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Friday, December 31, 2010

Luxury Train on Sikh Pilgrimage sold Out

From Wednesday, 80 passengers will begin a pilgrimage to Sikh shrines across North India aboard the Deccan Odyssey luxury train.


Called 'A spiritual journey to the Guru's abode', the sold-out vacation aboard the luxury train, includes visits to the five Sikh 'Takhts' or temporal seats as well as trips to historical and tourist spots in Delhi, Amritsar, Jaipur, Agra and Patna, says an IANS report.

The luxury pilgrimage onboard the Deccan Odyssey, which costs between Rs. 2,10,000 to Rs. 4,50,000 per person, also includes performances by Raagis, Sikh hymn singers and traditional performances. One highlight is spending New Year's Day at the Golden Temple in Amritsar.

Calling the pilgrimage onboard on the Deccan Odyssey a 'once in a lifetime opportunity, Sajive Trehan, CEO of The Luxury Holidays said that the trip on the luxury train had a "mix of passengers from the US, Canada, Germany, France and a few from India also."

Courtsey news via Luxpresso.com by TEAM LUXE,Dec 27th 2010.

TAGS: group tour booking, travel, luxury trains, luxury vacations, Deccan Odyssey

3,000 tourists stranded for 12 hrs near Manali in Himachal Pradesh on the new year eve

MANALI/SHIMLA: It was definitely not a good New Year's eve for around 3,000 tourists traveling in 400 cars to Manali to ring in 2011. They were left stranded for nearly 12 hours and remained confined in their vehicles at three places, only 10km before Manali, with heavy snowfall blocking the highway during the night at Rangri, Aluground and 18 Mile.
Also, the unusually heavy snow in the tribal belt of Kinnaur kept 90 tourists trapped at Kalpa, about 200km from Shimla, which till evening received about 5 feet of snow. All the tourists were from West Bengal, most of them from Kolkata.
An aged woman from Ghaziabad, Mrutani Kashyap, said her family did not have enough warm clothes and their car had no heater. "I thought we would freeze to death. This was the longest night I've ever spent," she said.
Many tourists arranged for some firewood and celebrated New Year in advance with loud music and dance.

The Delhi-Manali national highway was cleared for traffic by 2pm on Friday, but the sleet made it slippery and dangerous to drive on. Manali SDM Rajeshwar Goel said the highway has been restored up to Manali and all tourists were safe. SDO Naresh Thakur said from Peo over phone: "The road to Kalpa can only be opened after it stops snowing. With 3 feet of snow at Peo, it would take about a day or two to cut through the snow to reach Kalpa."


Courtsey News via Times of India by Suresh Sharma & Ravinder Makhaik,TNN, Jan 1, 2011, 02.48am IST

Tags:snowfall in Himachal,New Year's eve,Manali,Kinnaur,Himachal Pradesh

Monday, December 27, 2010

Hostels Worldwide Online Bookings, Ratings and Reviews, Search over25000 hostesl in more than 180 countries

Here at Sameera Travels Rajasthan you can search over 25000 hostesl in more than 180 countries.
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Monday, December 20, 2010

Christian Places of worship Church in Jaipur, Church in Udaipur, Church in Jodhpur

How I find a church in Rajasthan. Who and where catolic churches offer services to celebrated Christmas.

These are few questions asked by many tourist in Rajasthan. Here is a list to find nearest Chruch for celebrate Christmas in Rajasthan.

Christian Places of worship in Jaipur: Church in Jaipur
Roman Catholic Church Ghat Gate, Jaipur
All Saint's Church, Church Road, Jaipur
St. Andrew's Church, Opp. Chandpole Near Janana Hospital Catholic Church
St. Xavier School, B.D. Road.
St. Thomas Orthodox Syrian Church, Ajmer Road, Jaipur
St. Thomas Apostle Church, Mansarover, Jaipur
New Apostolic Church, 8/A, Nimal Path, Ajmer Road. 2393396 Jaipur

Christian Churches in Udaipur
Church Of God In India, 3 Khada Kua, Behind St Greg Sen Sr School University Rd City Udaipur Pincode 313001 Rajsthan India Phone No +91 294 - 2410407, 2410439
Bishops House Church (Catholic), St.Paul's School, Near Alipura ,Udaipur Rajasthan Phone no.:+91 294 2524825
Church of North India (Protestant) Udaipur Rajasthan Phone no.: +91 294 2422743


Pentecostal Church, Udaipur Rajasthan Phone no.:+91 294 2431287
Catholic Church, Udaipur Rajasthan Phone no.: +91 294 - 2415825
Shepherd Memorial Church, Chetak Circle, Udaipur Rajasthan

Christian Churches in Jodhpur
Indian Church of Christ, Chitambaram Hall, Stanley Girls High school, Jodhpur

Saturday, December 18, 2010

Shri Nathji Natdhwara Temple Darshan, Mangla, Shringar, Gwal, Rajbhog, Utthapan, Bhog, Aarti, Shayan.

Darshan Mangla

This is the first darshan of the day. The name Mangla underlines auspiciousness of beginning the day with a glimpse of lord. In winter this darshan takes place before sunrise, while in summer, it is later.
During Mangla darshan, the main doors of the sanctum are kept closed and are only opened after the customary initial rituals. This ensures that the drowsy divine child is not startled by large crowds rushing in to see him. It also accords with the mood of the darshan, which is bala bhava, the feelings of a parent concerned about a child's well - being another idea underlying the closed doors is that the svarupa should not be tempted to play with his young companions as opening doors might tempt him to run out!
In summer, Shrinathji is clad simply in an adbandha, a light dhoti. In winter, he keeps warm with a quilted coat. His flute is not placed in his hand, for it is felt that if he were to play it early in the morning, everyone would be enchanted and all work would come to a standstill! Arti is offered to Shrinathji during this darshana. This ritual banishes the evil spirits which hover around in the darkness of the night, seeking to cause harm. This morning darshana is dedicated to the memory of paramandadas, one of the asthachhapa poets. The kiratans Sung at this time are in one of the classical morning ragas - Lalita, Bhairava or Vibhasa.

Darshan Shringar
The next darshana follows the first by hour and is called shringara. Shrinathji is dressed carefully from head to foot, and a garland of flowers is placed around his neck. A Mukhiya holds a mirror in front of him so that he can satisfy himself that, he is well dressed. This is his play hour like that of any other child, and he is offered dry fruits and sweets representing food brought to him by his beloved gopis. This explains why he is called gopivallabha
It is only after this meal that Shrinathji's flute is placed in his hand, so that he can delight Swamiji - Shri Radha - with the tunes she loves. The ragas sung during this darshana are Ramakali, Gunakali and Bilaval. The poet Nandadas is considered the main singer.

Darshan  Gwal
Third darshana takes place at the hour when the lord takes his cows to pasture. The Mukhiya of the Gaushala (Cowpen) of Nathdwara visits Shrinathji at this time to inform him that all his Cows are well. He is then offered makhan mishri, a light dish with a milk base. The refreshments offered at gwala darshana have to be light, since the lord is believed to have already eaten the comparatively rich foods offered to him by the gopis earlier. Neither flowers nor his flute are shown during this darshana it is assumed that he will be playing with his cowherd friends.

Darshan Rajbhog
The main meal of the day is offered to Shrinathji at Rajabhoga. Vitthalnathji, the son of the founder of Pushti Marga, has planned this as the most elaborate darshana of all. A temple priest ascends to the terrace prior to the darshana and calls out, 'Mala Begi Laiyo!!' (bring the garland quickly). This loud call heard over a wide area, dates back to the time when Shrinathji was at Mount Govardhana. The flower garden of the temple used to be located at Chandra Sarovar, Nathdwara. 'The call for the Garland' is the signal for the darshan to be opened to the crowds waiting to catch a glimpse of the lord. The rhythmic sound of drums is heard, excitement mounts, and the doors are flung open.
Shrinathji is seen in all his regal splendor, holding lotus in one hand and wearing an elaborate garland. Beeda (folded betal leaves containing spices), are placed near him, along with a pitcher of water, his beloved flute, cane to play with Genda (Ball) and a mirror. Fine perfumes are sprinkled over the kalash on the roof, and the air is redolent with its scent.
At the end of this darshana the load retires for three hours. This period is known as Anavasara. Recalling his siestas with Swaminiji in meadows of Vrindavana. The chief kirtanakara of this darshana is Kumbhanadas

Darshan Utthapan
During the afternoon, around 3.30 p.m., Shrinathji is aroused from his nap. A Conch is blown, it is time for him to return home with his Cows. The vina is played followed by kirtana. Surdas, the celebrated blind devotee, mystic and poet, is supposed to be the chief singer of this darshana.

Darshan Bhog
Sixth darshana of the day takes place an hour after Utthapana. A light meal is served to Shrinathji. A Chhadidara stands guard formally dressed in a Pagha (Turban), a Pataka (Sash) and a Gheradar Jama (A Garment with a Flaring Skirt). He holds a staff and wears a golden kada, anklet. The Chhadidara's function is to inform Swaminiji of Shrinathji's arrival, so that she can obtain his darshana and arrange to milk the Cows.
Shrinathji is fanned and a morchhala is waved beside him to remove the possible effects of the evil eye cast while he has been in full view of many people. The main singer for this period is Chaturbhuadas.

Darshan Shayan
Final Darshana of the day commences only after rasoiya boli, when the priest ascends the terrace of the haveli and calls out - Cook, come early the following day. After this, drumming heralds Darshana. Since it is time for Lord to retire, various eatables are offered to Shrinathji. A singer praises lord in his kiratana, which may take form of an expression of a beloved's emotion and is offered to both Shrinathji and Swaminiji. Paan-Beeda (betal leaves with spices) are again offered to him.
As Shrinathji is about to retire for the night, various arrangements have to be made. His bed chameber is readied for him, with a container of food, a pitcher of drinking water and Paan-Beedas. It is supposed that Shri Radha will join him during the night, her garments and jewels too are kept in readiness.
A carpet is spread on the ground leads from the image of Shrinathji to his bed chamber. It is presumed that he will walk on it in his spiritual, subtle form. The wooden platforms places in Doltibari for the devotees to stand on during darshanas are removed. This ensures that Shrinathji does not encounter any obstacles at night. To enjoy his lilas with his beloved gopis, if he desires the canopies stretched over the open courtyards to protect people from the scorching afternoon sun are also removed. This darshana is usually not held for the six months, from Chaitra Shukla 1 to Ashvin Shukla 9, when Shrinathji is suppose to visit Vraja and reveal himself to the Vrajavasis(residents of vraja).
The chief singer of this darshana is Krishanadas

Article courtsey : http://www.nathdwaratemple.org/

Vaishnav community & Shri Vallabhpith, Pushtimarg

Shri Vallabhpith is an organization based at Mulund, Mumbai and Shri Jagadguru Mahprabhu Shrimad Vallabhacharanji Baithakji, Nashik. We aim to provide services to one and all of the Vaishnav community and general mankind, in terms of  Pushtimargiya activities, granth prakashaan and shikshan (publication and study) and more, centered to

Shri Mahaprabhuji Shri Nathji Shri Yamunaji

AKHAND BHOOMANDALA ACHARYA  JAGADGURU MAHAPRABHU SHRIMAD VALLABHACHARYAJI  TIRTHSHETRA BAITHAK  (36TH ) , PANCHVATI, NASIK, MAHARASHTRA, INDIA.


        Shri Vallabhpith is a leading organization with its roots in the teachings of Jagadguru Mahaprabhu Shrimad Vallabhacharyaji's preached Pushtimarg. We take special interest in celebrating Utasavs, manorathas, render services to Vaishnavs and general aastik Hindu's about learning and practicing the principles of Pushtimarg. our services are as;
        Here we make a short attempt to help you reach to us from any part of the world.
  • Reaching Nashik From Anywhere In The World
            Reaching Nashik from outside Maharashtra / India is easy from the closest airport at Mumbai. There are regular and ample flights to Mumbai from anywhere in the world. Nashik is only 200km from Mumbai. Reaching here is very simple and can be accomplished in either of the two ways as follows :
  • BY ROAD
            By road you can reach Nashik using either of the following simple and abundant resources :
  1. By Bus :- Regular tourist bus services are avilable to and from Mumbai to Nashik. Particularly, from the Dadar and CST stations tourist buses depart for Nashik at intervals of an hour.
  2. By Tourist cars, Cool Cabs or Private Car :- The drive is approximately a three-and-half-hour drive along the Mumbai-Agra highway. Being the lifeline between Nashik nd Mumbai it's lined with resorts and hotels just in case you need to stop in between.
  • BY TRAIN : The best transport available between Nashik and Mumbai is by trains. Almost trains heading towards south halt at the Nashik Road station, a half-an-hour-drive from Shri Jagadguru Mahprabhu Shrimad Vallabhacharanji Baithakji.
            Particularly, Panchvati Express, Tapovan Express, Kurla Express, Nagpur Express operate regularly between Nashik and Mumbai. They form a easy and quick transport facility. From the Nashik Road station taxis, rickshaws are easily available.

Links
       While designing this website we have taken few inspirations from some of the following Pushtimarg related websites. We owe them that honor and are thankful for their help.
Rest of the site links are an attempt by Shri Vallabhpith to ease and consolidate the search and information availability source to one place. In case of any clashes, or material in this website that offends anybody's feelings - personal or otherwise, we are extremely sorry and request you to mail the webmaster to intimate the same. We shall make appropriate changes, after investigation, as soon as possible.

Geet Sangeet Sagar Trust - http://www.vallabhadigvijaya.com  - The Most Well Maintained And Informative Site About Pushtimarg - a great source of all kinds of Pushtimarg related materials
Pushtikul.com - a well maintained and extensive website complete with user accounts, forums, and more services

Pushtimarg - A 500 year old sect of Hindu Religion, founded by Shri Vallabhacharya. 
http://www.yamna.co.uk/ - a site by one of our latest members - Vinod Savjani 
http://www.pushtimarg.net/ - A well maintained and resourceful website.
http://www.kripanidhi.com/ - Kripanidhi Trust has been functioning from Shri Govindji Maharaj Mandir, Surat.which comes under the Panchampeeth(Fifth seat)of Pushtimarg.
http://www.vpsshaveli.org/ - The "Shri Vallabh Priti Seva Samaj"
Shri Vallabh and his sons - A Site On Shri Mahaprabhuji
The Panchampeeth of Pushtimarg - The Site Gives General Overview Of Pushtimarg and MORE.
http://www.pushtimargiya.org/ - A clean, simple and cool site!!!
Pushtimarg Links - a great resource to find ALMOST ALL websites related to Pushtimarg on the net
Many Many More Sites About Pushtimarg, Shri Vallabhachryaji and General Hinduism
http://www.geocities.com/raghunath_108/otherlinks.html -
http://www.samastvaishnav.com/
http://www.nathdwaratemple.org/

Nathdwara History:Attack on Nathdwara Temple & Arrival of Lord at Udaipur-Ghasiyar

द्वापर युग में जरासंध और कालयवन ने जिस प्रकार मथुरा पर आक्रमण कर दिया था और उससे बचकर भगवान् श्रीकृष्ण कुछ समय के लिये अन्यत्र चले गये थे एवं शांति होने पर पुनः व्रज लौट आये वैसा का वैसा लीला चरित्र नाथद्वारा में श्रीकृष्ण स्वरूप प्रभु श्रीनाथजी के साथ बना।
वि.स. १८३५ में अजमेर मेरवाड़ा के मेरो ने मेवाड पर भयानक आक्रमण किया तथा नृशंस हत्याएं करना प्रारंभ कर दिया। इधर पिंडारियों ने नाथद्वारा में घुसकर लूट खसोट की और धन-जन को हानि पहुँचाई। निरन्तर बढती हुई अशांति के बादल अभी छितरा भी नहीं पाये कि वि.स. १८५८ में दौलतराव सिन्धिया से पराजित होकर जसवन्तराव होल्कर यत्र तत्र भटकता हुआ मेवाड़ भूमि के समीप आ गया। परन्तु सिन्धिया की सेना उसे खोजती हुई नाथद्वारा आ पहुँची। अनवरत युद्धों की विभीषिका के मध्य भी नाथद्वारा का अनुपम वैभव देखकर उन्होने गोस्वामी जी से तीन लाख रूपया मांगा और व्यर्थ का श्रम देकर वसूलने का निरर्थक प्रयास किया। मंदिर की अचल संपति पर भी उसका मन मचल उठा और उसे भी हथियाने की चैष्ठाएँ की जाने लगी। आगत विकट स्थिति को भांपकर प्रभु श्रीनाथजी को सुरक्षित रखने के लिए गो.ति. श्री गिरिधरजी महाराज ने घसियार नामक वीहड़ में नाथद्वारा के समान ही मन्दिर बनवाना प्रारंभ कर दिया और नगर की संकटापन्न स्थिति के बारे में महाराज श्री ने वि.स. १८५७ आषाढ सुदी २ को मेवाड़ महाराणा श्री भीमसिंह को एक पत्र लिखा। प्रभु श्रीनाथजी एवं नगर का जन जीवन संकटग्रस्त देखकर गो.ति. श्री गिरिधर महाराज को मेवाड़ महाराणा ने श्री ठाकुर जी को उदयपुर पधारने की आज्ञा दे दी। भगवत् भक्त महाराणा ने त्वरित ही देलवाडा के राजा कल्याणसिंह झाला, कूंठवा के ठाकुर विजयसिंह जी चूंडावत सांगावत आगर्या के ठाकुर जगतसिंह जेत मालोत, मोई के जागीदार अजीतसिंह भाटी, शाह एकलिंगदास बोल्या तथा जमादार नाथूसिंह को सेना सहित नाथद्वारा की ओर रवाना किया। मेवाड़ की बहादुर सेना ने नाथद्वारा आकर घोर संग्राम किया तथा शत्रुओं को तितर-बितर कर दिया। गो.ति. श्री गिरिधरजी महाराज ने उदयपुर चले जाने में ही अपना हित समझा और वि.स. १८५८ माघ कश्ष्ण १ तद्‌नुसार दिनांक २९ जनवरी १९०२ को प्रभु श्रीनाथजी, श्री नवनीप्रियजी और विट्ठलनाथजी को रत्नालंकारों सहित लेकर महाराज श्री उदयपुर की ओर लेकर चल पडे़। कुछ ही समय में कोठारिया के रावत विजयसिंह चौहान उनके साथ हो लिये। इनका पहला पड़ाव उनवास नामक ग्राम में हुआ। वहां जब सुना की नाथद्वारा में होल्कर की सेना बडा उत्पात मचा रही है तब कोठारिया रावत नगर की रक्षार्थ नाथद्वारा लौट आये। यहां पर होल्कर की सेना ने उन्हे घेर लिया तथा शस्त्र एवं घोड़ा दे देने को विवश किया। कोठारिया रावत ने इसमें अपना अपमान समझा। उन्होने होल्कर की सेना से युद्ध ठान लिया और लड़ते- लड़ते वीरगति को प्राप्त किया।
प्रभु श्रीनाथजी उदयपुर की सीमा में आगे बढ़ने लगे। मेवाड महाराणा ने घसियार में प्रभु श्रीनाथजी व अन्य स्वरूपों की अगवानी की लेकिन उस समय तक घसियार का मंदिर निर्माणाधीन था। अतः मेवाड़ महाराणा प्रभु को लेकर उदयपुर पधारे।
उदयपुर में प्रभु का दिव्य स्वागत :- उस समय उदयपुर मेवाड़ की सुप्रसिद्ध राजधानी थी। भारत के वैभवशली नगरों में इसकी गणना होती थी। जिसके चारों ओर सुन्दर-सुन्दर जलाश्य थे। उनके किनारे हरे-भरे उपवन लहरा रहे थे। वृक्ष फल-फूलों से लदे हुए थे। उन पर विविध प्रकार के पक्षी कलरव कर रहे थे। हिरण चौकडी भरते स्पष्ट दिखाई देते थे। दूसरी ओर नगर की सम्पन्नता भी वर्णनातीत थी। बडी-बडी अटारियां ,बाजार, अन्न के गोदाम, घी तेल के कुंड ,सभा भवन, बडे-बडे गोपुर तथा चार दिवारियों से यह नगर अत्यन्त ही शोभा पर था। अस्तबल घोडो से भरे हुए थे तथा गज शाला में अनेक मदमस्त हाथी सुशोभित हो रहे थे।
जैसे ही प्रभु श्रीनाथजी के शुभागमन की चर्चा इस नगर में फैली वैसे ही राजप्रसादों के गगनचुम्बी शिखरों पर चमकते स्वर्ण कलशों को स्वच्छ कर दिया गया और उन पर विचित्र झांडियां फहरा दी गई। कितने ही दिनों पूर्व से ही नरनारियों ने प्रभु के आगमन की खुशी में घरबारों को लीपापोता तथा गृहद्वारों को आम्र तथा आशा पल्लवों से सजा दिया। नगर में बड़े-बड़े दरवाजे बनाये गये तथा रंग बिरंगी पताकाओं की सैकड़ो, वन्दनवारों से प्रधान मार्गो को सुशोभित कर दिया गया। नगर के राजपथ, गलियों और चौराहे झाड़ बुहारकर साफ कर दिये और उन पर निर्मल जल का छिड़काव कर दिया गया। प्रत्येक घर में उस दिन आनन्द का स्रोत फूट पड़ा। लोगो ने नई पौशके पहनी। जगह-जगह पर अगर धूप लगाकर नगर को महका दिया गया। अनेक नरनारी सजधज कर राजमार्ग में एकत्रित हो प्रभु श्रीनाथजी की बाट निहारने लगे। वर्तमान श्रीनाथजी मंदिर से लेकर राजमार्ग प्रमुख चौक और नगर से बाहर तक आपारन समूह लालायित था। सुहागिन नारियों ने किनारीदार कसुमल साड़ियों को पहिना, हाथो में कंकड तथा मंगलसूत्र से अपने आप को साजा लिया। पुरूष धोती, लम्बी अंगरखी पहिने हुये थे। उनके मस्तक पर रंग बिरंगी पगड़िया व मोठ़डे देखते ही बनते थे। ऐसे ही नौजवानों के सुगठित शरीर पर नाना प्रकार के उपरणे लहरा रहे थे उनमें भी कुछ लोगों ने अपने पैरों मे सोने के लंगर पहिन रखे थे। वृद्ध मनुष्यों की रजतधवल दाढ़ियां अत्यन्त ही गौरवान्वित हो रही थी। उस महोत्सव में सम्मिलित होने वाले अनेक रावराणा शोभायात्रा में यथावत् अपने-अपने स्थान पर खड़े थे जैसे ही प्रभु के आगमन का बिगुल बजा, सब लोग सतर्क हो गये और अपने हाथों में पुष्पगुच्छो को ले लिया।
महाराणा भीमसिंह पहले से ही श्रीनाथप्रभु के स्वागतार्थ नगर के प्रमुख द्वार पर खडे़ थे। शोभायात्रा के अग्रभाग में अश्व पर नगाढा बज रहा था। उसके पीछे हाथी पर उदयपुर महाराणा का निशान था और उसके पीछे कई सुसज्जित मदमाते हाथी अपनी अल्हड़ चाल से चल रहे थे। इनके पीछे सोने व चाँदी के आभूषणों से युक्त इठलाते घोड़े और इनके बाद महाराणा के अनेक शस्त्रधारी अद्वितीय योद्वा एक-एक कदम पंक्तिबद्ध बढा रहे थें। उदयपुर का प्रसिद्ध बाजा इस समय अपनी मधुर आवाज से सभी दर्शकों को आत्मविभोर किए हुए था। इसके पश्चात् गोपाल निशान को लिये ब्रजवासी अश्व पर सवार था। इनके पीछे गोस्वामी जी की सेना शनेःशने अपने कदम बढ़ा रही थी। इसके पश्चात् अरबी ताशे बजाने वालों का समूह बाजे बजाता चल रहा था। तदनन्तर छडी़दार ,समाधानी तथा मंदिर के अनेक कर्मचारी छडी़ लिए हुए आगे बढ रहे थें। इनके पीछे गोस्वामी बालक दिखलाई पड़ते थे। महाराज श्री गिरधरजी के मुख पर उस समय एक दिव्य चमक थी। गोस्वामी बालकों के साथ ही सच्चिदानन्द घन प्रभु श्रीनाथजी का अनुपम रथ चल रहा था और कईं सेवक उस पर चँवर आदि डुला रहे थे।
जैसे ही श्रीनाथजी का रथ महाराणा को दिखलाई पड़ा वे नतमस्तक हो गये। वे बार-बार प्रभु को वन्दन करने लगे। जय जयकार की तुमूल हर्ष की ध्वनी से सारा नगर निनादित हो उठा। महाराणा सही समय पर रथ के साथ सम्मिलित हो गये और स्वयं श्रीजी पर चँवर डुलाने लगे। श्रीजी के रथ के पीछे श्रीनवनीत प्रियजी और पीछे श्री विट्ठलेशरायजी के रथ चल रहे थे। इनके पीछे नाथद्वारा नगर की असंखय महिलाएँ चल रही थी। उनके धूल घुसरित मुखडे पर पसीने की बूंदे दिखलाई पड रही थी। उनमें से कई ने मस्तक पर टोकरे ले रखे थे। अनेको की गोदी में कई नन्हे-नन्हे बच्चे किल्लोल कर रहे थे। महिलाओं के बाद नाथद्वारा के कई संभ्रान्त नागरिक चल रहे थे। इनके बाद अनेक बैलगाडियाँ थी जिन पर सामान लदा हुआ था। शोभायात्रा में सबसे पीछे महाराज श्री के नगर रक्षक सांडनी सवारों की कतारे चौकन्नी होकर धीरे-धीरे आगे बढ रही थी। इस प्रकार ''श्री गिरिराज धरण की जय'' उद्गोष के साथ प्रभु का रथ अनवरत अग्रसर होता जा रहा था। सड़के, छते तथा दुकाने दर्शनार्थियों से खचाखच भरी थी। लोग जय जयकार करते हुए पुष्प् वर्षा कर रहे थे। ऐसे परमानन्दमय अवसर पर कुछ भक्त आँखों में प्रेमाश्रु बहाकर प्रभु का स्तवन करने लगे और कुछ आनन्दोन्मत होकर नाचने लग गये।
जैसे ही श्री गोवर्धन धरण प्रभु श्रीनाथजी का रथ राजप्रसाद के समीप पहुँचा, मेवाड की महारानियों ने प्रभु श्रीनाथजी का स्वागत किया। उस समय वे अद्भुत रूप लावण्य से सम्पन्न और बहुमूल्य वस्त्रालंकारों से सुसज्जित थी। राजमहिषी ने मुट्ठि भर-भरकर प्रभु के रथ पर मुद्राएं उछाली और रजत कनक पुष्पों की वर्षा की। इस प्रकार मन्थर गति से यह शोभायात्रा सात घंटो तक चलकर वर्तमान श्रीनाथजी मंदिर तक पहुँची । बडी़ धूमधाम के साथ रथ की आरती उतारी गई और रथ में ही श्रीकृष्णस्वरूप प्रभु श्रीनाथजी के दर्शन कराये गये। जिस समय प्रभु श्रीनाथजी के दर्शन खुले उस समय भक्तों में अपार अहाद देखते ही बनता था। प्रभु श्रीनाथजी के उदयपुर पहुँचने पर एक लघु मंदिर में प्रभु बिराजे। उसके बाद वहां भी नाथद्वारा के समान ही मंदिर का निर्माण कार्य कराया गया। श्री नवनीत प्रिय प्रभु श्रीनाथ प्रभु के साथ थे। श्री विट्ठलेशराय अपने अलग मंदिर में प्रतिष्ठापित हुए। प्रभु के साथ यहां फाल्गुन चैत्र, वैशाख, ज्येष्ठ, आषाढ़, श्रावण, भाद्रप्रद, आद्गिवन एवं कार्तिक के दीपावली व अन्नकूट आदि के उत्सव सम्पन्न किये। परन्तु सिन्धियां की सेना धीरे-धीरे बढते हुए यहां भी आ पहुँची। महाराणा भीमसिंह ने उसे पुनः लौट जाने तथा उदयपुर को कोई क्षति नहीं पहुँचाने के लिये कर रूप में अपनी राजरानियों के मूल्यवान हीरे-जवाहरात युक्त आभूषण भी दे दिये। ऊपर से तीन लाख रूपया और दिया। फिर भी उसकी अर्थ पिपासा शान्त नहीं हुई और उसने मेवाड की प्रजा को लूटा। महाराणा के शूखीर योद्वा उनसे भीड़ गये। देखते ही देखते युद्ध के प्रलयंकारी बादल दिखलाई पड़े । ऐसी विषमावस्था में प्रभु के निवास स्थान के लिये एकमात्र घसियार ही उपयुक्त स्थान दिखलाई पड़ा । उदयपुर में प्रभु श्रीनाथजी दस माह और नौ दिन बिराजे। तत्पश्चात् घसियार में सुदृढ़ दुर्गनुमा मंदिर बन जाने के बाद प्रभु श्रीनाथजी उस ओर रवाना हो गये।
घसियार प्रस्थान :- घसियार सुन्दर पर्वतीय उपत्यका में हरितिमा लिये हुए एक भयानक स्थान था। यकायक यहां किसी का पहुँचना सहज नही था तो दुभर अवश्य था। गो.ति. श्री गिरधरजी महाराज ने पन्द्रह लाख रूपया लगाकर जो प्रभु श्रीनाथजी का मंदिर बनवाया अब तो वह पूर्णरूपेण निर्मित हो चुका था। अतः प्रभु को वहीं पधराना उचित समझा गया। नन्दनन्दन प्रभु श्रीनाथजी अब घसियार पधारे और अपने दुर्गाकार मंदिर में बिराजमान हुए। देखते ही देखते घसियार नाथद्वारा हो गया। मंदिर के चारो ओर गली मोहल्ले तथा चौराहे बनने लगे। नित नये आनन्द व मनोरथों की वहां झडी लगने लग गई। जंगल में मंगल के नगाडे़ बज उठे।
घसियार से पुनः नाथद्वारा आगमन :- वहां घसियार का जलवायु सभी को अनुकूल नहीं हुआ। वहा का पहाड़ी पानी प्रभु श्रीनाथजी की सेवा योग्य नही था। यहाँ तक कि विपरित वातावरण से आचार्य ति. श्री गिरधरजी महाराज के तीन पुत्र कुछ ही वर्षो में परलोक सिधार गये। अतः महाराजश्री ने अपने चतुर्थ पुत्र श्री दाऊजी को प्रभु श्रीनाथजी के श्रीचरणों में डाल दिया। करूणावरूणालय प्रभु श्रीनाथजी ने तुरन्त ही अपना दायाँ श्रीहस्त दाऊजी के ऊपर रख दिया और अभय वर दिया। इसके साथ ही पुनः नाथद्वारा कूच करने की आज्ञा प्रदान की। इस प्रकार एक वर्ष उदयपुर और पांच वर्ष घसियार वास करने के पश्चात् वि.सं. १९६४ में प्रभु श्रीनाथजी दलबल सहित अनेक भक्तों को साथ लेकर युद्ध भूमि हल्दीघाटी के अरण्य मार्ग को पारकर खमनोर होते हुए नाथद्वारा आ पहुँचे। लेकिन श्री विट्ठलनाथजी प्रभु श्रीनाथजी संग नही पधारे। वे उदयपुर से सीधे वि.सं. १८५८ में कोटा पधार गये। जब गो.ति. श्री दाऊजी महाराज ने वि.सं. १८७८ में प्रभु श्रीनाथजी में द्वितीय सप्तस्वरूपोत्सव किया तब कोटा से पुनः श्री विट्ठलेशरायजी नाथद्वारा आये और अपने मंदिर में बिराजे तभी से अभी तक आप इस नगर को पावन किये हुए है।प्रभु श्रीनाथजी पुनः छः वर्षो बाद नाथद्वारा पधारे उस समय तक इस नगर की ऐसी दुर्दशा हो गई कि लोग अपने पुराने मकानों तक को नहीं पहचान सके। तिलकायत महाराज का भवन मात्र भग्नावशेष रह गया। परन्तु ऐसे समय में प्रभु श्रीनाथजी का जीर्ण शीर्ण मंदिर सभी भक्तों के लिए परम वंदनीय था। जिस दिन से प्रभु श्रीनाथजी ने पुनः पदार्पण किया। उसी दिन से अनवरत इस वसुधा पर सुधा वर्षण होने लगा है।
महाराणा भीमसिंह ने जब देखा कि प्रभु श्रीनाथजी आनन्दपूर्वक नाथद्वारा पधार गये है और पुनः उसी मंदिर में बिराजे है, उनका हृदय प्रसन्नता के मारे बाँसो उछल पड़ा। क्योकि प्रभु के घसियार वास करने से महाराणा काफी चिन्तित हो गये थे। अतः शुभवेला देख महाराणा भीमसिंह नाथद्वारा आये और प्रभु श्रीनाथजी के दर्शन कर गद् गद हो गये। इसके साथ ही श्रीजी में अनेक मनोरथ करवाकर सालोर, घसियार, व्याल, चेनपुरिया, चरवोटिया, भोजपुरिया, टांटोल, बाँसोल, होली, जीरण, देपुर छोटा, सिसोदिया, ब्राह्मणों का खेडा़ तथा माँडलगढ का मंदिर आदि गाँव प्रभु को भेंट कर प्रभु श्री गोवर्धनधरण श्रीनाथजी के प्रति अपनी अटूट श्रद्धाभक्ति का परिचय दिया।

Courtsey source via http://www.nathdwaratemple.org/ Nathdwara Temple board official website

Tag : Nathdwara Temple, History Nathdwara Temple attack, Official information of Nathdwara Temple

Nathdwara History : Shrinathji's Arrival at Nathdwara

Shrinathji’s idol was brought to Rajasthan from Govardhana near Vrindavan to protect it from the hands of the Mughal emperor Aurangzeb who in 1665 was bent upon vandalizing the area of Vrindavan by widespread destruction of Hindu temples. When the Mughal army came to Govardhana, the devotees of the Lord showed them the titles and gifts given to the temple by the previous Mughal rulers. The army commander then ordered the deity to be taken away from Govardhana. For almost six months the statue stayed in Agra after which the custodians of the idol of Shrinathji left that place with the idol in search of a new heaven.


While several other princes were diffident, it was Maharana Rajsingh of Mewar who dared to provide refuge. The idol went on a journey to Mewar which took 32 months to complete. The decision to settle the Lord here at Nathdwara involves an interesting story. When the wheel of the chariot carrying the Lord got stuck in the mud at a place called Sihar, the Rana saw it as a divine sign that Lord Krishna wished to settle here, and thus a temple was built at this spot and the holy township of Nathdwara grew around the temple

In 1672 Lord Shrinathji was placed in a new Temple built in village Sihad, now called Nathdwara, on the banks of river Banas.

Monday, December 13, 2010

Rajasthan Food Recipe, Rajasthani Dishes,Rajasthani Cuisine

As Rajasthan art & cultural is colourful Rajasthani food is also spicy and unique in India. The dishes are simple and easy to prepare it. Rajasthan's tastiest curries are based on the use of pulses. Dal baati and Churma Laddoo is evergreen recipe presents to all guest.
Dal Baati(Puffed dough dumplings with lentil curry) cooked in pure ghee which is famous for mouth-watering aroma.
In sweets Besanchakki, Churma, Balushahi, Motichoor ke laddoos are commonly used in daily meal.
In Rajasthan every region have speciality in food and sweets. Jodhpuri Mawa Kacholi, Jodhpuri Peyaj Kachori are delicacies.
Hot spicy Jodhpuri Mirchibada and a special kind of dessert made with wheat, jaggery and pure ghee Lapsi is also remember
to test its rich aroma.

Sunday, December 12, 2010

The Wedding Planner Movie

From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
The Wedding Planner
is a 2001 romantic comedy starring Jennifer Lopez and Matthew McConaughey.


Theatrical release poster

Plot

Lopez plays a San Francisco wedding planner, Maria 'Mary' Fiore. She is too consumed with planning others' events to worry about her own personal life until she is saved from a nasty accident by Dr. Steve Edison (Mc Conaughey).

Mary and Steve spend a wonderful evening in the park, watching an old movie( Two Tickets to Broadway), dancing and nearly kissing before being interrupted by an untimely rain shower. After glowing to her friends that she had finally found a man that she likes, she soon learns that Edison is engaged to her biggest client Fran Donolly (Bridgette Wilson). Mary eventually agrees to plan their wedding. While shopping for flowers with Steve, Mary runs into her ex-fiance and his pregnant wife. It is revealed the night of Mary's wedding rehearsal she found her then-fiancé kissing his high school girlfriend, to whom he's now married. Later that night Mary is drunk and is obsessing over her fiancé leaving her. Steve comforts her and helps her throughout the night. After leaving Mary's apartment he shortly returns and pronounces his love for her. Mary declines saying she respects Fran too much to turn on her by stealing her fiance.

After the revelation, Mary is reunited with a childhood friend Massimo( Justin Chambers) who asks her to marry him; after a slight hesitation, Mary uses a Scrabble board to spell "ok". Mary reaches the altar with Massimo, but their wedding is halted by her father who knows she is not truly in love with the groom-to-be. Meanwhile, Fran and Steve's wedding fails (due to their own doubts about marriage) and Steve rushes to city hall to try to stop Mary and Massimo's wedding himself. With help from Massimo, Steve finds Mary and asks her to dance at the park where they first met and fell in love.

Ajmer, History,Place of Interest,The Dargah Sharif of Khwaja Moinuddin Chishti(RA),how to reach Ajmer

Ajmer
This article is brought to you by from Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia.

Ajmer is located 135 kilometers west to Rasjthan state Capital Jaipur. Being surrounded by the Aravalli Mountains. After India's Independence, Ajmer became a state. On November1,1956, it was merged into Rajasthan state.

Dargah Sharif of Khwaja Garibnawaz Rehmatullah Alai


Transportation to Ajmer: Ajmer is an important railway junction with Broad gauge lines to Jaipur
and Marwar, Ahmedabad and Mumbai onwards to Banglaore and a Metre gauge line subject to conversion under Project Unigauge to Udaipur. The railway complex includes a major workshop. The railway has helped the city to connect it with major Indian cities like New Delhi, Mumbai, Kolkata, Chennai, Hydrabad, Bangalore, Ahemedabad, Indore, Bhopal, Gwalior, Jabalpur, Ujjain, Nagpur, Pune, Patna, Lucknow etc. The station is the origin for many far distance trains like Ajmer - Bhopal Express, Ajmer - Indore Link Express, Ajmer - Ratlam Express, Ajmer - Amritsar Pooja Express etc.

Ajmer is now a trade center for manufactured goods including wool textiles, hosiery, shoes,
 soap, and pharmaceuticals. Poultry farming is a major source of income for the urban farmers.
The nearby town of Kishangarh is one of the largest markets for marble and marble products. Ajmer is well connected with the national highway and is only 135 km (84 mi) from the Jaipur International Airport at Jaipur which has daily flights to Delhi, Bombay, Chennai, Indore, Pune, etc

Ajmer History:
Ajmer was founded in the late seventh century by Dushyant Chauhan. He established the Chauhan dynasty which continued to rule the country while repeated waves of Turkish invasions swept across India. Ajmer was conquered by Muhammad of Ghor, founder of the Delhi Sultanate, in 1193.  Its internal government, however, was handed over to the Chauhan rulers upon the payment of a heavy tribute to the conquerors. Ajmer then remained feudatory to Delhi until 1365, when it was captured by the ruler of Mewar. In 1509 Ajmer became a source of contention between the Maharajas of Mewar and Marwar, and was ultimately conquered by the Marwar ruler in 1532. Ajmer was conquered by the Mughal emperor Akbar in 1559.

It continued to be in the hands of the Mughals, with occasional revolts, until 1770, when it was sold to the Marathas. From that time up to 1818 Ajmer was the scene of an ongoing struggle, being seized at different times by the Mewar and the Marwar maharajas, from whom it was often retaken by the Marathas. In 1818 the Marathas sold Ajmer to the East India Company for 50,000 rupees. Since then Ajmer has enjoyed stable governance, although during the 1857 War of Independence some Indian sepoys at the garrison in the nearby town of Nasirabad joined the revolt.
 Under the British Raj, Ajmer was governed by an Agent to the Governor General overseeing Rajputana. After independence in 1947, Ajmer retained its position as a centrally administrated state under a Chief Commissioner for some time. Ajmer was eventually merged with the State of Rajasthan.

Places of interest:

The Dargah Sharif of Khwaja Moinuddin Chishti (RA):
Dargah Sharif of Khwaja Garibnawaz Rehmatullah Alai
The Dargah is situated at the foot of the Taragah hill, and consists of several white marble buildings arranged around two courtyards, including a massive gate donated by the Nizam of Hyderabad, a mosque donated by the Mughal emperor Shah Jahan, the Akbari Mosque, and the domed tomb of the saint. The Emperor Akbar, with his queen, used to come here by foot on pilgrimage Taragah Fort, the fort of Ajmer, seat of the Chauhan rulers, is claimed to be the first hill fort of Asia, built at a time when the Aravalli mountain ranges were above the snowlines. This gives it the reputation of being one of the oldest hill forts of the world, and it is definitely the oldest among the hill forts in India.

It was built by King Ajaypal Chauhan on the summit of Taragah Hill, overlooking Ajmer; its thick battlements run along its brow, completely enclosing the table-land. The walls are two miles (3 km) in circumference, and the fort can only be approached by steep and very roughly paved slopes. When it came into the hands of the British Raj, the fort was dismantled by order of Lord William Bentinck, and was converted into a sanatorium for the troops stationed at the British cantonment town of Nasirabad.

The Ahai Din ka Jhonpa ( Dhai din ka johnpra):
It was made by Qubuddin Aiyebak after 1193, is situated on the lower slope of the Taragarh hill, additions were made to the mosque between 1220 and 1229 by Aikbak's successor, by Shams al-Din Iltutmish. It is also noted for its double-depth calligraphy inscriptions, in Naskh and Kufic scripts. With the exception of that part used as a mosque, called Jama' Iltutmish (pronounced Altamish locally).

The Magazine The city's Museum, The residence of Prince Salim:
the city's Museum, was once the residence of Prince Salim son of the Emperor Akbar, and presently houses a collection of the Mughal and Rajput armour and sculpture. This residence of Salim is significant from a historical point of view, because Salim as Emperor Jahangir read out the firman for trade to India to the British East India Company from here, thus starting the chain of events that lead to India's colonisation by the British.

Mayo College:
Mayo College was established in 1875 by Lord Mayo, Viceroy of India. The architecture of the school buildings evoke the grandeur of erstwhile princely Rajasthan. The main building of the school, in white marble, is a classic example of Indo-Saracenic architecture, and the design now lies in the archives of the British Museum in London.

The Anasagar Lake:
This historic man-made lake Ana Sagar lake was constructed by Maharaja Anaji (1135-1150 AD), the grandfather of Maharaja Prithviraj Chauhan. By the lake is the Daulat Bagh, a garden laid out by Emperor Jahangir. Emperor Shah Jahan later added five pavilions, known as the Baradari, between the garden and the lake.

Tomb of Khwaja Husain Chishty Rehamatullah Alaih (Shaikh Husain Ajmeri)
Aulaad-e-Khwaja Moinuddin Chishty Rehmatullah Alaih'

1937-1938 by Khwaja Alauddin Chishty Great Grand Son & Sajjadanashin Hazrat Khwaja Moinuddin Hasan Chishty Rehmatullah Alaih, Behind Shajahanni Masjid Dargah Sharif, Sola Khamba Ajmer..

The Soni Ji Ki Nasiyan is an architecturally rich Digambara Jain temple. It was built in 1864-1895 by Gaurav ji , the Nagar Seth of Ajmer. The main chamber, known as the Swarna Nagari (City of Gold), has several gold-plated wooden figures, depicting characters in the Jain tradition, and created in Jaipur.

Lake Foysagar on a Sunny EveningLake Foy sagar. Situated in the suburb of the city, Lake Foy Sagar is a picturesque artificial lake named after the engineer Mr. Foy, an Englishman, who created it under a famine relief project. It is a masterpiece when it comes to artificial lakes. He created it to tackle with harshest conditions of famine under a famine relief project. This artificial lake was constructed in the year 1892. It appears as flat as a pancake, and offers the eye-catching sights of the neighboring Aravalli mountains, as well as evening flights of birds near the lake area.

Education in Ajmer:
Ajmer is home to Mayo College, founded by the British Raj in 1875 to educate the children of Rajputana's nobles on the lines of an English public school. Ajmer is also home to the famous Sophia Girls' School and College. The school is still run by missionaries and nuns. It is still said to be one of the best and finest institutions in Rajasthan and one of the most renowned school in India.The historic Ajmer Music College, founded in 1942, the first accredited institution in Rajputana for teaching classical Hindustani music. Other educational institutions which prominently shaped the academic environment of Ajmer are:
  1. Govt. Oswal Jain Sr. Sec. School, Ajmer
  2. Sophia Sr. Sec. School, Ajmer
  3. Sophia College, Ajmer
  4. Mayo Girls College
  5. Mayoor School, Ajmer
  6. St. Mary's Convent Girls' School
  7. King George Royal Indian Military School
  8. St. Anselm's Ajmer
  9. Savitri Girls' High School & College
  10. D.A.V. High School and College
  11. St. Paul's School
  12. St.Stephen's Senior Secondary School
The offices of Central Board of Secondary Education and Board of Secondary Education for Rajasthan are also located in Ajmer.

Among the other accredited institutions in Ajmer are Regional Institute of Education Demonstration School, one of the four NCERT colleges, St. Stephen's Senior Secondary School, Maheshwari Public School, D.A.V. Centenary Public School, Maharishi Dayanand Saraswati University, Jawahar Lal Nehru Medical College, Government Engineering College, Ajmer Institute of Technology, Sanskriti. The School (Sanskriti World School for Cambridge Students) and NIS Academy, Ajmer.

Article via wikipedia   link  http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ajmer
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How to reach Ajmer ?
Air link : The nearest airport is Jaipur, 138 kms(86 miles) distance

Rail/ Train : Ajmer is connected to Delhi, Agra,Jaipur, Ahmedabad, Udaipur,
Abu Road
and Jodhpur by regular trains.
Two of the best trains of the Indian Railways, Pink City Express and Shatabdi Express connect Ajmer to Delhi and Jaipur.

Road : A dense network of bus service operates from Ajmer to key destinations around.
Distances between Ajmer to important tourist centres are:

Ahmedabad  526 kms.
Bareilly        575 kms.
Indore       515 kms.
Agra             363 kms.
Beawar           52 kms.
Jaipur        138 kms.
Aligarh           446 kms.
Bhilwara       135 kms.
Jaisalmer   490 kms.
Bareilly          575 kms.
Bhopal          543 kms.
Jaisalmer   439 kms.
Beawar            52 kms.
Bikaner         233 kms.
Jodhpur     200 kms.
Bhilwara        135 kms.
Bundi            147 kms.
Kota          201 kms.
Bhopal           543 kms.
Chandigarh   627 kms.
Lucknow   726 kms.
Bikaner          233 kms.
Gurgaon        359 kms.
Meerut      454 kms.
Indore            515 kms.
Jaipur            138 kms.
Jaisalmer   490 kms.
Indore            515 kms.
Meerut          454 kms.
Lucknow   726 kms.
Jaipur             138 kms.
Mumbai      1071 kms.
New Delhi 389 kms.
Jaisalmer        490 kms.
Muzaffarnagar505 kms.
Pushkar       11 kms.
Jaisalmer        439 kms.
Nagaur          160 kms.
Ujjain        575 kms.
Jodhpur          200 kms.
Kota              201 kms.
Udaipur     274 kms.