Wednesday, July 30, 2008
River can be classified into Himalayan, Peninsular or Deccan, Coastal, and rivers of the internal drainage basin. The Himalayan Rivers Ganga is the one of the major basin in India.
The most significant rivers in the Himalayan group are the Indus, the Ganga and the Brahmaputra. These rivers are usually snow fed and have sensible flow all through the year. During the monsoon months (June to September), the Himalayas attain very heavy rainfall and the rivers take the maximum amount of water, causing frequent floods. Himalayan rivers release about 70% of their inflow into the sea. This includes about 5% from central Indian rivers. They link the Ganga and drain into the Bay of Bengal.
The Deccan Rivers:
The Peninsular Rivers are usually rain-fed and, therefore, differ greatly in volume. A very huge number of them are non-perennial. Peninsular rivers contribute 30% of the total outflow in India. The main Deccan Rivers are the Godavari, Cauvery, Krishna, Pennar, Damodar, Mahanadi, Sharavati, Netravati, Periyar, Bharathapuzha, Pamba, Narmada and Tapti.
The Coastal Rivers:
The coastal rivers, particularly on the west coast, are short and have limited catchment areas. Most of these are non-perennial as well.
The Rivers of the Inland Drainage Basin:
The rivers on the inland drainage basin consists of those in Western Rajasthan which are very few and short lived, like the Sambhar which is lost in the desert sands, and the Loni that drains keen on the Rann of Kutch.
Tuesday, July 29, 2008
The inheritance of Indian crafts is as unique and varied as the country itself. Almost every state in India has own characteristic craft tradition. The richness of the crafts varies in method and use of materials from region to region depending on the climate, availability of materials, topography, socio religious causes etc. Some of the ancient craft traditions have become defunct and an effort has been made by the government to revive their lost glory.
Some of the place was popular in craft work. They are Andhra pradesh, Arunachal pradesh, Assam, Jammu & Kashmir, kerala, Madhya pradesh, Manipur and Nagaland.In Andhra pradesh most famous for pearls, Toys and Dolls, Bidriware, Carpets, Silver-filigree, Tortoise Shell Products...Etc.,
Hyderabad Pearls:
The Capital city of the state, Hyderabad is the main centre for pearl trade in India and one of the principle pearl markets in the world. Pearl trade flourishes here under the support of Nizam's of Hyderabad. The local craftsmen and jewellers are situated close to Charminar. Pearls are priced according to the shape, size and radiance. Colour and lusture of pearls should be tartan in day light. One of the ways to find out if the pearls are real is to rub them quietly against the edge of one's teeth. Real pearls will give a rough sensation while fakes will feel smooth.
Saturday, July 26, 2008
It is situated in Place of Kalkaji in South Delhi, near to Kalkaji Temple.The well-known place to visit Pilgrimage Centre, where people from all the faith approach for meditation and obtaining peace. Shaped like a Lotus, the Lotus Temple is situated in Kalkaji in the south of Delhi. Made of marble, dolomite, sand and cement, the temple is the modern architectural wonder of India. A perfect place for meditation and obtaining peace and calm, the temple is visited by people from all walks of life. The Lotus Temple is a very new architectural marvel of the Bahai faith. The Bahai Faith is the youngest of the world's self-governing religions. Its founder, Bahadullah (1817-1892), is regard by Bahais as the most recent in the line of Messengers of God that stretches back beyond recorded time and that include Buddha, Moses, Abraham, Zoroaster, Christ and Muhammad.
The History of the Bahai Faith in India: The history of the Bahai Faith in India in progress with the beginning of the Faith in Iran when the Bab (literally, the Gate) inaugurated a new era in the history of the human race. The Bab Himself had selected one of the Indian believers as the 'Letter of Living' in 1844-45, the first year of His Ministry. Since then, India is morally allied with the Bahai Faith.
The Architecture Fariborz Sahba, Canadian architect of Iranian origin, spent 10 years in designing and project management, and with the help of a team of about 800 engineers, technicians, artisans and workers bring to sympathetic one of the most difficult constructions in the world. The structure of the House is composed of three ranks of nine petals; each springing from a podium inspiring the building above the surrounding plain. The first two ranks curve inward, embracing the inner dome; the third layer curves outward to form canopies over the nine entrances. The petals, construct of reinforced white concrete cast in place, are clad in white marble panels; perform to surface profiles and patterns linked to the geometry. Nine arches that offer the main support for the superstructure ring the central hall. Nine shiny pools enclose the building on the outside, their form suggesting the green leaves of the lotus flower. Translating the geometry of the design, in which there are almost no straight lines, into the actual structure accessible particular challenges in designing and erecting the framework. The delicate and shiny architecture is built in two layers. The first layer consists of nine white marble-covered petals point out towards heaven, while the second layer of nine petals serves to hide the portals. When seen from a short distance, it looks like a tremendous example of origami work. The interior, especially, the Hall of Worship, conform to that of all Bahai temples and is so silent that even a low whisper echoes loudly in the structure. No religious icons are housed here separately from the copies of the Holy Scriptures and wooden pews. The structure of the temple was completed in 1986.
Tuesday, July 22, 2008
Buddhism was a faith that was born in India but expand its wings all around the world, mainly in the east. Being the country of Gautam Buddha, the Buddhist pilgrimage centers in India are copious, which pull towards you devotees from India and abroad. India was the center of Buddhist learning in the very old times, and religious sites of those times have become the places of epic importance today.
The Indian state of Bihar, being the focal point of Buddhism, boasts of a number of major Buddhist religious monument centres such as Bodh Gaya and temples like Maha Bodhi temple. Then there are monasteries such as Tabo and Namgyal in Himachal Pradesh, which have a group of Tibetan pressure on them. Similarly, hilltop Buddhist monasteries of Ladakh are one of the supreme living traditions of Tibetan Buddhism in the world today. Also visit the Monasteries of Sikkim, which are one of their types. Some of the northeastern states of India like Aunachal Pradesh also prides in housing some very ancient and largest monasteries in India. There are many places like in Himachal Pradesh, Maharashtra, Ladakh, Sikkim, Orissa, Uttar Pradesh, Arunachal Pradesh, Madhya Pradesh, etc., where one can feel the sublimity, which pervades in the monasteries. The list is endless and there is much to see and practice.
Tuesday, July 15, 2008
Much of Kerala's foreign appeal is focused in the highland area of the Western Ghats. Growing to an average height of 1520 m, the tropical forests of the ghats house wealthy flora and fauna. Not to speak of stretches of loamy plantations of rubber, tea, coffee and fragrant cardamom.
Some of the most hill stations are:
Munnar Hill Station
Ponmudi Hill Station
Chithirapuram Hill Station
Devikulam Hill Station
Idukki Hill Station
Nelliyampathy Hill Station
Attappady Hill Station
Pythal Mala Hill Station Tusharagiri Hill Station
Monday, July 14, 2008
Apart from being a Pilgrimage centre, it is one of the main marine food centres in the south, a great deal of fish and prawn catch and to be exported, Known as the Varanasi of the south, it is a main pilgrimage centre for both Shaivites and Vaishnavaites, as it was at this time wherever Lord Rama worshipped Lord Siva after the war next to Ravana. At the heart of the town is the Ramanathaswamy Temple, one of the most significant temples in southern India. Rameswaram lays on an island in the Gulf of Mannar, linked to the mainland at Mandapam by rail and by one of India's engineering wonders, the Indira Gandhi Bridge. The bridge took 14 years to construct and was inaugurated by Rajiv Gandhi late in 1988.
Sightseeing at Rameshwaram:
Ramanathaswamy Temple: A remarkable example of late Dravidian architecture, this temple is most noted for its excellent corridors wrinkled with enormous sculptured pillars with their elaborate design, style and rich carving. Myth has it that Rama holy this place by worshipping Siva here after the battle of Sri Lanka. The construction work commences in the 12th century AD and further development was made over the centuries by consecutive rulers, and hence, today its gopuram is 53 m high. Only Hindus are allowable to enter the inside the sanctorum.
Kothandaraswamy Temple & Dhanushkodi: 12 km from town, this temple was the sole structure to survive the 1964 cyclone which washed the rest of the village away. Myth states that Vibishana, brother of Sita's kidnapper Ravana, surrender to Rama at this spot.
Adam's Bridge: Adam's Bridge is the name given to the chain of reefs, sandbanks and islets that approximately connects Sri Lanka with India. According to legend, this is the sequence of stepping stones used by the monkey army, guide by Hanuman to cross the ocean in a bid to rescue Sita from the clutch of Ravana.
Gandhamadana Parvatam: The stepped mandapam or hall, about a mile and a half west of the Ramanathaswamy Temple offers an outstanding vision of the countryside. There is a footprint here whispered to be of Lord Rama.
Dhanushkodi Beach: Dhanushkodi beach is the most excellent place for a lay back free time hours.
Best Season to Visit: Through out the year.
Tuesday, July 8, 2008
The Thousand Pillars Temple is situated in Hanamkonda part of the Warangal City. It is about 6 kms starting from, Warangal Railway Station & Bus Station 9 kms away from Kazipet Rly.Junction and is well linked by city bus service.
Popular as: A Pilgrimage Center, where people from all the faith come for meditation and obtain peace.
Thousand Pillar Temple: Constructed by Rudra Deva in 1163 AD, Thousand Pillar temple is a fine example of Kakatiya architecture and sculpture. The monument is built in the style of Chalukyan temples, located near the Hanamkonda-Warangal highway, is a star shaped and triple shrined. The 3 shrines are devoted to Lord Shiva, Vishnu and Surya. The temple is well-known for its luxuriously carved pillars, screens and detailed sculpture. The black basalt Nandi, a monolith, has a lovely polished finish.
The temple is in shape of a star and has three shrines devoted to Lord Shiva, Vishnu and Surya. The temple is built on a 1m high platform on the slopes of the Hanumakonda hill, and has a royal monolithic Nandi. The black basalt Nandi, a monolith, has a lovely polished finish.
There are many small lingam shrines nearby the gardens. Popular for its richly carved pillars, screens and detailed sculpture, Thousand Pillar Temple is one of the most visited temples in Tamil Nadu. The atmosphere is calm and peaceful with the sonorous ringing of the puja bells, gentle chirping of the birds and the soothing cool breeze.
Monday, July 7, 2008
It is referred to by the British as Cape Commorin; Kanyakumari in the state of Tamil Nadu is situated at the southern most tip of the peninsular Indian. The small temple devoted to Kanyakumari, or the youthful form of the primordial energy Shakti (Mother Goddess) is located on the seashore, in the town known by the same name. Kanyakumari is the point of flowing together of three oceans - the Bay of Bengal, the Arabian Sea and the Indian Ocean. This well-known Hindu pilgrimage center is famous for its gorgeous things to see of sunrise and sunset over the waters.
Kumari Amman
Located on the shore, the Kumari Amman or the Kanyakumari Temple is enthusiastic to a manifestation of Parvati, the virgin goddess who did self-punishment to obtain Lord Shiva's hand in marriage. The temple and the ghat, beautifully placed overlooking the shore, draws tourist from all over the world. The diamond nose-ring of the divinity is famous for its sparkling splendour.
Vivekananda Rock Memorial
Erected in 1970, this memorial is dedicated to Swami Vivekananda, the greatest social reformer and saint of modern India. Swamy Vivekananda had meditated on the rock where the memorial stands today at the end of 1892 before his going away for Chicago to participate in the World Religious' Conference in 1893. Meditation halls also adjoin the memorial.
Gandhi Memorial
Gandhi Memorial, built in the memory of Mahatma Gandhi, this is the spot where the vase containing the Mahatma's ruins was kept for public presentation before fascination. In the shape of central Indian Hindu temples, the memorial was so planned that the first rays of the sun fall on the exact place where the pot was kept.
Friday, July 4, 2008
The Meenakshi Temple is located in Madurai, Tamil Nadu. The most important is pilgrimage centre and for wonderful architecture. The divinity of worshipped is lord somasundara (Lord Shiva) and goddess Meenakshi. It is built by the Pandyan king kulasekhara and important festivals celebrated here is Meenakshi kalayanam in April-May and the Teppam festival.
Although the accurate date of the temple's origin is not known, the structures that are standing today date typically between the 12th and the 18th century. The present temple was built in the 17th century A.D. by the Nayak rulers. They occupy a vast space - 258m by 241m. The temple has the "pool of lilies", measure 49.5 m by 36 m, bounded by steps and has a pillared portico on four of its sides. At every turn there is an excellent sculpture, overwhelming architecture and marvelous carvings.
It looks like an equipped citadel from outside. The Temple premise includes a complex of columned Mandapas, tanks, stores, shrines and, at the core, the two temples of Shiva as Sundareshvara and Devi as Meenakshi. The stonewalls and towers of the Meenakshi temple in Madurai rise out of the crowded streets of the city center. From her tedious maze-like palaces the Goddess Meenakshi presides. It is said that her picture is carved out of a single emerald.
The sanctuary of Shiva has a meeting hall, a vestibule and a cella which is surmounted by a small shikara which penetrates through the flat roof covering of the whole portion of the temple. The sanctuary of Meenakshi is half the size of Shiva's sanctuary. The Gopuras at Madurai are surrounded by the most richly adorned in southern India. The temple is beauty with eleven gopuras. Four among them are 45 mtrs in height. Each gopuram is a pyramidal structure with a straight or somewhat curved slope. The gopurams with life size statue of images from Hindu mythology are the captivating sights of this temple.
Various kings have renovate the temple, adding entangled corridors, larger-than-life sculptures, polishing and honing an abode fit for Meenakshi, the Goddess Shakti herself, born as daughter of a Pandya king. According to the myth of this temple the marriage of the goddess to Shiva actually took place in Madurai and is still celebrated every summer with great pomp and gaiety.
The south gateway is the perfect way for entering the twin temples of Shiva and Meenakshi. On looking up you would see the four fabulous beasts called Yalis looking downwards. The eyes would glide from the yellows to the flashes of pure greens, blues, and whites on the 150 ft South Gopuram. It is beautifully balanced, nine stories high and crowded with griming gargoyles and gryphons that rest on the elaborate curved edges. Between them stand or quietly sit sedate gods and goddesses.
Wednesday, July 2, 2008
The land of India is attractive and bewitching the heart of the secernating traveler for its World Heritage Sites as well as world heritage monuments and palaces; for its ever charming resort, beach holidays, team park, backwater holidays, an assortment of water sports, adventure activities, hill station tours to Shimla, Manali, Nainital, Darjeeling, Ooty etc., desert tour to Rajasthan, chronological tour and culture tour; for its ever-demanding medical tourism, Ayurveda tourism and Yoga tourism; for its Royal Tour by Palace On Wheels or Deccan Odyssey. All these significance of Indian tours and travels signify as Incredible India with the largest democracy in the world on other hand and cultural diversity on the other. Perhaps, this is the important reason in India is regarded as the core of all types of tourism.
Tuesday, July 1, 2008
This festival is conducted in the month of February-March at Chidambaram. The festival beginning from the day of Mahashivaratri, and continues for next 4 days. According to the Hindu legends, Lord Nataraja is an extraterrestrial dancer and is called the Lord of dances. This is an occasion for all dancers, from all the parts of India, to perform and to pay their honor to Lord Nataraja.
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