Though Kampilya Nagar has always been one of the holiest places in Akhanda Bharat since the ancient times, it grew in stature and prominence in the Dwapura Yuga. The Panchala Kingdom reached its zenith in the Mahabharat Period and the birth of both Dhrishtadyumna and Divya Janani Draupadi is undisputedly its most glorious chapter. According... Continue Reading →
Kaleshwar Nath Mandir, Kampil, Kaimganj Tehsil, Farrukhabad District, Uttar Pradesh
Kampilya Nagar is an extraordinary heritage city dotted with Vedic Period temples and religious structures. This ancient city was coveted by successive Muslim invaders from the 10th century for its precious stones, jewels, gold and grand temples. The city owes its glorious name to the Panchala Kingdom and specifically Raja Drupad and Divya Janani Draupadi.... Continue Reading →
Rameshwar Nath Mandir, Kampil, Kaimganj Tehsil, Farrukhabad District, Uttar Pradesh
Kampilya Nagar, a treasure trove of Vedic learning and literature is one of the rarest tirthasthalas of Akhanda Bharat that still has fragments of its glorious past from the ancient times. Archaeological excavations conducted over the years have unearthed forts, palaces, pottery, coins, sculptures and others belonging to various periods. Temples of the Satya Yuga, Treta... Continue Reading →
Ganga Mandir, Garh Mukteshwar, Hapur District, Uttar Pradesh
Garh Mukteshwar, often called as the mini-Banaras is dotted with many temples of great antiquity dating back to the Treta Yuga. Perhaps, one of oldest temples of this holy city is the Prachin Ganga Mandir situated on an 80 feet high mound. It is unclear when and by whom this temple was built, but... Continue Reading →
Akshayavat and Shukdev Ashram, Shukratal, Muzaffarnagar District, Uttar Pradesh
The sacrosanct tirthasthala of Shukratal now known as Shukrateerth (Shukratirth) is one of the most picturesque places located on the course of the downstream Ganga. This beautiful place full of ancient temples, bathing ghats and wells is truly a spiritual treasure trove for the followers of Sanatana and Advaita. This divine place derives its name from the... Continue Reading →
Brahmeshwar Mahadev Mandir, Brahmavart Ghat, Bithoor, Uttar Pradesh
Brahmavart Ghat in Bithoor is a spiritual powerhouse since the dawn of creation and cannot be compared to any other tirthasthala in this universe. It has been stated in the Hindu scriptures that Lord Brahma descended to this spot on the banks of the holy Ganga River and consecrated a Shiva Linga made of sand... Continue Reading →
Dhruva Tila, Bithoor, Uttar Pradesh
The story of young Dhruva sitting all alone in the dense forest meditating on Lord Vishnu has been narrated to us a million times while growing up. How a boy of five years found solace in Lord Vishnu and sought His blessings with a single-minded goal is truly an inspirational story described in the Hindu... Continue Reading →
Valmiki Ashram, Bithoor, Kanpur District, Uttar Pradesh
The 14 Kos Parikrama commences on Ekadashi in the month of Phalguna from the holy Janaki kund at Maharshi Valmiki ashram. Pilgrims carry bamboo sticks while making their way to Bithoor on the Pariyar road. This circumambulation is completed in three days and is done for the progress of one's lineage. Interestingly, pilgrims offer prayers... Continue Reading →
Mahakaleshwar Pathar Ghat, Bithoor, Kanpur District, Uttar Pradesh
Called locally as Veeron ka Thaur (place or land of braves), Bithoor is one of the most sacrosanct tirthashalas located on the banks of the Ganges. This place of immense spiritual potency is the land of Nana Saheb Peshwa II, one of the principal architects of the 1857 First War of Independence. Even Rani Lakshmibai of Jhansi... Continue Reading →
Patalpuri Mandir and Akshayavat, Prayagraj, Uttar Pradesh
Akhanda Bharat has many stunning gems in its bosom but the crown jewel is undoubtedly the ancient Patalpuri Temple and the extraordinary Akshayavata. Akshayavata is derived from the Sanskrit words akshaya meaning eternal or imperishable or indestructible and vata meaning banyan or sacred fig and therefore, literally translates to the eternal banyan (fig). According to the Hindu scriptures,... Continue Reading →
Takshakeshwar Nath Mandir, Prayagraj, Uttar Pradesh
Takshakeshwar Nath Mandir situated on the bank of the Yamuna River is one of the oldest temples in Prayagraj. The temple is believed to be at least 5000 years old if not more and historical and archaeological evidence found at the site suggests that this temple has been in existence since the ancient times. ... Continue Reading →
Samudra Koop, Ulta Qila, Jhusi, Prayagraj District, Uttar Pradesh
Samudra Koop that literally translates to ocean well is one of the most sacrosanct tirths of Prayagraj. Located in the archaeologically important town of Jhusi, this ancient well was established during the reign of the Chandravamsa dynasty (Lunar dynasty) roughly around 7100 BCE. Jhusi used to be known as Pratisthan Pur during the reign of... Continue Reading →
Nag Vasuki Temple, Prayagraj, Uttar Pradesh
Nag Vasuki, an ancient temple located on the bank of the holy Ganges to the north of the sacrosanct Triveni Sangam draws lakhs of devotees on the auspicious Kumbh, Ardha Kumba, Magha Mela, Naga Panchami and the month of Shravan. A trip to Prayagraj is deemed complete and successful only if a pilgrim has a dip in the... Continue Reading →
Bharadwaj Ashram, Prayagraj, Uttar Pradesh
The ancient city of Prayagraj is revered for its spiritual potency, deep connection to Maryada Purushottam Rama and the Ramayana and the repository of knowledge and wisdom, Bharadwaja Brahmarshi. Bharadwaja Brahmarshi, one of the Sapta Rishis of Kali Yuga (the others are Kasyapa, Atri, Vishwamitra, Gautama, Jamadagni and Vashistha) is venerated by scholars and those well-versed in the... Continue Reading →
Mankameshwar Mandir, Lalapur Bhatpura Village, Bara Tehsil, Prayagraj District, Uttar Pradesh
Mankameshwar Temple is one of the oldest Shiva temples in Prayagraj and sits atop the Sheshnag Hill on the bank of the Yamuna River, a little distance away from the sacrosanct Saraswati Ghat. According to the Shiva Purana, Skanda Purana and Padma Purana, Mankameshwar is the place where Lord Shiva reduced Kamadeva to ashes. It is also... Continue Reading →