Raghavendra Swamy Theertha - Mantralayam

Raghavendra Theertha is the patron hindu saint at Mantralayam is verily the wishing tree, divine jewel all in one, fulfilling the righteous desires to all those deserving souls, who visit mantralayam (Picture on the side: Brindavan of Raghavendra Swamy at Mantralayam) and pray for his benevolence. No one has returned disappointed as the sage who is verily present to this date(from:1671 AD) in the Holy Brindavan answers all the prayers, grants all desires and makes the devotees happy. He recommends his deserving devotees for Moksha [Theory of school of thought where God and any other thing is not one. God is supreme, independent doer of every thing (Sarva Karthru) and is controller of all from his consort Lakshmi Devi tothe lowest living or non living thing. He is ocean of all the finest attributes and is the friend philosopher and guide to the worthy for their remption and grant of Moksha). Numberless celestials right from Goddess Lakshmi devi to the lowest straw await his orders to serve him and have his grace and stand reverentially aside in great respect and awe]. Moksha giver is Lord Hari Sri Raghavendra is a proponent of Madhva 's philosophy Dvaita. He also gives importance to correct knowledge or understanding of God and has a great affection for seekers of knowledge. He has written numerous works, elaborating on several aspects of Dvaita (For more on Dvaita Philosophy please visit, most comprehensive site www.dvaita.org) . He is kindest sage, who showers blessings irrespective of religion, cast, creed or Race. The Picture above (Top Left) represents Guru Raghavendra as a Kamadhenu (Wishing Cow) and Kalpahavriksha (Wishing Tree), celestial cow and tree which gives whatever you wish.
View of Moola Brindavana at Mantralaya

Shunku Karna (A Devta) was cursed to be born, into the world, as Prahladha, son of demon king Hiranyakashyapu, who had extreme devotion to Sri Hari. Lord Hari took Narashima Avtara to Kill the demon King (his father) .In his next birth, he was born , as Bahlika during the Period of Mahabharatha, he fought against the pandvas, but he was a great Hari Bhaktha, he was willing to die at the hands of Bheema (One of the Pandavas). In his Next birth, he was destined to be one of the the great Madhwa saints, Vyasaraja . Displeased with the amount of seva he performed for Hari, he was born again as Venkatanatha, who became Guru Raghavendra, one of the greatest madhwa saints. Guru Raghavendra is not visible to us now but was visible to Sir Thomas Munroe, the collector of India about 150 years ago when British Ruled India. He is very much present in the Brindavan alive (in athma form) at Mantralayam to this 332nd year of entry into his Brindavan as on 15.8.2003.He is still performing many miracles ,it is said Deserving Blind get their Sight, Deserving Deaf and Dumb hear and Speak, all evils vanish by saying "OM SHRI RAGHAVENDRA" with devotion and by pleasing Guru Raghavendra . For more information on the content in this page, please see the links or E-mail me, I would be glad to be in the service of my Guru . Devotees pray to Sri Raghavendra by chanting the famous shloka "...pUjyAya rAghavendrAya satyadharmaratAya cha | bhajatAM kalpavR^ixAya namatAM kAmadhenave ||durvAdidhvAntaravaye vaishhNavendIvarendave |shrIrAghavendragurave namo.atyantadayAlave ||". Sri Raghavendra is considered to be magnanimous and benevolent. Countless devotees of his testify to the miracles he has performed (humble attempt has been provided, to elaborate a few in the miracles page). In this site we have also attempted to represent the sentiments of devotees, of Guru Raghavendra rather than representing him as just another Madhwa scholar as portrayed in other Web Sites. For a complete Life history of Guru Raghavendra, Please go to download section and download the E-Book, "HISTORY OF GURU RAGHAVENDRA" , printed on Paperback by Sri Raghavendra Swamy Matha, Mantrlaayam.

Original source: http://www.gururaghavendra.org/

Sri Krishna - Dwarka Nagari Temple Distance guide

Dwarka the headquarters of Okhamandal taluka is in the extreme west of the Saurashtra peninsula on the Arabian Sea. It is a station on the Ahmedabad-Okha broad gauge railway line, about 137-km from Jamnagar, 217 km from Rajkot and 378 km from Ahmedabad.

A state highway with Jamnagar and Okha also connects it. Nearest airport is Jamnagar. Dwarka lies on 20.22' north latitude and 69.05' east longitude and built on the night bank of Gamut creek. Dwarka was known as the city of Gold. Shree Krishna came here from Mathura along with some Yadav families and establishes his own empire Dwarka. That was the legend but science proved it partially. Scientists researched on that and have found some facts.

Dwarka is derived from 'Dwar', a door, and in ancient times its flourishing port was considered to be the gateway to the main land. As 'Ka' means 'Brahma' meaning, gateway to Moksha. It is called Dwarkamati and Dwarkavati. Being adopted home and capital of Shri Krishna after he gave up Mathura. It is held in such a high esteem as a place of Hindu pilgrimage that it is considered to be one of the four principle holy places or chardham, it is also known as Mokshapuri

Jain Temples in India - Now in iPhone

We Digambar Jains start our day with the auspicious darshan of Jinendra Bhagwan. Our faith in Jinendra Bhagwan knows no boundaries. We, therefore feel it necessary to visit the temple daily for a better life.

However, due to hectic schedules at workplace and several other reasons make it difficult to visit the temple. Sometimes our jobs demand us to travel all over the country or even abroad. At these times, we begin to compromise on our faith.

We have therefore, come out with a complete list of Digamber Jain Temples in India and abroad for your benefit. This detailed information will give us Jains an insight into the Jain temples of worship at US, UK among several other countries. With their addresses and Google maps to make your search an easy one.So, make use of this advantage and have a good life!
Check more info at: http://jaintemple.in/

Srisailam Devasthanam - Lord Mallikarjuna Shiva

The shrine of Lord Mallikarjuna picturesquely situated on a flat top of Nallamalai Hills, Srisailam is reputed to be one of the most ancient kshetras in India. It is on the right side of the River Krishna in Kurnool District of Andhra Pradesh. This celebrated mountain is also named as Siridhan, Srigiri, Sirigiri, Sriparvatha and Srinagam. It has been a popular centre of Saivite pilgrimage for centuries.

The prominence of this Divya Kshetram is highlighted by the fact that while performing our daily household rituals we specify place of location of our existence with reference to Srisailam..

For more details visit main site: http://srisailamtemple.com/

Shirdi Sai Baba - How to reach shirdi temple

Shirdi Sai Baba, also known as Sai Baba of Shirdi, was an Indian guru, yogi and fakir who is regarded by his Hindu and Muslim followers as a saint. Some of his Hindu devotees believe that he was an incarnation of Shiva or Dattatreya, and he was regarded as a sadguru and an incarnation of Kabir.

The name 'Sai Baba' is a combination of Persian and Indian origin; Sāī (Sa'ih) is the Persian term for "holy one" or "saint", usually attributed to Islamic ascetics, whereas Bābā is a word meaning "father" used in Indian languages. The appellative thus refers to SaiBaba as being a "holy father" or "saintly father". His parentage, birth details, and life before the age of sixteen are obscure, which has led to a variety of speculations and theories attempting to explain the SaiBaba's origins. In his life and teachings he tried to reconcile Hinduism and Islam: Saibaba lived in a mosque, was buried in a Hindu temple, practised Hindu and Muslim rituals, and taught using words and figures that drew from both traditions. One of his well known epigrams says of God: "Allah Malik" ("God is Master").

Source from: http://www.yoursaibaba.com/



How to reach Shirdi
When Shirdi was a very small village Baba Predicted that millions of people will flock like ants at Shirdi in future and now one finds that Baba's prophecy has come to be true and a small village has become the prominent Holy place of Universal Religion of Love.

Shirdi town is situated in Rahata Tahasil in Ahmednagar District of Maharashtra State (India). It is located at 19o45' North Latitude and 74o25' East Longitude.

It falls on Ahmednagar-Manmad State Highway No.10 at 83 Km. from Ahmednagar, and 15 Km. from Kopargaon.

It (the Ahmednagar -Manmad road) was a very busy route in the old times. It is located at 185 Km. to the East from Western Seashore line.

Tirupati Balaji Temple - TTD - Tirumala

The ancient and sacred temple of Sri Venkateswara is located on the seventh peak, Venkatachala (Venkata Hill) of the Tirupati Hill, and lies on the southern banks of Sri Swami Pushkarini what is known popularly today as Tirupati Balaji Temple. The main temple complex of temple houses awe-inspiring idol of the Lord of the Seven Hills and is worshipped by millions of devotees all over the world. The devotees flock the temple in large numbers and make offerings in large quantity making it the richest temple in India. The temple has a long history and has acquired significance in Indian religious lore.

Tirupati Balaji temple has its origins in Vaishnavism an ancient religion, which advocates the principles of equality and love, and prohibits animal sacrifice. The sanctum sanctorum, which houses the awe-inspiring idol of the Lord of the Seven Hills, is situated in the main temple complex of Tirumala..

The way to Tirumala Temple by climb It is a 3600 steps, 8 km long climb, with the steps not uniformly distributed. The initial stageis a 2000 step climb, in a space of 1km. Following that is a 7 km long walk, with a few steps in-between here and there and a 2km long walk along the road included, and then a 500 step climb after that. And then u reach the top. Average time is about 3 and ahalf to 4 hours (if elders are there).

Source from: http://www.tirupatibalajitemple.com/

Nearest Places and Travel Routes to Sabarimala

Guruvayoor Kshetram - It is believed that Bruhaspathi (Guru of the Devas) and Vayu Bhagwan (God of the Air) together had installed the idol at this temple. It is also believed that the idol is the same one which was earlier installed at 'Vaikuntam' by Maha Vishnu. The temple normally opens at 0300 hrs every morning. It remains open till the 'Ucha Pooja' is over and re-opens every evening at 1630 hrs to close for the night at 21215 hrs.

Mammiyur Kshetram - It is located half a km from Guruvayoor. Sivan, along with his consort Parvati is the idol. It is believed that for your wishes to come true while praying at Guruvayoor, you should also pray at Mammiyur Kshetram.

Chowvallur Siva Kshetram - The temple is located three kms from Guruvayoor, on top of a hill at Chowvallur village. Sivan, along with his consort Parvati is the idol.

Thiruvenkatachalapathy Kshetram - The temple is located east of Guruvayoor railway station amidst village aurroundings.

Thrissur Vadakum Natha Kshetram - This temple was built by Shaktan Thampuran. 'Ilanjithara Melam, which is a significant ritual of 'Thrissur Pooram' festival, is held at the courtyard of this temple. During the Thiruvambadi and Paramekkavu pooram, 'thekkotu erakkum' and 'Kudamattam' is held here. 'Theyyatm' is the traditional vazhipadu. The tempe opens at 0400 hrs. It closes at 1100 hrs and re-opens at 1700 hrs. It closes for the day at 2000 hrs.

Thirvullakukavu Dharam Sastha Kshetram- The temple is located about 11 kms along the Thrissur - Irikalkuda route. 'Vidyarambham' is conducted on all days except during ' Mahanavami' and 'Meenom Attham' days.

Aarattupuzha Sastha Kshetram- 15 Kms n the Thrissur - Kodungaloor route is the busstop called 'Thevar road'. From there the temple is located about 2 kms to the east. Ada, Nivedyam, Kadumpayasam, Kedavilakku etc are the famous offerings.

Thripayar Sri Rama Swamy Kshetram - The idol which got trapped in some fisherman's net and was brought up. As tper the rituals as mandated by 'jyothisham', this idol at this temple was installed by Naduvazhi Vaikkal Kaimal . Eakdasi during the month of December and , 'Makyiram Purappadu' just prior to Aarattupuzha Pooram are important events for the temple. Fish feed/meal, Niramala, Vedi Vazhipadu and Aval are the important offerings to the deity.

Chottanikara Kshetram - From Kochi via Tripunithara, the temple is located about 15 Kms. Kochi - Tripunithara is 11 kms. From Nirmalayam till ucha pooja the deity is worshipped as 'Saraswati Devi. After that the worship is for 'Saraswati Devi', Mahalakshmi and Durga. The important occasions are Trikarthika, Kubhom Makam, Vishu Vilakku, Navarathri and Mandala Makaravilakku. The temple is open from 0400 hrs to 1210 hrs. It is again open from 1600 to 2139 hrs. Further details can be viewed at http://www.templenet.com/Kerala/chotranik.html

Vaikkom Mahadeva Kshetram - This is an important temple on the pilgrimage route. 'Mahadeva' bears a relationship of 'pithru' to Ayyappa. The Asthami period which falls every year during November-Decemebr is the important period for this temple. Opening hours are 9399 to 1200 hrs and 1700 to 2000 hrs.

Ettumanoor Mahadeva Kshetram- This is a famous 'edathavalam' of Sannidhanam. The arrival of the 'ezhara ponnana' is of great importance. Temle hours 0300-1200 hrs and 1700 - 220 hrs. Famous offerings are Muzhukappu, Mrthunjayana homam, Ksheera dhara and rudrabhishekham.

Kottayam Thirunakkara Kshetram - Temple hours 0400 - 1100 hrs and 1700 - 2000 hrs. Mahaganapati homam, dhara, muzhukappu, and paysam are important offerings.

Thodupuzha Sri Krishna Kshetram- Details being updated

Ambalapuzha Kshetram- Details being updated

Thiruvananthapuram Sri Padmanabha Swamy Kshetram- Details being updated

Kottarakara Ganapthi Kshetram- Details being updated

Oachira Parabrhama Kshetram- Details being updated

Aranmula Parthasarathy Kshteram- Details being updated

Malayalapuzha Bhgawati Kshetram- Details being updated

Palani Kshetram- Details being updated

Sucheendram Kshetram (on Thiruvananthapuram - Kanyakumari route)- Details being updated

Kanyakumari Kshetram- Details being updated

Madurai Meenakshi Kshetram- Details being updated


Changes in the names of some towns

Please Note`Thiruvananthapuram' is the new name for the capital of Kerala State in South India. The old name was the anglicised version `Trivandrum'. Similarly `Cochin' is now 'Kochi', `Alleppey' is `Alapuzha', `Calicut' is `Kozhikode', `Trichur' is `Thrissur'.

An Approximate Terrain Profile of the Trek from Erumeli to Pampa

Distance Chart : Erumeli - Pampa

Pampa to Sabarimala (Sannidhanam)

Nearest Airports

Nearby Towns

Nearest Railheads

Means of Conveyance

Routes to Travel

Approximate Road Distances

Kerala State Road Transport Corporation Bus Schedule to and from Pampa

Train Services from Chenganur - Northwards and Southwards


Published in http://www.saranamayyappa.org/travel_information_and_routes_to_sabarimala.htm

HTC One X and One V coming to India in April

HTC announced its 'One' series in Mobile World Congress today and its Indian site says that two of the three phones announced will be coming to India soon.

TC has announced its latest 'One' series of Android based smartphones during the Mobile World Congress, Barcelona, Spain. The new smartphones - One X, One S and One V - will feature an amazing camera and authentic sound experience, according to HTC.

Out of the three phones, India is confirmed to be getting One X and One V. Availability of HTC One S is still not known. HTC is likely to introduce these handsets in India in association with Airtel, which in most likelihood is going to offer these handsets with bundled data.

"The best moments in life are captured with a photo or remembered by a song, so it was key for the HTC One series to improve these emotional experiences with an amazing camera and authentic sound experience," said Peter Chou, chief executive officer of HTC Corporation.

HTC One series smartphones will feature Android 4.0 and HTC's new Sense 4 user interface and will now include HTC Image Sense, a new suite of camera and imaging features.

With ImageSense HTC claims that the One series will rival traditional digital cameras with improvements in every part of the camera, including the lens, the sensor, the software, and even integrating a new custom HTC ImageChip. Some improvements include camera being ready in just 0.7 seconds, and 0.2-seconds autofocus, enhancements in image capture quality even in adverse conditions such as low light, no light or with bright backlighting.

A new feature called 'Video Pic' will enable users to capture a photo and shoot video at the same time. Now, while you're shooting HD video, all you have to do is tap the shutter button and it snaps a high-resolution still photo while the video continues to shoot.

HTC has also integrated Dropbox with HTC Sense, and offers 25 GB of online storage for two years. Normally a user only gets 2.5 GB of storage from Dropbox.

On the sound front HTC now has access to technology from beats audio, which it acquired recently and is using it to improve its dwindling market share. Beats audio offers better bass, and richer details.

HTC One X

The HTC One X features a polycarbonate unibody that is claimed to have the ruggedness of metal but is super lightweight. HTC One will come with 1.5 GHz Super 4-PLUS-1 (Quadcore) NVIDIA Tegra 3 Mobile Processor with an integrated fifth Battery Saver Core and a high-performance 12-Core NVIDIA GPU. It also comes with a large 4.7-inch, 720p HD screen with contoured Corning Gorilla Glass.

HTC One S

HTC One S will feature Qualcomm Snapdragon S4 processor with up to 1.5 GHz dual-core CPU. The smartphone has a 4.3-inch screen with contoured Corning Gorilla Glass display.

This phone will have metal unibody styling with just 7.9-mm thickness, making it HTC's thinnest phone yet. The phone uses a new technology - ultra-matte black Ceramic Metal surface, which transforms the surface of the aluminum unibody into a ceramic, super-dense crystalline structure that is four times harder than anodized aluminum, enabling the HTC One S to look great over time.

HTC One V

HTC One V will be the cheapest of the series and will feature a 1 GHz processor, and a 3.7 inch touch screen. It will have a 5 megapixel camera. The phones aluminum unibody design is very similar to HTC Legend. All the other features of the One series like the Android 4.0, HTC Sense 4 and camera and sound enhancements are all available on this phone also..


Published in: http://www.themobileindian.com/news/4609_Sony-Ericsson-expected-to-launch-Nozomi-during-CES-2012