Tuesday, December 30, 2008
Monday, December 29, 2008
Friday, December 26, 2008
Saturday, December 6, 2008
Friday, December 5, 2008
Why terrorists used satellite phones
The satellite phone is fast becoming the favourite gadget of tech-savvy terrorists. Investigations into the Mumbai terror attacks have revealed that terrorists used both satellite and cellular phones to coordinate the operation among themselves and carry out the deadly attacks that claimed over 200 lives.
A satellite phone, popularly known as the sat phone, is a mobile phone which uses satellites, not landline or cellular broadcasting towers, to make or receive calls.
While making or receiving a call, the signal first travels to the orbiting satellite and then to an earth-bound gateway, before being routed to the receiver. The receiver's response will follow the same path in reverse, taking an equal amount of time to reach the caller.
The mobile equipment, which is also known as a terminal, varies in size. The instrument, which is fitted with retraceable antennae, is not as sleek as a mobile phone. A satellite phone resembles the models of mobile phones that were available in Indian markets ten years ago.
Sat phones are much more expensive than cellular phones. The oldest models cost approximately Rs 10,000 while the latest model, the iconic Iridium 9505A, costs a whopping Rs 49,975.
The cost of calls made and received on a sat phone depends on the network. The three main satellite networks are the Iridium, Globstar and Thuraya. Iridium uses low orbiting satellites that minimises conversational delays, but more importantly, it is the only satellite network that provides coverage across the world, including the oceans.
Globstar covers around 80 per cent of the earth's landmasses, excluding the northern and southern polar regions.
Thuraya covers parts of India, Asia, Africa, the entire Middle East and Europe. Sat phones are specifically manufactured for a particular network and do not work on other networks.
Some companies offer sat phones on rent, and the weekly rent is approximately $24 (Rs 1,200 approximately). Although the call charges on a hired phone remains the same, some service providers do not insist on roaming charges.
The cost of making calls from a satellite phone varies between Rs 7 and Rs 99 per minute. However, calling a sat phone from a land phone or a mobile phone is extremely expensive and charges range from Rs 149 to Rs 699 per minute.
A call from one sat phone to the other costs around Rs 749 a minute, but incoming calls are free. The sat phone also offers messaging service and the rates are approximately $0.59 (Rs 25) per message.
In spite of the high rates, sat phones were the preferred mode of communication of the 10 terrorists who attacked Mumbai. These terrorists used the sea route to launch their attack, and the only way to communicate with their associates was sat phones, as cellular networks would have failed on the ocean.
The sat phone requires a clear line of sight to the sky. The sat phone ensures connectivity from every nook and corner of the earth, be it on top of a mountain, in the middle of an ocean or in a remote desert.
The sat phone is often used in military operations and disaster and relief operations.
In the Mumbai terror attack, the sat phones were used only when the men were traveling out in the open sea. The terrorists switched to mobile phones the moment they entered the Taj, Oberoi and Nariman House. The sim cards for these mobile phones were purchased in West Bengal.
Sat phones have proved to be ineffective when used indoors. The caller needs to stand near a window for the call to go through, and there is a considerable delay in communication.
A satellite phone, popularly known as the sat phone, is a mobile phone which uses satellites, not landline or cellular broadcasting towers, to make or receive calls.
While making or receiving a call, the signal first travels to the orbiting satellite and then to an earth-bound gateway, before being routed to the receiver. The receiver's response will follow the same path in reverse, taking an equal amount of time to reach the caller.
The mobile equipment, which is also known as a terminal, varies in size. The instrument, which is fitted with retraceable antennae, is not as sleek as a mobile phone. A satellite phone resembles the models of mobile phones that were available in Indian markets ten years ago.
Sat phones are much more expensive than cellular phones. The oldest models cost approximately Rs 10,000 while the latest model, the iconic Iridium 9505A, costs a whopping Rs 49,975.
The cost of calls made and received on a sat phone depends on the network. The three main satellite networks are the Iridium, Globstar and Thuraya. Iridium uses low orbiting satellites that minimises conversational delays, but more importantly, it is the only satellite network that provides coverage across the world, including the oceans.
Globstar covers around 80 per cent of the earth's landmasses, excluding the northern and southern polar regions.
Thuraya covers parts of India, Asia, Africa, the entire Middle East and Europe. Sat phones are specifically manufactured for a particular network and do not work on other networks.
Some companies offer sat phones on rent, and the weekly rent is approximately $24 (Rs 1,200 approximately). Although the call charges on a hired phone remains the same, some service providers do not insist on roaming charges.
The cost of making calls from a satellite phone varies between Rs 7 and Rs 99 per minute. However, calling a sat phone from a land phone or a mobile phone is extremely expensive and charges range from Rs 149 to Rs 699 per minute.
A call from one sat phone to the other costs around Rs 749 a minute, but incoming calls are free. The sat phone also offers messaging service and the rates are approximately $0.59 (Rs 25) per message.
In spite of the high rates, sat phones were the preferred mode of communication of the 10 terrorists who attacked Mumbai. These terrorists used the sea route to launch their attack, and the only way to communicate with their associates was sat phones, as cellular networks would have failed on the ocean.
The sat phone requires a clear line of sight to the sky. The sat phone ensures connectivity from every nook and corner of the earth, be it on top of a mountain, in the middle of an ocean or in a remote desert.
The sat phone is often used in military operations and disaster and relief operations.
In the Mumbai terror attack, the sat phones were used only when the men were traveling out in the open sea. The terrorists switched to mobile phones the moment they entered the Taj, Oberoi and Nariman House. The sim cards for these mobile phones were purchased in West Bengal.
Sat phones have proved to be ineffective when used indoors. The caller needs to stand near a window for the call to go through, and there is a considerable delay in communication.
Sunday, November 30, 2008
People bring out grinding stones as mixers go silent
Chennai: The past three days have literally been a walk down memory lane for many Chennaiites. With electricity failure in many parts of the city, television sets and mixergrinders did not work. So, people willy-nilly had to tune in to the radio if they had one, or bring out the grinding stone that they had long ignored.
As Chennai and its suburbs were submerged, water entered electricity junction boxes at many places. The Tamil Nadu Electricity Board (TNEB) had no choice but to stop power supply, to prevent electrocution.
“Even during the 2005 floods, power supply was not disconnected. This time, we could not go out to get milk and other essential commodities. Cooking dishes was a problem; I had to grind the masalas,” said Amudheshwari Mahalingam, a resident of Virugambakkam.
Radio suddenly regained some of its old glory. “We had electricity on Thursday morning, but the supply got cut by noon. I did not part with the radio, because I wanted to keep track of the Mumbai hostage drama and the flood situation here. After a long time, I heard songs on Vividh Bharati,” said K S Subramaniam, a West Mambalam resident.
For Meenakshi Seshasayee in Mylapore, the past few days have been both painful and exhilarating. “I got a backache after using the grinding stone to make dosa batter and chutney. I felt like being transported to the days of my grandmother,” she said.
In Kodambakkam’s Azeez Nagar, senior citizens were put to hardship. “The milk got spoilt as the refrigerator did not work. I could not contact anyone because my cell phone could not be charged. And I did not go out due to floods,” said Ramamoorthy.
As Chennai and its suburbs were submerged, water entered electricity junction boxes at many places. The Tamil Nadu Electricity Board (TNEB) had no choice but to stop power supply, to prevent electrocution.
“Even during the 2005 floods, power supply was not disconnected. This time, we could not go out to get milk and other essential commodities. Cooking dishes was a problem; I had to grind the masalas,” said Amudheshwari Mahalingam, a resident of Virugambakkam.
Radio suddenly regained some of its old glory. “We had electricity on Thursday morning, but the supply got cut by noon. I did not part with the radio, because I wanted to keep track of the Mumbai hostage drama and the flood situation here. After a long time, I heard songs on Vividh Bharati,” said K S Subramaniam, a West Mambalam resident.
For Meenakshi Seshasayee in Mylapore, the past few days have been both painful and exhilarating. “I got a backache after using the grinding stone to make dosa batter and chutney. I felt like being transported to the days of my grandmother,” she said.
In Kodambakkam’s Azeez Nagar, senior citizens were put to hardship. “The milk got spoilt as the refrigerator did not work. I could not contact anyone because my cell phone could not be charged. And I did not go out due to floods,” said Ramamoorthy.
Koyambedu bus terminus cut off
Chennai: People found it difficult to access the Chennai Mofussil Bus Terminus on Saturday as a stretch of the 100-Feet Road from Koyambedu to Vadapalani, which is under water, has been blocked for traffic since Friday.
As the waist-deep water is yet to recede, people are using fishing boats to shift out of the area. All buses from southern districts were diverted in Tambaram.
They took the route via Chennai bypass and Maduravoyal instead of Ashok Nagar and Vadapalani to reach Koyambedu.
The route diversion made the trip longer and arduous. “Travelling through Maduravoyal is a difficult task due to heavy traffic and poor road conditions even during normal times. After the rain, things have turned for the worse and it took me three hours to reach Koyambedu from Tambaram,’’ said Kannadasan, a passenger who came from Villupuram on a government bus.
With the entrance to the bus terminus flooded, passengers, particularly the elderly and children, had a tough time boarding buses. Passengers from other districts going to areas like Vadapalani, Guindy, Ashok Nagar and St Thomas Mount remained stranded in Koyambedu because of the route diversion.
According to MTC drivers, buses on the Tambaram-Avadi route were operated only till Vadapalani. Similarly, Avadi-Tambaram buses were were plied only till Koyambedu. However, some buses were operated via Aminjikarai and Kodambakkam. And some Tambaram-bound buses were operated through Maduravoyal instead of Vadapalani.
“When there is a route diversion, passengers must be informed. I did not find any such system here. We cannot hire autorickshaws as drivers demand exorbitant amounts,’’ said Dhanraj, a passenger.
Many drivers of government buses suggested that mofussil buses from southern districts could have been stopped in Tambaram so that passengers could reach their destinations. As buses from other districts were running several hours behind schedule, many services were cancelled and a large number of passengers who had booked tickets in advance cancelled them. Meanwhile, residents and shopkeepers on 100-Feet Road are worried as there was no sign of water receding. With several vehicles remaining stuck on flooded roads, including 100-Feet Road, MTC drivers said they were instructed not to operate new buses as this would damage vehicles.
As the waist-deep water is yet to recede, people are using fishing boats to shift out of the area. All buses from southern districts were diverted in Tambaram.
They took the route via Chennai bypass and Maduravoyal instead of Ashok Nagar and Vadapalani to reach Koyambedu.
The route diversion made the trip longer and arduous. “Travelling through Maduravoyal is a difficult task due to heavy traffic and poor road conditions even during normal times. After the rain, things have turned for the worse and it took me three hours to reach Koyambedu from Tambaram,’’ said Kannadasan, a passenger who came from Villupuram on a government bus.
With the entrance to the bus terminus flooded, passengers, particularly the elderly and children, had a tough time boarding buses. Passengers from other districts going to areas like Vadapalani, Guindy, Ashok Nagar and St Thomas Mount remained stranded in Koyambedu because of the route diversion.
According to MTC drivers, buses on the Tambaram-Avadi route were operated only till Vadapalani. Similarly, Avadi-Tambaram buses were were plied only till Koyambedu. However, some buses were operated via Aminjikarai and Kodambakkam. And some Tambaram-bound buses were operated through Maduravoyal instead of Vadapalani.
“When there is a route diversion, passengers must be informed. I did not find any such system here. We cannot hire autorickshaws as drivers demand exorbitant amounts,’’ said Dhanraj, a passenger.
Many drivers of government buses suggested that mofussil buses from southern districts could have been stopped in Tambaram so that passengers could reach their destinations. As buses from other districts were running several hours behind schedule, many services were cancelled and a large number of passengers who had booked tickets in advance cancelled them. Meanwhile, residents and shopkeepers on 100-Feet Road are worried as there was no sign of water receding. With several vehicles remaining stuck on flooded roads, including 100-Feet Road, MTC drivers said they were instructed not to operate new buses as this would damage vehicles.
Wednesday, November 19, 2008
Tuesday, November 18, 2008
Monday, November 17, 2008
Varanasi Tour- Remembered
Some suggestions for those who want to perform Varanasi / Kasi Tour from Tamil Nadu:
Accommodation:
In Varanasi you can stay in Kumarasamy Madam (also called Thirupanndal Madam).For confirmed accommodation you have to got letter from Thirupanndal Madam,Which is near Kumbakonam in Tanjore District,Tamil Nadu and phone to Varanasi Kumarasamy Madam about your tour plan and requirement of rooms.In normal days( other than Ammavasai or festival days) you can get rooms With out letter from Madam.You can request by phone itself.
Kumarasamy Madam ( Thirupanndal Madam) is near Kedar Ghat and Kedareeswar temple.It is very convenient and clean room.24 hrs water supply avilable.Generator is switched ON during power cut.Tamil Nadu food ( Meals at noon,tiffin Idly,Pongal vadai, Uppma, Chappathi,Poori at morning and night)is available opposite to Madam itself. Shops to purchase daily ( soap,shampoo,paste,brush etc)needs are nearby located nearby to Madam.
There is a Nattukkottai Nagara Satram in Kasi which is also very good.It is located near the temple.You have to phone and give your requirement.For this Satram , if you get recommendation of any Nattukkottai Chettiyar you will get assured accommodation.
The auro/rickshawal knows the locations if you mention natcot satram or Kumaraswamy matt.There is no language problem in Varanasi.
In both the places rooms with attached bathrooms and family halls are available. There is no problem for food as well as for transport.They will help to get Gurukal for doing all poojas.
As our main purpose is taking taking bathe in Ganges several times during our stay ,if we stay in Kumraswamy mutt which is very near to Kedar ghat will be very convenient.
Motor Boats are avilable near Kedar Ghat for rent to visit all the 64 Ghats and back. On the way we can visit Viswanathar temple and Bindhu madavar temple.
Hence staying at Kumaraswamy Mutt is recommended.
1. Sri Kasi Nattukkottai Nagara Satram,
Godowlia, Varanasi, Mr. Muthukaruppan
Phone: 0542-2451804
2. Nattukkottai Nagara Satram,
No. 171, Chand Chowra, Gaya,
Mr. Jeyamkondan - 09973436309
3. Nattukkottai Nagara Satram,
( 149 ) 1/91, Mori, Daraganj, Allahabad,
Mr.Annamalai- 05322501275
Mobile- 09305562457
Sri Kumaraswamy Matt,
B/13/156, Sonarpura, Kedar Ghat,
Varanasi-221001,
Ph:0542-2454064,
Agent: V.P.Shanmuga Sundaram.
It is helpfull to follow my suggestions.
1.Get confirmed train tickets for all your journeys well in advance.
2.Phone to Madam or Satram and inform your requirement of rooms.
3.Take your kattusathams,Chappathis for train journey and ooruhai ,milahai podi, thengai thuvaiyal etc for journeys( onward and return )
4.Bring Panner ( 500 ml) and Vipoothi ( 500gm) ( Palani Siddhanathan sons) for abisheham at Viswanathar temple from your native place itself as they are not available and costly in Varanasi..You can do abisheham by yourself and then collect vipoothi as prasatham .
Things to be carried for the tour are as follows
1.Paste, brush, oil, soap, comb, shaving kit
2.Water mug, plate, tumbler, spoon, water bottle
3.Small umbrella, torch light, spare battery,
4.Plastic bags, cloth bags, plastic rope,
5.Camera,battery for camera
6.Specks and speck's box
7.Cell phone and cell phone charger
8.Regular Medicines and emergency medicines
9.Train tickets, ID Card, ATM cards
10.Sand collected from Rameswaram
11.Chain & lock for suitcase and lock for bags
12.Books,brouchers,maps,address book
13.Idly powder, ready mix powders, pickles
14. Dresses, towels, Hair clips
Accommodation:
In Varanasi you can stay in Kumarasamy Madam (also called Thirupanndal Madam).For confirmed accommodation you have to got letter from Thirupanndal Madam,Which is near Kumbakonam in Tanjore District,Tamil Nadu and phone to Varanasi Kumarasamy Madam about your tour plan and requirement of rooms.In normal days( other than Ammavasai or festival days) you can get rooms With out letter from Madam.You can request by phone itself.
Kumarasamy Madam ( Thirupanndal Madam) is near Kedar Ghat and Kedareeswar temple.It is very convenient and clean room.24 hrs water supply avilable.Generator is switched ON during power cut.Tamil Nadu food ( Meals at noon,tiffin Idly,Pongal vadai, Uppma, Chappathi,Poori at morning and night)is available opposite to Madam itself. Shops to purchase daily ( soap,shampoo,paste,brush etc)needs are nearby located nearby to Madam.
There is a Nattukkottai Nagara Satram in Kasi which is also very good.It is located near the temple.You have to phone and give your requirement.For this Satram , if you get recommendation of any Nattukkottai Chettiyar you will get assured accommodation.
The auro/rickshawal knows the locations if you mention natcot satram or Kumaraswamy matt.There is no language problem in Varanasi.
In both the places rooms with attached bathrooms and family halls are available. There is no problem for food as well as for transport.They will help to get Gurukal for doing all poojas.
As our main purpose is taking taking bathe in Ganges several times during our stay ,if we stay in Kumraswamy mutt which is very near to Kedar ghat will be very convenient.
Motor Boats are avilable near Kedar Ghat for rent to visit all the 64 Ghats and back. On the way we can visit Viswanathar temple and Bindhu madavar temple.
Hence staying at Kumaraswamy Mutt is recommended.
1. Sri Kasi Nattukkottai Nagara Satram,
Godowlia, Varanasi, Mr. Muthukaruppan
Phone: 0542-2451804
2. Nattukkottai Nagara Satram,
No. 171, Chand Chowra, Gaya,
Mr. Jeyamkondan - 09973436309
3. Nattukkottai Nagara Satram,
( 149 ) 1/91, Mori, Daraganj, Allahabad,
Mr.Annamalai- 05322501275
Mobile- 09305562457
Sri Kumaraswamy Matt,
B/13/156, Sonarpura, Kedar Ghat,
Varanasi-221001,
Ph:0542-2454064,
Agent: V.P.Shanmuga Sundaram.
It is helpfull to follow my suggestions.
1.Get confirmed train tickets for all your journeys well in advance.
2.Phone to Madam or Satram and inform your requirement of rooms.
3.Take your kattusathams,Chappathis for train journey and ooruhai ,milahai podi, thengai thuvaiyal etc for journeys( onward and return )
4.Bring Panner ( 500 ml) and Vipoothi ( 500gm) ( Palani Siddhanathan sons) for abisheham at Viswanathar temple from your native place itself as they are not available and costly in Varanasi..You can do abisheham by yourself and then collect vipoothi as prasatham .
Things to be carried for the tour are as follows
1.Paste, brush, oil, soap, comb, shaving kit
2.Water mug, plate, tumbler, spoon, water bottle
3.Small umbrella, torch light, spare battery,
4.Plastic bags, cloth bags, plastic rope,
5.Camera,battery for camera
6.Specks and speck's box
7.Cell phone and cell phone charger
8.Regular Medicines and emergency medicines
9.Train tickets, ID Card, ATM cards
10.Sand collected from Rameswaram
11.Chain & lock for suitcase and lock for bags
12.Books,brouchers,maps,address book
13.Idly powder, ready mix powders, pickles
14. Dresses, towels, Hair clips
Monday, October 27, 2008
Thursday, October 16, 2008
காசி யாத்திரை
காசி யாத்திரை:
நாங்கள் சென்ற மாதம் காசி யாத்திரை சென்று வந்தோம்.அப்போது கயா ,அலஹபத் மற்றும் காசி சென்று வந்தோம்.முன்னதாகவே ரயில் டிக்கெட்டும் தங்க இட வசதிக்கும் ஏற்பாடு செய்துக்கொண்டு பயணம் புறப்பட்டோம்.
காசியில் 2 நாட்கள் தங்கி கங்கையில் புனித் நீராடி விஸ்வநாததர்,விசாலக்ஷி, அன்னாபூரணி,அனுமன் முதலிய சாமி வணங்கி வந்தோம.கயாவிலும அலஹபாதிலும் நாட்டுக்கோட்டை சத்திரத்தில் தங்கினோம்.காசியில் குமரகுருபரர் மடத்தில் தங்கினோம்.கயாவிலும அலஹபாதிலும நாட்டுக்கோட்டை சத்திரத்தில் நல்ல தமிழ் நாட்டு சாப்பாடு கிடைத்தது . கோவிலுக்கும் சங்கமத்திற்கு செல்வதற்கும தம்பதி பூஜை செய்வதகும் வண்டி வசதியும் போட் வசதியும் செய்து கொடுத்தார்கள்.
காசியில் குமரகுருபரர் மடம கேதார்நாத் படித்துரைக்கு அருகில் உள்ளது. படித்துரைக்கு போகும் பாதையில் கேதாரீஸ்வர கோவில் உள்ளது்.
மடத்துக்கு எதிரில் உள்ள உணவகத்தில் நமது உணவு கிடைக்கிறது. பக்கத்தில் உள்ள ஹனுமான் கட்டிற்கு சென்று ரிகஷா பிடித்து விஸ்வநாததர், விசாலக்ஷி, அன்னாபூரணி கோவிலுக்கு சென்று கடவுளை வணங்கி வணங்கி வந்தோம் . விசவநாதர் கோவிலில் போலீஸ் கெடுபிடி அதிகம் உள்ளது.மற்றபடி கோவில் செல்ல எந்த சிரமமும் இல்லை.
படகில் கங்கையில் சென்று அனைத்து படிதுறைகளை யும் ஆற்றின் கரைகளில உள்ள கோவில்களையும் பார்த்து வந்தோம். படகுகாரர்களும் பயமில்லாமல் நம்மை எல்லா இடங்களையும் காண்பிக்கிறார்கள். கடைசி நாள் கால பயிரவர் கோவிலுக்கு சென்ற காசி கயிறு வாங்கி வந்தோம்.ஒரு நாள் புது விஸ்வநாதர்
( பிர்லா மந்திர்) கோவிலுக்கு வந்தோம்.துர்கா கோவில, மனாஸ் கோவில, ஹனுமான் கோயில, பிந்து மாதவர் கோயில் சென்று கடவுளை வணங்கி வணங்கி வந்தோம் .
எல்லா ஊரிலும் அனைத்து வயதினரும் தமிழ் நாட்டு மக்களை பார்த்தோம். எல்லா ஊரிலும் கடைக்காரர்கள் தமிழ் பேசுகிறார்கள் . தமிழ் நாட்டு உணவும் கிடைக்கிறது. எனவே எந்த சிரமமும் இல்லாமல் சென்று வந்தோம.காசி பயணத்தின் பொழுது புத்த கயா மற்றும் சாரநாத் சென்று வரலாம்.
நாங்கள் சென்ற மாதம் காசி யாத்திரை சென்று வந்தோம்.அப்போது கயா ,அலஹபத் மற்றும் காசி சென்று வந்தோம்.முன்னதாகவே ரயில் டிக்கெட்டும் தங்க இட வசதிக்கும் ஏற்பாடு செய்துக்கொண்டு பயணம் புறப்பட்டோம்.
காசியில் 2 நாட்கள் தங்கி கங்கையில் புனித் நீராடி விஸ்வநாததர்,விசாலக்ஷி, அன்னாபூரணி,அனுமன் முதலிய சாமி வணங்கி வந்தோம.கயாவிலும அலஹபாதிலும் நாட்டுக்கோட்டை சத்திரத்தில் தங்கினோம்.காசியில் குமரகுருபரர் மடத்தில் தங்கினோம்.கயாவிலும அலஹபாதிலும நாட்டுக்கோட்டை சத்திரத்தில் நல்ல தமிழ் நாட்டு சாப்பாடு கிடைத்தது . கோவிலுக்கும் சங்கமத்திற்கு செல்வதற்கும தம்பதி பூஜை செய்வதகும் வண்டி வசதியும் போட் வசதியும் செய்து கொடுத்தார்கள்.
காசியில் குமரகுருபரர் மடம கேதார்நாத் படித்துரைக்கு அருகில் உள்ளது. படித்துரைக்கு போகும் பாதையில் கேதாரீஸ்வர கோவில் உள்ளது்.
மடத்துக்கு எதிரில் உள்ள உணவகத்தில் நமது உணவு கிடைக்கிறது. பக்கத்தில் உள்ள ஹனுமான் கட்டிற்கு சென்று ரிகஷா பிடித்து விஸ்வநாததர், விசாலக்ஷி, அன்னாபூரணி கோவிலுக்கு சென்று கடவுளை வணங்கி வணங்கி வந்தோம் . விசவநாதர் கோவிலில் போலீஸ் கெடுபிடி அதிகம் உள்ளது.மற்றபடி கோவில் செல்ல எந்த சிரமமும் இல்லை.
படகில் கங்கையில் சென்று அனைத்து படிதுறைகளை யும் ஆற்றின் கரைகளில உள்ள கோவில்களையும் பார்த்து வந்தோம். படகுகாரர்களும் பயமில்லாமல் நம்மை எல்லா இடங்களையும் காண்பிக்கிறார்கள். கடைசி நாள் கால பயிரவர் கோவிலுக்கு சென்ற காசி கயிறு வாங்கி வந்தோம்.ஒரு நாள் புது விஸ்வநாதர்
( பிர்லா மந்திர்) கோவிலுக்கு வந்தோம்.துர்கா கோவில, மனாஸ் கோவில, ஹனுமான் கோயில, பிந்து மாதவர் கோயில் சென்று கடவுளை வணங்கி வணங்கி வந்தோம் .
எல்லா ஊரிலும் அனைத்து வயதினரும் தமிழ் நாட்டு மக்களை பார்த்தோம். எல்லா ஊரிலும் கடைக்காரர்கள் தமிழ் பேசுகிறார்கள் . தமிழ் நாட்டு உணவும் கிடைக்கிறது. எனவே எந்த சிரமமும் இல்லாமல் சென்று வந்தோம.காசி பயணத்தின் பொழுது புத்த கயா மற்றும் சாரநாத் சென்று வரலாம்.
Tuesday, October 14, 2008
Varanasi Tour (Bhubaneswar,Gaya,Bodh Gaya,Allhabad,Varanasi & Sarnath)
Introduction:
During the third week of August 2008 we have planned to perform Kasi tour covering Varanasi, Gaya and Allahabad. We have planned to have our stay in Gaya during Mahalaya Ammavasi day i.e. 28.09.2008. The tour team was headed by Kandasami Sivachariyar who has visited Kasi several times. He has visited Amaranth, Chartham and Kailash. Totally 17 members were decided to participate in the Varanasi tour. We planned to start our tour from Chennai and visit half day visit in Bhubaneswar, one day visit in Gaya, half day visit in Allahabad and 2 days stay in Varanasi. The tour period was fixed as 26.09.2008 to 03.10.2008.
Boat journey to Sangam in Allahabad
Arrangement:
We have reserved train tickets well in advance ( 60 days prior to the journey).We have booked tickets in AC Coaches only for a comfortable journey and for the safety. We have collected addresses of Satrams located in Gaya, Allahabad and Varanasi. We have contacted the managers of Satram by phone and arranged for our accommodation, food and local transport at the above places. They have assured that they will provide good accommodation and arrange food and local transport for us. Letter from Thirupanthal Kasi madam was also obtained for our stay in Varanasi as we felt that Kasi Madam at Varanasi is convenient and near the Ganga Ghat than Satram. We have collected Viboothi and Panner to bring to Varanasi and perform Abhishekam to Vasiwanathar at Kasi. We have prepared a detailed booklet giving information about all the tour members, their berth numbers in all the trains, train timing, schedule for each day, address of Satram, Madams etc.
Day-1: 26.09.2008 ( Friday )
The tour members have assembled in the waiting hall of Chennai Central Railway Station at 7.00 am. After our last minute purchase of water bottles and fruits in the station we have waited for the announcement of the platform number for our train. We have distributed the tour booklets to all the members. At about 7.45 am it was announced that the Coramondal Express arrived the Platform Number 11. We went to the platform 11 and located our coaches and put our luggage in the train.
Chennai Central Station Hotel in Varanasi (near Madam)
We occupied our seats and placed the suitcases and bags under the seats and put the chain and locked with the ring provided in the train. The train started at 08.45 hrs and crossed various bridges across big rivers. It crossed Pennar, Krishna and Godavari rivers. The train passes through AP and Orissa States. Some of the places crossed are Ongole, Vijayawada, Rajamundry, Visakhapatnam, Brahmpur, Khurda Road etc. We spent full day and night at train. The train journey was very pleasant. The train reached Bhubaneswar next day morning at 5am.
Day-2: 27.09.2008 ( Saturday)
The train arrived Bhubaneswar at 5am. Bhubaneswar is the capital of the Orissa state. We got down from the train with all our luggage. We take minimum things in a separate bag and put all other luggage in the cloak room. We went to Upper class waiting room in the first floor. There is one Gents room and one ladies room. They are comfortable large air conditioned rooms provided with tables and chairs and have mobile charger points and clean bathrooms.
We took rest in the rooms for about two hours. After taking rest we took our break fast in a South Indian hotel near the entrance of the railway station. We have arranged two vans for the local trip. At 8am we started for the local visit.
We first went to Dhauli and saw Ashoka Rock Edict. It stands as a testimony of the famous Kalinga war fought here by the river Daya back in 261 BC that changed Emperor Ashoka to an apostle of peace. It is at a distance of 8km from Bhubaneswar on the Puri road.
Lingaraja temple in Bhubaneswar & Mukteswar temple
Then we went to the Lingaraj Temple. It is a magnificent monument dedicated to Lord Shiva. Then we went to Mukteswar temple. This 10th century monument is near the Lingaraja temple. It is famous for the stone arch and sculptures depicting stories from Panchatantra and is considered the Gem of Orissa Temple Architecture.
Mukteswar temple in Bhubaneswar
In the evening we visited the local market. All the shops were beautifully illuminated for the Durga Pooja. We returned to station and boarded the train to Gaya. The train reached Gaya next day.
Day-3: 28.09.2008 ( Sunday)
The train arrived Gaya on 28th noon. After putting our luggage at station cloak room, we went to Satram with minimum luggage. We put the luggage in one room and proceed to Palguni river. Some of the members performed ritual in the river, Akshya Vata and at Vishnu Badar Temple. As today is Mahalaya Ammavasi day, there was a heavy rush in all the places. Then we had South Indian meals in the Satram.
We visited Vishnu temple on the banks of river Falgu which was built by Queen Ahilya Bai.. The temple has some great architecture and design which attracts devotees and tourists alike. A 30-meter high octagonal tower overshadows this temple.
At 4pm we proceeded to Bodh Gaya by Car. It is at a distance of about 15 km.
Bodh Gaya is one of the most important and sacred Buddhist pilgrimage center in the world. It was here under a banyan tree, the Bodhi Tree, Gautama attained supreme knowledge to become Buddha, the Enlightened One.
Budhist temples in Bodh Gaya
It is the monasteries, Ashoka built for the Buddhist monks and the pillars known as Ashokan Pillars erected to commemorate innumerable historical sites associated with the Buddha's life, mostly intact to this day, that helped scholars and pilgrims alike to trace the life events and preaching of a truly extraordinary man.
There is a magnificent Mahabodhi temple and the Tree from the original sapling still stands in the temple premises. The temple is an architectural amalgamation of many centuries, cultures and heritages.
The present Bodhi Tree is probably the fifth succession of the original tree under which the Buddha had attained enlightenment. Vajrasana, the seat of stability, is a stone platform on which the Buddha is supposed to have sat in meditation gazing east, under the Bodhi tree.
The Mahabodhi Temple stands in the east to the Bodhi Tree. Its architectural effect is superb. Its basement is 48 square feet and it rises in the form of a slender Pyramid till it reaches its neck, which is cylindrical in shape. The total height of the temple is 170 ft. and on the top of the temple are Chatras which symbolize sovereignty of religion.
Inside the temple, in the main sanctum, there is a colossal image of the Buddha in sitting posture touching the earth by his right hand. In this posture the Buddha accomplished the supreme enlightenment.
Huge Budha Statue in Bodh Gaya ( 80 ft)
There is a huge 80 ft Statue of the Buddha, Lotus Tank, Buddha Kund, Rajayatana, Brahm Yoni, Chinese Temple & Monastery, Burmese Temple, Buddhist Monastery of Bhutan, International Buddhist House & Japanese Temple, Thai Temple & Monastery, Tibetan Monastery, Archaeological Museum. After seeing all the above we returned to the Satram.
Budhist temples in Bodh Gaya
Day-4 : 29/09/2008 Allahabad.
The train arrived Allahabad at 4.45 am. Three numbers of Autos arranged by the Satram waited for us. We proceeded to Satram with all our luggage. On arrival coffee was provided to all of us. One room was provided to put our luggage. The Satram manager arranged for our visit to Sangam.We have started from the Satram at 7.30 am by two autos. The auto dropped us at Yamuna river bed .There are lot of boats waiting for the people to go to Sangam.e have boarded a boat arranged by Satram to go to Sangam.
Allahabad Yamuna river and Sangam( Akbar fort in background)
We have seen lot of people from all over India are taking bath in the river bed. There is a huge Akbar Fort in the Yamuna river bed.We went to Sangam by boat.There are about six boat stopped neat a stationary boat in which a banda arranged by the Satram is waiting to perform rituals.
Allahabad Yamuna river-people are taking bath.
All the six boats were tied by a rope and a make shift bath room is arranged in the center.We took bath and performed Thambathi Pooja.After pooja we take theertham in Ganga on the way to shore.
Then we visited a Hanuman temple in the Yamuna river bed.There is a Sankara Vimana Mandapam near the Sangam.It is a three story building.We visited the Mandapam. The view of Yamuna,Ganga and Sangam is clearly seen from the Manadapam. The other places to visit in Allahabad are Alopi Temple,Nagavasuki Temple,Veni Madhava Temple,Bharathwaj Ashram,Anad Bhavan and Nehru Planetorium.
Performing Thambathi pooja in Sangam & Hanuman temple.
After we visited all the places we returned to Satram.We took nice food arranged in the Stram.The Pongal vadai and Iddly are really very good in the Satram.We have proceed to Railway station at 12 pm to catch the Varanasi Train.
Arrived Varanasi:
The train arrived Varanasi Station at 16.45 hrs. We telephoned to Madam and informed our arrival to Varanasi and confirmed for our accommodation in the Madam. We proceeded to Madam and occupied our rooms. We got four rooms for team of 17 members. The rooms are well furnished with attached bath room. The Madam is located very near to Kedar Ghat and Kedareeswar Temple. There is a power cut for 16 hrs per day. As there is a generator available in the Madam we have no problem in the stay. There is a good vegetarian hotel opposite to the Madam. Tamil Nadu food is available there.
After taking some rest we went to Kedar Ghat and took bath in Ganges and worshipped Kedareeswarer. We took nice Tiffin in the hotel and went to bed. We recollect the journey and places visited starting from Chennai. Then we had nice sleep.
Day-5:30.09.2008 ( Tuesday)
We woke up at 6am and went to Kedar Ghat. There are lot of people taking bath in the river. We took sangalpam in the river and thanked God for giving this opportunity to visit Kasi, Allahabad, Gaya and have a holi dip in the Ganges. It is one of the important wishes in every Hindu’s mind to visit Kasi and bath in Ganges during his life time. We brought Ganaga water from the river and did abhishekam to Kedareeswarar. We have seen Harichandra Ghat near our Kedar Ghat. It is one of the important Ghat in Kasi.
Boat journey in Varanasi & Sarnath Budhist temple
Then we returned to our room and had our break fast in the hotel opposite our Madam. The pongal, vada and Idly are very good. We had tea in the nearby tea stall which is also very good. Lot of shops is there in the road to Kedar Ghat for any purchase.
Then at 10 am we proceeded to Ghat and arranged a motor boat and visited the entire length of the Gaga river. The numerous Ghats of Varanasi on the banks of river Ganges come alive with the dawn as the river water assumes different hue of red, orange, gold and yellow at the different times of the day and thousands of devotees take the ceremonial dip in them, offering prayers to the sun and the river while standing waist-deep in the water.
Our tour team of 17 members in front of Ganga river in Varanasi
There are over all 84 bathing ghats in the city, the most notable being the Dashashwamedha Ghat and the Manikarnika Ghat, where it is said that there is continuous burning of dead bodies at all times.The most important Ghat are we have seen are Asi Ghat, Dasaswameda Ghat,Manikarnika Ghat, Panchganga Ghat, and Varuna Ghat.
Performing pooja to sand collected from Rameswaram
The boat stopped at a Ghat near Bindhu Madav temple. We climbed up steep steps and visited Bindhumadavar. We recollect our visit to the Sethu Madavar at Rameswaram and Veni Madavar at Allahabad.
We then stopped at a Ghat near the Viswanathar Temple. We proceeded in the narrow lanes and reached Kasi Viswanathar temple. The temple is located in the middle of a lane filled with lot of shops. The entrance and tower are not clearly seen from out side. The road is very slippery due to the drizzling in the night. We put all our bags in a cup board and locked and got the key. There is a heavy security arrangements in the temple. All the people are thoroughly checked before allowing to the temple.
Ganga Ghats in Varanasi
Kashi Vishwanath Temple or the Golden Temple is one of the twelve temples around the world that enshrine the famous 'Jyotirlinga' that symbolizes Lord Shiva and is known as Vishweshwara or Vishwanatha (meaning the God and Master of the World respectively). The present temple is said to be built by the Late Maharani Ahilya Bai Holkar of Indore in 1780.
Boat journey in Ganga in Varansi
The boat man was waiting at the exit of the temple and after collecting our bags we returned to the boat. During the boat ride we have performed pooja to the sand collected from Rameswaram Agni Theertham and dissolved in the Ganges. Then after seeing all the activities in the river front we returned to the Madam. We took meals in the hotel opposite to the Madam. It was OK.
In the evening visited Sarnath which is at a distance of 10 km from Varanasi. Buddha delivered his first sermon in Sarnath after attaining Nirvana. We have visited Mulagandha Kuti Vihar which is a monastery built in the 1930s by the Sri Lankan Mahabodhi Society, with beautiful wall paintings. We have seen Dhamek Stupa which is an impressive Stupa of 128 feet high and 93 feet in diameter. The Chaukhandi Stupa commemorates the spot where the Buddha met his first disciples, dating back to the fifth century or earlier and later enhanced by the addition of an octagonal tower of Islamic origin
Sarnath Budhist temples
The Sarnath Archeological Museum houses the famous Ashokan lion capital, which miraculously survived its 45 foot drop to the ground (from the top of the Ashokan Pillar), and became the National Emblem of India and national symbol on the Indian flag. The museum also houses a famous and refined Buddha-image of the Buddha in Dharmachakra-posture. There is also a Bodhi tree planted by Anagarika Dharmapala which was grown from a cutting of the Bodhi tree at Bodh Gaya.
Then we went to Kasi Raja’s Palace and visited the museum which house good collection dresses and armories. There a temple dedicated to Vyasar called Vyasakasi in side the Palace. The Varanasi and the Ghats can be viewed from the terrace of the palace.
Sun set in Ganges in Varanasi
Banaras Hindu University was founded Pandit Madan Mohan Malviya It sprawls across 1300 acres and has good roads and lots of greenery in its campus. The university is a small city in itself and has its own temple, airstrip, Bharat Kala Museum, hospital, large playgrounds, a massive auditorium, a flying club and many other facilities. New Viswanathar Mandir is located in BHU. It is a modern and beautiful temple built by Birla.
Varanasi Ghat. Allahabad opposite to Hanuman temple
Then we have visited Durga Mandhir, Tulsi Manas Temple,Hanuman Temple and Cholimadha temple. Tulsi Manas temple is one of the most famous temples of Varanasi. It is located near the Durga temple. It was built in white marble in the year 1964. The temple has been made more charming by the magnificent landscaping around it. The Tulsi Manas temple is dedicated to lord Ram. The walls of the Tulsi Manas temple are engraved with verses and scenes from the Ramcharitammanasa.
Kalabhairavar temple in Varanasi & boys selling Kasikkaiyiru
Durga Temple is one of the busiest temple of Varanasi. It is dedicated to Goddess Durga. The large rectangular tank called Durga Kund nearby has an idol of Goddess Durga seated on it and is believed to be the abode of Durga Devi, as stated in Puranas. It is said that she has lived here for centuries as the guardian deity of the city in the form of one of the warrior goddesses known as Chandikas.
Boat ride in Varanasi & Prayag Ghat
Bharat MataTemple is the unique temple is dedicated to 'Mother India' and is much more contemporary. The nationalists Babu Shiv Prasad Gupta and Sri Durga Prasad Khatri built it. The temple has one of the perfect relief maps of India, which has accurate scaling and is made in marble. Mahatma Gandhi inaugurated the temple.
After taking rest in the room we went to Kedar Ghat and took bath. We saw the Aarathi performed in the nearby Ghat. There were about ten Bandas performing Aarathi to Ganges in the river front. We have seen lot of families came from Tamil Nadu. After enjoying all the activities in the river front we returned to the Madam.
In the night we took Masala Dosai and Idly in the hotel which are good. We have purchased Photos and other items from the small vendors near the entrance of the Madam.
Day-6: 01/10/2008 ( Wednesday)
Today is the last day in Varanasi.Hence we woke up at 3am and visited the Varahi temple in the early morning. The temple will be opened upto 5.30 am in the morning.Then we visited Viswanathar Temple, Visalakshi Temple and Annapoorani Temple.Then we returned to our room in the Madam. After taking some rest went to Kedar Ghat and took bath and Dharshan of Kedareeswar.
Annapurna Temple is a the temple complex with a small sanctum that enshrines the idol of Goddess Annapoorna (Goddess of Food). It was inaugurated in January 1977 and the famous Shankaracharya of Shringeri consecrated the idol. It is said that the devotes of the Goddess never suffer from starvation.
Kalabhairavar & Sarnath temple.
After taking tiffin in the near by hotel we went to Kala Bhairavar temple. We have purchased
the Kasikkayiru and some photos in the shops located inside the temple. Then we went to Viswanathar temple with abhishek materials. We have brought Palani Siddanathan vilas Vippothi and Panner from Neyveli for this purpose. We have performed Abhishekam to Viswanathar and collected the Vipoothi from the temple.
Then we purchased Video CDs of various temples and Kasi sombu with Ganga Theertham , photos of Kasi Viswanathar and Annapoorani. Lot of shops selling Pooja items are there in the market on the way to the temple. After made our purchase we returned to the Madam by 2.00 pm.
We got nice meals in the hotel. We have ordered for Chappati and variety rice for our train journey to Chennai from this hotel. We collected the parcel at 4.30 pm before leaving the room.We vacated the room at 5.10 pm and proceeded to Varanasi Railway Station by Car.
Arrived Chennai Station. Kedar Ghat in Varanasi
We reached Station at 6pm and after last minute purchase we boarded the train Gangakaveri Express at 8pm.The train journey is very nice for two nights and one day.
Day-7 : 02/10/2008 (Thursday) & Day-8: 03/10/2008 ( Friday)
We enjoyed the full day travelling in the train on Thursday. We wake up early in the morning on Friday.The train stopped 5 mts at Ongole at 6.15 am.Wemay reach only Gudur by 9 am.The train is behind schedule by about two hours . We enjoyed the full day in the train. The train arrived Chennai Central Railway Station at 11.55 am on Friday. We have successfully completed the Varanasi Tour. We get down from the train and proceed to Neyveli by the waiting car arranged for our Neyveli trip.
During the third week of August 2008 we have planned to perform Kasi tour covering Varanasi, Gaya and Allahabad. We have planned to have our stay in Gaya during Mahalaya Ammavasi day i.e. 28.09.2008. The tour team was headed by Kandasami Sivachariyar who has visited Kasi several times. He has visited Amaranth, Chartham and Kailash. Totally 17 members were decided to participate in the Varanasi tour. We planned to start our tour from Chennai and visit half day visit in Bhubaneswar, one day visit in Gaya, half day visit in Allahabad and 2 days stay in Varanasi. The tour period was fixed as 26.09.2008 to 03.10.2008.
Boat journey to Sangam in Allahabad
Arrangement:
We have reserved train tickets well in advance ( 60 days prior to the journey).We have booked tickets in AC Coaches only for a comfortable journey and for the safety. We have collected addresses of Satrams located in Gaya, Allahabad and Varanasi. We have contacted the managers of Satram by phone and arranged for our accommodation, food and local transport at the above places. They have assured that they will provide good accommodation and arrange food and local transport for us. Letter from Thirupanthal Kasi madam was also obtained for our stay in Varanasi as we felt that Kasi Madam at Varanasi is convenient and near the Ganga Ghat than Satram. We have collected Viboothi and Panner to bring to Varanasi and perform Abhishekam to Vasiwanathar at Kasi. We have prepared a detailed booklet giving information about all the tour members, their berth numbers in all the trains, train timing, schedule for each day, address of Satram, Madams etc.
Day-1: 26.09.2008 ( Friday )
The tour members have assembled in the waiting hall of Chennai Central Railway Station at 7.00 am. After our last minute purchase of water bottles and fruits in the station we have waited for the announcement of the platform number for our train. We have distributed the tour booklets to all the members. At about 7.45 am it was announced that the Coramondal Express arrived the Platform Number 11. We went to the platform 11 and located our coaches and put our luggage in the train.
Chennai Central Station Hotel in Varanasi (near Madam)
We occupied our seats and placed the suitcases and bags under the seats and put the chain and locked with the ring provided in the train. The train started at 08.45 hrs and crossed various bridges across big rivers. It crossed Pennar, Krishna and Godavari rivers. The train passes through AP and Orissa States. Some of the places crossed are Ongole, Vijayawada, Rajamundry, Visakhapatnam, Brahmpur, Khurda Road etc. We spent full day and night at train. The train journey was very pleasant. The train reached Bhubaneswar next day morning at 5am.
Day-2: 27.09.2008 ( Saturday)
The train arrived Bhubaneswar at 5am. Bhubaneswar is the capital of the Orissa state. We got down from the train with all our luggage. We take minimum things in a separate bag and put all other luggage in the cloak room. We went to Upper class waiting room in the first floor. There is one Gents room and one ladies room. They are comfortable large air conditioned rooms provided with tables and chairs and have mobile charger points and clean bathrooms.
We took rest in the rooms for about two hours. After taking rest we took our break fast in a South Indian hotel near the entrance of the railway station. We have arranged two vans for the local trip. At 8am we started for the local visit.
We first went to Dhauli and saw Ashoka Rock Edict. It stands as a testimony of the famous Kalinga war fought here by the river Daya back in 261 BC that changed Emperor Ashoka to an apostle of peace. It is at a distance of 8km from Bhubaneswar on the Puri road.
Lingaraja temple in Bhubaneswar & Mukteswar temple
Then we went to the Lingaraj Temple. It is a magnificent monument dedicated to Lord Shiva. Then we went to Mukteswar temple. This 10th century monument is near the Lingaraja temple. It is famous for the stone arch and sculptures depicting stories from Panchatantra and is considered the Gem of Orissa Temple Architecture.
Mukteswar temple in Bhubaneswar
In the evening we visited the local market. All the shops were beautifully illuminated for the Durga Pooja. We returned to station and boarded the train to Gaya. The train reached Gaya next day.
Day-3: 28.09.2008 ( Sunday)
The train arrived Gaya on 28th noon. After putting our luggage at station cloak room, we went to Satram with minimum luggage. We put the luggage in one room and proceed to Palguni river. Some of the members performed ritual in the river, Akshya Vata and at Vishnu Badar Temple. As today is Mahalaya Ammavasi day, there was a heavy rush in all the places. Then we had South Indian meals in the Satram.
We visited Vishnu temple on the banks of river Falgu which was built by Queen Ahilya Bai.. The temple has some great architecture and design which attracts devotees and tourists alike. A 30-meter high octagonal tower overshadows this temple.
At 4pm we proceeded to Bodh Gaya by Car. It is at a distance of about 15 km.
Bodh Gaya is one of the most important and sacred Buddhist pilgrimage center in the world. It was here under a banyan tree, the Bodhi Tree, Gautama attained supreme knowledge to become Buddha, the Enlightened One.
Budhist temples in Bodh Gaya
It is the monasteries, Ashoka built for the Buddhist monks and the pillars known as Ashokan Pillars erected to commemorate innumerable historical sites associated with the Buddha's life, mostly intact to this day, that helped scholars and pilgrims alike to trace the life events and preaching of a truly extraordinary man.
There is a magnificent Mahabodhi temple and the Tree from the original sapling still stands in the temple premises. The temple is an architectural amalgamation of many centuries, cultures and heritages.
The present Bodhi Tree is probably the fifth succession of the original tree under which the Buddha had attained enlightenment. Vajrasana, the seat of stability, is a stone platform on which the Buddha is supposed to have sat in meditation gazing east, under the Bodhi tree.
The Mahabodhi Temple stands in the east to the Bodhi Tree. Its architectural effect is superb. Its basement is 48 square feet and it rises in the form of a slender Pyramid till it reaches its neck, which is cylindrical in shape. The total height of the temple is 170 ft. and on the top of the temple are Chatras which symbolize sovereignty of religion.
Inside the temple, in the main sanctum, there is a colossal image of the Buddha in sitting posture touching the earth by his right hand. In this posture the Buddha accomplished the supreme enlightenment.
Huge Budha Statue in Bodh Gaya ( 80 ft)
There is a huge 80 ft Statue of the Buddha, Lotus Tank, Buddha Kund, Rajayatana, Brahm Yoni, Chinese Temple & Monastery, Burmese Temple, Buddhist Monastery of Bhutan, International Buddhist House & Japanese Temple, Thai Temple & Monastery, Tibetan Monastery, Archaeological Museum. After seeing all the above we returned to the Satram.
Budhist temples in Bodh Gaya
Day-4 : 29/09/2008 Allahabad.
The train arrived Allahabad at 4.45 am. Three numbers of Autos arranged by the Satram waited for us. We proceeded to Satram with all our luggage. On arrival coffee was provided to all of us. One room was provided to put our luggage. The Satram manager arranged for our visit to Sangam.We have started from the Satram at 7.30 am by two autos. The auto dropped us at Yamuna river bed .There are lot of boats waiting for the people to go to Sangam.e have boarded a boat arranged by Satram to go to Sangam.
Allahabad Yamuna river and Sangam( Akbar fort in background)
We have seen lot of people from all over India are taking bath in the river bed. There is a huge Akbar Fort in the Yamuna river bed.We went to Sangam by boat.There are about six boat stopped neat a stationary boat in which a banda arranged by the Satram is waiting to perform rituals.
Allahabad Yamuna river-people are taking bath.
All the six boats were tied by a rope and a make shift bath room is arranged in the center.We took bath and performed Thambathi Pooja.After pooja we take theertham in Ganga on the way to shore.
Then we visited a Hanuman temple in the Yamuna river bed.There is a Sankara Vimana Mandapam near the Sangam.It is a three story building.We visited the Mandapam. The view of Yamuna,Ganga and Sangam is clearly seen from the Manadapam. The other places to visit in Allahabad are Alopi Temple,Nagavasuki Temple,Veni Madhava Temple,Bharathwaj Ashram,Anad Bhavan and Nehru Planetorium.
Performing Thambathi pooja in Sangam & Hanuman temple.
After we visited all the places we returned to Satram.We took nice food arranged in the Stram.The Pongal vadai and Iddly are really very good in the Satram.We have proceed to Railway station at 12 pm to catch the Varanasi Train.
Arrived Varanasi:
The train arrived Varanasi Station at 16.45 hrs. We telephoned to Madam and informed our arrival to Varanasi and confirmed for our accommodation in the Madam. We proceeded to Madam and occupied our rooms. We got four rooms for team of 17 members. The rooms are well furnished with attached bath room. The Madam is located very near to Kedar Ghat and Kedareeswar Temple. There is a power cut for 16 hrs per day. As there is a generator available in the Madam we have no problem in the stay. There is a good vegetarian hotel opposite to the Madam. Tamil Nadu food is available there.
After taking some rest we went to Kedar Ghat and took bath in Ganges and worshipped Kedareeswarer. We took nice Tiffin in the hotel and went to bed. We recollect the journey and places visited starting from Chennai. Then we had nice sleep.
Day-5:30.09.2008 ( Tuesday)
We woke up at 6am and went to Kedar Ghat. There are lot of people taking bath in the river. We took sangalpam in the river and thanked God for giving this opportunity to visit Kasi, Allahabad, Gaya and have a holi dip in the Ganges. It is one of the important wishes in every Hindu’s mind to visit Kasi and bath in Ganges during his life time. We brought Ganaga water from the river and did abhishekam to Kedareeswarar. We have seen Harichandra Ghat near our Kedar Ghat. It is one of the important Ghat in Kasi.
Boat journey in Varanasi & Sarnath Budhist temple
Then we returned to our room and had our break fast in the hotel opposite our Madam. The pongal, vada and Idly are very good. We had tea in the nearby tea stall which is also very good. Lot of shops is there in the road to Kedar Ghat for any purchase.
Then at 10 am we proceeded to Ghat and arranged a motor boat and visited the entire length of the Gaga river. The numerous Ghats of Varanasi on the banks of river Ganges come alive with the dawn as the river water assumes different hue of red, orange, gold and yellow at the different times of the day and thousands of devotees take the ceremonial dip in them, offering prayers to the sun and the river while standing waist-deep in the water.
Our tour team of 17 members in front of Ganga river in Varanasi
There are over all 84 bathing ghats in the city, the most notable being the Dashashwamedha Ghat and the Manikarnika Ghat, where it is said that there is continuous burning of dead bodies at all times.The most important Ghat are we have seen are Asi Ghat, Dasaswameda Ghat,Manikarnika Ghat, Panchganga Ghat, and Varuna Ghat.
Performing pooja to sand collected from Rameswaram
The boat stopped at a Ghat near Bindhu Madav temple. We climbed up steep steps and visited Bindhumadavar. We recollect our visit to the Sethu Madavar at Rameswaram and Veni Madavar at Allahabad.
We then stopped at a Ghat near the Viswanathar Temple. We proceeded in the narrow lanes and reached Kasi Viswanathar temple. The temple is located in the middle of a lane filled with lot of shops. The entrance and tower are not clearly seen from out side. The road is very slippery due to the drizzling in the night. We put all our bags in a cup board and locked and got the key. There is a heavy security arrangements in the temple. All the people are thoroughly checked before allowing to the temple.
Ganga Ghats in Varanasi
Kashi Vishwanath Temple or the Golden Temple is one of the twelve temples around the world that enshrine the famous 'Jyotirlinga' that symbolizes Lord Shiva and is known as Vishweshwara or Vishwanatha (meaning the God and Master of the World respectively). The present temple is said to be built by the Late Maharani Ahilya Bai Holkar of Indore in 1780.
Boat journey in Ganga in Varansi
The boat man was waiting at the exit of the temple and after collecting our bags we returned to the boat. During the boat ride we have performed pooja to the sand collected from Rameswaram Agni Theertham and dissolved in the Ganges. Then after seeing all the activities in the river front we returned to the Madam. We took meals in the hotel opposite to the Madam. It was OK.
In the evening visited Sarnath which is at a distance of 10 km from Varanasi. Buddha delivered his first sermon in Sarnath after attaining Nirvana. We have visited Mulagandha Kuti Vihar which is a monastery built in the 1930s by the Sri Lankan Mahabodhi Society, with beautiful wall paintings. We have seen Dhamek Stupa which is an impressive Stupa of 128 feet high and 93 feet in diameter. The Chaukhandi Stupa commemorates the spot where the Buddha met his first disciples, dating back to the fifth century or earlier and later enhanced by the addition of an octagonal tower of Islamic origin
Sarnath Budhist temples
The Sarnath Archeological Museum houses the famous Ashokan lion capital, which miraculously survived its 45 foot drop to the ground (from the top of the Ashokan Pillar), and became the National Emblem of India and national symbol on the Indian flag. The museum also houses a famous and refined Buddha-image of the Buddha in Dharmachakra-posture. There is also a Bodhi tree planted by Anagarika Dharmapala which was grown from a cutting of the Bodhi tree at Bodh Gaya.
Then we went to Kasi Raja’s Palace and visited the museum which house good collection dresses and armories. There a temple dedicated to Vyasar called Vyasakasi in side the Palace. The Varanasi and the Ghats can be viewed from the terrace of the palace.
Sun set in Ganges in Varanasi
Banaras Hindu University was founded Pandit Madan Mohan Malviya It sprawls across 1300 acres and has good roads and lots of greenery in its campus. The university is a small city in itself and has its own temple, airstrip, Bharat Kala Museum, hospital, large playgrounds, a massive auditorium, a flying club and many other facilities. New Viswanathar Mandir is located in BHU. It is a modern and beautiful temple built by Birla.
Varanasi Ghat. Allahabad opposite to Hanuman temple
Then we have visited Durga Mandhir, Tulsi Manas Temple,Hanuman Temple and Cholimadha temple. Tulsi Manas temple is one of the most famous temples of Varanasi. It is located near the Durga temple. It was built in white marble in the year 1964. The temple has been made more charming by the magnificent landscaping around it. The Tulsi Manas temple is dedicated to lord Ram. The walls of the Tulsi Manas temple are engraved with verses and scenes from the Ramcharitammanasa.
Kalabhairavar temple in Varanasi & boys selling Kasikkaiyiru
Durga Temple is one of the busiest temple of Varanasi. It is dedicated to Goddess Durga. The large rectangular tank called Durga Kund nearby has an idol of Goddess Durga seated on it and is believed to be the abode of Durga Devi, as stated in Puranas. It is said that she has lived here for centuries as the guardian deity of the city in the form of one of the warrior goddesses known as Chandikas.
Boat ride in Varanasi & Prayag Ghat
Bharat MataTemple is the unique temple is dedicated to 'Mother India' and is much more contemporary. The nationalists Babu Shiv Prasad Gupta and Sri Durga Prasad Khatri built it. The temple has one of the perfect relief maps of India, which has accurate scaling and is made in marble. Mahatma Gandhi inaugurated the temple.
After taking rest in the room we went to Kedar Ghat and took bath. We saw the Aarathi performed in the nearby Ghat. There were about ten Bandas performing Aarathi to Ganges in the river front. We have seen lot of families came from Tamil Nadu. After enjoying all the activities in the river front we returned to the Madam.
In the night we took Masala Dosai and Idly in the hotel which are good. We have purchased Photos and other items from the small vendors near the entrance of the Madam.
Day-6: 01/10/2008 ( Wednesday)
Today is the last day in Varanasi.Hence we woke up at 3am and visited the Varahi temple in the early morning. The temple will be opened upto 5.30 am in the morning.Then we visited Viswanathar Temple, Visalakshi Temple and Annapoorani Temple.Then we returned to our room in the Madam. After taking some rest went to Kedar Ghat and took bath and Dharshan of Kedareeswar.
Annapurna Temple is a the temple complex with a small sanctum that enshrines the idol of Goddess Annapoorna (Goddess of Food). It was inaugurated in January 1977 and the famous Shankaracharya of Shringeri consecrated the idol. It is said that the devotes of the Goddess never suffer from starvation.
Kalabhairavar & Sarnath temple.
After taking tiffin in the near by hotel we went to Kala Bhairavar temple. We have purchased
the Kasikkayiru and some photos in the shops located inside the temple. Then we went to Viswanathar temple with abhishek materials. We have brought Palani Siddanathan vilas Vippothi and Panner from Neyveli for this purpose. We have performed Abhishekam to Viswanathar and collected the Vipoothi from the temple.
Then we purchased Video CDs of various temples and Kasi sombu with Ganga Theertham , photos of Kasi Viswanathar and Annapoorani. Lot of shops selling Pooja items are there in the market on the way to the temple. After made our purchase we returned to the Madam by 2.00 pm.
We got nice meals in the hotel. We have ordered for Chappati and variety rice for our train journey to Chennai from this hotel. We collected the parcel at 4.30 pm before leaving the room.We vacated the room at 5.10 pm and proceeded to Varanasi Railway Station by Car.
Arrived Chennai Station. Kedar Ghat in Varanasi
We reached Station at 6pm and after last minute purchase we boarded the train Gangakaveri Express at 8pm.The train journey is very nice for two nights and one day.
Day-7 : 02/10/2008 (Thursday) & Day-8: 03/10/2008 ( Friday)
We enjoyed the full day travelling in the train on Thursday. We wake up early in the morning on Friday.The train stopped 5 mts at Ongole at 6.15 am.Wemay reach only Gudur by 9 am.The train is behind schedule by about two hours . We enjoyed the full day in the train. The train arrived Chennai Central Railway Station at 11.55 am on Friday. We have successfully completed the Varanasi Tour. We get down from the train and proceed to Neyveli by the waiting car arranged for our Neyveli trip.
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