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The Kashtabhanjan Hanuman Temple in Sarangpur, Gujarat
The Kashtabhanjan Hanuman Temple in Sarangpur, Gujarat is one of the most revered shrines dedicated to Lord Hanuman in India. Located in Botad district, about 150 km from Ahmedabad, the temple is managed by the Swaminarayan Sampraday. Uniquely, this is the only Swaminarayan temple where Hanuman is the central deity, worshipped in the fierce form of Kashtabhanjan, meaning “Remover of Sorrows.”
The idol was installed by Sadguru Gopalanand Swami, a prominent saint of the sect, who is believed to have infused divine energy into the murti with a mere touch of a rod, bringing it to life. The temple is renowned for its healing rituals, particularly for those suffering from mental or spiritual distress.
A major attraction is the recently inaugurated 54-feet tall Hanuman statue, visible from kilometers away, symbolizing strength and protection. Devotees attend daily aartis, seek blessings, and partake in free prasad meals served at the temple.
The temple stands as a symbol of unshakable faith and divine power, drawing thousands each week who believe in Hanuman’s ability to destroy negative forces and restore peace, courage, and well-being in their lives.
In the city of Jaisalmer, Rajasthan a classical architectural marvel stands, known as the Patwon ki Haveli. Situated near the Patwa valley, this haveli comprises of 5 different palaces, and is also known as the house of the brocade merchants, because it was built by a wealthy brocade merchant and jeweler. The 5 mansions are meant for 5 Patwa brothers. The mansion is made of yellow sandstone with brown gateway. The walls are adorned with exquisite mirror works and beautiful paintings. Also, each of its arches is created with a distinctly unique style. There are lattice or jali carvings, which let the sunlight illuminate the place. It has about 60 balconies in total, and the structure is constructed in traditional style of Jaisalmer. This mansion complex is one of the most well preserved heritages of the region.
History of the Attraction
A wealthy merchant named Guman Chand Patwa constructed this mansion complex, and the first of the mansions was built in 1805. The whole mansion complex with all its grandeur grew up in the course of 60 years.
350th Anniversary of Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Coronation Ceremony
This year Azad Nagar Sarvajanik ustav Samiti will be celebrating the 350th Anniversary of the Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Coronation Ceremony.
Andhericha Raja Ganesh Idol this year would be enthroned in a Rajdarbar created within a replica of Raigad Fort where the coronation ceremony took place.
The exact replica of the Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Statue enthroned in Raigad will be a special attraction during the Ganeshotsav celebration this year.
Raigad, situated in the Raigad district of Maharashtra, India, is a hill fort located in the town of Mahad. It is one of the strongest fortresses on the Deccan Plateau and was historically referred to as Rairee or Rairy Fort.
Chhatrapati Shivaji, the Maratha ruler, along with the Chief Engineer Hiroji Indulkar, oversaw the construction and development of various buildings and structures within Raigad.
The king's court, inside the Raigad Fort, has a replica of the original throne that faces the main doorway called the Nagarkhana Darwaja. It faces the East Side. It was here where Chhatrapati Shivaji's Rajyabhishek took place.
2022 Theme
The Lakshmi Vilas Palace, Vadodara Gujarat
The Lakshmi Vilas Palace is four times the size of Buckingham Palace.
The Lakshmi Vilas Palace is four times the size of Buckingham Palace.
The Lakshmi Vilas Palace in Vadodara, Gujarat, India was Constructed by "The Gaekwad family", a prominent Maratha family, who rules the Baroda state.
Major Charles Mant was credited to be the main architect of the palace. It is reputed to have been the largest private dwelling built until that time. At the time of construction, it boasted the most modern amenities such as elevators and the interior is reminiscent of a large European country house. It remains the residence of the royal family, who continue to be held in high esteem by the residents of Baroda.
The Palace compound is over 500acres and houses a number of buildings, particularly the LVP Banquets & Conventions, MotiBagh Palace, and the Maharaj Fateh Singh Museum building.
In the 1930s Pratapsingh created a golf course for use by his European guests. In the 19090s, Pratapsingh's grandson Samajitsinh, a former Ranji trophy cricket player, renovated the course and opened it to the public. Since then "The Lakshmi Vilas Palace" remains one of the Biggest Palace in the World
Rajwada (Royal Palace)
Andhericha Raja Ganesh Idol this year would be enthroned on a beautifully decorated RajWada(Royal Palace) themed abode as a King. The complete Pandal is magnificently decorated as Royal Palace and Ganesha idol would be placed as King on a throne in open Pandal.
Ganesh Chaturthi celebration would-be Low-key affair keeping in view Covid-19 Pandemic.
The Ganeshotsav celebration will take place maintaining all safety restrictions announced by Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation.
Special Arrangements have been done for Online Darshan on Various Official social media Platforms of Andhericha Raja and the local cable network.
The height of the idol has been restricted to 4 feet owing to the Covid-19 Pandemic.
Stringent security and sanitization measures have been set across the pandal for the safety
Visrajan of Ganesh Idol would take place on Sankashti day as a ritual every year. A special pond has been created for the immersion of the idol at Andhericha raja maidan, in lieu of safety measures due to the pandemic.
Andhericha Raja Ganesh Idol this year would be enthroned on a beautifully decorated Swarg (Heaven) themed abode as a King. The complete Pandal is magnificently decorated as Swarg(Heaven) and Ganesha idol would be placed as if above clouds abode heaven in an open Pandal.
All Devotees would get a Calm, peaceful and enchanting view and blessings of Ganesha from a certain distance.
Ganesh Chaturthi celebration would-be Low-key affair keeping in view Covid-19 Pandemic.
The Ganeshotsav celebration will take place maintaining all safety restrictions announced by Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation.
The height of the idol has been restricted to 4 feet owing to the Covid-19 Pandemic.
Visitors will only be allowed till a certain point and only 5 members will be allowed on stage at a time.
Stringent security and sanitization measures have been set across the pandal for the safety of all visitors.
This year Samiti would also celebrate Arogyaotsav( health Festival) along with ganeshostav wherein Blood donation drive would be conducted across 14 days of Ganeshotsav celebration.
Visrajan of Ganesh Idol would take place on Sankashti day as a ritual every year. This year special pond has been created for the immersion of the idol at Andhericha raja maidan, in lieu of safety measures due to the pandemic.
Shree Mahakaleshwar Shikhar mandir, Ujjain, Madhya Pradesh
Shree Mahakaleshwar Shikhar mandir, Ujjain, Madhya Pradesh
Mahakaleshwar Jyotirlinga is a Hindu temple dedicated to Lord Shiva and one of the twelve Jyotirlingams, shrines which are said to be the most sacred abodes of Lord Shiva. It is located in the ancient city of Ujjain in the state of Madhya Pradesh, India. The temple is situated on the side of the Rudra Sagar lake. The presiding deity, Lord Shiva in the lingam form is believed to be Swayambhu, deriving currents of power (Shakti) from within itself as against the other images and lingams that are ritually established and invested with mantra-shakti.
The idol of Mahakaleshwar is known to be dakshinamurti, which means that it is facing the south. This is a unique feature, upheld by the tantric shivnetra tradition to be found only in Mahakaleshwar among the 12 Jyotirlingas. The idol of Omkareshwar Mahadev is consecrated in the sanctum above the Mahakal shrine.
We have created a replica of Mahakaleshwar Shikhar temple & this shikhar or the spire is adorned with sculptural finery. Brass lamps light the way to the underground sanctum. It is believed that prasada (holy offering) offered here to the deity can be re-offered unlike all other shrines.
The temple of Mahakaleshwar, its shikhar soaring into the sky, an imposing façade against the skyline, evokes primordial awe and reverence with its majesty.
The shrine is revered as one of the 18 Maha Shakti Peetham.
Shree Chintamani Temple, Theur
Shree Chintamani Temple is one of the larger and more famous temple on Ashtavinayak trail. Morya Gosavi went under meditation and attained siddhi. Morya Gosavi’s son constructed this temple to commemorate the event. At Theur in the Haveli Taluka of Pune district in Maharashtra is the Ashtavinayak temple dedicated to Chintamani Vinayak. The village is along the river Mulamutha. Lord Ganesha as Chintamani is god who brings peace of mind and drives away all perplexities of the mind.
The legend revolves around a special Gem called Chintamani. The sage Kapila had this Gem in his possession which has the capacity to grant one’s wishes. When a young prince called Guna visited the sage, kapila exhibited the power of this Gem to the prince; he even arranged a sumptuous meal to the prince by praying to the Gem.
Seeing the power of the gem, the jealous and greedy prince managed to take possession of the Gem. Bereaved, Sage Kapila prayed to Lord Gansh to get it back. Pleased by the devotion of the sage, Lord Ganesh brought the gem back. But the sage refused to take back it. Instead he put that on Lord Ganesh’s neck. Thus the deity here came to be known as Chinthamani Vinayak.
Ballaleshwar Temple (Pali)
Ballaleshwar temple is one of the eight temples of Lord Ganesha. Among Ganesha temples, Ballaleshwar is the only incarnation of Ganesha that is known by his devotee's name. It is located in the village of Pali which is at a distance of 58 km from Karjat in the Raigad district. It is situated between fort Sarasgad and the river Amba.
The original wooden temple was renovated in 1760 to make way for a new stone temple designed by Shri Fadnis. Built in the shape of the letter Shri, it was made by mixing lead with the cement during construction. The east-facing temple was carefully positioned so that, as the sun rises, sun rays fall directly on the murti during worship. The temple contains a bell that was brought back by Chimaji Appa after his defeat of the Portuguese in Vasai and Sasti.
Kunkeshwar Mandir (Devgad)
Kunkeshwar is a village in Maharashtra, India.
This town is situated on the bank of Arabian Sea. There is a temple for the Hindu deity Shiva in the town. This temple is holy place in Konkan, and is also known as Konkan Kashi. Kunkeshwar is built along the sea. Kunkeshwar produces Alphonso mangoes.
Kunkeshwar is located in the Sindhudurg district. Kunkeshwar is 16 kilometers away from Devgarh, 54 kilometers from Malvan and 60 kilometers from Kankavli. The nearest railway station is in Nandgaon which is approximately 42 kilometers away from Kunkeshwar.
The temple of Kunkeshwar was built many years back. According to legend, a sailor traveling in the sea for trade came near the beach of Kunkeshwar. Suddenly a havoc appeared in sea. The sailor was a Muslim. The ship seemed to sink in the sea. He saw a lamp on that beach. He prayed to that lamp “I don’t know who you are. But if you will help me and stop the havoc I will build a temple for you”. And his ship came to the seashore of Kunkeshwar without any problem. He built the temple as promised. The Lingam was already there. As the Sailor was a non-Hindu, he thought that his religion will not accept him. Therefore he committed suicide from the top of temple.
Ambaji Temple (Gujarat)
Ambaji is an important temple town with millions of devotees visiting the Ambaji temple every year. It is one of the 51 Shakti Peethas. Ambaji mata temple is a major Shakti Peeth of India. It is situated at a distance of approximately 65 kilometres from Palanpur, 45 kilometres from Mount Abu and 20 kilometres from Abu Road and 185 kilometres from Ahmedabad 50 kilometer from Kadiyadra near the Gujarat and Rajasthan border.
In the holy temple of “Arasuri Ambaji”, there is no image or statue of goddess the holy “Shree Visa Yantra” is worshiped as the main deity. No one can see the Yantra with naked eye. The photography of the Yantra is prohibited. The original seat of Ambaji mata is on gabbar hilltop in the town. A large number of devotees visit the temple every year specially on Purnima days. A large mela on Bhadarvi poornima (full moon day) is held. Every Year from all over the country people come here walking all over from their native place just to worship MAA AMBE in September.The whole Ambaji is lighted up as the whole nation lights up at the festive time of Diwali.
The Palace of Mysore
The Palace of Mysore (also known as the Amba Vilas Palace) is a historical palace situated in the city of Mysore in Karnataka, southern India. It is the official residence and seat of the Wodeyars - the Maharajas of Mysore, the former royal family of Mysore, which ruled the princely state of Mysore from 1399 to 1950. Construction of the current palace was commissioned in 1897, completed in 1912 and expanded around 1940 (including the addition of the present Public Durbar Hall wing) during the reign of His Highness Maharaja Sri Sir Jayachamarajendra Wadiyar, the last Maharaja of Mysore Kingdom.
The architectural style domes of the palace is commonly described as Indo-Saracenic, and blends Hindu, Muslim, Rajput, and Gothic styles of architecture. It is a three-stone structure with marble domes and a 145 ft five-story tower.The three-story stone building of fine gray granite with deep pink marble domes has a facade with several expansive arches and two smaller ones flanking the central arch, which is supported by tall pillars. Above the central arch is a sculpture of Gajalakshmi, the goddess of wealth, prosperity, good luck and abundance with her elephants.
Ranjangaon Mahaganapati Temple
Ranjangaon Maha Ganpati is one among the Ashtavinayak, celebrating eight instance of legends related to Ganesha. Ranjangaon is situated on Pune-Ahmednagar Highway. According to the history the temple was built in between 9th and 10th century. The temple was erected during the rule of the Peshwas. Later on Sardar Kibe of Indore renovated it. Madhavrao Peshwa made a room in the basement of the temple to keep the idol of the lord Ganesh. There is a local belief that the real statue of Mahaganpati is hidden in this vault and this statue has ten trunks and twenty arms.
The temple faces east. It has an imposing main gate which is guarded by two statues of Jay and Vijay. The temple is designed in such away that during Dakshinayan (the apparent movement of the sun to the south) the rays of the sun fall directly on the deity. Managanapati is potrayed, seated on a lotus, flanked by his consorts Siddhi and Ridhi.
Dilwara Temple
The Jain Dilwara temples of India are located about 2 and a half kilometers from Mount Abu, Rajasthan. These temples built by Chalukya between the 11th and 13th centuries AD are world famous for their stunning use of marble. The five legendary marble temples of Dilwara are a sacred pilgrimage place of the Jains. Some consider them to be one of the most gorgeous Jain pilgrimage sites in the planet. The marble temples have a rich entrance, the simplicity in architecture reflecting Jain values like honesty and frugality. The temples are in the midst of a range of forested hills. A high partition shrouds the temple compound. Although the Jains built some attractive temples at other places in Rajasthan, some believe that none come close to these in terms of architectural perfection. The ornamental detail spreading over the minutely carved ceilings, doorways, pillars and panels is simply marvelous.
It is a huge complex consisting of five marble Jain Temples and is the biggest attractions of Rajasthan. These pleasant temples were built during 11th to 13th century and are devoted to Jain Tirthankaras. Visiting these temples will take you to the world of devotion and you would feel so calm that your trip would come alive.
Akshardham Temple
This year, our Mandal will create a replica of the ancient Akshardham temple located at Gandhi Nagar, Gujarat. Like every year replica will be made by world famous, "Taj Mahal" fame, Art Director Mr. Anant Shinde.
A specimen of fine craftsmanship, the Akshardham temple in Gandhinagar is one of the largest and most prominent temples in the entire state of Gujarat. Located in Gandhinagar city, the famous Akshardham temple is a place, which consists of a number of things under one roof like art, education, architecture, exhibitions and research. It is truly an architectural masterpiece. Established in the year 1992, the Akshardham temple was built in the dedication of Lord Swaminarayan.
This year Andhericha Raja Utsav Samiti had invited world famous Mr. Manmohan Mahapatra the sand sculpture to create the following replica
For the last 34 years, the end-result of all of Manmohan Mahapatra's work has been a curious zero. He has an unfathomable nothing to show for the innumerable sculptures he has created - from sprawling Jain temples to gypsy scenes, from a pair of tablas to Rabindranath Tagore's bust, from apsaras to a replica of Gandhi's birthplace. "I have nothing to show. That's how it should be," says the creative genius.
Mahapatra belongs to a family of temple artists, 'rupokar vishwakarma' , who have for generations been art caretakers of Puri's Jagannath Temple. Surely then Lord Jagannath would have been a more natural choice for his first sculpture? "I don't make Jagannath. Woh tang karta hai (He troubles me). Anyway, who's interested in making family members? I don't make my wife's sculpture either," he says in all seriousness, allowing a peek into both philosophy and dry Oriya humour.
Somnath Temple
The temple is situated at such a place that there is no land in straight-line between Somnath seashore till Antarctica, such an writing in Sanskrit is bring into being on the Arrow-Pillar called Baan-Stambh erected on the sea-protection wall at the Somnath Temple. This Baan-Stambh mentions that it stands at a point on the Indian landmass, which happens to be the first point on land in the north to the south-pole on that scrupulous longitude.
The Somnath Temple is situated in the Prabhas Kshetra near Veraval in Saurashtra, on the western coast of Gujarat, India, is one of the twelve Jyotirlinga shrines of the God Shiva. Somnath means "The Protector of Moon God". The Somnath Temple is known as "the Shrine Eternal", having been destroyed six times and rebuilt six times lately it was rebuilt in November 1947, when Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel visited the area for the incorporation of Junagadh and mooted a plan for restoration. After Patel's death, the upgrading continued under K. M. Munshi, another minister of the Government of India.
According to the legend, Soma or the Moon God built the temple in gold, Ravana in silver, and Shri Krishna in wood. Soma was cursed by his father-in-law Daksha to wane as Soma loved only one of his wives, all of whom happened to be Daksha's daughters. His other wives complained about this slack behavior of Soma to their father Daksha, and thus the curse.
Mangueshi Temple
Mangueshi temple is one of the largest, most enchanting, calm and most often visited temples in Goa. The temple is devoted to Lord Mangueshi, an life of Shiva. He is a kuldevta of many Hindus in Goa specially of Saraswat Brahmins. He is also referred to as Saib (The Lord of Goa) by Hindus.
The Mangesh Linga is said to have been set apart on the mountain of Mangireesh (Mongir) on the banks of river Bhagirathi by Lord Brahma, from where the Saraswat Brahmins brought it to Trihotrapuri in Bihar. They carried the linga to Gomantaka and settled at Kushasthali, the present-day Cortalim, establishing their most sacred and ancient temple of Mangesh on the banks of the river Gomati or Zuari as it is called today. Lord Mangesh is worshipped here in the nature of a Shiva linga. According to the mythology Lord Shiva had manifested in to a tiger to scare Parvati. Paravati who was suspicious at the sight of the tiger went in search of Lord Shiva. Parvati was supposed to say "Trahi maam Gireesh" but instead out of nervousness she said: "Trahimangeesh".
The 400-year-old Shri Mangesh temple devoted to Shiva stands out with its simple and yet exquisitely elegant structure. The temple is noted for the pillars which are considered to be the most beautiful among the temples in Goa. There is a prominent Nandi Bull which is considered to be the Vahana of Shiva. A beautiful seven-storeyed deepstambha (lamp tower), stands at the gates in the temple compound. The temple also has a glorious water tank, which is believe to be the oldest piece of the temple.
Saras Baug Temple
The Sarasbaug temple houses the idol of Shree Siddhivinayak ("God who makes wishes true"). A sacred ground of faith for millions of devotees in Pune and around the world, on an average the Sarasbaug temple receives ten thousand visitors a day and this figure goes up to eighty thousand devotees per day on Ganesha Chaturthi and other special occasions. Various dignitaries and luminaries throughout India have made it a point to visit this sacred temple to seek the blessings of Shri Siddivinayak.
In the 18th century, soon after completion of Shree Devdeveshwar Temple on Parvati hill, Shrimant Nanasaheb Peshwa turned his attention towards the development and beautification of environs of Parvati hills. He decided to construct a lake at the foothills of Parvati. An island of about 25000 Sq.ft. area was retained in the middle of this lake. Later on, a beautiful garden was created on this island. Shrimant Nanasaheb Peshwa gave it a poetic name, “Sarasbaug”.
legends says that Shrimant Nanasaheb Peshwa and his perceptive consultants, conducted secret meetings and discussions while on the boat ride in this lake. The persons who rowed the boat at such times were either Habshis (Negros), who didn’t understand a single word of Marathi or Hindi, or were stone deaf and dumb. The purpose was to prevent any leaking of the secret discussions. Even if this is just a myth, it is believed that it has mentions in historical archives. Historical credentials mention of many such confidential discussions between Shrimant Peshwa, Mahadaji Shinde and Nana Phadnis.
