Bandhavgarh Historical Treasure Trove of Ancient Artifacts & Civilizational Remains

White Tiger Story 

The strip of pristine Sal forests was once the hunting reserve of Maharajahs of Rewa Estate during the pre-independence period. The last Maharajah was a hunter turned conservationist, and is credited with discovering and nurturing the white tiger. Mohan, the white tiger cub was found in the forests of Sidhi an hour's drive from Bandhavgarh then contiguous. 

Mohan was raised at Govindgarh Fortress by the Maharajah, and all the white tigers around the World are his progeny. Without much scientific pursuit, Maharajah Martandsinghji raised and increased the population, thanks to his understanding of big cat behavior and diligence.  The strip of Sal forests where the cub was discovered is now known as Sanjay Dubri National Park. Both parks are situated in Central India in the state of Madhya Pradesh. 

Bandhavgarh Civilization Where Time Stands Still 

Much before the white cub was discovered in these contiguous forests tribes had found succor in the deep confines of the Sal forests. There were two prominent reasons for the existence of civilization in the inaccessible forests of Bandhavgarh. 

Primary reason was based on the security provided by the steep cliffs and tabletop mountains without access. The reason was to avoid conflicts with neighboring tribes, and kingdoms. Bandhavgarh Fort at the height of 800 plus MSL provided an easy lookout to thwart invasions.  

It was the Gond Tribes aligned with Rajputs that built the first structures, this was perhaps more than two thousand years back. The mention in ancient Hindu Scriptures date around two thousand years. As the story goes Lord Ram during his exile gifted the Fort to brother Laxman hence the name. 

At heights, time stands still and you can experience the ambiance as it was back before humans arrived. Now your company will be zoomorphic idols and wild animals. 

Recent Archeological Discoveries at Bandhavgarh 

Most of the structures are carved out of the igneous rocks prevailing in the region. The civilizational remains are spread out over a large region covering more than 2000 sq.km. While Fort Complex was known from earlier times including the magnificent idols of Lord Vishnu in zoomorphic forms new artifacts and structures have been discovered recently by the ASI or Archeological Survey of India. 

Based on newspaper reports, Hindu Temples, idols, inscriptions on stones, and cave walls have been discovered recently. ASI has also found Buddhist Stupas in the region authenticating Buddhist influence in the region.  

Recent discoveries include:

• 26 Hindu Temples
• Two Monastries 
• 19 Reservoirs 
• Votive Stupas 
• 24 Inscriptions 
• 46 Sculptures 
• 26 Caves

More is expected to be discovered making Bandhavgarh a treasure trove of ancient civilizational remains. The period mentioned dates to Raja Bhimsena, Maharajah Potteseri & Maharajah Bhattdeva of Kalchuri Dynasties.  Some remains date back to the 2nd or 3rd Century AD. Some of the manmade caves date back to the 2nd Century BC highlighting civilization dating such a long time back.  

The link from India Times News elaborates the discoveries for the readers. 

Turbulence in Sylvan Surroundings 

The remote and peaceful confines of the Bandhavgarh Forests were not very peaceful as such due to the constant internecine battles that raged between different dynasties that had come to rule the Bandhavgarh Fort, now in complete ruins. Stables, courts, ramparts, and cave shelters are all suggestive of an expanded turbulent era.  

The Baghels were the last to rule this tribal refuge, and Maharajah Martandsinghji was the last ruler of the region. The Baghels had shifted their capital to Rewa a long time back, but the fort complex was well looked after. A Ram Laxman Janki Temple still stands as a testimony. However, most of the remains were out of human capacity to preserve due to inaccessibility and extreme climatic conditions. Air and water erosion brought lot many structures and artifacts to dust. 

The Pujari 

The royals still pay for the priestly service at the Hindu temple. The old Pujari a legendary figure who trudged the tiger-infested forests for the temple's upkeep is no more. His son now follows the same routine without fail. 

 

Most charismatic sights greet tourists now, especially the spectacle at Sesh Shaiyya or reclining Vishnu. The fort complex is out of bounds, but the zoomorphic idols of Lord Vishu are well preserved.  I was lucky to visit the fort complex a couple of decades back. 

Bandhvagarh Tiger Refuge 

The destination is now a tiger reserve and a National Park and is home to enchanting biodiversity and the Bengal Tiger. Only the forest staff shares accommodation with the big cats and the civilizational structures are completely bereft of human presence. 

The tiger rules over the dizzy heights of the park's 32 steep cliffs and breeds in the panoramic landscape. The reserve is a biodiversity hub with more than 22 Central India Mammals, reptiles, insects, and avians.  The floral habitats and the mountain rivers support incredible wilderness in an area comprising more than 1100 sq. km. 

Except for the forest guards and tourists in 20 % of the core, the belligerent erstwhile soldiers and their rulers are nowhere in the picture, the only conquest that is slated at Bandhavgarh is the conservation of the endangered species. 

Exploring Bandhavgarh 

Tourism is organized at Bandhavgarh  National Park every year. You can explore the pristine paradise by booking a permit at MPOnline Portal belonging to MP State. Day and evening safaris are organized in open jeeps and canters. But please book well in advance including the hotel accommodations in the buffer region.

Park is closed during the monsoon from 1 July to 30th September. You can reach the destination from Jabalpur Airport at 170 km or from the neighboring cities of Satna and Katni. Jabalpur provides the best access for inbound tourists from overseas. 

Khajuraho Temples - Of Treatise on Stone

Twenty-Five Temples now exist in the Temple Town Khajuraho in the State of Madhya Pradesh in India. A popular tourist destination visited from all over the Globe. 

Khajuraho Through The lens of Romantic Novel based in India

Salvation is the ultimate goal of humans especially those professing Oriental religions that originated in India.  The ultimate deliverance is through Karmic deeds that are supposed to be based on following the path of truth, sacrifice, and piety.  

Khajuraho Temples

Religiosity is central to achieving salvation and eventually escaping the frequent torturous cycle of life, death and rebirth.  

Khajuraho Carvings  

The path to salvation does not have any mandatory manifestations and it is not necessary to relinquish Worldly pleasures or satiation of our sensory apparatus. This is why treatises like Vatsyayana’s   Kama Sutra came into being and became so popular. 

Temples of Khajuraho 

In the romantic novel A Passionaate Gospel of True Love this is what Moh Lal Rai discovers.  Right at the doorsteps of the famous Khajuraho Temples Moh is surprised to see intense erotic sculptures on the outer walls.

Built by the Chandela Rajput Kings between the 9th to 11th centuries they were not a lascivious representation of the physical attributes of humans. Sexual gratification, true love, and emotional attachments were pathways to achieving a fulfilled life and for the soul to come to rest. 

Physical gratification is never tarnished in the image of ancient people as being lascivious, lewd, or lecherous.           

Perhaps this was the intent of Goddess Maa Durga through the premonition to guide Moh Lal Rai to Khajuraho Temples. She was in India to fulfill her destiny a coming together of true lovers as prophesied during the fashion show in Las Vegas in the USA.

In meeting her destined lover Gaurang a number of questions had arisen especially with the relationship as both were already tied in a conjugal bond with others. The guidance was a journey of discovery as she found out the concept of all absorbing love between true lovers or split halves. 

The treatise of Kama Sutra is not limited to the aspect of physical love it goes much deeper and is the soulful manifestation of an aspect of life that is often shunned as being sinful by the unaware. This could be termed as the higher purpose of Khajuraho Temples in connection with the Kama Sutra Treatise.   

A Passionaate Gospel of True Love is a manifestation of liberal thoughts that justifies relationships beyond the norms we have come to understand. The orthodox injunctions towards love and romance are age-old. It is this romantic saga that dares to explore the unconventional through the truth hidden in our sacred texts and treatise.           

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Khajuraho: Magic in Stone

For centuries hidden in remote confines
Unknown to the World the marvels lost in time  
The temples lay desolate and untended
Many in crumbling ruins some desecrated
Discovered by chance a heritage was excavated
A treasure worthy an artistic delight most appreciated     

Descendants of Moon God the Chandelas
Mighty rulers the Rajputs of Bundela
The creators bold the dynasty personified 
Magic in stone the carvings as described
A magnificent creation of the art inclined
Sensuous forms of damsels divine
Of nymphs celestial & beasts intertwined
Of erotica in imagery the taboo eulogized  

The ancient temples of Khajuraho
An esoteric narrative of royal creation
On stones interlocked to perfection
In sculptures depicting sensual recreation
The impressive objects of art and veneration

Of divinity and Kama essential
An eternal truth existential
Reveal Tantrik sex in the treatise
Of procreation through pleasure one derives
With the chisel and the knife
The angelic figures have come to life

 Poem Copy Right Uday Patel
Photo Credit: Nandita Amin

Khajuraho The Land of Love Temples

The TT looked at me and asked for the ticket. "You should be in a general coach," he spoke nonchalantly without even looking at me.

"Where am I?" I looked at the maddening mass of humanity piled up mercilessly inside the coach crushing each other for whatever space available.   

"Worse than a general coach," I mutter.

"That will be 340 Rs", as he began preparing the receipt.   

For nearly the same  price I could have enjoyed the AC coach and the ensuing luxury and safety.  

After three hours of standing at one corner of the coach the express finally reaches Satna in Central India. From here onward it was a long and agonizing wait for the filming crew to arrive from Mumbai. "The train is three hours late an we will arrive at 9.30 PM". Kiran the ace photographer called me up.

Dance Festival Khajuraho

The journey towards Khajuraho is riddled with potholes. The torturous drive halts at Nagod for a tea and ciggy break. It is almost 11 PM and I am bone tired. After long expectation we halt at a Dhaba at 1.00 pm for some mouth watering food.

"Amazing at this time of the night".  Our driver had long convinced us to have supper here and it was rewarding.

Khajuraho Temple

We than proceed to Khajuraho through the Panna National Park and eventually reach Taj Hotel Chandela. The night staff is waiting for me and ushers me into my room. "Sleep Well Sir, the attendant wishes me politely. The main stay here has been warmed up by extremely courteous and attentive staff and delicious food.  I am thankful to Poonam Uppal for hosting me in five star luxury. She is the author of "A Passionaate Gospel of True Love".           

Temple at Khajuraho

I glimpse in absolute amazement at the group of temples that date back to 10th Century AD perhaps earlier. "Treatise on Tantric Sex," Mamaji one of the senior most guide of Khajuraho. The erotic carvings are on the outer walls of Hindu Temples. "Absolute freedom of expression in that conservative era," I speak to Mamaji.

"This extreme ecstasy portrayed here is divinity." He informs me as I peek at bizzare carvings of  the erotic kind.  People from World over come to see these magical wonders in stone. "The structures are skilfully interlocked without the use of any cementing material," Mamaji is a gold mine of information.

The quaint little town engulfs the temples of love and supports a population of about 18000 locals.

Natural Cave Panna by Jagat Flora

The museum is humid and suffocating but not the exuberant pieces of tribal art. I gloat at the art on the walls before I am called for what I came here for.

I was anchoring an interview with the celebrity author Poonam Uppal. For all three days I am involved with the video shoot. A brief reprieve being lunch at Ken River Lodge at Panna Tiger Reserve and a boat ride on tranquil waters of crocodile infested Ken River.           

Panna Gorge by Jagat Flora

At Khauraho, the temples appear as neat structures, as they truly are, and carry an enigmatic message of love in its most divine form. All through, I did not find anything banal on those exquisite carvings.
 
This destination along with the tiger reserve is a  must add on one's wish list. Other places of interest nearby are the Panna National Park 35 km, Kalinjar Fort, Raneh & Pandav Falls, Ken River Sanctuary and Panna Township.

How to reach? From New Delhi By air and rail (overnight). From Jhansi (UP) by road. From Jabalpur via Satna by rail and then by road.   

All other images by courtesy Nandita Amin

Of Indian Architecture: Symmetry & Geometry

The geometry and symmetry in construction are as a result of extreme planning, conceptualization of design and a startling trilogy of creativity included. Indian architecture incorporates diverse elements beside simple lines and curvatures. Cosmic elements, religious symbols, voluptuous damsels, floral motifs; structural grandeur, diverse cultural impacts all encompassing assimilation into the final product that has resulted in landmark monuments many of which are of World fame while some pop up as surprise. 

This is what an article in MSN India speaks of. In a changed language I describe in a less fluent language the monumental structures in my blog. 

 Breathtaking Example of Indian Masonry:

 Taj Mahal

 

It is not only a magnanimous symbol of love, the intricate carving, amazing patterns, floral motifs, all amidst unfettered symmetry that is simply astounding. This is Moghul Architecture at its best in India.       

Nicke James - Taj at Agra

Ranakpur - Jain Temples

The Chaturmukha Temple exhibits astounding symmetry in amalgamation of spiritual numbers into intricate geometrical patterns. The temple dedicated to Lord Adinath makes visible the idol from any point inside the structure due to placement of 1000 plus pillars typical of Western Indian Architecture. Typical to this style are the spokes on ceilings interspersed with ornate motifs and dancing Apsaras. These features are much suggestive of colors and freedom of expression of living in India.  

Sun Temple Modhera 

The structure comprises of three elements integrated to perfection. The idol has been desecrated by the plunderer Mahmud Gazhni long  time back. The step well or Surya Kund is intricately carved with shrines on each step leading to the water. The vivid geometrical pattern forming equilateral triangle is the striking feature of this structure. The many pillared (52) Sabha Gruh is another element that has cosmic relevance and extols the Hindu calender.       

Shaniwar Wada Palace 

The seat of Peshwa Rulers, this palace in Pune has architecture with a unique design. The attractive feature is the Hazari Karanje or thousand jet fountain. The garden is also beautifully manicured and comprises of geometrical patterns.  

City Palace Udaipur 

This is a large complex with many palatial elements. In fact a series of palaces are assimilated in the larger complex. The architecture is amalgamation of  Mughal, Rajasthani, Chinese and European Styles. A museum of fine art the palace comprises of intricately carved cupolas, balconies and towers part of the darbar hall, temples and living quarters of the Royals.  

Ellora Caves  Aurangabad 

The rock cut caves exhibit beautifully done murals and carvings depicted three religions namely Hinduism, Jainism and Buddhism. 

Veer Narayana Temple Belvadi 

The architecture was named after the Hoysala Rulers who built many temples. These were either one, two or three shrines while a few were multi-shrines. The ceiling panels are carved with celestial figures and soldiers.

Red Fort - New Delhi   

Built entirely of red sand stone is a later date Mughal Architecture and displays both symmetrical and asymmetrical patterns. The former can be seen at Diwan-E-Aam and Rang Mahal while the walls of the fort exhibit the latter style.

Chand Baori - Abhaneri 

The thirteen story deep step well in Rajasthan is one of the largest in the World. The equilateral triangles formed on the steps are amazing besides the other geometrical forms are rhombus and diagonal lines. The thousand year old structure was the main source of water to local inhabitants. 

Bhoganandeeshwara Temple - Nandi Hills 

The monolithic stone pillars convey symmetry typical to Dravidian Style of Architecture in Southern India. Dedicated to Lord Shiva it is most revered edifice built around 9 Century AD. 

Rani Ki Vav - Patan - Gujarat

An excellent example of Gujarat's Subterranean Architecture it is an inverted temple besides being a step well. The idol of Lord Vishnu is visible from many angles of the seven layered stairs. The stairs are intricately carved with floral motifs and incarnation of Hindu deities.

Ancient Indian Edifices

Hawa Mahal Rajasthan

Jantar Mantar - Delhi & Jaipur 

These are two structures built by Raja Jaisingh to calculate many celestial and solar phenomena and activities. These observatories were used to predict eclipses and calculate various event using complex instruments (structures) formed using simple geometrical lines.    

The MSN Article

Varanasi at Ganges

Varanasi or Benaras is said to be the oldest city in India. Considered holiest by the Hindus it is considered an ideal place to be cremated in order to achieve salvation. The steep embankments on the Ganges River are populated with pilgrims, sadhus, and tourists alike. 

Varanasi is famous for its Ghats of which there are many. The city finds veneration among the Jains and Buddhists as well. It was at Sarnath nearby that Buddha delivered his first sermon under the Bodhi tree.   The city was known as Kashi during the olden times and the Maharaja is the chief cultural patron.   

Maha Aarti at Varanasi

The city is home to greats like Bismillah Khan shehnai players and is associated with Pandit Ravi Shanker the famous sitarist. Being the cultural seat of Uttar Pradesh in North India the city finds many patrons of fine and performing arts. 

In the modern era, Benaras Hindu University is a notable institution in India. There are many reputed technical institutes in this destination. The city is well industrialized as well. The Ganges which I visited at Allahabad is the chief focus here and it is auspicious to perform the holy rites on its banks.  

A large number of foreign tourists visit Varanasi for spiritual quests and sightseeing. They partake in some religious ceremonies as well. Discourse with sadhus is a common practice for pilgrims and tourists alive. Maha Aarti is a grand spectacle performed here. This is an assemblage of priests who conduct prayer sessions on the banks of the Ganges.       

Festivals being one of the seven holy cities of India a number of Hindu festivals are organized here. Besides Diwali, Hanuman Jayanti, Shivratri, and Ramilla are major festivals celebrated in this town.     

Places of interest: 

• Ahilya Ghat 
• Sankat Mochan Hanuman Temple
• Kashi Vishwanath Temple
• Jantar Mantar
• Aswamegh Ghat
• Kala-Bhairava Temple 
• Birla Mandir 
• Durga Temple

The Jyotirlinga or Lord Shiva is situated at Kashi Vishwanath Temple. Hence the deity is most important for Hindus on pilgrimage.

There are a number of shopping centers many dealing in artifacts of interest to foreign tourists. Modern Malls, Eateries, and Cinema Houses abound. 

Boating on the Ganges

                                                                              

     In order to facilitate tourism a number of hotels ranging from budget to four-star are established here. The holy city of Varanasi teems with tourists during the winter times. Most of the tourists are inbound but a large number of pilgrims also arrive here from all over India.   

Mahakaleshwar - Abode of Lord Shiva

This is where one of the 12 Jyotirlinga (Shiva Lingam) resides, besides the Rudra Sagar Lake. It is one of the holiest destination of the Hindus on pilgrimage. This is the only South facing or dakshin muki temple among the twelve Jyotirlinga. The temple lies within the center of Ujjain city on Kshipra River in Malwa in MP.   

Besides the lingam there reside idols of many Hindu Gods including Nandi in the premises. Nandi Bull is the vehicle of Shiva as always portrayed alongside the Lord.  The temple overpowers the holy city of Ujjain and is an an architectural marvel. The fine carvings and sculptural finesse creates and aura of awe and majestic splendor.  

During ancient times the city was called Avantika and once ruled by Chandrasen an ardent devotee of Shiva. The city was protected by the Lord against warring neighbors who had an evil eyes on its treasures. There are numerous temples within and outside the confines of the Holy City. Those on long stay can visit the temples in order to explore the religious places of importance.

MP: Monuments & History

Madhya Pradesh the center of India is a state with large area under forest cover. It is hence referred as a tiger state with highest tiger population in India. But not withstanding forests it is an ancient hub of civilization with interesting and colorful history. Substantial revenue is generated from tourism industry.

The state faced conquests and wars from within and from brute overpowering forces of Mughals and  ruling British. The state was under tribal domination for centuries but migrant war lords and ruling class from other states changed history. The tribal domination is very well mirrored in rule of the Raj Gonds like Rani Durgawati in Mandla & Jabalpur. 

During the Mughal conquest lot of upheaval took place with constant struggle against their forces. There was lot of plunder and loot during that period. Ancient Hindu architecture - temples, forts palaces where ruthlessly plundered and destroyed partially or wholly. The domination continued in form of chieftains who ruled on behalf of the Mughal Sultanate.  From Mughals the Marathas took over followed by the Raj and eventually freedom. 

The migrating Baghels from Gujarat settled in parts of Madhya Pradesh and carved out their own kingdoms. There were many dynasties like Maurya, Satvahanas, Saka, Culchuri, Baghel, Chandels and many more. The ancient or contemporary dynasties struggled through internecine wars to take their piece of cake. By the time the country got independent the state was divided in number of kingdoms, small and big, of rulers of various denomination,clans, descendants, chieftain who became rulers and what not. Every human endeavor left its tell tale mark.     

The union of Indian ended years of rule of pleasure seeking bigots, idolaters and many just rulers. But with independence democracy came to rule and the past slipped into annals of history - scarred and weather beaten.   

The historical ruins lie more as plundered and neglected than in a state of preservation. Nevertheless re -instituted and preserved monuments, places of worship, forts and palaces stand erect in modern Madhya Pradesh. These are some of the most interesting sightseeing elements in the state that withstood a hundred thousand tempest to make MP the most important tourism destination. They are a living testimony to a past ravaged by feudal lords and kings and queens of yesteryear. They exhibit on the other side colorful culture,  ancient architecture and arts & crafts of a burgeoning civilization.  

In the historical eras the state became a pot pourii of cultures which is more evident in its urban hubs. The rural MP is more of tribal communities inter mixed with migrants.  

The most important monuments of the state are:  

Gwalior:

Fort & Palaces

Temples

Chhatris

Indore

Rajwada Palace - Holkars

Temples

Bhopal

Shaukat Mahal

Mosques & Temples

Ujjain

Mahakaleshwar Temple - Jyotir Linga

Kalideh Palace

Vedhashala Observatory

Jabalpur

Madan Mahal - Gonds

Temples

Gwarighat Temples

Shankar Shah Temple

Gurudwara Gwarighat Saheb

Chausath Yogini - Nr. Marbel Rocks

Rani Durgawati Museum - Ancient artifacts. 

Shivpuri

Madhav Vilas Palace

George Castle - Madhav National Park confines

Chand Patha lake monuments 

Marble cenotaphs

Chanderi 

Kirti Durga Fort 

Koshak Mahal

Deogarh Fort

Jama Masjid

Badal Mahal

Mandu

Jahaz Mahal

Hindola Mahal

Hosang Shah Tomb

Ashrafi Mahal

Chitrakoot

Ram Ghat 

Kadam Giri

Sati Anushya 

Janki Dhara

Hanuman Koop

Sanchi 

Supas - Buddhist 

Nilkantheshwar Temple

Orchha

Raj Mandir 

Jehangir Mahal 

Chaturbhuj Temple

Sawan Bhado Mahal 

Chhatris 

Lakshmi Temple

Khajuraho Temples

Other places of historical interest are Bandhavgarh, Pachmarhi, Maihar, Rewa, Maheshwar, Omkareshwar Bhojpur and Panna. There are lot of ancient temples venerated by locals hidden from the tourist eye. While traveling through the state it is worth inquiring about local tourism places.     

There are many more monumental jewels in Madhya Pradesh in deep recess of the state. The state is mostly unexplored and scattered palaces, temples and forts go unheard. There is much more to the state than wildlife safaris and birding. The best means of travel is on  package tours in MP by tour companies in the state. Tourism in the state is picking up for historical and spiritual travel. The infrastructure is sound with safe roads, hotels and lodges for accommodation and rail and road transportation. Flights operate in major towns mostly connected to Delhi, Nagpur and Mumbai.    

There are many tour operators in Madhya Pradesh for affordable package travel. The best season is winters as summers are hot. Monsoon travel is not possible due to inundating rains. Tourism in the state peaks during X'mas and Diwali holidays.   

The language spoken is Hindi but English is quiet popular. There are many travel services and tourism information guides that disseminate information about travel and places of interest.

MP Tourism - On Spiritual Quest

Though more popular for tiger safaris, Madhya Pradesh  is an emerging center for religious tourism in Central India. Diverse religious facets have left their impact on the state. Ancient Hindu Temples, Mosques, Jain Derasar, Churches, Buddhist Stupas, sacred rivers and ashrams are spread all over the state. The monuments date way back into history while some are of recent origin.

The centers of  pilgrimage are visited not only by the pious but the modern traveler as well.  Peripatetic travelers from foreign lands in search of spirituality and exploration visit Central India in large number.       

A spiritual journey in MP is influenced by one's inclination and purpose. Some of the prime destinations are:

Jabalpur: The cosmopolitan city lies in the center of India. Virgin River Narmada originates at Amarkantak Hills and traverse a long distance to reach city. The stepped embankments of Gwarighat and Lametaghat are the hubs of Hindu rites and rituals and abode of many temples and ashrams of the mystics and saints. A holy dip in the Narmada cleanses all sins away, it is one of the five holiest rivers in India. Must visit destinations are Dhuandhar Falls and Marble Rocks. 

Major places of worship at Jabalpur:

Tripuri Sundari                    

Bajnamath

Radhakrishana Temple  

Gopalpur Temple

Pisan Hari Ki Madhyia Jain Temple

Badshah Halwai Mandir

Gauri Shankar Mandir

Church of England

Gurdwara Gwarighat Saheb

Bare Ganeshji Mandir

Mala Devi Mandir

Roopnath Temple

Well connected by rail and road Jabalpur is linked by Air with New Delhi!

Ujjain: About fifty km from Indore, the town lies on the banks of Shipra River. It is in this river the drops of precious nectar fell whence Gods and Daemons scramble for the vessel. The nectar was supposed to accord immortality on consumption. Kumbh Mela is held every 12 years to commemorate the battle for the nectar (amrit).

On the banks of Shipra lies the abode of the Lord Shiva Mahakaleshwar Jyotirlinga - one of the 12 in India. Hindu pilgrims visit the Shiva Temple on 13th night of the new moon during the month of Maagh. Bade Ganeshji Ka Mandir is a temple devoted to Lord Ganesha situated in Ujjain. 

Omkareshwar: Situated on the banks of River Narmada is a Hindu Temple devoted to Lord Shiva. The temple is situated on island called Mandata or Shivpuri in Narmada River. Being one of the 12 Jyotirlinga of Shiva it is an important pace of worship in Madhya Pradesh in India. There are two important temples dedicated to the Lord here.

Maheshwar: The name refers to Lord Shiva, the town is situated on Narmada Banks in Kharogne District of MP. The place is also called Maheshwari. It is famous spiritual destination as well center for Maheshwari Sari  made of cotton and silk. Maha Shivratri and many Hindu festivals are celebrated with aplomb at Maheswar along with gathering of many pilgrims. Mahamritujaya Yatra is organized every in the town  a day preceding Makar Shankranti for the welfare of the people.       

Chanderi: is a small town in Ashok Nagar District of MP. Many Jain and Hindu temples make it a significant religious town. Chanderi is more popularly for its weaving industry making hand woven sarees named Chanderi Saris after the town. Nearby places of religious significance belonging to Jain denomination are Gurilagiri Bhiyadant Bhamon, Khandargiri, Aamanachar, Bithala and Thuvanji.        

Chitrakoot: is town of religious and historical importance. Tourists on spiritual and religious quest arrive here

during Ram Navmi, Amavasya, Som Vati Amavasya, Diwali, Sharad Poornima and Makarshankrati.

Lord Ram, Sita and Laxman stayed here for more than eleven years during their exile. Bharat Milap took place at Chitrakut whence Bharat came to meet Ram and requested him to return to Ayodhaya. Tulsidas, Rahim and many other Seers and Saints stayed here to meditate. The holy place is situated in Satna district and is 195 km from Khajuraho Temples. There are many ashrams and religious spots that one can visit with the help of a guide.

Sanchi: Famous destination for Buddhist Stupa containing relics of Lord Buddha lies in Raisen District of MP. Temples of Sanchi display Buddha's journey to salvation. Built during Emperor Ashoka's rule the stupas went through torturous periods of vandalism and loot. Three stupas and many temples remain at the site in Sanchi. Few km from Sanchi is Satdhara Stupa which contains relics in a glass container. Many Buddhist monks stay here and pursue religious studies.

The above places are most traveled destinations in quest for spiritual awakening. The pious on religious journeys in MP travel in groups in packages organized by tour operators. Such travel is  safer, affordable and comfortable.

All major towns like Gwalior, Bhopal, Indore have sacred Hindu shrines worth visiting. Smaller places like Pachmarhi, Hoshangabad, Orchha, Mandu, Shivpuri and many more have religious importance as well. They are more popular as holiday destinations.  

Somnath Temple

Somnath - Veraval - Saurashtra - Gujarat 

The sea in the background adds to the charismatic grace and grandeur of the towering structure. No wonder since centuries the temple has been a cynosure of millions of eyes. The 9th century temple is Lord Shiva's domain and that what matters. The treasure troves Gold and Diamonds have now faded as myth. 

The Jyotirling at  Somnath is amongst the twelve most sacred lingam of Lord Shiva. Somnath has been plundered six times by intolerant  marauders and plunderers It was the strong resilience of the people and Hindu rulers that the structure was rebuilt again and again. 

Somnath literary means protector of the moon since Lord Shiva delivered the moon from a curse. The pious pray here on auspicious day on pilgrimage. The original temple destroyed by the iconoclastic  barbarians stands as adjacent ruins. The original Shivling has said to appear in a King's dream which was than unearthed and a temple stand over the underground idol.  

The architecture reflects the skills of Sompuras Gujarat's wonder masons. The temple was built in Chalukya Hindu Temple style after India's independence. The temple is of great significance for religious tours in India to the Hindus.

Not only the temple architecture, the ambiance is stunning as well which I discovered on my visit to the Lord Almighty's abode couple of years back. The deliverance if four fold and the spirituality awakens on the way to doors of Lord Shiva's abode here. 

Somnath temple is a must visit pilgrimage center at Veraval for all religious Hindus.   

Temple Tours - Khajuraho

Undoubtedly the country's top attraction Khajuraho Temples are a marvel in stone that exhibit luminous grace and architectural splendor unsurpassed. The structures reflect the glory India's golden past that now survives amidst emerging modern chaos. Khajuraho temples are an epitome of liberal ideological values that were the main stays of ancient Kingdoms in Central India.

These magnificent piece of architecture lay hidden in the deep confines of Central India or the State of Madhya Pradesh. The discovery was made during the British Rule in India. The archeological finds are now maintained by the Archeological Surveys of India.    

Khajuraho is spirituality in art with expression of liberal sexual values engraved in the walls carved out of stone. The Kamasutra sex treatise is expressed here through delicate carvings and statues. The temples were built by Chandela dynasty in 10th and 11th century AD. The temples are situated in different complexes. These complexes also contain Jain Temples built during the Chandela Era. 

The purpose of this treatise in stone was perhaps a manual for young boys growing up in gurukuls or religious schools. It could also have been to please pleasure loving rain God Indra. The carved figures of men, women and animals are intertwined in various sexual positions. The carvings are intricate and explicit on the out walls of the Hindu Temples.

This hypothesis can best be left to eminent historians and scholars. Khajuraho temples are a must visit destinations. These are included in itinerary of many organized tour packages to Madhya Pradesh in India.

Khajuraho is a chaotic village that harbors these monuments of sublime beauty and exquisite artistic delights - the carving in stone - and not just erotic expressions that some of the travelers to India may be coming to see. This becomes evident on tour to Khajuraho as you visit one temple after another. You get immersed in the erotic carvings displayed on the walls.

Best way of reaching Khajuraho is by Air from Delhi and some other major towns. The nearest rail head is Satna. While one can access the temple town on Jabalpur - Bandhavgarh - Khajuraho route by taxi or personal vehicle.

The Panna National Park lies just forty five kms from the temple town of Khajuraho. Panna NP offers tiger safaris, exciting wildlife sightings and birding trips in the dense deciduous forests.

Khajuraho temples

Khajuraho is synonymous with 9th to 11th century temples which are a treatise on Kamasutra. The temples have been carved out of igneous rocks and are an architectural marvel thanks to Chandela dynasty which built them. Khajuraho was the capital of Chandela Kingdom.

The temples center around sex and males, females and animals are intricately involved in sexual postures and acts in the temple wall carvings. Nobody has an exact idea of the concept behind the temples but it is thought to depict tantric mysticism. The temples escaped the marauding Muslim invaders from destruction as they where located in forested areas. They where discovered by British Explorer T.S. Burt during the British Raj.

The main temples a must visit on Khajuraho tours are as follows:

1) Kandariya Mahadeva

2) Chaunsat Yogini

3) Chitragupta Temple

4) Vishwanath Temple

5) Lakshamana Temple

6) Matangeshwara Temple

7) Parsavanatha Temple

8) Ghantai Temple

9) Adinatha Temple

10) Duladeo Temple:

11) Chaturbhuj Temple

In ancient times there where eighty five temples built but about twenty two now remain at Khajuraho. There are many package tours available for Khajuraho and nearby destinations. Panna National Park is close to Khajuraho about 45 km drive.