In this text Himalaya is asking her, which are places she likes visiting and what is the sacred time to take vows and do good things.she says with a smile that all the time in this nature is a very good time which clarifyies our doubts on the time and place for doing something good.Enjoy her verses.The places which she mentions here in the text cannot be completed in one post so it will continue in one or two posts.
The Devi spoke:--"O Himavan! All the places that are on this earth are all Mine and all should be visited. And every moment is fit for taking vows and utsabs. For I am of the nature pervading every moment; so whatever actions are performed at any moment are all equal to taking My vows and utsabs. O King of Mountains! Still I am now telling something out of My affection to My Bhaktas. Hear. There is a great place of pilgrimage named Kolhapura in the southern country. Here the Devi Laksmi always dwells. The second place is Matripura in the Sahyadri mountain; here the Devi Renuka dwells. The third place is Tulajapur; next is the place Saptas'ringa, the great places of Hingula and Jvala Mukhi.
For the sake of the readers, let me illustrate clearly the places, its location and little about the temple themselves.
Firstly she mentions Kolhapura, it is located in Maharastra state.This is one of the six abodes of Shakti, where one can achieve both fulfillment of desires as well as salvation from them. It is therefore considered to be of greater significance than Uttar Kashi. Shri Mahalakshmi is the consort of Shri Vishnu and it is said that they both reside in the Karveer area
The next place is Matripura,the place where renuka devi resides.It is in the western ghats.Mahur or Mahurgad is a religious place in Maharastra, India. Mahur is said to be the birth place of Hindu Goddess Renuka, mother of Lord Parshuram. The four Shakti Peethas of Maharashtra are Tuljapur enshrining Bhavani, Kolhapur enshrining Mahalakshmi, Mahur enshrining Mahamaya, and Renuka and Saptshringi enshrining Jagadamba. Other Shakti temples in the state are those at Ambe Jogai and Aundh.
There are many temples in Mahur like Anusaya Temple, Kalika Temple. The most important one is the temple of Renuka Devi, which has a special place in the Hindu mythology. A big fair is held here every year on the occasion of Vijaya Dashami (Dasara).
There are many temples in Mahur like Anusaya Temple, Kalika Temple. The most important one is the temple of Renuka Devi, which has a special place in the Hindu mythology. A big fair is held here every year on the occasion of Vijaya Dashami (Dasara).
The third place is Tulajapur,where Tulajapur bhavani resides,it is 292Km from pune.there are some intersting facts about this temple.
This Mother has an odd custom of sleeping long thrice a year. It is a unique feature, no where seen in Indian temples. A special chamber is built adjoining the garbhagriha, and it is held in high esteem. Every time when she goes to sleep, much fanfare and ritualistic worship is offered.
Mother Bhavani besides being playful as evidenced by her playing chess with the temple Mahant, like Srinivasa of Tirumala. she is frivolous and gamesome. She enjoys putting persons to test and heavily congratulates the winners. Here is a proof-it happened during Sri Rama's exile. She fancied to put Rama to test, particularly to his adherence to monogamy - Sri Rama's strict eakapatnivrata. It astounded both celestials and terrestrials. He has no equals and none can come out successful, if inter into contest. The highest Brahma and Lord Siva openly acknowledged and all adored that trust. But she had a doubt lurking about it and so wanted to test it by herself. So dressed and assuming the form of Sita appeared before him. At once Sri Rama knelt before her and asked for her blessings.
Mother Bhavani besides being playful as evidenced by her playing chess with the temple Mahant, like Srinivasa of Tirumala. she is frivolous and gamesome. She enjoys putting persons to test and heavily congratulates the winners. Here is a proof-it happened during Sri Rama's exile. She fancied to put Rama to test, particularly to his adherence to monogamy - Sri Rama's strict eakapatnivrata. It astounded both celestials and terrestrials. He has no equals and none can come out successful, if inter into contest. The highest Brahma and Lord Siva openly acknowledged and all adored that trust. But she had a doubt lurking about it and so wanted to test it by herself. So dressed and assuming the form of Sita appeared before him. At once Sri Rama knelt before her and asked for her blessings.
the next is saptas'ringa,The temple of goddess Saptashringi resides 55 kms from Nashik at Wani. As you approach the temple a large rocky hill greets you. This is Saptashringi Hill. The goddess is known to have possessed 18 weapons in 18 hands and is positioned ready to fight the demons.This is the site where Sita the wife of Rama used to bathe. This destination is filled with stories and legends connected to the Ramayana.
the next is Hingula, it is 90 miles from karachi.The road from karachi to hingula is alongside the Arabian sea.The area is actually a part of Bilochistan province of pakistan.The temple is located on the right side of the Hingol river It is a mud effice,built at the extremity of a naural cave,it contains a tomb shaped stone which is called the Mata,or Maha Maya.she is a goddess of fate.It is held in great veneration by both hindus and muslims.
The next one is Jvula mukhi, it is one of the 51 sakthipiths of India,the temple of jvalamukhi is about 70 km from Dharamsala.It is a temple of goddess jwalamukhi,the diety of flaming mouth.In this temple there is a copper pipethrough which natural gas comes out and the priest of the lights this.The flame is worshipped.the nine flames have been named after Mahakali,Unpurna,Chandi,Hinglaj,Bindhya,Basni,Maha Lakshmi,Saraswati,Ambika,and Anji devi continously burning without any fuel,or assistance ,may be seen reupting from a rock side.The diety is offered Bhog of rabri or thickened milk,misri or candy,seasonal fruits,milk and arti is done.portions of "durga saptasati"are recited.
To be continued........
