World of Saba

If Kullu is called the ‘valley of gods’ then Chattisgarh comes a close second. The state formed on1^st November 2000 is still in its primary stages of development. Largely a tribal dominant place the state boasts of the richest bio diversity habitat where 40 percent of the state is covered with dense forest and bewildering wild life. Chattisgarh is famous not only for its wildlife but also for its scenic beauty, cool waterfalls, dams, kosa silk. (chattisgarh is the largest producer of kosa silk in the world) and last but not the least its ancient temples. Tourism to the brick temples of ancient times in Chattisgarh is soon gaining momentum and has become one of the major attractions for people who are interested in a pilgrimage or religious tourism. Some of the main temples which are a must visit and historically relevant for all are Rajim, Champaran, Aarang, Sirpur etc.

Rajim temple is situated just 40 kilometers from the capital city of Raipuron the confluence of three holy rivers the Mahanadi, the Pairi and theSondu River.  The place has become the second site for the annual Mahakumbh Mela which is held in prayag every three years. There are many groups of temples in the vicinity of one boundary but the main attraction is Rajivalochana temple which is dedicated to lord Vishnu. The others depict the various incarnations of Vishnu such as Vamana(dwarf), Narsimha( human body with a face of lion), Badrinath and Jagnnath. The priest of the temple decorates the idol four times in a day. The first getup of the idol is that of a child then at noon it is changed to that of a young man, in the evening he is dressed up as a old man and then finally as a  God. Another prime attraction of the temple is the annual fair called the Rajim Lochan Mahotsav held every year from 16^th February to 1^st march. The fair is held on a grand scale and people from all over the country participate in the cultural extravaganza.

Around ten kilometers further are the temples of Champaran. Champaran was earlier known as Champajhar and is the birthplace of Saint Vallabhacharya. Vallabhacharya was the reformer and founder of Vallabh sect and therefore is of great religious significance. The place has a temple constructed in his honour and his followers come from all over the country and abroad to pay their homage during the month of Magh (January –February) when a big annual fest is held to celebrate the birth anniversary of the saint.

Aarang is again another few kilometers from Champaran. All three temples (Rajim, Champaran and Aarang) can be visited in one day as they are in close proximity and only a couple of miles away from each other. This temple is said to be built in the 6^th or 7^th century. The most fascinating fact about this temple is that the bricks used are one single slab without any modification or cuts. One of the main ancient idols was stolen from this very temple last year and then recovered by the Chattisgarh police. The news created waves in the country.

This slideshow requires JavaScript.

This slideshow requires JavaScript.

The garden was initially designed for Lady Harding by Sir Edward Lutyen and occupies an area of 15 acres. It is divided into three sections rectangular, long and circular gardens. All the gardens have layered beds of flowers and the sight is undoubtedly a feast for the eyes. It is an amalgamation of Mughal and British style with fine waterways dividing the green beds of grass finely into paths and causeways. The stylized fountains and terraces are margined with green hedges and flowers. The circular garden is perhaps the best landscape one could ever wish to see, with a rotating fountain in the center sprinkling water in all directions. The stepwise flowerbeds of different colours around the pond present a feast for the butterflies. On the sides it has separate beds of roses with small trimmed hedge of Ingadulets (small white grass flowers), giving effect of the coloured knots on a vast carpet. The circular garden is also known as the pearl garden or the butterfly garden.

The long garden as it is called, is a path leading to the circular garden. On both the sides of the path are 16 shaped beds of roses surrounded by a low hedge and red sandstone pillars. The pillars are covered with the rose creepers and small baskets of tulips and pansies hang from a rope tied between the pillars. One can find almost all the varieties of roses in all vibrant colours one can even think of. The sweet aroma of roses is simply intoxicating. The caretakers of the garden have often seen peacocks dancing and taking a leisurely walk among the roses. Needless to say the sight is very romantic and the experience- once in a lifetime!

The garden is visited by thousands of people every year and leaves them spellbound. This year the visually impaired can also go and enjoy the aroma of different plants. A special garden named Tactile has been especially designed for them. Another major attraction for the general public is the musical fountain, which plays patriotic songs.

The Mughal Garden also has a small place devoted to the animal kingdom; the corner mostly loved by young kids and has deer, swans ducks and different other birds.

The garden is open on all days except Monday from 10.30 a.m. to 4.00 p.m. for public. Electronic gadgets like mobile phones and camera are not allowed inside the garden, the fact mostly comes as a big disappointment for the visitors but then one has to pay a price to take a walk in the paradise.

The Taj Mahal in Agra is famous worldwide as a tribute to love; love of the Mughal emperor Shahjahan for his beloved wife Mumtaz. The monument has an exceptional architecture and it stands upright in its purest form all in white marble specially imported from Iran. However, less people know that the inspiration behind the Taj Mahal is Humayun’s Tomb. The tomb was built by his wife Haji Begum in memory of Humayun, the second Mughal Emperor who ruled India for almost a decade. The Humayun’s Tomb clearly exhibits the influence of Persian art as his wife and the architect Mirak Mirza Ghayas both were from Persia. The site chosen to build the tomb was on the banks of Yamuna River just opposite the shrine of the Sufi saint of Chishtiya Silsila, Hazrat Nizamuddin Aulia.

Welcome to WordPress.com! This is your very first post. Click the Edit link to modify or delete it, or start a new post. If you like, use this post to tell readers why you started this blog and what you plan to do with it.

Happy blogging!