Vaishnodevi Temple - Jammu Kashmir

 Vaishno Devi Temple is a pilgrimage site (temple) located on the hill of Vaishno Devi in Jammu and Kashmir, India. It is one of the holiest Hindu temples dedicated to Shakti. In Hinduism, Vaishno Devi, also known as Mata Rani and Vaishnavi, is an incarnation of the Mother Goddess. The journey to reach this temple situated in the beautiful plains is very difficult, but it is said that on a call from the 'mother of mountains', her devotees make this journey successful with the power of faith and belief. Lakhs of pilgrims visit the temple every year and it is the second most visited religious pilgrimage site in India after the Tirumala Venkateswara Temple.

Vaishno Devi Temple is located near Katra town in Jammu district of the state of Jammu and Kashmir. It is one of the most revered holy sites in northern India. The temple is situated at an altitude of 5,200 ft and at a distance of about 12 kilometers (7.45 mi) from Katra. The hill on which this temple is built is known as Vaishno Devi hill. The temple is maintained by Shri Mata Vaishno Devi Tirtha Mandal. It is said that on one call of the mother, her devotees come running to visit the mother. Mother has unbreakable love with the devotees, that's why devotees definitely go to visit the Vaishno Mata temple situated in the lap of the mountains after working hard.

There is special recognition of the darshan of Maa Vaishno Devi during Navratras. For these nine days, whether in the country or abroad, lakhs of people come to visit Maa Vaishno Devi. By the way, it is also said that Goddess Vaishno Devi of the mountains fulfills everyone's wishes. Whoever goes to his court with a true heart, his every wish is fulfilled. Such is the true court of Mata Vaishno Devi. Devotees of Mata believe that when Mata calls, the devotee reaches her court with some pretext or the other. The one who goes without being invited, no matter how much he wants, he cannot see the mother.

In practical terms, Mata Vaishno Devi is the collective form of knowledge, glory and strength, because there are three forms of Adishakti – first Mahasaraswati, who is the goddess of knowledge, second Mahalakshmi, the goddess of wealth and third Mahakali or Durga, who is the power. Format is considered. To become superior and successful on the ground of life and to touch the heights, education, money and strength are necessary, which is possible only through hard work and hard work.

This journey of Mother also gives inspiration and strength to face difficulties and struggles in the journey of life and achieve your goal with full confidence. This famous court of Mother Vaishno Devi is considered to be one of the 51 Shaktipeeths, along with being a major pilgrimage center for Hindus, where lakhs of devotees come from far and wide to visit the mother.

It is one of the most revered holy sites in northern India. Mahalakshmi, Mahakali and Mahasaraswati are established in Pindi form in the cave of Maa Vaishno Devi, geologists also tell this cave to be several billion years old. This cave of Mata is at a distance of 61 km from North Jammu in Trikuta mountain. During this holy journey of Vaishno Devi, devotees also avail the darshan of pilgrimages like Devamai, Baan Ganga, Charan Paduka, Garbh Jun Gufa, Bhairav Temple etc. The temple is situated at an altitude of about 6500 km above sea level.

Many stories are prevalent about Mata Vaishno Devi. According to a famous ancient belief, once the mother of mountains, being pleased with the devotion of one of her supreme devotees, saved his shame and gave proof of her existence to the whole creation. 2 km from present Katra town. Sridhar, the supreme devotee of Maa Vaishnavi, lived in Hansali village situated at a distance of He was sad because of being childless. One day he called unmarried girls for Navratri worship. Maa Vaishno sat among them in the form of a girl. After the worship, all the girls left but Maa Vaishno Devi remained there and said to Sridhar- 'Invite everyone to come to your home for Bhandara.' Sridhar obeyed that divine girl and the message of Bhandara reached the nearby villages. Gave. While returning from there, along with Guru Gorakhnath and his disciple Baba Bhairavnath ji, his other disciples were also invited for food. After getting the invitation for food, all the villagers were surprised that who is that girl who wants to feed so many people? After this, many villagers came and gathered at Shridhar's house for food. Then Mother Vaishno Devi in the form of a girl started serving food to everyone from a strange vessel.

While serving food, the girl went to Bhairavnath. Then he said that instead of kheer-puri, I would eat meat and drink alcohol. Then the mother in the form of a girl explained to him that this is the food at Brahmin's place, non-vegetarian is not eaten in it. But Bhairavnath deliberately stuck to his point. When Bhairavnath wanted to catch that girl, then the mother came to know about his hypocrisy. Mother changed into the form of air and flew towards Trikuta mountain. Bhairavnath also followed him. It is believed that Pawanputra Hanuman was also there to protect the mother. According to belief, at that time also Hanumanji was with him to protect the mother. When Hanumanji felt thirsty, on his request, the mother took out a water stream by shooting an arrow from the bow on the mountain and washed her hair in that water. Today this holy stream is known as Banganga, by drinking or bathing in its holy water, all the tiredness and troubles of the devotees go away.

During this, the mother entered a cave and did penance for nine months. Bhairavnath also followed him till there. Then a monk said to Bhairavnath that the one whom you are considering as a girl is Adishakti Jagdamba. That's why stop chasing that superpower. Bhairavnath did not listen to the monk. Then the mother made a way out from the other side of the cave. This cave is still famous by the name of Ardhakumari or Adikumari or Garbhjoon. There is also the foot paduka of the mother before Ardhquari. This is the place where mother turned back to see Bhairavnath while running away. After coming out of the cave, the girl assumed the form of a goddess. Mata warned Bhairavnath and asked him to return. Still he did not agree. Mother went inside the cave. Then Hanumanji fought with Bhairav outside the cave to protect the mother.

Bhairav still did not give up when the brave Hanuman started getting tired, then Mata Vaishnavi took the form of Mahakali and killed Bhairavnath. Bhairavnath's head was cut off and fell in the Bhairav valley of Trikuta mountain, 8 km away from the building. That place is known as the temple of Bhaironath. The place where Maa Vaishno Devi killed Hathi Bhairavnath is famous as 'Holy Cave' or 'Bhavan'. At this place Maa Kali (right), Maa Saraswati (middle) and Maa Lakshmi (left) are enshrined in the cave in the form of pindis. The combined form of these three is called the form of Maa Vaishno Devi. Along with these three grand Pindis, there are idols and instruments installed by some devoted devotees and former kings of Jammu and Kashmir. It is said that after his slaughter, Bhairavnath repented of his mistake and begged for forgiveness from the mother.

Mata Vaishno Devi knew that Bhairav`s main intention behind attacking her was to attain salvation, she not only freed Bhairav from the cycle of rebirth but also gave him a boon saying that my darshan would not be considered complete till then , until a devotee will visit you after me. According to the same belief, even today, after visiting Mata Vaishno Devi, devotees climb a steep climb of 8 kilometers to visit Bhairavnath. Meanwhile Vaishno Devi assumed the shape of a rock with three pindas (heads) and became eternally meditative. Meanwhile Pandit Sridhar became impatient. They proceeded towards the Trikuta mountain in the same way that they had seen in the dream, finally they reached the entrance of the cave, they made it their routine to worship the 'Pindas' in various ways, the goddess was pleased with their worship, they appeared before them. appeared and blessed them. Since then, Shridhar and his descendants have been worshiping Goddess Maa Vaishno Devi.

How to Reach Vaishno Devi Temple 

Jammu is the first stop for the devotees who want to visit Maa Vaishno Devi. You can reach Jammu by bus, taxi, train or flight. Jammu is connected by broad gauge line. The number of pilgrims visiting Vaishno Devi increases in summer, so every year special trains are run by the Railways from Delhi to Jammu for the convenience of the pilgrims. Jammu is connected by National Highway 1A of India. So if you want to reach Jammu by bus or taxi also then you will have no problem. You can easily get direct buses and taxis from many major cities of North India to Jammu. The starting base camp for the journey to Maa Ke Bhawan is Katra, a village in Jammu district. The distance from Jammu to Katra is about 50 km. Bus and taxi services ply between Katra and Jammu. Katra is situated at an altitude of 2500 feet above sea level. You can easily reach Katra by bus or taxi. Several buses are also available from Jammu Railway Station to Katra, by which you can reach Katra in about 2 hours. If you want to reach Katra by taxi, then you can travel by taxi to Katra by spending 500 to 1000 rupees, which will reach you to Katra in about 1 hour.

Maa Vaishno Devi Yatra starts from Katra. Most travelers start their journey by resting here. The distance from Katra to Ardhkumari Temple and the main temple of Maa is approximately 8 and 12 kilometers respectively. The distance of Bhairavnath from the holy cave of Maa is about 8 kms. Pilgrims keep on climbing throughout the night to have a darshan of the mother. Free 'travel slip' is available for darshan of Mata from Katra itself. Only after taking this slip, you can start the climb from Katra to the court of Maa Vaishno. Three hours after taking this slip, you have to make an entry at 'Baan Ganga Check Point' before the start of climbing and you can start climbing only after checking the luggage there. If you do not make an entry at the check post within three hours after taking the Yatra Slip, your Yatra Slip may be cancelled. So always keep in mind that take the travel slip at the time of starting the journey. For those who are not able to make the strenuous climb, there are palanquins, and horse-drawn facilities from Ban Ganga. Now even the battery operated auto is being run by the temple administration from the semi-virgin temple to the main gate of Mata. In which five-six passengers can travel comfortably at a time.

Some devotees climb on foot to visit Mata's cave and some hire palanquins, horses or pittu to make this difficult climb easier. To carry small children for the climb, you can book local people on hire, who will take your children on the back for a fixed fee. The fare for a palanquin, pittu or horse for a person to climb from Katra to Bhawan (holy cave of Maa Vaishno Devi) ranges from 250 to 350 rupees. Apart from this, you will have to pay extra charges for seating small children or overweight person. During the climb, there is arrangement for refreshments and food at various places along the way. By paying which you can avail this facility. Travelers wishing to visit Maa in less time can also take advantage of helicopter facility. By spending around Rs 2200 to Rs 3500, visitors can reach Sanjichhat from Katra by helicopter (situated at a distance of few km from Bhairavnath Temple). Free 'cloak room' facility is also available for keeping your luggage at some places during the climb up to Katra and main building.

Vaishno Devi Safety Tips

• Although devotees visit Maa Vaishno Devi throughout the year, but the best season to visit here is summer.
• The minimum temperature of the building in winter goes down to -3 to -4 degree and there is a danger of rock slide due to this season. So avoid traveling in this season.
• Blood pressure patients should not use stairs for climbing.
• Due to the building being situated at a height, you may have problems related to vomiting and nausea while climbing up here, to avoid which keep necessary medicines with you.
• As far as possible, take the least amount of luggage with you during the ascent so that you do not face any problem during the ascent.
• The stick will prove to be very helpful for you in climbing on foot.
• Trekking shoes will be very comfortable for you in climbing.
• Mother's praise will solve all the difficulties in your path.

History of city palace - Jaipur

 History of City Palace, the pride of Jaipur city

City Palace - The City Palace is situated in the heart of the city of Jaipur, as well as the palace complex is also built on high hills, which is five miles to the south of the city of Amber.

The history of the City Palace is intertwined with the history of the city of Jaipur and its rulers, beginning with Maharaja Sawai Jai Singh II, who ruled the city from 1699 to 1744.

The credit for the construction of the palace is first given to him, because he was the one who started the construction of the wall spreading over a lot of acres in the palace here.

Initially, the Maharaja ruled Jaipur from his city of Amber, which is located at a distance of 11 km from Jaipur.

But in 1727, due to the problem of population and lack of water in Amber, he made Jaipur his capital. According to Vastu Shastra, he had planned to divide this city into 6 different parts.

He did all this at the behest of his mentor Vidyadhar Bhattacharya, a Bengali architect living in Nainital. Initially he was the account-clerk of the treasury of Amber and later the king made him the chief architect of the court.

After Jai Singh's death in 1957, the Rajputs of the region were at war with each other but maintained cordial relations with the British Raj.

Maharaja Ram Singh also sided with the British in the Sepoy Mutiny of 1857 and established himself as the imperial ruler.

It is said that this is the reason for all the heritage of Jaipur being pink, according to the sources, according to the plans of the ruler, the city was named Pink City aka Pink City. Since then this color has become the trademark of the city of Jaipur.

Man Singh II, the adopted son of Maharaja Madho Singh II, was the last Maharaja of Jaipur, who ruled the Chandra Mahal of Jaipur. From the very beginning, this palace has become a place of residence of royal families, in fact, in 1949, despite joining the Indian Union of Jaipur Kingdom along with Rajasthan's Jodhpur, Jaisalmer and Bikaner, the royal family lived here.

After this, Jaipur was made the capital of the Indian state of Rajasthan and Man Singh II was made Rajpramukh and later he was also made India's ambassador to Spain.

The City Palace is located in the central-northeastern part of the city of Jaipur, whose complex is quite spread. Its complex is surrounded by many palaces, gardens, pavilions and temples. The most famous monuments inside the complex include Chandra Mahal, Mubarak Mahal, Mukut Mahal, Maharani Mahal, Shri Govind Dev Temple and City Palace Museum.

City Palace Entrance gates

The main entrances to the City Palace include Virendra Pol, Uday Pol and Tripolia Gate. Out of which only the people of the royal family enter from the Tripolia Gate.

The general public and travelers are given entry inside the City Palace through Virendra Pol and Uday Pol or Atish Pol. After entering from Virendra Pol, it directly takes us to Mubarak Mahal. The entrance to the City Palace is adorned with ancient architecture.

Mubarak Mahal

Mubarak Mahal meaning 'Auspicious Palace', was built as a reception center by Maharaja Madho Singh II in the 19th century based on the ideas of Islamic, Rajput and European architectural styles.

It is a museum: in which the costumes of the royal family and their clothes, shawls, Kashmiri clothes, ancient sarees, etc. have been displayed. There is also a display of the clothes worn by Sawai Madho Singh I, which is 1.2 meters wide and weighs 250 kg and is said to have had 108 wives.

Pritam Niwas Chowk – Pritam Niwas Chowk

 This is the inner courtyard of the palace, from where we can Mahal. There are also four small gates, decorated with the theme of Hindu Gods.

These gates are mainly the North-Eastern Peacock Gate (Peacock motif is made on this gate) which also represents autumn and this gate is dedicated to Lord Vishnu, the South-Eastern gate is the Lotus Gate, which represents the summer season. represents and this gate is dedicated to Lord Shiva-Parvati, the north-west gate is the green gate, also known as Laheriya and this gate is dedicated to Lord Ganesha and the last gate is the Gulab Dwar which is dedicated to the goddesses and this last The shape of flowers has also been made on the door.

Diwan-e-Khas

The Diwan-i-Khas is an enchanting hall, whose ceilings are decorated in rich red and gold colors, which still seem alive to us today. This is the main attraction of the Mubarak Mahal complex.

This room is currently being used as an art gallery, displaying many ancient Rajasthani, Mughal and Persian paintings, ancient inscriptions and Kashmiri carpets.

Its ceiling is also beautifully decorated. Ancient Manusmrutis are also displayed in this art gallery. Also, in this art gallery, we also get to see the royal throne (Takht-e-Rawal), which used to be the chair of the Maharaja during public audiences.

When the Maharaja used to travel outside the palace, he used to ride on his elephant accompanied by his horse riders and he was also accompanied by a palanquin holder. Two huge elephants are made of marble stones at the entrance of this hall.

Diwan-i-Aam

The Diwan-i-Aam is a hall of public audience. The surface of this hall is decorated with marble. Along with this, there is also a 1.6 meter high silver vessel, which has a capacity of 4000 liters and weighs about 340 kg. These were made by melting 14000 silver coins without stitching them.

His name also holds the record of being the world's largest silver vessel. These pots were made by Maharaja Sawai Madho Singh II, who was a pious Hindu.

He made these pots to carry water from the Ganges to drink during his visit to England in 1901, because according to him, if he consumed English water, his Hindu religion would be corrupted. After this the name of these utensils was also named Gangajali.

There are also many chandeliers decorated with crystals, which hang on the ceiling of Diwan-i-Aam, which are often decorated on many festivals at present. (At present they are covered with cloth due to damage from dust.)

Chandra Mahal

Chandra Mahal or Chandra Niwas is the most famous building of the City Palace, which is built at the western end of the palace.

It is a seven-storied building and each floor is named differently, such as Pitam-Niwas, Sukh-Niwas, Rang-Mandir, Shri-Niwas, Chabi-Niwas, and Mukut-Mandir or Mukut-Mahal. . There are many attractive paintings, mirrors and walls in this palace.

At present, only the ancient followers of the Jaipur rulers live in this palace. Travelers are allowed to go here only on the lower floor, where a museum is built, in which we see many things related to the royal family.building,

While entering the palace, there is also a beautiful peacock gate here. Also, there are many beautiful balconies in the palace, from where we can see the charming and exquisite form of Jaipur city.

Govind Devji Temple – Govind Dev Ji temple

Govind Devji Temple is a temple dedicated to the Hindu god Shri Krishna, which is built in the city complex. It was built in the beginning of the 18th century. In this temple we also get to see European chandeliers and Indian paintings. The ceilings of the temple are decorated with gold ornaments.

It is built at such a place that we can directly see the Maharaja from the Chandra Mahal complex here. Here the devotees see the deity only seven times in a day while performing the aarti.

Maharani Mahal

Actually Maharani Mahal used to be the residence of the royal queens. But later it was converted into a museum, where the weapons used during the imperial war are kept, some of which were also used in the 15th century.

Unique frescoes have been done on the ceilings of this room, which are decorated with dust of jewels. The main weapons displayed here mainly include scissors – functional scissors.

Other weapons displayed in the hall include a sword with a pistol attached, which is said to have been gifted by Queen Victoria to Maharaja Sawai Ram Singh.

Baggi food - Bhaggi Khana

Baggi Khana is also built in the palace complex of the City Palace, which is a museum. Antique carriages, palanquins and European taxis are on display here.

The attractive buggy was presented to the Maharaja by the Prince of Wales in 1876, also known as the Victoria Buggy.

Other items displayed here include Mahadol, which is a palanquin made of bamboo and this palanquin was used to carry the priests from one place to another. Also, this palanquin was used for Hindu deities during Rath Yatra.