Gurudwara In India

Amritsar
    * Sri Akal Takht Sahib
    * Gurdwara Baba Atal
    * Gurdwara Baba Bakala
    * Gurdwara Baba Buddha Ji
    * Gurdwara Baoli Sahib
    * Gurdwara Bibeksar
    * Gurdwara Bir Baba Buddha
    * Gurdwara Chehrata Sahib
    * Gurdwara Chaubara Sahib
    * Sri Darbar Sahib, Taran Taaran
    * Gurdwara Guru Ka Bagh
    * Gurdwara Guru Ka Mahl
    * Gurdwara Guru Ki Wadali
    * Harimandir Sahib
    * Gurdwara Kaulsar
    * Gurdwara Khadur Sahib
    * Gurdwara Janamasthan Baba Buddha
    * Gurdwara Lohgarh
    * Gurdwara Manji Sahib, Diwan Asthan
    * Gurdwara Prakash Asthan Patshahi Cheveen
    * Gurdwara Plah sahib of (shri guru hargobind ji)
    * Gurdwara Ramsar Sahib
    * Gurdwara San Sahib
    * Gurdwara Shahid Baba Deep Singh
    * Gurdwara Saragahi Sahib,Town Hall Amrisar
    * Gurdwara Toot Sahib Jaspal Nagar S.W.Road,Amrisar
    * Gurdwara Bhai Manjh, Village Sultanwind,Amritsar

Bathinda
    * Gurdwara Bhagat Bhai Ka
    * Gurdwara Bhai Rupa
    * Gurdwara Chakk Fateh Singh Wala
    * Gurdwara Guru Sar Kot Shameer
    * Gurdwara Guru Sar Mehraj
    * Gurdwara Guru Sar Nithana
    * Gurdwara Haji Rattan
    * Gurdwara Jand Sar Patshahi Dasveen Pakka Kalaan
    * Gurdwara Patshahi Dasveen Baajak
    * Takht Sri Damdama Sahib

Faridkot
    * Gurdwara Gangsar
    * Gurdwara Guru Ki Dhab Matta
    * Gurdwara Patshahi Dasveen Bargaadi
    * Gurdwara Shahid Ganj
    * Gurdwara Tibbi Sahib
    * Gurdwara Thambu Mal
    * Gurdwara Jand Sahib(10th Patshai)

Firozpur
    * Gurdwara Daroli Bhai
    * Gurdwara Guru Sar Bazeedpur

Gurdaspur
    * Gurdwara Achal Sahib
    * Gurdwara Sri Baarath Sahib
    * Gurdwara Bath Sahib
    * Gurdwara Buraj Sahib
    * Gurdwara Damdama Sahib
    * Gurdwara Dera Baba Nanak
    * Gurdwara Kandh Sahib

Jalandhar
    * Gurdwara Chhevin Padshahi
    * Gurdwara Mau Sahib
    * Gurdwara Patshahi Panjvee
    * Gurdwara Baba Sang Dhesian
    * Gurdwara Tham Sahib

Kapurthala
    * Gurdwara Baoli Sahib Patshahi Chheveen
    * Gurdwara Ber Sahib
    * Gurdwara Guru Ka Bagh
    * Gurdwara Hatt Sahib
    * Gurdwara Kothi Sahib
    * Gurdwara Sukhchainaanaa Sahib
    * State Gurdwara Sahib

Ludhiana
    * Gurdwara Alamgir
    * Gurdwara Charan Kanwal
    * Gurdwara Chela Sahib
    * Gurdwara Chubara Sahib
    * Gurdwara Ghani Khan Nabi Khan
    * Gurdwara Guru Sar, Kaonke
    * Gurdwara Katana Sahib
    * Gurdwara Manji Sahib Patshahi Chheveen
    * Gurdwara Patshahi Dasveen Hehraan
    * Gurdwara Phalahi Sahib
    * Gurdwara Raikot
    * Gurdwara Dukh nivaran Sahib

Nangal
    * Gurdwara Ghat Sahib
    * Gurdwara Vibhore Sahib

Patiala
    * Gurdwara Baba Ajapal Singh
    * Gurdwara Bahadurgarh
    * Gurdwara Dukh Niwaran Sahib
    * Gurdwara Fatehgarh Sahib
    * Gurdwara Nabha Sahib
    * Gurdwara Khel Sahib

Ropar
    * Gurdwara Bhatha Sahib
    * Gurdwara Garhi Sahib
    * Gurdwara Katalgarh Sahib
    * Gurdwara Parivar Vichhora
    * Gurdwara Patal Puri Sahib
    * Takht Sri Kesgarh Sahib

Hoshiarpur
    * Gurdwara Baba Lakho
    * Gurudwara garna sahib

Assam
    * Barchha Sahib - Dhanpur
    * DamDama Sahib - Dhubri

Bihar
    * Takht Sri Patna Sahib
Patna
              * Harmandir Sahib
              *  Guru ka Bagh -- Patna
              *  Gurudwara Ghai Ghat --Patna
              *  Gurudwara Handi Sahib --Patna
              *  Gurudwara Gobind Ghat - Patna
              *  Gurudwara Bal Lila Maini
              *  Gurudwara Taksali Sangat -Sasaram
              *  Gurudwara Guru Bagh- Sasaram
              *  Gurudwara Chacha Phaggu Mal- Sasaram
              *  Gurudwara Pakki Sangat -Monghyr
              *  Gurudwara Sri Guru Tegh Bahadur Ji-Gaya
              *  Gurudwara Bari Sangat Sri Guru Tegh Bahadur Ji Chauki-Bhagalpur
              *  Gurudwara Sri Guru Tegh Bahadur-Lakshmipur
              *  Gurudwara pole paka- near tanda

Delhi
    * Gurdwara Bala Sahib
    * Gurdwara Banda Bahadur Sahib
    * Gurdwara Bangla Sahib
    * Gurdwara Dam Dama Sahib
    * Gurdwara Majnu Ka Tila Sahib
    * Gurdwara Mata Sundri
    * Gurdwara Moti Bagh Sahib
    * Gurdwara Nanak Piao Sahib
    * Gurdwara Rakab Ganj Sahib
    * Gurdwara Sis Ganj Sahib
    * Gurdwara Chandi Chowk Sahib

Gujarat
    * Gurdwara Chhani (Vadodara)
    * Gurdwara Nanakwadi(Vadodara)
    * Gurdwara at EME (Army)(Vadodara)
    * Gurdwara at Airforce Makurpura (Vadodara)
    * Gurudwara Shaheed Baba Deep Singh Ji (Surat)

Haryana
    *  Manji Sahib Ambala
    *  Gurdwara Gobindpura Ambala
    * Gurdwara Badshahi Bagh Ambala
    * Lakhnaur Sahib Ambala
    * Sisganj SahibAmbala
    * Gurudwara Satsang Sahib-Ambala
    * Panjokhra Sahib
    * Gaindsar Sahib Village Bhanokhere Ambala
    * Gurdwara Triveni Sahib Village Karah Sahib
    * Gurdwara Manji Sahib Village Pinjour
    * Gurdwara Baoli Sahib Village Pehowa
    * Nadha Sahib Panchkula
    * Gurdwara Manji Sahib : Karnal
    * Gurdwara Manji Sahib Distt. Kurukshetra
    * Gurdwara Kapal Mochan
    * Gurdwara Patshahi 10th - Jagadhari
    * Gurdwara Manji Sahib --Kaithal
    * Gurdwara Neem Sahib : Kaithal
    * Gurdwara Damdama Sahib Village Saina Sadan
    * Gurdwara Jaura Sahib Village Saina Sadan
    * Gurdwara Bangla Sahib : Rohtak
     * Gurdwara Patshahi Dasvin -Sulhar
     * Gurdwara Mardon Sahib Patshahi 9 & 10
     * Gurdwara Navin Patshahi -Kurukshetra
     * Gurdwara Chhevin Patshahi -Kurukshetra
     * Gurdwara Siddh Bati Patshahi Pahili -Kurukshetra
     * Gurdwara Dasvin Patshahi -Kurukshetra
     * Gurdwara Raj Ghat Patshahi Dasvin -Kurukshetra

Himachal Pradesh
    * Gurudwara Paonta Sahib Distt Nahan Bhangani Sahib Distt. Nahan
    * Gurudwara Dasvin Patshahi - Nadaun Distt. Kangra Mandi Distt. Mandi
    * Rawalsar Distt. Mandi Manikaran Distt. Kullu
    * Barru SahibDistt. Sirmaur
    * Gurdwara Padal Sahib - Mandi
    * Gurdwara Guru Gobind Singh Sahib -Nahan
    * Guru Ka Lahaur -Bilaspur

Karnataka
    * Gurdwara Nanak Jhira Sahib
    * Sri Gurusingh Sabha Gurudwara

Kashmir
    * Chhatti Padshahi Gurudwara Kashmir
    * Gurudwara Srinagar Mattan Sahib
    * Gurdwara Pehli Patshahi, Village Beeg Biar
    * Gurdwara Kalam Pura Patshahi Chevin, Village Singpura
    * Gurdwara Tharhaa Sahib Patshahi Chevin
    * Gurdwara Patshahi Chevin, Village Baramulla
    * Gurdwara Sri Guru Nanak Charan Asthan Dukh Nivaran Gurdwara Guru Nanak Dev - Anantnag
    * Gurdwara Patshahi Chevin, Village Rainawari
    * Gurudwara Pather Sahib, Leh

Maharashtra
    * Gurdwara Baba Banda Bahadur Ghat
    * Gurdwara Bhai Daya Singh
    * Takht Sri Hazur Sahib, Nanded
    * Gurdwara Hira Ghat Sahib
    * Gurdwara Mal Tekari Sahib
    * Gurdwara Mata Sahib
    * Gurdwara Nagina Ghat Sahib
    * Gurdwara Sangat Sahib
    * Gurdwara Shikar Ghat Sahib

Madhya Pradesh
    * Gurudwara Bandi Chor - Gwalior
    * Gurudwara Rajghat Sangat Pahili Pathshai
    * Gurudwara Bari Sangat -Burhanpur
    * Gurudwara Imli Saheb - Indore
    * Gurudwara Betma Saheb - Indore

Orissa
    * Gurudwara Mangu Math -- Puri
    * Gurudwara Guru Nanak Datan Sahib, Cuttack

Rajasthan
    * Gurudwara Kabutar Sahib
    * Gurudwara Dadu Dwara
    * Gurudwara Suhava Sahib
    * Gurudwara Gurdwara Singh Sabha - Pushkar
    * Gurudwara Sahib Kolayat

Uttarakhand
    * Gurdwara Nanak Mata Sahib
    * Gurdwara Hem Kunt Sahib

Uttar Pradesh
    * Hemkunt Sahib
    * Guru ka Bagh-Varanasi
    * Gurudwara Nanakwara
    * Gurudwara Mai Than-Agra
    * Gurudwara Pukka Sangat-Allahabad
    * Gurudwara Sri Guru Tegh Bahadur - Bareilly
    * Gurudwara Reetha Sahib - Village Champawat
    * Gurudwara Patshahi Ninth Vill - Garhmukteshwar
    * Gurudwara Kodhiwala Ghat Sahib Village - Babapur
    * Gurudwara Nanakpuri Sahib Village - Tanda
    * Gurudwara Patshahi Sixth Sahib Vill - NawabGunj
    * Gurudwara Sri Nankana Sahib Village - Kashipur
    * Gurudwara Hargobindsar Sahib Vill - NawabGunj
    * Gurudwara Sri Guru Tegh Bahadur - Sikandra
    * Gurudwara Bari Sangat Sri Guru Tegh Bahadur - Varanasi
    * Gurdwara Sri Guru Tegh Bahadur Nauvin Patshahi
    * Chhota Mirzapur Gurudwara Chhoti Sangat - Varanasi
    * Gurdwara Bagh Shri Guru Tegh Bahadur Ji Ka
    * Gurdwara Sri Guru Tegh Bahadur - Kanpur
    * Gurdwara Purbi Tola - Etawah
    * Gurdwara Tap Asthan Sri Guru Tegh Bahadur Ji- Jaunpur
    * Gurdwara Charan Paduka Patshahi 1 te 9
    * Nizamabad Gurdwara Guru Gobind Singh Ji - Ayodhya

Mathura
    * Gurdwara Guru Nanak Bagichi
    * Gurdwara Guru Tegh Bahadur
    * Gurdwara Gau Ghat

Nanakmata
    * Gurdwara Sri Nanak Mata Sahib Vill
    * Gurdwara Bhandara Sahib Vill
    * Gurdwara Dudh Wala Khuh Sahib Vill
    * Gurdwara Patshahi Sixth Sahib Vill
    * Gurudwara Baoli Sahib Village

Lets Explore Chandigarh

Nek Chand’s Rock Garden

This Rock Garden is probably Chandigarh’s premier attraction, a popular spot for tourists. It was created by Nek Chand Saini, a resident of the city, in 1958. He used discarded objects of everyday use like bottles, tin cans, broken plugs, plates, saucers and rocks from the nearby Shivalik mountains to create a 40-acre fantasy labyrinth garden with arched walkways, streams, bridges, grottos, battlements, turrets and sculptures of people and animals. Highlights include armies of stone ducks, papier-mache soldiers, pig iron dancers and goblins.

Sukhna lake

Also in Sector 1, the Sukhna Lake is an artificial reservoir. The Sukhna Lake was created in 1958 by damming the Sukhna Choe, a seasonal stream that flows down from the Shivaliks. Storks and cranes make migratory stops at the lake. The lake, incidentally, has Asia’s longest water channel for rowing and yachting.

Capital Complex

This area, with its monumental public buildings is the site of architect Le Corbusier’s most ambitious experiments. The concrete campus and its accompanying lawns are meant to express the strength and unity of independent India. They are also Le Corbusier’s way of staging the functions of government in symbolic and geometric relation to one another and to the rest of the city. For tourists, the High Court and the Open Hand Monument are more accessible than the Legislative Assembly and the Secretariat.

International Dolls Museum

Situated in Bal Bhawan, Sector 23, the international dolls museum contains more than 300 dolls from nearly every country in the world. Ten ceramic murals and a large model train complete the display.

Chhatbir Zoo

This zoo is situated on Chandigarh Patiala road and about 17 km from Chandigarh. The work on this zoo started in the seventies. Now it has been developed into a zoological park. The Royal Bengal Tiger is the main attraction here. Visitors are taken to the tiger’s sanctuaries in the caged motor vehicle while the animals roams freely in their reserved areas. There are species of birds. Among the collections is Himalayan black beer. It remain open all days except Mondays, 26th Jan, 2nd Oct and 15th Aug.

Yadvindra Gardens (Pinjore)

This garden was designed by Nawaab Fidai Khan, the court architect of Mughal Emperor Aurangzeb, in the later part of 17th century. Hence it was named ‘Mughal Gardens’ initially. Later on it was renamed as Yadvindra Gardens after the name of Maharaja of Patiala state and chief of PEPSU. When the princely states of East Punjab merged to form PEPSU. Generally ,it is known as Pinjore Gardens. The garden has Rajasthani and Mughal architectural styles combined typically. It is believed that Pandavas of Mahabharata epic also rested at this place when they were in exile. The boundary of the garden is guarded by fort like stone walls. Entry is only through a hyderabadi style archway, which is covered with various type of plants and flowers. The garden sprawls down seven terraces. Inside the garden is palace like structure. On the first terrace is Sheesh Mahal a blend of Rajasthani and Mughal style architecture with anabundance of glass work on its walls. Its top floor is known as Hawa Mahal. The gardens are laid outover more than 100 acres on a sloping site with fountains and pavilions, designed in an interesting blend of Mughal and Rajasthani style. The garden houses a mini zoo also. Even though it is a mini zoo, it keeps such creatures which can not be seen in bigger zoos. Pinjore garden remains open all days from morning to midnight. The garden is illuminated at night with facinating colourful lights. It is about 20 km from Chandigarh.

Kasauli

The beautiful and calm hill station of Kasauli is 77 km from Chandigarh. This hill resort is visible from any part in Chandigarh with naked eye. It is situated at the height of 1928 meters. It was developed as a cantonment - sanatorium over 20 years, after the British had based themselves at Shimla. The Upper and Lower Malls are the two principal roads that run along the length of Kasauli, a thick cover of pine, oak, horse chestnut trees embracing the entire area. Traffic is restricted on these roads, which is the reason why, Kasauli is one of the quietest hill stations in India.

Chail

The picturesque resort located amidst scented forests of chir pine and gigantic deodars. The town of Chail was once summer capital of Maharaja (King) of Patiala (Punjab) 116 km from Chandigarh via Kandaghat at the height of 2150 meters. The Palace was built in 19th century by the King of Patiala. Chail is built on three hills the palace is on Rajgarh hill the residency snow view once occupied by British resident is on Pandhewa hill and on the third hill Sadh Tiba where chail is situated. Overlooking Satluj Valley, Shimla and Kasauli are also visible at night. Chail has also the highest cricket ground in the world. Well kept and well maintained the ground is surrounded by huge trees of deodar and pine. Chail is quit peaceful and comfortable place to visit. Once the palace of King of Patiala which is now being run as a Luxury hotel which is run by Himachal Tourism. Several trek routes lead out of Chail up to the Chur Dhar peak

Shimla

The capital of mountain state of Himachal  Pradesh and main tourist destination  situated at the height of  2205 meters .Shimla  the summer capital of  India  during pre independence era, is now  the capital of Himachal  Pradesh. It  was an accident of the Gurkha war that the discovery   of the  thickly wooded spot then known for the temple of Goddess Shyamala and for its healthy environment was the discovery of  British  army officer Lt. Rose in 1819.In 1966  after  the re organization of state  of Punjab  Shimla become the capital of Himachal Pradesh The climate in summer  is quit  pleasant and snowfall in winter is enjoyable.

Solan

Well known as the Mashroom city of India. Solan is  68 km from Chandigarh  situated in the Shimla hills and midway  between Shimla and kalka at the height of 1445 meters. Now the District Headquarters by the same name and named after the Goddess Soloni Devi. The temple is located in the southern part of the town .At present time the town is well known for its brewery  started in 1835  and known as Mohan Meakin brewery. surrounded by lush green forest of  Chir pine and orchards of  walnut and apricot. The area around Solan is very rich  for the  vegetable of peas, tomatoes, beans and ginger .A beautiful and quit place Solan  has a number of picturesque spots ideal for picnics and walks.

Timber Trail

Nestling  closely in the picturesque landscape of the Shivaliks, the Timber Trail Resort  is a panacea for tired travelers  and a solace for the day worker. On the Kalka Shimla high way 35 km from Chandigarh timber trail is incomparable to any resort in the northern side of the country. Heights which is connected to the resort with a cable car. The cable car ride is a  life long experience and excitement. Suspended midair between two breathtaking resort and overlooking kaushalya river. The cable car takes just 7 minutes to cover 1.8 km. It is excellent spot for picnic lovers.

Morni Hills

A beautiful hill resort situated at the height of about 1100 meters and 45 km from Chandigarh. Surrounded by  thickly forest of chir pine. This is perfect place for rock climbers and trekkers. The area abounds in leopards, Monkeys and langurs. It has a excellent hotel  Mountain  Quail which is run by  Haryana Tourism.

Hanuman Wallpapers

Must See in Maharashtra

Gateway of India
 

Built in the Indo-saracenic style, the Gateway of India is meant to commemorate the visit of King George V and Queen Mary to Bombay, prior to the Darbar in Delhi in December 1911. The foundation stone was laid on March 31, 1911 and George Wittet's final design sanctioned in August 1914. Between 1915 and 1919 work proceeded on reclamations at Apollo Pier for the land on which the gateway and the new sea wall would be built. The foundations were completed in 1920.

The Gateway is built from yellow Kharodi basalt and reinforced concrete. The central dome is 48 feet in diameter and 83 feet above ground at its highest point. The whole harbour front was realigned in order to come in line with a planned esplanade which would sweep down to the centre of the town.

The cost of the construction was Rs. 21 lakhs, borne mainly by the Government of India. For lack of funds, the approach road was never built, and the Gateway now stands at an angle to the road leading up to it.
The construction was completed in 1924, and the Gateway opened on December 4, 1924 by the Viceroy, Earl of Reading.

The last British troops to leave India, the First Battalion of the Somerset Light Infantry, passed through the gate in a ceremony on February 28, 1948.  

Bibi Ka Maqbara

Shah Jahan built the Taj Mahal, in Agra, in loving memory of his wife Mumtaz. His son Aurangzeb, who overthrew him, built the Bibi-Ka-Maqbara as a mausoleum to his wife Rabia-ud-Durrani.

This is the monument for which Aurangabad is best known, probably because it was obviously intended to rival the Taj Mahal, which it imitates. The comparison with the Agra monument has unfortunately somewhat denigrated the Aurangabad tomb which in itself displays a worthwhile architectural design, with much distinguished surface ornamentation in the late Mughal style.

The mausoleum dates from 1678 and it was erected by Prince Azam Shah, one of Aurangzeb's sons, in memory of Begum Rabia Durani, his mother. It stands in the middle of a spacious and formally planned garden, some 457 by 274 metres, with axial ponds, fountains, and water channels, many defined by stone screens and lined with broad pathways. The garden is enclosed by high crenellated walls with bastions set at intervals, and open pavilions on three sides.

In the middle of the south wall is an imposing gateway with brass-inlaid doors; these are inscribed with the name of the architect, Atam Aula. The central focus of this vast enclosure is the tomb itself. This is raised on a high terrace to look out over the garden plots and waterways. Access to the octagonal chamber containing the unadorned grave at the lower level is from a flight of steps that descends from the terrace. The grave is enclosed by an octagon of perforated marble screens. The chamber above is a high square structure presenting identical fagades on four sides. Each is dominated by a lofty portal with a pointed arch, flanked by smaller arched niches of similar design. A great dome, with a pronounced bulbous profile and a brass pot finial, crowns the whole composition while four lesser domes mark the corners.

Doorways lead to an inner octagonal gallery, defined by stone screens, that overlooks the grave from an upper level, an architectural innovation unicfue, to this monument. Corner squinches carry the lofty dome that roofs the chamber. White marble is used throughout, interspersed with delicately moulded stucco. There is, however, no use of semiprecious stones. Exactly like the Taj Mahal, the mausoleum is framed by four lofty minarets that stand freely at the corners of the terrace, their part-octagonal bases continuing down to ground level.

They have diminutive square pavilions in red sandstone at their summits. To the west of the tomb is a small mosque with finely worked cusped arches and corner minarets. Small recesses, rosettes, and arabesques embellish the faqade. Mention may also be made here of the Sunheri Mahal, situated to the north of Bibi ka Maqbara, which is a notable building in the late Mughal style. It is of interest for the patches of old painting and goldwork that adorn the walls.

Ajanta Caves

About 107 kms. from the city of Aurangabad, the rock-cut caves of Ajanta nestle in a panoramic gorge, in the form of a gigantic horseshoe.

Among the finest examples of some of the earliest Buddhist architecture, caves-paintings and sculptures, these caves comprise Chaitya Halls, or shrines, dedicated to Lord Buddha and Viharas, or monasteries, used by Buddhist monks for meditation and the study of Buddhist teachings.

The paintings that adorn the walls and ceilings of the caves depict incidents from the life of the Buddha and various Buddhist divinities. Among the more interesting paintings are the Jataka tales, illustrating diverse stories relating to the previous incarnations of the Buddha as Bodhisattva, a saintly being who is destined to become the Buddha.

Occupied for almost 700 years, the caves of Ajanta seem to have been abandoned rather abruptly. They remained shrouded in obscurity for over a millennium, till John Smith, a British army officer, accidentally stumbled upon them while on a hunting expedition in 1819. The 'View Point' from where John Smith first glimpsed the caves, provides a magnificent sight of the U-shaped gorge and its scenic surroundings. Cascading down the cliff is a spectacular waterfall, which at the bottom feeds a natural pool called the Saptakunda.

Ajanta Caves, Maharashtra Travel Vacations Ajanta has been designated as a World Heritage Site, to be preserved as an artistic legacy that will continue to inspire and enrich the lives of generations to come 

Aurangabad Caves

Aurangabad Caves are artificial caves, dug out of the rather soft rock during the 6th and 7th century. This caves are found on two separate locations, called Western Group Caves (caves 1-5) and Eastern Group Caves (caves 6-10), about 1km from each other. Each group has five caves. The architecture and iconography is influenced by Tantric Hinduism.

Cave four of the Western Group Caves is the oldest cave. It is a Hinayana Chaitya with a ridged roof like the Karla Cave near Lonavala. Hinayana (Sanskrit: Lesser Vehicle) is the more orthodox, conservative schools of Buddhism. Chaitya (Sanskrit) is the word for a funeral monument. There is a stupa in front of it, now partially collapsed.

The other four Western caves are viharas, which are an early type of Buddhist monastery consisting of an open court surrounded by open cells accessible through an entrance porch. The viharas in India were originally constructed to shelter the monks. Cave 3, the most fascinating cave of the Western Group, is supported by 12 finely carved columns. They show sculptures portraying scenes from the Jataka tales.

Cave 6 belongs to the Eastern Group Caves, and shows very well preserved sculptures of women, which are notable for their exotic hairstyles and ornamentation. There is also a large Buddha figure and an idol of Ganesh located in this cave.

Cave 7 is the most interesting of the Aurangabad caves. Most impressive are the sculptures, figures of women which are scantily clad and ornately bejewelled. They show the rise of Tantric Buddhism during this period. To the left of Cave 7 is a huge Bodhisattva praying for deliverance from the 8 dangers: fire, the sword of the enemy, chains, shipwreck, lions, snakes, mad elephant and demon (representing death). 

Ellora Caves

The cave temples and monasteries at Ellora, excavated out of the vertical face of an escarpment, are 26 kms. north of Aurangabad. Extending in a linear arrangement, the 34 caves contain Buddhist Chaityas, or halls of worship, and Viharas, or monasteries, Hindu and Jian temples.

Spanning a period of about 600 years between the 5th and 11th century AD, the earliest excavation here is of the Dhumar Lena (cave 29). The most imposing excavation is, without doubt, that of the magnificent Kailasa Temple (Cave 16) which is the largest single monolithic structure in the world. Interestingly, Ellora, unlike the site of Ajanta, was never 'rediscovered'. Known as Verul in ancient times, it has continuously attracted pilgrims through the centuries to the present day.

Ellora has been designated as a World Heritage Site, to be preserved as an artistic legacy that will continue to inspire and enrich the lives of generations to come.

Cave 1: This is the first monastery at the southern end of Ellora. It has four residential cells cut into the side walls. The cave is devoid of any carvings or sculptures.

Cave 2: This has a verandah, with a recess at the right, housing images of Panchika, the god od wealth, and Hariti, the goddess of prosperity. The entrance is flanked by guardians, next to whom are figures of the Buddha and other divinities. Each of the lateral walls in the hall has sculptures of five seated Buddhas flanked by celestial figures and by Bodhisattvas, or saintly beings who are destined to become Buddhas. A similar but larger figure of the Buddha can be seen in the sanctuary. The porch to the right of the sanctuary depicts the Miracle of Shravasti when the Buddha manifested himself in a thousand forms.

Cave 3: This cave has an unfinished image of the seated Buddha in a shrine. Pot and foliage motifs adorm the columns of the hall.

Cave 4: A two-storeyed excavation, this cave is now mostly in ruins. At the lower level is a plain hall, with a columned asile leading to a shrine where a figure of the seated Buddha is accompanied by attendants. A similar but smaller shrine is located on the upper story.

Ellora Caves, Maharashtra TourismCave 5: Excavated at a higher level, this large cave consists of a spacious hall divided into three aisles. Porches in the middle of the side walls have small cells on either side. Columns are decorated with medallions and other motifs surrounded by intricate foliage. Several benches are carved out of the floor. The entrcane to the central shrine is carved with Bodhisattvas bedecked with intricate headgear and jewellery. In the shrine is a figure of the seated Buddha.

Cave 6: The rectangular hall in this cave has columns with pot and foliage capitals. The walls of an antechamber in the rear of the hall, which leads into a small shrine, are covered with figures of the Boddhisattva and the goddesses Tara and Mahamayuri. The doorway of the shrine is carved with elaborate sculptures on other side. On the left is Analokiteshwara holding a lotus and a rosary in his hands, with a deer-skin draped on his left shoulder. On theright is the sculpture of Mahamayuri, the Buddhist goddess of learning, within the shrine is the figure of the seated Buddha, flanked by multiple smaller Buddhist figures, attendants and devotees on the side walls.

Cave 7: This is a simple hall with four plain pillars.

Cave 8: This is the only monastery at Ellora, where the sanctum is isolated from the rear wall, with a circular passage around it. The passageway has three cells on the left, an incomplete columned gallery at the rear and two columns in the front. Sculptures of the Buddha adorn the hall.

Cave 9: This consists of an open terrace with a balcony and a shrine housing figures of Buddhist divinities. The embellished façade has, among other motifs, an unusual scene of the goddess Tara rescuing devotees from the perils of a snake, a sword, an elephant (left). Fire and a shipwreck (right).

Cave 10 (Vishvakarma): Named after Vishvakarma, the architect of the gods, this cave marks the culmination of Chaitya architecture in India. The hall has porticos on three sides, raised on a basement carved with animals. A long frieze depicting a hunting scene appears above the brackets in the hall. A Stupa in the middle of the rear wall has a seated Buddha figure. A flight of steps in the verandah leads to the upper gallery. The façade behind this gallery consists of a doorway flanked by Chaitya window motifs, flying celestials, and Bodhisattvas with female attendants. On either side of the doorway, to the inner gallery, are recesses housing the figures of female deitied and the Bodhisattva. A large figure of the Buddha , in the teaching position, is carved on to the front of the central Stupa accompanied by flying attendants and Bodhisattvas.

Ellora Caves, Maharashtra TravelsCave 11 (Do Tal): A three-storeyed excavation dating back to the 8th century. Do Tal, or two storeys, was the name erroneously given to this cave when its ground floor was buried under debris. The lowest level has two cells and a central sanctuary withg figures of the Buddha in the teaching position. The intermediate level consists of five excavations, the first being incomplete and the last being a cell with a rock -cut bed. The remaining three have images of the Buddha attended by Bodhisattvas the uppermost level has a long columned hall with a shrine in the cenntre. On the rear wall are images of the goddess Durga and Lord Ganesha , indicating that this cave was later converted for worship by Hindus. 

Elephanta Caves 

Elephanta Island was known in ancient times as "Gharapuri" or The Place of Caves. The Portuguese took possession of the island and named it Elephanta after the great statue which they found on the seashore.

There are seven caves of which the most important is the Mahesha-Murti Cave. The main body of the cave, excluding the porticoes on the three open sides and the back aisle, is 27 m square and is supported by rows of six columns. The gigantic figures of Dvarapalas, or doorkeepers are very impressive.

The cave temple, which is the pride of Elephanta, sprawled over an area of approximately 5000 square metres, is reached by climbing a flight of more than 100 steps, to the top of a hill. Inside the temple, is a large pillared hall with rows of columns, that appear to hold up the roof of the cave.

Cross beams complete the illusion of a ceiling. One's attention is immediately drawn to the series of marvellous sculptured panels, nine in all, which are set like tableaux on the walls. Little is known about the architects and sculptors, who worked on this gem of ancient architecture. What is almost tangible is their intense faith, which seems to create an energy field in the cave premises. Each of the panel captures the volatility of Shiva's essentially paradoxic nature, and the magical interplay of light and shade, only intensifies the overall effect. 

Mahabaleshwar

Mahabaleshwar was the summer capital of the erstwhile Bombay Presidency. A popular town, with an air of unspoilt beauty, it meanders leisurely for 5 kms. at an altitude of 1372m.

While away the hours boating or fishing at the placid Venna Lake. Explore the walks or the thirty points that offer panoramic views of the valley and the sea. Bathe in the crystal waters of the numerous waterfalls.

Discover Pratapgad Fort 24 kms. away, where Shivaji dramatically bested General Afzal Khan. And the gorgeous ninehole golf course built on the edge of a cliff! Or simply idle through the tiny lanes of the bazaar, shopping for everything from shoes to luscious strawberries, blackberries, jams and jellies.

Taxis and rickshaws are easily available though a bicycle, which you can hire by the hour or for the day, is the best way to get around.

Temperature vary from 13oC in winter to 29 oC in summer with a yearly rainfall of 663 cms.

The best time to visit is October to June.

Getting there: Pune is the nearest airport, 120 kms. away.

Pune is also the most convenient railhead, though Wathar at 62 kms. is the nearest.

Mumbai is 290 kms. away by road via Pune and 247 kms. via Mahad.   

Holiday Plan for New Delhi

Lotus Temple

It is a lotus shaped structure made of marble, cement, dolomite and sand The temple is located in Kalkaji in the south of Delhi. You can visit the Lotus Temple on your tour to New Delhi. The temple is open to all faiths and is an ideal place for meditation and obtaining peace and tranquility. It is a very recent architectural marvel of the Bahai faith. The lotus shape of the temple represents the Manifestation of God, and is also a symbol of purity and tenderness. Its significance is deeply rooted in the minds and hearts of the Indians. In the epic poem Mahabharata, the Creator Brahma is described as having sprung from the lotus that grew out of Lord Vishnu's navel when that deity lay absorbed in meditation, there is a deep and universal reverence for the lotus, which is regarded as a sacred flower associated with worship throughout many centuries. 

Janpath 

On New Delhi tour you can visit the popular shopping area of Janpath at Connaught Place. Here you will find all items from jewellery to paintings and furniture. Nearby Janpath there are many government State Emporia popular which affords a glimpse of the handicrafts of each state. So does the recently- inaugurated new Central Cottage Industries Emporium on Janpath. Janpath is a perfect place for shopping in New Delhi, where you can bargain at reasonable rates. You can buy jewellery and ritual objects from the Tibetans along with some of the rare embroidered dress-materials from Janpath.

Lodhi Gardens 

Lodhi Gardens are situated at a distance of about 3 Kms to the west of Humayun's tomb and adjoining the India International Center are the Lodhi Gardens. You can visit these well-kept gardens on your tour to New Delhi. Here you can also visit the tombs of Sayyid and Lodi rulers. Mohammed Shah's tomb was a prototype for the later Mughal-style tomb of Humayun, a design that would eventually develop into the Taj Mahal. Other tombs include those of his predecessor, Mubarak Shah, Ibrahim Lodi and Sikander Lodi.

Nehru Planetarium

You can visit the Nehru Planetarium on your tour to New Delhi. The Planetarium is situated in the sprawling surroundings of the Teen Murti House, better known as the official residence of India's first Prime Minister, Jawaharlal Nehru. The planetarium was inaugurated by the then Prime Minister, Smt.Indira Gandhi, on 6th February, 1984.The Planetarium is a popular place of visit specially for those who take keen interest in the astronomical studies.

Sai Aarti

Sri Sai Aarti

Aali Prasadachiwat
Aarti Saibaba
AkraWachan
Ananta Tula Re
Ata Swami
Ghoshna
Gurubrahma Guruvishnu
Hari Om
Jai Jai Sainath
Jap 2
Jap1
Kadhi Na Ruso
Lopaley
Ovaloo Aarati
Sada Satswarupam
Sai Digambara
Tuj Kay Magu

Jai Ganesh Deva...

Lord Ganesha Aarti Video - Jai Ganesh, Jai Ganesh

5 must see places in Nainital

The Naini Lake

Located at the center of Nainital is the beautiful lake called Naini. Scenic beauty is abundant and the place is especially a sight to behold at nights with the various lamps and street lighting. The lake offers various activities for the adventurous. Water sports such as boating, kayaking and even rowing (for the mild ones) are available. Here’s a fact that you must know on your next quiz about Nainital. The bridge connecting the two ends of the lake from north to south is called The Danth. The uniqueness of the place is that it is the only post office in the world to be situated on a lake bridge. Along with this also a bus station, taxi stand and a railway reservation counter on the lake bridge. There are shopping centers, marts, stores and all sorts of luxury shops laid around as well.

The Nainital Zoo

About a kilometer from the bus stand is the Govind Ballagh Pant High Altitude Zoo (long name!). The host of animals for one’s viewing range from Monkeys, Himalayan black bears to the canine family of Leopards, Siberian Tigers, Wolves and hill foxes. To list all the animals would take a while, but one should definitely not miss out on this spot in their next trip. The Zoo, however, remains closed on all Mondays and national holidays, so make sure you incorporate that into your next trip.

The Aerial Ropeway

One reason to be there would be the name itself. The Ropeway sounds like a place out of a movie. It is one of the most famous attractions of Nainital. The ropeway connects the Snow view point which is at an altitude of 2270 meters to the Nainital new flats. There are 2 trolleys to carry passengers. This is a lovely journey that’s pretty high up and takes around 15 minutes to cover. It is generally open between 10 am and 4 pm.

The Snow View

This is one of the destinations that are accessed by the ropeway which is located about 2.5 kms from the main township area. The peak is also connected by a road in case you wish to skip the ropeway (don’t!). Snow view gives one a fresh look from the top of a mountain blanketed in ice. This is a scene that is often famous for its movie shootings as well.

The Naina Peak or China Peak

Naina peak is the highest peak of the town. Located at an altitude of 2611 mts, it is also at a distance of 6 Kms from the town .From here one can view the peaks of the Himalayas and get a bird eye view of the city in whole. It is recommended to grab a pair of binoculars and view the panaromic breath taking scene. Horse riding is pretty popular here as well.