Jambudweep Darshan

India has always been considered a religiously prosperous country. She can boast of  a number of sacred cities like Ayodhya,  Hastinapur, Varanasi, Ujjain etc. Out of which Hastinapur holds a special mention.

Three out of the 24 Tithankars of Jainism namely, 16^th Tirthankar Shri Shantinath, 17^th Tirthankar Shri Kunthunath and 18^th Tirthankar Shri Arahnath were born at Hastinapur. Hastinapur was considered as the capital of India during the time of Mahabharat.

Hastinapur  falls under Meerut district and is 40kms from it and 110 kms from the capital city Delhi. There is a regular bus service between Delhi and Hastinapur from ISBT and Anand Vihar bus stand. Regular roadways buses also ply between Meerut and Hastinapur.

Jambudweep – A Jain Temple in Hastinapur

The foundation stone of Jambudweep was laid in July 1974. It had been especially designed under the direction of Supreme Jain Sadhvi Param Pujya 105 Ganini Pramukh Aryika Shiromani Shri Gyanmati Mataji.

The structure of Jambudweep depicting, Jain Geography, is a model of our universe. Centrally located SUMERU MOUNTAIN is the focal point. According to Jain and Vedic scriptures, SUMERU MOUNTAIN is considered the most sacred and highest mountain in the whole universe. Around it Jambudweep is divided into four distinct regions EAST, WEST, NORTH and SOUTH. The EAST region is known as EAST VIDEH KSHETRA while WEST region is known as WEST VIDEH KSHETRA. SOUTH region is known as BHARAT KSHETRA having Himvan mountains, Ganga-Sindhu rivers, Bhogbhumis (lands of enjoyment) with Kalpvrikshas(wish fulfilling trees), Chaityalayas(temples), palaces of deities, ponds, gardens etc. NORTH region has prominence of Airavat Kshetra. There are 78 natural or Akritrim temples, 122 temples of deity-palaces and 6 Samavsaran temples in Jambudweep surrounded by Lavan Samudra, in which pilgrims enjoy boating. Pilgrims also enjoy breath taking sight of evening lights and colourful fountains.

Various Temples with High Summits At Jambudweep Campus

The campus is dotted with different temples named as Kamal Mandir, Teen Murti Mandir, Shantinath Mandir, Om Mandir, Adinath Mandir, Navgrah Mandir,Shastrakoot Jinalaya, Existing 20 Tirthankar Mandir, Rishabdev Kirtistambh, Meditation Temple,Ashtapad Mandir and Teeahdweep Jinalaya

Teen Murti Mandir

 

Lotus Temple 

Ashtapad Mandir

Inside view of Ashtapad Mandir

Teen Lok Rachana

Another marvellous structure at the campus. It consists of Adlok(7 hells), Madhyalok(with islands and oceans) and Urdhvalok(16 heavens alongwith graiveyaks,Anudishs, Anuttars and Siddhashila) on top. Electic lift takes the visitor to the top in few seconds.

Means Of Recreation

Tourists can enjoy various recreational facilities available to them such as exhibitions related to history of Hastinapur, fountains of laughter, Jambudweep train, Tomato train, various swings, Columbus etc. A special celebration named JAMBUDWEEPMAHA-MAHOTSAVA is organized every 5th year

Facilities For Pilgrims

Pilgrims visiting Jambudweep can avail of 250 rooms with modern facilities, more than 50 deluxe flats and a number of guest houses for their convenient stay. There is  RAJA SHREYANS BHOJNALAYA where pilgrims are served with pure and delicious meals.

Trip to Mahabalipuram

Last year our ten day vacation to Chennai and Puducherry took us to Mahabalipuram or Mamallapuram (as known earlier). Mahabalipuram is an ancient port town 60 kms  south of Chennai and comes under Kancheepuram district, known for it's silk sarees world over. Mahabalipuram was built by Pallavas who had their capital as Kancheepuram. Mahabalipuram was their main seaport,ancient Indian traders who went to countries of South Est Asia sailed from this seaport.

Majority of the monuments(rock cut ad monolithic) were built during the reign of Narasimha Varman1 (630 AD - 668 AD) while few were built during the reign of his successors Paramesvar Varman (672 AD - 700 AD) and Narasimha Varman II (700 AD - 720 AD)

                                The main attractions of Mahabalipuram

The Light house

The light house is near the Mahishasur Mardini cave and overlooks the sea, standing atop the light house gives the visitor a very picturesque view.

     

Krishna's Butterball

Just north of the Ganesh Ratha is a huge boulder known as Krishna's Butter Ball. It is perched on a hilltop and looks as if about to slide down

                                                                              

The Cave Temples

They are a group of temples located close to each other

Arjuna's Penance

Mountain Scene

Vishnu Shrine

Ganges Cleft

Mahishamardini cave

Mahishamardini Panel, Mahishamardini Cave

Seshasayi Vishnu Panel, Mahishamardini Cave

Varaha cave

 

Trivikrama Panel, Varaha Cave

                                                                           

                                                                               Bhuvaraha Panel, Varaha Cave 

Gajalakshmi Panel, Varaha Cave

The Five Rathas

These monolithic temples are called rathas because they resemble wooden chariot and was built by Narasimha Varman1. A huge rock sloping from south to north was cut to form didderent parts of the temple. Though these temples are called panchpandvas they have nothing to do with mahabharat.

Draupadi Ratha

                                                         

                                                                                                                                         

Dharma raja ratha

The Shore Temple

It was built by Narasimha Varman II. It has an idol of reclining Lord Vishnu carved out of bedrock

The Beach

Touching the Shore temple is the exquisite beach

So if you are planning to plan a vacation to south of India make sure to add Mahabalipuram into your itinerary. You will really cherish the moments as we had.