Basilica of Our Lady of Lujan in Argentina

Basilica of Our Lady of Lujan  is one of the most important pilgrim sites in Argentina that attracts millions of worshipers and tourists every year. This basilica is situated 43 miles west of Buenos Aires. Luján is known for its traditional and warm hospitality.

The origin of this scared shrine dates back to 1685 when a small chapel stood at the place of the Basilica. In 1730, it acquired the status of a parish. Due to the increase in the number of the faithful , it was decided to build a larger church, which was opened on December 8, 1763. The sanctuary was pulverized in 1905.

                    

On May 6, 1890 the Father Jorge Maria Salvaire began construction of the building that stands today. A French architect, Ulderico Curtois, was made in charge of the project. The church was inaugurated in December 1910.

There is a beautiful gothic basilica in Lujan, which is one of the most revered sites in the country. The image of Our Lady of Lujan was artistically made in Brazil. The image was made along with the image of the Santisima Madre. Anonio Farias Saa, a Portuguese estate  owner of Sumampa in Argentina wanted to make a chapel for the Virgin. He asked his friend, who resided in Brazil, to send an image that exemplified the Immaculate Conception of Maria. The image was then placed in the house of Don Rosendo.

Many pilgrims throng the place from far-flung regions to pay homage and to offer prayers. On the 8th of December and the first Saturday of October every year, thousands march on foot from Buenos Aires towards the basilica of Lujan. They dress up in beautiful white tunics and a celestial blue mantle which represents the colors of the Argentina flag. The first youthful peregrination was made in October 1975 when a group decided to march towards the sanctuary, and since then has initiated one of the most popular events in Argentina.

On Saturday, May 4th, Pope Francis visited St. Mary Major, the biggest church in Rome dedicated to the Blessed Virgin, for the second time. He was received by a friend of his, the Spanish Cardinal Santos Abril y Castelló, archpriest of the Papal Basilica of St. Mary Major.

Indicated as one of the main supporters of Cardinal Bergoglio during the conclave, Cardinal Abril y Castelló got to know the future Pope very well when serving as apostolic nuncio to Argentina.

It must be remembered that the day after his election the new Pope paid a private visit to the papal basilica located on the Esquiline Hill, to pray and pay tribute to the icon of Mary Salus Populi Romani (Protectress of the Roman People) venerated not only in Rome, but throughout the Catholic world.

On his first public appearance a few hours after his election, Pope Francis manifested his Marian devotion, which he confirmed the subsequent days of his pontificate.

“He decided to visit the Basilica, not only to thank the Blessed Virgin, but — as Pope Francis said to me himself — to entrust Her with his pontificate, to lay it at Her feet. Being deeply devoted to Mary, Pope Francis came here to ask Her for help and protection,” said Cardinal Abril y Castelló at Vatican Radio, referring to papal visit of March 14th.

As early as his first appearance on the Loggia of Blessings the evening of his election, Pope Francis turned out to be in line with his predecessors, showing a strong Marian devotion.

The Basílica of Nuestra Señora de Luján has two towers 106 m height with a large cross on each. 

The church is made from rose-colored stone.

As the church is dedicated to Our Lady of Luján, the patron saint of Argentina, it is also considered the national shrine of Argentina. 

The church has 15 bells with individual names and slogans.

                              

The Basílica Nuestra Señora de Luján is situated in the small city of Lujan that lies to the west of Buenos Aires, the capital of Argentina. El Palomar Airport is at distance of around 51.6 kms from the Basílica. You can hire a taxi or choose to travel in a bus to reach the church.

The best time to visit Basílica Nuestra Señora de Luján is during fall (Mar-May) and spring (Sept-Nov), when temperatures are mild.

The Basílica Nuestra Señora de Luján opens from 10:00 am to 5:00 pm on Mondays through Fridays. On weekends, the closing time is 6:00 pm.

Admission to the Basilica is free. For crypt tour, the admission charges are AR$ 4.

Nearby Attractions: Complejo Museográfico Enrique Udaondo, Museo de Transporte and L’Eau Vive.

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Quebrada de Humahuaca - Argentina

The Quebrada de Humahuaca is a mountain valley that has been in use as a cultural route between the Andean highlands and the plains for over 11000 years. The valley, carved out by the Rio Grande, is ca. 150 km. long. The river is dry in winter but flows copiously through the Quebrada in the summer.

Numerous tracks, roads and settlements testify to the civilizations that once lived here: hunter-gatherers, indigenous Omaguacas, Inca, Spanish and the Argentine Republic. Due to its strategic position it has been colonized by both the Inca and the Spanish, who were after the trade, minerals and agricultural products. It also has been a stage for many battles of the Argentine War of Independence. 

Quebrada de Humahuaca, is a picturesque narrow valley located in north-west Argentina, in the state of Jujuy. The region has always been a crossroads for economic, social and cultural communication. It is skirted by Altiplano in the west and north, the Sub-Andean hills in the east, and the Valles Templados in the south.

Situated at the foot of the valley is the village of Maimará, and one of the highlights of the place is the Grande River or Río Grande. The river generally remains dry during the winter, but it is full to the brim during summer. The area attracts a large number of tourists from Argentina as well as other countries of the world.

The primary attraction of the valley is its 200 archaeological sites, and the valley is a haven for historians. All these historical sites are pre-Hispanic and pre-Incan sites and are symptomatic of the pre-Hispanic civilization of the region. Some of the important sites of historical importance in the valley are Uquia, Chulin, Coctaca and Penas Blancas. There are also other important sites in the region that include the Regional Archaeological Museum and the Independent Monument.

                             

So this is the first review of the Quebrada de Humahuaca. Quite remarkable, as it is well on the beaten track for both overland South America travellers (it's close to the Bolivian-Argentine border) and regular Argentinian holidaymakers. Think of a sanitized version of the Andes, in a Colorado/Arizona landscape. I stayed here for four days, both in Purmamarca and Tilcara, and drove up and down the valley in a rental car. 

The Quebrada has a relatively high population density, in which it differs from the many other valleys around Salta. The town of Purmamarca (population: 360) is quiet though: earthen roads, low adobe buildings, the smell of wood smoke in the streets in the evening and early morning, scarce street lighting. It's a great little town to stay in. Its major landmark is the Seven Coloured Hill, where the town is exactly located in front of. The natural scenery is one of the major assets of the Quebrada de Humahuaca in general.

It wasn't put on the World Heritage List for its natural beauty however. It's a 'cultural route', used by everyone from hunter-gatherers to independent Argentina. The tracks of the early groups aren't very easy to spot for the casual visitor. Most of what is visibly left dates from the Spanish colonial times and later. 

Driving north, the first historical building you encounter is the Posta de Hornillos. This is a 16th century post for travellers to rest, modelled after the oriental karavanserais. It is now turned into a museum about the history of travel along these roads.

Next is the very white Capilla de San Francisco de Paula, in the town of Uquia. It has a large golden altar and was constructed in the mudejar style that so often is seen here.

Even more north is Humahuaca. This is a relatively large town now catering mostly to backpackers on a stopover. One can almost feel the Bolivian atmosphere here in the streets, it's that far north. Humahuaca is home to the lovely ruin of the Torre de Santa Barbara (once a fort, now moved), and an enormous Heroes of the Independence Monument that dwarves everything else in town.

Besides historical importance, the valley is also renowned for its spectacular natural beauty. It is a unique cultural landscape in the world. The indigenous towns of the zone conserve religious beliefs, rites, celebrations, art, agricultural music and techniques that are a living patrimony. You can enjoy the sights of fascinating natural wonders along with breathtaking natural sceneries. The beauty of the place is at its pinnacle during early mornings as the colors look more vivid and there is no wind.

Like I already wrote, the pre-Hispanic sites are more difficult to find. I found that I had to make an effort and braved a visit to Coctaca on my own. Coctaca is mentioned as one of the very few specific places in the nomination files. It supposedly has spectacular terraced agricultural lands that show all about how farming locally was and is done. The only thing I noticed however was an extremely difficult unpaved road to drive, lots of cactuses and a town that seemed uninhabited. There were some stone demarcations visible between the fields, but I didn't really get where to look at. You should really hire a local guide to visit here.



A more spiced up pre-Hispanic remain is the Pucará of Tilcara. A Pucará was a fortified village, in which the inhabitants defended themselves against the many invaders (and neighbours). The one at Tilcara is almost completely restored. This didn't make ICOMOS happy, but I enjoyed my visit a lot. The Quebrada de Humahuaca (as most of the cultural landscapes on the list) lacks major sights and I'm glad that Tilcara at least made an effort to make its precolumbian history come alive. The houses and communal buildings were made of dry stone. The relatively large settlement, on top of a hill, is largely complete. There are explanatory signs in Spanish and English too. 

Quebrada de Humahuaca covers an area of 1,500 km.

It became a UNESCO World Heritage Site on 2 July, 2003.

The name quebrada means a deep valley.

Quebrada de Humahuaca is located north of Jujuy. You can take a flight from Buenos Aires to Jujuy. Jujuy has a good network of public transportation. Thus you can easily reach Quebrada de Humahuaca, once you reach Jujuy.

Spring season (September to November) is the best time to visit Quebrada de Humahuaca as you would encounter neither the scorching heat of summer nor the coldness of winter.

Near by Attractions:  Serranias del Hornocal, Monumento a los Heroes de la Independencia, Iglesia de la Candelaria y San Antonio, and Santa Cruz y San Francisco.

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Khajuraho Temples - Madhya Pradesh

Khajuraho, the ancient Kharjjura-vahaka represent today a distinct pattern of art and temple architecture of its own reminding one of the rich and creative period it witnessed during the Chandella rule. It was the principal seat of authority of the Chandella rulers who adorned it with numerous tanks, scores of lofty temples of sculptural grace and architectural splendour. The local tradition lists eighty-five temples but now only twenty-five are standing examples in various stages of preservation. But for Chausath-Yogini, Brahma and Mahadeva which are of granite, all the other temples are of fine grained sandstone, buff, pink or pale yellow in colour.

                                

Yasovarman (AD 954) built the temple of Vishnu, now famous as Lakshmana temple is an ornate and evolved example of its time proclaiming the prestige of the Chandellas.

The Visvanatha, Parsvanatha and Vaidyanatha temples belong to the time of king Dhanga, the successor of Yasovarman. The Jagadambi, Chitragupta, are noteworthy among the western group of royal temples of Khajuraho. The largest and grandest temple of Khajuraho is the immortal Kandariya Mahadeva which is attributed to king Ganda (AD 1017-29). The other examples that followed viz., Vamana, Adinatha, Javari, Chaturbhuj and Duladeo, are smaller but elaborately designed. 

The Khajuraho groups of temples are noted for lofty terraces (jagati) and functionally effective plans comprising of an ardhamandapa, acting as entrance generally adorned with makara torana and kakshasana, the mandapa, as the hall with antarala leading to garbha griha or sanctum. The larger temples have mahamandapas in front of the ardhamandapa. They also have minor shrines at four corners and thus categorized as pancayatana. The exterior of the temples are richly decorated. In contrast, Javari and Brahma temples are simpler creations.

The temples are grouped into western, eastern, and southern sections. Inside the temples are detailed carvings and sculptures depicting scenes from life, such as war, marriage, symbols of spirituality, every day life, and all kinds of life forms. Various temples are dedicated to gods like Shiva, Surya, and Lord Vishnu.

The eastern group of temples comprise of the Brahma Temple,Vamana and Javari Temples, Parshvanatha Temple, Ghantai Temple, Adinatha Temple and Shantinatha Temple. The southern group includes just two temples – the Dhuladeo temple, and the renowned Chaturbhuj temple.

                      

Kandariya Mahadeva temple is a temple which is famous throughout the world. It is has the highest spire in Khajuraho boasting a size of 30.5 meters.

Representing a unique artistic creation, the Lakshamana temple features sculptures of Lord Vishnu and his incarnations as Lord Narasimha, Lord Varaha, and Bhagvan Vamana. The statue of goddess Lakshmi stands in between Lord Brahma and Lord Vishnu. There is also a statue of goddess Durga killing the devil Mahishasur.

The temples of Khajuraho are mostly famous for their erotic art. The sculptures of nymphs grooming themselves or indulging in sexual games can be seen on both the inner and outer walls of the temples.

The Khajuraho Temples were built between 950 and 1050 AD.

The temples cover an area of about six square kilometers in the town.

The temples are among India’s “Seven Wonders”.

The Khajuraho Temples are a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

The creators of Khajuraho claimed descent from the moon. The legend that describes the origin of this great dynasty is a fascinating one: Hemavati, the beautiful young daughter of a Brahmin priest was seduced by the moon god while bathing in the Rati one evening. The child born of this union between a mortal and a god was a son, Chandravarman. Harassed by society, the unwed mother sought refuge in the dense forest of Central India where she was both mother and guru to her young son.

 The boy grew up to found the great Chandela dynasty. When he was established as a ruler, he had a dream-visitation from his mother, who implored him to build temples that would reveal human passions, and in doing so bring about a realization of the emptiness of human desire. Chandravarman began the construction of the first of the temples, successive rulers added to the fast growing complex.

                                        

The Khajuraho Temples are located in the city of Khajuraho, in the state of Madhya Pradesh, India. You can reach Khajuraho by train, car or by air. Khajuraho Airport is just two kilometers south of Khajuraho town. You can also take a taxi to reach Khajuraho.

The months from September through March are recommended as the best months to visit the Khajuraho Temples. Summers in the state are fairly hot, so winter is considered a better option. The annual Khajuraho dance festival takes place in spring every year.

The Khajuraho temple complex opens from 8:00 am to 6:00 pm.

The entry ticket for Indian visitors cost Rs. 10 per person and for foreign visitors, it is $10 per person (to be paid in Indian currency).

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Ajanta Caves - Maharashtra

The Ajanta Caves in Aurangabad district of Maharashtra were once used as a Buddhist monastery, with hundreds of teachers and students. The caves were constructed in two phases, the first beginning around the 2nd century BC. The second phase began in the 5th century AD, and saw some modernization of the existing caves as well as the creation of temples and many of the paintings and carvings, as decoration became more popular. After this, the caves were abandoned and mostly forgotten. John Smith, a British Army Officer in the Madras Regiment, discovered the caves in 1819 when he was on a tiger hunt. 

                              

Tourists visit these 30 remaining caves to view the religious art and wall murals inside the caves. The caves comprise of living areas, stupas, carvings and paintings. Out of these 30 caves, the cave numbers 9, 10, 19, 26, and 29 are chaitya-grihas and the remaining are monasteries. Many of the paintings in the Ajanta caves date back to the period second century BC to 6th centuryAD. All paintings are strongly inspired by the life of Lord Buddha. The paintings are made on a ground of mud-plaster in the mural painting technique.

 The base of the paintings was built with a rough layer of iron oxide mixed sand, paddy husk, vegetable fibres, grass and other fibrous material of organic origin. The second coat was of fine mud mixed with ferruginous earth or sand. Finally, a thin coat of lime was applied upon this surface. Bold lines were made drawn over the painting area and then spaces were filled with the respective colors. Different shades of terra verte, kaolin, lamp black, red and yellow ochre, lime, gypsum, and lapis lazuli were applied. In the pre-Christian era, Lord Buddha was represented symbolically in the form of a stupa. 

Thus some of the earlier caves were found to have stupas. However, in the later periods the images of Buddha were inscribed upon various items including coins. Thus, the caves of the second phase exhibit statues and paintings of Lord Buddha.


The Ajanta caves were designated as a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1983.

The excavated caves are found to be in a horseshoe pattern.

The chief subject of paintings in the caves is the representation of several Jataka stories and events from the life of Buddha.

The main paintings in the caves have been made with the help of a glue-like binding agent and thus are not frescoes.

The devotees of Buddha painted 547 poems on to the walls of the caves.

The Ajanta caves are located on the rocky cliff off a gorge along the Waghora River, just 55 km from Jalgaon city, Maharashtra. The nearest large city is located about 100 kilometers from the cave, and is called Aurangabad. Presently, the nearest airport to the caves is the Aurangabad airport. However, Jalgaon has also developed its own airport which will be functional soon. Currently, you can reach Jalgaon via train.

                     


Winter, from November through February, is the best time to visit the Ajanta caves, with comfortable weather that never gets extreme. The monsoon season lasts from June to October and can be very wet, making it a bad choice for a visit.

The caves open from 9:00 am to 5:30 pm on Tuesdays to Sundays. The caves are also open on all national holidays.


The entry to the Ajanta caves is free for Indians below 15 years of age. For Indians above 15 years of age, the ticket costs INR10 per head. For foreigners the entry ticket costs US $5.  

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Golden Temple, Amritsar

The Golden Temple, also called Sri Harmandir Sahib (meaning Temple of God), is a Sikh Gurdwara (place of worship), built by the fifth guru of the Sikhs, Guru Arjan Dev. The temple was constructed from 1588 to 1604, when it was completed with the installation of the sacred religious text, the Guru Granth Sahib.

As advised by Sri Guru Amar Dass Ji (3rd Sikh Guru), Sri Guru Ram Dass Ji (4th Sikh Guru) started the digging of Amrit Sarovar ( Holy Tank )  of Sri Harmandir Sahib in 1577 A.D., which was later on brick-lined by Sri Guru Arjan Dev Ji (5th Sikh Guru) on December 15, 1588 and He also started the construction of Sri Harimandir Sahib. Sri Guru Granth Sahib (scripture of the Sikhs), after its compilation, was first installed at Sri Harimandir Sahib on August 16, 1604 A.D. A devout Sikh, Baba Budha Ji was appointed its first Head Priest.

The Golden Temple Amritsar India (Sri Harmandir Sahib Amritsar) has a unique Sikh architecture. Built at a level lower than the surrounding land level, The Gurudwara teaches the lesson of egalitarianism and humility. The four entrances of this holy shrine from all four directions, signify that people belonging to every walk of life are equally welcome.

After Afghan attacks in the mid-eighteenth century destroyed parts of the temple, it was rebuilt in 1764. In the early nineteenth century, the building was decorated and covered in gold by Maharaja Ranjit Singh, earning the temple its nickname the Golden Temple.

                                      

The Golden Temple is surrounded by a lake called the Sarovar, which contains Amrit, holy water, (also referred to as immortal nectar). The sarovar also has a miraculous site called Dukh Bhanjani Beri. The legend associated with this Beri is that Duni Chand Khatri, a rich landlord of Patti town had five daughters. One day he asked them who provided them meals. To which four of the elder daughters replied that their father is their benefactor and provides them meals. But, the youngest one named Rajni said that God sustains all living beings. Hearing this Duni Chand got enraged and he got her married to a leper. She loved her husband and took care of him. Around that time Guru Ram Das Ji was building a new city at Amritsar. 

                     

Rajni took her husband to Amritsar. She met the devotees of the Guru who pitied her situation and gave her a room to live. She was assigned the duty of cooking meals in the common kitchen. She used to bring her husband along while she went to join her duty. She used to make him sit under a shady tree and go to the kitchen. One day she left him under a Ber tree. Her husband, the leper saw crows plunging in the pool and transforming from black to white. He understood that this wasn’t ordinary water. He reached near the pond and dipped into the water. He became healthy and was no longer a leper. He again sat under the tree. Rajni wasn’t able to recognize him. The young man convinced her and the couple went to tell Guru Ram Das ji about the pool. Hearing this Guru Ram Das ji told Baba Buddha ji, the head priest of the temple, that this pond was the place that Guru Amar Das ji had anticipated. As the tree relieves afflictions and pains, it is known as Dukh Bhanjani Beri.

There are four entrances to the temple, symbolizing the openness of the temple, which welcomes people from all directions and ways of life. The Golden Temple is a holy place for Sikhs and a place of worship.

1) The Golden Temple was constructed in the 16th century (from 1588 to 1604).

2)  It is visited by more than 100,000 people every day.

3) The top of the Golden Temple is made purely of gold.

4) In the community kitchen at the temple, around 75,000 devotees take langar (meals) daily.

The Golden Temple is located in the city of Amritsar in Punjab, India. Amritsar is located in northwestern India, and is the spiritual and cultural center for the Sikh religion. Amritsar is well connected by the rest of India via a fine network of transportation. Sri Guru Ram Dass Jee International Airport is located just 11 kilometers northwest of the city of Amritsar. You can also reach the holy city Amritsar by train or by bus. At the airport, railway station and bus stand, you will get taxis, autos and rickshaws to take you to the Golden Temple.

In terms of climate, winter, spring and autumn are a good time to visit the Golden Temple. The season lasts from October to March. Other good times to visit the temple are during holidays and festivals. The second week of April is the Vaisakhi festival, and other holidays include the martyrdom day of Guru Teg Bahadur ji, and the birthday of Guru Nanak Dev ji. During Diwali, the festival of light, the temple is illuminated with lamps, lights, and fireworks. The popularity of the temple makes it crowded throughout the year.                    

                              

 Jallianwala Bagh, Durgiana Temple, Maha Raja Ranjit Singh’s Statue, Akal Takht, Baba Atal, Gurudwara Lohgarh Amritsar, Ramsar Sahib, Gurudwara Dera Baba Nanak, Gurudwara Taran Taran, Gurudwara Khadur Sahib, Ram Tirath Temple, Mandir Mata Lal Devi, and Wagah Border.

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Vivekanandha Rock Memorial Hall - Kanyakumari

 History of Tamilnadu :      

                   History of Tamilnadu is the land of the Tamil's and it has a history that dates back to several thousand years. It is a land where traditions and culture blend and continue to live in harmony. The state abounds in monuments and temples that are ancient and each has its own story of religious, artistic and cultural accomplishment and specialty waiting to be heard.    

                        Are there answers to be found on its beaches and hill stations as they welcome the traveler? We are sure you will form your own opinions and have your own perceptions as we welcome you to this enchanting and ancient Dravidian land, in the extreme south of peninsular India.            

          Tamilnadu has a long coastline that stretches nearly 1000 kms. The Coromandel Coast, along the Bay of Bengal, boasts of many ideal locations for sun and surf. Golden sands of the beach are dotted with coconut palms. The sea washes ashore pebbles, shells and the gentle breeze sways the yachts and catamarans into the deeper waters of the sea and the waters form small dunes on the shore.               

                    Crabs play hide-and-seek by coming out of one burrow, and taking refuge in another. Sea gulls hover in the sky and then rest on the sails of the fishing boats. There are many more breathtaking sights that will please you and hold you spell bound in Tamil Nadu. 
  
What to See in Tamilnadu :                

            Tamil Nadu, best known for its cultural heritage and divine historic temples, is a unique and captivating in its own right. The rich artistic and architectural heritage of Tamil Nadu makes it an ideal destination for those who love history. Given below are some of the most popular historic places that one must not miss out when in Tamil Nadu.   

                 Tamilnadu Wonders touch various themes like Wildlife Tourism, Tamilnadu Pilgrimage Tourism, Tamil Nadu Hill Stations, Honeymoon Destinations, Beaches in Tamilnadu and many more. 

 Vivekanandha Rock Memorial Hall : 

An impressive memorial to Swami Vivekananda has been built on a rock situated some 400m offshore. In fact, there are two rocks side by side projecting out of the sea. The rock is approachable only by boat which provides a pleasure cruise into the sea.

Swami Vivekananda came down to Kanyakumari on 24.12.1892 before his departure for Chicago to participate in the World Religious Conference in 1893. He sat on meditation on this rock for two days and became powerful spiritual leader and philosopher. The Memorial inaugurated in 1970 and is a blend of various architectural styles of India. It is an architectural masterpiece. The Memorial was constructed in 2081 working days with an average of 650 men working. The Memorial consists of two main structures.

The entire Memorial Mandapam is similar to that of Sri Ramakrishna Temple at Belur, and the entrance is designed on the Ajanta and Ellora cave temples’ style. Below the dome in the main hall there is a life-size bronze statue of Swamiji in his standing ‘Parivarjak’ posture. Adjoining the main hall is the Dhyana Mandapam, where devotees can sit and meditate in a serene atmosphere.

This 180’-11 ½ ‘ X 56’ Mandapam consists of (1) Dhyana Mandapam, i.e., Meditation Hall with six adjacent rooms (2) Sabha Mandapam or the Assembly Hall including Pralima Mandapam (statue section) two rooms, a corridor and an open Prakaram round the Sabha Mandapam (3) Mukha Mandapam (Portion) and (4) the Front Entrance steps with two rooms and a corridor below the steps.

                               

                Vivekananda Memorial Rock is a place in Kanyakumari, India about 500 meters away from mainland (at the southernmost tip) of India which attracts large number of tourists. This memorial stands on one of two rocks separated by about 70 meters. It was built in 1970.    It is a sacred monument, built by the Vivekananda Rock Memorial Committee in hon our of the visit of the great social reformer Swami Vivekananda to Shripada Parai during the month of December 1892 for deep meditation and enlightenment. 


                He swam to this rock from the main land for meditation. In fact the enlightment which he attained on the rock lit up his path and transformed the simple monk into a great reformer, and one of the greatest philosophers that the world has known.   From very ancient times, the rock has been regarded as sacred place. The mythical tradition states that, it has been known as "Sripada Parai" meaning the rock, that has been blessed by the touch of "the sacred feet" of the Devi Kumari.

             On the rock, is a projection similar in form to a human foot and a little brownish in complexion, which has traditionally, been venerated as a symbol of Shripadam. According to legend, it was on this rock that Devi kumari did Austerity.

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