Guest guest Posted August 7, 2004 Report Share Posted August 7, 2004 Baba undertakes pilgrimages often."Kaanamal, koanamal , kandhu kodhu Aadu paar kidaikkum". You should see and worship God, Pray to God in the early morning at sunrise, then in the noon and in the evening,go to different pilgrim places, visit Mahaans, bathe in holy rivers and you will get Moksham. Baba is on a pilgrim tour to Badrinath and Kedarnath from July 2nd 2004 to July 13th 2004. Let us go along with Baba and undertake the Badrinath and kedarnath Yatra online in the peaceful serenity of the Himalayan Mountains and obtain God's divine blessings and grace. Badrinath Yatra================= Badrinath dhaam is considered as one of the most sacred centres of pilgrimage situated in the lofty Himalayan heights in the Tehri-Garhwal hill tracks (Uttarakhand) at the height of 10,248 feet above sea level. The route to Badrinath is one of the most arduous one due to the lofty hilly terrain, curves and cliffs amidst the most scenically beautiful place on the earth. For Badrinath and Kedarnath: Date of reopening 28th april 2004 & closing in the month of November 2004. Shri Badrinath and Shri Kedarnath are major centers of pilgrimage in India. Shri Badrinath and Shri Kedarnath Mandir Samiti manage these temples. This Samiti was constituted in the year 1939 under the Badrinath Temple Act no. 16,1939. The temple’s present structure was built by the Kings of Garhwal about two centuries ago.The temple has three sections - Garbhagriha (Sanctum), The Darshan Mandap, and Sabha Mandap. The Garbhagriha (Sanctum) houses Lord Badri Narayan, Kuber (God of wealth), Narad Rishi, Uthavar, Nar & Narayan. Garbhagriha (Sanctum) houses Lord Badri Narayan, Kuber (God of wealth), Narad Rishi, Uthavar, Nar & Narayan. Lord Badri Narayan (also called as Badri Vishal) is armed with Shankh (Conch) and Chakra in two arms in a lifted posture and two arms rested on the lap in Yogamudra.The principal image is of black stone and it represents Vishnu seated in meditative pose. The temple also houses Garuda (Vahana – vehicle of Lord Narayan) and Goddess Mahalaxmi. Also here are the idols of Adi Shankar, Swami Desikan and Shri Ramanujan Guru-Shisya parampara is supposed to have its roots here.The principal image is of black stone and it represents Vishnu seated in meditative pose. The temple also houses Garuda (Vahana – vehicle of Lord Narayan) and Goddess Mahalaxmi. Pooja at the temple:=====================As per the established Hindu rituals the pujas have to be conducted without a break and therefore the Utsavars (the Bronze images of Lord) are taken with all reverence to Pandukeshwar – Abode of Lord Badrinarayan during winter. On the day of re-opening of the main shrine at Badrinath. These images are taken back for puja and darshan. Worship Protocol at Badrinath temple:====================================== Though this shrine is located in the northern most part of India, the Chief Priest Ravalji–of Keralite (Namboodri) origins - performs the rituals. Procedures of daily pujas and rituals are supposed to have been prescribed by Adi Sankara. Unlike most of the Hindu temples all the pujas (including decoration of idols) are performed in the presence of all the devotees. Temple rituals begin at 7 a.m. Nimalyan Darshan: Chandan (sandalwood paste) left on the image of Badrinarayan from the previous night, is removed to enable devotees to have full view of the image. Abhishek Darshan: Process begins with Kalsa Puja. Abishekam (ablution) is then carried out in the presence of pilgrims. Alankar Darshan: After abhishekam, the decoration process begins in the full view of devotees. Firstly, the entire idol, excluding the face, is covered with sandal paste and followed by the decoration with flowers & jewels. Aarti Darshan: On completion of alankars, aarti (lighting of camphor) is held. This marks the completion of forenoon puja rituals and will end around 11.30 am – 12.00 p.m., after which the temple is closed. Re-opening of the temple takes place at 4.00 p.m. for commencement of evening rituals which lasts till 8.00 p.m. During this period, Ashotothram and Sahasranamam recitations take place. Around 7.30 p.m. Mangal aarti – called as Geetgovind takes place. On completion of aarti, the Chief Priest removes the flowers & jewels in the full view of devotees. The image of Badrinarayan is now left only with sandal paste, to be removed only the next morning and distributed as prasad. The journey to Badri, mostly from Rishikesh, is through Rudra Prayag. The road from Rudra Prayag is a single way route, passing through mountainous ranges. The meandering River Alaknanda on one side and the mountains on the other proves to be a charming site. Innumerable milky water falls adds to the scenic beauty of the entire route. The distance from Rudraprayag to Badri is 160 kms. The travel time will be dependent on weather conditions. Badrinath is also connected by road to Dehradun, Haridwar, Pauri, Uttarkashi, Nainital and Almora districts in UP Hills. Some of the major road distances are: Nearest airport - Jolly Grant AirStrip ,is located at Dehradun, which is 315 kms away. The nearest railhead is at Rishikesh, which is at a distance of 292 kms. Ideal time for visiting the shrine will be between May to November. One should, without fail, carry Sweaters, woolen clothing, Umbrella and required medicines during the trip. Minimum luggage should be preferred. Non-vegetarian food and alcoholic drinks are strictly prohibited in this place. Reasonable accommodation, at cottages managed by Temple committee is available at Badri. Postal and Banking facilities are available. A State Allopathic Dispensary is also available. The shrine closes in early November and most people come down to Joshimath. Road access is usually prohibited till May the next year. Festivals at Badrinath Temple============================== Mata Murti Ka Mela A grand fair is organized in Badrinath Temple in the month of September. On this day the mother of Lord Badrinath is worshipped and hence the name Mata Murti Ka Mela. According to a popular legend, when the river Ganges descended on earth for the welfare of the Human beings, she divided into twelve channels. The place where the river flowed became the abode of Lord Vishnu. This is precisely the holy land known as Badrinath. Badri Kedar Festival Held in the month of June, nothing could be a perfect manifestation of Hindu religion and culture. The Badri Kedar festival is held in the sacred shrines of Badrinath and Kedarnath in the month of June. The festivities go on for a stretch of eight days. The festival makes an attempt to bring under one platform, the greatest artists of the country. What could be a more apt tribute to the rich Indian culture? You could view this link for more information:http://www.badrinath-kedarnath.org/ ============================================= Kedarnath Yatra================ Kedarnath is amongst the holiest pilgrimages for the devout Hindu. It is set amidst the stunning mountainscape of the Garhwal Himalayas at the head of the Mandakini River. Kedar is another name of lord Shiva, the protector & the destroyer. Shiva is considered the embodiment of all passions - love, hatred, fear, death & mysticism which are expressed through his various forms. The lingam at Kedarnath, unlike its usual form, is pyramidal and is regarded as one of the 12 jyotirlings. As per the tradition decided by Lord Brahma the temple would be open for six months i.e from Hindu calender month Vaishaka to Karthik for darshan to common people. For the remaining six months i.e from Margashsish to Chaitra the temple would be closed for darshan to common people as it is Devas turn for Lord’s darshan. Date of reopening 28th april 2004 & closing in the month of November 2004. Significance of Kedarnath temple:================================= The pandavas after having won over the kauravas in the Kurukshetra war, felt guilty of having killed their own brothers & sought the blessings of Lord Shiva for redemption.He eluded them repeatedly & 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 places and are worshiped there as his manifestations. The arms appeared at Tunganath, the face at Rudranath, the belly at Madmaheshwar & his locks at Kalpeshwar. Kedarnath including these four shrines is treated as Panch Kedar. Pilgrims traditionally first visit Yamunotri and Gangotri and bring with them the holy waters from the sources of the rivers Yamuna and Ganga and offer abhishekams to Kedareshwara. The traditional pilgrim route is Haridwar - Rishikesh - Devaprayag - Tehri - Dharasu - Yamunotri - Uttar Kashi - Gangotri - Triyugnarayan - Gowrikund and Kedarnath. Alternatively, the route to Kedar from Rishikesh is via Devprayag, Srinagar, Rudraprayag and Ukhimath. Near Kedarnath is the source of the river Mandakini. Mandakini joins Alakananda at Rudraprayag. Myths and legends coupled with the enehanting beauty of the Rudra Himalaya range gives this place a pristine beauty. According to one such legend Goddess Parvati worshipped Kedareswar to unite with Lord Shiva as Ardhanareshwar. Another such legend has it that Nar and Narayan, the two incarnations of Lord Vishnu practised severe penances at Badrikashram in front of a Shivalingam. When Lord shiva gave them the divine appearance, they requested him to make Kedareshwar his permanent abode. Lord Shiva thus manifessted himself in the form of Jyotirlingam. It is believed that Arjuna, one of the Pancha Pandavas worshipped Lord Shiva to attain the divine weapon, Pasupataastra. ====================================================Places to see in Kedarnath:=========================== Gandhi Sarovar============== A small lake from where Yudhishthir, the eldest of the Pandavas, is said to have departed to heaven. A km trek from Kedarnath, floating ice on the crystal clear waters. Gaurikund ==========Base for a trek to Kedarnath & serves as a roadhead, the village has hot springs & a temple dedicated to Gauri. Vasuki Tal========== 6 km. At 4135 mtr. above sea level, this lake is extraordinary, surrounded by high mountains and offering an excellent view of the Chaukhamba peaks. Gauri Kund========== 15 km. The trekking base to Kedarnath and the road head, this village has a temple dedicated to Gauri and also thermal springs of medicinal value. Sonprayag========= 20 km. The confluence of the Son Ganga and Mandakini rivers, where there is a diversion for Triyuginarayan. Triyuginarayan============== 25 km. the mythological venue where the wedding of Lord Shiva and Parvati was solemnized. It is a short trek of 5 km from Son Prayag. An eternal flame, which is said to have been the witness to the marriage, burns in front of the temple even today. Gupt Kashi========== 49 km. Famous for the temples of Ardhnarishwar and Vishwanathji. Ukhimath========= 60 km. Winter home of Lord Kedarnath temple, and the seat of the Rawal of Kedarnath during winter months. Agastmuni========= 73 km., Has a temple dedicated to the sage Agastya. Chopta=========Situated on the Gopeshwar Ukhimath road about 40 km from Gopeshwar at an altitude of about 2500 mtrs above sea level, Chopta is one of the most picturesque spots in the entire Garhwal region. It provides a breathtaking view of Himalayan ranges surrounding itDeoria Tal At an altitude of 2,440 mt., this beautiful lake is situated on the Chopta - Ukhimath motor road. In the early morning, the snow-capped peaks are clearly reflected on the lake waters. This lake also provides an excellent venue for angling, as well as birdwatching. Panch Kedar =========== The five most important temples of Lord Shiva in garhwal Himalayas. The Kedar Massif ================= This is an outstanding massif formed by the three major mountains - Kedar Dome. Bharatekuntha at 6578 Meters, is connected to Kedarnath to the East, by a long and dangerous avalanche ridden ridge. At 6000 meters it looks stunning and has several glacial flows, one of which is the Mandakini glacier running down its ridges. Kedarnath and Kedardome, are connected by a deep ridge. Kedar Domeat 6831 Meters presents a fair challenge to climbers. Kedarnath is however, a difficult peak to climb. At 6940 Meters it is just beneath the level where the oxygen layer is thin. View this link for more information: http://www.badrinath-kedarnath.org/ =====================================================================================Hope you had a Happy journey! and had a nice pilgrim visit to Kedarnath and Badrinath and obtained God's grace and enjoyed the peaceful bliss of the Himalayan mountains. Shankaram Shiva Shankaram!!Hema Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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