Tirupati Balaji (Andhra Pradesh)

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The ancient and sacred temple of Sri Venkateswara is located on the seventh peak, Venkatachala (Venkata Hill) of the Tirupati Hill, and lies on the southern banks of Sri Swami Pushkarini.It is by the Lord’s presidency over Venkatachala, that He has received the appellation, Venkateswara (Lord of the Venkata Hill). He is also called the Lord of the Seven Hills.

The temple of Sri Venkateswara has acquired unique sanctity in Indian religious lore. The Sastras, Puranas, Sthala Mahatyams and Alwar hymns unequivocally declare that, in the Kali Yuga, one can attain mukti, only by worshipping Venkata Nayaka or Sri Venkateswara. The benefits acquired by a pilgrimage to Venkatachala are mentioned in the Rig Veda and Asthadasa Puranas. In these epics, Sri Venkateswara is described as the great bestowed of boons. There are several legends associated with the manifestation of the Lord at Tirumala.

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History :

There is ample literary and epigraphic testimony to the antiquity of the temple of Lord Sri Venkateswara. All the great dynasties of rulers of the southern peninsula have paid homage to Lord Sri Venkateswara in this ancient shrine. The Pallavas of Kancheepuram (9th century AD), the Cholas of Thanjavur (a century later), the Pandyas of Madurai, and the kings and chieftains of Vijayanagar (14th – 15th century AD) were devotees of the Lord and they competed with one another in endowing the temple with rich offerings and contributions. It was during the rule of the Vijayanagar dynasty that the contributions to the temple increased. Sri Krishnadevaraya had statues of himself and his consorts installed at the portals of the temple, and these statues can be seen to this day. There is also a statue of Venkatapati Raya in the main temple.

Tirumala hills, tirupati. these sacred 7 hills are home to Lord Venkateswra.

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Temple Legends :

Sri Venkatachala Mahatmya is referred to in several Puranas, of which the most important are the Varaha Purana and the Bhavishyottara Purana. The printed work contains extracts from the Varaha Purana, Padma Purana, Garuda Purana, Brahmanda Purana, Markandeya Purana, Harivamsa, Vamana Purana, Brahma Purana, Brahmottara Purana, Aditya Purana, Skanda Purana and Bhavishyottara Purana. Most of these extracts describe the sanctity and antiquity of the hills around Tirumala and the numerous teerthams situated on them.

The legends taken from the Venkatachala Mahatmya and the Varaha Purana, pertaining to the manifestation of the Lord at Tirumala, are of particular interest. According to the Varaha Purana, Adi Varaha manifested Himself on the western bank of the Swami Pushkarini, while Vishnu in the form of Venkateswara came to reside on the southern bank of the Swami Pushkarini.

Temple Architecture :

The ancient Tirupati temple follows the Dravidian style of architecture. The gopuram of this temple is its highlight. The ‘Vimana’ or Cupola, named the “the Ananda Nilayam” is placed over the sanctum sanctorum. It completely veiled with gold plate. There are three ‘Prakarams’ or enclosures in the temple, among them the outermost enclosure boasts of the ‘Dhvajastambha’ or the banner post. Apart form these, other highlights of the temple are the statues of Vijayanagara king, Krishnadevaraya and his spouse. There is also an idol of Todarmal, the minister of Akbar. The image of the temple deity represents both Lord Vishnu and Lord Shiva. Lord Vishnu is considered as the preserver whereas the Lord Shiva is considered as the destroyer in Hindu religion.

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A Day At Tirupati Tirumala :

A day at Tirupati Tirumala temple begins with ‘Suprabhatam’ (awakening the Lord) as early as three in the morning. The day ends with the ‘Ekanta Seva’ ( putting the Lord to sleep) at around 1 O’clock in the night. Prayers are offered daily, weekly and periodically in the form of ‘Sevas’ and ‘Utsavams’ to the Lord. Devotees who want to pay homage to the Lord can do it by giving a small amount in return of the Sevas or Utsavams done on their name. The gifts and donations offered to the deity, is known as the ‘Hundi’. It is the main source of income of the Temple.

Festivals :

Tirupati Tirumala Balaji Temple celebrates many festivals but the annual festival of ‘Brahmotsavam’ is particularly important. This festival is celebrated extravagantly for nine days in the month of September every year. The Garudostavam and Rathotavam rituals take place on the fifth and sixth day of the festival. Thus, attracting flocks of tourists and devotees to the temple.

Ajmer Shariff (Rajasthan)

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Islam, Sufism And the Sufi Tradition of Chishti, all of them teaches the real message which is  Peace, Submission, Surrender and Obedience to Almighty ALLAH (God). “Love Is the Real Message of Mankind. All Love Seekers Come Ajmer & Feel the essence of Love of the Khwaja Moinuddin Chishti” (R.A). Hazrat Khwaja Moinuddin Hasan Chishti (R.A) Occupies a prominent place among the spiritual Healers of the world. Hazrat Khwaja Moinuddin Hasan Chishti (R.A.) popularly know as Khwaja Gharib Nawaz (R.A.) was born in 1142 A.D. in Sanjar (Iran). His paternal genealogy is related to Hazrat lmam Hussain (A.S.) and that of his matemal to Hazrat Imam Hassan (A.S.) And thus he is a direct descendant of Prophet Hazrat MUhammad (S.A.W.)

It is a well established historical fact that in spreading the ethical and spiritual values of Islam, major and effective works have been Made by the Walis of ALLAH (saints). It was their humanistic grade, and piety which won over the hearts of millions of people. They made a direct contact with the masses served and loved them, lived with them in the realization of Eternal Truth. The proof of this is more than evident from the history of growth of Islam in India. Although Islam had made major growth in this subcontinent of India in the first century of Hijra, but the noble task of inspiring the people to its tenets and values in India was accomplished by Hazrat Khwaja Moinuddin Chishti (R.A.) popularly known as Khawaja Saheb and Khwaja Gharib Nawaz. He is Greatly called “Sultan-Ul-Hind”. He did it all through his great moral power, glorious and appealing character, with love and dedication to mankind, without any worldly resources of wealth, power, force and material means.

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Khwaja Baba was a scholar a great repute. He interpreted the true Islamic message of love for mankind and through that, the love for the Almighty creator. He preached the Quranic philosophy of the unity of religion and worked out its potentialities for the whole humanity. He was the greatest mystic of his time. He laid the foundation of the liberal Chishtia order of Sufis in India, and inspired millions of souls to be his followers and thus served the masses of the Indian Sub-continent. Holy City Ajmer Rajasthan India, Holy Ajmer City Rajasthan India

With the passage of time and overwhelming devotion of the multitude of people the Popular Dargah sharif of ya Khwaja Gharib Nawaz (R.A.) naturally became a religious sanctuary for millions of rich and poor alike. Simultaneously the progeny of the Khadims of ya Khwaja Gharib Nawaz (R.A.) enjoyed universal respect among all class of people. Like wise, their responsibilities also increased in conducting the various religious ceremonies, rites and the time honoured sufi traditions at the Dargah Sharif of Khawaja Gharib Nawaz (R.A). Further in addition to the religious duties the responsibilitys for the upkeep of the various monumental buildings, mosques, Hujras (cell) and other precious paraphernalia in the premises of the Dargah sharif (Which continued to extend with the ever increasing divotion of the people both rich and poor) also devolved upon the Khuddams of Huzoor Khawaja Ghareeb Nawaz (R.A.). All these multifarious duties needed a regular and full time day to day attention and care which none but the Khadims alone had the priviledge and of course, hereditary right to perform in duly bound in the past 800 years.

The visitors are escorted around the shrine of Khwaja Garib Nawaz (R.A.) by the khuddams of Khwaja Garib Nawaz (R.a) and as per sufi traditions and sayings the baskets of flowers, Gilaf sharif (an embroidered velvet cloth usually 42 meters in length meant for covering the holy shrine) or any other kind of offering which he can afford easily according to his capacity are presented at the holy shrine. In the process according to the sufi “traditions”and Malfoozat”(teachings and sayings of sufi saints) it is incumbent upon every devotee to present such offering. As per ‘Malfoozat” and also out of their Gratitude, “Devotees” in the form of “cash” or “kind” whatever they can afford according to their capacity, Which is called “Nazar” or “Nazarana” in sufi Terminology Present before the khuddam who does their “Vakalat”(The particular Khuddam act as a Vakil for the visitor in Dargah Sharif) in the Astana-e-awliya. The respective “Vakils” act as a “wasila” for the visiting devotees to receive blessings of Khwaja Gareeb Nawaz (R.A.)

Christianity is one of the prominent religions in India. It is the third largest religion in India. Nearly 24 million people in India are the true followers of Christianity that constitutes to 2.3% of total population. Christianity arrived at 1st centaury here.

There are few very famous churches in India. Know more about them at famous in India.

St.Francis Church

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St.Francis Church in India is the oldest European church. This church is located in the Kochi. It was built originally in the year 1503. This church stands today in the evidence of history of Christianity in India. There is an interesting story associated with St.Francis Church. In 1503, the then Rajah of Kochi permitted Alphonso Alburquerque to build this church. It describes about the struggle of the European colonies in India. The famous Portuguese explorer, Vasco da Gama, died in Kochi in 1524 when he was on his third visit to India. And then his body was buried in this church only. But later the remains of his body were taken back to Libson in Portugal

The church became a protected monument in 1923. This church can be visited from the city of Ernakulam

Basilica of Bom Jesus

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Basilica of Bom Jesus is the most famous church in India. This church is located in the beach city Goa. This church was constructed in India in the year 1695. It is located near the capital city panjim of the state of Goa. Bom Jesus means good Jesus. This church is famous and sacred for Christians since it holds the remains of St Francis Xavier. Basilica of Bom Jesus church has been declared as the world heritage site. In this church the body of the holy saint is opened for public display and at that period of time the church is visited by millions of visitors, Indians as well as foreigners.

Malayattoor

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Malayattoor church is one of the famous churches in India. This prominent Christian pilgrimage is located in the Ernakulam district of the state of Kerala in India. St. Thomas the Apostle was the one who started Christianity teachings in south India. He built this church in the Cochin region of Kerala. This church is also very old, it date backs nearly to 52 AD. This church is located at a hill top nearly 10 KM away from Kalady. Malayattoor church has been declared as the international pilgrimage spot by the Vatican.

This Shrine was promoted to Archdiocesan status by Archbishop Mar Varkey Vithayathil on 4th September 1998.

Santa Cruz Basilica

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Santa Cruz Basilica is one of the oldest and famous churches in India. This church was originally built by the Portuguese in the year 1505. It was later in the year 1558 that it was elevated to the cathedral by then Pope, Pope Paul IV. This church was spared by the Dutch people who invaded and destroyed many catholic buildings. This church is located in Kochi region in Kerala, state of southern India. Later this sacred building was demolished and renovated by the British in 1887 by the orders of Bishop Dom Gomez Vereira. In the year 1984 Santa Cruz was titled as Basilica by the Pope John Paul II.

Vallarpadam Church

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Vallarpadam Church is one of the famous pilgrimage spots in India. The famous church is here called as The Church of Our Lady of Ransom. This church is dedicated to the Mother Mary, mother of the Jesus. This church is named after Mother Mary who is also known as Vallarpadathamma. Initially this church was built by the Portuguese in the year 1524. But later it was destroyed by the Dutch. The present day Vallarpadam Church is was rebuilt in the year 1676. It is located in the Kochi, in the state of Kerala. This church is very sacred and has been declared a major pilgrim centre by the Union government of India in the year 1951.

Velankanni

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Velankanni is one of the most sacred Christian pilgrimages in India. Velankanni town is located at the sand shores of the Bay of Bengal. It is just at the distance of 12 KM from the famous coast of Coromandel. The town is famous for the shrine Basilica that is dedicated to ‘Lady of health’. Velankanni has also been declared a holy city by the Pope. This shrine is considered as the divine city and it has been proved from the centauries. Velankanni is fondly known as the ‘Lourdes of the East’. The shrine is a great combination of international, multicultural, and religious harmony.

There is an interesting practice here that pilgrims offer candles to the mother to cure themselves. Candles are in shape of the respective ailment- a heart in case of cardiac complications and lungs in case of tuberculosis and so on.