Jabel Ali - Hindu Temple - Dubai UAE - A beautiful temple blessings on the New Year Dawn 2025

Happy New Year ...Auspicious beginnings for a progressive year ahead with good health, wealth and happiness and loads of peace. May Almighty shower his finest blessings to us all this great year 2025

Thanks to family and friends for making the start a memorable one... special thanks to my cousin brother Suresh n family for being there for us as we embraced the new journey with Almighty blessings this year. Awesome visit to Jabel Ali Hindu Temple and also watching fireworks n drone show at Global village

Situated in Jebel Ali Village, Dubai, UAE, within the "Worship Village," which also houses churches and other places of worship. Opened in October 2022, a historic addition to the religious landscape of the UAE. It is the second Hindu temple in Dubai after the Shiv Mandir in Bur Dubai.

• Architecture:
  • Stunning white marble façade with intricate carvings.
  • Interior features idols of deities, traditional Hindu temple decor, and a prayer hall.
  • Blend of modern and traditional designs.
• Facilities:
  • Spacious prayer hall for rituals and gatherings.
  • Dedicated areas for community services and cultural events.
  • A vegetarian dining area (prasad or food distribution).
• Deities: Includes idols of major Hindu gods such as Lord Krishna, Lord Shiva, Lord Ram, Goddess Durga, and others.
• Community Engagement:
  • Open to people of all faiths, promoting inclusivity and harmony.
  • Regular cultural programs, festivals (e.g., Diwali, Navratri), and religious ceremonies.
• Accessibility:
  • Located in proximity to Jebel Ali Metro Station and public transport.
  • Ample parking facilities for visitors.
• Cultural Harmony: Reflects Dubai's commitment to multicultural coexistence and respect for all religions.
• Visiting Hours: Typically open from morning to evening, with specific hours for darshan (viewing of deities).
• Management: Operated under the guidance of the Indian community in Dubai, in collaboration with the UAE government.

Venugopala Swamy Temple – A 12th Century Marvel in Mysore District Karnataka - Our Visit in Jan 2024

 The Venugopala Swamy temple, bearing the Hoysala style of architecture was built in the 12th century CE at a place called Kannambadi Village near Mysuru.

It was built around the same time as the Chennakesava Temple at Somanathapura was built, in the Mysuru district. 

The huge temple complex was submerged while building a dam – Krishnaraja Sagara dam in 1930, along with Kannambadi village. 

The dam was built at the new kannambadi village, which stores the Kaveri river and helps in irrigating millions of agricultural land. 

How to reach there?

The Venugopala Swamy temple is a must-see place for all, and it is located at Hosakannambadi Village – 9 km by road from Brindavan Gardens and 30 km from Mysuru city. One has to spend at least couple of hours to observe and relishing the beauty of the temple. Taxis can be hired to visit the place from Mysuru city.

About the Temple Main Shrines circled by smaller shrines

Venugopala Swamy Temple is a beautiful and serene spot which is not known to many. Venugopala Swamy Temple was originally a 12th-century temple built by the Hoysalas.

However, it was submerged when the KRS Dam was built. It used to resurface whenever the water level in the dam used to drop.

Mesmerizing beauty with the deities touched my soul.  The main deity of Sri Venugopala Swamy has a divine pull that you can feel inside the temple.  

The main sanctum is circled by smaller shrines dedicated to Lord Ganesha,  followed by Goddess Andal, Rukmini and Satyabama and smaller shrines for rivers like Godavari, Thungabadra, Kaveri, Bhramaputra, and others,  followed by Astha Lakshmies,  Sri Adi Lakshmi, Gaja Lakshmi, Santana Lakshmi, Danya Lakshmi, Dana Lakshmi, Dyraya Lakshmi, Vijaya Lakshmi, Vidya Lakshmi.    

The smaller shines also include Nava Grahas’ including sun (Surya), moon (Chandra), Mars (Mangala), Mercury (Budha), Jupiter (Brihaspati), Venus (Shukra), Saturn (Shani), Rahu (north node of the moon), and Ketu (south node of the moon)

Further to this, there are shrines for Dasavatharams  that include Matsya, Kurma, Varaha, Narasimha, Vamana, Parasurama, Rama, Krishna, Budha and Kalki.

The temple also has photographs of the originally built temple that was submerged in the river and later on with the help of local artisans and public, the now standing beautiful temple is in place

Outside the main temple, you will find a beautiful Ratha (Chariot) on the banks of River Cauveri.   The backwaters of River Cauveri and Krishnaraja Sagar Dam is a sight of beauty and picturesque.   You will find many tourists enjoying the breeze and the beauty of this place.

Must visit if you are visiting Brindavan Gardens in Mysuru.  We loved being there and I hope you will also find this place interesting and enjoyable. 

Important Information

·       Open for Devotees/Tourists between 9AM to 6 PM

·       Videography / Photography / Drone cameras are strictly prohibited. You can use mobile phone outside the temple (Inside temple premises strictly prohibited)

·       Devotees/Tourists are suggested to maintain cleanliness, sanctity and serenity of the temple

·       Though there are a few shops selling bottled mineral water and light snacks nearby, it is better to carry water and other light snacks/ drinks for consumption outside the temple premises.

·       Consumption of any kind of food and beverages are strictly prohibited in and around the temple premises

·       Tourists/Devotees are strictly advised not to litter the place

References:

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Venugopala_Swamy_Temple

Few pictures from our trip:

 

Swathi Perumal Tour from TTDC- Visit to Singirikudi, Poovarsamkuppam and Parikkal Sri Lakshmi Narasimha Swamy Temples in straight line

Hindus have a strong belief that Lord Narasimha will resolve the devotees issues and bless them prosperity.

The timings for all these temples from 0830 to 1230 and for Parikkal it is up to 1 pm also.  We took the TTDC - TamilNadu Tourism tour "One Day Swati Perumal Tour" which started at the TTDC office in Chennai at 6 am and ended around 8.30 pm.   Worshipping Lord Narasimha on his birth star of Swathi Nakshatram is said to be very auspicious. 

These Narasimha avatars remind us of Prahalaatha who demonstrated the world that ego and disrespect of God would provoke lord to take avatars and perish the culprits.

We Hindus were brought up with a fear that doing evil would earn the curse of the people around as well as the God and end up our life miserably.

When you go back you get an abnormal energy and no doubt Lord gives you the strength to overcome your obstacles.

Sri Narasimhar Temple, Singiri Kudi, Cuddalore

In the Singiri Kudi temple in Cuddalore district, Lord Narasimha appears in the sanctum very furiously with 16 hands as at the time of destroying Hiranya. As He killed Hiranya facing west, here too the Lord is facing west accordingly. Feeding the devotees is the main prayer commitment followed in this temple/The temple has Lord Narasimha holds in his 16 hands various weapons as Pathakahasthem,Prayoga Chakram, a sword called Ksheerika, bow and arrow, conch, discus, armourand a beheaded head etc. while he killed Hiranya with other hands by tearing the intestine and wearing it as a garland. The temple has its own chariot also.

Sri Narasimhar@ Poovarasan Kuppam,

One of the most foremost shrines of Lakshmi Narasimha, Poovarasan Kuppam, near Villupuram (Tamil Nadu), is also called South Ahobilam. It is at this spot he gave darshan to these rishis.after the vadham of king hiranya However, the rishis could not bear the intensity of heat emitting from the Lord because of the fury andrequested his consort to calm him down.
Goddess Lakshmi sat on his thigh looking at him with one eye other eye looking at devotees

This act of the Goddess Lakshmi brought a soothing and tranquil effect on the Lord. This pose where the Goddess [thayaar/mother], looks at the devotees and her Lord simultaneously is believed to be having a conversation with the Lord presenting the devotees petitions to him. To this day, it is only at this temple in the whole world does the Lord Lakshmi Narasimhar appear in such a pose.

Sri Narasimhar Temple, Parikkal

Parikkal is a 2000 year old temple constructed from rock stone and is a famous temple for Hindus. The temple has been renovated recenly with all colours and is an eye appeal for new devotees. It is on the road to Villupuram from cuddalore/The temple has its own chariot also

This is to show that Lord Narasimha has shed His fury and graces devotees with all mercy.

Anjaneya /Hanuman ji grace devotees together. Devotees light lamps with gingely oil and spread all the nine varieties of pulses in his shrine and write on them their prayers. It is believed that their prayers would be responded..

The temple is famous for secular tradition as people of other religions – Muslims and Christian also worship the Lord here without any feeling of discrimination.

Few pictures from our visit:

Visit to Chengallama Parameshwari Temple in Sullurpet - AP/ TN border - Dec 2023

 #incredibleindia #templesofsouthindia #templesofindia

Temple with no doors .....Yes, you read it right. This is one temple where the main sanctum santorium temple doors are not there. There is a mythological story behind this. On the national highways, borders of Tamilnadu and Andhrapradesh, you will find a beautiful incarnation of Mahishasura Mardhini in Shantharupam guarding the travellers and passers by.

She is said to be a manifestation of thridevis.

In search of our Kuladeivam, some years ago, after connecting various dots lefts by our ancestors and set of astrologers, we landed up in this temple. We were equally surprised that the temple is run by the community of Balija Chettiars, and the priests are also from that kith n kin. Not too inclined on the caste system, but at the same time was bit surprised how kulasamies come from those places our ancestors worshipped for ages and left behind their goodwill of good deeds to befall on upcoming generations...

Besides this backstory, the very story of temple is equally interesting. The significance of the place is the power of the goddess you will feel, the kind of energies that engulf you, if you believe in her, she shows you the way, she guides you through, she holds you from falling, she lifts you up in the most unexpected ways. That is Sri Chengalama Parameshwari for you. Maa thali

She also has strong connect to ISRO n India space missions....as scientists make it her abode before every big launch

https://www.chengalamma.org/

Few pictures from our visit:

Visit to Siruvapuri Sri. Bala Murugan Temple - 40 kms from Chennai - Dec 2023

 40 kms from Chennai City, the amazing abode of Lord Murugan, at Siruvapuri, with amazing history and heritage. The temple vibrations are soul touching and said to help those with dreams of building and getting into new homes.

A pleasant rainy afternoon driving into village, finding the local harvest, peaceful abhisekham at the deity, surely makes your weekend travels worthwhile

For more information, check this blog link:

http://murugan.org/temples/siruvapuri.htm

Siruvapuri Murugan Temple is a Hindu temple dedicated to Lord Murugan, a popular deity in the Hindu pantheon. The temple is located in Siruvapuri near Chennai, Tamil Nadu, India. Here's some information about visiting the Siruvapuri Murugan Temple:

1. Location:

   • The temple is situated in Siruvapuri, which is approximately 40 kilometers from Chennai. It is easily accessible by road.

2. Deity:

   • The presiding deity of the temple is Lord Murugan, also known as Kartikeya or Subramanya. Lord Murugan is revered as the God of War and Victory, and the temple attracts devotees seeking his blessings.

3. Temple Architecture:

   • The Siruvapuri Murugan Temple features traditional South Indian temple architecture. It typically includes a main sanctum where the main deity resides, along with various other shrines and structures within the temple complex.

4. Poojas and Rituals:

   • The temple conducts various daily and periodic poojas (rituals) dedicated to Lord Murugan. Devotees often participate in these rituals to seek the deity's blessings.

5. Festivals:

   • The temple celebrates various festivals, with special events and processions during important occasions like Thaipusam, Panguni Uthiram, and other Murugan-related festivals. Festivals can be vibrant times to visit, with increased spiritual activities.

6. Thirukalyanam (Divine Marriage):

   • The divine marriage ceremony of Lord Murugan is a significant event in many Murugan temples, including Siruvapuri Murugan Temple. Thirukalyanam is a grand celebration that attracts devotees.

7. Visiting Hours:

   • The temple typically has specific visiting hours for devotees. It is advisable to check the temple's official website or contact the temple authorities to get the latest information on opening hours.

8. Attire and Etiquette:

   • Visitors to the temple are expected to dress modestly and adhere to traditional temple etiquette. It's customary to remove footwear before entering the inner sanctum.

9. Accessibility:

• Siruvapuri is well-connected by road, and there are various transportation options available from Chennai. Devotees can reach the temple by private vehicles, taxis, or buses.

Few Pictures from our visit: