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One of India's most scenic states… a yatra here and one can easily understand why Himachal Pradesh is often referred to as ‘Dev Bhumi’ or ‘Abode of Gods'… Home to over two thousand temples, numerous monasteries, gurdwaras andÂ*pilgrimage centres, not only are some of the temples found here known for their magnificent architecture, but also known for the interesting legends that surround them! A yatra (spiritual journey) to the beautiful Himachal Pradesh will take you through many pilgrimage sites across the State, one of the most prominent onesÂ*being Rewalsar, visited by devotees across the globe as it isÂ* considered sacred by not just Hindus but alsoÂ*Sikhs and Buddhists. It is the believed that the breathtaking lake in Rewalsar is home to the spirit of the religious leader,Â*Sri Padmasambhava, also known asÂ*Guru Rimpoche.The famous religious mystic is credited for the origin ofÂ*Mahayana BuddhismÂ*here.Â*BesidesÂ*threeÂ*Buddhist Monasteries and Gurdwaras, in Rewalsar one can also find temples dedicated to Lord Krishna, Lord Shiva and the religious mystic Sage Lomas. Of the two thousand temples found here, the ones that are visited for the various myths and legends that surround them include the Naina Devi Temple, Jawalmukhi Temple,Â*Mata ChintpurniÂ*Temple. According to Hindu mythology, unable to bear the insult from her own father to her husband, Lord Shiva, Sati threw herself in a pyre and killed herself. Filled with rage and grief, Shiva picked up the body and started theÂ*TandavaÂ*dance, which according to mythology is anÂ*energeticÂ*danceÂ*that is the source of the cycle of creation, preservation and dissolution. In order to stop Shiva and save the universe, Lord Vishnu with his Chakra cut the corpse of Sati into 51 pieces, the places where the pieces fell on the earth are called Peeths, Naina Devi and Jawalmukhi both being Shakti Peeths. Naina Devi is where the eye fell, while the Jawalmukhi is where the tongue of Sati fell. Also known asÂ*Maa Jwala Ji, the meaning ofÂ*JawalmukhiÂ*is ‘mouth <a href="http://www.cheapuggs-shop.com/bailey-button-c-237.html"><strong>uggs flip flops</strong></a> of flames' Jwala Ji meaning flames.Â*Located in a natural cave one can find eternal flames here that continue to burn. According to legend, this was where Sati’s tongue fell which can now be seen in the form of the flame, there are nine flames here representing the nine Durgas. TheÂ*Mata ChintpurniÂ*Temple is built on the location the feet of Sati is believed to have fallen while theÂ*Chamunda Devi is where the trunk of Sati fell. The Mata Chintpurni Temple is one of the most frequented temples here as it is believed thatÂ*if one asks for something from the Devi with a true heart, their wish is granted. Another temple associated with mythology is the Bijli Mahadev Temple. It is said that when Maharishi Vashishta prayed to Lord Rudra to take in the excessive electric current within himself, Lord Rudra obliged thus saving mankind. The Bijli Mahadev temple was constructed to celebrate the event. It is said that every two years, a lightening here reduces the ‘lingam' to pieces signifying Lord Shiva absorbing the energy discharged from the atmosphere thus saving the world. The image is restored to its original <a href="http://www.northfacejackets2011-discount.com/north-face-jackets-men-c-4.html"><strong>mens north face jackets</strong></a> self by the temple pujaris until is destroyed yet again by another flash of lightening. AÂ*60 feet staff placed above the temple, is said to be the source that attracts the lightening which breaks the Shiva lingam. One of the ancientÂ*temples here, the Hadimba Temple or Dhoongri TempleÂ*is associated with the great epic, the Mahabharata, Hadimba being Bhim's (the 2ndpandava) wife also the sister of a demon named Hadimb. After marrying Bhim, she was worshiped as a Goddess, Devi Hadimba, who gave birth to a son Ghatochkach, a brave warrior. Built in 1533, this temple is worth visiting for its beautiful architecture and carvings on its wooden doors. Other temples known forÂ*their striking architectureÂ*are theÂ*Baijnath &amp; Laxmi Narayan Temple, the BaijnathÂ*temple dedicated to Siva Vaidyanatha, the ‘Lord of the physicians' while theÂ*Laxmi Narayan TempleÂ*is one of the oldest temples and largest in the state. Built in the tenth century, contributions to this temple were made by several dynasties/ rulers of Chamba. The Baba Balak NathÂ*is also an important pilgrim centreÂ*which isÂ*situated inside a cave here, while theÂ*sacred land of Manikaran attracts devotees for its several hot springs.Â*Bhootnath Temple, Syamakall Temple,Â*Raghunath Temple,Â*Renuka Temple, and Triloknath Shiva TempleÂ*are other important temples here. While the temples are popular for their mythology, the monasteries here are known for their breathtaking beauty! Home to numerous monasteries,Â*one of the most famousÂ*is the Tabo Monastery, often referred to as the Ajanta of the Himalayas,and located in the Spiti Valley. An advanced center of learning, it comprises of numerous Gompas and temples, with its shrines dating back to the 10thÂ*– 15thÂ*century. Some of the most important shrines here include the The Temple of the Enlightened Gods or Tug-Lha-khang The Golden Temple or Ser-khang The Mystic Mandala Temple or the Initiation Temple or Dkyil-kHor- khang The Bodhisattva Maitreya Temple or Byams-Pa Chen-po Lha-khang The Temple of Dromton or Brom-ston Lha khang The Chamber of Picture Treasures or Z’al-ma The Large Temple of Dromton or Brom-ston Lha khang The Mahakala Vajra Bhairava Temple or Gon-khang The White Temple or Kar-abyum Lha-Khang Said to be builtÂ*during the 1000 A.D, theÂ*Kye Monastery here is another important monastery known for its prominent 4th century Chinese architecture, brilliant paintings and murals. Also found here are ancient manuscripts, images of <a href="http://www.canadagoosecoat-discount.com/canada-goose-mens-parka-canada-goose-snow-mantra-parka-c-2_4.html"><strong>canada goose men</strong></a> Thangkas, Stucco images, typical Tibetan wind instruments and ancient war weapons. Delighting history lovers and tourists alike, theÂ*Dhankar Monastery in Spiti Valley is of importance not just forÂ*archaeological reasons but also for historical reasons.Â*Â*TheÂ*Dhankar Monastery comprises of two Gompas -Â*Lha Opa GompaÂ*and Lkhang Gompa. While the Lha Opa Gompa that was built during the 12thcentury contains ancient manuscripts, musical instruments and sculptures, the Lkhang Gompa houses wonderful murals depicting the life of Buddha. TheDhankar Monastery is also known for its rich collection ofÂ*Buddhist scriptures and manuscripts in Bhoti language. Constructed back in 900 A.D., theÂ*Kardang Gompa, is known for its library that is home toÂ*the largest compilation of the Tangyur and Kangyur (Buddhist scriptures).Also of interest is the huge prayer drum, which has the mantra ‘om mani padme hum' inscribed on it as many as a million times!! Also of interest hereÂ*are the wall paintings, Thangka paintings, musical instruments and some ancient weapons that are a part of this monastery. Each set amidst breathtaking natural landscapes, a tour ofÂ*these religious sites, important for their history and archaeology,Â* is surely one that you will remember for a long time to come! &laquo; Ajanta Ellora Caves : India’s hidden treasures! Part 1 of our Haryana series : Haryana & its pilgrim destinations! &raquo;