Famous Churches in India

A religion that was established way back in the 6th century AD in India and now holds the distinctive rank of being the third largest religion after Hinduism and Islam is nothing other than Christianity. As the religion prospered over the years, many beautiful churches were built in India. These churches have magnificent architecture and breed a sense of sanctity. These places of worship are thronged by tourists and visitors all the year round.

Here is a list of some of the most popular churches in India:

1. Sé Cathedral
Place: Old Goa
History: The church was built in the 16 century. The construction of the church began in 1562 and was completed in 1619.
Legend: It was built to commensurate the victory of Portuguese under a Muslim army which eventually led to the capture of Goa city. This was in the year 1510. The victory day happened to be the day of the feast of Saint Catherine and hence the church is dedicated to Catherine of Alexandria.
Significant features: This church ranks among the largest churches in Asia. It is 250m in length and 181ft in breath and the front has a height of 115ft. The architecture style of the church is a beautiful mixture of Portuguese, Gothic, Tuscan and Corinthian. The main altar of the church has several paintings on both sides dedicated to St. Catherine.
There are four chapels inside the church around the main altar. These are separated by exquisite carved wooden partitions. The chapel on the right side of the altar is known as the Chapel of the Cross of Miracles. It is believed that Christ had appeared in 1919 in this Chapel. Sé Cathedral church is also known for housing the largest bell in Goa in its tower. The rich colour tone on the bell is noteworthy and hence it is also known as the Golden bell.


2. Parumala Church
Place: Mannar in Kerala
Legend: Named after the great Saint Gregorious Geevarghese, who was also known as Parumala Thirumeni, it is his tomb. This is a Parish church of the Malankara Orthodox Syrian Church. St. Gregorious died on 2 November, 1902 at the age of 54 and his funeral took place at Parumala. It is said that thousands of people and priests attended his funeral. In 1947, Gregorious was blessed and declared a saint by the then Catholics of the church and the church was dedicated to him.
Significant features: It is one of the oldest churches of the world. The old church was renovated and redesigned by renowned architect Charles Correa. The church, at present, can accommodate about 2000 people. The new church is circular in design with three divisions by two chords each of 16m length. The diameter of the circular design is 39m. It is believed that the church has some great powers and worshippers come from all parts of the country to pray at this divine church.
Celebrations: Every year, usually in the month of November, the church celebrates Parumala Perunnal festival or the feast festival as a tribute and remembrance of the death anniversary of Bishop Mar Gregorios Metropolitan.


3. Basilica of Bom Jesus
Place: Goa
History: Around 300 years old
Legend: It is dedicated to Jesus Christ and named “Bom Jesus” which means “good Jesus” or “infant Jesus”. It holds the remains of St. Francis Xavier and the mummified and preserved body is opened for the public at a particular time of the year when thousands of devotees from India and outside flock to this church to pay their respects to the great saint.
Significant features: Declared as a world heritage site by the UNSECO. It is one of the most iconic symbols and the most visited tourist spot of Goa. The church is built in the signature Baroque style. At the top of the façade, there are the letters ‘HIS’ which are the first three letters of Jesus in Greek. The flooring is made of marble, inlaid with precious stones. Elaborated gilded golden work highlights the altar of the church. The church also has a museum.
Celebrations: The feast of St. Xavier is celebrated every year on 3rd December in the honour of his death. Every ten years, the mortal remains are taken down for public reverence around Old Goa. This year in January 2015, thousands of Catholic pilgrims came down to old Goa to witness the once-a-decade exposition of the saint.


4. Malayatoor Church
Place: Cochin, Kerala
History: Dates back to 52 AD and is among one of the oldest churches of India.
Legend: It is dedicated to St. Thomas the Apostle who it is believed introduced Christianity in Kerala. Legend says that during prayers, St. Thomas touched a rock after which blood came out of it.
Significant features: One of the most prominent Christian pilgrimage spots declared by the Vatican. Situated on top of the 609m-high Malayatoor Hill in Kerala, it has a life-size statue of St. Thomas. There are also foot imprints of the Apostle on a rock in the church.
Celebrations: Malayatoor Perunal Festival is celebrated every year in the church in the month of March / April, just after Easter. Devotees from around the globe flock to this church by climbing up the hill, chanting the name of the Apostle.


5. Velankanni Church
Place: Located on the beach of Bay of Bengal, in the Velankanni town of Tamil Nadu.
History: Originated in the 16th century.
Legend: Famous for its Basilica that is dedicated to ‘Lady of Health’ or “Lady of Vailankanni” – the Catholic title of the Blessed Virgin Mary. It is believed that whosoever visits this church and offers prayers to the Mother is cured of his or her illness. Here, candles in different shapes of body organs like heart, lungs etc. are available, based on the ailment of a person. Lighting a candle of a particular organ shape is believed to cure the devotee of that ailment.
Significant features: One among the most scared churches across the globe. This church is a great combination of multicultural, international and religious harmony. Not only Christians but also people following other religions visit this Church to pray. The Pope in the Vatican City has declared Vailankanni as a “Holy city” because of the shrine of ‘Lady of Health’. The Gothic style architecture is a unique feature of the Church. The shrine of the mother is interestingly dressed in the Indian saree. This is one among those few churches in the country where the deity is seen wearing an India costume. Prayers here are held in multiple languages.
Celebrations: Every year in the month of August / September, for a week or so, the Feast of Our Lady of Good Health is celebrated. The feast day prayers are said in various languages like Malayalam, Telugu, Tamil, Kannada, Konkani, Hindi and English.


6. St Paul Cathedral
Place: Kolkata
History: Built between 1839 and 1847
Legend: It is an Anglican cathedral of the Victorian age and is dedicated to St. Paul.
Significant features: The largest cathedral in Kolkata and the first Episcopal Church of Asia. The church is built in the Gothic Revival Style. It is 247ft. in height and 81ft. in width. It has beautiful arched windows with stained glass which gives a very beautiful look when the rays of the sun light up the inside of the church in myriad hues.
Celebrations: The midnight mass on Christmas Eve is a celebrated event every year and people of all religions are welcome. The church is lit up completely on this day and it proves to be a very amazing sight that one should not miss out on.


7. Santa Cruz Basilica
Place: Cochin, Kerala
History: It was originally built by the Portuguese in 1505. In 1558, the church was elevated to a cathedral by the then pope, Pope Paul IV. In 1984, it was renamed as Basilica by Pope John Paul II.
Legend: Dedicated to one of the eight Baslicas in the country.
Significant features: One among the oldest churches in India. A heritage monument of the state, it boasts of style architecture. It was built by the Portuguese. But later, it was revamped and redesigned by the British. There are many paintings inside the church; the most popular ones being the seven large canvas paintings, on the passion and death on the Cross. There is also the painting of the Last Supper, modelled on the famous painting of Leonardo da Vinci. The beautiful stained glass windows add an attractive look to the place.

Latin Catholic Churches In India

Ecclesiastical Province of Agra.

Cathedral of the Immaculate Conception of the Archdiocese of Agra
Church of Akbar former cathedral of the Archdiocese of Agra
Cathedral of the Immaculate Conception of the Diocese of Ajmer
St. Joseph's Cathedral of the Diocese of Allahabad
Cathedral of St. Alphonsus de Ligouri of the Diocese of Bareilly
St. Joseph's Cathedral in Kotdwar of the Diocese of Bijnor
St. Joseph's Cathedral of the Diocese of Gorakhpur
Cathedral of Our Lady of the Annunciation of the Diocese of Jaipur
Cathedral of St. Anthony of the Diocese of Jhansi
St. Joseph's Cathedral of the Diocese of Lucknow
St. Joseph's Cathedral of the Diocese of Meerut
Our Lady of Fátima Cathedral of the Diocese of Udaipur
St. Mary's Cathedral of the Diocese of Varanasi


Ecclesiastical Province of Bangalore

St. Francis Xavier's Cathedral of the Archdiocese of Bangalore
Cathedral of Our Lady of the Family Rosary of Fátima of the Diocese of Belgaum
St. Antony's Cathedral of the Diocese of Bellary
St. Joseph's Cathedral of the Diocese of Chikmagalur
Cathedral of Mother Mary of Divine Grace of the Diocese of Gulbarga
Cathedral of the Assumption of Our Lady of the Diocese of Karwar
Our Lady of Rosary of Mangalore of the Diocese of Mangalore
St. Philomena's Church of the Diocese of Mysore
Sacred Heart Cathedral of the Diocese of Shimoga
Cathedral of Our Lady of the Miracles of the Diocese of Udupi

Ecclesiastical Province of Bhopal

St. Francis Cathedral of the Archdiocese of Bhopal
Cathedral of St. John the Baptist of the Diocese of Gwalior
St. Francis Cathedral of the Diocese of Indore
Sts. Peter and Paul Cathedral of the Diocese of Jabalpur
Cathedral of the Annunciation of the Diocese of Jhabua
St. Mary's Cathedral of the Diocese of Khandwa
St Raphael's Cathedral in Sagar Cantonment of the Diocese of Sagar
St. Vincent Syro-Malabar Catholic Cathedral of the Syro-Malabar Catholic Diocese of Satna
St. Mary's Cathedral of the Diocese of Ujjain

Ecclesiastical Province of Bombay

Cathedral of the Holy Name of the Archdiocese of Bombay
St. Thomas Syro-Malabar Cathedral of the Diocese of Kalyan
Cathedral of St. Anne of the Diocese of Nashik
St Patrick's Cathedral of the Diocese of Poona
Cathedral of Our Lady of Grace of the Diocese of Vasai



Ecclesiastical Province of Calcutta

Cathedral of the Most Holy Rosary of the Archdiocese of Calcutta
Cathedral of the Sacred Heart of the Diocese of Asansol
Cathedral of the Good Shepherd of the Diocese of Bagdogra
Cathedral of the Immaculate Heart of Mary of the Diocese of Baruipur
Immaculate Conception Cathedral of the Diocese of Darjeeling
Christ Redeemer Cathedral of the Diocese of Jalpaiguri
Cathedral of the Holy Redeemer of the Diocese of Krishnagar
St. Joseph the Worker Cathedral of the Diocese of Raiganj

Ecclesiastical Province of Cuttack-Bhubaneswar

Cathedral of the Most Holy Rosary in Cuttack of the Archdiocese of Cuttack-Bhubaneswar
Christ the King Cathedral of the Diocese of Balasore
Queen of the Missions Cathedral of the Diocese of Berhampur
Sacred Heart Cathedral of the Diocese of Rourkela
St. Joseph the Worker Cathedral of the Diocese of Sambalpur

Ecclesiastical Province of Delhi

Sacred Heart Cathedral, New Delhi of the Archdiocese of Delhi
St. Mary's Cathedral in Jammu Cantonment of the Diocese of Jammu-Srinagar
St. Mary's Cathedral of the Diocese of Jalandhar
Cathedral of St. Michael and St. Joseph in Shimla of the Diocese of Simla and Chandigarh
Christ the King Co-Cathedral in Chandigarh of the Diocese of Simla and Chandigarh

Ecclesiastical Province of Gandhinagar

St. Mary's Cathedral of the Archdiocese of Gandhinagar
Mount Carmel Cathedral of the Diocese of Ahmedabad
Our Lady of the Rosary Cathedral of the Diocese of Baroda
Prem Mandir of the Syro-Malabar Catholic Diocese of Rajkot

Ecclesiastical Province of Goa and Daman

Se Cathedral of the Archdiocese of Goa and Daman
Co-Cathedral of Our Lady of the Sea in Daman of the Archdiocese of Goa and Daman
Cathedral of Our Lady of Miracles in Sawantwadi of the Diocese of Sindhudurg

Ecclesiastical Province of Guwahati

St. Joseph's Cathedral of the Archdiocese of Guwahati
Cathedral of St. Albert of the Diocese of Bongaigaon
Cathedral of the Sacred Heart of the Diocese of Dibrugarh
Cathedral of the Risen Christ of the Diocese of Diphu
Cathedral of St. Joseph of the Diocese of Itanagar
Cathedral of Christ the Light of the Diocese of Miao
Cathedral of St. John Bosco of the Diocese of Tezpur

Ecclesiastical Province of Hyderabad

St Joseph's Cathedral, Hyderabad of the Archdiocese of Hyderabad
St. Joseph's Cathedral of the Diocese of Adilabad
St. Mary's Cathedral of the Diocese of Cuddapah
Cathedral of St. Joseph of the Diocese of Khamman
Our Lady of Lourdes Cathedral of the Diocese of Kurnool
St. Teresa's Co-Cathedral of the Diocese of Kurnool
Mary Queen of the Apostles Cathedral of the Diocese of Nalgonda
Our Lady of Fátima Cathedral in Hanamakonda of the Diocese of Warangal

Ecclesiastical Province of Imphal

St. Joseph's Cathedral of the Archdiocese of Imphal
Mary Help of Christians Cathedral of the Diocese of Kohima

Ecclesiastical Province of Madras and Mylapore

San Thome Basilica of the Archdiocese of Madras and Mylapore
St. Mary of the Angels Co-Cathedral of the Archdiocese of Madras and Mylapore
Cathedral of St. Joseph of the Diocese of Chingleput
St. Michael's Cathedral of the Diocese of Coimbatore
Sacred Heart Cathedral of the Diocese of Ootacamund
Assumption Cathedral of the Diocese of Vellore

Ecclesiastical Province of Madurai

St. Mary's Cathedral of the Archdiocese of Madurai
St. John Cathedral of the Diocese of Dindigul
St. Xavier's Church, Kottar of the Diocese of Kottar
Holy Trinity Cathedral, Thirithuvapuram of the Diocese of Kuzhithurai
St. Francis Xavier's Cathedral of the Diocese of Palayamkottai
Alangara Annai Cathedral of the Diocese of Sivagangai
Cathedral of Our Lady of Health of the Diocese of Tiruchirapalli
Sacred Heart Cathedral of the Diocese of Tuticorin

Ecclesiastical Province of Nagpur

St. Francis de Sales Cathedral of the Archdiocese of Nagpur
St. Francis Xavier's Cathedral of the Diocese of Amravati
St. Francis de Sales Cathedral of the Diocese of Aurangabad
St. Thomas Cathedral in Balharshah of the Diocese of Chanda

Ecclesiastical Province of Patna

Cathedral of the Blessed Virgin Mary of the Archdiocese of Patna
St. Joseph's Pro-Cathedral of the Archdiocese of Patna
Cathedral of the Nativity of the Blessed Virgin Mary of the Diocese of Bettiah
Immaculate Conception Cathedral of the Diocese of Bhagalpur
Cathedral of Mary Mother of Perpetual Help of the Diocese of Buxar
Cathedral of St. Francis Assisi of the Diocese of Muzaffarpur
St. Peter's Cathedral of the Diocese of Purnea

Ecclesiastical Province of Pondicherry and Cuddalore

Immaculate Conception Cathedral, Pondicherry of the Archdiocese of Pondicherry and Cuddalore
Sacred Heart Cathedral of the Diocese of Dharmapuri
St. Mary's Cathedral of the Diocese of Kumbakonam
Infant Jesus Cathedral of the Diocese of Salem
St. Mary's Co-Cathedral in Shevapet of the Diocese of Salem
Sacred Heart Cathedral of the Diocese of Tanjore

Ecclesiastical Province of Raipur

St. Joseph's Cathedral of the Archdiocese of Raipur
Cathedral of the Immaculate Mother of God of the Diocese of Ambikapur
St. Joseph's Cathedral of the Diocese of Jagdalpur
Cathedral of Our Lady of the Rosary in Kunkuri of the Diocese of Jashpur
Cathedral of St. Michael of the Diocese of Raigarh

Ecclesiastical Province of Ranchi

St. Mary's Cathedral of the Archdiocese of Ranchi
Cathedral of the Diocese of Daltonganj
Cathedral of St. Paul of the Diocese of Dumka
St. Patrick Cathedral of the Diocese of Gumla
Cathedral of the Resurrection of the Diocese of Hazaribag
St. Joseph's Cathedral of the Diocese of Jamshedpur
Cathedral of St. Michael of the Diocese of Khunti
Stella Maris Cathedral of the Diocese of Port Blair
St. Anne Cathedral of the Diocese of Simdega

Ecclesiastical Province of Shillong

Cathedral of Mary Help of Christians of the Archdiocese of Shillong
Pro-Cathedral of Shantir Rani in Mariamnagar of the Diocese of Agartala
Christ the King Cathedral of the Diocese of Aizawl
Cathedral of St. Theresa of Lisieux of the Diocese of Jowai
Cathedral of St. Peter the Apostle of the Diocese of Nongstoin
Cathedral of Mary Help of Christians of the Diocese of Tura

Ecclesiastical Province of Thiruvananthapuram

St. Joseph's Cathedral of the Archdiocese of Thiruvananthapuram
Mount Carmel Cathedral in Alappuzha of the Diocese of Alleppey
Immaculate Conception Cathedral of the Diocese of Neyyattinkara
St. Mary's Cathedral, Punalur of the Diocese of Punalur
Immaculate Conception Cathedral in Pullichira of the Diocese of Quilon
Infant Jesus Cathedral in Tangasseri Pro-Cathedral of the Diocese of Quilon

Ecclesiastical Province of Verapoly

St. Francis Assisi Cathedral in Ernakulam of the Archdiocese of Verapoly
Former Cathedral of Our Lady of Mount Carmel and St. Joseph in Varapuzha of the Archdiocese of Verapoly
Mother of God Cathedral of the Diocese of Calicut
Santa Cruz Basilica of the Diocese of Cochin
Cathedral of the Holy Trinity of the Diocese of Kannur
St. Michael's Cathedral in Kodungallur (Cranganore) of the Diocese of Kottapuram
San Sebastian Cathedral of the Diocese of Sultanpet
Immaculate Heart of Mary Cathedral in Kottayam of the Diocese of Vijayapuram

Ecclesiastical Province of Visakhapatnam

St. Peter's Cathedral of the Archdiocese of Visakhapatnam
St. Anne's Co-Cathedral of the Archdiocese of Visakhapatnam
Amalodbhavi Cathedral of the Diocese of Eluru
Infant Jesus Cathedral in Phirangipuram of the Diocese of Guntur
St. Joseph's Cathedral of the Diocese of Nellore
Cathedral of the Diocese of Srikakulam
St. Paul's Cathedral of the Diocese of Vijayawada
St. Peter's Co-Cathedral of the Diocese of Vijayawada

Cathedrals of the Roman Catholic

Roman Catholic Churches in India 

We as Indians gie respect to any religion and welcome everyone with great love and support. 

St. Catherine's Cathedral in Old Goa.

Sacred Heart Cathedral in New Delhi.

St Joseph's Cathedral in Hyderabad.

Our Lady of the Rosary Cathedral on Mangalore

St. Philomena's Cathedral in Mysore

St. Xavier's Cathedral in Kottar

Our Lady of Lourdes Cathedral in Thrissur

Immaculate Conception Cathedral in Pondicherry

St. Mary's Cathedral in Punalur

St. Michael's Cathedral in Kottapuram

Cathedral of the Immaculate Conception in Agra

Cathedral of the Sacred Heart in Asansol

Cathedral of Our Lady of the Family Rosary of Fátima in Belgaum

St. Mary's Cathedral in Varanasi

St. Francis Assisi Cathedral of Verapoly

Mary Help of Christians Cathedral in Kohima

St Mary's Metropolitan Cathedral in Changanassery

Immaculate Heart of Mary Cathedral in Kottayam

St. Patrick's Cathedral in Poona

St. Joseph's Cathedral in Jamshedpur

St. Thomas Cathedral in Irinjalakuda

St. Joseph's Cathedral in Trivandrum

St. Francis Xavier's Cathedral in Bangalore

Sacred Heart Cathedral in Shimoga

Prem Mandir, cathedral of Rajkot

Somnath Temple

Somnath – Gujarat

Hindu temple in India

The Somnath temple located in Prabhas Patan near Veraval in Saurashtra on the western coast of Gujarat, India, is the first among the twelve Jyotirlinga shrines of Shiva. It is an important pilgrimage and tourist spot. 

Opened: May 1951

Locale: Veraval

Architectural style: Hindu temple architecture

Function: Hindu temple

Somnath temple, the first in the twelve jyothirlingas, is located at the Viraval port - Prabhas Pattan in Saurashtra - Gujarat.

Anceint Glory of Somnath Temple

Known as prabhAsa kshetra, Somnath occupied a much esteemed place in the Hindu holy places. It finds many references in the puranaas & itihasas.

The inner temple of the Garbhashay was supported to be aglow with the luster of these gemstones. The Nanda Deep was always kept lighted with Kannauji attar. The treasure of the temple was forever full of vast wealth and was kept safe.

For worship of the Lord-and Abhishek (worship with holy water) sandalwood scented water was brought from Haridwar, Prayag Kashi every day. However flowers for special festivities were imported from Kashmir. For the routine daily worship, one thousand Brahmins were appointed. About three hundred and fifty dancing girls were appointed for the regular music and dance concerts that took place in the Temple courts.

This religious place of worship was earning the produce of ten thousand villages. Among the twelve JyotirLingas (Lingas of light) Somanath is considered as the primary one. Because this deity is supposed to be Swayanbhu (self-born) and is always awake, lakhs of devotees visited this temple and considered themselves blessed and to have achieved piety. Offerings made by crores of devotees amounted to crores of rupees which kept the Somnath Temple always rich and abundant. Along with this, the Sun worshipping foreigners (probably Parsis) also contributed a pat of their profits to the temple treasury which kept its coffers full, all the time. Somnath temple, Gujarat photo

Chandra, (moon) was the first one to receive the benefic boon of Shri Somanath of Saurashtra, the Shiva pilgrimage, Agni Teerth and Surya Teerth. Then Chandra built a beautiful golden temple and put a glorious JyotirLinga in it, the first of its kind in India.

According to Prabhaskhand of Skanda Purana, the legend goes like this:

Chandra married the twenty seven daughters (stars) of Daksha, but was very partial and showed lot more love and affection to rohini. The remaining twenty six wives not only felt neglected but also insulted. They were disappointed with their husband and went and complained to their father. Daksha was upset to see his daughters suffer thus, and tried twice to convince his son-in-law to change himself, but in vain. He put a curse on him that Chandra would be “decreasing” in size.

The Devas (Celestial gods) were very sad at Chandra’s plight and went to Brahma. The Creator, in order to find out a remedy for this condition of Chandra and get a solution for redressing the curse. Brahma told them that the only way out was to worship Vrishabhdhwaj Shankar at Prabhas Kshetra Mahamrityunjay. Chandra went on a penance for six months and prayed to Lord Shiva, at the end of which Shankara appeared before him. He gave Chandra the boon that in a month, he would grow for fifteen days in one half and in the other half he would keep loosing one Kala (shade) per day and decrease in size. He was pleased with the Devas and in order to increase the prestige of the place, Lord Shiva Himself came to be known as Someshwar, meaning famous moon (Soma). The Devas established a Someshwar Kund there. By taking a holy dip in this pond or Kund, it is believed that one would obtain release from all the sins. Somnath temple, Alalya bai build temple, Gujarat photo

Chandra or moon is also called Som. That is why this JyotirLinga has become famous as Somanath. Chandra or moon looks very bright here. Therefore, this place is also known as “Prabhasapattana”.

Later, Shri Somnath Mandir was built by Ravana fro Rupa in the treda yug and Lord Krishna fro Chandran in . Emperor vikramAditya built the temple in the kali yug.

Troubled times and Hindu Resilience in rebuilding the grat temple of Somnath

This grand temple of Somanath came under the attack of the Muslims several times. In the year 722, Junamad, the Sindh Subedar attacked it for the first time and looted innumerable items from its treasure.

The beautiful statue of Somanath, can be seen from the center because of the miraculous magnetic power. Ghajni Mohammed, destroyed this statue on Friday, the 11th of May 1025 AD. From then onwards, Ghajni Mohammed came to be known as the “Statute Destroyer” (Iconoclast). On that day, he plundered and looted a treasure worth 18 crores.

In 1297 AD, Allauddin Kkhiji sent his Sardar Altaf Khan to Somanath on a mission of destroying and putting down the Somanath Mandir. The Somanath Temple was subjected to series of attacks starting in 1479 AD by Mohammad Begada, Mujaffar Shah, II, in 1503 AD, and finally by Aurangazeb, known to be the most intolerant towards other religions, in 1701 AD, where in, the temple was totally destroyed, plundered and looted in a most horrible way. A large number of people were killed mercilessly and a lot of money stolen.

Somnath Temple is a significant temple, comprising one of the twelve Jyotirlingas of Lord Shiva. Located in Prabhas Kshetra near Veraval, Somnath Mandir falls in Saurashtra region that lies on the western coast of Gujarat. The temple of Somnath can be easily reached from anywhere in Gujarat. Bus services to Somnath are available from all the cities and towns of Gujarat. To ensure a comfortable journey, one can also opt for taxis that can be hired throughout the state of Gujarat. 

Somnath Temple stands as a symbol of rich cultural heritage of India. The mention of this ancient temple has been made in the scriptures like 'Rig Veda' of the Hindu origin. The term Somnath suggests 'the protector of Moon God'. Lord Shiva is depicted here in the form of a Jyotirlinga (linga of light), as the protector. The incredible temple of Somnath is called as 'the Shrine Eternal' since, the temple has been shattered for not less than six times and every time, it has been reconstructed. 

Somnath Temple has a legend behind its establishment. It is believed that Lord Chandra (Moon God) was very proud of his beauty. Due to this reason, he was cursed by his father-in-law Daksha, to get smaller. In order to get rid of this curse, Moon God prayed to Lord Shiva at Prabhas. Lord Shiva became happy with the penance of the Moon and reduced the curse to an extent. This incident led to the periodic waning of moon.

Maintaining the original site, the present temple is said to have built for the seventh time. The first temple of Somnath is regarded as a structure in Gold, made by Moon God himself. In the 7th century, Somnath Temple was reconstructed by Maitraka kings of Vallabhi in Gujarat. The second structure was destroyed by the Arab governor of Sind by the name of Junayad in 725. Again in 815, the third structure was built by Nagabhata II, who was a Pratihara King. 

This structure was erected out of red sandstone. In 1024, the temple was raided by Mahmud Ghazni, who took camel-loads of jewels and valuables from here. The Paramara King Bhoj of Malwa and the Solanki King Bhima of Gujarat (Anhilwara) took the initiative to rebuild the temple during 1026-1042. For the fifth time, the wooden structure was replaced with a stone structure by Kumarpal.

Consequently, the temple was destroyed in 1297 by the Sutanat of Delhi and once again in 1394. The last attack was made by the Mughal Emperor, Aurangzeb in 1706. The present temple was built in 1995 by Shree Somnath Trust in the company of the Government of India. Today, Somnath Temple is under the maintenance of Shree Somnath Trust. 

Architecture

The seven-storied structure of Somnath is tall to 155 feet. Constructed in the Chalukya style of architecture, Somnath Temple reflects the expertise of the Sompuras that are master masons of Gujarat. The temple is sited in such a manner that no mass of land can be seen from Somnath seashore till Antarctica. This information is presented in an inscription, written in Sanskrit, on the Arrow-Pillar of the sea-protection wall at the temple. 

In the words of Dr. Rajendra Prasad (the first president of India), "Somnath Temple signifies that the power of creation is always greater than the power of destruction". The great history and religious importance of Somnath temple attracts pilgrims as well as tourists from India and abroad.

In 1783 AD Sadhvi Alalya devi Holkar, a great devotee of Siva, built a new temple for Somanath after India become independent, the lion of Gujarat, Sardar Vallabhai Patel renovated the Somanath Temple on the advice of Kakashaheb Gadgil of Maharashtra with its revived Indian architectural beauty for which it became an unique example. It drew the attention of the world.

This primary JyotirLinga located in India, is the cynosure of all Indian pilgrims. It is always crowded with lakhs of devotees. A large number of Sadhus and pious men can be met there. With the offerings of devotees, the Somanath Temple’s grandeur is revived. In spite of being subjected to destruction by intolerants, the faith of Indian devotees, dedication and their love was never destroyed. Shri Somanath JyotirLinga stands as the legendary example of the same.

The temples 15th memorial and the ancient monument located on the sea side of Kahiavad near Prabhaspattan. There are many famous mythological stories attached to them. The sun temple is the most ancient of all. There is no presiding deity in it, but the architecture of temple is so exquisite, that even by seeing the ruins one can imagine.

Saint Agastya, is supposed to have drunk the entire sea near Prabhasapattan. Mythological heroes like Janamejaya, Pandavas, Ravana are supposed to have visited Prabhasapattan Teerth. In the month of Magha (sometime in February) on the day of Shivaratri, Somanath JyotirLinga festival is celebrated with great aplomb.

Sri Venkateswara Temple – Tirumala

‘Sri Venkatachala Mahatrnyam’ contains Puranic lores from the twelve Mahapuranas. The puranic legends say that after the Pralaya  kalpa preceding the great Deluge, the Supreme Being Maha Vishnu, revealed Himself in the form of a White Boar, Sweta Varaha, rescued the earth and recreated it and having re-established the universe, He decided to stay on the earth for some time to protect the good and destroy the evil. 

Thus God Vishnu revealed Himself earlier. in the previous incarnation as Varahaswami on the bank of the Varaha Tirumala i.e. northern portion of Pushkarini at Tirumala. 

This manifestation as the White Boar is enshrined in the Adi Varahaswami temple on the north western bank ofthe Pushkarini at Tirumala_ This temple is believed to be older than the temple of Lord Venkateswara and claims precedence in worship and Nivedana.

There are many more legends about the Venkatachala Hill and Lord Ven kateswara in the Varaha and Bhavishyottara Puranas. The meritorious benefits acquired by a pilgrimage to Venkatachala are mention in the Puranas and Sri Venkateswara is described as the great giver of boons.


PLACE OF INDEX TO VISIT IN TIRUMALA.

MAHADWARA GOPURAM
SHANKHANIDHI – PADMANIDHI
KRISHNADEVARAYALA MANDAPAM
ADDALA MANDAPAM
RANGANAYAKA MANDAPAM
TIRUMALARAYA MANDAPAM
TULADANDAM
RAJA THODARAMALLU
DWAJASTHAMBA MANDAPAM
DWAJASTHAMBAM (FLAGSTAFF)
BALI PEETAM (ALTAR)
KSHETRA PALAKA SILA (BIG ROUND STONE)
SAMPANGI PRADAKSHINAM
FOUR PILLAR MANDAPAM
SRI VENKATA RAMANA SWAMI’S KALYANA MANDAPAM
UGRANAM (STONE HOUSE)
VIRAJA RIVER (Prohibited Area)
PADI POTU
FLOWER CHAMBER
FLOWER WELL (WELL OF FLOWERS)
VAGAPADI CHAMBER
SILVER ENTRANCE
VIMANA PRADAKSHINAM
SRI RANGANADHA
SRI VARADARAJA SWAMI TEMPLE
GHANTA MANDAPAM
GARUDA MANDAPAM
JAYA VIJAYA
BANGARU VAKILI (GOLDEN DOOR)
SNAPANA MANDAPAM
LORD RAMA’S MANSION
SAYANA MANDAPAM
KULASEKHARA PADI
SANCTUM SANCTORUM
LORD VENKATESWARA (PRESIDING DEITY)
BHOGA SRINIVASA MURTHY
KOLUVU SRINIVASA MURTHY
UGRA SREENIVASA MURTHY
MALAYAPPA SWAMI
SRI SUDARSHANA CHAKRA TALWAR
SEETARAMALAKSHMANULU
RUKMINI KRISHNULU
SALAGRAMALU
PRADHANA VANTASHALA –POTU (MAIN KITCHEN)
VAKULA DEVI
BANGARU BAVI
ANKURARPANA MANDAPAM
YAGASALA
NANALA PARAKAMANI (Coin counting room)
NOTLA PARKAMANI (Counting Room for paper currency)
CHANDANAPU ARA
ANANDA NILAYA VIMANAM
VIMANA VENKATESWARA SWAMI
RECORD ROOM
RECITAL OF VEDAS
SABHA ARA (SHELF)
SANKEERTANA BHAANDARAM (Treasury of Sankeertanas)
SANNIDHI BHASHYALU
THE LORD’S DOLLARS
YOGA NARASIMHASWAMI SANNIDHI
SANKUSTHAPANA STHAMBHAM
PARIMALAM ARA (SHELF OF FRAGRANCE)
SRIVARI HUNDI
BANGARU VARALAKSHMI
KATAHA THEERTHAM
VISHWAKSENA
MUKKOTI PRADAKSHINAM
TIRUMALANAMBI
FIRST DARSAN(SANNIDHI GOLLA)
HATHIRAM BAVAJI
TARIGONDA VENGAMAMBA
TALLAPAKA ANNAMACHARYA
ANANTHALWAR

All the great dynasties of the southern peninsula had paid their tribute to this ancient shrine. The Pailavas of Kancheepuram (9th century A.D,), Cholas, Pandyas and the kings, chiefs of \/iiayanagar (14th - 15th Century) were ardent ‘devotees of Lord \/enkateswara and they vied with each other in endowing the temple with rich offerings and benefactions, lt was during the Viayanagar  period the glory of  Tirumala reached its pinnacle. The statues of Sri Krishna Devaraya, the illustrious king ofthe Vijayanagara empire and his consorts were installed in the temple at the portals, in his own life-time and they can be seen even today. There are also statues of Achyuta Raya and Venltatapati Raya, Sri Krishna Deva Raya visited the sacred shrine seven times with his consorts during his reign.


Even after the decline of the Vijayanagar dynasty, inspite of the  cholas and anarchy that prevailed in the region, the nobles and chieftains from all parts of the country continued paying their homage and gifts to the temple. The Maratta general, Raghoji Bhonsle, visited the temple and set up a permanent endowment for the conduct of worship in the temple, He also presented valuable jewels to the Deity, including the great emerald which is still preserved in a box named after him. Among the later rulers who have endowed large benefactions are the rulers of Mysore and Gadwal.

After the fall of the Hindu kingdoms, the Muslim rulers of Karnataka and the Britishers stepped into their shoes and many of the temples including the temples of Tirumala and Tirupati came under their supervisory and protective control.
ln 1843 when the East India Company divested itself of the direct management of non-Christian places of worship and of native religious institutions, the administration of the shrine of Sri Venkateswara with a number of estates was entrusted to Sri Seva Dossji of the Hathiramji  Mutt at Tirumala as  Vicharanakarta and for nearly a century, till 1933 the temple was under the administrative charge of the mahants.

ln 1933 by a special Act passed by the Madras Legislature, the Tirumala Tirupati Devasthanams  Committee was invested with the powers of administration and control through a Commissioner appointed by the Government of Madras. This committee was assisted by a Religious Advisory Council in regard to religious matters and a Ryots Advisory Council in regard to the management of the estates of the TTD.

Today, T.T.Devasthanams which maintains so many temples and their sub-shrines is a conglomerate of temples brought under the first schedule 2 of the Act 20 of 1987 enacted by Andhra Pradesh  Government. lt is managed by a Board of Trustees appointed by the state government. The Executive Officer is the Chief Executive of the administration. He is assisted by two Joint Executive Officers, Financial Advisor and Chief Accounts Officer, Deputy Executive Officers, Chief Vigilance and Security Officer, Conservator of Forests and Chief Engineer in various spheres of activity. Besides, there are other officials like Law Officer, Welfare Officer, Public Relations Officer. Marketing Officer, Educational Officer and others to look after several wings of administration.

The Other idols in the Garbha Griha of the Tirumla Temple

Bhoga Srinivasa-The Kautuka Bera:

 This idol is made of silver and was consecrated by the donor; the Pallava queen, Samavai in 966 AD. The donor‘s consecration is recorded in an epigraph on the northern  wall of the temple prakaram which is perhaps the earliest inscription in the temple, This mentions that Queen Samavai also called as Kadavan-Perundevi and queen of Sakti-Vitankan arranged in the 14th  regnal year of her lord and king Koppatra-Mahendra-Panmar for a daily offering of 4 nali of tiruvamudu, (cooked rice) and a perpetual lamp, (nandavilakku) for tirumanjanam on the two ayana-sankrantis and the two Vishu sariltrantis, and for celebrating the purattasi festival commencing from the two days before the main festival and to conduct the festival for nine days and also installed in the Tiruvilankoyil (by which name the garbha griha of the temple was then known), this idol after  performing special worship of the God of the sacred  Venkata Hill. She also presented gold ornaments worth 47 kalanjus. Lands were also endowed to the new Kautuka Bhera, named Manavalapperumal and  the managers of the temple (called as madapatyan)    were enjoined to conduct the services and the  sabhaiyar were ordered to protect the endowed lands  from being taxed.

This idol is a true copy of the Dhruva Bera except  that the Sanka and Chakra are permanently fixed in  the case of Bhoga Srinivasa. On the pitham and  below the feet of the Kautuka Bera, is an Yantra, as   if two equilateral triangles are symmetrically interplaced one being an invert of the other. It is possible that such an Yantram might have existed originally in the idol of the Lord also. Nammalvar gives in one of his verses (3-4-4) a beautiful description of the feet of the Dhruva Bera which states that the feet of Tiruvengadamudayan has a figure representing radiating arms. This might possibly represent the Shadgunya Yantra  Nammalvar’s song was composed about two centuries earlier than the installation of the Vanavalapperumal. The yantra of this type would perhaps represent the six gunas of para and vyuha which are recognized by the Vaikhanasa Agama also.

 The Bhoga Srinivasa gets abhisheka every morning, accompanied by mantras, unlike the Dhruva Bera to which abhishekam is performed only  on Fridays.At night this Deity is put to bed in paryankasana. During the daily Ekanta seva this idol is placed in a silver cradle in the Sayana mandapa and milk, etc., are offered to this Lord to the accompaniment of music and songs composed by the Tallapaka poets. Sandalwood paste is also applied to Him every night. One peculiarity of this service in this temple is that the Ekanta Seva is performed to the i,dol of Manavalapperumal for all months of the year, except one, viz., the Dhanurmasa, when the Ekanta Seva is done for the Krishna idol.

This idol was intimately connected with the main idol of the Dhruva Murti by means of a silk cord at the time of installation. A gold link and a silk cord is still attached to this idol when he is brought outside the Sanctum Sanctorum for deputizing the Dhruva Murti on festive occasions.

ii. Ugra Srinivasa or Snapana Murti :

This idol was once originally called as Venkatatturaivar and stands for the anger aspect of the Lord since he is also called Ugra Srinivasa. Apart from the Dhruva Sera, this is perhaps the earliest idol of the temple and in all probability this was used as the processional idol in the very early days. This is about 18" high and stands on a-pedestal of about?" height. The chakra of this image is in a slightly titled condition and could perhaps be called the prayoga chakra. Sridevi and Shudevi both as standing figures are also seen. The Tamil synonym Venkatatturaivar shows that He was the deity of the temple before Shoga Srinivasa was consecrated. There are now three occasions of which Ugra Srinivasa alone figures viz., Uttana Ekadasi, Mukkoti Dvadasl and Dvadasaradhana. Legends have it that the rays of the sun should not touch this idol, and if they do, it would bring incalculable harm to the world.

iii. Koluvu Srinivasa or Bali Sera:

 Every day after the morning Tomalaseva, a darbar called Koluvu is held in the Tirumamani mantapam when the Deity is brought and is seated in a silver chair with a gold umbrella above him. This idol officiates for the main idol during this function. Hence his name is Koluvu Srinivasa. He is akin to the guardian deity and supervises the temple household, and keeps himself posted with all the affairs and revenues of the te01ple. The panchangam or the calendar of the day is also read out before him every day. It is also here that the matradanam of rice, the customary share of the archakas, is made. Though He is known as Bali Sera, he has  never been known to have been taken out and offered Bali after the daily puja is over.

iv, Sri Malayappan or Utsava Murti

The first mention of this Deity under the name Ma1ai Kuniya Ninra Perumal  is found in an  epigraph about the year 1339 A.D. The idol is in a standing pose and is a replica of the Dhruva Bera. The two upper arms hold the Sankha and Chakra, the lower right arm is in the Varada Hasta pose and the left arm in Katyavalambita poss. This image has a very rich treasury of precious  gems and jewels made of platinum and gold.

There is a legend that on one occasion during the Brahmotsava, a procession was going round the streets, when a fire broke out in the village which destroyed the houses, "The  archakas and the devotees did not know how this disaster happened. When sincere prayers we  offered, God spoke through a man, and stated that the times have changed, and that the old, lJgra Srinivasa who was the then Utsava murti should no longer be used as processional deity, and that  in the glades of the mountain another Murti  Would be found, and only he should be used for this purpose. It is because of this anger, that the old Murti is perhaps known as Ugramurti. Tradition is that the new Murti with his consorts, was found at a place where the hill bowed   very low, and hence he was called as 'Malai Kuniya  Ninra Perumal.' This long name got shortened into Malayappan in course of time. The glade where he is said to have been found is still known as Malayyappan Konai.

In the order of preference the idols that represents the Druva Bera are Bhoga Srinivasa, Malayappa and his two consorts, Ugra Srinivasa and Koluvu Srinivasa. In the agamic terminology they would stand for Kautuka, Utsava, Snapana and Bali Sera. According to the agamic rules, the Kautuka Sera should be consecrated direct from the Druvabera and the Utsava Bera from  Kautuka and similarity in that order, the Snapana and Bali Berams. The inscriptions in the temple, however do not mention Malayappa as Utsava Bera, nor the Bhoga Srinivasa as Kautuka Bera.

The idol of Lord Malayappa is about three feet height and stands on a lotus pedestal on a platform about '14" height. To right is the idol of Sri devi about 30" height, her pedestal being about  4". This is a pancha-Ioha idol. Her left hand is in the Kataka hasta pose, the right hand hanging loosely and the fingers held in the Gajakarna pose. Bhudevi is in standing pose, The only difference between her and Sridevi is that it is her right hand that is in the Kataka hasta pose and left in the Gajakarna mudra.

In one inscription found in the north wall of the Varadarajaswamy Temple, there is a reference to the 19th regnal year of Tribhuvana Chakravari Sriranganatha Yadavaraya in which mention is made of Malai Kuniyaninra Perumal and his Nachchimar. Hence the earliest epigraphical reference about this is of 1339 AD.

v. Sri Krishna idol:


In the Garbha griha there is a very beautiful idol of Lord Krishna in the navanitha nritya pose along with his consort Rukmini. The Lord is shown as a dancing child on his left foot on a lotus pedestal, the leg gracefully bent at the knee and not resting on tile pedestal. The right hand holds butter while the left is stretched out gracefully in a dancing pose.
The earliest inscriptional reference to this idol is of 1100 A.D. Other inscriptions refer to offerings made to Krishna on Sri Jayanti Day and also during the several Brahmotsavams. It is this idol that receives Ekanta Seva at night in the temple during the Dhanurmasa.
Neither the idol of Sri Krishna nor of Sri Rama (called as Raghunatha) enjoy daily puja. They only share in the nityarchana of Sri Venkateswara, Even the naivedyam intended for Sri Rama or Sri Krishna are first offered to Lord Venkateswara only. But in asthanas and processions etc., outside the Garbha griha this particular idol gets offerings direct. This procedure is distinctly mentioned in the epigraphs as in a Vijayanagara I nscription dated 12-8-1486 (142-G.T.)

Vi  Idols of Sri Rama, Sita, Lakshmana and Sugreeva :

Four copper idols of Sri Rama (known as Sri Raghunatha), Sita, Sugriva and Lakshmana find place in  the Sanctum Sanctorum. These idols. are not referred to in any inscriptions before 1476A.D. Most  probably  when the  present Ramarmedai  was converted into a room by about 1245 A. D., these Idiol s must have been placed there from which fact this.Place derives its name of Ramarmedai. One school of thought in that Ramanuja might have installed these in the temple.


The idol of Sri Ram is in the madhyama tala and tribhanga pose, the left arm raised to hold the bow and the right gracefully sloping downwards as if to hold the arrow. The idol is a standing or stanaka one, and has a kiritam or crown on it. Goddess Sita is to the right of Sri Rama in a  standing pose, her right hand gracefully extended downwards, the left holding a lotus bud. The idol of L.akshmana is a similar  replica of the idol Sri Rama.
 The figure of Sugriva is in the  standing pose and the hands folded in an attitude of prayer. This has already been referred to earlier.
There are also beautiful copper idols of Angada and Hanuman exhibited  separately  in the Ramar Medai platform outside  the shrine in  the Antarala Mantapam. Opposite to  these  beautiful copper idols of Vishvaksena, Ananta  and Garuda are found.


(vii) The Chakrattalvar or Sudarshana :

This deity always precedes the Utsava Murti in processions. He however  figures in separate procession on the ankurarpanam and on the tirthavari day of the Bramhostavam  on the Pushkarini bund in front of the Venkateswara swamy temple.

You might want to make it sure that once in a year and that too every single year the pilgrims think to visit tirumala 

.LORD VEMKATESVARA. 

Srirangam temple

Sri Raganatha swami is blessing in three different islands of the holy river Cauvery. It flows from Karnataka to Tamilnadu. The first island is Sriranga Patinam and it is called Aathirnagam (Origin of Rangam), located in Mysore (125 km distance from Bangalore to Mysore route).



The second island is Sivanasha Samuthiram and it is called Mathiyarnagam (Middle of Rangam), situated 70 km distance from Srirangapatinam.

The third island is Thiru navalantheevu and it is called Srirangam and also called Antharngam (last part of Rangam - meaning of heaven) is situated in Tamilandu, Trichirappalli district, India. Sriranagm temple is 7 km away from the Trichirappalli Junction (in the south 321 km from Chennai and in the north east 200 km from Madurai approximately). Srirangam can be reached by bus and train (International airport is also available in Trichy). This prehistoric architectural temple welcomes all pilgrims and tourists with open arms.

Sriranganatha swami at Srirangam temple, sriranganathar is called Anatha Sayana Perumal (seen in lying position in the five headed snake) and blesses with his three wives namely Sridevi, Boodevi and Renganachiyar in the first enclosure of temple Srirangam.

Srirangam temple is covered by 7 enclosures namely:
Thirunazhi Enclosure
Rajamahendra Enclosure
Kulasegaran Enclosure
Aalinadan Enclosure
Agalangan Enclosure
Thiruvikraman Enclosure (Utra Street, in Tamil uthra veedhi)
Kalugaraman Enclosure (Chitra Street, in Tamil chithirai veedi).

Srirangam Temple constitutes of 24 Acres including the 5th enclosure and a total of 156 Acres including the 6th and 7th enclosures. Towards the South direction of the Srirangam temple stands the Rajagopuram (literal:royal tower) which had been started to get constructed by the Nayakar Kings 400 years ago and it was completed in part. The Agobila abbey (cult of vishnuishm) concerned of Rajagopuram and they built with 236 feet height, 13 tired and 13 Copper buds (kalasam) and carried out the kumbabishekam in year 1987.

Srirangam Temple keeps following Sukla yajure vedha inner division Vagineye Ganva for its daily worshipping practise.

Motcha (attaining the status of no re-birth by residing at the feet of Lord) Ramanujar lived and worshipped Srirangam Perumal at Srirangam temple very long time. After the end of his life he got Motcham. Then his student did mummification of his body in the position of Badmasanam using ayurvedaha Muligai (herbal plants). But mythology explains that his corpus arose out of the earth with no human intervention. Aacharya Ramanuja is blessing in a separate sannadhi (temple) in the srirangam temple of 3rd enclosure. No abishekam is conducted for his body. The holy ceremony of applying saffron with Cinnamomum camphora on the divine corpus of Aacharya Ramanuja is celebrated twice in a year at an appropriate interval, in order to preserve the holy body of Sriramanuja, which is fully immersed in the thoughts of Sri Narayana than nothing else.

Cauvery water Abishegam

In the Tamil month of Aani (month of July) on the day of the star "Keytayam" Srirangam temple Swami Ranganathar will be coated with "herbal fragrance oil"(Thailabisegam), and on the same day 22pots of Holy Cauvery water (Abisegam) will be spilled out on Him. On this day only His golden costumes will be unrobed.

Sriranganathar at Srirangam temple swami will be getting Jostabisegam from the 48th day of Adiperukku urchavam. People celebrate the festival on Aadi 28th or Aadi 18th (in the end of July) at Srirangam Amma mandpam. On that day Swami Ranganathar will give blessing to his devotees and people give saris, kungumam (vermillion powder - a holy thing of Hinduism), Katholai, Karugamani (Pam tree leaf ring for years and black coloured artificial Pearl) as a present to mother Cauvery. These gifts are taken from the temple by the temple elephant called Aandal and then let float on the river Cauvery.


Kambar (a prehistoric Tamil poet) was revealing (arangetram in Tamil) Ramayana in Srirangam temple at Kambar Arangetra mandbam (literal: hall) for the first time. On his Ramayana he wrote about Lord Narasimmar. But others did not accept his opinion and criticised that he was blabbing. Kambar was frustrated and came under stress. He prayed to Narasimmar. At the same moment Lord Narasimmar appeared on the pillar and roared.  Everyone regretted that, they had put baseless blame on Kambar. Since Lord Narasimma appeared there for his devotee, he is called Metalagiya Narasimmar.


Amudha kalasa Garudalvar (meaning: King of birds) has a separate Sannathi (temple). Swami Srirnganatha demolished Asuras (demons) and rescued back the Vedas from them. He asked Garudalvar to keep the Vedas preserved. In order to execute the order of Lord Vishnu, Garudalvaar preserves Vedas in Kalasam (small pot) on his hand. His statue is made up of Salak wood. Here special pooja is made for Garudalvar with jasmine and turmeric. Garudalvaar relieves those who are suffering from nightmares and hallucinations. Those who are affected by the radiations and the transitions of the planets Uranus and Neptune will be safeguarded by Garudalvaar. Garudalvaar open His wings (whose width and height are immeasurable), covers His devotees and preserves them from all sorts of harmful causes.

Thaniya laksmi (Goddess) anna perumal sannidhanam (sub temple) is in the 2nd enclosure, by blessing us with Sri Krishna on Her right hand side and with Narasimar on Her left hand side. It's an amazing and unique position among the Hindu vaisnava temples.  Thaniya lakshmi shelters those who are affected by the planet Venus (Sukran). Those who trust Her, will not feel the pinch of hunger. In Srirangam temple at special poojas silks and white been seed are used. Thaniya laksmi is the direct Avataram of Sri Ranganathar and she looks with thanyam (literal: spices and maize) and kalasam (a small pot). On every bramochavam Sriranganathar gives Thaniyam (spices and maizes) to Annalaxmi with his wife Ranganachiyar, in order to allay hunger of all the organisms of the universe.

Every year three Bramorchavams are celebrated in the months of Thai (January), Panguni (March) and Chithirai (April). First Bramorchavam is in the month of Panguni. This festival is celebrated by Bramma (God of creation) and it is called Aadhi Bramorchavam. During this festival Sri Ranganatha swami will be giving blessings to his devotees along with his wife Sri Ranganachyar on the star utra Natchahiram. The second Bramochavam is during the “car festival” (to lead the life peacefully) is celebrated every year in the month of April/May (Tamil month: Chithirai). This is called Chithirai festival. The third Bramochavam is in the month of Thai. Ramar had celebrated a festival in Ayodhi for remembering Sriranganathar. This festival is called Boopathi festival. The wife of Srirenganathar is also called Boomadevi.
In Tamil ‘Pathi ‘means "Husband" Booma + pathi becomes Boopathi festival.

More than being just an extraordinary expression of art, these sculptures function as three-dimensional story-books of Hindu mythology. Similar in purpose to the stained glass windows of Europe's medieval cathedrals, these beautiful sculptures were intended to visually communicate religious myths to a largely illiterate population.

For 2000 years the temples of Srirangam have been a center of Bhakti Yoga, which may be defined as the practice of devotional love of god as a spiritual path leading to enlightenment. Because of the generous financial support of the temple by numerous dynasties of ancient India, Srirangam has always been a haven for persons wishing to dedicate their lives to the practice of meditation and devotion. Many of India's most loved saints and sages have spent time at Srirangam including the 11th century sage Ramanuja who lived and was buried in the temple grounds.


Srirangam temple Garudalvar Sanathi is situated opposite to the Ranganathar Sannathi and it is in the second enclosure of the temple. This Garudalvar is 25 feet in height and he is wearing Asta Nagabaranam (literal: Snakes as cloth). He looks like in the position of worshiping Lord Renganathar, and wearing 30 meters dhoti. Here no abishegam (holy bath) is made to Him. Garudalvar is worshipped by the devotees with Kolukattai (rice based food famous in south india) on every Thursday. Here Sukrivan and Angathan stand on the left and right sides of Garudalvaar like Thuvarabalaga (guards) respectively. Every year Margazhi (December) the days belong to star Thiruvadarai are famous for Garudalvar festivals.

Every year on the day of Karthigai visaga yegathesi at the time of valarpirai (growing moon period) in the night Lord Srirnaganathar keeps wearing 365 different types of blankets until the day dawn.


God of Medicine looks after the health of all the organisms. He has separate sannidhanam (temple) at srirangam temple near Thayar sannadhi. He has Amirtha (the holy liquid for immortal life) kalasam. On his hand millipede is there (the scientific reason beyond this is, Millipede can suck blood. So the God of Medicine has millipede, in order to suck the infected blood of patient) Mahalaxmi devi dwells at his heart. Those who are sick, who cannot be cured even after they have undergone treatment, should trust Him. Castor oil lamp pooja is the famous festival in this Sannithanam at Srirangam temple.


In the Srirangam temple Boomadevi, Sridevei and Utchava Ranga nachyar dwell in the same sanithanam and it becomes the holiest vaishnava temple in India.

Laxmi Narayan Temple

Birla Mandir or Laxminarayan Temple is a hindu temple dedicated to Laxminarayan in Delhi, India. The temple is located on the Mandir Marg , west of Connaught Place. The temple is one of Delhi's major temples and a major tourist attraction. The temple is dedicated to Laxmi (the goddess of prosperity) and Narayana (the preserver).

Lakshmi Narayan Mandir is situated to the west of Connaught Place in Delhi. Constructed by Raja Baldev Das in the year 1938, it is dedicated to Lord Vishnu and Goddess Lakshmi. Also known by the name of Birla Mandir of New Delhi, this temple has quite an interesting history attached to it. Built over a period of 6 years, the temple was inaugurated by Mahatma Gandhi. But, he kept a condition that he will inaugurate the Delhi Laxmi Narain Temple only if the people from all castes, especially untouchables, would be able to gain entry inside it. The temple constitutes of one of the major draws of the city and is visited by numerous devotees and international tourists every year.

Lakshmi Narayan Mandir is built magnificently, although with a modern touch. Adorning the interiors of the temples are beautiful carvings depicting the scenes from mythology. Numerous Hindu symbols and quotes from the Gita and the Upanishads ornament the temple walls. The highest Shikara (tower) in the temple soars to an altitude of 165 ft, while the ancillary one is about 116 ft. Facing east and standing on an elevated platform, Birla Mandir of Delhi also enshrines the holy Vedas. The main shrine is dedicated to Lord Narayan and Goddess Lakshmi, while the smaller ones are of Lord Shiva, Lord Ganesha and Lord Hanuman and Goddess Durga.

To the north of the New Delhi Laxmi Narain Temple is the Geeta Bhawan, devoted to Lord Krishna. There is also a Buddha temple in this temple complex, adorned with murals describing his life and work. All the statues in the temple are made up of marble and were brought from Jaipur. Miniature rock temples, which dot the temple, hold a special attraction for the children. The splendor of the temple is enhanced by an artificial landscape in the back, with mountains and cascading waterfalls. The festival of Janmashtami, the birth anniversary of Lord Krishna, lends an enhanced significance to the temple.

The three-storied temple is built in Nagara style of hindu temple architecture. Hundread of skilled craftsman from Benares headed by Acharya Vishvanath Shastri carved the idols of the temple. The idols of the temple were made by marble brought from Jaipur. Kota stone from Makarana, Agra, Kota and Jaisalmer were used in the construction of temple premises. The main temple houses idols of goddess Lakshmi and lord Narayan. Birla Temple attracts thousands of devotees on the hindu festivals of Janmasthtami and Diwali.

Laxmi Narayan Temple, also known as Birla Mandir, is one of Delhi's major temples and a major tourist attraction. Built by the industrialst Sh. J.K. Birla in 1939, this beautiful temple is located in the west of Connaught Place.

The temple is dedicated to Laxmi (the goddess of prosperity) and Narayana (The preserver). The temple was inaugurated by Mahatma Gandhi on the condition that people of all castes will be allowed to enter the temple.

Jagannath Temple of Puri

The Jagannath Temple of Puri is a famous, sacred Hindu temple dedicated to Jagannath and located on the eastern coast of India, at Puri in the state of Odisha.

Address: Grand Road, Puri, Odisha 752001

Puri is one of the four holy dhamas of India (The others are Dvaraka, Badarinath and Rameshvaram). It is located 60km from Bhubaneshwar, on the coast of the Bay Of Bengal.

Puri is called Sri Purushottama Dhama, the abode of the Lord Vishnu on earth. Other names are Sri Kshetra, Nilachala-dhama, Jagannatha-dhama, Yamanika-tirtha, Martya Vaikuntha, Nilagiri, Shankha-kshetra, Dasha-avatara-kshetra and Narasimha-kshetra. Puri is about 2 km wide and 4 km long.

 The name Jagannath literally means the Lord of the Universe. King Indradyumna first established the temple of Lord Jagannath here on the Nilachala hill with the Deity being installed by Lord Brahma himself.

The present temple was begun by King Chora Ganga deva and finised by his descendant Ananga Bhima Deva during 12th century. The temple complex comprises an area of 10.7 acres and is enclosed by 2 rectangular walls. The outer enclosure is called Meghanada Prachira. The walls are 20ft high. The inner wall is called Kurma bheda. The walls were built during 15th or 16th century.

This temple has the largest kitchen in the world, and feeds thousands of devotees daily. 

The kitchen can prepare food for 1,00,000 people on a festival day and 25,000 is not unusual on a normal day.

There are 36 traditional communities who render a specific hereditary service to the Deities. The temple has as many as 6000 priests. There is a wheel on the top of the Jagannath temple made of an alloy of 8 metals. It is called Nila-Chakra (blue wheel). Everyday a different flag is tied to a mast attached to the Nila-Chakra. Every Ekadashi a lamp is lit on the top of the temple near the wheel.

Thirty different smaller temples surround the main temple. The Lord Narasimha temple adjacent to western side of the Mukti-Mandapa, was constructed before the present temple. In front of the main gate is an 11 m pillar known as Aruna Sthambha. This pillar was once in front of the Sun Temple in Konark. It was bought to puri during 18th Century. The figure on the pillar is Aruna, the Sun god's charioteer.

In the passage room of this gate is a Deity of Lord Jagannath known as Patita Pavana (Savior of the Fallen). This deity is visible from the road, so non-Hindus may take His Darshan.

There are 4 gates:

The Eastern Simhadwara (Lion Gate).
The Southern Ashwadwara (House Gate).
The Western Vyaghradwara (The Tiger Gate).
The Northern Hastidwara (Elephant Gate).
There is a carving of each form by the entrance of each gate. The Lion gate, which is the main gate, is located on the Grand side of the road.

The main Deities in the temple are Lord Jagannath, His brother Lord Baladeva, and his sister Subhadra. Some of the other temples within the walls of the temple house Deities of Sri Chaitanya Mahaprabhu, Lord Rama Chandra, Sakshi Gopal, Hanuman, Lord Narasimha, Lord Varaha and others.


The deities of the Puri temple are generally known as the Trimurti(Trinity) though, to the scholars, they are Chaturdhaa murtis (or images, 4 in number). Some think that originally there was only Jagannath as the object of worship and when Neela Madhava disappeared, King Indradyumna fabricated the body of Jagannath out of a log of wood that was picked up from the sea, as per a divine direction received by the King. Scholars holding the view that originally the Present-day Trinity was not there, cite the example of a Temple found in the Cuttack District in Orissa (belonging perhaps to the seventh century A.D.) where the images only of Jagannath and Balabhadra have been carved and Subhadra is not to be seen there.

It is, therefore, believed that when there was a great resurgence of Saktism from the 7th century onwards, there was a successful attempt to install an image of the Mother Goddess (Durga or Sakti) in the Puri Temple by the side of Jagannath. According to some others, installation of the image of Durga or Sakti (who is also known as Bhadraa, Mangalaa etc.) might have taken place during the visit of Sankaraachaarya to Puri. In the Konarka Temple built in the 13th century A.D. (about a century later than the Puri Temple), there is a panel of three images. Jagannath is seen in the middle and to His left is the Mother Goddess, while to His right is a Linga (phallus). From this, it is deduced by some that this might have been the "Trio" of the Puri Temple, indicating the equal importance of Vaishnavism, Saktism and Saivism.

There is another hypothesis that Bhadraa or Mangalaa (Durga) came to be called as Subhadra and at the time of Vaishnavite preponderance, she was introduced as Srikrishna's sister, whose name also is Subhadra. Similarly one of the names of Lord Siva is Veerabhadra. Somehow, at a time of Vaishnavic efflorescence, He was transformed into Balabhadra. (The second half of this name i.e., ‘Bhadra' was retained and the first half was substituted by Bala). When HE was thus called Balabhadra, He, was introduced as the elder brother of Srikrishna.

Vesha of Deities
The Deities are adorned with cotton and silk fabrics, Gold Ornaments studded with precious stones, flowers of different varieties, Tulsi leaves, sandal paste, camphor. These articles are used in the daily and periodical rituals. Some important Veshas or costumes of the deities are mentioned below.
1. Abakasha (Tadapa uttari) Vesha

This Vesha is done everyday after Mangal Aarati for the Abakash rituals. The clothes which are worn by the deities for this purpose are known as "Tadapa" and "Uttariya".


2. Sadha Vesha

This Vesha are the normal costumes of deities which they wear five times in a day, especially after each food offering. This Vesha comprises silken clothes and flower garlands.


3. Bada Sringar Vesha

This the last Vesha of the deities done everyday before the night "Pahuda". Bada Sringar Vesha is mostly of flowers of different colours and species. The deities wear silk clothes called 'Khandua'.


4. Chandan Vesha

This vesha is done for 42 days starting from Akshayya Tritiya day.

5. Ganapati or Hathi vesha

On the full moon day in the month of Jyestha, after the bathing ceremony is over, the deities are dressed like elephants. Lord Jagannath and Lord Balabhadra appear like Ganesh(the Elephant God).


6. Suna(gold) vesha

On the 11th day in the bright fortnight of Ashada, Suna Vesha takes place, when the deities are in their respective chariots near the Lion's gate of Sree Jagannath temple. The deities are decorated with many gold ornaments. This vesha is also known as 'Bada Tadhau' vesha and Raja Vesha is also done on Dashahara, Kartik Purnima,Pousha purnima and Dola purnima.


7. Banabhoji Vesha

It is done on the 10th day of the dark fortnight of Bhadraba. The deities are dressed as if going for a picnic, like cowherd boys.


8. Kaliyadalana Vesha

On the 11th day of the dark fortnight of Bhadraba, Lord JAGANNATH is dressed like Lord Krishna killing the Kaliya Serpent.


9. Pralambasura Badha Vesha

It is done on the 12th day of the dark fortnight of Bhadraba(September), Lord Balabhadra's killing of the demon Pralambasura is depicted in this Vesha.


10. Krishna Balarama Vesha

This Vesha is done on the 13th day of the dark fortnight of Bhadraba. Lord Jagannath and Balabhadra are dressed like Lord Krishna and Balaram.


11. Bali Baman Vesha

On the 12th day of the bright fortnight of Bhadraba, Lord Jagannath is dressed like "Bamana"(dwarf). Bamana is the fifth incarnation of Lord Vishnu.


12. Radha-Damodara Vesha

From the 11th day of the bright fortnight of Ashwina to the 10th day of the bright fortnight of Kartika, this vesha takes place.


13. Thiakia(Laxmi-Narayan) Vesha

It is done on the 11th day of the bright fortnight of Kartika.


14. Bankachula Vesha

It is done on the 12th day of the bright fortnight of Kartika.


15. Adakia(Tribikrama) Vesha

This is done on the 13th day of the bright fortnight of Kartika.


16. Dalikia Vesha

On the 14th day of the bright fortnight of Kartika, this is also known as Laxmi-Nrisimha Vesha.


17. Nagarjuna Vesha

This vesha is occasionally done in the month of Kartika, when there are six days of "Panchaka". The lords are dressed like warriors. In the recent past, this besha has been done on 16.11.1994. The previous four dates were 26.11.1993, 3.11.1968, 16.11.1967 and 26.11.1966.


18. Ghodalagi Vesha

During the period from the 6th day of the bright fortnight of Margasira to the 5th day of the bright fortnight of Magha(Basanta Panchami), the deities wear winter clothes.


19. Jamalagi Vesha

From Basanta Panchami to Dola Purnima, the deities wear modified Ghoda(Winter dress).


20. Padma Vesha

This vesha is done on any saturday or Wednesday between the new moon day of Magha and Basanta Panchami. "Padma" means lotus. The dress materials made of lotus, "Sola" lace and paper,gum etc.


21. Gaja Uddharana Vesha

This Vesha is done on the full moon day of Magha. This Vesha depicts a story in the puranas as to how Lord Vishnu saved an elephant from the attack of an Alligator.

Besides these, there are other veshas like Shradha and Chacheri veshas are done in the month of Margasira and Falguna respectively. The sevaks of temple who dress the deities with clothing and flowers are known as Puspalaks or Singharis.