 10 Hidden Gems of Europe Europe is more than just London, Paris, and Madrid. Although these metropolitan centers are what keep tourists flocking to this interesting continent, many do not know that it still holds some treasures that have not exactly been fully explored.
If you would want to travel Europe in a different direction, consider visiting their top best-kept secrets.
1. Florence, ItalyWhen Renaissance is what is being talked about, many people give full recognition to Rome. However, its roots can actually be traced back to Florence. Check out the MuseoNazionale del Bargello, a museum that holds the region’s artistic treasures.
2. Sevilla, Spain
All year, this region is not as busy as Madrid or Barcelona but it is teeming with flamenco dancers and sunny days. Visit the world’s largest Gothic building, the Cathedral, which was constructed way back in 1402.
3. Prague, Czech Republic
Prague boasts some of the best panoramas, with its historical bridges, interesting cafes and towering churches. For the best views of the city, go to Karluv Most. From here, you will see a spectacle of spires, dome, and towers.
4. Cologne, Germany
The charm that Cologne exudes is unlike that of the more popular regions of Berlin, Frankfurt, and Munich. It is home to narrow streets and churches. It is very popular for the Cologne Cathedral which is a perfect reflection of High Gothic style.
5. Dublin, Ireland
What makes the Irish capital interesting is its perfect mix of Medieval, Georgian, and other modern influences. It has so many galleries, museums, cafes, and pubs. The Guinness Beer factory is something that you might want to have a tour in.
6. Salzburg, AustriaSalzburg is the place of birth of Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart, the most famous composer of all time. In fact, you can visit his residence, which is open to the public. The place is famous for the Salzburg Festival, held in the months of July through August.
7. Bordeaux, France
The place of Bordeaux is something that most people associate with wine. Unknown to many, it also has musical and theatrical events for its tourists and locals. Make the most of your visit in this region by touring at least one of its numerous vineyards.
8. Porto, Portugal
Porto provides a stark contrast of the past and present of Portugal. Marvel in the stunning Dona Maria Pia Bridge, which was built as inspired by the Eiffel. Also see the Stock Exchange Palace, an ideal example of the country’s Arabic influence.
9. Budapest, Hungary
The city holds a good number of public baths that were used for a variety of purposes. You should come upon at least one while roaming around Budapest. Visit the ZenetortenetiMuzeum which, during the early 19th century, served as Beethoven’s home.
10. Edinburgh, Scotland
Scotland is more than just golf courses, castles, and Scotch. During the late summer months, the country offers music, dance, and theater festivals. Take some time to visit the Royal Botanic Garden, with its 70 acres of gardens and greenhouses.
About the Author:
Amy C. loves touring the many places in Europe. She especially writes about those that are not very well-known, in an effort to showcase the beautiful sights and sounds that they can offer. In her spare time, Amy helps in the office administration and blogging activities of DMac Industries,a b deck and steel deck fabrication company. Check out her next post and know what places she will uncover next.
 Honeymoon Locations in Australia The Whitsunday Islands On the side of the Great Buffer Offshore, the Whitsunday Destinations are the perfect example of a exotic heaven. There are 74 islands in the cycle, but only a few them have services. Based on where you select to remain, these Whitsunday Isle resorts variety from distant ecotourist hotels to 5 Celebrity high-class honeymooner air. Hayman Isle and Hamilton Isle have standing as having some of the most magnificent hotels on the globe, while small Think Isle is just big enough for one huge hotel. Just southern region of Think Isle, the much bigger South Molle Isle contains far more unchanged area than hotel features and is perfect for those who want to experience alone in heaven. The appropriately known as Long Isle has a popularity for being the eco-resort investment of the Whitsundays. Wherever you select to remain on the Whitsunday Destinations, you will have a honeymoon vacation that will set a enchanting level for the relax of your life together.
Four Mile Beach Port DouglasThe only things that mess up many exotic seashores are the highrises and other artificial components that so often line their shoreline. Not so at Slot Douglas’s Four Range Seaside. Here, demanding zoning constraints require low increase improvements located well away from the shoreline of this breathtaking beach. From your Four Range Seaside housing, head national and you will be within easy reach of a multitude of dining places, cafes and stores. Move through the exotic forest to the beach and you are in another world; a community of your own, with white seashores, aqua blue ocean and exotic vegetation as far as the eye can see.
Cradle Mountain Tasmania If you love characteristics in all its wonder, then Support Hill is where you want to spend your honeymoon vacation, if not the rest of your life. Heralded as one of the globe's most wonderful and pristine Nationwide Recreational places, the Community History detailed Support Mountain/Lake St Clare Nationwide Recreation area is also one of the globe's most available forests places. There are few other locations on the globe where you can begin and end a multi-day travel through the forests at a high-class housing. Beginning from Support Hill, where your accommodation or private escape will forget strong mountains, green mountains and glacier-fed channels, after several days climbing the world-renowned Overland Monitor, you reach Pond St Clare, where you can ease your painful muscle tissue in a magnificent spa and renew your battery power with a magnificent fabulous food. Of course, you are not required to discover Support Hill and Pond St. Clare on feet. If you like, you can just take in the attractions from your Support Hill housing and enjoy the time you have alone in the forests.
Broome Western Australia An haven of society “out the returning of beyond,” Broome, on the northern shore of European Modern australia, provides newly-weds on their honeymoon vacation an experience that has no comparative anywhere else on this planet. Step outside the city heart and you are in a wonderful wonderland, whichever way you turn. Just southern region of Broome, 13 distance long Wire Seaside has been heralded as one of the most wonderful seashores in the world. Of course, you will not want simply to move its whole duration, but what could be a better way to see it than from the returning of a camel? Plan your honeymoon vacation between the months of April and Oct around plenty of duration of the complete celestial satellite and observe one of the globe's most awesome sights: the “Stairway to the Moon.” During this season, the Native indian Seaside and the air work together to make a gorgeous impression of a gleaming stairway to the complete celestial satellite. Watching this together would have to be the true description of a “honeymoon.” Out at the tip of Gantheaume Factor, take a voyage an incredible number of years into the past when you perspective the old foot prints on the offshore at low hold. It’s easy to take this journey returning in its history, since Gantheaume Factor is just a five instant move from your Broome housing. For the truly daring, Broome can be your beginning for an discovery of the Kimberley, one of the last great forests places on this planet. Protecting an area of 263,000 rectangle kilometers, the people in this country of the Kimberleys is just 30,000, making it one of the globe's least booming places.
Lord Howe IslandLocated approximately almost between Modern australia and New Zealand, Master Howe Isle is worldwide acknowledged as one of the globe's most amazing and wonderful destinations. In fact, UNESCO has specific this cres formed remnant of an vanished volcanic a World History site, a variation given to only 3 other destinations. Just a two hour journey from either Queensland or Quotes, once you’ve came on Master Howe Isle, you have came on one of the most amazing places you will ever visit. The magnificent ocean of the cres formed lagoon are secured by the globe's most southern offshore, while just across a filter expand of area, surf accident along the shoreline of invisible seashores and against strong coves. Much of Master Howe Isle is completely pristine, while those little areas that are developed are on a beautifully little and include enchanting Master Howe Isle resorts, dining places, schools and enchanting stores. After taking the strong day increase to the top of Mt. Gower, considered one of the globe's best, or a day of snorkeling, you will appreciate having these splendid luxuries to return to.Author Bio: Kushal Tomar is a freelance writer and journalist. He writes extensively in Australia, Canada, Europe, and the US. He’s published more than 500 articles about various topics.
 30 Places to Go in 2012The world is a wonderful and exciting place, providing us with so much to sights and sounds to explore. There are, however, a handful of them that have proved to give more interesting than all the others. If you are looking to have a very adventure-filled vacation this year, here are the top places that you consider including in your list.
1. Panama, With its booming economy, Panama has current development projects.
2. Helsinki, Finland. This district now has 25 streets and nearly 200 businesses selling house wares to clothing.
3. Myanmar. This country has a multitude of cultural treasures, posh boutique hotels, and deserted beaches.
4. London. Ithas the Olympic Games and the Diamond Jubilee of the Queen’s 60th year in the throne.
5. Oakland, California. The tension and violence in the recent Occupy Oakland Protests have already cooled down.
6. Tokyo. The city has become more accessible and welcoming as an effect of the recent nuclear disaster.
7. Tanzania. The violent attacks in neighboring Kenya made tourists divert their vacation routes to this country.
8. Chilean Patagonia. Chile now boasts snowy peaks, lush rain forest, and numerous national parks.
9. Lhasa, Tibet. The holy capital of Tibet now has throes of luxury hotel constructions with high-end amenities.
10. Havana, Cuba. A number of organizations now operate trips to Cuba along with more flights from American cities.
11. Moscow. Since it reopened n October, the Bolshoi Theater has sent the media raving, also with two museums.
12. Glasgow. Glasgow boasts the Riverside Museum, a $115 million-dollar museum housing 3,000 collections.
13. Puebla, Mexico. On May 5 of this year, the city will celebrate the 150th anniversary of Cinco de Mayo.
14. San Diego. The breweries and brew pubs in San Diego should make it a top tourist destination for this year.
15. Halong Bay, Vietnam. A staggering seascape has just been named as one of the world’s “new seven wonders of nature”.
16. Florence, Italy. Since 2009, the city has been teeming with numerous arts in various medieval palazzi.
17. St. Vincent. This Caribbean island boasts a new five-star resort, the Buccament Bay.
18. Moganshan, China. This mountain, a former hideaway of former gangsters, now offers luxury with its stone villas.
19. Birmingham, England. Deemed as UK’s “The Foodiest Town”, hosts the annual 10-day Birmingham Food Test.
20. Space. Anyone who has $200,000 is now able to travel in the upper edge of the earth’s atmosphere.
21. Kerala, India. The Venice Biennale will make its debut in the coastal state.
22. Paraty, Brazil. Costa Verde, a peaceful hideaway, has now made its way on the cultural map.
23. Koh Rong, Cambodia. There recently has been a newly discovered archipelago that resembled a once fishing village.
24. Vienna. A range of exhibition will be made throughout this year from Vienna native Gustav Klimt.
25. Chattanooga, Tennessee. Artists and retailers have staged a comeback to the once dirtiest city in America.
26. Dakhla, Morocco. The town is becoming one of the world’s greatest wind- and kite-board surfing destinations
27. Maldives. Hard-sore surfers should greatly enjoy the world’s most exclusive event held the country.
28. Malacca, Malaysia. Malaysia’s oldest city, Malacca has just been named as a World Heritage Site.
29. The Algarve. Its new range of luxury hotels should make it more attractive to more touring crowds.
30. Tahoe, California. The ski areas in Lake Tahoe now have a new breed of lifts, lodging, trails, and snowcat rides.
Author Bio:
Amy C. is a travel and adventure blogger, writing about the most exciting and popular places to visit and enjoy. When she is not giving new sights to explore, she helps in the blogging and administration activities of DMac Industries, a b deck and steel deck fabrication company. Watch out for her next post and be enlightened on where to go next for your next vacation holiday.
 The Philippines offers its tourists an exotic and tropical destination to bask under the sun and enjoy all its natural awes, whatever time of the year it may be. There are so many people who are yet to see all the wonders that this wonderful archipelago has to offer. Read on and discover why this country should be next on the list for your next holiday vacation.
Interesting People and Culture
The Philippines has learned a lot from its colonizers, the Spanish and the Americans. Along with these teachings are the blend of culture and tradition that the people have come to combine and inculcate into their existing ones. What came out from all of these are remarkable blend of warmth and gentleness of its people that can be quite hard to find elsewhere. Any Filipino can have the amazing ability to make anyone feel welcome and comfortable, a distinct feature of Filipino hospitality.
Picturesque Natural Formations
This archipelago is teeming with a plethora of natural formations in the form of fauna and flora, volcanoes, caves, lakes, and waterfalls. Any nature lover would love the various sights and activities that this country has to offer. Trekking at the Mount Pinatubo volcano, caving in the Visayan region, and discovering old ship wrecks in Subic Bay are just some of the most exciting activities that are in store for tourists.
Tasty Dishes and Cuisine
Many might not be aware of it but Filipino cuisine shares the same exotic dishes with the Chinese and Japanese. Filipinos love to eat so food holds a very big part in their lifestyle. Their most popular food item that is a must-try for tourists is the balut. This is a cooked egg that has an underdeveloped chick inside. It might sound a bit nasty but Filipinos attest to its delicious taste. Other specialties of the Philippines include pancit, glass noodles with vegetables and meat; sinigang, a sour soup cooked with a variety of ingredients; and adobo, which is beef, pork, or chicken cooked with soy sauce and special seasoning.
Vibrant Parties and Festivals
From birthdays, anniversaries, weddings, and even death anniversaries, Filipinos have a lot to celebrate for. However, their biggest attractions are the elaborate and lively fiestas that are teeming with music, festivities, and, most importantly, food. Every municipality or city has their own fiesta every year, a culture that was adopted from the Spanish. In such colorful events, anyone is welcome to eat and be full in any home.
Cheap Thrills and Delights
Lastly, and more importantly, going on a vacation in the Philippines is much cheaper as compared to a vacation in Europe or in America. A dollar or euro is already worth so much in the country, giving visitors the ability to stretch their budgets for a possible extended stay. With the low cost of living in the country, enjoy the pleasures and adventures that this wonderful country has to offer will not create a hole in the pockets of tourists.
Author Bio:
Amy C. is a writer who also loves travelling in different countries. She especially takes interest in the various sights and sounds in Asia. In between her travels and explorations, she helps DMac Industries, a b deck and steel deck fabrications company, with office administration and blogging activities. Be on the lookout for her next escapade on her next post.
 With its underwater environment supporting over 350 coral reefs and 1400 fish species, it is not such a wonder that Palau truly is a diver’s paradise. In fact, this is home to one of the seven underwater wonders of the world. The place is teeming with dive sites that drop to over 300 meters where they are treated to blue holes, underwater caverns, and a multitude of reefs. Above water, kayaks and boats can also explore the breathtaking views of rock and island formations.
The Milky Way Lagoon
The Milky Way Lagoon has been made famous because of its natural spa therapy. So many tourists frequent this place in Palau where they apply the white mud from the lagoon all over their body. Many have claimed that this is a very relaxing and soothing experience for them.
The Blue Corner
This is the most popular dive site in the country because of the strong currents that it brings along with its clear waters. This is also a place that is known to have sharks. One of the main reasons why this is frequented by divers is because of the new experience that it provides with every dive.
Rock Islands
This spot is made with hundreds of small limestone rocks that emerge from its clear waters. This is one of the tourist spots that have made Palau very famous. The place is also filled with nightlife such as crocodiles, cows, and tropical fishes.
Turtle Cave
With an entrance that will require you to go through an overhead hole to get to the dark cave, the turtle cave does not give sightings of turtles but of sharks. This is one very exciting tourist spot that many divers would take great pleasure checking out.
Jelly Fish Lake
This is a very mysterious and famous spot that is nestled among the rock islands in Palau. A marvelous sight awaits visitors here with the millions of white and orange jellyfish in its waters. Visitors can even swim in the lake with them as these jellyfish species do not sting.
Ngatpang Waterfall
Any tourist who is in Koror should not miss the opportunity to visit this spot. Despite only having a height of about 20 feet, the Natpang Waterfall provides a very thrilling background environment. The spot is surrounded by green forestry and is bathed with the sounds of animals.
Ngardmau Waterfall
Deemed as the main waterfall of the country, the Ngardmau Waterfall offers a very exciting hiking experience to adventure lovers. At the end of the challenging hiking trail is a wonderful view of the water fall the breathtaking view around it.
Ngemelis Wall
The Ngemelis Wall is the considered as the finest wall dive of the world. Divers will start with dive at knee depth and will drop off vertically at a depth of 1,000 feet. Underwater, there is an amazing view of lovely sponges, vibrant corals, and stunning sea fans.
Badrulchau
This tourist spot is located in the northern island of Babeldoab is just might be the oldest megalithic location in the country. This mysterious structure is composed of 39 monoliths along with several carved faces.
Peleliu
The Peleliu is one of the sites where battles of the Second World War took place. The wreckage that such battle has bought to the island is very evident. However, touring the island should give tourists with a relaxing and tranquil experience while relieving the war days.
Author Bio:
Amy C. is an enthusiastic adventure blogger. She is always on the lookout for the most exciting activities in many of the popular tourist destinations around the world. In between her explorations, she helps DMac Industries, a b deck and steel deck fabrication company, with office administration and blogging activities. Be on the lookout for her next escapade on her next post.
 Paris, considered as the most romantic place in the world, is also the home of the most popular restaurants serving the tastiest dishes. As you and your loved one fill each other with love, filling your bellies with food as well would not be such a bad idea. Here are the most distinguished restaurants in Paris. Le MauriceLocated right in the heart of the city, Le Maurice is the epitome of a fancy and glamorous French restaurantwith its mosaic floors, crystal chandeliers, and heavy damask curtains. It might have gone through some renovations but its building still has the remnants of the old French designs that it once carried. It is located right across the celebrated Tuleries gardens so diners can bathe their eyes on its magnificent views. Chef Yannick Alleno has mastered the art of Escoffer vintage culinary techniques that gourmands will surely enjoy. Some of his very popular dishes include the crispy green ravioli with a fricassee of snails and wild garlic along with the spit-roasted red-wine marinated pigeon with red cabbage and apple juice that will surely provide anyone a memorable dining experience. L’AstranceDining in an expensive restaurant provides you with more than the experience of eating in such a popular food joint. You are also paying for good food and good service. L’Astrance is a three-star restaurant that is made very popular because of the French haute cuisine of Chef Pascal Barbot. Because it is always packed with patrons looking for tasty dishes, snagging a table can be very difficult. Chef Barbot creates the healthiest recipes that are made up of the freshest vegetables, fruits, and herbs. His brilliant mind and cooking techniques has enabled him to come up with the most imaginative food creations that proved to be a big hit to the restaurant’s clients. Huitrerie RegisThe exterior of the Huitrerie Regis might not look as elegant as all the other popular restaurants in the city but this bistro is the prime example of the adage that tells us to not judge a book by its cover. This restaurant should be a haven for seafood lovers as they serve the freshest and tastiest oysters straight from France’s Marennes-Oléron region on the Atlantic coast. Clams, prawns, and sea urchins may also be part of the menu if they are available. MaceoWhile diners are typically treated with meat options in fancy restaurants; Maceo is one of those few that give utmost importance to vegetablesdishes. Chef Theirry Bourbonnais has made his restaurant the perfect go-to for people who are avoiding meat. He has perfected the art of incorporating vegetables in dishes in a way that menu theme changes on a regular interval. This keeps diners guessing on what the bistro is offering for the day. SpringThe best restaurants in Paris are not only run by Parisian chefs. The Spring Restaurant gives the locals and tourists alike a taste of American cuisine that has been given the necessary tweaks to better suit the taste buds of the Parisian people. Their Basque country trout with avocado and coriander flowers as well as their grilled New Caledonian prawns on a bed of shaved baby fennelaretwo of their biggest hits. Author Bio Amy C. is a food blogger who enjoys discovering the best restaurants serving the tastiest dishes all over the world. When she is not looking into bistros and cafes, she spends time doing administrative work and blogging activities for Greyside Group, a maritime security and executive protection company. Stay tuned for her next food escapade.
 Welcome to Taj Mahal Tour DELHI AGRA (203 kms. 4 hrs. 30 min. approx.) - For Our packs inclusive of transports by A/C car From Delhi-Delhi.
- Service Of English Speaking Guides.
- Lunck to be provided of Agra.
- Pick-up & Drop Facilities.
- All Taxes
Agra the zenith of art and an enshrined romance. It is a town that lives mainly in the past. Once the seat of the Mughal rulers. Their passion for building endowed it with some of the loveliest buildings in the world - the Taj Mahal a poem in white marble which took 22 years to build by 20,000 skilled artisans who inlaid the white marble edifice with precious and semi precious stones. The Agra Fort from where one can get the most moving view of the Taj from the little octagonal tower in the Agra Fort which lies across the river Jamuna. 0630 to 1245 hours Drive to Agra through the Indian country side. Upon arrival proceed to the Taj Mahal to see the architectural modern day wonder of the world, the incomparable Taj Mahal. This monument is a fine example of the fusion of many architectural styles and is one of the wonders of the modern world. Built in 1652 by Emperor Shah Jahan. 1300 to 1400 hours Proceed to Restaurant in Agra where a sumptuous buffet lunch awaits you. 1400 to 1500 hours After lunch visit the Agra Fort built in red sandstone with its magnificent palaces, halls of public and private audience and the beautiful gardens. This is where Emperor Shah Jahan was kept under house arrest by his third son Aurangzeb and spent the last year of his life viewing the Taj Mahal from across the river Jamuna. 1500 to 1530 hours Visit to a marble factory to see the beautiful inlay of precious and semi precious stones into the marble. 1600 to 1630 hours Finally before driving back to Delhi, one can make a brief visit to Sikandra the tomb of the Mughal Emperor Akbar, a magnificent garden tomb. Return to Delhi around 2130 hours stopping midway for refreshments.
 JAI MATA DI JAI MATA DI
Vaishno Devi Mandir (वैष्णोदेवी मन्दिर) is one of the holy Hindu temples dedicated to Shakti, located in the hills of Vaishno Devi, Jammu and Kashmir, India. In Hinduism, Temple is one of the most visited pilgrimage centres in India. It is located on the Trikuta Mountain at a height of 5,300 ft. Vaishno Devi, also known as Mata Rani and Vaishnavi, is a manifestation of the Mother Goddess.
The temple is near the town of Katra, in the Reasi district in the state of Jammu and Kashmir. It is one of the most revered places of worship in India. The shrine is at an altitude of 5200 feet and a distance of approximately 14 kilometres (8.7 mi) from Katra.
Approximately 8 million pilgrims (yatris) visit the temple every year and it is the second most visited religious shrine in India, after Tirumala Venkateswara Temple.
The Shri Mata Vaishno Devi Shrine Board maintains the shrine. A rail link from Udhampur to Katra is being built to facilitate pilgrimage. The nearest airport is Jammu Airport which has very high flight frequency. All leading domestic airlines have their services to Jammu Airport.
Significance
According to a Hindu, Ma Vaishno Devi was born in the south of India in the home of Ratnakar Sagar. Her worldly parents had remained childless for a long time. Ratnakar had promised, the night before the birth of the Divine child, that he would not interfere with whatever his child desired. Ma Vaishno Devi was called Trikuta as a child. Later She was called Vaishnavi because of Her taking birth from Lord Vishnu's lineage. When Trikuta was 9 years old, She sought her father's permission for doing penance on the seashore. Trikuta prayed to Lord Vishnu in the form of Rama. During Shree Rama's search for Sita, He reached the seashore along with His army. His eyes fell on this Divine Girl in deep meditation. Trikuta told Shree Rama that She had accepted Him as Her husband.
Shree Rama told Her that during this Incarnation He had vowed to be faithful to only Sita. However pleased with her devotion , Lord Rama gave her name Vaishnavi (devotee of Lord Rama (Maha Vishnu)and assured Her that in Kaliyuga He would manifest as Kalki and would marry Her.
In the meantime Shree Rama asked Trikuta to meditate in the cave found in the Trikuta Range of Manik Mountains, situated in Northern [[India].Lord Ram gave her a bow and arrows, army of monkeys and a lion for her protection, Ma decided to observe the 'Navratra' for the Victory of Shree Rama against Ravana. Hence one reads the Ramayana during the 9 days of Navratra, in remembrance of the above connection. Shree Rama promised that the whole world would sing Ma Vaishno Devi's praise. Lord Rama also said Trikuta was to become famous as Vaishno Devi and would become immortal forever.The abode of Maa Vaishno devi is attaining huge pilgrimage attraction due to Lord Rama's blessings to the goddess.
With the passage of time many more stories about the Mother Goddess emerged. One such story is about Shree-Dhar.
Shree-Dhar was an ardent devotee of Ma Vaishno Devi. He resided in a village called Hansali, 2 km away from the present Katra town. Once Ma appeared to him in the form of a young bewitching girl. The young girl asked the humble Pandit to hold a 'Bhandara'. (A feast to feed the mendicants and devotees) The Pandit set out to invite people from the village and near-by places. He also invited 'Bhairav Nath' a selfish tantrik. Bhairav Nath asked Shri-Dhar how he was planning to fulfil the requirements. He reminded him of the bad consequences in case of failure. As Panditji was lost in worry, the Divine girl appeared and told Him not to be despondent as everything had been arranged. She asked that over 360 devotees be seated in the small hut. True to Her word the Bhandara went smoothly with food and place to spare. Bhairav Nath admitted that the girl had supernatural powers and decided to test Her further. He followed the Divine girl to Trikuta Hills. For 9 months Bhairav Nath was searching for the mystic girl in the mountains, whom he believed was an incarnation of the Mother Goddess. While running away from Bhairav, Devi shot an arrow into the Earth from which water gushed out. The resultant river is known as Baanganga. It is believed that by taking a bath in Baanganga (Baan: Arrow), a believer of the Mother Goddess can wash away all his sins. The banks of the river, known as Charan Paduka, are marked by Devi's foot imprints, which remains intact till date. Vaishno Devi then took shelter in a cave known as Garbh Joon near Adhkawari where she meditated for 9 months attaining spiritual wisdom and powers. Her meditation was cut short when Bhairav located her. Vaishno Devi was then compelled to take the form of Maha Kali when Bhairav tried to kill her. The manifestation of the Mother Goddess took place at the mouth of the Holy cave at Darbar. The Goddess then beheaded Bhairav with such sheer force, that his skull fell at a place known as Bhairav Ghati, 2.5 km from the Holy Cave.jai mata di
In his dying moments, Bhairav pleaded for forgiveness. The Goddess knew that Bhairav's main intention in attacking her was to achieve salvation. She not only granted Bhairav liberation from the cycle of reincarnation, but also granted him a boon, whereby every devotee, in order to ensure completion of the pilgrimage, had to visit Bhairav Nath's temple near the Holy cave after the darshan of the Goddess.Meanwhile Vaishno Devi assumed the shape of a rock with three pindis (heads) and immersed herself into meditation forever.
Meanwhile, Pandit Shree-Dhar became impatient. He started to march towards Trikuta Mountain on the same path that he had witnessed in a dream. He ultimately reached the cave mouth. He made a daily routine of worshiping the 'Pindis' in several ways. His worship pleased the Goddess. She appeared in front of him and blessed him. Since that day, Shree-Dhar and his descendants have been worshiping the Goddess Mother Vaishno Devi.
The way to Bhavan is steep and requires a long walk uphill. Alternatively ponies and palanquins are also available. Helicopter service can also be taken for a large part of the trip. The Trust offers comfortable stay for pilgrims.
PAUDI PAUDI CHADDA JA, JAI MATA DI KARDA JA
|
RSS Feed