Along the beautiful Konkan coastline of Maharashtra is the quaint hamlet of Ganpatipule the abode, according to popular belief, of a selfmanifested idol of Lord Ganesha. Worshipped as the eternal guardian of the entire western region of India, the Ganesha idol here is said to be about 400 years old. Thousands of devotees who throng the Ganpatipule temple every year have one thing in common the everlasting faith that even a small glimpse of their beloved Lord Ganapati can bring them peace and happiness. With the sound of waves that calms your soul and serenity that surrounds your being, the Ganpatipule temple is sure to connect you with the divine.
The sacred city of temples, Ujjain in Madhya Pradesh is a place where you cannot miss the faith and devotion steeped in every shred of the land. Every little fragment of Ujjain, with its powerful mysticism, speaks of Lord Shankar in its own unique way. No matter where you are within the city, you seem to be magically pulled towards the enigmatic Temple of Mahakaleshwar. Lord Shiva is believed to have selfmanifested in the form of lingams, called Jyotirlingas, at 12 locations around the country of which the Temple of Mahakaleshwar is one holy site. The Temple of Mahakaleshwar is the focal point of the city and Mahakal, as Lord Shiva is known here, is not only the guardian and patron deity of this holy city, but he is also regarded as the ruler of this city, one who is mightier than time itself.
The sands of time often stand witness to the events that take place around them. Nanded a peaceful town set conveniently close to the city of Aurangabad in Maharashtra, stands testament to the magical aura of the legendary Guru Gobind Singh Ji. With an air of divinity surrounding it, Nanded is home to the fourth seat of Sikhism Hazur Sahib, a Gurudwara where it is widely believed that Guru Gobind Singh Ji stayed and gave his last sermon before he breathed his last.
About 45 km from Leh, nestled in a beautiful valley in the Himalayas, is the most revered monastery in Ladakh the Hemis Monastery. The Hemis Monastery holds an important place amongst the followers of Tibetan Buddhism. The annual Hemis Festival is immensely popular and witnesses the participation of people from across the globe. The Hemis Festival is an ode to the memory of Guru Rinpoche, also venerated as the second Buddha among his followers.Travel to Hemis Monastery and experience the sublime energy of this festival in Sharanam.
Varanasi, also known as Kashi or Banaras, is one of the oldest cities in India, probably older than any known history or tradition. Soaked in divinity and dipped in holiness, Varanasi is considered a melting pot, a place where both life and death merge together seamlessly. Hindus across the world believe in staying at Kashi during their final days to greet death and attain salvation Moksha. It is widely accepted among Hindus that permission to stay at Varanasi is granted by the most powerful form of Lord Shiva, Kaal Bhairav, also fondly referred to as the kotwal or the guardian of Kashi. Legend states that the aura of Kaal Bhairav is so fierce that even death is afraid of it, and therefore, worshipping him can wipe out any negativity or unpleasantness from one39s life. It is a place where the sun rises thanks to the magnanimity of Lord Shiva and sets steeped in the divine mysticism of the holy Ganga Aarti such is the enigma of Varanasi.
Just minutes away from Nashik city in Maharashtra, is the pious town of Trimbak, a place that finds its mention in the powerful Maha Mritunjaya Mantra. Mystical, powerful and enigmatic, the jyotirlinga here has three faces that symbolizes Lord Brahma, Lord Vishnu and Lord Mahesh. Lush green mountains encircling the temple, lend a beatific atmosphere to the devotees who come here seeking peace. The holiness and purity of Trimbakeshwar shall surely make you experience faith and spirituality.
Some throng this temple to ask for blessings and fill themselves with hope and peace. Others come here to thank the deity every day for fulfilling their wishes. No matter the reason, everyone who walks into the Nakoda Bhairav temple in Rajasthan leaves with a heart full of devotion, hope, and joy. Watch the episode to experience the sense of calm that envelopes Nakoda Bhairav Temple, in Sharanam Season 2.
There39s something about the hills that make your heart yearn for a spiritual oneness with the Supreme. Perched on the top of a gorgeous hill, around 24 km from the city of Gangtok in Sikkim, is one such abode that bestows your mind with an infinite gift of peace the Rumtek Monastery. Belonging to the Kargyu sect of Buddhists whose origin dates back to 12th Century Tibet, the Rumtek monastery is known as the Dharma Chakra Centre. It consists of a beautiful shrine and the Nalanda Institute for the monks who work selflessly towards learning and spreading the philosophy of Buddha across the world. An architectural design that can truly be termed as one of the finest of its time, the Rumtek Dharma Chakra Centre has preserved stupas, murals, and statues that make the monastery unique. Set amidst majestic hills and breathtaking waterfalls, the Rumtek Monastery is a place where your soul attains peace in the truest sense.Watch Sharanam to know more about the enigma of Rumtek Monastery and to experience the spiritual comfort it exudes.
A place where faith acquires new meaning and where devotion embarks on a soulful journey, such is the beauty of a peaceful village located close to Nashik. Shani Shingnapur a village where houses have no doors and hearts have no fear. The Shani temple in the village redefines the concept of spirituality and makes you believe in the oneness of the Supreme. Home to several mythological folklores and tales, the Shani Shingnapur temple is an abode of the divine. Watch Sharanam to know more about the eternal glory of Lord Shani and the historical relevance of Shani Shingnapur in its entirety.
Kurukshetra in Haryana, a place of immense historical and mythological importance, boasts of one of the most powerful shakti peeths in India, Maa Bhadrakali. Hailed as the sacred place where Mata Sati39s right ankle fell, Maa Bhadrakali Devikoop temple witnesses thousands of visitors every year. Legend has it that before marching out for the battle of Mahabharata, the Pandavas along with Lord Krishna prayed here for their victory and donated their horses which started an ageold tradition of devotees offering horses made of silver, mud etc. A sense of solace and peace reigns supreme around Maa Bhadrakali Temple. The comfort of a mother39s lap and the assurance that nothing can ever go wrong whilst one is in the complete devotion of Maa Bhadrakali is what drives ardent followers to this serene locale. Watch Sharanam to experience the enchanting history and legends associated with the temple of Maa Bhadrakali Devikoop.
It is said that a mother is the almighty, able to love infinitely. She can tend a broken heart and can rebuild life out of ruins she is a place of hope. Millions from across the country come to Kolhapur for a glimpse of this energy, this hope in the form of an image mounted on a stone platform, carved in black. She is the goddess Mahalakshmi of Kolhapur, considered to be the reason for the prosperity of this city, bringing crowds flocking to the temple at all times of the day
On the banks of the Ganga lies Haridwar, the centre of Hindu religion. During the Samudra Manthan, Haridwar is supposedly one of the sites where Amrit accidentally spilled. The spot where the drops fell is known as Har ki Pauri and its believed that taking a dip in these ghats washes away ones sins. The citys Daksheshwar Mahadev Mandir is laden with the powers of Lord Shiva and will bind your soul to the supreme.
Hindi
02 August 2020
Mythology
Cheshta Goswami
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