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U • Mythology • 2020
Perched on top of the Nilanchal Hill in Guwahati, lies a temple that is one of the most revered shrines of Ma Kali in India TheKamakhyaDevi Temple. Steeped in mythical history, this temple is one of the oldest and most revered Shakti Peeths and according to one legend, named after the God of Love, Kamadeva.KamakhyaDevi Temple is a unique temple that celebrates the power and divinity of womanhood. In this episode of Sharanam, Juhi Chawla takes us on a journey to experience the divine energy that pulls the faithful into its holy embrace. Witness the power and faith that evokes the most profound prayer in the heart of the devout.
Director: Juhi Chawla
Actors: Juhi Chawla
Along the beautiful Konkan coastline of Maharashtra is the quaint hamlet of Ganpatipule the abode, according to popular belief, of a selfmanifested idol of Lord Ganesha. Worshipped as the eternal guardian of the entire western region of India, the Ganesha idol here is said to be about 400 years old. Thousands of devotees who throng the Ganpatipule temple every year have one thing in common the everlasting faith that even a small glimpse of their beloved Lord Ganapati can bring them peace and happiness. With the sound of waves that calms your soul and serenity that surrounds your being, the Ganpatipule temple is sure to connect you with the divine.
The sacred city of temples, Ujjain in Madhya Pradesh is a place where you cannot miss the faith and devotion steeped in every shred of the land. Every little fragment of Ujjain, with its powerful mysticism, speaks of Lord Shankar in its own unique way. No matter where you are within the city, you seem to be magically pulled towards the enigmatic Temple of Mahakaleshwar. Lord Shiva is believed to have selfmanifested in the form of lingams, called Jyotirlingas, at 12 locations around the country of which the Temple of Mahakaleshwar is one holy site. The Temple of Mahakaleshwar is the focal point of the city and Mahakal, as Lord Shiva is known here, is not only the guardian and patron deity of this holy city, but he is also regarded as the ruler of this city, one who is mightier than time itself.
The sands of time often stand witness to the events that take place around them. Nanded a peaceful town set conveniently close to the city of Aurangabad in Maharashtra, stands testament to the magical aura of the legendary Guru Gobind Singh Ji. With an air of divinity surrounding it, Nanded is home to the fourth seat of Sikhism Hazur Sahib, a Gurudwara where it is widely believed that Guru Gobind Singh Ji stayed and gave his last sermon before he breathed his last.A major pilgrimage site for Sikhs worldwide, the Hazur Sahib is a place where one finds a true connection with the Supreme Being. People who visit Hazur Sahibhave been known to experience a strong divine presence. Picturesque and serene, even the atmosphere at Hazur Sahib speaks volumes about the magnanimity of Guru Gobind Sikh Ji and his principles.
About 45 km from Leh, nestled in a beautiful valley in the Himalayas, is the most revered monastery in Ladakh the Hemis Monastery. The Hemis Monastery holds an important place amongst the followers of Tibetan Buddhism. The annual Hemis Festival is immensely popular and witnesses the participation of people from across the globe. The Hemis Festival is an ode to the memory of Guru Rinpoche, also venerated as the second Buddha among his followers.Travel to Hemis Monastery and experience the sublime energy of this festival in Sharanam.
Varanasi, also known as Kashi or Benaras, is one of the oldest cities in India, probably older than any known history or tradition. Soaked in divinity and dipped in holiness, Varanasi is considered a melting pot, a place where both life and death merge together seamlessly. Hindus across the world believe in staying at Kashi during their final days to greet death and attain salvation Moksha.It is widely accepted among Hindus that permission to stay at Varanasi is granted by the most powerful form of Lord Shiva, Kaal Bhairav, also fondly referred to as the kotwal or the guardian of Kashi. Legend states that the aura of Kaal Bhairav is so fierce that even death is afraid of it, and therefore, worshipping him can wipe out any negativity or unpleasantness from ones life. It is a place where the sun rises thanks to the magnanimity of Lord Shiva and sets steeped in the divine mysticism of the holy Ganga Aarti such is the enigma of Varanasi.
A place nestled on the holy banks of the Yamuna, resonating with the amusing tricks of young Krishna and echoing with the gaiety of the Gopis, Vrindavan can rightfully be termed as the playground of the beloved Lord Krishna. Almost every nook and corner of this holy city speaks volumes about the playful escapades of the compassionate cowherd brothers, Krishna and Balram. Once you enter Vrindavan, the radiance and stillness in the air are unmistakable. Walking along the bustling thoroughfare of the city, you reach the beatific Krishna Balram Temple. Enveloped in a blissful ambience of devotion and holiness, the temple of ISCKON has a sacred appeal that pulls everyone towards it with an undeniable charm. It is believed that the two brothers, Krishna and Balram, used to play and amuse the residents of Vrindavan with their antics here. A visit to the Krishna Balram temple leaves your soul stirred with divine love and peace. Watch Sharanam to experience the divinity of Varanasi and the magnitude of faith and love of thousands of devotees across the world towards Lords Krishna and Balram.
Some throng this temple to ask for blessings and fill themselves with hope and peace. Others come here to thank the deity every day for fulfilling their wishes. No matter the reason, everyone who walks into the Nakoda Bhairav temple in Rajasthan leaves with a heart full of devotion, hope, and joy.
Theres something about the hills that make your heart yearn for a spiritual oneness with the Supreme. Perched on the top of a gorgeous hill, around 24 km from the city of Gangtok in Sikkim, is one such abode that bestows your mind with an infinite gift of peace the Rumtek Monastery. Belonging to the Kargyu sect of Buddhists whose origin dates back to 12th Century Tibet, the Rumtek monastery is known as the Dharma Chakra Centre. It consists of a beautiful shrine and the Nalanda Institute for the monks who work selflessly towards learning and spreading the philosophy of Buddha across the world. An architectural design that can truly be termed as one of the finest of its time, the Rumtek Dharma Chakra Centre has preserved stupas, murals, and statues that make the monastery unique. Set amidst majestic hills and breathtaking waterfalls, the Rumtek Monastery is a place where your soul attains peace in the truest sense. Watch Sharanam to know more about the enigma of Rumtek Monastery and to experience the spiritual comfort it exudes.
A place where faith acquires new meaning and where devotion embarks on a soulful journey, such is the beauty of a peaceful village located close to Nashik. Shingnapur a village where houses have no doors and hearts have no fear. The Shani temple in the village redefines the concept of spirituality and makes you believe in the oneness of the Supreme. Home to several mythological folklores and tales, the Shani Shingnapur temple is an abode of the divine. Watch Sharanam to know more about the eternal glory of Lord Shani and the historical relevance of Shani Shingnapur in its entirety.
Kurukshetra in Haryana, a place of immense historical and mythological importance, boasts of one of the most powerful shakti peeths in India, Maa Bhadrakali. Hailed as the sacred place where Mata Satis right ankle fell, Maa Bhadrakali Devikoop temple witnesses thousands of visitors every year. Legend has it that before marching out for the battle of Mahabharata, the Pandavas along with Lord Krishna prayed here for their victory and donated their horses which started an ageold tradition of devotees offering horses made of silver, mud etc. A sense of solace and peace reigns supreme around Maa Bhadrakali Temple. The comfort of a mothers lap and the assurance that nothing can ever go wrong whilst one is in the complete devotion of Maa Bhadrakali is what drives ardent followers to this serene locale.
In Pushkar, Rajasthan, lies one of the oldest temples dedicated to Lord Brahma, the creator of the universe, and everything within it. Thousands of devotees throng the temple, and the adjoining Pushkar Sarovar to seek blessings. Discover the mystic energy that draws people to this holy site on Sharanam Season 2, Tuesday at 10 pm.Â
It is said that a mother is the almighty, able to love infinitely. She can tend a broken heart and can rebuild life out of ruins she is a place of hope. Millions from across the country come to Kolhapur for a glimpse of this energy, this hope in the form of an image mounted on a stone platform, carved in black. She is the goddess Mahalakshmi of Kolhapur, considered to be the reason for the prosperity of this city, bringing crowds flocking to the temple at all times of the dayExperience the divine hope, love, and tenderness in this episode of Sharanam.
A place that literally means the Gateway to God Haridwar is considered one of the most popular holy places for Hindus. Located on the banks of river Ganga, Haridwar has been the centre of Hindu religion and mysticism for centuries. Legend has it that during the Samudra Manthan, Haridwar along with Ujjain, Nashik, and Allahabad was one of the four sites where drops of Amrit elixir of immortality accidentally spilt while being carried by Garuda, which is celebrated by holding the Kumbh Mela once in every 12 years here. The exact spot where the drops of Amrit fell is known as Har ki Pauri footsteps of the Lord and it is a strong belief among Hindus that taking a dip in these ghats can wash away ones sins and help them attain Moksha salvation. The luminous and reverberant Ganga Aarti that takes place every evening on the ghats of Haridwar is a sight to behold and soak in. The most famous temple of Haridwar, which is also one of its identity markers, is the Daksheshwar Mahadev Mandir. Located around 5 km from Har Ki Pauri, the Daksheshwar Mahadev Temple is considered the source of all 52 shakti peeths in the world. Mythological scriptures hint at the fact that King Daksh was one of the 14 Prajapatis creator deities and also the father of Sati who was married off to Lord Shiva in a huge ceremony here. Known as an arrogant king, King Daksh wasnt very fond of Lord Shiva, and hence, Sati was forced to immolate herself in one of the Kunds during a Yagna. The angry Lord Shiva then manifested as a selfcreated linga and ordered the severing of Dakshas head but later replaced that with the head of a male goat so that the Yagna could proceed peacefully. Then Lord Shiva declared that every year, during the month of Saavan, the month that is dearest to the Lord, Kankhal would be His abode. Rich in history and laden with the divine powers of Lord Shiva, Daksheshwar Mahadev Temple shall surely bind your soul to the supreme.
A mighty structure overlooking the Arabian Sea which is not just a symbol of faith but a historical, religious and cultural beacon that has stood the test of time The Somnath Temple. Located in Saurashtra, Gujarat and believed to be created out of gold by the moon god Som, it is regarded as 1st among the 12 jyotirling shrines of Shiva. Discover more about this revered holy shrine visited by lakhs of devotees from across the world and hear their moving soliloquies on Sharanam with Juhi Chawla.
Undying faith in the love of a mother is what drives millions of devotees to the Church of Velankanni in Tamil Nadu every year. Also hailed as the Lourdes of the East it is here at the Basilica of Our Lady of Good Health, that the faithful from all religions seek solace and offer homage to Mother Mary. The hope of a miracle, cure from an ailment or a heartfelt silent prayer, this sacred shrine provides answers to all who bow at its divine doorstep. Watch such stories, miracles and power of faith unfold on Sharanam with Juhi Chawla.
Nestled in the lap of Kangra Ghat in Himachal Pradesh is the magical temple of Jwala Devi.Famous as one of the 51 shaktipeeths, the Jwala Devi temple is unique as it does not have an idol placed inside, rather an eternal burning flame. Soft and serene yet strong and intense, the flame represents a mothers love. Devotees thronging the temple staunchly believe that a glimpse of the burning flame shall lead to the end of their struggles and pave the way for happier days. Intricately woven tales, fascinating legends and miracles will take you on a spiritual journey in this episode.
Divinity dwells in the arms of peace and we get certain of this fact, in the sacred lands of Amritsar. Within the peaceful and blissful premises of the Harmandir Sahib Gurudwara in Amritsar, also widely known as the Golden Temple, devotees have claimed to find the real meaning of the greater being. The continuous chant from the verses of Guru Granth Sahib adds up to the already existing sanctified atmosphere. The focus of the Golden Temple is the famous Amrit Sarovar a water tank that surrounds the shining shrine. The sacred water from this holy pool of nectar is vouched for its divine healing powers.
Thousands of pilgrims throng the sacred Sai Baba Temple everyday with the singular hope of deliverance from worldly pain. Located in the Ahmednagar district of Maharashtra, Shirdi is a small village that literally means the foot of prosperity and it is here that pilgrims believe that their Sai beckons them with open arms. Nurtured by a strong belief that anyone who visits Shirdi never returns empty handed, Sai Baba is faith and divinity epitomized in one. Watch Sharanam with Juhi Chawla to understand the message and miracles of Sai Baba in the devotees’ own words.
The peaceful town of Ajmer seems to have sacredness embedded in its very core. Here lies one of the holiest Muslim shrines in India, where thousands of pilgrims congregate to pay respect to Khwaja Moinud din Chisti, the revered Sufi saint of the Chishtyya order and a prominent figure among the spiritual healers of the world. It is said that nobody returns from the dargah empty handed and its doors are open for anyone who visits with faith in his heart and a prayer on his lips.
About 60 kms away from the industrious city of Mangalore is the peaceful hamlet, Udupi. Located here is a quaint matha of Lord Sri Krishna, a holy place for thousands of devotees who throng here to shower love on their favourite lord. The idol of Lord Krishna sits here in childlike innocence. Swathed in fragrant garlands and brilliant goldlined garments, the beatific idol casts a spell of happiness the moment you set your eyes on it. Devotees who visit the Sri Krishna matha, strongly believe that faith and sacredness get redefined within the confines of this ashram.
Considered to be as sacred as the Shaktipeeths located across the Indian subcontinent, the Saptushrungi Devi Temple near Nashik is a sight to behold. Nestled among 7 mountain peaks in Nashik, the almost 10 feet high idol of Mata blesses the thousands of devotees who visit here. Coated with Sindoor and decorated with ornaments, one cannot miss Saptashrungi Mata39s striking bright eyes that seem to dive deep into one39s soul and lighten it with faith from within.
Just minutes away from Nashik city in Maharashtra, is the pious town of Trimbak, a place that finds its mention in the powerful Maha Mritunjaya Mantra. Mystical, powerful and enigmatic, the jyotirlinga here has three faces that symbolizes Lord Brahma, Lord Vishnu and Lord Mahesh. Lush green mountains encircling the temple, lend a beatific atmosphere to the devotees who come here seeking peace. The holiness and purity of Trimbakeshwar shall surely make you experience faith and spirituality.
The myriad dimensions of faith are sometimes difficult to comprehend by the rational mind. Sikar, a place close to Jaipur is witness to such a wonderful enigma of devotion in the form of Khatushyam Temple. A manifestation of Barbarik the grandson of Bhima and Ahilya, the great warrior was blessed by Lord Krishna to be known and worshiped as Shyam for all times to come. Thousands of devotees who visit the Khatushyam Temple have a strong faith that the ultimate solution to all their problems lies in the darshan of Shyam Baba. With numerous tales of myths and folklore associated with the establishment of the Temple, the spirituality surrounding the deity never ceases to amaze. Here a dip in the shyam kund, is believed to cure all ailments and a glance at the holy Shyam Babas idol brings one happiness.
Situated in the heart of Delhi, at the dargah of the Hazrat Nizamuddin Aulia, all differences of caste, creed and religion surrender to love and peace. To escape from the frantic city life, people from all walks visit the Nizamuddin Dargah to seek solace. It is here one will find peace and tranquility filled in everyone’s heart and love for one of the greatest sufi saints of India Nizamuddin Aulia. Watch Sharanam with Juhi Chawla to experience the divine faith that pulls thousands of devotees to his altar.
Udvada, a scenic coastal hamlet located a couple of hours drive from Surat boasts of one of the most important fire temples of the Parsi community The Udvada Atash Behram. Also hailed as the Iran Shah this temple is one of the oldest fire temples in India. Literally meaning the victorious fire the Atash Behram attracts thousands of Zoroastrian pilgrims from all over the country and beyond. With folded hands and bowed heads, devotees throng here to connect with their spiritual selves. In addition to providing solace, the Udvada Atash Behram will reveal to you divinity in its all its grandeur.
Hindi
31 July 2020
Mythology
Juhi Chawla
Juhi Chawla
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