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WORLD FAMOUS SUN TEMPLE, OF GUJARAT.

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Introduction Great Sun temple Of Gujarat

The Modhera Sun Temple was made by King Bhima I of the Chalukya dynasty in the early 11th century. Sun Temple Modhera’s Gujarat. Temple and its dedication to the Sun God will leave you stunned. The temple was so constructed that during every equinox, the first sun rays would fall on a diamond placed on the Sun God’s head and the entire temple would illuminate in a golden glow.

On other days, two pillars before the garbhagriha would stay illuminated throughout the day, regardless of the position of the sun. All of these can only be left to the imagination now.

History Of The Sun Temple

The Sun Temple is a Hindu temple dedicated to the solar deity Surya located at Modhera village of Mehsana district, Gujarat. India. It is situated on the bank of the river Pushpavati. It was built after 1026-27 CE during the reign of Bhima of the Chalukyas dynasty.

The Temple Complex Has Three Components 

The temple complex is built in (Chaulukya style). The temple complex has three axially aligned components; the shrine proper (garbhagriha) in a hall (gudhamandapa), the outer or assembly hall (sabhamandapa or rangamandapa), and a sacred reservoir (Kunda).

The Sabhamandapa is not in continuation with Gudhamandapa but is placed little away as a separate structure. Both are built on a paved platform.[1] Their roofs have collapsed long ago leaving behind a few lower-most courses. Both roofs are 15′ 9″ in diameter but are constructed differently. The platform or plinth is inverted lotus-shaped.
1.)Gudhamandapa, the shrine hall:-

The Gudhamandapa measures 51 feet 9 inches by 25 feet 8 inches. It is almost equally divided into Gudhamandapa, the hall, and Garbhgriha, the shrine proper. Both are rectangular in plan with one projection on each of the smaller sides and two projections on each of the longer sides. These projections on the smaller sides form the entrance and the back of the shrine.
2.)Sabhamandapa, the assembly hall:-

Sabhamandapa or Rangamandapa, the assembly hall or dancing hall is parallelogram in plan with rows of pillars opening entrance on each side diagonally. The extensively carved exterior has a series of recessed corners giving an impression of the star-like plan of it.[There are 52 intricately carved pillars. Madhusudan Dhaky has suggested that the sabhamandapa may have been later addition based on style and construction.
3.)Kunda, the reservoir:-

Kunda, a tank or reservoir is known as Ramakunda or Suryakunda. The flight of steps through kirti-torana leads to the reservoir. It is rectangular. It measures 176 feet from north to south and 120 feet from east to west. It is paved with stones all around. There are four terraces and recessed steps to descend to reach the bottom of the tank. The main entrance lies in the west. There are steps to reach from one terrace to another on the right angle to the terrace. These steps are rectangular or square except for the first step of each flight of steps which is semicircular. Several miniature shrines and niches in front of the terrace-wall have images of gods including many Vaishnavite deities and goddesses such as Shitala.
However, the sabha mandap still stands on 52 pillars, depicting the 52 weeks in year carvings of the sun, along with its unity with the other 4 elements-air, water, earth, and space- can be spotted on the walls.
The halls have intricately carved exterior and pillars.
The reservoir has steps to reach the bottom and numerous small shrines.

What Is The Specialty Of Sun Temple of Modhera?

The Sun Temple is a Hindu temple dedicated to the solar deity Surya located at Modhera village of Mehsana district, Gujarat, India. It is situated on the bank of the river Pushpavati. It was built after 1026-27 CE during the reign of Bhima I of the Chalukyas dynasty.
No worship is offered now and is a protected monument maintained by the Archaeological Survey Of India. At present, the temple is undertaken by the Archaeological Survey of India for renovation and restoration. In 2014, this Modhera Sun Temple was added to the list of UNESCO World Heritage Sites.

Have A Look at Mr. Narendra Modi Tweet.

Originally tweeted by Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) on August 26, 2020.

How Many Sun Temples Are There In India?

There are only 2 sun temples built in India. One is in Konark, Odisha, and others in Modhera, Gujarat.

Who Destroyed Sun Temple Jammu & Kashmir?

Martand is another Sanskrit synonym for Surya. Now in ruins, the temple is located five miles from Anantnag in the Indian union territory of Jammu and Kashmir. The temple was destroyed on the orders of Sultan Sikandar Butshikan, as part of his efforts to forcibly convert Kashmiri people to Islam.

Uttarardha Mahotsav’

The Tourism Corporation of Gujarat organizes an annual three-day dance festival known as ‘Uttarardha Mahotsav’ at the temple during the third week of January, following the festival of Uttarayan.
The objective is to present classical dance forms in an atmosphere similar to that in which they were originally presented.

How To Reach Modhera Gujarat?

By Air: You can fly to the nearest city to Modhera-Ahmedabad-from where regular government bus services are available.

By Train: For the ones boarding a train instead, the nearest railway station is at Mehsana-25 km from Modhera.

By Road: Modhera Sun Temple can be easily reached by boarding a bus or hiring a taxi from anywhere in Gujarat. The Modhera Sun Temple indeed leaves you awestruck. It is one place, amidst all the ruins, where you’ll find a perfect blend of ageless creativity and tremendous hard work.

Rating: 5 out of 5.
Nitin Raj

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“DEKHO APNA DESH” CAMPAIGN BY THE MINISTRY OF TOURISM INDIA.

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India, the Ministry of Tourism has launched the ‘Dekho Apna Desh’ campaign stating that it would fund tourists who visit 15 destinations in the country in the year 2020-2022 and submit the photos on the department’s website.

How to take a pledge in ‘Dekho Apna Desh’ campaign

Step 1: First of all, you have to visit pledge.mygov.in website.

Step 2: Then, you need to click ‘Dekho Apna Desh’ tab to take a pledge. It will navigate you to the page where you can start the process.

Step 3: Click Take Pledge to enter your basic details.
 
Step 4: Here, you have to enter your name, date of birth, state, district, pin code, email id, and mobile number.

Step 5: Now, you need to click Proceed for Language Selection to select your language.

Step 6: After selecting your language, click Read Pledge option.

Step 7: Now, some auto-generated pledges will appear on your screen. Reading those pledges, you have to click I Pledge.

Step 8: You will receive an OTP on your entered mobile number. Then, you need to enter the OTP received in the ‘Please Enter OTP’ box and click Submit.

Step 9: At last, your resolve for ‘Dekho Apna Desh’ will appear on the screen. You can send the certificate to your mobile, email, print, or download it by selecting respective options.
Dhekho Apna Desh Pledge
Following these steps will help you to take a pledge in ‘Dekho Apna Desh’ campaign. You can also share the certificate on your Facebook and Twitter profiles directly from the website.

Travel

WEEKEND GATEWAY to JIM CORBETT NATIONAL PARK.

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About Jim Corbett National Park

It is the oldest national park in India was established in 1936 as Hailey National Park to protect the endangered Bengal tiger.

It is located in Nainital District and Pauri Garwal of Uttarakhand and was named after Jim Corbett a well-known hunter and naturalist. The park was the first to come under the Project Tiger initiative.

The park has sub – Himalayan belt geographical and ecological characteristics. An ecotourism destination, it contains 488 different species of plants and a diverse variety of fauna. The increase in tourist activities, among other problems, continues to present a serious challenge to the park’s ecological balance.

Corbett has been a haunt for tourists and wildlife lovers for a long time. Tourism activity is only allowed in selected areas of Corbett Tiger Reserve so that people get an opportunity to see its landscape and wildlife. In recent years the number of people coming here has increased dramatically. Presently, every season more than 70,000 visitors come to the park.

Corbett National Park comprises 520.8 km2 (201.1 sq mi) area of hills, riverine belts, marshy depressions, grasslands, and a large lake. The elevation ranges from 1,300 to 4,000 ft (400 to 1,220 m).

Winter nights are cold but the days are bright and sunny. It rains from July to September. Dense moist deciduous forest mainly consists of sal, haldu, peepal, rohini and mango tree. Forest covers almost 73% of the park, 10% of the area consists of grasslands. It houses around 110 tree species, 50 species of mammals, 580 bird species and 25 reptile species.
  • Twany Fish Owl
  • Pallas Fish Eagle
  • Bengal Tiger

What to wear in JIM Corbett Park

When you want to plan for the weekend, I think two days are sufficient to view Jim Corbett Park.

If you are going Jim Corbett national park sometime in April or June – Light cotton shirts and light pants or shorts are recommended. Khakis and Cargos go well.

Take along a dark pair of sunglasses and don’t forget your safari hats to complete the look (and for the functionality of it).

Take your children to Jim Corbett is safe.

To be very precise, Yes you can take your children to Jim Corbett Safari. The forest management team takes great care of the forest and maintains the path for jungle safaris and the drivers are well trained and know-How to solve a difficult problem that might happen during the safari tours.

Inside accommodation in Jim Corbett Park

Dhikala Forest Lodge

Jim Corbett National Park is the sole national park in India that offers night stay inside its Jungle. Dhikala forest lodge is a historic structure, have been built over hundreds of years ago by Britishers. This old rest house is very much popular among tourists.

There a lot of good hotels available under you budget if you are not getting a room in the Dhikala forest lodge.
Food & Alcohol In Jim Corbett
The best option for food in Corbett tends to be the hotels and resorts here. They offer rich and delicious North Indian, Chinese, Mughlai, Continental, Kumaoni, and local cuisine.
Don’t miss the Chicken, Kebab, and other barbeque delicacies here. However, non-vegetarian food and alcohol are strictly prohibited inside the park.

The local cuisine offers a number of delicacies with Bhaang Ki Khatai, Kappa (a green curry), Sisunak Saag(a dish prepared with green leafy vegetables and many local ingredients), Aloo ke Gutke( a Kumauni potato dish), Rus ( a preparation of many dals) being just some of the popular items here.

You can carry Alcohol with you in your luggage into Jim Corbett. Just don’t drink it within the park!
Best option inside Corbett own car or hire Gypsies.
The Corbett website : Tourists can drive their own cars inside Corbett or can hire private Jeeps/Gypsies from Ramnagar.

It is advisable to refuel vehicles before entering the park because there is no fuel station beyond Ramnagar.

According to Sightings Index by WildTrails, the best zones to visit for tiger sighting and safari tour in Jim Corbett National Park are the Bijrani safari zone, Dhikala Safari Zone and Dhela Safari Zone.

The jeep safari tours are allowed in two shifts inside the 
Corbett tiger reserve in all of the tourism zones.
Best time to visit Jim Corbett
Corbett lets you visit the Park all year long, but the best time to visit Jim Corbett National Park is between November and February i.e, during the winter season when all the zones are open, and you can spot the most animals. Summers, though hot, isn’t unbearable.
As long as tourists obey the rules of the park they are visiting, it is absolutely safe to go on an open vehicle safari.
  • Corbett Museum
  • Girija Devi Temple
  • Jungle Safari
  • Elephant Ride
Top Places To Visit
The top sightseeing places in Corbett national park are Jungle Safari in Corbett National Park, Elephant Ride in Corbett National Park, Corbett Waterfall, River Rafting in Corbett National Park, Garjiya Devi Temple, Corbett Museum.
How to reach Jim Corbett National Park by road
  • Spotted deer at Corbett
  • A winter morning at Corbett
By Road

Connected with the NH34 and a wide network of roads with the nearby cities, Roadways is one of the most preferred options for the tourists to travel down to Jim Corbett. Instead of a private taxi, jeeps are widely popular amongst tourists to explore Jim Corbett, for the convenience it gives in the area. Many buses, ranging from Government to Private and AC to Sleeper, ply down to Corbett from Delhi, Ramnagar, Dehradun, Gaushala, and Kotdwar, the major connecting links to Corbett. Roadways are the most direct way to make it to Jim Corbett.

By train
The three major railheads located in the proximity of Jim Corbett are Ramnagar, Gaushala, and Kotdwar at a distance of 86 km, 69 km and 110 km respectively. Some trains from several adjoining areas come down to these stations, thus offering better connectivity to the tourists for reaching Jim Corbett. Regular bus services and taxi/jeep services are available from these cities to help visitors travel down to Jim Corbett quickly.

Local transport in Jim Corbett National Park
Jeep and elephant safaris are some of the best ways to delve into the wilderness.

Rating: 4 out of 5.

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Travel

Jatayu Sculpture A Myth Comes Alive

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When you see this picture you all were curious about this green forest all around and bird sculpture on the mountain. A lot of questions come into your mind.
So friends the picture you see that is in the post that is from India. This great park developed by Karnataka Tourism.
With the opening of the Jatayu sculpture at Chadayamangalam in March 2018, India will be home to the world’s largest bird sculpture.
Jatayu Sculpture A Myth Comes Alive
I know a lot of Indians don’t know about Chadayamangalam village in Kollam district, Kerala but we all know about Ramaya and everybody knows about Jatyu. How important role play by Jatayu. He is fighting with Ravan to try to save Sita but somehow Ravan injured him and the giant eagle of the Ramayana fell on the rocky peak. Thereafter, the place came to be known as ‘Jatayumangalam’. Over the years, it became Chadayamangalam and the peak became Jatayupara (Jatayu rock).
Now, friend, I would like to share this amazing ECO diversity park name that is called Jatayu Earth Center. The sculpture, along with the adventure center and a Siddha healing center, all of 65 acres, form the Jatayu Earth’s Centre
Mr. Rajiv Anchal Sculptor Of this beautiful of art
What is Jatayu Earth’s Centre?

Jatayu Earth’s Centre is a ₹100 crore eco-tourism project designed on a BOT (build-operate-transfer) model between the Government of Kerala and Guruchandrika Builders and Property, a company owned by Rajiv Anchal.
The company has leased the Government-owned land for 30 years. Although the project took flight in 2008, construction began only by 2011. The Jatayu sculpture, a building with a 15,000 sq ft floor area, is made of roller-compacted concrete (RCC), except for the talons which are stainless steel.
Mr. Rajiv Anchal Sculptor/filmmaker who made this beautiful sculptor.
He presented for this sculpture to the Department of Tourism during his Fine Arts College days in the 1980s.
Later, when a proposal for an eco-tourism project came up, he was approached to work on it.
As per Mr. Rajiv Jatayu died protecting a woman’s honor and that is what the sculpture stands for.
Imagination and creativity take flight on this bleak mountain and a giant bird is beginning to spread its wings. Lying flat on its back with wings spread across 150ft, while stretching 200ft from tail feathers to head, and talons rising 70ft into the air, the Jatayu sculpture — built on top of the 1,000ft-high Jatayupara — towers above the green expanses of Chadayamangalam.
For Anchal, it’s not just another tourism project. There was a time when man and wildlife lived in harmony, and Jatayu is a symbol of that time. “The aim is to protect the rock and preserve Nature around it. Nothing dominates the rock — as all the construction, including the sculpture — is designed and textured to seem like a part of the landscape,” he says.

Most of the area was barren when the project kicked off. Trees were planted well ahead, and today, the fallen Jatayu lies in a green haven, something straight out of Treta Yuga!
Jatayu Sculpture
The sculpture and the cable car ride will be opened to the public. Visitors can scale the wings of the Jatayu to reach the chest and click a selfie with the bird.
The entry fee will be ₹250. after the completion of the museum, the theatre, and a Siddha healing center.
 
Reaching the zenith: Apart from the 500-meter cable ride, there is a 1.5-km granite stone walkway built by 70-year-old stonemason Balan Pillai, who chiseled 60,000 stones by himself. A heli-taxi service will be launched in the future.
Brave the rocks: From climbing up an 82feet rock-face and rappelling down a 45feet cliff, to crossing a tricky Burma bridge and trekking up a mountain, the Jatayu Adventure Centre offers all this and more.

Built onto a side of the peak, it offers a variety of activities designed around the natural rock formations. For a group of 10, the cost is ₹3,500 and includes lunch, water, juice, and snacks.

Rating: 1 out of 5.