Ganga, that most sacred of Indian rivers, is worshipped as the life-giving goddess who brought salvation to this land. This great river, emerging from the icy glaciers of the Himalayas, descended to earth with such force that the gods had to be called in to prevent a complete deluge. The mighty Ganga was split into 12 channels to temper her force and the siblings again unite into one single stream after Devprayag, where the two great streams of Alaknanda and Bhagirathi meet. Four other confluences higher up add up to form the five holy confluences or Panch Prayag.
The journey to Panch Prayag not only provides the spiritual gains but also it is Nature's heaven.
DevPrayag
DevPrayag is regarded as the most complete showcase of legends, heritage & traditions. 70 km from Rishikesh , here the Bhagirathi from Gaumukh & the Alaknanda (and Mandakini) from Satopanth unite and for most Indians, this confluence is no less holy than the Sangam at Allahabad. These three rivers flowing majestically through sculptured channels carved through the rocks have carved angular blocks of land around the confluence & the town is set into these three angles. From this place onwards the combined river is known as Ganga.
It is believed that Lord Rama and his father King Dashratha did penance here. The temple of Raghunathji houses a tall image of Lord Rama made of black granite. The most celebrated event at DevPrayag is the congregation of devotees, who come here to worship at Raghunath temple.
A big stone on the Bhagirathi's bank is called the Vashistkund named after sage vashist, under whose auspices lord Indra performed his Yoga. The stone has the exact spot marked on it.
RudraPrayag
Named after Lord Shiva (Rudra), RudraPrayag is situated at the holy confluence of Alaknanda & Mandakini rivers, at a distance of 34 km from Srinagar (Garhwal). It is believed that to master the mysteries of music, the sage Narad worshipped Lord Shiva, who appeared in his Rudra incarnation to bless the sage. It was here, also, that Shivas wife, Sati, was reborn after her self immolation because her father humiliated her husband. In her new life, as the daughter of Himalaya, she did penance here to ask the boon of Shiva as a husband once again. The ancient temple of Rudranathji is dedicated to Lord Shiva.
RudraPrayag is the point where the two roads branch off to the holy Shrines of Kedarnath (84 km) & Badrinath (159 km).
The entire region is blessed with immense natural beauty, places of religions importance, lakes and glaciers.
KarnaPrayag
Situated 11 km from Gauchar, the icy flow from the Pindari Glacier becomes the Pindari river, and when it meets the Alaknanda at 788 m, the confluence is known as KarnaPrayag. The wooded thickets of the hills surrounding KarnaPrayag were the meeting ground for Shakuntala and Dushyanta, immortalised in Kalidasa’s immortal classic and a favourite ballad ever since. The place derives its name from Karna, the son of the Queen Kunti and Lord Surya. Karna propitiated the Sun God here, and acquired a pair of earrings & armour that made him invincible. Ultimately, he fell in the battle between the Pandavas & Kauravas, but remains a tragic hero for in life he never had the legitimacy he desired.
Besides the temple dedicated to Karna, the temple dedicated to Goddess Umadevi, Narayan & Gopal stand at the confluence.
69 km from Gwaldam, KarnaPrayag is on the main Rishikesh Badrinath highway. From here, the road to SriKedarnath (115 km) goes through Rudraprayag & the road to SriBadrinath (128 km) through Joshimath.
KarnaPrayag is the base for treks to Roopkund and the Bedni Bugyals and the approach to the Pindari Glacier.
NandPrayag
22 km from KarnaPrayag, NandPrayag at 914 m forms the confluence of the Alaknanda & Nandakini (flowing from a glacier near Nanda Devi Peak) rivers. On their way to Tapovan across Kunwari Pass or on their way to Roopkund, it is popular with trekkers. It is said that the confluence is named for the pious Raja Nanda. According to one legend, the king had been promised the boon of Vishnu as a son. Unfortunately, the same boon had been granted to Devki, the imprisoned sister of the tyrant king, Kansa. Ultimately, the gods found an ingenuous if wily solution: Vishnu would be born as Krishna to Devki but would be brought up by Raja Nandas wife, Yasodha.
50 km north east of Nandprayag is Vairaskund where Ravana is believed to have done intense Tapasaya to appease Lord Shiva and get his blessings. He offered as sacrifice his ten heads.
Vishnuprayag
Hormed by the confluence of the impetuous VishnuGanga (known after this point, as the Alaknanda) and the Dhauliganga river, VishnuPrayag, 1372m, has an ancient temple called Vishnu Kund. It is said that the sage Narad worshipped Vishnu at this sanctified spot. Visitors will find the Kagbhusandi Lake bewitching with its emerald green depths giving it a still surface, while on the banks, blossoms evoke the colours of nature in all her glory. The lake can also be approached from Vishnuprayag beside from Bhundhar village near Ghangaria.
Thursday, June 19, 2008
Wednesday, June 18, 2008
Panch Badri
According to the Srimad Bhagavatam, "There in Badrikashram the Personality of Godhead (Vishnu), in his incarnation as the sages Nara and Narayana, had been undergoing great penance since time immemorial for the welfare of all living entities."
The Skanda Purana states that “There are several sacred shrines in heaven, on earth, and in hell; but there is no shrine like Badrinath.”
The area around Badrinath was also celebrated in Padma Purana as abounding in spiritual treasures.
Shri Badri Vishal
This temple located at a height of 3,133 mts. is the largest and most popular of the Vishnu pilgrimages among the five Badris. The original temple here is believed to be built by King Pururava and the icon of the lord carved by Vishwakarma. The idol was recovered by Adi Shankaracharya from the waters of the nearby Naradkund and consecrated once more in the temple, restored in the 19th century by the royal houses of Scindia and Holkar.
So holy is this shrine that it forms one of the four prominent places of Hindu worship. The epic Mahabharata, it is believed, was cornposed in the Vyas and Ganesh caves close by. The Vishnu Ganga which later becomes the Alaknanda flows below the temple while Neelkanth keeps vigil over all devotees. For visitors, the area is fascinating: across from the river is Mana, the last habitation before the border with Tibbet, and once a flourishing centre of Indo-Tibetan trade.
Badrinath was originally established as a pilgrimage site by Adi Shankara in the ninth century. Shankara discovered the image of Badrinarayan in the Alaknanda River and enshrined it in a cave near the Tapt Kund hot springs. In the sixteenth century, the king of Garhwal moved the murti to the present temple.
The temple has undergone several major renovations, due to age and damage by avalanche. In the 17th century, the temple was expanded by the kings of Garhwal. After significant damage in the great 1803 Himalayan earthquake, it was rebuilt by the King of Jaipur.
Several murtis are worshipped in the temple. The most important is a one meter tall statue of Vishnu as Lord Badrinarayan, made of black Saligram stone. The statue is considered by many Hindus to be one of eight swayam vyakta keshtras, or self-manifested statues of Vishnu. The murti depicts Vishnu sitting in meditative posture, rather than His far more typical reclining pose.
The nearest railhead, Riahikesh, is 299 kms by road.
Bhavishya Badri
The future Badri is located at 2,744 mts. amidst the thick forests surrounding Tapovan. According to a divination, it is here that all devotees will throng once Badrinath is no more. While there can be no conceivable reason why this should happen, scientists agree that Joshimath, the entry point into the area before the final, most strenuous climb, is sited on an ancient landslide and has been sinking, and with a barrage coming up close by, may actually see the fulfillment
of the divine prophecy.
But whatever happens, Bhavishya Badri is popular even now. Enshrined here is the lion-headed image of Narsingh. Visitors pass the serene Tapovan a place known for its hot water springs en route to the banks of the Dhauliganga, and on to the shrine.
Saldhar is 274 km from Rishikesh and 19 km from Joshimath. From Saldhar, pilgrims have to trek 6 km up to the shrine.
Yogdhyan Badri
Every so often in the Garhwal Himalayas, tales from the Mahabharata spring magically to life. Yogdhyan Badri, 1,920 mts, is located at Pandukeshwar, named after the Pandvas King. It is said that the Pandavas, victorious after their battle against the Kauravas, but emotionally scarred, came to the Himalayas. And it was here that they handed over their capital, Hastinapur, to Raja Parikshit and took up penance before seeking out the highway to heaven. The importance of the badri is immense and the sanctum has an image of the lord in a meditative
posture.
It is located just 23 kms short of Badrinath on a motorable road from Rishikesh. Regular buses and taxis ply on the route. The nearest railhead, Rishikesh, is 277 kms.
Aadi Badri
Another pilgrimage centre of importance is this group of 16 temples enroute to Ranikhet and close to the confluence at Karan Prayag. The main temple is dedicated to Narayan and has a raised platform in the pyramidal form. Within the temple, a black stone idol is installed. It is believed that these temples, dating to the Gupta age, were sanctioned by Adi Shankaracharya who wanted to spread the tenets of Hinduism to every remote corner of the country.
Adi Badri is approachable from Kama Prayag, 19 kms, which in turn is connected by a motorable road with Ranikhet, Nainital and Ramnagar. The nearest railhead, Rishikesh, is 192 kms.
Vriddha Badri
Before Badrinath was designated one of the four Char Dhams of Hindu worship by Adi Shankaracharya, the idol of Badrinath carved by the divine Vishwakarma was enshrined and worshipped here. It is said that when mankind entered the age of Kali, Vishnu chose to remove himself from the temple.
This, the first badri, is located at a height of 1,380 mts. at Animath. While Badrinath closes during winter, the idol and priests hibernating at Joshimath, Vridha Badri remains open throughout the year.
Animath, 8 kms short of Joshimath, is accessible by motorable roads from Rishkesh on the Badrinath road.The nearest railhead, Rishikesh, is 247 kms.
The Skanda Purana states that “There are several sacred shrines in heaven, on earth, and in hell; but there is no shrine like Badrinath.”
The area around Badrinath was also celebrated in Padma Purana as abounding in spiritual treasures.
Shri Badri Vishal
This temple located at a height of 3,133 mts. is the largest and most popular of the Vishnu pilgrimages among the five Badris. The original temple here is believed to be built by King Pururava and the icon of the lord carved by Vishwakarma. The idol was recovered by Adi Shankaracharya from the waters of the nearby Naradkund and consecrated once more in the temple, restored in the 19th century by the royal houses of Scindia and Holkar.
So holy is this shrine that it forms one of the four prominent places of Hindu worship. The epic Mahabharata, it is believed, was cornposed in the Vyas and Ganesh caves close by. The Vishnu Ganga which later becomes the Alaknanda flows below the temple while Neelkanth keeps vigil over all devotees. For visitors, the area is fascinating: across from the river is Mana, the last habitation before the border with Tibbet, and once a flourishing centre of Indo-Tibetan trade.
Badrinath was originally established as a pilgrimage site by Adi Shankara in the ninth century. Shankara discovered the image of Badrinarayan in the Alaknanda River and enshrined it in a cave near the Tapt Kund hot springs. In the sixteenth century, the king of Garhwal moved the murti to the present temple.
The temple has undergone several major renovations, due to age and damage by avalanche. In the 17th century, the temple was expanded by the kings of Garhwal. After significant damage in the great 1803 Himalayan earthquake, it was rebuilt by the King of Jaipur.
Several murtis are worshipped in the temple. The most important is a one meter tall statue of Vishnu as Lord Badrinarayan, made of black Saligram stone. The statue is considered by many Hindus to be one of eight swayam vyakta keshtras, or self-manifested statues of Vishnu. The murti depicts Vishnu sitting in meditative posture, rather than His far more typical reclining pose.
The nearest railhead, Riahikesh, is 299 kms by road.
Bhavishya Badri
The future Badri is located at 2,744 mts. amidst the thick forests surrounding Tapovan. According to a divination, it is here that all devotees will throng once Badrinath is no more. While there can be no conceivable reason why this should happen, scientists agree that Joshimath, the entry point into the area before the final, most strenuous climb, is sited on an ancient landslide and has been sinking, and with a barrage coming up close by, may actually see the fulfillment
of the divine prophecy.
But whatever happens, Bhavishya Badri is popular even now. Enshrined here is the lion-headed image of Narsingh. Visitors pass the serene Tapovan a place known for its hot water springs en route to the banks of the Dhauliganga, and on to the shrine.
Saldhar is 274 km from Rishikesh and 19 km from Joshimath. From Saldhar, pilgrims have to trek 6 km up to the shrine.
Yogdhyan Badri
Every so often in the Garhwal Himalayas, tales from the Mahabharata spring magically to life. Yogdhyan Badri, 1,920 mts, is located at Pandukeshwar, named after the Pandvas King. It is said that the Pandavas, victorious after their battle against the Kauravas, but emotionally scarred, came to the Himalayas. And it was here that they handed over their capital, Hastinapur, to Raja Parikshit and took up penance before seeking out the highway to heaven. The importance of the badri is immense and the sanctum has an image of the lord in a meditative
posture.
It is located just 23 kms short of Badrinath on a motorable road from Rishikesh. Regular buses and taxis ply on the route. The nearest railhead, Rishikesh, is 277 kms.
Aadi Badri
Another pilgrimage centre of importance is this group of 16 temples enroute to Ranikhet and close to the confluence at Karan Prayag. The main temple is dedicated to Narayan and has a raised platform in the pyramidal form. Within the temple, a black stone idol is installed. It is believed that these temples, dating to the Gupta age, were sanctioned by Adi Shankaracharya who wanted to spread the tenets of Hinduism to every remote corner of the country.
Adi Badri is approachable from Kama Prayag, 19 kms, which in turn is connected by a motorable road with Ranikhet, Nainital and Ramnagar. The nearest railhead, Rishikesh, is 192 kms.
Vriddha Badri
Before Badrinath was designated one of the four Char Dhams of Hindu worship by Adi Shankaracharya, the idol of Badrinath carved by the divine Vishwakarma was enshrined and worshipped here. It is said that when mankind entered the age of Kali, Vishnu chose to remove himself from the temple.
This, the first badri, is located at a height of 1,380 mts. at Animath. While Badrinath closes during winter, the idol and priests hibernating at Joshimath, Vridha Badri remains open throughout the year.
Animath, 8 kms short of Joshimath, is accessible by motorable roads from Rishkesh on the Badrinath road.The nearest railhead, Rishikesh, is 247 kms.
Tuesday, June 17, 2008
Panch Kedar
Garhwal in the state of Uttaranchal has five Kedar shrines, Kedarnath, Tunganath, Madamaheshwar, Rudranath and Kalpanath.
Kedarnath – 1st Panch Kedar
Kedarnath, on the banks of the Mandakini River, is amongst the holiest pilgrimages for the Hindus. The lingam at Kedarnath is pyramidal and is regarded as one of the 12 Jyotirlingas. It is situated at an altitude of 3,581 mts. According to legend, the Pandavas after having won over the Kauravas in the Kurukshetra war, felt guilty of having killed their own brothers and sought the blessings of Lord Shiva for redemption. He eluded them repeatedly and while fleeing took refuge at Kedarnath in the form of a bull. On being followed he dived into the ground, leaving his hump on the surface. The remaining portions of Lord Shiva appeared at four other places and are worshipped there as his manifestations. The arms appeared at Tungnath, the face at Rudranath, the belly at Madmaheshwar and his locks (hair) with head at Kalpeshwar. Kedarnath and the four above mentioned shrines are treated as Panch Kedar.
Kedarnath is approachable on foot from Gaurikund, which is connected by road with Rishikesh and Haridwar.
Shankaracharya Samadhi :The Samadhi of Adi Guru Shankaracharya is located just behind the Kedarnath temple. It is said that after establishing four sacred Dhams in India, he went into his samadhi at an early age of 32 years.
Tungnath - 2nd Panch Kedar
At an altitude of 3,886 meters, Tungnath is the highest temple in India. Legend has it that the arm of Shiva appeared here. Ravana is said to have performed penance at this temple to propitiate Shiva. The high altitude temple is a Seat of Swyambhu Linga or the Lord Shiva Incarnate. The temple is situated in Chamoli district of the Uttarakhand region.
The mythology has it that Lord Shiva was enraged at the act of homicide enacted by the Pandavas by killing their brethren in the grand battle of Mahabharata. Aware of Shiva's annoyance, the Pandavas built the temple to please Lord Shiva and for their own salvation. Others claim that the Adi Shankaracharya during his historic visit to the region had got it built. They cite the presence of Adi Shankaracharya's image in the garbha-griha or the sanctum of the temple. However, it also houses images of the Pandavas. Besides, the ashtadhatu images of Kaal Bhairava and Veda Vyasa are among the multitude of images there. A dark left-tilting one-foot high linga is the centre of attraction. The locals describe it as an arm of Lord Shiva. The arm of Lord Shiva is also associated with a legend.
Built of stone, this temple is a fine model of ancient architecture. Facing the gate of the temple is Nandi, the Divine Bull and Shiva's vehicle. There are two smaller temples dedicated to Parvati and Vyas in a small courtyard. The temple of Tungnath, at a little over 12, 000 feet, is the highest shrine on the inner Himalayan range. It lies just below the Chandrashila peak. Some way off the main pilgrim routes, it is less frequented than Kedarnath or Badrinath, although it forms a part of the Kedar temple establishment. The priest here is a local man, Brahmin from the village of Maku; the other Kedar temples have South Indian priests, a tradition begun by Aadi Shankaracharya. Tungnath’s lonely eminence gives it a magic of its own.
To get there (or beyond it), one passes through some of the most delightful temperate forest in the Garhwal Himalayas.
Rudranath – 3rd Pancha Kedar
The face of Lord Shiva is worshipped at Rudranath temple in a natural rock temple as Neelkantha Mahadeva. Lord Shiva is worshipped here as Neelkantha. The temple is situated amid thick forest at a height 2286 mtrs. From Gopeshwar 4 kms drivable road is available upto village Sagar from where 20 kms. trek leads to Rudranath and can be approached from Joshimath as well, by trekking about 45 kms.
The temple provides magnificent view of Hathi Parvat , Nandadevi, NandaGhunti, Trishuli and many other.
There are numbers of holy Kunds (Tanks) near Rudranath temple namely Suryakund, Chandrakund, Tarakund etc. The Baitarini, the divine river flows pass behind the temple. Anusuya Devi temple is located on the trek to Rudranath involving an additional trek of 3km. This is the only temple in India where the image of Shiva is worshipped as a symbol of his face, a sublime, tender aspect of Shiva, unusual, serene and beautiful indeed to behold.
Devotees come to Rudranath to offer ritual obeisance to their ancestors, for it is here, at Vaitarani river (the water of salvation), that the souls of the dead cross when changing world.
Madhyamaheshwar –4th Pancha Kedar
The stomach of Shiva is believed to have emerged at Madmaheshwar. The temple of Madmaheshwar is located at an altitude of 3,289 m. above sea level, on the slope of a ridge, 25 km northeast of Guptakashi. There is a motorable road from Guptakashi to Kalimath. The best statue of Har Gauri in India measuring over a metre high is found in the Kali temple. The trek from Kalimath to Madmaheshwar is distinguished by wild unparalleled scenic beauty and engulfed by Chaukhamba, Kedarnath and Neelkanth peaks. Gaundar at the confluence of Madmaheshwar Ganga and Markanga Ganga, is the last settlement before one reaches Madmaheshwar.
Located at the base of Chaukhamba peak at an altitude of 3289 m the classic temple architecture belongs to the North-Indian style. So sanctified is the water here that even a few drops are considered sufficient for ablution. The natural scenery is dramatically wild, with deep gorges & valleys, mountain sides flung upwards towards the skies, the forests where the snow lies thick in winter, only to be replaced by a carpet of greenery in the summer. Kedarnath & Neelkanth peaks are visible from here, the entire ring of mountains associated with the life and times of Shiva. The confluence of Madmaheshwar Ganga just short of the temple, is one of the prettiest spots in the region.
Kalpeshwar–5th Pancha Kedar
The tough tourist may like to trek about 35 km to Kalpeshwar, where the hair and head, of Lord Shiva are worshipped as JATADHAR.
Located in Urgam Valley at an altitude of 2,134 m. above sea level, the temple is a further 10 km trek from Rudranath to Helong, the motor head on Rishikesh-Badrinath route. The small rock temple of Kalpeshwar is where the Hair appeared.
It is a favorite location of meditating sages.
Legend has it that the sage Arghya had performed austerities here and created the nymph, Urvashi. Rishi Durvasa is also believed to have meditated here under the wish-fulfilling tree, Kalpavriksha.
Kedarnath – 1st Panch Kedar
Kedarnath, on the banks of the Mandakini River, is amongst the holiest pilgrimages for the Hindus. The lingam at Kedarnath is pyramidal and is regarded as one of the 12 Jyotirlingas. It is situated at an altitude of 3,581 mts. According to legend, the Pandavas after having won over the Kauravas in the Kurukshetra war, felt guilty of having killed their own brothers and sought the blessings of Lord Shiva for redemption. He eluded them repeatedly and while fleeing took refuge at Kedarnath in the form of a bull. On being followed he dived into the ground, leaving his hump on the surface. The remaining portions of Lord Shiva appeared at four other places and are worshipped there as his manifestations. The arms appeared at Tungnath, the face at Rudranath, the belly at Madmaheshwar and his locks (hair) with head at Kalpeshwar. Kedarnath and the four above mentioned shrines are treated as Panch Kedar.
Kedarnath is approachable on foot from Gaurikund, which is connected by road with Rishikesh and Haridwar.
Shankaracharya Samadhi :The Samadhi of Adi Guru Shankaracharya is located just behind the Kedarnath temple. It is said that after establishing four sacred Dhams in India, he went into his samadhi at an early age of 32 years.
Tungnath - 2nd Panch Kedar
At an altitude of 3,886 meters, Tungnath is the highest temple in India. Legend has it that the arm of Shiva appeared here. Ravana is said to have performed penance at this temple to propitiate Shiva. The high altitude temple is a Seat of Swyambhu Linga or the Lord Shiva Incarnate. The temple is situated in Chamoli district of the Uttarakhand region.
The mythology has it that Lord Shiva was enraged at the act of homicide enacted by the Pandavas by killing their brethren in the grand battle of Mahabharata. Aware of Shiva's annoyance, the Pandavas built the temple to please Lord Shiva and for their own salvation. Others claim that the Adi Shankaracharya during his historic visit to the region had got it built. They cite the presence of Adi Shankaracharya's image in the garbha-griha or the sanctum of the temple. However, it also houses images of the Pandavas. Besides, the ashtadhatu images of Kaal Bhairava and Veda Vyasa are among the multitude of images there. A dark left-tilting one-foot high linga is the centre of attraction. The locals describe it as an arm of Lord Shiva. The arm of Lord Shiva is also associated with a legend.
Built of stone, this temple is a fine model of ancient architecture. Facing the gate of the temple is Nandi, the Divine Bull and Shiva's vehicle. There are two smaller temples dedicated to Parvati and Vyas in a small courtyard. The temple of Tungnath, at a little over 12, 000 feet, is the highest shrine on the inner Himalayan range. It lies just below the Chandrashila peak. Some way off the main pilgrim routes, it is less frequented than Kedarnath or Badrinath, although it forms a part of the Kedar temple establishment. The priest here is a local man, Brahmin from the village of Maku; the other Kedar temples have South Indian priests, a tradition begun by Aadi Shankaracharya. Tungnath’s lonely eminence gives it a magic of its own.
To get there (or beyond it), one passes through some of the most delightful temperate forest in the Garhwal Himalayas.
Rudranath – 3rd Pancha Kedar
The face of Lord Shiva is worshipped at Rudranath temple in a natural rock temple as Neelkantha Mahadeva. Lord Shiva is worshipped here as Neelkantha. The temple is situated amid thick forest at a height 2286 mtrs. From Gopeshwar 4 kms drivable road is available upto village Sagar from where 20 kms. trek leads to Rudranath and can be approached from Joshimath as well, by trekking about 45 kms.
The temple provides magnificent view of Hathi Parvat , Nandadevi, NandaGhunti, Trishuli and many other.
There are numbers of holy Kunds (Tanks) near Rudranath temple namely Suryakund, Chandrakund, Tarakund etc. The Baitarini, the divine river flows pass behind the temple. Anusuya Devi temple is located on the trek to Rudranath involving an additional trek of 3km. This is the only temple in India where the image of Shiva is worshipped as a symbol of his face, a sublime, tender aspect of Shiva, unusual, serene and beautiful indeed to behold.
Devotees come to Rudranath to offer ritual obeisance to their ancestors, for it is here, at Vaitarani river (the water of salvation), that the souls of the dead cross when changing world.
Madhyamaheshwar –4th Pancha Kedar
The stomach of Shiva is believed to have emerged at Madmaheshwar. The temple of Madmaheshwar is located at an altitude of 3,289 m. above sea level, on the slope of a ridge, 25 km northeast of Guptakashi. There is a motorable road from Guptakashi to Kalimath. The best statue of Har Gauri in India measuring over a metre high is found in the Kali temple. The trek from Kalimath to Madmaheshwar is distinguished by wild unparalleled scenic beauty and engulfed by Chaukhamba, Kedarnath and Neelkanth peaks. Gaundar at the confluence of Madmaheshwar Ganga and Markanga Ganga, is the last settlement before one reaches Madmaheshwar.
Located at the base of Chaukhamba peak at an altitude of 3289 m the classic temple architecture belongs to the North-Indian style. So sanctified is the water here that even a few drops are considered sufficient for ablution. The natural scenery is dramatically wild, with deep gorges & valleys, mountain sides flung upwards towards the skies, the forests where the snow lies thick in winter, only to be replaced by a carpet of greenery in the summer. Kedarnath & Neelkanth peaks are visible from here, the entire ring of mountains associated with the life and times of Shiva. The confluence of Madmaheshwar Ganga just short of the temple, is one of the prettiest spots in the region.
Kalpeshwar–5th Pancha Kedar
The tough tourist may like to trek about 35 km to Kalpeshwar, where the hair and head, of Lord Shiva are worshipped as JATADHAR.
Located in Urgam Valley at an altitude of 2,134 m. above sea level, the temple is a further 10 km trek from Rudranath to Helong, the motor head on Rishikesh-Badrinath route. The small rock temple of Kalpeshwar is where the Hair appeared.
It is a favorite location of meditating sages.
Legend has it that the sage Arghya had performed austerities here and created the nymph, Urvashi. Rishi Durvasa is also believed to have meditated here under the wish-fulfilling tree, Kalpavriksha.
Tuesday, June 3, 2008
Kinnaur Kailash
The Kinnaur Kailash (locally known as Kinner Kailash) is a mountain in the Kinnaur district of the Himachal Pradesh. The Kinnaur Kailash has a height of 6050 meters and is considered as sacred by both Hindu and Buddhist.
The Kinnaur Kailash Range borders the district of Kinnaur in the south and is dominated by the Kinnaur Kailash (elevation- 6349m) and Jonkarden (elevation- 6473m) peaks. The pass accessible on the trek is the Charang La at an altitude of 5300m. The trek is challenging and also rewarding for experienced trekkers.
Route Chart :New Delhi - Shimla - Sangla - Thnagi - Lambar - Charang- Lalanti- Chitkul- Rakcham- Shimla
Kinnaur, the land of fairy tales and fantasies, has a spectacular terrain of lush green valleys, orchards, vineyards snow-clad peaks and cold desert mountains. Kinnaur is also rich in flora & fauna and its culture and language is different from other parts of the state. It is about 250 km away from Shimla and is situated on the national Highway No. 22 (Hindustan Tibet Road).
The landscape of the area varies from the lush green orchards of the scenic Sangla Valley to the stark magnificence of the Hangrang valley. The massive snow clad ranges that provide a regal dignity to the scene are dominated by the peak of Kinner Kailash.
Kinnaur was forbidden to trekkers till a few years ago consequently these trails have been less used and over explored last about two centuries ago.
Monday, June 2, 2008
Adi Kailash and Om Parvat
Adi Kailash is an ancient holy place in the Uttarakhand Himalayan Ranges, similar to Mount Kailash in Tibet. This abode of Lord Shiva in this remote area is worth to have a darshan. According to the Hindu mythology, creator of the world Lord Shiva resides on Mount Kailash.There are seven Kailash Yatras to the places associated with Lord Shiva as per the Hindu scriptures. The main is Kailash Mansarovar in Tibet. The Kailash Mansarovar Yatra is known as one of the toughest religious pilgrimage centers in the world.
Other five Kailash Yatras in India include three in Himachal Pradesh. They are Manimahesh Kailash of Chamba district, Kinnaur Kailash of Kinnaur district and Shrikhand Kailash on the border of Shimla Manali districts.
Two other Kailash Yatras in Indian region are Aadi Kailash or Chhota Kailash in Pithoragarh district and Shri Kailash, near Gangotri in Uttaranchal State.
Not many know that the seventh Kailash Yatra is in Sri Lanka known as Southern Kailash in Katragama. The Kailash of South is the home of Kartikeya, the elder son of Lord Shiva.
Government of India organises piligrimage tours to Greater Kailash in association with the China government.
Adi Kailash lies on the route to Greater Kailash near the Sino-Indo border. Majority of the trek is along the Kali river, which is natural India-Nepal border. Om Parvat marks the tri-junction point, point where borders of Tibet, Nepal and India meet.
Adi Kailash and Om Parvat trek is one of the best known trek in Kumaon region of Uttaranchal. Himalayas have spiritual value attached to them; this is the trek which has some spiritual as well as adventure flavour.
Somebody has said so beautifully about it:
"To understand its form, one must move around it; to experience its moods, one must see it at sunrise and sunset, at noon and at mid-night, in sun and in rain in all other season, He who can see the mountain like this, comes near to the life of the mountain a life that is as intense and varied as that of a human being."
Mt. Adi-Kailash - popularly known as Chhota-Kailash, is in indian territory, close to the Indian tibetan border. It is an area of great natural beauty, peace and sovereignty. Men and women, tired by the incessant roar of urban life, will find here a healing quietude conducive to liking inward and discouraging with one's innerself.
During Adi-Kailash Yatra, you will come across the mighty splendour of the snow peaks of Annapurna, the gushing Kali river, thick Forest, Narayan Ashram full of wild flowers and rare variation of fruits and number of water falls.At the very foot of Mt. Kailash is Gauri Kund, whose water reflect the mountain itself.
The local folk, called Bhotias, have much to say about there land. The villege Kutti, is named after Kunti, the mother of Pandavas. The great saga vyas lived here for a long time and wrote many books. The bhotias have preserved their heritage assiduously and are always ready to show glimpses of it through their dance and music.
Om Parvat
Its miracle of nature, the shape of valley & peaks forms natural OM. One can see white (snow) OM on black background. No hypothesis, no assumption, no approximation & no imagination is required to visualize Aum. Its so clear that in Aug -Sept month even dot (bindi) on the crescent is also clearly visible.
Entire trek is along Indo-Nepal border. Dharchula to Tawathat is one hour jeep journey (19 km). At Tawaghat there is sangam of two rivers namely Dhauli Ganga & Kali Gandki. Although Kali Gandki which is called so because of its black color is not worshiped to the extent of Ganga or Yamuna but big black stones (shila) of the river are believed to be very holy & used for carving idol of god & goddess. There is a proof that Chatrapati Shivaji Maharaj acquired shilas from Kali Gandki for idol of Pratapgad's Bhavani Devi.
Trek starts from place called Tawaghat. Tawaghat can be reached from Delhi via Kathgodam-Pitthoragh-and Dharchula by road. The trek route is as follows
Tawaght - Pangu - Sosa - Narayan Aashram - Sirkha - Samry- Simkhola - Gala - Malapa - Budhi - Chiya Lekh - Gunji.
The route from Guni is Kala pani - Nabidhang (Om Parvat). One can come back on same route and from Gunji one reaches Adi Kailash through Kutti and Jollingkong. There exists a circuit route from Jollingkong to Tawaghat through high altitude Sinla pass. This route follows Jollingkong - Shinla pass - Darma valley - Bidang - Baun -Bauling -Twaghat.
Sample iternary:
Day 1. Delhi - Kathgodam.
Day 2. Kathgodam - Pitthoragarh: This is a long travel by road along the curving mountain roads.
Day 3. Pitthoragarh - Dharchula - Tawaghat: One has to procure inner line permits from District Magistrate office at Dharchula against character certificate or passport. The office is closed on Sunday, so plan accordingly. Jeep could be taken from Dharchula to Tawaghat.
Day 4: Pangu-Narayan Ashram: An architecture masterpiece amongst some good gardens and thrilling mountain views is Narayan Ashram.
Day 5: Narayan Ashram to Sirkha
Day 6: Sirkha - Gala: Gala is the first camp for Greater Kailash trip.
Day 7: Gala to Budhi: A long descent and then gentle climb would lead you to this beautiful village. Malpa is the place where entire village was vanished in a landslide few years back. PWD guesthouse is the only place left here.
Day 8: Buddhi to Gunji: From Buddhi one has to climb the Chiyalekh top. This would be the first time where your inner line permits would be checked by Indo-Tibet Border Police(ITBP). Gunji is at 10625 feet. Acclimatization at Gunji would be needed.
Day 9: Gunji to Kalapani: As altitude increase, one can slowly proceed to Kalapani, place where Kali river is said to originate. Kalapani is at the same altitude as Gunji around 11850 feet.
Day 10: Kalapani to Nabidhang: This is the last camp at the border of India-China border and one can camp near ITBP camp. From Nabidhang(13800 feet) one get view of Om Parvat. For this you must be blessed by mother Nature for clear weather.
Day 10: Nabidhang to Gunji: Descent could be done much faster and one can reach directly to Gunji.
Day 11: Gunji to Kutti: Kutti (11880 feet) is the last village on this route along the border. The place is named after name of Panadav mother Kunti.
Day 12-13: Kutti to Jollingkong: A long ascent would lead you to Jollingkong(15550 feet). This place is ITBP cmp with KMVN rest house. Here you get view of Adi Kailash mountain and Parvati Sarovar (lake). One can camp here for additional day to acclimatize before crossing the Sinla pass.
Day 14: Jollingkong -Bidang: The climb would start very early in the morning to cross the pass by morning. The pass is at altitude of 18500 feet and is often a technical climb when the season had experienced heavy snowfall. ITBP inspects the route before allowing anyone to cross the route. While descent to Bidang(14500 feet) is very steep with rock falling most of the time. Care, preperation is must for crossing the pass. If one doesnt cross the pass, one has to trace the path back and reach Tawaghat within 4-5 days avoiding Narayan Ashram.
Day 15: Bidang to Baun: This valley is less inhabitated and one has to camp at almost all places.
Day 16: Baun -Duktu-Son-Balling
Day 17: Balling- Nagling-Sela-Baulling
Day 18: Baulling-Sobala-Tawaghat
Day 19: Tawaghat-Dharchula-Pitthoragarh
Day 20: Pitthoragah - Nanital
Day 22: Nanital - Kathgodam - Delhi
Day 8: Buddhi to Gunji: From Buddhi one has to climb the Chiyalekh top. This would be the first time where your inner line permits would be checked by Indo-Tibet Border Police(ITBP). Gunji is at 10625 feet. Acclimatization at Gunji would be needed.
Day 9: Gunji to Kalapani: As altitude increase, one can slowly proceed to Kalapani, place where Kali river is said to originate. Kalapani is at the same altitude as Gunji around 11850 feet.
Day 10: Kalapani to Nabidhang: This is the last camp at the border of India-China border and one can camp near ITBP camp. From Nabidhang(13800 feet) one get view of Om Parvat. For this you must be blessed by mother Nature for clear weather.
Day 10: Nabidhang to Gunji: Descent could be done much faster and one can reach directly to Gunji.
Day 11: Gunji to Kutti: Kutti (11880 feet) is the last village on this route along the border. The place is named after name of Panadav mother Kunti.
Day 12-13: Kutti to Jollingkong: A long ascent would lead you to Jollingkong(15550 feet). This place is ITBP cmp with KMVN rest house. Here you get view of Adi Kailash mountain and Parvati Sarovar (lake). One can camp here for additional day to acclimatize before crossing the Sinla pass.
Day 14: Jollingkong -Bidang: The climb would start very early in the morning to cross the pass by morning. The pass is at altitude of 18500 feet and is often a technical climb when the season had experienced heavy snowfall. ITBP inspects the route before allowing anyone to cross the route. While descent to Bidang(14500 feet) is very steep with rock falling most of the time. Care, preperation is must for crossing the pass. If one doesnt cross the pass, one has to trace the path back and reach Tawaghat within 4-5 days avoiding Narayan Ashram.
Day 15: Bidang to Baun: This valley is less inhabitated and one has to camp at almost all places.
Day 16: Baun -Duktu-Son-Balling
Day 17: Balling- Nagling-Sela-Baulling
Day 18: Baulling-Sobala-Tawaghat
Day 19: Tawaghat-Dharchula-Pitthoragarh
Day 20: Pitthoragah - Nanital
Day 22: Nanital - Kathgodam - Delhi
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