Sahastradhara, one of the most mesmerizing tirthasthalas of Maheshwar is best accessed by boat from the heart of the ancient city. Sahastradhara derives its name from the Sanskrit words sahastra which means thousand and dhārā which means streams or watercourses. According to the Puranas, Ravana, Lord of Lanka chanced upon the serene waters of the Rewa River while... Continue Reading →
Narmada Parikrama: Shri Raja Rajeshwar Sahasrarjuna Temple, Maheshwar, Khargone District, Madhya Pradesh
One of the oldest temples in Maheshwar also known as Gupta Kashi is Shri Raja Rajeshwar Sahasrarjuna Temple, a little distance away from the Kashi Vishwanath Temple. As the name suggests, this temple is dedicated to the mighty Raja Kartavirya Arjuna or Sahastrabahu Arjuna (the thousand-armed one). Raja Kartavirya Arjuna is believed to be... Continue Reading →
Narmada Parikrama: Kadambeshwar Mahadev Temple, Maheshwar, Khargone District, Madhya Pradesh
The sacred city of Maheshwar is dotted with many temples of great antiquity, of tremendous spiritual potency and of philosophical and literary excellence. It will be perhaps difficult to find even one place in Maheshwar that has not been mentioned in the Puranas and has not witnessed exemplary erudition. One of the oldest temples... Continue Reading →
Narmada Parikrama: Kashi Vishwanath Temple, Maheshwar, Khargone District, Madhya Pradesh
Maheshwar, named after Lord Shiva is dotted with ancient temples, innumerable Shiva Lingas carved at the ghats and decorative chhatris on the banks of the sacrosanct Rewa River that are perfect for meditation and to catch a glimpse of the mesmerizing rising and setting sun. One of the most beautiful temples built by Punyashlok... Continue Reading →
Narmada Parikrama: Kaleshwar Mahadev Temple, Maheshwar, Khargone District, Madhya Pradesh
On the eastern side of Jaleshwar Mahadev Temple separated by the sangam of Rewa River and Maheshwar River, is the ancient Kaleshwar Mahadev Temple. This temple like the Jaleshwar Mahadev is situated atop a hill in the midst of stunning natural beauty and offers a beautiful view of the Narmada River and Maheshwar River through... Continue Reading →
Narmada Parikrama: Jaleshwar Temple, Maheshwar, Madhya Pradesh
Considered by scholars, yogis, tapasvis and saints to be one of the most important tirthasthalas of Akhanda Bharat, Maheshwar is a religious, cultural, intellectual, historical, artistic and architectural powerhouse. A local saying, 'नर्मदा नदी से निकलने वाला हर कंकर (पत्थर) शंकर का रूप होता है |' that literally translates to each and every pebble that... Continue Reading →
Narmada Parikrama: Ahilyeshwar Temple, Maheshwar, Madhya Pradesh
Maheshwar, the revered city of Punyashlok Ahilyabai Holkar located on the banks of the sacrosanct Rewa River is a treasure trove of Akhanda Bharat's history, culture, art, literature, music, architecture and heritage. This tirthasthala of immense spiritual and religious potency has been at the centre of many important events from the Vedic Period. This city named... Continue Reading →
Sridhar Temple, Sonamukhi, Bankura District, West Bengal
Sonamukhi, located in Bankura district is home to some of the most exquisite terracotta temples built in Bengal that are widely considered to be far superior to those seen in nearby Bishnupur. Sonamukhi derives it names from the powerful local deity Swarnamukhi Devi with Swarna meaning gold and mukhi meaning face and literally means gold face or golden face.... Continue Reading →
Ananda Bhairavi Temple, Sukhria Village, Somrabazar, Hooghly District, West Bengal
The quaint village of Sukharia located on the busy Somrabazar railway line in Hooghly district has some of the finest terracotta temples and old mansions that you will find in Bengal. Somrabazar has historically been the home of some of the oldest Zamindar families whose wealth, grandeur and affluence has had a significant influence on the culture... Continue Reading →
Garh Kundar Fort, Tikamgarh Village, Niwari District, Bundelkhand, Madhya Pradesh
One of the most mysterious forts of India is located in the sleepy village of Tikamgarh about 70kms from Orchha. A curious aspect about this fort is that the entire fort is clearly visible at a distance of 12 kms but completely vanishes as you near the assumed location of the fort! Even if this... Continue Reading →
Dindigul Locks of Tamil Nadu
One of the earliest examples of the exemplary craftsmanship of the 'Lock City' of Dindigul, famous for its unique handmade locks is seen on the door of the Dindigul Malai Kottai (Hill Fort). This lock on the fort's door is at least 400 years old if not more and was commissioned by the Madurai Nayak king Muthu... Continue Reading →
Sirumalai Hill Banana of Tamil Nadu
One of the most unique crops of Tamil Nadu are the Hill Bananas of Sirumalai and Virupakshi grown extensively in the eastern parts of the Western Ghats and lower Palani hills, Sirumalai and other parts of the Eastern Ghats. The aromatic and delicious Hill Bananas have been grown here for centuries by marginal farmers. ... Continue Reading →
Temples of Chandrakona, Paschim Medinipur District, West Bengal
Chandrakona like nearby Bishnupur and Ambika Kalna is often referred to as the ‘city of temples’. This city grew in eminence during the reign of the Hindu Malla kings of Bishnupur whose architectural ingenuity in using the locally available terracotta to build their stupendous temples was adopted by successive rulers. It would appear that at... Continue Reading →
Govind Mahal, Datia, Datia District, Madhya Pradesh
The ancient city of Datia located at a little distance from Gwalior is considered to be one of the most sacred kshetras of India. This historical city is mentioned as Daityavakra in the Mahabharat and is titled as Laghu Vrindavan (Little Vrindavan) for its numerous Shree Krishna Temples. It is also home to the Shri... Continue Reading →
Gamosa of Assam
Gamosa, a symbol of the rich culture and heritage of Assam is one of its oldest handloom products. Also known as phali in the ancient days, this textile has been held in high esteem and represents the spirit, unity and history of the people of Assam. Essentially, it would appear that the gamosa was a fabric used to wipe... Continue Reading →