SRI PURAM GOLDEN TEMPLE STANDS FOR UNCONDITIONAL LOVE FOR ENTIRE HUMANITY

आद्यन्तरहिते देवि आद्यशक्तिमहेश्वरि । 

योगजे योगसम्भूते महालक्ष्मि नमोऽस्तु ते ॥

One of the biggest Hindu shrines in southern India, the Sri Puram Golden Temple a grand golden temple built by a spiritual organization in Tamil Nadu at an approximate cost of US$160 million (Rs 600 crore), the consecration (kumbhabhishekam) was performed on August 24, 2007, presence of over 30,000 devotees.

The Mahalakshmi temple, located on a sprawling 100 acres of land at Sripuram, near Vellore, about 125 km from Chennai, has been constructed by Vellore-based Sri Narayani Peetam, headed by spiritual leader Sri Sakthi Amma. The Sripuram Lakshmi Narayani temple covering 5000 square feet is full of gold everywhere, all weighing 1500 kilograms at a cost of Rs. 350 Cr.

This Temple is to have the direct aspect of Lord Venkatachalapathy in Tirupathi.  Hence, it was named Tirumalaikodi, in early days. Its construction began in 2000 and was completed in a short span of 7 years at a cost of Rs.300 crores (Rs.3 bil).Designed in the shape of sri chakra, it's unique feature is that the interior and exterior of Vimanam and Ardha Mandapam have been laid with gold sheets and plates.

Twelve layers of gold foils have been pasted on copper sheets embossed with the designs of Gods and fixed on the walls. This has already become highly popular and too crowded on weekends and will take several hours to complete the Dharshan during weekends.

"The Taj Mahal was built as an expression of love for a single person but the Sri Puram Golden Temple stands for unconditional love for the entire humanity," says Amma, 31, who also goes by the name of Shakti Siddha.

"We know it is also the sign of the universal goddess – Lakshmi," says William, who gives only one name and says he is of Canadian origin. The steps that lead to the innermost section are laid with polished black and grey granite from the neighboring South Arcot and Dharmapuri districts. The grey stone called "Paradiso" because of its wavy patterns of violet with the color of iron. And this too has been used in large quantities.

The temple with gold blanket, has perplexing work done by artisans having some expertise in temple symbolization utilizing gold. Each and every point of interest was physically made, including changing over the gold lumps into gold foils and afterward mounting the foils on copper. Gold foil from 9 layers to 0 layers has been mounted on the scratched copper plates. Each and every subtle element in the temple craftsmanship has essentialness from the vedas.

The religious focus of Sripuram, acclaimed brilliant temple is placed among the little green mountains in a zone called Malaikodi at Vellore city in Tamil Nadu state, India. It is found at the south a piece of Vellore city, at the spot of Tirumalaikodi.

The noteworthiness aspects of Sripuram are temple of Mahalakshmi or temple of Lakshmi Narayan who is Ardha Mandapam and Vimanam is covered with unadulterated gold including both inside and in addition outer surface.

"If we had built a hospital, factory, educational institution or a business, it would have ended up serving a small community. But now, Amma’s temple will sow the seeds of goodness in the hearts of everyone who visits here," Amma, clad in ochre robes, says in Tamil.

The temple, covering 55,000 sq ft area, has intricate carvings and sculptures in gold. Except the walking path, the entire structure has been covered with gold and copper.

This would be more grandeur than the any temple covered in gold across World, mutt sources said. About 400 goldsmiths and coppersmiths, including craftsmen from Tirumala-Tirupati Devasthanams, have completed the architectural marvel in gold in six years. More than one and one-half ton of pure gold was glitter and gleam under the sun, Devotees hail the temple as "one of the wonders of the world," and say that it is the only temple covered fully with gold.

According to official sources, the gold bars were purchased through RBI in "a transparent manner. " First the coppersmiths set to work creating a copper base on the temple structure with engravings and etchings before the gold, beaten into nine layers of foils, was draped around it. The sanctum sanctorum will hold the Deity of Mahalakshmi made of stone granite, but covered with gold kavacham (adornments).

"The Sripuram or Spiritual Park is Amma’s dedication to the world and mankind," said P. Murali, a trustee of the Peetam. The Sripuram Golden Temple complex inside the Sripuram spiritual park is situated at the foot of a small range of green hills at Thirumalaikodi (or simply Malaikodi) village, 8 km from Vellore in Tamil Nadu, India.

It is 120 km from Tirupati, 145 km from Chennai, 160 km from Puducherry and 200 km from Bengaluru.The maha kumbhabhishekam or consecration of the temple and its chief deity, Sri Lakshmi Narayani, was held on 24 August 2007, and devotees from all religions and backgrounds are welcome to visit. This temple is gilded with 1500 kg of pure gold.

The salient feature of 'Sripuram' is the Lakshmi Narayani temple whose Vimanam and Ardha Mandapam is covered with pure gold, housing the deity Sri Lakshmi Narayani (female consort of Vishnu Narayana). The temple is located on 100 acres of land and has been constructed by the Vellore-based charitable trust, Sri Narayani Peedam, headed by its spiritual leader Sri Sakthi Amma also known as 'Narayani Amma'.

The temple with its gold (1500 kg) covering, has intricate work done by artisans specializing in temple art using gold. Every single detail was manually created, including converting the gold bars into gold foils and then mounting the foils on copper. Gold foil from 9 layers to 10 layers has been mounted on the etched copper plates. Every single detail in the temple art has significance from the vedas.

Sripuram's design features a star-shaped path (Sri chakra), positioned in the middle of the lush green landscape, with a length of over 1.8 km. As one walks along this 'starpath' to reach the temple in the middle, one can also read various spiritual messages -- such as the gift of the human birth itself, and the value of spirituality -- along the way.

Surrounded by mountains and lush and scenic beauty, the temple, entirely conceived and designed by Amma, would be open to people of all religions. "The temple is Amma’s gift to mankind," the sources said. "When one enters the Sripuram, their focus is just on the magnificent temple.

But when they leave, they cannot do so without taking some messages and gaining some wisdom," according to a booklet detailing the ‘services’ rendered by the Peetam. "In this quagmire of materialism, Sripuram rises as an inspiration to man to find the divinity wit hin him," adds a brochure.

Murali said arrangements were being made to hire personnel to throw a security cover around the temple. "But the gold sheets have been laid out in such a manner that it would cost more to rip it off than purchase the gold," said a top Vellore district official.

Location

The Sri Lakshmi Narayani Temple located in ‘Sripuram’ (spiritual town) in Thirumalaikkodi, about seven km from here, was consecrated by Sri Sakthi Amma, head of the Sri Narayani Peedam, Thirumalaikkodi, on Friday. It is spread something like 100 sections of land of area, fabricated by Vellore’s Sri Narayani-Peedam lead by religious Guru Sakthi Amma. 

Brilliant temple has confused statues, made by several master gold decorators; those have specialization in temple enrichment. the outer surface a piece of gold temple is secured with gold plates and sheets, with made considered to have aggregate expense of something like 300 crore ( 65 million US $).

The aggregate gold was utilized within this temple is around 1,500 kilograms which is the greatest sum even in whole world. The lighting arrangement of the gold temple is orchestrated to highlight the temple and even night, the temple sparkles. On 24, August 2007, the development of the temple was finished. The outer surface pathway of this temple is formed like a star that is 1.8 km of compass and its all dividers are embellished with the profound teachings of heavenly Guru Sakthi Amma.

Sripuram outline speaks to a star-molded way (Sri chakra), situated amidst the rich green scene, with a length of in excess of 1.8 km. One need to stroll along the star way to achieve the temple in the center, which is laid by messages from Sri Sakthi Amma and from diverse religions and otherworldly pioneers.

Unique structure

It is a unique temple whose ‘Vimanam’ and ‘Ardha Mandapam’ have been coated with gold both in the interior and exterior. Twelve layers of gold foils have been pasted on copper sheets embossed with the designs of Gods and fixed on the walls. One-and-a-half tonnes of gold has gone into the design of the Sri Lakshmi Narayani Temple, which has been built at a cost of Rs.300 crore.

100-acre site

According to Sri Sakthi Amma, the decision to have the temple coated with gold is only to attract visitors and enable them to get wisdom through the messages of the Vedas, which they will have to read before reaching the temple located on sprawling a 100 acre-site. The temple has been designed in such a way that visitors can reach the golden temple only after going through a star-shaped pathway, which has the messages from the Vedas on both sides.

BARMER - HIDDEN GEM OF THAR DESERT- IMMORTAL RAJPUTS

This is the strength of indian heritage.

Despite suffering regular attacks,

Its walls are standing tough and steady.

Barmer is located at the western part of Rajasthan. It covers a larger area of 28,387 sq. km, and shares its district borders with Jaisalmer  in the north, Jalore district in south, Pali district and Jodhpur district in the east and Pakistan in the west. It is the third largest district of Rajasthan, after Jaisalmer and Bikaner. Barmer district lies in Thar Desert and is famous for mud houses, folk music and dance. Many visitors come due to its adventure activities. Mallinath cattle fair takes place in the month of April every year.

During the 12th century Barmer was known as Mallani, in the name of Rawal Mallinath who was the son of Rao Salkha. Rawal Mallinath was philanthropic and religious icon and was worshiped by the locals as God. The present name was given by a Parmar Ruler, Bahada Rao, who was also known as Bar Rao. He established a small town known as 'Juna' located at 25 km form the present Barmer. Rawat Luka, who was the grand son of Rawal Mallinath, with the help of his brother Rawal Mandalak, defeted the Parmar Ruler and established their kingdom in Juna. Later, his descendant, Rawat Bhima shifted their capital from Juna to present Barmer in the year 1552 AD. He also constructed a small fort on the hills of Barmer, known as Barmergarh.

Barmer fort, located in Barmer district of Rajasthan state, is one of the most famous tourist attractions. Barmer Fort is situated on the top of a rocky hill, which has been witness to many historical events.

Barmer Fort was built in 1552 AD by Rawat Bhima in the present city of Barmer when he shifted his capital from Juna to Barmer. He built a fort at the top of the city, also known as Barmer Gir.

Located at an altitude of 1383 feet above the fort is the top point of the hill, but Rawat Bhima built the fort at an altitude of 676 feet which is a safer place than the hill top.

The main entrance of the fort is in the north direction, the security berg is on the east and west direction.

You will find many temples around the fort, two of these temples being the most famous; At the top of the hill is the temple of Jogmaya Devi (Garh Temple) which is situated at an altitude of 1383 and Nagnachi Mata Temple at an altitude of 500 feet.

Both temples are very famous. Festivals are organized here during the Navratri festival. The remaining area is the residence of the former royal family of Barmer. 

Barmer Fort is now in a dilapidated condition but still attracts a lot of tourists and still retains its pride and is a major attraction among the visiting tourists.

KIRADU TEMPLE

The Kiradu temple in Barmer, a stronghold of Dhoro, is in the village of Hatma, 43 km from Barmer. Kiradu is called Khajuraho of Rajasthan, the temple of Kiradu built in South Indian style is famous for its architecture.

The artistic design of a series of ruined five temples overlooking the ruins captivates the viewer. The place is said to have been named ‘Kirat Kup’ in 1161 BCE.

No facts exist about who built the Kiradu temples. Three inscriptions of Vikram century 12 are available here. The first inscription is Vikram Samvat 1209 Magh Vadi 14 accordingly dated 24 January 1153 which dates to Chaulukya(Solanki) Kumar Pal of Gujarat.

The second is Vikram Samvat 1218, AD 1161, which gives a pedigree from Parmar Sindhuraj to Someshwar and the third is of Vikram Samvat 1235 which belongs to the Chauhan Madan Brahmadeva of Chaulukya king Bhimdev II of Gujarat. Historians believe that the temples of Kiradu were built in the 11th century and were built by King Dulshalaraja of the Parmar dynasty and his descendants.

5 Temples still exist. With the effort of Govt., Temples are being reconstructed which were not completely destroyed can be reconstructed as original design is identifiable. The main temple is of Lord Shiva and is called  Someshvara temple.

The temple was attacked by the army of Muslim Turkic invaders led by Muhammad of Ghor. After ravaging through the lands of current day Rajasthan, they met with the army of Chaulukyas at Sirohi. Chaulukyas led by Mularaja II who defeated them decisively at the Battle of Kasahrada.

Only Vishnu temple and Someshwar temple are in good condition. The remaining three temples have been converted into ruins.

The largest temple in the series appears to be dedicated to Shiva. This temple built on the pillars reminds Meenakshi temple from the south, while its outer cover has the color of Khajuraho.

The carving of elephant-horse and other figures on black and blue stone shows the artistic grandeur of the temple. The second temple in the series is smaller in size than the first. But here, Vishnu’s preeminence is not that of Shiva. Which is quite rich in architectural and artistic terms.

Kiradu Temple in Rajasthan

the magnificence of these temples built in the style of the temples of Khajuraho is made on sight. Although today this entire area has turned into Virane it is a center of attraction for tourists. There is a need to research why these temples were built and the history behind them.

It is said that as soon as you step into the ruins of temples at night, people become stones forever. Whether it is a curse, magic, a miracle, or an act of ghosts – no one knows. However, no one dared to know if he would really become a stone when he stayed here at night.

The city of Kiradu in Barmer (Rajasthan) is buried with some such mystery within itself. It is said that there was a time when this place was also full of hotspots like ordinary places and people were living a happy life here. All kinds of amenities were present here, but one day suddenly the fate of this city changed. And all lost their lives.

It is believed that this city is cursed by a monk. This was about 900 years ago, while the Paramaras ruled here. Then a perfect saint encamped in this city. After staying for a few days, when the saints set out on a pilgrimage, they left their companions with the help of the local people to give them food and water and to protect them.

After the saint left, all his disciples fell ill and none other than a potter assisted him. After many days when the saints returned to that city again, they saw that all my disciples are suffering from hunger and they are in a very sick state. The saint got very angry after seeing all this.

The saint said that in a place where there is no compassion for the sadhus, then what will be the compassion for others? Man kind should not live in such a place. He took water out of his kamandala in anger and took it in his hand and said that whatever is there, as soon as evening it will become stone. He cursed the entire townspeople to become stones.

Then he called the potter who had served his disciples and said that you leave this city before dusk and do not look back while leaving. In the evening, the potter left the city and started walking, but curiously she looked back, and after walking away, she too became a stone. Due to this curse, the entire village is made of stone today. The work he was doing immediately became of stone.

Due to this curse, panic spread among the people of the nearby village, due to which, even today, there is a belief among the people that whoever steps or stops in the evening in this city will also become stone.

DEVKA SUN TEMPLE

The Devka Sun Temple is famous for its magnificent architecture. It was built in 12th or 13th century. The temple is situated in Devka which is a small settlement located 62 km from Barmer city along Barmer- Jaisalmer road. There are two more temples in broken state, which has sculpture of Lord Ganesha on it.

Archaeological Department official said that the temple Virendra Singh Kviea State Government approval for conservation action plan has been sent. Be approved on its various activities associated with conservation of the temple will be the embodiment Sun Temple in East Shikrwale further Sbamondap sanctorum remains. Capricorn in the north and south Sbamondp arch, whose composition is very beautiful. A column on 1631 era Sbamondap Phalguna sudi 7 and the left column of 1674 era are inscribed.

Sun Temple on top of a small – small holes and add to it is made from Lgupattikaon. Stone circular on top, on which lines are marked. In the West behind Parashurama, north and south Brahmaji statues are set up mammon. Even some of these statues and sculptures, which dilapidated – Being thin does not have identification.

Four corners of the temple has four small Devkulikaan records. The northern and southern parts of two existing Devlian. Devli Uttrabhimuki of mammon, which in the past outside Shiva – Parvati, Brahma and southern part of West’s sculptures are made Sptnik mammon. Part advance at the entrance of the original Devli small figures of Kubera remain. The outer part of the east front Devli Shiva made Ganesha idols and south of the sun. Part of the lateral and middle temple bar in Nvgrih existing statues of Shiva. Broken – single column down the stairs on the north Govardhan Uma and Shiva, Surya, Ganesha idols of Krishna and Govardhan Parbat Section made.

Sun Temple and Vishnu Temple face – in front. Plaque at the entrance of the temple Vishnu Brahma, Surya, Nvgrhon, Rahu – Ketu and Vishnu idols remain. The statues are built round the site, but their figures are unclear. Exists near the ancient inscriptions, which is the subject of the search for Purattwvettaon. Sun on the four corners of the temple was built by four subsidiary Paliwalon temple. The temple and the temple complex, which built on a single stone idols of Lord Ganesha is very pretty.

SHRI NAKODA JI JAIN TEMPLE

Sri Nakoda Ji Parshwanath’s ancient pilgrimage site is located in the Nakoda village of Barmer district in the state of Rajasthan. The Parsvanath temple of Shri Nakoda is one of the important pilgrimage centers of the Jains.

Shri Nakoda Ji Jain Temple is situated on a beautiful hill of 1500 feet about 13 km from Balotra railway station and about 1 km from Mewar city.

There are many sculptures in this temple, including the black stone idol of Jain saint Parshvanath (Tirthankara) which is the major attraction of Nakoda.

The ancient name of Nakoda Jain Temple is said to have been the city of Veerampur, and during the third century, Veerasen and Nakorsan built this Holiness temple. Which is the main faith center for the Jain community.

The statue of Parshwanath installed in the temple was brought here from the village of Nakoda, hence this place is called Nakoda Parshwanath temple.

This region has been the center of Jain spiritual activities for almost two thousand years. Khedpatan and Mewanagar or Virampur have been associated with Jain historical traditions in this context.

History Of nakodaji Temple Warmer Rajasthan

The Sri Nakoda Ji Jain Temple was constructed during the third century by two persons named Virasen and Nakorsan.

But in the 13th century, Alamshah invaded this temple and looted the temple. But he could not steal the idol of the temple because the idol was hidden in the village of Nakoda, a few miles away.

And after some time the idol was brought back from the village of Nakoda and in the 15th century, the idol of Sri Nakoda Bheruji was installed by Acharya Shri Vijay Himachal Suri who also installed idols of other Tirthankaras in this temple.

A wonderful blue colored idol of about 58 cm high of Parshvanath in the Nakoda Jain Temple sits in the lotus position. The life history of Shri Shantinath Bhagwan is displayed in the form of idols.

Several small and big temples are also built near the main temple. Statues of Shri Adinath Bhagwan and Shri Shantinath Bhagwan are also installed in the temple premises along with the idol of Parshwanath Ji.

Full-size pictures of Lord Parshvanath and Lord Shantinath are carved on the marble in the temple. Outside the main temple, two ancient idols of Lord Neminath are in meditation.

There is a belief among the Jain community that this temple is dedicated to Lord Mahavira. There are many other temples here that are dedicated to Rishabh Dev and Shantinath.

RANI BHATIYANI TEMPLE

Bhatiyani Temple is dedicated to Goddess Rani Bhatiyani Sa who is also known as Majisa which means 'mother'. Rani Bhatiyani is the princesses of Jaisalmer. The Dholi community of brads worship her and the women of this community praise their princess by sing the Ghoomar song. 

Rani Bhatiyani Mata

She was the daughter of Jograj Singh ji, who belong to Bhati Rajput clan and so she was known as Bhatiyani. She was married to Kalyan singh who was the prince of Jasol. There are different legendary stories about her death. In first story, Kalyan Sing's first wife Devri, was jealous and she poisoned Bhatiyani's son Lal Singh. The second story says, a news was spread that her husband died in battle. But in real Sawai Singh who was her brother-in-law was dead. Kalyan Singh spread this rumour to get rid of her second wife. Although she knew that her husband was alive she decided to commit sati and jumped in the funeral pyre of her brother-in-law and gave up her life. 

Thereafter, Kalyan Singh and his family faced too much of trouble due to Bhatiyani's death and a shrine was devoted to her in Jasol to placate her spirit. It is said the then she has transformed into benevolent spirit.

The temple is located in Jasol which is 100 km from Barmer city in the east direction.