UJJAIN MAHAKUMBH 2016

Situated in ideallic surroundings with the River Banas girdling it towards the West and the North and hills and dales surrounding it on all sides, Sinhad of yore at the time of the advent of Lord Shrinathji- a tiny hamlet inhabited by a few Brahmans and tribes subservient, living in thatched huts, can now Icgimatcly claim to be a developing town ship with a population ncaring fifty thousand equipped with all modern amenities, pulsating with lift and ceaseless human activity, as a nerve centre of this region. Nathdwara, the present version of the three hundred years old Sinhad. is the seat of the premier Pushtimargiya Shrine of Lord Shrinathji, the cynosure of all Pushtimargiya Vaishanavas and claims its name through him having been variously known in history as Shrinathji Dwar. Shriji Dwar, Shri Nathdwara , and Nathdwara (gateway of Shrinathji) it is a place visited by every Pushtimargiya Vaishanava to lie prostrate and donate and offer in all humality, all that he can spare, out of reverence & veneration towards the Lord.

The main attraction of Mandsaur is lord Pashpupatinath temple. Pashpupatinath is synonymous name of lord shiva. This artistic effigy is built-up smooth, glowingly dark coppery fiery rock-block. The temple is situated at the bank of Shivna river. Its weight is 4600 kg. Height 7.25 ft. in curvature and 11.25 ft. in straight. It has 8 heads they are divided in two part. First part in 4 heads on the top and second part in 4 head bottom. Top 4 heads are clear, refined and complete then 4 bottom heads are not refined. This temple have four doors in the four directions but entrance door is situated in the west. This effigy’s heads which is situated in the west are presenting fearful image of lord shiva. This heads make-up indicate three rasp (relish) which is in bun-shaped hair with poisonous snakes, emerging third eye and opened underlie. In the centre tangled hair are surrounding snakes that is acquainted annihilation omkar (veda mantras symbolizing God almighty)

Kumbh Mela Kumbh Mela is a mass Hindu pilgrimages of faith in which Hindus gather to bathe in a sacred river. It is the world's largest religious gathering. It is held every third year at one of the four places by rotation: Haridwar, Allahabad (Prayag), Nasik and Ujjain. Thus the Kumbh Mela is held at each of these four places every twelfth year. Ardh ("Half") Kumbh Mela is held at only two places, Hardwar and Allahabad, every sixth year. The rivers at these four places are: the Ganges (Ganga) at Haridwar, the confluence (Sangam) of the Ganges and the Yamuna and the mythical Saraswati at Allahabad, the Godawari at Ujjain, and the Shipra at Ujjain.

Chittorgarh (Chittaurgarh) is the epitome of Rajput pride, romance and spirit. It reverberates with history of heroism and sacrifice, which is evident as it echoes with the tales sung by the Bards of Rajasthan. The main reason for visiting Chittorgarh is its massive hilltop fort, which is a depiction of Rajput culture and values. The fort of Chittor is regarded as one of the most outstanding forts of the country and is indeed the "Pride of Rajasthan State". The formidable fort is perched atop a 180 meter high hillock covering a massive area of 700 acres and is a standing sentinel to the courage and valour of Chittorgarh. It is belived that the fort was build by the Mauryans in 7th century and further strucres were added to it by the successive Mewar rulers. The one mile long serpentine road to the fort is quite steep and exhastive. The fort is approached through seven huge gateways or 'pols', which are guarded by watch tower and massive iron spiked doors.

Pushkar has the only temple in India dedicated to Lord Brahma, creator of the three worlds. According to a legend, as Lord Brahma was searching for a suitable place to perform a yagnya, the lotus fell of his hands and the place where it fell sprung out water. Since then the lake of Pushkar was formed. The lake still stands with 52 bathing Ghat on its banks. People throng to these ghat to take a dip in the holy lake and wash away all their sins, as is the popular belief here. It was on the full moon day in the month of Kartik that the lake was formed. This religious reason has given the world an opportunity to be a part of one of the most spectacular fairs of the world.

Journey for Jodhpur via Merta-Meera Bai Temple.