JUNCTION: July 2016

Sunday, July 17, 2016

Amarnath Temple (or) AmarnathYatra

KUMAAR HOLIDAYS – in the following article; brings to you the greatness and significance of the AMARNATH YATRA, in the state of Jammu and Kashmir, India.

The AMARNATH CAVE is the Holy Abode of LORD SHIVA; one of Hinduism’s most Powerful and Revered Deities.

Amarnath Temple (or) AmarnathYatra.

The Amarnath Yatra is an annual pilgrimage undertaken by Hindus to the Amarnath Cave in Jammu & Kashmir, India. The Amarnath cave is located about 140 kilometers from Srinagar city at a height of 4000 metres. Snow covered all year round, the cave or temple shrine is inaccessible and hence open only for a short time in summer.

The Amarnath cave with an internal height of about 40 meters , attracts lakhs of pilgrims every year to have darshan of the Shiva Linga which is formed by the freezing of water drops falling from the roof of the cave. The Shiva Lingam is supposed to grow & shrink in size with the phases of the moon. It reaches its maximum height during the AmarnathYatra period.

As per Hindu beliefs, Shiva is supposed to have explained the secret of life & eternity to his divine consort Parvathi here. Goddess Parvathi and Lord Shiva’s son Ganesh are represented by two other ice formations.

Historical references nation that King Aryaraja (Around 300 BC) worshipped a sacred ShiveLinga here. There are references to the Amarnath Shrine in the book Rajathrangini.

Historical beliefs say the cave was rediscovered by a shepherd in the 15^th century. Sage Bhrigu Muni is said to have had darshan of Lord Amarnath here. After that as tales of the sacred Shiva Linga spread everywhere, lakhs of pilgrims started visiting Amarnath cave each year.

To believers, he is Lord Bholenath, the all Powerful.

Lakhs of Hindus undertake the Amarnath pilgrimage each year. The 45 to 48 days season for the Amarnath Yatra begins is the first week of July. In the year 2016, the AmarnathYatra began on July 02, and is expected to go on till the 18^th of August. This period is called the Shravanimela; and is conducted during the Hindu holy month of Shravana.

This is the AmarnathYatra, undertaken to get the blessings of Lord Amarnath (or) Lord Shiva, the All Powerful.

Foot Note :

The world is a beautiful place with beautiful people all around. People world over have different festivals and traditions to pray to the divine power, and celebrate togetherness and human bonding. The Amarnath Yatra, is a classic example of the power of the divine, and the influence the divine power has on mankind. It tells the tale of the difficulty man is willing to undergo to have a glimpse of his GOD. To undertake the Amarnath Yatra, and to know more about other beautiful festivals world over; contact us. We will be very glad to help you with your travel plans.

KUMAAR HOLIDAYS

India : 0091 938 106 1000.

Sri Lanka : 0094 7711 62 800.

Thursday, July 7, 2016

KANDY ESALA PERAHERA

KUMAAR HOLIDAYS – in our continuing series on beautiful festivals and cultural events around the world; brings to you the Kandy Esala Perahera.

(Homage to the Tooth Relic of Lord Buddha.)

Spotlight – Kandy Esala Perahera.

One of the grandest festivals of Sri Lanka is the Kandy – Esala Perahera (or) the Esala Festival of Kandy. It is held yearly to pay homage to the Tooth Relic of Lord Buddha. The Sacred Tooth Relic of the Buddha was brought to Sri Lanka from India about eight hundred years after the passing of Lord Buddha.

The grand festival includes elegant costumes, traditional dances & a lot of cultural Programs. The Esala dates back to roughly the 3rd century BC & is a mix of two separate Peraheras ( processions ) – the Esala and Dalada.

Recent History :-

In relatively recent times, the Perahera was organized lavishly by King Kirthi Sri Rajasinghe (1747 – 1781). After the Kandyan Kingdom feel to the British, (1815) the Relic become the responsibility of the Buddhist clergy (Mahasangha). Since there was no king, a Diyawadana Nilame (Trustee) was appointed to handle all regular programmes.

Kumbal Perahera:-

Devale Peraheras takes place for five nights, accompanied by dance & Music, The sacred insignia of the Gods – the Ran Ayudha is also a part of the celebrations.

After the Devale Peraheras, the Kumbal Perahera begins & goes on for a further five nights.

The Temple of the Tooth (Sri Lanka’s must important Buddhist shrine) is where the Buddha’s sacred Tooth Relic is kept since 16^th century. The Devale Peraheras assemble here.

The Maligawa Perahera joins the Devale Peraheras and the procession begins. The Buddhist flag bearers lead the way, cleared in front by fire acrobats & crackers. The Perumana Raja (or) Front Official rides the first elephant, followed by other elephants, drummers and dancers. The sacred tooth Relic is carried by another group of singers. This is followed by the Diyawadana Nilame. He is dressed in full Kandyan grandeur. Traditionally the Diyawadana Nilame is the person who prays for rain.

The Tooth Relic festivals are conducted by Malwatte & Asgiriya chapters of the Buddhist clergy of Sri Lana. The Diyawadana Nilame is the organizer, and he plans & conducts all events of the Perahera. The officials of the Temple of the Tooth help him.

The astrological advisors are the Nekath Mohottala. They choose the auspicious time for all the events. The drummers are identified & fixed by officials called the Panikkamura Baarakaruwo. The elephants are located & their owners are met with, to discuss their participation in the events. All the dance troupes are given enough time for rehearsals. Finally the Basnayake Nilames ( Who are traditionally the custodians of the Devales) are intimated to conduct their processions.