Umananda Temple - A Peacock Island In Assam

                                                    Umananda Temple

 According to Hindu mythology, Lord Siva created this place his wife Uma's happiness and pleasure. Siva is said to have resided here in the form of Bhayananda. Thats why this place is called Uma-Nanda. Uma means Siva's wife and Ananda means happiness. According to another myth in Kalika Purana, Lord Siva burnt Kamdeva with his Third eye in this place when he tried to interrupt Siva's deep meditation. So it is also known as 'Bhasmachal'. 'Bhasma' means ash and 'chal' means home in assamese.This place a small island, probably one of the smallest among the river islands, situated in the majestic Brahmaputra river.

 In 1694, the Ahom King Gadadhar Singha ordered his minister Gargaya Handique Phukan to build a temple. The deity of the temple is also called Umananda, Lord Sambhu- ruma- nandakarah. In 1897, a great earth quake damaged the temple heavily. but later it was repaired by a local merchant. The temple displays mixture of both Hindu Vaishnavism and Shaivism. There are beautiful assamese crafting of Lord Ganesha, Shiva, Pavati, Vishnu, and other Hindu Gods. During the repairing work of the temple some new Vaishnavi scripts were written to the walls. Apart from the temple walls sculptures on the rocks of the Umananda Island presents talents of ancient assamese craftsmen.

The Presiding Deity:-

 The presiding deity of the temple is Umananda (Tatrasti bhagavan sambhu- ruma- nandakarah Prabhu). It is believed that, worship here on the Amavasya day when it falls on Monday brings the highest bliss. The Siva Chaturdasi is the most colourful festival that is held here annually. Many devotees come to the temple on this occasion for the worship of the deity.

The Legend of Umananda Temple :-

Siva is said to have resided here in the form of Bhayananda. According to the Kalika Purana, in the beginning of the creation Siva sprinkled ashes (bhasma) at this place and imparted knowledge to Parvati (his consort). It is said that, when Siva was in meditation on this hillock, Kamadeva interrupted his yoga and was therefore burnt to ashes by the fire of Siva's anger and hence the hillock got the name Bhasmacala.
 This mountain is also called Bhasmakuta. The Kalika Purana states that Urvasikunda is situated here and here resides the goddess Urvasi who brings Amrit (nectar) for the enjoyment of Kamakhya and hence the island got the name Urvasi Island.

Architecture of Umananda Temple:-

 Umananda Temple is further known for the architecture which depicts the art of Assamese craftsmen. The temple is decorated with fine rock cut sculptures that include all the major Hindu god and goddesses represented in the deities of Lord Surya, Lord Ganesha, Lord Shiva and Devi Parvati with the emblem of a scorpion along with the sculptures of Lord Vishnu and his ten incarnations which are known as Das Avatars of Lord Vishnu. The temple is reached by a series of steep staircases. The main temple includes a principle deity of Umananda. The temple celebrates the occasion of Shiva Chaturdas. This is one of the most colourful festivals that attract millions of devotees who come to worship the deity. Besides religion this temple is also known as one of the historical sites in Assam. Originally built by king Gadadhar Singh in 1694 who was a great devotes of Lord Shiva, this was renovated for a second time in 1897 as the original temple was heavily damaged due to earthquakes.

Significance of Umananda Temple:-

The Umananda Temple was built in 1694 A.D. by Bar Phukan Garhganya Handique on the order of the King Gadadhar Singha who was one of the strongest and ablest rulers of Ahom dynasty. A devastating earthquake destroyed the original temple in 1897. Later Umananda Temple was reconstructed by some rich local merchant. He chose to inscribe interior part of the Shiva temple with Vaishnavite slogans.
When the Mughals occupied the region of Kamroopa, land, men and money were given to the priests of Umananda Temples from Mughal Emperors Jahangir and Aurangzeb and they used this to reconstruct the temple totally.

Umananda Temple History:-

According to popular legend, Shiva had resided on the location of the temple in the form of Bhayananda. Popular mythology according to Kalika Purana suggests that in the beginning of the creation Shiva had sprinkled ashes (Bhasma) on this location. Shiva had imparted knowledge to his consort Parvati here and when Shiva was in meditation here on a hillock, Kamadeva had interrupted his yoga. Thus, he was burnt to ashes by the fire of Shiva’s anger and the ashes were spread everywhere on the hilltop. Due to this, the hillock acquired the name Bhasmacala.
This mountain has another name Bhasmakuta as according to Kalika Purana, Urvasikunda was also situated here and the goddess Urvashi resides here who brings Amrit for the enjoyment of Devi Kamakhya and thus the island also acquired the name Urvashi Island.
Another legend says that Shiva lived here much to the Ananda (joy) of his consort Uma (Parvati) hence the name. Umananda is the presiding deity of the temple and it is believed that worshiping the Lord here on the day of the new moon or Amavasya day when it falls on Monday brings the devotee the highest bliss. One of the most colourful festivals here is the Shiva Chaturdashi. It is held here annually and many devotees visit the temple on the occasion to worship the deity. Maha Shivaratri is also a major festival celebrated here by the devotees.


Festivals Celebrated At Umananda Temple:-

Every year, many devotees and worshipers come to the Umananda Temple during the yearly occasion of Shivratri. On this occasion every year, many worshipers especially visit the Peacock Island to seek the blessings of Lord Shiva. Shivratri is the occasion which is a very auspicious festival for Shaivites as this day marks the union of Lord Shiva and Goddess Parvati.
Another popular belief in the region is that worshiping in the Umananda Temple on an Amavasya (New moon) day, especially if it is falling on a Monday, brings the highest bliss to the devotee. The day is marked by special Poojas and Havans that are performed to entice Lord Shiva and to attain all bliss and happiness in life.

Poojas and Rituals at Umananda Temple:-

Shivaratri is a major festival and many rituals are performed on this day in the Umananda temple. Many devotees visit the temple and perform Poojas for Lord Shiva. This includes extensive decoration in the temple and arrangement for worship as well as Prasad. The devotees celebrate in jubilation and offer special Bhoga (food offered to the deity) and fruits as well as flowers to their favourite deity.
The devotees perform special Bhajans (religious music) and the popular foods that are the favorite of Lord Shiva are consumed on this day in the temple.

Sightseeing near Umanand Temple in Guwahati:-

Chandra sekhara temple:-

It is an old temple of Lord Shiva present in Bhasmachala.

Oorvasi kundam:-

Once upon a time, the Oorvasi brought Amrutha from the Heaven to worship Goddess Kamakhya. A drop of that fell near Bhasmachala which formed Oorvasi kunda.

Kamakhya Temple:-

Guwahati is particularly famous for its Kamakhya temple located atop the Nilachal hill, at a distance of 10 km from the railway station. Known to be the most revered among the tantrik shrines of Shakti worship in the world, Kamakhya, was built in the 10th century by the Koch king, Naranarayan. Animal sacrifice is a common practice here to appease the Goddess.Kamakhya Temple .

Bhubaneshwari Temple:-

 Above Kamakhya is another small temple, Bhubaneshwari, from where one can have a bird's eye view of the Guwahati.

Navagraha Temple:-

 Atop a hill in east Guwahati is the Navagraha temple - the "temple of nine planets," - an ancient seat of astrology and astronomy. Housed in a red beehive-shaped dome, the central lingam is encircled by further nine representing the planets (graha) - Sun (Surya, Ravi), Moon (Chandra, Soma), Mercury (Buddh), Venus (Sukra), Mars (Mangal), Jupiter (Brhaspati) and Saturn (Sani). Two more were added, Rahu and Ketu, the dragon's head and the dragon's tail, or the ascending and descending nodes of the moon

How to Reach Umananda Temple :-

By Road:-

Guwahati is linked to all the major cities of Assam and nearby states. One can easily reach Guwahati by road from any part of the state.

By Train:-

The nearest railway station to Umananda Temple is Guwahati train station Junction which is 1 KM away from Umananda Temple.

By Air:-

The nearest airport to Umananda Temple is Guwahati airport, Guwahati which is 18 KM away from Umananda Temple.

Water Transport :-

 As the temple resides in an Island amidst the Brahmaputra River, one has to take a ferry to reach the temple. The ferries are arranged by the state tourism department for the tourists from all the parts of India and world.
 

Sri Kapila Theertham Foot Hills Of Tirumala In Tirupati

                                                Sri Kapila theertham

Located at the Kapilatheertam, Sri Kapila theertham Temple in Tirupati is one of the famous 108 Sacred Theerthas on Tirumala Hills. The temple is dedicated to Lord Shiva who is known as Lord Kapileshwara. According to the Hindu mythology, the temple has been named after a great saint, Maharishi Kapila, who was a dedicated devotee of Lord Shiva. Impressed by his firm devotion, Lord Shiva and Goddess Parvati gave him their divine ‘darshan’ here after which a Kapila Lingam appeared out of the Earth. In front of the temple, there is a sacred waterfall and a holy lake ‘Sarovara’. The Lingam is believed to be self-created by Lord Shiva and is also known as ‘Svayambhu’ form of Lord Shiva. The temple receives thousands of devotees seeking blessing of Lord Kapileshwara. People usually visit this holy place during the Shivratri festival and the annual Brahmotsavam festival. The breathtaking view of hundreds of deepams (lamps) illuminating the premises of the temple is a must watch during Karthika Deepam.

Kapila Theertham History:-

•The description of Kapila Theertham temple goes back to 10th century. It also has been referred as the ancient inscriptions of Kulottunga Chola Kingdoms. The history of this temple also depicts that many great empires and sages have worked for the development of the temple which included Pallava kings, Vijayanagara kings and Tirumala Mahants.
•As this temple comprises of seven lakes, it is also known as the Seshachalam. The seven peaks are called Seshadri, Neeladri, Garudadri, Anjanadri, Vrushabhadri, Narayanadri and Venkatadri. The temple is situated on Venkatadri which is the seventh peak and so it also is known as the ‘Temple of Seven Hills.’
•Medieval history The Pallavas of Kanchipuram (9th century AD), the Cholas of Tanjore (10th century), and Vijayanagara pradhans (14th and 15th centuries) were committed devotees of Lord Venkateswara. During the invasion of Srirangam by Malik Kafur in 1310–11 AD, the Ranga Mandapam of the temple served as the shelter for the presiding deity of Srirangam, Ranganatha Swamy.
•Later, under the rule of the Vijayanagara emperors, was when the temple gained most of its current wealth and size, with the donation of diamonds and gold.
•In 1517 Vijayanagara ruler Sri Krishna Deva Raya, on one of his many visits to the temple, donated gold and jewels. This enabled the Vimana (inner shrine) roofing to be gilded. Statues of Sri Krishna Deva Raya and his spouse stand in the premises of the temple. After the decline of Vijayanagara Empire, kings from states such as Mysore and Gadwal gave ornaments and valuables to the temple.
•There are many stories associated with the manifestation of the Lord in Tirumala. The temple has a murti (deity) of Lord Venkateswara, which it is believed shall remain here for the entire duration of the present Kali Yuga.

Kapila Theertham:-

According to Puranas 'Kapilamuni' of 'Paataala' (under-world) originally worshipped the Linga at Kapila Theertham. Lord Shiva is said to have blessed Sage Kapila with a vision of himself and his consort etc. But for some cause the Kapila Lingam pierced up through the earth to its surface, 'Suras' (Devatas) started worshipping it. It is also said that even before the Linga forced itself up, the Kamadhenu (celestial cow) made her way through a hole to the earth and took form here. The Shiva Lingam is made of brass in one of the shrines of Kapila Teertham.


In front of Kapila Lingam lies a very sacred 'Sarovara' (lake), which is the 'Bilam' (cavity) through which 'Kapila Maharshi' came to earth. A spring falls on the temple. Both the temple and the waterfall are considered to be highly pious. A holy dip here is believed to confer maximum benefit and rid the devout of sins.


Bhavishyottara Puranam says that Vakuladevi , before going to Aakaasha raja to discuss Srinivasa’s (Lord Balaji) marriage to Padmavathi, had a sacred bath in Kapila Theertham, as ordained by the Lord.

Shiva Linga & Rituals:-

There is a mountain cave in one of the steep and vertical faces at the foot of the Tirumala Hills, at the entrance of which you will come across the huge, magnificent temple of Lord Shiva. The waters of a mountain stream, Paapa Vinasanam come down as a huge waterfall here. As is typical of Lord Shiva’s temple, there is a huge stone statue of the seated bull, Nandi, at the entrance to the temple.
The Shiva Linga in the Kapila Theertham shrine is made of brass. There is a holy lake known as ‘Sarovara’ in the front of the Kapila Lingam shrine, which is supposed to be the ‘Bilam’ or cavity through which Kapila Maharshi came to earth. A waterfall cascades down to the temple. The temple and the waterfall are worshipped with great piety. Kapila Theertham Temple functions under the aegis of the Tirumala Tirupati Devasthanam and is protected and maintained by them. The TTD ensures that the annual festivals conducted in this temple are comparable in grandeur to those of Tirumala, such as the Brahmotsavam.
A prominent ritual at this temple happens on the full moon day, during the month of Karthika on the occasion of its ‘mukkoti’ (three crores). All the teerthas situated in the three worlds are believed to merge into the holy waters of Kapila Theertham at noon for about ten ‘Ghatikas’(one ghatika is equivalent to 24 minutes). There is a belief that when devotees bathe in Kapila Theertham during this time, they will attain Brahmaloka or salvation from the cycle of birth and death. There is also a belief that those who perform ancestral rites, known as ‘thithi’ or ‘thadhhina’, when they offer what is known as ‘pindam’ or rice balls offered to departed souls, if they perform the rites here will be blessed. Those who have discontinued ancestral rites can perform them here to wash off their sins of non performance.
The temple conducts some special sevas or offerings in which devotees can participate by paying a fee. Festivals like Vinayaka Utsavam, Annaabhishekam, Karthika Deepam and Maha Shivarathri are celebrated in the temple, attracting thousands of devotees.
 
Special Occasions at Sri Kapileswara Swamy Temple :-
 
In the 'Annual Brahmotsavam' festival the entire Tirupati, Sri Kapileswara Swamy Temple also forms an energetic part of the festivity. For the duration of the annual Shivarathri festival, the temple is looking by thousands of devotees which is the busiest period of this temple. In kapila theertham  Shiva special occasion like Vinayaka Utsavam, Karthika Deepam, which are held with immense  and festivals.



Religious importance:-

During 'Kartika' month on the occasion of its "mukkoti" on the 'Purnima' (full moon) day, all the teerthas situated in the three world's merge into this Kapila Teertham at noon for ten 'Ghatikas'(one ghatika is equivalent to 24 minutes). It is believed that persons bathing in it at that auspicious time will attain salvation from the cycle of birth and death ('Brahmaloka').[citation needed] Moreover, those who have never offered Pindam (thidhi or thadhhina) to their departed ancestor souls can do it here and wash off your sins for non performance of it in past. 

One more auspicious day is the full moon day in the Karthika Month, while attractive a plunge at the Kapila Theertham brings deliverance and peace and an additional beautiful sight, during the Karthika Deepam the whole temple location gets underwater in a flood of light.
 Many festivals like Devi Navarathri Utsavam, Kamakshi Devi Chandana Alankaram are special Poojas and Ustavaas and  Annabhishekam,  Float Festival, Maha Sivarathri, Skanda Sashti, Arudra Darsanam Utsavam, , Kamakshi Devi Chandana Alankaram, Devotees can perform Nithyabhishekam at the temple.  
You can also perform special Pooja's and ceremonies for the blessings of Sri Kapileswara Swamy Temple. Among them the most important are

Sri Kapila Theertham  Sevas:-

S.No. Seva Price (Rs.)
1 Archana & Harathi 5.00
2 Abhisheka Darsanam 2.00
3 Sahasranama Archana 2.00
4 Nithyabhishekam - permanent 542.00
5 Nithyabhishekam - one year 42.00
6 Rudrabhishekam 50.00
7 Navagraha Abhishekam
& Archana (2 persons) 100.00
8 Archana Navagarahams 50.00
- for each graham 5.00
9 Sivaparvathula Kalyanam
(on every Mahasivarathri Day)
- for two persons (grihasthas) 250.00
10 Unjal Seva (every
Monday - for 5 persons) 116.00

The following festivals are conducted at the temple.
Vinayaka Utsavam
Annabhishekam
Karthika Deepam
Float Festival
Maha Sivarathri
Skanda Sashti
Arudra Darsanam Utsavam
Devi Navarathri Utsavam
Kamakshi Devi Chandana Alankaram
Devotees can perform Nithyabhishekam at the temple


The other places of interest are:-

Apart from some ancient Shiva temples like Gudimallam Parashurameshwara Temple, the others are Parasareswara temple in Yogi Mallavaram, Thiruchannoor Padmavathi Temple, the famous Sri Kalahashteeswara Temple and the Manikanteswara Swamy Devasthanam (Shivalayam) in Kanipakam. Some other temples are the Goddess Kamakshi temple, Veda Narayana Swamy Temple, Lakshmi Narayanaswamt Temple, Lord Ganesha’s Temple, Kumaraswamy and the Dakshineswara Temple.

1.The Tirumala Temple:-

 The seat of the Lord of the Seven Hills, Swamy Venkiteshwara, the God is an avatar of Lord Vishnu . This God is said to be second richest God in India.

2.Sri Padmavathi Ammavari Temple:-

 This temple is about 5 kms. from Tirupathi. The temple is dedicated to Goddess Padmavathi Devi, the consort of Lord Venkiteswara. Goddess Padmavathi is an avatar of Goddess Mahalakshmi.

3.Talakona Waterfall:-

 Situated 58 kms. from Tirupati, this waterfall is the highest at 270 feet in Andhra Pradesh.

4.Tirumala Tirupathi Devasthanam Gardens:-

 This garden is situated in 460 acres and supplies 500 kilograms of flowers to the temple every day. Believed to be built in the 14th century by two great devotees, Sri Ramanuja and Sri Andalwar.

5.Sri Venkiteswara Museum:-

 This museum in Tirupati has some rare sculptures and the displays even belong to the period when King Sri Krishna Deva Raya reigned during  the 15th century.

6.Chandragiri Palace and Fort:-

 Built during the 141st century, Chandragiri was the fourth capital of the Vijayanagara Kingdom. It was actually in the possession of the Yadava Naidus till it came under the rule of the Vijayanagar Empire in 1367. Chandragiri is only 12 Kms. from Tirupathi.

7.Rock Garden:-

 also known as ‘Shilathoranam’ is a place with natural rock formation in the shape of an arch. This rock formation, as scientists believe, is several million years old. This arch formation is one of its kind in Asia. The locals believe that Lord Venkiteswara walked under this rock formation on his way from the heavenly abode of Vaikunta to Tirumala.

8.There are some other theerthams like the Japali Theertham, Papavinasanam Theertham, Tumbhuru Theertham, Vaikunta Theertham, Akashaganga Theertham and the Ramakrishna Theertham.

How to reach Tirupati :-

•By Air:-

 The airport of Tirupati is in Renigunta about 15 kms away from the main city, where flights can be found regularly from Chennai, Bangalore and Hyderabad. Then taxis can be used to move from the airport to the city which costs about Rs 300. The International airport nearest to Tirupati is in Chennai, which can be reached from any cities in India and abroad.

•By Train:-

 The Railway station to reach Tirupati is in Tirupati itself and connects by trains to Chennai, Bangalore, Visakhapatnam, Mumbai and Madurai which is a common balaji temple route. Another railway station can be found 15 kms away at Renigunta. It is in the Trivandrum – Delhi route that the railhead of Renigunta falls and, therefore, is reached from all cities in India.

•By Road:-

 APSRTC runs free buses from the Tirupati Railway station to Alipiri, with a frequency of 30 minutes.  Even the KSRTC buses are available from towns in Karnataka to reach tirupati.