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Showing posts from October, 2024

The Mahakaleshwar Temple

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We boarded a train from Varanasi to Ujjain, embarking on a long 17-hour journey to Ujjain. While the ride was tiring, the anticipation of visiting this famous temple kept our spirits high. As we reached Ujjain, the bustling streets and the sound of temple bells welcomed us warmly. The Mahakaleshwar Jyotirlinga is a revered Hindu temple dedicated to Lord Shiva. It is one of the twelve Jyotirlingas, which are considered the holiest shrines of Shiva. This sacred temple is situated in the historic city of Ujjain, in the Indian state of Madhya Pradesh.  Thanks to Jagganna’s friend Rahul, everything was well-organized. Rahul arranged for our stay and ensured a smooth Darshana experience. The temple was crowded, with devotees from across the country waiting for their turn to seek blessings. Despite the rush, we had a quick darshana, and the energy inside the temple was truly divine. The linga in the sanctum radiates a unique power that fills you with peace and devotion. The intricate arch...

Ganga Aarati in Varanasi

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Kashi, also called Varanasi, is one of the holiest cities in India. Located on the banks of the sacred Ganga River, it is a place full of spirituality and ancient traditions. Our visit to this city was a mix of divine experiences and peaceful moments by the ghats. After a pleasant stay in Ayodhya, we started our next leg of the journey early in the morning. We caught an early train to Varanasi and reached by afternoon, completing the quick 4.5-hour journey. By the time we arrived, found our accommodation, and settled in, it was almost evening. Thankfully, we managed to secure a stay at Jangamwadi Math, a peaceful place to unwind. Once we freshened up, we headed straight to witness the famous Ganga Aarati, a spiritual highlight of Varanasi. The Aarati takes place every evening along the ghats, typically starting around 6:30 PM during summer months and 5:30 PM during winter months. It lasts for approximately 45 minutes to an hour, drawing crowds of devotees and curious travelers from all...

A Peaceful Day in Ayodhya

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After exploring Meghalaya & Delhi, the second part of our journey began with an overnight train ride from Delhi to Ayodhya. Though the journey was comfortable, we felt a bit tired when we arrived in this sacred city. However, the excitement of visiting Ayodhya temple kept our spirits high. We started our day with darshana of 'Bala Rama' at the Ayodhya temple, completing it in the first half of the day. The temple’s divine atmosphere filled us with peace and positivity. After the darshana, we decided to take a short break to rest and recharge.   In the evening, we were fortunate to witness the mesmerizing aarti at the Sarayu River. The sight of hundreds of lamps lighting up the river, accompanied by devotional chants, was truly magical. It was a moment that left us in awe of Ayodhya’s spiritual energy.   On our way back, we stopped briefly at Lata Mangeshkar Chowk. The beautifully designed spot pays tribute to the legendary singer and is a popular place for clicki...

Qutub Minar

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After a morning spent exploring the grand sights of Delhi, including quick stops at Rashtrapati Bhavan and Parliament House, and passing by the impressive India Gate, we were ready for our next adventure. Following a satisfying lunch, we made our way to Qutub Minar, one of Delhi’s most famous landmarks. Qutub Minar is a UNESCO World Heritage site and the tallest brick minaret in the world, standing at 73 meters (240 feet). Its red sandstone and marble construction are covered in intricate carvings, making it a masterpiece of ancient Indian architecture. Built in the early 13th century, the minaret has a rich history that makes it even more fascinating to explore. To enter Qutub Minar, we paid a small entry fee. The ticket cost us 40 INR per person for Indian nationals, while foreign tourists had a fee of 600 INR. If you’re planning to bring a camera, there is a camera fee of 25 INR, which allows you to capture the beauty of the site from various angles. Walking around the Qutub Minar c...