Murudeshwar and Gokarna in Karnataka

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Nothing happens without God's blessings and grace.Each time , I start to compose one of these mails and wander which holy temple do I visit next-It is amazing and a miracle to my eyes to come across these devotional sites.Each time, I think, that I will not be able to find any more pictures which would enable me to see this temple better and have the blissful darshan of these holy places-my eyes witness one more leela of Baba.It is hard to explain in words but I surely hope and pray that you too feel blessed while follwing me on this teerth yatra.

Today, lets all have the sacred darshan of Murudeshwara , the tallest statue of " Lord Shiva " in the world.

Murudeshwara is a town in the Bhatkal Taluka of Uttara Kannada district in the state of Karnataka , India. "Murudeshwara" is another name of the Hindu god Shiva. This temple is built on the Kanduka Hill which is surrounded on three sides by the waters of the Arabian Sea.

It is a temple dedicated to the Lord Shiva, and a 20-storied Gopura is being constructed on the temple.

The entire temple and temple complex, including the 249 feet tall Raja Gopura, which is considered the tallest gopura in the world, was constructed to its present form by businessman and philanthropist Mr. R N Shetty.

Two life-size elephants in concrete stand guard at the steps leading to the temple.

The history of Murudeshwar characterized at the Museum [Must see and do not forget to read the wonderful stories linked with these statues]

The origin of the name "Murudeshwara" dates to the time of Ramayana. The Hindu god's attained immortality and invincibility by worshipping a divine lingam called the AtmaLinga. The Lanka king Ravana wanted to attain immortality by obtaining the AtmaLinga. Since the AtmaLinga belonged to Lord Shiva, Ravana worshipped Shiva with devotion. Pleased by his prayers, Lord Shiva appeared before him and asked him what he wanted. By this time Narada had asked Lord Vishnu to change Ravana's mind. As a result of this plot, Ravana asks for Goddess Parvathi, and Lord Shiva offers him.

On his way back to Lanka Narada tells Ravana that Lord has not given real Parvathi and that the real Parvathi was in Pathala.

So Ravana lets off Parvathi and goes to Pathala and marries a king's daughter thinking that she was Parvathi. When he returns back to Lanka and tells that he had brought Parvathi, his mother then asks for linga. Ravana then comes to know that Vishnu had done all these tricks.

Now Ravana goes back and meditates a lot to please Lord Shiva. Lord Shiva appears and Ravana asks for His forgiveness. This time, Ravana requests the AtmaLinga as his boon. Lord Shiva agreed to give him the boon with a condition that it should never be placed on the ground. If the AtmaLinga was ever placed on the ground, all the powers would return to Lord Shiva again. Having obtained his boon, Ravana started back on his journey to Lanka.

Sage Narada, who came to know of this incident, realized that with the AtmaLinga

Ravana may obtain immortality and create havoc on earth. He approached the Lord Ganesh and requested him to prevent the AtmaLinga from reaching Lanka. Lord Ganesh knew that Ravana was a very devoted person who used to perform prayer ritual in the evening every day without fail. He decided to make use of this fact and came up with a plan to confiscate the AtmaLinga from Ravana.

As Ravana was nearing Gokarna, Lord Vishnu blotted the sun to make it look like evening had appeared. Ravana now had to perform his evening rituals but was worried because with the AtmaLinga in his hands, he would not be able to do his rituals. At this time, Lord Ganesh in the disguise of a Brahmin boy came near him. Seeing him, Ravana requested him to hold the AtmaLinga until he performed his rituals, and asked him not to place it on the ground.

Ganesh struck a deal with him saying that he would call Ravana thrice, and if Ravana did not return within that time, he would place the AtmaLinga on the ground.

As predicted, before Ravana could return after completing his rituals, Ganesh had already placed the AtmaLinga on the ground. Vishnu then removed his illusion and it was daylight again.

Ravana, realizing that he had been tricked, got really angry and tried to uproot and destroy it but could not. Then he decided to destroy the covering of the AtmaLinga, and threw the case covering it to a place called Sajjeshwara, 23 miles away. Then he threw the lid of the case to a placed called Guneshwara (now Gunavanthe) and Dhareshwara, 10-12 miles away. Finally, he threw the cloth covering the AtmaLinga to a placed called Mrideshwara in Kanduka-Giri (Kanduka Hill). Mrideshwara has been renamed to Murudeshwara.

A huge towering statue of Lord Shiva, visible from great distances, is present in the temple complex. It is the tallest statue of Shiva in the world.

The statue is 123 feet (37 m) in height, and took about 2 years to build. The statue was built by Shivamogga's Kashinath and several other sculptors, financed by businessman and philanthropist Mr. R.N. Shetty, at a cost of approximately 50 million Rs. The idol is designed such that it gets the sun light directly and thus appears sparkling.

This sculpture shows the narration and writing of the famous Hindu epic the Mahabharata. Also clicked inside the premises of the Murudeshwara Temple. The Mahabaratha is traditionally ascribed to Vyasa, who is also one of the major dynastic characters within the epic. The first section of the Mahabharata states that it was the elephant headed God Ganesha who, at the request of Vyasa, wrote down the text to Vyasa's dictation.

Ravana Giving the Athma Linga to Ganesha

Clicked inside the premises of the Murudeshwara Temple. The Bhagavad Gita (in Sanskrit Bhagavad Gita means the "Song of God") is an important Sanskrit Hindu scripture. The sculpture shows Krishna as the charioteer and Arjuna the warrior.

The content of the Gita is the conversation between Lord Krishna and Arjuna taking place on the battlefield before the start of the Kurukshetra war. Responding to Arjuna's confusion and moral dilemma, Krishna explains to Arjuna his duties as a warrior and prince and elaborates on different Yogic and Vedantic philosophies, with examples and analogies. This has led to the Gita often being described as a concise guide to Hindu philosophy and also as a practical, self-contained guide to life. During the discourse, Krishna reveals his identity as the Supreme Being Himself, blessing Arjuna with an awe-inspiring vision of his divine universal form.

Nandi with the 20 storey tower in the backdrop

The Statue of Lord Shiva is mesmerizing

Om Shree Namaha Shivaya! My heart felt pranams to Lord Shiva.May He bless our souls with eternal peace and Joy.

Maha Mrityunjaya Mantra :

Om-Tryambakam yajamahe Sugandhim pushti-vardhanam

Urvarukamiva bandhanan Mrityor mukshiya mamritat

Baba, in Everything and Everywhere in Nature

When we look at nature, varieties of trees, mountains, multi-hued, fragrant flowers wafting perfume, tasty fruits, a host of song birds, animals, brooks, rainbows, and a plethora of pleasant sights greet us. What is the basis and who created them all? Who has taught the parrot to mutter sweet words, songs to a cuckoo and dance to a peacock? This wondrous creation bears an eloquent testimony to the creative genius of God. He pervades every atom of the Universe. Our minds enveloped in the darkness are unable to sense the Power of the Celestial Artist who drew the picture of the visible, marvellous creation on the canvas of the nature. God incarnates in the human form in order to dispel the darkness of ignorance in mankind and to light wisdom. Baba is the Heavenly Father in human form.Is it not foolishness not to have developed a rock-like faith in Baba after reading Sai Satcharitra, a story of His mind-boggling miracles blessed to thousands of devotees. On a number of occasions Baba proved that He would be hurt or harmed if any living being is tortured or Mother Nature is polluted. With deep love for Baba welling up in our hearts, let us behold the Presence of Baba in every inch of Nature and let us serve Baba visible in every living being. This is the highest practice of sensing the Omnipresence of Baba, the fulfillment of human birth.

Amarnath Yatra

Today , lets continue our teerth Yatra with the holy Amarnath yatra.We all are blessed to visit this sacred abode of Lord Shiva.

Amarnath yatra is considered as the most sacred pilgrimage in the Hindu religion. The journey is of 141 km from Srinagar, the Jammu and Kashmir. It is situated at a height of 4,175m. The yatra is mainly conducted in the month of July and August every year. The yatra is dedicated to Lord Shiva, one of the Holy Trinity.

The story narrated by people about the discovery of this Holy Cave is of a Gujjar ( shepherd) Buta Malik . He is given the credit of discovering this Holy Cave . Story goes like this , that a saint gave Buta Malik a bag full of Coal. On reaching his home when he opened the bag , to his utter surprise the bag was full of gold coins . This made him overwelmed with joy. He ran to thank the Saint . But, what he found was that the Saint had disappeared . Instead , he found The Holy Cave and Shiv Lingam there in . He announced the discovery of this to the Villagers. Then onwards this has become the sacred place of Pilgrimage .

The ancient epics narrate an other story which goes like this. The valley of Kashmir was under water .It was a big lake. Kashyap Rishi drained the water through number of rivers and rivulets . In those days Bhrigu Rishi came that way on a visit to The Himalyas. He was the first to have Darshans of this Holy Cave . When people heard of the Lingam, Amarnath for them became Shiva's abode and a Centre of pilgrimage . Since then Lacs of devotees perform the pilgrimage through tough terrain and avail eternal happiness.

PAHALGAM : It is 96 KM from Srinagar .This distance can be covered by car,bus or taxi. Pahalgam is known all over the world for its beauty. It is small town situated on the banks of Lidder River. It is surrounded by high mountains. All essentials can be bought here. Good Hotels are available for accommodation. However the arrangements for stay and Langar are also made by the Non Government Service Organisations.

The distance from Pahalgam to Chandanwari is 16km. The route is good .It can be covered by road transport also. Mini buses are also available from Pahalgam to reach Chandanwari. The trail runs along the Lidder River . The route is scenic. Food is available here. Pilgrims camp at Pahalgam or Chandanwari on the first night .

Chandanwari is the starting point of the Amarnath Yatra, which takes place every year in the month of Sawan (Rain).

The zig-zag route leading to Pissu Top

View of Chandanwari Side taken from Pissutop

PISSU TOP : As the Yatra proceed further from Chandanwari one climbs a height to reach Pissu Top. It is said that to be first to reach for darshan of Bhole Nath Shivshankar there was a war between Devtas and Rakshas . With the power of Shiv , devtas could kill the rakshas in such large number that the heap of their dead bodies has resulted in this high mountain.

Beautiful View of Sheshnag Lake

SHESHNAG:This second day's trek of 12 kms from Chandanwari is through Pissu Top and spectacular, primeval countryside, and reaches Sheshnag – a mountain which derives its name from its Seven Peaks, resembling the heads of the mythical snake.

The Journey to Sheshnag follows steep inclines on the right bank of a cascading stream and wild scenery untouched by civilisation. The second night's camp at Sheshnag overlooks the deep blue waters of Sheshnag lake, and glaciers beyond it.

There are legends of love and revenge too associated with Sheshnag, and at the camp these are narrated by campfires . The stillness of a pine scented Himalayan night increases your inner joy. Yatris can take bath and get their fatigue alleviated. It is beautiful and scenic.

From Sheshnag one has to climb steep height up across Mahagunas Pass at 4276 mtrs.(14000 ft) for 4.6 KM and then descending to the meadow lands of Panchtarni at a height of 3657 mtrs (12000 ft).

The last camp enroute to the Holy Cave is made here on third day. Here one faces cold winds which cause the skin to crack .

Hence cold cream / Vaseline are very useful for protection of skin. Some Yatris are also effected by deficiency of oxygen .Some may get the feeling of vomiting .

So dry fruit like Allu Bukhara ,sour and sweet eatables like Lemon are useful to control these symptoms . The route to Mahagunas is full of rivulets , water falls , springs .

PANCHTARNI:Panchtarni is a very beautiful place in the feet of BHAIRAV MOUNT. Five Rivers flow here . It is said that the five rivers origanated from Lord Shiva's Hairs (Jataon).

Pilgrims camp at Panchtarni on the 3rd night

The Holy Cave of Shri Amarnath is only 6 kms from Panchtarni. As there is no place to stay hence the pilgrims start in the early hours of the morning after their stay at Panchtarni

Pilgrims between Panchtarni and the Amarnath Caves

Pilgrims almost at the Amarnath Caves .On the way to The Holy Cave one comes across the Sangam of Amravati and Panchtarni. Some pilgrims take bath at Amravati near holy cave to become pious before going for Darshan. Near the cave is found white soil known as Bhasam. It is the most beloved soil of Shiv ji . The pilgrims apply this Holy soil to their body and then go for Shivlingam Darshan.

View of Holy Amarnath Cave as seen from out side

The trek to Amarnath, in the month of sharavan ( July–August) has the devout flock to this incredible shrine, where the image of Shiva, in the form of a Lingam, is formed naturally of an Ice Stalagmite, which waxes and wanes with the Moon's cycle . By its side are fascinating, two more Ice Lingams, that of Maa Parvati and of their son, Ganesha .

Inside View of Holy Cave

Behind the discovery of the Holy Shrine lies an interesting story. Centuries ago Maa Parvati asked Shivji to let her know why and when he started wearing the beads of heads (Mund Mala), to which Bhole Shankar replied, "whenever you are born I add more heads to my bead". Parvati said, "I die again and again, but you are Immortal. Please tell me the reason behind this". "Bhole Shankar replied that for this you will have to listen to the Amar Katha"

Shiv agreed to narrate the detailed story to Maa Parvati. He started for a lonely place where no living being could listen to the immortal secret and ultimately chose Amarnath Cave. In the hush-hush, he left his Nandi (the Bull which He used to ride) at Pahalgam (Bail gaon). At Chandwari , he released Moon (Chand) from his hairs (Jataon). At the banks of Lake Sheshnag, he released the snakes. He decided to leave his Son Ganesha at Mahagunas Parvat (Mahaganesh Hill). At Panjtarni, Shivji left the Five Elements behind (Earth, Water, Air, Fire and Sky) which give birth to life and of which he is the Lord.

After leaving behind all these, Bhole Shankar entered the Holy Amarnath Cave along with Parvati Maa and took his Samadhi. To ensure that no living being is able to hear the Immortal Tale, he created Kalagni and ordered him to spread fire to eliminate every living thing in and around the Holy Cave. After this he started narrating the secret of immortality to Maa Parvati. But as a matter of chance a pair of pigeons overhead the story and became immortal.

View Pigeons In Holy Cave : Many pilgrims report seeing the pair of pigeons at the Holy Shrine even today and are amazed as to how these birds survive in such a cold and high altitude area

May the Swayambhu (Shiva) Lingam bless our souls with His divine darshan and shower His grace upon us to fill our lives with peace , love and contentment in our hearts.

Baba's Miracle of Lighting the Lamps

Baba, the Heavenly Father in human form descended to Shirdi to protect the weak and the poor. He lit the Lamp of Wisdom to dispel the darkness of ignorance. Baba was fond of lights. Every evening He used to illumine every corner of Dwarakamayi by keeping lighted lamps in rows. He used to procure necessary oil to light the lamps from the local traders. One day the traders lied to Baba that there was no stock of oil. But Baba did not felt annoyed with them. He smiled and returned to the mosque with an empty oil can. Curious as they were, the traders followed Baba to see how He would lit the lamps without oil. Baba poured water into the oil can with a couple of oil drops in it, shook it, drank the water, spit into the oil can and poured the water into the earthen lamps and lit them. Wonder of the wonders, the lamps burnt luminously throughout the night to the utter amazement of the traders who were awe-struck. Baba gently exhorted them, 'If you are unwilling to give, do not give. But do not tell a lie. You could as well say 'No'. Ashamed, the traders prostrated before Baba and sought His forgiveness. The lights of wisdom were lit by Baba in their hearts. In that celestial light, the people of Shirdi sensed Baba's Divinity. Baba is an embodiment of love. Is not He? They were all forgiven and embraced by the Merciful Baba.