Pilgrim

Deoghar (Jharkhand)

State
Jharkhand

Deoghar, also known as "Baidyanath Dham", is an ancient town famous for its group of 22 temples dedicated to the Hindu god Shiva, one of the twelve Shiva Jyothirlingams (Baidyanath Dham) in India and also one of the 51 Shakti Peethas in India. It is regarded as one of the calmest and unexplored city providing eternal feelings to mind and body. Mahashivaratri is a major festival season in Deoghar.

History

The earlier history found that Deoghar was ruled by the last Gupta Emperor Adityasena Gupta, in the 8th century A.D. The Baidyanath dham temple has been famous since then. Later Deoghar region was ruled by Mughal. In early 18th century Maharaja of Gidhaur lost the region from Nawab of Birbhum, which was later recaptured by Maharaja of Gidhaur. In 1857, British became the ruler of the region after defeating Nawab of Sirajudaula. After independence of India it became a part of free country.

Accessibility

Air: Closest airport to Deoghar is at Patna, at a distance of 281 km from Deoghar city. Patna is air connected well with other major cities in India. Taxi cabs are available from Patna to Deoghar charging about Rs 3,000.

Rail: The railway station in Deoghar is at Baidyanath Dham, at a distance of 7 km from the heart of the city. It is a terminal station.

Road: Deoghar is well connected by buses to Patna 281 km, Calcutta 373 km, Madhupur 57 km, Giridih 112 km, Dumka 67 km and Shimultala 53 km. Regular bus services are available from all nearby cities to Deoghar.

Shopping

Shopping Centres: Bihar State Handloom Emporium; Santhal Parganas Gramodyog Samittee; Santhal Parganas Khadi Gramodyog Bhavan.

District
Deoghar District
STD Code
06432
Topic
Pilgrim
Upcoming
Termperature
Summer 16-36°C, Winter 1-28°C
Best time to visit
September to February

Vajreshwari

State
Maharashtra

Vajreshwari, located at the foot of the Mandakini Mountain, is a little village located along the Mumbai- Ahmedabad Highway, believed to have formed as a result of the volcanic eruption. It famous for the Vajreshwari Temple which was built by Chimaji Appa after the Marathas conquered the Bassein Fort in 1739.

History

Vajreshwari has been mentioned in the Puranas (Hindu holy texts) for being consecrated by the presence of Lord Rama and Parshuram. According to legend Parshuram had performed a Mahayagna at Vajreshwari and the hills of volcanic ash are believed to be residue from the yagna.

Another legend suggests that the place was named Vajreshwari in honor of Goddess Vajreshwari who swallowed the “Vajra” (thunderbolt) that Lord Indra had aimed at the wise sage Muni Vashishtha.

Accessibility

By Air: Nearest airport is Mumbai Chatrapati Shivaji International Airport, which is at a distance of 80 km way from Vajreshwari.

By Rail: Vasai Road Railway station is 31 km away from the city center of Vajreshwari. This railway station is well connected to Mumbai and other cities in India.

By Road: Vajreshwari is well connected by Maharashtra State Transport Corporation buses to all major places in and around. Private bus operators also offer bus services from Mumbai to Vajreshwari regularly.

District
Thane
STD Code
02522
Topic
Pilgrim
Termperature
Summer 23-37°C, Winter 16-30°C
Best time to visit
October to March

Tuljapur

State
Maharashtra

Tuljapur, a marvelous pilgrimage center, is home to a famous temple, Tulja Bhavani Temple, dedicated to the Hindu Goddess Bhavani. It a peaceful city settled on the hills Yamunachala on the ranges of the Sahayadri region.

http://www.flickr.com/photos/vijay_chennupati/6095561351/

Accessibility

By Air: Nearest airport to Tuljapur is at Pune. Pune is well connected by flights to the major cities in India.

By Rail: Nearest railway station to Tuljapur is at Solapur, at a distance of 45 km away. Solapur is well connected to all major railway stations through broad gauge.

By Road: State owned transport buses ply between Tuljapur and the nearest cities. The city is connected to Pune, Osmanabad (25 km), Mumbai (350 km), Nagpur (560 km) and Solapur (45 km) by buses.

District
Osmanabad
STD Code
02471
Topic
Pilgrim
Upcoming
Termperature
Summer 32-45°C, Winter 15-28°C
Best time to visit
October to March

Trimbakeshwar

State
Maharashtra

Trimbakeshwar, an ancient Hindu Pilgrim centre, is famous for one of the twelve Jyothirlinga temples in India dedicated to Lord Shiva. It is ideally located at the foothills of amazing Brahmagiri mountains in a naturally scenic location on the banks of the holy river Godavari. Godavari originates from the Brahmagiri hills in this town and it is believed that it is the birth place of Lord Ganesha, known as place of Tri-Sandhya Gayatri. It is acclaimed as the perfect holy location to take bath in the sacred Godavari River. There are many mythological stories connecting Lord Shiva, Parvati, Lord Ganesha, the Ganga and Lord Brahma for the origin of the holy shrine of Trimbakeshwar.

http://www.flickr.com/photos/ganuullu/2931190560/in/photostream

Accessibility

By Air: Nearest airport from Trimbakeshwar is at Mumbai, which is about 200 km away from the holy city.

By Rail: Nearest railhead is at Nasik. It is one the major railway stations connected to all manor cities in India.

By Road: Trimbakeshwar is connected by bus services run by Maharashtra road Transport Corporation. There are many private luxury buses available from Mumbai to Nasik.

District
Nasik
STD Code
02594
Topic
Pilgrim
Termperature
Summer 22-42°C, Winter 6-28°C
Best time to visit
November to March
Famous For
One of the twelve Jyothirlinga temples in India dedicated to Lord Shiva

Shirdi

State
Maharashtra

Shirdi, synonymous with Sai Baba, is a small town fragrant with the devotional strength that ropes in devotees from the world over. It is best known as the late 19th century home of the popular guru Shirdi Sai Baba.

History

The history of Shirdi is closely linked with the life of the highly venerated saint Sai Baba who died here in the year 1918, and ever since this town has attained importance as a spiritual and religious center. He used to reside in Khandoba temple, where he got the title of ‘Sai’ (saint) given by a local villager named Mahalsapathi. Leading a very simple and ascetic life, Sai Baba lived in the village as a beggar and soon his innate charisma began to draw followers from both the Hindu and Muslim communities. The natural gifts of this saint r said to have healed the wounds of many people who were caught in worldly dilemmas. The entire town can still feel the grace of this saint who is believed to have been the incarnation of Lord Vishnu, one of the Hindu trinity.

Accessibility

Air: Mumbai Chatrapati Shivaji International airport, which is 305 km away from Shirdi is the nearest airport. All the major airlines have service from Mumbai to all major cities in India and many cities abroad including Singapore, Hong Kong, Colombo and gulf countries. Taxis are available from Mumbai to Shirdi and costs about Rs 6000.

Rail: Shirdi is well connected to all neighboring cities by Government owned buses. Private A/C and non A/C deluxe buses are also available from Nasik, Mumbai, Bangalore and Pune to Shirdi. Bus fare is about Rs 3 to Rs 4 per head.

Road: Kopergaon is the nearest railhead to Shirdi which is at a distance of 16 km from Shirdi. It is an important railway station in Delhi – Bangalore route. Taxi charge from Kopergaon to Shirdi is about Rs 300. Manmad is another nearest railhead in Mumbai – Delhi broad gauge line, which is nearly 58 km away from Shirdi. Shirdi has a computerized ticket reservation centre for the delight of train travelers.

Shopping

There are several shops in Shirdi that sell photos and effigies of Sai Baba. This is the main commercial activity.

Accommodation

Accommodation is never a problem in Shirdi - from the MTDC hotel, tourist rest houses, dharamsalas and ashrams, to five star accommodations - the town is totally geared for pilgrims. Hotels like the Sun-N-Sand, Shraddha Park Inn and the Hotel Sai Leela, are a few of the entire range of hotels that offer special packages and check-in/check-out timings. You can stay in comfort and clean surroundings at one of the charitable sansthas and dharamsalas for just a handful of rupees.

Hotel Sun n Sand (Five-Star)
Hotel Sun n Sand is situated in the Taluka Kopergaon, at a distance of approximately 2 km from the bus stand of Shirdi. It is the only five-star hotel located here. The hotel provides amenities like Swimming Pool, Landscape Gardens, Jacuzzi, Banquet & Conference Facilities, Games/Fun Zone, Doctor On Call, Money Changer, Health Club, Travel Desk, Massages, Car Rental, Gift Shop, Handicraft Shop, Jogging Track, Table Tennis and Pool Table, Children's Recreation Area, etc.

Hotel Goradia's (Four-Star)
Hotel Goradia's is a 4-satr hotel, situated on the Pimpalwadi Road, just behind Sai Udyan. The hotel provides amenities like Automatic Wake-up Calls, Meeting, Banquet & Conference Facilities, Doctor On Call, Travel Desk, Car Rental, Children Play Park & Rides, Shopping Arcade, Internet & E-mail Facility, Left Luggage Room, Fax Facility, Free Drivers Accommodation, Doctor On Call, Pool Table, Video Games, Indoor Games, etc.

Hotel Sai Leela (Three-Star)
Hotel Sai Leela is a three-star hotel, situated on the Pimpalwadi Road and lying very close to the Sai Baba Temple. The hotel provides amenities like Table Tennis and Pool Table, Video Games, 24 Hour Amenities Shop, Swimming Pool, Water Park Facilities, Children's Playground, Lush Gardens, Cricket Nets, Basketball and Volleyball Ground, Mini Golf, Putting Course, Cycling Track, Jogging Track, Plant Nursery, etc.

Hotel Sai Sahavas (Three-Star)
Hotel Sai Sahavas is another hotel situated on the Pimpalwadi Road, at a distance of approximately 3 km from the bus stand of Shirdi. The hotel boasts of a three star status. It provides amenities like Travel Desk, Meditation / Prayer Hall, Free Drivers Accommodation, Multi-cuisine Restaurant, Fax, E-mail, Internet Access, Doctor on Call, etc.

Shraddha Park Inn (Three-Star)
Shraddha Park Inn is a three-star hotel, situated at the Pimplewadi Road, just besides the Sai Baba Temple. The hotel provides amenities like three Swimming Pools, Direct Dial Phones, 24 Hour Rooms Service, Multi-cuisines Restaurant, Business Services, Photocopying Facilities, Travel Desk, Fax, E-mail, Internet Access, etc.

District
Ahmednagar
STD Code
02423
Topic
Pilgrim
Popular
WGW_Mumbai
WGW_Pune
Popular Religious Sites
Best time to visit
September to April

Harihareshwar

State
Maharashtra

Harihareshwar, popularly known as Kashi of Southern India, is surrounded by four hills named after lords Harihareshwar, Harshinachal, Bramhadri and Pushpadri. Hence Harihareshwar is often referred to as Dev-ghar or "house of God". The river Savitri enters the Arabian Sea from the town of Harihareshwar. Harihareshwar, along with Shrivardhan and Diveagar Beach forms a popular weekend beach destination from Pune and Mumbai.

http://www.flickr.com/photos/khalilsawant/2676247107/

History

The historical significance of the whole area dates back to the period when the Peshwas of the erstwhile Maratha Kingdom lived here. Hindus have long considered Harihareshwar to be an especially sacred place.
The main temple is believed to have been blessed by Vishnu and is called ‘Devghar’, meaning the house of God. Four of the hills bordering the town are named after deities – Harihareshwar, Harishnachal, Bramhadri, Pushpadri – and the Savithri River flows through it before merging with the Arabian Sea. There are several other ancient temples in and around the small town.

Accessibility

By Air: Nearest airport is Chatrapati Shivaji International Airport, Mumbai, which is nearly 220 km from Harihareshwar.

By Rail: Nearest railhead is Mangaon, which is 65 km away from Harihareshwar and this railway station in Konkan rail is well connected to Pune and Mumbai.

By Road: State owned road transport corporation buses connect to all major cities in and around Harihareshwar :Pune (130 km) and Mumbai (205 km).

District
Raigad
Location
200km from Mumbai
STD Code
02147
Topic
Pilgrim
Best time to visit
Oct - Mar

Bhimashankar

State
Maharashtra

Bhimashankar, around 200 km from Mumbai, is one of the twelve Jyotirlingas along with Tryambakeshwar and Grishneshwar in Maharashtra. It is also the source of the River Bhima, which flows southeast and merges with the river Krishna. The place is also known for the Bhimashankar Wild life Sanctuary located here in the Sahyadri hills of the Western Ghats.

http://www.flickr.com/photos/ganuullu/5871924182/in/set-721576273215202…

History

According to the popular mythological legend it is the place where Lord Shiva descended in the form of Bhima to slay the notorious demon Tripurasura. It is believed that the sweat that dripped from his body gave birth to the Bhima River at the place. Some people say that the temple was built by Nana Phadnis partially and rest of the construction was carried on by his wife after his death. Bhimashankar got its name from the river Bhima.

Accessibility

By Air: The nearest airport to Bhimashankar is at Pune, which is about 95 km. Nearest International Airport is Mumbai Chathrapati Sivaji Airport, which is 250 km away.

By Rail: The nearest railhead to Bhimashankar is Pune (95 km) that is well-connected to various cities of Maharashtra and other places of India.

By Road: Bhimashankar can be reached on road as well as beautiful trek through jungle.

Things to do

Trekking: The Sahyadri, with their furrowed shape, stony mountains and elevations, historic hill fortresses, vast lakes and broad forest region are a practical heaven for trekking. The hill promises outdoor adventure to all lovers of dangerous undertaking.

Rains in the Sahyadris are great and the weather during the rainy season is the best time for trekking. Hiking also has special charm on these mountains. This mountain gives ample chance for rock climbers to gain experience in rock climbing. The route is equally enjoyable to both beginners and experienced climbers.

Sahyadri extends every thing that is best. It is advisable to carry enough drinking water while trekking.

District
Pune
Location
50 km from Khed near Pune.
Topic
Pilgrim
Best time to visit
Oct - Mar
Famous For
one of the twelve Jyotirlingas

Alandi

State
Maharashtra

Alandi, also known as Devachi Alandi - God's place, is mainly known for housing the samadhi of Sant Dnyaneshwar, a popular saint of Maharashtra. The city also serves as the venue of the Palakhi festival, celebrated every year in the month of Ashadh.

History

Sant Dnyaneshwar - a famous saint in Maharashtra - was born in Apegaon near Paithan. But Alandi is the place famous for his Samadhi. Sant Dnyaneshwar spent his short life here. He inspired the entire Maharashtra to worship Lord Panduranga. "Dnyaneshwari" - his famous manuscript (holy book) will always remind him.

Accessibility

By Air: Nearest airport to Alandi is at Pune which is at a distance of 25 km away from Alandi.

By Rail: Nearest railhead is at Pune which is an important railway junction connected to all major railheads in India.

By Road: Alandi is well connected by State owned road transports. Luxury coach buses are available up to Pune from all major cities in Maharashtra and Goa.

District
Pune
Location
25 km east of Pune, on the banks of the Indrayani River
STD Code
0212
Topic
Pilgrim
Upcoming
Termperature
Summer 22-40°C, Winter 10-23°C
Best time to visit
October to March
Famous For
Being home to the samadhi of Sant Dnyaneshwar

Bakreshwar

State
West Bengal

Bakreshwar, with a rich historical past, is the sacred land of one of the 51 ShaktiPithas of India. It also has hot springs and is the site of a large upcoming thermal power plant.

History

The word Bakreshwar comes from the name of Lord Shiva worshipped in the locality. Bakra means bent or curved. Ishwar means God. Mythologically it is said that in Satya Yuga during the marriage ceremony of Lakshmi and Narayan, Astabakra Muni (then known as Subrata Muni) was insulted by Indra. The muni was so enraged that he developed 8 cripples in his body (Ashtabakra Muni means a sage with 8 curved cripples, probably kyphoscoliotic). Ashtabakra Muni was blessed by lord Shiva here after many years of Tapashya (meditation). This place is also famous as one of the 51 Shakti Pithas where there is a temple dedicated to Adi Shakti. This is a major pilgrimage spot for Hindus.

Accessibility

By Air: Nearest airport is in Kolkata.

By Rail: By train from Howrah to Bolpur. Then by bus to Bakreshwar.

By Road: From Calcutta by bus directly to Bakreswar (229 km).

Shopping

Nothing special. There are many shops trying to attract attention of the pilgrim-tourists. One can always have a look. Beside Bakreshwar in the village Tantipara, there are a large number of handlooms can be seen.Variety of silk products available here. Many visitors take a short tour to Tantipara- "The village of Handloom products".

Accommodation

Bakrewar Inn, Telephone +91 3462 274593, 09434147107
WBTDC Tourist Lodge.

Location
59 km from Santiniketan and 19 km from Siuri.
Topic
Pilgrim
Popular
Popular Religious Sites
Best time to visit
October to March
Famous For
Famous for its Bakreswar temple which is dedicated to Lord Bakranath (Shiva) and Goddess Kali.

Chakladham

State
West Bengal

Chakladham is a religious town is said to be the place where sage Loknath was born. The Loknath Mandir is the chief attraction here where thousands of pilgrims visit the place on Loknath's birthday in August.

http://www.flickr.com/photos/25073845@N08/2371659320/

Accessibility

By Air: The nearest airport to North 24 Parganas is Netaji Subhash Chandra Bose International.

By Rail: Guma is connected to the rail route that runs from Sealdah Station in Calcutta to Bongaon on the Indo-Bangladesh border.

By Road: Chakladham is just 13 km. from Guma junction. Private cars and buses are available from Guma.

District
North 24 Parganas
Location
13 km from Guma Railway Station
Topic
Pilgrim
Unexplored
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