We will make all the bookings for Kedarnath and Badrinath Dham itself. Pujas were booked a month in advance and we were counting the days left to the departure date of the Yatra just like a mother counts the days for the birth of an infant when the ninth month begins. We were frequently updating each other as to what was going on. Our group of eight must have been selected by God.
1 October Sunday: (Pune, Mumbai, Dehradun, Rishikesh)
And that day dawned.. We reached Mumbai airport at 11am by driving from Pune at 7am in the morning. By the grace of Varundev, it was raining in Pune but Mumbai was dry. Had to go in at 12:30pm. I was full of hope and obsession... I wandered around Mumbai airport in a dream. The flight was at half past two. After completing all the tasks, we all reached Dehradun at five 5pm.
A smiling Mr. Pawan Kukreti who was the guide-cum-driver was standing outside. We loaded two Innova's and headed for Rishikesh. The road on this route was near the Rajaji National Park. Within an hour we reached to perform Ganga Aarti at Triveni Ghat, there was a huge crowd. Aarti was seen from far away. There he took a lamp in a beautifully decorated flower basket and released it in the stream of Mother Ganga. by praying ganga maa keep everyone happy. Not only was it nice to see the flowing water of the Ganges, but it also gave me an idea of its immense power. Later we went to Rishilok, a resort of Garhwal Nigam.
Settled in the room, ordered food and went to see the nearby ISKCON temple. this is the cherry on the cake for me. Jai Shri Krishna!!
It was only five to seven minutes walk from the resort. The atmosphere was intoxicating, what are her qualities, where Mumukshi chanted the name of Nand Nandan, and seeing Mumukshi mesmerized, our rhythm is also caught. The leg does not move. Everyone smelled great and took a photo. Then it started. I came to the room.
Monday, October 2 : Rishikesh, Devprayag, Rudraprayag, Dhari Devi, Guptkashi Rampur)
We all ready shap at 5am to left for Rishikesh towards rampur Uttarakhand.
The winding road began. The whole seven hour journey was very beautiful, in which Pawan Dada was telling spiritual things then what a thrill. It gets early here and gets dark early. It was beautiful open air.
The gloomy dark sky seemed to see whether Sun Baba would be seen in it or not. The mountain ranges were unfolding one after the other like opening a book. Sometimes a cloud descends, sometimes a mountain with golden edges... Aha! A big river started in the middle, the name of the river was thought to be that this river flows only during the rainy season. Now slowly Sun Baba's ray started to appear. Suddenly, Sanbaba appeared at a turn, as soon as he appeared, Pawandad's sun chanting started, Om Suryayanamah ..
Now slowly green mountains of various shades appeared. River vessels with plenty of water also started to accompany. Sanbaba appeared through the fog. At exactly half past nine, Dada chose a place for breakfast that would take at least twenty photos. A green mountain of thirteen and fourteen storeys in front, a roaring river (name) in front, a clean clear sky and a companion, what else does a photo need. One after the other hidden green hills, what is the magic of nature... We even got out of the car like ants coming out of a hole. There was a hotel in front where breakfast was to be had. (The place itself is called Kaudiyal Hotel and Mid Way Restaurant) but the men immediately went to order breakfast. As if the photo lovers were calling cattle, they turned it there. A hearty breakfast of aloo paratha and aloo puri was made with tea and the cattle were again seated in Inova.
After breakfast, we were refreshed and filled our eyes with the view of the nature from the window. The journey started with the sound of the river on the right, the winding road in front of the foothills and the chat. On the way, there was a bad place. Mounds of soil coming down from left, soil color is whitish powdery. Also a dhurala of the same color. But the car was nicely decorated...
Today we saw what land slide is. It was later realized that it was actually a glimpse. There were villages like Sakani, Saur, Toli, Pali Talli, Tin Dhara, Pokhari. And suddenly the name Devprayag came... What was read and heard for many years was the place in front today "Devprayag" The confluence of river Alaknanda and river Bhagirathi is where the holy river Ganga begins. The trains stopped here. Both of them got down. It will be about 150 steps. Descended and went down to cross the iron bridge, then went down fifty one steps and reached Sangam.
Seeing the two colored rivers with eyes full, the mind calmed down after immersing the feet. The water was very cold. A cave was cool! While coming back up, after 30 steps, there is Raghunath Temple on the right. A story was told there that Rahu Nath expunged the sin of killing a Brahmin here. We didn't go up. It is mentioned in Puranas that Saraswati river flows under this temple. The temple was slightly damaged in the earthquake but Uttarakhand Tourism repaired it. Two colored rivers in the lap of three mountains very nice view. There is a big pink colored building in front, it is thought to be Sanskrit University. The name Raghunath is the same.
It was different to see the blue parrot pink box shaped houses. If you watch the clip, you will understand how thrilling the sound of Sangam is like falling rain. The bridge across which I went to Sangam Darshan was a very beautiful experience. The cement layer on the iron bridge, which moves in and out but still the cows sitting on it.. the Alaknanda river that can be seen passing through the middle of the bridge. Such a strong current is amazing...
After walking up and down one hundred and fifty steps, it was like a physical examination for the journey to Kedarnath. After Devprayag there were places like Kurali, Kandola, Beeda Koti which was a winding road. Alaknanda river was always on the right side.. Later came Srinagar this time the river was on the left side. It was a good road. Our minds were wandering. Then Al Dhari Devi Deul. It is located in the middle of the Alkasda river. Even the Vaishno Devi Yatra is reminiscent of Parvati's own form, with a dark face and a big nose. She is a virgin in the morning, a maiden in the afternoon, and an adult in the evening. It is believed that Kedarnath Yatra is beneficial only after paying obeisance to this goddess. Beautiful replica of Kedarnath Dham we have here for Rs.120. taken in
Devprayag to Rudraprayag is only two hours away. There is Dhari Devi temple in the middle. However, I did not go down to Rudraprayag. Satisfied with the view from above. Rudraprayag is the confluence of Alaknanda and Mandakini rivers. Rudraprayag Sangam has been made a great point to see, so the photos came out well. What a nature.... India has so much beauty to see. The special spiritual significance of this confluence is not understood. Next came Tilawara village. Leaving Rudraprayag, the Mandakini river was accompanying it.
We did poto pooja to Tilwara. Again, aloo paratha filled polli, thali was a nice meal. Pawandada later took it to Guptkashi from Tilwara to Guptkashi is only an hour away. Mahadev is beautiful. Next is the tank.
The story goes like this: Mahadev went into hiding here to avoid meeting the Pandavas. Later a herd of bulls came and mingled with them so that the Pandavas would not recognize them. But Yudhishthira and Bhimani Kluptini recognized him. Then Mahadev Kedarnath in the form of a bull went to the Himalayas. Thinking that if he were to face the Pandavas there, he would have to give forgiveness, Mahadev grabbed Bhimani while he was hiding in the ground, then his head disappeared and his body reached Pashupatinath, and the place Kedarnath remained. Later, the Pandavas worshiped the northeast corner and built a temple. It still is. So it is said that one should visit Pashupatinath after reaching Kedarnath Dham. So at Guptakashi where Mahadev became Gupta, Shivlinga was created. From this it was understood that the place got the name Guptakashi. Ganapati and two other images carved in stone are present in this Guptakashi temple. The water of two rivers flows continuously in the tank. Kedarnath is 50 km from here.
Next came Agstamuni, Chandrapur and Kund villages. But later there was a traffic jam for two and a half hours as there was a crack near the crack. The earthen mound was moved, ie moved aside, ten vehicles here and ten there were getting rid of it. In this our Triyuginarayan Deul was left behind, it was half past six when we reached Rampur. But seeing the Garhwal Tourism resort of Rampur, all the dew went away.
After leaving, had a nice tea and took a bath. Then preparations were made to fill the bag of Kedarnath. Did you take it? Add this Don't add this. Garhwal tourism resort will have few food items but it is very important that it is hot. On the second day, I decided to wake up at three in the morning. Pawandada said if you are ready in the car at 4:30 in the morning then everything will be fine. All the congregation Gudup thinking only and only Kedarnath....I
Tuesday, October 3 :(Rampur, Sonprayig, Gaurikund, Kedarnath)
We got up at 3 in the morning and were ready by 4 with a small sack, sling bag and stick. The bags were deposited in a room. A room was booked in Rampur. Kedarnath wanted to spend this night in Swargarohini.
Pawandada told Char that we should be sitting in the car, we can go from Rampur to Sonprayag in our car. However, from Sonprayag to Gaurikund, one has to go by jeep only, this was a conjecture to avoid the huge queue for jeeps.
But after sitting in the car for five minutes from Rampur to Sonprayag, Pawan Dada told me that there is a jam, walk or it will be five o'clock. Then what brave warriors we... disembarked and started walking towards Kedernath... waiting for Kedernath. Reached Sonprayag at half past four in the morning. If you look, there were already twenty thousand people there. There were two or three rows. After asking four or five people, they understood that they have to stand in the queue for the jeep only after registering the registration. Pranav Anirudh went to the queue to register. The rest stood in the jeep line. In the middle, Pranav got a call saying that he wanted to pay the money for the horse, but to book the horse there. When he entered there again with money, it was terrible. People were pouring into the queue for the jeep. There was a barricade at a certain distance and it was necessary for these two to come after registering. But we got over it. I came inside. Then the same horseman and these two came while taking tea. Literally threw away the tea and went ahead with a lesson learned that even if you come to Rampur at night, you should register first so that you don't have to wait for the jeep. anyway It took a long walk to reach the place where the jeeps depart from Panjikaran.
An iron bridge came across the jeep, but one of the two drawbridges was only open. This storm crowd. Some people used to start walking from the place where the jeep leaves. Finally we reached Pailtiri. The jeepman and the horseman were one and the same. They crammed at least twelve people into a jeep. I only remembered the poultry carts in Pune, full of chickens hanging upside down... He came standing in the back of the jeep. God, God. Jeeps also came to a halt far from Gaurikund. Why who goes? Gourikund was reached after two or three turns. Right from the moment we sat in the jeep, the river was flowing. When he came to Gaurikund, he felt the flow of the Mandakini river, its sound, its coolness. Deep door, high mountain in front, left us, aha! But now tea was needed. I refreshed myself with double tea and some biscuits. There were many thoughts in my mind. Ghoda, Rasta, Kedarnath and the thought of how we are going to do this.... The distance from Gaurikund to Ghoda Tal was like a full Mumbai walk. Only two or three people can go at a time. Open drains on both sides but not runny and dirty. The horses arrived. father There should be three to four thousand horses.
The air smelled like dung and was damp with snot. Standing there and wanted to sit on the horse, we became the Queen of Jhansi and one Tatya Tope, and I immediately asked the owner of the horse the name of the horse. My horse was Kalu. Out of the five horses, my horse seemed so small. We had a strong desire to see Kedarnath Baba... Only and only for this reason we decided to go on horseback. At around eight o'clock our Lajama departed. Now a new experience had begun.
Everyone was scrambling to sit down and get set. It was believed that the horse was comfortable and able to walk properly by sitting and balancing on the threads and iron bars. The turning point becomes difficult. There was a lot of seating, so he began to move forward and back and forth. Then I put my sling bag back, after which I was well set. As the owner of each horse was always right. What language was he and his horse, father! Kalu Hat was shouting in the mountain language in the middle of the Kalu part, he was more powerful than the horse because he was running with the horse. Some gave their sacks to him to hold, some took their own cotton cloth to sit on. It took some of us but no. In the first hour we were set on horseback, while nature on the right watched with wide eyes. It was very difficult to take the phone to take photos and videos of this trip, but I kept it in my jacket pocket. This is how our journey started on the horse Kedarnath.
How could Mawle be coming and going on a horse for so many hours every day? Various thoughts were coming to mind. One and a half hours went by looking at who was behind and who was ahead. Bhimwali told the horseman that he wanted to stop. is riding a horse. However, he asked Bhimbali for food. Seeing their hard work, there was no question of saying no. We also ate Aloo Paratha Maggi in one go, didn't want to eat too much. His stomach was full just by seeing the nature and even then he sat on the horse holding his life in his fist and did not even remember water. Sometimes there was a steep hill and sometimes a steep slope, sometimes there was water in it, sometimes a stream, sometimes the horse slipped and the water flew, sometimes there was mud, sometimes there was a collision from the front, sometimes the horse ran full speed and various fun was going on. The climb from Rambara is more difficult. As we get closer, the snow mountains start to appear. In between, I used to make video calls and show them and sometimes clip them. Photos were also taken. Kalu ran but Tredhatir was being beaten. Sometimes someone's leg got caught in the railing bar, sometimes the mountain came forward in between. But this experience teaches a lot
It was read earlier that we left at eight o'clock or at four o'clock we reached Kedarnath's horse base at four o'clock, but we reached alone. The horses reached in about four and a half hours. It was 13 degrees when we were at Kedarnath's Ghode Tala around noon.
It felt pleasant. Now we have landed the queens of Jhansi. Crabs walk as well. It was five to seven minutes. I laughed a lot. First of all I looked for an easy toilet. Kedarnath is two and half kilometers above this stable. That path has to be walked. A very attractive sight appears. The mind was filled with the idea that there was little time left to fulfill the latent desire of many months. On coming up, I started calling my relatives and telling them that I have arrived. That unique joy is indescribable. Now I realized that I am breathing. Seven or eight paces were short of breath. When checked with an oximeter, everything is 83-84. But then I decided to sit in one place for an hour and then move on. Sitting in one place and drinking homemade chivda tea. After getting set, I felt lighter. Now decided to find out where Swargarohini Resort is.
It was understood that one of our members would arrive within an hour.
Spent an hour in heaven. There was a dormitory of eight people. One bed in two rooms. Literally Swargarohini was our cottage. Bhairavanath Temple was visible from outside the room and there was a helipad nearby. Pranav came at half past two. Now the temperature is 5 degrees. Everyone had a great meal together. Rice Chhole Aloo Paratha The chickpeas in it were very tender. It has been said that spices are used less. Hot tea was a must. Great photos were taken. Pranav decided to rest for an hour as he was exhausted and everyone else moved to the desired destination i.e. the holy Kedarnath temple.
After fifteen to twenty minutes from Swargarohini, two or three turns were made, and mountain-like steps appeared in front. There were shops around. Ur was filling up, eyes were watering... and we were actually standing in front of Kedarnath temple of Bholenath. I pinched myself and made sure that I had actually reached.... Har Har Mahadev, the cities came on me, my legs were shaking but I turned round and did a small clip. The two immediately went to find the pooja booking window. The time between 12:00 PM and 4:00 AM for Puja should be recorded on your Puja Booking Paper. All four of us, seeing the full deol, saw the pooja at the back north-east corner, bowed down and sat on the floor near the pooja window. The wind continued to blow. In the meantime, the chief priest shouted that the sacrifice is coming. All the people were giving seats. One person went to the main temple with incense in hand and another one went to Babaji with a lungi. I was able to close the clip while going to the northeast corner temple. It was still not clear how much Pooja was. Both men were still there. At last he turned around and said come back here, the command of the falling fruit was shown that the four of them saw Bhimashi who was behind. It actually looked gigantic as seen in the news. The flow of water that was not too strong was stopped. Neighbors of Bhimshi were building towers like lagori one on top of the other. Similar manors were being built for Dhari Devi. It was understood there that Gharbar Sab Khushhal Rahe Esiliye Bhagwan Ke Samane Utche Ghar Bante Hai. There were many sadhus immersed in Asma near Bhimshila. There were many such Bhasmi sadhus in the tent as well. In front of the Kedarnath temple, he was seen sitting with a pot and a fire in the ghamela
It is a very large area. Behind this, a path leads to the Samadhi place built by Modiji, the revered Shankaracharya. Round and round is the way down. And suddenly in front of him there was a huge black stone statue of Shankaracharya with a smile and the eyes of a loving brother.
comes up As if sitting in a lotus flower like triangular petals. Equally behind the snow mountains. Picturesque view. We came back upstairs chatting and telling stories.
The time of worship was not recorded yet. After taking photos with them, the line for Mukhdarshan was very long. Now when will be the number of our Shodshopachar Puja, I was thinking who will go.
The hail was higher than before. Everyone then went to the room and ate and decided to come back. There was an iron bridge across the river from Swargarohini to Kedarnath Deul. Looking at the milky frothy water from the bridge, it felt heavy. I hurriedly went into the room. They went straight into the double bed provided on the bed. It must have been half past six. Adaptation to room temperature was underway. There was also a heater in the room.
I lay down and felt my head getting heavy. It was said that everyone has a headache. After sleeping for an hour, I started vomiting and started feeling bitter. But I felt better within an hour after drinking Elektral water. Around seven to eight, Pranav and one person went to see Deul. Now he was fresh. He did not come then. He saw a different line of booking worship. As we thought that worship will start at 10 instead of 12, we all rushed to the temple. But then why should everyone stop? So three of us stayed at no. I and two others came back to the room. Some slept, some went to eat, some waited for the number. I went back to sleep now the temperature was 3 degrees, nose red, finger stiff, we were like ear band on ear. At around 11:00, I got a call saying come early. The number is close. Lake and I left grumbling in a woolen school. Now the crowd was very less. The main door was closed at ten o'clock.
The people sitting in the courtyard were the same people in the Soda Puja queue. We get ready with a basket of prasad, ghee brought from home, Ganga from Gangotri. Kavitha who stood in the queue for two hours, Anirudh, the second Kavita, thanked him from the bottom of my heart.
When two numbers were left, a priest baba sprinkled water on us, it was purification, we were the only two who bathed in three degrees. Now we were going to enter on the right side of the main temple. The one on the right is squared with a steel bar and many have built a chunri on it. After seeing the worship paper, they used to let inside in groups. It felt much more harmonious than before. As soon as you entered the door, you could see the beautiful bright red, blue and yellow color work very closely. As cold as it was outside, you could feel the pleasant warmth on the steps. You could touch the silver rings. The delicate carvings are beautiful on it. After bowing to the steps, I crossed the big threshold and entered. A Guruji was sitting in front of me for receipt. We went as instructed to turn left and saw Bhima Arjuna idol in the nook almost covered with ghee. We were also applying ghee. Now no one was talking to anyone. I could hear the sound of my own breathing strongly, then I came behind the main closed door, next was the idol of Lord Krishna and Draupadi, then there was the brass idol of Lakshminarayan in a beautiful red and gold dress and adorned with jewels. It was smelling. Oh, what a beautiful fragrance, it was applied all over our foreheads. Next was Kuti Mata Murti. Kavita and I dressed Chunri Kuti Mata. In the middle of all this there was a medium size idol of a river with a square chain and that part was closed. Below the river there were two black stone squares. There was a big trident nearby. Now to go inside, the big Umbra came back, but the carved arch was ready. There were small temples on both sides, the rough but pleasing touch of the black stone of Umbra was still a small passage, on the right was the idol of Parvati. There were so many gurujis there were so many people inside but there was no chaos there was harmony. At this place again the pooja registration paper had to be shown. Seeing him, we got the plate containing the worship material. In the worship plate there were things like gandha, akshada, sugar crackers, ghee, brahmi flowers and oxen. We had booked two pujas called 'Podshopchar Pooja', one in four.
One of the Jyotirlingas with Lord Mahadev seated in a beautiful golden glow was now directly in front of us, the flame of the lamp, the frame around the Shivalinga with the golden walls and the very essence itself was a lamp with a golden glow. Heard and experienced that only those with a strong fortune get darshan. He thanked the Lord for his destiny. Each Guruji was seated near each golden frame. As soon as we entered, we were asked to sit on a golden frame near the donation box on the left. All four of us sat on our knees. One was holding a plate in her hand, while four of them were given a ghee container. Pouring water on it, Guruji chanted the mantra and made everyone say the name and getra and made them release their resolve. He placed his hands on everyone's head and again asked them to smell the smell as a mantra and apply it to Mahadev. It was a wonderful moving cold touch that went to the brain, and as soon as he said that he could use both hands, he got the same experience with his left hand. The sound of four or five Gurujis was reverberating beautifully in that space. Now while everyone is saying to put ghee on the plate and accompanying
Four of us did the ghee coating. Guruji said come forward and bow your head and it felt good that the golden frame had a standing height and everyone knelt down and bowed their heads.
Har Har Mahadev. shouted.
Unlucky eyes began to flow. Later Guruni carried bel paan Brahmi flowers and again handed over a silver cow as a mantra to bring happiness and prosperity to the family and also a silver cow as a token of hope. Everyone got a chance to be anointed while standing on their knees. Shivling could be seen for two moments. The other two came forward to Abhishek and looked around. There were walls with gold-plated pillars. It was embossed with Har Haar Mahadev, Om Namah Shivaya, Damru. On the Shivlinga there was a large circular umbrella with a swinging pendulum, a silver plate, a silver gadu, and silverware gleaming cleanly. The pooja thal was simple. There are four stone pillars around the Shivalinga. The pillar and wall is a messy place. By going through the trap, you can also go behind the Shivling and have a darshan. In the niche at the back is a luscious statue of Lord Mahadeva smiling. There our other group was sitting in Abhishekas. The Ganga of Gangotri brought along from there could be anointed. Thanks to Ankit brothers for that ganga, they gave it to us and also to Vaishali who brought ghee from home. Seeing Mahadeva covered with beautiful sandalwood and ghee on all sides, the heart rate increased while saluting. Shodshopachar pooja could be performed properly without any haste. Heartfelt thanks to Guruji as well as the institutions, if it was not for Puja booking, this happiness would not have been possible. Heartfelt thanks to Anirudh Sanjeev, who booked the pooja, then the priest rang the bell, gave Dakshina and went to the third side. It was a bit crowded and the place is very narrow. Touching the wall, I came back in front of the holy Jyotirlinga Shree Kedarnath. It was a feeling of joy with a unique feeling. Those beautiful pulses thrilled the whole body like golden rays. There was a feeling of exhilaration and rejuvenation. It was felt that all the hardships experienced in the last few hours were forgotten in a moment and bathed in that beautiful golden wave..
Why not take photos? Someone asked this, Guruji said that God is captured in the mind and captured in the photo. Mann Mein Karoge To Zindagi Bhar Nai Bhulongo Kya Baat Hai. He was saying this with pure devotion. Now again we were in the hall with Parvati idol. Prasad was given there. I got to salute the idol of Parvati by shaking hands. Came back to Nandi's mandap. The place where Mahadev is is called garbhagriha and outside is called mandap.
Now came to Guruji who registered Abhishek. Couldn't see the two idols of that part properly. Abhishekam of four or five persons was registered on the same receipt, hot sugar rice prasad which was the bhog itself was received, it was delicious. I ate it after not having eaten in the afternoon and felt refreshed. After preparing some prasad for others, I look back and take darshan out of my heavy heart
fell down
We were inside for about fifteen minutes.
Har Har Mahadeva Kedar Bhagwan Ki Jaya
Namami Shamishan came out saying in her mind. Hugs Kavita tightly He is the one who creates the desire in the heart and he is also the one who fulfills it
Shri Kedarnath Badrinath Dham
All souls came to the courtyard with minds as light as cotton and fresh as gold. Four or five photos were taken. What happened... How did someone go? There were various chats. Kavita and I sat near the North-Eastern Deity temple while Magashi and Bhimshila, the North-Eastern Deity and Shankaracharya Samadhi, were the only ones left. Amrit Tirtha was filled.
It must have been half past twelve in the night... I went to my room and fell asleep quickly. Everyone decided to turn off all the alarms and sleep.
October 4:(Kedarnath and Sonprayag Rampur)
In the morning, some got up at 5, some at 5, I got up at 5:30. Sun Baba was looking at the snow mountain from the window. Everyone went out to see. It was still cold. Then we get ready by brushing and applying ether, changing clothes. Ankit and Anirudh took a chance and went to see what was going on with the Pi helicopter. When Pawne came to seven, he realized that there was no chance. We immediately put on our knickers and got ready. Now while coming down, everyone decided to go down on foot. There was a nice homemade tea in the room. We all left with sacks and sticks. It was decided to eat each ladle and leave. Pass a stage and have breakfast because no one was hungry at seven. When everything was done, it was eight o'clock.
Started going down at eight. When we arrived at the foot of the horse, it was agreed to send all the sacks down with the man in the basket. He accepted Karta Kabul for 3000.00. It was predicted in two kilometers that walking would be easy. Now only a sling bank and a stick would do. Pranav went ahead with the basket because he didn't have any identity card.
Now the real fun was coming. The spirit of those coming from the horse was seen. But the feeling I left with was not cooperative. All the five people started walking according to their own speed. It was a descent journey through Chhoti Leincholi, Badi Leincholi, Rambara, Bhimbali, Jungle Chatti, Bhairav Nath and then Gauri Kund.
When we reached Chhoti Leincholi, we ate poha with spicy sauce. Some have medicine and need breakfast.
Two in front, one in, two behind fell into groups. Harmony began to gather with the stick. Even if the horses came from the front, the hooking started to gather. Seeing the fun around, I was getting down watching the nature which I could not see properly from the horse. After two or three turns, we were stopping to check if they had come from behind, we saw that they were drinking water from the smooth spring in the front. Falling, watching the falling. The climb to Rambar is more difficult. There are many cut stones. There were also slips in the middle due to the mixture of springs in the ground, horse's feet, mud... I also took lemon syrup twice. Some satisfaction. Slowly each jerkin was being unloaded. Well, the stuff was not right.
At the end of Rambar, the bridge changes the mountain and then comes the Bhimbali area. It was half past twelve when the bridge was on the other side. Pranav had also reached Gaurikund with the basket. It would take us another hour and a half to reach Bhimbali. We sent the money for the basket to Pranav and left the bridge. The rush of water from the bridge was terrifying.
Now that we were in the inn, we had a hearty full of aloo paratha at Bhimbali for the steep climb. Later two people arrived. a lot
It was understood that time stops and walking slows down. Then Tidhi moved forward again. A bit half since Pranav had already reached down for a long time
It was an hour and I was wondering where I had reached. At this age, it's a bit difficult to sit and pay attention to all the bags... but it's our way
was watching The other two were coming from behind.
Next, if anyone asked how many kilometers were left, they would say four. Nothing less. Jungle Chatti came. This area is fully forested. At certain intervals along the way, the sweepers were working with dried horse lead trees. The only thing that happened was that the particle was flying and hitting.
The journey ending in rubbery mud and wet lead steep steps was different. Now Jangal Chatti didn't need a phone call. After four or five turns, the range was back. Ankit Bhai met us on horseback near Bhairav Nath Devala. They said that they left at eleven. Now there was only one kilometer left. Masonry works came. To her right sat Kalingad selling cucumbers. Soon the horses arrived. The life was lost, Gaurikund came, a hot water tank came to the left. I wanted to go back down to see her, but the rest wanted to stop at Yeito. It was important to reach Pranav first. Walking back from the horse base through the alleys, we came to the hotel where Pranav was staying. Throwing the stick, I limped and hugged him. It took about eight and a half to nine hours to descend
After two minutes, Anjali Kavita also arrived. Anirudh Vaishali also arrived within an hour. There was no tea where Pranav was sitting with his belongings, I came to the same shop where I bought tea yesterday morning with the entire bed...
Spent two cups of tea and parle ji. Next there was a big queue for the jeep. Good thing Pranav was already standing holding the number. I was happy, but the pottery had become pillars of ice. The toes felt numb. The hand stick was given away in a shop. Back the chickens in the jeep. At least two thousand people were standing for the jeep. As soon as Pawandada came and stopped at the Sonprayag parking lot. The jeepman said that the jeeps are running till twelve at night. Pawandad took half an hour to come out of the parking lot. But now it was time to reach the room and take a bath.
After going to the resort of Rampur, while drinking tea, I was laughing and talking about the past two days. The geysers started. All the baths were finished within an hour. Full quorum sat for dinner. All of them were blackened, their noses were red, some were lame, some looked like crabs. Paramkoti's feeling of happiness and positive vibes was forgetting all that. All the sated souls fell asleep in the company of Vicks Zandubam. These two days in the life of Har Har Mahadev were jeweled.
5 October 2023 (Rampur, Ukhimath Omkareshwar, Tungnath Trek Point)
Left the resort of Rampur at 6 in the morning. Lots of memories. Bags full of stuff got into the car. Now Badrinath Dham is in the spotlight. Rampur to Ukhimath Omkareshwar Deul is only one and a half hour away. On the way Sarsi, Ukhimath waterfall, Jaleshwar Mahadev and Phata. There were always traffic jams in Fata, most of the villages were like Narayankoti Nala. Again Guptkashi came to Kalimath. What a great poor man! From here onwards there were very steep winding roads. New experience every time Modi ji has made the roads in Chamoli area very nice. Black road in dense forest on both sides. In this area there were not monkeys but white and black-faced monkeys. In the evening the beasts come to roost.
Our ride was about to reach Ukhimath Omkareshwar. Ukhimath village is small but its importance is high crores. In fact, Kedar Baba sits on this place for six months. Nearby are Tungnath, Madhyamheshwar II Kedar and Deoria Lake. Banasur's daughter Usha and Lord Krishna's grandson Aniruddha got married here. That wedding hall is still preserved there. Devoke Dev Mahadeva's abode is in one room. A palanquin place can be seen. All the scriptures had a tiger's coat on it. Behind is a silver palanquin. Door height too low. Go inside and see that the silver mask form is Goddess. We all decorated her together. There is a panchsheer silver idol in this temple. This place is recognized as much as Kedarnath because Mahadev used to live here.
When we reached there, God's Bhog was starting. The height of the door of the temple is very high. It is also a temple with a colorful red yellow blue color scheme. It was a very good sight. Prasad benefited from yogurt and rice. Panchakedar Shivling was seen. Later seeing Kedarbaba's palanquin seat, Usha Aniruddha Laganmandap, a photo was taken outside. It is understood that the name Ukhimath is derived from the name of Usha.
Now everyone was hungry. Dada will stop for breakfast at a cool place. On the way he showed the whole village which was bought by a foreigner and turned into a yoga center. I stopped before I could touch it. I had avoided eating Maggi for two days, only ate it today. What a lot of food was brought. Swimmed but roughly dressed. Like place like substance. That owner's lake was very agile. She was walking all over the road like a gardener in the yard
After performing tomato belly pooja, I turned towards Chopata. Dada went ahead after dropping off at Tungnath trek point. Looking at the wonderful nature, there were snowy mountains, green mountains, pale green mountains...
Lots of photos came with nature.
I really wanted to go to Tungnath. Tulsa was different in this area with white manjira. Dhatura fruit trees as well as Neche plants growing on high mountain rocks of various shades of nature.
Once we decided to do a small trek nearby just to come to Chopata. Now narrow roads started. Villages like Kumoli, Durgandhar, Superi are seen on the way to Chopta Pokhari. Near Bela village is the Kartik Swamy Temple which takes a full day but is worth visiting. Must do for the next batch. Holding on to the Alaknanda river and seeing the vast beauty of nature, the hour does not last.
Gouchar, Karnaprayag, Nandprayag and then Chamoli ginger. We stopped for lunch at Pipalkoti. Idli Vada Dosa as well as all others are available at Indralok Hotel. It was four o'clock in the afternoon when we left after eating. Pipalkoti to Badrinath is three hours away. It was seven o'clock to reach Badrinath. Our Shayan Aarti Puja was booked. Had to reach at least half past eight...
Fate didn't agree, got stuck in Pagal Nali after Pipalkoti for four hours. The crack had collapsed in the gorge of Pagal Nali. Narayana said wait and spend time with Alaknanda. What happens is a conciliatory plan. Human planning may be wrong but not divine.
All the way white soil, pictures of oddly shaped stone mountains. On the way there was Garuda Ganga. The eagle got tired and stopped here. Lord Vishnu further went to Badrinath for penance. Next came Patalganga. Both the temples are great. But now the winding roads have become the usual. At seven o'clock we passed by Vriddhabadri Temple, Biradbari Temple but in darkness.
Now we were reaching Joshimath. There is some kind of plant and the lights all over the hill looked attractive. Everything seemed dark in the dark. Now came Govindghat, then Pandukeshwar Deul which we decided to see on the way back. It was getting dark, thoughts were being exchanged in both the cars whether they would get aarti. It was here at half past eight. Now comes Hanuman Chatti. I was by my side when Pawandada was driving this 10 km long twisty road. It was impossible driving art. The stars and moons were looking great in the night sky everywhere in the darkness.
We reached Badrinath around half past nine. As per Kedarnath, checking is more here. Toll had to be paid. He was looking at who was in the car and how many there were. Uttarakhand registration was checked for everyone. It was very cold and we finally reached Badrinath Yatri Niwas at ten o'clock in the night. While checking in, I learned from one person that the Aarti was performed in our name. Names were called. However, take the pooja booking paper and ask for darshan at 3:30 in the morning.
The point to be made is that after going to the room, I had to go to sleep with an alarm of three. Let's see how Narayana has yoga in mind. The back was thrown on the upper floor as an offering to Krishna. Yes, there were twenty beds one on top of the other. Four down four up was like this.
There was laughter after making some jokes. The lower one laughed and the bed moved up. I fell asleep within minutes.
8th October
(Badrinath, Vishnu Prayag, ...)
Many of the congregation were still there when the morning alarm sounded. Some could not sleep, some were vomiting. The temperature was 7 yesterday and 5 today as soon as Garatha became inactive. The only concern was how Badri Vishal Darshan was going. Hastily completed the other rituals and loaded the luggage into the car. Around Pavnechar left for Badrinath Dham main temple. It takes twelve minutes from Yatri Niwas. Had tea first. Hot water but father came. At four o'clock, the temple was visible from a distance.
As we got closer, the excitement was increasing. Pranav went to look for Pooja's house. Everyone else was standing in line for darshan. Abhishekam starts at half past four. That queue is the same queue. There was chaos here. There is no such mess even in small Alandi. Perhaps there was a disturbance due to the sudden increase in passengers. Before Mukh reached the door, Pranav came back. It was a message that wait today and perform today's sleep aarti or at eight o'clock all eight people will have darshan in the core. If we have come to the door than that, let's have a similar darshan. Even so, what will happen to Eight...
Everyone was waiting in the same queue, the floor was cold. One person came to sell the same, everyone took the same. There was a queue after the sleet of the stone floor, and in front of it was the Narada Kund. Swarms of steam emanating from there were Birbal's khichdi for us. When the steps to the main door were reached, many intruders were seen. Everyone screamed and chased him away. But it is true that he was angry when he saw the intruders when he came so close.
As soon as Londha entered through the steps, the queue thinned, but the push continued. There is a big tall bell in the entrance. Many were trying to play. On the right was Hanuman. This is a big deal. After entering Mokale Patangan (you can guess in the above photo. ) Badri Vishalji replaces him in the middle. For a while there was reta reti but Bhaskini did not drive away from the presence of God. Looked properly. Aha. Sri Badri Vishal Vigraha Murti was so worth seeing. Vigraha should be form for Abhishek.
Where God is, there are two golden pillars in front and two pillars in the distance behind. The joint to the pillar was embossed with silver but not much visible from a distance. Twenty people were sitting on the left and twenty on the right. Guruji was coming between us and God. Kubera's face which was in the photo was not seen. All others appeared. Lord Vishnu is a meditating idol in Shaligram form.This idol in Padmasana is three and a half feet tall and has a diamond on the forehead and a conch in one hand and a chakra in the other hand. The parts of the temple are Garbha Griha, Sabha Mandap, Darshan Mandap. Kuberas are called the Yakshas of this region. Kubera is also worshiped along with Lakshmi. Ganapati, Uddhava, Nara, Narayana, Narada Muni, Mata Lakshmi also Bhudevi Sridevi idol is here. It was read that Lord Badrinath is seated on the moon, but I couldn't figure out what it looks like from there. In the sanctum sanctorum, everything except Kubera and Chandra Asan darshan was excellent. The slogan was raised. "Jai Badri Vishal went down three steps with Prasad. Vaishali and I were together in the crowd. Behind Sanjiv Prachi followed by Kavita Anjali then Aniruddha and finally Pranav came out. Near Badri Vishal Devala there is Mata Lakshmi temple. There are food donation receipts torn. Other Shankaracharyas behind the temple. There is a Prasanna idol of him. There is Prasad Ghar next door. Nar Narayan Deul is next door. There are idols of village deity Ghanakarna in Shaligram itself.
Badrinath got Prasad like gram dal Murmure sugar bursting. Photographs are allowed inside the premises but not inside.
Kay Varna Ithle Gun Jiye Nandato Nand Nandana
Pardon me for my faults, let me give this grace in my heart, Prabhuraya.....
Behind the Badrinath Temple is the Cow Calvary Temple. Everyone ate prasad together and dispersed to different places, some were abhishek and some were giving food, some were calling and some were taking pictures. The photo together was gone. It was half past six in the morning. There was no desire to return. Kedarnath Badrinath Darshan, which had been planned for almost a year, was successfully completed today
Due to the disturbance of two hours yesterday, Man Gaon had to leave Darshan today. It was ten hours journey from Badrinath to Rishikesh. So Pawan Dada advised to leave immediately. Everyone drank hot masala milk near the temple and left Srikshetra Badrinathdham at half past seven.
The path that could not be seen in the darkness last night could be seen now. Like Kheer Valley Point, Vishnuprayag, Pandukeshwar Deul, Sri Yogdhyan Badari Deul, Joshimath, Vriddhabadri Deul, I could see them all from above but did not go inside. Had a great meal back at Indralok, here we got a surprise samosa.
Vishnu Prayag
While driving the car, the driver was sleeping in the seat of the driver. For the past few days, I was getting up at three every day.
At night, I reached Rishikesh at Hotel Rishilok at 7:30. My legs were tired from sitting. I was told to make pahari kheer while eating today by calling in the afternoon. I liked the food on the first day itself, now there was pudding in it. Pranav went to eat aloo tikki near ISKCON, but we relaxed. The next day was Haridwar.
6th October (Rishikesh, Haridwar)
After getting up in the morning, after taking tea, some people went to the ghat. The ghat near ISKCON was called Purnanand Ghat. We reached it in ten minutes. A beautiful handful of dew, the newly emerged sunbaba was shining its golden rays in the vessel of the Ganges. I went into the water so much that my feet were submerged. Incidentally, baskets decorated with flowers were also for sale. Ganga Puja, which was rushed on the first day, could be performed peacefully today.
A few shops were open and tea was available in Mast Kulhad. It was so relaxing after a long time. Now let's take a picture at eight o'clock. They were telling each other to have breakfast at nine and leave Rishikesh at half past nine. On the way back I saw ISKCON again. Everyone had breakfast at Hotel Rishilok.
Left for Haridwar at exactly half past nine. Rishikesh is an hour and a half away from Haridwar. However, at eleven we reached the sacred area of Sri Haridwar. As Pitru Paksha was coincidentally, everyone performed the tilanjali ritual of their respective gotras at Ganesh Ghat by Shri Ankur Joshi Guruji. Within an hour it was getting hot. Narayan Ghat Pind is different for donation.
Ganesh Ghat
After that I went to Dakseshwar Mahadev temple. In this premises there is a statue of Mahadev dead Sati in the middle. There was no invitation to Shiva satis in the Yajna performed by Daksha Prajapati. That place. When Sati participated in the Yajna without being invited, her father Daksha insulted her as well as Mahadev. Terribly enraged, Mahadeva started an orgy, challenging Virabhadra to finish Daksha. Veerabhadra cut off Daksha's head and threw it in the same yajna. When Lord Mahadev reached the place of sacrifice in a state of intense rage, Prasurti, who was the wife of Daksha and the daughter of Manu, pleaded. As soon as Bholenath was naive, he gave Daksha a goat's head and gave him the understanding that he should live for welfare in the world. The Shivlinga here is Dakseshwar Sati Kund Mahadev Shivlinga, Hanumanach, Veerbhadra temple is here. There is an octagonal goddess near the yajna. She appeared when Sati Mateni gave up her body due to yoga fever. Actually, the lotus feet of all of them fell on this holy land, Dakseshwar Mahadev Kankhal area.
After seeing Mansa Devi, we decided to check in at Alaknand Resort. Even if Pawan ji left it as close as possible, he had to go further by auto, so I went in a battery rickshaw. After getting down there, we reached Manas Devi ticket house through this long winding lane. Seeing the big ticket queue, it was estimated that it would take at least two hours to get the ticket. Then saluted from below. As Parkeeg came hungry, ordered fried rice chhole bhature lassi kheer roti mushroom masala dum aloo haw at Hotel Sai. Later direct trains to Alaknanda Resort.
What a beautiful place. I thought I should have stayed here for two days. Behind the resort is a jetty where one can dive. So what .. within an hour three at gadi ghat... with towels.
Five of us sat cross-legged. In the evening, the water flow of the Ganges was very invisible. Had a relaxed conversation with everyone at home on the phone. It was half past five. Alaknanda made a battery gig near the Rasart Gate after closing down. The gig left the bridge near Hari Ki Paudi. Crossed the bridge and walked unconsciously to the right. Here Ganga Aarti is at half past six. To get closer, both of them ran fast, holding hands tightly. There was a chappal stand at the place of aarti where the chappal was kept and money was paid to perform the aarti. In order to do that, Puthun Aarti was to be seen. There was a crowd of about three to four thousand people. As soon as the pot was moved to stir, I followed the man and went directly to the place where the aarti was decorated. Right next to the silver idol of Ganga Maya. Aa Jodi Aarti could be performed.
There was such a magical atmosphere. The pandits there performed aarti from all four of us. Explained well. Lakshminarayan temple was right in front of the door and Darshan was visible directly in front of it.
When the main aarti started, he went to Pandit Katha with the decorated Pancharati. Kapoor Aarti returned to the place. There was a rectangular square where Aarti was performed. Tirtha Prasad was availed. It looked festive at three in the evening. Hari ki Paudi, the holy land where Lord Lord Vishnu had touched his feet... Today all eight of us were feeling the holy vibrations of that holy place.
Instead of getting up, I stopped at the ghat. Because the congregation sitting in the previous discipline rushed to leave baskets of puja lamps in the Ganga to get good results in their minds and to give thanks to Mother Ganga.
We have taken five baskets to worship at the ghat behind our resort. The Ganga procession which is carried on the Katha returns to the main temple and the darshan and the procession are touched.
I reached Chapala after visiting all the temples like Ganga Matech, Kalimata, Kedarnath, Badrinath and Laxminarayan.
Khau went to the street after making retail purchases such as hats and shirts. Aloo chaat, dahi vada, rabdi, kala jamun would be delicious. Motibagh Chaat Galli.
Crossed the bridge back and reached the other side. Took the dal chaat parcel and came back to the room with a bang. Immediately Bhimseni spread crushed camphor on the wick, decorated baskets of flowers and worshiped Mother Ganga without disturbance. A cool wind was sending our baskets one after the other. No matter how many photos you take of the very charming scene, Nayan Sukh would not be able to capture it. I asked you to give me the wisdom to do the right deeds to make my life simple and happy.
After a long walk, we immediately reached the dining room. Gudup went to the room
On October 8, 2023, from Haridwar, the luggage was loaded into the train at 7:30. Sadwich took the parcel. Had breakfast of opeet paratha Maggi and left for Dehradun at eight.
Reached the airport at half past nine. Farewell to Pawandada and Veerudada. Both of them made the journey safe. They say see you again. Arrived at the airport. After sitting for an hour, calculations and photos were exchanged. And Bhirbhiri eight hearts flew towards Pune. Pawnedon to Pune. Home at half past three.
If there is obsession in the mind, karma happens automatically, if you keep on doing karma, you get the right result... I understood the importance of karma. Human body, animals, the structure of the universe, nature, life-long friends, spiritual vibrations were understood to be worth as much as gold, and the important thing was to experience them. Learned to accept whatever the Lord has planned for us rather than our own plan. Because He knows best what is right for us. Humans do not have such immediate intelligence to understand this. After a while they understand it as their intellectual meeting.
We are deeply grateful to everyone who has been a medium in this entire journey. Thank you to all the families who supported me while leaving home and also the positive vibes of all the well-wishers who encouraged the Yatra.
O Lord, we pray that we will have the same experience from time to time...
Har Har Mahadeva Jai Badri Vishal.
Good luck to you
Gauri Pathak
14th October 2023
