Ramchandi Temple,Odisha

              RAMCHANDI TEMPLE

More to explore more to gain knowledge.Travelling to an unique places gives an opportunity to know extensively about its culture , history and the legendary stories.This is what happened when i decided to visit Ramchandi Temple near Konark mostly 25km distance from Puri. Its also viable to travel from any nearby locations like Cuttack or Bhubaneswar. Mostly any season tourist can visit there to enjoy the serenity looks of the area. Once it was surrounded by dense plants like casuarina. The cold wave from the sea beach and the shimmering water of Tungabhadra river creates a magical feeling to breathe . What need to more for a short relief for hectic modern life?The long travel almost 25km from Puri to Ramchandi Temple through Marine drive road is an exhilarating experience.

View of Ramchandi Temple

After reaching there with rich satisfaction the aura within the temple premises attracts the attention of materials which are available there for offering to goddess.The fresh lotus flower along with hibiscus with red vibrating color seems wait to assimilate with the heavenly offering on behalf of devotees. The faith , the divinity and the feelings creates a mysterious atmosphere. The droplets of water on the lotus flower floating in a such a way that gives indicates for the flow of subsistence for living life in a peaceful manner. The silent looks of the monger wait for the customer to sell his worship materials for offering to Goddess.

The inner sanctum of the temple where Maa Ramchandi has been there for the protection of human life.Its a legend that Invader Kalapahad was treacherously invaded Utkala during 17th century for  the destruction of Temples. After coming close to this temple he was thirsty and for water he asked for a help from an old woman . The maluni dressed woman was no other but a protector of land Goddess Ramchandi. She opted him to wait for few minutes for brining water from the river . After long wait when no one came then exhausted invader entered inside the temple where no one was there . At the outset what he observed was that Maa Ramchandi was floating in the water of Kushbhadra river where water outpoured and impossible to reach there by any means. From there he returned back without harming any more temples of Odisha.It was believed that temple was built on the instruction of Devi Maa  to her priest.

The visitors arrival throughout year is an expected matter . The devotees come here with a lot of  wishes once fulfilled then they never forget to tie the red bengals and thread at the banyan tree that is situated just at the left side of the entrance gate of the temple. Its a things of faith and force for taking life further.The whole scenario looks as if someone is there to motivate for positive life force as red is a symbolizes feelings of passion . It sends the force of pulse racing . A symbolic sign of fulfilling the desire of expectation. If we feel the sanctity meaning then it provide a numbers of way to get right answer from that view . 

The lower part of banyan tree loaded with a large numbers of red bengals with holy clothes. As if our expectations from life is too excessive . The inner communication with the feelings of devotees with the supreme power is unspoken  assumption for the existence of life. This is how one can realize the feelings and aura at the premises of  temple.

Once going backward of the temple then view of sea beach is amazing with the  long presence of dense coniferous tree.To understand the natures beauty at its maximum utility one have to give time for gaining something from the heavenly world. This is the creation of nature and blessings of Supreme authority that's why its a magical view. No man made things creates sensation for the peaceful life.The Khushabhadra river flows near the sea and unites with the Bay of Bengal . Even though the gap between two water bodies are very close to each other still they maintain their norm for not crossing their limits at some point . After interact with the locals they explained even in rainy season the water level at the mouth of the river where it flows into the sea remain same level.Directly or indirectly nature guides us so many things but we humanbeing never try to understand the depth of guidelines and rules of nature, We do what we feel appropriate for us . Never think on behalf of others comfort zone . Perhaps this is the main reason for which the level of hypocrisy and turmoil increases day by day by harming and interfering the rules of nature excessively.Boat riding is available to enjoy the tour more.

The middle land portion divides the river and sea. The water never cross from either side. 

At season time the availability and cost of boat ride is very nominal due to presence of tourist. Almost Rs 150 per head they are charging for one hour ride  to meeting point of sea with river . Otherwise for single person if any one wish to book individually then the cost of ride increases upto Rs 1000. But its worth to make a ride and experience a divine feelings there for a moment.

1.Transport facility is available from Bhubaneswar and Puri.

2, Very close to Konark Temple . One can visit there at the same day.

3. Spending few hours in the sunrise and sunset time is an advisable to experience the beauty of nature at it best.

4. Keep water bottle and eatables for emergency for safe side as options are very limit there.

5. Make options to travel through Marine Drive road .Its an exhilarating experience. But , for nature lover and environmentalist , the present stage of cutting trees and deforestation on both sides of road is a heart wrenching feeling .

6. Over growing of hotels creates a nuisance and it effects the natural devotional feelings.

Next more to come regarding the details of new locations.

Do comment and share this blog for better awareness.

Sapna Acharya.

Blogger# traveler #travel #travel history#exploration #define #life

VARAHI TEMPLE,CHAURASHI By Sapna Acharya

Varahi Temple , Chaurashi . Odisha. By - Sapna Acharya

Opportunity came to my forefront when I listened regarding the importance of  one of the most iconic temple of Odisha.On my brief visit to Puri on the month of June ,2022, interaction with Dr B. C Mishra come out the result for making a plan to visit there. One can make plan to visit from Puri then the travelling is very easy by local bus which are going frequently to Kakatpur which is only 55km . From there one can take local auto for going Varahi Temple that is 12km distance from Kakatpur. After reaching main road Amareswar and Hirapatna road then easily we can go through the village of Chaurashia.After passing the greenery patches and beautiful village sight , temple come in front of us. If anyone are planning to visit by their own car then time will be consumed no hassle is there to reach there directly. Roads are quite good and people are very friendly.Surrounding areas are very greenery and ASI has taken responsibility for maintenance.

Varahi Temple is a masterpiece of Odisha architecture style. It is said that Somavamshi ruler of Odisha built this temple around  10th century .The Idol Varahi represent a symbol of Shakti for devotees. The important fact is the Varahi Temple is East Facing and made by sandstone. The entrance point of the temple shows the very different looks by the presence of small pillar . One of the specific sculpture at the pillar indicates the symbolic represents of God.The feminism cult raised  at its peak at that century to give strength for the life and force.The center point of life revolves around the shaktism and society forcefully raised for the worship of shakti cult and tatrink .

 The entrance pillar decorated with well knitted carvings which shows the competent skilled of artisans.The entire temple is decorated with ample divine forces and motives. The style of carvings are mostly  very unique in character . Though few statues are not there . The depiction of nagas at the pillars are a most appreciative art of temple. On the walls of Jagamohan so many stories are engraved on the basis of Ramayan. As like abduction of Sita, killing of of a deer by Rama and Laxman, the murder of Jatayu and the murder of Bali are some of the interesting pictures beautifully described on the stones.

The motifs and the articulately engraving of motifs are an another interesting facts of Varahi Temple.

Few of erotic sculptures shows the importance of the art on the walls of the temple. Due course of time the clarity of vision of sculpture are less .

 

 

The presence of Sun God with two lotus on his hand is explained the story of the importance of the worship of Surya at the bygone eras.Seven horses carries the chariot by charioteer is a divinity fact of the temple. The Ganesh idol at the other side makes it a aesthetic vision for devotees.

The presiding deity inside the temple represents Shakti and divine force which basically represents Matsya Varahi. with the face of a Varaha and the body of a divine woman. At the outset it shows that the idol has a big belly it seems that the whole universe is holding on her belly. The practice of Tantric rituals exists there since ages. Non veg like fish offers her on every puja.

On my own experience i feel the serenity of the place.After meditation, feeling of positive force is there. Spirituality of depthness is vibrating throughout the location.One need believe and force to make an attempt to save our sculpture and architecture along with History.

Its a place of worship to our culture and tradition . The style of cravings attracts us to know about the knowledge of our fore- fathers who had given such an art to the world .

Entrance of Varahi Temple

Details information has given by ASI

Varahi Temple at the outset . View of Jagamohan

The brief visit gave me solace to find the intensity of our culture. Odisha is a place of art and architecture. We need to explore for our knowledge. One can complete tour within one day. No difficulty is there to pay a short visit.For everything, passion is a necessary fact . Foe gaining anything one have to loss something so hard work and hurdles are there in each  journey .Take it  easy and plan your travelling according to your own budget . Everything is possible.

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Sapna Acharya

Shakti Peeth,Maa Mangala of Kakatpur

Maa refer to mother who take care of everything about her children.Supremacy of power lies on the strong thought and powerful voice  to control the vibrancy of different angle of life. This divinity aura is internally connected with Shaktipeeth of each and every location . This is how it attract the attention of devotees to pay a visit to get a power of internal strength . 

Without any second thought I planned to visit there as a solo traveller. Exploration of place is possible with strong passion and power to overcome the difficulties. With prior collection of information regarding the details of location and transport facilities I moved from Puri on 21st June 2022 at 6.30am. It's always good to take benefit of local transport for getting to know regarding the language,culture and behaviour of common local people. This is the best way to observe from their spontaneous life trend at public areas. 

Amidst loud noise,rush of crowd made it clear that the hurries of travellers at the bus depot.From my brief queries with the person I came to know the brief details about kakatpur temple timings. The destination is required to travel around 3hours. The distance between Puri to Kakatpur is 55km. Though the temple is situated just at the main road of the place so it's easy to locate the temple just for any new comer as like me. 

The first glance of the temple give ideas about the importance of Utkaliya temple architecture. Beautifully adorned with vibrant colors on the walls of temple. It is believed that the temple has built around 15th century but the arrival of Maa on the statutory form is around 9th century. The legends has related to Ramayan and the exploration of Maa Mangala has come to limelight in a different way.  It's all explained in details in a statement of local tales . Temple is just near the Prachi river. Once over pouring water on the body of river ,local boatmen unable to cross the river.  A boatman at the rainy time find it difficult to move his boat even after a long trial . At the same night he got dream to save a statue of Maa from the exact point of where his boat stocked in the mid point of Prachi river. The explosion of dream helped him to save the idol of Maa Mangala .The existence of Shakti peetha is symbolically embodiment of love of loyalty and revival of internal power. 

The surrounding of temple is very sanctified and maintained well by the temple authority. Offerings are a minimum rituals by the regular devotees. The priests of temple maintain their graceful attitude for each devotees and visitors. The common wish of each and everyone are to get relief from problems of life. 

The God represents as a form of omnipresent.  Her glory is stood for love,ferocity and devotion.The uniform  purpose of prayer is saving from all evils .

We should understand the point of visiting a Shakti peetha. The feminist power is vibrated there to energize the soul with positive feelings.  One has that capacity to accumulate the positive power from supreme authority.  One should develop internally to maintain the high spiritual sense. So,its a matter of high density where one can reach with sincere meditation and prayer. 

One important part of the place is directly linked with the rituals of Jagganath culture. On every Navakalebara time priests from temple of Jagganath dham come here to pray at Maa Mangala  for  blessings and indication regarding the location of devotional Daru brahma for the making Idols of Balabhadra,Jagganath and Maa Subhadra.

Jhamu Yatra is a significant part of Mangala shrine. Large numbers gather here to have a glance of that yatra. 

To protect the human existence in this universe, this supreme power always stand for the purpose of true benevolent for all. We ,as a surviving creature understand the importance of the facts.  The presence of natural Environment around each Shakti peeta give direct message for keeping the balance of nature who help in the mainstream of living being in this earth. 

 The focus point is that to maintain the ability to master oneself. Undoubtedly so many positive thoughts are directly giving messages for peaceful life and power to carry the best part in a most meaningful way. 

The opening time of temple is fixed for every day. It may remain closed for few hours at afternoon . Interested devotees may take prasad from the premises of temple after 11am.Priests are very cooperative for any form of help.

The visit is a great challenge and definitely get satisfaction from the fact of getting darshan of Maa .

Important Note to follow-

Regular transport is available from Puri.

Time of local bus is fixed.

Take your water bottle and fruits for safe side.

Try to visit in the morning hour. Rush is less.

No compulsion is there for offerings. It depends on the interests of devotees. 

Avoid photography in the inner circle of the temple.

Keep only one day for visiting Kakatpur from Puri. 

Sapna Acharya

Blogger 

DEULI MATH,A SACRED PLACE @KAKATPUR

Deuli Math is a place of serenity and linked with a traditional rituals with the Jagganath temple of Puri. The math has situated almost more than 2km. from Kakatpur,Odisha. The surrounding location is full of greenery and beautiful views . The importance lies on its holiness and devotion of Jagganath culture. The existence  of Prachi river near the math double the beauty of the place. Once it was the lifeline of locals for the regular use of water for every activites of life. Now,the situation is different. Due to negligence and changes in circumstances of climate and environment the present conditions of the river is very pathetic. It needs to renovate and cleaning of river. People nearby places should get awareness for keeping the condition of river in a well manner. Otherwise one day time will come Prachi River will vanish from its existence. 

So far as the importance of Deuli math is that it has been related to the divinity work of Lord Jagganath . The priests of Jagganath temple come to stay here during Navkalebar time to pray Maa Mangala for getting significant information about the status of availability of divine wood for Daru Brahma of Lords. 

Even though the math has it's own importance since long still public visit here for  conducting marriage ceremony and mundan rituals of child. Now it has supervised under otdc for smooth functioning of the system. 

Prachi River near Deuli Math.

Entrance Gate of Deuli Math.

The surrounding areas of Deuli Math.

Till now the traditional rituals of temples are observing in a systematic way.  One eye catching matter is that every year at the time of Annasara of Lords ,this matha take responsibility of sending organic fruits like mango,banana,coconut,pineapple,jackfruit etc  through a handmade bamboo basket by Bullock cart. Neither they use any modern amenities for quick  transport for such a long route. They travel by Bullock cart and few followers come by praying Gods name.Even they donot use foot wear at the time of walking. 

This devotion for Lords and the rituals of our culture is so magnetic that one can feel the depthness of pure religious facts by direct visual of the facts. 

When I went there for a short visit then I internally get emotional and feel to keep these all inside my soul for betterment. When I asked them the way they all conduct for the traditional rituals their honest and hardwork shows the strong bondage with the culture of their own. That's why even in every difficult situation people of Odisha are  stand apart throughout world for their belief and simplicity, hard work.No matter how the time changes but it's their own way of thinking process and regards to the value of religious beliefs of Sanatan Dharma.

Sapna Acharya

Blogger 

Social Activist

ENTANGLED WITH COVID-19 ON 2021

Time passed at its own pace. The moment of incident happened whenever anything probability was there to happen in life. Nothing is so sure to go on smoothly. Exactly one year passed but the traumatic memory still haunted to mind till now. So many questions are arising inside the conscience but no proper answers are there to solve the equations of problems. It was the time when second wave of Covid-19 variant spreaded throughout World. It was perhaps at its peak stage.The drastic surge of second wave of COVID infections in India started in Mid -March2021. No idea about its bad effect on the infections on health.At its peak the daily new infections reached about 4lakhs cases in the first week of May.It put immense pressure on the health systems across the country.

By that time i went to Max hospital, Vaishali on 19th April in relating to checkup the emergency case for my family . Again it was required to visit several more hospital for the availability of checkup . Due to lock down it was just not possible to visit to the opd sections also. On 22nd April my presence at Max hospital, Vaishali at late night was an horrible experience to see the scene at the out side of emergency department of hospital. More than one patients gathered irrespective of age bar to get an admit but unavailability of bed prevented most of the patients to wait at the outside. The impatience's of family members and  the terrible trouble visible very clearly . The out cry of public and the anger created too difficult situation to maintain the hygienic atmosphere for the common people. After spending few hours i returned back to home around midnight. Soon some changes that i felt internally. Gradually the muscles pain started . Although i was used simple a mask to cover my nose only at the visit to Max hospital. Suspicion increased by the passage of time. Felt fever in the next moment. Isolated myself from others and took rest. On 22nd i went to take my first covishield vaccine for the safety point of view at Bimla Devi hospital by paying nominal charges.At the same day i went to Vermani hospital for testing   RT-PCR test. Waited to get the result. By the passage of each day the complications increased . Due to strict indications for corona infections most of the opd sections of each nursing home and hospitals were not entertained . I took options by online treatment by Dr Kapila  and Suarabh Chandra . Minimum   medicines prescribed by them . Sooner congestion of throat and coughing started seriously. Finding no improvement in the situation, i contacted with so many friends and family members. Finally, confirmation of final report came online about my corona infection. Till 27th April trial was constantly on the progress for finding a bed in any hospital for taking nebulizer and oxygen supply .It was very tough and difficult to maintain the situation normal due to lack of proper treatment. On 27th April my brothers brought oxygen cylinder through their known sources . But, the result was short term. Through out Delhi and NCR it was steep problem for admission in any way. The excessive degradation of health problem pushed us to contact as many sources as possible but meagre result came out . So many WhatsApp messages circulated by that time through social network regarding the availability of bed for corona patients but the ground reality was different . Either the contact no was not validity or switched off whenever one would try to communicate with them. Perhaps the fake information spreaded as like a wild fire.In between we decided at least to try for making admission at Commonwealth games covid center. Information provided about the availability of oxygen cylinder for patients.While going through the Mayur Vihar -2 sudden plan changed and went towards Virmani Hospital.

At last i got a bed near by nursing home for treatment. Doctor agreed for admission but clearly informed for the lack of continuous supply of oxygen Still with the of getting bright hope for treatment we blindly took all formalities at normal room. After one day we shifted to deluxe room with better facility. But , there was no sign of improvement of cough and pain.

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On 1st May 2021 doctor advised for ct scan. The hospital authority took me Vivek Vihar for a x-ray and ct scan. After waiting a long time my no came . I was exhausted and tired to sit in one particular chair for a long. Too weak to walk for a short distance also, after that they took me for an another test to near by location of M.V-2.Doctors treatment neither effected nor my condition improved within 2 days staying at that nurshing home. Finally , the team did not capable to diagnose my case and suggested to transferred to other high hospital where all facility would be avail. Throughout Delhi the  situation was serious for pandemic cases of corona. Due to increase of patients number hospitals were unable to provide any bed at the worst emergency cases also.

Though oxygen level was fluctuated since 1st May, terrible throat infection and weakness made my health condition more serious. Finding no option we contacted for emergency treatment at kailash hospital, Noida by the reference of my brother. Since the staffs were very frequently took my case immediately but shifted to day care center for a while. Numerous injections and antibiotics provided as per the instructions of doctor. When time for day care over then we returned back to emergency counter.They denied to keep me for more longer due to  rush of patients at emergency. Frequent checking of das board and other hospitals like fortish , max , yosoda , yatharth hospital , noida, the complexity increased by getting no response from all. Finding no way i sent my hubby to greater noida for a private hospital which my friend assured me for icu bed. Ultimately result was futile. PRO of kailash hospital assured us to provide a bed at late hour of 3rd May. Finally after a long struggle i got admitted at bed no 17 at night 2.30am.under the supervision of Dr Mrinal Bhargava.

The best efforts of the staffs of Kailash hospital helped to come stability in my health. Unable to talk much for even a short time made me difficult to communicate with others. The strong determination to stay cool internally gave me more scope to eat food in a regular way. Hospitals provided all medicines and eatables in a routine and strict time table. But , the most heart touching matter was that all the way my hubby took care too intesively of me. Consulted doctors team with utmost care for proper treatment so that i could feel better. The rest of the patients conditions at my hall were very pathetic. Their family members looked after them in a very sincere way. The whole scenario was a struggling stage for everyone.

The regular prayer and yoga practices by me at the bed influenced a lot to others also. Doctors pleased to see my hope for struggle to deal with the infection. The high doses of different medicines made my situation under control. Then the hope for improvement raised in me so i tried to move my self within the hall of the hospital room and did all my self care so that nurses could not get suffered for me.

I was gradually became a friendly face with everyone . Encouraged others to take food on time and talked  with positive vibration. The life went  in a different angle.Nos of para medical staffs took their duties in a very strict order. Now , i was also acquainted with the new environment . The night watcher, sweeper ,cleaners and nurses were my  familiar persons whom i interacted with them. 

The supply of food in right time made me inclination for waiting to  next moment . The varieties and sumptuous food was the credible things for me. 

Then the continuous testing of ct scan and xray  of my health resulted with good report. Doctors gave hope for better improvement. Every moment became a testing time for me . No idea what would happen in next moment. My family went through a tragic stage to maintain me. Specially my better half sincerely doing all caring for the improvement of my health. I could not tolerate to see his suffering for me. He wished to recover quickly to get well soon.I understood his conditions but no way to do more for him. His presence on my bed side consoled me a better way.

On 10th May 2021,on my Anniversary day,it was very special moment for me so i could understood the sentiments also. I could not tolerate the way he was suffering for me.Still, he came with a chocolate and coconut water for me and wished to recover quickly so that we could plan later for a better way. He was looking after both hospital matter and household work also . His intensity of his feelings was so touchable i could  realize that moment.But , unable to do anything for him.

Stability came to my health. No positive sign of corona and oxygen mask removed due to the increase of parameter of oxygen. Must be some relief for the health issues. But , felt weakness for doing anything suddenly.Doctor gave positive sign for the relieve from the hospital on 12th May at 1.30pm. All formalities taken care by my dear husband. He did not get little time to take rest for himself . 

After submission of all dues , time came to collect reports and medicines for further treatment at home .

A long journey of fatal stage of life came soon after the corona. The fear and lack of medical facility even in a capital city made the situation worst both mentally and physically. Ultimately i relieved for another chapter of life that waited for me.No one could think of trauma and suffering throughout few days that went within my family . The tragic stage was yet to cover even after that . The following checkup and frequent visit to hospital made the situation more serious also. The lockdown period by the govt made the life of all people more confinement within the home only . While coming back to home throughout the way the emptiness on the road created feelings of the dangerous situation of the city. Only the tall building stood as a pillar of residential locations for the human society. No crowd , no vehicles visible at the road.

I came with a sign of victory over my life that once i was in fear of loss . Never thought to under went  such a traumatic phase of life of my own. On the occasion of the completion of one year i thought to pen down my experience through which i could express my sufferings and trouble for which my husband did best for saving my life . The caring and love he shown at the most critical juncture of moment was unimaginable. We thanked each moment the way time passed but got no clue about the tragic incident that God gave me soon after that. The continuous post Covid issues raised  and complications came in each passing days.Hope to help and support to others who suffered corona.