अयोध्या का समृद्ध जाल: ऐतिहासिक, आध्यात्मिक, और सांस्कृतिक अद्वितीय (Exploring the Rich Tapestry of Ayodhya: A Historical, Spiritual, and Cultural Marvel)

Unveiling Spiritual Splendor: Swarved Mahamandir in Varanasi

Introduction:


Nestled along the spiritual banks of the holy Ganges, Swarved Mahamandir in Varanasi stands as a testament to divinity and architectural marvel. This sacred edifice, resonating with Vedic wisdom, attracts seekers and devotees from around the globe. Explore the spiritual journey as we unveil the magnificence of Swarved Mahamandir.

Dwarkadhish Temple Mathura

Location:	Eastern part of Mathura
Built by:	Seth Gokul Das Parikh
Built in:	1814
Dedicated to:	Lord Krishna
Significance:	One of the most visited temples of Mathura
How to reach:	One can easily reach Dwarkadhish Temple by taking local Buses or by hiring Taxis from Delhi

Dwarkadhish Temple is an inexorable part of the religious shrines of Mathura. Mathura is a small town in the western part of Uttar Pradesh. In terms of religion, Mathura is an important place, where Lord Krishna took birth, around 5000 years ago. Located in the eastern part of Mathura, Dwarkadheesh Mandir can be reached easily by means of local transport available in Mathura. It is also accessible from Delhi through regular buses and private taxis.

Dwarkadheesh Temple is one of the most visited shrines of Mathura. Built in 1814, Dwarkadhish Temple is said to have been constructed by Seth Gokul Das Parikh, who was the treasurer of the Gwalior Estate. He was a great devotee of Lord Krishna and erected the shrine to commemorate the deity. In the present day, Dwarikadhish Temple is administered by the followers of the Vallabhacharya sect.

The main shrine embraces the images of Lord Krishna and his beloved Radha. Apart from the image of Radha-Krishna, the shrine has images of other Gods of the Hindu Pantheon. The structure of the temple has the glimpse of local art and architecture. The interiors boast the excellent work of art, brilliant carvings and exquisite paintings.

In the vein of other Krishna temples, Janmashtami is the major festival that is celebrated with great enthusiasm in the temple. Besides Janmashtami, the much-awaited festivals like Holi and Diwali are observed with a whole-hearted celebration. People from all over the country come to this sacred shrine to receive the blessings from the Lord.

Sankat Mochan Temple

Location:	At Sankat Mochan Gali, Varanasi
Dedicated to:	Lord Hanuman
Significance:	An Ancient Temple
How to reach:	One can easily reach Sankat Mochan Temple by taking local Buses, Rickshaws or by hiring Taxis from Varanasi

Sankat Mochan Temple is one amongst the most visited shrines of Varanasi, the holy city of India. Located at Sankat Mochan Gali (Street) in the southern part of Varanasi, Sankat Mochan Hanuman Mandir is highly revered by the followers of Hinduism. The temple can be reached easily by the means of local transport in the city of Varanasi. Sankat Mochan is the other name of Lord Hanuman; consequently the temple is dedicated to him.

The term 'Sankat Mochan' suggests "deliverer from troubles". According to the Hindu beliefs, Lord Hanuman is provider of courage, intellect and knowledge. Lord Hanuman is also believed to the eradicator of all worries and tensions. Sankat Mochan Temple was established by Tulsidas, the legendary author of 'The Tulsi Ramayana' (the Hindi version of epic "The Ramcharitmanas"). It is regarded that regular 'puja' (worship) of Lord Hanuman at this temple, brings good luck to the devotee.

People visit this temple in large numbers on Tuesdays and Saturdays to pay their homage to the Lord Hanuman. Since countless years, devotees come here to seek the blessings of the Lord. People apply "Sindoor" (vermilion) on the statue of Lord Hanuman and offer "Laddoos" in the offering. Devotees recite hymns of "Hanuman Chalisa ", "Kishkindha" and "Sundar Kand" as a due part of their prayers.

As per the Vedic Astrology, Lord Hanuman defends and liberates human being from the wicked effects of 'Shani' (Planet Saturn). All those, who have ill-placed Saturn in their horoscope, should offer homage at this temple to get relief from the distress. In the earlier times, the temple was very small in its size. Later, the temple complex was extended attributable to the kind donations made by the devotees.

Festival 
On the day of 'Kartik Krishna Chaturdashi", special prayers are made to the Lord. The temple observes an annual festival on the full moon night of the month of 'Chaitra', which is also known as Hanuman Jayanti. At this juncture, a procession is taken out in the streets of Varanasi. The festival too, attracts plenty of visitors to Sankat Mochan Temple.

Shakumbhari Devi Temple

Location:	In Jasmour village of Saharanpur district, Uttar Pradesh
Built by:	Maratha Rulers
Dedicated to:	Goddess Shakumbhari (a form of Durga)
How to reach:	One can easily reach Shakumbhari Devi Temple by taking regular Buses or by hiring taxis from Delhi

Shakumbhari Devi Temple is an ancient shrine that is visited by numerous pilgrims round the year. This revered shrine is located in Jasmour village, which lies at a distance of 40 kms in the north of Saharanpur (Uttar Pradesh). Shakumbari Devi Mandir is easily accessible from Delhi through regular buses or private taxis. Perched in the midst of Shivalik mountain range, the temple is believed to have been built by the Marathas.

There is nothing extra-ordinary about the architecture of this temple, but the divine aura makes it different from others. Many devotees believe that no one goes empty handed from the shrine of the Goddess. It is alleged that Shakumbhri Devi is the slayer of the demon king, Mahishasur. According to the legends, Shakumbhari Devi did penance (tapa) for 100 years and had vegetarian meal only once at the month end.

As the legend goes further, the Goddess helped the living beings to sustain by having plants and vegetables, when there was no water on the Earth, for about 100 years. For the period of her penance, many saints (Rishi-Munis) came to have a glimpse of the Goddess. All the saints were well treated and offered vegetarian meals. Due to the fact that the Goddess eats vegetarian food, she came to be known as Shakumbhari Devi.

As per the sayings, Sankaracharya came to this place and meditated here. He found the idols and placed them in the shrine. In the sanctum sanctorum, Shakumbhari Devi is enshrined in the company of Bhramari Devi, Bhima Devi and Sheetla Devi. In fact, all these goddesses imply the same 'Shakti' (Power) that incarnated herself in different forms at different intervals of time.

In the east of this temple, there is a shrine at a distance of one kilometer. This shrine is dedicated to Bhura Dev (Lord Bhairav), who is regarded as the guard of Shakumbhari Devi. It is said that a visit to this temple is a must, in order to complete the journey to Shakumbari Devi.

Festival
In the vein of other Goddess temples, this too observes great festivity during the time of 'Navratra'. At the time of Navratras of Ashwin and Chaitra, loads of pilgrims and devotees come to pay their homage to the Goddess and seek her blessings. The temple is getting popular day by day, due to its spiritual belongingness and aesthetic appeal.