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Gorakhnath Temple |
Gorakhnath Temple
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Gorakhnath Temple |
The main temple is rectangular in shape with a huge hall, supported by round pillars. It is the Peeth (centre) of the Nath sect. The plinth is about half metre high. In the Garbhgrih (Sanctum) of the temple, the idol of Guru Gorakshnath in meditation posture is seated on the white marble platform. His Charan Padukas (footwear) have been kept near his meditation site. Literary sources reveal that the structure & shape of the temple has changed over a period of time but it has been able to retain its original shape despite several attempts to demolish it during the Mughal period. It was rebuilt in 1896. The present form of the temple is credited to Late Mahant Digvijay Nath & Mahant Aweiydya Nath. They gave a new look to the temple & to the premises.
The sacred pond (Mansarovar), situated in the south east part of the temple, has been converted into a boating place by the temple authorities. While the temple witnesses regular stream of devotees, their number increases many times on every Tuesday & Saturday. The place is particularly overcrowded on the Jan. 14th of every year when Khichari Mela, the main festival of the temple, is celebrated every year. The King of Nepal also occasionally visits this temple during this festival. A Charitable Hospital (started on 16th July 2003), Sanskrit Vidyapeeth, Hostel, Yoga Training Centre, Meditation Centre, Old Age Home & a Gym have also been started in the temple premises. Prayers (Arties) are performed thrice a day -early morning, mid day & in the evening. Many verses of guru Gorakhnath along with their explanation are inscribed on marble plaques installed there in.
Gita Vatika
Location | About 4 km. from railway station on Jail Road, near Asuran Ckowk, Shapur, the northern part of Gorakhpur, U.P., India |
Phone | +91-551-2283237 |
Ideal time | Throughout the year, especially during Radha Ashtami celebrations, opens on all days |
Attractions | Religious |
How to reach | Hire a cycle rickshaw or auto rickshaw from Dharmshala market area |
Geeta Vatika |
Gita Vatika, spread over 5.2 acres, is situated in the northern part of
the city. It has been established by the founder editor of Kalayan,
Swami Hanuman Prasad Poddar, who lived here for 45 years and established
the Hanuman Prasad Poddar Memorial Samiti.
The Samiti has set up a Shri
Radha Krishna Meditation Centre and built a magnificent temple of Sri
Radha Krishna in Naagra style of north India. 'Hare Ram & Hare
Krishna' chanting, started from 1968, is still continuing day and night.
Recently a majestic Mandap (canopy) has been constructed for this
purpose.
The Samadhi of Hanuman Prasad Poddar, his wife and Samadhi of head priest of the temple- Radha Baba (Saint) is also situated within the premises. Radha Baba has established "Giriraj" in the temple premises. On the day after Deepawali devotees flock here to worship 'Giriraj' and offer "Annakoot". Radha Ashtmi is celebrated here when a large number of devotees visit the temple. A Cancer Hospital managed by the same samiti, is also situated adjacent to the Gita Vatika building
Gita Press
Location | About 4 km from railway station in the old part of the city on Gita Press road, Gorakhpur, U.P., India |
Ideal time | Throughout the year especially during Geeta Jayanti week |
Timings | 8:30am-5pm |
Attractions | Hindu mythological literature |
How to reach | Hire a cycle rickshaw or auto rickshaw from Dharmshala locality of the city |
Phone | +91-551-2331250, 2334721 |
Fax | +91-551-2336997 |
Website/Email | www.gitapress.org/ email-booksales@gitapress.org |
Prestigious Gita Press is one of the biggest attractions and oldest treasure of Gorakhpur and is a must visit. It was established in 1923, by Brahmalina Shri Jayadayalji Goenka, a spiritually inclined person. The main objective of Gita Press is to promote & spread the principles of Sanatana Dharma among general public. It is famous throughout the country and abroad for the printing and publication of low cost books of Indian culture & civilization and scriptures pertaining to Indian Philosophy, so as to reach the masses at highly subsidized rates. It is one of the world's largest publishers of Hindu religious texts. Its literature is widely read and is available at the press and on its many sales counters that are spread all over the country including all the important railway stations. Mobile vans are also selling the press publications to masses. Since its establishment the Gita Press has published & sold more than 370 million copies of various Hindu religious books. | |
A new modern AC showroom has also come up in front of the main gate of the Gita Press. Handloom-textiles are also sold here on subsidized rates. The Governing Council (Trust Board) manages the institution. |
During the Gita Jaynti week the Chitra Mandir is decorated magnificently. In the large hall of this gallery, rare collection of various volumes of Srimad Bhagawat Gita and other scriptures from the research library are exhibited on special occasions like Gita Jayanti day, the day on which Lord Krishna pronounced Gita.
There is an enchanting statue of Lord Krishna on the chariot, preaching Arjun, located at the gate. Dr. Rajendra Prasad, the first President of India, inaugurated this gate on April 29th 1955. Satyamvad, Dharamamchar (speak truth and practice dharma), this is the inscription at the main gate of Gita press. Situated in the old city, Gita Press is meant not only for publication of religious books but it is also a mission conceived by late Jayadayalji Goenka. Gita Press had a humble beginning in a small rented room in Urdu Bazaar (Old market) with just three tendril machines and a few workers. Initially the press published its work mainly in Sanskrit, Hindi & English but now books are published in Telugu, Gujrati, Tamil Oriya, Bengali, Assamese, Kannada & Marathi.
The famous monthly magzine Kalyan (being published since 1927), has an estimated subscription of 2.35 lakh per month. Its English version Kalyana-Kaptaru has also been published since 1934. Information about latest releases & essays are provided in the house magazine 'Yug Kalyan'.Shri Hanuman Prasad Poddar is especially remembered as the life time editor of Kalyan monthly magazine.
Gita press is part of the Govind Bhawan Karyalaya, Kolkata. Ayurved Sansthan, Rishikesh (producer of Ayurvedic medicines), Gita Press Sewa Dal (relief organization for natural calamities), Hast Nirmit Vastra Vibhag (producer of handloom cloths), Gita Bhawan Rishikesh, Rishikul-Brahmcharya Ashram (Vedic School, Churu, Rajasthan) are affiliated to this organization.
Taramandal - Planetarium
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Taramandal Gorakhpur |
With the establishment of Planetarium here, Gorakhpur has joined the
exclusive club of astronomical facilities. It is located in the newer
township area of Ramgarh Tal Pariyojana at a distance of 5 km from
railway station.
This planetarium has been attracting horde of visitors
from all around. It is a new source of amusement & knowledge to the
locals & makes a unique experience. The planetarium opens from
11am-5pm, and 4 shows, of 45 minutes each, are held here every day
except on Mondays.
Vishnu Mandir
Location | About 3 km from railway station, at Asuran Chowk, on Medical College road, Gorakhpur, U.P., India |
Ideal time | Throughout the year, Thursday when special pooja is performed, during Dushehra festival |
Timings | 6am-12noon & 3pm-8:30pm, opens on all days |
Attractions | Religious |
How to reach | Hire a cycle rickshaw or auto rickshaw from Dharmshala locality of the city |
Vishnu Mandir, Gorakhpur |
The famous temple, associated with God Vishnu, was constructed in 12th
Century.
A large Idol of God Vishnu made of 'Kasauti' stone is located
inside the temple.
Ramleela is organized during Dushehra festival here
and the procession is grand and in a very traditional way and it fetches
a large tourist gathering.
Idols of the deities of major shrines of
Hindus-viz. Badrinath, Jaganathpuri, Dwarika & Rameshwaram are
installed in the four corners of the temple.
Buddha Museum
Location | About 5 km south east of railway station & bus station in the Ramgarh Tal project area, Gorakhpur, U.P., India |
Ideal time | Throughout the year |
Timings | 10am-5pm, closed on Monday, second Sunday of every month & Gazetted holidays |
Phone | +91-551-2230162 |
Attractions | Archaeological |
How to reach | Hire a cycle rickshaw from any part of the city. |
Buddha Museum, Gorakhpur |
Presently four galleries are on display in the museum. About 2023 pieces of metal and stone sculptures, terracotta, potteries, thankas, miniature paintings etc. have been displayed in the galleries.
The first gallery consists of Buddhist and Jain Art objects, ranging from Kushan period to medieval period. Sculptures of Mathura and Gandhara schools represent various events of Buddha's life. Fantastically decorated inscribed Jain Ayagapatta, Thirthankar Mahavira, Parshwanath are also on display in the gallery.
In the second gallery, miniature paintings of Rajasthani, Pahari and Bundi style are on display. In the third gallery Hindu sculptures are displayed which are very useful for iconographical study. In the fourth gallery terracotta from various Buddhist sites like Sarnath, Rajdhani, Kopia and other places are on display. Animal figures, pots, seals, Suka-Sarika, eight headed Ganesha, dakini (a baby eater), human figures ranging from Maurayan period down to Gupta period certainly deserve appreciation from the visitors.
Vinod Van Zoo
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Vinod Van, Kushmi forest, Gorakhpur |
Vinod Van is located far away from the city inside quiet Kusmhi forest. A
zoo is also the part of this park where some animals like deer, snakes,
antelopes and rabbits are kept to attract children. A children corner
with many swings & playing space surrounded by the forest area make
this spot an ideal picnic spot especially for school children. It has a
comfortable rest house with a charming ground.
Surya Mandir - Suraj Kund
Location | About 6 km from railway station, in Suraj Kund Colony, Gorakhpur, U.P., India |
Ideal time | Throughout the year, on the following day of Deepawali festival, when all the stairs of the pond are lit by thousands of earthen lamps, during Chhat Pooja (festival of Sun), Shivratri & Nagpanchmi fair |
Timings | 10:30am-4:30pm, opens on all days |
Attractions | Religious |
How to reach | Hire a cycle rickshaw from any part of the city. |
Surya Mandir, Suraj Kund, Gorakhpur |
The main temple is located in the middle of the tank & is surrounded by water from all sides.
It is one of the 26 Surya Kund of the Country and it is believed to be the worshipping & resting places of Lord Ram. Presently Kali temple, Annapurna temple & Ram Sita temple do exist here.
About 100-125 years ago, Baba Muneshwar Das, who was an ardent worshipper of Lord Sun, is said have dug the present Suraj Kund (tank) himself to initiate the worshipping of Lord Sun & Lord Laxmi Narayan.
Budhiya Mai Mandir
Location | About 8 km from railway station, on NH-28 towards eastern part of Gorakhpur, U.P.,India | |
Ideal time | Throughout the year, especially during Navratri | |
Attractions | Religious | |
How to reach | Hire a cycle rickshaw or auto rickshaw from Golghar area of the city. |
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Bhudhiya Mai Mandir |
This temple, located on opposite side of Vinod Van, is nestled in very
quiet surroundings and dedicated to the Goddess called Budhiya Mai.
Though the temple is small; yet a large number of devotees come here for
worshipping especially during Navaratri.
Devotees cook here first and
the same is offered to the deity & taken back as Prasad. Instead of
red Chunari (headgear); white Chunari is offered to the deity here.
Railway Museum
Location | About 1 km from Gorakhpur railway station, near railway golf course, House No.5, Railway Colony, Gorakhpur, U.P., India |
Timings | Tuesday-Sunday: 12noon-9pm, Monday closed |
Entry Fee | Rs. 5, Rs. 10 for toy train (up 12 year old only) |
Ideal time | Throughout the year |
How to reach | Hire a cycle rickshaw from any part of the city |
Christ Church
Christ Church Gorakhpur |
Presently, Gorakhpur has eight churches but oldest among them is the
Christ Church, situated in Civil lines, Gorakhpur, U.P. at a distance of
about 3 km from Gorakhpur railway station, between St. Andrew Degree
College & St. Andrews Inter College, at the crossing called Shashtri
Chowk.
This church was built in 1825, by private subscription. It has
retained the original glory without any renovation till date. Christmas,
Easter and New Year are celebrated here. (Timings-7-10am, opens only on
Sundays) The church can be accessed by hiring a cycle rickshaw from any
part of the city.
Neer Nikunj- Water & Amusement Park
Location | Champa Devi Park, near Circuit house road, Paidleyganj, Gorakhpur, U.P. and is about 3 km from railway station |
Timings | 10am-10pm (15th April-15th July), 10am-8pm (March-August), opens on all days/td> |
Phone | +91-9235251491 |
amusement@gmail.com | |
Web | www.neernikunj.com |
Entry Fee | Rs. 50 & Rs. 350 for Water Park, on holidays Rs. 400 |
Ideal time | Throughout the year (except in rainy season) |
How to reach | Hire a cycle rickshaw from any part of the city |
Neer Nikunj Water Park Gorakhpur |
Amusement park is equipped with- bowling alley, shooting range, toy train, paint ball, go carting, dance floor, musical rides, merry go round, bull rides, caterpillar and many more. Food outlets, activity games, gaming arcade are other attractions of the park. Banquet hall & a lawn are also there for company/corporate meetings & other functions.
Hanuman Mandir
Hanuman Mandir Gorakhpur |
This is one of the old temples of Gorakhpur and Lord Hanuman is the main
deity of the temple. The temple is located on Hanuman Mandir road, in
Betiahata locality of Gorakhpur, U.P. and opens from 4am-9pm on all
days.
Tuesday is considered auspicious when visitors number increases
manifold. Hanuman Jayanti, Dushehra & Navratri are celebrated here.
(Phone- +91-9455828713)
Kali Mandir
Kali Mandir Gorakhpur |
The temple is located in Golghar, the main market area of Gorakhpur, on
station road, near Police Line. It opens from 5am-12pm & 2pm-12pm.
Morning & Evening Arties are held at 7am & 7:15pm (Summer) and
7:30am & 7:30pm (Winter) respectively. Dushehra & Navratri are
celebrated here. During this period the number of devotees increases
manifold.
Tarkulha Devi Temple
Location | 20 kms east of Gorakhpur City on Gorakhpur-Deoria road (SH-1), about 5 km from Chauri-Chaura, in Gorakhpur district, U.P., India |
Ideal time to visit | Monday, Friday, Fair of one Month during Chaitra Ramnavmi |
Attractions | Religious |
How to reach | Buses/Auto Rickshaw and taxis are available from Gorakhpur |
Tarkulha Devi Mandir Gorakhpur |
It is one of the major attractions around Gorakhpur. The name Tarkulha
derived its name from a local tree named 'Taad' abundantly found in the
area. This temple is not only popular among local people but is also
visited by the people from as far as Bihar, Bengal, M.P. &
Rajasthan.
There is one month long fair every year, starting from
Chaitra Ramnavmi (in the month of April) around this temple.
People come here to shop for their annual requirements of
spices and to enjoy different traditional shows organized during this
fair. This place is also associated with freedom fighter Bandhu Singh,
famous for his role
in Ist struggle for freedom in 1857.
Tarkulaha Devi was the
Isht Devi of freedom fighter Babu Bandhu Singh. There is also a memorial
built to honour Saheed (freedom fighter) Bandhu Singh located near the
temple.
Hey nice post about Gorakhpur! Really it is the beautiful destination and the different gorgeous places are the reason of attraction. If you are arriving here, you can hire a cab for the city visit and out station visit in Gorakhpur.
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