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Showing posts from July 18, 2016


Indreshwar Mahadev in Ujjain – Story of Indreshwar Form of Shiva – 35th Shiva Temple in Ujjain

Indreshwar Mahadev is worshiped in Ujjain in Madhya Pradesh. It is one of the 84 forms of Shiva worshiped in Ujjain. It is believed that those worshipping Indreshwar form of Shiva will get redemption from sin. The temple dedicated to Indreshwar Mahadev is located at Anantapeth in Ujjain. This form of Shiva is associated with Indra, the king of Devas, defeating Vritasur and regaining his celestial world. Indreshwar Mahadev is counted among the 84 Shiva Temples in Ujjain and it is the 35th temple visited during the parikarama of Shiavalayas here. Story of Indreshwar Mahadev form of Shiva in Ujjain There was a pious prince named Kushdwaj. He was the son of Prajapati Twashta. One day for some reason, Indra, the king of Devas, killed Kushdwaj. An angry Prajapati Twashta, removed a strand of hair and threw it into fire. From it appeared Vritasur, who defeated Indra and made him a prisoner. Vritasura now ruled heaven. Brihaspati, the guru of Devas, secured the release of

Giri Durga – Hill Fort

Giri Durga is one of the categories of forts. It finds mention in Arthashastra, Manusmriti, Mahabharata and Vastushastram. As per Arthasastra, Giri Durga is to be located atop a hill or in the caverns of a hill. Majority of Giridurgas had Hindu temples and sacred places associated with saints. Giri Durga was the strongest defensive measure in the ancient world as its location makes it naturally inaccessible. In the ancient world, the kingdom of Chandelas was defended by eight hill forts of which Kalinjar was the strongest. Kingdoms in the Sahyadri and Aravali ranges had erected a number of hill forts. Hill forts can be seen today in Maharashtra, Rajasthan and Madhya Pradesh. It was nearly impossible to win a hill fort through assault. They were usually annexed through bribery or sieges. Giri Durga of ancient India were of different shapes – square, circular or rectangular. They had parapets and watchtowers. They also had outside obstructions like knee-breakers, mounds