Famous lord krishna temple in india

Famous temples of Lord Krishna in India: 

ISKCON temple: This temple is popular worldwide. You can find ISKCON temple around the world. The beautifully decorated and well maintained temples of Lord Krishna is visited by devotees of different caste and religion. ISKCON temples are there in Delhi, Vrindavan, Bangalore, Kolkata, Assam to name a few places. 

Dwarkadish temple: Dwarka is located on the west coast of Gujarat and is considered as a holy pilgrimage for devotees. Dwarka is the place where Lord Vishnu slew the demon Shankhasura. Also known as Jagat Mandir, Dwarkadish is around 2,500 years old temple. Do not forget to visit the temple of Rukmini (Krishna's wife who was believed to be an incarnation of Goddess Lakshmi). Built in Dwaraka, a city named after the kingdom of Shri Krishna, which is now submerged under the sea, the Dwarakadheesh temple in Gujarat is a 5 storey structure held by 72 pillars

Vrindavan Temple: It is believed that Lord Krishna spend his childhood in this city. After King Akbar visited the city, he ordered to build 4 temples of Lord Krishna (Madana-mohana, Govindaji, Gopinatha and Jugal Kisore). Located near Mathura, you can visit famous Lord Krishna temples like Banke Bihari Temple, Krishna Balaram Mandir, ISKCON, Govindaji Temple, Madana Mohana Temple to name a few.

  

 Jugal Kishore Temple: Located in Mathura city (birthplace of Lord Krishna), you can visit this peaceful holy pilgrimage and find solace. Jugal Kishore Temple is one of the most popular and the oldest temples of Lord Krishna in Mathura. Jugal Kishore temple is also known as Kesi Ghata temple as Lord Krishna killed the demon Kesi and took bath on this ghat. An aarti to Yamuna Devi is offered every evening here. Mughal ruler Akbar is said to have visited this temple in 1570.

 Jagannath Temple: This is a famous temple in Puri (Orrisa) that is dedicated to the trinity of deities namely Jagannath, Balabhadra and the goddess Subhadra. Worshipers of Lord Krishna and Vishnu often visit this holy pilgrimage to take the blessings of Jagannath (the Lord of Universe). Unlike other Shri Krishna idols, the Jagannath temple has idols of the Lord and his siblings- Balbhadra and Subhadra - made of wood. Their figures look incomplete. Built by Raja Ananta Varman Chodaganga of the Eastern Ganga Dynasty in the 11th century, the Jagannath temple in Puri is one of the most sacred places of worship. The temple is also hugely famous for its annual Rath Yatra, which draws millions of tourist year on year.

Guruvayur Temple: Commonly called as the Dwarka of the South, this temple of Lord Krishna is very famous in India. It is said that the idol of Lord Krishna in this temple is even worshiped by Lord Brahma (Creator of the Universe). Located in Kerala, the temple owns 36 mighty elephants. Even brides and grooms visit Guruvayur temple to solemnize their marriage.Also known as the ‘Bhooloka Vaikunta’ or the abode of Lord Vishnu on Mother Earth

Rangji Temple

The Rangji temple situated in Shri Krishna janmabhoomi or Mathura is built in South Indian style. It is dedicated to Ranganathan, a form of Lord Vishnu who rests on Sheshnaag, the thousand headed serpent.

Nikunjavana

The Nikunjavana is not a temple in the literal sense but a divine place once frequented by Shri Krishna. The lord spent time with his consort, Radhika (Radha) here. The Nikunjavana is full of trees. Devotees do not visit the vana (forest) post sunset as it is believed that the lord comes to the spot every evening to spend time with Gopis (cow-herd girls) symbolised by the trees.


UDIPI

Shree Krishna Temple Udipi is first among the seven places of pilgrimages. Thousands of pious devotees throng the Udupi Krishna temple all round the year to catch a glimpse of Lord Krishna. The unique feature of Shree Krishna Mutt temple is that the Lord is worshipped only through a window with nine holes called the Navagraha Kitiki. The window is exquisitely carved and silver - plated. It has been a tradition in this temple to worship the Lord only through this window

A link to the karnataka visiting place

http://www.karnatakaholidays.net/heritage_holidays.htm

Festival of light ((deep = light and avali = a row i.e., a row of lights))

 
Deepawali or Diwali is certainly the biggest and the brightest of all Hindu festivals. It's the festival of lights (deep = light and avali = a row i.e., a row of lights) that's marked by four days of celebration, which literally illumines the country with its brilliance, and dazzles all with its joy. Each of the four days in the festival of Diwali is separated by a different tradition, but what remains true and constant is the celebration of life, its enjoyment and goodness.

The Origin of Diwali

Historically, the origin of Diwali can be traced back to ancient India, when it was probably an important harvest festival. However, there are various legends pointing to the origin of Diwali or 'Deepawali.' Some believe it to be the celebration of the marriage of Lakshmi with Lord Vishnu. Whereas in Bengal the festival is dedicated to the worship of Mother Kali, the dark goddess of strength. Lord Ganesha, the elephant-headed God, the symbol of auspiciousness and wisdom, is also worshiped in most Hindu homes on this day. In Jainism, Deepawali has an added significance to the great event of Lord Mahavira attaining the eternal bliss of nirvana. Diwali also commemorates the return of Lord Rama along with Sita and Lakshman from his fourteen year long exile and vanquishing the demon-king Ravana. In joyous celebration of the return of their king, the people of Ayodhya, the Capital of Rama, illuminated the kingdom with earthen diyas (oil lamps) and burst crackers.

These Four Days

Each day of Diwali has its own tale, legend and myth to tell. The first day of the festival Naraka Chaturdasi marks the vanquishing of the demon Naraka by Lord Krishna and his wife Satyabhama. Amavasya, the second day of Deepawali, marks the worship of Lakshmi, the goddess of wealth in her most benevolent mood, fulfilling the wishes of her devotees. Amavasya also tells the story of Lord Vishnu, who in his dwarf incarnation vanquished the tyrant Bali, and banished him to hell. Bali was allowed to return to earth once a year, to light millions of lamps to dispel the darkness and ignorance, and spread the radiance of love and wisdom. It is on the third day of Deepawali — Kartika Shudda Padyami that Bali steps out of hell and rules the earth according to the boon given by Lord Vishnu. The fourth day is referred to as Yama Dvitiya (also called Bhai Dooj) and on this day sisters invite their brothers to their homes.

The Significance of Lights & Firecrackers

All the simple rituals of Diwali have a significance and a story to tell. The illumination of homes with lights and the skies with firecrackers is an expression of obeisance to the heavens for the attainment of health, wealth, knowledge, peace and prosperity. According to one belief, the sound of fire-crackers are an indication of the joy of the people living on earth, making the gods aware of their plentiful state. Still another possible reason has a more scientific basis: the fumes produced by the crackers kill a lot of insects and mosquitoes, found in plenty after the rains.

The Tradition of Gambling

The tradition of gambling on Diwali also has a legend behind it. It is believed that on this day, Goddess Parvati played dice with her husband Lord Shiva, and she decreed that whosoever gambled on Diwali night would prosper throughout the ensuing year. Diwali is associated with wealth and prosperity in many ways, and the festival of 'Dhanteras' ('dhan' = wealth; 'teras' = 13th) is celebrated two days before the festival of lights.

From Darkness Unto Light...

In each legend, myth and story of Deepawali lies the significance of the victory of good over evil; and it is with each Deepawali and the lights that illuminate our homes and hearts, that this simple truth finds new reason and hope. From darkness unto light — the light that empowers us to commit ourselves to good deeds, that which brings us closer to divinity. During Diwali, lights illuminate every corner of India and the scent of incense sticks hangs in the air, mingled with the sounds of fire-crackers, joy, togetherness and hope. Diwali is celebrated around the globe. Outside India, it is more than a Hindu festival, it's a celebration of South-Asian identities. If you are away from the sights and sounds of Diwali, light a diya, sit quietly, shut your eyes, withdraw the senses, concentrate on this supreme light and illuminate the soul.

 The Second Day is called Narak-Chaturdashi or more popularly as Chhoti Diwali which falls on the 14^th day of the month of Kartik. This festival is observed to commemorate the victory of Lord Krishna over the demon king, Narkasur. This day is also celebrated as the birthday of  Hanumanji or Hanuman jayanti. Also, on this day  Hanumanji reached Ayodhya to deliver the long-awaited message of Lord Rama’s return. Just like diwali people light diyas on chhoti diwali to fill their homes with light, worship Goddess Laxmi and offer prayers to Her and they also burst firecrackers but all these things are not as grand as they are on the day of main diwali .

 

Legends :

 

The Story of Narakasur :

 
The story goes that the demon king Narakasur ruler of Pragjyotishpur (Province to the South of Nepal) after defeating Lord Indra had snatched away the magnificent earrings of Aditi, the Mother of Goddess and imprisoned sixteen thousand daughters of the gods and saints in his harem. On the day previous to Narakchaturdashi, Lord Krishna killed the demon and liberated the imprisoned damsels and also recovered those precious earrings of Aditi. His destruction made all happy and the women in particular saw his end as a moral victory for them.

 

The Story of King Bali :

 

With his valour Bali conquered every bit of space, thus he became the most powerful king on earth. In his kingdom, justice was mere word, truth had no place and happiness was a dream. His form of charity was an occasion for pomp and show and those who went to seek Alms from the king Bali suffered the indignity of insults and humiliation. In fact, he felt that the vast wealth will remain and the pittance he handed out now and again could not affect even an iota of his asset. His false beliefs, arrogance and misrule ended when the Lord disguised as beggar and humble proved to Bali that his concepts were totally wrong and even his vast wealth could disappear in seconds. King Bali asked the dwarf beggar to ask for anything in his kingdom and with three steps even his crown vanished. With his first step Lord Vishnu covered the entire heaven and with the second step the earth and asked Bali where to keep his third step. Bali offered his head and became spiritually enlightened. Thus, this festival has a far deeper significance than a mere exhibition of gaiety and splendor. The Narak chaturdashi day therefore is dedicated to lights and prayers heralding a future full of joy and the elimination of greed.

 

Celebrations :

 

In South-India, people wake up before sunrise prepare a paste by mixing Kumkum in oil, which is called 'Ubtan', on their foreheads and then take bath. The breaking of the fruit represents the head of the demon King, Narakasur and the kumkum-oil paste symbolizes the blood that Lord Krishna smeared His forehead with.
 

In Maharashtra also, traditional early baths with oil and "Uptan" (paste) of gram flour and fragrant powders are a `must'. All through the ritual of baths, deafening sounds of crackers and fireworks are there in order that the children enjoy bathing. Afterward steamed vermicelli with milk and sugar or puffed rice with curd is served. 

 "In Bengal and east India, this day is called Kali Chaudas and celebrated as the birthday of Ma Kali. In Bengal Kali Ma's murti's are set up in pandals and Kali puja is performed on this day." 

Healthier food habits:

1. Reduce oil used for cooking to half your current usage. Avoid buying cooking oil in bulk as there is a tendency to use more oil when there is plenty available on hand. Don't stick to one type of cooking oil (sunflower, peanut, mustard or olive); the healthier alternative is to use different oils on rotation basis - that way, you get the benefits of the different variety of fatty acids present in them.
2. Avoid making or buying fried foods like chips, pakodas/bajjis, mixtures, vadas, pooris, fried non-veg on a regular basis.
3. If you must, then buy the smallest available packs/sizes of fried foods, sweets, chocolates, cakes, so that there won't be any leftovers for snacking on later.
4. Use whole grains and pulses on a daily basis, as they have more fibre and nutrients.
5. You can replace white rice with semi-polished or unpolished rice. Make it a point to buy dalia (broken wheat), whole wheat or multigrain flour, oats, wheat bread and locally grown millet and grains like ragi/nachni and jowar. In Bangalore, unpolished rice is available at Namdhari's, Mother Earth, Nature's Basket and Food Hall while Nilgiri's stocks hand-pounded rice.
You don't have to go out of your way to get whole grains from these stores; in fact, most neighbourhood grocery stores such as Food Days, MK Ahmed, Ashirwad and even the local rice traders stock parboiled and red rice (known as Kerala matta rice or Rosematta). These varieties are more nutritious and have higher fibre content than regular white rice (polished rice). Cooking this requires double the time and more water (about 3 cups of water for one cup of rice) than white rice. I tend to soak the red rice for at least an hour before cooking it in a pressure cooker. Nature's Basket even has poha (avalakki) made from red rice.
Jowar flour can be used to make rotis (jolada roti) while ragi can be used in a variety of preparations like porridge, dosa, ragi mudde and ragi rotis. With summer just around the corner, drinking ragi malt/ ambli (a traditional ragi drink) is recommended to cool the body.
Dalia or broken wheat can be used for making vegetable upma instead of the Bombay rava/ sooji. Some diabetics even replace rice with dalia during meal times.
6. Munch on healthy snacks like fruits, salads, and a handful of nuts, or usali (sundal, usal/ channa chaat) made from cooked beans/pulses like kabuli channa, kala channa, rajma or green peas. Switch to eating fresh fruits for dessert instead of sweets.
7. Buy skimmed milk - ask for double toned milk (yellow packet, if you are using Nandini's), or regular toned milk (blue packet). To skim the milk further, boil the milk at night and keep it in the fridge overnight. Remove any visible cream before using it in the morning. You can even make low-fat curd by using this milk.
8. Drink water or tender coconut water when you are thirsty and with meals, instead of juices, aerated drinks, beer or energy drinks.
9. If you want to have juice occasionally, then buy only 100% fruit juices (the ones with no added sugar) or even better, you could make fresh juices at home. Eating fruit is always a better option as it has the benefit of extra fibre which is lost when you make juice out of it.
10. Include a variety of seasonal vegetables (and not just potatoes) with every meal. Try to include greens like palak, methi, sabsige or dantina soppu at least once or twice a week. One trick that I use is to add green leafy vegetables to the dal which makes it not just more nutritious but also gets the family to have one extra vegetable!
11. Avoid red meats like mutton, pork or beef and instead have fish or chicken (without skin).
12. Eat your meals together as a family and not in front of the television. Studies have shown that people tend to eat more when they eat while watching television.
13. Be a role model for your family where exercise is concerned. Try to inculcate an ideal of physical fitness by including the whole family in activities such as walking, trekking, hiking, cycling, swimming, dance or even playing outdoor games like cricket, volley ball, badminton and such.
14. Include kids and/ or your spouse when cooking, so that the resulting meal is a family effort and thereby appealing to all.
Old habits are hard to change; the trick is to be persistent! Try introducing one or two changes every week, and the changes may actually go unnoticed. The result will be a fitter family who will pass on healthy habits to the next generation. Just bear in mind that IMPOSSIBLE can easily turn into I'M POSSIBLE!!


FOOD FACTS
* Incorporate as many cereals as possible, especially oats, ragi and barley, into your diet.
* Don't add to the total cereal volume that you consume. Substitute staple cereals with other varieties whenever possible.
* Go in for whole grains; processing removes much of the vital nutrients.
* Parboiled rice is nutritionally richer than polished raw rice