Showing posts with label Kanak Vrindavan. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Kanak Vrindavan. Show all posts

Thursday, October 14, 2010

आरती प्रीतम प्यारी की, कि बनवारी नथवारी की - Arti Preetam Pyaari Ki





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जय श्री राधे कृष्ण"
आरती प्रीतम प्यारी की, कि बनवारी नथवारी की
दुहुन सिर कनक मुकुट छलके
दुहुन श्रुति कुण्डल भल हलके
दुहुन दृग प्रेम सुधा छलके
चसीले बैन, रसीले नैन, गसीले सैन
दुहुन मैनन मनहारी की
कि बनवारी नथवारी की
आरती प्रीतम प्यारी की, कि बनवारी नथवारी की
दुहुनि दृग चितवनि पर वारी
दुहुनि लट लटिकनि छवि न्यारी
दुहुनि भौं मटकनि अति प्यारी
रसन मुख पान, हंसन मुस्कान, दसन दमकान
दुहुनि बेसर छवि न्यारी की
कि बनवारी नथवारी की
आरती प्रीतम प्यारी की, कि बनवारी नथवारी की
एक उर पीतांबर फहरे, एक उर नीलांबर लहरे
दुहुन उर लर मोतिन छहरे
कनकानन कनक, किंकिनी झनक, नुपुरन भनक
दुहुन रुन झुन धुनि प्यारी की
कि बनवारी नथवारी की
आरती प्रीतम प्यारी की, कि बनवारी नथवारी की
एक सिर मोर मुकुट राजे
एक सिर चूनर छवि साजे
दुहुन सिर तिरछे भल भ्राजे
संग ब्रजबाल, लाडली लाल, बांह गल डाल
‘कृपालु’ दुहुन दृग चारि की
कि बनवारी नथवारी की
आरती प्रीतम प्यारी की, कि बनवारी नथवारी की

"जय श्री राधे कृष्ण"




Tuesday, August 17, 2010

वृन्दावन धाम - Vrindavan - Land of Lord Krishna



चिड़ियों का चहकना, मंदिरों की घंटी, सत पुरुषों का सत्संग जैसे भक्ति रस घुल रहा हो ; हर आत्मा उस में मगन हो यह है खूबसूरती वृन्दावन धाम की | जहां हर बच्चा राधा कृष्णजी का स्वरुप है, जहां पढाई का पहला अक्षर भगवान् श्री हरी के नाम है | यमुनाजी का कल कल करता पानी, फल से लदे वृक्ष, फूलों के झुण्ड, भवरों  की गुंजन, रास लीलाओं के गान; हर आत्मा को श्री राधा कृष्णाजी से जोड़ देता है |

कोई गिरिराज की परिक्रमा कर रहा है तो कोई वृन्दावन की; कोई जा रहा है निधिवन तो कोई वंशीवट; कोई मदन टीर तो कोई मान सरोवर ; कोई भागवत वाच रहा है तो कोई गीता ; कोई भक्तों को भगवान की कथा सुना रहा है तो कोई भगवान् के मीठे भजन गा रहा है; ऐसा लगता है की सब तन मन धन से भगवान के श्री चरणों में अर्पित हो गए हों |

कोई मंदिर की सीडियां धो रहा है तो कोई प्रसाद बाँट रहा है; कोई कीर्तन कर रहा है तो कोई दर्शन खुलने का इंतज़ार कर रहा है | कोई दर्शन करके उस में मगन हो रहा है तो कोई पद्यावाली लिखने में व्यस्त हो रहा है ; कहीं मंदिर में फूल श्रींगार बन रहा है तो कहीं भोग बन रहा है | ऐसा लगता है जैसे आठों पहर भगवान् से शुरू हो कर भगवान् पर ही ख़तम हो जाते हैं |

ना किसी को अपनी अवस्था का ध्यान है न ही समय का यह है सुन्दरता वृन्दावन धाम की | जहां किस रूप में भगवान् मिल जाएँ कुछ पता नहीं ; ऐसी अद्भुत धरती को हम शत शत नमन करते हैं | 

श्री राधा कृष्ण
घुंगराले केश, कमल नयन, श्याम वरन, मोहिनी चितवन, मीठी मुस्कान, गले में वय्जंती माला, जिनके शीश पर विराजे मोर मुकुट, तन लहराए पीत पीताम्बर, चरणों में नुपुर, हाथों में बांसुरी लिए यह नटखट गोपाल जिसे हर गोप गोपी प्रेम से कान्हा बुलाये- वह सब का चित चुरा लेते हैं | 
भोली भाली, चन्द्र वदन, चंचल नयन, सुन्दर मोहिनी स्वरुप, गौर वरन, मधुर मुस्कान, मन मोहिनी, रसिक वन्दिनी, शीश चंद्रिका धारिणी, कनक समान  शोभ्यमान, भूषण बिना विभूषित वृन्दावन धाम की अधिष्टात्री देवी हमारी श्री राधा रानी हैं |
Jai Sri Kisna
 नित्य किशोर और नित्य किशोरी  श्री राधाकृष्ण एक प्राण दो देह हैं | श्री राधा रानी  जिनकी चरण धूलि भी अत्यंत दुर्लभ है; हर सखी के हृदये में विराजती हैं |
श्री हित हरिवंश महाप्रभु द्वारा - श्री हित चतुरासी जी का एक वाक्य -
.......श्री हरिवंश सुरीति सुनाऊं श्यामा श्याम एक संग गाऊँ, राधेश्याम एक संग गाऊँ ; राधा संग नाम बिना नहीं श्याम , श्याम बिना नही राधा नाम....... ||


Located at a distance of 15 km from Mathura in the state of Uttar Pradesh, Vrindavan is another major place of pilgrimage among the Hindus. Also known as Vrindaban, Brindavan, or Brindavana, or Brindaban, this holy place is the site of the original forest or forested region, in which Lord Krishna spent his childhood. It is believed that Lord Krishna was raised there in the cow-herding village of Gokula by His foster parents. Vrindavan is today famous for its numerous temples-both old and new.  Considered to be the abode of Lord Krishna, it is one of India's most holiest cities with more than 5000 temples dedicated to Lord Krishna.

Legend


The name 'Vrindavan' is derived from 'Vrinda', another name for the sacred tulsi (basil) plant. A legend has it that the entire place was a tulsi grove at one time. According to another tradition, it was named after Vrinda Devi, one of Krishna's playmates. The earliest known shrine in Vrindavan is said to have been built by the local gosains in a large garden called Nidhiban, later named Seva Kunj. According to tradition, Emperor Akbar was taken blindfolded inside the grove where he had some kind of a spiritual experience. As a result, he acknowledged the spot as being holy ground. 

The four temples that were built in honour of his visit are Govind Deva, Madan Mohan, Gopinath, and Jugal Kishore. The first is an impressive edifice built in red sandstone. Architecturally this temple is one of the finest in North India. 

However, apart from its history, what keeps Vrindavan alive in the popular imagination of the people is its rich legend and mythology. Vrindavan is considered the place where Lord Krishna spent his early childhood. It was here that Krishna indulged in adolescent pranks with the gopis (milkmaids) in the forests and stealing their clothes while they bathed in the river. 


Places of Interest


Banke-Bihari Temple - Built in 1864, the Banke-Bihari Temple is the most popular shrine at Vrindavan. The image of Banke-Bihari was discovered in Nidhi Vana by Swami Haridas, the great Krishna devotee, belonging to the Nimbarka sect.
Vishram Ghat - It is the most important bathing ghat in Mathura. Lord Krishna is said to have rested here after killing Kamsa, the tyrant king of Mathura. The 'Aarti' being offered in the morning and evening at the riverside is a visual treat to the eyes. It is believed that bathing in the Yamuna on the second day of Kartik is very meritorious which is known as Yama Dwitiya.
Radha Govindaji Temple - Built in 1590, this ancient temple of Vrindavan has a number of fascinating stories to tell. The original Govindaji Deity was removed from this temple and kept in Jaipur when Mughal Emperor Aurangzeb tried to destroy it. This magnificent temple houses a spectacular marble altar adorned with gold and silver and hold the idols of Govindaji in the middle, Lord Chaitanya to His left and Lord Nityananda to His right. A sculptured lotus flower weighing several tons decorates the main hall of the temple and demands a careful look from your side.
Madan Mohan Temple - The Madan Mohan Temple located near the Kali Ghat, built by Kapur Ram Das of Multan. This is the oldest existing temple in Vrindavan today. The temple is closely associated with the saint Chaitanya. The original idol of Lord Madan Gopal was shifted from the shrine to Karauli in Rajasthan for safe keeping, during Aurangzeb's rule. Today, a replica of the image is worshipped at the temple.
Sri Radha Raman Mandir - The Deity of Sri Radha-Raman (one of the few original Deities still left in Vrindavana) was installed here by Srila Gopal Bhatta Dasa Goswami. The Deity manifested from one of the Goswami's shaligram-shilas in 1542. Gopal Bhatta also brought Caitanya Mahaprabhu's kaupina (cloth) and asana (seat ) back from Puri. These can be seen three to four times a year. Gopal Batta's Samadhi is located here. The fires for cooking in the temple kitchen have been burning continuously since the Deity was installed over 435 years ago. 
ISKCON Temple - Located within the Krishna-Baldev Temple premises, the temple wall is adorned with exquisite paintings and carvings depicting the life of Lord Krishna. Beautiful architecture, carved arches and immense spirituality make the place a divine destination in Vrindavan. Be prepared to listen to 'Hare Krishna' as everybody you will meet inside the temple premise will greet you with these two words.
Yamuna River - The Yamuna river flows through Vrindavan and Mathura. It is the most sacred river in India as it is so intimately connected with Krishna's pastimes. Situated on the bank of the Yamuna is the Keshi Ghat, where Krishna killed the Keshi demon and saved his friends. One who bathes here gets the benediction of bathing in all of the holy places.

Getting there and Around

By Air - The nearest airport is Agra which is 57 km away and is well connected to Delhi, Khajuraho and Varanasi by regular flights by Indian Airlines and other private airline services.
By Rail - Mathura Junction is well connected to Delhi by numerous trains including the Punjab Mail and Taj Express, to Mumbai by the August Kranti and Mumbai Rajdhani and to Kolkata by the Toofan Express. The Lucknow-Agra Express also finds Mathura in its route.
By Road - Mathura and Vrindavan are well connected with Agra, Delhi, Bharatpur, Alwar and Lucknow by well maintained road.

Accommodation 

Vrindavan does not have high quality hotels. However, it has nearly 200 dharamshalas (religious hostels) that offer clean, affordable accommodation.

Friday, June 4, 2010

Jaipur - The Pink City

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Also known as the ‘Pink City’, Jaipur is the capital city of the state of Rajasthan. It was founded in the year 1727 A.D by Maharaja Sawai Jai Singh. Named after its founder, the city is one of the first planned cities in India . Jaipur is a sought after tourist destination in the state, owing to its rich historical past and age old grandeur. The royal fervor can be evidently experienced from the ancient monuments dotting the city, lifestyle of the people, culture and the food. Surrounded by three magnanimous forts, carpeted with lush gardens and splashed with serene lakes, a visit to Jaipur is a sheer delight for visitors. To know some of the major tourist attractions and places to see in Jaipur, read on.

Places to See in Jaipur
City Palace

Built by Maharaja Sawai Jai Singh, the palace is an excellent blend of Mughal and Rajasthani architecture. On entering the palace complex, the first structure is Mubarak Mahal, built by Sawai Madho Singh in 19th century. It now houses a museum dedicated to Maharaja Sawai Man Singh II, showcasing royal costumes and bulky clothes worn by former rulers. The Diwaan-e-aam houses an art gallery displaying rare manuscripts, scriptures and paintings.
Hawa Mahal
Hawa Mahal is the main landmark of Jaipur. Built by Maharaja Sawai Pratap Singh, the five storied pink sandstone structure is known as the Palace of Winds, as it boasts of 953 intricately carved windows overlooking the busy bazaar street. Originally, constructed for the royal ladies, this is an excellent example of Rajput architecture. Apart from providing an extensive view of the city, the sunset viewed from its latticed windows is an unforgettable experience.
Jantar Mantar
Another intriguing monument in the pink city is Jantar Mantar. It is one of the five observatories in India and was built by Maharaja Sawai Jai Singh. Providing an insight into the fields of numerology and astronomy, it 
houses ancient astronomical instruments chiseled out of stone. The most interesting instrument here is the Sundial. The shadow cast on it helps in the determination of local and meridian pass time. Besides, varied attributes of the heavenly bodies can also be calculated with the help of it.
Birla Mandir
Also known as the Lakshmi Narayan Temple, it is located near the Moti Dungri Fort. Built entirely out of white marble, the temple is dedicated to Lord Vishnu and Goddess Lakshmi. The temple has three domes which represent different approaches to religion. A major tourist attraction, the temple is highly crowded during festive time.
Albert Hall Museum
One of the oldest museums in the state, Albert Hall museum is situated amidst the sprawling Ram Niwas Bagh garden on the outskirts of Jaipur. The museum combines the fine elements of English and north Indian architecture and was opened in 1980s. It houses rare royal artifacts, miniature paintings from different schools of Rajasthan, carpet by Mirza Jai Singh I from Shah Abbas of Persia and an Egyptian mummy belonging to the Ptolemaic Epoch.

Kanak Vrindavan
Situated on the foothills of Nahargarh Hills, these are beautiful landscaped gardens with an intricately craved temple made of beige stone. The sprawling complex is laid with terrace sites, marble columns and lattices. The place is quite popular amongst picnickers and film makers owing to its splendor. The ideal time to be around here is during monsoon, as it sparkles after being washed from the rain water.
Amber Fort
Popularly known as the Amer Fort, it is one of the most magnificent monuments, situated on the outskirts of the city. The ruling fortress of the Kachhawa clan of Amber, it is an excellent blend of Hindu and Mughal architecture. The interiors of the palace are laid with expressive painting scenes with carvings, precious stones and mirror settings.
Other Attractions
Some of the other places worth visiting in Jaipur include Jaigarh Fort, Nahargarh Fort, Jal Mahal, Govind Dev ji Temple, Galtaji, Gaitore, Sisodia Rani Ka Bagh, etc. Besides, Jaipur is a paradise for all those, who love shopping and food. The ethnic items showcasing the traditional and royal art are a must buy here. Furthermore, you can pamper your taste buds with delicious Rajasthani cuisine and delicacies. In effect, Jaipur has proved to be a must visit tourist destination in the desert yet enigmatic state of Rajasthan.
Accommodation
Owing to the fact that Jaipur is a popular tourist destination, it houses a number of varied accommodation options catering to visitors from all economic backgrounds. The 5 star hotels in Jaipur include Le Meridien, Hotel Clarks, Hotel Mansingh, Oberoi Rajvilas etc. Apart from this, there are a host of heritage and budget hotels in the city.
How to Reach
By Air
The nearest airport is situated 10 km from Jaipur, which is known as the Sanganer Airport. It operates domestic flights which connect it with Delhi, Kolkata, Mumbai, Ahmedabad, Jodhpur and Udaipur.
By Train
Jaipur is well connected to all the major cities of Rajasthan and India by trains. There are regular trains to cities like Delhi, Agra, Chennai, Jodhpur, Mumbai, Udaipur, Bikaner and Ahmedabad.


By Road
A well-developed network of road connects Jaipur to important places in Rajasthan and north India. Private as well as government buses ply from here at regular intervals which connect Jaipur to all the nearby major cities such as Delhi and Agra.

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