Towards Moksha

[Guest guest]

Nestled among the lofty peaks of the Himalayas are some of the most

venerated shrines---YAMUNOTRI,GANGOTRI,KEDARNATH,BADRINATH.The

temples here are not open during the winter months.These are

collectively called CHAAR DHAAMS.

The pilgrimage starts from YAMUNOTRI,the source of river Yamuna. It is

believed that a bath here removes the fear of death.

GANGOTRI is believed to be the place where Ganges landed for the first

time on earth and is about 200 km away.

GOMUKH is further above and is believed to have been constructed by a

Gorkha General in the 18th century which later on was remodelled by

one of the Jaipur Maharajas.

KEDARNATH is about 300 km away at an altitude of 3600 mtrs. Lord Siva,

it appears, to escape from the Pandavas who were seeking his blessings

took refuge in this place in the form of a bull. When the Pandavas

pursued HE dived into the earth but HIS hump was left on the surface.

The temple here is supposed to have been constructed in the 8th

century by Aadi Sankara.

Remaining portions of Siva are believed to be in

TUNGNATH-arms,RUDRANATH- face,MADMAHESWAR-belly KALPESWAR- head.

These four together with KEDARNATH are known as PANCH KEDAR.

BADRINATH is about 250 km from KEDARNATH on the banks of Alakananda

river.According to legend Lord Vishnu came here to meditate after

Narada admonished him for chasing worldly pleasures.

Nearest airport is Jolly Grant and closest rail station

Rishikesh.However, travel by road seems to be more convenient. There

are rest houses,asrams and dharma saalaas in all the four dhams for

accommodation.

raju

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