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Dictionary Of Hindu Religion |
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Aanart Desh - [Bhaagvat Puraan, 10/u17] - Present Gujarat, particularly Sauraashtra. Aaryaavart - Old name of the region of the south of the Himaalaya, and north of the Vindhya mountains where Aarya lived and ruled. Afgaanistaan - (Aangiras, p 47-48) The word Afgaan has been derived from from the Sanskrit word "Aashwakaayan". During Rig Vaidik age Afganistaa was the part of Sapt-Sindhu (seven seas) country and was Hindu. Rig Ved mentions Pakht people participating in Daash Raaj war. These Pakht were the ancestors of Pathaan of modern times. They still remember their old name and call themselves Pakhtoon. During Maurya rule, the entire Afgaanistaan was within the empire of Maurya kings. In the 2nd century AD, Ptolemy; in the 5th century AD, Faahiyaan; and in the 7th century AD Huen Tsaang, have described Afgaanistaan a part of India. Durin this people the people of Afgaanistaan were Buddhists and they had either a Hindu or a Buddhist king. Recent excavations have substantial evidence to confirm that Afgaanistaan was a part of India. Khotaan city was named after the name of Kustan, the son of king Ashok. Historians believe that famous Changez Khaan of 13th century AD was a Buddhist. Ajmer - [Bhavishya Puraan, 3/18] Vayahaani (Chapahaani or Chauhaan) inhabited this city built by Brahmaa Jee. "Aj" means Brahmaa; "m" means Lakshmee. Lakshmee Jee built this city for Brahmaa that is why it was called Ajmer. Alakaa Puree - Capital of Kuber. Allahabad see Ilaahaabaad Amaraavatee Puree (see also Devadhaanee Puree) - Indra's living place in Swarg Lok. Amarkantak - A place of pilgrimage (Teerth). Peak of the immortals, situated in the Vindhya mountains. Amarnaath - The sacred cave in Kaashmeer containing Shiv Ling. This cave is situated at the height of 13,000 feet above sea level and is cut off in winter. The night of the Poornimaa (full Moon) of Shraavan Maas is considered the most auspicious. This Ling is made of ice. Ang
Desh Arbud (Aaboo) - Avantee Desh or Maalavaa - An ancient kingdom in the region of Madhya Pradesh with Ujjayinee as its capital. Present Ujjain. See Magadh Desh for its relative location. Avantee Pur - Present Ujjain. This name often appears in stories as a main city of activities, like "There lived a king in Avantee Pur.." or "He went to Avantee Pur.." etc. Avimukt Kshetra - Kaashee, or Vaaraanasee, or Banaaras. Ayodhyaa Nagaree - It was the capital of Soorya Vanshee kings of Koshal Desh. It is situated on the banks of Ghaagharaa River. Dasharath, Raam, etc kings were here. Nagnjit was also the king of Kosal Desh. His daughter Naagnjitee was married to Krishn. It is one of the seven Holy Cities - Ayodhyaa, Dwaarakaa, Haridwaar, Kaancheepuram, Mathuraa, Ujjain, and Vaaraanasee. Baalaajee see Tirupati (Temple) Baaranaavat - It is near Hastinaapur. This was the place where Duryodhan built Laakshaa Grih to burn Paandav. [Aangiras says, p 332, that it is near Vaaraanasee.] Badaree Kshetra - Badaree is the name, and Kshetra means a piece of land. 9Bhavishya, 3/30 gives another name to it - Vishaalaa. Badaree Naath Jee - One of the four Dhaam. This one is located in north in Himaalaya on the banks of River Dhauleegangaa. It is also known as Badarikaashram. Badaree Naath is another name of Vishnu. The story goes that in his previous incarnation, Arjun prayed as Nar to Naaraayan Vishnu here and asked for His companionship in his next birth. His prayer was granted Badaree Naath Jee and Arjun got the companionship of Shree Krishn. The other three Dhaam are Jagannaath Puree (in Udeesaa), Raameshwaram (in Tamilnaadu), and Dwaarakaa Puree Jee (in Gujaraat). Among these four, three are the temples of Vishnu, only Raameshwaram is of Shiv Jee. Badaree Van - Badaree is the name, and Van means forest. It is a Teerth place and is often mentioned in context of people living there in their last days. It is the place for doing Tap also. Badarik Aashram see Badaree Naath Jee Banaaras see Vaaraanasee Barhishmatee Nagaree (present Bithoor) - It has been mentioned at many places. Bhaarat Varsh - The actual name of the country known through the world as India. It spreads 2,000 miles from north to south, and 1,800 miles west to east. To its north there is Himaalaya mountain range extending 1,500 miles; to its south it is surrounded by Arabian Sea, Bay of Bangaal which are the parts of Indian Ocean. This name is based on the name of the King Bharat (son of Dushyant and Shakuntalaa) who ruled India during the years 2550-2500 BC. Bhuj - Bhuj is situated towards the westside of Bhaarat Varsh. It was inhabited by Bhujvarmaa, the son of Shreepati. Bhuvaneshwar Bodhgayaa see Buddhgayaa Brahmaavart
Desh - On the banks of Saraswatee river. It is mainly the northern part
of Gangaa River which is spread from Bijnor to Prayaag and up to Naimish
Aranya in north. Brij - Brij Bhoomi (area) covers Mathuraa, Gokul, Vrindaa Van etc places where Krishn played His Leelaa (in UP). Buddhgayaa - Name of the place where Gautam Buddh attained enlightenment, also called Bodhgayaa. Ceylon see Shree Lankaa Champaa - The ancient name of Vietnaam. This country was ruled by Hindu kings from 300 AD to 1500 AD. Champaa Puree - Present Bhaagalpur, in Bihar. China - Mentioned in Mahaabhaarat. When Krishn came to Hastinaapur for peace proposal, Dhritraashtra wanted to give Him many costly gifts from various places. China is mentioned there as one of the places. Chitrakoot
- A location about 35 miles west to Jagadalpur, in MP, India, which
abounds in temples and attracts thousands of pilgrims every year. Ram, Lakshman and Seetaa stayed here for some time,
11 years, while in exile for 14 years. Tulasee Daas Jee had Raam's Darshan here
only with the help of Hanumaan Jee - Chole Desh - Once a powerful kingdom in southern India ruled by Chole clan - their region comprised f parts of what later became Taamil Naadu. The Chole kings were devotee of Shiv and they had built many Shiv temples throughout their kingdom. It is said that Chole kings spoke Telugoo language. For a long time the eastern coast of Bhaarat was called Cholemandal or Coromandal Coast (corrupted from the first one). Raajraaj (reign 985-1014 AD) and his son Raajendra (reign 1014-1044 AD) were great conquerors and extended their kingdoms beyond the shores of India. Dandak Van - Dandak is the name, and Van means forest. This place was inhabited by Dand, that is why its name is Dandak Van. According to Padm Puraan, p 119-120, Ikshwaaku's youngest son was very qualitative so he named him Dand and gave him the kingdom of Madhumatt between the two peaks of Vindhya Mountain. One spring, he met Shukraachaarya's daughter Arajaa and got attracted to her. He had her forcefully. Arajaa told everything to her father. Shukraachaarya cursed him that his everything would be destroyed and Indra would rain only dust for 7 days and 7 nights. Thus Dand's kingdom got destroyed within 1 year. Since then that place was called Dandak Van or Dandak Aranya. Raam lived here while He was in exile. It was extended between the rivers Godaavaree and Narmadaa in the southern MP and the northern Mahaaraashtra. Dev Nadee - Another name of Gangaa. Devadhaanee Puree - This is Indra's city and is located to the east of Meru Parvat. Devagarh - A place famous for sculpture on the walls of its temples made during Guptaa Period (350-550 AD). Dhanushkoti - The tip of the land beyond Raameshwaram, closest to Shree Lankaa, so called because it is shaped like a bow. Divine
Cities - (1) Chandramaa's Vibhaavaree Puree, located to the north of
Meru Parvat. (2) Yam Raaj's Sanyamanee Puree located to the south of
Meru Parvat. (3) Indra's Devadhaanee Puree located to the east of Meru
Parvat. (4) Varun's Nimlochanee Puree located to the west of Meru Parvat.
(5) Brahmaa's Shreedhaan Puree is on Meru Parvat, in which his palace's
name is Vairaaj, and in that palace is his court named Kaantimatee. Drishdwatee River - A River on Saptsindhu region, probably Chautang River of today in Hariyaanaa. Dwaarakaa Puree (see also Dwaarakaa) - It is a city surrounded by sea. It is one of the four Dhaam. The others are Badaree Naath Jee in UP, Raameshwaram (in Tamilnadu), and Jagannaath Puree (in Odeesaa). Krishn got it built by Vishwakarmaa when He wanted to save Mathuraa people from Jaraasandh, that is why it was built inaccessible to him in the midst of the sea. It was sunk at His order in the sea as He left this world. Dwaarvatee see Dwaarakaa Puree Dwait Van - Dwait is the name and Van means forest. Paandav lived here while they were in 12 years exile. Ekchakraa Nagaree - Here Paandav and Kuntee passed some time after they escaped from Baaranaavat - the Laakshaa Grih incident. Vidur asked them to live in hiding for some time to see everybody's reaction in Hastinaapur. Here Bheem killed the Raakshas named Bakaasur. Gaandhaar Desh - According to Agni Puraan, p 19, Bharat divided the area around Sindhu River in two Pradesh - Gaandhaar and Madra Desh and gave them to his two sons - Taksh and Pushkar. Dhritraashtra's wife Gaandhaaree came from this place. Northwest region of Saptsindhu, late it became a part of Afagaanistaan. At that time Subal was the king there, Shakuni was the prince. Gangaa River - The most sacred river for Hindu. The three most sacred cities, Haridwaar, Prayaag and Vaaraanasee are situated on its banks. It is sacred because its water is free from bacteria and c ould be kept for years. Originally Aarya lived in Saptsindhu area, west of the plain of Gangaa. As they moved to east, they found Gangaa and were thrilled to find it. The first Aarya King to discover it was Jahnu and the second was Bhageerath. That is why Gangaa is known as Jaahnavee and Bhaageerathee. Two fables
were created around the discovery of Gangaa. The first one was related
to Bhageerath, that he prayed Gangaa to descend from the Heaven. Gangaa
said - "I can come there but my force will be so much that the Earth
would become a great mudslide." Then Bhageerath prayed Shiv for its
solution. Shiv suggested that he would first receive it on his head and
then will release it with less force. And that is what he did. Another
story was around Jahnu and because of that it is called Jaahnavee -
daughter of Jahnu. Another story was written that the same Gangaa River
became the wife of the King Shaantanu, who bore him a son named Devavrat
(Bheshm). Gangaa Saagar - A place of pilgrimage where Gangaa River merges in the Bay of Bangaal. A holy dip there on Makar Sankraanti is considered by many of immense religious value. Gangotree - The place in Himaalaya mountains where Gangaa River emerges - source of Gangaa Gaud Desh - Mentioned in Padm Puraan, Paataal Khand, in the reference of Raam's Ashwamedh Yagya. It was situated on the banks of Kaaveree River. Gayaa - Gayaa is the city which Vishnunis said to have blessed with power to absolve all temporal sins in the same way as Vaaraanasee. This city is situated in present Bihar state and is famous for doing Shraaddh, oblations to forefathers especially during Aashwin Krishn Paksh (Pitra Paksh). Balaraam Jee also did Shraadh here while he was on his Teerth Yaatraa at the time of Mahaabhaarat war. Giri Raaj see Govardhan Parvat Giribraj - Jaraasandh was the king of Magadh Desh. It seems that Giribraj was his capital, because Krishn, Arjun and Bheem went there only to fight with him at the time of Raajsooya Yagya of Yudhishthir. Godaavaree - River in southern India. Gokarn - A holy site on Maalaabaar coast where pilgrims go to worship Shiv Jee. Gokul - Gokul is a village after crossing Yamunaa River from Mathuraa. Krishn was born in Mathuraa, Kans' prison, and was taken by His father Vasudev to Nand and Yashodaa's house in Gokul. It is located in UP. Gomatee - River in UP. Also original name of River Gomal in Paakistaan. Govardhan - A hill in Vrindaavan which was lifted on the pinky finger of left hand by Krishn when He was about 12 years old to save the people from devastating rain, thunder and flood Griddhkoot see Raajgrih Gurjar Desh - The present Gujaraat state. Haridwaar - One of the seven sacred cities of India. The sacred River Gangaa descends here from Himaalaya through Rishikesh, a small town just a few miles up the stream. Its old name is Maayaavatee. Many people go there to perform Shraaddh. Every year, every six year a bigger one, and every 12 yhears the biggest fair called Kumbh Melaa is held here, in Prayaag (Ilaahaabaad), Ujjain and Naasik on the day of Makar Sankraanti which falls on 13th or 14th January every year. From here, people go to Badaree Naath, Kedaar Naath, Gangotree, Yamunotree etc holy places. Hastinaapur - It was inhabited by Hastee named king. He was in the line of Dushyant ->Bharat ->Bhumanyu ->Suhotra ->Hastee. Its name is after the elephant. In fact Hasti means horse as well as elephant, but its elephant version is more popular. It was the capital of king Shaantanu, Dhritraashta, Duryodhan etc. Ilaahaabaad - Ilaahaabaad is not only famous for Sangam (Gangaa, Yamunaa and Saraswatee Rivers meet here) and Kumbh Melaa, it has a history also of its own. Indraavatee - Indore. Inhabited by Agni Vanshee Indrapaal. (Bhavishya, 3/18) Indraprasth - Its original name was Khaandavprasth. This place was given to Paandav by Dhritraashtra after Hastinaapur was divided between Kaurav and Paandav. They developed it later and named it as Indraprasth after Indra as he helped them to develop it. Ishtikaa - Etah in eastern UP. Jaahnavee - Another name Gangaa River. Because Jahnu in rage filled her water in his Kamandal and later released it from his ears on the request of Devtaa, he regarded as his daughter and she was called Jaahnavee. Jagannaath
Puree Jaipur see Jayapur Jamboo Dweep
- The ancient name for the then known portions of Asia. It included -
Bhaarat (Afgaanistaan, Paakistaan, Nepaal, India), Brahmaa (Burmaa,
Myanmaar), Malaya Desh (Malaysia), Yava, Suvarn Dweep, Vaarun (Jaavaa,
Sumaatraa, Borneo in Indonesia), Kaamboj (Combodia, Laos), Champaa (Vietnaam),
Shyaam (Siam, Thailand), Lanka (Sree Lankaa), Tibbat, parts of Chinaa
and Mongoliyaa. Janasthaan - Name of Panchavatee region. In Raam's times this place was under Raavan's control. Shoorpanakhaa lived there. Jantar-Mantar - The astronomer Prince Jaya Singh, the founder of Jayapur city, built five astronomical observatories, one each at Dehlee, Mathuraa, Ujjayine, Jayapur and Vaaraanasee in c 1100 AD. They are popularly known as Jantar-Mantar. Jayapur - A major city in Raajsthaan, known as red city also. Jepore see Jayapur - This spelling was used for Jaipur in 1908. Kaalhasti - A town in Aandhra Pradesh, just North of Tirupati. The temple of Shiv attracts thousands of pilgrims there. Kaambuj
Country - Name of a country, later called Cambodia. Cambodia word is
derived from Sanskrit word Kambuj. Part of Cambodia was called Funnan in
the 2nd century AD. This kingdom was established by a Hindu king named
Kaundinya ho along with his descendents ruled it for a 100 years. In the
4th century AD another descendent of Kaundinya took over the country and
established Hindu culture throughout the country. Hindu ruled this
country till the end of the 13th century AD, and where Ved were recited
regularly. The last Hindu king of Kaambuj was Jayavarmaa, the 7th, who
extended his empire to include what later became northern Myanmaar,
Vietnaam, Laos, Thailand, and northern Malaysia. In the 13th century
AD, Kaambuj was taken by a Buddhist monarch. From then it was ruled by
Buddhist.
There
is a famous Vishnu temple of Angkor Vaat which reflects the height of
achievement of Hindu architecture. Its many ideas have been incorporated
in Taaj Mahal. Kaamod Pur - Near Haridwaar, built by Vishwakarmaa. [Mentioned in Padm Puraan, 2/15] Kaanchanpur Kaanchee Nagaree - [Mentioned in Padm Puraan, 4/4] Is it the same as 1 of the 7 sacred cities of India? Kaanyakubj Desh (see also Kannauj) - Present Kannauj in UP. Raashtrapaal had two sons - Vijaya and Prajaya. Prajaya left his home and did Tap for Shaaradaa Devee on the banks of Gangaa for 12 years. Shaaradaa Devee appeared before him in the form of a girl (Kanyaa) playing a flute and riding a horse. She asked him - "O prince, Why are you worshipping Shiv? You will soon get the fruit of your Tap by me." Prajaya said - "Devee, I salute you. Please give me a new city. Hearing this Devee gave him a beautiful horse and she went away towards south playing her flute. Prajaya followed her on that horse closing his eyes towards west. He arrived at a place where there was a Pakshiraat, named Markan. He got scared to see that so he opened his eyes. He saw a beautiful city. In its northern side was Gangaa, in its south was Paanduraa, in its west was Eeshsaritaa, and in its east was Markan bird's place. This place was a little odd shaped. Because of being built by a girl (Kanyaa) and being a little odd shaped, it became famous by the name as Kaanyakubj. Kaashee see also Vaaraanasee - Bharat's wife Sunandaa was from Kaashee. Bheeshm married Kaashee's princesses (Ambikaa and Ambaalikaa) to Vichitraveerya. Krishn killed Kaashee's king who boasted himself as second Krishn. Kaikaya Desh - Kaikeyee was from Kaikaya Desh. It later became Panjaab of Paakistaan. See Magadh Desh for its relative location. Kaling
Desh - Present Orissa. The name of this kingdom became immortal in the
history of India because of the tragic invasion of Emperor Ashok in 260
BC and captured it after killing 100,000 soldiers. More than this number
of helpers and civilians died and 150,000 were made prisoners of war.
Although Ashok won this war but it filled his mind with extreme remorse,
so after this was he decided to win people not by war, but by love and
goodness. He adopted Buddhism the same year and spread it to the best of
his ability and capacity. Kaling kingdom again prospered. Kalyaan Teerth Kambodia see Kaambuj Country Kannauj - Name of a city in western UP. This is one of the oldest cities in the world. It is 4,000 o more years old. It was the capital of Kaanyakubj where Jahnu (who drank Gangaa's water), the ancestor of king Kushik (grandfather of Vishwaamitra) ruled. This kingdom came to an end when Vishwaamitra decided to become a Braahman ascetic. It used to be a center for learning for long time. King Harshvardhan, in the beginning of the 7th century AD made his capital. During the same time Chinese traveler Huen Saang also came here. Kannauj
became famous again after a lapse of 100 years, when Yashovarman became
its king and extended his kingdom what later became Bangaal. In the 12th
century AD Jayachand became its ruler. He troubled Hindu rulers,
strengthened foreign invaders and thus its culture decayed completely. Kanyaa Kumaaree - Is in southern most tip of Bhaarat Varsh. Balaraam Jee went there when he was on his pilgrimage at the time of Mahaabhaarat war. It is the place of Durgaa Devee. Kapil Sthaan - In east - Gangaasaagar. Kapilvastu - The town where Buddh was born. At the time of Buddh's birth it was in Bhaarat Varsh but presently it is a part of Lumbini Zone in Nepal. It is situated on the banks of Rohinee River, 130 Kms north of Kaasheepur in southern Nepal. Gautam Buddh, propagated Bauddh Dharm from this place. He was born here in 6th century BC and left for enlightenment. King Shuddhodan, his father, ruled here only. Bhavishya Puraan. 3/5 describes it as Pattan City. It was the first capital of Lichchhivi Vansh kings. Before Kapilvastu, kings from Udayaashwa to Mahaanand (170 years) ruled from Paataliputra. Karnaatak Desh - Bhavishya Puraan, 3/27 mentions this name for the first Sat Yug in Vaivaswat Manvantar (7th and present Manvantar). This shows that Karnaatak Desh was present at time also. Karoosh Desh - King Paundrak was its king. Krishn killed him. Kaushaambee - Situated in the West of Ilaahaabaad, some 40 kms away. According to the MBH, Kausam was founded by one of the descendents of the Paandav who left Hastinaapur when it was destroyed by floods from the Gangaa River. In Buddha's times it was the capital of Vats King Udayan. Kaushal Desh see Kosal Kaushaambee - An ancient city near Alaahaabad, India. Kaushikee River - A river in Bihaar. Khaandav Van Khaandavprasth - This was a barren area near Hastinaapur which was given to Paandav when Dhritraashtra divided his kingdom between Kaurav and Paandav. Later when it was inhabited, it was named Indraprasth. It had Khaandav Van also which was burned to satiate Agni Dev. Khajuraaho - The sight of 85 temples in the Chhatarpur district in MP. The temples are unique in their sculptures. These temples though of very high quality depict the most intimate postures of sensuous love-making. Though they are called religious but they are of pornographic nature. These were ordered to be built by Chandelaa kings during 950-1050 AD. These temples are dedicated to Shiv, Vishnu and Jain Teerthankar Aadinaath and Paarshwanaath Jee. There are some writings of historical importance carved on various stone slabs which form a part of the temples. Konaark - A
temple of Soorya Dev in Udeesaa. It was built in 1250 BC during the
reign of Nrasinh I. It is in the shape of a chariot, drawn by seven
horses. It is one of the most extraordinary pieces of architecture. It
has some scenes of love expressions which are pornographic. Ksheer Saagar - The ocean of milk in which Vishnu rests. This was the ocean which was churned for Amrit. Kshipraa River - Near Ujjain (Avantee). Kashmeer -
Corrupt of Kashyapmeer, a northernmost region in India. Till the end of
18th century the Muslims of Kashmeer remembered that they were
originally Braahman but were forcibly converted to Muslims. They asked
the King of Kashmeer to help them convert them back to Hindu. The King
asked the high priest of Vaaraanasee, but he refused to take them back.
Kashmeer was a great center of Shaiv sect of its own kind known as
Kashmeer Shaivism. Kedaarnaath - The name of of the mountain in the Himaalaya where the temple of Kedaarnaath (Shiv) is located. Kosal - Region around present Ayodhyaa in UP. King Dasharath, Raam and many Soorya family kings ruled from here. Kulind Desh - It was in north-east of Magadh Desh. See also Magadh Desh for its relative location. Kundinpur see Vidarbh Desh Kurukshetra - It is a holy place, now located in Harayaanaa, India and Mahaabhaarat war was fought here. Before Kurukshetra, this place was called Samant Panchak Kshetra. Here Parashuraam Jee filled five ponds with the blood of Kshatriya, when he killed them 21 times. Later king Kuru came here and ploughed it with his plough and did austere Tap, since then it was called as Kurukshetra. He got a Var for that land that whoever will die here will go to Swarg. That is why Kaurav and Paandav chose this area of land for their war, so that everybody, whoever dies, should go to Swarg. According to Padm Puraan, 3/1, the area from Tarandak to Arandak; and from Raamhlad (Parashuraam Kund) to Machkrukat, is called Samant Panchak, and the same is known as Kurukshetra. (p 349) Lankaa Puree - The name of the city and a country mentioned in raamaayan where Raavan ruled. It is associated with Shree Lankaa of modern times. According to Puraan, it was built for the three Daitya - Maalee, Sumaalee and Maalyavaan by Maya Daanav on Trikoot Parvat. Later it was taken by Kuber - Vishravaa's son, when Maalee was killed and Sumaalee and Maalyavaan abandoned it. And Later it was won by Raavan defeating Kuber. Maahishmatee Nagaree - Present Maheshwar in MP, near Indore. (1) Name of the capital of the King Kaartveerya, a descendent of King Taaljangh in ancient times. (2) Name of the native place of Mandan Mishraa, the great philosopher. Maalavaa see Avantee Desh Maalyavatee Nagaree - Inhabited by Maalyavaan. [Bhavishya Puraan, 3/18] Madhu Van - The old name of Mathuraa Nagaree. First Dhruv was sent here to do Tap. Before that it was under Madhu named Daitya that is why it was called Madhu Van. After that it came under Lavanaasur. Later Shatrughn killed Lavanaasur, coronated his son there as its king. He inhabited it as Mathuraa Nagaree. Madhu Van - This Madhu Van is mentioned in Tulasee's Maanas. It is not a place as such. It was a forest belonging to Sugreev. Hanumaan and his Vaanar ate lots of fruits here and destroyed it without the permission of Sugreev while coming back from Lankaa after having search Seetaa. Madra Desh - According to Agni Puraan, p 19, Bharat divided the area around Sindhu River in two Pradesh - Gaandhaar and Madra Desh and gave them to his two sons - Taksh and Pushkar. Paandu's wife Maadree was from here. It was north of Magadh Desh, in the general region of Siyaalkot. Magadh Desh - East to Paanchaal (Panjab) Desh is called Magadh Desh. (Bhavishya Puraan, 3/5) Later in the same chapter its location is described thus - In its south-east is Kaling Desh (Orissa), in its south was Avantee Desh, in its south-west (Nairritya) is Aanart Desh (Gujarat); in its west is Sindhu Desh, in its north-west (Vaayavya) is Kaikaya Desh, in its north is Madra Desh, in its north-east (Eeshaan) is Kulind Desh. In Mahaabhaarat times, Jaraasandh was its king, and Giribraj was its capital, because Krishn, Arjun and Bheem went there only to fight with him at the time of Raajsooya Yagya of Yudhishthir. Malaya Desh - The ancient name of the country later called Malayasia. Malay Dweep - Maaldeev - a group of islands in Arabian Sea. Maneepur - A kingdom in ancient India which later became Manipur State, same as Manipur. Arjun married Chitraangadaa from Maneepur kingdom only. Maru Desh - (Bhavishya Puraan, 3/3) Arab, Iraan, Iraaq Mathuraa - Previously it was Madhu Van, because Madhu named Daitya owned it. Later it was named as Mathuraa. According to Aangiras (p 275) it was originally Madhuraa and one of the 7 sacred cities - the others being Ayodhyaa, Maayaa (Haridwaar), Kaashee (Vaaraanasee), Kaanchee (Kaancheepuram), Avantikaa (Ujjain) and Dwaaraavatee (Dwaarakaa). This city is said to have been conquered by Shatrughn, the younger brother of Shree Raam around 1700 BC. Although its name suggests some connection with the ancestor of Shree Krishn named Madhu. Before Shree Krishn was born, Ugrasen, the King of Mathuraa was forcibly dethroned by his demonic son Kans and was imprisoned. Eventually he was killed by Krishn. Some of the best sculptures were carved in Mathuraa. It has one of the finest archaeological museums of India. Old name of the region around Mathuraa was called Shoorsen. Mishra Desh - Egypt. Mithilaa - Capital of Videh kingdom (later North Bihaar). Janak Vansh was from Mithilaa. Seetaa was from Mithilaa, its king's daughter, that is why she was called as Mithilesh also. This area is in present Bihaar. Mountains - There are many mountains. Naalandaa - An ancient village very close to Raajgeer in Bihaar. It developed into a city of international importance, because by 500 AD, it had become a great learning center for Hindu and Buddhists. Students came from all over the world. Among the famous students were two Chinese students - Huen-Tsaang and I-Tsing. The university at any time had at lease 3,000 students. Some scholars have estimated this number to be closer to 10,000. No tuition fee was charged. Every student was provided with hostel, food and other necessities of life, free. The University had over 100 classrooms and its library alone occupied several buildings. Admission was strict and was based on a screening test of scholarship. To have graduated from Naalandaa University was a declaration of the highest academy achhievement. It is tragic that such a great institution was systematically destroyed by foreign non-Hindu, non-Buddhist invaders in the 11th century AD. Naathdwaar - A village in Raajsthaan, about 25 miles north of Udayapur where there is temple of Krishn. It is said to have been built in 12th century AD Nagendra - Used for Himaalaya, meaning the loftiest mountain. Naimish Aranya - This area is famous as Muni's dwelling where they do many Yagya, discourses etc. It is also considered a holy place - a Teerth. Most scriptures are said and heard here. Nandee Graam - Mentioned in Tulasee's Maanas, Raamaayan and Padm Puraan. It is located near Ayodhyaa Nagaree. Bharat lived here after Raam left for forest for exile. He used to administer his kingdom from here only. When Raam returned from exile, He met Bharat here only. Narmadaa - A holy river. Neel Giri - Name of a mountain range. Nepaal - A small country in the north of India - the only Hindu kingdom in the world. Nimlochanee Puree - Varun's city. Located to the west of Meru Parvat. Omkaareshwar Teerth - Near Ujjain, in MP. Paanchaal
Desh - Name of a kingdom created during the later Vaidik period
(1800-1100 BC). Where in the 20th century, stood the Barelee, Badaayoon,
and Farukhaabaad districts of Uttar Pradesh. The first ruler of
Paanchaal Desh was Samar and th capital of Paanchaal was Kaampilya, when
the king of Paanchaal annexed the territory of Kaanyakubj kingdom. Later
Kaanyakubj became an important town of Paanchaal. One of the later kings
of Paanchaal was Drupad whose daughter was Krishnaa became famous as
Draupadee or Paanchaalee.
Paandya Paataliputra - Present Patanaa in Bihaar. It was the capital of Nand and Maurya Dynasties and was the center of learning for hundreds of years. A few kings, from Udayaashwa to Mahaanand, ruled from here up to 170 years after ruling from Raajgrih (for about 500 years). [Bhavishya, 3/5]. Paataliputra seems to have been the largest and greatest city in the world during Mauryan rule. It was 8 miles long and 1 and 1/2 mile wide, surrounded by timber wall with 570 towers and a moat 600 cubits (900 feet) wide and 30 feet deep. Pampaa Pur - It is a well-known place of Raamaayan where Raam and Lakshman took some rest while going to Rishyamook Parvat to see Sugreev. Panchavatee - A Location in Naasik town on River Godaavaree. Raam lived here while He was in exile. Shoorpanakhaa came here. Khar, Dooshan and Trishiraa were also killed here. Seetaa was abducted from here only. Pashupatinaath - Temple of Shiv in Kaathmandoo Nepaal Patanaa see Paataliputra Pattan City see Kapilvastu Praag Jyotishpur - Bhaagvat, 10/u10 says - It was the capital of Narakaasur (Narak Asur or Bhaumaasur, or Bhaum Asur). Krishn went there, killed him, married 16,000 princesses whom he had imprisoned there. It was the capital of Kaamroop (later Aasaam). This country was also called Praag Jyotish after the name of its capital. Pradaan City - This name appears in Bhavishya Puraan, 3/4, in the reference that how Mlechchh people increased in Kali Yug. Hari arranged a beautiful large garden, east of Pradaan City, for Aadam and Havyavatee. There was a Paap tree there. Kali Yug took the form of a snake and fed Havyavatee the bad fruit wrapped in Goolar leaves. This broke the rule set by Hari and cause Havyavatee to bear many sons who were called Mlechchh. Pratishthaanpur - Inhabited by Sanvaran in the area of 5 Yojan or 20 Kos. Prayaag - It is the most mentioned place in Hindu scriptures. In fact Prayaag means where two rivers meet. Thus with this definition any place can be called Prayaag where two rivers meet. But in speaking, Prayaag is Alaahaabaad (UP, India) where Gangaa and Yamunaa meet. In olden times Saraswatee River also met them, but now it has disappeared from there, so only two rivers remain. While going to Badaree Naath Jee there are five places where two rivers meet, and they all are called Prayaag - (1) Dev Prayaag, (2) Rudra Prayaag, (3) Karn Prayaag. Some other Teerth places may also be located at the meeting place of two rivers, which can also be called Prayaag. Punyapur - Present Poonaa, in Mahaaraashtra. Puree or Jagannaath Puree - Puree is the short name of Jagannaath Puree located in Udeesaa. Also called Purushottam Teerth. Purushottam Teerth see also Utkal - Present Jagannaath Puree Kshetra in Udeesaa. (Naarad Puraan, 2/12) Pushkar - The most sacred lake near Ajmer, Raajasthaan, India. Here is the only Brahmaa Jee's Temple of India. Raajgeer see Raajgrih Raajgrih - [Bhavishya Puraan, 3/5] Present Raajgeer in Bihar State, 10 miles away from Naalandaa. It was the capital of Maagadh State kings until Paataliputra (present Patanaa) was formed (it was about 500 years later). Buddha delivered many sermons here. Bimbsaar became his disciple here only. Ratnagiri Hills are near Raajgrih. A ropeway goes there to Shaanti Stoop and Monasteries built by Chinese monks. This place is also known as Griddhkoot. Raajyaputra Desh - [Bhavishya Puraan, 3/5] Raameshwaram -One of the four Dhaam, in Tamilnaadu, in Southern India. The other three are Badaree Naath Jee in Himaalaya, Jagannaath Puree in Udeesaa, and Dwaarakaa Jee in Dwaarakaa. This temple is of Shiv Jee. It is believed that when Raam was going to Lankaa to bring Seetaa back from Raavan, He installed Shiv Ling on the coast of the sea just before building the bridge from the mainland to Lankaa. Later this temple was erected at that place. The present temple was started in 1350 AD, and was completed in some 300 years. It is one of the most beautiful temples. Rahah-Kreedaavatee - Maya Daanav built it for Daitya in Kali Yug. [Bhavishya Puraan, 3/32] Ratnagiri Hills see Raajgrih Rivers - There are many rivers mentioned in our religious literature, but some are mentioned repeatedly. Gangaa, Yamunaa, Sarayoo, Gomatee, Son etc. Samant Panchak Kshetra - The present Kurukshetra. Before Kurukshetra it was called Samant Panchak Kshetra. Here Parashuraam Jee filled five ponds with the blood of Kshatriya, when he killed them 21 times. Sanyamanee Puree - This city is of Yam Raaj and is located to the south of Meru Parvat. Saptsindhu - The region of seven rivers. The seven rivers are - Sindhu, Vitastaa (Jhelam), Asiknee or Cjhandrabhaagaa (Chinaab), Parushnee or Iraavatee (Raavee), Shutudree (Satalaj), Vipaashaa (Vyaas) and Saraswatee. This was the region to which Aarya migrated from the valley of Hindukush Parvat. It is here the Ved were composed during 3000-1100 BC, and the Vaidik religion and culture prospered. A group left this region in the beginning and settle in Eeraan of today. The basic original religion of Eeraan is Vaidik. Later it came to known as Zoroastrianism and is still followed by Paarasees of India. Shaal Graam - (1) Vishnu's another form in black stone. (2) Shaal is a name and Graam means village. It is a Teerth place and is often mentioned in context of doing Tap at that place. Shonitpur - [Bhaagvat Puraan, 10/u13] - Raajaa Bali once ruled here. His daughter Ushaa and krishn's grandson Aniruddh were married there only. Shoorsen - Old name of the region around Mathuraa. Shraavastee - A city near Ayodhyaa, or 150 km NE from Lakhnaoo. It was an important city in the times of Buddha. Shreenidhaan
-
Shreenidhaan is the city on Maeru Parvat where Brahmaa Jee lives. His
palace is called Vairaaj and his court's name is Kaantimatee. Shreepati Desh - This country was inhabited by Shreepati, the son of Sindhudweep. Sindhu Desh - [Bhavishya Puraan, 3/19] Nearby land of Sindhu River. In Shukla's descendents, Mod Sinh's son Sindhu Varmaa ruled from here and thus this area got famous with the name of Sindhu Desh. Jayadrath (Duryodhan's sister's husband) was the king of Sindhu Desh. Sinhal Dweep - Name given to Shree Lankaa by Vijaya Sinh of Gujaraat (Laad Desh), when he established his kingdom in that island. The word Ceylon is derived from Sinhal. Somnaath - In Gujaraat. There is Shiv Temple there. It has been robbed 17 times by Mahamood Gazanavee of Gazanee. Sooktimatee - The capital of Chedi Desh. Its name is said to be after oyster. According to MBH 7/22 Arjun came here after defeating Magadh's king (Sahadev's son and Jaraasandh's grandson). Sursari - "Sur" means Devtaa and "Sari" means river, therefore Sursari means River of Devtaa. Another name of Gangaa River, because she used to flow only in Dev Lok before coming to Prithvi Lok. Swarn Dweep - Old name of Sumaatraa. Taamraparnee River - Name of a river in India. Tanjaur - Old name of Thanjaavur Thanjaavur - An ancient city in Tamilnaadu, famous for its 74 temples, especially for "Brihadeeshwar" Shiv temple constructed during 1003-1010 AD, by Chol King Raajraaj the Great. Its tower soars 200 feet high. The dome of the tower rests on a single stone weighing 80 tons. A 4-mile long inclined plane was built in order to take the stone to 200 feet height an inch at a time. Its wall paintings are excellent.
Tirupati (Temple)
Tiruvannamalaai Totaadri - (Bhavishya Puraan, 3/15) Tripathagaa - "Tri" means three, and "Path" means ways, and "Gaa" means "which goes", so Tripathagaa means "Which has three paths". Another name of Gangaa, because she flows through three Lok - in Dev Lok with the name of Sursari, in Mrityu Lok with the name of Gangaa, and in Paataal Lok with the name of Vaitaranee. Tripuree - Name of a city which at one time was the capital of Chedi Kingdom. Tungbhadraa (River) Udayagiri (see also Udayagiri) - A village in Vidishaa, MP, famous for Vishnu temples carved out of solid rock mountain. Udayapur - A city in Raajasthaan, known as white city also. Utkal Kshetra - Present Orissa. [Naarad Puraan, 2/12] Utpal Aranya - Utpal means lotus flowers and Aranya means forest. [Bhavishya Puraan, 3/24] The place where Vaalmeeki Jee did Jaap of Raam Naam for 1,000 years. Before it was a forest, but because of the effect of Raam Naam Jaap it filled with lotus flowers. Vaaraanasee - In the eastern side of UP, situated on the Western bank of Gangaa River. India's most sacred city. It was an important town by the 7th century BC when Babylojn and Nineveh were at the peak of their power. Buddha came her in 500 BC; and it is mentioned in both Raamaayan and MBH. Vaaraanasee derives its name from two streams, the Varunaa and Assee - a small trickle on the Southern Banaaras (corrupted name of Vaaraanasee). It is also called Kaashee (the City of Light). It is one of the 7 sacred cities - Ayodhyaa (in UP), Mathuraa (in UP), Dwaarakaa (in Gujraat), Maayaa Pur (Haridwaar in UP), Kaanchee (Kaancheepuram in Tamilnaadu), Kaashee (Vaaraanasee, or Banaaras in UP), and Ujjain or Ujjayinee (in MP). Vaarun Dweep - The name of the island of Borneo when it was a Hindu kingdom. Vaarun was pronounced Borun by the colonizers who perhaps went from Bang Desh (Bangaal), which ultimately became Borneo. Vaishaalee - A town founded by King Vishaal in Bihaar. Vats - Around Mathuraa Vibhaavaree Puree - Chandramaa's city. Located to the north of Meru Parvat. Vidarbh Desh - Mention of this country is found in Bhaagvat and Mahaabhaarat books. Its king was Bheeshmak. He had Rukmee etc five sons and one daughter Rukminee who was kidnapped by Krishn. Its capital was Kundinpur. Perhaps this region was around Naagpur, Mahaaraashtra. Videh - Name of the kingdom where King Seeradhwaj Janak, the father of Seetaa, ruled at one time - later northern part of Bihaar and Nepaal. Vidishaa Viraat Nagar - Its king was Viraat and Paandav spent their one year of Agyaatvaas here in his kingdom after completing their exile of 12 years. Vishaalaa Puree see Badaree Kshetra Vishaalaapur see Badaree Kshetra Vrindaavan - Near Gokul, where Krishn lived for some time. Here He did Raas Leelaa also with Gopee.
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Created and Maintained by Sushma
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Created on 03/15/2006 and Updated on
03/04/2008
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