Chandi Mandir ( Chandigarh )

One of the booming hotspots of India, Chandigarh encompasses a number of tourist attractions. A large number of tourists throng the capital city of Punjab and Haryana, every year, to catch a glimpse of the picturesque beauty of the place. It is located at Shivalik foothills and is immensely popular for its temples, museums, parks, gardens and sightseeing places, which are spread across the city. Talking about temples, Chandi Mandir – the temple dedicated to Chandi, the Goddess of Power – deserves special mention. Apart from the goddess, Chandi Devi Temple also encompasses the beautiful images of Radha-Krishna, Lord Hanuman, Lord Shiva and Lord Rama.

Chandi Mandir is popular not only because of the fact that Chandigarh derives its name from it, but also for its own legacy, which dates back many years. The temple’s location makes it even more beautiful – it provides a great view of the Shivalik hills. Hundreds of people visit the temple every year, to offer prayers to the deity. It is believed that if a person worships the Goddess Chandi with immense devotion, his/her wish would be definitely granted. Not only the devotees, but even the tourists visiting Chandigarh make it a point to pay a visit to the Chandi Devi Temple.

Chandi Mandir is well suited for excursions as well. Reaching the beautiful temple would not cost you much time or money, because it is just 15 kilometers away from the city of Chandigarh. To be precise, the temple is located on the Chandigarh – Kalka road. The stunning surroundings and magnificent interiors of the temple would make you simply awestruck and unable to leave the place, without exploring it thoroughly. The best time to visit the temple is the festive occasion of Navratri, when it is beautifully decorated and special pujas are offered to the deity.

Parvati Temple (Pune)

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The Parvati Hill and Temple in Pune is situated in the center of the city. It is located at a distance of 1 kilometer from Swargate and around 4 kilometers from the Deccan.

This 17th century hill, located in Southern Pune is visible from many parts of the city. A group of beautiful temples of Ganesh and Kartikeya which are from the 17th ( At the time of Nana Saheb Peshwa) century are Parvati’s attractions. The temple atop after a climb, is dedicated to Parvati, Vishnu, Ganesh, Kartikeya and Devadeshwar.

image credit : Sunil Kashikar

Parvati Hill is one of the most beautiful places in Pune. One can enjoy and marvel at the aerial and panoramic view of the entire city from the observation points located on top of this hill. In fact, Parvati Hill is the highest point in the city. There are a large number of temples located on this hill. These shrines were originally the private temples of the Pehswa Rulers of Maharashtra. As per historical records, it was at this place that the Peshwa ruler Balaji Baji Rao witnessed the defeat of the Britishers in the Battle of Kirkee. This clearly highlights its significance in the history of the Maratha Empire.

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Parvati Hill and Temple are quite famous amongst the tourists visiting Pune. The hill is situated at a distance of approximately one km from Swargate and four km from Deccan Gymkhana. The picturesque beauty of the hill is what draws tourists here. Situated at a height of 2100 feet above sea level, Parvati hill boasts of a number of temples, considered to be the oldest heritage structures in Pune. These temples also serve as a reminder of the Peshwa rule in Pune. Read on to get more information on Parvati Hills & Temples of Poona, India.

Galta Temple ( Jaipur )

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Galta is a pretty little pilgrim spot located just beyond Sisodia Rani-ka Bagh on Agra Road at a distance of 10 km. from Jaipur. This is the sacred spot where one sage Galav is supposed to have lived and meditated. As such the place is visited mainly for its temples. Just before you enter Galta, you will come across the aesthetic Balaji ka Mandir. It is a triple-storied building of pink stone, looking more like a palatial haveli (mansion). The Temple of Galtaji, which lies in a picturesque gorge amid low hills, has a huge complex. This one is also built of pink stone, with a profusion of pavilions having rounded roofs. The walls and pillars have exquisite carvings and paintings. The whole complex is so beautiful that it is more of a visual treat than a place for worship. The temple, however, has a large daily attendance.

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There are also some springs and natural reservoirs (kunds) around the Galta Temple, where the devout take holy dips. They believe that by doing so, they can cleanse themselves of their worldly sins! Even in the cold of mid-January, devotees throng to these kunds for their ritual dip on Makar Sankranti, an important festival of the Hindus (see Religion of India for more on Makar Sankranti). The holiest one of these is the Galta Kund, believed never to become dry. All the seven tanks, including the Galta Kund, are fed by a spring emanating from the Gaumukh, a rock carved in the shape of a cow’s head.

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The 18th century Surya Temple stands on top of the highest peak here. It was built by Rao Kriparam, a courtier of Sawai Jai Singh II. There are fine views from here of the surrounding plains and the city of Jaipur beyond. The temple had some beautiful frescoes, but sadly heavy rains in 1991 washed many away. The restored ones are hardly of any match to the originals. If you’re bored with temples, take a walk among the old style havelis (mansions) nearby. Though rather dilapidated, they have delicately carved balconies and painted ceilings.