Makhdoom Sahib Shrine Srinagar

Makhdoom Sahib Shrine is one of the most sacred shrines in the valley of Kashmir. It is located on the southern side of Hari Parbhat Hill in Srinagar city. This place encompasses the shrine of a great saint Sheikh Hamza Makhdum who is also known as Makhdoom Sahib, Mehboob-ul-Alam and Sultan-Ul-Arifeen (king of saints).

This double storeyed shrine reflects Mughal architectural style with splendid pillars, impressive galleries, crystal chandeliers and spires. The woodwork inside the inner sanctum and its embroidered cloth covering are exquisite. The government of Jammu & Kashmir is actively working to maintain the shrine and started the cable car for pilgrims to conveniently reach the shrine.

About Sheikh Hamza Makhdum

Sheikh Hamza Makhdum was a great saint who lived in the valley of Kashmir (1494 to 1563). He was born in Syed Dynasty family hailing from Tujar Shareef in Kashmir. Hereditary, he was a landlord, a scholar and a mystic Sufi Muslim saint of high order. From the very childhood, he inclined towards mysticism and spent the time in company of holy men, and to the truth. After reading the holy Qu’ran in the village, he went to the institution of Sheikh Ismial Kabroi for higher studies. As he grew, he came to Srinagar were he was nurture and raised to Higher Spiritual state.

Sultan-Ul-Arifin’s whole life was full of revelations and miracles. One day he went to the house of a saint Sheikh Khawaja Ishaq, and was served with roasted birds for the breaking of the fast (Iftar). The sage ate them, collected their bones raised his hands in prayer, and the bones joined together, the birds came to Life and flew out of the window. 

He passed away in the Hijri year 984 during the reign of Sultan Ali Shah Kochak. His companionTahir Rafique said his funeral prayer. He was buried near Hari parbat (Kohi Maran).

Staying in Srinagar

Srinagar City is the capital of State of Kashmir. One may find hotels of every type from budget stay to premium hotels and resorts. Though, due to conflict, one needs to check out the communal situation prevailing in Kashmir at the time of travelling. The tourists may avoid late night outings in Srinagar.

Srinagar is well connected with air and road transport. Train lines are in the construction phase and soon will connect Srinagar will all major parts of India.

Sources:

http://gaffarakashmir.com/chararsharif.html

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hamza_Makhdum

http://www.dailykashmirimages.com/news-hazrat-sheikh-hamza-makhdoom-kashmiri-r-a-28761.aspx

Parshuram Kund - Arunachal Pradesh

Parshuram Kund is located in Tezu town of Arunachal Pradesh on the banks of Lohit River. Every year on Makar Sakranti festival, which falls on 14th January, many pilgrims come to this otherwise sleepy town for taking a dip in the holy water of this kund.

Story Behind Parshuram Kund

Parshuram Kund is based upon the life event of Lord Parshuram. The epic is that Parshuram used to live with his brothers, mother Renuka and father Jamadagni who was also a great rishi, in an ashram. Her mother was known for her chastity and devotion towards her husband. 

One day though, while she was away to the river for water, she was drawn towards a group of Gandharvas, due to which she got late to reach asharam. Sensing the wrong, Jamadagni ordered his sons to take the axe and behead the mother Renuka. All the sons, except Parshuram denied and all were turned to stone. Lord Parshuram, being an obedient son, took the axe and killed the mother. Father, seeing his son's obedience, got happy and ask Parshuram what he wants. Parshuram immediately ask Jamadagni to bring back his mother and brothers to life. Jamadagni, impressed by his son's demands, agreed and bring back everyone to life.

But due to the sin he had committed, the axe got stuck to the hands of Lord Parshuram. He travelled all across the country to get rid of this sin. Finally, it is believed that a sage asked him to visit Lohit River and take a dip. Abiding by the sage advice, Lord Parshuram took the dip at this place, which is now called as Parshuram Kund on the date which is now called as Makar Sakranti. Amazingly, axe got released from his hand. Being angry with the axe, he threw it far down the mountains, which cut the mountain into two and since then Lohit River travels through this gorge in the mountains surrounding Parshuram Kund.

It is believed that whosoever takes a dip on this date, get rid of the biggest of the sins that he has committed and align with the richness of the life.

How to reach Tezu Town?

By Air

The nearest domestic airport to Tezu is Mohanbari Airport in Dibrugarh, Assam which is about 160 kms (100 miles) away. The nearest International Airport is Lokpriya Gopinath Bordoloi International Airport in Guwahati, located at a distance of around 615 kms (382 miles) from Tezu. 

By Train

The nearest railway station is Tinsukia Station which is about 120 km from Tezu. The Dibrugarh railway station is about 170 km from Tezu.

By Road

Tezu is well connected with all major cities of India.

Stay in Tezu

Tezu doesn't have too many accommodations available. So one need to confirm bookings well in advance, especially if you are going in the month of January and February when it sees maximum footfall.

Sources

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Parashurama

http://www.indianetzone.com/23/parasuram_kund_arunachal_pradesh.htm

http://www.indiantemplesinfo.com/east-india-temples/parasharam-kund.php

Chote Sahibzade Shaheedi Diwas - 26th December

Chote Sahibzade Shaheedi Diwas is celebrated to remember the martyrdom of the family of Last Guru of Sikh religion "Guru Gobind Singh jee". It is celebrated on 26th December every year as on this date in 1704, two sons of Guru named "Sahibzade Fateh Singh (6 years) and "Sahibzade Zorawar Singh (9 years) were executed by Wazir Khan, Nawab of Sirhind for not adopting Islam religion. The grandmother - Mata Gujar Kaur ji - too died hearing of the execution.

The Story

During 17th century, Indian peninsula was ruled by Mughals. In India, Mughals were resisted by the Indian community. In the province of Punjab, the last Guru of Sikhs Guru Gobind Singh jee were fighting with Mughals to retain their independence. During those times, the family of Guru Gobind Singh jee had to move from Anandpur Sahib. Mata Gujri jee (mother of Guru) and two sons of Guru named "Sahibzade Fateh Singh" and "Sahibzade Zorawar Singh" were moving in the forest alone. In the forest, they met "Gangu" who took them to his home in Sirhind. At night, he stole the gold coins that Mata Gujri jee were carrying and when she resisted, let them arrested by Nawab Soldiers. They were placed in a prison in the place called as "Thanda Buraj" (The Cold Tower) at Sirhind

In the court of Wazir Khan, the courtiers debated on whether kids who were so young can get any punishment or not. When Wazir Khan asked kids "what will they do if he release them?", sons replied "We will gather army and defeat you." Listening to such brave comments, Wazir Khan put up a condition that if sons adopt Islam by reciting Quran, he will forgive them, else will kill them. Both the sons declined.

Wazir Khan, then, decided to execute the sons. He called upon Sher Muhammad Khan, the Nawab of Malerkottla, to render punishment to these young children, because Guru Gobind Singh jee had killed the Nawab of Malerkottla's brother in battle. But Sher Muhammad Khan declined the offer citing inhumane to kill so young kids. He also requested Wazir Khan to reconsider his decision, but he remained adamant.

Wazir Khan ordered executioners to build a brick wall to be buried alive. Both the kids reciting the Shabd happily gave away their lives. On hearing the execution of the kids, Mata Gujri jee too passed away. The brave martyrdom of sons and grand mother is celebrated in Sikh religion as Chote Sahibzade Shaheedi Diwas on Dec 26th every year.

That time, a jeweller named "Toddar Mal" requested Wazir Khan to hand over the bodies. Wazir Khan asked for gold coins which can cover the space needed for the burial of the bodies. His love for the Guru, he happily gave the gold coins and the got the bodies, which he buried in the city of Sirhind where Gurudwara Fatehgarh Sahib has now been placed in the district of Sirhind.

How to reach Sirhind?

Sirhind is well-connected by Train and Road with all parts of the country. The distances from major cities of North India are given below:

1) Delhi - 253 Kms (157 miles)

2) Chandigarh - 43 kms (26 miles)

3) Amritsar - 200 kms (126 miles)

Sources:

1) http://www.unp.me/f100/shaheedi-diwas-chote-sahibzadey-26th-december-126672/

2) http://www.sikhiwiki.org/index.php/Supreme_sacrifice

Hornbill Festival of Nagaland - Way to preserve the culture

 



 

About Hornbill Festival



Hornbill Festival is celebrated by Govt. of Nagaland to preserve the rich culture heritage of various tribes in the state and also to showcase them to the world. The Festival is celebrated in the First Week of December, every year, in the state of Nagaland. Nagaland State is located in the eastern part of India. The festival is named after the Hornbill, the globally respected bird and is a part of various folkfore in Nagaland's tribes.

 

The week long festival unites one and all in Nagaland and the people enjoy colourful performances, crafts, sports, food fairs, games and ceremonies. Traditional arts which include paintings, wood carvings, and sculptures are also on display. Festival highlights include Traditional Naga Morungs Exhibition and sale of Arts and Crafts, Food Stalls, Herbal Medicine Stalls, Flower shows and sales, Cultural Medley songs and dances, Fashion shows, Beauty Contest, Traditional Archery, Naga wrestling, Indigenous Games, and Musical concert.
 

Where does Hornbill Festival take place?

Hornbill Festival is organized by Govt. of Nagaland in Naga Heritage Village, in district Kisama which is 12 kms (8 miles) from the capital city of Kohima.

 

How to Reach?

By Air - The nearest airport is Dimapur, which is 2.5 hrs away from Kohima & Kisama by road.

By Train - The nearest rail station is Dimapur, which is 2.5 hrs away from Kohima & Kisama by road.

By Road - Kohima / Kisama is well connected by road with all parts of the country.

 

Any entry formalities or Permits required?

Domestic tourists should obtain the Inner Line permit issued by the following authorities : Deputy Resident Commissioner, Nagaland House, New Delhi, Deputy Resident Commissioner, Nagaland House, Kolkota, Assistant Resident Commissioner In Guwahati and Shillong, Deputy Commissioner of Dimapur, Kohima and Mokokchung.

 

The new rules only require foreigners to register themselves at the local Foreigners Registration Officer (FRO) of the district they visit within 24 hours of their arrival. This is a temporary change in effect for one year.
Note: RAP/PAP is still a requirement for Pakistani and Chinese nationals.

 

Sources:

http://www.hornbillfestival.com/index.php/about/how-to-reach-entry-formalities

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hornbill_Festival

http://my.opera.com/sushantgb/albums/showpic.dml?album=13941312&picture=183013242

Dhari Devi Temple in Uttarakhand

This blog will forever associate with Dhari Devi Temple. It is when I read about Dhari Devi, this idea of creating a blog about fascinating places and related stories, which exist in this mystified place called "India".

I first read about Dhari Devi at the time of floods that came in Uttrakhand region, this summer of 2013. The floods killed more than 10000 people and if Locals are to be believed, it has happened due to "prakop" of Dhari Devi. The curiosity pushed me studying more about the Devi. As I read more, my fascination about India increased more as this land still consists of such places where nature exhibits its supremacy, in one form or another.

Where Dhari Devi Temple is Located ?

Dhari Devi Temple is located in "Srinagar" district of state of Uttrakhand. Srinagar district is situated in the banks of Alaknanda River in Himalayan mountain belt of Northern India. (Click here for Location)

Srinagar District is placed on Haridwar-Badrinath Highway and lakhs of tourists pass through this district during the month of Summer when Badrinath and Kedarnath Shrines are open for 'Darshan'. The important distance milestones and how to reach Srinagar is given below:

1) Nearest Airport is located in Dehradun which is 150 kms (93 miles).

2) Nearest Railway Station is located in Rishikesh is 108 kms (67 miles).

3) Key Places to access Srinagar from Road include Delhi - 400 kms (250 miles), Dehradun, Haridwar & Rishikesh.

Mythology behind Dhari Devi Temple

Once there exists an Idol of Devi Kali (raudra roop of Maa Shakti). During the floods, the temple where Idol was situated got washed away. The idol floated in river till it got stuck against the rock in the Dharo Village. The Village people took it as divine intervention and decided to fix the idol in that place. Since then, it is called as "Dhari Devi Temple" (Ref: Source)

It is also believed that upper part of Goddess Kali is located in this village while the remaining part is in another place called Kalimath.

Interesting Notes about Dhari Devi Temple

1) Dhari Devi Temple came into news this summer of 2013 when this region of Uttrakhand got severely impacted by floods. It is believed that in order to construct the dam, this idol was relocated to another place in Srinagar District, due to which Devi got angry which came out in the form of flash floods which killed more than 10000 people in this region. After the locals persisted, the idol was again relocated to its original place. This news was covered by several news media channels during that time. (Ref: Source)

2) It is also believed that similar attempt was made during 1882 by a local king which led to similar landslides and floods which flattened the Kedarnath valley. (Ref: Source) The locals and the govt authorities have been fighting for relocation of the Goddess Kali Idol. (Ref: Source)

2) The idol of Goddess Kali shows intriguing behavior. It is believed by locals that the idol of Goddess Kali changes its appearance on its own during the day. It is visible in the form of girl during morning, a woman during afternoon and an old lady during evening, thus depicting the human life course. (Ref: Source)

Facilities in Srinagar District

Srinagar District is well connected through Road, although, the entire journey from Rishikesh is through mountain terrain. The district has several low and medium budget hotels, but doesn't have facilities to accommodate premium segment. (Ref: Source)

Jai Maaa Dhari Devi!!