maharashtra religiouse places

Maharashtra Religious Places

Maharashtra has many religious sites and pilgrimage places for different faiths. Nashik is the holy city for Hindus. Kumbh Mela is organized here for every three years and Maha Kumbh Mela for every twelve years. Mumbadevi Temple of Mumbai is a very famous temple known to all over India. Kailash Temple in Aurangabad is one of the oldest and best examples of excellent architecture. Pandharpur, Shirdi, Bahubali Temples are other the famous temples of Maharashtra.

Hazi Ali tomb in Mumbai is over eight hundred years old and linked to the mainland by a path that is annually submerged in the high monsoon tide. Takhat Sachkhand Shri Hazur Abchalnagar Sahib of Nanded is the most important Gurdwara in Maharashtra. It is one of the four high seats of Authority of the Sikhs. Guru Gobind Singh, the 10th Sikh Guru died in Nanded and his ashes are buried in the Sach Khand Shri Huzur Gurdwara on the side of the river Godavari.

Osho Ashram in Pune too attracts a number of devotees each year including a large number of them from the western countries since early 70s even though Osho expired in 1990. Mount Marry Church and Afghan Memorial Church in Mumbai are famous for their old and western architecture.

Afghan Memorial Church

The Afghan Memorial Church of St. John the Baptist, also known as St John's Church is located at Colaba, Mumbai. It was established in 1847 AD and consecrated 11 years later as a memorial to those who fell in the First Afghan War of 1843 and Sind campaign of 1838.

The roof of the Afghan Memorial Church is built of varnished teakwood with hammer beam style ribbing, while the flooring is done with chancel made of encaustic tiles in-laid with coloured clay imported from England.

The Church has a beautiful altar, tall pinnacles, 21 lancet windows with exquisite stained glass fixed in the triangular apexes, on either side of the nave. The remaining portions of the nave windows were fitted earlier with Venetians instead of glass, but it has changed with coloured glass windows.

There are 30 lancet windows glazed with coloured quarries in the clerestory. At the west end of each aisle are triplet windows, one in the south aisle behind the organ is filled with plain glass but the one in the north aisle behind the side altar is a memorial window.

Mumbai is well connected by air, rail and road with all the important places within and beyond the state. To reach the church Taxis, city buses and local trains are available. Mumbai offers tourist a wide range of accommodations.

Amba Devi Temple

Ambadevi Temple is situated at the heart of the city of Amaravati, Maharashtra, which is 155 km from Nagpur. The presiding deity is Amba Devi (Goddess of Shakti). According to legends, it is believed that Shri Krishna married Rukmini after abducting her when she came to pray at the Amba Devi temple. The Goddess Amba is popular amongst the devotees from Vidarbha.

The nearest airport and railway station are situated at Nagpur. Amaravati is connected by road as well; tourists can also take buses from Nagpur or hire taxis. Accommodation is available at Dharamshalas and in the rooms let by locals.

Ambarnath Temple

Ambarnath Temple is on the Mumbai-Pune railway line at Akoli. Ambarnath Temple is said to be the only temple of its kind in India. The temple, which dates back to 1060 AD compared in the fascinating and delicate complication of design to the famous Dilawara Temples of Mount Abu. One can hardly or rarely come across a temple, which can compare even remotely with the Ambarnath temple. It is believed that King Mahamandaleshwar built the temple in the memory of his predecessor.

Fairs are held once a year during Shivartri, and thousands of pilgrims flock to the temple on this event. Nearest airport from here is Mumbai. There is a railway station at Ambarnath. State transport plies buses regularly to Ambarnath from almost all important places in Maharashtra. The ancient Shivalaya of Ambarnath is also worth visiting.

Anwa Temple

Anwa Temple is located 10 km away from Golegaon near Aurangabad, Maharashtra. Presiding deity is Lord Shiva, and the temple dates back to 12th century. The temple has a sanctuary and a mandap (open hall) with decorated pillars. Anwa is a small village on the main road leading from Aurangabad to the Ajanta Caves.

Anwa village gained importance because of Anwa Temple. The pillars of the temple has beautifully carved sculptures and decorated pillars. The temple has also images of Vishnu, Ganesha and other divinities.

As Anwa is very close to Ajanta, it is very convenient to travel by road from Golegaon. Private car or taxi is the best mode of transport. For accommodation small budgeted hotels are available at Ajanta. One can also stay at the government guesthouse.

Ayyappa Temple

Mumbai's Ayappa Temple is regarded to be the only Ayappa Temple outside Kerala state. The original name of this temple is Mini Sabarimala Shree Ayyappa Temple. It is situated atop a hillock surrounded by hills and valleys within the area of NCH Colony. A tiny stream originating from the vicinity adds the sanctity and beauty of the temple environment.

Ayappa Temple is a unique temple resembling the Holy Shrine of Shree Dharma Shastha (Ayyappa) at Sabarimala, Kerala, crowning the Western Ghats. This temple attracts thousands of devotees throughout the year.

The major festival is 'Mandala Makara Vilakku' festival (mid November to mid January), which starts with the Mudhradhanam for the devotees who undertake pilgrimage to Sabarimala. Festivals apart from the usual Hindu festivals which are celebrated here are 'Pankuni Uttiram'- the birthday of Shree Ayyappa, 'Prathista Dinam', 'Vishu' (New Year)- April 14th, Onam, Ganesh Chaturthi, Vijaya Dashami, and Deepawali.

Bahubali Hill Temple

Bahubali Hill Temples are located 27 km south of Kolhapur, Maharashtra on the Bahubali Hills. Huge devotees thronged the temple to worship the 28-feet tall marble statue of Bahubali and visit the temples of the 24 Tirthankaras or saints. These hills are popularly known as 'Kumbhojgiri'. A Celibacy Resort was established in 1935 and named after the sage Bahubali who mediated here about 300 years before.

This temple looks very beautiful and splendid. The scene of the forest and the village farms looks full of delight and beauty. People visiting these temples have to climb about 400 steps. A fair is held here on the 15th day of the bright half of the month of Kartak, on the 15th day of the bright half of the month Chaitra and on the 10th of day the dark half of the month of Magasar

Visitors can take a train from the nearest railway station at Hathkalangad, about 8 km away, on Kolhapur - Miraj railway line. This temple is at a distance of 31 km from Kolhapur. There are steps for climbing the hill. Bus service and private vehicles are available. They go to the foot of the hill. The Swetambar Jain Trust provides accommodation for the devotees.

Balaji Temple

Balaji Temple at Nerul, Mumbai is the exact replica of Balaji Temple at Tirupati. This temple is built on the lines of Venkateshwara Temple at Tirupati and has been constructed according to the Shilpashastras. Others temples - Vidya Ganapati Temple, Shri Padmavati Devi Temple, Hanumana Temple, Vishvakasena Temple, Ramanuja Temple, and Lakshmi Nrisimha Temple surround the main temple.

'Bali Peetham' and the tall 'Dhwaja Stambham' can be seen as one enters the temple. Next to the Bali Peetham and the Dwaja Stambham, a flight of steps leads to the 'Tiru Mamani Mandapam'. The structure of the Mani Mandapam has been built based on modern architectural practices. The cement concrete surfaces are being dubbed with exquisitely carved granite stones.

Behind the Ardha Mandapam, there is the 'Garbha Griham'. At the right foot of the lord is a small silver idol, which is called 'Bhoga Srinivasa' or 'Kautuka Bera'. This idol imbibes the essence of the Lord and is loosely bonded to the main 'Moolavar' idol by a string. There are also other idols like Shrinivasa with Sridevi and Bhoodevi made of 'Pancha Loha' known as Utsava idols (images for festivities). There are also the idols of Shri Rama, Sita, Lakshmana and Anjaneya, Shri Krishna with Rukmini.

Ballaleshwar Vinayak Temple

Palicha Shree Ballaleshwar Vinayak temple at Pali, which is located 110 km away from Pune in Maharashtra. The temple, which was built by Nana Phadnis in 1770, was named after Ballal of Pali. The presiding deity is Lord Ballaleshwar (Ganapati). Ganapati is known as Ballaleshwar here.

The Ganesh idol in the temple is 3 ft tall. His consorts Siddhi and Riddhi flank Ganesha's image. The eyes of the Ganapati are studded with diamonds. There is also another Ganesh Temple, known as Dhundi Vinayak just behind the temple. The Peshwas in the temple installed a big Portuguese made bell.

Nearest airport is at Mumbai. Tourists can also access this place either from Panvel or Khopoli railway stations. It is easily accessible as number of buses ply from Mumbai and Pune connecting Pali.

Bibi Ka Maqbara

Bibi Ka Maqbara is situated 5 km away from Aurangabad. Aurangazeb's son, Prince Azam Shah built it in 1678 in the memory of his mother Begum Rabia Durani. This mausoleum is a replica of the famous Taj Mahal.

Despite the layout and surrounding of the tomb is very much similar to Taj Mahal, somehow the architecture fails to produce the magic of the Taj. Hence, it is considered to be a poor imitation of the Taj Mahal.

The chief architect of the monument is a Persian called Ustad - Ata - Ullah. The inscription on the walls of the tomb reveals that it cost precisely Rs. 665,283 and 7 Annas to build this monument.

Bibi Ka Maqbara has four towering minarets like Taj Mahal. An octagonal lattice-screen of white marble surrounds the raised plinth supporting Rabia Daurani's grave inside the tomb. The tips of its pillars are made of red stone. The monument becomes so beauty when its reflection falls on the water as soon as the sun's first rays fall on it.

MTDC organizes a fair every October as the Bibi Ka Maqbara festival. Aurangabad is well connected through air, train and road. Accommodation facilities are available at various hotels at Aurangabad.

Chakreshwar Temple

Chakreshwar Temple is located at Titte, near Kolhapur, Maharashtra. Lord Chakreswar is worshipped in the temple. The temple is towards the south of Kolhapur. Visiting Chakreshwar Temple is regarded as a part of pilgrimage while visiting the Mahalakshmi temple at Kolhapur.

The nearest airport is situated at Kolhapur, while nearest railway station is at Tette. The town is well connected by road as well. Accommodation is available at the hotels in Kolhapur.

Chinchwad Ganesh Temple

Chinchwad is about 15 km away from Pune, Maharashtra. It is an old town, and one can find its references in Shivaji's and Peshwa's periods. The Ganesh Temple in Chinchwad is very famous place, and a Yatra takes place in the month of 'Shravan'. The 'Moraya Gosavi' temple is pride for Chinchwad. It is associated with the 14th century Saint Moravi Gosavi.

The temple is a well maintained and is very old, and but it is known as Moraya Gosavi Temple. Chinchwad Ganesh Temple is situated on the banks of river 'Pawana'. The small ghat on the backside of the temple is very pretty and the quiet atmosphere here pleases the mind.

Nearest airport is at Pune, while there is also rail connection. Pune being a major commercial city of Maharashtra is well connected by road with all the places in Maharashtra and other parts of the country.

Dattatreya Temple

Dattatreya Temple is located at Ganganapur, Maharashtra. The presiding deity is Dattatreya, an incarnation of Lord Vishnu Dattatreya. The shrine at Ganganapur is in the process of assuming the form of a temple. It is currently more like an 'Ashram'. The main gate faces towards the west and is built in the Maratha model of 'Nagarkhana'. A spacious mandap (hall) is provided for the gathering.

There is a raised platform - the 'holy of holies' in the southern side of the hall. Dattatreya Temple has a very small room divided into two by a wall. There are two doors, and in the inner portion, there are the images of Dattatreya and the 'Nirguna padukas'- a pair of sandals.

There is a very small opening in the wall in the form a silver-plate framework, which allows pilgrims to have a glimpse of the image. Some feet away is a door in the dividing curtain, where inside the sanctuary are the Padukas. It is these Padukas that are the object of worship at this place. It is a symbol of the constant and eternal presence of Dattatreya in his form as Nrisimha Sarasvati.

Kailash Temple

It is believed that the construction of the Kailash Temple was started in the mid 8th century under the direction of King Krishna I (757-775) of the Rashtrakuta dynasty. This temple is world's largest monolithic structure carved from one piece of rock and the most extensive rock-cut projects ever undertaken.

Kailash Temple is situated near the village of Ellora, 30 km from Aurangabad. The temple is considered as one of the most astonishing buildings in the history of architecture. This is one of the largest 34 excavations at Ellora, which took almost a century. Kailash Temple is dedicated to Lord Shiva. The idol measures 109 feet wide by 164 feet long.

Kailash Temple has number of images of deities, animals, and other mythical creatures from the puranas in a manner that leaves one in rapturous delight. Entire panels were carved showing scenes from the Mahabharata and the Ramayana.

Every December, MTDC organises the Ellora festival of music and dance at the Kailash Temple. Ellora is well connected by all means of transport. Accommodation is available at the hotels in Aurangabad.

Mt. Mary Church

Mount Mary Church is one of the most important church in Mumbai. It is famous for its exquisite interiors. Mount Mary Church is situated on a quiet hillock in suburban Bandra. As the name suggests, it is dedicated to Mary.

There are two statues of Mary at the Church, one inside the church and one outside. A festival called Bandra Fair of the Virgin Mother culminates in a weeklong fair in September. The fair is more like a small carnival, which attracts a huge crowd.

Mumbai is well connected by air, rail and road with all the important places within and beyond the state. The nearest station is Bandra. Mumbai offers tourist a wide range of accommodation.

Mumba Devi Temple

Mumbadevi Temple is in Bhuleshwar, Mumbai. This temple is dedicated to city's patron Goddess Mumbadevi, Mumbai's resident deity. Legends say the structure of the temple is about six centuries old and it is believed be the work of Mumbaraka, a sadistic giant who frequently plundered the city at the time.

The image of the Goddess Mumbadevi is clad with a robe of silver crown, a nose ring and a golden necklace. To the left is a stone figure of Annapurna seated on a peacock. In front of the shrine is a tiger, the carrier of the Goddess. The Goddess personifies Mother Earth. It is still worshipped by descendants of the Dravidian population of western and southern India.

The temple of Mumbadevi once stood on the site of the present Victoria Terminus in the central island, which was called Mumbai. The present name of the city is derived from the Goddess Mumbadevi.

Mumbai is well connected by air, rail and road. The nearest railway station is at Marine Lines. Accommodation is available at the hotels in Mumbai.

Nageshwar Temple

Nageshwar Temple is one of the oldest temples of Pune, Maharashtra. It has been there since the times of Sant Jnaneshwar and Tukaram. It is a general belief that there was once a reservoir near the temple. The water of this reservoir can cure leprosy.

The main shrine has the typical Yadava structure with a stone roof. Several renovations and additions have been made the temple over the years. Pune is one of the major commercial cities of Maharashtra. So, it is well connected by air, rail and road with all the places in Maharashtra and other parts of the country. Tourists can access this temple easily. Accommodation is available at the hotels in Pune.

Osho Ashram

Osho Ashram, also known as the Osho Communal Centre is located at the greenery area of 17 Koregoan Park of Pune, Maharashtra. The Ashram offers a variety of expensive courses on meditation.

Osho Ashram attracts a number of devotees each year including a large number of them from the western countries since early 70s even though Osho expired in 1990.

Facilities of swimming, sauna, tennis, massages, beauty parlour, basketball courts and Bistros are available at the Ashram. There is a rock garden of 5 hectares called Osho Park in the side of the Ashram. The nearby Nulla Park, also known as Osho Teerth is a beautifully maintained garden, transformed from a swamp. The garden opens for public from 6 to 9 in the morning and 7 to 10 in the evening.

Nearest airport and railhead is at Pune. The city is well connected by road with all the places in Maharashtra and other parts of the country. Accommodation is available at the hotels in Pune.

Pandharpur

Pandharpur is located in a place, which is 65 km away from Sholapur on the banks of river Bhimarathi. This place is one of the most revered pilgrimage sites in Maharashtra.

Pandharpur preserves Lord Vithoba's image in a grand temple. Vithoba is a form of Krishna. The name Vithoba means Father Vitthala. Vitthala is said to have been derived from the word Vishnu in Kannada.

The worship of Vishnu - Vitthala at Pandharpur is derived mainly from the puranas and has been augmented by the contribution of the great Vaishnava saints of Maharashtra from the 13th to 17th centuries (Namdev, Jnaneshwar, Eknath, Tukaram).

The temple with its vast area has a total of six gates. The eastern entrance to this temple is known as the Namdev gate. The sanctum enshrines a standing image of Vithoba also known as Panduranga, Pandhari or Vitthala.

The image dates back to the 5th century. There are inscriptions in this temple dating back to the 13th century. Namdev, the 13th century saint was closely associated with this temple. Copper plate inscriptions of the Rashtrakootas place this shrine in the 6th century. There is also a shrine to Pundalik at Pandharpur.

Shirdi

Shirdi, a small village in Kopargam Taluk, in Ahmadnagar, Maharastra is regarded to be an important pilgrimage place in India as sage Sai Baba lived here till his death. It is about 285 km, which is 6 hours drive from Mumbai.

After his death, Sai Baba's fame has spread far and wide. Sai Baba believed and respected all religions. Samadhi Temple was started during the lifetime of Sai Baba, with a view to having a temple of Sri Krishna. But later, Sai Baba himself decided to live there. So, after Sai Baba attained Nirvana (eternal peace), His mortal remains were buried at the place. The articles and valuables, which were used by the Baba, are exhibited in a room here.

Dwarkamayee Masjid is the place where Baba lived for almost for 60 years. There is also a place called Chavadi where Sai Baba used to visit every alternate night. Gurusthan is the place where Sai Baba used to sit under a neem (Margo) tree. It is said that the leaves of this tree lost their bitterness with to the grace of Sai Baba. Samadhis of Baba's devotees like Abdul Baba, Nanavalli, Bhau Maharaj and Tatya are also there in Shirdi. There are also interesting and holy places related to Sai Baba.

Nearest important railway station is at Kopergaon, trains of major cities are available. The Shirdi Sai Sansthan provides boarding and lodging facilities but since large numbers of devotees throng the place, especially on Thursdays, one can find it difficult to get accommodation. But there are good hotels, which cater to the needs of all classes of devotees. Locals also let rooms on rent over here. 

Siddhivinayak Temple

Siddhivinayak Temple is in Mumbai, Maharashtra. Siddhivinayak Lord Ganapati/Ganesh is worshipped in the temple. The temple dates back to 18th Century. Vinayak is considered to be one of the Ashta Vinayak shrines of Maharashtra, celebrating eight instances of legends related to Ganesha.

The present form of the temple was re-constructed five years ago. The temple has a Kalash, which is a pointed dome of 12 feet high Gabhara (sanctum sanctorum) weighing 1500 kg and plated in gold. So, it facilitates the 'Darshan' of Sri Siddhivinayak from either the area surrounding the Gabhara or the stage (Sabha Mandap) constructed to conduct pujas and festivities.

The idol of Ganapati is also called Chaturbhuj as it has four arms. A lotus is held in the upper right hand symbolises auspicious piety and a small axe in the upper left, a holy rosary of beads (Japmala) are held in the lower right and a bowl full of Modaks (a delicacy which is a perennial favorite with Sri Siddhivinayak) in the lower left. On auspicious Tuesdays, the serpentine queue of worshippers is over 2 km long.

Mumbai is well connected by air, rail and road with all the places in the state as well as the country. Tourists can take the city buses from any point of the city and reach this temple.

Takht Sri Hazur Sahib

Takhat Sachkhand Shri Hazur Abchalnagar Sahib is the most important Gurdwara situated in Nanded, Maharashtra. It is one of the four high seats of Authority of the Sikhs. Guru Gobind Singh, the 10th Sikh Guru died in Nanded and his ashes are buried in the Sach Khand Shri Huzur Gurdwara on the side of the river Godavari.

Different kinds of weapons of Govind Singhji's time are exhibited here. The Guru gave his last sermon to the Sikhs in this Gurudwara. The Gurdwara is beautifully architected with marble and golden plating. Corners of the roof of the first floor are decorated with domed kiosks on octagonal pedestals.

The sanctum has marble lining decoration with inset work in floral patterns on lower parts of the walls and stucco and tukari work on the upper parts as well as on the ceiling.

Nearest and convenient airport is Aurangabad. There is a railway station at Nanded. It is well connected by road with the important places within and beyond the state. Accommodation is available at the hotels in Nanded. Free lodging is provided at the Dharamshala, which is just besidek the Gurudwara.                                                                                                                                                                Nashi: 

Nashik is a famous pilgrim place and famous for Kumbh Mela. This place is considered as the Western Kashi of India. There are many temples and pilgrim places around Nashik. One of the famous places within the city is Panchbati (Panchavati). This is where the famous Kumbh Mela takes place. By the side of river Godavari you can find many temples around this. Old Shiva temples and you can see the center of Kumbh mela which opens once in twelve years during the mela time.Godavari Pushkar is also conducted here. 

Places to visit in Nashik 
There are other holly places like Ramkunda, Muktidham temple, Pandavleni caves andTrimbakeshwar. You can see the pictures here and see what is around it. 
Additionally people can see Sita Guha , Kapaleshwar mandir, Thapovana. Ganapur water falls is also nearer to Nashik. Trimbakeshwar:
In the village Trimbak Trimbakeshwar temple is a famous pilgrim place. Trimbakeshwar is also the origin of river Godavari. Trimbakeshwar is one of the 12 jyotirlingas (and the eighth one in the series) of Lord Shiva and this one is considered to be the main jyotirlinga. Monday is a scared day here and Shivratri the holy day of Shiva Puja in a year is celebrated here. The Goddess in this temple is called Trimbakeshwari. This temple was constructed by Raju Balaji Baji Rao who ruled Maharashtra. Later, so many Maratha kings contributed in several ways to improve the temple. Very nearer to the temple, Papaharini Theertam is located. People take bath here before visiting the temple which is considered as a holy bath. This place is formed by river Godavari after falling from Brahmagiri. 

Importance of the placeThe temple is situated in a hill region called Sahyagiri. The Temple premesis is called Brahmagiri, also considered as the most sacred place of river Godavari (Brahma Sthalam). The Sun, Moon and Agni form the three eyes located at different direction on this Jyotirlinga. Inside the main linga, there are three more lingas visible. These are considered as, Brahma, Vishnu and Maheshwara. There is a belief that, anybody who performs puja for this Jyothirlinga, is considered as actually worshipping all these three Gods. 

Other places to see near Trimbakeshwar 
Gangadwar or Gangadwaram where the river flows beneath the twigs of trees in a narrow place. Nearer to paapa Haarini Theertham, Mahadeva and Ganga Mathatemples are located. On the way to Brahmagiri, Vithal Mandir and Ganga Dwarcan be seen. Caves of 108 Shiva Lingas is a must see place where Maharshi Gowthama worshipped lord Shiva. Kushavartham is the origin of river Godavari, Parashuram temple and Ambika alayam are some more places which can be visited. 

How to reach Trimbak 
By road from Nashik it is 35 KM. Nasik is well connected by train also. The journey from Nashik to Trimbakeshwar is through forest. People can stay here for one whole day and have to reach back Nashik for staying. 
From Mumbai it is 210 KM. Nashik is 185Kms from Mumbai.
The nearest airport is Oghur. This place is 16 Kms from Nashik. Nearest railway station is Nasik Road. Metropolitan airport - Mumbai. 

We didn't find any problem in carrying our video, digital cameras, mobile phones. But photography is not allowed inside the main temple. Bhimashankar 

Bhimashankar is the sixth Jyotirling in the series of Dwadasha Jyotirlingas. The temple is very old and surrounded by a scenic nature with green forest. The place is totally surrounded by dense forest which is also considered as the wild life sanctuary by Indian Government. This hill region is called Sahyadri and situated at a distance of 125Kms from Pune. This forest is also called Khed. The temple is located at Dakini hill (Shikharam). Nana Padnis of Peshwa kingdom has improved this place to a great extent and built the beautiful temple. 

Importance of the placeIn this temple, Lord Eshwara is shown in Half man and Half woman (Ardha Narishwara) form. There is a continuous water flow from this Jyotirlinga, which is the speciality of this place. 
Some more places of interest here are, Kamalaja Devi temple, origin of Bhima river, Bombay point and Hanuman temple. In Pune city, Kelkar museum, Goddess Parvati temple are important. Nearer to this city, Mahabaleshwar, Kolhapur can be visited. Shri Mahalaxmi temple is very famous in Kolhapur. This temple is considered as one of the Shakti peetha. 

How to reach 
Nearest Air port is Pune 
Nearest Railway station is Pune 
Only bus transport is available to Bhimshankar from Pune. Central bus stand is nearer to railway station. Buses to Bhimshankar are run from Shivaji Nagar bus stand in Pune. This Bus stand is about 2Kms from Central bus stand. City buses are available to reach Shivaji Nagar bus stand. Auto richshaw facility is also available. Bhimshankar is 125Kms from Pune via Manchar. Manchar is 57Kms from Pune on National Highway 50. The first bus starts at 5.15am from Pune to Bhimashankar.