Sri Siva Vishnu Temple, the premier Hindu temple in the Washington DC Metropolitan area is located in Lanham, Maryland, about 12 miles from Washington DC. What started off as a very small idea, in the living rooms of a few devotees in the late seventies, has now blossomed into being one of the largest temples in the western hemisphere. The actual temple construction began in 1988 and has incorporated the Mayan, Pallava, Vijaynagara, Kerala and the South Canara styles of temple architecture. The Temple houses several deities, consecrated between the years of 1990 and 2003.
Address: Sri Siva Vishnu Temple,
6905, Cipriano Road, Lanham MD-20706
Phone: (301) 552 3335
Fax: (301) 552 1204
Email: ssvt@ssvt.org
Check out some of the 'Don't miss' Hindu temples across the world, especially in India.
Friday, December 18, 2009
Murudeshwar, Mangalore, Karnataka
Murudeshwar is around 180 km from Mangalore on the National Highway. The sea is an intrinsic part of the temple at Murudeshwar. The sea on three sides surrounds the temple towering on the small hill called Kanduka Giri. Two life-size elephants in concrete stand guard at the steps leading to the temple. The Murudeshwar temple has a history that dates back to a few centuries. A small temple existed here for generations. A recent attraction is the Lord Shiva idol erected beside the temple. The idol towers 123 feet into the sky and is the tallest Shiva idol in the world. The Western Ghats has always held a special place in the hearts of pleasure seeking nature lovers.
How to reach here:
Road: 500 km from Bangalore on the Hassan - Mangalore - Udupi - Kundapur route, 470 km from Bangalore on the Shimoga - Kollur route, From Kollur it is 60 kms.
Rail: The Konkan Railways Train plying on the Mangalore - Goa - Mumbai route makes a stop at Murudeshwar and other express trains too.
Air: The nearest airports are Mangalore (165kms) and Goa (220kms).
How to reach here:
Road: 500 km from Bangalore on the Hassan - Mangalore - Udupi - Kundapur route, 470 km from Bangalore on the Shimoga - Kollur route, From Kollur it is 60 kms.
Rail: The Konkan Railways Train plying on the Mangalore - Goa - Mumbai route makes a stop at Murudeshwar and other express trains too.
Air: The nearest airports are Mangalore (165kms) and Goa (220kms).
Tuesday, December 15, 2009
Shiva-Vishnu temple, Melbourne, Australia.
The temple is a culmination of years of planning by the Hindu Society of Victoria, formed in 1982. The temple site at Carrum Downs comes close to the scriptural injunctions for auspiciousness: closeness to sea and river confluences. It is
situated not far from the picturesque beaches of Port Phillip Bay, and the pretty lakes around the Patterson river.
The temple is built at a cost of 1.5 million dollars with a wide participation from the Hindu community in Victoria. The temple provided challenges in combining the construction practices in Australia with classical Hindu traditions.
situated not far from the picturesque beaches of Port Phillip Bay, and the pretty lakes around the Patterson river.
The temple is built at a cost of 1.5 million dollars with a wide participation from the Hindu community in Victoria. The temple provided challenges in combining the construction practices in Australia with classical Hindu traditions.
Shiva-Vishnu temple, California, US.
The Shiva-Vishnu Temple has evolved into a permanent feature of the Northern California landscape, promoting Hindu religion and culture and providing a sanctum for human beings of all creeds. The Temple is a shining example of what a community could accomplish collectively in order to sustain its religious and cultural roots.
During 1994-1999, the number of devotees visiting the Temple increased dramatically, averaging nearly 1,000 families a month. On some occasions (e.g., New Years’ Day and Ganesha Chathurthi), more than 10,000 people visit the Temple. It was clear that in order to keep up with the exponential growth and improve the quality of its services, the HCCC sorely needed more space.
Source: http://livermoretemple.org/hints/content/asp/temple_info.asp?menuID=6
During 1994-1999, the number of devotees visiting the Temple increased dramatically, averaging nearly 1,000 families a month. On some occasions (e.g., New Years’ Day and Ganesha Chathurthi), more than 10,000 people visit the Temple. It was clear that in order to keep up with the exponential growth and improve the quality of its services, the HCCC sorely needed more space.
Source: http://livermoretemple.org/hints/content/asp/temple_info.asp?menuID=6
Lord Shiva temple, London
Monday, December 14, 2009
Kotilingeshwara temple, Bangalore
Not far from Bangalore is the beautiful Kammasandra, famous for its Kotilingeshwara temple. The main attraction of this peaceful retreat, which is surrounded by plush greenery, is a huge Shivalinga. Measuring 108 ft, this shivalinga is tallest of its kind in the world and accompanying it is a 35 ft tall Basava, surrounded by lakhs of small shivalingas spread over an area of 15 acres. So far, around 87 lakh shivalingas(Idol of Shiva) have been installed. The entire project involves the installation of one crore shivalingas of various sizes, hence the name ‘Kotilingeshwara’.
Thousands of visitors visit this place throughout the year but especially during Shivarathri to have a glimpse of the magnificent structure. There is no hard and fast rule regarding the installation of a ‘linga’; anybody can get one of his/her choice installed in their name by making a donation of Rs 501 Rs. 1001, Rs. 1501, Rs. 2001 or Rs. 5001. The individual’s name will be carved at the pedestal. Installation is carried out on all days. One only needs to choose the ‘linga’ out of the thousands that are available ready for installation at the Ashram itself. The Ashram organises the necessary requisites to perform installation.
Remark: Currently the count of Shiva lingas reached 87 lakhs which will soon reach its destination(1 crore).
Thousands of visitors visit this place throughout the year but especially during Shivarathri to have a glimpse of the magnificent structure. There is no hard and fast rule regarding the installation of a ‘linga’; anybody can get one of his/her choice installed in their name by making a donation of Rs 501 Rs. 1001, Rs. 1501, Rs. 2001 or Rs. 5001. The individual’s name will be carved at the pedestal. Installation is carried out on all days. One only needs to choose the ‘linga’ out of the thousands that are available ready for installation at the Ashram itself. The Ashram organises the necessary requisites to perform installation.
Remark: Currently the count of Shiva lingas reached 87 lakhs which will soon reach its destination(1 crore).
Bhavani Sangameswarar temple
This Shivasthalam is located on the confluence of 2 rivers Bhavani and Cauvery. The temple is located on the northern bank where the 2 rivers meet i.e. on Erode District
(PIN 638301).The temple is constructed on a 4 acre land. The main tower with 5 tiers is located on the north side of the temple. Eventhough this temple is a Saivite temple for Lord Shiva as Sangameswar, there is a separate shrine inside this temple for Lord vishnu as Adhi Kesava Perumal with his consort Soundaravalli Thaayar.
On the south side of the temple, the images of 63 Nayanmars(Devoties of Lord Shiva) are kept.
6 poojas are performed everyday at this temple. The temple will be open from 5 AM to 1 PM and again from 4 PM to 8 PM.
Storyline: It is said that during the East India Company regime the then Collector of Coimbatore and Salem Districts, Willam Garrow, who had his headquarters at Bhavani, worshipped Goddess Vedanayaki. As only Hindus were allowed to enter the temple, the collector worshipped the Goddess from the outside of the temple by seeing Her through an opening made in the temple wall. One night when the collector William Garrow was sleeping in his bungalow, the Goddess directed him in his dream to leave the bungalow at once. As the collector left the bungalow, entire bunalow collapsed. In appreciation to the Goddess who save his life, he presented to the temple an ivory cradle, which is still in the temple, with his signature.
(PIN 638301).The temple is constructed on a 4 acre land. The main tower with 5 tiers is located on the north side of the temple. Eventhough this temple is a Saivite temple for Lord Shiva as Sangameswar, there is a separate shrine inside this temple for Lord vishnu as Adhi Kesava Perumal with his consort Soundaravalli Thaayar.
On the south side of the temple, the images of 63 Nayanmars(Devoties of Lord Shiva) are kept.
6 poojas are performed everyday at this temple. The temple will be open from 5 AM to 1 PM and again from 4 PM to 8 PM.
Storyline: It is said that during the East India Company regime the then Collector of Coimbatore and Salem Districts, Willam Garrow, who had his headquarters at Bhavani, worshipped Goddess Vedanayaki. As only Hindus were allowed to enter the temple, the collector worshipped the Goddess from the outside of the temple by seeing Her through an opening made in the temple wall. One night when the collector William Garrow was sleeping in his bungalow, the Goddess directed him in his dream to leave the bungalow at once. As the collector left the bungalow, entire bunalow collapsed. In appreciation to the Goddess who save his life, he presented to the temple an ivory cradle, which is still in the temple, with his signature.
Kedarnath
Kedarnath is a majestic sight, standing in the middle of a wide plateau surrounded by lofty snow covered peaks. The present temple, built in the 8th century by Adi Shankaracharya, stands adjacent to the site of an earlier temple built by the Pandavas. The inner walls of the assembly hall are decorated with figures of various deities and scenes from mythology. Outside the temple door a large statue of the Nandi Bull stands as guard.
Lying at an altitude of 3584 mts. on the head of river Mandakini, the shrine of Kedarnath is amongst the holiest pilgrimages for the Hindus. Dedicated to Lord Shiva, the exquisitely architectured Kedarnath temple is said to be more than a 1000 years old. Built of extremely large, heavy and evenly cut gray slabs of stones, it evokes wonder as to how these heavy slabs were handled in the earlier days.
Landmark: Kedarnath is 234 kms from Rishikesh and 250 kms from Dehradun.
Lying at an altitude of 3584 mts. on the head of river Mandakini, the shrine of Kedarnath is amongst the holiest pilgrimages for the Hindus. Dedicated to Lord Shiva, the exquisitely architectured Kedarnath temple is said to be more than a 1000 years old. Built of extremely large, heavy and evenly cut gray slabs of stones, it evokes wonder as to how these heavy slabs were handled in the earlier days.
Landmark: Kedarnath is 234 kms from Rishikesh and 250 kms from Dehradun.
Kashi Vishwanath Temple
Stepped in tradition and mythological legacy, Kashi is the 'original ground' created by Lord Shiva and Parvati. The Kashi Vishwanath Temple is dedicated to Lord Shiva. The temple was destroyed in the various invasions and was rebuilt in 1776 by Rani Ahilyabai of Indore. Hundreds and thousands of pilgrims flock to Varanasi to offer homage and wash away their sins.
The word 'Kashi' originated from the word 'Kas' which means to shine. Kashi is mentioned repeatedly in the scriptures - the Brahmanas, Upanishads and the Puranas. It is the oldest center of learning and the University here is still widely respected for its Sanskrit, Philosophy, and Arts faculties.
Vishweshwara jyotirlinga has a very special and unique significance in the spiritual history of India. Deeply and intimately implanted in the Hindu mind, the Kashi Vishwanath Temple has been a living embodiment of our timeless cultural traditions and highest spiritual values. The Temple has been visited by all great saints- Adi Shankaracharya, Ramkrishna Paramhansa, Swami Vivekanand, Goswami Tulsidas, Maharshi Dayanand Saraswati, Gurunanak and several other spiritual personalities.
It is a greatest belief of Hindu people that a sacred bath on Ganga relieves them from all their sins.
Most remarkable things of the place: Ganges river shore, Aghoris.
The word 'Kashi' originated from the word 'Kas' which means to shine. Kashi is mentioned repeatedly in the scriptures - the Brahmanas, Upanishads and the Puranas. It is the oldest center of learning and the University here is still widely respected for its Sanskrit, Philosophy, and Arts faculties.
Vishweshwara jyotirlinga has a very special and unique significance in the spiritual history of India. Deeply and intimately implanted in the Hindu mind, the Kashi Vishwanath Temple has been a living embodiment of our timeless cultural traditions and highest spiritual values. The Temple has been visited by all great saints- Adi Shankaracharya, Ramkrishna Paramhansa, Swami Vivekanand, Goswami Tulsidas, Maharshi Dayanand Saraswati, Gurunanak and several other spiritual personalities.
It is a greatest belief of Hindu people that a sacred bath on Ganga relieves them from all their sins.
Most remarkable things of the place: Ganges river shore, Aghoris.
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