Ananthagiri hills Vikarabad forest trek-trip in hyderabad
updated this trip information in the following link:
Sunday, 21 July 2019
SriSailam Devasthanam...
My trip duration is 2days (Saturday & Sunday)
to visit ...
2 nd JYOTIRLING - Mallikarjuna
6 th Shakti Peetham - Maa Bhramarambika
What you will know in this article:
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| My mode of transport we used is my "Tata Tiago" |
l. How to plan a trip from Hyderabad to Srisailam Devesthanam in 2 days.
2. Activities in Srisailam and cover maximum locations in Srisailam.
The Best days to visit is weekdays to avoid peak rush in queue lines at the main temple.
So are you ready?
Let’s Start the Journey:
The distance from Hyderabad to Srisailam Temple is around 230kms approximately. Journey time should be around 5-6 hours (assuming we drive with a normal speed and spend a good time in watching the beauty of nature)
Those who are planning one-day trip to Srisailam, the best time to start the journey as early as possible by 3am to cover maximum locations and return back to Hyd.
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| Vehicles are allowed from 6:00 am to 9:00 pm only. |
The early morning journey was too good, we have taken exit from ORR at Exit-4 and reached the First Toll plaza with worth of 60 bucks. After for long again we reached to the Second Toll plaza i.e. Kadthal Toll Plaza worth of 40 bucks, the Third Toll plaza is Konetipuran Toll plaza worth for 20 bucks, after crossing the three tolls we reached to the Munnanur check post.
Note: Please follow the above notice by Forest Department without fail.
During this early morning trip, we can see few animals (of course our ancestors 'monkeys' will welcome us, but we have to look around and drive slowly so that we enjoy the greenery and dense forest. 
From Mannanur check post, the journey is very pleasant after entering to the forest area, after 18 KM you will be reaching to Munnanur forest checkpost junction, from here after 9km you will reach Vatavarlapalli-Mallapur village turn on the main road. Make sure you take left from here to reach Mallela Theertham Waterfalls, (If not you can continue drive on main road towards Srisailam Dam). This is an off-roading, passing through the villages feels good, after driving around 4KM inside, you will reach Mallela Theertham Waterfalls entrance, where you can park your vehicles and take ticket worth of 20 bucks per ticket. To access the waterfalls, walking exactly 400 steps (you can even see the numbers on each step) downward are required.
After 18kms of drive we reached to Octopus Viewpoint location, since we had spent enough time at Mallela thertham, that is why we skipped octopus viewpoint and headed towards Dam view.
Headed towards Krishna river Bridge and stopped my car in middle of the bridge, guess why we stopped in middle of the bridge because in middle of the bridge is a separation of TWO-states (Telangana and AndhraPradesh).
We went to the satram where we booked in advance and settled down after having lunch. Had some rest after had a long journey since early morning. We thought of going to Pathala ganga to have bath but the Abhishekam ticket slots we got in the evening. So we got ready at Satram and went for Abhishekam worth 1500/- per couple. If you havn't booked tickets in advance you can visit the central reception office at srisailam and book the tickets. Below is the location for central offc @Srisailam.
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| Central Reception Office @ Srisailam |
I strongly recommend wearing traditional dress as one has to follow Lord Shiva’s Protocol. Please do remember that we are entering into HIS premises and we must follow his PROTOCOL without any fail. NO EXCUSES. Hope you agree with me on this point.
Note: A strict dress code has to be followed inside main the temple for Mahamangala Harathi. Only traditional dress code is allowed.
For Male: Pancha with Kanduva OR Dhoti. No Shirts/T-Shirts Not even Vests are allowed for this Mahamangala Harathi.
For Female: Saree Or Salwar Kameez with Dupatta is a must. No Jeans/Shirts/T-shirts/Shots & Sleeveless are strictly NOT allowed inside the main temple.
After pooja & Abhishekam we got a chance to touch the Jyotirlinga inside the garbalayam. This was wonderful experience and very pleasent ..... we had Dharsan godesses Bramarambika devi same time and spent some time at temple and came back to room and had dinner and slept early, inorder to wake up early morning by 3am to take Mangala harathi tickets.
In order to take Suprabhata Seva or Mahamangala Harathi tickets you should be in the ticket queue 1 or 2hours before, the actual ticket timing is in the early morning 5am. And the tickets counter will open 10mins before that too first-come-first only 25 devotees can get harathi tickets. Luckily we have got the Mangala Harathi tickets. Note: A strict dress code has to be followed inside main the temple for Mahamangala Harathi. Only traditional dress code is allowed.
For Male: Pancha with Kanduva OR Dhoti. No Shirts/T-Shirts Not even Vests are allowed for this Mahamangala Harathi.
For Female: Saree Or Salwar Kameez with Dupatta is a must. No Jeans/Shirts/T-shirts/Shots & Sleeveless are strictly NOT allowed inside the main temple.
After pooja & Abhishekam we got a chance to touch the Jyotirlinga inside the garbalayam. This was wonderful experience and very pleasent ..... we had Dharsan godesses Bramarambika devi same time and spent some time at temple and came back to room and had dinner and slept early, inorder to wake up early morning by 3am to take Mangala harathi tickets.
Now it’s time to enter the Main temple for Mahamangala Harathi. No human being can explain you how this Mahamangala Harathi will be. Just feel it. I am sure you will not forget this Lifetime memorable Harathi.
All devotees who attend Mahamangala Harathi are allowed to Touch Maha Shiva Ling (Lord Mallikarjuna Swamy) in Gharbalayam.
After Maha Linga dharshan, proceed towards Goddess Bhramaramba Devi darshan. If time permits sit in the temple premises to feel the serenity of the place.
And don’t forget to take Laddu Prashad at Prashad counters.
All devotees who attend Mahamangala Harathi are allowed to Touch Maha Shiva Ling (Lord Mallikarjuna Swamy) in Gharbalayam.
After Maha Linga dharshan, proceed towards Goddess Bhramaramba Devi darshan. If time permits sit in the temple premises to feel the serenity of the place.
And don’t forget to take Laddu Prashad at Prashad counters.
Monday, 25 February 2013
Kolkata Tourist Attractions - Places to visit in Kolkata (Calcutta)
Howrah Bridge, Victoria Memorial Hall, Birla Planetarium, Indian Museum, Kalighat, Science City, Kolkata Metro, Eden Gardens, Dakshineshwar Kali Temple, Mother House, Belur Math shrine, Sri Mayapur Chandrodaya Temple(ISKCON), , South Park Street Cemetery, St. Paul’s Cathedral, Birla Industrial & Technological Museum, , Birla Temple, Jain Temple few more places..
Places to visit in Kolkata (Calcutta) :
Almostt all the buildings in Dalhouise
square(BBD Bagh) which is the central Kolkata, makes one to think that we are
yet to get freedom from the British Raj. We can actually wonder if there are
one or two such buildings but it irritates you or feels like we are still
living in the past or we are still been the slaves if we see every such building
is of British style which is poorly maintained, rust filled doors, dark dooms,
long iron rusted doors..some exceptional like that of the Writer's building,
Governor Bhavan, Indian Museum, Income tax building, NS Road full of Banks,
RBI, Governor's and Post offices...
Howrah Bridge:
Howrah Bridge, located over the Hoogli River in West Bengal, India, is said to be the busiest bridge of the world. It got its name owing to the fact that it connects the city of Howrah to Kolkata. Hawrah Bridge in Kolkata, India, also known by the name ‘Rabindra Setu’, was set up in 1874. It stands on two 270 feet high pillars. Kolkata Howrah Bridge is a cantilever truss bridge that was constructed without using any nuts and bolts. Though, earlier it had a tram route, but presently, it is serving mainly as a Road Bridge. Howrah bridge has got two sister bridges also, namely, Vidyasagar Setu and the Vivekananda Setu that are situated at different points over the hoogly river. This bridge acts as an important symbol of Kolkata.
The Victoria Memorial Hall (museum):
-A beautiful marble monument that stands as a symbol of the city in travel
guides
Kolkata Victoria memorial hall is a fabulous museum that was established in the year 1921. The credit for designing and drawing the plan for this monument goes to Sir William Emerson, President of the British Institute of Architects. Victoria Memorial of Kolkata, India is a fantastic place that will take you into the world of past history, where you can view the photos and effigies of prominent personalities, who made an incredible contribution in the glory of India. Today, Victoria memorial is one of the finest art museums in Kolkata. It is a 184 ft tall edifice that was constructed on 64 acres of land. The museum houses a group of mind-blowing figures above the north porch that epitomize prudence, learning and motherhood.
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| Victoria Memorial Hall - view from north |
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| Victoria Memorial Hall - view from east |
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| Victoria Memorial Hall |
Calcutta or Kolkata – an old capital city of INDIA.
'Kolkata' an old capital city of INDIA.
The crowd and the temperature in this city are so special that it is always high compared to all the other cities in India. The people are friendly, speak Hindi like Bengali.. Polite and courageous, Water flows freely in the streets during the morning and evening which cleans the people, people clothes and also their vehicles!
Yamaha nagari Calcutta puri..
namaho hugli howrah varadhi….
Kolkata - the old capital of India, this
city has its glory of been the capital..British East India company's capital of
India, with Victoria Fort built for the Queen, Writer's Building for
Administration, Howrah Bridge for transportation, Tramcars in the road for
heritage look, it is still the capital of British Raj in India.
The roads are just wonderful and well-laid without potholes and the entire life in Kolkata, as you will see from a few of the pictures below, revolves around the footpath. Places like New Market (called Burrabazar-is a marketplace, people say it’s a Heart of Kolkata City), which is a very crowded market area that is very old like old city market near Charminar area in Hyderabad.
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| busy traffic areas on kolkata roads |
The crowd and the temperature in this city are so special that it is always high compared to all the other cities in India. The people are friendly, speak Hindi like Bengali.. Polite and courageous, Water flows freely in the streets during the morning and evening which cleans the people, people clothes and also their vehicles!
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| streets are busy in the market area |
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| busy market area |
It is a wonderful city constantly buzzing with activity.
Street food seems to be extremely popular here and at any time of the day one
can see people gorging on the puchkas, bhel puris, puri-alu and everything else
that are available to eat. People specially recommended tasting puchkas &
bhelpuri on the road-side and this was one thing that came as an anti-climax.
The Puchka of Kolkata is just the Pani-Puri of Hyderabad and Golgappa as it is
called in some other places. The discovery of this was particularly comical in
the way I indulged in an animated conversation with the pani-puri fellow on the
nomenclature of the dish in various parts of the country.
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| Them Famous BHEL PURI in kolkata city.. |
I am confident that Kolkata single handedly allows the
Ambassador car to remain in production in India. There are no autos and the
taxis (yellow Ambassador Taxies) are affordable and honest. Two wheeler s on the
roads are a rare sight.
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| Yellow Ambassador Taxies in Kolkata city |
All in all, I fell in love with Kolkata. I walked great
distances in the city on foot and when inevitable I took the metro rail, buses
et al. The metro rail of Kolkata is definitely of international standards and
super punctual. The TVs fixed on the platforms constantly show either Mithun or
Charlie Chaplin stuff. Don't know what they have in common.. wink Wink.
Wednesday, 30 January 2013
Sunday, 30 December 2012
Major Attractions of Varanasi (kasi)
Major Attractions of Varanasi-kasi : Holy River Ganges, Bharat Kala Bhavan, Sarnath, Banaras Hindu University,Ramnagar Fort etc.
Visitors come to Varanasi for a brush with the divine. The most interesting part of the city is its ghats (steps at the water's edge). Take a walk along the river front and watch life flow by. You can also go on boat ride on the Ganges River, preferably in the early morning or at dusk. In the evening, head to Dasaswamedh Ghat for the aarti (prayer ceremony). A look at the burning ghat, where dead bodies are cremated on the funeral pyre, is fascinating. The magnificant Vishwanath Temple, built in 1776, is an important Hindu holy place. Varanasi is also well known for its classical dance and music, and yoga.
Holy River Ganges:
Since Varanasi is mainly associated with Hinduism, temples form the main attraction. The Ganga Ghats (river fronts) are the main center of religious activities and rituals and also form one of the main attractions of Varanasi.
Bharat Kala Bhavan:
Bharat Kala Bhavan, located inside the BHU campus, is an art and architecture museum and houses a vast collection of paintings, Hindu and Buddhist sculptures and other materials of archeological importance. The Bharat Kala Bhavan was established in the year 1920 A.D. In the main hall of the Bharat Kala Bhawan, there is a figure of a man standing on one leg and one hand on his hip and lifting a mass of stone above his head, with one hand. The figure is said to be of Lord Krishna, lifting Mount Govardhana. Many images in the Bharat Kala Bhavan confirm to the existence of Krishna cult in Kashi in 15th and 16th century.
Banaras Hindu University:
The Banaras Hindu University or BHU is an internationally reputed University and is situated in Varanasi. The great nationalist leader, Pandit Madan Mohan Malaviya, founded the Banaras Hindu University in the year 1916. Dr Annie Besant also played an important role in the formation of the BHU. The Banaras Hindu University played an important role in the Indian independence movement. Over a period of time, it has developed into one of the greatest centers of learning in India. The BHU has produced many great freedom fighters and Nation builders. It has immensely contributed to the progress of the nation through a large number of renowned scholars, artists and scientists.
Varanasi Side Trips : -
Sarnath:
A side trip to Sarnath, around 20 minutes from Varanasi, is worthwhile. This is where the Buddha gave his first discourse. In contrast to the hustle and bustle of hectic Varanasi, it's a peaceful place where you can wander around the grassy gardens and ruins of Buddhist stupas. It is worth coming here to compare the different styles of these modern Buddhist temples, which were built by Buddhists from Burma, China, Japan, Thailand and Tibet. Within a peaceful parkland setting, the 5th-century Dhanekh Stupa monuments marks the very spot where Lord Buddha preached his very first sermon. Also from the same era is the Chaukhandi Stupa, while Sarnath's more modern Mulgandha Kuti Vihar Temple and Deer Park may also be of interest.
Varansi Travel Tips:
The Ganges River is very polluted so it's not a good idea to take a dip in it. If you do go on a boat ride, also avoid getting wet. Varanasi is an excellent place to shop for silk (including saris). However, be sure to check the quality as many items are actually made of fake silk or silk blend. Musical instruments are also a good buy in Varanasi. Watch out for the many scams in Varanasi. A popular one involves someone asking you to donate wood for their funeral pyre -- you'll be paying at least 10 times more than what the wood's worth. Also take care if you go out at night, as it can be dangerous in poor lighting.
Ramnagar Fort:
The Ramnagar fort lies about 14 km. from Varanasi and is situated on the opposite bank of river Ganga. It is the ancestral home of the Maharaja of Banaras. Maharaja Balwant Singh built this fort-palace in the eighteenth century. The fort is built in red sandstone. The Ramnagar fort has a temple and a museum within the grounds and the temple is dedicated to Ved Vyasa, who wrote Mahabharata, the great Indian epic. Legends have it that Ved Vyasa stayed here for a brief period.
----For those interested in performing rituals...here is an option for you to download the entire Kashi yatra as n eBook available from the below link:
http://issuu.com/anushankarn/docs/kashi_yatra-ebook/5
happy reading..blog by Nagaraju Poona
Visitors come to Varanasi for a brush with the divine. The most interesting part of the city is its ghats (steps at the water's edge). Take a walk along the river front and watch life flow by. You can also go on boat ride on the Ganges River, preferably in the early morning or at dusk. In the evening, head to Dasaswamedh Ghat for the aarti (prayer ceremony). A look at the burning ghat, where dead bodies are cremated on the funeral pyre, is fascinating. The magnificant Vishwanath Temple, built in 1776, is an important Hindu holy place. Varanasi is also well known for its classical dance and music, and yoga.
Holy River Ganges:
Since Varanasi is mainly associated with Hinduism, temples form the main attraction. The Ganga Ghats (river fronts) are the main center of religious activities and rituals and also form one of the main attractions of Varanasi.
Bharat Kala Bhavan:
Bharat Kala Bhavan, located inside the BHU campus, is an art and architecture museum and houses a vast collection of paintings, Hindu and Buddhist sculptures and other materials of archeological importance. The Bharat Kala Bhavan was established in the year 1920 A.D. In the main hall of the Bharat Kala Bhawan, there is a figure of a man standing on one leg and one hand on his hip and lifting a mass of stone above his head, with one hand. The figure is said to be of Lord Krishna, lifting Mount Govardhana. Many images in the Bharat Kala Bhavan confirm to the existence of Krishna cult in Kashi in 15th and 16th century.
Banaras Hindu University:
The Banaras Hindu University or BHU is an internationally reputed University and is situated in Varanasi. The great nationalist leader, Pandit Madan Mohan Malaviya, founded the Banaras Hindu University in the year 1916. Dr Annie Besant also played an important role in the formation of the BHU. The Banaras Hindu University played an important role in the Indian independence movement. Over a period of time, it has developed into one of the greatest centers of learning in India. The BHU has produced many great freedom fighters and Nation builders. It has immensely contributed to the progress of the nation through a large number of renowned scholars, artists and scientists.
Varanasi Side Trips : -
Sarnath:
A side trip to Sarnath, around 20 minutes from Varanasi, is worthwhile. This is where the Buddha gave his first discourse. In contrast to the hustle and bustle of hectic Varanasi, it's a peaceful place where you can wander around the grassy gardens and ruins of Buddhist stupas. It is worth coming here to compare the different styles of these modern Buddhist temples, which were built by Buddhists from Burma, China, Japan, Thailand and Tibet. Within a peaceful parkland setting, the 5th-century Dhanekh Stupa monuments marks the very spot where Lord Buddha preached his very first sermon. Also from the same era is the Chaukhandi Stupa, while Sarnath's more modern Mulgandha Kuti Vihar Temple and Deer Park may also be of interest.
Varansi Travel Tips:
The Ganges River is very polluted so it's not a good idea to take a dip in it. If you do go on a boat ride, also avoid getting wet. Varanasi is an excellent place to shop for silk (including saris). However, be sure to check the quality as many items are actually made of fake silk or silk blend. Musical instruments are also a good buy in Varanasi. Watch out for the many scams in Varanasi. A popular one involves someone asking you to donate wood for their funeral pyre -- you'll be paying at least 10 times more than what the wood's worth. Also take care if you go out at night, as it can be dangerous in poor lighting.
Ramnagar Fort:
The Ramnagar fort lies about 14 km. from Varanasi and is situated on the opposite bank of river Ganga. It is the ancestral home of the Maharaja of Banaras. Maharaja Balwant Singh built this fort-palace in the eighteenth century. The fort is built in red sandstone. The Ramnagar fort has a temple and a museum within the grounds and the temple is dedicated to Ved Vyasa, who wrote Mahabharata, the great Indian epic. Legends have it that Ved Vyasa stayed here for a brief period.
----For those interested in performing rituals...here is an option for you to download the entire Kashi yatra as n eBook available from the below link:
http://issuu.com/anushankarn/docs/kashi_yatra-ebook/5
happy reading..blog by Nagaraju Poona
Friday, 28 December 2012
Varanasi Kashi Vishwanath Temple Daily Schedules and Timings
Kashi Vishwanath Temple Timings :
2:30 am - Kashi Vishwanath Temple Varanasi opens daily.
Aarati is performed five times daily.
3 am to 4 am - Mangala Aarti
4 am to 11 am - it is opened for devotees to do dharshan.
11.30 am to 12 noon, mid-day Bhog Aarti is done.
12 noon to 7 pm, devotees can worship.
7 pm to 8.30 pm - evening Sapta Rishi Aarti is done. After that devotees can visit till 9.00 pm.
9.00 pm - Sringar/Bhog Aarti starts. devotees can worship from outside only in this time.
10.30 PM - Shayan Aarti starts
and the Kashivishwanath Temple closes at 11 pm.
Ganga Aarti at Dasaswamedh Ghats, Varanasi
Ganga Aarti at Dasaswamedh ghat, close to Kashi Vishwanath The Varanasi Ganga Aarti takes place every sunset at holy Dasaswamedh Ghat, near Kashi Vishwanath temple. It differs from the aartis at Haridwar and Rishikesh in that it’s a highly choreographed ceremony. Although a spectacular must-see, some people consider it to be too much of an artificial and showy extravaganza to have a lot of meaning in a spiritual context.
The aarti is performed on a stage by a group of young pandits, all draped in saffron colored robes with their puja plates spread out before them. It commences with the blowing of a conch shell, and continues with the waving of incense sticks in elaborate patterns and circling of large flaming lamps that create a bright hue against the darkened sky. The movement of the lamps, held in the pandits’ hands, is tightly synchronizing to the rhythmic chants of hymns and clang of cymbals. The heady scent of sandalwood thickly permeates the air.
How to Attend the Varanasi Ganga Aarti
People start arriving very early (as early as 5 p.m.) in order to get a good position for viewing the aarti. A novel and effective way of seeing it is by boat from the river. Alternatively, many shops in the vicinity hire their balconies out to tourists. A maha aarti (great aarti) takes place on a particularly elaborate scale in Varanasi near the end of each year on Kartik Purnima..Temple, is one of the prime attractions of Varanasi. It starts just after sunset, with a bunch of young men choreographing to the chantings, holding the lamps.
happy reading...blog by Nagaraju Poona
2:30 am - Kashi Vishwanath Temple Varanasi opens daily.
Aarati is performed five times daily.
3 am to 4 am - Mangala Aarti
4 am to 11 am - it is opened for devotees to do dharshan.
11.30 am to 12 noon, mid-day Bhog Aarti is done.
12 noon to 7 pm, devotees can worship.
7 pm to 8.30 pm - evening Sapta Rishi Aarti is done. After that devotees can visit till 9.00 pm.
9.00 pm - Sringar/Bhog Aarti starts. devotees can worship from outside only in this time.
10.30 PM - Shayan Aarti starts
and the Kashivishwanath Temple closes at 11 pm.
Ganga Aarti at Dasaswamedh Ghats, Varanasi
Ganga Aarti at Dasaswamedh ghat, close to Kashi Vishwanath The Varanasi Ganga Aarti takes place every sunset at holy Dasaswamedh Ghat, near Kashi Vishwanath temple. It differs from the aartis at Haridwar and Rishikesh in that it’s a highly choreographed ceremony. Although a spectacular must-see, some people consider it to be too much of an artificial and showy extravaganza to have a lot of meaning in a spiritual context.
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| Aarti Peeth at Varanasi - kasi on beside of river ganga |
The aarti is performed on a stage by a group of young pandits, all draped in saffron colored robes with their puja plates spread out before them. It commences with the blowing of a conch shell, and continues with the waving of incense sticks in elaborate patterns and circling of large flaming lamps that create a bright hue against the darkened sky. The movement of the lamps, held in the pandits’ hands, is tightly synchronizing to the rhythmic chants of hymns and clang of cymbals. The heady scent of sandalwood thickly permeates the air.
How to Attend the Varanasi Ganga Aarti
 |
| Ganga Aarthi at River Ganga at Varanasi - kasi |
 |
| Ganga Aarthi at River Ganga at Varanasi - kasi |
People start arriving very early (as early as 5 p.m.) in order to get a good position for viewing the aarti. A novel and effective way of seeing it is by boat from the river. Alternatively, many shops in the vicinity hire their balconies out to tourists. A maha aarti (great aarti) takes place on a particularly elaborate scale in Varanasi near the end of each year on Kartik Purnima..Temple, is one of the prime attractions of Varanasi. It starts just after sunset, with a bunch of young men choreographing to the chantings, holding the lamps.
 |
| Ganga Aarthi at River Ganga at Varanasi - kasi |
 |
| Ganga Aarthi at River Ganga at Varanasi - kasi |
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| Ganga Aarthi at River Ganga at Varanasi - kasi |
 |
| Ganga Aarthi at River Ganga at Varanasi - kasi |
 |
| Ganga Aarthi at River Ganga at Varanasi - kasi |
happy reading...blog by Nagaraju Poona
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