The third facet of Goddess Durga is ‘Chandraghanta‘, who is worshiped on the third day of Navratri, for peace, tranquility and prosperity in life. She has a ‘chandra’ or half moon in her forehead in the shape of a ‘ghanta’ or bell. That is why she is called ‘Chandraghanta‘. She is charming, has a golden bright complexion and rides a …

Kushmanda is the fourth form of the mother goddess and is worshiped on the fourth day of Navratri. The meaning of the name ‘Ku-shm-anda’ is as follows: ‘Ku’ = a little; ‘ushma’ = ‘warmth’; ‘anda’ = ‘the cosmic egg’. So she is considered the creator of the universe. The universe was no more than a void full of darkness, until …

The charismatic town Alwar is the gateway of Rajasthan. It is also known as the land of Tigers. The city derived its name from the Salva tribe and the name Alwar is the final outcome of deformation of Salwapur, as it was called earlier. Alwar Festival is the most popular festival in Alwar held from April 14 to April 15th annually …

General Reginald Dyer defending his actions on April 13, 1919, in Jallianwala Bagh How Reginald Dyer, the General who ordered Jallianwala Bagh massacre, was honoured by some Indians Jallianwala Bagh massacre by the British was one of the worst events in the history of India. As per British official records, 379 unarmed Indians were killed and 1100 were injured because …

Taj-ul-Masjid Bhopal, which literally means the ‘Crown of Mosques’, is one of the largest mosques in Asia. Spread across a sprawling campus, this imposing ‘dome of Allah’ is situated in Bhopal, the capital city of Madhya Pradesh. This pink edifice, embellished with white-dome minarets, is indeed a treat for every eye. Although Sultan Shah Jahan, Begum of Bhopal pioneered its …

Quwwat-ul-Islam is a unique example of the amalgamation of Hindu and Islamic art. The name of the mosque literally means ‘Might of Islam’. It is also known as the Qutb Mosque or the Great Mosque of Delhi and was the first to be constructed in Delhi after the Islamic invasion in India. This mosque was built by Qutb-ud-din-Aibak, the founder …

Colossal, surreal and beautiful, the mighty edifice of Jama Masjid is impressive enough to make you sit up and take notice of this sprawling edifice. The last architectural venture of Mughal Emperor Shah Jahan, Jama Masjid holds the reputation of being the biggest mosque in India. Located in Delhi, besides the famous Red Fort, Jama Masjid derives its name from …

Jamali Kamali Masjid is put up within the Archaeological Village complex in Mehrauli and houses a mosque and a tomb. Esteemed highly for its sanctimonious import, this mosque has been named after the Sufi saint Shaikh Fazlullah, better known as Jalal Khan or Jamali. The identity of Kamali, however, remains shrouded in mystery. Although the edifice was constructed in 1528-1529, …

Haji Ali is a revered Dargah (tomb) of the Muslims. Located on the brink of the shoreline of Worli Bay, this sacred shrine stands tall amidst sparkling blue sea as a mark of remembrance and reverence to Pir Haji Ali Shah Bukhari (R.A.). The mosque, which is apparently one of the most popular landmarks in Mumbai, was built in the …

Adhai Din Ka Jhonpra is one of the classic instances of religious vandalism, an outstanding example of an edifice built over the ruins of Jain temples. This famous mosque, situated on the border of Ajmer, is an inimitable example of primitive Indo-Islamic architecture. Constructed by Muhammad Ghori, Adhai Din Ka Jhonpra has a slew of interesting legends to its name. …