DOCSLIB.ORG

July (2021), Impact Factor: 7.188 Online Available at Email: [email protected]

Total Page：16

File Type：pdf, Size：1020Kb

Download full-text PDF Read full-text
July (2021), Impact Factor: 7.188 Online Available at Email: Editor@Zenithresearch.Org.In ZENITH International Journal of Multidisciplinary Research _________ISSN 2231-5780 Vol.11 (7) July (2021), Impact Factor: 7.188 Online available at www.zenithresearch.org.in Email: [email protected] A TOURISM PROSPECT OF RELIGIOUS DESTINATION OF UTTAR PRADESH WITH SPECIAL REFERENCE TO NAIMISARANYA (NEEMSAAR) VINOD KUMAR PANDEY PROF. M K AGARWAL SUJAY VIKRAM SINGH Research Scholar Head of Department Senior Research Fellow Department of Economics Department of Economics Department of History of Art and Tourism Management University of Lucknow University of Lucknow Banaras Hindu University Abstract The revival of religious sites and its connection with tourism has created keen interest among researchers in recent times. The paper emphasizes the prospect of religious tourism in Naimisranaya as there is dearth of academic research in the selected destination. The study explores issues and suggested promotional strategies for development of tourism industry. Expert interview and secondary sources (news articles, magazine, and reports) were used as data collection source, primary data was collected using purposive sampling. The finding of study offers insights into prospects pioneering roles in key religious sites of Naimisaranya, to create initiatives in rebuilding religious tourism destination. Keywords:Chakrateertha, Naimisaranya,Religious Tourism, Spirituality,Tourism Prospects. Introduction The religious tourism refers to “patterns of travel where visitor fulfil religious needs by visiting places of religious importance and pilgrimages” (Stausberg,2011). Most of the world‟s great religious centres, past and present, have been destinations for pilgrimages - think of the Vatican, Mecca, Jerusalem, Bodh Gaya (where Buddha was enlightened), or Cahokia (the enormous Native American complex near St. Louis). Religion and pilgrimage tourism refers to all travel outside the usual environment for religious purposes, excluding travel for professional purposes (e.g. priest travelling for work). However, in countries where these ceremonies have a strong religious connotation, it may be more appropriate to classify them under the heading of Religion and Pilgrimages (UNWTO, 1995).Religious tourism is a type of heritage tourism that is motivated exclusively or strongly by religious reasons (Timothy & Olsen, 2006). It is one of the oldest forms of tourism and also commonly referred as faith tourism. From above definitions Religious tourism can be regarded as mix between A Monthly Double-Blind Peer Reviewed Refereed Open Access International Journal - Included in the International Serial Directories. Page | 42 ZENITH International Journal of Multidisciplinary Research _________ISSN 2231-5780 Vol.11 (7) July (2021), Impact Factor: 7.188 Online available at www.zenithresearch.org.in Email: [email protected] elements of religious attraction, general tourism motivation, and transportation.Religious Tourism is travelling to a religions places with not only an intention of seeking blessings from the god but also enjoy the pleasure of travelling, this would include art, culture, traditions and architecture. Religious tourism sometimes is connected with other types of tourism, due to its nature which gets combined with other forms of tourism especially social, group, holiday, cultural etc. (Collins-Kreiner 2018; Lois-González and Santos 2015; Olsen and Timothy 2006; Oviedo et al. 2014; Raj and Morpeth 2007; Raj et al. 2015; Rinschede 1992; Timothy and Boyd 2006). Religious tourism also referred as pilgrimage tourism sometimes. Whereas pilgrimage defined as “a journey resulting from religious causes, externally to a holy site, and internally for spiritual purposes and internal understanding” (Barber, 1993) what it supposes the journey of a religious devotee to a sacred religious site (Turner 1973; Turner and Turner,1978). Others, such as Collins-Kreiner (2010b) and Morinis (1992), define pilgrimage as a journey to a site that embodies the highly valued, the deeply meaningful, or a source of core identity for the traveler. These definitions clearly differentiate religious tourism from pilgrimage tourism as the motive, perception and experience of traveller visiting to religious tourism destination and pilgrim visiting to a religious destination for pilgrimage is different. Thus „Pilgrims‟ within the context of the definitions of pilgrimage can be established as existential form of tourism.Indians ranked Religious places high as their preferred tourist destinations according to the State of Nation Study conducted by Lokniti at the Delhi-based Centre for Study of Developing Societies (CSDS) in 2008. A study conducted by Ixigo, leading Indian travel marketplace, reveals that number of Indian travellers have increased for pilgrimage tourism to connect with their religious roots in popular pilgrimage places. The study also specifies the growth in hotel bookings at popular religious sites such as 60 per cent for Puri, 48 per cent for Varanasi, 34 per cent for Tirupati and 19 per cent growth for Shirdi. Travellers plan a short-stay of an average two days during their visit to religious destinations. In India close to 60 percent of domestic tourism is religion based. Religion and spirituality are big motivators to cause travel in India. It is due to the deep faith of followers in rituals, mythology and achieving enlightenment and salvation through practicing religion at these holy destinations. In the context of religious tourism in Uttar Pradesh, religiousness is a cornerstone of Indian history and culture where pilgrims of various sects visit their sacred destinations. These A Monthly Double-Blind Peer Reviewed Refereed Open Access International Journal - Included in the International Serial Directories. Page | 43 ZENITH International Journal of Multidisciplinary Research _________ISSN 2231-5780 Vol.11 (7) July (2021), Impact Factor: 7.188 Online available at www.zenithresearch.org.in Email: [email protected] religious places are iconic sites to visit their sacred destinations. These religious place are booming market for domestic and international tourism. Previous studies in religious tourism have covered concepts, benefits for destination. However, no studies have been conducted in Naimsaranya. As per data available on UP tourism website for domestic as well as foreign tourist‟s arrival at some of the popular religious sites in Uttar Pradesh, Naimisaranya received least no. of domestic as well as foreign tourists in comparison with other religious sites. Therefore, present study aims to document religious potential and opportunities for tourism infrastructure development in the destination. Objectives of the study To document religious potential of Naimisaranya as a tourism destination. To identify the problem for religious tourism at Naimisaranya. To offer prospective suggestion and solution for religious tourism at Naimisaranya. Literature Review Significance and Status of Religious Tourism in India As per Ministry of tourism website 59.3% foreign tourists out of 10035803 have visited India for the purpose of “leisure holiday and recreation” in 2017 and the total foreign earning exchange from tourism in India in 2017 have accounted for Rs. 177874 cr. as compared to 154146 cr. In 2016, registering a growth of 15.4 % in 2017 over 2016. India‟s travel and th tourism sector ranks 7 in the world in terms of its total contribution to the country‟s Gross domestic product (GDP), generating 14.1 trillion INR. It is forecasted to rise by 6.7% per th annum INR 28.5 trillion, 10.00 % of GDP in 2027. India ranked 25 in terms of International th tourists arrivals (ITA‟s) in 2018 with 5.05% share of total ITA‟s around the world and 7 in Asia and the Pacific. Indian economy received 28585 million US$ through foreign exchange earnings in 2018, which is 4.7% more than total FEE‟s in year 2017. India is known for its rich varied cultural and religious heritage worldwide. It has a huge potential for religious tourism as this land is bestowed with the evolution of many great religion like Hinduism, A Monthly Double-Blind Peer Reviewed Refereed Open Access International Journal - Included in the International Serial Directories. Page | 44 ZENITH International Journal of Multidisciplinary Research _________ISSN 2231-5780 Vol.11 (7) July (2021), Impact Factor: 7.188 Online available at www.zenithresearch.org.in Email: [email protected] Jainism, Buddhism, Sikhism etc. and the people from worldwide visit India to feel this religious association and its deep rooted history and heritage. In a study conducted by Griffin&Raj (2017) to explore the importance of religious tourism and pilgrimage worldwidedescribe through the data collected from various sources for no. of tourists visiting the important religious places in the world, the list mentions 8 religious places from India. Kumbh mela was placed on top in the list with 100 million tourists for maximum number of visitors in 2012-13. The 49-day Kumbh Mela, 2019 visited by a significant number of 24.01 crore people in the Sangam city. This is the highest footfall the mela has ever witnessed in its history. Religious Significance and Importance of Naimisaranya in Hindu mythology Among all the religious destinations in Uttar Pradesh, Naimisaranya possess a strong religious belief, which upholds a connection with the beginning of all cultural and religious aspects of ancient Hindu mythology. It is situated in district Sitapur about 94 kms from the capital city Lucknow. It is located
Load more

Recommended publications
  • Guide to 275 SIVA STHALAMS Glorified by Thevaram Hymns (Pathigams) of Nayanmars
    Guide to 275 SIVA STHALAMS Glorified by Thevaram Hymns (Pathigams) of Nayanmars -****- by Tamarapu Sampath Kumaran About the Author: Mr T Sampath Kumaran is a freelance writer. He regularly contributes articles on Management, Business, Ancient Temples and Temple Architecture to many leading Dailies and Magazines. His articles for the young is very popular in “The Young World section” of THE HINDU. He was associated in the production of two Documentary films on Nava Tirupathi Temples, and Tirukkurungudi Temple in Tamilnadu. His book on “The Path of Ramanuja”, and “The Guide to 108 Divya Desams” in book form on the CD, has been well received in the religious circle. Preface: Tirth Yatras or pilgrimages have been an integral part of Hinduism. Pilgrimages are considered quite important by the ritualistic followers of Sanathana dharma. There are a few centers of sacredness, which are held at high esteem by the ardent devotees who dream to travel and worship God in these holy places. All these holy sites have some mythological significance attached to them. When people go to a temple, they say they go for Darsan – of the image of the presiding deity. The pinnacle act of Hindu worship is to stand in the presence of the deity and to look upon the image so as to see and be seen by the deity and to gain the blessings. There are thousands of Siva sthalams- pilgrimage sites - renowned for their divine images. And it is for the Darsan of these divine images as well the pilgrimage places themselves - which are believed to be the natural places where Gods have dwelled - the pilgrimage is made.
    [Show full text]
  • India's "Tīrthas": "Crossings" in Sacred Geography
    India's "Tīrthas": "Crossings" in Sacred Geography The Harvard community has made this article openly available. Please share how this access benefits you. Your story matters Citation Eck, Diana L. 1981. India's "Tīrthas": "Crossings" in sacred geography. History of Religions 20 (4): 323-344. Published Version http://www.jstor.org/stable/1062459 Citable link http://nrs.harvard.edu/urn-3:HUL.InstRepos:25499831 Terms of Use This article was downloaded from Harvard University’s DASH repository, and is made available under the terms and conditions applicable to Other Posted Material, as set forth at http:// nrs.harvard.edu/urn-3:HUL.InstRepos:dash.current.terms-of- use#LAA DianaL.Eck INDIA'S TIRTHAS: "CROSSINGS" IN SACRED GEOGRAPHY One of the oldest strands of the Hindu tradition is what one might call the "locative" strand of Hindu piety. Its traditions of ritual and reverence are linked primarily to place-to hill- tops and rock outcroppings, to the headwaters and confluences of rivers, to the pools and groves of the forests, and to the boundaries of towns and villages. In this locative form of religiousness, the place itself is the primary locus of devotion, and its traditions of ritual and pilgrimage are usually much older than any of the particular myths and deities which attach to it. In the wider Hindu tradition, these places, par- ticularly those associated with waters, are often called tirthas, and pilgrimage to these tirthas is one of the oldest and still one of the most prominent features of Indian religious life. A tZrtha is a "crossing place," a "ford," where one may cross over to the far shore of a river or to the far shore of the worlds of heaven.
    [Show full text]
  • Tamil Nadu Government Gazette
    © [Regd. No. TN/CCN/467/2009-11. GOVERNMENT OF TAMIL NADU [R. Dis. No. 197/2009. 2010 [Price: Rs. 19.20 Paise. TAMIL NADU GOVERNMENT GAZETTE PUBLISHED BY AUTHORITY No. 20] CHENNAI, WEDNESDAY, MAY 26, 2010 Vaikasi 12, Thiruvalluvar Aandu–2041 Part VI—Section 4 Advertisements by private individuals and private institutions CONTENTS PRIVATE ADVERTISEMENTS Pages Change of Names .. 875-921 Notice .. 873 NOTICE NO LEGAL RESPONSIBILITY IS ACCEPTED FOR THE PUBLICATION OF ADVERTISEMENTS REGARDING CHANGE OF NAME IN THE TAMIL NADU GOVERNMENT GAZETTE. PERSONS NOTIFYING THE CHANGES WILL REMAIN SOLELY RESPONSIBLE FOR THE LEGAL CONSEQUENCES AND ALSO FOR ANY OTHER MISREPRESENTATION, ETC. (By Order) Director of Stationery and Printing. CHANGE OF NAMES I, Rashidhsabi, wife of Thiru B. Fakhruddin, born My son, R. Umesh, born on 18th January 1997 on 9th September 1970 (native district: Chinnai), residing at (native district: Chennai), residing at Old No. 13, New No. 3, No. 15, Angappa Naicken Street, Mannady, Chennai- Rekha Nagar Main Road, Madhavaram Milk Colony, 600 001, shall henceforth be known as RASHIDHA, F. Chennai-600 051, shall henceforth be known RASHIDHSABI. as C.R. UMESHADHITHYA. Chennai, 17th May 2010. D. RATTHNAKUMAR. Chennai, 17th May 2010. (Father.) My son, S. Dineshkumaran, born on 26th September 2006 (native district: Erode), residing at No. 37-A, I, J. Meena, wife of Thiru T. Jeyamkondaan, born on Palaniappa Cross II, Thavittupalayam, Anthiyur Post, Erode- 31st May 1966 (native district: Pudukkottai), residing at 638 501, shall henceforth be known as K.S. DINESHPRANAV. Old No. 30, New No. 14, East Second Street, K.K. Nagar, Madurai-625 020, shall henceforth be known as J.
    [Show full text]
  • Sutanu I. Sutanu
    SUSKA 774 SUTAPAS V evils of their by force. (See under Jamadagni, Para 8) . (Brahmanda Kaliyuga. Having heard complaints Brahma a wheel of the of mind and it be- Purana, Chapter 61) ; brought figure placing SUSKA. A Maharsi who lived in the Gokarna temple. fore th^ hermits told them thus: ''You follow this wheel. When Bhaglratha brought GaagI from heaven to the The place where this wheel falls down will be a place of earth, sea water began to rise and the temples situated purity, which will not be affected by the evils of Kali- near the sea were submerged. At that time Su.ska went age. There you can live in peace, without being affected along with other Maharsis to visit Paras urama at the by the evils of Kali-age till the coming of the Satya- Mihendra mountain. In response to Suska's prayer, yuga." Saying these words Brahma set the wheel rolling Parasurama raised the sub.nerged temples including the in front of them. The hermits followed it. The wheel Gokarna temple, above the water. rolled on till it reached the earth, fell down and was SUSIVA. An asura. In Rgveda we find that once Indra crumbled to powder in a particular place. That place bound the magician Susna in chains and put him in became famous later under the name Naimisaranya. prison. Suta came to this place. SUSOBHANA. A Mauduka princess. King Parlksit of As soon as they saw Suta, the hermits such as Saunaka Iksvaku dynasty married her and three sons Sala, Dala and others who were living there welcomed Suta with and Bala, were born to the couple.
    [Show full text]
  • Bhagavad Ramanuja
    Jai Srimannarayana! Saints of the World Quiz Contest Bhagavad Ramanuja Jai Srimannarayana! 1 of 158 Jai Srimannarayana! Message from HH Sri Chinna Jeeyar Swamiji! “If my act of revealing the Manthra, redeems the whole world, from the horrendous clutches of karma, and for that Infernal Hell will be the result, I have absolutely no objection to go to that Hell” Who else can show such a convivial concern other than Acharya Ramanuja? Nearly a thousand years ago, a savior, a marvelous philosopher- saint appeared on this Earth, announcing to this world, the advent of a scintillating era in the world of philosophy and spirituality. His vibrant philosophy “tri-une Monism”, Visishtadwaitham, raised curtain for ushering an era of social, as well as, philosophic revolution. Bhagavad Ramanuja was instrumental for the revival, growth, amplification and vivification of “Visishtadwaitha school of thought” which had been in existence from time immemorial. Humanity all over the globe, barring religion, caste, creed, territory etc. should be indebted to this ‘great savior’ whose philosophy penetrated and enlightened millions and millions of Truth Seekers Bhagavad Ramanuja, was the beloved son of the couple Sri Asuri Keswava Yajvi & Kanthimathi. He sanctified this Earth with his appearance, in Sri Perumbudur, near Chennai in the state of Tamil Nadu, during 1017 AD. Being a precocious and brilliant child, he gave out beautiful and true explanations to the Vedic texts even as a lad. His studies were profound and his thinking was deep. He turned out to be a great learner under the tutelage of several Acharyas. In the process of learning, he suffered several privations and indignities and he withstood them all with a burning zeal for studies and reverence to his preceptors.
    [Show full text]
  • Krishna Temple Tour,Temple Tour India ,Varanasi-Gaya-Allahabad
    Krishna Temple Tour Destinations: Delhi, Mathura, Agra, Rajkot, Dwarka, Porbandar, Somnath Day 01: Delhi Upon arrival at the delhi airport, you will be greeted by our company representative and transferred to the hotel. Tour the city in the afternoon and visit the Laxmi Narayan Temple, Hanuman Mandir, Gauri Shankar Mandir, India Gate and Chattarpur Mandir. Stay overnight at the hotel. Day 02: Delhi – Mathura Drive to Mathura this day, the birth place of Lord Krishna. Check into the hotel. Visit Vrindavan in the afternoon and see the Govind Dev Temple, Rangaji Temple, Madan Mohan temple near Kali Ghat, Glass temple and the bankey Bihari Temple. Stay overnight at the hotel. Day 03: Mathura – Gokul After breakfast at the hotel, leave for Gokul in a car and check into the hotel on arrival. Visit the Gokul Nathji Temple, mahavan, Assi Kambha Temple dedicated to Mathura Nathji. Move toward Goverdhan and sightsee the place where Lord Krishna lifted Giriraj hill on his finger for seven days. Return to Mathura for an overnight stay. Day 04: Gokul Visit the Nand Gaon Temple this morning and continue to the Pan Sarovar Lake. Visit Barsana which has temples dedicated to Radha. Prem Sarovar is the water tank where Radha and Krishna met for the first time. Stay overnight at the hotel. Day 05: Gokul – Agra Drive to Agra in the morning and check into the hotel upon arrival. Visit the Taj Mahal and Agra Fort. Overnight stay at the hotel. Day 06: Agra – Jaipur Leave for Jaipur this day enroute visiting Fatehpur Sikri. Visit Jama Masjid, Tomb of Salim Chisti, Panch Mahal and other Palaces here.
    [Show full text]
  • Tirupati Is a City in Chittoor District of the Indian State of Andhra Pradesh
    The City - TIRUPATI Tirupati is a city in Chittoor District of the Indian State of Andhra Pradesh. It serves as the headquarters of Tirupati (Urban) Mandal and also Tirupati revenue division. As of 2011 census, the city had a population of 2,87,035 making it the ninth largest city in the state in terms of population. It is the seventh most urban agglomerated city in the state, with a population of 4,59,985. For the year 2012-13, Ministry of Tourism awarded Tirupati as the Best Heritage City recognising city's tourism potentiality. Tirupati is one of the most famous temple towns in India. It is the abode of Lord Venkateshwara, (one of the incarnations of Lord Vishnu), located atop Tirumala hills. It is renowned for one of the most venerated shrines in India that of the ancient temple of Lord Venkateswara on the Tirumala Hills. Tirumala has seven hills, representing the seven heads of a huge serpent, called Sesha Saye, on which Lord Vishnu resides. According to Varaha Purana, during Treta Yugam, Lord Sri Rama resided here along with Sita Devi and Lakshmana on his return from Lankapuri. The town was an established center of Vaishnavism around 5th century A.D. during which it was praised by Alvars. The temple rites were formalised by the Vaishnavite saint Ramanujacharya in the 11th century AD. Tirupati survived the Muslim and British invasions. During the Muslim invasion of South India, the deity of Sri Ranganathaswamy Temple, Srirangam was brought to Tirupati for safekeeping. Tirupati is a major educational hub in Andhra Pradesh.
    [Show full text]
  • C U R R I C U L U M V I T a E
    C U R R I C U L U M V I T A E महामोहापाध्यायाचायःय डा.更 श्रीरवीद्रनाथभट्टाचायःय ऋ嵍वदे ाचायःय , यजवु दे ाचायःय , लब्धस्वर्पय दकः (B.H.U) पवू मय ीमास車 ाचायःय , शास्त्रीHonours) ( B.H.U, वदे व्याकरर्मीमास車 ातीथःय , नव्यन्यायनव्यव्याकरर्रत्नोपाधिश्चM.S.U) ( Rgved̥ ācārya, Yajurvedācārya, Labḍhasvrnapadka, Pūrvamīmāṃsācārya, Shāstrī (Honours) (B.H.U) Veda-Vyākaraṉa-mīmāṃsātīrtha & Navyanyayanavyavyakaraṉratnopādhi (M.S.U) Name : MAHAMAHOPADHYAYA PROFESSOR DR. RAVINDRANATH BHATTACHARYA Professor : Department of Sanskrit University of Calcutta (W.B.) India Father’s Name : Late Yatindranath Bhattacharya Date of Birth : 01-03-1964 Present Address : 646, Ravindra Sarani, Kolkata-700 003 Mob. : 09339209553 E-mail : [email protected] Parmanent Address : Unit No 2A, 284/3 Jessore Road, Kolkata - 700048 // 1 // EXPERIENCES : Name of Institutes Period Designation Sri Sri Sitaramdas Onkarnath Sanskrit Siksha 1981-1989 Principal Sansad Vaikunthdham, Kolkata-29 Sri Paramhansa Pathsala (Varanasi) 1990-1992 Part-Time Lecturer Research Institute Naimi Saranya 1992-1993 Lecturer The Ramkrishna Mission Institute of Culture, Goalpark, Kolkata-29 1993-1999 Research Professor University of Calcutta - Sanskrit Dept. 1999- Contin.. Lecturer Maharshi Sandipani Rashtriya 2007-Contin. Examinar & Vedavidyaprahistan (GOI) Observer University of Calcutta - Sanskrit Dept. 2008 Reader Pattabhiram Shastri Veda Mimansa Anusandham 2011 Advisor Kendram, Varanasi Indian Institute of Oriental Heritage 2012 Advisor PARTICIPATED & COMPLETED IN REFRESHERS COURSES (a) Sri
    [Show full text]
  • Lives of the Saints Contents
    Lives of the Saints Contents Abhirama Gopala Baladeva Vidyabhushana Bhugarbha Goswami Birchandra Prabhu Devananda Pandit Dhananjaya Pandit Gadadhara dasa Thakur Gangamata Goswamini Gauridasa Pandit Gopala Bhatta Goswami Gopala Guru Goswami Ishvara Puri Prabhu Jagadish Pandit Jagannatha das Babaji Jahnava Mata Jayadeva Goswami Kaliya Krishna das Lochan das Thakur Lokanatha Goswami Madhvacharya Mahesh Pandit Narahari Sarkar Thakur Narottama Thakur Nityananda Prabhu Purushottam Thakur Raghunandan Thakur Raghunath Bhatta Goswami Ramanujacharya Ramchandra Kaviraj Sanatana Goswami Saranga Thakur Shyamananda Prabhu Sita Thakurani Srivas Thakura Svarup Damodar Goswami Uddharan Dutta Thakur Vrindavan das Thakur Vakreshwar Pandit Vamshivadananda Thakur Vasudev, Madhava, and Govinda Ghosh Vishnupriya-devi Vishvanatha Cakravarti Thakur Lives of the Saints: Chapter One Shri Abhirama Gopal Thakura Shri Abhirama Gopal Thakura was also known as Shri Rama Das. He was a great devotee of Lord Nityananda. On the order of Shri Nityananda Prabhu, he became a great acharya and preacher of Gaudiya Vaishnavism.He was a very influential personality, and atheists and blasphemers were very much afraid of him. Empowered by Shri Nityananda Prabhu, he was always in ecstasy and was kind to all fallen souls. It is siad that if he offered obeisances to any stone other than a shalagram-shila, it would immediately burst into pieces. According to Gaura-Ganodesha-Dipika (12) in Krishna-lila he was Shridama, one of the 12 prominent boy cowherd friends of Shri Krishna. He was Nityananda's dearmost devotee. Abhiram Gopal's wife's name was Shri Malini devi. Abhirama Gopala Thakura lived in Khanakula Krishnanagara. Khanakula Krishanagar may be visited by taking the narrow gauge train from Howrah Station in Calcutta to Amta.
    [Show full text]
  • 108 Divya Desams
    Guide to 108 DIVYA DESAMS Tamarapu Sampath Kumaran About the Author Mr T Sampath Kumaran is a freelance writer. He regularly contributes articles on Management, Business, Ancient Temples and Temple Architecture to many leading Dailies and Magazines. His articles for the young is very popular in “The Young World section” of THE HINDU. He was associated in the production of two Documentary films on Nava Tirupathi Temples, and Tirukkurungudi Temple in the Tirunelveli District of Tamilnadu. His book on “The Path of Ramanuja” and the e-book in CD format on “275 Siva sthalams” have been well received in the religious circles. prapatti dot com Preface: Tirth Yatras or pilgrimages have been an integral part of Hinduism. Pilgrimages are considered quite important by the ritualistic followers of Sanathana dharma. There are a few centers of sacredness, which are held at high esteem by the ardent devotees who dream to travel and worship God in these holy places. All these holy sites have some mythological significance attached to them. When people go to a temple, they say they go for Darsan – of the image of the presiding deity. The pinnacle act of Hindu worship is to stand in the presence of the deity and to look upon the image so as to see and be seen by the deity and to gain the blessings. There are thousands of pilgrimage sites – Kshetrams - renowned for their divine images. And it is for the Darsan of these divine images as well the pilgrimage places themselves - which are believed to be the natural places where Gods have dwelled, - the pilgrimage is made.
    [Show full text]
  • Spiritual India Handbook
    SPIRITUAL INDIA HANDBOOK A GUIDE TO TEMPLES, HOLY SITES FESTIVALS AND TRADITIONS S T E P H E N K N A P P JAICO PUBLISHING HOUSE Ahmedabad Bangalore Bhopal Chennai Delhi Hyderabad Kolkata Mumbai Published by Jaico Publishing House A-2 Jash Chambers, 7-A Sir Phirozshah Mehta Road Fort, Mumbai - 400 001 [email protected] www.jaicobooks.com © Stephen Knapp Published in arrangement with Stephen Knapp 180 Lenox Street Detroit, Michigan 48215, USA SPIRITUAL INDIA HANDBOOK ISBN 978-81-8495-024-3 First Jaico Impression: 2009 No part of this book may be reproduced or utilized in any form or by any means, electronic or mechanical including photocopying, recording or by any information storage and retrieval system, without permission in writing from the publishers. Printed by Contents Introduction . 1 PURPOSE AND BENEFITS OF PILGRIMAGE . 5 TAKING THE TRAINS . 9 BE CAUTIOUS . 10 AVOIDING SCAMS . 11 BEING PREPARED . 14 DEALING WITH RICKSHA OR TAXI DRIVERS . 14 CURRENCY EXCHANGE . 15 FOOD PRECAUTIONS . 17 HEAT STROKE OR HEAT EXHAUSTION . 17 EXPECT PERSONAL CHANGES IN YOURSELF . 18 WHAT IF TEMPLES DO NOT LET US IN? . 18 Chapter 1 The Major Holy Places in East and Central India and Nepal . 21 NEW DELHI. 22 MATHURA . 29 GOKULA. 31 VRINDAVANA . 33 GREATER VRAJAMANDALA . 40 AGRA. 45 FATEHPUR SIKRI . 50 GWALIOR. 52 JHANSI TO ORCHHA. 53 - vii - viii SEEING SPIRITUAL INDIA KHAJURAHO (or KHAJURAO) . 54 CHITRAKUT. 59 ALLAHABAD (PRAYAGA) . 61 THE TRADITION OF THE KUMBHA MELA. 63 VARANASI. 64 SARNATH . 73 AYODHYA . 74 NAIMISARANYA (TIRUNAIMISARANYAM). 76 GORAKHPUR/KUSHINAGAR . 80 GOING TO NEPAL AT SAUNALI FOR LUMBINI .
    [Show full text]
  • Table of Contents
    The Life of Ramanujacarya TABLE OF CONTENTS Preface Foreword Introduction I. Yamunacarya II. Ramanuja's Student Life III. Sannyasa IV. Acarya at Sri Rangam V. Travelling and Preaching VI. Instructions to Disciples VII. Exile From Sri Rangam VIII. Final Days in Sri Rangam PREFACE Great saints and devotees of the Lord give purpose to this material world and its history by their presence; their 2 absence renders this world useless and its history a chronological record of nonsense. By providing another glimpse into the ways that pure devotees transform the lives of materialistic people and alter the course of history, Naimisaranya Prabhu has done great service to all English readers, especially Vaisnavas and aspiring Vaisnavas. Without such information, people tend to doubt or forget that another plane, beyond the mundane, exists and even controls the destiny of that mundane plane. In the examples they set in their lives, however, saintly persons help us to see the path to Krsna consciousness. "Example is better than precept" The philosophy of Krsna consciousness remains inaccessible except by the mercy of the pure devotees whose behavior gives three dimensions to such philosophy. Only the hearts of unfortunate persons will not melt upon reading or hearing this moving depletion of the life of Srila Ramanujacarya. The nectarean subject matter and the competent rendering by Naimisaranya Prabhu combine to produce genuine spiritual effects within the mind. I hope Naimisaranya Prabhu will continue producing such illuminating accounts of the lives of great devotees. -Jagadisa Gosvami FOREWORD It is the desire of all teachers working in our gurukulas to give the children an acute awareness of the great Vaisnava tradition that they will inherit when initiated into our sampradaya.
    [Show full text]