tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-43386693210901949782024-03-05T09:11:38.595-08:00BE SURE YOU WILL ENJOY LOT, ITS YOURS INNThis is the site/blog which give you guy all the information about the places you must visit in your life.
My aim to behind creating this site is to make you easier to know about all beautiful heritage around the world, which are not only popular part of the world but also of that heritage which are yet need to be discover.
I am trying my best to cover all of these places in my site.
I am sure you will gain more information, knowledge and have lots of fun...tilakhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05357767346188741871noreply@blogger.comBlogger10125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4338669321090194978.post-12376511524990830762011-03-07T15:25:00.000-08:002011-03-07T15:25:47.343-08:00HARIDWAR<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg6Lxq95eLsWnwRxDkNwqNJI88FmJnACQR3XCZ2MQZvAre1hlywRbKChTrnWp0bAsDfl1ajPI_5ryYCgdUPJciV8rIan1A99wepBO2FPMx8rhCn_LnlR7VT8a5oWgAxFWH1Bz2ZifzKqwcy/s1600/haridwar-main.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="154" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg6Lxq95eLsWnwRxDkNwqNJI88FmJnACQR3XCZ2MQZvAre1hlywRbKChTrnWp0bAsDfl1ajPI_5ryYCgdUPJciV8rIan1A99wepBO2FPMx8rhCn_LnlR7VT8a5oWgAxFWH1Bz2ZifzKqwcy/s320/haridwar-main.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="MsoNormal"></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0cm;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0cm;"><span style="color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Haridwar (also known as Hardwar) is a holy city in the state of Uttaranchal in northern India. Known as the Gateway to the Gods, Haridwar is considered one of the seven holiest places according to Hindus, as the devas are said to have left their footprints there. Here pilgrims float diyas on the Ganges, to commemorate their deceased ancestors. The city also stands as a gateway to three other important pilgrimage destinations: Rishikesh, Badrinath, and Kedarnath. In Haridwar you will see a great statue of Shiva at the fork of the river. If you are there for a short visit, it is definitely worth to visit the temple on top of the mountain, with a wonderful view.<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0cm;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0cm;"><span style="color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Haridwar has very rich ancient religious and cultural heritage. In the ancient scriptures of India, this place is well known by the name of Mayapur. This city is also well known for many other things apart from the holy river Ganges. Haridwar has privilege of having IIT at Roorkee, formerly known as University of Roorkee, founded in 1847 as a first technical institute of India. The city has one of the "navratna PSUs of India" i.e BHEL (Bharat Heavy Electricals India Ltd.). The tomb Piran Kaliar of Shabir Shahib in Roorkee is a living example of religious harmony in India which is visited by the people of all religious sects from all over the world. There is another University in the city called Gurukul Kangri Vishva Vidyalaya apart from the head quarter of Uttaranchal State Public Service Commission also being established at Haridwar. Besides this, Kumbh fair is organized at the interval of every 12 years in this city in which about 1 crore pilgrims from all over the world participate.<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0cm;"><span style="color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"> <o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0cm;"><span style="color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Haridwar (also known as Hardwar) is a holy city in the state of Uttaranchal in northern India. Known as the Gateway to the Gods, Haridwar is considered one of the seven holiest places according to Hindus, as the devas are said to have left their footprints there. Here pilgrims float diyas on the Ganges, to commemorate their deceased ancestors. The city also stands as a gateway to three other important pilgrimage destinations: Rishikesh, Badrinath, and Kedarnath. In Haridwar you will see a great statue of Shiva at the fork of the river. If you are there for a short visit, it is definitely worth to visit the temple on top of the mountain, with a wonderful view.<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0cm;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0cm;"><span style="color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Haridwar has very rich ancient religious and cultural heritage. In the ancient scriptures of India, this place is well known by the name of Mayapur. This city is also well known for many other things apart from the holy river Ganges. Haridwar has privilege of having IIT at Roorkee, formerly known as University of Roorkee, founded in 1847 as a first technical institute of India. The city has one of the "navratna PSUs of India" i.e BHEL (Bharat Heavy Electricals India Ltd.). The tomb Piran Kaliar of Shabir Shahib in Roorkee is a living example of religious harmony in India which is visited by the people of all religious sects from all over the world. There is another University in the city called Gurukul Kangri Vishva Vidyalaya apart from the head quarter of Uttaranchal State Public Service Commission also being established at Haridwar. Besides this, Kumbh fair is organized at the interval of every 12 years in this city in which about 1 crore pilgrims from all over the world participate.<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0cm;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0cm;"><span style="color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"> <b>HOW TO REACH<o:p></o:p></b></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0cm;"><span style="color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">By Air - Jollygrant at Dehradhun is the nearest airport i.e. 35 Kms from Haridwar. It is well connected to the major cities like Delhi etc. Regular flights are available by Indian Airlines and Jet Airways. <o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0cm;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0cm;"><span style="color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">By Rail - Haridwar is well connected to the major cities of India with regular and express trains. The major trains are 4309/4310 Ujjain-Haridwar-Dehradun, 2019/2020 Bombay-Haridwar-Dehradun, 4041/4042 Delhi-Haridwar-Dehradun, 4265/4266 Varanasi to Haridwar to Dehradun, 3009/3010 Howrah-Haridwar-Dehradun, 2017/2018 Delhi to Haridwar-Dehradun (Shatabdi Ex.),4213/4214 Allahabad-Haridwar-Dehradun (Link ex.), 5005/5006 Gorakhpur-Haridwar-Dehradun, 4711/4712 Sri Ganganagar-Hardwar.<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0cm;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0cm;"><span style="color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">By Road - Haridwar is well connected to the major cities, it lies on the National Highway no. 45 and road network is good. The distances in km from some cities are Delhi-214, Agra-386, Ambala-168, Badrinath-325, Dehradun-52, Kedarnath-250, Saharanpur-81, Nainital-386. There are regular buses from Delhi in every 30 minutes. You can take the Delhi Transport Corporation(DTC) or private deluxe coaches.<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0cm;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0cm;"><b><span style="color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">WHEN TO GO</span></b><span style="color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0cm;"><span style="color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Haridwar can be travelled round the year.<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0cm;"><span style="color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><br />
</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0cm;"><b><span style="color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">WHAT TO SEE</span></b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 21px;"><span class="apple-converted-space"><span style="color: #666666; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;"> </span></span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0cm;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 21px;"><span class="apple-converted-space"><span style="color: #666666; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;"><br />
</span></span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0cm;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 21px;"><span class="apple-style-span"><span style="color: #666666; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">Chandi Devi :The temple of Chandi Devi atop the Neel Parvat on the other bank of river Ganga was constructed in 1929 A.D. by the king of Kashmir- Suchat Singh . It is a 3 km trek from Chandighat . Legend has it that the army chief Chanda-Munda of a local demon King Shumbh- Nishumbha was killed by goddess Chandi here after which the place got the name Chandi Devi . It is believed that the main statue was established by the Adi Shankracharya in</span></span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 15.75pt; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0cm;"><span class="apple-style-span"><span style="color: #666666; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">8th century A.D. One can reach here by Trolley through ropeway or on foot.</span><o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEirhDyVEdj_-bWvLwgKTALigHpt1j_QJgKr9RCxv8y_3yqMqiVglycDxxxrazq5lDb2axzcKu67bF46LaW4mS5jmBDS3zZimAtX3w_x1EAJiP3oo1oGvVjQXnmdQUZTw__lFfGckB4mk6jB/s1600/haridwar-chandi-devi-temple.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEirhDyVEdj_-bWvLwgKTALigHpt1j_QJgKr9RCxv8y_3yqMqiVglycDxxxrazq5lDb2axzcKu67bF46LaW4mS5jmBDS3zZimAtX3w_x1EAJiP3oo1oGvVjQXnmdQUZTw__lFfGckB4mk6jB/s1600/haridwar-chandi-devi-temple.jpg" /></a></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 15.75pt; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0cm;"><span class="apple-style-span"><span style="color: #666666; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;"><br />
</span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 15.75pt; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0cm;"><span class="apple-style-span"><span style="color: #666666; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;"><span class="apple-style-span"><u><span style="color: #666666; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-language: NE; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-language: EN-US; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin;">Maya Devi Temple</span></u></span><span class="apple-converted-space"><span style="color: #666666; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-language: NE; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-language: EN-US; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin;"> </span></span><span class="apple-style-span"><span style="color: #666666; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-language: NE; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-language: EN-US; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin;">- This is an ancient temple of Maya Devi the Adhisthatri deity of Haridwar, known as one of the Siddhpeethas. Said to be the place where the heart and navel of goddess Sati had fallen.</span></span></span></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiS6SElFazah9JQMHrJTqDINxwDW_-tcx8zxBRz-L0XswbHD7DBwuf7PVAWRBHqTVHa9N9ULSC518x0Y9xoSeSRl2hXte56eO_L9w1Zp2_sEBAYJW7PJkj0yEO3wZdlDRYGgPzSzIdYZucA/s1600/haridwar-maya-devi-temple.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiS6SElFazah9JQMHrJTqDINxwDW_-tcx8zxBRz-L0XswbHD7DBwuf7PVAWRBHqTVHa9N9ULSC518x0Y9xoSeSRl2hXte56eO_L9w1Zp2_sEBAYJW7PJkj0yEO3wZdlDRYGgPzSzIdYZucA/s1600/haridwar-maya-devi-temple.jpg" /></a></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 15.75pt; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0cm;"><span class="apple-style-span"><span style="color: #666666; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;"><span class="apple-style-span"><span style="color: #666666; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-language: NE; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-language: EN-US; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin;"><br />
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</div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><o:p> </o:p></span><span class="apple-style-span"><u><span style="color: #666666; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-language: NE; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-language: EN-US; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin;">Har ki Paori (1.5 km)</span></u></span><span class="apple-converted-space"><span style="color: #666666; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-language: NE; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-language: EN-US; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin;"> </span></span><span class="apple-style-span"><span style="color: #666666; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-language: NE; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-language: EN-US; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin;">- This sacred Ghat was constructed by King Vikramaditya in memory of his brother Bhartrihari. It is believed that Bhartrihari eventually came to Haridwar to meditate by the banks of holy Ganga. When he died, his brother constructed a Ghat in his name which later came to be known as Hari-Ki-Pari. This sacred bathing ghat is also known as Brahmakund. The reflection of golden hues of floral diyas in the river Ganga is the most enchanting sight in the twilight during the Ganga Arti ceremony . Attending the Ganga Arti which is performed here everyday after sunset is an unforgettable experience as most of the tourists say.</span></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjTEtnrqkdSiQXl7qxvLseZwi8BurcJcFBSPxdkiXnu3RDR8-L5DU4Kq7qWDKeJDbc8z20qsfFYemTZIFB5L124GLodO9Jg2GGfbA_3r7cTjKp1P-gdygVl1bpTmCoU7Uf4d69Y2R7mA5Wf/s1600/haridwar-hari-ki-paori.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjTEtnrqkdSiQXl7qxvLseZwi8BurcJcFBSPxdkiXnu3RDR8-L5DU4Kq7qWDKeJDbc8z20qsfFYemTZIFB5L124GLodO9Jg2GGfbA_3r7cTjKp1P-gdygVl1bpTmCoU7Uf4d69Y2R7mA5Wf/s1600/haridwar-hari-ki-paori.jpg" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal"><span class="apple-style-span"><span style="color: #666666; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-language: NE; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-language: EN-US; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: black; font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 19px; line-height: 21px;"><span class="apple-style-span"><u><span style="color: #666666; font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 18px;">Gurukul Kangri University ( 4 km)</span></u></span><span class="apple-converted-space"><span style="color: #666666; font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 18px;"> </span></span><span class="apple-style-span"><span style="color: #666666; font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 18px;">- It is situated on the Haridwar-Jwalapur bypass road . It is an old institution known for following a unique system of education in India. The Ved Mandir Museum with archaeological exhibits in display can also be seen.</span></span></span></span></span></div><br />
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<div class="MsoNormal"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; font-size: 19px; line-height: 21px; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjiDGQ37irqLx6sDu5zvF8F6zzKs-V5gqdYdHyqxMSg7zyadPiSnS-nPcJuChXYywHYpKiESnGCzX9PeeHaDF3wukj00nfvwMt3ehlutGCgDtFWPZ3qNQKSu-QJszcGE1ESSS0T5u8fGX3I/s1600/haridwar-gurukul-kangri-uni.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjiDGQ37irqLx6sDu5zvF8F6zzKs-V5gqdYdHyqxMSg7zyadPiSnS-nPcJuChXYywHYpKiESnGCzX9PeeHaDF3wukj00nfvwMt3ehlutGCgDtFWPZ3qNQKSu-QJszcGE1ESSS0T5u8fGX3I/s1600/haridwar-gurukul-kangri-uni.jpg" /></a></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #666666; font-family: Arial, sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 18px;"><u><br />
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<span class="apple-style-span" style="font-size: 19px; line-height: 21px;"> </span><u style="font-size: 19px; line-height: 21px;">Mansa Devi Temple (3.5 km)</u><span class="apple-converted-space" style="font-size: 19px; line-height: 21px;"> </span><span class="apple-style-span" style="font-size: 19px; line-height: 21px;">- The temple of Goddess Mansa Devi is situated at the top of Bilwa Parwat .Here one statue of the Goddess has three mouths and five arms while the other statue has eight arms. The beautiful view of the city can be seen from this place. The temple can be reached by trolley through ropeway or on foot.<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjITvYy2bKV5avNsoOFa5CiHcvOJDO_EJDHRyvu9DumyPkqZZs3DwMtp9HGIN6ZLtBfGl8Jc85ZmJ1Q4FgGDLBHQYy_xIzhG9fJ_1GUJzAAoISwE2oEDoFYTm_wtLiYp0B-ThjGubnNwXsa/s1600/haridwar-mansa-devi-temple.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjITvYy2bKV5avNsoOFa5CiHcvOJDO_EJDHRyvu9DumyPkqZZs3DwMtp9HGIN6ZLtBfGl8Jc85ZmJ1Q4FgGDLBHQYy_xIzhG9fJ_1GUJzAAoISwE2oEDoFYTm_wtLiYp0B-ThjGubnNwXsa/s1600/haridwar-mansa-devi-temple.jpg" /></a></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span class="apple-style-span" style="font-size: 19px; line-height: 21px;"><br />
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<span class="apple-style-span"> </span><u>Daksha Mahadev Temple (4 km)</u></span><span class="apple-converted-space"><u> </u></span><span class="apple-style-span">- The ancient temple of Daksha Mahadev is situated in the south Kankhal town .The mythological story about this place is that King Daksha Prajapati, father of Sati (Lord Shiva 's first wife ) performed yagya at this place. Daksha Prajapati did not invite Lord Shiva and Sati felt insulted . Therefore she burnt herself in the yagya Kund . This incident provoked the disciples and followers of Mahadev who killed King Daksha, but later on Lord Mahadev brought him back to life. Daksha Mahadev temple is thus a tribute to this legend .</span><o:p></o:p></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEguLdYZaChM66tNbOUzxz_UqU5azabEKi8_5IZ-5D7Efe6bWyS0k_3uYyKsnoEvLIsceiJgAfyFKsTq2HbMGygWPtQ4Hu1l089gXtYTIhnTlfbneoU3-4DO-HzjsAJO43sCtcsbcx3zjTWf/s1600/haridwar-daksh-mahadev-temp.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEguLdYZaChM66tNbOUzxz_UqU5azabEKi8_5IZ-5D7Efe6bWyS0k_3uYyKsnoEvLIsceiJgAfyFKsTq2HbMGygWPtQ4Hu1l089gXtYTIhnTlfbneoU3-4DO-HzjsAJO43sCtcsbcx3zjTWf/s1600/haridwar-daksh-mahadev-temp.jpg" /></a></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-size: 19px; line-height: 21px;"><span class="apple-style-span"><br />
</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-size: 19px; line-height: 21px;"><span class="apple-style-span"><u><span style="color: #666666; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">Bhimgoda Tank</span></u></span><span class="apple-converted-space"><span style="color: #666666; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"> </span></span><span class="apple-style-span"><span style="color: #666666; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">- This tank is at a distance of about 1 km from Harki Pairi. It is said that while Pandavas were going to Himalayas through Haridwar, Bhim made this tank with the blow of his knee.</span><o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg5KX3Oh0KP9Vu7VhugVh3MA48dz_RgmRmkex3f5KPBZ9p_GsYh6LqzlMhnaP8sVqm8JYPGFH5yOeWLgBVfeaasEpgQATJFe4tNSV0diOYca2eFE3LA2NR6lbl-BJ7nLkFcJliq1vu3aG47/s1600/haridwar-sapt-rishi-ashram.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg5KX3Oh0KP9Vu7VhugVh3MA48dz_RgmRmkex3f5KPBZ9p_GsYh6LqzlMhnaP8sVqm8JYPGFH5yOeWLgBVfeaasEpgQATJFe4tNSV0diOYca2eFE3LA2NR6lbl-BJ7nLkFcJliq1vu3aG47/s1600/haridwar-sapt-rishi-ashram.jpg" /></a></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-size: 19px; line-height: 21px;"><span class="apple-style-span"><span style="color: #666666; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><br />
</span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-size: 19px; line-height: 21px;"><span class="apple-style-span"><u><span style="color: #666666; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">Sapt Rishi Ashram and Sapt Srovar (7 km)</span></u></span><span class="apple-converted-space"><span style="color: #666666; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"> </span></span><span class="apple-style-span"><span style="color: #666666; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">- It is said that Ganga had split herself in seven currents at this place so that the Sapt(seven) Rishis worshipping there would not be disturbed.</span><o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-size: 19px; line-height: 21px;"><span class="apple-style-span"><u><span style="color: #666666; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">Parad Shivling (2 km)</span></u></span><span class="apple-converted-space"><span style="color: #666666; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"> </span></span><span class="apple-style-span"><span style="color: #666666; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">- Situated in Harihar Ashram, Kankhasl. Shivling weighing about 150 kg and Rudraksha tree are main attractions here.</span><o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-size: 19px; line-height: 21px;"><span class="apple-style-span"><span style="color: #666666; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><br />
</span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-size: 19px; line-height: 21px;"><span class="apple-style-span"><u><span style="color: #666666; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">Rishikesh</span></u></span><span class="apple-converted-space"><span style="color: #666666; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"> </span></span><span class="apple-style-span"><span style="color: #666666; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">- Rishikesh is one of the best located pilgrimage centers along the right bank of the Ganga. The holy river emerging from high mountains not far from here, runs deep and silent through the thickly wooded hills of the Tehri that straddle this region. A breathtaking experience of natural beauty and undiscovered wildlife await here. Not to mention the peace and tranquility of a landscape associated with 'munis' and meditation. Today Rishikesh has become a center for learning and research in yoga and meditation- the renowned Indian methods for mental and physical health. The week-long International Yoga festival which attracts participation from all across the world is held here annually in the month of February on the banks of serene Ganga.</span><o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEirhDyVEdj_-bWvLwgKTALigHpt1j_QJgKr9RCxv8y_3yqMqiVglycDxxxrazq5lDb2axzcKu67bF46LaW4mS5jmBDS3zZimAtX3w_x1EAJiP3oo1oGvVjQXnmdQUZTw__lFfGckB4mk6jB/s1600/haridwar-chandi-devi-temple.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEirhDyVEdj_-bWvLwgKTALigHpt1j_QJgKr9RCxv8y_3yqMqiVglycDxxxrazq5lDb2axzcKu67bF46LaW4mS5jmBDS3zZimAtX3w_x1EAJiP3oo1oGvVjQXnmdQUZTw__lFfGckB4mk6jB/s1600/haridwar-chandi-devi-temple.jpg" /></a></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-size: 19px; line-height: 21px;"><span class="apple-style-span"><span style="color: #666666; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><br />
</span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-size: 19px; line-height: 21px;"><span class="apple-style-span"><u><span style="color: #666666; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">Rajaji National Park</span></u></span><span class="apple-converted-space"><span style="color: #666666; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"> </span></span><span class="apple-style-span"><span style="color: #666666; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">- Haridwar is also a popular destination for nature and adventure lovers. The Rajaji National Park is about 820 sq. km. in area; attracts wildlife lovers with its pristine scenic beauty and rich bio diversity. Three sanctuaries of the Shivalik range of western U.P. -Rajaji, Motichur and Chilla were amalgamated into a large protected area and named Rajaji National Park in year 1983It has 23 species of mammals and 315 avifauna species. One may watch a herd of elephants roaming majestically in the jungle or may find oneself excited by wildlife of many kinds including tigers, leopard, jungle cat, Himalayan yellow throated marten, samber, cheetal, barking deer, wild boar, langoor, ghural, sloth beer, king cobra, woodpecker etc. The river shelters fish in abundance.</span><o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiP4qDwqglvy7JsFF4H7hU7OWuNjWfA1LHgVjqRB7VOLHMdiDM2H32keiSSYvYNEapMO4c6H0617qe_N5GGLLjzDtiGPNmTrRXzMN31dINXQXGiOimX0qcqWa7l77b-3GsG3K1fEIR_9xzV/s1600/haridwar-rajaji-national-pa.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiP4qDwqglvy7JsFF4H7hU7OWuNjWfA1LHgVjqRB7VOLHMdiDM2H32keiSSYvYNEapMO4c6H0617qe_N5GGLLjzDtiGPNmTrRXzMN31dINXQXGiOimX0qcqWa7l77b-3GsG3K1fEIR_9xzV/s1600/haridwar-rajaji-national-pa.jpg" /></a></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-size: 19px; line-height: 21px;"><span class="apple-style-span"><span style="color: #666666; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><br />
</span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-size: 19px; line-height: 21px;"><span class="apple-style-span"><u><span style="color: #666666; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">Piran Kalier</span></u></span><span class="apple-converted-space"><span style="color: #666666; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"> </span></span><span class="apple-style-span"><span style="color: #666666; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">- The 'Dargah' of Hazrat Makhdum Allauddin Ali Ahamed 'Sabir' on the outskirts of Roorkee town is a worth-visit-place for every visitor. It is situated towards the south of Haridwar. This place is one of the living examples of unity between the Hindu and Muslim religions. Famed for its mystical powers that fulfill the desires of the devout, the Dargah is visited by millions of devotees from all religions from India and abroad. The Urs is celebrated at this Dargah every year, from the first day of sighting the moon to the sixteenth day during the Rabeeull month of the Islamic calendar.</span><o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjAGRsI-JPhX0zwc8AZvViYlc4L6taT9mAdTGyCJaCoEUz7B5A4YBs_vmyDf18yJ5nwt_kgBQ-ytW5dxNjnQCTwPfwupZsGU-ftc9yjybJobpUT55XNxBm4P0x-UXBLUEjX7LueMtAyeEhJ/s1600/haridwar-piran-kalier.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjAGRsI-JPhX0zwc8AZvViYlc4L6taT9mAdTGyCJaCoEUz7B5A4YBs_vmyDf18yJ5nwt_kgBQ-ytW5dxNjnQCTwPfwupZsGU-ftc9yjybJobpUT55XNxBm4P0x-UXBLUEjX7LueMtAyeEhJ/s1600/haridwar-piran-kalier.jpg" /></a></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-size: 19px; line-height: 21px;"><span class="apple-style-span"><span style="color: #666666; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><br />
</span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-size: 19px; line-height: 21px;"><span class="apple-style-span"><u><span style="color: #666666; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">Sureshwari Devi</span></u></span><span class="apple-converted-space"><span style="color: #666666; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"> </span></span><span class="apple-style-span"><span style="color: #666666; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">- This is a temple of Goddess Durga. Situated in the peaceful forest area of Rajaji National park.</span><o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgq9QvK7nrfkSmUdc33DbzF_6I8uMitD3aEuGunP0DEDQOpK9a1MiPTCdZOoNXe7jQJdZUl9D3O4q4-1PD2d-znD7LtFELIYE6LK9vUVodO2mA0BDNvJ3t813CN_gekoBk1mnxKQXbaKnXX/s1600/haridwar-sureshwari-devi.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgq9QvK7nrfkSmUdc33DbzF_6I8uMitD3aEuGunP0DEDQOpK9a1MiPTCdZOoNXe7jQJdZUl9D3O4q4-1PD2d-znD7LtFELIYE6LK9vUVodO2mA0BDNvJ3t813CN_gekoBk1mnxKQXbaKnXX/s1600/haridwar-sureshwari-devi.jpg" /></a></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-size: 19px; line-height: 21px;"><span class="apple-style-span"><span style="color: #666666; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><br />
</span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-size: 19px; line-height: 21px;"><span class="apple-style-span"><u><span style="color: #666666; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">Dehradun</span></u></span><span class="apple-converted-space"><span style="color: #666666; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"> </span></span><span class="apple-style-span"><span style="color: #666666; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">- A place liked by many retired civil and defense officers to settle down, now the capital city of newly formed Uttaranchal state is known for many central govt. institutes of national importance and is also a place worth visiting.</span><o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-size: 19px; line-height: 21px;"><span class="apple-style-span"><u><span style="color: #666666; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">Kodiyala</span></u></span><span class="apple-converted-space"><span style="color: #666666; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"> </span></span><span class="apple-style-span"><span style="color: #666666; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">- The place is very popular for rafting loving tourists. Known for turbulent white water.</span><o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhWyhWZWxc3EYMFe1mD8TcwSlMOMgS8FKu8KAV2yUzLxP9x3DbWeJ67BrnOKgnvSfLPpcd70u4anU1j9EjijJqnVVtXcgTZpvrFqpNOUUXCRp3m5CHr8sW1I0sZFk4cnE2QTLqVrnaK5VL-/s1600/haridwar-kodiyala.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhWyhWZWxc3EYMFe1mD8TcwSlMOMgS8FKu8KAV2yUzLxP9x3DbWeJ67BrnOKgnvSfLPpcd70u4anU1j9EjijJqnVVtXcgTZpvrFqpNOUUXCRp3m5CHr8sW1I0sZFk4cnE2QTLqVrnaK5VL-/s1600/haridwar-kodiyala.jpg" /></a></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-size: 19px; line-height: 21px;"><span class="apple-style-span"><span style="color: #666666; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><br />
</span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-size: 19px; line-height: 21px;"><span class="apple-style-span"><u><span style="color: #666666; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">Mussoorie</span></u></span><span class="apple-converted-space"><span style="color: #666666; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"> </span></span><span class="apple-style-span"><span style="color: #666666; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">- The queen of hills, the city with Mall is an ideal hill station.</span><o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj48bb73w3QdhPXy84BLPBKldOrmkDEOXyDp8BMgPVJCumdpUUya_TVFBy9_WtTwOVfBaNPBGJefUWQV-3CEWfOeFyB8qdjN_PiPfzUDG-uDypqRS3Ruga5lC7BLyMWBKDiCOO_jgwI5mDN/s1600/haridwar-mussorie.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj48bb73w3QdhPXy84BLPBKldOrmkDEOXyDp8BMgPVJCumdpUUya_TVFBy9_WtTwOVfBaNPBGJefUWQV-3CEWfOeFyB8qdjN_PiPfzUDG-uDypqRS3Ruga5lC7BLyMWBKDiCOO_jgwI5mDN/s1600/haridwar-mussorie.jpg" /></a></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-size: 19px; line-height: 21px;"><span class="apple-style-span"><span style="color: #666666; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><br />
</span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-size: 19px; line-height: 21px;"><span class="apple-style-span"><u><span style="color: #666666; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">Piran Kalair</span></u></span><span class="apple-converted-space"><span style="color: #666666; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"> </span></span><span class="apple-style-span"><span style="color: #666666; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">- The tomb Piran Kaliar of Shabir Shahib in Roorkee is a living example of religious harmony in India which is visited by the people of all religious sects from all over the world. 'URS' festival is organised every year on the holy dargah in summer.</span><o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-size: 19px; line-height: 21px;"><span class="apple-style-span"><span style="color: #666666; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">Distances of major tourist destinations from Haridwar are : Rishikesh - 24 kms, Kedarnanth - 241 kms, Corbett National Park - 180 kms, Gangotri - 250 kms, Deharadun - 55 kms, Nanital - 320 kms, Badrinath - 288 kms, Mussourie - 87 kms, Yamunotri - 250 kms, Roorkee - 29 kms, Ranikhet - 325 kms.</span><o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-size: 19px; line-height: 21px;"><span class="apple-style-span"><b><span style="color: #666666; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">WHERE TO EAT</span></b></span><span style="color: #666666; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><br />
<span class="apple-style-span">There are few good restaurants which serves delicious pure vegetarian food.</span></span><o:p></o:p></div><br />
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<table border="0" bordercolor="#111111" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" height="50" id="AutoNumber1" style="border-collapse: collapse; width: 777px;"><tbody></tbody></table>tilakhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05357767346188741871noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4338669321090194978.post-39784982237565790152011-03-05T09:26:00.000-08:002011-03-05T09:26:38.213-08:00Mystery of the Egyptian Pyramids<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjTak9kcDe8xwVCvvUgcbF845Bw9yhu7kCkhyOFxaV73ln_5OOEzu-ld8w2CQfNe35OMzxhqswD8MJDFvJav5KI0LPVQlsSQQIlqjrNZclUwan1k_0U1g2GTK4EjCXVTBgQzd8viVg7azR2/s1600/pyramids-by-night.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjTak9kcDe8xwVCvvUgcbF845Bw9yhu7kCkhyOFxaV73ln_5OOEzu-ld8w2CQfNe35OMzxhqswD8MJDFvJav5KI0LPVQlsSQQIlqjrNZclUwan1k_0U1g2GTK4EjCXVTBgQzd8viVg7azR2/s1600/pyramids-by-night.jpg" /></a></div><div style="font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; line-height: 24px; margin-bottom: 5px; margin-left: 12px; margin-right: 12px; margin-top: 10px; word-spacing: 0.01em;">The Egyptian pyramids remain one of the most beautiful and complex mysteries of the modern world. Set against the exotic backdrop of the Egyptian desert, these stone temples hearken our memories back to the days of pharaohs and mummies. Throughout history there have been many theories regarding the exact manner in which the Egyptian pyramids were built.</div><div style="font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; line-height: 24px; margin-bottom: 5px; margin-left: 12px; margin-right: 12px; margin-top: 10px; word-spacing: 0.01em;">It appears to modern man the ancient Egyptian pyramids were no small feat to construct. Some theories have surfaced indicating that at least some scholars believe in aliens building pyramids. One of the most long held beliefs relating to the built of the pyramids is that they were constructed through the use of slave labor.</div><div style="font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; line-height: 24px; margin-bottom: 5px; margin-left: 12px; margin-right: 12px; margin-top: 10px; word-spacing: 0.01em;">Ancient documents have revealed that in most instances it took numerous years, usually decades, for even one of the <b>ancient Egypt pyramids</b> to be assembled. Records also indicate that it was traditional for a pharaoh to begin construction on a pyramid not long after he took the throne and that the building process might last almost the entire length of his reign. In the case of <a href="http://www.ancient-egypt-online.com/life-of-king-tut.html" style="color: blue;">King Tut</a>, evidence indicates that the tomb he was laid to rest in was originally prepared for someone of a lesser standing. Obviously, he was not expected to die at such a young age and therefore did not have sufficient time to prepare his own burial tomb.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhp4etTI7jhlR0tc99tmldN6nUsCmIFFaRZFgKsngnas_c2bA5IgnoOlz_9J7BtJJ7q3wFwGGZuvWducoxUlBcN7iBlErMEoYRRkmvHHea57BEraRApJoKOuwluevX5v63g9qiLT4zuJix6/s1600/bent-pyramid-of-dashur.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="223" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhp4etTI7jhlR0tc99tmldN6nUsCmIFFaRZFgKsngnas_c2bA5IgnoOlz_9J7BtJJ7q3wFwGGZuvWducoxUlBcN7iBlErMEoYRRkmvHHea57BEraRApJoKOuwluevX5v63g9qiLT4zuJix6/s320/bent-pyramid-of-dashur.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"></span></div><h2 style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', Times, serif; font-size: 17px; margin-left: 12px; text-decoration: underline;">Facts About Egyptian Pyramids</h2><div style="font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; line-height: 24px; margin-bottom: 5px; margin-left: 12px; margin-right: 12px; margin-top: 10px; word-spacing: 0.01em;">Besides the beauty and mystery regarding the construction of the <i>Egyptian pyramids</i>, there are also a number of interesting facts about Egyptian pyramids. <a href="http://www.ancient-egypt-online.com/king-khufu-and-the-great-pyramid.html" style="color: blue;">King Khufu's great pyramid</a> is the largest pyramid. It is well known as one of the Seven Wonders of the World, standing at an impressive <b>146 meters</b>.</div><div style="font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; line-height: 24px; margin-bottom: 5px; margin-left: 12px; margin-right: 12px; margin-top: 10px; word-spacing: 0.01em;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: normal;"></span></div><div style="font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; line-height: 24px; margin-bottom: 5px; margin-left: 12px; margin-right: 12px; margin-top: 10px; word-spacing: 0.01em;">King Khufu's great pyramid, impressive as it is, was not the first pyramid to be built. His father, <a href="http://www.ancient-egypt-online.com/king-snefru.html" style="color: blue;">king Snefru</a>, built a number of impressive pyramids himself. While none of the Egyptian pyramids constructed under the reign of Snefru are as tall or large as the Great Pyramid at Giza; they did contribute to the perfection of the Egyptian pyramids. Snefru is believed to have first begun his work in pyramid building with the step pyramids, progressing on to the Bent Pyramids and culminating his activities with the Red Pyramid, considered by many to the first pyramid constructed in a true pyramid shape.</div><div style="font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; line-height: 24px; margin-bottom: 5px; margin-left: 12px; margin-right: 12px; margin-top: 10px; word-spacing: 0.01em;">The ancient Egyptian pyramids served a multitude of purposes. They were primarily used as the <b>burial tomb</b> of the royal family, consisting of the pharaoh, his queens and offspring. Modern excavations have uncovered that the inside of the Egyptian pyramids were almost always laid store with a variety of items the dead would need in the afterlife. Some of the most ornate and expensive items ever discovered on the inside of the Egyptian pyramids came from <b>the tomb of King Tut</b>. Carefully removing, cataloging and studying the items required a number of years. In the end there were several thousand items discovered to reside with King Tut's mummy.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEirAxVN9AP8nPjKOHzNkTjKxecq2785hAp0pNNSy172GAA1nOMqzyBWUJREugRH8SPnZyKmvLsUgh1vjCyP8RoHWwmtAHUWsQ8wYCL682-OWjlyh7-KBvg8FQY3M22z7-Bz2DQI7l7FazCa/s1600/sphinx.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEirAxVN9AP8nPjKOHzNkTjKxecq2785hAp0pNNSy172GAA1nOMqzyBWUJREugRH8SPnZyKmvLsUgh1vjCyP8RoHWwmtAHUWsQ8wYCL682-OWjlyh7-KBvg8FQY3M22z7-Bz2DQI7l7FazCa/s1600/sphinx.jpg" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; line-height: 24px;">One of the most profound mysteries relating to the ancient world of Egypt regards <b>why was the sphinx made</b>. No one seems to be quite sure why this great statue was constructed, however; theories abound. It is believed to have most likely been constructed during the Fourth Dynasty. Located in the same proximity as King Khufu's Great pyramid, many scholars have hypothesized that the Sphinx was constructed in order to guard the great pyramid. The real reason is not known and due to the Sphinx's rapid rate of deterioration; its secrets may never be uncovered.</span></div><div style="font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; line-height: 24px; margin-bottom: 5px; margin-left: 12px; margin-right: 12px; margin-top: 10px; word-spacing: 0.01em;"><br />
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</div>tilakhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05357767346188741871noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4338669321090194978.post-77817148184978807492011-03-05T09:13:00.000-08:002011-03-05T09:13:43.207-08:00Lotus Temple (Baha'i Temple)<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhRGL6L0kr_2LHBiS9AUc0619da9nNOxJYIC6pmcivEfIjbCulnXKLSUhoTXkISuMO6naYih_hvdjKfyVz3JG9Nk1iFezR_uL9bbT9HSyP8hzRHSdKK4XKUXrbEVTzcynEOHGauBaxLM_ae/s1600/lotus-temple.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhRGL6L0kr_2LHBiS9AUc0619da9nNOxJYIC6pmcivEfIjbCulnXKLSUhoTXkISuMO6naYih_hvdjKfyVz3JG9Nk1iFezR_uL9bbT9HSyP8hzRHSdKK4XKUXrbEVTzcynEOHGauBaxLM_ae/s1600/lotus-temple.jpg" /></a></div><div style="font-family: arial; font-size: 12px; line-height: 18px;"><strong>Baha'i Temple</strong> in Delhi is often compared to the Sydney Opera House. Located 12km southeast of Connaught Place, has emerged as a top attraction for the tourists. Popularly known as the <strong>Lotus Temple</strong>, <strong>Baha'i Temple</strong> is a major feature of Delhi and is well known for its appearance. There is no doubt that in years to come the temple will prove to be a mecca for the visitors. Baha'ism is considered to be a syncretism of the nine great religions of the world and traces its genesis to its prophet Baha'u'llah, born in Persia in the twentieth century.</div><div style="font-family: arial; font-size: 12px; line-height: 18px;">The<strong> Baha'i Temple of Delhi</strong> is spectacular in its design. 27 wonderful huge white petals of an unfolding lotus made of marble spring from nine pools and walkways. This symbolizes the nine unifying spiritual paths of the faith. Experience the solitude of Baha'i Temple with Hotels of Delhi. As a matter of fact no travel to Delhi is complete without visiting the temple.</div><div style="font-family: arial; font-size: 12px; line-height: 18px;">The temple has a striking though plain central hall where you can meditate. The hall is 34.27m. high. Thought-provoking quotes of the Baha'i sacred scriptures are inscribed on the petal alcoves. Set amid beautiful gardens, the temple is at its most exuberant best when the sun dazzles these lotus petals. While entering you'll have to remove your shoes and keep silence.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgLfbb9IhZtdRnGbdJQmiTb3J0UBNPRS3pun0yQpPz5awNUvLOaeRkowQU1_Qbny-9NF3HNBsuLESdClnJLovCmDOD53OI5NBDwbnUuFGqnUh0OqBcOgI74F5hIjPqxuEdj4LlNrsESzu0h/s1600/lotus-temple3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="198" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgLfbb9IhZtdRnGbdJQmiTb3J0UBNPRS3pun0yQpPz5awNUvLOaeRkowQU1_Qbny-9NF3HNBsuLESdClnJLovCmDOD53OI5NBDwbnUuFGqnUh0OqBcOgI74F5hIjPqxuEdj4LlNrsESzu0h/s320/lotus-temple3.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: arial, verdana; font-size: 12px;"></span></div><div class="images" style="font-weight: bold; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px; text-align: center;">The Amazing Architecture of Lotus Temple</div><div class="matter" style="background-color: white; color: black; line-height: 19px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 15px; padding-right: 10px; padding-top: 0px; text-align: justify;">The temple is situated to the east of the intersection of Mathura Road (the way to Agra) and the outer Ring Road. Tourists can reach upto Nehru Place (the bus terminal is well connected to every part of the city), from where one can take an auto-rickshaw or walk for 15 minutes. The temple is open to visitors from Tuesday to Sunday (9 am to 7 pm) during summers and 9:30 am to 5:30 pm during the winters. 15 minute services are held at 10 am, noon, 3 pm and 5 pm, and you are welcome to sit in on these. Attendants make sure there is no talking inside the building, just a reverential atmosphere of prayer should preside.</div><br />
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</div>tilakhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05357767346188741871noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4338669321090194978.post-23126029428990472352011-03-04T09:55:00.000-08:002011-03-04T09:55:00.731-08:00SHYAMBHU NATH STUPA<div align="left" style="-webkit-border-horizontal-spacing: 1px; -webkit-border-vertical-spacing: 1px;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg3Do_wsyCl5kgdrzH7EMUI86D8zwPqm17bDWmUudZyjM85Ov1JTRnl3cqQ7k5HCv16tGQnBJstdOebrsz0vD1_vz5Xtnk4JqEJyhuAU6hyphenhyphenUGLpeFZs8mxVWXa6-gtfvKK7VEzV575dQ1-b/s1600/swayambhu-stupa.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="212" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg3Do_wsyCl5kgdrzH7EMUI86D8zwPqm17bDWmUudZyjM85Ov1JTRnl3cqQ7k5HCv16tGQnBJstdOebrsz0vD1_vz5Xtnk4JqEJyhuAU6hyphenhyphenUGLpeFZs8mxVWXa6-gtfvKK7VEzV575dQ1-b/s320/swayambhu-stupa.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjSbenvrHd-Fop8xy0lcrPJfIC1CqACu6THXpm5vX1ET1vYocJEj5-rmOL4b96E8lU4J5JnEcVdRnWzIlQct1d5yuXroAX7mF-4fBSPoEaKrzIMTlkOdnBv36QFYfcN7p1KfBc9GlVy1QWZ/s1600/Bohda-stupa.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjSbenvrHd-Fop8xy0lcrPJfIC1CqACu6THXpm5vX1ET1vYocJEj5-rmOL4b96E8lU4J5JnEcVdRnWzIlQct1d5yuXroAX7mF-4fBSPoEaKrzIMTlkOdnBv36QFYfcN7p1KfBc9GlVy1QWZ/s320/Bohda-stupa.jpg" width="272" /></a></div><div align="justify"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;"><br />
</span></div><div align="justify"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">A golden spire crowning a conical wooded hill, Swayambhunath Stupa is the most ancient and enigmatic of all the holy shrines in Kathmandu valley. Its lofty white dome and glittering golden spire are visible for many miles from all sides of the valley. Historical records found on a stone inscription give evidence that the stupa was already an important Buddhist pilgrimage destination by the 5th century AD. Its origins however, date to a much earlier time, long before the arrival of Buddhism into the valley. A collection of legends about the site, the 15th century Swayambhu Purana, tells of a miraculous lotus, planted by a past Buddha, which blossomed from the lake that once covered Kathmandu valley. The lotus mysteriously radiated a brilliant light, and the name of the place came to be Swayambhu, meaning "Self-Created or Self-Existent." Saints, sages and divinities traveled to the lake to venerate this miraculous light for its power in granting enlightenment. During this time, the Bodhisatva Manjushri was meditating at the sacred mountain of Wu Tai Shan in China when he had a vision of the dazzling Swayambhu light. Manjushri flew across the mountains of China and Tibet upon his blue lion to worship the lotus. Deeply impressed by the power of the radiant light, Manjushri felt that if the water were drained out of the lake Swayambhu would become more easily accessible to human pilgrims. With a great sword Manjushri cut a gorge in the mountains surrounding the lake. The water, draining away, left the valley of present day Kathmandu. The lotus was then transformed into a hill and the light became the Swayabhunath Stupa.</span></div></div><div align="justify" style="-webkit-border-horizontal-spacing: 1px; -webkit-border-vertical-spacing: 1px;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">Swayambhunath's worshippers include Hindus, Vajrayana Buddhists of northern Nepal and Tibet, and the Newari Buddhists of central and southern Nepal. Each morning before dawn, hundreds of pilgrims will ascend the 365 steps that lead up the hill, file past the gilded Vajra (Tibetan: Dorje) and two lions guarding the entrance, and begin a series of clockwise circumambulations of the stupa. The whole stupa is a complex of chaityas, temples, images and numerous other religious objects. There are many small shrines with Tantric and shamanistic deities, prayer wheels for the Tibetan Buddhists, Shiva lingams (now disguised as Buddhist chaityas and decorated with the faces of the the Dhyani Buddhas), and a popular Hindu temple dedicated to Harati, the Goddess of smallpox and other epidemics. The presence of the Harati Devi temple signifies the intermingling of the pantheons of Hinduism and Buddhism in the development of the religious trends of Nepal. As Buddhists had no deity in their own pantheon to protect against the dreaded smallpox, they adopted the Hindu deity for assistance. On each of the four sides of the main stupa there are a pair of big eyes. These eyes are symbolic of God's all-seeing perspective. There is no nose between the eyes but rather a representation of the number one in the Nepali alphabet, signifying that the single way to enlightenment is through the Buddhist path. Above each pair of eyes is another eye, the third eye, signifying the wisdom of looking within. No ears are shown because it is said the Buddha is not interested in hearing prayers in praise of him.</span></div><div align="justify" style="-webkit-border-horizontal-spacing: 1px; -webkit-border-vertical-spacing: 1px;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">Atop Swayambhunath hill is another fascinating, though smaller and less visited temple. This is Shantipur, the "Place of Peace", inside of which, in a secret, always locked, underground chamber lives the 8th century Tantric master Shantikar Acharya. Practising meditation techniques which have preserved his life for uncounted centuries, he is a great esoteric magician who has complete power over the weather. When the valley of Kathmandu is threatened by drought, the King of Nepal must enter the underground chamber to get a secret mandala from Shantikar. Soon after the mandala is brought outside and shown to the sky, rain begins to fall. Frescoes painted on the inside temple walls depict when last this occurred in 1658. The small temple has a powerful atmosphere; it is mysterious, stern and slightly ominous. The entire complex of temples atop Swayambhunath hill is one of the authors favorite sacred places in the world. It was here, in 1967, when the author was thirteen years old that he first became enchanted with visiting and photographing ancient pilgrimage shrines. Nearby the Swayambhunath hill are other important temples such as the Shiva Jyotir Linga temple of Pashupatinath, Boudhanath stupa, Changu Narayan, Dakshinkali, and Budhanilkantha.</span></div><div align="justify" style="-webkit-border-horizontal-spacing: 1px; -webkit-border-vertical-spacing: 1px;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;"><br />
</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhckcEgBP8-T3RjjioL4cMSuQlz8nDFDVWP4h6dNTwTKZUxos2d5iD3_90gzjxBb3RlpizyPpjvGZdh2sJwXBsB29zWBRYfYoszJrqAMwnUvH3p0JYTH1rgq2KT0Qc8Dcvai4x4BMXF82Iu/s1600/Swayam4.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="208" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhckcEgBP8-T3RjjioL4cMSuQlz8nDFDVWP4h6dNTwTKZUxos2d5iD3_90gzjxBb3RlpizyPpjvGZdh2sJwXBsB29zWBRYfYoszJrqAMwnUvH3p0JYTH1rgq2KT0Qc8Dcvai4x4BMXF82Iu/s320/Swayam4.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div align="justify" style="-webkit-border-horizontal-spacing: 1px; -webkit-border-vertical-spacing: 1px;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;"><br />
</span></div><div align="justify" style="-webkit-border-horizontal-spacing: 1px; -webkit-border-vertical-spacing: 1px;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-border-horizontal-spacing: 0px; -webkit-border-vertical-spacing: 0px; color: #555544; font-family: tahoma, 'Trebuchet MS', lucida, helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px;"><strong><span style="font-size: 17px;">SHYAMBHU NATH STUPA ( more information)</span></strong><br />
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Located in a lovely little hill rock Swoyambhu Nath Stupa middle of city is one of the most fascinating architectural jewels of the world. This great Stoup is said to have been built around 250 B.C.<br />
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Generally a holy memorial site Stoup represents a typical Buddhist architecture. Its main feature the white dome is identified with a spotless pure jewel of Nirvana and a thirteen tiered golden spire in conical shape surmounted on the dome. Underneath this towering structure are a pair of all seeing eyes of Buddha painted on all four sides of the Stupa.<br />
The Stupa of Swoyambhunath stands on a typically stylized lotus mandala base-a long time ago believed to have originated from a legendary lake of Kathmandu Valley.<br />
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As the ancient legend goes Kathmandu Valley was a lake a long time ago. Right in the centre of this lake was a full blown lotus with the divine light a top. When Maha Manjushri a saint from China heard about this he came rushing all the way from China to the Valley. He cut through the southern wall hill of the valley with his divine sword. The cleft made by the sword immediately drained the entire lake water making the valley floor open for a close up view of the divine lotus light.<br />
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This holy site in fact is the massive stupa complex ever built in Nepal. Hundreds of votive shrines and other historical monuments built in and around this stupa speak a lot about the significance and antiquity of this famed stupa.<br />
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It lies about 3k.m. west of down town Kathmandu. There are two different ways to reach for this site. One is from the west side which is relatively a short cut and another is from the east side where it leads to the main entrance with 360 steps leading all the way to the top, where the most venerated Swayambhu Stupa stands-commanding a magnificent view of Kathmandu Valley and the breathtaking panorama of the north eastern Himalayan range.<br />
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Other important things to be seen here include a magnificent two tiered golden temple dedicated to Harati. She is the grand mother deity of children and small pox who was said to be the Ogress until Lord Buddha converted her to be the great caretaker of the children.<br />
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Not to far from this temple is Dewa Dharma monastery-noted for a bronze icon of Buddha and traditional Tibetan paintings .<br />
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The huge gold plated vajra ' tha priestly symbol of Vajrayana Buddhism set on the Dharmadhatu mandala at the side of the stupa is worth a close look.<br />
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<strong>Important to visit<br />
</strong>Buddha Purnima, the birth day of Lord Buddha which fails on the full moon day of Baishak (April-May)<br />
Gunla the holy Buddhist month according to Newari calendar (Aug.-Sept., early Morning).<br />
Kojagrath Purni (Sept.-Oct.)<br />
Samyak day of the Magh (Jan.Feb.) (every twelve years Swayambhu.)</span></span></div>tilakhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05357767346188741871noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4338669321090194978.post-59394918439252256292011-03-04T09:30:00.000-08:002011-03-04T09:30:44.204-08:00Monastery of Jasna Góra<div style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 12px; line-height: 16px;">The <strong>Monastery of Jasna Góra</strong> in Częstochowa, Poland, is the third-largest Catholic pilgrimage site in the world. Home to the beloved miraculous icon of<strong>Our Lady of Częstochowa</strong>, the monastery is also the national shrine of Poland and the center of Polish Catholicism.</div><h2 style="color: black; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', Times, serif; font-size: 24px; font-style: italic; font-weight: normal; padding-bottom: 5px; padding-top: 5px;">History</h2><div style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 12px; line-height: 16px;">According to tradition, the icon of Jasna Góra was painted by <strong>Luke the Evangelist</strong>on a tabletop built by Jesus himself, and the icon was discovered by St. Helen, mother of Emperor Constantine and collector of Christian relics in the Holy Land. The icon was then enshrined in the imperial city of <a href="http://www.sacred-destinations.com/turkey/istanbul" style="color: #0052a4; text-decoration: none;">Constantinople</a>, according to the legend, where it remained for the next 500 years.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj9fm11jNLuTn_8TrR-YE9-LrpH9Q6Vl46bqUgQo-xTuXiEic_HUyxu71YTeTnvWTLThz8WY_YFehkT94p_athfIrJz1HuQMUcu2_12DznMdLALtYNo5oLfggRwREW9BzLXHVrRD_TUeVOO/s1600/ext-cc-marcin.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj9fm11jNLuTn_8TrR-YE9-LrpH9Q6Vl46bqUgQo-xTuXiEic_HUyxu71YTeTnvWTLThz8WY_YFehkT94p_athfIrJz1HuQMUcu2_12DznMdLALtYNo5oLfggRwREW9BzLXHVrRD_TUeVOO/s320/ext-cc-marcin.jpg" width="196" /></a></div><div style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 12px; line-height: 16px;"><br />
</div><div style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 12px; line-height: 16px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: normal;"></span></div><div style="line-height: 16px;">In 803, the painting is said to have been given as a wedding gift from the Byzantine emperor to a Greek princess, who married a Ruthenian nobleman. The image was then placed in the royal palace at <strong>Belz</strong>, where it remained for nearly 600 years.</div><div style="line-height: 16px;">History first combines with tradition upon the icon's <strong>arrival in Poland</strong> in 1382 with a Polish army fleeing the Tartars, who had struck it with an arrow.</div><div style="line-height: 16px;">Legend has it that during the looting of Belz, a mysterious cloud enveloped the chapel containing the image. A monastery was founded in Częstochowa to enshrine the icon in 1386, and soon King Jagiello built a cathedral around the chapel containing the icon.</div><div style="line-height: 16px;">However, the image soon came under attack once again. In 1430, <strong>Hussites</strong> (pre-Reformation reformers) attacked the monastery, slashed the Virgin's face with a sword, and left it desecrated in a puddle of blood and mud.</div><div style="line-height: 16px;">It is said that when the monks pulled the icon from the mud, a miraculous fountain appeared, which they used to clean the painting. The icon was repainted in Krakow, but both the arrow mark and the gashes from the sword were left and remain clearly visible today.</div><div style="line-height: 16px;">The miracle for which the Black Madonna of Częstochowa is most famous occurred in <strong>1655</strong>, when Swedish troops were about to invade Częstochowa. A group of Polish soldiers prayed fervently before the icon for deliverance, and the enemy retreated. In 1656, King John Casimir declared Our Lady of Częstochowa "<strong>Queen of Poland</strong>" and made the city the spiritual capital of the nation.</div><div style="line-height: 16px;">The Virgin again came to the aid of her people in <strong>1920</strong>, when the Soviet Russian Red Army gathered on the banks of the Vistula River, preparing to attack Warsaw. The citizens and soldiers fervently prayed to Our Lady of Częstochowa, and on September 15, the Feast of Our Lady of Sorrows, she appeared in the clouds above Warsaw. The Russians were defeated in a series of battles later dubbed the "<strong>Miracle at the Vistula</strong>."</div><div style="line-height: 16px;">During <strong>Nazi occupation</strong>, Hilter prohibited pilgrimages to Jasna Góra, but many still secretly made the journey. In 1945, after Poland was liberated, half a million pilgrims journeyed to Częstochowa to express their gratitude. On September 8, 1946, <strong>1.5 million people</strong> gathered at the shrine to rededicate the entire nation to the Immaculate Heart of Mary. During the Cold War, Jasna Góra was a center of anti-Communist resistance.</div><div style="line-height: 16px;"><strong>Pope John Paul II</strong>, a native of Poland, was a fervent devotee of the Virgin Mary and of her icon at Częstochowa. As pope, he made pilgrimages to pray before the Black Madonna in 1979, 1983, 1991, and 1997. In 1991, he held his Sixth World Youth Day at Czetochowa, which was attended by 350,000 young people from across Europe.</div><div style="line-height: 16px;">Other popes have honored the "Queen of Poland" as well. Pope Clement XI officially recognized the miraculous nature of the image in 1717 and in 1925 Pope Pius XI designated May 3 a feast day in her honor. <strong>Pope Benedict XVI</strong>visited the shrine on May 26, 2006.</div><h2 style="color: black; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', Times, serif; font-size: 24px; font-style: italic; font-weight: normal; padding-bottom: 5px; padding-top: 5px;">What to See</h2><div style="line-height: 16px;">The large baroque <strong>monastery of Jasna Góra</strong> dominates a hilltop in Częstochowa and is always bustling with pilgrims and worshippers. As pilgrims approach the monastery, the most striking sight is the 106-meter <strong>belltower</strong>, reconstructed in 1906 (the bottom part dates from 1714).</div><div style="line-height: 16px;">The second level contains four clocks, one on each side, that mark the passage of each 15 minutes with Marian melodies. Inside the third level are statues of St. Paul the Hermit, St. Florian, St. Casimir and the Saint-Queen Hedvig; the fifth level has statues of the church fathers St. Leo the Great, St. Gregory, St. Augustine and St. Ambrose.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiApoln3jFQjk96bqDjfPu3PWNfaL4BB2SdFfEAg7gmt-AX7FGWRKA1uoGkg4gdGfaWB01DHebxDxQorgze7dAcZQGUzD6V36384l3_VuuExvC-U7yVjnum45GhtLbY3_n-7yAvY_ah1Nfu/s1600/tower-night-cc-provent.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiApoln3jFQjk96bqDjfPu3PWNfaL4BB2SdFfEAg7gmt-AX7FGWRKA1uoGkg4gdGfaWB01DHebxDxQorgze7dAcZQGUzD6V36384l3_VuuExvC-U7yVjnum45GhtLbY3_n-7yAvY_ah1Nfu/s320/tower-night-cc-provent.jpg" width="240" /></a></div><br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjGYxAjk8GUr9nm5ZLkzab0tqU-4NtYAprtVuLaYw8MS82VxkeXsjuD_xKLZJNMjlWt0HwiSWGXC8GAPPEOvUyjFNlsMyrWWACHARB42jI9nhaPzNEu6uBUT7QKzLyFEU_l-3MUvEScyTqI/s1600/shrine-cc-dfb.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="249" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjGYxAjk8GUr9nm5ZLkzab0tqU-4NtYAprtVuLaYw8MS82VxkeXsjuD_xKLZJNMjlWt0HwiSWGXC8GAPPEOvUyjFNlsMyrWWACHARB42jI9nhaPzNEu6uBUT7QKzLyFEU_l-3MUvEScyTqI/s320/shrine-cc-dfb.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div style="line-height: 16px;"><br />
</div><div style="line-height: 16px;">The focus of pilgrims to Jasna Góra is not the monastery, but the <strong>icon of Our Lady of Częstochowa</strong>, which is displayed in a altar in the Chapel of the Black Madonna. The icon shows a serious Mary holding the infant Jesus on her left arm and gesturing towards him with her right hand. The Virgin's gaze is intense —pilgrims are moved by the way she seems to look right at them.</div><div style="line-height: 16px;">The Virgin's robe and mantle are decorated with lilies, the symbol of the Hungarian royal family. The infant Jesus is dressed in a red tunic and holds a Bible in his left hand and makes a gesture of blessing with his right. The Virgin and Child are dressed in bejeweled <strong>velvet robes</strong> and gold crowns for special occasions.</div><div style="line-height: 16px;">The image has been placed in a gold frame decorated with hundreds of precious jewels, and stands on an altar of ebony and silver donated by the Grand Chancellor George Ossoliński in 1650.</div><div style="line-height: 16px;">The altar with the icon is separated from the rest of the <strong>Chapel of the Black Madonna</strong> with a floor-to-ceiling iron screen. The large Gothic chapel includes five other altars, the most notable of which is the Altar of the Crucifix, to the right of the icon. Its cross dates from 1400. The walls of the chapel are full of ex-votos left by grateful pilgrims.</div><div style="line-height: 16px;">Attached to the Chapel of the Black Madonna is the baroque <strong>basilica</strong>, named the Church of the Holy Cross and Nativity of Mary. Rebuilt between 1692 and 1695, it has three aisles and ceilings decorated with accounts of the miracles of Our Lady of Częstochowa. The main altar was designed by the Italian artist Giacomo Antonio Buzzini between 1725 and 1728.</div><div style="line-height: 16px;">The monastery's <strong>treasury</strong> is a rich storehouse of votive offerings given to the Black Madonna over the centuries, from the 14th century to the present. Gifts range from swords and scepters to rosaries made of dried bread in concentration camps.</div><div style="line-height: 16px;">Kings, queens and popes have donated a vast array of precious objects, such as King Michael Korybut Wiśniowiecki and the Archduchess Eleanor of Austria on the occasion of their wedding in Jasna Góra in 1670. Also donated to the Virgin are tear-gas cylinders used by the Communists against Solidarity protestors in the 1980s, and the Nobel Peace Prize won by Lech Walesa in 1983.</div><div style="line-height: 16px;">There is also a richly decorated <strong>library</strong> housing precious manuscripts. Since 1920, the library has hosted the meetings of the Polish Episcopal Conference.</div><div style="line-height: 16px;">Around the perimeter of the basilica, where the moat once was, are the <strong>14 Stations of the Cross</strong> represented by bronze statues sculpted by Pius Weloński in 1913. Nearly every pilgrim group prays at the Stations of the Cross; some move from one station to the next on their knees.</div><h2 style="color: black; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', Times, serif; font-size: 24px; font-style: italic; font-weight: normal; padding-bottom: 5px; padding-top: 5px;">Pilgrimages and Festivals</h2><div style="line-height: 16px;">Every day, from early in the morning to late in the evening, a stready <strong>stream of pilgrims</strong> approaches the shrine of Częstochowa via the tree-lined main avenue. The groups leave a few hundred feet in between them, so as not to disturb the others as they pray the rosary and sing hymns. Young men carry batteries and speakers to lead the singing.</div><div style="line-height: 16px;">Pilgrims wear <strong>badges</strong> with the name of their town and a number showing how many times they have come on pilgrimage to Częstochowa — many have come every year for decades. After venerating the icon in the Chapel of the Black Madonna, pilgrims usually pin their badges to the walls as a votive offering.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div style="line-height: 16px;">As the <strong>national shrine</strong> of Poland, Częstochowa attracts delegations from all walks of life. Government leaders visit regularly; and students, veterans, miners, actors, former Stalinist prisoners, and factory workers arrive on organized pilgrimages.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiyLy5gghxcRZe1h78TM1Vc8SBrydV0BIYD1lL50KT2JhIjm7OH4salxf13li8hINSzujTxGhUO4wcYWNnmRXR80U13Id3EhgpIMCdwFesKi2mWOyvOU56SZDirfc7EtbgiIjEbb9bNnTJg/s1600/pope-benedict-may-26-06-wc-gfdl.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiyLy5gghxcRZe1h78TM1Vc8SBrydV0BIYD1lL50KT2JhIjm7OH4salxf13li8hINSzujTxGhUO4wcYWNnmRXR80U13Id3EhgpIMCdwFesKi2mWOyvOU56SZDirfc7EtbgiIjEbb9bNnTJg/s320/pope-benedict-may-26-06-wc-gfdl.jpg" width="311" /></a></div><div style="line-height: 16px;"><br />
</div><div style="line-height: 16px;"><br />
</div><div style="line-height: 16px;">The preferred days to make the pilgrimage to Częstochowa are Marian feast days, especially the Feast of the Assumption on <strong>August 15</strong>. On this day, up to 500,000 people crowd the city. Since 1711, a pilgrimage has left Warsaw and 32 other towns and walked in procession to Częstochowa for up to 21 days.</div><div style="line-height: 16px;">Four other national pilgrimage days bring throngs of visitors: the Feast of Mary, Queen of Poland (May 3); the Feast of Our Lady of Częstochowa (August 26); the Feast of the Nativity of Mary (September 8); and the Feast of the Immaculate Conception (December 8).</div><h2 style="color: black; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', Times, serif; font-size: 24px; font-style: italic; font-weight: normal; padding-bottom: 5px; padding-top: 5px;">Getting There</h2><div style="line-height: 16px;">Częstochowa is located in south central Poland and is <strong>easily accessible</strong> from major cities. There are about six daily fast <strong>trains</strong> from Warsaw and Krakow, hourly departures from Katowice, and several daily trains from Lodz, Opole and Wroclaw. From the train station, you can take a bus or taxi to the shrine. <strong>By car</strong>from Krakow, take 4/E40 west to Katowice, and 1/E75 north to Częstochowa; from Warsaw, take 8/E67 then 1/E75 south to Częstochowa.</div><div style="line-height: 16px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: normal;"></span></div><h2 style="color: black; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', Times, serif; font-size: 24px; font-style: italic; font-weight: normal; padding-bottom: 5px; padding-top: 5px;">Location Map</h2><div style="line-height: 16px;">Below is a location map and aerial view of Shrine of Our Lady of Częstochowa. Using the buttons on the left, zoom in for a closer look or zoom out to get your bearings. Click and drag the map to move around. For a larger view, see our<a href="http://www.sacred-destinations.com/poland/poland-map" style="color: #0052a4; text-decoration: none;">Poland Map</a>.</div><div id="map" style="background-color: #e5e3df; border-bottom-color: rgb(204, 204, 204); border-bottom-style: solid; border-bottom-width: 1px; border-left-color: rgb(204, 204, 204); border-left-style: solid; border-left-width: 1px; border-right-color: rgb(204, 204, 204); border-right-style: solid; border-right-width: 1px; border-top-color: rgb(204, 204, 204); border-top-style: solid; border-top-width: 1px; height: 350px; position: relative; width: 425px;"><div style="height: 350px; left: 0px; overflow-x: hidden; overflow-y: hidden; position: absolute; top: 0px; width: 425px;"><div style="cursor: url(http://maps.gstatic.com/intl/en_ALL/mapfiles/openhand_8_8.cur), default; left: 0px; position: absolute; top: 0px; z-index: 0;"><div style="left: 0px; position: absolute; top: 0px;"><div style="left: 0px; position: absolute; top: 0px; z-index: 0;"><img src="http://khm1.google.com/kh/v=80&x=36243&s=&y=21993&z=16&s=Ga&token=20634" style="-webkit-user-select: none; 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</div>tilakhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05357767346188741871noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4338669321090194978.post-91891487020819228832011-03-03T14:32:00.000-08:002011-03-03T14:32:22.800-08:00Eiffel Tower<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://picasaweb.google.com/107892775419687603270/BESUREYOUWILLENJOYLOTITSYOURSINN?authkey=Gv1sRgCIi4ocSkoYzQ8QE#5579983851129544370" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="261" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiusPPDXgrGxSZt5_rGwJQAMk_Qhcz0XOW18pFiOOP3c6BoY2049Ol8pfP7Mqy_e-RRfiftQKWqE6f8ulpp-unKDuHhAxC4T_y1EoHi35Gc43NXU6ZpiW17buAFECe7p5K0Z1E-DjMiil2r/s320/eiffel-tower-landmark-4.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><strong>History </strong><br />
<br />
Eiffel Tower and the<br />
Trocadéro fountains<br />
<br />
The Eiffel {y'-ful} Tower, an immense stucture of exposed latticework supports made of puddle iron, was erected for the Paris Exposition of 1889. The Prince of Wales (later King Edward VII of England) officiated at the ceremonial opening. Of the 700 proposals submitted in a design competition, one was unanimously chosen, a radical creation from the French structural engineer Alexandre Gustave Eiffel (b. Dec. 15, 1832, d. Dec. 28, 1923), who was assisted in the design by engineers Maurice Koechlin and Emile Nouguier, and architect Stephen Sauvestre.<br />
<br />
However, the controversial tower elicited some strong reactions, and a petition of 300 names — including those of Guy de Maupassant, Émile Zola, Charles Garnier (architect of the Opéra Garnier), and Alexandre Dumas fils — was presented to the city government, protesting its construction. The petition read, "We, the writers, painters, sculptors, architects and lovers of the beauty of Paris, do protest with all our vigour and all our indignation, in the name of French taste and endangered French art and history, against the useless and monstrous Eiffel Tower."<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://picasaweb.google.com/107892775419687603270/BESUREYOUWILLENJOYLOTITSYOURSINN?authkey=Gv1sRgCIi4ocSkoYzQ8QE#5579983986385772450" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgOOYN92QPb4yGKcG7Lt2S2N_7d8k5mwad8cjPwlajoWce0cwfb7lwT_hpOp1vp4CKjQit4QyDwelwjXpduGpkMH-L5MxlkPyrBL8mHBzwYIo4ZtvRbij28jhC2GaeFjk0BvcUPuVOosKal/s320/Eiffel_Tower_postcard-01ver.jpg" width="199" /></a></div>Nature lovers thought that it would interfere with the flight of birds over Paris. But the Eiffel Tower<br />
was admired by Rousseau, Utrillo, Chagall, and Delaunay. It was almost torn down in 1909 at the expiration of<br />
its 20-year lease, but was saved because of its antenna — used for telegraphy at that time. Beginning in 1910 it<br />
became part of the International Time Service. French radio (since 1918), and French television (since 1957) have<br />
also made use of its stature. In the 1960s, it was the subject of a wonderful study by semiologist Roland Barthes.<br />
<br />
Built to celebrate the science and engineering achievements of its age, soaring 300m / 984 ft. (320.75m / 1,052 ft. including antenna) and weighing 7000 tons, the structure consists of two visibly distinct parts: a base composed of a platform resting on four separate supports (called pylons or bents) and, above this, a slender tower created as the bents taper upward, rising above a second platform to merge in a unified column.<br />
This unprecedented work, the tallest structure in the world until the Empire State Building was built about 40 years later, had several antecedents. Among them were the iron-supported railway viaducts designed by Eiffel, an arch bridge over the Douro River in Portugal with a span of 160 m (525 ft), and a design for a circular, iron-frame tower proposed by the American engineers Clarke and Reeves for the Centennial Exposition of 1876. Eiffel knew and publicly acknowledged this influence; he was no stranger to the United States, having designed the wrought-iron pylon inside Frederic Bartholdi's Statue of Liberty in 1885. Later in the same year, he had also begun work on the cupola of the Nice observatory.<br />
<br />
Eiffel was the leading European authority on the aerodynamics of high frames (he wrote "The Resistance of the Air" in 1913). In the construction of the Eiffel Tower, the curve of the base pylons was precisely calculated so that the bending and shearing forces of the wind were progressively transformed into forces of compression, which the bents could withstand more effectively. Such was Eiffel's engineering wizardry that even in the strongest winds his tower never sways more than 4-1/2 inches. The superskyscrapers erected since 1960, such as the World Trade Center, were constructed in much the same way.<br />
<br />
However difficult its birth may have been, the Tour Eiffel is now completely accepted by French citizens, and is internationally recognized as one of the symbols of Paris itself.<br />
Facilities and Views<br />
<br />
In the basements of the eastern and western pillars, one can visit the gargantuan 1899 machinery which powers the elevators, an astonishing spectacle reminiscent of a Jules Verne novel. From the Tower's three platforms — especially the topmost — the view of Paris is superb. It is generally agreed that one hour before sunset, the panorama is at its best; don't forget to bring your camera, and experiment with the f-stop settings to capture a dazzling sunset on the Seine. If you can't be there in person, then check out a Live Aerial View of Paris with TF1's webcam online: from the top of the Eiffel Tower, you can see Paris in real time, 24 hours a day, whatever the weather conditions in the French capital. To get the most out of this view of Paris, we suggest you surf their web site between 7:00 AM and 9:00 PM GMT (1:00 AM and 3:00 PM Eastern Time in the U.S.), when the City of Light is at its best.<br />
<br />
<strong>Facilities and Views</strong><br />
<br />
In the basements of the eastern and western pillars, one can visit the gargantuan 1899 machinery which powers the elevators, an astonishing spectacle reminiscent of a Jules Verne novel. From the Tower's three platforms — especially the topmost — the view of Paris is superb. It is generally agreed that one hour before sunset, the panorama is at its best; don't forget to bring your camera, and experiment with the f-stop settings to capture a dazzling sunset on the Seine. If you can't be there in person, then check out a Live Aerial View of Paris with TF1's webcam online: from the top of the Eiffel Tower, you can see Paris in real time, 24 hours a day, whatever the weather conditions in the French capital. To get the most out of this view of Paris, we suggest you surf their web site between 7:00 AM and 9:00 PM GMT (1:00 AM and 3:00 PM Eastern Time in the U.S.), when the City of Light is at its best.<br />
First level: 57.63 meters (189 feet). Observatory from which to study the movements of the Eiffel Tower's summit. Kiosk presentation about the mythic painting of the Eiffel Tower. Space CINEIFFEL: offers an exceptional panorama of sights from the Tower. Souvenir shops (yes, every tourist MUST have a miniature replica). Restaurant "Altitude 95" (phone 01-45-55-20-04). Post office, with special stamps "Paris Eiffel Tower ". Panoramic gallery displaying the Monuments of Paris.<br />
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Second level: 115.73 meters (379 feet, 8 inches). Panorama of Paris. Telescopes, shops. Animated displays on the operation of the elevators. Jules Verne Restaurant (extremely expensive, reservations absolutely necessary; phone 01-45-55-61-44).<br />
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Third level: 276.13 meters (905 feet, 11 inches). Exceptional panoramic views, day or night, of Paris and its surroundings. Recently restored office, featuring wax reproductions of Gustave Eiffel and Thomas Edison in conversation (see photo. Panoramic guide displays to aid orientation. Dioramas presenting the history of this platform.<br />
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Probably the best approach to the tower is to take the Métro to the Trocadéro station and walk<br />
from the Palais de Chaillot to the Seine. Besides fabulous views, especially when the Trocadéro fountains are<br />
in full force, you get a free show from the dancers and acrobats who perform around the Palais de Chaillot.<br />
The vast green esplanade beneath the tower is the Parc du Champs-de-Mars, which extends all the way to the 18th-century<br />
École Militaire (Military Academy), at its southeast end. This formal lawn was once a parade ground for French<br />
troops.<br />
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The Eiffel Tower at night is one of the great sights of Paris and shouldn't be missed. The gold lighting highlights the delicacy of the steelwork in a way that is missed in daylight. Skip the tour buses and pickpockets on Trocadéro and head up to the École Militaire for a more tranquil view.<br />
Interesting Facts<br />
300 steel workers, and 2 years (1887-1889) to construct it.<br />
15,000 iron pieces (excluding rivets).<br />
2.5 million rivets.<br />
40 tons of paint.<br />
1671 steps to the top.<br />
Maximum sway at top caused by wind: 12 cm (4.75 inches).<br />
Maximum sway at top caused by metal dilation: 18 cm (7 inches).<br />
Total height in 1889: 300.51 meters (985 feet, 11 inches). Total height with television antenna: 320.755 meters (1052 feet, 4 inches).<br />
Height varies up to 15 cm depending on temperature.<br />
Size of base area: 10,281.96 square meters (2.54 acres).<br />
Weight of foundations: 277,602 kg (306 tons).<br />
Weight of iron: 7.34 million kg (8092.2 tons).<br />
Weight of elevator systems: 946,000 kg (1042.8 tons).<br />
Total weight: 8.56 million kg (9441 tons). Pressure on foundation: 4.1 to 4.5 kg per square centimeter, depending on pier (58.26 to 64 lbs. per square inch).<br />
Dates of construction: January 26, 1887 to March 31, 1889.<br />
Cost of construction: 7.8 million francs ($1.5 million).<br />
Total number of visitors during 1889 Exposition: 1,968,287.<br />
Total receipts during 1889 Exposition: 5,919,884 francs ($1.14 million).<br />
Total number of visitors during 2007: 6,822,000<br />
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During its lifetime, the Eiffel Tower has witnessed a few strange scenes, including being scaled by a mountaineer in 1954, and two Englishmen parachuting off it in 1984. In 1923, the journalist Pierre Labric (who was later to become mayor of Montmartre) rode a bicycle down from the first level; some accounts say he rode down the stairs, others suggest the exterior of one of the tower's four legs which slope outward.<br />
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Politics have also played a role in its life. During World War II, the Germans hung a sign on it that read: "Deutschland Siegt Auf Allen Fronten" ("Germany is victorious on all fronts"). In 1958, a few months before Fidel Castro's rise to power, Cuban revolutionaries hung their red-and-black flag from the first level, and, in 1979, an American from Greenpeace hung one that read: "Save the Seals". In 1989, the Tower celebrated its centennial with music and fireworks (the show lasted 89 minutes).<br />
Operation<br />
<br />
The Eiffel Tower is owned by the City of Paris, which has subcontracted its maintenance and daily operations since 2005 to SETE (Société d'Exploitation de la Tour Eiffel), a public utility.<br />
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More than 500 people bring the Eiffel Tower to life each day. About one half are employed by SETE, the others are concessionaires (souvenir boutiques, restaurants, telescope operations, ATMs, behind-the-scene tours) and civil service employees (police, fire personnel, post office, weather).tilakhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05357767346188741871noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4338669321090194978.post-11166634748416351502011-03-03T13:15:00.000-08:002011-03-03T13:15:02.012-08:00Pashupatinath Temple, Kathmandu<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://picasaweb.google.com/107892775419687603270/BESUREYOUWILLENJOYLOTITSYOURSINN?authkey=Gv1sRgCIi4ocSkoYzQ8QE#5579961710775943474" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="239" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjQGlKz5it1O71iGZY2bMsE1efcSZB0QOo__1W632sK9jZ1t8GAYHF2l6p9C7le98K6efb2-0DH4p8qsfEF13qz3_VEay3i1YQIGZLhhWooPcYVjHXXiWK5r0SocSiHm912UchH8Mk2pBSk/s320/1pashupatinath-temple2-cc-Sam-Judson.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>Pashupatinath, or Pashupati, is a Hindu temple on the banks of the Bagmati River in Deopatan, a village 3 km northwest of Kathmandu. It is dedicated to a manifestation of Shiva called Pashupati (Lord of Animals). It attracts thousands of pilgrims each year and has become well known far beyond the Kathmandu Valley. The temple is barred to non-Hindus, but a good view of the temple can be had from the opposite bank of the river<br />
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<strong>History</strong><br />
It is not known for certain when Pashupatinath was founded. Tradition says it was constructed by Pashupreksha of the Somadeva Dynasty in the 3rd century BC, but the first historical records date from the 13th century. The ascetic Pashupata sect was likely related to its foundation.<br />
Pashupati was a tutelary deity of the ancient rulers of the Kathmandu Valley; in 605 AD, Amshuvarman considered himself favored by his touching of the god's feet.<br />
By the later Middle Ages, many imitations of the temple had been built, such as in Bhaktapur (1480), Lalitpur (1566) and Benares (early 19th century). The original temple was destroyed several times until it was given its present form under King Bhupalendra Malla in 1697.<br />
According to a legend recorded in local texts, especially<br />
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the Nepalamahatmyaand the Himavatkhanda, the Hindu god Shiva once fled from the other gods inVaranasi to Mrigasthali, the forest on the opposite bank of the Bagmati River from the temple. There, in the form of a gazelle, he slept with his consort Parvati. When the gods discovered him there and tried to bring him back to Varanasi, he leapt across the river to the opposite bank, where one of his horns broke into four pieces. After this, Shiva became manifest as Pashupati (Lord of Animals) in a four-face (chaturmukha) linga.<br />
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<strong>What to See</strong><br />
Pashupati Temple stands in the center of the town of Deopatan, in the middle of an open courtyard. It is a square, two-tiered pagoda temple built on a single-tier plinth, and it stands 23.6 meters above the ground. Richly ornamented gilt and silver-plated doors are on all sides.<br />
On both sides of each door are niches of various sizes containing gold-painted images of guardian deities. Inside the temple itself is a narrow ambulatory around the sanctum. The sanctum contains a one-meter high linga with four faces (chaturmukha) representing Pashupati, as well as images of Vishnu, Surya, Devi and Ganesh.<br />
The priests of Pashaputinath are called Bhattas and the chief priest is called Mool Bhatt or Raval. The chief priest is answerable only to the King of Nepal and reports to him on temple matters on a periodic basis.<br />
The struts under the roofs, dating from the late 17th century, are decorated with wood carvings of members of Shiva's family such as Parvati, Ganesh, Kumar or the Yoginis, as well as Hanuman, Rama, Sita, Lakshman and other gods and goddesses from the Ramayana.<br />
Pashaputi Temple's extensive grounds include many other old and important temples, shrines and statues. South of the temple, for instance, is Chadeshvar, an inscribed Licchavi linga from the 7th century, and north of the temple is a 9th-century temple of Brahma. On the south side of Pashupati temple is theDharmashila, a stone where sacred oaths are taken, and pillars with statues of various Shah kings.<br />
In the northeast corner of the temple courtyard is the small pagoda temple of Vasuki, the King of the Nagas. Vasuki has the form of a Naga (mythical snake) from the waist upwards, while the lower parts are an intricate tangle of snakes' bodies. According to local belief, Vasuki took up residence here in order to protect Pashupati. One can often see devotees circumambulating and worshipping Vasuki before entering the main sanctum.<br />
The Bagmati River, which runs next to Pashaputinath Temple, has highly sacred properties. Thus the banks are lined with many ghats (bathing spots) for use by pilgrims. Renovating or furnishing these sites has always been regarded as meritorious.<br />
Arya Ghat, dating from the early 1900s, is of special importance because it is the only place where lustral water for Pashupatinath Temple can be obtained and it is where members of the royal family are cremated. The main cremation site is Bhasmeshvar Ghat, which is the most-used cremation site in the Kathmandu Valley. The preferred bathing spot for women is the Gauri Ghat, to the north.<br />
Across the Bagmati River are 15 votive shrines, the Pandra Shivalaya, which were built to enshrine lingas in memory of deceased persons between 1859 and 1869.tilakhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05357767346188741871noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4338669321090194978.post-78161317911836709832011-03-02T14:34:00.000-08:002011-03-02T14:43:58.394-08:00Taj Mahal<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #36578e; font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: 12px;"><b><br />
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<div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #333333; font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 12px;"><ins style="border-bottom-style: none; border-color: initial; border-left-style: none; border-right-style: none; border-top-style: none; border-width: initial; display: inline-table; height: 60px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px; position: relative; visibility: visible; width: 468px;"></ins></span></div><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #333333; font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: 12px;">Although such a devotion to a wife reaching to build a monument seemed like a weakness for an emperor, Shah Jahan was clearly determined. He chose a peaceful site by the River of Jumna about one and a half miles away from Agra on the southern edge of the city, where could be seen from the Agra Fortress. The closeness to the river also met the water need for the construction and garden.</span></span></div><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #333333; font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: 12px;"><br />
</span></span></div><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #333333; font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: 12px;">Shah Jahan decided to move Mumtaz to Agra in December 1631 and was buried in a domed building temporarily on the construction site of the unique mausoleum in January 8, 1632. </span></span></div><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #333333; font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: 12px;"><br />
</span></span></div><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #333333; font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: 12px;">Mir Abul Karim and Mukamat Khan was positioned as supervisors of the construction , however the architect was never mentioned by the Mogul Empire’s historians that left questions and disputes about the architect. Even though some insists that the building was the work of a European, the Venetian Geronimo Vereneo, there is no trace of European architectural style. Also Vereneo’s tombstone in Agra, where the Christians were buried, it was stated that he died in Lahore but nothing more about the construction of Taj Mahal. The most reliable architect might be Ustad Ahmad Lahori, who was the architect of the Red Fort of Agra and most probably took part in the construction of Taj Mahal, which was indeed emphasised in a poem of his son Lutfullah Muhandis.</span></span></div><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #333333; font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: 12px;"><br />
</span></span></div><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #333333; font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: 12px;">The body of Mumtaz laid for the third and the finally at the center of the mausoleum on north-south with her face turned westward to Holy Mecca in May 26, 1633. The three-domed mosque was situated on the west with its alcove namely mihrab pointing the direction of Mecca for the prayers. The mosque on the east side might not used as a mosque in purpose but a pilgrimage guesthouse as the back wall was not marking Mecca. It might most probably build for the symmetry or echoing. </span></span></div><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #333333; font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: 12px;"><br />
</span></span></div><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #333333; font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: 12px;">The place was important for the pilgrims as Mumtaz died in childbirth who was considered as martyr following Islamic traditions. The building is influenced mostly from central Asian and Persian architecture combined with Muslim architecture. The construction was finished in twenty-two years with the power of twenty-thousand workers. Also the intricate stone carving usage, the domed kiosk namely chattri, are the traces </span></span></div><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #333333; font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: 12px;">of Hindu architecture. </span></span></div><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #333333; font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: 12px;">The characteristic Mogul octagonal design with eight chambers representing the eight divisions of the Koran was used in Taj Mahal and was topped by a gigantic double dome. The inner dome is about eighty feet from the ground. The gigantic outer dome rises like fruit or a flower bulb with its excellent proportion and is surrounded by four domed kiosks.</span></span></div><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #333333; font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: 12px;"><br />
</span></span></div><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #333333; font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: 12px;">The platform with 970 feet length and 364 feet width raising the mausoleum from the ground is surrounded by three storey four minarets on the corners with 139 feet height and completed with octagonal chattris. The building was made with mathematical calculations leaving no space for a fault in symmetry and balance. Brick, red sandstone and white marble were commonly used as the three main materials and finished with polished plaster on the surface. The constructions started in January 1632 with approximately five thousand labourers both local and from the other places of the empire with the marble platform.</span></span></div><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #333333; font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: 12px;"><br />
</span></span></div><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #333333; font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: 12px;">The huge white marbles were carried from Makrana on southwest of Jaipur (Amber) about four hundred kilometres away; stone cutters and carts were also rented as the order of Empire to be paid by the Empire Treasure. The marbles were cut flawlessly without any crack. In fact the mausoleum was not of pure marble but of bricks faced with marble. The bricks were made nearby the construction area, therefore, eliminating the transportation problem. Although it is not certain, the brick scaffolding might have been used rather than bamboo or the wood, if the weight and the worth of the materials were considered. The three feet above the ground was faced with marble, continued then with marble like plastered bricks in the interior parts of the mausoleum. </span></span></div><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #333333; font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: 12px;">Because the use of images of human or animal is strictly prohibited in Islamic traditions due to the belief of equalising the images with God, Islamic calligraphic designs, mostly writings of Koran, were commonly used inside and outside of the pure white building as the very important art of ornamentation. The talented Persian Abd-ul-Haqq with the title of “Amanat Khan” was positioned in Taj Mahal’s calligraphic decoration who was before appointed by Jahangir on Akbar’s tomb. He was also reputed to be the only one who was allowed to sign his works in Taj Mahal.</span></span></div><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #333333; font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: 12px;"><br />
</span></span></div><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #333333; font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: 12px;">His dated signatures give clues about the building duration and also reveal that the calligraphic works were started from up to down in utmost artistry. While the calligraphic work of the mausoleum was nearly completed by the end of 1637, Amanat was promoted and rewarded honourably by Shah Jahan with more salary and an elephant. According to the unsigned work on the gateway dated 1637 unfolds the magnificent inscriptions on the tomb was however must have been finished by another as Amanat Khan died around 1647-1648 after his last signature on the north front of the great gate with the inscription “Finished with His help, the Most High, *1057”(*lunar calendar). Also, the stone carvings and especially in mosque and guesthouse the floral themes as the sign of paradise are also considerably used in Taj Mahal as the main ornamentation types together with more than forty different types of gems came from various countries. Also some caravanserais were also built for the merchants and carriers around the construction area in order to meet their needs. </span></span></div><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #333333; font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: 12px;"><br />
</span></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjURfKZzFjd7H_prvTlagKRd8NWmcxMZT4zvDz15DqPKbG_6rgwvF6Nvy2YxKSyq62hee6LJoWedOva-tv5HGY6Q43gxVzL494zx10ltshng7crLKbjkywnj6UWDFq00ecEj6yKZY_2mYsC/s1600/11_taj-mahal-21.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="205" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjURfKZzFjd7H_prvTlagKRd8NWmcxMZT4zvDz15DqPKbG_6rgwvF6Nvy2YxKSyq62hee6LJoWedOva-tv5HGY6Q43gxVzL494zx10ltshng7crLKbjkywnj6UWDFq00ecEj6yKZY_2mYsC/s320/11_taj-mahal-21.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #333333; font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: 12px;">The paradise resembling spectacular Tomb finished in 1643 while the every part of the complex had not been completed until 1653. The night of the 6th February 1643, was the first ceremony of the mourners of Mumtaz Mahal.</span></span></div><br />
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</div>tilakhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05357767346188741871noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4338669321090194978.post-84939553059080674152011-03-02T14:01:00.000-08:002011-03-02T14:01:22.471-08:00Lumbuni- The Birth place of Lord Gautam Buddha<div align="justify" style="line-height: 24px; margin-left: 20px; margin-right: 20px;"><span style="font-family: Arial;"><span style="font-size: 11pt;">Lumbini, the birth place of Lord Buddha, is situated about 22 km. from Bhairahawa (Siddharthanagar), below the Churia range, 24 km. south from the foothills of the Himalayas, on the western bank of Telar river in Rupandehi district of Lumbini zone in Nepal. It is about 300 km. west of capital city Kathmandu. Kapilvastu, Rupandehi and Nawalparasi Terai districts of Lumbini Zone are around Lumbini, the birth place of Lord Buddha, which are fertile and densely populated.<br />
It is about 34 km. from Naugarh Railway Station on the North-Eastern Railway of India. Buddha, Known as the Lord of Asia, was born in Lumbini during the full moon day in the month of Baisakh in 623 BC. He was born under a sal (Shorea robusta) tree when Mayadevi was going to her maternal town on the occasion of delivery.</span></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh-mM-TBnJwYqqFupPbubyy7oyk4vgyyg5UOjoEwvnOtyDWGCwbV8_2tEn5dFoL4nl48TvPg6ar-7GuCFV5DtcXazrpQ-Yc3LDV591A-biHwssCEVKTYdPhLsImWwgt_tdm9afMHn_OdYIz/s1600/lumbuni.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="191" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh-mM-TBnJwYqqFupPbubyy7oyk4vgyyg5UOjoEwvnOtyDWGCwbV8_2tEn5dFoL4nl48TvPg6ar-7GuCFV5DtcXazrpQ-Yc3LDV591A-biHwssCEVKTYdPhLsImWwgt_tdm9afMHn_OdYIz/s320/lumbuni.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div align="justify" style="line-height: 24px; margin-left: 20px; margin-right: 20px;"><span style="font-family: Arial;"><span style="font-size: 11pt;">Suttanipata has mentioned the earliest description of the birth of Buddha in Lumbini. After the birth of Buddha he took seven steps towards north and, looking in all directions, he declared that "I am the foremost of all creatures to cross the riddle of the ocean of the existence, this is my last birth and here after, I will not be born again". The site is spelt as Rummindei or Rupandei (beautiful lady), the perverted form of Rupa devi, the queen Anjana of the king of Devadaha which was situated to the east of Kapilvastu in ancient time. The site is called Lun- min and La-Fa-Ni by the Chinese pilgrims Fa- Hien and Hiuen- Tsiang respectively. In course of exploration of the ancient Buddhist sites General Cunningham has mentioned La-Fa-Ni is Sanskrit Lavani, a beautiful lady. In Buddhist literature it is known as Pradimokşa vana blessed with various trees and flowers, which is compared to the Chittalata grove of Indra's paradise in heaven. The earliest Pali text Suttanipata has mentioned that, "The wisdom- child, that Jewel so precious, which can not be matched, has been born at Lumbini, in the Sakya land for well being and joy in the world of men". A Muslim historian of India named Abul Fazal has called Mokta. It is also known as Paderiya (Parariya) where the Asokan pillar is located in the Nepalese Terai. The name of the site is spelt Lumminigame and Lumbini Vana in the Asokan pillar Edict still standing at the same place. Mukherji has also mentioned the name Rummin-dei in his report. In the Magadhi language, being used in the north-eastern pillar edicts in India and Nepal, 'la' is invariable substituted for 'ra'. The location of Lumbini is pointed out in the Buddhist literature, as well as, in the records of the Chinese pilgrims who visited India in the fifth and seventh centuries AD. As mentioned in Jataka story this sal garden was in joint possession of the Sakayas and Koliyas during the life time of Buddha. The Mahavamsa, a Ceylones chronicle, and Nidana katha have also located it between Kapilvastu and Devadaha. The sal garden was the place of recreation during the reign of the Sakayas and Koliyas. Buddha charita of Asvaghosa describes Lumbini as "gay like the garden of caitra ratha with trees of every kind. According to Fa- Hien it is located about 50 li east of Kapilvastu. Hiuen- Tsiang had also pointed out that it was about 80 or 90 li.(21.729 or 24.445 km.) north-east of arrow-well. It was linked through popular ‘Uttara path' to Kapilvastu, Ramagrama and other important cities during the Buddhist period. The present location of Lumbini, the exact birth place of Lord Buddha, is absolutely clear.</span></span></div><div align="justify" style="line-height: 24px; margin-left: 20px; margin-right: 20px;"><span style="font-family: Arial;"><span style="font-size: 11pt;"><br />
</span></span></div><div align="justify" style="line-height: 24px; margin-left: 20px; margin-right: 20px;"><span style="font-family: Arial;"><span style="font-size: 11pt;">For more photos of lumbuni..<br />
<a href="http://www.lumbini.info/photogallery/index.php?ictGal=Monastry&ictPic=5&ictFilters=#pic">http://www.lumbini.info/photogallery/index.php?ictGal=Monastry&ictPic=5&ictFilters=#pic</a></span></span></div>tilakhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05357767346188741871noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4338669321090194978.post-18024912876857442032011-03-02T13:39:00.000-08:002011-03-03T13:20:05.449-08:00Mt. Everest Information<h1 style="color: #0d2b88; font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 18px; font-weight: bold; letter-spacing: 1px; margin-bottom: 6px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: black; font-size: 13px; font-weight: 400; letter-spacing: normal;">Below you will find some of the most commonly asked questions about Everest. Please send us an email at <a href="mailto:info@teameverest03.org" style="color: #002ea8;">info@teameverest03.org</a> with your own questions about climbing Everest.</span></h1><div style="color: black; font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; margin-top: 0px; padding-top: 0px;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://picasaweb.google.com/107892775419687603270/BESUREYOUWILLENJOYLOTITSYOURSINN?authkey=Gv1sRgCIi4ocSkoYzQ8QE#5579965951759215634" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj16sTdb1Z3meAFX9y6EBTzzwCE9IS1UT5HU9rWmaNXHI0vwytD3QfPMO_RecuSgn36_a-It_RDzbvhG2IZjSUP9fE8_u4NG0lpZtdXAaRhFPubqXXNAlgJMLqbOfxFGlZtHedM41kxc47g/s1600/EverestCampOne.jpg" /></a></div><span class="SubTitle" style="color: #00237b; font-family: Verdana, Arial, sans-serif; font-weight: 700;"><b></b>How tall is Mt. Everest?</span><br />
<span class="SubTitle" style="color: #00237b; font-family: Verdana, Arial, sans-serif; font-weight: 700;"></span>The official altitude of the world's highest peak is 29,029 feet (8,848m). However, the National Geographic Society has determined the height to be 6 feet taller, 29,035 feet, but the Nepali government has not yet been made this new altitude official.</div><div style="color: black; font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; margin-top: 0px; padding-top: 0px;">Shifting tectonic plates continue to push Everest upward, along with the whole Himalaya mountain range, at 1.6 to 3.9 inches (4 to 10 centimeters) per year.</div><div style="color: black; font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; margin-top: 0px; padding-top: 0px;"><span class="SubTitle" style="color: #00237b; font-family: Verdana, Arial, sans-serif; font-weight: 700;">Where is Mt. Everest?</span><br />
Everest is part of the Himalaya mountain range along the border of Nepal and Tibet. It is located 27° 59' North latitude, 86° 55' East longitude.</div><div style="color: black; font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; margin-top: 0px; padding-top: 0px;"><span class="SubTitle" style="color: #00237b; font-family: Verdana, Arial, sans-serif; font-weight: 700;">Why is it called Everest?</span><br />
In 1841, Sir George Everest, Surveyor General of India from 1830 to 1843, first recorded the location of Everest. It was subsequently named "Peak XV". In 1865, it was renamed <i>Mt. Everest</i> to honor Sir George.</div><div style="color: black; font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; margin-top: 0px; padding-top: 0px;">Everest is also called <i>Chomolungma</i> in Tibet and <i>Sagarmatha</i> in Nepal.</div><div style="color: black; font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; margin-top: 0px; padding-top: 0px;"><span class="SubTitle" style="color: #00237b; font-family: Verdana, Arial, sans-serif; font-weight: 700;"><b></b>Is it windy at the top of Everest?</span><br />
Yes. Blowing with the strength of a hurricane at 118+ miles/hour, the Jet Stream blasts the rocky, icy summit of Everest nearly all year long. The Jet Stream is a constant wind force at 4 - 6 miles above the earth. Observers can tell when the Jet Stream is blowing on the summit of Everest from the long while stream of ice crystals extending out from the tip of the mountain. Those wishing to actually stand on the summit have to choose their moment carefully: the mountain is most inviting in early May, when the Jet Stream is pushed northward over Tibet by the arrival of the monsoon. There is also a window of opportunity in the Fall when the Jet Stream is again pushed northward.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://picasaweb.google.com/107892775419687603270/BESUREYOUWILLENJOYLOTITSYOURSINN?authkey=Gv1sRgCIi4ocSkoYzQ8QE#5579966195384859010" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgD_-VtldMHIIRAH3FjVMHajS_5SoIKvvJjJCBEU43_HtXldK9WC-eHpdb_MH_rfkVFIJu-magnGzsNTR4fbOtNxXHs7IHsJwTkk7413NyJkOFP2j5yfv3mhOm5tMkGCKbVZ0PK5qR-wYvL/s1600/EverestJetStream.jpg" /></a></div></div><div style="color: black; font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; margin-top: 0px; padding-top: 0px;"><span class="SubTitle" style="color: #00237b; font-family: Verdana, Arial, sans-serif; font-weight: 700;">Is the air very thin on Everest?</span><br />
As the altitude <i>increases</i>, the oxygen content of the air <i>decreases</i> dramatically. At 9,800 feet, for example, there's about 2/3 of the oxygen in the air than at sea level. At 20,000 ft, there is roughly half the oxygen content in the air. At 29,035ft, the summit of Everest, there is only a third of the oxygen in the air.</div><div style="color: black; font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; margin-top: 0px; padding-top: 0px;"><span class="SubTitle" style="color: #00237b; font-family: Verdana, Arial, sans-serif; font-weight: 700;">How does your body get used to the altitude?</span><br />
Mountaineers climbing Everest establish a camp at the base of the mountain, and four higher camps before reaching the summit. For the next 30 days or so, they will move up, then down again, allowing their bodies to get used to the reduced oxygen content of the air. This process is called<i>acclimatization</i>.</div><div style="color: black; font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; margin-top: 0px; padding-top: 0px;">Acclimatizing properly is essential to safely ascend to high altitudes. Climbers acclimatize by ascending slowly, resting one day for every 1,000 feet they climb in one day. They drink plenty of liquids and eat healthy food. They also practice a rule of thumb: climb high, sleep low. Climbing high, then descending to lower altitudes allows the body to build up and gain strength with fresh oxygen, digest food better, get sounder sleep and any wounds can heal and they'll feel much stronger by descending. It was also allow them to build up their bodies, worn from the low O2 content, with fresh oxygen.</div><div style="color: black; font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; margin-top: 0px; padding-top: 0px;">Some climbers don't like to go down, but the significant benefits on the body from staying at lower altitudes make it worth it. It's important that the climbers don't stay down too long because it's possible to lose some acclimatization in the process.</div><div style="color: black; font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; margin-top: 0px; padding-top: 0px;"><span class="SubTitle" style="color: #00237b; font-family: Verdana, Arial, sans-serif; font-weight: 700;"><b></b>How high are the camps?</span><br />
The approximate elevations of each of the camps are:<br />
Base Camp - 17,500ft (5,400m)<br />
Camp 1 - 20,000ft (6,100m)<br />
Camp 2 - 21,300ft (6,500m)<br />
Camp 3 - 24,000ft (7,400m)<br />
Camp 4 - 26,000ft (8,000m)<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://picasaweb.google.com/107892775419687603270/BESUREYOUWILLENJOYLOTITSYOURSINN?authkey=Gv1sRgCIi4ocSkoYzQ8QE#5579966357078706258" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="120" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj4ll3on4GYMIDAgpq3Lx4gHF4gwfi4gEwzVpzujwTrjP_Y5rANRJLeTEoQDmrWFtwzMDmLF6VNUKG__lovm8dxAg0TmJqgWzJxxWitf66yo86-2iPpXldgX2Z1kpf80fXLw8q3YC0wGSS0/s320/Scanned+at+11-30-2010+9-41+AM+%25284%2529.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>Summit - 29,035ft (8,850)</div><div style="color: black; font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; margin-top: 0px; padding-top: 0px;"><span class="SubTitle" style="color: #00237b; font-family: Verdana, Arial, sans-serif; font-weight: 700;">What is the temperature high on Everest?</span><br />
At the summit, the temperature can be 100°F below zero. But on a good summit day, a climber can expect around -15°F</div><div style="color: black; font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; margin-top: 0px; padding-top: 0px;"><span class="SubTitle" style="color: #00237b; font-family: Verdana, Arial, sans-serif; font-weight: 700;">What is the hardest part about climbing Everest?</span><br />
<span class="SubTitle" style="color: #00237b; font-family: Verdana, Arial, sans-serif; font-weight: 700;"></span><span class="SubTitle" style="color: #00237b; font-family: Verdana, Arial, sans-serif; font-weight: 700;"><b></b></span>Each climber has a different opinion about what is the most difficult part of climbing Everest. Most would agree, though, that the altitude is tough to deal with. And most will also have stories about crossing the infamous Khumbu Icefall going from Base Camp to Camp One. Mountaineers climb through this moving sea of ice using ordinary aluminum garden ladders.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://picasaweb.google.com/107892775419687603270/BESUREYOUWILLENJOYLOTITSYOURSINN?authkey=Gv1sRgCIi4ocSkoYzQ8QE#5579966506193528018" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgUH_j9FQss8nD1XB-niSY3yMSM-mSxoW7NrO3UEf8vvdzpTLJxC1f-WwCdOFV8r9p9cCnEZES4rM-sQJf602-Qin3vvtq6qG-DPiKdmF5iuCqQshoUbnPE_gNiqLJ4WVNblZKRhS8Qbf3C/s320/TuncLadderLg.jpg" width="240" /></a></div></div><div style="color: black; font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; margin-top: 0px; padding-top: 0px;"><span class="SubTitle" style="color: #00237b; font-family: Verdana, Arial, sans-serif; font-weight: 700;">When was Everest first climbed?</span><br />
On May 29, 1953, Tenzing Norgay Sherpa of Nepal & Edmund Percival Hillary of New Zealand climbed to the summit of Everest via the Southeast Ridge Route</div><div style="color: black; font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; margin-top: 0px; padding-top: 0px;"><span class="SubTitle" style="color: #00237b; font-family: Verdana, Arial, sans-serif; font-weight: 700;">What are some other important "firsts"?</span>The first woman to climb Everest was Junko Tabei of Japan. She climbed via the Southeast Ridge on 16 May, 1975.</div><div style="color: black; font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; margin-top: 0px; padding-top: 0px;">Appa Sherpa has made the most successful ascents of Everest. He has reached the top 11 times.</div><div style="color: black; font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; margin-top: 0px; padding-top: 0px;">On May 8, 1978, Peter Habeler of Austria and Reinhold Messner of Italy climbed made the first ascent without bottled oxygen via the Southeast Ridge.</div><div style="color: black; font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; margin-top: 0px; padding-top: 0px;">Ang Rita Sherpa has reached the summit 10 times, all without oxygen.<span class="SubTitle" style="color: #00237b; font-family: Verdana, Arial, sans-serif; font-weight: 700;"></span></div><div style="color: black; font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; margin-top: 0px; padding-top: 0px;">Reinhold Messner climbed for 3 days completely alone from his base camp at 6,500m without the use of artificial O2. Messner climbed via the North Col to the North Face and the Great Couloir.</div><div style="color: black; font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; margin-top: 0px; padding-top: 0px;">Babu Chiri Sherpa set the speed record from the Nepal side.</div><div style="color: black; font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; margin-top: 0px; padding-top: 0px;">Davo Karnicar made the first true ski descent.</div><div style="color: black; font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; margin-top: 0px; padding-top: 0px;">At age 16 Temba Tsheri Sherpa become the youngest person to Summit Everest in 2001.</div><div style="color: black; font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; margin-top: 0px; padding-top: 0px;">American Sherman Bull, at age 64, is the oldest person to summit Mount Everest, also in 2001.</div><div style="color: black; font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; margin-top: 0px; padding-top: 0px;">Anna Czerwinska was born on 7/10/49 and climbed Everest from Nepal side, making her the oldest woman to reach the summit.</div><div style="color: black; font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; margin-top: 0px; padding-top: 0px;">On 24 May, 1996, Hans Kammerlander of Italy Hans made the fastest ascent of Everest via the standard North Col-North Ridge-North Face. He left base camp at 6,400m on 23 May at 5pm and was on the summit 16 hours, 45 minutes later at 9:45 am the next day. He descended most of the route on skis.</div><div style="color: black; font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; margin-top: 0px; padding-top: 0px;">Andrej & Marija Stremfelj of Slovenia were the first married couple to summit together on 7 October, 1990.</div><div style="color: black; font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; margin-top: 0px; padding-top: 0px;">Peter Hillary of New Zealand was the first son of a summiteer to reach the summit on 10 May, 1990.</div><div style="color: black; font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; margin-top: 0px; padding-top: 0px;">First Ascent by an American was made by James Whittaker via the Southeast Ridge Route on May 1, 1963. Whittaker summitted with Sherpa Nawang Gombu.</div><div style="color: black; font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; margin-top: 0px; padding-top: 0px;">Stacey Allison made the first Ascent by an American Woman via the Southeast Ridge Route on 29 September, 1988.</div><div style="color: black; font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; margin-top: 0px; padding-top: 0px;">Mexican climber Ricardo Torres was the first Latin American.</div><div style="color: black; font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; margin-top: 0px; padding-top: 0px;">In May, 2001, American Erik Weihenmayer becomes the first blind person to summit Everest.</div><div style="color: black; font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; margin-top: 0px; padding-top: 0px;"><b>May 23, 2003, Gary Guller became the first person with one arm to reach the summit of Everest.</b></div>tilakhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05357767346188741871noreply@blogger.com0