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Revival of Maghamaka Mahotsava

Kerala, nestled between the majestic Western Ghats and the vast Arabian Sea, has a history steeped in culture and tradition. The region now known as Malappuram district was once a thriving center of Vedic learning and religious practices. This sacred land, home to many deities and their temples, witnessed grand festivals celebrating divine traditions—some of which were lost over time due to historical upheavals.

reclaimtemples-maghamaka mahotsava
reclaimtemples-maghamaka mahotsava

Among these ancient celebrations, Maghamaka Mahotsava stands out as Kerala’s oldest river festival, held on the banks of the sacred Bharatapuzha River during the auspicious month of Makam. Rooted in Kerala’s deep Vedic heritage, this festival was traditionally conducted under the patronage of Kerala’s ruling kings. However, its observance came to an abrupt halt in 1766 AD following the invasions of Hyder Ali and later Tipu Sultan.

reclaimtemples-maghamaka mahotsava

In 2019, in an earnest endeavor to revive this lost legacy, the Oral History Research Foundation and UgraNarasimha Charitable Trust rekindled the festival. This historic revival continues with the Maghamaka Mahotsava 2020, set to take place on the sacred banks of Bharatapuzha in the villages of Thirunavaya and Thavanur, Malappuram.

Maghamaka Mahotsava 2020

reclaimtemples-maghamaka mahotsava
reclaimtemples-maghamaka mahotsava

From January 10 to 12, 2020, under the spiritual guidance of the revered Devi Upasaka, Tantric Acharya, and Srividya Sadhaka, Shri Ramesh Nataraj Iyer (GRD Iyers Gurucool, Canada), over 100 ritwiks from Canada, the USA, Singapore, and various states across India gathered to perform the Dwi Shata Chandi Yagam and Maha Rudra Homam at Tavanoor—the Trimurti Sangam, where Parashurama is believed to have undertaken intense penance.

reclaimtemples-maghamaka mahotsava

The spiritual celebrations culminated at sunrise on January 13, 2020, with a series of sacred rituals led by the esteemed Brahmashri Chidanandapuri. These included the Nila Puja, Nila Arati, Nila Snanam, Sanyasi Sangamam, and Yati Puja at the historic Navamukunda temple premises.

Shata Chandi Mahayajna

reclaimtemples-maghamaka mahotsava

Conducted on January 10-11, 2020, this grand Yajna, performed as per the Sri Vidya tradition, took place in the very village where Sage Parashurama is said to have organized a similar sacred fire ritual eons ago.

Rudra Mahayajna

reclaimtemples-maghamaka mahotsava

On January 12, 2020, the Rudra Mahayajna was conducted with great devotion. Devotees had the rare opportunity to perform the Abhisheka of a Shivling consecrated at the sacred Yagabhumi.

The Legacy of Maghamaka Mahotsava

reclaimtemples-maghamaka mahotsava
reclaimtemples-maghamaka mahotsava
reclaimtemples-maghamaka mahotsava

The origins of Maghamaka Mahotsava are deeply embedded in Hindu scriptures. The Puranas and other Smritis attest to its conception by Parashurama. Literary works from the Sangha period, such as the Divyaprabandham, reaffirm this tradition. European historians like Hamilton and Jonathan Duncan, along with accounts from the Kozhikode Samoothiri Raja to the British throne in 1810, provide additional evidence of Bharatapuzha’s Maghamaka festivities.

According to legend, Parashurama, seeking prosperity and protection for Kerala, requested Brahma to conduct a grand yaga. The ritual was initially planned at Anamudi, Tamil Nadu. However, a dispute arose between Saraswati and Gayatri over the position of Yajamanapatni. Their subsequent curse upon each other resulted in their transformation into rivers that absorbed the sins of humanity, leading to the postponement of the Yaga. Eventually, the ceremony was conducted at Tapasannur (present-day Tavannur), a place sanctified by the penance of sages.

reclaimtemples-maghamaka mahotsava
reclaimtemples-maghamaka mahotsava

This grand Yajna, lasting 28 days, was attended by the Trimurtis—Brahma, Vishnu, and Shiva—along with celestial beings and enlightened sages. The sanctity of the ritual led to the emergence of the holy Bharatapuzha River, enriched by the divine presence of Ganga, Gayatri, and Saraswati during the month of Magha. This spiritual significance led devotees from distant lands to flock to Nila River for a sacred dip, believing it would absolve them of sins accumulated over lifetimes.

The first Cheraman Perumal, anointed in Tirunavaya, oversaw the organized conduct of this grand festival. From that point, the right to host Mamankam—an evolution of Maghamaka Mahotsava—was established. Over centuries, the festival transitioned from an annual event to being held every three years, and eventually, every 12 years.

reclaimtemples-maghamaka mahotsava
reclaimtemples-maghamaka mahotsava

However, the tides of history turned violent. During one such Mamankam, the ruling Valluvakonathiri was assassinated by a faction led by Tirumanassery, paving the way for Kozhikode’s Samoothiri to claim control. This marked the beginning of bloodshed at the once-sacred festival. The history of Mamankam that survives today is largely from the era of Chekavars (warriors), while its ancient traditions remain obscure to modern generations.

The last recorded Maghamaka Utsava took place in 1766 AD. Following the invasions of Hyder Ali and Tipu Sultan, the festival faded into oblivion.

The Vision of Maghamaka Mahotsava

reclaimtemples - maghamaka mahotsava
reclaimtemples - maghamaka mahotsava
reclaimtemples - maghamaka mahotsava

The revival of Maghamaka Mahotsava aims not only to restore a lost tradition but also to rejuvenate the ancient Vedic villages of Thavanur and Thirunavaya. Thavanur, home to Kerala’s first Vedic Pathshala, now stands silent, devoid of its once-thriving scholarly pursuits. We believe that reviving this sacred river festival, along with its accompanying Yajnas, will restore prosperity to the region and bring spiritual enrichment to all participants.

Maghamaka Mahotsava 2020: A Glorious Revival

The Maha Rudra Yajna and Dwi Shata Chandi Yajna were successfully conducted with Shri Ramesh Natarajan and Smt. Gayatri Natarajan of GRD Iyer Gurucool as Acharyas. Over 100 Ritwiks from across Bharat and the world participated in this monumental Yajna from January 10-12, 2020.

reclaimtemples - maghamaka mahotsava

During these sacred days, thousands of devotees gathered at the Yajnabhumi, witnessing and partaking in the divine rituals. The Abhisheka of the consecrated Shivling became a highlight, symbolizing the sanctity of the land and the power of devotion.

reclaimtemples-maghamaka mahotsava
reclaimtemples-maghamaka mahotsava

On January 13, 2020, a magnificent Nila Arati and Nila Puja were conducted on the banks of Bharatapuzha, led by revered Sanyasis and Sadhus. The sacred waters, believed to embody the presence of all holy rivers during this auspicious period, saw the ceremonial dip of sages who had assembled for the event. Swami Chidananda Puri of Advaitashram delivered an inspiring discourse to the gathered ascetics.

reclaimtemples - maghamaka mahotsava
reclaimtemples - maghamaka mahotsava

After being lost for over 250 years, the Maghamaka Mahotsava has finally returned. With the unwavering support of organizations and individuals, we hope to see it grow in grandeur, reclaiming its status as one of the most revered festivals of ancient Bharat.

May the sacred traditions of Maghamaka continue to flourish, restoring Dharma and prosperity to this blessed land.

reclaimtemples-maghamaka mahotsava
reclaimtemples-maghamaka mahotsava
reclaimtemples-maghamaka mahotsava
reclaimtemples-maghamaka mahotsava
reclaimtemples-maghamaka mahotsava
reclaimtemples-maghamaka mahotsava

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Challisserry Siva Temple

THEN – THE TEMPLE WAS LYING IN RUINS, AND THE DEITIES WERE BROKEN, WHICH WERE THE RESULT OF THE RIOTS.

NOW – TEMPLE STANDS IN A REVIVED CONDITION, REGULAR PUJAS ARE NOW OFFERED.

ABOUT THE TEMPLE – Challissery in Palakkad district of Kerala is a region that was ravaged during the Mysorean invasion of Kerala.

Kizhakke Pattissery Prani Mahadeva temple is one of the many ancient temples that is lying in ruins in the region.

INITIAL STATUS – Shivling is intact. But all the structures including the Garbagriha is in ruins and has to be restored. A lamp is lighted everyday by devotees of the temple.

The devotees has been trying for more than a decade to restore the temple, but couldn’t do it for lack of support. UgraNarasimha Charitable Trust has therefore undertaken to rebuild this ancient Siva temple.

Architecture – The design of the Garbagriha has been made by Sadanandan Achary, a noted expert in temple architecture. The restoration of the temple will conform to Tantrashastras.

Revival – The restoration of the temple started with strengthening the temporary roof so that work can happen even during the rains. The first stage is the construction of temporary Garbagriha where the Shivling will be shifted to during the restoration of the temple. The old Garbagriha will be dismantled and reworked after that.

The restoration of the temple will cause a revival of Dharma as all devotees and families in the village take part in the various rituals and stages involved in reviving the Siva temple.

Restoration is proceeding well – The restoration of the temple started with strengthening the temporary roof so that work can happen even during the rains. The first stage is the construction of temporary Garbagriha where the Shivling will be shifted to during the restoration of the temple. The old Garbagriha will be dismantled and reworked after that.

The restoration of the temple will cause a revival of Dharma as all devotees and families in the village take part in the various rituals and stages involved in reviving the Siva temple.

GARBAGRIHA WORK STARTED – The work of Gargbagriha has started successfully, the walls are now brought up and are starting to form the structure.

Stage 1 of walls starts to take up shape. The walls which were in crumbled condition were first dismantled and replaced with new stones.

Celeing work – The next work in line was the celeing of the garbagriha.

After decades of poor condition of the temple, the celeing had fallen down. We have replaced the roof with new celeing ensuring the architectural plan of the temple.

Plastering work completed

Namaskara Mandapam – The work of Namaskara Mandapam has started.

Namaskara mandapam is situated in front of the sanctum where the devotees and priests offer prayers and perform prostrations to the deity.

Restoration of ancient Challissery Siva temple is complete – Its a great pleasure to share with you that the restoration of Kizhakke Pattissery Prani Mahadeva temple in Palakkad Kerala is complete. The temple is restored after two and half centuries in ruins lying buried under the earth.

This restoration and revival has been made possible by you and we would like to express our heartfelt gratitude for same. The entire village and devotees of Lord Shiva will forever be indebted for your support. The devotees has been trying for many decades to restore the temple and it finally has happened. I am attaching a few pictures after restoration.

The temple will be handed over to a committee of devotees who will manage the temple in a democratic manner and ensure daily Pujas and rituals.

UgraNarasimha Charitable Trust will continue to work with village community in developing the temple as a charitable institution which will ensure social security and spiritual progress for all devotees.

Punah Pratishta of Prani Mahadeva – Thanks to your support and contribution towards the restoration of the ancient Prani Mahadeva temple in Palakkad Kerala which was destroyed by Tipu Sultan many centuries back.

The restoration has been successfully undertaken and Punah Pratishta ceremonies were conducted on 17 Feb 2021. Shivlinga was shifted back to Garbagriha and worship in the temple has restarted.

There was wide participation of devotees and everybody is excited that after many centuries, Shivratri will be celebrated in the temple.

Alathiyur Subrahmanya Temple

THEN – THE TEMPLE WAS LYING IN RUINS, AND THE DEITIES WERE BROKEN, WHICH WERE THE RESULT OF THE RIOTS.

NOW – TEMPLE STANDS IN A REVIVED CONDITION, REGULAR PUJAS ARE NOW OFFERED.

Restart of Worship – As part of the revival of the temple, Swami Bharati Maharaj lighted lamp and restarted worship of the Gods on 29 April 2018. A committee of devotees of the locality was also formed to ensure the worship and work for the revival.

Devaprashnam – The next process was Devaprashnam where astrologers find as per Tantrashastra the Deities to be worshipped in the temple, the temple plan and other details. The Devaprashnam rituals was conducted on 14-15 June 2018. All the devotees of the area came together in conduct for the temple rituals.

Construction work started on 23 Aug 2018, building of Balalayam complete – The construction work has started on 23 Aug 2018 with lighting lamp and prayers. The first step is the construction of a temporary building called Balalayam for housing the Subrahmanya and Ganesha Deity till the reconstruction of the Garbhagriha is complete. The construction work of the Balalayam is complete as on date.

The next step is the shifting of Deities to this Balalayam. This will be done by Priests on 10 Sep 2018. The Poojas of Deities will henceforth be done here till the construction of temple is complete.

After the Deities are shifted, the old dilapidated Garbhagriha will be dismantled, along with the foundation stones.

Foundation work of Garbagriha complete, stone work is next – Last update we mentioned that the old Garbagriha has been dismantled and the foundation work of new Garbagriha is next.

The land to the temple was under encroachment and we found difficulty in bringing in stones and heavy materials for the construction. Finally after discussion with all stakeholders volunteers cleared the way to the temple using JCB and we could bring stones and construction materials to temple on 4 Nov 2018.

The Shilanyas ceremony – The Shilanyas ceremony of the temple was held on 8 Nov 2018. The stones were laid by devotees and sthapathi after poojas by the Chief Priest. The devotees from entire village were in witness. The foundation work of the temple ie the portion below the ground is complete as on date.

The next stage involves stone works. This requires around 45 days since the Garbagriha is circular and hence the stone has to be chiselled in circular form.

The Garbagriha will be more visible after the next stage of work is completed.

Stone layers at base of Garbagriha complete – In last update we mentioned that the foundation work is complete. We are very excited to inform that the construction of stone layers which is the 2nd stage of the restoration is also now complete.

The 2nd stage consists of five stone layers. The work of door frames and other temple sculptures are also ongoing, being made by shilpis whose family has been undertaking temple work for generations.

Next is 3rd stage of construction which is the walls of the Garbagriha. The work has already started and will be completed in another 3 weeks.

The restoration work is nearing completion – We are very excited to share with you that the restoration work of the temple is nearing completion.

Stage 3 of the restoration was making the walls of the Garbagriha which was over last month ie February 2019.

Presently Stage 4 of the restoration is ongoing which is making the ceiling of the temple. The ceiling of the temple involves the stones placed in concentric circles decreasing in radius.

Though the Garbagriha will be circular in shape, the inside of the Garbagriha will be square. This is as per the Shilpa Shastra and traditional way of construction. The stage 4 will be completed this week. We are accelerating the restoration work so as to finish the entire project by this month end.

Restoration of Garbagriha of Alathiyur Subrahmanya temple is complete – On 13 April 2019, the Sthapathi handed over the key of Garbagriha to Keshavan Namboodiri, the 95 year old Namboodiri Brahmin who had protected the temple ruins for decades.

Keshavan Namboodiri inturn offered the key to the Deity who is the rightful owner of the temple. Later the key was handed over to committee formed for administration of the temple. The committee consists of all devotees in the village and the temple will be administered in a democratic manner.

Punar Prathishta ceremony – he rituals will start on 6 July 2019 and the Kumbabishekam will be on 11 Jul 2019.

The temple was lying in ruins for close to a century and the same could be revived only due to the support provided by you. The credit for revival of this temple goes to our esteemed donors like yourself and the team on ground who have gone through many difficulties in reviving this temple.

A committee of devotees from the locality has been formed for administration of the temple in a democratic manner and the Poojas and rituals will be handled by the traditional priest family attached to the temple.

Chausath Yogini Temple, Morena

The Chausath Yogini Temple, Mitaoli is an 11th-century temple in Morena district in the state of Madhya Pradesh. Built during Kachchhapaghata reign, it is one of the well-preserved Yogini temples in India. The temple is formed by a circular wall with 65 chambers, apparently for 64 yoginis and the goddess Devi, and an open mandapa in the centre of a circular courtyard, sacred to Shiva.

The temple is located on a hill about 100 feet (30 m) in height; there are 100 steps to climb up to the entrance. It is circular with a radius of 170 feet (52 m),while inside it has 65 small chambers, each with a mandapa which is open and a facade of pilasters and pillars. The roof of the ring of shrines is flat, as is that of the central shrine to Shiva; the circular courtyard is hypaethral, open to the sky, with an open porch as its entrance. The parliament building of India is said to have been based on this temple.

The entrance of the main structure looks something like this. The picture on the left is the eye level view when one enters the temple through the small entrance shown as in the picture on the right. There is a single opening in the circular structure and it consists of a wooden door affixed at the gate. 

Upon entering it can be seen that it is externally circular in shape with a radius of 170 feet and within its interior part it has 65 small chambers. The outer circle represents the presence of the 65 yoginis out of which 64 are shivlings and the remaining one is of Devi. The inner shrine is also completely circular in structure, all the stone slabs are rectangular in shapes but placed in such a manner that it ultimately appears to be circular.

The 64 chambers look something like this, and most of them are of this structure. These look very identical in appearance, there is also a mention of serial nos. with a chalk probably done by a local or caretaker.

This particular chamber is present at the half of the sphere, and interestingly appears right behind the central shrine. Its design is different from the rest of the chambers but the structure is of exact size, the pillar if noticed has many small engravings designed, this is not found in other chambers. The structures are also broken, probably during the foreign invasions.

The pillars of this temple represent royal elements and their designs, with such pure majesticity it truly brings us back to the 11th century architecture. The structure is purely made of stone and engraved in such a manner that it holds the eye of the viewer. 

Within the main central shrine there are slab coverings which have perforations in them to drain rainwater to a large underground storage. The pipe lines from the roof leading the rain water to the storage are also visible.

This shrine is present exactly at the centre of the whole structure and is magnificently standing, there is a pair of stairs to reach the height of the raised structure. It only holds one main shrine with a wooden door, and is enclosed. According to experts and researchers the main garbhagriha should have been open to the sky but it was seen to be enclosed with a stone slab from the top.

Interestingly at the inner circle there is a shivling exposed open on the raised platform, though it has some cracks at the bottom, this outstands all other shivlings present in this temple, as it appears to be the biggest in size, and also the peculiar location of it makes it more intriguing. On entering the inner circle it appears to be on the right side. 

The main shrine of the temple appears to be inside this main chamber on the inner circle.

There are two shivlings present inside and a raised plinth behind them, the interior is of plain stone slab and does not have any engravings as such.

On the entrance there a wooden door opens into this enclosed chamber, and on the border walls there seems to be something written on ancient texts, but due to rapid changes of weather and many invasions the text appears partial.

It is believed that only a main poojari or a couple enters this shrine and performs the rituals, the size restricts many people from entering together.

Also there should not have been any enclosing from top of this chamber but supposedly the ASI body had kept it that way.

At the hilltop the temple structure appears to be circular, and a raised plinth with a staircase provides the entrance and exit of the temple as one. It is designed in such a way that no one can go behind the structure neither from left nor from right as it stands at the top of the hill. 

Before the entrance there is wide space and at a distance of around 20 metres there is another structure present with a raised platform.

The design of the temple has withstood earthquake shocks, without any damage to its circular structural features, in the past several centuries. The temple is in the Seismic Zone III.
Many of these curious visitors have compared this temple with the Indian parliament building (Sansad Bhawan) as both are circular in style. Many have drawn conclusions that this temple was the inspiration behind the Sansad Bhawan.

The distant structure appears like this, the main circular structure appears behind the raised platform. Thus is a west facing shrine and on the inside it appears to be empty.


The missing deity with ornaments is believed to be present in the ASI museum of Gwalior.

On noticing the doorway of this structure is presented with many small stone cuttings designed beautifully, it appears to be eye pleasing but on the inside as it appears to be empty there is no ritual performed. But the raised structure does not have any boundary or support as it is raised to a certain height and when on top of it certain precautions are to be taken.

The temple at evening has a magnificent view and it just takes away the senses, the beauty of it and the presence of the natural elements and its location all completely serves the purpose of such a powerful temple. 

Though the architecture of the temple appears to be unique, its making serves a greater purpose and not everyone can understand the rituals this temple is capable of. 

  The temple has a great scenic beauty from its hilltop. 

There were no evident caretakers or pandits in the temple, a watchman is seen at the main entrance gate of the hill, the gates close to entry at 5 pm. There are also some lights installed by ASI, but they do not light it up. There is also a local shop opposite the main gate of the temple.

The need to Reclaim Shardapeeth

Article by Nayandeep

In lives of men, nations and civilizations, there comes a time when one is forced to look back and see the civilizational threats, which if not dealt with often confine the ignorer to the pages of history with their epitaphs written by those who wiped them out. The only inexplicable community is the Hindus, holders of the most ancient civilization yet not a match to their own collective ancestors.

A 237 BC temple known popularly as Shardapeeth located 6499 feet above sea level in the village of Sharda near the river Neelam was stripped of its dignity by the extremist government of Pakistan. The outer part of temple was demolished to make way for a coffee home. Yes you read it right a coffee shop.

Apart from a mention here or a news discussion there to cover up for the lack of any news not much respond came from the Hindu society or those who take and enjoy power in the name of protecting all things Hindu. This when others gather from all over and all parts of life to fight for what was not even theirs to begin with, what changed in the Hindu consciousness after having defended its temples and the right to exist for well over a thousand years.

Is it that the secular state has molded us to a particular way of thinking or is it that we have entrusted our civilizational duties to the government. The walls of Shardapeeth where the Goddess of learning reside were broken away and carried off and not a word of protest from the powers that be.

Along with the almost dead movement to retake Pakistan occupied Kashmir it seems the retaking of the Shardapeeth has been confined to mere electoral rallies now. When temples within this secular state are in litigation despite clear case of destruction and taking over then what chance does The Shardapeeth have.

Shardapeeth was instrumental in spreading the Sharda dialect all over north India and in the words of Al-Biruni in chronicles of India “A most revered place of Worship”. Kalhana in the Epic Rajatarangini describes it as a site of popular veneration and to further know of Shardapeeth’s importance one should know that Saraswat Brahmins from Karnataka still carry on the tradition of prostrating towards the Shardapeeth.

A Peeth where goddess of learning was described as taking the form of a Swan and swim in the river has fallen to such times that its destruction is neither being opposed nationally nor is a plan in place to take it back in order to bring it to its ancient glory.

It’s time to self reflect especially in an nation where those working for the civilizational causes struggle for resources and are often back stabbed for political reasons. May these lines awaken those who are awake but asleep towards their own Heritage.

“Namaste Sharda Devi Kashmira Mandala Vasani”

“We Bow to the Goddess Sharda who lives in Kashmir”

#ReclaimTemples

#ReclaimTemples will lead to Hindu Muslim unity and peace

For centuries, India has been a land of diverse religions and cultures, including Hinduism and Islam. However, religious conflicts and disputes have often hindered peaceful coexistence between communities. One such issue that has been a point of contention between Hindus and Muslims in India is the reclaiming of ancient temples that have been under Islamic occupation for centuries. Here, we will explore how the reclaiming of these temples can lead to Hindu-Muslim unity and peace.
 
The issue of temple reclamation is not a new one. Many ancient Hindu temples have been destroyed or converted into mosques during the Islamic invasions and subsequent Muslim rulers’ reign. The reclamation of these temples has been a longstanding demand of the Hindu community, with many of these temples being of great significance to Hindus.
 
The reclaiming of ancient temples is not just about restoring the sanctity of Hindu religious sites; it is also a matter of restoring the dignity of the Hindu community. The occupation of these temples has been a source of great pain and humiliation for the Hindus. The reclaiming of these temples is, therefore, an assertion of their identity and a demand for justice.
 
However, the reclaiming of ancient temples is not a call for revenge or retribution. Instead, it is an invitation for Muslims to recognize and respect the sentiments and beliefs of the Hindu community. The reclaiming of these temples is an opportunity for Hindus and Muslims to come together and celebrate their shared history and culture.
 
The reclaiming of ancient temples can also be a catalyst for promoting interfaith dialogue and understanding. The occupation of these temples has been a source of mistrust and suspicion between the two communities. By reclaiming these temples, Hindus are sending a message of goodwill and inclusiveness. It is an invitation to the Muslim community to recognize and respect the Hindu community’s sentiments and beliefs.
 
Furthermore, the reclaiming of ancient temples can have a positive impact on Hindu-Muslim relations. The reclaiming of these temples is not just a demand for justice and equality, but it is also a recognition of the shared heritage of India’s diverse communities.
 
The reclaiming of ancient temples can also be a means of promoting spiritual and cultural tourism leading to economic development. Many of these temples are of great historical and architectural significance. The restoration of these temples can attract devotees from all over the world and provide a boost to the local economy. The restoration of these temples can also provide employment opportunities to the local population, thereby promoting economic development.
 
However, the reclaiming of ancient temples is not without its challenges. The process of reclaiming these temples can be a long and tedious one. It involves legal battles and negotiations with the government and Muslim communities. The reclaiming of these temples also requires a great deal of financial resources and technical expertise. It is, therefore, important to approach the reclaiming of these temples with patience, perseverance, and a spirit of cooperation.
 
In conclusion, the reclaiming of ancient temples under Islamic occupation is not just a matter of restoring Hindu religious sites’ glory. It is a matter of restoring the dignity of the Hindu community, promoting interfaith dialogue and understanding, and promoting cultural tourism and economic development. The reclaiming of these temples can be an opportunity for Hindus and Muslims to come together and celebrate their shared history and culture, ultimately leading to Hindu-Muslim unity and peace.
 
#ReclaimTemples

Atala Devi Temple Jaunpur

Author: Nayandeep

Imagine an age where worshiping one’s deities is forbidden and is punishable by the law. Those that rule will pay no heed to your cries of anguish as they are the ones who have enacted and enforced such draconian laws upon you and your lot. Pillage and destruction were common and the very existence of Hindus was an anathema to the Islamic ruling disposition. Imagine a nightmare which continued for decades non stop.

Hard to imagine, rightly so especially to a generation that is far cut off from it’s past and a good availability of internet and the ease of living has made such a life hard to imagine, but again those that don’t learn from the past are made to repeat that past, Kashmir being the latest reminder.

The hardships that you just read in the start of this piece were faced by the Hindus of Jaunpur.

The famous shrine of Goddess Atala Devi, the wish fulfilling Goddess whose grand temple stood in all its glory, whose construction was done by the Rajput King Raja Vijay Chandra of the Kingdom of Kannauj was destroyed in 1364 AD by the brother of Sultan, Ibrahim Naib Barbak. He constructed Jhanjhari masjid nearby in honor of Hazrat Ajmali after he had fulfilled his religious fervor by the destruction of the temple. What he started was completed by 1408 AD  by the Sultan Ibrahim who converted the remnants of the Atala Devi temple to a full fledged mosque.

Khair ud Dins history of Jaunpur clearly states and further informs the reader that Hindus were made to vacate their home and professors of the Islamic faith were given those houses, while the Hindus were made to live on the peripheral villages just outside the city.

A simple observation with an unbiased mind one can easily see the inner pillars along with the inner walls of the masjid have deep Hindu architecture.

H.E Nevil the then District Commissioner of Jaunpur had written in the Gazette of Jaunpur dated 1908, the destruction of the Atala Devi temple by the brother of the Sultan called Ibrahim Naib.

The very Goddess for whose one glimpse thousands used to wait with folded hands is now waiting for hundreds of years and counting, to be reclaimed.

A part of collective Hindu civilization awaits its reclamation and for the past wrong to be righted. Her hope’s are from a society which watches yet waits, from a judiciary which sees and sermonizes and the political dispensation which measures things from the point of view of one election to another.

A few lines might tell the state of the Hindu nation.

Arise of Goddess arise for your children are waiting for you but in the digital world.

Let not your hope be from those to whom power be the only thing that is to be concerned.

Trying to connect imaginary bridges that have long been burned.

Arise o Goddess for a day will come when your children’s blood will stir and in there hands will be the key to correct the past and to set your temple free.

#ReclaimTemples

Hindu temples under Islamic occupation

We give below, state-wise and district-wise, the particulars of Muslim monuments which stand on the sites and/or have been built with the materials of Hindu temples, and which we wish to recall as witnesses to the role of Islam as a religion and the character of Muslim rule in medieval India. The list is the result of a preliminary survey. Many more Muslim monuments await examination. Local traditions which have so far been ignored or neglected, have to be tapped on a large scale.

 

We have tried our best to be exact in respect of locations, names and dates of the monuments mentioned. Even so, some mistakes and confusions may have remained. It is not unoften that different sources provide different dates and names for the same monument. Many Muslim saints are known by several names, which creates confusion in identifying their mazars or dargahs. Some districts have been renamed or newly, created and a place which was earlier under one district may have been included in another. We shall be grateful to readers who point out these mistakes so that they can be corrected in our major study. This is only a brief summary.

Sita Ram Goel

 

It should be kept in mind that the list below doesn’t include all the temples destroyed by Muslims and which were converted to mosques. The below is the list of mosques and Darghas where evidences exists of having been made after destroying the temples at these locations. In many mosques, Muslim rulers were able to eradicate all signs of temples, and hence not given in below list. Also the list is based on the list prepared by Sitaram Goel in 1990, hence the list correspond to the geography of the state and districts as it existed then.

 

Anyone is free to visit the below list of mosques and see the remnants and materials of Hindu temples. Archaeological Survey of India should conduct an excavation of below mosques to find out more about the ancient temples in these locations and possible mass graves around the mosque sites.

 

Andhra Pradesh : Click here to download PDF

Assam : Click here to download PDF

Bengal : Click here to download PDF

Bihar : Click here to download PDF

Delhi : Click here to download PDF

Diu : Click here to download PDF

Gujarat : Click here to download PDF

Haryana : Click here to download PDF

Himachal Pradesh : Click here to download PDF

Karnataka : Click here to download PDF

Kashmir : Click here to download PDF

Kerala : Click here to download PDF

Lakshadweep : Click here to download PDF

Madhya Pradesh : Click here to download PDF

Maharashtra : Click here to download PDF

Odisha : Click here to download PDF

Punjab : Click here to download PDF

Rajasthan : Click here to download PDF

Tamil Nadu : Click here to download PDF

Uttar Pradesh : Click here to download PDF

 

A Hindu temple remains so till eternity as PranaPratishta is done during the consecration. And being perpetual minors the property rights of the Deity are never abated as per law. Our Gods are lying mutilated in Hindu temple sites across Bharat awaiting resurrection and revival of worship. Be part of the movement to #ReclaimTemples

Ambarnath Siva temple in Maharashtra and attempts to desecrate it

Ambarnath Temple in Maharashtra is one of the ancient temples of Bharat and is known for its unique architecture. It was built in 11th century AD and is dedicated to Lord Shiva. This magnificent temple is located on the banks of Waldhuni river.

According to legend, this temple was carved from a single stone by Pandavas in one night as they took shelter here. The temple has its Garbhagriha below the ground, reached by around 20 steps from the Mandapa.  The temple has open Shikhara, and legend has it that the temple has hidden passageway which was used by Pandavas. Interestingly you will find a passage that is now locked and nobody is allowed to go through. Every year lakhs of Hindus visit the temple especially during the holy Shravan month and Sivratri festivals.

Unfortunately the ancient temple and the Deity has become victim to the appeasement politics of Bharatiya Janata Party. A coterie of politicians from NDA government at centre, BJP government ruling Maharashtra state and Corporators of Bharatiya Janata Party ruling Ulhasnagar have come together to desecrate the sanctity of the temple by allowing a Muslim graveyard in the vicinity of the temple. Hindus of the area were in a rude shock when they saw the proponents of Hindutva politics started treading the same old path of Muslim appeasement for a few votes. The hardest part was that they chose to appease Muslims by desecrating the ancient temple and also by displacing hundreds of Hindu families living near the temple.

Muslims of the area were demanding a new graveyard for them in addition to the one they already use. They were issued a land which was far away from the temple at first. However the land allocated for Muslim graveyard were opposed by builder mafia as they feared this will lower the value their property being developed. Our Prime Minister Narendra Modi is hell bent on providing safe haven for businessmen, the BJP government in Maharashtra was no lesser in their friendliness with realtors. The original land allotted for Muslim graveyard was changed and a new land near Ambarnath Siva temple was finalised by the administration.

The new land near the Ambarnath temple was opposed by both Hindus and Muslims of the area. Muslims feared that this will lead to unnecessary confrontation with Hindu community, as graveyard will desecrate the Siva temple. Also the Muslim graveyard also included Ganesh Visarjan pond that was used by Hindus during Ganeshotsav. However the politicians and state administration have asked them to keep quiet and leave the whole matter to them. Surely the politicians couldn’t offend the realtors and builder mafia. Easier was to displace Hindu families and desecrate the Siva temple, as Hindus have relied totally on BJP and RSS for their safety and security.

The Ganesh Visarjan tank was actually made by the same municipal council at a cost of Rs.80 lakhs on plot no. 243 . The Ganesh tank would also be demolished by the Devendra Fadnavis government as part of converting the entire land into a graveyard.

The intervention of the Narendra Modi government at centre also quickened the whole process. In year 2017, it is said that Muslims of the region requested Narendra Modi to intervene and he entrusted the matter to Muqtar Abbas Naqvi, the Minority Affairs minister. Naqvi inturn wrote a letter to Maharashtra government asking them to act on the request for graveyard for Muslims.

The process of making a graveyard near Ambarnath temple was hastened after central intervention. The Ulhasnagar Municipal Corporation which is governed by Bharatiya Janata Party issued notification of converting the land into graveyard. This was done by ignoring the recommendation of many officers who cited the illegality of the same. The land was coming in the flood zone and was prohibited for use as graveyard.

 

But for those politicians who were blind in appeasement and with insatiable hunger for votes, rules and laws were no hinderance. They went ahead with the process of demarcation of land as graveyard. Hindus were alarmed at the betrayal of the Hindutva politicians and had no other option except to move High Court. However the remedy was denied as the Maharashtra government on oath misled the court with blatant lies in their affidavit. The court was made to believe that the graveyard was as per law and the Hindus who moved court was driven by malice. The fact however was that the graveyard was shifted to near Ambarnath Siva temple at behest of builder mafia.

The below map will clearly show that the proposed graveyard is only 223 metres from the Siva temple. Also the graveyard will subsume the land which now has Ganpati Visarjan tank and also the land where around 250 Hindu families reside.

Buoyed by success in denying justice to Hindus via courts, the Ulhasnagar Municipal Corporation immediately issued notices to 250 families living nearby the proposed graveyard to vacate their residences. There was no alternate accommodation or land given to the families by Maharashtra government. Also was ignored the fact that inclement monsoons will bring unforeseen miseries to women, children and every person who are dispossessed of their land. Surely the Bharatiya Janata Party has new priorities and it calls for accommodating the dead of Muslim community by making around 250 Hindu families homeless.

The Ambarnath Siva temple has around lakhs of devotees visiting Mahadev during festivities like during Sivaratri and the area demarcated as Muslim graveyard is used by devotees. There is a very likelihood that communal tensions will arise in the future as the land in vicinity of ancient temple is used by Muslims for burying dead and their own religious purposes.

The traitors are said to worser than enemies and when they stab from behind, the wounds are mortal. While backstabbed by Brutus, Caesar had said ” Et tu Brutus, then fall Caesar”

However the Hindu community are in no mood to fall or surrender. A new resistance has arisen, the revival has started. As the self proclaimed Hindu saviours and wannabe Hindu Popes of Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh has not opened their mouths and has kept themselves aloof from the burning issue, new Hindu youth are entering the fray to defend Sanatana Dharma and preserve the sanctity of our temples and the secure the lives of the Hindu families.

The question remains as to how long Hindu Samaj will allow themselves to be backstabbed by the Bharatiya Janata Party and Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh. The wounds inflicted by Sangh on the Hindus of Kashmir where they sided with PDP separatists is still fresh in the minds of every Hindu.

Will Hindus allow their temples to be defiled and families to be rendered homeless? Or will Hindus demand answers from the traitors of the Bharatiya Janata Party who has sided with Muslims or from the leaders of Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh who has refused to protect the sanctity of our temples? Will Hindus be able to fight the combined might of traitors within and the enemies outside?

Time will tell.

#ReclaimTemples

Siddheshvara temple West Bengal, lying in ruins

The town Barakar is know for its Siddheshvara Temple, an early (9C) Hindu religious structure of the Orissan style with a prominent shikhara. It later served as inspiration for other temples, devoted to Ganesh, Durga and Panchanana, built in the 16C.

The Siddheshvara temple, seems to be the oldest and was built around 8th-9th century. It is amongst the oldest rekh-deul temples in West Bengal. The temples have Shivalingams and deity of Ganesha and Durga. Many stone deity of Lord Vishnu have been discovered in the complex. “The object of worship”, Beglar writes, “is a figure of a fish lying flat, serving as an argha to five lingam holes cut in it”. I found 5 shiva lingams, surrounded by a sort of parapet created with modern cement. The purpose of the parapet is obvious – copious amounts of water are poured on the lingams as part of worship and the water has to be directed towards an outlet in the floor. No doubt locals, who have kept the temple active, have done this for their own convenience. Outside the temple are two decayed but identifiable stone “nandi” bulls, Lord Shiva’s mount.

Siddheshvara Temple at Barakar, Burdwan district taken by J.D.Beglar in 1872-73. Beglar wrote, “Barakar…contains several very interesting ancient remains, in excellent preservation”. Temple number 5, “…consists of a cell and an antarala, or vestibule. It does not appear to have ever had a mahamandapa in front. The object of worship is a lingam, placed in a great argha, 4 feet 7 inches in diameter. Besides this there are lying, in and out, statues and fragments, among which may be reckoned, Ganeca, a 4-armed female, a 4-armed male holding a sword and a trident in two hands, and some nondescript fragments.”

J.D. Beglar, Report of a tour through the Bengal Provinces…in 1872-73 (A.S.I. vol. VIII, Calcutta, 1878), p. 151-3 The temple was built in the ninth century however the adjacent mandapa is a modern addition.

Standing adjacent to Siddheshvara temple is significantly different from the other 3 extant temples in architectural style. The shikhara or tower, in this case, is much lower. At the top of the four corners of the shikhara are four animal figurines, facing outward. While it is difficult to say exactly what these are because they have significantly decayed, I have a feeling that these are lions. Four lions facing the four corners is something we see on top of the Kailasa temple in Ellora as well, although what purpose they serve, I do not know. The shikhara itself is much more profusely decorated, and although the stone has decayed, it is is still possible to make out that rich carvings are in a whole different class altogether. The carvings appear to depict Puranas scenes though several kirtimukhas are also present. The shikhara is topped by a very large amalaka or disc, which is topped by what appears to be a very plain stone cylinder. Beglar writes that the temple may have had a metal trishula, Lord Shiva’s trident, on top at one point. Above the entrance to the sanctum, there is a sculpture of Lord Shiva, seated in the lotus position with a snake on his right. He is flanked by two other figures, one female, and one male. Decayed sculptures of Shiva with his consort appear between each of the animal figures on the shikhara.

Siddheshvara is also the only temple to have a mandapa, although this seems to have been added later on. This is immediately apparent from the fact that the mandapa contains windows with keystone arches, which are clearly colonial. But Beglar had found one further clue, and that is that the mandapa, in this case, seemed to be covering the mouldings on the front of the temple. Even in 1872, the mandapa was devoid of a roof, and today, a makeshift bamboo structure is used, covered by waterproof material when needed.

Inside the sanctum, there is a simple lingam which is now surrounded by modern cement, probably to direct the flow of water which is poured on the lingam, to the gutter in the floor. Beglar had found several other figurines lying outside the temple, including a Ganesha, a four-armed female and a four-armed male holding a sword and trident. These have been ruined so much that it is impossible to identify them.

After the Muslim conquest of Bengal ancient stone temple of Lord Shiva Siddhesvara original Lord Shiva Lingam has been stolen or destroyed , half portioned of the temple was being destroy. Temple Siddheshvara of Barakar, Burdwan district is surviving for existence due to lack of Government and local people care and ignorance.

#ReclaimTemples