 mi) north of Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia. It takes its name from the Sungai Batu or Batu River, which flows past the hill. Batu Caves is also the name of the nearby village.

The cave is one of the most popular Hindu shrines outside India, dedicated to Lord Murugan. It is the focal point of Hindu festival of  Thaipusam in Malaysia.

 

MURUDESHWAR TEMPLE,KARNATAKA ·

Murudeshwar (Kannada: ಮುರುಡೇಶ್ವರ) is a town in Bhatkal talukof UttaraKannada district in the state of Karnataka, India. "Murudeshwar" is another name of the Hindu god Shiva. Famous for the world's second-tallest Shiva statue, Murudeshwar beach town lies on the coast of the Arabian Sea and is also famous for the Murudeshwar Temple. The nearest airport to Murudeshwar is Mangalore International Airport at distance of 160 kilometer. Murudeshwar has railway station on Konkan railway route.

Ambarnath Temple , Maharastra

The Ambarnath Temple is situated in the town of Ambarnath (which takes its name from this 

ancient temple), a station near Kalyan, Ulhasnagar on the central railway route of Mumbai

 railway.

The temples construction started sometime in 1061 AD (in the year Saka 982), by Chittaraja , a 

Shilhara king and continued in the time of his successor Nagarjuna. His younger brother, 

Mammuni is said to have made latter additions to its structure and completed its constructions
.
The Shilharas were vassals of the Rashtrakutas and later the Kadambas. They ruled over regions

 of Kolhapur , Thane, Kolaba and Mumbai in present day Maharashtra state

The temple is built from black basalt stone and is constructed in the Bhumija style, which was so

 popular in the Deccan region of those times.A lot of Chalukyan and Gujrat Solanki (like in the 

Sun temple at Modhera) architectural influence is also evident.
The temple is an architectural marvel with beautifull sculptures,statuetes,figurines and motifs

 covering almost every nook and corner of the temple.

The temple is dedicated to Lord Shiva .It measures 60 ft in length. The plan is star shaped.The

 Garbhagriha (sanctum sanctorum,13ft in length and breadth, its door being 9X4 ft) is in a 

underground cellar accessible after climbing down a series of stairs (9 nos, 8 ft below level) and 

houses a 'swayambhu' (not man made) Shivalinga. The vestibule consisits of pillars carved with 

figurines of various Gods and Godesses along with a a ornate lotus shaped ceiling which 

immediately catches the eye. The roof is missing and temple is directly exposed to the sky (ambar) ,

 which is how the temple may have derived its name.

Lord Venkateshwara Crowns,Tirupati

MEENAKSHI TEMPLE, MADURAI

Meenakshi Amman Temple (also called: Meenakshi SundareswararTemple, Tiruaalavaai  and Meenakshi Amman Kovil) is a historic Hindu temple located on the southern bank of the Vaigai River in the temple city of Madurai, Tamil Nadu, India. It is dedicated toParvati, known as Meenakshi, and her consort, Shiva, here named Sundareswarar. The temple forms the heart and lifeline of the 2500 year old city of Madurai and is a significant symbol for the Tamil people, mentioned since antiquity in Tamil literature though the present structure was built between 1623 and 1655 CE. It houses 14 gopurams (gateway towers), ranging from 45-50m in height. The tallest is the southern tower, 51.9 metres (170 ft) high, and two golden sculptured vimanas, the shrines over the garbhagrihas (sanctums) of the main deities. The temple attracts 15,000 visitors a day, around 25,000 on Fridays and receives an annual revenue of sixty million . There are an estimated 33,000 sculptures in the temple. It was on the list of top 30 nominees for the "New Seven Wonders of the World". The annual 10-day Meenakshi Tirukalyanam festival, celebrated during April and May, attracts 1 million visitors.