Maa Kushmanda

Kushmanda is worshiped on the fourth day of the festival of Navratri (nine nights of Navadurga) and as the consort of Shiva. She is believed to improve health and bestow wealth and strength.

Kushmanda is a Hindu goddess, credited with creating the world with her divine smile. Followers of the Kalikula tradition believe her to be the fourth form of the Hindu goddess Durga. Her name signals her main role: Ku means "a little", Ushma means "warmth" or "energy" and Anda means "cosmic egg".

Kushmanda is depicted with eight hands holding a trident, discus, sword, hook, mace, bow, arrow and two jars of honey and blood. Her one hand is always on abhayamudra from which she blesses all her devotees. She rides on a tiger.

When the universe was non-existent and darkness prevailed everywhere, Maa Kushmanda produced the Cosmic egg with her smile, bringing light to the universe. Kushmanda has the power and strength to live in the core of Sun. Her luminosity gives the Sun its brightness. She is said to give directions to the Sun God, Surya.

Origin Of Goddess Kushmanda

According to the Durga Saptshati, Goddess Kushmanda created the universe. She is the one who controls the functioning of the solar system. She is the one who existed when there was nothing except darkness. Then She smiled and the universe was created, illuminated with light.
The core of the Sun is believed to be the residence of Goddess Kushmanda. She is the one who provides the energy to the Sun to shine and emit light to the universe. All the directions get illuminated by Her divine smile including the Sun itself. Goddess Kushmanda is depicted as an eight armed Goddess. In Her seven hands She holds a kamandalu, bow, arrow, lotus, a jar of nectar, mace and a discus. In Her eighth hand, She holds a rosary which has all the eight Siddhis and nine Niddhis. She rides a lion which represents 'Dharma'.

It is believed that if one worships Devi Kushmanda on the fourth day of Navratri, he/she is blessed with good health, prosperity, fame and strength. The rituals of worshipping the Goddess are elaborate. The worship begins with the worshipping of the Kalash. All the other Gods and Goddesses are invited to the Kalash. Then the puja begins by chanting the mantra of the Devi. The Goddess also loves the sacrifice of a pumpkin. Hence, sacrificing pumpkin in front of the Goddess is a crucial ritual of the fourth day.

Maa Kushmanda represents Anahata Chakra in spiritual practice. The divine blessings of Maa Kushmanda helps you improve your health and wealth. She removes all the hurdles and troubles from your life and enables you to get rid of all sorts sorrows in life. Maa brings light into darkness and establishes harmony in your life.

Maa Chandraghanta

Devi Chandraghanta is the third form of Goddess Durga. Her name Chandra-Ghanta, means "one who has a half-moon shaped like a bell. Her third eye is always opened and she always ready for war against demons". She is also known as Chandrakhanda, Chandika or Rannchandi. Her worship takes place on the third day of Navratri(the nine divine nights of Navdurga). She is believed to reward people with her grace, bravery and courage. By her grace all the sins, distresses, physical sufferings, mental tribulations and ghostly hurdles of the devotees are eradicated.

Legend

After Lord Shiva gave Parvati his word that he would not marry any woman, her sufferings overwhelmed him so much that he gave up, followed by a tearful reunion and then agrees to marry her. Soon, the joyous moment of Parvati's life comes. Shiva brings a procession of gods, mortals, ghosts, ghouls, goblins, sages, ascetics, Aghoris and Shivaganas to the gates of King Himavan's palace to take away his bride Parvati, on the occasion of his remarriage. Shiva arrives at King Himavan's palace in a terrorizing form and Parvati's mother Maina Devi faints in terror. Parvati appears to Shiva and sees his fearsome form, so to save her parents and other family members she transforms herself into Goddess Chandraghanta.

Chandraghanta persuaded Shiva to re-appear in a charming form. On listening to the Goddess, Shiva appears as a prince decorated with countless jewels. Parvati revived her mother, father and friends then Shiva and Parvati get married and made promises to one another.

She has eight hands holding a Trishula(trident), Gada(mace), bow-arrow, khadak(sword), Kamala(lotus flower), Ghanta(bell) and kamandal(waterpot), while one of her hands remains in blessing posture or abhayamudra. She rides on a tiger or lion as her vehicle, which represents bravery and courage, she wears a half moon on her forehead and has a third eye in the middle of her forehead. Her complexion is golden. Shiva sees Chandraghanta's form as a great example of beauty, charm and grace.

She rides a tiger or lion as her vehicle, representing bravery. This is a terrible aspect and is roaring in anger. This form of Durga is not completely different from earlier forms. It shows that when provoked she can be malevolent. Her malevolent form is said to be Chandi or Chamunda Devi. She is otherwise the very embodiment of serenity.

Chandraghanta is ready to destroy the wicked, but to her devotees she is a kind and compassionate Mother showering peace and prosperity. During the battle between her and the demons, the horrible sound produced by her bell sent thousands of wicked demons to the abode of the Death God. She is ever in a warring posture which shows her eagerness to destroy the foes of her devotees so that they may live in peace and prosperity. Divine vision is acquired by her grace. If a devotee happens to enjoy divine fragrance and hears diverse sounds, he is said to be blessed by the Mother.

The devotees who adore and worship her develop an aura of divine splendor. Their persons emit invisible power-waves which exercise a great impact on those who come in contact with them. They easily achieve success in life. Chandraghanta is ready to destroy the wicked, but to her devotees she is a kind and compassionate Mother showering peace and prosperity. During the battle between her and the demons, the horrible sound produced by her bell sent thousands of wicked demons to the abode of the Death God. She is ever in a warring posture which shows her eagerness to destroy the foes of her devotees so that they may live in peace and prosperity. Divine vision is acquired by her grace. If a devotee happens to enjoy divine fragrance and hears diverse sounds, he is said to be blessed by the Mother.

It is believed that the planet Shukra is governed by Goddess Chandraghanta. 

Mata Brahmacharini

Mata Brahmacharini is worshipped on the second day of Navratri(the nine divine nights of Navadurga).

 Maa Brahmacharini is depicted as walking on the bare feet and having two hands.
The goddess Brahmacharini wears a white saree with light orange shaded border and rudraksha as an ornament, holding Kamandal in one hand and also Rosary in the other.

The appearance of goddess Brahmacharini is quiet and absorbed in meditation and she also signifies love and loyalty, wisdom and knowledge. She is a unique blend of radiance who can be seen performing rigorous austerity and meditation. The effect of rigorous austerity can be seen on her face which highlights all the three worlds. So Bright Solar radiations behind her head glorify her lusture.

According to different versions of her myths, maiden Parvati resolves to marry Shiva.Rishi Narad advises her  to follow customs and rituals of rigid Tapasya of long eras in order to obtain Lord Shiva as her divine consort. Her parents learn of her desire, discourage her, but she pursues what she wants and did Tap for about 5000 years. She performed hard austerity and due to which She was called Brahmacharini.

It is stated that during her penance to get Lord Shiva as her husband She spent 1000 years on the diet of flowers and fruits and another 100 years on the diet on leafy vegetables while sleeping on the floor.

Further She followed strict fasting regimen while staying at open place in scorching summers, harsh winters and stormy rains. According to Hindu mythologies She was on diet of Bilva leaves for 3000 years while She prayed to Lord Shankar. Later She even stopped eating Bilva leaves and continued her penance without any food and water. She was known as Aparna when She left eating Bilva leaves.

Ultimately Lord Brahma addressed her and blessed her that she will decidedly get Lord Shiva as her divine consort.

In mean time Gods approached god Kamadeva - the Hindu god of desire, erotic love, attraction and affection and asks him to generate desire in Shiva for Parvati. They did this because of an asura named Tarkasur who gained the boon of being killed by only Lord Shiva's child. Kama reaches Shiva and shoots an arrow of desire. Shiva opens his third eye in his forehead and burns the cupid Kama to ashes. Parvati does not lose her hope or her resolve to win over Shiva. She begins to live in mountains like Shiva, engage in the same activities as Shiva, one of asceticism, yogin and tapas - it is this aspect of Parvati that is deemed to be that of goddess Brahmacharini. Her ascetic pursuit draws the attention of Shiva and awakens his interest. He meets her in disguised form, tries to discourage her, telling her Shiva's weaknesses and personality problems. Parvati refuses to listen and insists in her resolve. Shiva finally accepts her and they get married.

Goddess Brahmacharini is extremely radiant and majestic. Her appearance is quiet and absorbed in meditation. Brahmacharini address ‘Brahma’ (penance) and “Charini” (female follower/ devotee) as a result, she is the symbol of Goddess who performs Tapa or hard penance. So, she is also known as Devi Tapaswani and Devi Yogi. It is also believed  that goddess Durga resides on earth during nine days of Navratri as a result second day of Navratri is an auspicious time for penance and austerity. The person who do fast and chant mantras with full devotion during the second day, Devi blesses him with success, wisdom and knowledge.


Significance of worshiping Maa Brahmacharini

People worship her on the second day of the Navratri to acquire the ability for abstaining food and water while performing the penance during Navratri. It is a myth that with her blessing, one can fast for nine consecutive days during Navratri without affecting the health and one can gain the virtues for facing the challenges of mortal life with sheer determination.

Brahmacharini Durga is capable of providing unending benefits. By worshiping her the person inculcates penancing, renouncing, dispassion, ethical conduct and restraint in himself.
So by the grace of mother Brahmacharini he gets success and victory always and everywhere.
This way the mind of the striver moving upward, establishes in Swadhisthana Chakra. The Yogi, who makes his mind stay in this Chakra gets the devotion and blessings of the Goddess.

It is believed that Lord Mangal, the provider of all fortunes, is governed by Goddess Brahmacharini.

Process to worship Maa Brahmacharini

Sit in the lotus position and also recite the mantra  “om durgaaye namaha” for at least 11 times.
Offer a pair of cloves and honey in betel leaves to Goddess Brahmacharini and also donate milk in  a glass.

Give some food including rice to poor pre-pubescent girls who are below the age of 8 years.
Wear white or yellow clothing for the prayer to Maa and meditate to Maa. You will get knowledge, respect, and a peace of mind. Concentrate on the swadhisthaan chakra. It will help you get rid of negativity through the vibrations coming through this meditation.

Use various dishes made of sugar as Prasad because on this day peoples offer the sugar to the goddess Brahmacharini. Use garlands made of hibiscus and lotus flowers  as they are also considered ideal to worship goddess Brahmacharini.

Offer Sugar and fruits  as Bhog to Goddess Brahmacharini on the second day of Navratri. People believe that it  increases the longevity of the family members and also increases love between people.

Mata Shailaputri

Shailaputri is the first form amongst Navadurga or nine forms of Hindu goddess Durga or Shakti, worshipped on first day during the Navratri celebrations – the nine divine nights. She is the first among Navadurgas and the first day of Navratri pooja is dedicated to Durga Shailaputri. Variously known as Sati, Bhavani, Parvati or Hemavati. Maa Shailaputri is the absolute form of Mother Nature. She is also known as Goddess Parvati the consort of Lord Shiva and mother of Ganesha and Kartikeya. In the Navratra festival the worshiping Mother Goddess has a half moon in her forehead & she is holding a trident in her right hand & lotus flower in her left hand. she rides on mount Nandi (bull).

She is daughter of Himalaya and first among nine Durgas. Shailaputri literally means daughter(putri) of the mountain(shaila). Goddess Durga was born in the house of King of Mountains “Parvat Raj Himalaya”, so she is called “Shailaputri” means the daughter of mountain. Variously known as Sati Bhavani, Parvati or Hemavati, the daughter of Hemavana - the king of the Himalayas.

The embodiment of the power of Brahma, Vishnu and Shiva, she rides a bull and carries a trident and a lotus in her two hands. In previous birth, she was daughter of Daksha. Her name was Sati - Bhavani. i.e. wife of Lord Shiva. Once Daksha had organized a big Yagna and did not invite Shiva. But Sati being obstinate, reached there. Thereupon Daksha insulted Shiva. Sati could not tolerate the insult of husband and burnt herself in the fire of Yagna. In other birth, she became the daughter of Himalaya in the name of Parvati - Hemavati and got married with Shiva. As per Upanishad, she had torn and the egotism of Indra, etc. Devtas. Being ashamed they bowed and prayed that, "In fact, thou are Shakti, we all - Brahma, Vishnu and Shiva are capable by getting Shakti from you."

In some scriptures like Shiva Purana & Devi-Bhagavata Purana the story of Mother Goddess is written as follow: Maa Bhagwati in her earlier birth was born as a daughter of Daksha Prajapati. Then her name was Sati and she was married to Lord Shiva. But in a sacrificial ceremony organized by her father Prajapati Daksha, she got her body burnt in the yogic fire, because she could not bear the insult of her husband Lord Shiva by her father Prajapati Daksha in the sacrificial ceremony.

In her next birth she incarnated her as Goddess Parvati, the daughter of Parvat Raj Himalaya and among Nava Durgas she has been referred to as Shailaputri, who was again known as Hemavati. In her Hemavati aspect, she defeated all prominent gods. Like her previous birth, in this life also Maa Shailaputri(Parvati) got married with Lord Shiva. The first and the most prominent among Nav Durgas, Shailaputri is of immense importance and her glories are endless. On the first day of Navratri worship it is she who is worshipped.

She is Devi of the root chakra, who, upon awakening, begins Her journey upwards. Sitting on Nandi and making her first journey from the Muladhara chakra. As from her father to her husband – the awakening Shakti, beginning Her search for Lord Shiva or making a move towards her Shiva. So that, In Navratri pooja the first day Yogi’s keep their mind concentrated on Muladhara. This is the starting point of their spiritual discipline. They started their Yogasadha from here. Shailaputri is the Muladhara Shakti to be realized within Self and sought for higher depths, in the yogic meditation.

Shailaputri means the daughter of the Himalaya. SHAILA is the derivative of the word SHILA. Shila means a rock, a stone. It is the rock of spiritual standing and the whole world gets strength from the Shailaputri aspect of Purna Prakriti DURGA.

From the Yogic point of view, the First Navratri is considered to be very auspicious day. This is the Yogic start for being in tune with the Divine Mother Durga. Those who want to have any kind of initiation in the Shakti Mantras, can have it on the First of Shukla Pratipada.

The aspiration of a devotee is to reach higher and further higher, for spiritual evolution, and for the attainment of Siddhi, which is perfection associated with Ananda(bliss). Verily, Shailaputri is the Muladhara Shakti to be realized within Self and sought for higher depths, in the YOGA-maditation. This is an experience in the soul-searching of Immutable within human existence. Shailaputri is the physical consciousness of the Divine Mother Durga. She is truly PARVATI, daughter of the King Hemavana, as described in the Shiva Purana. Shailaputri is the manifestation of this earth planet, which includes what is apparent on this earth, and within the globe. Shailaputri covers all the hills, vales, water resources, seas and oceans, including atmosphere.

Therefore, Shailaputri is the essence of the earthly existence. Her abode is in the Muladhara Chakra. The divine Energy is latent in every human being. It is to be realized. Its color is crimson. The Tattva(element) is Earth, with the Guna(quality) of coherence, and with the Bheda(distinct) characteristics of Ghraana(the smell).

Shailaputri Temple is located at Varanasi. Married women visit the Shailputri temple to pay their respects and ask for the well-being of their husbands. Usually, red flowers, coconuts and a red piece of cloth called “chunri” are offered to the Goddess as part of Hindu rituals during Navratri.
On the first day of Navratri, a huge aarti (prayer session) is held at the Shaiputri temple in Varanasi. Prayers are followed by katha or mythological story sessions that glorify and praise Goddess Durga.

Shri Saibaba Shirdi

The shrine which houses Baba’s tomb was originally constructed as a wada (large private house) during Baba’s last years in his physical body. It is built on some land that Baba had tended as a garden. The wada was originally intended as a rest house and mandir. The inspiration for the building came to Booty in a dream, when he was sleeping beside his friend and fellow devotee, Shama, Baba appeared and told him to build a house and temple. The shrine was built by a wealthy devotee from Nagpur, Gopalrao Booty. The Sri Sai Satcharitra describes him as a “multimillionaire”. He was introduced to Baba by S. B. Dhumal about ten years before Baba’s Mahasamadhi.

The work was begun around 1915. It was built in stone and was therefore known as dagadi (stone) wada. Shama supervised the construction of the basement, ground floor and well. Later, Bapusaheb took over job of supervising the work.

When Baba passed the site on his way to Lendi, he would sometimes offer suggestions. As the building progressed, Booty asked Baba if he could include a temple on the ground floor with an statue of Murlidhar (a form of Lord Krishna). Baba readily gave permission, and said, “When the temple is built, we shall inhabit it and ever afterwards live in joy.” Shama then asked Baba if that was an auspicious time to start the work and Baba replied that it was. Shama immediately fetched and broke a coconut as Mahurat (good omen) and the work was begun. The foundation was quickly laid, a pedestal prepared and an order placed for the idol. However, the significance of Baba’s comment was appreciated a few years later.

On 15 October 1918 he lay with his body fading fast. His last words were ,”I am not feeling well in the masjid. Carry me to the dagadi wada”.

Baba was indeed carried to the wada, and was buried in the place where the image of Murlidhar was to have been placed: an edifice was later raised over the tomb.

Baba took Mahasamadhi on Tuesday 15 October 1918. Thirty-six hours after he had left his body, Baba was finally interred. A photograph of Sai Baba was placed on a throne on the platform of the tomb. It remained there until the statue was installed in 1954. That picture is now kept in the recess of the Samadhi Mandir where some other things of Baba’s are on display.

The Mandir that we see now is about twice the size of the original building, having been later extended back from the stone arches. As the temple authorities try to find new ways of coping with the ever-increasing flow of visitors, various alternations are made. In 1998 a hall was added to the back of the mandir, so that it has again almost doubled in size. A big beautiful hall, connecting Masjid (Dwarkamai) has been built up.

The temple premises of Shri Saibaba is spread in approximately 200 sq. mtrs. It is situated in the heart of Shirdi village and is a major center of pilgrims from all over the world. The complex contains KHANDOBA TEMPLE, GURUSTHAN,
SAMADHI MANDIR, DWARKAMAI, CHAVADI, LENDI GARDENS and some other temples.

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The Devi Talab Mandir

Shri Devi Talab Temple is situated in the heart of Jalandhar city of Punjab state. The temple is counted among the fifty one Shakti Peeth of India. It is one of the oldest temples of Goddess Durga laid down in the city which is believed to be existent since two hundred years.

The Devi Talab Mandir has the distinction of being one of the 51 prominent Shakti Peethas on the subcontinent. The temple marks the spot that was blessed with Maa Sati’s right breast. Beside the main temple, there is an ancient temple of Goddess Kali and an old large masonry tank which is considered to be sacred by Hindu devotees. Goddess Kali is also known as Tripurmalini Devi.

This temple is adjoined by famous Lord Shiva temple, which is called as Bhisan Bhairav temple. The temple of Lord Shiva is built in the famous Amarnath Gufa style which is the prime attraction for locals.

During Navratris the view of temple becomes absolutely magnificent and people from all around the places come here to see the astonishing aura of Goddess Durga.

This temple is very famous for the "Harballabh Sangeet Sammelan”, which is organized every year in the month of December. The main purpose of Harballabh Sangeet Sammelan is to promote Indian classical music on a wide scale. Famous classical music exponents - both instrumental and vocal - come together and perform in this fair.

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Jwala Devi Mandir

Shri Jwala Devi Mandir is one of the major '51 Shakti Peethas' of India. Jwala Devi Temple is located at a distance of 34 kms in south of Kangra in Himachal Pradesh. Even from Dharamshala, it lies at a stretch of 56 kms and moreover, it is easily accessible by the regular buses from both the places. It is here that Sati’s tongue fell which can now be seen in the form of the flame.

This temple is dedicated to Goddesses Jwalamukhi (with flaming mouth, the temple is believed to have nine permanent flames named after the goddesses- Mahakali, Unpurna, Chandi, Hinglaj, Bindhya Basni, Maha Lakshmi, Saraswati, Ambika and Anji Devi. It is said that centuries ago, a shepherd saw the flames for the first time and Raja Bhumi Chandra, the ruler of the area had the original temple built. The Mughal Emperor Akbar installed a gold parasol and Maharaja Ranjit Singh had the dome gilded. Across the courtyard is Devi’s bed chamber and above the temple is the shrine of Baba Gorakhnath. Jwalamukhi Mandir is built on a wooden platform in the "Indo-Sikh" style of architecture. The structural design of the temple is simple, but the religious aura makes it undoubtedly divine.The dome and spire of this temple are covered with Gold. The main door of the shrine is plated with silver. In front of the main shrine, there is a huge brass bell that was presented by the King of Nepal.

The temple also has a great historical significance dating back to the reign of Mughal emperor Akbar. Amazed at the continuity of these flames, he tried to extinguish these. He tried a lot of methods for this but in vain. Finally, he submitted to the power of the goddess. He went to the shrine bare footed and presented a golden umbrella to the goddess. But the goddess denied this offering and the Chhatra turned into a colossal metal. Maharaja Ranjit Singh of Punjab also paid a visit to the temple in the year 1809. The building of the temple has a gilt dome gifted by Maharaja Ranjit Singh and silver plated folding doors.
Inside the temple, there is a 3 feet square pit with pathway all around. In the centre of which is a hollowed rock over a primary fissure of flame. This one is regarded as the mouth of Mahakali.

The main attraction of the temple is the Aarti session, which is performed five times a day that begins early morning then at sun rise, afternoon, evening and continues till bed time of the goddesses. Apart from these, the evening Aarti (Shaiyan Aarti), performed before bed time is unique and different. The bed of the Goddesses is piled up with rich dresses decorated with precious ornaments.

Besides this main temple, there are Gorakh Dibbi, Chaturbhuj temple and many small shrines situated in the vicinity of Jwalaji temple.

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Arbuda Devi Temple

The Adhar Devi Temple is an ancient 5500 years old temple dedicated to the Goddess Durga. Adhar Devi Temple is one of the popular religious sites in Mount Abu. It is located three kilometers north of the main town of Mount Abu.

The Adhar Dev temple is also known as Arbuda Devi temple, as it is considered one of the Shaktipeeth. This temple is reached going up to 365 staircase carved in the mountain. The temple itself is placed inside a rocky crack and is reached by crawling through a small opening in the cave. Mount Abu was originally called Arbudanchal, named after Arbuda Devi.

As per popular legend of the locality, the temple was named after the 'Adhar' (Adhar meaning the lip ) of the Goddess Durga, which fell at this site and was found hanging in mid-air.

Another legend says that once there was a snake named “Arbud” brought Nandivardhan to the hill and he had a boon from the Lords that all the 33 crores of devas will reside in it. Hence, the place is called “Arbuda Devi” and it is believed that you can have the blessings of all the devas here in one place.

Pilgrims gather in the temple in huge number to offer their prayers to the god. The Navaratri festival is the main festival is grandly celebrated here and during the 9 days of the festival the quantity of pilgrims increases.

One has to reach the temple by climbing 365 steps. But the efforts are worth as you can see the whole city from its top. And have the picturesque view of the forest as well the city together. The whole temple is carved beautifully from rocks and the shrine is said to be residing inside one huge cave carvings. It is one of the most beautiful cave temples in India.

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Shreemant Dagdusheth Halwai Ganapati

Dagadusheth Halwai (Dagadusheth Gadve) was Lingayat trader and Sweet maker (Halwai in Marathi). He originally came from Karnataka and settled in Pune. After he gained fame as a Halwai, that became his surname. His original Halwai shop still exists under the name Kaka Halwai near Datta Mandir in Pune.

Mr. Dagdusheth Halwai was a successful sweetmeat seller and a rich businessman. In late 1800s, he lost his son in a plague epidemic. This caused Dagdusheth and his wife to go into deep depression. To heal themselves, their Guru, Shri Madhavnath Maharaj recommended building a Ganesh temple. This was completed in 1893.

Lokmanya Tilak, the Indian Nationalist leader and a contemporary of Dagdusheth, was a close friend of him. Tilak saw his dedication and also the construction of the temple and it was here that the idea of celebrating public Ganesh festival struck him. It proved to be an epoch making event in Indian history.

Every year the Ganapati festival was celebrated with deep faith and enthusiasm not only by Dagdusheth’s family but the entire neighbourhood. Tatysaheb Godse, then in his early youth, was a zestful participant in the celebrations. In later years when Lokmanya Tilak made Ganapati festival a public celebration to bring people together for the freedom struggle, Dagdusheth Ganapati became the most respected and popular idol in Pune.

In 1952, the responsibility of organizing the festival at Dagdusheth Halwai Ganapati temple officially fell upon Tatyasaheb and his group of friends. Under Tatyasaheb’s able guidance and leadership, his associates like Mamasaheb Rasane, Adv. Shankarrao Suryavanshi and K. D. Rasane planned and executed the festival with meticulous planning and professionalism, and since then, there was no looking back for them. As generous donors and devotees contributed towards the temple fund, Tatyasaheb and his friends thought what better way to worship the Lord than to serve our own fellow beings.

Soon, the young motivated group took the activities of the festival and the temple beyond traditional worship, into the domain of social and cultural development. Besides a rich religious schedule at the temple, they engaged in addressing the social and political problems of the state.

Under the aegis of Dagdusheth Halwai Sarvajanik Ganapati Trust, they started several social initiatives including educational and financial support to deprived children, micro finance to small businessmen and vendors through Suvarnayug Sahakari Bank, old age home, rehabilitation of workers working at brick kilns to name only a few.

Today Dagdusheth Halwai Sarvajanik Ganapati Trust, by Lord Ganesha’s blessings has flourished into a veteran organization that is gratified to worship the Lord through its service to humanity.


The temple is a beautiful construction and boasts a rich history of over 100 years. Jay and Vijay, the two sentinels made of marble catch the eye of all at the outset. The construction is so simple that all the proceedings in the temple along with the beautiful Ganesh idol can be seen even from outside. The Ganesh idol is 7.5 feet tall and 4 feet wide. It is adorned with nearly 8 kilos of gold. The devotees of Lord Ganesh offer Him gold and money and with every offering the Lord gets richer and richer. Moreover, heaps of coconuts offered to the deity are yet another feature of the temple. Daily pooja, abhisheka and the arti of Lord Ganesh are worth attending. The lighting of the temple during the Ganesh festival is marvelous. Shrimant Dagdusheth Ganpati Trust looks into the maintenance of the temple. Various cultural activities like music concerts, bhajans, and Atharvasheersh recitation are organized by the trust.

Shri Datta Mandir placed in Budhwar Peth, Pune was their residential Building. Dagduseth's grandson govindseth was also famous for his kindness and generosity.In Pune, govind halwai chowk is famous by his name.

He later established the Halwai Ganapati Trust.   Bal Gangadhar Tilak, during the British Raj, gave a public form to the Ganesh festival celebrations as a way of getting around an order that barred public meetings.

The main Ganesh idol is insured for sum of ₹10 million (US$160,000). People are celebrating 125 years of celebration for this Ganapati in the year 2017.

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Shri Krishna Janmasthan Temple

The most famous of Mathura’s temples is the Krishna Janmasthan Temple, built around the prison cell where Krishna was born after his parents were imprisoned by his evil uncle, Kansa, king of Mathura. One of the most venerated shrines in India, the temple complex is located west of Mathura’s old city and thronged by pilgrims throught out the year, whose number increases exponentially during festivals.

According to historians, the prison cell, popularly known as ‘Garbha Griha’, in the temple premise is the exact place where Bhagwan Krishna was born. The stone walled cell is reminiscent of the cruelty of King Kans. Many statues and sculptures of the bygone era were found on excavating the site. The prison cell was gradually turned into the present beautiful temple. Lakhs of devotees visit the temple during Janmashtami. The festivities and celebrations during the festival is famous all over India. Celebrations begin during mid night with the birth of Bhagwan. Numerous articles excavated from the site bare testimony to the history of Sri Krishna’a birth.

According to the epics and folklore prevailing in the local area, the first temple was constructed on this spot by Vajranabha, the great grandson of Lord Shri Krishna, in memory of his family deity. A stone inscription in Brahmi script shows that in the reign of Shodasa, an individual named Vasu had a temple, an arched doorway and an altar constructed at the birthplace of Shri Krishna. It is believed that there was a massive idol of Krishna, over 4m tall and made of solid gold, which was stolen during an attack by Mahmud of Ghazni. The present Krishna Janmasthan Temple complex is fairly new. Inside, visitors will find paintings of scenes from Krishna’s life, idol of Krishna, Balrama and his beloved, Radha, and a stepped water tank.

The next big temple was constructed here during the reign of Gupta Emperor, Chandragupta Vikramaditya in 400 A.D. Mathura was then a flourishing city, where Hinduism, Buddhism and Jainism were held in high esteem. Close to the site of Janmasthan, Buddha Viharas and Jain temples were also in existence. From the remains of these, it has been established that the followers of Buddhism and Jainism had great regard for the birthplace of Lord Krishna. In 1017 A.D., the magnificent temple that had been built by Emperor Chandragupta Vikramaditya, was destroyed by Mahmud Ghaznavi. Mahmud Ghaznavi’s scribe, Mir Munshi Al Utvi, described the grandeur of the temple and the beauty of Mathura of those times in his ’Tarikhe Yamini’ thus: “In the centre of the city there was a huge and magnificent temple, which the people believed wasn’t built by human beings but by the angels. Any description of the temple, either in words or in pictures, would fall short and fail to convey its beauty.” After seeing the temple for himself, the Sultan Mahmud said that if any one wished to construct a building equal to it, he would not be able to do so without spending a hundred million dinars, and the work would occupy two hundred years, even though the most able and experienced workmen were employed.

A Sanskrit inscription incised on a stone slab was found in Katra Keshavadeva, which mentions that in Vikrama Samvat 1207 (1150 A.D.), when Maharaja Vijayapal Deva was the ruler of Mathura, an individual by the name of Jajja constructed a new temple on the site of Shri Krishna’s birthplace.
Shri Chaitanya Mahaprabhu came to Mathura and bathed at the Vishraam Teertha. Then he prayed and paid obeisance to the Lord at the Keshavadeva temple at Shri Krishna’s birthplace. Imbued with his love for Lord Shri Krishna, Shri Chaitanya Mahaprabhu began to dance, sing and cry out the name of the Lord. People were mesmerised by his acts of divine love and began to chant, ”Hari-Hari” along with him. The priest of the Keshavadeva temple garlanded Shri Chaitanya. Shri Chaitanya returned to Mathura after a visit to Gokul and paid obeisance to the Lord at His birthplace. He stayed at the house of the priest. This grand temple was destroyed in the early sixteenth century during the reign of Sikandar Lodi.

About 125 years later, during the reign of Jahangir, Raja Veer Singh Deva Bundela of Orchha constructed another magnificent temple (about 250 feet high) on the sacred spot at a cost of Rs. 33 Lakhs. A fortified boundary wall was also erected around it. A part of this wall exists even now. In the south-eastern corner of the compound, a large well with a tall tower was built up. The water of that well was lifted to a height of about 50 feet and was used to feed the fountains in the quadrangle of the temple. The well and the tower are extant today.

According to Tavernier, a French traveller who visited Mathura in about 1650 A.D., ”after Banaras, the most famous temple of India is situated at Mathura. It is octagonal in shape. Red sandstone has been used in it. All round the temple, the stone claddings have inscriptions of various kinds of animals. The Jagmohana is built upon one half of the temple’s vast courtyard. At the centre is the main Mandap. The temple has many windows and is so vast that it can be seen from a distance of 5 to 6 Kosas.”

From the descriptions of the Italian traveller, Manuchi, it is clear that the gold canopied top of the temple could be seen even from Agra, which is at a distance of 18 Kosas (54 Kilometres). When lamps were lit on the Deepavali night, the light could be easily seen by the Emperor from Agra. Manuchi stayed in India for a long time and had the opportunity to see the temple several times.

Emperor Aurangzeb could not tolerate this sacred memorial, the fourth one at the birthplace of Lord Shri Krishna. So, in 1669 A.D., he had the Keshavadeva temple destroyed. Over a part of the raised plinth of the temple an ldgah was erected. Materials from the temple were utilised in the construction of the ldgah, which are still in existence. The visitors and devotees from India and abroad who came to see the temple’s plight, felt deeply hurt and always hoped the temple would be rebuilt and its past glory restored.


In 1803, the Mathura region came under British rule. In 1815, the East India Company auctioned the area of Katra Keshavadeva, which was purchased by the then Raja Patnimal of Banaras. It was the earnest desire of Raja Patnimal that the Lord Keshavadeva temple should be rebuilt on the site of His birth. But his wish could not be fulfilled. His family heirs, however continued to have the ownership rights over Katra Keshavadeva. The Muslims of Mathura challenged the right of Raj Krishna Das, the owner of Katra, twice in civil suits. In both the cases, the Allahabad High Court ruling was that Raj Krishna Das was the real owner of the Katra Keshavadeva.

he Late Mahamana Pandit Madan Mohan Malaviya felt utterly distressed to see the miserable condition of this historical and sacred site. He started making plans for restoration of the shrine. With financial assistance from the Late Seth Jugal Kishoreji Birla, Pt. Madan Mohan Malaviya acquired the entire land from Raj Krishna Das on 7th February, 1944 at a small sum of Rs. 13,000/-. This amount does not account for the real value of the sacred land, but the expenses incurred for fighting the case at various levels by Late Shri Kailash Nath Kataju. After these cases were won, Shri Madan Mohan Chaturvedi of Mathura made commendable efforts in restoring this sacred land to its rightful owner, Raj Krishna Das. However, Malaviyaji could not fulfill his wish during his life time. Before his death, he expressed touching sentiments and a strong desire for early completion of Lord Shri Krishna’s memorial at the place of his birth.

In order to fulfill the last wishes of the Late Malaviyaji, the Late Seth Jugal Kishorji Birla, on February 21, 1951, constituted a trust named ’Shri Krishna Janma Bhoomi Trust’ and acquired the ownership rights over Katra Keshavadeva. Subsequently, the Trust was registered as a society, 'Shri Krishna Janmasthan Seva Sansthan.’ On observing the earnest devotion of Shri Jaidayalji Dalmia towards Lord Krishna and the sacred land of Braja, Devout entrepreneur Shri Jugalkishoreji Birla handed over the responsibility of development and construction of various temples to be carried out in accordance to the magnitude mentioned on the sacred scripture (PURAN) Shri Jaidayalji Dalmia accepted this mammoth endeavor due to his earnest devotion towards Lord Shri Krishna and keenness towards Shri Birlaji and committed himself completely throughtout his life. It was due to the tireless efforts of Shri Jaidayalji Dalmia that a glorious initiation of the construction work at the Shri Krishna Janmasthan took place. Whether it is the beautification of the Keshavdev Temple or Garbha-Griha or the divine construction work of Shri Bhagwat Bhawan amongst many others, Shri Jaidayalji Dalmia was closely involved with each of these developments at this foremost sacred place. A substantial amount has been contriubuted by India's renowned industrialist family, the Dalmia Group towards the construction, maintenance and adornment at this holy place. After the departure of Shri Jaidayalji Dalmia to Goloka, his eminent son Shri Vishnuhariji Dalmia guides the many services that are being rendered for development of the divine premise by the Sansthan. At present Shri Anurag Dalmia is the Joint Managing Trustee of the Shri Krishna Janmasthan Seva Sansthan. The first chairman of the trust committee was the earstwhile member of Parliament (Lok Sabha), the Late Shri Ganesh Vasudev Mavalankar. After his demise, earstwhile member of Parliament (Lok Sabha) and ex-Governor of Bihar, Shri S. Anantashayanam Iyengar became the chairman of the Sansthan. Later, Swami Shri Akhandananda Saraswati and Shiromani Paramahansa Swami Vamdevji Maharaj became chairman of the Sansthan. At present, Mahant Nrityagopal Das Ji Maharaj holds the responsibility of chairmanship of the Sansthan.

Under the chairmanship of the revered Swami Shri Akhandananda Saraswati, the then Vice President of the Trust, a group of enthusiastic young volunteers of Mathura started clearing the mounds and filling up the pits through Shram Daan on the auspicious day, 15th October, 1953. Later, the work continued for several years with great perseverence under the leadership of Shri Babulal Bajaj and Shri Phool Chand Khandelwal. Thus began the restoration and contruction of the prison cell and the magnificent Shri Krishna Janmasthan complex, which was completed in February 1982.

The main objective of the Trust is to develop the birthplace of Lord Shri Krishna as a centre of Hindu religion, culture and philosophy, and to publicise and propagate the message of Shrimadbhagavata Gita not only in our own country but also in foreign lands.

Arasavalli Suryanaryana Swamy

The famous Sun God Temple situated in Arasavalli Village which is at a distance of about 1 K.M. east of Srikakulam Town District head quarters of the North Coastal Andhra Pradesh. It is one of the ancient and all among two sun God temples in our Country. According to Padmapuranam , Sage Kasyapa installed the Idol of Surya at Arasavalli for the Welfare of mankind . Therefore , the Surya is of Kasyapasa Gotra . He is also termed as planetary King . According to the ' Sthalapuranam ' of the temple, Lord Devendra found this temple and installed the existing idol of the sun God commonly known as Lord Suryanarayana Swamy Varu under the following circumstances.

Once Lord Devendra , Ignoring the words of Dwarapalaka Nandi , attempted to force his entry for Darshan of Sri Rudrakoteswara Swamy varu at an untimely hour when Lord siva was along with his consort . The Dwarapalaka Nandi in the discharge of his duties kicked the intruder . Thus kicked and injured by the Devine attendent Indra fell down senseless. And in his unconscious state Indra dream that he would be relieved of his pain of injury in his chest caused by Nandi if he had built a temple and install an Idol of the Sun God . After regaining his consciousness, he remembered what he dream.

Following his dream he picked up handsfull of earth three times at a place where he lay, and there he found this beautiful idol of sun God with his three consorts Usha , Chaya and Padmini . At the base of the idols are the figures of Mathara and Pingala the Dwarapalakas and high up are the two divine saints , sanaka and sanadana holding 'Chatrams'(An Umbrella ). The Sun God is depicted as riding over a chariot drawn by Anura, the Radhasaradhy . All these figures are exquisitely carved out of a single black finely polished granite stone.