Tag: Durga Puja

Visiting Puri, Konark Bhubaneswar during Durga Puja in the Prominent Sakti Pithas of Odisha

Visiting the Shakti Peethas of Odisha during Durga Puja offers a spiritually enriching experience as these sites are deeply connected to Goddess Durga’s divine energy. Combining your visit to Puri, Konark, and Bhubaneswar during this festival will allow you to explore Odisha’s spiritual and cultural heritage while being part of the grand celebrations.

Here’s a detailed guide to planning this journey:

1. Puri: Vimala Temple (Inside Jagannath Temple Complex)

  • Significance: The Vimala Temple is considered one of the 51 Shakti Peethas in India and holds great importance in Odisha. According to legend, it is where the navel of Goddess Sati fell. Goddess Vimala is worshipped as an incarnation of Durga, and she is considered the guardian deity of the Jagannath Temple.
  • Durga Puja Celebrations:
    • Special rituals and offerings are performed for Goddess Vimala during the Durga Puja days. The devotees seek her blessings before visiting Lord Jagannath.
    • Even though Durga Puja is primarily about Goddess Durga, the rituals here tie closely to Jagannath culture, making it a unique spiritual experience.
  • Other Attractions:
    • After paying homage to Goddess Vimala, don’t miss the daily rituals of Lord Jagannath and enjoy the peaceful beaches of Puri.

Recommended Duration in Puri: 1-2 days

2. Konark: Ramachandi Temple (Near Chandrabhaga Beach)

  • Significance: While not an official Shakti Peetha, the Ramachandi Temple near the Sun Temple of Konark is a revered shrine dedicated to Goddess Chandi, another form of Durga. The temple is located along the scenic Chandrabhaga River, and it is believed that the goddess protects the region.
  • Durga Puja Celebrations: The temple witnesses a surge of devotees during Durga Puja. People offer prayers and participate in special rituals to honor Goddess Ramachandi, who is believed to be an embodiment of Durga.
  • Other Attractions:
    • Konark Sun Temple: A UNESCO World Heritage Site, the Sun Temple is known for its magnificent architecture. Though it is not related to Durga Puja, it is an unmissable cultural marvel.
    • Chandrabhaga Beach: Take a serene walk along the beach after visiting the temple.

Recommended Duration in Konark: 1 day

3. Bhubaneswar: Brahmani Devi Temple, Chausathi Yogini Temple, and Other Sakti Shrines

Bhubaneswar, the capital of Odisha, is home to many ancient temples, some of which are connected to the worship of the goddess in her various forms.

i. Brahmani Devi Temple (Chaurasi)

  • Significance: Located near Niali, around 30 km from Bhubaneswar, this temple is dedicated to Brahmani Devi, considered a form of Shakti. The serene temple attracts many devotees during Durga Puja.
  • Durga Puja Celebrations: Brahmani Devi is worshipped with great fervor during the festival, and special pujas and rituals are performed.

ii. Chausathi Yogini Temple (Hirapur)

  • Significance: This 9th-century temple is dedicated to the 64 Yoginis, fierce female deities who are forms of Shakti. The circular, open-roof structure creates a powerful spiritual ambiance. Though not a traditional Durga Puja destination, this is a significant site for those worshipping Shakti.
  • Other Attractions:
    • Lingaraj Temple: Dedicated to Lord Shiva, this 11th-century temple is one of Bhubaneswar’s most important shrines.
    • Mukteshwar Temple: Famous for its beautiful architecture, this temple is part of Bhubaneswar’s ancient Kalinga-style temples.

iii. Vaital Deul (Bhubaneswar)

  • Significance: This temple, located in Bhubaneswar, is dedicated to Goddess Chamunda, a fierce form of Shakti. The temple features a unique architecture with tantric influences and is especially powerful during Durga Puja.

Recommended Duration in Bhubaneswar: 1-2 daysSuggested Itinerary

  • Day 1-2 (Puri):
    • Visit Jagannath Temple and seek blessings at the Vimala Temple.
    • Explore the beach and enjoy the Durga Puja festivities.
  • Day 3 (Konark):
    • Visit the Ramachandi Temple.
    • Explore Konark Sun Temple and spend time at Chandrabhaga Beach.
  • Day 4-5 (Bhubaneswar):
    • Visit the Brahmani Devi Temple, Chausathi Yogini Temple, and other Shakti shrines.
    • Experience the spiritual atmosphere of Lingaraj Temple and Mukteshwar Temple.

Travel Tips

  • Weather: October is pleasant but can still be humid in coastal regions like Puri and Konark. Carry light cotton clothing.
  • Transport: Puri and Bhubaneswar are well-connected by road and rail. You can hire taxis or use local transportation for short distances between these cities.
  • Festive Crowds: Expect heavy crowds, especially in the temples, so plan your visits during less crowded hours (early mornings or late evenings).

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Dussehra festival vacation at Shimla & Kullu, Himachal Pradesh

Ayigiri Nandhini Nandhitha Medhini
 Viswa Vinodhini Nandhanuthe
 Girivara Vindhya Sirodhini Vasini
 Vishnu Vilasini Jishnunuthe
 Baghavathy He Sithi Kanda Kudumbhini
 Boori Kudumbhini Boorikruthe
 Jaya Jaya He Mahishasura Mardhini
 Ramyaka Bardhini Sailasuthe.

~ Maa Durga Sloka

Dussehra is dreived from Dasha-Hara “remover of bad fate”. It is celebrated on the tenth day of the bright fortnight (Shukla Paksha)Durga Pujaof the Hindu autumn month of Ashvin. Lord Rama appeased Devi Chandika seeking to defeat and kill Ravana. On Dussehra day Ravana was killed in the battlefield and this day celebrates the victory of good over evil. In another mythology Devi Durga killed mahisasura on Dussehra day.

It marks the traditional season of autumn. Soma Yajnas are performed with the Maha Surya Mantras and the Aruna Prapathaka of the Yajurveda. The effect of these mantras is to keep the heart, brain and digestive functions of the body in balance. The imbalances in these occur in the absence of adequate sunlight in the winter months.

In parts of Northern India it is traditional to plant barley seeds in earthen pots on the first day of Navrathri. On the day of Dussehra,
the nine-day old sprouts (called noratras or nortas) are used as symbols of luck.

In Uttarakhand, Dasshera festival starts with the performance of Ramlila which is itself unique as it is based on the musical rendering of the katha or story of Lord Ram based on the theatrical traditions set by Uday Shankar while on his stay in Almora these traditions were further enriched by Mohan Upreti and Brijendra Lal Sah. Known as the Almora or Kumaon style Ramlila has been recognised by UNESCO in its 2008 report as one of the representative styles of Ramlila in India.

Actor Pran, the Bollywood villain started his ‘acting’ career on Shimla where he played Sita to Madan Puri’s Ram in the local staging of “Ramlila” 🙂

Kullu dussehra at the Dhalpur maidan is now famous for the spectacular procession and fairs. The Gaddis – semi nomadic shepherds comes down to perform. In Himachal Gods are carried in palanquins to local fair grounds. During the Kullu festival some 22 deities make their way to the fair grounds. The history of this festival goes back to 17th century when king Jaganand installed an idol of Lord Rama on his throne. Since then Lord Raghunath is the presiding deity of the valley. Dussehra in Kullu begins after celebrations are over elsewhere in the country, because, the legend has it that “Lanka Dahan” was done on the day after a full moon night, which according to the Hindu calendar falls after the seventh day of the Vijyadashmi. Chamba and Nurpur also has similar celebrations.

However, Dussehra is not celebrated in Baijnath dham of Lord Shiva. It is believed that Ravana put a consecrated Linga on his  journey back to Lanka. Lord Shiva had actually asked him not to put it down anywhere. Ravana inadverently put it down in Baijnath and it is there ever since. The current temple was constructed sometimes around 1204 AD.

In autumn the hills are a riot of colours. In Kinnaur there is a festivall of flowers – ‘Fuleich’ and ‘Sair’ in the Kangra area. Traditional fairs with buffalo duels take place in Mashorba near Shimla. You can simply put up your feet and see days go by, take a local tour for attractions that are not part of usual tourist calendar – it would be an unforgettable experience and memory to cherish.

In 2010, Dussehra festival will be celebrated from October 13th to -18th’ in Himachal Pradesh, INDIA. Toshali Royal View Resort, welcomes all to be the part of Dussehra a Festival experiencing, exclusive arrangement has been done for the guest to witness and be the part of the festival. For Dussehra Package Reservation click on http://bit.ly/9H62lF For more details write to metu@toshali.in

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