A mighty structure overlooking the Arabian Sea which is not just a symbol of faith but a historical, religious and cultural beacon that has stood the test of time The Somnath Temple. Located in Saurashtra, Gujarat and believed to be created out of gold by the moon god Soma, it is regarded as 1st among the 12 jyotirlinga shrines of Shiva. Discover more about this revered holy shrine visited by lakhs of devotees from across the world and hear their moving soliloquies on Sharanam with Juhi Chawla.
Undying faith in the love of a mother is what drives millions of devotees to the Church of Velankanni in Tamil Nadu every year. Also hailed as the Lourdes of the East it is here at the Basilica of Our Lady of Good Health, that the faithful from all religions seek solace and offer homage to Mother Mary. The hope of a miracle, cure from an ailment or a heartfelt silent prayer, this sacred shrine provides answers to all who bow at its divine doorstep. Watch such stories, miracles and power of faith unfold on Sharanam with Juhi Chawla.
Nestled in the lap of Kangra Ghat in Himachal Pradesh is the magical temple of Jwala Devi. Famous as one of the 51 shaktipeeths, the Jwala Devi temple is unique as it does not have an idol placed inside, rather an eternal burning flame. Soft and serene yet strong and intense, the flame represents a mothers love. Devotees thronging the temple staunchly believe that a glimpse of the burning flame shall lead to the end of their struggles and pave the way for happier days. Intricately woven tales, fascinating legends and miracles will take you on a spiritual journey in this episode.
Divinity dwells in the arms of peace and we get certain of this fact in the sacred lands of Amritsar. Within the peaceful and blissful premises of the Harmandir Sahib Gurudwara in Amritsar, also widely known as the Golden Temple, devotees have claimed to find the real meaning of the greater being. The continuous chant from the verses of Guru Granth Sahib adds up to the already existing sanctified atmosphere. The focus of the Golden Temple is the famous Amrit Sarovar a water tank that surrounds the shining shrine. The sacred water from this holy pool of nectar is vouched for its divine healing powers.
Thousands of pilgrims throng the sacred Sai Baba Temple everyday with the singular hope of deliverance from worldly pain. Located in the Ahmednagar district of Maharashtra, Shirdi is a small village that literally means the foot of prosperity and it is here that pilgrims believe that their Sai beckons them with open arms. Nurtured by a strong belief that anyone who visits Shirdi never returns empty handed, Sai Baba is faith and divinity epitomized in one. Watch Sharanam with Juhi Chawla to understand the message and miracles of Sai Baba in the devotees own words.
The peaceful town of Ajmer seems to have sacredness embedded in its very core. Here lies one of the holiest Muslim shrines in India, where thousands of pilgrims congregate to pay respect to Khwaja Moinud din Chisti, the revered Sufi saint of the Chishtyya order and a prominent figure among the spiritual healers of the world. It is said that nobody returns from the dargah empty handed and its doors are open for anyone who visits with faith in his heart and a prayer on his lips.
About 60 kms away from the industrious city of Mangalore is the peaceful hamlet, Udupi. Located here is a quaint matha of Lord Sri Krishna, a holy place for thousands of devotees who throng here to shower love on their favourite lord. The idol of Lord Krishna sits here in childlike innocence. Swathed in fragrant garlands and brilliant goldlined garments, the beatific idol casts a spell of happiness the moment you set your eyes on it. Devotees who visit the Sri Krishna matha, strongly believe that faith and sacredness get redefined within the confines of thisashram.
Considered to be as sacred as the Shaktipeeths located across the Indian subcontinent, the Saptushrungi Devi Temple near Nashik is a sight to behold. Nestled among 7 mountain peaks in Nashik, the almost 10 feet high idol of Mata blesses the thousands of devotees who visit here. Coated with Sindoor and decorated with ornaments, one cannot miss Saptashrungi Matas striking bright eyes that seem to dive deep into ones soul and lighten it with faith from within.
Just minutes away from Nashik city in Maharashtra is the pious town of Trimbak, a place that finds its mention in the powerful Maha Mritunjaya Mantra. Mystical, powerful and enigmatic, the jyotirlinga here has three faces that symbolizes Lord Brahma, Lord Vishnu and Lord Mahesh. Lush green mountains encircling the temple, lend a beatific atmosphere to the devotees who come here seeking peace. The holiness and purity of Trimbakeshwar shall surely make you experience faith and spirituality.
The myriad dimensions of faith are sometimes difficult to comprehend by the rational mind. Sikar, a place close to Jaipur is witness to such a wonderful enigma of devotion in the form of Khatushyam Temple. A manifestation of Barbarik the grandson of Bhima and Ahilya, the great warrior was blessed by Lord Krishna to be known and worshiped as Shyam for all times to come. Thousands of devotees who visit the Khatushyam Temple have a strong faith that the ultimate solution to all their problems lies in the darshan of Shyam Baba. With numerous tales of myths and folklore associated with the establishment of the Temple, the spirituality surrounding the deity never ceases to amaze. Here a dip in the shyam kund is believed to cure all ailments and a glance at the holy Shyam Babas idol brings one happiness.
Situated in the heart of Delhi, at the dargah of the Hazrat Nizamuddin Aulia, all differences of caste, creed and religion surrender to love and peace. To escape from the frantic city life, people from all walks visit the Nizamuddin Dargah to seek solace. It is here one will find peace and tranquility filled in everyones heart and love for one of the greatest sufi saints of India Nizamuddin Aulia. Watch Sharanam with Juhi Chawla to experience the divine faith that pulls thousands of devotees to his altar.
Udvada, a scenic coastal hamlet located a couple of hours drive from Surat boasts of one of the most important fire temples of the Parsi community The Udvada Atash Behram. Also hailed as the Iran Shah this temple is one of the oldest fire temples in India. Literally meaning the victorious fire the Atash Behram attracts thousands of Zoroastrian pilgrims from all over the country and beyond. With folded hands and bowed heads, devotees throng here to connect with their spiritual selves. In addition to providing solace, the Udvada Atash Behram will reveal to you divinity in its all its grandeur.
Hindi
01 August 2020
Mythology
Cheshta Goswami