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Gajner Palace – Bikaner

cls — Sun, 24 Oct 2010 04:46:04 +0000

Gajner Palace (32 kms from Bikaner) -a summer resort of Bikaner Maharajas -has often been described as ‘ an incomparable jewel in the Thar desert’. Built by Maharaja Ganga Singh ji of Bikaner, palace stands on the embankment of a lake .The palace was used by Maharaja for grand shoots and lavish entertainment. Royalty, both Indian as well as international, Viceroys and other dignitaries have been entertained at this grand palace. The architecture of Gajner palace is truly outstanding. Built in red sandstone with intricately carved pillars, jharokhas and screens , the craftsmanship here is amazing.A part of palace has been transformed into hotel.

In the 18th century ,when Maharaja Gaj Singh married a Jaisalmer Princess, she requested him to build a pleasure garden which he proceeded to do, also creating a tank in the process. This is how Gajner was conceived, and this was added to by the successive rulers, till maharaja Sardar Singh extended it into a hunting lodge with an even larger tank. It was this inheritance that Maharaja Ganga Singh was able to use for diplomatic gains, perfecting the hunt to a fine art, and contagious with the hospitality with which it became associated. It was during his rule too that the new Gajner palace was designed by sir Swinton Jacob, complete with twin dressing rooms per room to allow couples to get dressed at their own pace. While the annex to the main palace was opened as a hotel in 1976, the palace too is a hotel now with 25 rooms and a restaurant on the premises.

Lalgarh Fort – Bikaner

cls — Sun, 24 Oct 2010 04:09:50 +0000

The architectural masterpiece in red sandstone was built by Maharaja Ganga Singh (1881 AD-1942 AD) in memory of his father Maharaja Lal Singh between 1902 -1926.This magnificent palace is an example of pure Rajput martial architecture. Designed by Sir Swinton Jacob, this palace has several grand halls, lounges, cupolas and pavilions. The exotic palace has magnificent pillars, richly carved fire mantles, Italian colonnades and motif of lotus in full bloom, adding to the magic of this jewel of the desert. Walls of palaces are reminiscent of the past vintage etchings, hunting trophies and old portraits.

The treasure trove where the guests can spend hours ‘walking in the past’. The palace has it’s own museum and library (the fourth largest in the world), clay pigeon trap and skeet shooting traps facilities at adjoining ranges. Palace has wild peacocks spreading their feathers at almost every step flowering rows of bougainvillea. Bikaner royal family still lives in part of the palace. A portion of palace is now a hotel .

Junagarh Fort – Bikaner

cls — Fri, 22 Oct 2010 03:27:38 +0000

Built in 1593 A.D. by Raja Rai Singh(1571-1611 A.D.), a general in the army of emperor Akbar, the fort is a formidable structure encircled by a moat and has some beautiful places within. These places, made in red sandstone (Dulmera) and marble, make a picturesque ensemble of countryards, balconies, kiosks and windows dotted all over the structure.

The imposing fort has 986 long wall with 37 bastions and two entrances. It is approached through the Karan Poal which is the main entrance. Among the places of interest are Anop mahal, Ganga niwas and Rang mahal or palace of pleasure. The Anoop Mahal is famous for it’s gold leaf painting. Har Mandir- a majestic chapel where the royal family worshiped there Gods and Goddesses. Chandra mahal or moon palace has exquisite paintings on the lime plaster walls and Phool mahal or the Flower palace is decorated with inset mirror work. The gigantic columns , arches and graceful screen grace the palaces. Karan Mahal was built to commemorate a notable victory over the Mughal Aurangzeb. The other important important parts are Durbar Hall, Gaj mandir, Sheesh Mahal or mirror chamber etc.

Badami Cave Temple

cls — Wed, 15 Sep 2010 14:58:02 +0000

Badami is truly famous for its Cave Temples that date back to the 6th and 7th centuries. Located at Badami in Bagalkot district of Karnataka, Cave Temples represent the fine architectural style of the ancient times. The nearest airport to Badami is located in Belgaum. Belgaum lies at a distance of 150 kms from Badami and one can easily reach the cave temples by hiring taxis. Various tourist buses and coaches are also available throughout the state of Karnataka. Badami is sited at the orifice of a gorge that is fringed by two rocky hills.

Architecture

Badami is acknowledged for being the ancient kingdom of Chalukyas. In the 6th century, Badami was established by Pulakesin I; however the architectural expansion was observed by the Chalukyas. The sect constructed numerous temples and monuments, marking the instigation of the Hindu architectural style. Badami Cave Temple is the best example of Chalukyan style of architecture. Made out of Sandstone hills, Badami Cave Temples boast of rock-cut architecture.

In totality, there are four cave temples in Badami. All these temples enclose brilliant carvings with the sculptures of Gods from the Hindu pantheon. The structure of these temples is a perfect fusion of North Indian Nagara style and South Indian Dravidian style of architecture. Each cave embraces a sanctum, a hall, a verandah and pillars. Beautiful carvings and exquisite sculptures adore the site of Cave Temples. At the cutting edge, one can see a reservoir that makes a perfect foreground to these architectural structures.

Caves Temples

The first and the foremost cave is known to be built in 578 A.D. One can reach the cave by taking a flight of 40 steps. Dedicated to Lord Shiva, the cave adorns not less than 81 sculptures of Lord Shiva in the form of ‘Nataraj’ having 18 arms. Made out in Red sandstone, the cave has an open verandah, a hall with numerous columns and a sanctum. The ceilings and pillars are festooned with paintings of amorous couples.

The second cave can be sited at the summit of a sandstone hill. This Cave Temple is dedicated to Lord Vishnu, the preserver of the Universe as per the Hindu beliefs. Here, Lord Vishnu is presented in the form of a ‘Trivikrama’ (dwarf) where his one foot is commanding the Earth and with the other he is mastering the sky.

Perched on the hill, the third Cave Temple traces its origin in 578 A.D. The front elevation of the cave is approximately 70 ft wide. The platform is carved with the images of ‘ganas’. The structure of the temple rejuvenates the memoirs of Deccan style of architecture. This temple is a fine example of the artistic quality and sculptural genius. The sculpture of Lord Vishnu in the company of a serpent captures the major attention. Here, Lord Vishnu is represented in his various incarnations including Narsimha, Varaha, Harihara (Shiva-Vishnu) and Trivikarma.

The fourth Cave Temple is accredited for being dedicated to the Lord Mahavira, the 24th Tirthankara of the Jains. The cave is believed to be the latest amongst all the four caves. It finds its origin in the 7th century, near about 100 years after the construction of earlier three caves. In this shrine, one can see the image of Lord Mahavira in a sitting posture.

The artistic quality and sculptural grandeur mark the very sight of these cave temples at Badami. The rich traditions of India are depicted through these monuments of heritage. People from all over the World come to visit these shrines of architectural radiance and religious significance.

Ajanta Cave Temple

cls — Mon, 30 Aug 2010 03:29:15 +0000

Ajanta Cave Temple is the marvelous architectural wonder that depicts the rich legacy of India. Acknowledged as the world heritage site, Ajanta Caves are renowned throughout the Globe. Located near Aurangabad, Ajanta Cave Temple can be reached easily from anywhere in Maharashtra by means of regular tourist buses or by hiring taxis. The nearest airport is located at Aurangabad that lies at a distance of 99 kms from the temples. The charisma, of these caves, attracts millions of visitors each and every year.

In the early 19th century, the long buried Ajanta Caves were discovered unknowingly by a British Army Officer. At this juncture, the beautiful sculpted caves that were lying deep within the Sahyadri Hills, above the Waghora River, came into the sight. The cave temples are sited in a horse-shoe shaped cliff, where Wagura is flowing at the bottom. Wagura River falls from a height of 200 feet, consequently making a series of waterfalls. The thud of these waterfalls can be easily noticed in the Caves.

Depicting Buddhism
Cut out of rocks, Ajanta Caves trace their origin between 2nd century BC and 6th century AD. Ajanta Cave Temples are dedicated to Lord Buddha. Not less than 30 in number, these caves used to make the lodging of followers and students of Buddhism. During the time of their stay, they adorned the caves with their outstanding architectural skills and artistic paintings. Generally, the carvings and the paintings illustrate the life stories of Lord Buddha. In conjunction with this, numerous styles of human and animal figures are also engraved in the rocks.

The pictorial carvings and murals at Ajanta depict the modern society of those times. The artistic sculptures presented every kind of populace from kings to slaves, from men to women, from children to beasts along with flowers plants, fruits and birds. There are some figures that portray the inhabitants like ‘Yakshas’, ‘Kinneras’ (half human and half bird), ‘Gandharvas’ (divine musicians) and ‘Apsaras’ (heavenly dancers).

All the thirty caves are divided into ‘Chaitya-Grihas’ (stupa halls) and ‘Viharas’ (dwelling halls). In order to reach each cave, one has to flight of steps that are preserved in their original structure. The Cave 9, 10, 19, 26 and 29 are known as ‘Chaitya-Grihas’, which were used for the worship of the Lord. The remaining caves are ‘Sangharamas’ or ‘Viharas’ that were used for the housing purpose of the followers and students of Buddhism.

The caves are numbered as per their present access from the main entrance and were not erected in the same order. From artistic point of view, Cave 1, 2, 16 and 17 are really important and possess remarkable pieces of art that can certainly beat art of the modern world. The walls of these caves are adorned with murals that are maintained to provide the same charm and vibrancy of the bygone era.

Wall-Paintings
The wall paintings of the caves are made with the Tempera technique. This technique involves painting on a dry surface, after the wall is coated with 1 cm thick layer of a mixture made of clay, cow dung and rice husks. The painting is coated with a coat of lime on completion. In those times, the colors used to be natural.

Archeological Findings

As per the facts revealed by Archeological department, the caves were carved out in two different segments, with a gap of more or less four centuries. The caves made in the first segment, date back to 2nd century BC whereas the caves of the second segment are said to have been made by the Vakatakas and the Guptas. Each cave comprises carvings and paintings representing the incidents of Buddha’s life, Bodhisattvas and the Jatakas.

National Geographic Traveler – April 2010 (US)

cls — Mon, 22 Mar 2010 11:32:33 +0000

National Geographic Traveler – April 2010 (US)
English | 102 pages | PDF | 27.70 Mb

National Geographic Traveler Magazine: Discover a wealth of vacation ideas for the U.S., Canada, and overseas destinations. Each issue of National Geographic Traveler features superb photography, lively stories and features and a wide range of practical travel advice. This award-winning bimonthly publication has everything you need to plan the perfect trip.

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Google Office – Lovely Photos

cls — Sun, 17 Jan 2010 05:51:02 +0000

Braja Mandala Parikrama (84 Kosi Yatra)

cls — Thu, 27 Aug 2009 07:38:40 +0000

Click below for Musical mp3 Braja Mandala Parikrma
Musical mp3 Braja Mandala Parikrma

Click below to Download mp3 Braj Mandala Parikarma
Download mp3 Braja Mandala Parikarma

Braj Mandal Parikrama Traditionally known as "Chaurasi Kos" (84 kos- about 250 kms) parikrama. The Braj Parikrama is the Parikrama around the holy land of Braj, the birthplace of Lord Krishna. The rainy month of Bhadon, the month when Lord Krishna was born, is a time of colorful celebrations. The famous Braj Parikrama, a pilgrimage of all the places in Braj associated with Krishna, is undertaken during this time. However from year to year the exact schedule may change, but the basic route that is taken on Braja Mandala Parikrama does not change.

Devotees achieve full experience of twelve forests of Vraja, over a period of one month and visit holy tirthas (pilgrimage centres) of Vraja (also spelt Braja or Braj). Vraja Mandala comprises twelve forests, known as vans, and twenty-four groves, known as upavans.

The twelve forests (vans) are:

01-Madhuvan	02-Talavan	03-Kumudvan	04-Bahulavan
05-Kamavan	06-Khadiravan	07-Vrindavan	08-Bhadravan
09-Bhandiravan	10-Belvan	11-Lohavan	12-Mahavan

The twenty-four groves (upvans) are

01-Gokul	02-Govardhan	03-Barsana	04-Nandagram
05-Sanket	06-Paramadra	07-Aring	08-Sessai
09-Mat	10-Uchagram	11-Kelvan	12-Sri Kund
13-Gandharvavan	14-Parsoli	15-Bilchhu	16-Bacchavan
17-Adibadri	18-Karahla	19-Ajnokh	20-Pisaya
21-Kokilavan	22-Dadhigram	23-Kotvan	24-Raval

and all of these places are stated to share in Lord Krishna’s absolute nature.

The yatra extends to Kotban to the north of Mathura, to Nandgaon, Barsana and the Govardhan Hill to the west and south-west of the city and to the banks of the Yamuna to the east, where the Baldeo Temple is located. Colorful melas and performances of the Raaslila (a depiction of the exploits of Lord Krishna) are organized.

On Braj Mandala Parikrama, devotees from far and wide come together on the Braj Bhomi for taking the holy circumambulation around the divine land. The Parikrama commences at Mathura by bathing at Visrama Ghata. It moves clockwise around the Braja Mandala, heading first towards southwest of Mathura. It then turns north, visiting the seven main forests on the western side of the River Yamuna. The Parikrama then crosses the Yamuna and heads southwards visiting the five main forests on the eastern side of the river. It moves south until it reaches Baldeo (Dauji) and then goes back northwards, through the forest of Mahavana. Finally, it returns to Mathura, where it concludes by again bathing in Visrama Ghata.

Prominent religious places, situated on Parikrama Marg are mentioned below:

S.No.	Place	Location	Significance
1.	Vrindavan	12 km from Mathura Famous Temple of Shri Baanke Bihari Ji North-East	Spiritual centre of Braj area
2.	Mathura	Distt. Headquarter Situated on Delhi Agra national highway	Birth place of Shri Krishna
3.	Barsaana	30 km from Mathura	Birth place of Shri Radha ji Bhaanugarh, Daangarh, Vilaasgarh and Maangarh Place of play for Radha-Krishna
4.	Giriraaj ji	35 km from Bharatpur	The holy Goverdhan Mountain Devotees of Sri Krishna take a Parikrama of 21 km of around this mountain to get blessings & virtue
5.	Jatipuraa	On the Parikrama route to Giriraajji	Origin place of Shrinaathji
6.	Radha Kund	On the Parikrama route way of Giriraajji	Holy tank: It is said that it was created by Shri Krishna and Radhaji themselves
7.	Nand Village	Near Barsaana	Shri Nand Baba and Mother Yashoda lived here
8.	Gaukul	16 km to east of Mathura	Goswami Vitthalnathji founded Gokul in 1627 after obtaining land from King Akbar. As per the Ancient story Sri Krishna was brought here to protect him from the Demon, Kansa
9.	Kaman	60 km from Bharatpur on Bharatpur-Delhi road	It is one of the 12 important Vans of Braj. Vrindadevi is the ruling Goddess of this place.
10.	Deeg	35 km from Bharatpur on Bharatpur-Alwar Road	It is also known as Latatthavan. Picturesque Palaces located here are worth-visiting
11.	Aadibadri	1.5 km from Alipur towards the South-West Badrinath	Symbolic form of the famous temple of Uttarakhand. This place is assumed to be associated with the childhood of Sri Krishna
12.	Kedarnath	14 km from Aadibadri	Symbolic form of famous pilgrimage place Shri Kedarnathji of Uttarakhand
13.	Charanpahadi	5 km from Kedarnath	This place is said to have actual foot-impressions of Sri Krishna
14.	Bhojanthaali	Kaman	Marks of the utensils in which lord Krishna used to have food with the Gwalas still exist here
15.	Vimalkund	Kaman	Holy Tank Many temples are located on the way
16.	Nimbgaon	On Varsaana Road	Ascetic-land of Shri Nimbakaacharya, the founder of Nimbark-community
17.	Paraasoli	On Goverdhan-Saankh	This was previously known as road Paramraas. The Garden of Kumbhandasji, Surdaasji’s singing & worshiping place and Mahapradhuji’s assembly room are located here, near the Chandra-Sarovar
18.	Paramdaraa	On Deeg-Kaman road	In ancient time it was known as Pramod Van. The village is associated with Shridaama, the friend of Sri Krishna.
19.	Baldevji	4 km in south from bandigram	This place is specially associated with Baldauji, the elder brother of Shri Krishna, and one the important places in the Braj Mandal region.
20.	Sanketvan	4 km in south of Varsana	Shri Krishna and Radhaji had met here with the help of Lalita Sakhi. Prem Sarovar is located in the nearby area.

Here is an mp3 audio of Braj Mandal Parikarma. You may play it online or download it and enjoy whenever you like.

दुनिया के 10 बेमिसाल ब्रिज

cls — Tue, 11 Aug 2009 02:50:14 +0000

1- हम दुनिया के जिन अजब-गजब पुलों के बारे में आपको बताने जा रहे हैं आप उन्हें देखते ही रह जायेंगे. …अब मलयेशिया के इस स्काई ब्रिज को देखिए, कर रहा है ना फोटो लेने का मन।

2- यह ब्रिज बना है नॉर्वे में। अटलांटिक सी के ऊपर बने इस ब्रिज की खूबसूरती देखते ही बनती है।

3- चीन का तेनजिन आई ब्रिजः यह पुल चीन की हाइ नदी के ऊपर बना है। खास बात यह है कि पुल के ऊपर एक वील भी है।

4- यह पुल स्कॉटलैंड में बना है। यह पुल फोर्थ और क्लाइड कैनल को जोड़ता है।

5- सियोल का बैन्पो ब्रिजः यह पुल सियोल में हान नदी के ऊपर बना है। पुल के नीचे एक झरना है। इसमें करीब 10 हजार नोज़ल लगाए गए हैं। जिनसे हर मिनट में 190 टन पानी निकलता है।

6- इटली का पॉन्टी वैकियो ब्रिजः इटली का यह ऐतिहासिक पुल है। इसकी खास बात यह है कि पुल पर कई दुकानें भी बनी हुई हैं।

7- जर्मनी का मेगडिबर्ग वॉटर ब्रिजः जर्मनी के इस पुल को बनने में पूरे 80 साल लगे। एल्बी नदी के ऊपर बने इस पुल की लंबाई 918 मीटर है। इसकी खास बात यह है कि नदी के ऊपर बने इस पुल के ऊपर एक नहर बनाई गई है। जिसमें नाव गुजर सकती है।

8- हेंडरसन वेव्स ब्रिजः यह पुल बना है सिंगापुर में। जानते हैं सड़क से इसकी ऊंचाई कितनी है? पूरे 36 मीटर।

9- गेट्सहेड मिलेनियम ब्रिजः ब्रिटेन में बने इस पुल को आप फोल्डिंग ब्रिज भी कह सकते हैं। बड़े जहाजों को रास्ता देने के लिए यह पुल फोल्ड किया जा सकता है। टेम्स नदी पर बना यह पुल लंदन ब्रिज के नाम से मशहूर है।

10- अयोला आइलैंड ब्रिजः यह पुल ऑस्ट्रिया के ग्रेज में मूर नदी के ठीक बीचोबीच बना है। पुल की खास बात यह है कि इसमें एक बार और एक कॉफी हाउस भी बना है।

Travel Incredible India

cls — Mon, 27 Jul 2009 02:09:41 +0000

India is a land of amazing contrasts, and it is a truly incredible destination. Here is a list of best indian travel sites. You can discover whole India in these site

from the snow-clad Himalayan peaks in the North to the golden beaches of the South.
from the undulating sand dunes of Rajasthan in the West, to the tropical forests of the East, India

India has

an ancient history,
an amazing array of forts,
palaces and monuments, like magnificent Taj Mahal in Agra

India is a destination that has to be experienced by every traveler. These Indian Travel Sites will makes it easy for you to find in India and worldwide.

destinations,
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