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.

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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.

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Palitana Jain Temples ( Gujarat )

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Palitana is situated at a distance of 51 km from Bhavnagar and serves as an important Jain pilgrimage of Gujarat. The Shatrunjay Hill loacted nearby the place hosts approximately 900 big and small Jain Temples. These temples are dedicated to the 24 Jain Tirthankarars. Apart from this, the significance of the place dates back to the Mahabharata era of India. It is said that three Pandavas, Yudhishthir, Bheem & Arjun got Nirvana here. Therefore, it is known as Siddhakshetra, where one attains Moksha, amongst Jain devotees.

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One of the most important temples in Palitana is the Digamber Jain Temple. It is an ancient temple that encompasses 9 shrines with the idols of all the Tirthankaras. The main shrine contains the idol of the principal deity, 1008 Bhagwan Shantinath. It is made of white stone and can be seen in Padmasana posture. According to the Jain calendar, it was installed here in 1686. The temple also houses beautiful idols of Yudhishthir, Bheem & Arjun. Two other idols of Bhagwan Parsavnath are located here.

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One is called Chintamani Parshvanath and other is called Vighnaharan Parshvanath. On the both sides of northern gate, foot images of Bhagwan Adinath & Bhagwan Sambhavanath can be seen. It is said that Bhagwan Adinath visited Shatrunjay Hill 93 times. All the Jain temples of Palitana are built in marble and stand adorned with ornate sculptures. Each and every temple located on this hill is a specimen of art. The temple trail starts from the foot of the hill. There are 3745 steps up to the peak of the summit.

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Devotees take around two hours to reach the top. The steps were constructed in 13th century, under the supervision of Jain Minister, Vastupal. On their way up, the pilgrims are not allowed to take any eatables along. They are only allowed to drink water. For the purpose, a number of water posts have been made available along the course. The pilgrims eat only after they descend the mountain. The major spot up the hill is the one with the footprints of the Tirthankaras. All the shrines contain the idols of the Tirthankaras, with bejeweled eyes.

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The devotees make offerings at the main shrine of Bhagwan Adinath. The magnificent temple has been renovated and rebuilt a number of times. The original temple was made of wood. Later, Siddhraj Jaisimha’s minister Udaymehta built it in marble. Siddhraj’s descendant Kumarpal further extended the temple. Besides these, there are other shrines dedicated to Adinath, Kumarpal, Vimalshah, Samprati Raja and the Chomukh. You will also find temples dedicated to Hindu Gods and Goddesses here. There is also a Muslim shrine known as the Angar Pir. Childless women pray here for children.