Holy India
Om vakratundaya hum
Holy India :
River Ganga holds an exalted and sacred position in the Hindu religion. The important place of River Ganges can be gauged by the fact that many ancient India texts refer to the river at different places. River Ganges is repeatedly invoked in the Vedas, the Puranas, the Ramayana and the Mahabharata. In Hindu mythology, River Ganga is associated with many legends and myths. According to legends, River Ganga is considered as one of the two daughters of Meru (the Himalayas), the other being Uma, consort of Shiva.
The most interesting legend about River Ganga revolves around a king: Sagara, his sons, grandson (Ansuman) and the great grandson, Bhagirath.
Once King Sagara performed the Ashwamedha sacrifice (horse ceremony), in which a horse is allowed to roam at will and warriors try to rein in the horse. Stopping the horse amounts to declaration of war and if they fail that means they accept the suzerainty of the King. The sixty thousand sons of King Sagara went about looking for the horse and ended up reaching the deep oceans and the horse was found close to the sage Kapila, who sat in deep meditation. In their attempt to catch the horse the sons disturbed Kapila, who instantly burnt them to ashes with his fiery gaze.
Pleased with the insight and knowledge of Ansuman, the grandson of Sagara, sage Kapila told Anshuman that the waters of Ganga, who was residing in heaven, might release the souls of the sons of Sagara. Finally, it was Dilip's son Bhagiratha, who managed to bring Goddess Ganga on earth. To bear the impact of the severity of the fall of River Ganga, Bhagiratha prayed to Lord Shiva, who agreed for the same. Finally, the river Ganga came down and fell into Shiva's matted hair and thence to earth. Bhagiratha led the way on horseback and the river followed. They finally reached the spot where the ashes of the six thousand sons lay and liberated the souls.
Once King Sagara performed the Ashwamedha sacrifice (horse ceremony), in which a horse is allowed to roam at will and warriors try to rein in the horse. Stopping the horse amounts to declaration of war and if they fail that means they accept the suzerainty of the King. The sixty thousand sons of King Sagara went about looking for the horse and ended up reaching the deep oceans and the horse was found close to the sage Kapila, who sat in deep meditation. In their attempt to catch the horse the sons disturbed Kapila, who instantly burnt them to ashes with his fiery gaze.
Pleased with the insight and knowledge of Ansuman, the grandson of Sagara, sage Kapila told Anshuman that the waters of Ganga, who was residing in heaven, might release the souls of the sons of Sagara. Finally, it was Dilip's son Bhagiratha, who managed to bring Goddess Ganga on earth. To bear the impact of the severity of the fall of River Ganga, Bhagiratha prayed to Lord Shiva, who agreed for the same. Finally, the river Ganga came down and fell into Shiva's matted hair and thence to earth. Bhagiratha led the way on horseback and the river followed. They finally reached the spot where the ashes of the six thousand sons lay and liberated the souls.
The legend of four holies cities: According to Hindu mythology, four sites where drops of the elixir of immortality, Amrita, accidentally spilled over from the pitcher, in which it was being carried away by the celestial bird Garuda, after the Samudra manthan. These four spots -- Ujjain, Haridwar, Nasik, and Allahabad -- have today become places, where the Kumbha Mela is celebrated once every 3 years in any of these 4 places and after a period of 12 years, the Maha Kumbha Mela is celebrated on the 12th year at Prayag in Allahabad. Millions of pilgrims, devotees, and tourists congregate here from all over the world to celebrate the event. They perform ritualistic bathing on the banks of the river Ganga.
Haridwar : Gateway to the Gods
Haridwar is regarded as one of the seven holiest places to Hindus.
Chandi Devi
The temple of Chandi Devi atop the Neel Parvat on the other bank of river Ganga was constructed in 1929 AD by the King of Kashmir - Suchat Singh. The temple is a 3 km trek from Chandi Ghat. Legend has it that Chanda-Munda the army chief of the local demon king, Shumbha-Nishumbha, was killed by Goddess Chandi here after which the place got the name Chandi Devi.
It is believed that the main statue was established by the Adi Sankaracharya in 8th Century AD. Chandi Devi Temple is accessible by a ropeway, which starts near Gauri Shankar Temple.
Bharat Mata Temple
This is one of the important temples of Haridwar. It has eight stories in which the images of cities, heroes and great men are installed.
Shanti Kunj
It is the famous ashram of Gayatri. Followers and pilgrims from far and wide converge here for yoga and natural cures.
Maya Devi Temple
It is an ancient temple of Maya Devi the Adhishtkatri deity of Haridwar, known as one of the Siddhapeethas. It is believed that the heart and navel of goddess Sati had fallen at this ancient saktipeeth, located to the east of Har-ki-Pauri.
Har-Ki-Pauri
Har-Ki-Pauri the sacred Ghat was constructed by King Vikramaditya in memory of his brother Bhartrihari. It is believed that Bhartihari eventually came to Haridwar to meditate by the banks of the holy Ganga. When he died, his brother constructed the Ghat in his name which later came to be known as Har-Ki-Pauri. This sacred bathing Ghat is also known as Brahmakund. The reflection of golden hues of floral diyas in the river Ganga is the most enchanting sight in the twilight during the Ganga Arti Ceremony. It is the most important Ghat on the river Ganga, where a holy dip is a must for every devotee.
Deoprayag :
Deoprayag ("Divine confluence") is the meeting place for the Bhagirathi River (left) and the Alakananda River, the two major Himalayan tributaries of the Ganges. Above Deoprayag each of these rivers has their separate identities, below it there is only the Ganges.
Rishikesh :
The sacred river Ganga flows through Rishikesh. In fact, it is here that the river leaves the Shivalik mountains Himalayas, and flows out into the plains of northern India. Several temples, ancient as well as new, can be found along the banks of the Ganges in Rishikesh. The city attracts thousands of pilgrims and tourists each year, from within India, as well as from other countries. Rishikesh, sometimes nicknamed "the world-capital of Yoga", has numerous yoga centres that also attract tourists. It is believed that meditation in Rishikesh brings one closer to attainment of moksha, as does a dip in the holy river that flows through it. It is also becoming a popular spot for white water rafting enthusiasts, both from India and abroad, as it offers medium to rough rapids in the course of river Ganges.
Triveni Ghat
Around 1½ km from the Rishikesh is a bathing spot known as Triveni. It is believed that three mountain streams flow together on this spot making the ghat (bank) more sacred. Pilgrims from various places come here to take a dip in the holy water, which is supposed to wash off all their sins.
Le Lakshman Jhula
Lakshman Jhula is a hanging bridge on the river Ganges that flows here. According to legends, Lakshman the brother of Lord Ram crossed this river with the help of a hanging bridge made of jute. The present suspended bridge was built in the year AD 1939. The place of the present bridge is supposedly on the same spot where the original jute suspended bridge used to be. The view from the bridge, especially the view of the high current of the river is incomparable. During monsoon season, the water level of the river increases considerably along with the speed of the current. Near the Lakshman Jhula is the Ram Jhula also known as Shivanand Jhula.
Le Nilkanth Mahadev Melac
It is a place of interest especially for the religious minded tourists. It is said to be the place where Lord Shiva drank the venom that had come out during the cosmic churning of the ocean by the gods and demons. The spot is at a distance of 12 km from the centre of Rishikesh town and is surrounded by lush, sylvan forests.
Le Bharat Mandir
The Bharat Mandir is the oldest temple in Rishikesh, near the Jhanda Chowk, Rabya Rishi did tapasya at this place. The township of Rishikesh is named after the "Lord Hrishikesh Narayan Bharat".
Ayodhya was one of the most ancient, largest and most magnificent of Indian cities. Many Hindus believe the birthplace of Rama to be in Ayodhya at the place called Ram Janmabhoomi, the site of the demolished Babri Mosque. Ayodhya was the victim of pillage and sacking during the Ghaznavid raids and Ghorid invasions. Some Hindu temples were allegedly looted or destroyed. Some believe that the Babri Mosque was constructed on the remains of a temple, but this claim remains very controversial.
Hanuman Garhi
Hanuman Garhi is one of the most important temples of Ayodhya. Situated in the center of the town, the temple is approachable by a flight of 76 steps. Legend has it that lord Hanuman lived here in a cave and guarded the ramkot. The present temple was built in the middle of 10th century, in shape of a four sided ford with circular bastions at each corner. The temple houses an image of lord Hanuman.
Kanak Bhawan
Kanak Bhawan is one of the finist temple in Ayodhya. It was built by queen of tikamgarh, virshbhanu kuvari in 1891. the main temple is built around an opened inner court in which stands a small shrine of Rampada . the main idols installed inside the garbhagriha are of Devi Sit & Lord Rama . the sanctrum is well decorated .
Treta Ke Thakur
This temple stands at the place where lord rama is said to have performed the Ashvamedah yajna . about 300 years ago the raja of Kulu built a new temple here, which was improved by Ahalyabai holkar of indore. At the same time the adjoining ghats were also built. The initial idols in back sandstone where recovered from river Saryu and placed in the new temple, famous as kale-RAM -ka -mandir .
Shri Ramjanma Bhoomi
Believed to be discovered by king Vikramaditya. On the auspicious day of Ramnavami during chaitra month ( March-April) devotees come here in large numbers.
Swargdwar
The strip of land from Sahasradhara to Nageshwarnath temple is commonly denoted as Swargdwar. The buildings on the Ghat facing the river were mainly built during the reign of Nawab Safdar Jung and his Hindu minister Naval Rai, who is credited in in particular for their construction. The buildings and the Ghats offer a fine view. In recent years the river bed has shifted northwards, leaving the Ghats, therefore the new Ghats were built around 1960 along with the new bridge. The 'pairi' as it is popularly known offers an excellent view from the bridge.
Nageshwarnath Temple
Nageshwarnath is considered to be the presiding deity of Ayodhya. The temple of Nageshwarnath is said to have been established by Kush, the son of Lord Rama. Legend has it that kush lost his armlet while bathing in the river Saryu, which was picked up by a Nag-Kanya, who fell in love with him. As she was a devotee lf Lord Shiva, Kush erected this temple for her. It is said that this has been the only temple to have survived till the time of king vikramadiya, the rest of city had fallen into ruins and was covered by dense forests. It was by means of this temple that king vikmaditya was able to locate Ayodhya and the sites and different shrines here. The festival of shivratra is celebrated here with great pomp and splendour. The present temple built during the reign of sufdarjung by hindu minister Naval Rai around 1750.
Mani Parvat
stands about 65 feet high and some scholars think it to be Buddhist orgin. According to legends it was while Lord Hanuman was carrying the hill bearning the Sanjeevani Booti (herb) for Lakshmans wounds from Himalayas on way to Lanka a portion broke off and fell at Aydhoa and this is that very mound.
Hanuman Garhi is one of the most important temples of Ayodhya. Situated in the center of the town, the temple is approachable by a flight of 76 steps. Legend has it that lord Hanuman lived here in a cave and guarded the ramkot. The present temple was built in the middle of 10th century, in shape of a four sided ford with circular bastions at each corner. The temple houses an image of lord Hanuman.
Kanak Bhawan
Kanak Bhawan is one of the finist temple in Ayodhya. It was built by queen of tikamgarh, virshbhanu kuvari in 1891. the main temple is built around an opened inner court in which stands a small shrine of Rampada . the main idols installed inside the garbhagriha are of Devi Sit & Lord Rama . the sanctrum is well decorated .
Treta Ke Thakur
This temple stands at the place where lord rama is said to have performed the Ashvamedah yajna . about 300 years ago the raja of Kulu built a new temple here, which was improved by Ahalyabai holkar of indore. At the same time the adjoining ghats were also built. The initial idols in back sandstone where recovered from river Saryu and placed in the new temple, famous as kale-RAM -ka -mandir .
Shri Ramjanma Bhoomi
Believed to be discovered by king Vikramaditya. On the auspicious day of Ramnavami during chaitra month ( March-April) devotees come here in large numbers.
Swargdwar
The strip of land from Sahasradhara to Nageshwarnath temple is commonly denoted as Swargdwar. The buildings on the Ghat facing the river were mainly built during the reign of Nawab Safdar Jung and his Hindu minister Naval Rai, who is credited in in particular for their construction. The buildings and the Ghats offer a fine view. In recent years the river bed has shifted northwards, leaving the Ghats, therefore the new Ghats were built around 1960 along with the new bridge. The 'pairi' as it is popularly known offers an excellent view from the bridge.
Nageshwarnath Temple
Nageshwarnath is considered to be the presiding deity of Ayodhya. The temple of Nageshwarnath is said to have been established by Kush, the son of Lord Rama. Legend has it that kush lost his armlet while bathing in the river Saryu, which was picked up by a Nag-Kanya, who fell in love with him. As she was a devotee lf Lord Shiva, Kush erected this temple for her. It is said that this has been the only temple to have survived till the time of king vikramadiya, the rest of city had fallen into ruins and was covered by dense forests. It was by means of this temple that king vikmaditya was able to locate Ayodhya and the sites and different shrines here. The festival of shivratra is celebrated here with great pomp and splendour. The present temple built during the reign of sufdarjung by hindu minister Naval Rai around 1750.
Mani Parvat
stands about 65 feet high and some scholars think it to be Buddhist orgin. According to legends it was while Lord Hanuman was carrying the hill bearning the Sanjeevani Booti (herb) for Lakshmans wounds from Himalayas on way to Lanka a portion broke off and fell at Aydhoa and this is that very mound.
Guptar Ghat
contains a series of fine well - maintained ghats which were built by Raja darshan singth in the 1st half of the 19th century. On top of the ghats a palace was built which comprises a Sita -RAM temple in the centre of the courtyard . the shrines of chakrahari and guptahari exist here with a small narasimha temple.
Suraj Kund
3 km. from ayodhya is suraj kund, a large tank with ghats around built by the rulers of surya vans hog ayodhya, as a homage to the sun god. The spot os ideal for a calm and quiet holiday.
Jain Shrines
There are also several jain temples at ayodhya, as it is said to be the birth place of five tirthankaras. Kesari singh, the treasurer of nawab faizabad, built five shrines to mark the birth place of these tirthankaras, which bear the date of vikram samvat 1781, the temple adinath is near the swargdwar, while the anantanath temple stands ofn the gola ghat, sumantanath shrine is near the swargdwar, while the anantanath temple stands on the gola ghat, sumantnath shrine is at ramkote, Ajitnath temple near saptsagar while abhinandannath temple is near the sarai . a new jain temple stands in rai ganj locality which house a unique 21ft . high image of lord adinath (rishabhadeva) the first tirthankar.
Allahabad :
Old city where water mingles with the Ganga and the Yamuna river with Triveni Sangam. Its university goes back to 1575. It’s there that are held Magh Mela which takes place every four years between mid-January and mid-February and which lasts 15 days with 1 month. Every twelve years, also Maha Kumbh Mela takes place which attracts hundreds of thousands of pilgrims.
The fort almost completely prohibited with the public, preserves a column of almost 11m top engraved d' inscriptions of l' Ashoka emperor.
Allahabad was also the city of Nehru and their house became a preserving museum of the personal objects of Motilal Nehru, Jawaharial Nehru and of his daughter Indira Gandhi.
The museum has an interesting collection of miniatures rajputs and terra cotta.
Gaya is one of the important holy places for Hindus and thousands of devotees throng this small town every year for pilgrimage. The main pilgrim center in Gaya is the Vishnu temple. Legend has it that this temple was built on Lord Vishnu’s footsteps and is thus considered very sacred by the devotees. It is also believed by Hindus that if the final rights are performed in Gaya, the departed soul goes to heaven.
The Dakshinaarka temple in Gaya is an ancient shrine to the Sun God. Gaya has been an ancient pilgrimage center since time immemorial. The other well known temples in Gaya are the Vishnupaada Temple, the Mangalagowri Temple and the Prapitaamaheshwara Temple.
The Mangalagauri temple has been mentioned in Padma Purana, Vayu Purana and Agni Purana and in other scriptures and tantric works. The present temple dates back to 1459 AD. The shrine is dedicated to Shakti or the mother Goddess in the predominantly Vaishnavite pilgrimage center of Gaya. Mangalagauri is worshiped as the Goddess of benevolence. This temple constitutes an Upa-Shakti Pitha - where it is believed that a part of the body of Shakti fell - according to mythology. Here Shakti is worshiped in the form of a breast symbol, a symbol of nourishment.
Benares : (in Hindi “Varanasi”)
Oldest of the crowned cities of Hinduism, Benares is also a commercial and cultural city since highest Antiquity. No one cannot remain indifferent to the enthusiasm of the pilgrims who come per hundreds from thousands each year in Benares to request and purify, body and heart, in water of Ganga. The pilgrims s' immerse in the river crowned while descending the staircases (ghats) built along the bank. Varanasi counts 1 inhabitants million, located on left bank of Ganga, the city is directed in direction of west towards banks of the large river. The " sacred river " , ghats, and the " old city; Gali" with its many temples give to Varanasi its single atmosphere in the world Manikarnika ghat is one of the holiest places of the city; here the Parvati goddess lost one of her loops of ears which her husband Shiva found thereafter. The sweat of the god is with l' origin of the source which is in this place. Not far from there, one shows the believers l' print in the marble of the plant of the feet of the Vishnu god. The water has a magic capacity for the Hindus and among all water, those of Ganga are holiest. The water of Ganga washes of very sinned last, present and to come, thanks to the birth of the Ganga goddess on the Earth. To die in Benares, to be incinerated and make disperse ashes in the river delivers cycle of the reincarnations forever, supreme delivery to which aspires each believer. Benares has a score of principal ghats.
Ujjain is one of the many holy cities in India and the major places to visit in the town are temples. However you will also find magnificent museums and palaces as well. Bade Ganeshji Ka Mandir and Mahakaleshwar are two important temples in the city.
The Maha Kumbh Mela
Ujjain is most famous for the Holy Kumbh Mela that is held here every twelve years. The festival is celebrated on the banks of River Shipra which is considered a very sacred river. According to Hindu mythology, after the ocean churning by Gods and Demons, there was a mad tussle between them for the nectar that came out of the ocean. The Demons violently chased Gods for the nectar. And in this catch me if you can game, few drops of nectar fell on earth at Haridwar, Nasik, Prayag and Ujjain. Kumbh Mela is held at all these places at different times. During the fair, the city is crowded by overwhelming number of pilgrims and sadhus (Saints). Majestically slow and soothingly decorated elephants tread the fair ground adding extra flavour of spirituality to the town. A Visit to Ujjain during Kumbh Mela is really an experience of divinity.
Bade Ganeshji Ka Mandir
Bade Ganeshji Ka Mandir is situated near the tank of Mahakaleshwar Temple. The temple is dedicated to Lord Ganesha who is believed to be the God of health and prosperity. The temple is famous for the massive and grand statue of Lord Ganesh that is there in the temple. It is one of the largest statues of Lord Ganesha in India. There is also a Panchmukhi image of Lord Hanuman in the middle of the temple. Visit the temple and secure the blessings of both Lord Ganesha and Lord Hanuman simultaneously.
Mahakaleshwar
Mahakaleshwar is a glorious temple dedicated to Lord Shiva. One of the 12 Jyotirlingas has been consecrated here which makes it one of the most important temples of Lord Shiva. The temple is divided into 5 levels. One of these levels is underground. The way to this section of the temple is lit up with Brass lamps. The Shikhara is impressively decorated with sculpted finery which gives the temple an out of this world charm.
Vikram Kirti Mandir
Vikram Kirti Mandir serves as the cultural center to immortalize the memory of King Vikramaditya. The center also has the Scindia Oriental Research Institute that has more than 18,000 rare manuscripts in different fields, an archaeological museum, an art gallery and an auditorium. It was established on the occasion of second millennium of Vikram era. Visit the art gallery that has numerous old paintings of Rajput and Mughal Era. The archaeological museum showcases inscriptions, copper plates and fossils that were found in Narmada valley. The most interesting is a huge elephant skull which is sure to leave you spell bound.
Bhartrihari Caves
Bhartrihari Caves have, over the time become a great tourist destination. The caves are situated just above the banks of River Shipra near Gadhkalika Temple. The caves are famous as the place where the step brother of King Vikramaditya meditated after renouncing all worldly possessions and relations. The name of the saint was Bhartrihari, thus the caves too got this name. It is said that Bhartrihari was a great scholar and a talented poet.
Kailadeh Palace
The historical palace is situated at a distance of 8 km from the town on an island in Shipra river. The palace was built by Mandu Rulers in the year 1458. Kailadeh Palace was built in Persian style of architecture. The palace took the brunt of time and huge portion of the palace collapsed. It was then mended by Maharaja Madhav Rao Scindia I in 1920. The palace is set in very calm environment that further adds to the surrounding natural beauty.
Agra is located on an affluent of the Ganga, the Yamuna river, to 200 km from the south of Delhi. It is especially re-elected for the very beautiful mausoleum which made set up; emperor Jahan Shah with the memory of his wife Arjumand Banu Begam, more known under the name of Mumtaz Mahal, which into Persan means “the light of the palate” ". She dies in 1630 by giving rise to their fourteenth child then she was with him in shift and on the spot finds a first burial temporary in the Zainabad garden in Burhampur. Construction starts in 1632 and finishes in 1648. Among the 20.000 people who work on the building site, one finds master craftsmen coming from Europe and Central Asia. L' principal architect is Usad Ahmad de Lahore. Agra has also several other sites: large fortress such a called Strong Red (as that of Delhi) because built out of red sandstone, the garden of RAM Gagh drawn by the first of Large Moghols, Babur, and, not far to Agra, the phantom city of Fatehpur Sikri set up by the successor of Babur, Akbar. Fatehpur Sikri whose imposing monuments are perfectly well preserved was abandoned for problems of waters.
Taj Mahal is built by using materials coming from various areas of India and of the remainder of Asia. More than 1.000 elephants are employed to transport construction materials during construction. The white marble is extracted from the Rajasthan, jasper comes from Punjab, the turquoise and the malachite of Tibet, sapphires and the lapis lazuli of Sri Lanka, the coral of the Red Sea, the coralline of Persia and Yemen, l' onyx of Deccan and Persia, garnets of Gange and Boundelkhand, agate of Yemen and Jaisalmer, rock crystal of Himalaya. In all, 28 types of invaluable and semi-precious stones were used to compose of the reasons for marquetry in the white marble. Taj Mahal is registered with the world heritage of l' UNESCO since 1983. One discovers Taj Mahal while crossing an immense garden which does nothing but prolong the grace of its lines and l' harmonize its dimensions. The diaphanous beauty of Taj Mahal, which reflects ochres and the pinks of the sun at daybreak and in the twilight, and which spark the night with the moonlight do of them one of the most beautiful monuments of planet. Symbol of India, reproduced with infinite in photograph, any superlative is enough strong to describe the enchantment that this wonder of structure and human genius causes. It there does not have Taj, it there that of the morning that of afternoon, that of the evening, that of full moon. At each hour it changes aspect and of color according with the light and the sun touch it. The name of Taj Mahal or " Crown of Palace" in fact the deformation of Mumtaz Mahal (Elected Palace), royal title of l' empress Arjumand Banu. To build Taj, started in 1632, Shah Jahan made raise an army of 20.000 workmen who worked 12 years without slackening. It was necessary to build a soft inclined slope 3 km length to convey materials at the top of the building. It took 5 more years more to build the buildings around Taj (2 mosques). It took finally 5 years more for the construction of the tombs of the other family members: that is to say on the whole 22 years. With each corner of Taj a marble minaret 40 height m is drawn up. The center of the mausoleum is occupied by the principal dome 18 m in diameter, and 23 m height. This giant dome has the shape of bulb of onion. Below the dome is placed the tomb of the begum: Mumtaz Mahal.This one is shifted a little compared to that of his wife, because the architect had not envisaged; building that for only one tomb. There are in fact 4 tombs: 2 authentic and 2 counterparts with stage above so that the subjects the emperor can come to pay homage without for that disturbing the peace of the eternal rest of the beautiful begum. The central dome of the tomb is surrounded by four identical minarets. With the left of the monument a mosque, made is red sandstone, which was built in order to sanctify the place and to provide a place of worship to the pilgrims. Right-sided, is an exact symmetrical counterpart of the mosque, known under the name of jawab (" reply"), the charbagh (" four gardens") traditional Persan planted of trees where flowers in abundance push. The English vice-king Lord Curzon replaced this garden by typically British lawns.
Red Fort : Raised between 1565 and 1573 pennies the reign of Akbar (1565-74), the enclosure of this fortress, which counts among largest of the world makes 2,4 km length. Each wall has more than 21 m in height. There is a system of 2 bored of loophole and bored walls covered way. The external wall, high from 12m, is separated by a deep from 11 9 m and broad ditch, of l' interior enclosure which reaches a height of 21 Mr. has origin nearly 500 fortifications, supplemented these fortifications.
The tomb of Itmad-ud-Daula. This very serene place tells the love of the emperor Moghol for a beautiful young woman, Mehr-un-Nissa, daughter of Itmad-ud-Daula. When this last died, Mehr-un-Nissa ordered the construction of mausoleum. The craftsmen of Agra were exceeded in the screens of transparent marble and the use of will pietra lasted of Italy.
The ancient land of Mathura has been known for its mythical associations and is highly revered among the various other religious places of India. Mathura was once upon a time a hub of rich culture and heritage and it is thronged by numerous tourists every year. It is the birth place of Lord Krishna and you will come across some of the most beautiful temples and shrines that have been built here. A stroll through its streets will give you a feel of the traditions that have survived in this place over several centuries. Mystic Mathura has lots of things to offer to its tourists on their tour of Mathura and some of the prominent ones to mention would be:
Shri Krishna Janma Bhoomi:
This is believed to be the birthplace Lord Krishna, the most reverd Indian deity and one of the important characters of the Indian epic, the Mahabharata. The site is now home to a magnificent temple dedicated to Lord Krishna. There is also a museum inside the temple that displays several antique statues that were excavated in the neighboring areas.
Janma Masjid:
You will also come across this beautiful mosque built by Nabir Khan in the year1661 on your Mystic Mathura tour. The mosque looks quite imposing with its four minarets and the imprints of the bright colored plaster mosaic that had once beautified its panels.
Vishram Ghat:
This is a holy spot and is located on the bank of River Yamuna and also has an interesting legend associated with it. Lord Krishna is said to have rested at this spot after the vicious duel with his uncle Kansa, who happened to be a cruel king and had not only misused his power and tortured his citizens but had also captivated his own father and seized his rights as a king.
Dwarkadheesh Temple:
The Dwarkadhish Temple was built in the year 1814 and is located near River Yamina. It is the most well-liked temple of the city and looks even more attractive when it is gracefully decorated on religious and celebratory occasions such as Holi, Janmashtami and Diwali. The temple features fabulous architectural splendour and is intricately carved and painted. This temple for a long time has been managed by the followers of Vallabhacharya.
There are so many things to watch in Mathura that you should have ample time in hand before you embark on a tour to this historic land of culture and religion.
This is believed to be the birthplace Lord Krishna, the most reverd Indian deity and one of the important characters of the Indian epic, the Mahabharata. The site is now home to a magnificent temple dedicated to Lord Krishna. There is also a museum inside the temple that displays several antique statues that were excavated in the neighboring areas.
Janma Masjid:
You will also come across this beautiful mosque built by Nabir Khan in the year1661 on your Mystic Mathura tour. The mosque looks quite imposing with its four minarets and the imprints of the bright colored plaster mosaic that had once beautified its panels.
Vishram Ghat:
This is a holy spot and is located on the bank of River Yamuna and also has an interesting legend associated with it. Lord Krishna is said to have rested at this spot after the vicious duel with his uncle Kansa, who happened to be a cruel king and had not only misused his power and tortured his citizens but had also captivated his own father and seized his rights as a king.
Dwarkadheesh Temple:
The Dwarkadhish Temple was built in the year 1814 and is located near River Yamina. It is the most well-liked temple of the city and looks even more attractive when it is gracefully decorated on religious and celebratory occasions such as Holi, Janmashtami and Diwali. The temple features fabulous architectural splendour and is intricately carved and painted. This temple for a long time has been managed by the followers of Vallabhacharya.
There are so many things to watch in Mathura that you should have ample time in hand before you embark on a tour to this historic land of culture and religion.
1st day: Delhi, visit of the city
2nd day: Departure for Haridwar, Tranfert with the hotel and visit of the city
3rd day: Departure for Deoprayad. Tranfert with the hotel and visit of the city
4th day: Departure for Rishikesh. Tranfert with the hotel and visit of the city
5th day: Departure for Ayodhya Tranfert with the hotel and visit of the city
6th day: Departure for Allahabad. Tranfert with the hotel and visit of the city
7th day: Departure for Varanasi. Tranfert with the hotel and visit of the city
8th day: Varanasi
9th day: Departure for Gaya. Tranfert with the hotel and visit of the city
10th day: Return on Varanasi Tranfert to the airport and departure for Indore.Arrivée to Ujjain in end of the afternoon.
11th day: Visit city, Tranfert with the airport of Indore and departure for Agra- Visite city
12th day: Visit of Taj Mahal and departure for Mathura.Arrivée in Delhi at the beginning of evening. Transfer to the hotel.
Devprayag
Mathura
Saddhu
Shiva Rishikesh
Ujjain Ghats
Ujjain Temple
Ayodhya
Hanumantemple-Ayodhya
Varanasi
 Raddha-Krisna |  Shiva-Parvati |  Vishnu-Lakhmi |
 Lord Brahma |  Lord Ganesh |  Lord Hunaman |  Lord Krishna |
 Lord Rama |  Lord Shiva |  Lord Vishnu |
 Durga |  Kali |  Lakshmi |  Parvati |  Saraswati |