Sandstone hills situated in the northern part of the Satpura Range at an altitude of 1363 m, Mahadeo hill in southern Madhya Pradesh is famous for the ancient shrine of Lord Shiva. This holy shrine holds an imposing idol of Lord Shiva and a fabulous Shivalingam.
The Jata Shankar Temple Panchmarhi is one of the most revered holy places in Panchmarhi. This temple is housed in a natural cave and is an interesting visit for those who are religiously inclined as well as for the nature lovers.
The Jata Shankar Temple Panchmarhi In India is located a few hundred feet down, 2 km away, opposite the bus stand. The stones forming the cave resemble a plait of matted hair, which has caused the cave to be called Jatashankar after the matted locks of the Lord Shiva. In fact the jata or matted locks have been associated to the Lord Shiva since long. A stream of water falls on the top of the cave to form the Jambu River. The Jata Shankar Temple In Panchmarhi In Madhya Pradesh is a must visit spot on a tour to Panchmarhi in Madhya Pradesh.
A holy place of Shaivite tradition, Jata Shankar in Panchmarhi is a natural Cavern which houses a natural Shivalingam under the shadow of massive rock. The stone formation in the cave resembles the hundred headed divine snake Seshnag.
Jata Shankar cave is the place where Lord Shiva supposed to have concealed himself from Bhasmasur. It is from the loose boulders of this cave that the Jambu Dwip stream originates. The loose rocks of this sacred cave looks like the matted hair of Lord Shiva, hence this place is renowned as Jata Shankar.
An imposing canyon with a 300 feet high crag amidst a dense forest, Handi Khoh in Panchmarhi is endowed with marvelous scenery. The clinging rock face of this gulch is a haven of large beehives.
Built in 1875 by the British, this Church's architecture is fascinating; its 'sanctum-sanctorum' has a hemispherical dome on top with its ribs ending with faces of angels. The stained glass panes adorning the walls and rear of the altar were imported from Europe. They present a gorgeous view as the sunrays pass through them. The nave of the church does not contain even a single pillar for support. The baptismal font is a rare brass piece and the bell is as old as the church and its chimes can be heard from a long distance.
Revered as a sacred spot, this is a narrow point in the valley with rocks overhanging a stream and a spring from where water cascades down.
The Chauragarh Shrine Panchmarhi is one of the important holy places in Panchmarhi and offers quite a feast for adventure seekers as well as pilgrims.
Chauragarh shrine Panchmarhi In India is a 4 km steep climb of 1300 steps from Mahadeo. At the Chauragarh shrine In Panchmarhi In Madhya Pradesh one can see a temple on the rectangular top with an idol of Lord Shiva. Ardent devotees make the strenuous climb, sometimes carrying Triscends (Trishuls)- Lord Shiva’s weapon on their shoulders as an offering to Lord Shiva. This tradition is followed as a mark of devotion, especially during Shivaratri. The trishuls may be of differing weights some weighing up to three to four quintals. There is a Dharmashala at the shrine for relaxation.
It was in 1857 that Captain James Forsyth recommended the development of the saucer-shaped valley as a resort. Development of Pachmarhi as a fast emerging hill station and tourist resort are the advantageous of the English reign. The Catholic Church in Pachmarhi is built during this period. A classic example of colonial era, this fabulous church allures the tourists with its exceptional beauty.
Perched on a hill overlooking the plain and about 40 km from Bhopal, the site of Sanchi showcases a group of Buddhist monuments (monolithic pillars, palaces, temples and monasteries) all in different states of conservation most of which dating back to the 2nd and 1st centuries B.C. It is the oldest Buddhist sanctuary in existence and was a main Buddhist centre in India till the 12th century A.D. Great Bowl and Buddhist Monasteries is one such example of fine architecture.
Among all these attractions the Buddhist Temples, Sanchi impart a distinct charm and are visited every year by various religious travelers. The Buddhist Temples in Sanchi were built to commemorate the teachings of the Lord Buddha. These temples depict the architectural genius and have the carvings of Buddha in different poses indicative of the various stages towards attaining salvation. The temples make for an excellent tourist spot visited by a large number of tourists and hence are pretty impressive among the holy places in Sanchi.