Author Topic: CHAR DHAM OF UTTARAKHAND - BADRINATH, KEDARNATH, GANGORTI & YAMNOTRI  (Read 71212 times)

एम.एस. मेहता /M S Mehta 9910532720

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Dosto,

Our State Uttarakhand (Dev Bhoomi) is also known with various name religious place. We have Char Dham here Badrinath, Kedarnath, Gangotri & Yamnotri. In addition to this, there are religious places in step to step in Uttarakhand.

We will cover all above religious places here.

M S Mehta

एम.एस. मेहता /M S Mehta 9910532720

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Re: CHAR DHAM OF UTTARAKHAND - BADRINATH, KEDARNATH, GANGORTI & YAMNOTRI
« Reply #1 on: October 09, 2007, 01:40:41 PM »

KNOW ABOUT KEDARNATH


Lord Shiva manifested in the form of Jyotirlingam or the cosmic light. Kedarnath is one of the twelve Jyotirlingas. This ancient and magnificient temple is located in the Rudra Himalaya range. This temple, over a thousand years old is built of massive stone slabs over a large rectangular platform. Ascending through the large gray steps leading to the holy sanctums we find inscriptions in Pali on the steps. The present temple was built by Adi Shankaracharya.The inner walls of the temple sanctum are adorned with figures of various deities and scenes from mythology. Outside the temple door a large statue of the Nandi Bull stands as guard. A conical rock formation inside the temple is worshipped as Lord Shiva in his Sadashiva form. The temple, believed to be very ancient, has been continually renovated over the centuries. It is situated at an altitude of 3,581 mt. it is a 14 km trek from gaurikund.

At the approach of winters in the month of November, the holy statue of Lord Shiva, is car carried down from Garhwal (Kedarkhand) to Ukhimath, and is reinstated at Kedarnath, in the first week of May. It is at this time, that the doors of the temple are thrown open to pilgrims, who flock from all parts of India, for a holy pilgrimage. The shrine closes on the first day of Kartik (Oct-Nov) and reopens in Vaishakh (Apr-May) every year. During its closure the shrine is submerged in snow and worship is performed at Ukhimath.

The shrine of Kedarnath is very scenically placed, and is surrounded by lofty, snow - covered mountains, and grassy meadows covering the valleys. Immediately behind the temple, is the high Keadardome peak, which can be sighted from great distances. The sight of the temple and the peak with its perpetual snows is simply an enthralling.

Kedarnath

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. 

एम.एस. मेहता /M S Mehta 9910532720

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Re: CHAR DHAM OF UTTARAKHAND - BADRINATH, KEDARNATH, GANGORTI & YAMNOTRI
« Reply #2 on: October 09, 2007, 01:44:23 PM »
SIGNIFICANCE OF KEDARNATH

The lingam at Kedarnath, unlike its usual form, is pyramidal and is regarded as one of the 12 jyotirlings.

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 - YaYamunotri - 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.

एम.एस. मेहता /M S Mehta 9910532720

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Re: CHAR DHAM OF UTTARAKHAND - BADRINATH, KEDARNATH, GANGORTI & YAMNOTRI
« Reply #3 on: October 09, 2007, 01:44:49 PM »
LEGENDS

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 Panch Pandavas worshipped Lord Shiva to attain the divine weapon, Pasupataastra.
 

एम.एस. मेहता /M S Mehta 9910532720

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Re: CHAR DHAM OF UTTARAKHAND - BADRINATH, KEDARNATH, GANGORTI & YAMNOTRI
« Reply #4 on: October 09, 2007, 01:45:27 PM »

GENERAL INFORMATION ABOUT KEDARNATH

Area 3 sq.km

Altitude 3,581 mtrs above sea level

Ideal time to visit May- October (The temple & township remains closed between November & May)

Clothing Woolens to Heavy woolens

Local Transport Horses / Dandies

Population 301 (1991 census)

Clothing Summer - Woollen; Winters - Heavy Woollen

Language Hindi, Garhwali Local

STD Code 01372-86

Sub Post Office, Kedarnath.

Ph.: (01372-86) 6208.

Govt. Dispensary, Kedarnath.

Tourist Offices, Gopeshwar.

Ph.: (01372-86) 52468 (PP)

Bank :State Bank of India, Kedarnath

एम.एस. मेहता /M S Mehta 9910532720

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Re: CHAR DHAM OF UTTARAKHAND - BADRINATH, KEDARNATH, GANGORTI & YAMNOTRI
« Reply #5 on: October 09, 2007, 01:46:43 PM »

PLACES TO SEE IN & AROUND KEDHAR NATH.

Gandhi Sarovar

A small lake from where Yudhishthir, the eldest of the Pandavas, is said to have departed to heaven.

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.

एम.एस. मेहता /M S Mehta 9910532720

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Re: CHAR DHAM OF UTTARAKHAND - BADRINATH, KEDARNATH, GANGORTI & YAMNOTRI
« Reply #6 on: October 09, 2007, 01:47:54 PM »

SOME MORE PLACES AROUND KEDAR NATH


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 it.

Deoria 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.

Anyone interested in a good day trek, could take the well travelled path from behind the temple toward Bharatekuntha. About three kilometers away in the valley formed by the Kedarnath massif, is Chorabhari Tal. This lake has been renamed Gandhi Sarovar after the Mahatma's ashes were immersed in Iake.

Anubhav / अनुभव उपाध्याय

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Re: CHAR DHAM OF UTTARAKHAND - BADRINATH, KEDARNATH, GANGORTI & YAMNOTRI
« Reply #7 on: October 09, 2007, 01:48:04 PM »
I have been to Badrinath. Dua karo ki baaki jagah bhi dekhun.

एम.एस. मेहता /M S Mehta 9910532720

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Re: CHAR DHAM OF UTTARAKHAND - BADRINATH, KEDARNATH, GANGORTI & YAMNOTRI
« Reply #8 on: October 09, 2007, 01:50:27 PM »
Badrinath

Badrinath is situated in the Indian Himalaya, at about 3,133 mtrs. above sea-level. It lies in the north Indian state of Uttarakhand, and is one of the Char Dham. The other teen Dham are Yamunotri, Gangotri and Kedarnath.

The journey to Badrinath, most likely from Haridwar - Rishikesh, is through Rudra Prayag. From Rudra Prayag the road to Badrinath is a single way route, passing through mountainous ranges with ever changings vieuws on the snow-clad peaks. The meandering Alaknanda and the innumerable milky water falls add to the scenic beauty of the entire route.

The distance from Rudraprayag to Badrinath is some 160 kms. The travel time greatly depends on weather conditions and the number of passengers enroute. It is advised to check for departure times of the convoys.

The temple of Shri Badrinathji is flanked by two mountain ranges known as Nar and Narayan, with the towering Neelkanth peak providing a splendid backdrop. This spot was once carpeted with wild berries which gave it the name ‘Badri Van’,meaning ‘forest of berries’.

Facing the temple at the bank of Alaknanda river is a hot water spring known as ‘Tapt Kund’. A bath in this spring is very refreshing. A separate tank is available for women.

It is believed that worshipping at this shrine is a means of liberating the soul from the bound of transmigration.

The original temple that was here is said to have been of very great antiquity, dating back to the times when the Vedas were written. It was destroyed by avalanches or by Buddhists. It is said that the image of Badrinath had been thrown into the Alaknanda during the time of the Buddhist era and was later retrieved and reinstalled by Adi Shankara during the following Hindu revival. The present temple is believed to have been established by him. Others say the present temple was built about 400 years ago bye the king of Garhwal. The temple looks modern now with a colorful “Singh Dwara” or the main entrance gate.

The idol of Lord Badrivishal is made of black stones haligram. The details are not well defined, perhaps the result of weathering, when thrown in the Naradkund for several years. The Lord is seated in a "padmasana" posture.


The temple is divided into three parts - the "garbagriha", the "darshan mandap" and the "sabha mandap". The idol of the Lord Badrivishal is seated in the inner most part - garbhagriha. The canopy is covered with a sheet of gold, and this was an offering made by queen Ahilyabai. Badrivishal is< flanked by the idols of Nar Narayan on the right and of Kubera and Narada on the left. The other important idols are those of Uddhava and Garuda (Vishnu’s vehicle). In the courtyard of the temple, to the right, stands a small shrine dedicated to Lakshmi, Vishnu’s consort, and the idols of Ghantakaran (the kshetrapal on guard), Hanuman and Ganesa stand in the wings. The darshan mandap is a small rectangular area where puja is performed. It accomadates only a few people.

The sabha mandap is an outer hall where the devotees stand for darshan and it is only possible for a few people to attend it. As a rule, each puja must be preceded by a "holy dip" in the Taptakund. Some of the special morning pujas are "abhishek", "mahabhishek", "Srimad-Bhagwat" and "Gita-path".

एम.एस. मेहता /M S Mehta 9910532720

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Re: CHAR DHAM OF UTTARAKHAND - BADRINATH, KEDARNATH, GANGORTI & YAMNOTRI
« Reply #9 on: October 09, 2007, 01:51:30 PM »
General Information
Worship Protocol.

Shri Badri - Kedareswaro Vijayate darshan in Shri Badrinath and Shri Kedarnath Temples are free for all irrespective of caste, creed or status.  No fee or any other kind of tax is realized for special puja, path, Aarti or to offer Bhog to the Lord. People should deposit an amount in the Temple treasury for which a receipt is issued by the Temple staff. Material for puja, Bhog, Aarti is arranged by the Temple Committee. The money so received is accounted for in Temple Accounts and is utilized for Temple management and pilgrim welfare works.

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.

 

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