Borra caves

Located on the east coast of India, the Borra Caves are situated in the Ananthagiri hills of the Araku Valley in Visakhapatnam district. Breath taking hilly terrain, beautiful landscape, semi-evergreen moist deciduous forests, and wild fauna of the Borra Caves are a visual feast.

A marvellous creation of nature, the Borra caves were formed when river waters flow through a limestone area, and the calcium carbonate turns into calcium bicarbonate, which is easily washed out by the running water. The most striking feature of the caves is its exquisite variety of speleothems ranging in size.

Borra Caves are deemed to be among the largest in the country and are perched at a whopping elevation of about 705 metres. They are basically karstic limestone structures extending to a depth of 80 m and are considered to be the deepest cave in India. The combination of sunlight and dark conjures amazing dancing shaped in the depths of the Borra Caves, which is a sight in itself.

Natural skylights in the caves make way for colourful imagery that imparts them a unique enigma of their own. Animal lovers will find bats as well as the golden geckos hiding in the shadows of the niches. The journey up to the primary destination with its picturesque location and a thrilling hike is a treat in itself. Visit this destination and explore the unique beauty of Araku Valley in all its glory.

chandragiri fort

Chandragiri was under the rule of Yadavaraya for about three centuries and came under the control of the Vijayanagarayadava rulers in 1367. It came into prominence during 1560s during the reign of Saluva Narasimha Deva Raya. Later, the most famous Vijayanagara emperor Srikrishna Devaraya, was kept in this fort as a prince, till his coronation at Penukonda. It is also said that he met his future queen Chinna Devi at this fort. Chandragiri was the 4th capital of Vijayanagara Empire,

Rayas shifted their capital to here when the Golconda sultans attacked Penukonda. In 1646 the fort was annexed to the Golkonda territory and subsequently came under Kingdom of Mysore rule. It went into oblivion from 1792 onward.The Raja Mahal Palace is now an archaeological museum. The palace is an example of Indo-Sarcen architecture of Vijayanagara period.

The crowning towers represents the Hindu architectural elements. The palace was constructed using stone, brick, lime mortar and devoid of timber.Some of important kavyas or epic poems are written in this fort under the patronage of Vijayanagara kings. Inside the fort are eight temples, Raja Mahal, Rani Mahal and other ruined structures. Inside the fort are Raja Mahal and Rani Mahal which are quite well maintained for more than 300 years and Raja Mahal is converted as Archeological Museum by Arechological Survey of India. The museum holds models of fort, main temple and other structures of surrounding area. Both of these building were constructed without using wood and only lime, brick and morter was used. Rani Mahal has flat roof and at base level it has stable and epigraphical evidence says that this building was also used as commanders quarters.

The fort is the place where the pact of granting lands for Fort St. George to the British was signed by Vijayanagara King Sri Rangaraya during August 1639.

PALANI(The Spiritual Temple)

Southern India specially The tamil nadu consits of many murugan temples but palani is very popular temple in the tamil nadu. For devotees regarding the health and spiritualality the palani is famous. 
the temple is located in the dindigal district of tamilnadu.It is also called as palani armurligu dandayudapani kshetram. lord karthikaya as subrahmanium swamy in the iduban hills of this place, the devotees perform special pooja regarding the karthika masam. To view this spiritual performances there will be a large numbers in the devotees all across the india. This temple was built in the  7th centuary AD by Chiman perumal of kerala king.Later developed by the pandians. the statue in the temple was designed by bogar muni by the harmful poisonous which can be seen inside the temple. in the olden days the priests used to give the vibudi from the Thais of the statue to the leprosy infected people but later on stopped as the statue getting reduced.

TEMPLE HISTORY

long time ago when narada muni reached the kailas and  visits the shivaparvathy and gaves them the knowledge fruit and puts a condition to give them to only one of yours sons. to test the sons the lord shiva gives a task regarding the ritual of revolving clockwise around the whole universe(parikrama of universe).the karthikeya on his peacock goes faster but wherever he goes the ganesh his brother will be before him. he later knows that ganesh has awarded with the knowledge fruit , he gets dispointed and comes to the bhulokam on the indumban hill. the lord shivaparvathy recognize this  and console him  and cheer him up saying the meaning of sakala gnana phalam in tamil is palam and yourself in tamil is ni combining both it is palani. The lord in palani is belived as knowledgeble person. from then devotees bring the children to get blessings of  lord kumarswamy .

KAVADI SPECIALTY

The kumarswamy has many disciples including the agasya maha muni. there was a rakshas named indumban who joins as a deciple of agasya muni. the muni thinks to get rid of his evil elements in him for this the muni puts a task for him. the indumban has two bring the two hills named shiva giri and shakti giri from kailas . As instructed, Idumban having arrived at Mount Kailai, picked up both the hills, tied them and swung them across his shoulders.

Lord Murugan had other plans. He wanted the two hills to be placed at Thiruvavinankudi (Palani) and at the same time test the devotion and tenacity of purpose of Idumban.

Idumban who was on his way back with the hills suddenly found himself lost. Lord Murugan appeared as a king, riding a horse led Idumban to Thiruvavinankudi (Palani) and requested Idumban to rest there so that he could continue his journey later.

Having rested, Idumban tried to carry the two hills but strangely found that he could not do so. A perplexed Idumban looked up and saw a child in loincloth standing atop one of the hills. Idumban requested the child to get down, however, the child refused claiming that the hills belonged to him. An angered Idumban attempted to attack the child but found himself falling like an uprooted tree. A scuffle ensued and Idumban was defeated. Only then did Idumban realize that the child was none other than Muruga or Subrahmanya Himself – the ruling deity of the region. Idumban craved the pardon of the divine child and also sought the boon that anyone who comes to the hills to worship Sri Muruga with an object similar to the two hillocks suspended by a load bearing pole, may be granted his heart’s desire. Idumban’s wish was granted. Murugan also said that he would bless those who bring sandal, milk, flowers, etc. in a kavadi to His shrine. Hence, the practice of carrying a kavadi.

At the Sri Thendayuthapani Temple, one can see a small sanctum dedicated to Idumban. Devotees who usually fast for Thaipusam break their fast one day later after offering their prayers to Idumban.

AHOBILAM

 A  pilgrimage to the ‘Nava Narasimha Kshetrams’ at Ahobilam, nestled in the lush green Nallamala forests along the Eastern Ghats in Andhra Pradesh is a fascinating spiritual journey which remained beyond the reach of the devotees until the 1970s

‘Aho Veeryam Aho Sauryam Aho Bahu Parakramah…Narasimham Param Deivam…Ahobilam Aho Balam’ a shloka recited by none other than the Gods themselves as they witnessed the sheer power with which Lord Sri Maha Vishnu as incarnation of Lord Ugra Narasimha ferociously slayed the demon king Hiranyakashipu using just his finger nails, to save his ardent devotee Sri Prahlada, who was also the son of Hiranyakashipu

While every incarnation of Lord Sri Maha Vishnu is unique, the ‘Nrusimhavathara’ avatar is very special. In ‘Nrusimhavathara,’ Lord Sri Maha Vishnu descended upon Earth only to save a single child Prahlada from the clutches of the demon king Hiranyakashipu who had obtained a peculiar boon from Lord Shiva whereby he could not be killed by a human or an animal, neither in the day nor in the night, neither inside nor outside the palace.

Lord Ahobila Narasimha weds Goddess Chenchu Lakshmi

It is said after the Lord took the incarnation of the most ferocious form of Sri Jwala Narasimha, even the Gods were afraid and they feared that the Lord's anger would bring about the end of the world. 

Goddess Lakshmi who was born in a local Chenchu tribe then approached the Lord to pacify and calm him Him so that his anger was controlled and he could bless the devout. The Lord then wed Goddess Chenchu Lakshmi and bestowed His divine grace on the child Sri Prahlada and the whole mankind.

To date, the local Chenchu tribes treat the Lord as their ‘son in-law’ and Goddess Chenchu Lakshmi as their own daughter. Legend has it that before the annual Brahmotsavams, Lord Jwala Narasimha and Lord Prahlada Varadha travel to forty eight villages in and around Ahobilam as part of the ‘Parveta Utsavam,’ to invite the local Chenchu tribes and the locals for His marriage with Goddess Chenchu Lakshmi.

This tradition continues and each time the Lord visits a particular village, the event is celebrated with pomp and gaiety. Special honours are accorded to the local Chenchu tribes on the eve of Makara Sankranthi, the annual Brahmotsavams as well as on all festive occasions observed at Ahobilam all round the year.

Ahobilam: Sacred abode of Lord Vishnu on Earth
As per the Brahmanda Puranam, there is no deity more supreme in the entire universe than the nine deities of Lord Narasimha residing at the sacred abode of Ahobilam. Neither is there any river more pious than the Bhavanasini which flows through Ahobilam which kills the cycle of rebirth. It is also believed that Garudadri is the most sacred hill on Earth, and Prahlada is the most ardent Yogi even though he hailed from the demon clan.  

There are nine temples of Lord Narasimha at Ahobilam. 

Jwala Narasimha

The shrine of Lord Jwala Narasimha is believed to be the actual place where the Lord had slain the demon King Hiranyakashipu. The pillar from which the Lord emerged is believed to be the mountain behind this shrine, which is in a cave located in the Achalachaaya Meru Hill. One can also find a pond near the shrine called 'Raktha Kundam', where the water has a reddish tinge.According to legend, after killing the demon king, the Lord washed His hands at this pond which is why the water is a bit red in colour. This shrine is situated about 4 kms away from the Upper Ahobilam temple. Lighting ghee lamps at this shrine in the month of Karthika is considered very auspicious. 

Malola Narasimha

Situated on the Vedadri Hill, about 2 kms away from the Upper Ahobilam temple, is the fascinating temple of Lord Malola Narasimha. This shrine is also referred to as Markanda Lakshmi Kshetra. Here, the Lord has His left leg folded while His right leg is in a hanging posture. Goddess Sri Mahalakshmi is seated on the folded leg of Lord Malola Narasimha.The Lord has a set of four hands. It is believed that prayers offered at the Lord Malola Narasimha temple ushers prosperity.Varaha Narasimha  (Kroda Narasimha)

The Varaha Narasimha also referred to as Kroda Narasimha shrine is situated 2 kms away from the Upper Ahobilam temple between the Vedadri and the Garudadri hills. The Lord as Varaha Narasimha has the head of a wild boar, tail of a lion, and a human body with two hands. The Lord appears to be fondly touching the Goddess with His snout. The place is called Siddha Kshetra. It is believed that to attain success in one’s chosen path one should observe penance for 5 days.

Kaaranja Narasimha 
(Saranga Narasimha)
Worship at the temple of Lord Kaaranja Narasimha augurs abundant knowledge and wisdom for the devotees. The temple is situated about 1 km away from the Upper Ahobilam shrine and sits snugly under a Kaaranja tree. The Lord has a hooded Cobra here as a canopy. The Lord holds the Discuss and the Saaranga (bow) and hence the name, Saranga Narasimha.

Bhaargava Narasimha
It is believed that Lord Parasurama who is an incarnation of Lord Sri Maha Vishnu worshipped at the temple during Akshaya Teertha and prayed that Lord Narasimha manifest Himself here in the form in which he had slain the demon king Hiranyakashipu.

The Lord manifested Himself on the request of Lord Parasurama and hence the name Bhaargava Narasimha shrine. This temple is situated about 2 kms away from the Upper Ahobilam shrine. The Lord is four handed, with two hands holding the Conch and the Discuss, while the other two are ripping apart the stomach of the demon king Hiranyakashipu.

Yogaananda Narasimha
The Yogaananda Narasimha shrine is situated about 2 kms away from the Lower Ahobilam temple. According to legend, after the demon king Hiranyakashipu was killed, Lord Narasimha is believed to have taught many Yogic asanas to his devotee Sri Prahlada at this place. The Lord here appears calm and composed in a Yoga posture. The Lord can be seen in the Padmasana posture. According to the popular belief the Lord confers bliss to the devotees who worship here.

Chatravata Narasimha
Lord Chatravata Narasimha is the tallest and the most attractive amongst all the deities of the Nava Narasimhas. The Chatravata Narasimha temple is located about 4 kms away from the Lower Ahobilam temple. As per legend, two Gandharvas (celestial musicians) named Haahaa and Hoohoo from Meru Mountains appeased Lord Narasimha with their divine music. The Lord blessed them and fulfilled all their desires.

Since then, devotees with skills in music, render performances before the deity here and seek the divine blessings of the Almighty. The devotees are of the firm belief that Lord Chatravata Narasimha grants mastery in music and fine arts to the aspiring devotees.

Paavana Narasimha
The trek to the Paavana Narasimha shrine is an arduous one. The shrine is situated in the dense Nallamala forests and is about 7 km away from the Upper Ahobilam temple. The idol is mesmerizing and under the canopy of His celestial carrier, the Adisesha (King of Snakes). Here the Lord is in the form of Sri Lakshmi Narasimha.

Ugra Narasimha
‘Upper Ahobilam,’ is the abode of Lord Ugra Narasimha who is enshrined inside a cave. This is the main shrine amongst the nine temples of Lord Narasimha at Ahobilam. The temple is situated 13 kms away from the Lower Ahobilam temple. One can drive up the distance or trek along the footpath route which trails right adjacent to the beautiful Bhava Naasini River. The Lord here is believed to have self-manifested here and is a ‘Svayambhu’ also a ‘Saalagraama.’ The Lord appears ferocious with the demon king Hiranyakashipu lying across His thighs and His two hands holding the head and the legs of the demon king.
One one side, Sri Prahlada can be seen offering his prayers to the Lord with folded hands. 

Sanchi

Sanchi is the center of a region with a number of stupas, all within a few miles of Sanchi, including Satdhara (9 km to the W of Sanchi, 40 stupas, the Relics of Sariputra and Mahamoggallana, now enshrined in the new Vihara, were unearthed there), Bhojpur (also called Morel Khurd, a fortified hilltop with 60 stupas) and Andher (respectively 11 km and 17 km SE of Sanchi), as well as Sonari(10 km SW of Sanchi)

Sanchi Stupa is a Buddhist complex, famous for its Great Stupa, on a hilltop at Sanchi Town in Raisen District of the State of Madhya Pradesh, India. It is located in 46 kilometres (29 mi) north-east of Bhopal, capital of Madhya Pradesh. The Great Stupa at Sanchi is one of the oldest stone structures in India, and an important monument of Indian Architecture

Uday giri caves

The Udayagiri Caves are twenty rock-cut caves near Vidisha, Madhya Pradesh from the early years of the 5th century CE. They contain some of the oldest surviving Hindu temples and iconography in India. They are the only site that can be verifiably associated with a Gupta period monarch from its inscriptions. 

Udayagiri caves contain iconography of Vaishnavism (Vishnu), Shaktism (Durga and Matrikas) and Shaivism (Shiva).They are notable for the ancient monumental reliefsculpture of Vishnu in his incarnation as the man-boar Varaha, rescuing the earth symbolically represented by Bhudevi clinging to the boar's tusk as described in Hindu mythology. The site has important inscriptions of the Gupta dynastybelonging to the reigns of Chandragupta II and Kumaragupta I (c. 415-55).In addition to these, Udayagiri has a series of rock-shelters and petroglyphs, ruined buildings, inscriptions, water systems, fortifications and habitation mounds, all of which remain a subject of continuing archaeological studies. The Udayagiri Caves complex consists of twenty caves, of which one is dedicated to Jainism and all others to Hinduism.The Jain cave is notable for one of the oldest known Jaina inscriptions from 425 CE, while the Hindu Caves feature inscriptions from 401 CE.