Places

Area:About five Thousand sq. km
Population:About 2.5 million (District);About 1 million (City)
Literacy:More than 50%
Languages:Punjabi, Hindi, English
Crops:Wheat, Rice, Cotton, Sugarcane
Climate:Summer 30 to 46 °C;Winter 0 to 17 °C ;Monsoons:July to September
Airport:Raja Sansi, International Airport

Sri Harmandir Sahib. The Golden Temple Amritsar

Sri Harmandir Sahib, also know as the Golden Temple in Amritsar is the holiest shrine of the Sikh religion. Also known as the Shri Darbar Shaib, it is in the center of the old part of Amritsar. The Golden Temple sits on a rectangular platform, surrounded by a pool of water called the Amrit Sarovar from which the City is named. Click here for the Golden Temple History.

The entrance to the Golden Temple complex is through an ornate archway with intricate inlay work. Verses from the Granth Sahib are inscribed on the doorway. The main north entrance is under a Victorian clock tower. Known as the Darshani Deori, the entrance is up a flight of steps and down again to the temple and holy tank. The temple is a two storey marble structure reached by a causeway known as Guruґs Bridge. The lower storey is in white marble with the walls decorated with inlaid flower and animal motifs in the pietradura style of the Taj Mahal. The architecture of the golden temple is a blend of the Hindu and Muslim styles.

The upper storey is gold plated,  crowned with a dome (the Golden Dome) shaped like an inverted lotus. With the first light of dawn, the reflection of the temple in the tank gives an ethereal atmosphere to the complex. As the sun shifts, the temple presents myriad views, each magnificent and captivating. The Golden Dome (said to be glided with 100 kg of pure gold) is supposed to represent an inverted lotus flower, pointing back to earth to symbolize the Sikhґs concern with the problems of this world.

The temple building has four entrances instead of the usual single entry. This is symbolic of the openness of Sikhism and indicates that followers of all faiths are allowed inside. The walls within are decorated with carved wooden panels and elaborate inlay work in silver and gold. The Adi Granth, compiled by Guru Arjan Dev, rests on a throne beneath a jewel-encrusted canopy. Priests conduct continuous recitation of verses from the holy book in 3-hour shifts. A complete reading of the text stakes 48 hours. The original copy of the Guru Granth Sahib is kept under pink shroud in the, Golden Temple during the day and at around 10 p.m. each day is ceremoniously returned to the Akal Takht (Sikh Parliament) building. The morning processional ceremony takes place at 4 a.m. in Summer and at 5 a.m. in Winter, when Sri Guru Granth Sahib is bought from Akal takhat Sahib in a procession to the Sanctum Sanctorum, which is washed with milk.

The Akal Takht, next to the Golden Temple, is the seat of the Shiromani Gurudwara Prabandhak Committee, the religious governing body of the Sikhs. The building of the Akal Takht was begun by Guru Arjan Dev and completed in 1609 by Guru Hargobind.  If you miss the early morning or evening processions, the palanquin that bears the Adi Granth can be seen in the treasury room on the first floor of the Akal Takht. The palanquin is set with precious stones and has silver poles and a gold canopy.

Shrines on the northern edge of the corridor are venerated as the 68 holy shrines of the Hindus. According to the teachings of Guru Arjan Dev, it was enough for the devout to visit these shrines and not visit all the original Hindu shrines which are spread all over the country. Many of these shrines have now been converted into a martyr’s gallery showing the gruesome history of the Sikhs.

Around the Parikrama, or pathway, are four rectangular cubicles where Granthis (priests) sit and recite the Granth Sahib. Pilgrims leave offerings at the steps, and can also get the holy book recited in their names for a donation. At the eastern end are two brick watchtowers called the Ramgarhia Minars, which were damaged during Operation Blue Star in 1984. The Guru-ka-langar or community canteen is a Sikh institution, which was started by Guru Amar Das in the 16th century. The practice of eating together encouraged shedding of inhibitions and the principle of equality. The community kitchen feeds up to 10,000 people in a day, free of charges. The food is normally chapattis and lentils.

The Jubi tree, at the north western corner of the complex was planted some 450 year ago by the temple’s first head priest. The old, gnarled tree is believed to have special powers and childless women tie strips of cloth on it to be blessed with sons. Marriage deals are also fixed under the tree, though this practice is disapproved by the temple authorities. Two flag staffs joined in the middle with the emblem of Guru Hargobind symbolise the dual aspects of Sikhism – religion and politics. Two swords of the emblem are enclosed in a circle with the inscription Ek Onkar (God is one). The Guru Ram Das and Guru Nanak hostels on one side of the complex offer free accommodation up to three nights for visitors.

The Golden Temple is open to all. Pilgrims and visitors to the Golden Temple must remove their shoes and cover their heads before entering the precincts. No Smoking is allowed inside the whole temple area, photography is permitted only in/from the Prakarma , the marble pathway that surrounds the sacred pool. An English speaking guide is available at the information office near clock Tower that marks the temples main entrance. The information office has a number of interesting free publications.

The old city, with the Golden Temple and surrounding bazaars along narrow alleys, is encircled by a ring road. Even today, the markets have an ambience of ancient times, when traders bought and sold goods right across from central Asia up to the farthest corners of India. Little light reaches down to the congested streets, which are best negotiated on foot. There are rows upon rows of shops on each street selling specifics goods. Guru Bazaar specialises in gold jewellery shops, while the Bazaar Kesarian is for steel and brass utensils. The smells of Katra Kathian announce its wares before you reach the shops selling papads, warian (crispies made from pulses) murabbas (Indian jams), pickles and ampapad (dried mango candies). The Mishri Bazaar is the place to buy dry fruits, while Katra Mohan Singh offers a colourful kaleidoscope of bridal glass bangles.

Jallian Wala Bagh
Amritsar Massacre: This place noted for its most notorious massacre under British rule. It is 400 meters north of the Golden Temple. The British General Dyer was the Lieutenant Governor of the province in 1919. He banned all meetings and demonstrations led by Indians against the economical set back by World War I. On 13 April 1919, pilgrims poured into Amritsar to celebrate the Baisakhi festival, a holiday in the Sikh calendar. In the afternoon thousands of people gathered at Jallian Wala Bagh to celebrate the Baisakhi. This ground surrounded by high walls on all sides has only a narrow alley for access. General Dyer personally led the troops to the sight and ordered his men to open fire without any warning. It resulted in the death of 379 and injured more than 1200. India was outraged by Dyerґs massacre. Gandhiji, called for a nation wide strike and started the Non-cooperation Movement, which became an important mile stone in the struggle for Indiaґs Independence. Today this ground has been changed to a park and it has a pleasant garden. There is a narrow path between the houses which leads to the lawn of the park. At the entrance there is a memorial plaque which recounts the history. There is a well on the north side in which many people who tried to escape from the bullets were drowned, and remnants of walls have been preserved to show the bullet holes. At the east end of the garden there is a large memorial built in memory of those who died here.

Ram Bagh
This beautiful garden is named as a tribute to Guru Ram Das, the founder of the city. It is situated in the new part of town and has a museum in the summer palace built by the Sikh Maharaja Ranjit Singh (1780-1839) the Lion of Punjab. The museum contains weapons dating back to Mughal times and some portraits of the ruling houses of the Punjab and a replica of the diamond ґKohinoorґ. To commemorate the memory of his valour Ram Bagh has a lively statue of Maharaja Ranjit Singh saddled on a horse. It is closed on Wednesdays.

Summer place of Maharaja Ranjit Singh : Is situated in the middle of a beautiful garden called Ram bagh. This garden is laid out on the pattern of Shalimar Bagh at Lahore. Only its architecturally unique ґdarshani deorhiґ has remained intact. A museum after the name of the Maharaja is set up here displaying oil paintings, miniatures, coins, abd weapons relating to the Sikh period.

Other Tourist Attractions

Mosque at Fatehabad : Situated at a distance of 40 kms, the walls of this mosque are decorated with beautiful floral motifs.

Khalsa College & Guru Nanak Dev University : Khalsa College was founded in 1892 and built on grand scale in typical Sikh architecture, its distinguished alumni; sportsmen, servicemen, administrators, professionals, fill up Indiaґs compilations of Whoґs Who. On a part of its land a new University called Guru Nanak Dev University was established. Soon it has become distinguished for starting modern curricula and has etched its name on the sports map of India.

Tarn Taran : 24 kilometres south, is Tarn-Taran-a town founded by Sri Guru Arjan Dev in 1590. The Gurdwara got constructed by the Guru stands on the side of a large tank. Fairs are held here on every ґAmavasґ dark night of the month, birth anniversaries of the Gurus, Baisakhi and Diwali.

Goindwal : A few kilometers away from Tarn Taran is the town of Goindwal, where Guru Amar Das established a new centre for preaching Sikhism. A ґBaoliґ, well paved with 84 steps was constructed here. The devout believe that by reciting Japji Sahib, the divine ґWordґ revealed to Guru Nanak Dev Ji at each step after taking a bath in the Baoli provides ґMokshґ, liberation from 84,000 cycles of life of this world.

Khadur Sahib : Khadur Sahib is 32 kms. south-east of the city and close to Goindwal. During the life of the second Sikh Prophet, Guru Angad Dev, it was the centre of Sikhism.

Ram Tirath : 16 Kilometres west on Choganwan road is Ram Tirath, commemorating Maharishi Balmik Jiґs heritage.

A big fair now recognised nationally and lasting for four days is held here since times immemorial on every Kartika Puran-mashi (full moon night in November).

Harike Wetland : The lake formed at the point of confluence of rivers Beas and Sutlej at Harika ford, situated mid way between Amritsar and Ferozepur was declared a national wildlife sanctuary in 1982. It is a welcome winter home to about 350 odd species of birds from far flung lands of China, Siberia, Afghanistan and Pakistan.

Baba Bakala : Situated about 45 kilometers east on the Batala road. Sri Guru Tegh Bahadurji, revealed himself to Makhan Shah Labana, a Sikh devotee here. It has a magnificent Gurdwara where people gather in thousands on every amavas (moonless night) and an annual fair is held on Raksha Bandhan day (night of full moon in August) when about one hundred thousand people visit the place.

Dera Baba Jaimal Singh : About 54 kilometres east is Dera Baba Jaimal Singh, the Radhaswami, self-sufficient colony near Beas. It is presided over by a living Master.

 Durgiana Temple
 Durgiana Temple : Situated outside the Lohgarh Gate it is built after the design of the Golden Temple and attracts sages and scholars in Hindu scriptures from all over India.

Wagha Border : The international border between India and Pakistan. The pomp and pageantry of the Beating Retreat and the Change of Guard within handshaking distance of the Indian and Pakistani forces makes for a most charming spectacle.

There are a number of cotton, woollen and art silk textile factories besides other industries dealing with electric goods, sewing machines, auto parts, carpets. The milk processing plant at Verka about 6 kms from the center is the second biggest project of its kind in the country. Amritsar is Indiaґs leading exporter of goods to the Middle-East, leading distribution centre of dry fruits, tea and condiments. It is also a shopperґs paradise and a gourmetґs delight. Amritsar is the worldґs leading centre of Punjabi publications. .

 

Kailasanathar Temple

 

Dedicated to Lord Siva, Kailasanatha is one of the earliest temples built by Rajasimha and his son Mahendra in the 8th century A.D. There are 58 small shrines situated round the main shrine. Fresco-style paintings adorn the inner walls of the shrines. Sandstone was used in the construction of this temple. It is the only temple at Kanchipuram which is not cluttered with the more recent additions of the Cholas and Vijayanagar rulers. Fragments of the eighth century murals which once graced the alcoves are a visible eminder of how magnificent the temple must have looked when it was first built.

Sri Ekambaranatha Temple

Covering an area of 20 acres, the Ekambaranath Temple is the largest temple of Kanchipuram which has a great legend attached to it. It is dedicated to Lord Shiva. The Pallavas, the Cholas and the Rayas made wondrous contributions to give the temple its present form. It is believed that if a woman who does not have a child offers earnest prayer at this temple, her prayer never goes unanswered. One of the most striking features of the temple is its 1000 Lingas which have been flawlessly carved out from a single stone. You will be astonished to see thousands of pillars decorated beautifully inside the hall of the temple. One of the attractions is outside the temple – a 3500 years old mango tree. The four branches of the tree represent the four Vedas of Hindu. They Are Rig, Yajur, Sama and Atharvana. The surprising fact about the tree is that the fruits of all the four branches tastes differently. The tree is an abode of the lord Eka-Amra-Nath which means the 'lord of the Mango tree'. Taking circles around the tree in a clockwise direction is considered auspicious.The Raja Gopuram of the temple towers to a hight of 188 feet. The towers of the temple are built in such a style that no two towers stand opposite to each other. Also no two walls are parallel to one another.The story attached to the temple is : Once lord Shiva was in deep meditation and goddess Parvati jokingly closed his eyes for a moment which resulted in the long spell of darkness on the earth. This act of the goddess invited the ire of Lord Shiva. As a result he ordered her to go to the earth and do penance. She came down to the earth and created the Earth Linga. She would worship it wholeheartedly under the Mango tree at Kanchipuram

 

Sri Kamakshi Amman Temple

Built in the 14th century by the Cholas, this temple is dedicated to Goddess Kamakshi - the presiding deity of Kanchi. Here, the goddess is worshipped in the form of a Chakra placed in front of the idol. An image of Sankaracharya is also worshipped. Sri Sankaracharya is said to have defeated Buddhist philosophers in debate here. It is one of the three holy places of Shakthi worship in India, the other two being Madurai and Varanasi. The temple has a golden "gopuram" in the centre. This imposing temple is the site of the annual car festival, held on the 9th lunar day in February/March

 

Vaikuntaperumal Temple

This is one of the important Vishnu temples built by the Pallava king Nandhivarman Pallavamalla in the 7th Century A.D. This temple was built a few years after the construction of Kailasanathar temple. Numerous inscriptions are found in this temple relating to the wars between Pallavas and Chalukyas. Besides these inscriptions, the battle scenes of the Pallavas with Gangas and Chalukyas are depicted in bas-relief around the main Prakaram. The cloisters inside the outer wall consist of lion pillars and are representative of the first phase in the architectural evolution of the grand thousand pillar halls of later temples. The presiding deity Lord Vishnu is depicted in sitting, standing and reclining postures.

 

Sri Varadarajaswamy Temple

Varadarajar temple is a massive and impressive edifice. This is another Vishnu temple on Hastagiri rock at the end of the town. The Hundred-Pillar-hall erected during the Vijayanagar period in this temple is noted for its exquisite sculptures. The ornamental rings carved out of a single stone in a chain at the four corners are the special features of the hall. The riders on horseback, beautiful figures of Rathi and Manmatha, exquisite temple jewellery are other notable features. This temple provides a glimpse of a 16th century pillared pavilion with an exuberant workmanship. The annual Garudothsavam (May - June) is most colourful and draws thousands of devotees.

The eventful history of this city began when a major flood in AD 1341 threw open the estuary at Kochi, till then a land locked region, turning it into one of the finest natural harbours in the world.  Kochi thus became a haven for  seafaring visitors from all over the world and became the first European township in India when the Portuguese settled here in the 15th century.  

It is believed that all the holy waters of all sacred rivers flow/converge into Kurukshetra's Sannehit Sarovar, at the time of Somavati Amavasya & Solar eclipse. It is believed that those who visit this area reside here, take bath in the tanks, or die in Kurukshetra go to heaven after death. The Mahabharata states that one who dies at Kurukshetra attains salvation after death. It is said that the Almighty God after having perfomed, divine, yajnas created the universe here.

It is the land where the sage Manu penned his 'Manusmriti' and where learned 'rishis' compiled the Rig Veda and Sama Veda.Kurukshetra is named after King Kuru, who also performed a supreme sacrifice to bring prosperity to the land and his people.

 

Kurukshetra is a place of great historical and religious importance, revered all over the country for its sacred association with the Vedas and the Vedic Culture. It was here that the battle of Mahabharat was fought and Lord Krishna preached his Philosophy of 'KARMA' as enshrined in the Holy Bhagwad-Gita, to Arjuna at Jyotisar. In the very first verse of Bhagwad-Gita, Kurukshetra is described as DHARAMKSHETRA i.e. 'Region of righteousness'. According to Hindu mythology, the name Kurukshetra applied to a circuit of about 48 KOS or about 128 Km which includes a large number of holy places, temples and tanks connected with the ancient Indian traditions and the Mahabharat War and Kurus, the ancestor of Kouravs and Pandavs. Kurukshetra is intimately related to the Aryan civilization and its growth along the Saraswati river.

Places to visit:

There are about 360 Tirthas of religious and historic importance. The foremoót among the Kurukshetra tirthas are Brahmsarovar or Kurukshetra Tank, Sannihit Tank, Sthanesvra Mahadev Mandir, Jyotisar, Baan-ganga, Bhisam Kund (Narkatari) Chandrakupa, Nabhi Kamal, Bhadarkali Mandir, Arnai Temple, Prachi Tirath Pehowa, Saraswati Tirath Pehowa, Prithduk Tirath Pehowa, Rantuk Yaksh Bir pipli, Karan Ka Tila,etc.

A few archaeological sites which have yielded various objects of interest and a distinctive class of pottery known as the Painted Grey Ware (PGW) are Raja Karan Ka Tila, Asthipura, Bhor Saidan, Bhagpura and Daulatpur.

Kurukshetra is one of the very few places visited by all the Sikh Gurus and Gurdwaras have been erected to commemorate their visit, the most prominent among them being the Gurdwara Patshahi dedicated to the sixth Guru Hargobind. Hundreds of devotees visit this shrine every day whose design is simply marvelous. The eighth Sikh guru Harkishan performed a miracle of making a deaf and dumb boy recite verses from the Bhagvad-Gita. The ninth Guru, Teg Bahadur, set camp near Sthaneshwar tirtha where a gurdwara now stands. Gurdwara Rajghat, the biggest all the Kurukshetra gurdwaras, is located near the main bank of the Kurukshetra tank. This was built in the memory of the Guru Gobind Singh who came here.

Tomb of Sufi saint Sheikh Chilhi Jalal is a fascinating monument, octagonal in shape, crowned with a dome of white marble and surrounded by a white marble courtyard. Also worth a visit are, Chini Masjid and Pathar Masjid.

Madurai is popularly known as the temple city of South India. It is one of the ancient cities in Tamil Nadu and is famous for the architectural splendor of its numerous religious places. The beautiful scriptures of its temples are intricately carved and transport the visitors to the ancient era. For example, the beauty of the Meenakshi temple is simply incomparable. Madurai is a spiritual centre for the devotees across the globe. It is considered one of the most blessed places on the phase of the earth and is supposed to be the abode of Lord Subramanya. In this section, we have covered the various places of worship in the Madurai city of Tami Nadu.

Alagar Koil
Alagar Koil is a temple dedicated to Lord Vishnu. It is situated at a distance of 21 km from Madurai, on foot of Alagar hills, amongst the natural beauty of the woods. The Vaishnavite temple is famous for its beautiful sculptures and exquisite 'mandapams'. It is believed that pilgrims visited Azhgar Kovil even in the early days of the Sangam age.

Meenakshi Temple
Meenakshi Temple is the most exquisite example of the Dravidian architecture. It is a master piece and was the center of activity for the promotion of art and culture in Madurai. It is the main attraction of the city and pilgrims come to the place in the search of spirituality and peace. The temple is dedicated to Goddess Meenakshi and Lord Sundareswarer.

Thirupparankundram Temple
Thirupparankundram Temple is a rock-cut temple of Lord Subramanya, situated at a distance of 8 km from Madurai. The temple is thronged by devotees throughout the year, as it is one of the holy abodes of Lord Murugan. This temple was built by Pandayan King in the 8th century. The innermost shrine is cut out of a solid rock.

Koodal Azhaar Temple
Koodal Azhagar Temple is near Madurai and is amongst the 108 Divyadesams of the Vaishnavites. The temple is dedicated to Lord Vishnu and is one of the holiest places near Madurai. There are huge beautiful idols of Vishnu and Lakshmi here. The gopuram is intricately carved with various gods and goddesses. The tower is made up of three tiers and bares figures of Vishnu in three postures namely sitting, standing and reclining one above the other. There are also exquisite wood carvings in the temple. During festival "purataasy sani" special poojas and offerings are done. The temple finds mention in Sangam literature and is one of the few temples made in tiers.

Pazhamudhirsolai
This temple is located on a hill adjacent to Azhagar Koil. It is one among the six abodes of Lord Murugan. A natural spring called Nuburagangai is also located here where people take bath before worshipping the Lord.

Mysore is a major tourist city of Karnataka. The city was the erstwhile capital of the state and hence has played an important role in the history of the state and of South India. Today it has developed into a modern city like many other cities in the country. But this city has not lost touch with its rich historical and cultural legacy. Mysore city is a favourite tourist destination in Karnataka. Tourist from within the country and from outside come see the splendour of the city of Mysore. The city has a number of places a person can visit. There are a number of Royal buildings, gardens, waterfalls, temples, museums and modern amusement parks.

The city of Mysore is known as the 'City Of Palaces'. There are number of buildings built by the Royal family and are exquisite examples of Dravidian architecture and display grandeur and lavish life lead by the Emperors while they ruled the state. Apart from the Palaces there are number of other tourists attractions that one can visit in Mysore. One of the popular spots is the Chamundi hills and the temple on top of the hills. This prominent landmark of Mysore is a favourite destination for the locales as well.

The KRS dam and the adjoining Brindavan Gardens are worth visiting. The Brindavan Gardens is one of its kinds in the country. It is famous all over for its colorfully lit dancing fountains that come alive once the sun sets. There are three lakes in Mysore that have become a haven for migratory birds and are set in lush green surroundings that are relaxing and worth visiting. The Mysore Zoo is the oldest Zoo in the country and was set up by Maharaja Chamaraja Wodeyar in 1892.

The Zoo flourished under Royal patronage and was handed over to the Government after independence. Today the Zoo is equipped with the most modern facilities and is a pioneer in breeding animals in captivity. Another famous monument of Mysore city is the Philomena Church that has a relic of the 3rd century St. Philomena preserved in a catacomb in below the main altar. The Church is also famous for its 175 feet high spires. These are some of the important sights to see in Mysore city.

Srirangapatnam is about 14kms from Mysore. While visiting Mysore it would be a good idea to visit Srirangapatnam as well. Srirangapatnam was the capital of the Mysore State under Tippu Sultan. As a result there are a number of historical monuments related to the life and times of Tippu Sultan. After the death of Tippu Sultan in 1799AD the British shifted the capital back to Mysore.

The Daria Daulat Palace, the Palace of Tippu Sultan in Srirangapatnam is a beautiful Palace built mainly of teakwood. The walls of the Palace are covered with colorful frescoes that represent the reign of Tippu Sultan and the different battles that he fought. Tippu built the Masji-e-Ala or the Juma Majid at Srirangapatna as well. This mosque has tall lofty minarets that dominate the skyline of Srirangapatna. The Ranganathaswamy temple in Srirangapatnam is very famous. It has the idol of Lord Vishnu as Ranganatha reclining on the serpent Ade Shesha.

The tombs of Tippu Sultan, his father Hyder Ali and mother Fathima Begum are laid out in the Gumbaz. The Gumbaz is a major tourist attraction because of its architecture and craftsmanship. It has enormous ebony door inlaid with ivory. The dungeons of Srirangapatna where the British soldiers were held captive also attract tourists. One should visit Tippu's Fort, where he launched his attack on the British and died there fighting them.

Srirangapatna also has the Ranganthittu Bird Sanctuary that attracts hundreds of migratory birds from all over the world. The sanctuary is also home to flying bats and marsh crocodiles. This wonder of nature is an ideal place to unwind and enjoy nature. Another popular picnic spot set in beautiful lush green surroundings is the Sangam where the River Lokapavani joins the River Cauvery. While in Mysore it is worth visiting Srirangapatnam because of its historical importance and natural beauty. 

All the french tradition, the quiet atmosphere of the town influenced by the Ashram of Aurobindo and the beach, make a whole to give to Pondicherry an attractive destination.The Union Territory of Pondicherry includes 4 enclaves located in three states of South India. It includes the coastal towns of Pondicherry and Kerala in the Tamilnadu, Yanam in Andra Pradesh and Mahe in Kerala

The old french colony has retrieved its indian character, but the scent of the french influence in "Pudicheri" as we call now, can be found again in the red kepis of the police officers, french spelling on signboards and traffic signs and some buildings and old stones

Auroville means the city of Dawn.
Auroville is located at 10 kms from Pondicherry, at the border of Tamilnadu . Inaugurated on the 28th February 1962, Auroville is unique : any religion, any nationality, any politic could belong to. This international town sets out to have 50 000 people.
The urne of marble shaped as a lotus flower, located in the middle of an amphiteater represents the birth of a city (devoted to the human unity & integrity), contains sand brought from indian states and 175 countries around the world . At the present , more than 2000 people live in Auroville.
Thes 8000 hectares of land have been transformed into a place of experience for social integration, forestation, maintenance of water, solar energy, maintain of soil and agricultural organics.
Before 1968, it was only a mere uncultivated land.

Show me how to abandon this worldly knowledge and acquire the saving Wisdom, O Arunachala!

Tiruvannamalai is an ancient city named after the holy mountain "Tiruvannan Malai". Geologist consider this mountain is older than The Himalayas. The history of Tiruvannamalai can be tracked from B.C 100 Tamil Sangam age. We can also read about Girivalam circumambulation from ancient tamil literature such as Periya puranam, Kandha puranam and Thiru vilaiyadal puranam. The foundation of Arunachala temple has been laid by Chola king Vijalaya Chozan and the contributions has been extended by continuous kingdom and people. Under the Hoysala King Vallalan this town flourished among the spiritual seekers and become famous south Indian spiritual pilgrimage site. Local Deepam festival is world famous, this festival take place every year of Tamil month Karthigai and celebrated for the period of 13 days. The first 3 day of procession take place at Durga Temple and remaining days will be celebrated in Annamalai temple.

This city is full of spiritual ashram built by many holy men and enlightenment gurus. Seshadri Swamigal, Ramana Maharshi and Yogi Ramsuratkumar are some of them who lived attained eternity from Tiruvannamalai..

Udupi, the Kokani city is the headquarters of the Udupi District, Karnataka State, India. When one hears the name “Udupi” either “Udupi Krishna” or “Udupi Masala Dosa” comes to the mind. Of course the famous,  Krishna temple is located in this city. It also lends its name to the Kannada Vegetarian Cuisine which is famous across the world.  This cuisine was developed by Shivalli Madhwa Brahmins who cooked food for Lord Krishna, and at Krishna Matha in Udupi, the food is provided free.

The name Udupi is derived from the Tulu language, is associated with a temple at Malpe, devoted to Vadabhandeshwara. According to legend, due to a curse by King Daksha, his  27 daughters (the 27 stars, according to Hindu astrology) were married to the moon and the moon lost its shine. The moon prayed to Lord Shiva to get back its original shine. Lord Shiva was pleased with the moon's prayer and restored its shine.

Legend says that the moon and his wives made their prayer at the Chandramouleeshwara temple at Udupi, creating a linga that can be seen even today. According to this story, therefore, Udupi means the land of the "lord of the stars," the moon.

Udupi is known for the Krishna Mutt (Temple of Lord Krishna). The Krishna Mutt was founded by the Shri Madhvacharya , a Vaishnavite saint in the 13th century. The Ashta Mathas (set of 8 religious organizations manage the temple administration,  and the daily sevas. According to legned, the statue of Sri Krishna in the famous temple here is believed to have turned around to give darshana to the kuruba devotee, Kanakadasa , who was not allowed to enter the temple because Kanakadasa belonged to a different caste. Each of the Ashta Mathas performs temple management activities for two years on rotation.

During the Paryaya festival, held every two years, the temple management is handed over to the next Matha. Each of the Mathas is headed by a Swami, who will be in charge of the temple during his Paryaya. These eight Mathas are Pejavara, Puttige, Palimaru, Adamaru, Sodhe, Kaniyooru, Shirur and Krishnapura. If one needs to learn the Dvaita or Tatvavaada philosophy,  the Krishna Matha is the Gurukul for it. It is also famous for the Daasa Sahitya, a form of literature that originated in Udupi.

Other Sightseeing

The main attraction is the Krishna Temple, Pajaka, Ananteshwar  Temple, Chandramauleshwara temple. The actual feel of Udupi comes to visiting the famous Manipal, Kaup Beach, Malpe and  Brahmavar.Sri Ananthesvara Temple - In the middle of the temple square, one can find the Anantheswara Temple dedicated to Lord Vishnu, the temple has very intricate carving in wood and stone, the Altar is the master piece of art.Chandramauleshvara Temple - In the temple square near the market area is the Chandramouleshwara Temple dedicated to Lord Shiva boasts of towering roof like a pyramid.Madhava Sarovar - This is the holy tank or Kalyani where devotees take a dip before offering prayers to God.

Pajaka is the birth place of Saint Madhvacharya. This is the ancestral home of the Saint. Some memorabilia of the seer can be found here, like the huge banyan tree and the two stones he lifted and the pond from where he used to fetch water.

Manipal is very famous educational centre and the medical college. There is a small muesium showcasing artifacts collected by Mr. Vijaanath Shenoy.

Kaup Beach, the beautiful beach with a coast line of 12 kms  is located in Southern Udupi. There is the 100 feet light house, a must see.

Malpe Beach is a port town, 6kms from Udupi is famous for its scenic beauty. This place attracts many tourists owing to the estuary of the Malpe river and St Marys Island. One can find magnificent rock formation. These rocks made of basalt are naturally formed.

Brahmavar named as the "settlement of Brahmins" is a town about 13 kms from the North of Udupi.  This place is famous for the Mahalinga temple, Gopinatha temple , Janardhana shrine in the Agrahara. There is the oldest Holy Family Church which was established in the Aptil 01, 1934, and the Saint Mary's Syrian Church are located in Brahmavara.

Yellur Vishwanatha Temple

Yellur is a small village in Udupi district located at a distance of 25 Kms from Udupi and 4 kms from Uchchila on the national highway between Udupi and Mangalore. This village houses a temple which is believed to be over 1000 years.