| Gangotri :
Visited by hundreds of thousands pilgrims every year, this 18th
century temple constructed by Gorkha General Amar Singh Thapa , is
near the spot where the goddess Ganga is said to have first
descended on earth from heaven, in answer to the prayers of King
Bhagriath. The revered shrine of Gangotri, situated at an altitude
of 3,200 mts.
about sea-level amidst sylvan surroundings,
constitutes one of the most important pilgrimages for the devout
Hindu. Lord shiva received her into his matted locks to break the
great force of her fall. From there it emerged into many streams and
the one which started from Gangotri was called Bhagirathi. The
Pandavas, it is said, came here to perform the great 'Deva Yajna' to
atone for the deathof their kinsmen in the epic battle of Mahabharat.
The temple itself is situatedon the right bank of the Bhagtathi
.There are a number of ashrams lockedonthe other side of the ashrams
locked on the other side of the Bhagirathi, many of which provide
accommodation facilities to the travellers. Places of Religious
Interest.
Gangotri is an ideal location for the tourists looking for peace and
adventure. Located in the hills, 18 kms downstream from Gaumukh is
Gangotri. It is an important pilgrim site located at 3,048 m above
sea level. Gangotri is situated in the northern part of the state of
Uttaranchal and is very close to the Indo-Tibetan border. Gangotri
glaciers, the original source of the sacred river Ganges, attracts
tourists in large numbers every season. Discover the daunting rivers
and attempt to reveal the mysteries of the natural world, which are
rare to find elsewhere. Along with the thrill of exploring nature,
what one experiences here is the aura that India is totally Indian.
At Gangotri there is a temple dedicated to Goddess Ganga and the
sacred stone where Raja Bhagirath is believed to have worshipped
Lord Shiva. Submerged in the river here is the natural rock
Shivalinga where Lord Shiva is believed to have received the Ganges
(called Bhagirathi here) in his matted locks. It is visible in the
winter months when the water level recedes.
Major Tourist Attractions in Gangotri
The shrine of Gangotri is around 300 years old. Renovated in the
20th century, the shrine is a 20-feet high structure of white
granite. During the winters the statue is taken to Mukhimath village
where it is worshipped. There is a natural rock Shivalinga, called
the Jalamagna Shivalinga. This is the place where Lord Shiva
received Ganga in his locks. Visible only during winters.
Gangotri Adventures:
Gaumukh Glaciers (18 km.) - The famous
site nearby is the Gaumukh glacier, which is at an altitude of 4200
m above sea level. It is the geographical origin of the Ganges and
is at a distance of 18 km from Gangotri uphill. Here Ganges is known
as the Bhagirathi. The sourse of the Bhagrithi for a dip in its icy
waters is dip in almost a must for pilgrims; and to the temple of
Bhairavanth at Bhaironghati, (10 km.). GMVN Tourilst Bungalow is
located at Bhojbasa, about 14 km., from Gangotrli, on the road to
Uttarkashi, at thle confluence of the Jat Ganga and Bhagirathi
rivers.Pilgrlims also trek to Nandanvan (6km) and Kedartal (18km)
from Gangotri.
Cheedvasa & Bhojvasa: From Gangotri is Cheedvasa at a
distance of 28 kms. Bhojvasa, is at a distance of 22 km, both are an
ideal camping site.
Nandanvan: Nandanvan is a 6 kms trekking route along the
glacier and gives a spectacular glimpse of the Shivalinga. Across
the Gangotri glacier is the Sylvan Tapovan, which is known for its
greenness encircling the base of the Shivalinga peak. From here, one
can go to Vasuki Tal, Kalindikhal, at a height of 5590 m to reach
Badrinath.
Kedarnath :
Kedarnath is the seat of Lord Shiva. It is one
of the twelve "Jyotirlingas" of Lord Shiva. Lying at an altitude of
3584 m at the head of river Mandakini, the shrine of Kedarnath is
amongst the holiest pilgrimage for the Hindus. It is no wonder that
Adi Guru Shankaracharya - a great scholar & saint, chose to enshrine
Lord Shiva in this land, where the unholy becomes oly and the holy
becomes holier. Kedar meaning powerful is another name of Lord Shiva
the protector and the destroyer.
Situated in the backdrop of the majestic Sri
Kedarnath range, Kedarnath is a 14 km trek from Gaurikund.
At Kedarnath there are several Kunds
(pools, tanks) that are known for their religious significans -
shivkund, Retkund, hanskund, Udakkund, Rudhirkund are the most
important. A little away from Kedarnath is a temple dedicated to
Bhaironathji who is ceremoniously worshipped at the opening &
closing of Kedarnath. The belief is that Bhairavnathji protects this
land from evil during the time when temple of Kedarnath is closed.
There are more than 200 shrines dedicated to Lord Shiva in Chamoli
district itself, the most important one is Sri Kedarnath.
During the winters, the shrine is
submerged in snow & hence is closed. Fortunate are those who have
good weather, but twice blessed are those who are at Kedarnath on a
moonlit night- the snow peak gleams like hundred silver pinnacles
atop the glittering mountains.
The holiest of Shiva's shrines is linked to
Gold among base metals so that every pilgrims finds peace here, and
it is said that devotees who die here become one with Shiva himself.
Beyond the temple is the highway to heaven, called Mahapanth.
The opening of date : of Kedarnath
Temple is fixed and depends on the Shiva Ratri and decided by
priests in Ukhimath. Normally Kedarnath temple opens on Mid May. The
closing date of Kedarnath is fixed on Yama Dwitiya (second day after
Diwali, November).
Kedarnath Temple is open for devotees from 6 am
to 2 pm and 5 pm to 8 pm.
Shingar Darshan is from 5 pm onwards and Aarti
is performed at 6:45 pm. Sharavani Annakoot Mela is celebrated on
the day before Raksha Bandhan during August. Special Samadhi puja is
help on the closing day of Kedarnath.
The Kedarnath Temple committee office organises
booking for special pooja which is performed before the general
darshan in the morning.
Legend of Kedarnath:
According to legend, the place came into being
during the period when the five Pandavas brothers were asked to seek
Shiva's blessings purging them of the sin of killing their cousins.
Lord Shiva unwilling to give darshans to the Pandavas frled Kashi to
live incognito in Guptkashi, where eventually he was detected by the
Pandavas. While fleeing Shiva took refuge at Kedarnath in the form
of a bull and started to plunge underground when he was spotted by
the Pandavas. He dived into the ground, leaving behind his hump on
the surface. No wonder the natural rock formation that is worshipped
here resembles the hump of a bull. Thus Shiva pleased with the
determination of the Pandavas, exonerated them from their sin, gave
them darshan & bestowed upon them the opportunity to worship his
hump.
Shandaracharya 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.
Chorbari (Gandhi Sarovar) : Only 1 km
trek away from Kedarnath. Floating - ice on the crstal clear waters
of the lake fascinates the visitors.
Vasuki Tal : Situated at a height of
4,150mt, the lake is surrounded by high mountains and offers an
excellent view of Chaukhamba peaks.
Gaurikund : It is the base for a trek to
Kedarnath and serves as a roadhead. The village has a temple
dedicated to Gauri and hot water springs.
Trijuginarayan : According to
legend,this was the place where the wedding of Lord Shiva and Parvati was solemnised. In front of the Shiva Temple.
Ukhimath : Winter home of the deity at
Kedarnath temple and the seat of the rawal of Kedarnath.Cinnected by
bus services to Rudraprayag and other major centers.
Madmaheshwar : One of Panch Kedars, the
temple of Madmaheshwar is located at an altitude of 3,289 mt above
sea-level, on the slope of a ridge, 25 km north-east of Guptkashi.
There is a motorable road from Guptashi 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 Madmeshwar Ganga and Markanga
Ganga, is the last settlement before one reaches Madmaheshwar, the
place where Lord Shiva is worshipped in the form of belly.
Tungnath : The arms of Lord Shiva came
out as per the Kedarnath myth at Tungnath. He is worshipped here as
one of the Panch Kedars. Tungnath Temple at an altitude of 3,680mt
is the highest Shiva shrine among the Panch kedars but the easiest
to reach from Chopta, the nearest roadhead.
Rudranath : The face of Lord Shiva is
worshipped at the Rudranath temple, at an elevation of 2,286 mt
above sea-level and is 23 km from Gopeshwar. 5 km of the has to be
trekked. The trek passes through wild orchards and picturesque
bugyals and involves trekking over high ridges (some times 4,000 mt).
The temple site provides magnificent views of Hathi Parvat, Nanda
Devi, Nanda Ghungti, Trishuli and many other peaks. There are a
number of holy Kund near Rudranath temple namely - Suryakund,
Chandrakund, Tarakund etc. The entire area is utterly enchanting and
unmatched in scenic beauty.Anusuya Devi temple is located on the
trek to Rudranath involving an additional trek of 3 km.
Kalpeshwar : The more hardy to tourist
may like to trek about 35 km to Kalpeshwar, where the locks (hair)
with head, of Lord Shiva are worshipped. Located in Urgam Valley at
an altitude of 2,134 mt above sea-level, the temple is a further 10
k m trek from Rudranath to Helong, the motor head on Rishikesh-
Badrinath route.
Deoria Tal : At an altitude of 2,440 mt,
the beautiful lake of Deoria Tal is located on the Chopta - Ukhimath
motor road about 3 km away from Sari. Another trek is from Ukhimath.
In the early morning, the snow Kedarnath are
clearly refected on the lake waters. The lake also provides an
excellent venue for angling, as well as birdwatching.
Badrinath :
Situated 297 kms from the holy town of
Rishikesh and about 600 kms from Delhi, Badrinath lies at an
elevation of 3,133 m above sea-level. Considered to be amongst the
most pious of the eternal Hindu shrines of Kedarnath, Badrinath,
Gangotri and Yamunotri. Badrinath is located in the lap of
Nar-Narayan Parvat, with the Neelkanth peak(6,597m) overlooking in
the background.
It is to the credit of Adi Guru Shankaracharya, who in order to
revive the lost prestige of Hinduism and to unite the country in one
bond, built four dhamas or pilgrimage centers in four corners of the
country. Badrinath temple, dedicated to Lord Vishnu, is located on
the right bank of river Alaknanda, perched at an altitude of over
3000m in the middle of a valley full with scenic beauty.
Whether someone agrees or not, it has been said that:
"there were many sacred spots of pilgrimage in heaven, earth and the
other world, but neither is any equal to Badrinath nor shall there
be one".
Even minus this religious claim, Badrinath has some scintillating
scenic beauty and rare recreational spots in the vicinity. Indeed,
an universal attraction.
The present temple was built about two centuries ago by the kings of
Garhwal. The principal idol in the temple is of black stone and
represents Vishnu seated in a meditative pose, and flanked by Nara-Narayan.
Badrinath is also known as Vishal Badri and is one of the Panch
Badris.
The temple remains closed from October to April due to severe winter
conditions. During this period the idols of Utsavo Murti are taken
to Pandukeshwar.
Badrinath Temple(Adi Shankaracharya Ji)
The Temple has been renovated several times due to damage by
avalanches. The present structure is 15 mtrs high and has a gilded
cupola. The rawal or chief priest of the temple is a Namboodripad
Brahmin from Kerala. The temple is divided into three parts - the
garbha griha or sanctum sanctorum, the darshan mandap where the
rituals are conducted and the sabha mandap where devotees assemble.
Tapt Kund And Surya Kund
The famous hot springs just below the temple. The sulphurous waters
have a temperature of 550C. A dip, considered holy and refreshing to
the body as well as the soul, is a must before offering prayers to
Shri Badrinath ji.
Neelkanth
A majestic peak of the Himalayas, towering to 6600 mtrs, presents
the most dramatic sight of Badrinath.
Mata Murti Mandir
About 3 km from Badrinath, on the right bank of the Alaknanda stands
this temple, dedicated to the mother of Shri Badrinathji.
Mana Village
4 km. Inhabited by an Indo-Mongolian tribe, it is the last Indian
village before Tibet on this route.
Vyas Gufa, Ganesh Gufa, Bhimpul and Vasundhara Falls
3-6 km. All these destinations are famous for their links with Hindu
mythology and form part of the pilgrimage of Badrinath.
Govindghat, Ghangaria
24 km. Here the Alaknanda and Laxman ganga meet. Provides access to
the famous Valley of Flowers National Park (19 km) and Hemkund Sahib
(20 km).
Vasuki Tal
This is high altitude lake which can be reached by an 8 km trek that
ascends to 14,200 feet.
Hemkund Sahib
45 km.
Deoprayag
70 km from Rishikesh. The confluence of Rivers Alaknanda and
Bhagirathi this is an important pilgrim spot with its famous Shiv
and Raghunath temples.
Shrinagar
105 km from Rishikesh. An important cultural and educational centre,
this old capital of Garhwal was once completely destroyed in the
Gohna Lake dam-burst. Places to visit here are the Kamleshwar and
Kalpaveshwar Temples and the Shankar Math.
Rudra Prayag
137 km from Rishikesh. The confluence of the Alaknanda and Mandakini.
The temples that dot this region are those of Rudranath and Chamunda
Devi. A road branches from here to Kedarnath.
Karna Prayag
169 km from Rishikesh. The confluence of the Alaknanda and Pindar
rivers, where there are temples dedicated to Uma and Karn.
Nand Pyarag
169 km from Rishikesh. The confluence of the Alaknanda and Pindar
rivers, where there are temples dedicated to Uma and Karn.
Nand Prayag
190 km from Rishikesh, where the River Alaknanda meets the River
Mandakini. An important pilgrim centre that has the temple of
Gopalji.
Bhavishya Badri
It is commonly believed that in the course of centuries, the road
from Joshimath to Badrinath will be blocked. This will happen
because the two hills flanking Badrinath will become joined. Then
will the temples at Bhavishya Badri, one of the Panch Badri's, be
worshipped. The other four are Vishal Badri (Badrinath), Yoga Badri
(Pandukeshwar), Adi Badri and Vridha Badri (at Animath, near
Joshimath).
Adi Badri
Situated at an altitude of 3,200 feet, Adi Badri has ancient
temples. It is 17 km from Karnaprayag on the
Karnaprag-Ganai-Ranikhet route. Accommodation is available at a PWD
Inspection Bungalow.
Time of Yatra will decide by the yatra comatte . We arrange
chardham yatra from delhi for any Information u are free to call us in office hours.
|
