Ganapatipule Temple ( Maharashtra )

The Swayambhu Ganpati Temple, a centuries old temple, known for its unique Ganapati idol,  is built on sand (pule in the local lingo). It is believed to have originated by itself (swayambhu), and hasn’t been created by man.

image credit : 10 Year Itch

The idol of Ganapati here is made out of copper and depicts the God astride a lion. The God in this Swayambhu Ganpati Temple is considered to be the Paschim Dwardevta or God of the west coast. It is placed in the Sanctum Sanctorum and at sunrise and sunset a shaft of golden light penetrates and illuminates the idol. The people of the Konkan region are devout worshippers of Ganpati and the hordes of people who come to the temple on Angar ki Chaturvehi, an auspicious Tuesday every six months, has to be seen to be believed.

Ganesh Chaturthi is another occasion for the faithful to congregate on the Ganpatipule beach in their thousands. The festival also draws foreign tourists to the temple; they come to discover the landscape, art, culture and history of the region.

Swayambhu Ganapati Temple is known for its unique idol of Ganapati built on pule (white sand). It is swayambhu (self-originated) and not man made. The idol of Ganapati is made out of copper and depicts the God astride a lion. It is placed in the Sanctum Sanctorum and at sunrise and sunset, a shaft of golden light penetrates and illuminates the idol. Early in the morning, the rhythmic beat of the nagaras can be heard from the Temple.

Sundari Temple (Agartala, Tripura)

The temple of Tripura Sundari in Tripura is regarded as one of the 51 pithasthanas of Hindu pilgrims in India. The Tripura Sundari Temple consists of square type sanctum of the typical Bengali-hut style construction with a conical dome and stands gloriously on a hillock at Udaipur in Tripura.

The Structure of the Tripura Sundari Temple, according to an inscription note on the monuments by the Archaeological Survey of India, there are two identical images of the same deity i.e. Tripura Sundari, inside the temple. One is called ‘Chhotima’ which seems to be a regional one rising about 2 feets in height, while the other ‘Tripura Sundari’ is of 5 feet. It is difficult to date the image of Chhotima accurately as it is worn-out. Moreover the attributes in her hands are either too much blurred or lost.

The temple is also known as ‘Kurma Pitha’ because of the shape of the temple premises appears that of a ‘kurma’ i.e. a tortoise. Inside the temple the idol of Maa Kali is installed which is made of ‘reddish black Kasti pathar’. Maa Kali is worshipped here in ‘Soroshi’ form. There is an idol of a smaller size of Maa Kali called ‘Chotti Maa’ which used to be carried by the Maharajas of Tripura during “Mrigaya” (i.e. hunting) and also during war.

The Temple History, it is known that the temple was first constructed by Maharaja Dhanya Manikya in 1501 A. D. It was repaired by Maharaja Rama Manikya in 1681 A D, when it was damaged by lightning and again by Maharaja Radhakishore Manikya during the beginning of this century. In the Eastern side of the temple there is the famous Kalyan Sagar where fishes and tortoises of huge size are found and devotees feed them with puffed rice (Muri) and biscuits. The lake with High Jet fountain set in front of the temple simply adds to its beauty. No fishing is permitted in Kalyan Sagar.

Ambaji Temple ( Gujarat )

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Ambaji temple is situated at Ambaji town, in the Banaskantha district of Gujarat. The temple, the holy the seat of Ambe Mata – the Mother Goddess, is a popular pilgrim place for Hindus. People of Gujarat take the name of the Goddess in high regard. Ambaji temple is also considered as one of the Shakti Peethas in India. The Goddess is a manifestation of Shiva’s consort, Parvati. Ambe Mata is the Adya Shakti- the primordial female power, the Mother Goddess.

image credit : Nagotra Solanki (Jain)

The Navratri celebrations are organized on a large scale in the Ambaji temple. During the festival, a huge fair is organized here every year. People celebrate the occasion with great pomp and show. They sing and dance in praise of the glory of the Goddess. The temple is located on the Arasur hill in the Aravalli Range. The most fascinating feature of the shrine is that it does not contain any idol. It only has a yantra, made of marble which is engraved at a spot.

image credit : debu_1717

A large number of devotees throng the Ambaji Temple during Purnima fairs held, on the full moon day, in the months of Kartik, Chaitra and Bhadrapad. A short distance from Ambaji, there is a hill named Gabbar Hill. People believe that the Goddess revealed herself on the hill and left the imprints of Her feet. She is even considered the prime Goddess of the region. This has made the place a pilgrim for the Hindus, the Hindu Temple in the state and outside.

image credit : cheechpuchi