Located in the cliffside of the upper valley in Bhutan, Paro Taktsang is an eminent Buddhist sacred site and is also known as Tiger’s Nest or Taktsang Palphug Monastery. This temple has become the folk icon of Bhutan which Hangs at an uncertain cliff at 10240 feet above the Paro valley, reaching the temple is only possible through a mountainous route. The remote location makes it difficult to reach but also makes it beautiful, unique and an unforgettable destination at the same time and it is one of the best places to visit in Paro.
Tuesday, August 23, 2022
Wednesday, August 17, 2022
One of the most popular Hindu festivals is Janmashtami, which is widely observed throughout India. In India, Janmashtami—also known as Gokulashtami—celebrates the birthday of Lord Krishna and will be observed on August 19 this year. One of the most well-known Hindu deities, Krishna is thought to be Vishnu's eighth incarnation. Here are some of the top places in India to experience Janmashtami festivities and travel over the holiday.
Mathura
Because it is the birthplace of Lord Krishna, Mathura celebrates Janmashtami with great fervour. The two main holidays celebrated here are Jhulanotsav and Ghatas. For the festival of Juhlanotsav, people hang swings over their idols of Krishna in their homes. In a ritual called Abhishek, Krishna idols are bathed with milk, curd, honey, and even ghee in the early morning (anointment). The idol is dressed in new attire and ornaments after being bathed, and it is then positioned in a swing (jhulan). To commemorate Krishna's birth, these swings are placed in the courtyards of homes and temples all across Mathura. Krishna statues are swung on them.
Gokul
Gokul is the most significant location linked with Lord Krishna's upbringing because it was where he spent his formative years with his adoring adoptive parents, Yashodha and Nanda. Gokul celebrates Janmashtami, also known as Gokulashtami, a day after the rest of the nation because Krishna was taken there from Mathura after midnight. One day after Krishna was born, the people of Gokul discovered his existence, so they decided to celebrate his birthday on that day.
Vrindavan
Ten days before Krishna's birthday, the festival of Janmashtami starts in Vrindavan. One of the oldest temples in India is the Govind Dev Temple in Vrindavan. Another fascinating place is Nidhi Van, a revered Krishna temple in the heart of a large forest of trees. There are many Vana Tulsi (basil) trees in the park that surrounds the temples.
Kerala
Kerala celebrates a magnificent celebration on Janmashtami. Palpaysam and appam, two special south Indian meals, are made and served to Krishna. Major rituals and festive events are centred on the Guruvayoor Sri Krishna temple. Poojas and aartis are done at the temple throughout the day to start it off. The elephants from the Guruvayoor temple accompany a procession carrying a gold idol of "Balakrishna."
Thursday, July 14, 2022
Golden Temple in Amritsar has the largest free kitchen in the world. Open 24 hours, year round, this food hall feeds 100,000 people for free each day. And on religious holidays that number can double. Just one of these huge bowls is enough to feed around 10,000 people.
Harmandir Sahib, often referred to as the Golden Temple, it's the largest Sikh shrine in the world. But despite being part of the holy site this kitchen doesn't discriminate, the food is completely free to anyone, regardless of religion, gender, or ethnicity.
Community kitchens, or Langar, have been popular across South Asia since the birth of Sikhism. And the Langar at the Golden Temple has been serving meals since 1577. Each dish is cooked in giant metal vats. Over one hundred gas cylinders and huge piles of wood are burned through every day to keep things running 24/7. And there's only one short 30 minute break in the cooking from 4:30 to 5am.
Thursday, June 23, 2022
Kedarnath is one of the most sacred pilgrimages of Lord Shiva situated in Rudraprayag district of Garhwal region in Uttarakhand. Kedarnath is one of the Char Dham in Uttarakhand and the most important dham among Panch kedar. Kedarnath is situated at an altitude of 3586 mts, in the lap of the majestic mountain peaks and near the head of river Mandakini, Kedarnath range stands one of the twelve Jyotirlingas of Lord Shiva.
Kedar meaning powerful is another name of Lord Shiva the protector and the destroyer. The beautiful ambiance around the temple looks like quite peace on heaven causes a beautiful place to do meditation.The main attractions here is the Shiva Temple, which is a popular Hindu shrine and pilgrimage, attracting devotees from all over the world. The travel and tourism scope here is strengthened by factors like natural beauty and religious zest.
Shiva is considered the embodiment of all passions - love, hatred, fear, death and mysticism which are expressed through his various forms. There are more than 200 shrines dedicated to Lord Shiva in the area itself, the most important one is Kedarnath.
Wednesday, June 22, 2022
Rath Yatra or Jatra is the celebration of the Lord Jagannath, who is believed to be the Lord of Universe's journey towards his aunt's house. Though it is a Hindu shrine but this chariot festival is not associated with any particular denomination of Hinduism entirety, though there are several common aspects with Vaishnavaism, Saivism, Shaktism, Buddhism and Jainism.
Jagannath Rath Yatra is more than five thousand years old and the most spiritual thing is, the celebration follows all the same rituals from its starting. There would not seen any changes in this festival. Traditionally the Rath Yatra festival is celebrated annually in Puri, Odisha. During this world renowned festival, lord Jagannatha is worshipped along with his brother lord Balabhadra and sister Devi Subhadra.
Acccording to spiritual significance of Katha Upanishad- The festival talks about Human body as Rath and sarathi or driver as God, who drives the chariot of body to the yatra/journey to material existence or Bhavasagar. Classically it is mentioned as- The soul drive with in the Rath of body, which has been intellect and total devoted to God the driver of the chariot towards the material existence. The wheels are the significance of velour. The horses are and persistence. The horses are the synonyms of vigor, self discipline, tolerance, charity and discrimination, where as pity, equanimity and forgiveness are the reins of horses.
The popular Rath Yatra is the time when the Deities come out of the temple for all to see. Each deity visit Gudicha Temple in their specific chariots drawn by devotees. Gudicha temple is dedicated to Lord’s Aunt.
Monday, May 30, 2022
Uttarakhand, also known as Devbhoomi or the Land of Gods, is home to numerous temples and welcomes devotees all year round. Among the countless religious sites and circuits that devotees visit in Uttarakhand, one of the most prominent is the Char Dham Yatra. This Yatra or pilgrimage is a tour of four holy sites - Yamunotri, Gangotri, Kedarnath and Badrinath – nestled high up in the Himalayas. In Hindi, 'char' means four and 'dham' refers to religious destinations.
The high-altitude shrines remain shut for around six months every year, opening in summers (April or May) and closing with the onset of winter (October or November). It is believed that one should complete the Char Dham Yatra in a clockwise direction. Hence, the pilgrimage starts from Yamunotri, proceeds towards Gangotri, onto Kedarnath, and finally ends at Badrinath. The journey can be completed by road or by air (helicopter services are available). Some devotees even do a Do Dham Yatra or a pilgrimage to two shrines - Kedarnath and Badrinath.
The Yamunotri temple, lodged in a narrow gorge close to the source of River Yamuna (the second-most sacred Indian river after River Ganga) in Uttarkashi district, is dedicated to Goddess Yamuna. The district of Uttarkashi is also home to Gangotri dedicated to Goddess Ganga, the most sacred of all Indian rivers. Located in the Rudraprayag district lies Kedarnath, dedicated to Lord Shiva. Badrinath, home to the sacred Badrinarayan Temple, is dedicated to Lord Vishnu. The Char Dham Yatra is as divine as it is arduous but fulfills the soul!
Monday, April 25, 2022
Muslims across the globe are always united in one activity whenever the fasting period is around – Ramadan. You will find both young and old Muslims observing this season of holiness and spirituality. After fasting for thirty days, the holy month ends with a period of celebration. As the first of the two canonical festivals of Islam, Eid ul-Fitr marks the end of Ramadan (the holy fasting season).
Eid ul-Fitr in Egypt is a time of private visits and hospitable receptions when friends visit one another, gifts are presented, and new clothes are worn. This season is always marked as a public holiday, as it is indeed a season to relish for Muslims. Eid ul-Fitr is one of the biggest celebrations in Egypt. In fact, it is a three day holiday in Egypt. The word Eid (from the Arabic language) implies celebration, feast, and recurring joy but to Egyptians, this word rings more than just bells. If you were to mention the word Eid to any Egyptian, he would respond with a sense of delight, reflecting a heart full of joy as if he were still a child.
Wednesday, March 09, 2022
Imprinted on the national flag of Cambodia, Angkor Wat is renowned as the largest religious site of the world and it is also one of the declared World Heritage Site by UNESCO. Located at Siem Reap, Angkor Wat in Cambodia reflects the exalted grandeur and artistic perfection of the Khmer architecture. Undoubtedly it is the most enchanting site for every traveler who wants to get mesmerized by the beauty and glory of the grand Cambodia Kingdom.
It is said that the architecture of The Angkor Wat in Cambodia is a work of power, unity and style. Spread over an area of 200 hectares the temple was built as a funerary for King Suryavarman II. One can clearly see the elements of Khmer architecture in this masterpiece of Cambodia. The highlights of this sensational temple are its decoration of the scenes from the Ramayana and the Mahabharata, the Moat and the outer wall. All in all, one can witness the dominance of the Khmer style by features like the towers in the shape of lotus and the Galleried Temple. Words can’t describe the beauty of this exquisite temple and so, go and soak in the calmness of this wonderful temple.
Tuesday, March 08, 2022
Situated in the Western Himalayan ranges of Tibetan Autonomous Region, the 6638m tall diamond shaped Mount Kailash (also Kailāsa) and the largest freshwater Lake Mansarovar (also Manas Sarovar) are the source of great energy and mental peace for mankind. Mount Kailash and Lake Mansarovar are reserved as the most sacred places in Hindu, Jain, Bodh and Bon religions. Every year during May to October months, devotees and adventure seekers travel to Kailash Mansarovar in a large number.
Monday, March 07, 2022
Located to the North of the Indus River on a hilltop, less than 20km from Leh town, Thiksey Monastery built in 1430 AD belongs to the Gelukpa Order of Buddhism. Lakhang Nyerma a Temple dedicated to Goddess Dorje Chenmo is within the Thiksey monastery. Apart from Lakhang Nyerma there are a few more shrines inside the monastery complex. Thiksey Gompa hosts the Gustor ritual, organized from the 17th to 19th day of September. Celebrated on an annual basis the sacred mask dance is also performed during the Gustor ritual. The Maitreya Buddha statue here is probably the most photographed statue of the Buddha of the future! The 15 m (49 ft) magnificent high statue took over 4 years to craft.
In the 15th Century, the founder of the Gelug School (“the Yellow Hats”), Je Tsongkhapa, sent six disciples to spread the message of his teachings in remotest areas of Tibet. As part of this exercise, one of his disciples instituted a little monastery in Stagmo. Nearly half a century later, it was decided to set up a bigger complex.
When performing the prayers at the place of the new monastery – some crows grabbed the Torma offerings, meant to be spread across the valley as peace offerings. Searching for the torma, the monks found it on the opposite side of the valley, placed perfectly in Thiksey. The name of the village, coincidently, means – a perfect order. Thus, the monastery was set up here and named the same as the village.
Saturday, March 05, 2022
A gateway to the last Himalayan kingdom, Paro is the little town of Bhutan situated at the banks of the Paro (or Pa). Apart from holding its simplicity and blessing of the nature’s finest views, this town also shelters the ancient monasteries. Among these architectural treasures, Paro Taktsang monastery stands out for its incredible location and magnificent beauty.
It was first built in 1692 at a cave where Guru Rimpoche meditated in the 7th century A.D. Legend states that Guru Rimpoche flew to the site atop the back of a tigress and meditated in the cave for 3 years, 3 months, 3 days and 3 hours in order to subdue evil demons residing within it. The cave has been considered a sacred site ever since and many famous saints have travelled to meditate in it.
Taktsang Lhakhang is located approximately 10 km north of Paro town at an altitude of 3.120 m. In order to arrive at the temple visitors must trek for around 2-3 hours through beautiful, shady pine forests. No trip to Bhutan would be complete without a visit to this remarkable heritage site.
Saturday, February 19, 2022
Kashi Vishvanath Temple is one of the most famous Hindu temples dedicated to Lord Shiva. It is located in Varanasi, Uttar Pradesh, India. The temple stands on the western bank of the holy river Ganga, and is one of the twelve Jyotirlingas, the holiest of Shivatemples. The main deity is known by the name Vishvanatha or Vishveshvara meaning Ruler of The Universe. Varanasi city is also called Kashi, and hence the temple is popularly called Kashi Vishvanath Temple.
The Kashi Vishwanath temple was last rebuilt and restored to its glory by the Queen of Indore, Rani Ahilya Bai Holkar. She took the initiative to restore the temple and also provided the funds for it. However, later Akbar’s great grandson Aurangzeb had destroyed the temple and built a mosque in its place. The temple holds immense significance to Hindus as it is revered as one of the 12 Jyotirlingas of Lord Shiva. There is popular belief that Lord Shiva actually stayed here for some time.
Tuesday, February 15, 2022
Batu Caves, one of Kuala Lumpur’s most frequented tourist attractions, is a limestone hill comprising three major caves and a number of smaller ones. Located approximately 11 kilometres to the north of Kuala Lumpur, this 100-year-old temple features idols and statues erected inside the main caves and around it. Incorporated with interior limestone formations said to be around 400 million years old, the temple is considered an important religious landmark by Hindus.
Cathedral Cave – the largest and most popular cavern in Batu Caves – houses several Hindu shrines beneath its 100-metre-high arched ceiling. At the foot of Batu Hill are two other cave temples – the Art Gallery Cave and Museum Cave – which houses numerous Hindu statues and paintings.
Wednesday, December 15, 2021
The Basilica of Our Lady of Peace is a Catholic minor basilica dedicated to Our Lady of Peace in Yamoussoukro, the administrative capital of Côte d'Ivoire. Guinness World Records lists it as the largest church in the world, having surpassed the previous record holder, Saint Peter's Basilica, upon completion.
Intended as a memorial to himself, the basilica was part of Houphouët-Boigny's grand plan to transform his hometown of Yamoussoukro into the country's administrative capital. Afforded the status of Catholic minor basilica by the Pope, it is known locally by its French name - Basilique Notre-Dame de la Paix.
Tuesday, December 14, 2021
The Khajuraho Group of Monuments are a group of Hindu and Jain temples in Chhatarpur district, Madhya Pradesh, India, about 175 kilometres southeast of Jhansi. They are a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The temples are famous for their nagara-style architectural symbolism and their erotic sculptures.
Khajuraho is an ancient city known for magnificent temples and its intricate sculptures located in the Chhatarpur district of Madhya Pradesh. Built in the medieval century by the Chandela Dynasty, the UNESCO site of 'Khajuraho Group of Monuments' is famous for its Nagara-Style architecture and graceful sculptures of nayikas and deities. The splendour of the intricate statues is one of the reasons that makes it a popular site to visit among tourists.
Friday, December 10, 2021
Situated in a narrow gorge at the farther end of Lidder valley, Shri Amarnathji Cave Shrine stands at 3,888 m and is 45 km from Pahalgam and 141 km from Srinagar. Though the original pilgrimage subscribes that the yatra be undertaken from Srinagar, the more common practice is to begin the journey from Pahalgam, and cover the distance to Shri Amarnathji and back in four or five days. Pahalgam is 96 km from Srinagar.
One of the Holy trinity, Lord Shiva is a living God. The most ancient and sacred book of India, the 'Rig Veda' evokes his presence in its hymns. Vedic myths, ritual and even astronomy testify to his existence from the dawn of time.
Mathura is a sacred city in Uttar Pradesh, northern India. The deity Lord Krishna is said to have been born on the site of Sri Krishna Janma Bhoomi, a Hindu temple. Dotting the Yamuna River are 25 ghats (flights of steps down to the water), of which Vishram Ghat is considered the holiest. Sati Burj is a 16th-century memorial tower. Dwarkadhish Temple has a carved entrance and a black-marble idol of Lord Krishna.