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Showing posts from October, 2024

A Spiritual Retreat to Omkareshwara Temple

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After an enriching experience in Kashi and a long train journey, we arrived in Ujjain with hearts full of devotion. Our first stop was the Mahakaleshwara Temple , one of the twelve Jyotirlingas dedicated to Lord Shiva. The darshana here was quick yet peaceful, filling us with a sense of serenity and gratitude. With some time on our hands, we decided to visit the Omkareshwara Temple, another revered Jyotirlinga located about 150 kilometers from Ujjain. We hired a cab for the journey, embarking on a scenic four-hour drive through the heart of Madhya Pradesh. We reached Omkareshwara around 5:00 PM, just in time to witness the temple’s evening grandeur. The temple, situated on an island in the sacred Narmada River, is a breathtaking sight. The ambiance was filled with devotion, and we felt fortunate to have darshana on the same day. The divine atmosphere of the temple left an indelible mark on our souls. After the darshana, we spent some peaceful time exploring the surroundings of the tem...

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...

A Divine Journey to Kashi

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Our visit to Kashi was nothing short of magical, filled with divine moments and unforgettable experiences.  The evening began with the mesmerizing Ganga Aarti at Dashashwamedh Ghat. After the aarti, we prepared for a spiritual journey to the Kashi Vishwanatha Temple, one of the twelve Jyotirlingas dedicated to Lord Shiva. Known as the city’s spiritual heart, the temple attracts devotees from across the world. We arrived at the temple around 1:00 AM and joined the queue of eager devotees. The anticipation of entering the sacred shrine kept us energized, despite the late hour. After hours of waiting, we had the darshana of Lord Shiva around 5:00 AM. The Sparsha Aarti, where devotees can witness and feel the divine vibrations of the deity, was a once-in-a-lifetime experience. The atmosphere inside the temple was filled with chants of “Har Har Mahadev,” creating a deep sense of devotion and peace. Our spiritual journey continued to the Kalabhairava Temple, another revered spot in Kash...

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...