Shri Mata Vaishno Devi

A pilgrimage to the Holy Shrine of Shri Mata Vaishno Devi Ji is considered to be one of the holiest pilgrimages of our times. Popular the world over as Moonh Maangi Muradein Poori Karne Wali Mata, which means, the Mother who fulfills whatever Her children wish for, Shri Mata Vaishno Devi Ji resides in a Holy Cave located in the folds of the three peaked mountain named Trikuta (pronounced as Trikoot). The Holy Cave attracts millions of devotees every year. In fact, the number of Yatris visiting the Holy Shrine annually now exceeds one crore. This is due to the unflinching faith of the devotees who throng the Shrine from all parts of India and abroad.

The Holy Cave of the Mother is situated at an altitude of 5200 ft. The Yatris have to undertake a trek of nearly 12 km from the base camp at Katra. At the culmination of their pilgrimage, the yatries are blessed with the Darshans of the Mother Goddess inside the Sanctum Sanctorum- the Holy Cave. These Darshans are in the shape of three natural rock formations called the Pindies. There are no statues or idols inside the Cave.

Darshans are open round the clock throughout the year.

Since the year 1986, when the Shri Mata Vaishno Devi Shrine Board (commonly called Shrine Board) was formed, the management of the Shrine and regulation of the Yatra has been vested in the Board. The Board has undertaken a number of developmental activities aimed at making the Yatra a comfortable and satisfying experience for the Yatris. The Board continues to reinvest the offerings and donations received in carying out improvements in various kinds of Yatri facilities.

How To Use Curry Leaves In Cooking

Herbal products and natural folk medicine have been used for centuries as food, remedies and for beauty purpose in all cultures around the world. There slogan were “Let the food be your medicine and let medicine be your food”. Modern scientists and medical professionals have shown keen interest in this field as they recognize the true health benefits of these remedies. Many herbal plants and tree are the most important sources of remedy and curry leaves is among this.

History Of Curry Leaves

The curry leaf tree (Murraya koenigii) is native to India, Bangladesh, Sri Lanka, and the Andaman Islands. The word “curry” originates from the Tamil word ‘kari’ means to spicy sauces and then the alternative name “kari-pattha” came in trend means curry leaf. The use of curry leaves as a flavouring agent has a very long history it was described in Tamil literature in the early first to the fourth centuries AD.A couple of centuries later it was also found in Kannada literature which mentioned the Use Curry Leaves In Cooking for flavouring agent.

Curry leaf trees are found in dense forests and waste lands around the Indian subcontinent except in the higher parts of the Himalayas. From east Chittagong (Bangladesh) to Assam (India) and extends west to Ravi River (Pakistan).Later the plants spread to Malaysia, South Africa and meeting with immigrants from southern Asia. Today curry leaves are grown in India, Southeast Asia, Sri Lanka, Australia, the Pacific Islands and Africa as food flavouring.

How To Use Curry Leaves In Cooking

Curry leaf comes from the plant known as (Murraya koenigii) is an important leafy vegetable that are widely used in Indian cookery for flavouring foodstuffs. The leaves have a slightly spicy pungent, bitter and slightly acidic flavour, and retain their flavour and other qualities, even after drying. . Curry leaf are used in many India recipes and also used as a remedy for health and beauty in Ayurveda and Unani. However, curry leaves can be used in various forms such as fresh, dried, powdered and cooked now a days it is also available in canned.

Fresh Curry Leaves

Most of the cook prefers fresh curry leaves for various food recipes due to its aromatic flavour. Curry leaves are highly aromatic when fresh, its leaves are small and appear like shiny lemon leaves with distinct aromatic taste. Before using ensure that leaves are fresh free from any cuts, spots or blemishes, clean wash the curry leaves before use. They do not have a long shelf life but if kept in airtight plastic bag or newspaper and then stored in the refrigerator without detach the leaves from the stem, it may remain fresh for one week to two months. Fresh curry leaves are found, generally in the frozen food section of stores.

Dried Curry Leaves

Whether you use fresh curry leaves or dried curry leaves both are flavorful and fragrant, producing irresistible dishes. It is flexible herb that can be used with either fresh, dried or powdered.Dried curry leaves are less pungent than fresh so if using dried curry leaves the quantity must be double. Generally dried curry leaves are air dried or oven dried to produce a longer shelf life. Dried curry leaves are used in some recipes that call for baking or roasting of fresh curry leaves before the leaves are added as flavouring. The dried leaves easily availed in commercial market.

Curry Leaves Powdered

Curry leaves powder is used various recipes that require curry leaves to be used in powder form. In some  recipes curry leaves powder are also called curry powder. Curry leaves powder must not be confused with the curry powder available in market. Curry powder is a commercial powder that is generally a mixture of many spices along with dried curry leaf. While curry leaf powder is a powdered version of the actual drying curries leaf so it is important that you read labels of spice for accuracy prior before purchase. Curry leaves powder is also available in the market it is packed in dust form after drying; curry leaves. It can be sprinkle on the food to get the best aroma flavour.

Cooked Curry Leaves

Some recipes require fresh curry leaves be cooked before being added as flavouring. In such circumstance sauteed or fried curry leaves are prepared by the cook/ chef prior to or during the cooking process. Such sauteed or fried curry leaves can not be purchased from market as it has to be make at home before cooking. Instead, curry leaves must be purchased fresh, or perhaps dried, then cook in the kitchen.

How To Grow Curry Leaves Plant At Home

Growing curry leaves in your kitchen garden is a good idea as you can enjoy cooking with pesticide-free fresh leaves. It is an outdoor plant which needs sunlight. If you are living in an apartment you can also grow in a pot where you can provide direct sunlight to the plant. It is also important to protect it from very high temperatures during hot summer months as its leaves may dry and so plant. Curry leaves tree is a small spreading shrub which grows about 2.5 meters in height.

The main stem looks dark green to brownish, it have numerous dots on it. The leaves are 30 cm long each bearing about 9-24 leaflets. When the bark is peeled off for use the white wood can be seen underneath. Its flowering starts from the middle of April and ends till the middle of May. The peak flowering season can be observed to be the last week of April. The fruiting can be observed from the middle of July to the end of August and may continue to last week of July to the 1st week of August. It grows well in temperature around 65°C or slightly above.

 How To Grow Curry Leaf

• Curry leaves plant can easily be grown from its ripe seeds it need about 20°C to germinate. Growing curry leaves tree from seeds may take a little longer time to grow and it needs a special care.

• The other way is Stem cuttings it is the easiest way to plant a curry leaf plant. Take some semi-ripe cuttings from curry tree shrubs remember it must not be very hard and woody. After cutting the stem at the node, insert the stem few centimeters down into the ground or you can also put into the pot with some leaves above the surface.

How To Take Care Of Curry Leaves Tree

• It is very important that you trim your curry leaf plant so that it grows fast and thick growth. By trimming plant it will provide an ample supply of fresh and young leaves. If trimming of plant is not done, it will outgrow at any space easily.

• Generally pests are not required in curry leaf plant, since the leaves are constantly being removed of use. But if required better go for natural instead of using chemical pesticides. The best way to take care of plant is to sprinkle salt water on the leaves once in two weeks.

• Curry leaf plant requires a well-drained soil to flourish well, so, it is recommended to allow the soil to dry a bit in between each watering session. Proper care must be taken during summer when the soil get dried up easily.

• Bio-fertilizers are recommended for the curry leaf plant. The regular application of natural fertilizers is more important for plants that it can be cultivated in pots.

A study was published in “Plant Foods for Human Nutrition” in 2009 where various Indian leafy vegetables were compared for their antioxidant activity. Interestingly it was found that total antioxidant activity and free radical scavenging activity were highest in curry leaves.

“So including curry leaves in your diet is perhaps a good idea to be healthy it can be used both raw and cooked. Typically, in Indian cooking, a whole bunch curry leaves are tempered with ghee or oil. It combines well with vegetables, lentils, fish, meats, curds, butter and coconut milk and of course it can also be used as in curries.”

How to prevent dengue fever

A painful, mosquito-borne disease, dengue (pronounced dengue) fever is on the rise. While in some cases, it has proved to be fatal, in most cases dengue is curable. There is no vaccination available to protect against this fever. So the best way to avoid is to take precautions.
Here are a few precautions you can take against dengue.

1. Avoid public spaces - avoid densely populated residential areas, as more the people, more the virus can spread.
2. Use insect protection - use mosquito repellents and nets when indoors. Use repellents when going outdoors; this is especially important for children playing outdoors.
3. Use air cooling - use the fan or the air-conditioning when indoors as the air-cooling drives the mosquitoes away.
4. Prevent entry - close all doors and windows tightly before sunset. Ensure there are no gaps for mosquitoes to come indoors.
5. Check for symptoms - if you have any of the symptoms, consult your doctor. It is advisable to keep yourself aware about the symptoms so one can react quickly if needed. Some of the symptoms are:

Severe headaches.
Nausea.
Vomiting.
Sudden rise in body temperature.
Mild bleeding in the gums or nose.
Severe muscle and joint pain.
Acute pain behind the eyes.

The one confusing part of dengue fever is that it can be mistaken for normal fever upon onset. However, it can develop to serious problem. People with a weak immune system and people who have had dengue before, are at the higher risks of contracting this again, and at a bigger scale.

Ayurvedic Food Kitchari & Weight Loss Diet

Ayurvedic foods are Holistic and Sattvik that is pure and healthy, which are full of low in fats and calories, easy to digest and deliver you greatest Prana, in other words “the life energy.” They are enjoyable and tasty, unlike other health foods, which are usually very oily and tasteless, Ayurvedic food are 100% natural, vegan and vegetarian. What causes them Ayurvedic food is they are three times well-balanced meaning, they control all six tastes  such as sweet, bitter, pungent,sour, salty,astringent and  control balanced size of proteins, carbs and fats and are balanced for all three doshas like Pitta, Vata and Kapha and excellent for all body types. After eating ayurvedic food, you will satisfy and satisfaction, feel much lighter and tireless, your mind will be at relax, stomach will be peaceful and your body will react immediately. Try Ayurvedic food.  You will love them.

Ayurvedic Food for Weight Loss

Moong Dal – lentil:Moong Dal is one of the most loved foods in Ayurveda. It is tridoshic reunification all three doshas and, particularly when cooked with spices, is suitable for each Dosha It is highly nutritious and reasonably easy to digest, usually not producing abdominal gas or inflating. Break-up shelled mung beans are full of nutrients and easier on the digestion than bigger beans.

Ayurveda has placed attention on food, not only for its fundamental nature as a power source for running the body but also for its comprehensive impact on the fitness of a person. Food acquired for balancing the doshas, keep one fit and superior. If somehow, a person develops diseases, ayurveda cures, they also through normal ways. For fatness or abnormal weight gain, Ayurveda mentions to better food practices and taking diet matching to Ayurvedic body type.

Ayurvedic Food Recipes for Weight Loss

Ayurvedic food for balancing all the trio doshas include,mung dal soup,lauki squash,green leafy vegetables, stewed fruit,psyllium chapattis or flat bread khichari,spiced milk,spice mix,lemon appetizer drink, pomegranate chutney, spiced tea,lassi, ginger,cooked oatmeal,and many more. As of among numberless Dosha’s balancing food, there are a number of food that are particularly beneficial for losing weight.

Easy kitchari Recipe

Foreigners call it a mishmash. To Indians, it is khichdi or Kitcheree in other words. The food is best for  many of us when a turn to when illness calls, when we need something pleasant, light and revitalizing. Though, there’s more to the khichdi than simply mung and rice. Utilizing a variety of herbs and spices. Ayurveda devises khichdi recipes that can cure various diseases. This diet is used in an Ayurvedic cleansing treatment since of its ease of digestion and absorption. This khichari can be eaten by all doshas but is particularly excellent for vata.

Ingredients For Kitchari Recipes

• 3/4 cup basmati rice
• 1/2 cup split moong dal (lentil)
• 1/2 tbsp ghee or sesame oil
• 1 tsp cumin seeds
• 1 tsp mustard seeds (optional)
• 1/4 tsp hing also called Asafoetida
• 1/2 inch finely chopped ginger
• 1/2 tsp turmeric
• 1/2 tsp salt
• 1/2 tsp red chili powder
• 4 to 6 cups of water depending upon the consistency desired.

Kitchari Recipes Method

1. Wash the lentil and rice together in a vessel.
2.Take a heavy bottomed saucepan or pressure cooker add 2 tbsp of Ghee-clarified butter or oil.
3.When ghee gets heated up, add a pinch of hing, cumin and mustard seeds. Wait for the seeds to crackle.
4.Add chopped 1 inch ginger for about 30 seconds.
5. Add 1 cup rice and cup dal,  tsp turmeric,tsp salt and chili powder.
6.Mix it slowly.
7. Add water cup and bring to a boil over high heat, stirring on occasion. If you are using saucepan cover it, reduce heat to low and cook until soft undisturbed for about 30 minutes.
8.Turn off heat, let khichari be stable  for about 5 minutes.
9.If you are using pressure cooker, cook the khichdi for one whistle.
10.Let the cooker cool off.
11.Fluff it up gently with a spoon, add a tablespoon of ghee (optional) and serve.

Ayurvedic Diet  & Food Kitchari according to Dosha

vata: Basmati Rice, split Moong beans, Asafetida, Bishop’s weed, Cloves, Cumin seed, Mustard seed, Turmeric powder, Coriander, Cinnamon, Rock salt,clarified butter oil  so called Ghee.

kapha: Basmati Rice, Masoor Dal, Black pepper, Cloves, Asafetida, Cumin seed, Mustard seed, Turmeric powder, Coriander, Cinnamon, Rock salt,clarified butter oil  so called Ghee.

pitta : Basmati Rice, split Moong beans, Masoor dal, Cumin seed, small Cardamom, Fennel seed, Mustard seed, Turmeric powder, Coriander, Cinnamon, Rock salt,clarified butter oil  so called Ghee.

How To Improve Digestion Power Naturally : Ayurvedic Herbs For Digestion

Ayurvedic Herbs For Digestion : How To Improve Digestion Power Naturally

According to Ayurveda, healthy digestion plays an essential part in organizing good health and well-being. When the digestive process fails to perform optimally, the body turns out to be clogged, blocking circulation and inhibitory activity of toxins out of the body. Hence it is essential that persons work to establish good digestion.
Ayurveda is an antediluvian framework of therapeutic from India that focuses on the balance the five elements, being air, fire, water, ether and earth. According to ayurvedic, the body is constructed of these elements. Ailment takes place when the balance is out,so medication must be executed to help to restore this equilibrium. The five elements, when combined in different compounds make up the three “doshas” or “biological modes” that involve the nature of creatures and of all things.
The elements can change into out of balance on account of any one of these factors; poor diet, unhealthy lifestyle, disease, mental problems, stress, and other destabilizing forces. Hence, ayurvedic therapy targets on bringing about balance by the diet, use of herbs, exercise, and good lifestyle choices. In spite of the fact that Ayurvedic remedies have been used thousands of years ago, this form of therapeutics is still aliveness and practiced by millions of people all over the world. The idea of stabilizing one’s elements using diet, lifestyle, and ayurvedic therapies is appetizing and can apply to anyone not simply for Indian.

Ayurvedic Herbs For Digestion

There are various recipes, lifestyle adaptations and herbs advised to correct a variety of disturbances. The following ayurvedic treatments offer a simple way to fight digestive ailments.
1. Ginger (Zinziber officinalis): A traditional treatment for arthritis, dyspepsia, flatulence, colic, painful stomach conditions and nausea; ginger is an excellent digestive, anti-inflammatory and blood thinner. It holds proteolytic enzyme;enzymes are known to have anti-inflammatory properties. Ginger in addition has anti-oxidant and anti-platelet mass activities, and it growth’s circulation. Chewing ginger ahead meals help to digest the food. According to Ayurvedic ethics, indigestion is the first beginning of inflammatory diseases. It recommended dose of ginger is 2-10 grams with meals, but those people are on blood-thinning medication must not take more than 2 grams per day.
2. Amla (Emblica officinalis):Amla fruit, familiar as the Indian gooseberry, is one of the richest sources of bioflavonoids and Vitamin C. This plum-sized fruit is respected for its anti-aging and immune-enhancing properties. Study has shown that the potency of 8. 7mg of natural Vitamin C complex from Amla is equal to 100mg of synthetic Vitamin C. In addition to its antioxidant properties; Amla, moreover, has been antifungal, anti hepatotoxic, anti-inflammatory and rejuvenate properties.
3. Haritaki (Terminalia Chebula): Haritaki is a rich source of  succinic acid, fructose, tannins, amino acids, acids, and beta sitosterol. Studies have shown that it has anti-viral properties that can fight against cytomegalovirus and its anti-bacterial properties against Salmonella, E-coli and Cholera. Ayurvedic literary texts specify that Haritaki’s is a good digestive aid and have properties to eliminative toxic accumulation. In the Haritaki fruit One-third of third of consist of astringent substances such as tannic acid, chebulic acid, gallic acid and chebulinic acid, all these qualities are considered powerful anti-oxidants. Haritaki also holds the anthraquinone, purgatives and sennoside in small quantities.
4. Pipply ( Piper longum): Charak, the principal of Ayurveda, has defined this plant as an appetite stimulator, anticolic, antitussive, and aids in building hostility to disease. Its alkaloids, piperine, piper longuminine and dihydrostigmasterol, have been shown to boost the absorption of drugs manifold. Various analyses have also shown that whole fruit has anti-allergenic properties. The Piper longum’s irritant action increases gastric juice secretions
5. Bahera (Terminalia belerica): Bahera has a rich source of tannins, that have  shown surprising results in treating symptoms of chronic sinusitis and asthama. Institutional experiments have also indicated it’s anti-histaminic, antitussive, anti-bacterial and anti-fungal properties. The latest study conducted in Kerala, India has displayed an anti-HIV and anti-malarial effect.

Ayurvedic Lifestyle Tips For Good Digestion

Ayurveda suggests us to eat slowly, in a relaxing setting, alone or with persons with whom we experience relaxed. It is also significant not to eat while you are upset. While eating you must not be watching television or talking while you chew food.  Do not drink cold water while eating; this weakens your digestive fluids, rather sip warmed water or a stimulating tea such as long pepper tea or ginger tea.
It is very essential that you eat only when you are hungry, giving over enough time between meals that is about 4-6 hours. Consuming at dissimilar times each day creates irregular enzyme releases thus may slow down digestion. The biggest meal of the day must be lunch, when digestion is strongest.
Perfect food proportion will differ from person to person relying on body type, weight, height and digestive power. Vata persons and those with Vata disorders must eat small, frequent, and easily digestible meals in order to sustain their blood sugar well-balanced. Warm foods are also essential for the Vata people. Pita characters and those with Pita disarrays have large hungers and besides need to eat repeated and easily digested meals, but their food must be cooler in nature. Kapha character’s people have to eat only a couple of meals a day as they have a tendency to gain weight.
Before you eat, meditate on the food as it is very essential to establish a relationship with food this meditation will allow you to digest various qualities of the food. The aroma and color, will also support to animate the digestive process
Seat quietly after each meal, for 3-5 minutes and later take a short walk, this will help in stabilizing the mental, emotional and physical characteristics of the digestive system.

10 Healthy Weight Loss Tips

10 Healthy Weight Loss Tips

easy weight loss tips are often overlooked because many people do not understand. Weight loss myths and misconceptions are out there, so it is important that the difference between what works and what does not.

Here are 10 tips to lose weight effectively ..

1 Try not to eat late at night. This is because, as you prepare for sleep, your metabolism slows down so it is difficult to digest food properly. Eating late at night does not allow proper metabolism of foods ..

2 It is important to eat only when hungry and stop with the food when you are full. Learn the difference between hunger and emotions.

3 Diets and weight loss is personal. Remember that even if the weight loss is a personal journey, a lot of time to bring it to a friend with similar goals can help you on your way.

4 Eat foods with high protein content of lean. The protein-rich foods are the best in the fight against hunger.

5 If you break your diet, do not waste time before you again on your weight loss goals. Fix it now!

6 It’s okay to say no to foods that can break your diet. They are not to be rude by cutting food that can harm your weight loss and diet. You do not have to fear.

7 Skipping meals can lead to overeating later on during meals and snacks. Metabolism slows and often, when meals are skipped.

8 If you are full, it’s okay not quite clear on the plate. To avoid wasting food, flat on smaller portions, you will eat less ..

9 Every meal was a cup with two 8 ml of water about 5 minutes before the meal is served. They consume much of this water before meals will help you to be full more quickly and eat less during the meal.

10 Weight loss and diet can not be fully effective without a chip, healthy exercise. Daily exercise and strength training will contribute to metabolic function and allow a process of burning fat more efficiently all day.

Do not forget that there is misinformation out there. For a healthy weight loss, an effective diet and daily exercise are pursued.

Alwar See with your eyes

Alwar (Rajasthani: अलवर) is a city and administrative headquarters of Alwar District in the state of Rajasthan, India. It is located around 160 km south of Delhi, and about 150 km north of Jaipur, the capital of Rajasthan.

India's highest ever recorded temperature of 50.6 °C (123.1 °F) was measured at Alwar on 10 May 1956.

Alwar was formerly the capital of the princely state of Alwar. It was formerly spelt as "Ulwar" in British India. This placed it in last position in alphabetically ordered lists, so a king changed the spelling to "Alwar" to bring it to the top.

History

The princely state of Alwar was founded by Pratap Singh, a Rajput of the Kachwaha lineage, in 1770. His son, aided the British against the Marathas. After the battle of Laswari (1803) Alwar became the first state of Rajputana to sign a treaty of 'Offensive and Defensive Alliance' with the British East India Company. A few years later, Bakhtawar Singh ventured an armed incursion into neighbouring Jaipur, the senior Kachwaha state, and the erstwhile overlord of his predecessor. Bakhtawar Singh was defeated; a fresh engagement was made with him by the HEIC, prohibiting him from political intercourse with other states without British consent. During the Sepoy Mutiny of 1857, Raoraja Bane Singh sent a force consisting mainly of Muslims and Rajputs, to relieve the British garrison in Agra. The Muslims deserted and the rest were defeated by the rebels. Pran Sukh Yadav, who fought beside Rao Tula Ram of Rewari in 1857, settled along with the kinsmen of dead soldiers at Village Nihalpura, Behror Tehsil, of Alwar District. Following the independence of India in 1947, Alwar acceded unto the dominion of India. On March 18, 1948, the state merged with three neighbouring princely states (Bharatpur, Dholpur and Karauli) to form the Matsya Union. This union in turn merged unto the Union of India. On May 15, 1949, it was united with certain other princely states and the territory of Ajmer to form the present-day Indian state of Rajasthan.

Jai Dayal Yadav and Prime Minister of Matsya Union played a vital role in bringing education to the rural areas of Alwar after independence.

Rulers of Alwar state

• Pratap Singh Prabhakar Bahadur (1775–1791) Rao Raja of Alwar
• Bakhtawar Singh Prabhakar Bahadur (1791–1815) Rao Raja of Alwar
• Bane Singh Prabhakar Bahadur (1815–1857) Maharao Raja of Alwar
• Sheodan Singh Prabhakar Bahadur (1857–1874) Maharao Raja of Alwar
• Mangal Singh Prabhakar Bahadur (1874–1892) Maharaja of Alwar
• Jai Singh Prabhakar Bahadur (1892–1937) Maharaja of Alwar
• Tej Singh Prabhakar Bahadur (1937–1971) Maharaja of Alwar (titular Maharaja from 1971–2009)
• Jitendra Pratap Singh Prabhakar Bahadur, Maharaja of Alwar (titular from 2009-)

Demographics

As of 2001^[update] India census, Alwar had a population of 160,245. Males constitute 53% of the population and females 47%. Alwar has an average literacy rate of 73%, higher than the national average of 59.5%; with 59% of the males and 41% of females literate. 13% of the population is under 6 years of age.

Local attractions and excursions

  

Alwar rail station outside

Alwar Junction

Alwar contains many interesting and historical monuments. The city has a beautiful lake and a picturesque valley. The Sariska Tiger Reserve is located in the Aravalli hills only a few kilometres away from Alwar. The sanctuary, which is a Project Tiger reserve, also boasts of many other species, including rare birds and plants. The military cantonment of Itarana lies on the outskirts of Alwar. Hill Fort Kesroli now a heritage hotel is also near by.

Fairy Queen

It is the oldest working engines in the world and one of national treasure(cultural artifacts) of India. The engine was built in the year 1855 and acquired by the Eastern Indian Railways from a British firm. Now the train is one great means of transportation that departs from the Delhi encampment and reaches its destination at Alwar, in Rajasthan.

Tourism

  

• The Alwar fort (Bala Quila)
• Sariska Tiger Reserve
• Siliserhlake
• Jagannath Temple
• Narayani Mata
• Bhangarh
• Naldeshwar

Palitana Temple in Bhavnagar..

Palitana is the greatest and biggest pilgrimage center and sacred place of Jains. The Shwetambar Jain community believes that the hill of Palitana (Siddhachal) is eternal. Rshabhadev (Adinath), the first Jain Tirthankara, came here several times and preached. Billions of monks and nuns have attained Nirvana (Salvation) from this hill from times immemorial. It is also believed that hundred millions monks leaded by Dravida andVarikhilla attained here Nirvana on the auspicious day of Kartika Purnima (Full moon day in the month of Kartika according to Indian lunar calendar) and fifty millions leaded by Nami and Vinami on Chaitri Purnima (Full moon day in the month of Chaitra according to Indian lunar calendar). Palitana is a city in Bhavnagar district, Gujarat, India. It is located 50 km southwest of Bhavnagar city . The Palitana temples are considered the most sacred pilgrimage place (tirtha) by the Jain community, and is the world's largest Temple Complex. There are more than 3000 temples located on the Shatrunjaya hills, exquisitely carved in marble. The main temple on top of the hill, is dedicated to 1st tirthankar lord Adinath (Rishabdeva). On the top the Shatrunjai Hill is a cluster of Jain temples, built by generations of Jains over a period of 900 years, from the 11th century onwards. The temples are managed by the Anandji Kalyanji Trust of the Kasturbai Lalbhai group. From the foot of the hill to the top there are 3,800 and odd stone steps cut to facilitate climbing.The steps were hewn out of the rock in the 13th century CE during the time of Jain minister Vastupal. The temples are exquisitely carved in marble, veritable prayers in stone. To an observer, these appear to be ivory miniatures when seen from a distance. Created by master craftsmen, the most important temple is that of the first teerthankara, Shri Adishwar. It has ornate architectural motifs, though in its overall plan it is simpler than the Choumukh. Other notable temples are those of Kumarpal, Vimalshah and Sampriti Raja. Kumarpal Solanki, a great Jain patron, probably built the earliest temple. The temple has a fabulous collection of jewels, and these can be seen with special permission. The temples date from 11th to the 20th century On one special day (Fagun Sud 13), which usually falls in February/March of every year (According to Hindu Calender, it is 13th Day of Sud Cycle in the month of Falgun) there is a huge crowd of thousands of people visiting its place as it is said that on this particular day, millions of Jain followers attained salvation from this Hill. Also the pilgrim on that day is almost 3 times as compared to any other day which is also called as "6 Gaon" which is approximately 15-18 Kilometers of walk and climbing of Hilly terrain. Every devout Jain aspires to climb to the top of the mountain at least once in his lifetime, because of its sanctity. The journey is arduous. The walk up the stone stairway hewn into the mountain face takes about an hour and a half. For those unable or unaccustomed to the strain, sling-chairs are available at a bargain.The code for the climbers is stringent, in keeping with the rigours of the Jain faith. Food must neither be eaten nor carried on the way.They can, however, drink water and water posts are provided all along the route Moti Shah Toonk (Temple) at the top of Siddhachal hills The descent must begin before it is evening, for no soul can remain atop the sacred mountain during the night. Such is the mystique of Palitana, the summit of Shatrunjaya. While atop one can also visit a Muslim shrine of Angar Pir. The childless women seek the Pir's blessings to be blessed with children. They offer miniature cradles to the Pir and the shrine is strewn with such cradles. Facts about Palitana : Shetrunjay Temples: Steps: 3364 Height: 2000 ft; 7.5 miles Pratima (Idols): 27007 Jinmandir: 3507 A recently concluded count reveals that there are a total of more than 27,000 idols of jain god on this mountain alone No one is allowed to sleep overnight including the priest, because the temple city has been built as an abode for the Gods There are 900 temples big and small on the two summits. The sculptures that adorn the marble temples present a feast to the eyes. You need not be a Jain to admire the spectacle. Generations of Jain all over the country have contributed their mite to make Shatrunjay Hill what it is today. Samavasharana temple in Palitana valley It is said all the Jain Tirthankars, excepting Neminath, had attained nirvan on Shatrunjay Hill. This fact adds to the veneration the devout have for the place. The place is therefore called Siddhakshetra where one attains moksh.The mountain is associated with Rishabhdev, the first Tirthankar who is also known as Adinath. Carving in lime in Neminath Temple, Shatrunjay Hills, Palitana The main temple at the top contains his idol in padmasan. He belonged to the Ikshvaku Dynasty of Ayodhya. So Rama was his ancestor. Adinath visited the Shatrunjay Hill 93 times. Every shrine has idols of Tirthankars adorned with jeweled eyes. Jain sacred symbol Hrimkara with 24 Tirthankaras Jain sacred symbol Omkara with Pancha Parameshthi Tirthankar Sumatinath, Mulanayaka, Sancha Sumatinath Temple, Talheti, Palitana. Sri Adinath Rshabh Deva, Mulanayak, Agam mandir, Palitana Talheti May Lord Rishabhadeva in Palitana make our lives as blissful as this temple. My humble pranams to all the sacred Gods and Goddesses at this holy abode of the first Tirthankar who is also known as Adinath. --

Ranakpur temple..

Ranakpur Temples are acclaimed world-wide for their intricate and superb architectural style. These temples form one of the five major pilgrimages of the Jains. Located in village of Ranakpur near Sadri town in the Pali district of Rajasthan, Ranakpur temple lies at a distance of 95 kms in the north of Udaipur city. The temple is easily accessible from the city of Udaipur as regular buses are easily available. Built in the 15th century, Ranakpur temples are known for being the largest and most important temples of the Jain cult. The temple is said to have been built by Seth Dharna Sah (a Jain businessman) with the aid of Rana Kumbha, who ruled Mewar in the 15th century. Ranakpur got its name after the name of the Rajput Monarch and likewise the temples. The temple complex is positioned in an isolated valley on the western side of the Aravalli Range. The Jain Temples of Ranakpur are certainly creditable for their splendid architecture. This temple is wholly constructed in light colored marble and comprises a basement covering an area of 48000 sq feet. There are more than 1400 exquisitely carved pillars that support the temple. The temple is a masterpiece of architecture and boasts of not less than four additional shrines. It has 24 pillared halls with 80 domes that are supported by 400 columns. The upper and lower parts of the domes are linked by brackets that have deities' sculptures. Above all, you would be amazed to see at a height of 45 feet engraved nymphs playing the flute in various dance postures. Each column is intricately carved and it is surprising to know that no two columns have the similar design. Apart from this, another stunning act about these columns is that they change their color from golden to pale blue after every hour during the day. In the mandap (prayer hall), the two big bells of 108 kg each produce a harmonious sound on the movement. Chaumukha temple is formed like a Nalinigulm Vimana (heavenly aircraft) and provides this whole structure a celestial appearance. Conceivably, it is due to the intricacy of the structure that the temple took approximately 65 years to complete. In the complex, there are several temples including Chaumukha temple, Parsavanath temple, Amba Mata Temple and Surya Temple. Amongst all of them, Chaumukha Temple is the most important and as the term Chaumukha suggests, this temple is four-faced. Chaumukha temple is dedicated to Lord Adinath, who is the first 'Tirthankara' of the Jains. The Temple structure is highly compound having four different doorways to get into the chambers. These chambers ultimately take you to the main hall where the image of Adinath is positioned. The four faced image also symbolizes the Tirthankara's quest for the four directions and ultimately the cosmos. The image is surrounded by many small shrines and domes. One more range of cells with separate roofs encircles these shrines and domes all over again. The five spires elevate above the walls and around 20 cupolas rise from roof of the pillared hall. Each spire houses a shrine and the largest shrine is the important one that addresses the central altar. The temple ceilings are festooned with foliate scrollwork and geometric patterns. The Temple of Parsavanath is another attraction that is worth visiting. Built in the mid 15th century, the temple is renowned for its engraved windows embellished with Jain figures. Parsavanath Temple is also known as Patriyon Ka Mandir. In close proximity to this temple, you can trace two other temples dedicated to Neminath (22nd saint) and Surya Narayan (Sun God) respectively. Here, Surya Narayan Temple has innumerable wall projections with circular structure. The sight of Lord Surya driven in his chariot of seven horses is truly pleasing. The dating of this temple is controversial but it is largely considered to be anywhere between the late 14th to mid-15th centuries. Inspired by a dream of a celestial vehicle, Dhanna Shah, a Porwad, is said to have commissioned it, under the patronage of Rana kumbha, then ruler of Mewar. The architect who oversaw the project is said to have been named Deepaka. There is an inscription on a pillar near the main shrine stating that in 1439 Deepaka, an architect, constructed the temple at the direction of Dharanka, a devoted Jain The origins of Jainism can be traced back to the Indus River valley civilization of 3000 B.C. Jains believe that there were 24 great teachers the last of whom was Lord Mahavira who lived during 6th century B.C. These twenty-four teachers are called Tirthankaras-people who had attained all knowledge while living (Moksha) and preached it to the people. Thus, there is not one all-powerful supreme being that controls all. Jains believe in reincarnation. Their souls, which are believed to be a unique substance in the universe, take different living forms in the cycle of birth, death, and rebirth. This cycle has been going on forever, the universe has no beginning or end, it has always been and always will be. The ultimate goal is to get rid of one's karma on their soul so that they may end this cycle. Once this goal is reached their soul has attained all knowledge and it rests in the heavens forever (Nirvana). Karma theory is about actions and the results they bring to the soul's path. It is the simply the law of cause and effect with respect to the soul. E.G. One's actions for today will effect what will happen to them in this or their future lives. The way to get rid of one's karma is to follow certain rules of doing good somewhat similar to the ten commandments. These include the principles of: Ahimsa - To protect all life (non-violence) Satya - To speak truth Asteya - To not steal Brahmacharya - To not commit adultery Aparigraha - To limit one's possessions Jains uphold these principles by practicing vegetarianism, non-violence in thought, deed, and action. Jains perform their sacred rituals at the temple or Derasar. Some of these rituals are: Puja - Concentrating on one's soul through intense prayer sometimes in the presence of sculptures of the teachers to serve as an example of how to attain Moksha. Samayik - Forty-eight minute ritual that asks for forgiveness for one's sins Namokar Mantra - A short prayer that can be said at any time that shows obeisance to the perfect souls that have achieved Nirvana. The biggest event in the Jain calendar is the holy week (8-10 days) of Paryushan where Jains reflect upon their actions throughout the past year. The week takes place in August or September and is concluded by a three hour prayer called Pratikraman. Namokar Mantra: Elixir Itself Namo Arihantanam I bow in reverence to Arihants Namo Siddhanam I bow in reverence to Siddhas Namo Ayariyanam I bow in reverence to Acharyas Namo Uvajjhayanam I bow in reverence to Upadhyayas Namo Loye Savva Sahunam I bow in reverence to all Sadhus Eso Panch Namoyaro This five-fold salutation Savva Pavappanasano Destroys all sins Mangalanam Cha Savvesim And amongst all auspicious things Padhamam Havai Mangalam Is the most auspicious one The ultimate power of a Mantra uttered in words and meter depends on the one who recites it, his feelings at the time and the place where it is recites. However, the Namokar Mantra while it controls our behaviour pattern and destroys our sins (Karmanashak), upon being recited increases our inner spiritual strength. It releases us from crisis, and it generates our well-being. Jain scriptures tell of its endless magical manifestation: A dog who was about to die, heard the Mantra recited by Jeevandhar and became a handsome Yaksha. A pair of serpents heard the Mantra recited by Parshva Kumar and metamorphosed into Darnendra and Padmavati. A bull while in physical agony, heard the Mantra recited by Seth Padmaruchi and in his next life became Prince Vrishabhdhvaj - the same prince was known as Sugriva later on. The nobleman Dhananjai's son dying from snakebite heard the Mantra and regained life. Anjan the thief running from sure death learnt this Mantra and became a learned man. Aj while dying patiently heard the Mantra recited by Charudutt and reached heaven. There are endless legends about the power of this Mantra. The one who recites this sure Mantra with real faith, scales the heights of the everlasting pits of hell. In this context it would be well to recall Suhom Chakravarti's fate. May we all learn from the teachings and beliefs of Jainism and make our souls pure and sacred so that it is ready to become one with God.