1. Kashi Vishwanath Temple

One of the most revered temples in India, the Kashi Vishwanath Temple is dedicated to Lord Shiva. The temple’s golden spire and its significance in Hindu mythology make it a must-visit for devotees and tourists alike. Witness the divine energy and participate in the soul-stirring aartis that light up the temple complex.

2. Dashashwamedh Ghat

A visit to Varanasi is incomplete without experiencing the mesmerizing Ganga Aarti at Dashashwamedh Ghat. As the sun sets, priests perform the ritual with rhythmic chants, fire lamps, and incense, creating a surreal ambiance that leaves a lasting impression on visitors.

3. Sarnath

Located just a few kilometers from Varanasi, Sarnath is where Lord Buddha delivered his first sermon after attaining enlightenment. The site boasts stupas, monasteries, and the iconic Dhamek Stupa, making it a crucial pilgrimage destination for Buddhists and history lovers.

4. Manikarnika Ghat

This ghat is one of the most sacred cremation grounds for Hindus. While it may seem intense for some, it reflects the deep philosophical roots of Hinduism and the belief in moksha (liberation from the cycle of birth and death).

5. Ramnagar Fort

For history buffs, Ramnagar Fort offers a glimpse into the grandeur of the bygone era. Built in the 18th century, the fort is home to a museum that displays vintage cars, royal costumes, and ancient manuscripts, showcasing the rich heritage of the city.

6. Assi Ghat

A popular spot among travelers, Assi Ghat is a lively place where you can witness morning yoga sessions, sip on traditional chai, or simply soak in the serene beauty of the Ganges. The ghat’s vibrant atmosphere makes it a perfect place to unwind.

7. Banaras Hindu University (BHU)

A prestigious educational institution, BHU is also a great place to explore. The campus houses the Bharat Kala Bhavan Museum, which showcases a remarkable collection of paintings, sculptures, and rare manuscripts.

8. Gyanvapi Mosque

A historically significant structure located adjacent to the Kashi Vishwanath Temple, the Gyanvapi Mosque represents the confluence of cultures in Varanasi. The site attracts history enthusiasts and those interested in Indo-Islamic architecture.

8. Swarved Mahamandir Dham

Swarabhed Mahamandir Dham is a popular tourist spot located in Varanasi. This temple is unique in that it does not worship any deity; instead, it serves as a meditation centre. It has the capacity for about 20,000 people to practice yoga simultaneously. The temple is as beautiful on the inside as it is on the outside. Inside, there is an idol of Sadguru Sadafal Dev Ji, and the words inscribed on the walls of the temple room are taken from the book “Swarabhed,” which was authored by Sadguru Sadafal Dev Ji.

Final Thoughts

Varanasi is more than just a destination — it’s an experience that stays with you forever. From its sacred temples and ghats to its historical monuments and bustling bazaars, every corner of the city tells a story. Whether you seek spiritual enlightenment, cultural immersion, or simply a journey through history, Varanasi welcomes you with open arms.

So, when are you planning your visit to this timeless city? If visited, please write somethig, as your experience! thank you

The post Exploring Varanasi: A Spiritual Journey Through India’s Oldest City appeared first on Unique Journal.

Introduction

The Lakshmana Temple in Khajuraho, Madhya Pradesh, stands as one of the finest examples of Nagara-style temple architecture in India. Built in the 10th century by the Chandela dynasty, this temple is dedicated to Lord Vishnu and is part of the UNESCO World Heritage-listed Khajuraho Group of Monuments. Known for its intricate carvings, stunning sculptures, and historical significance, the temple is a must-visit for travelers, history buffs, and architecture enthusiasts.

What to See in Lakshmana Temple

1. Grand Architecture and Design

The Lakshmana Temple follows the classic Panchayatana style, featuring a main shrine surrounded by four smaller shrines. It has a high platform (Jagati), a mandapa (pillared hall), antarala (vestibule), and garbhagriha (sanctum). The temple’s exterior is adorned with elaborate sculptures depicting gods, goddesses, celestial beings, and mythical creatures.

2. Exquisite Sculptures and Carvings

One of the key attractions of the temple is its intricate sculptural work. The outer walls depict various themes, including:

• Erotic carvings, characteristic of Khajuraho temples, symbolizing human desires and spiritual liberation.
• Scenes of daily life, warriors, musicians, and royal processions.
• Divine figures and deities, with a central focus on Lord Vishnu in his three-headed Vaikuntha form.

3. Sanctum and Main Idol

Inside the sanctum (Garbhagriha), the main deity is Vaikuntha Vishnu, a unique three-headed form representing Vishnu, Shiva, and Brahma. The sanctum also features beautifully decorated pillars, ceilings, and motifs that enhance the spiritual aura.

4. Erotic Sculptures: Symbolism and Interpretation

Khajuraho is famous for its sensual and erotic sculptures, and the Lakshmana Temple is no exception. Contrary to popular belief, these carvings are not just depictions of physical love but symbolize Tantric traditions, human emotions, and the path to spiritual enlightenment.

5. Intricate Ceiling Designs

Look up, and you’ll be mesmerized by the detailed lotus motifs, floral patterns, and celestial depictions on the ceilings, reflecting the artistic mastery of the Chandela era.

Historical Significance

The Lakshmana Temple was commissioned by King Yashovarman in 930-950 AD. It was one of the first magnificent stone temples of the Chandela dynasty, marking the golden age of temple architecture in India. The temple showcases the rich cultural and artistic heritage of the region and remains a significant site for historians and researchers.

Best Time to Visit

The ideal time to visit Lakshmana Temple is between October and March, when the weather is pleasant. The annual Khajuraho Dance Festival, held in February, is a great time to witness traditional Indian dance performances against the backdrop of these majestic temples.

How to Reach

• By Air: The nearest airport is Khajuraho Airport (3-4 km away).
• By Train: The closest railway station is Khajuraho Railway Station (5 km away).
• By Road: Well-connected by buses and taxis from Jhansi, Satna, and other nearby cities.

Conclusion

The Lakshmana Temple in Khajuraho is a timeless masterpiece that reflects India’s spiritual, artistic, and architectural heritage. From its grand architecture to intricate carvings, it offers a fascinating journey into the past. Whether you’re a history enthusiast, an architecture lover, or a spiritual seeker, a visit to this temple is bound to leave you in awe!

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Have you visited the Lakshmana Temple? Share your experience in the comments below!

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The post HISTORY OF INDIA Sarnath | Famous Tourist Places in Varanasi | Places to visit in Sarnath appeared first on Unique Journal.

Winter presents an ideal opportunity for travel, offering a unique pleasure in experiencing the serene beauty of mountains, seas, or forests accompanied by a gentle chill in the air. Jhargram emerges as a quintessential destination for a short holiday with loved ones, ideally suited for a one to two-day retreat.

Notable Tourist Attractions in Jhargram:

1. Jhargram Rajbari:

This historic palace is a significant attraction in Jhargram, now transformed into a heritage hotel. Its stunning gardens and ancient architectural features are key highlights.

2. Chittaranjan Palace (Dewanraja):

A testament to the rich traditions and history of the local dynasty, this site captivates visitors with its exquisite architecture and picturesque surroundings.

3. Kanakadurga Temple in Chilkigarh :

Situated in the village of Chilkigarh near Jhargram, this ancient temple is complemented by a scenic water body encircled by lush forests.

4. Rikhia Canyon (Gorges):

Characterized by its natural rock formations and river vistas, this location provides a distinctive experience for tourists, making it an excellent spot for trekking.

5. Sitanath Pahar:

This area is perfect for those wishing to immerse themselves in the natural beauty of hilly terrains and forests, featuring various small trekking paths.

6. Khandarni Lake:

Nestled within verdant jungles, this lake serves as an ideal picnic destination, enchanting visitors with its surrounding natural beauty and opportunities for boating.

7. Jhargram Mini Zoo and Deer Park:

A delightful venue for family visits, this park offers the chance to observe deer and other wildlife.

8. Gopiballabhpur:

This rural tourism hub in Jhargram attracts nature enthusiasts with its tranquil rivers and serene environment.

9. Belpahari:

Renowned for its hilly landscapes, waterfalls, and tribal culture, Belpahari’s allure is particularly heightened during the monsoon season.

10. Ghaghra Waterfall:

Ghaghra is a prime location for appreciating the splendor of hill waterfalls, providing visitors with an opportunity to connect with nature. A recent visit to this area has inspired me to share my experiences; feel free to explore my profile for the complete blog, which I hope you find enjoyable.

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The Dhamokhar Zone Jeep Safari offers an exciting wildlife adventure in Bandhavgarh National Park, located in Madhya Pradesh, India.

Location: This zone serves as a buffer area in the park’s southwestern section, stretching from the Magadhi core zone. You can enter the Dhamokhar Zone at Mahaman village and exit at Parasi village.

Attractions: Visitors to the Dhamokhar Zone can expect to see a range of wildlife, including sambar, chital, sloth bears, leopards, and wild boar. The area is also rich in birdlife and features the Mudgudi dam along with nearby caves.

Safari experience: The safari takes you through several scenic routes, including Jamunia, Jhaanjh, Mudgudi, Kehrawah, Kadewaha, Kudarmada, Sahu, Taal, Shimada, Madehavah, Kalwahdhaar, and Badawar.

Booking: Tickets for the buffer zones can be reserved a few days in advance. To book, you’ll need to present a valid ID, such as a passport, driving license, or Aadhar card, along with your full name, age, gender, and nationality.

Safety: The safaris are conducted in open jeeps, ensuring a safe distance is maintained between the vehicles and the wildlife.

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The TTF series is India’s oldest and largest travel trade show network. It aims to provide effective marketing platforms to promote tourism in 8 major travel markets across India, including Kolkata, Ahmedabad, Delhi, Hyderabad, Patna, Mumbai, Bengaluru, and Chennai.

Also, travel agents from India’s neighboring countries (Bangladesh, Nepal, Bhutan, Andaman, Thailand, etc.) gather in this fair, and try to present various information about their country’s culture and travel to the general public.

The Travel and Tourism Fair (TTF) took place this year at Biswa Bangla Mela premises in Kolkata on the 12th, 13th, and 14th of July. The event attracted hoteliers and tour operators from across the country and abroad. It was bustling with travel enthusiasts from Kolkata and beyond—the fair primarily focused on facilitating business-to-business (B2B) interactions.

However, I managed to gather valuable information about tourism from the pavilions representing various Indian states such as Rajasthan, Dehradun, Almora, and Nainital. Notably, some of the leading hotel groups in India, including 4 or 5-star and heritage properties, had set up stalls at the fair. I captured videos and photos of the stalls to share information for those who missed the event. You can find the videos on YouTube under @nationalvideography1. Also, please note that there is no entrance fee, but visitors need to scan the QR code at the entrance for entry.

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The Kali temple of Dakshineshwar, dedicated to Mother Bhavatarini, is well-known throughout India. It was built in 1855 by Lokmata Rani Rasmani for Mother Bhavatarini.

Located on 20 acres of land, this temple complex of Dakshineshwar Kalibari was earlier known as Saheban Bagicha. Rani Rasmani Devi bought this land from an Englishman named John Hastie

This Navaratna temple cost about 9 lakhs of rupees and took approximately 8 years to build. On May 31, 1855, Rani Rasmani Devi inaugurated the idol of Maa Bhavatarini in this Navaratna temple during the Snan Yatra.  

Additionally, the temple complex contains twelve octahedron Shiva temples known as the “Twelfth Shiva Mandir”. 

The area around the main temple has special places filled with memorabilia of Sri Ramakrishna Paramahamsa and his family members, such as the Traditional Kuthibari, Nahabat khana, Rasmani Devi Temple, Panchabati Tala, Gazi Tala, Gazi Pond, as well as on Bhog eating rules, temple opening time, temple closing time, and a guide on how to take the sky walk from Dakshineshwar metro station to the main gate of the temple.

Traditional Kuthibari / Pragya Thirtha Library

During its establishment, the temple’s first and chief priest was Ramkumar Chattopadhyay, the Elder brother of Ramakrishna Paramahamsedeva. After Ramkumar’s death, young Ramakrishna Paramahamsa took over the puja of the Dakshineshwar Temple.

After the death of Sri Ramakrishna’s nephew Akshay, he left this cottage and moved to the room in north-west corner of the temple. And Sri Ramakrishna spent most of his last life in this house. 

Pragya Thirtha Library was established in 2009 at this historical cottage (Kuthibari) under the initiative of Lokmata Rani Rasmani Foundation.

This library has about 7000 books, many periodicals, and newspapers (in Bengali, Hindi, and English).

The library is open to the general public from 11:30 am to 8:00 pm. (The library is completely closed on Wednesdays)

The books that enrich this library are:- Theology, Novels, Literature, Linguistics, Biography, Philosophy, History, Geography, Economics, Mathematics, Chemistry, Physics, Technology, Pedagogy, Sociology, Law, Politics, Psychology, Arts, Commerce. , Computers & Information Technology, Travel Books, Competitive Books, and many Rare Books.

Gaji pukur and Gaji tola in Dakshineswar Kali temple

To the east of the temple is a pond called ‘Gaji pukur’, which measures 260 ft in length and 120 ft in width. Northeast of the pond is Gaji Tala, where Sri Ramkrishna explored Islam. Nearby, there is a peepal tree. 

When the Dakshineswar Kali temple was constructed, Rani Rashmoni designated the Gaji Tala as a place for both Hindus and Muslims to offer prayers, without disturbing it. Today, Gaji Tala is maintained by the Debottar Estate.

Nahabat Khana is the room of Sri Sarada Ma

“Within the Dakshineshwar Complex, there are two Nahabat Khana. One located in the southern garden is closed, while the other is situated west of the Kuthi Bari and north of the Kali Temple. In the past, Nahabat was used to play a variety of musical instruments, but today, the temple authorities only use Dhak, Dhol, and Kashi during the ‘aarati’. Just below the Nahabat Khana is the room of Sri Sarada Ma, where she resided when she visited Dakshineshwar. Daily prayers are offered to her here.”

Panchabatitala

To the north of Bakul Tala is a wide open space called Panchabati. Under Sri Ramkrishna’s guidance, five trees – Banyan, Peepal, Neem, Amlaki, and Woodapple trees – were planted in the southern part. Soil from the ‘Radha Kund’ and ‘Shyam Kund’ of Vrindavan was brought here to plant these trees. Sri Ramkrishna spent 12 years of sadhana in Panchabati and had the darshan of Bhavatarini for the first time, attaining siddhi in matri sadhana. He took sanyas according to vedantic rites under the tutelage of Sri Totapuri. A hut was built in Panchabati for sadhana, which was later rebuilt into ‘Shanti Kuthi’. Close to it is a Shiv temple with a Shiv linga, where puja is performed every day.

Directions

From anywhere in Kolkata you will get alight at Dakshineshwar Railway Station or Dakshineshwar Metro Station
Then a 3 to 4 minute walk through this sky walk will reach the main gate of Dakshineshwar temple.

Please take note of the following information about Dakshineshwar temple:

Maa Bhavatarini Darshan Timings : – 6:30 AM to 12:30 PM – 3:30 PM to 7:30 PM 

If you wish to partake in the noon meal, you can Collect the coupon from inside the main temple complex. Bhog coupons are available daily from 9 am.

During summer evenings, the Ganga Aarti starts at 6:20 PM, followed by Bhavatarini’s Sandhya Aarti. The temple closes at 7:30 PM when the Sandhya Aarti concludes.

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