Madhaveswari Devi

Madhaveswari devi of Prayaga, Uttarpradesh is one another among the ASHTADASA SHAKTIPEETHAS. It is believed that the Fingers of the Sati Devi had fallen here when her corpse is cut by Shri Maha Vishnu with his SudarshanChakra. She is also called as Alopi Mata/Lalitha. Bhava is the Bhairava of this Shaktipeeth. Prayaga is confluence of 3 sacred rivers (Ganges, Yamuna and Saraswati) which is Allahabad where the Maha Kumbha Mela happens every 12 years. Prayaga means Prakrishta Yaga,that means it is the place where Lord Brahma did a very great Yaga. Hence its name became Prayaga. Prayaga is considered as one of the Sapta mokshapuras.

Sthala Purana of Alopi Shaktipeeth:-

                There are mainly three stories about the word Alopi. They are

1)Alopi means the one who disappeared. After Sati dahana and Dhaksha Yagna destruction, Lord Siva disturbed mentally and lifted Satidevi’s body and roaming without any destination. Lord Vishnu cut Sati devi body parts by using Sudarshana Chakra. Every place, where Satidevi’s body part fell, became a Shaktipeeth. Prayaga is the last place, where last part of Sati devi’s body fell on ground. Here Sati devi body became disappeared, hence the name Alopi.

2) There are some other stories about Alopi mata. In every temple, at least one idol or one symbol will be there for worshipping the goddess. But here, there is no idol or symbol. We have to imagine the goddess present on a wooden jhula. Hence the name Alopi.

3) According to a local story, Alopi mata is a newly married bride. She disappeared from pallaki, when robbers attącked the marriage troop. As the bride disappeared as a miracle, she is worshipped as Alopi mata.

Akshayavat (The Immortal Tree):-

                A sacred tree is located within the Patalpuri Temple at the Allahabad Fort which is worshipped as the Akshayavat .  A permission from the Commandant of Allahabad Fort’s Ordinance Depot is needed to visit this tree. On one day during the Kumbh Mela, the site is open to all the pilgrims. According to the local belief, the sage Shukdeva narrated Srimad Bhagavatam to the king Parikshit under this tree.Once the Sage Markandeya asked Lord Narayana to show him a specimen of the divine power.Lord  Narayana flooded the entire world for a moment, during which only the Akshayavat could be seen above the water level. Hence this Akshay Vat is immortal and indestructible even during the time of complete destruction of this universe. But one can see the Akshay Vat from while traveling to Triveni Sangam via boat from Yamuna River.

Bade Hanuman at Triveni Sangam:-

This idol of Hanuman Jee in sleeping position exists only in Allahabad at Sangam. As per the mythology, when Lord Ram after conquering Lanka and defeating Ravana came here to worship at Sangam, Hanuman Jee experienced severe body ache and laid at Sangam. Finishing his prayers, when Lord Ram asked Hanuman Ji to proceed further, Hanuman Jee denied to proceed due to severe pain. Sita Maa then blessed Hanuman jee and all the pains were flown away from his body by the sacred water in the Triveni Sangam.

Another belief lies with the people that, the year in which Ganga water do not reach Hanuman Jee’s foot, undesirable situations occur, such as draught and famines. People await the moment when the Ganges meets Hanuman Jee in the monsoons.

Mankameshwar Mahadeva Temple Allahabad:-

Mankameshwar means God of fulfillment of wishes and the Mankameshwar temple of Allahabad was made to do just that. The legend of the temple is that when Sita Maa bathed in the Sangam and wished to pray to Lord Shiva, there was no Lord Shiva temple nearby the Sangam. Lord Shri Ram built a new temple for her, thus fulfilling her wish. This was the fulfillment of wish, which lead to the naming of this temple as Mankameshwar. Even now it is believed that honest wishes made in this temple are fulfilled.

mAdhavEshvarI mAngaLyE prayAgasthalavAsinI /
trivENI sangamE tIrE bhuktimukti pradAyini //

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Kamarupa devi

Kamarupa devi of Gauhati in Assam State in India is also one of the Ashtadasa Shaktipeeth. It is believed that the Vulva (Womb) of Sati Devi has fallen here when Lord Vishnu has cut the corpse of her with Sudarshana Chakra. She is closely identified with Kali and Maha Tripura Sundari. Devi was named as Kamarupa(“ Form of Desire”) basing on the part of the body fallen. The temple of Kamakhya devi is located on a hill named Nilachal near Gauhati.

Kamakhya temple origins are pre-Aryan. Religious literature tells that the temple was built by KamDeva with help of Vishwakarma. The temple was carved with 64 stone images, Yoginis and 18 carved stones of Bhairavas. The Kamakhya Temple has a beehive like shikhara. Some of the sculptured panels seen here are of interest. There are images of Ganesha, Chamundeswari, dancing features etc. The temple is a natural cave with a spring. Down a flight of steps to the bowel of earth, is located a dark, mysterious chamber. Here, draped with a silk sari and covered with flowers, is kept the "matra yoni". 

                There is no image of Shakti here. Within a corner of a cave in the temple, there is a sculptured image of the Yoni of the Goddess, which is the object of reverence. A natural spring keeps the stone moist.

 In kalika Purana she was referred as Mahamaya,” the great goddess of Illusion” who takes many forms basing on her mood. Kamakhya is referred as a young goddess,16 years old with 12 arms and 6 heads. She holds in each of ten hands a lotus, trident, sword, bell, discus, bow, arrows, club or scepter, goad, and shield. Her remaining two hands hold a bowl, which is made either of gold or a skull.

She is seated upon a lotus, which emerges from the navel of Lord Shiva, who in turn lies atop a lion. To each side of her sit Brahma and Vishnu, who are each seated upon a lotus as well.

Legend of Kamakhya devi:

                Gauhati is previously called as Kama rupa, Hari kshetra, Pragjyotisha pura etc.. This is the capital of a demon named, Narakasura.Lord Vishnu kílled a demon named Hiranyaksha, in the form of Swetha varaha and saved earth. But, it is Tamasika avathara and he couldn’t realise his own state. He married Bhu devi(The Goddess of Earth) and spent life on earth.

                One shouldn’t get sexual feelings in the time of Sunset. But, they didn’t followed that rule, which resulted in a son, who is a demon by character. Bhu devi prąyed Lord Vishnu to give boons to her son. Vishnu kept a name, Naraka, and made him as a king to the Pragjyotisha pura. He told to Bhu devi that Naraka becomes very bad and he will be kílled to save the world.

Bhu devi prąyed Vishnu a lot and got a promise from him that Naraka should become immortal unless kílled by her. Vishnu left the form of Varaha and went to Vaikuntha.

Goddess Kamakhya is considered as the Maya rupa of Bhu devi.

                Naraka worshiped Goddess Kamakhya and he got a lot of energy. He ruled the world for many Yugas. He captured sixteen thousand princes and enjoying with them against their will. He made friend ship with Banasura. Banasura deviated him from the worship of the Goddess Kamakhya. He told that Kamakhya is also an unmarried girl and Naraka can marry her.

                One day night, Naraka observed Goddess Kamakhya dancing in her temple. He approached her and asked to marry him. She laughed at him and told that it will happen if Naraka constructs temple, tank, and stair case from the foot of Nilachal hill to her place, by the end of that night. Naraka got mystic powers by worshiping her. He started fast and almost completed the task. Lord Vishnu appeared in the form a cock(fowl) and crew, which is considered as the starting of the day. Naraka became frustrated, chased and kílled that fowl. In the mean while the day really came. Naraka failed to reach the goal and got angry on Goddess Kamakhya. Kamakhya disappeared from that place.

                The incomplete stair case is called as Mekhelauja path.The place where Naraka kílled the fowl is called as Kukurakata chaki. It is situated in the district of Darrang.Naraka stealed the Ear rings of Deva matha Adithi(Mother of Lord Indra). This became a very big insult for all gods. At that time Lord Vishnu and Bhu devi incarnated as Sri Krishna and Satya bhama. Indra prąyed Sri Krishna to kíll Narakasura. 

                Sri Krishna went with Satya bhama to kíll Narakasura. Goddess Kamakhya came with them. Satya bhama didn’t remember Narakasura as her son. Lord Krishna remembering the word given to his wife in last incarnation acts as being hurt by Narakasura. Satya became angry and kílled Narakasura by an Astra given by Lord Sri Krishna. All the sixteen thousand princes expressed their desire to marry Sri Krishna. He married all of them. Bhaga datta, the son of Naraka was made as the king of Pragjyotisha pura, by Lord Sri Krishna.

THE LEGEND OF KAMADEVA AND KAMAKHYA TEMPLE

                Another Legend has it that the Kamakhya Temple was built by Kamadeva, the God of Love. According to this tradition, when Lord Shiva went into deep meditation upon Sati’s death at the yagna performed by her father Daksha, the Gods grew very worried and anxious about the uncertain future of the world. They came to the conclusion that further creation would only be possible if the divine UNION between the Holy Mother and the Divine Father is made possible once again. In order to bring about this UNION, they sent Kama to shake Lord Shiva out of his Yogic State of trance and thus make him fall for Parvathi, the daughter of Himavan who was the very reincarnation of Sati. Kama let his arrows fly from his bow. They struck Shiva and woke him up from his trance. Furious with the disturbance, Shiva burnt Kamadeva alive with a single glance. Later at the instance of all the Gods, Lord Shiva brought Kama back to life. Unfortunately, Kama lost all his charm and good looks. Lord Shiva however comforted him with these words: “Don’t worry Manmadha. It was all a part of my divine act. You will regain your good looks once you build a temple for my beloved Sati at the spot where her vagina fell.” 

                The entire Kamakhya Temple Complex also contains other major temples—Temples for Devi, for Kali, for Tara, for Bagala, for Chinnamasta, for Bhuvanesvari, for Bhairavi and for Dhumavati, for Sitala, for Lalita Kanta, for Jaya Durga, for Vana Durga, for  Rajarajesvari, for Smasanakali  and for Sankhesvari.

                Likewise there are five temples of Lord Shiva in the Kamakhya complex depicting different forms of Lord Shiva---- Kamesvara (Umananda), Siddhesvara, Amratokesvara (Heruka), Aghpra, and Kotilinga (Tatpurusa).
 
                The Kamakhya Temple Complex also contains three temples of Lord Visnu. They are the Kedara (Kamalesvara) Temple, situated near the northern side of the main temple; the Gadadhara Temple, situated in the north-western direction of the Kamakhya Temple; and Pandunath Temple, situated in the eastern foothills of Nilachal also known as Pandu.

                                       Kamakhya paramam tirtham kamakhya paramam tapah /

               Kamakhya paramo dharmah kamakhya parama gatih //

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Manikyamba Devi-Draksharamam

Manikyamba Devi temple at Draksharamam in Andhra Pradesh is one of the Ashtadasa Shakti temple. It is believed that the Navel part of Devi Sati has fallen here when Lord Vishnu has cut her corpse with his Sudarshan Chakra. It is also one among the five powerful temples of Lord Shiva, well known as Pancharama temples. Here Lord shiva is in the name of Bhimeswara Swamy and her consort is devi Manikyamba. Temple is situated on eastern Bank of the great river Godavari.

Manikyamaba devi temple present in inner circle (prakara) of Lord Bhimeswara swamy temple. It is present in North East Corner of the campus. There is a Srichakra below Manikyamaba mata idol. Manikyamaba devi will see left side, suggesting us she was worshiped previously in Vama marga (Left route). Sun god and Saptarshis worshiped Lord Bhimeswara swamy and Manikyamba devi here.

According to local legend, sacred Draksharama Temple has a ‘Shiva lingam’ enshrined by god Surya. The temple was built by angels in one night. The construction of the perimeter wall could not be completed before sunrise and still stands incomplete. Several attempts have been made to construct the uncompleted part of the wall but all those efforts have failed with the constructed wall collapsing within a few months.  The specialty of this Shiva Lingam is that, the early morning tender Sun light falls on the Linga. There are nearly 800 ancient scripts on the walls of the temple. The Siva Linga in this temple is said to be one large crystal which is 2.6 meters high. Siva is accompanied by Dakshayani, who is the first wife of Siva.

Legends of Manikyamba Devi:

There are three stories related to Manikyamba devi. First one is, A Brahmin widow made a golden idol to remember her died daughter. But after some time, the idol got talking power. This idol was decorated with Manikyas(gems), hence the name Manikyamba or Manikyeswari. Bhimadeva, a new king came to this area taken that idol and worshiped her as his Kula devata. Some stories also tells us that Manikyamba name comes from a word Mainakamba, That means she was the daughter of Menaka devi, wife of Himavanta. Gradually the word Manikamba turned as Manikyamba in time period.

                There is another important story regarding Manikyamaba devi. Manikyamba devi is a daughter of a prostitute. One day she saw Lord Bhimeswara in her dream, and decided that she will marry Lord Bhimeswara only. She showed great devotion towards Lord Shiva, and finally got Lord Bhimeswara swamy as her husband. A great Poet Srinatha, belonging to 14th century also mentioned this story in his great work, Bhimakhanadam. From there onwards Manikyamba devi was worshiped as Mother goddess. Manikyamba devi also considered as Kula devata of vesyas.

Legend of Bheemeswar:

                Once upon a time, demon Tarakasura had his tapas and booned by Lord Shiva with his AtmaLinga. With this proud, Tarakasura had committed many sins against devas. Due to this all devas went to make Goddess Pravathi marriage with Lord Shiva in order to kill Tarakasura by giving birth to Lord Shanmukha. Shanmukha went for a battle against Tarakasura. On Lord Shiva’s suggestion, Shanmukha destroyed atmalinga in Tarakasura’s neck and killed him. 

                The pieces of atmalinga had fallen at 5 holy places in Andhra Pradesh which are popular known as Pancharamams. One is Amareshwara installed by Lord Indra in Amaravathi, the second is Someswara installed by Lord Chandra in Bheemavaram, the third is Ksheera Ramalingeswara installed by Lord Rama in Palakollu, the fourth is Kumara Rama Bheemeswara installed by Shanmukha in samrlakota and the fifth one is Bheemeswara who had shown himself in Drakshramam. In order to purify the piece fallen in Drakshramam, the sages requested River Godavari but Godavari had responded late which made Lord Shiva to emerge himself in Draksharamam. River Godavari came here with the request of Saptarshi hence called SapthaGodavari which is located on east to the temple as Pushkarini.

A 14th century poet Srinatha mentioned Manikyamaba devi as one of 18 Shaktipeethas in his work Bhimakhandam.

prithivi padunenimidi yogapithashakti
ganamulo nencha sarvashringara yaguchu
bhimanathuni sannithi prema velayu
manikadevi sakala kalyana murti.

                Draksharamam is a Shavite shrine. On a day, Lord Shiva tested Sage Vyasa by not getting him any food by donation in Kasi. Sage Vyasa lost his patience on his hungry tried cursing Kasi but Goddess Annapurna had provided food to Vyasa and his disciples. Lord Shiva had ordered him to leave kasi. The goddess had suggested Drakshramam, an equivalent of Kasi  to spend his remaining life. It is believed that sage Vyasa who performed penance here named this as Dakshina Kasi (Southern Benaras). Legend has it that the Saptamaharshis (Seven sages) to achieve the end of their penance divided the akhanda (unbranched) Godavari River into seven different streams at Draksharama. Bharadhwaja, Viswamitra and Jamadagni streams known as Antarvahinies, were believed to have gone underground. There is Sapta Godavari Kundam (Seven river pond) near the temple. Devotees bath in this kundam. Sivarathri attracts huge crowds of pilgrims.

Drakshavati Sthitashaktih vikhyata Manikyambika /
varada shubhadadevi bhaktamoksha pradayini //

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Biraja Devi

Biraja Devi is one of the Ashtadasa Shakti peethas. This place is also known as Nabhi Gaya. This temple is built in 13th century. It is believed that the Hip Bone of Sati devi has fallen here when Lord Vishnu has cut the corpse with his Sudarshana Chakra. Here Lord Shiva is as Jagannath. This is located in Jajpur of Odisha.

                The image of Goddess Biraja is unique and rare in entire India. The ferocious deity is mounted on a lion carrying a spear in one arm and holds the tail of Mahishasur with other.There are some exception that in Her crown there remain 5 images. These are Lord Ganesh, Shakti Moon,Chandra along with Shiva Linga, Chandra and Snake. Token of 5 Gods and Goddesses holding

Mahisha slaughter image is not seen anywhere in India. Maa Biraja devi also called as Girija devi, Viraja devi and Biraja devi. Vaitarini River is passing near Biraja kshetra. Here Maa Biraja devi worshiped as Trishakti Mahakali, Mahalakshmi and Mahasaraswati. Devotees will offer their hair to holy goddess. This area is also famous for Shraddha karmas.

The principal deity Maa Biraja was clustered around by Three Varahas, Four Bhairavas, Five Nrusinghas, Seven Matrukas, Twelve Madhavas and a Hundred and Eight Rudras. The perimeter of the Shakti Pitha Biraja Kshetra is triangular. Its apex or corner point extends in the west, south-east and north-east directions. The Lingas Bilweswar, Varuneswar and Khilateswar are located in the west, south and north-east directiona and guard the areas as guardian deities. Presiding deity Biraja is worshipped in the middle of this triangular Kshetra.

ODhradEshE bhuvanEshI girijAnAma samsthitA /
pAlikAkhila lOkAnAM pallavAruNa pANinA //

Mythology:

It states that once Brahma (the creator of the Universe) performed a Yajna (great sacrifice) inside the river Baitarani. By the invocation of Brahma, Parvati manifested herself from the Garhapatya fire. Being moved by his prayers Parvati advised Brahma to name her as Biraja. She was entreated by Brahma to glorify the Kshetra by her presence as the divine consort of Siva. She took her position with pleasure and created Nine Durgas, Sixty Four Yoginis, Eight Chandikas and directed them to remain in the Kshetra forever.

At Biraja Temple, Lord Vishnu is in Varaha incarnation:

A great Yagna (sacrificial oblation) was performed over the body of Gayasur, (the great demon devotee of Lord Vishnu) by the Lords Shiva, Brahma and Vishnu to kill the demon. Gayasur’s feet were in Pada Gaya (a place in Pithapuram, Andhra Pradesh), nabhi(Navel) in  Biraja Kshetra or today’s Jajpur, known as Nabhi Gaya and head at Shiro Gaya. The exact spot is in a well that lies inside the Biraja temple just close to Maa Biraja.

Biraja Devi is described as Pitrukanya. According to Brahmanda Purana, Biraja was the mind child of Ajyapa Pitruganas. Thus people from all over the country come and offer pindas at Nabhigaya in order to propitiate their ancestors and have a darshan of the Pitru Kanya, Biraja.There is a puranic reference in Mahabharatha, wherein Pandavas, (as suggested by Sage Lomash) took a holy dip in Baitrani River to wash out all sorrows and sufferings during their Vanavasa.Nabhi Kund is a pond where Lord Brahma is said to have performed a Yagna, which is also present near the temple.

According to Skanda Purana, Utkala khanda, a dip in the holy river Vaitrani washes all rajo guna of pilgrims.

Other Important temples:

Brahma Kund (A holy place where Brahma did Yagna) is also present near temple. This pond also considered as Nabhi kund.
There is a temple for Sweta Varaha swamy near this temple.
Jagannadh temple complex present on other sides of the bank of Vaitarini river.
Siddheshwar temple is one of the oldest temple of Lord Shiva in Jajpur district.

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Puruhutika Devi

Puruhutika Devi is one of the the Ashtadasa Shaktipeethas. It is believed that the Seat of Sati devi has fallen here when Lord Vishnu has cut her corpse with Sudarshana Chakra. Devi Sati is worshipped as Puruhutika and Lord Shiva as Kukkuteswara Swamy. The temple of Puruhutika devi is located within the temple campus of Kukkuteswara swamy. It is located in Pithapuram of Andhra Pradesh.

                Kukkuteswara swamy temple is present in the outskirts of the Pithapuram village towards Kakinada. It is a big temple. Just entering in to the temple we'll see a pond which is called as Padagaya sarovaram (Pada Gaya Sarovar). Pilgrims will take holy bath in this pond. Main temple of Kukkuteswara swamy is present towards the right side of the pond. Puruhutika devi temple is present in the North-East corner of the Kukkuteswara swamy temple. It is constructed facing south. Puruhutha temple is small but looks very nice with the carvings of Ashtadasa Shakti peethas on its walls. It is believed that the original statue of devi is buried under the temple in the same place.

Puruhutika Devi is in a standing position. The idol is made of granite and is adorned with jewels, a Kirit and robed in silks. The idol of Puruhuthika devi has four hands. They contain bag of seeds (Beeja), axe (Parashu), lotus (Kamala) and a dish (Madhu patra) from lower-right to lower-left in order.

Puruhuti Sati mata pithikapurasamsthita |

Putravatpalita devi bhaktanugrahadayini ||

                Kukkuteswara Swamy is a Swayambu (self-manifested) Spatika Linga in the sanctum Sanctorum. The Lord is in a cock form at the temple. There is wing like structure besides the idol of Kukkuteswara Swamy. There is also a huge Eka Shila Nandi in front of the idol of Lord Shiva. The Nandi is the second biggest after Lepakshi Basaveshwara. This complex has a Sarovar after taking bath people offer prayers to their ancestors, as this temple complex is called Pada Gaya. It has Gayasura's Padas (Feet) and Vishnu Padas (Feet). Gayasura's body was cut in three portions and out of that Head has fallen at Siro Gaya (Called Gaya in Bihar) Below chest (Nabhi) portion has fallen in Nabhi Gaya (Jajpur in Orissa)and the Legs (Padas) have fallen here hence called Pada Gaya. Pithapuram has three famous temples: Kunthi Madhavaswami temple, Kukkuteswara Swami Temple and the Puruhutika Sakthi Peetam.

History:-

Once Indra has cheated Ahalya (wife of Gautama maharshi) in the form of Gautama and was cursed by the Maharshi. Indra lost his testis and got the symbols of Yoni all over his body. He felt very sad and prąyed Gautama a lot. Finally the Rishi accepted and told that the Yoni symbols will look like eyes, so that Indra will be called as Sahasraksha thereafter. But Indra lost his testes. He wanted to regain them. He left his kingdome, came to Piithika puri and did Tapasya for Jaganmata. After a long time Jaganmata appeared before him and blessed him with wealth and testis. Indra was very happy and prąyed her as Puruhutika devi (One who was worshiped by Indra).

                After a very long time Jagadguru Sripada vallabha took birth in Pithapuram. He too worshiped Puruhutika devi and realized his self. He is an incarnation of Dattatreya.

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MahaKaleswar-Ujjain

Mahakaala of Ujjain is known among the twelve celebrated Jyotirlingas in India. The glory of Mahakaleshwar temple has been vividly described in various puranas. Starting with Kalidasa, many sanskrit poets have eulogised this temple in emotive terms. The tradition of Mahakala in minds of the people is eternal Ujjain used to be centre point of the calculation of the Indian time and Mahaklala was considered as the distinctive presiding deity of Ujjain.It is mentioned in many Hindu epics that, Lord Shiva had killed a demon here named ‘Tripur’.

Maha Kaala litterally means the “Grand Time” or “Lord of Time”. The theory seems plausible as Ujjain has been and still is a seat of astrology and Indian astronomy having a “Nava Graha”, a “Nine Planet” temple and an observatory.

                The Linga in this temple is also called Dakshinamurti as it is the only one that faces South. Out of the twelve Jyotirlinga's, only Mahakal is known as the Lord of earth and death. The Linga in this temple is also known as Swayambhu as it derives powers from within, quite unlike the other Lingas where the powers are manifested by mantras or hymns. The grandeur of Mahakaleswar is indescribable. The decoration of the linga is different in the morning and evening. One should not miss the evening decoration which is made with the clay from the river shipra. In the early morning at 4.30 AM Bhasmarchana is performed.for Maha Kaleswar. For this the ashes from the burial ground of previous night last pyre is used. The ashes are taken in a thin cloth and this archana is performed.One should not miss this and there is a restrictions for ladies to see this archana directly.

SthalaPuran

According to the Puranas, the city of Ujjain was called Avantika and was famous for its beauty and its status as a devotional epicenter. It was also one of the primary cities where students went to study Holy Scriptures. According to legend, there was a ruler of Ujjain called Chandrasena, who was a pious devotee of Lord Shiva and worshiped him all the time. One day, a farmer's boy named Shrikhar was walking on the grounds of the palace and heard the King chant the Lord's name and rushed to the temple to start praying with him. However, the guards removed him by force and sent him to the outskirts of the city near the river Kshipra. Rivals of Ujjain, primarily King Ripudamana and King Singhaditya of the neighboring kingdoms decided to attack the Kingdom and take over its treasures around this time. Hearing this, Shrikhar started to pray and the news spread to a priest named Vridhi. He was shocked to hear this and upon the urgent pleas of his sons, started to pray to Lord Shiva at the river Kshipra. The Kings chose to attack and were successful; with the help of the powerful demon Dushan, who was blessed by Lord Brahma to be invisible, they plundered the city and attacked all the devotees of Lord Shiva.

Upon hearing the pleas of His helpless devotees, Lord Shiva appeared in his Mahakala form and destroyed the enemies of King Chandrasena. Upon the request of his devotees Shrikhar and Vridhi, Lord Shiva agreed to reside in the city and become the chief deity of the Kingdom and take care of it against its enemies and to protect all His devotees. From that day on, Lord Shiva resided in His light form as Mahakala in a Lingam that was formed on its own from the powers of the Lord and His consort, Parvati. The Lord also blessed his devotees and declared that people who worshipped Him in this form would be free from the fear of death and diseases. Also, they would be granted worldly treasures and be under the protection of the Lord himself.

History:

             The existence of temple is difficult to tell. However, it can be defined as the one which belongs to the Pre-historic period. Puranas narrate that it was first established by Prajapita Brahma. There is reference to the appointment of prince Kumarasena by king Chanda Pradyota in 6th c. BC for looking after the law and order situations of Mahakala temple. The punch-marked coins of Ujjain, belonging to 4th-3rd c. BC, bear the figure of Lord Siva on them. Mahakala temple is also mentioned in several ancient Indian poetic texts. According to these texts, the temple had been very magnificent and magnanimous. Its foundation and platform were built of stones. The temple rested on the wooden pillars. There had been no sikharas on the temples prior to the Gupta period. The roofs of temples had mostly been flat. Possibly due to this fact, Kalidasa in Raghuvansam described this temple as ‘Niketana’. The palace of the king had been in the vicinity of the temple. In the early part of the Meghadutam (Purva Megha), Kalidasa gives a fascinating description of the Mahakala temple. It appears that this Chandisvara temple might have been a unique example of the then art and architecture. It may be ascertained that how splendid had been the temple of the main Deity of that town which possessed multi-storeyed gold-plated palaces and buildings and the superb artistic grandeur. The temple was enclosed by high ramparts attached with the entry-gates. At twilight the lively rows of glittering lamps enlightened the temple-complex.

Architecture

                Upper components of the temple rested on the strong and well-designed pillars and pilasters. Such temples, according to the contemporary Silpa-sastras contained the images of various god and goddesses, Nava Grahas (Nine planets), Apsaras (celestial damsels), female dancers, anucharas (attendants), Kichakas etc. The sculptural art of the temple had been very classical and multifarious. Besides the Saivite images of Nataraja, Kalyanasundara, Ravananugraha, Gajantaka, Sadasiva, Andhakasura-slayer, Lakulisa etc., the temples were adorned with the images of Ganesa, Paravati, Brahma, Visnu, Surya (Sun-god), Sapta Matrkas (Seven mother-goddesses) etc. These images had been very proportionate, well-decorated, sculpturally perfect and carved according to classical and Puranic texts.

                 *** OM NAMAH SHIVAYA***

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Mahakali Devi-Ujjain

Maha Kali temple from Ujjain in Madhya Pradesh is famous for one another ferocious deity of Shakti. It is also among the Ashtadasa Shaktipeetha and also the Jyotirlinga of Lord Shiva who is in form of Maha Kaleswar. Here devi is called as Hara Sidhi Maata. Locals call the goddess as Garh kalika, The Maha kali (hara sidhi mata) was the aradhana devi of The great King Vikramadithya. It is said that King Vikramadithya who had mastered the Ashtamasiddhis(the great 8 powers) has offered his head by cutting 11 times to devi and all those times devi made him live by joining it back. We will find his portrait a hall next to the temple. It is believed that the Tongue of Sati Devi has fallen here when Lord Vishnu has cut her corpse with his Sudarshana chakra.

She is the Goddess worshiped by the greatest sanskrit poet Kalidasa who has written Sakunthalam, Meghasandesham, etc ., Kalidasa Maha Kavi (Poet) who was an Illiterate has gained wisdom with the Grace of Kalika devi.

                 Ujjayinyam mahakali mahakaleshvareshvari /
                 Kshipratirasthita mata vanchitarthapradayini //

The temple is located on the Malwa Plateau on the “Tropic of Cancer”. In the temple the deity is placed in between the idols of MahaLakshmi and Saraswati. There are other temples of sthirman ganesh, simheshwar shiva linga and Hanumatkeshwar shiva linga temple. The idol of Annapurna is painted in dark vermilion colour. The Sri Yantra, the symbol of power or shakti, is also enshrined in the temple. The temple was reconstructed during the Maratha period and the two pillars adorned with lamps are special features of Maratha art. These lamps, lit during Navaratri, present a glorious spectacle. There is an ancient well on the premises, and an artistic pillar adorns the top of it.

Story of Maha Kali:

Goddess Mahakali is also known as Rakt Dantika or Chamunda. Mahakali appeared to kill the demon Andhakasur. Andhakasur, the ruler of Ujjaini in those days, was blessed with a power that every drop of his blood that touched the ground would produce a new Andhakasur. When Lord Shiva pierced him with his trishul, Mahakali appeared and drank all the blood and ate all the new Andhakasurs. The demon finally accepted his defeat and the world became free of demons. Later to killing all demons Mahakali went more ferocious in the war field when Lord Shiva himself lays in between the dead bodies. 

Mahakali mistakenly steps on her husband chest and takes her original form. Pleased, Shiva bestowed upon her the epithet of 'one who vanquishes all'.

MahaKaleshwar temple:

Mahakala of Ujjain is known among the twelve celebrated Jyotirlingas in India. The glory of Mahakaleshwar temple has been vividly described in various puranas.The tradition of Mahakala in minds of the people is eternal Ujjain used to be centre point of the calculation of the Indian time and Mahaklala was considered as the distinctive presiding deity of Ujjain.It is mentioned in many Hindu epics that, Lord Shiva had killed a demon here named ‘Tripur. However the story will be mentioned on my Jyotirlinga section Articles.

             **** Jai MAHA KAALI****

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Renuka Devi

 Renuka Devi Temple is one among the Ashtadasa Maha ShaktiPeethas. It is believed that the Left Hand of Sati devi has fallen here when her corpse is cut with Sudarshan Chakra of Shri Maha Vishnu. This is located in the Mahur of Nanded District, Maharastra. Mahur Enshrining Mahamaya and Renuka or Jagdamba devi and Saptashringi enshrining Jagadamba. Mahur is also said to be the birth place of God Dattatreya, he is born to goddess Anasuya. Renuka devi is the mother of Lord Parashuram( Incarnation of Lord Vishnu) hence this city is also known as Mata Pur. Diety is in form of Shiva Linga and temple is present in deep forests.

This town is One of the three and half Shakti Peethas of Maharashtra:- Renuka or Yellamma : "Mother of the Universe" or Jagadamba. 

                Legends say that Yellamma is the incarnation of Kali, who on one hand symbolizes the death of ego, and on the other hand is the mother who is compassionate about her children.

                Yellamma is worshipped mostly in South India, including Karnataka, Tamilnadu, Andhra Pradesh and Maharastra, where the deity is known by many other names like :-

Mahankali, Jogamma, Somalamma, Gundamma, Pochamma, Mysamma, Jagadambika, Holiyamma, Renukamata, Yellu aai, and Renuka Devi.

Story of Renuka Devi

                Renuka Devi was daughter Renuka raja (King); She was originated from the fire of Yajna performed King. Later Shree Renuka Devi married with great Hrishi (sage) Jamadagni. Sage Jamadagni was the son of Ruchik Muni and Satyavathi and had obtained the blessings of the gods by performing severe penance.

Mother Renuka is known for her devotion towards her husband. With her faith, she was able to fetch water in a pot built with unbaked clay. One day her thoughts get filled with desire for a moment when a group of Gandharvas are passed in sky through chariot and at that time the clay pot gets dissolved in water. Jamadagni knowing this with his yogic powers orders his sons to kill renuka. All of them refuses and angry father turns them to stone. But, Bhargava beheaded his mother and makes his father happy. He gets two boons for fulfilling his wish. The boy uses them for bringing his mother back to life and turning his brothers normal. It is believed that the head of Renuka Devi has fell here in this sacred city.

         A king named Kartavirya visits the hermitage of Jamadagni once and gets feasted well. He comes to know that it happened with the help of Kamadhenu he having. He requests for it and the king steals it from him. Jamadagni orders his son to visit piligrim places for purifying the stains of blood. Sons of kartavirya discovering that their father is killed by Parashuram. They decapitated his body and took head with them. In rage parashuram killed all the Kshatriyas (kings) for over 21 times and conducts the cremation of his father. His mother becomes Sati along with his father Jamadagni.

Temple Premises:

Parasurama temple : Lord Parasurama (incarnation of Lord Vishnu) temple is also present on the same hill. There is a holy pond here, called Parasurama kund.

Dattatreya Swamy temple : Jagadguru Dattareya swami temple is present on another hill.

Anasuya mata temple : Anasuya mata is the mother of Dattatreya swami. Her temple is present on the third hill.

Atri Maharshi temple : Atri maharshi is the father of Dattatreya swamy. This temple is also present beside Anasuya mata temple.

Matru tirtha : Matru tirha is a very holy pond described in Guru Charitra. Lord Parsurama did ceremony of his father, Jamadagni, in this place. People will take a holy dip in this pond and get rid off their sins.

Devdeveshwar mandir : This is the sleeping place of Dattatreya swami. Daily Guru Dattatreya swami will take bath at Varanasi in Ganga river, Bhiksha (Lunch) in Kolhapur and sleep in Mahur. This temple is present in Mahur town.

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FINE WITHOUT BILLS-A Real Story

Dear Friends,

Below is the description shared by one of my friends with his bitter experience faced at the SANTRAGACHI Railway Station of Kolkata. The area where system speaks in all aspects. Corruption was on its peak when almost Rs.80,000 was collected from the 40 poor, Middle Class people with only threatening and misuse of Power from the government Officers who work for RPF. I believe this will be soon on the page of Justice and shall avoid such future instances. I will be proud in sharing such any Instances.

We should be presenting all such instances where the money of public is being misused in terms of corruption. I am ready to share on my pages.


THE FIRST JAIL EXPERIENCE IN MY LIFE…A TRUE STORY HAPPENED ON 06-OCT-2014.

Hello My self came from very middle class and well disciplined family .I did my post graduation and currently working for reputed software company as an Senior software Engineer in Kolkata .My native is Visakhaptnam…A.P

Very recent I underwent the below scenario and I realized myself as CITIZEN of INDIA after watching many things very closely in a single day.

Hereafter I will post all my upcoming experiences boldly for the better NATION.

The story as follows………

On 06-OCT-2014
5-35 AM :The Hwh-Ypr express has arrived at entry point of platform SANTRAGACHI (stoppage before HOWRAH).

5-40 AM : For the first time to this station .I’ve got down with huge luggage and crossed the track and asked one stranger at entry point of platform about the exit point to catch the direct bus to my place.He told the way.

5-45 AM :I’ve walked few steps.(Actually Iam in hurry to go office early becoz Iam returning back from my native Visakhapatnam after a long Dusshera vacation).

5-42 AM:All of sudden some people caught me and asked to stand in one queue.I’ve asked for reason they declined to give reply. I requested to leave me as Iam getting late to my office.

6-00 AM :I came to know the stranger who directed to go this way is belong to same team and I simply wondered.Somehow I came to know they belong to RPF-“Railway Protection Force”.
(They don’t have any uniforms and ID cards)

6-15 AM: Again I’ve asked for the reason then they replied that I have done a mistake to crossing the railway track.I realized my mistake and I told them I will pay penality for my mistake they not at all listened more over they Ill-treated.

(I have noticed that the place I have crossed the track no sign boards,no barrigates,no fencing,no footoverbridge,no volunteers to safeguard the passengers particular railway station)

Simply I wondered to whom I need to ask all these things.I’ve noticed they have intentionally booked.RPF started to take all of us to nearby RPF police station.

6-45 AM: Reached RPF police station after that they have kept all of us kept in a closed room there found near about people are there along with me.(Room is very uncleaned)

8.00 AM : They have started collecting all our details after sometime I came to know they are booking cases on all the 40 people.(we don’t have any communication with the people who are eagerly waiting for us outside the room).

11.00 AM :Cases filing process got completed and they have again opened the gate and asked us to stand in a queue.

11.10 AM :We came to know they are taking all of us to civil and criminal sessions court in Howrah police van.

11.50 AM :We have reached the court gate.The time we are getting down from the van one person without having Id card and uniform standing at van door with one bag and forcefully asked all of us to drop all our belongings i.e., Wallets,Mobiles,Money etc…

Here the actual story began.

12.00 PM :They accommodate all 40 people inside the court jail room which is very unclean.All the walls are spitted with pan masalas,urinals,coackroaches,entire floor with mud,bad smell prevailing etc..

(Inside same room Half-Partitioned opened bathroom with broken tap moreover water is not coming)

In this particular moment I felt myself that I should commit suicide as because this was my first experience in prison premises.

12-30 PM :-On seeing all these things and people inside I felt myself insecured and ask the police to bring outside the room as Iam wearing some gold but they have refused to do so.

1.00 PM:-After sometime I found my office ID card in my pocket and showed them from the prison even though it didn’t worked out.

2.00 PM :People started requesting the people sitting outside the prison to give some food and water .(Many of the people inside didn’t have breakfast as they are caught early in the morning session).

3.00 PM :One person came and given two biscuit packets and asked 40 people to share(1:40 ratio) on an average.I denied to take the biscuit and water too.

4.00 PM: I realized they wont leave and I walked inside the room and for time being I have started interacted with the people.I came to know out of 40 people many people are innocent,Illeterate,daily labours,remote villages,Diabetic patients,physically challenged moreover they are below the poverty line and downtrodden.
(As October 6th Monday was “EID” festival many people overthere returned from many places in India to spend with their families.They eventold they will come once or twice in year as this one is rare festival for them and they were in very much tensed because thay have already informed all their families that they are coming for the festival and their families are eagerly waiting for them but they are in helpless because they don’t have any communication because they have submitted all their belongings before entering into the jail room)
All these stories really moved me a lot and make me to think off myself where we were and project to the outer world.

4:45 PM :In meanwhile two people with no ID cards and no uniforms came near to the gate and called all of us and told “The persons who wish to go out from this place needs to pay 2150 /- whoever willing to do so give the left thumb impression on this paper,We are giving few minutes time or else will sent to the main prison for the tenure of 1 month if refused”
(Literally they have done the emotional blackmail and make the people thinkoff themselves todo so)
Firstly I told them that I will pay the amount whatever they demanded but prior to that I need confirmation that I will receive acknowledgement (Reciept) for the paid amount.
They have threatened that its not possible if you talk more will sent you the main prison.Pay the amount silently and leave this place.

5:05 PM :-Myself and few people agreed to pay the amount they have demanded that to after coming out from jail room as because all our belongings they have already collected on beforehand.

5:25 PM:-They have prepared two separate list that means the person who agreed to make the payment and who has not agreed.In reality the people who not agreed to make payment really they don’t have enough money.One person called up the names and separated us into two teams and kept in two separate jail rooms.

5-35 PM:-They have called the people who has agreed to make the payments and take the signatures and informed us they are set free.

5-40 PM:- One person asked us to follow him and took us some distance in some ghallis that place seems very isolated.He asked us to check all our belongings and asked us to make the complete payment Rs. 2150 /-which was committed by us.I asked one guy to come along with me to withdraw amount ATM as I don’t have enough money in my Wallet.

5-45 PM:-Before payment I have asked for the clarifications for the amount which I need to be paid.They simply refused and replied me I you talk more again you will put behind the bars so pay the cash committed and vacate the place immediately.Finally I have paid the cash and I took all my belongings vacated the place.)
(I have observed the few people rolling tears in there eyes while giving amounts almost all are daily labourers working for daily wages.I understood their pain behind their earning of money I realize they have earned literally by keeping there blood and sweat to make such amounts.I pity on them because these category of people not at all tolerated and even forcefully robbed from them.)
So finally I realized and instead of ignoring these scenario I feel responsible as a Citizen of India and giving a try to explore the solutions for below questions since long time from my child hood.Hopefully I think will get solutions in future.

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MahaLakshmi Devi

                Kolhapur Mahalakshmi Temple is a famous pilgrimage center and is also one of the Ashtadasa Maha ShaktiPeethas. It is believed that the Eyes of Sati Devi has fallen here when Lord Shri Maha Vishnu has cut the corpse with his Sudarshana Chakra. It is located in the city of Kolhapur in Maharastra. The temple takes its name from Mahalakshmi, the consort of Vishnu, and it is believed that the divine couple reside in the area.

The temple belongs, architecturally, to the Kannada Chalukya Empire, and may have been first built circa 700 AD. Mounted on a stone platform, the image of the four armed and crowned goddess is made of gemstone and weighs about 40 kilograms. The image of Mahalakshmi carved in black stone is 3 feet in height. This is almost 5000 to 6000 years old statue. The Shri yantra is carved on one of the walls in the temple. A stone lion, the vahana of the goddess, stands behind the statue.

The crown contains an image of the Sheshnag — the serpent of Vishnu. In Her four hands, the deity of Mahalakshmi holds objects of symbolic value. The lower right hand holds a mhalunga (a citrus fruit), in the upper right, a large mace (kaumodaki) with its head touching the ground, in the upper left a shield (khetaka), and in the lower left, a bowl (panpatra).

Unlike most Hindu sacred images, which face north or east, the image of this deity looks west (Pashchim). There is a small open window on the western wall, through which the light of the setting sun falls on the face of the image for three days around the 21st of each March and September. The ancient petite idol is found in a small structure next to the stairs, between Goddess Mahalakshmi and Goddess Mahasaraswati’s sancta sanctorum. On the other side of the same stairs is a sculpture of a boar carrying Goddess Earth on its tusk. The boar represents one of the avatara of Lord Vishnu. Besides, a boar was also the emblem of Chalukya Kings of Badami. Right behind the sculpture of boar is an inscription depicting a bull, Shivalinga and a sword.

In the superstructure of the temple, on the first storey, lies a Ganapati idol with stone carving behind it that carries a Kirtimukh (face of glory depicted by a ferocious lion) in the centre. This symbol of the ferocious lion is representative of the Chalukya era. Similarly a sculpture of Vyala16 (a composite mythical leonine beast with horns) is found near the staircase leading to the superstructure. 

       Some more remains of the ancient epoch lie elsewhere. To cite a few, on the either side of the Mahadwar (main entrance), are two sculptures, one of a majestic bull in seated position and the other of a ram. Below the five Deepmalas (lamp pillars) is located a Nagsheela, (Snake sculpture) with five hoods. Also in the same place are found Shivalingas facing the North. All the aforementioned sculptures seem to be the relics of the earlier temple. Some sculptures of Vyala, Kirtimukh as well as nymphs and other ladies are found in the Town Hall Museum in Kolhapur. A survey of these sculptures proves that the former structure of the temple was inspired by the Badami (Bijapur) style of temples and was built in the Chalukya era in and around the place where today stands the sanctum of Goddess Mahasaraswati.

Mythology

           Once upon a time this city, Padmavathi pura, was ruled by a demon Kolha. When he went for penance, another demon named Sukesi occupied this city. After completion of penance Kolha got boons from Lord Brahma and returned to his capital, and observed that was captured by another one. He immediately kílled Sukesi and got his kingdom. He put his son Karaveera as incharge of this city. But in a war he was kílled by Lord Shiva, but at that time he got a boon from Lord Shiva, that this city will be called as Karaveera pura. Kolha became angry with this action and want to take revenge against devatas. He did penance for Mahalakshmi and got permission that she should not enter in to city for 100 years. She accepted for that, after that Kolha created many difficulties to Devatas and occupied their Swarga also. When Devatas praised Mahalakshmi, she told them to wait for completion of 100 years. After 100 years bond was over, she came to Karaveera pura and defeated Kolha in that war. He realized his mistake and praised her and got three boons from her. First one this city name will come from his name Kolha as Kolhapur, second she should live in this place permanently and third one this place should become as Siddha kshetra. In this way Kolhapur became an important Shaktipeeth.

          Another story linked with Kolhapur is, Once sage Bhrigu rishi tested the greatness of trimurthys, at that time he visited Vakuntha also. First Lord Vishnu deliberately unnoticed him, Bhrigu rishi got angry with this nonrecognition and hit the Hridaya sthala of Lord Vishnu with his foot. That is the place of Lakshmi mata. Then Lord Vishnu respected Bhrigu rishi and pressed his Ahamkara eye in his foot. Bhrigu rishi recognised his mistake and went back to his ashram. But at that time Lakshmi mata got angry upon Lord Vishnu, as he did not punish Bhrigu rishi when he hit his Hridaya sthala, which is Lakshmi mata's place. Even he shows respect towards the sage. Because of this reason Lakshmi mata left Vaikuntha and came to Kolhapur. After Lord Vishnu also came to earth and did penance for Maha Lakshmi in Tirumala, then she accepted Lord Vishnu and came to Tirumala. Lord Venkateswar swamy temple also present in Kolhapur Mahalakshmi temple.

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